Word search maker
Type your words, one per line, and the puzzle builds itself. Print it with an answer key, or copy a link your class can play on any phone, tablet or Chromebook. Free, no account, and your words are never uploaded: everything happens in your browser.
Animals
Name: ____________________ Date: __________
- bird
- buffalo
- cattle
- deer
- eagle
- horse
- moth
- robin
- sheep
- snake
- turkey
- wolf
Made free at wordsunscrambler.site
How to make a word search
- Give the puzzle a title and type your words, one per line. Spaces, hyphens and accents are removed, so "ice cream" becomes ICECREAM in the grid.
- Pick a difficulty. Easy hides words left to right and top to bottom; Medium adds diagonals; Hard uses all eight directions, including backwards.
- Press Print for a paper copy. Tick Show answers first to print the answer key.
- Press Copy play link to share the puzzle. Anyone who opens the link plays your exact grid on our online word search, dragging across words with a finger or mouse.
Grid size
The grid grows to fit your list: it is at least as wide as your longest word, never smaller than the difficulty's normal grid (8×8, 10×10 or 12×12), and roomy enough that about half the squares are left for random filler letters. The largest grid is 20×20. Filler letters are drawn in proportion to how often they appear in English, so the grid doesn't give words away.
If a word is longer than 20 letters it is skipped, and the maker tells you which ones. Very long lists on Easy can also run out of room; switch to Medium or Hard, or remove a few words.
Ideas for the classroom
- Spelling lists: paste this week's words, print one copy per student, and keep the answer key for yourself.
- Vocabulary review: use the key terms from a science or history unit. Ask students to write a definition for each word they find.
- ESL: build a puzzle from one topic (food, clothes, jobs). The topic lists above are a quick starting point.
- Early finishers and homework: post the play link in your class page or learning platform; it works without logins.
Frequently asked questions
Is the word search maker free?
Yes. Make, print and share as many puzzles as you like. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a small "Made free at wordsunscrambler.site" line at the bottom of the printout.
Do you store my word list?
No. The puzzle is built in your browser. A play link carries your words inside the link itself, so nothing is saved on our server.
Can I make a word search with an answer key?
Yes. Tick Show answers to highlight every hidden word, then press Print.
Can students play it on a Chromebook or tablet?
Yes. The play link opens the puzzle in our online word search, which works with a mouse, touch or the keyboard.
How many words can I add?
Up to 30 words of 2 to 20 letters. For younger children, 8 to 12 short words on Easy works well.