A little wordplay. A wider world.

NewsWords is an independent news-based crossword project: a compact puzzle that gives your curiosity somewhere to go.

For the curious, not just the crossword experts.

There is something satisfying about fitting one more answer into a grid. There is also something satisfying about understanding a little more of a story you have been seeing in the headlines. NewsWords brings those two moments together.

Each edition combines news-linked answers and ordinary fill in a 9×9 crossword. Three clue difficulties make the same grid approachable in different ways. Original reporting is one click away when an answer makes you want to know more.

A shared edition.

Everyone gets the same published puzzle for a date. Difficulty changes the wording of the clues, not the solution. Your letters and progress are saved locally in your browser, and you can play without an account.

A deliberate editorial step.

AI helps prepare the puzzle, but an editor reviews and approves the final edition before publication. The aim is a small, enjoyable puzzle with clear links back to its source stories. The project is launching with World news; additional topic combinations are not yet available.

Read what makes a news crossword different, follow the playing guide, or learn about the review process.