Large Print Word Search (Free Printable)

These word search puzzles print one to a page on US Letter paper. The letters in every grid are bold and at least 22 point, and the words to find are listed under the grid in bold type, 18 point or larger.

• 30 puzzles in four levels, each with a theme such as Sailing Day, Classic Cars, Famous Painters
• Every hidden word appears exactly once in its grid, so you never wonder whether the word you found is the right one
• Page 1 of each PDF is the puzzle by itself. Page 2 is the answer, with every word outlined and shaded
• Black-and-white printing is fine

Choose a level

Easy (★☆☆☆)Medium (★★☆☆)Hard (★★★☆)Expert (★★★★)

Click a picture to see the puzzles of that level.

• Easy (★☆☆☆): 10 puzzles with 12 words each, in a 10 × 10 or 11 × 11 grid. Words run forward (left to right), down or diagonally down.
• Medium (★★☆☆): 10 puzzles with 15 words each, in a 12 × 12 or 13 × 13 grid. Words run forward (left to right), down or diagonally down.
• Hard (★★★☆): 5 puzzles with 18 words each, in a 13 × 13 grid. Words can run in any of eight directions, including backward and up.
• Expert (★★★★): 5 puzzles with 18 words each, in a 14 × 14 grid. Words can run in any of eight directions, including backward and up.

How to play

1. Read the list of words under the grid.
2. Look for each word in the letters above it. A word runs in a straight line, with no turns and no gaps.
3. Circle each word you find, and cross it off the list.
4. Keep going until every word is circled.

The rule for the puzzle is printed above the grid, next to arrows that show which ways the words can run. In the Easy and Medium puzzles, "forward" means from left to right. In the Hard and Expert puzzles a word can also be written backward (right to left), up, or on a diagonal that slopes up. When that happens, read it from its last letter to its first.

Tips for finding words

• Look for the first letter of a word, then check the letters around it, one direction at a time.
• Start with the longest words. They are the easiest to spot.
• Slide a strip of paper down the page to keep your place, one row at a time.
• Stuck on a word in a Hard or Expert puzzle? Look for its last letter. The word may be running backward.
• Use a pencil, so you can circle lightly and change your mind.

Why the answer is on a separate page

Page 2 of each PDF shows the answer: every hidden word is outlined and shaded gray, and the other letters are printed in lighter gray. This shows up clearly on a black-and-white printer. Because the answer is on its own page, you will not see it by accident. In a group, hand out page 1 to everyone and keep page 2 for checking at the end.

Every puzzle is checked

We make the puzzles with software, and a program checks every one before it goes on the site. It confirms that each hidden word appears exactly once in its grid, counting all eight directions, and that no word runs in a direction its level does not allow. It also checks every grid against a list of words that should never appear, so that none shows up among the filler letters.

Using the puzzles at home or in a group

• Plan on about 10 to 20 minutes per puzzle. Start with an easier level and move up when it feels comfortable.
• Families, senior centers, care homes and classrooms are welcome to make copies for their own use. Please do not sell the puzzles or republish them on other websites or in publications.
• These are relaxing puzzles, not a medical or therapeutic program.

For printer settings, see How to print. Other puzzles: Large print sudoku / Math worksheets / Mazes