Printable Crossword Puzzles:  
Vocabulary Fun

These printable crossword puzzles are a great way to have fun while practicing academic vocabulary. (You can also use them to review most of the Academic Word List.

They are especially for intermediate-level students of English. Even if your level is lower you should be able to complete them using the word list on the right side of the page plus the clues.

Most of the crosswords use vocabulary taught in the English Detective newsletter. For those I have given the newsletter number after the links to the crossword and its answers.

That's so you can learn more about the vocabulary if you want. (You can also use links in the newsletter to see the words in context.) You can reach them from this Back Issues page. After the newsletter number there are links to other pages to practice the same vocabulary.

Printable Crossword Puzzles (with Related Practice)

"20+ puzzles to make learning academic vocabulary fun" with a picture of the Investigations crossword.
  • Success Vocabulary Crossword & Answers, NL 51 (see NL 3 for a related crossword and pages & also NL 89 for a different set of words)

Puzzles from Newsletter 81 on

If you would like to learn more about the value of puzzles and games for vocabulary study, see Vocabulary Games and Activities below. It also links to an interactive online crossword puzzle and some word search puzzles.

Related Pages

Picture of a crossword puzzle with some words completed, a pen, and some science symbols.

These science crossword puzzles let you practice basic & academic science vocabulary. One is  online; others are downloadable.

screenshot of a word search puzzle with some words circled & text overlay: 'How many words can you find?'

Printable free word search puzzles: a good way to review English spelling & vocabulary. Test your English word recognition skills!

'Print & Play ESL Classroom Games' with 2 bingo boards and markers for playing Irregular Past Tense Bingo in class.

Games are so useful in ESL classes! Get free printable puzzles, vocabulary matching games, and inexpensive packets of games to practice irregular verbs.

HomeVocabulary Games and Activities> Printable crossword puzzles.


Didn't find what you needed? Explain what you want in the search box below. (For example, cognates, past tense practice, or 'get along with.') Click to see the related pages on EnglishHints.

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