Fill-In (puzzle) facts for kids
Fill-Ins are fun word puzzles, a bit like crosswords. But instead of clues, you get a list of words to fit into a grid. You often find them in puzzle magazines, next to word searches and other logic puzzles. Many people find Fill-Ins a bit easier than regular crosswords. You don't need to know special facts to solve them. This means you can even solve them in different languages!
Solving a Fill-In often means trying different words until they fit. Sometimes, a word is already placed in the grid to help you start. But harder puzzles might make you begin with an empty grid. The words you need to use are usually listed by how many letters they have, and then alphabetically.
Contents
How to Play Fill-Ins
To play a Fill-In puzzle, you get a grid and a list of words. Your goal is to fit every word from the list into the correct spots in the grid. The words are usually grouped by their length (how many letters they have). Then, within each length group, they are listed in alphabetical order. Often, one word is already filled into the grid for you. This helps you get started and find other words.
Tips for Solving Fill-Ins
Solving a Fill-In puzzle is like being a detective! You look for words that fit certain lengths and have specific letters in place.
Start with Known Words
If a word is already in the grid, use it! Look at the letters it shares with other empty spaces. This can give you clues for words that cross it.
Try and Check Words
Sometimes, only a few words can fit in a certain spot. You can try putting one of those words in. Then, see if it makes sense with the words that cross it. If it creates a letter combination that's impossible, then that word isn't the right one. You can then try another word. This is called "trial and error."
Look for Longer Words
Smaller words might seem easier to place. However, longer words give you more letters. These extra letters can help you figure out many connecting words.
Mark Off Used Words
As you place words into the grid, it's super important to mark them off your list. If you forget to mark a word, you might try to use it again. This can make the puzzle much harder to solve.
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This is what a simple Fill-In puzzle looks like when you start. The word list is:
GI IO ON OR
DAG EVO OED REF
ARID CLEF CLOD DAIS DENS DOLE EDIT SILO
ARTICLE VESICLE -
This is the same Fill-In puzzle after it has been solved.
Different Types of Fill-Ins
There are a few fun ways Fill-Ins can be changed up!
Cross Numbers
One common type uses numbers instead of words. These are sometimes called "cross numbers." In these puzzles, the entries might be actual numbers, answers to math problems, or even important years.
Diagramless Fill-Ins
A trickier version is the "diagramless" Fill-In. In this puzzle, the grid starts completely empty! You have to figure out the shape of the grid as you place the words.
No Word List
Another challenging type gives you no word list at all. Instead, you have to find words from a group you already know. For example, you might have to fill in the names of all fifty American states.
Images for kids
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Harry Potter crossword puzzle created by Pineapple....XVI
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Largest known Cruzadex Puzzle contains 2560 words. Created by Pineapple....XVI
See also
In Spanish: Palabras cruzadas para niños
