NewsWords questions, answered
The basics of playing a news crossword: cost, difficulty, source stories, saved progress, and when an edition is available.
What is NewsWords?
NewsWords is a compact 9×9 crossword built around recent news stories and everyday vocabulary. It offers three clue difficulties for one shared puzzle and links news answers to original reporting.
Is NewsWords free?
You can currently play without paying or creating an account. Linked news publishers may have their own subscription requirements.
Do I need to read the news first?
No. Use the clue and crossing letters to work towards the answer, and choose Easy for a more direct definition. You can read the linked story when you want more context.
Does difficulty change the crossword?
It changes the clue wording. The grid and answers stay the same, and your existing letters remain in place.
When is a new puzzle published?
Human-approved editions are scheduled for midnight Pacific time (America/Los_Angeles), with an automatic check every five minutes. We prepare a short queue ahead using recent news, and the same edition date applies to everyone. If the next edition has not been approved, the latest published puzzle stays available.
Can I play older editions?
Yes. Published editions have dated pages in the archive and can be played in the same app.
Where is my progress saved?
In this browser on this device. It is not automatically synced to another device, and clearing browser storage removes it.
Can I choose a news topic?
The initial daily edition focuses on World news. Separate topic combinations are not available yet.
Is the puzzle made by AI?
AI helps with preparation and screening; a grid-filling program builds the crossword. A human editor reviews the candidate and approves its exact final text. Read the editorial process.