Codeword

Codeword is a crossword without clues. Each white square holds a number, and each number stands for one letter of the alphabet, the same one everywhere in the grid. A few letters are revealed to start you off. By spotting familiar word shapes you work out the rest. Choose easy, normal or hard grids, check your guesses and reveal a letter if you are stuck. Every grid is built from real words. Play Codeword free online in your browser — no download or sign-up needed.

Letters found 0/0Hints 0Solved 0

Every white square has a number, and each number stands for one letter of the alphabet. Select a square (or a number in the table), then press a letter to guess it. All squares with the same number fill in together. Words read across and down. Use the given letters to get started. Keyboard: arrows move, letters guess, Backspace clears.

Game Information

Category
Word Games
Players
Single player
Difficulty
Easy, Normal and Hard grids
Game type
Words, Code, Crossword
Works on
Desktop and mobile browsers
Controls
  • Mouse or touch: select a square or a number in the table, then a letter on the keyboard
  • Keyboard: type a letter, Backspace clears, arrows move
  • Keyboard: N starts a new puzzle after a win
Features
  • Three difficulty levels
  • Given letters to start
  • Check and reveal buttons
  • Number table and on-screen letters
  • Unlimited undo
  • Solved count saved

How to Play Codeword

Objective

Work out which letter each number stands for so that every word in the grid is spelled correctly.

Starting a game

Pick a level. Some numbers already show their letters; the rest are empty.

Rules

  • Each number always stands for the same letter.
  • Different numbers stand for different letters.
  • Words run across and down and cross each other.
  • Given letters cannot be changed.

Controls

  • Mouse or touch: select a square or a number in the table, then a letter on the keyboard
  • Keyboard: type a letter, Backspace clears, arrows move
  • Keyboard: N starts a new puzzle after a win

Winning and losing

You win when every number has the right letter. Hints are counted; a solve with no hints is best.

Tips and Strategies

  • Start with the letters you are given and look for words with many known letters.
  • Common letters such as E, T, A, O and N appear often.
  • Short words like THE or AND are easy to spot.
  • A number that appears many times is probably a common letter.
  • Use Check to make sure your guesses are right before building on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is it different from a crossword?

There are no clues. You work out the words from the letters you know.

Can two numbers be the same letter?

No. Each letter belongs to exactly one number.

What does Reveal do?

It fills in the selected number (or the next unknown one) and counts as a hint.

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