Set the word shape
Type known letters in place and use ? or _ for each unknown position.
Word Pattern Matcher for Known Letters and Blanks
Find words when you know the length and a few letters. Use _ or ?
for each unknown spot, like _A_E.
Quick answer
Enter fixed letters in the positions you know and blanks for the letters you do not.
The pattern S?A?E finds five-letter words with S first, A third, and E last.
Known letters Wildcard blanks Crossword and Wordle help
Control word length
The number of characters in the pattern is the exact word length searched.
Narrow broad searches
Add more fixed letters when a pattern like _____ returns too many candidates.
Use letters, ?, or _. Spaces and punctuation are ignored.
Try:
Enter a letter pattern above, or try an example.
When a word pattern matcher is the right tool
Pattern matching is the fastest way to find words when positions matter more than letter order. Use it for crossword crossings, Wordle-style known positions, hangman, missing letters, and word-list browsing when a simple prefix or ending is not specific enough.
How word pattern matching works
Enter letters you know in their exact positions, and use _ or ?
for any letter you do not know. The pattern's length equals the word's length, so
_A_E finds four-letter words only.
When to use another solver
Use the Crossword Solver when a clue and crossings both matter. Use the Wordle Solver when green, yellow, and gray tile rules matter. Use the Word Unscrambler when letter order does not matter and you want any word made from your letters.
Data notes
Pattern results use the launch word list and are best for word games, crossword crossings, and puzzle shortlists. If a game uses a specific dictionary, verify final plays there.
Word Pattern Matcher FAQ
How do I find a word by pattern?
Type the letters you know in their exact positions and use ? or _ for each unknown letter. The pattern length becomes the word length, so _A_E only searches four-letter words.
Can I search for any word length?
Yes. The number of characters in your pattern sets the word length, so _____ searches five-letter words.
What do underscores and question marks mean?
Both mean any single unknown letter. Use actual letters for fixed positions.
Is this different from the Crossword Solver?
Yes. This page is a pure pattern matcher. The Crossword Solver adds clue context for users solving a crossword grid.
Helpful content notes
Examples, edge cases, and methodology for word patterns
Examples
Input What to check Why it matters
_A_E CAKE, DATE, FACE Use when the word length and middle letters are known.
PR__F PROOF style matches Known starts and endings narrow the search quickly.
S?A?E 5-letter pattern Useful for Wordle-style clues when positions matter.
Edge cases
- Pattern length controls word length exactly.
- Use only letters plus ? or _ for unknown positions.
- Spaces and punctuation are removed so copied patterns stay usable.
- Very broad patterns such as _____ can return many candidates, so add letters when possible.
Methodology
The matcher cleans pasted patterns, converts each ? or _ into a single-letter wildcard, then compares the complete pattern against WordyLab's launch word data. It does not infer clue meaning or game rules; it returns transparent pattern matches.