Play Crossword Online Free
Solve a compact crossword-style grid by finding hidden words running in different directions.
▶ Open Crossword in Full ScreenAbout Crossword
Crossword is a compact mini crossword -- a 5×5 grid built from a few intersecting words, each with its own numbered clue. Type your answers into the open cells so every word matches its clue, then check your work; it's a quicker fix than a full newspaper-style crossword without losing the satisfaction of filling in the last answer.
How to Play Crossword
Click a cell and type letters to fill in the words crossing at that cell, using the numbered clues as guides. Press Check Answers when you're done.
Crossword Controls
⌨️ Click a cell, then type on your keyboard
Rules
A compact grid of intersecting words, each with a short numbered clue. Type letters into the open cells (dark squares are blocked) so every word matches its clue, then press Check to see how many letters are correct.
Puzzle Variety
This mini crossword cycles through a small rotating set of 5×5 grids, each built from 3 intersecting words -- it's a quick, compact format rather than a full newspaper-style crossword with dozens of clues.
Controls
Click or tap a cell and type a letter; the grid accepts one character per cell.
Strategy
Solve the shortest, most confident word first, since its letters at intersection points narrow down the possibilities for the words crossing it.
Common Mistakes
Guessing a long word from the clue alone without checking it against the letters already confirmed at its intersections is the most common way to end up needing to backtrack.
History
The crossword format was invented by journalist Arthur Wynne and first published in the New York World newspaper in 1913 -- it's remained one of the most widely syndicated puzzle formats in the world ever since.
Tips for Crossword
- Open with common, high-frequency letters (E, A, R, S, T) in Crossword to narrow things down faster.
- In Crossword, look for prefixes and suffixes you recognize -- they often reveal a word faster than reading it letter by letter.
- Don't rush your first move in Crossword; a slightly slower, more deliberate start usually saves guesses later on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossword
How many crossword puzzles are there?
This mini crossword rotates through a small set of compact 5×5 grids rather than generating new ones, so you may see a puzzle repeat over many rounds.
Does Crossword check my answers automatically?
No -- type in your answers, then press Check Answers to see how many letters are correct across the whole grid.
Is Crossword free to play?
Yes. Crossword is 100% free on GameNest World, with no download required.
Can I play Crossword on mobile?
Yes -- tap a cell and use your device's keyboard to type a letter.