How to play a news crossword

Fill a 9×9 crossword with answers from the news and everyday vocabulary. Pick your clue difficulty, use the crossing letters, and follow the stories that catch your eye.

1. Choose your clues.

Easy, Medium and Hard are three ways to clue the same answers. Easy uses more direct definitions; Medium adds a twist; Hard leans into misdirection and wordplay. You can change the setting without starting a different puzzle.

2. Find a way into the grid.

Tap a square or a clue and type your answer. On a phone, use the on-screen keyboard. On a computer, use your keyboard. Across and down answers share letters, so one answer can give you the start of another. Tap the active square again to switch direction.

3. Take a nudge when you need one.

A hint offers another route into the answer. Check and Reveal provide more direct help. Using Check or Reveal marks the solve as assisted, so it stays separate from unassisted results. There is no penalty for practising at your own pace.

4. Read beyond the clue.

News-linked answers lead to original reporting. Open the headline to read the source story on its publisher’s website. You may encounter a publisher’s own subscription requirements.

5. Come back when you’re ready.

Your progress is saved in this browser on this device. Clearing browser storage removes that local progress; it is not automatically shared between devices. No account or payment is required to play.

See how the three difficulties work or start the latest puzzle.

Try a crossing before you play.

If the news reference is unfamiliar, the surrounding vocabulary can still give you a way in. Our guide to solving when you missed the headlines walks through another example.