Crossword Clue Solver
Enter the letters you know and use ? for blanks (e.g. C?T for a 3-letter word starting with C, ending in T) to find matching words.
| Puzzle Type | Grid Size | Typical Word Count |
|---|---|---|
| Mini crossword | 5×5 | ~10–20 words |
| Daily newspaper crossword | 15×15 | ~78 words |
| Sunday crossword | 21×21 | ~140 words |
| British/cryptic crossword | 15×15 | ~30–35 words |
FAQ
How do I use the pattern?
Type the letters you already know in their correct position, and use a question mark (?) for each unknown letter. For example, ?A? matches any 3-letter word with A in the middle, like 'cat', 'bag', or 'mad'.
How many words does this check against?
This tool searches a dictionary of around 5,000 common English words. It will find most everyday crossword answers, though very obscure or highly specialized words may not be included.
Can I search without knowing any letters?
Yes — enter only question marks matching the word length (e.g. ????? for a 5-letter word) to see all words of that length, though results are capped to keep the list manageable.
Does capitalization matter?
No — the pattern is case-insensitive, so typing in uppercase or lowercase gives the same results.
What size is a typical crossword grid?
Daily newspaper crosswords are usually 15×15 squares, while Sunday editions step up to a larger 21×21 grid with more words. Mini crosswords, popular for a quick daily puzzle, are typically just 5×5.
Can I search for words containing a letter anywhere, not just in a fixed position?
Not yet — this tool matches a fixed-length pattern where each position is either a known letter or a ? wildcard, which covers the most common crossword-filling need: matching known letters in known positions.
What's the difference between this pattern solver and an anagram solver?
A pattern solver like this one finds words that fit specific letters in specific positions (using ? for unknowns), while an anagram solver rearranges a fixed set of letters into every possible valid word regardless of position — different tools for different puzzle needs.
About this tool
This tool searches a dictionary of common English words for matches to a pattern you enter, using ? as a wildcard for unknown letters — handy for filling in crossword answers or word puzzles. Everything runs instantly in your browser.