What is a crossword with a solution word?

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.

How do I set the solution word?

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.

Are the marked cells visible on the printed puzzle?

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.

Can the solution word be any length?

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.

Does the answer key show the solution word?

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.

Can I share a solution word crossword?

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.

Is this feature really free?

Yes! The solution word feature is completely free. Create unlimited crosswords with hidden solution words, download PDFs, and share online — no registration required.

Can I use AI to generate the crossword content?

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.

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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!

Create Solution Crossword 詳しく見る

No account needed · Unlimited puzzles · Free printable PDF export

Create Your Solution Word Crossword

Add words and clues, then mark cells to form a hidden solution word

Why Use Solution Word Crosswords?

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!

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

Add Words & Clues

Enter your crossword words and clues, then generate the puzzle grid

Set the Solution Word

Open the Solution Word panel and enter your secret hidden word

Mark Grid Cells

Click cells in the grid to mark them. Marked cells spell the solution word

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.