Diagonal and backward words are the hidden tricksters of word search puzzles. They sneak through the grid in ways that challenge even experienced solvers. But with the right techniques and a little practice, you can spot them quickly and enjoy the process even more. Let’s explore how to master these tricky directions with ease.
Understand How the Eye Moves
Most people are used to reading left to right, top to bottom — which is why diagonal and backward words feel unnatural. To overcome this, train your eyes to scan in new directions. Try following letter trails diagonally from corner to corner or reading backward lines consciously until your brain adjusts.
Start with the Corners and Borders
Diagonal and backward words often start near the puzzle’s borders. Begin by searching along the outer rows and columns, then sweep your eyes inward. This method helps you detect long diagonal words that might run across the entire puzzle, as well as reversed ones that start or end on the edges.
Use Visual Tracing Tools
If diagonals confuse you, a simple pencil or finger can act as a guide. Slowly trace across the puzzle grid to keep your focus aligned. This prevents your eyes from drifting to nearby letters and helps maintain a steady line when checking diagonal paths.
Spot Patterns and Endings
Many backward words reveal themselves through familiar letter endings. For instance, if you’re searching for “TRAINING,” look for “GNI” instead of “TRA.” Once you see the ending, trace it backward to confirm the full word. The same idea applies diagonally — focus on small letter groups or uncommon combinations that stand out.
Alternate Between Forward and Backward Scans
To catch every direction, alternate your scan style. After a normal forward pass, reverse the direction and look again. This habit quickly trains your brain to recognize reversed patterns automatically, improving both your accuracy and speed.
Practice Diagonal-Heavy Puzzles
Challenge yourself with puzzles that include multiple diagonals. Over time, your eyes will adapt to spotting these words faster. It’s like training a muscle — the more you practice unconventional directions, the stronger your pattern recognition becomes.
Stay Relaxed and Patient
Finding backward or diagonal words can feel tricky at first, but forcing it only causes frustration. Stay calm, take breaks if needed, and trust that each attempt builds your skill. Eventually, your brain will start catching these patterns naturally — and solving them will feel just as easy as finding horizontal words.
Try it yourself
Test your new techniques with our Daily Word Search Puzzles and challenge your brain with diagonals, reverses, and everything in between!