A pattern solver narrows possible spellings, but the clue still decides the answer. Use question marks for unknown letters, then compare the candidates with the clue’s meaning and grammatical form.
Enter only confirmed letters
Represent each blank with a question mark and preserve the exact word length. For example, C?A?E describes a five-letter word with C, A and E fixed in positions one, three and five.
Do not enter a guessed letter as confirmed. One incorrect position can hide the real answer, so use uncertainty honestly.
- Count the squares
- Respect fixed positions
- Recheck crossing answers
Let the clue choose among matches
Check whether the clue expects a noun, verb, adjective, abbreviation or plural. Tense and number eliminate many candidates that fit the pattern but not the grammar.
Crosswords also use wordplay, shortened forms and theme rules. If ordinary meanings fail, examine the puzzle’s style before selecting an obscure answer.
Worked examples
The pattern supplies candidates; the clue identifies the right one.
Plural grammar and crossing letters separate similar forms.
Frequently asked questions
What symbol represents an unknown letter?
NestWord uses a question mark for each unknown position.
Why does a matching word still fail?
It may not satisfy the clue’s definition, tense, number or theme.