Codeword
Solver
Solve codeword, code cracker, and coded crossword puzzles using known letters, missing letters, repeated numbers, and UK dictionary support.
Codeword grid preview
How to Use the Codeword Solver
Four simple steps to find your answer
Enter your pattern
Type the letters you know. Use ? . _ or * for unknowns. Use numbers for repeated positions.
Choose your dictionary
Pick Common UK Words for standard puzzles, or Full UK Dictionary for rare British words.
Add known letters
In Advanced Options, map number codes to letters if you already know some (e.g. 1=a, 3=e).
Review the matches
Browse results sorted by likelihood. Copy a word or tap View Meaning to check its definition.
Codeword Pattern Examples
Common patterns and what they mean
First two letters are the same, third is unknown, fourth is E
Positions 1 & 2 are same letter, position 3 different, position 5 repeats position 2
Starts with A, two unknowns, ends with LE
Unknown, R, two unknowns, ends with T
Starts C, third letter D, others unknown
How Our Codeword Solver Works
The solver checks your pattern against a dictionary of UK words, enforcing letter constraints, repeated codes, and exclusions to return the most likely matches.
Pattern Matching
Your pattern is compared letter-by-letter against every word in the selected dictionary. Only exact-length matches are returned.
Repeated Number Logic
When you use numbers in your pattern, the solver ensures positions with the same number always contain the same letter.
UK Dictionary
The default dictionary contains common UK words with British spellings. Switch to Full UK for rarer words, or International for US spellings.
Excluded Letters
Letters you know are not in the word are filtered out. Add excluded letters in Advanced Options to narrow results.
Commonness Ranking
Results are ranked by how common the word is, so the most likely answers appear first.
Definition Lookup
Tap View Meaning on any result to fetch the full definition from the Free Dictionary API (only loads when you ask).
UK Codeword Dictionary
British newspaper codewords use British English — and our solver defaults to British spellings so you always get relevant results.
The UK dictionary includes words like: colour, centre, theatre, favour, labour, travelling, organised, realise, neighbour, honour — spellings that US dictionaries often don't include.
Common UK Words
Everyday British words. Best starting point.
Full UK Dictionary
Expanded list including less common words.
International English
Includes US spellings for non-UK puzzles.
British Spellings Included
Codeword Solver Features
Everything you need to solve any British codeword puzzle
UK Dictionary
British spellings including colour, centre, theatre, honour, and more
Repeated Number Logic
Same number = same letter, enforced automatically across all positions
Instant Results
Fast local dictionary lookup — no server calls, no delays
Mobile Friendly
Works perfectly on phone, tablet and desktop browsers
View Definitions
Tap View Meaning on any result to see a full dictionary definition
Completely Free
No sign-up, no ads, no limits. Just enter your pattern and solve
Common Codeword Mistakes
Avoid these common errors when using the solver
Mixing up letters and numbers
If your codeword uses numbers as codes, enter them as digits (112.2), not letters. If a position is a known letter, type the letter directly.
Forgetting repeated numbers
If code 3 appears three times in your puzzle, all three positions must have the same letter in the answer.
Too many fixed letters
The more constraints you add, the fewer results you get. Start with just the pattern, then add known letters if you need to narrow down.
Using US spellings
UK codewords use British spellings. Use the UK dictionary modes and remember: colour, not color; centre, not center; travelling, not traveling.
Excluding a letter too early
Only exclude letters you have confirmed are definitely not in the word. Excluding wrongly eliminates valid answers.
Related Codeword Tools
Specialised solvers for every type of puzzle
Latest Blog Guides
Tips, strategies, and guides for codeword lovers
How to Solve Codeword Puzzles
A complete beginner's guide to cracking codeword puzzles from scratch, including pattern strategies and letter frequency tips.
Best First Letters to Try in Codewords
Start with E, T, A, O, I, N and S to unlock the most common positions in any codeword grid.
UK Newspaper Codeword Solving Tips
Specific strategies for Daily Mail, Telegraph, Times, and Guardian codeword puzzles including British spelling patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Codeword Solver
Ready to solve your codeword?
Free, fast, and built for British puzzles. No sign-up required.