Hidden Answer Verification
The solution word acts as a built-in answer check. If solvers find the correct hidden word, they know they solved everything right!
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Crossword with Solution Word
Create crossword puzzles featuring a hidden solution word. Mark special cells whose letters spell a secret answer. Perfect for classrooms, quizzes, and puzzle enthusiasts. Download printable PDFs with answer keys!
No account needed · Unlimited puzzles · Free printable PDF export
Create Your Solution Word Crossword
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Why Use Solution Word Crosswords?
Perfect for Education
Teachers can verify student answers instantly by checking the solution word. No need to review every single cell!
Extra Layer of Challenge
Beyond solving clues, players must discover the hidden word from marked cells. Two puzzles in one!
How to Create a Solution Word Crossword
Build a crossword with a hidden answer in just 4 steps
1
Add Words & Clues
Enter your crossword words and clues, then generate the puzzle grid
2
Set the Solution Word
Open the Solution Word panel and enter your secret hidden word
3
Mark Grid Cells
Click cells in the grid to mark them. Marked cells spell the solution word
4
Download & Share
Export PDF with highlighted solution cells and answer key
Solution Word Crossword Use Cases
Classroom Quizzes
Create vocabulary tests where the solution word confirms correct answers. Students love the extra challenge!
Newspaper-Style Puzzles
Just like classic newspaper crosswords with a bonus solution word. Great for newsletters and magazines.
Party Games
Hide a party theme, guest of honor's name, or celebration message as the solution word.
Competitions & Contests
Use the solution word as a verification code. First to find it wins the prize!
Language Learning
Build vocabulary crosswords where the solution word is a bonus term in the target language.
Brain Training
Add an extra cognitive challenge. Solving clues plus finding the hidden word exercises multiple brain functions.
Solution Word Crossword Features
Solution Word
Mark cells to create a hidden answer word
Visual Highlights
Marked cells are highlighted with numbered markers
AI Generator
Enter a theme and AI creates words and clues
Printable PDF
Download puzzle and answer key as print-ready PDFs
Play Online
Solve interactively in your browser with timer and hints
Share Instantly
One-click sharing via link, no sign-up needed
Custom Appearance
Choose fonts, colors, and border styles
100% Free
No registration or payment required
Tips for Great Solution Word Crosswords
Choose a Meaningful Solution Word
Pick a word that relates to your puzzle theme. For a science quiz, the solution word could be 'GRAVITY'. For a birthday puzzle, try the celebrant's name.
Plan Cell Placement
Before marking cells, check which letters are available in the grid. The solution word letters must exist in filled cells across the puzzle.
Keep It Discoverable
Spread marked cells across different words rather than clustering them. This makes the solution word harder to guess without solving the full puzzle.
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Crossword Puzzle Tips
Read our guides for more inspiration
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Solution Word Crossword FAQ
Common questions about crosswords with solution words
It's a crossword puzzle where certain cells are specially marked. When you read the letters in these marked cells in order, they spell a hidden solution word. It's a classic format popular in German and European puzzle magazines.
After generating your crossword, open the Solution Word panel in the sidebar. Type your desired word, enable cell selection mode, then click the grid cells whose letters match each letter of your solution word in order.
Yes! Marked cells appear with a yellow highlight and numbered circles in the corner. Solvers can see which cells are special and write those letters in the solution word boxes at the bottom.
The solution word can be any reasonable length, but 5-10 letters works best. It must only contain letters that appear in your crossword grid cells.
Yes! When you download the answer key PDF, it shows the completed grid with highlighted solution cells and the solution word filled in at the bottom.
Absolutely! Click Share to generate a link. The solution word and marked cells are preserved, so recipients see exactly the same puzzle with the highlighted cells.
Yes! The solution word feature is completely free. Create unlimited crosswords with hidden solution words, download PDFs, and share online — no registration required.
Yes! Use the AI Theme Generator to create words and clues for any topic. Then manually set the solution word and mark the cells yourself for full creative control.