Word Games

Playing word games is a fun pastime that can help you keep your brain sharp while learning about words and the world around you. When you complete a word game such as a crossword puzzle, you are testing your verbal ability while challenging yourself to develop stronger problem solving skills. Word games are also a great way to experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a difficult task.

Types of Word Games

Word games take many different forms. For example:

  • Letter arrangement games ask the player to form words out of a seemingly random string of letters. Examples of letter arrangement word games include Scrabble, Boggle, Upwords, and Literati.
  • Structured games are word games that focus on the semantics of words. In these games, players are asked to interpret word, picture, or action clues to solve the puzzle. Examples of structured word games include Charades, Taboo, and Scattergories.
  • Linguistic recreations offer a chance to work on building vocabulary and language skills without investing a great deal of time in a particular puzzle. Examples of this type of word game include anagrams, palindromes, and homophone word games.
  • Paper and pencil games such as hangman, word searches, or crossword puzzles are very popular with children. However, a number of puzzles exist for adults as well.

Using yourDictionary.com as a Word Game Resource

The yourDictionary.com website is a great resource for anyone interested in word games. You can use this handy online dictionary to look up the definition of unfamiliar words, find synonyms, and learn the correct pronunciation of a particular puzzle clue. However, yourDictionary.com also offers a number of free online word games. For example:

  • Challenge yourself by completing a crossword in a foreign language.
  • Complete a fill-in crossword puzzle that tests your ability to fit words together instead of simply matching the correct vocabulary word to its definition.
  • Solve a scrambled "Word Jungle" puzzle.
  • Guess the correct letters to fill in an encrypted quotation from a famous writer or philosopher.

Playing Free Word Games Online

The Internet has made it easier than ever for word game enthusiasts to find free puzzles. If you’re interested in playing word games online, you’ll want to visit the following websites:

  • Word Plays is one of the very few gaming websites devoted exclusively to word games.
  • MSN, a popular source of free online games, has many different word games available.
  • Arcade Town has links to a variety of word games. However, some games will need to be downloaded for you to play.
  • Heavy Games has an impressive selection of free games with titles like Word Stalk, Writer’s Block, Text Twist, and Alphabet Soup.
  • Big Fish Games has a collection of word games that includes interactive versions of the classic favorites Upwords and Boggle.
  • Free Games has a number of free online games, including crosswords and other word puzzles.

If you're searching for word games for children to enjoy, try these websites:

  • Fun Brain offers a large collection of free online games, including games designed to boost your child’s language and vocabulary.
  • Planet Oz Kids has free downloadable word games for children of all ages.

How to Improve Your Word Game Skills

If you’re interested in becoming a more proficient word game player, remember the following tips:

  • Make an effort to read on a daily basis. Challenge yourself to read a variety of newspapers, magazines, and books. By exposing yourself to different ideas and writing styles, you’ll improve your verbal ability.
  • If you come across a word you don’t understand, write it down so you can look up the definition at a later date.
  • Sign up for the free "Word of the Day" service at yourDictionary.com. Each morning, you’ll receive an informative e-mail with a quick vocabulary lesson.
  • Practice writing so you become more adept at expressing your thoughts on paper. You don’t need to write a bestselling novel--even just composing a quick letter to a friend can provide you with a chance to improve your language skills.

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