Sub-Word Finder
Find every valid dictionary word hidden inside your letters — in order as an ordered subsequence or as contiguous substrings.
How to Use the Sub-Word Finder
Whether you are solving a cryptic crossword clue, finding hidden words in an anagram puzzle, or exploring words embedded within compound words, the Sub-Word Finder gives you two specialized search methods:
- In Order (Subsequence): Extracts words formed by selecting letters in their original sequence from left to right, allowing characters to be skipped. For example, from
STREAM, you can form STEAM (skipping R), TEAM (skipping S and R), and STEM (skipping R and A). - Contiguous (Substring): Finds words formed strictly by adjacent, unbroken letter blocks without skipping. For example,
BREADBASKETcontains BREAD, READ, BASKET, and ASK.
Subsequence vs. Substring: At a Glance
| Mode | Rule | Example: “PIRATES” |
|---|---|---|
| Subsequence | Gaps allowed, relative order preserved | PATES, RATES, PITS, TIES, PIES |
| Substring | Consecutive letters only, zero gaps | PIRATE, RATE, RATES, ATE |
| Full Anagram | Any permutation of letters | Use Word Finder → |
Why Letter Order Matters in Word Puzzles
Traditional word unscramblers shuffle letters into every possible permutation. While useful for Scrabble or Boggle, puzzles like cryptic crosswords frequently use hidden word indicators (such as “in part”, “contents of”, or “concealed by”) where the answer is spelled out across consecutive or ordered letters within the clue text.
By restricting matches to ordered subsequences or contiguous substrings, the Sub-Word Finder narrows thousands of potential permutations down to the exact sequential candidates you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sub-word?
A sub-word is a smaller word created from the letters of a parent word. In wordplay and puzzles, it usually refers to either an ordered subsequence (letters kept in left-to-right sequence, e.g. STEAM inside STREAM) or a contiguous substring (consecutive letters with no gaps, e.g. POST and MAN inside POSTMAN).
What is the difference between Subsequence and Substring modes?
Subsequence mode allows gaps between letters as long as the original letter order is preserved (STREAM yields STEAM, TEAM, STEM, SEAM, SEA, SET, TEA, and AM). Substring mode requires letters to be directly adjacent with no skipped letters (BREADBASKET yields BREAD, READ, BASKET, and ASK).
How does the Sub-Word Finder differ from the Word Finder or Anagram Solver?
The standard Word Finder and Anagram Solver allow letters to be completely rearranged into any anagram. The Sub-Word Finder strictly preserves the relative left-to-right order of the letters, which is essential for cryptic crossword 'hidden word' clues, telewords, and sequential word puzzles.
Can I search for sub-words with wildcards?
Yes. You can use '?' or '*' as a wildcard tile to represent any single missing or unknown letter while maintaining the relative position of the surrounding letters.
What dictionary does the Sub-Word Finder use?
Searches are evaluated against our complete 277,000+ word dictionary, covering the ENABLE1 lexicon, official tournament Scrabble word lists (TWL06 and CSW21), and standard everyday vocabulary.