Crossword Solver
Enter your crossword clue pattern using letters you know and underscores (_) or question marks (?) for blanks. Find every matching word instantly.
Use _ or ? for unknown letters. Example: c_t finds cat, cot, cut, etc.
Loading dictionary…
How the Crossword Solver Works
Type the letters you already know into the box and use an underscore (_) or question mark (?) for each missing letter. For example, if your crossword clue has 7 letters and you know it starts with S and ends with E, enter s_____e. The solver searches over 370,000 words and returns every match instantly.
This tool is perfect for stuck clues in any crossword — the New York Times, LA Times, Wall Street Journal, or the daily puzzle in your newspaper. It works on any pattern length and is completely free.
Tips for Better Results
The more letters you fill in, the fewer matches you get — and the easier it is to spot the right answer. Start by entering every letter you are confident about, and leave blanks for the rest.
If you get too many results, look at intersecting words in your crossword for extra letters. Even one more known letter can dramatically narrow the list.
How to Solve Crossword Clues
Crossword clues come in several styles. Straightforward clues give you a definition or synonym directly — "Happy" for GLAD, for example. Fill-in-the-blank clues like "___ of the art" are usually the easiest to solve without help.
Abbreviation clues often include the word "briefly" or "for short" to signal the answer is abbreviated. Plural clues usually end in S, giving you a free letter. And past-tense clues often end in -ED, which narrows the field dramatically. Use these tricks alongside this solver to crack even the toughest puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter the crossword pattern?+
Type the letters you know in their correct positions and use _ or ? for each unknown letter. For example, c_t matches cat, cot, cut, and more.
Does it work for any crossword length?+
Yes. You can enter patterns of any length — from 2-letter fills to long 15+ letter answers.
Can I use this for themed or cryptic crosswords?+
The solver matches letter patterns only, which works for standard and themed crosswords. For cryptic clues you may still need to interpret the wordplay, then use this tool to confirm the answer fits the pattern.
Which dictionary does the crossword solver use?+
Letter Smash searches over 370,000 English words, including uncommon words that frequently appear in crossword puzzles.