Hard word search printable
24-word 50 States word search, hard (all 8 directions), 20×20 grid · 1 page + answer key
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This hard word search hides 24 US states in a 20 × 20 grid, in all eight directions including backwards and diagonally upward. On Hard, the filler letters are drawn mostly from the hidden words themselves, so the grid is full of decoys: a stray NEW or CAROL that leads nowhere.
Long state names overlap and cross each other, which raises the difficulty again. It's a good puzzle for teens, adults and older kids who finish regular word searches too quickly. To make it harder still, turn off the word list and challenge yourself to find 24 states without knowing which ones they are. Click New puzzle for a different set of states.
Tips for using it
- Scan for uncommon letter pairs first, like the KY in Kentucky or the WY in Wyoming.
- Work one direction at a time: all the backwards words, then the diagonals.
Variations
All printable word search for kidsQuestions
What makes a word search hard?
A big grid, words in all eight directions, words that share letters, and filler letters that look like the hidden words. This puzzle uses all four.
Can I make a hard word search with my own words?
Yes. Use the word search maker, choose Hard and a grid of 18 × 18 or larger, and add 20 or more words.