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UnscrambleWords

Free tool

Crossword Solver and Pattern Search

Enter a pattern using ? for unknown squares and get every word that fits the grid, with definitions to confirm the answer.

Use ?, a dot, dash or underscore for each unknown square. There is no three-blank limit.

Enter a grid pattern to search every word of that exact length.

Quick answer

How does the Crossword Solver work?

A crossword solver matches a pattern against the dictionary. Enter the letters you have and a question mark for each empty square — for example c??s?word — and it returns every word of that exact length whose known letters line up.

Worked example

Input: C?A?E

Result: CRANE, CRATE and other five-letter fits

A question mark represents one unknown square; known letters must stay in their exact positions.

What this tool handles

This game tool focuses on Crossword puzzles, Word patterns, Crossing letters.

  • Match known letter positions
  • Use question marks for empty squares
  • Exclude impossible letters
  • Return same-length candidates

Working the crossings

A crossword is a constraint network, not a list of independent questions. The fastest route through a hard grid is rarely to stare harder at one clue; it is to find the entry with the most crossings already filled and solve that, because each letter you place tightens several other clues at once.

Pattern search is the tool that turns those crossings into answers. Two known letters in a seven-letter entry often cut the candidate list from thousands to a handful.

Continue with the right word tool

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Popular word checks

The words players look up most on UnscrambleWords.

Is it a Scrabble word?

Popular anagrams

Popular letters to unscramble

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the pattern search?

Type one character per square. Use the actual letter where you know it and a question mark where you do not. The length of the pattern sets the length of the answer, so a seven-square entry needs seven characters.

Can I solve a crossword clue without any letters?

This tool matches patterns and letters rather than interpreting clue wording. If you have no letters at all, work a crossing entry first to get a foothold, then come back with a partial pattern.

Does it handle cryptic crosswords?

Partly. Cryptic clues usually contain a hidden anagram; once you have isolated the letters to rearrange, the anagram solver will crack that component. The pattern search then confirms it fits the grid.