13 best crossword puzzles for adults

Crossword puzzles for adults are popular word games that challenge the minds of people of all ages and are enjoyed not only in the United States but around the world. These puzzles can be found in books, newspapers, and online platforms. Here's what you need to know about crossword puzzles for adults:

  1. Definition: Crossword puzzles consist of a grid of blank squares, with clues given for each word that fits into the grid. The clues are typically definitions, synonyms, or wordplay that guide the solver to the correct answer.

  2. Levels of Difficulty: Crossword puzzles come in various levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. Newspapers often feature daily crosswords of different difficulty levels to cater to a wide audience.

  3. Themes: Some crossword puzzles have themes, where a particular word, phrase, or concept runs through several of the answers in the grid. Solvers often need to uncover the theme to complete the puzzle successfully.

  4. Construction: Crossword puzzles are meticulously constructed by puzzle makers, also known as "crossword constructors." They carefully design the grid and create clues to ensure an engaging and solvable puzzle.

  5. Wordplay: Crossword clues often use wordplay techniques such as anagrams, homophones, hidden words, and cryptic clues to add an extra layer of challenge and enjoyment for solvers.

  6. Benefits: Solving crossword puzzles offers several cognitive benefits for adults. They can improve vocabulary, enhance problem-solving skills, boost memory, and provide mental stimulation.

  7. Leisure and Travel: Crossword puzzles are a popular pastime for adults during leisure time and can be an enjoyable activity while traveling. They are portable and can be carried in books or printed in newspapers, making them accessible for travelers.

  8. Books: Crossword puzzle books are widely available, featuring collections of puzzles with varying levels of difficulty.These books are often categorized by skill level, and some may focus on specific themes or topics.

  9. Online Platforms: In addition to traditional printed puzzles, there are numerous websites and mobile apps that offer digital crossword puzzles for adults. These platforms often provide daily or weekly puzzles and interactive solving experiences.

  10. Community and Competitions: Some crossword enthusiasts participate in crossword puzzle competitions, where they compete to solve puzzles quickly and accurately. These events can foster a sense of community among crossword aficionados.

  11. Educational Use: Crossword puzzles are sometimes used in educational settings to reinforce learning in subjects like language, history, and science. They can make the learning process more engaging and interactive.

In the United States and beyond, crossword puzzles for adults continue to be a beloved pastime and mental exercise. They offer an enjoyable way to challenge one's mind, improve language skills, and provide entertainment during leisure time or while on the go.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best crossword puzzles for adults on the market
  

Crossword Puzzle Books for Adults: Cross Words Activity Puzzlebook | 90 Puzzles (US Version)

Based on 361 reviews Check latest price

The New York Times Monday Crossword Puzzle Omnibus: 200 Solvable Puzzles from the Pages of The New York Times

St. Martin's Griffin

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

New York Times Sunday Crossword Omnibus Volume 12

St. Martin's Griffin

Based on 335 reviews Check latest price

USA TODAY Crossword: 200 Puzzles from The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper (Volume 2) (USA Today Puzzles)

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

The New York Times Ultimate Crossword Omnibus: 1,001 Puzzles from The New York Times

St. Martin's Griffin

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

The New York Times Wednesday Crossword Puzzle Omnibus: 200 Medium-Level Puzzles

St. Martin's Griffin

Based on 475 reviews Check latest price

Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book #20 (20) (S&S Mega Crossword Puzzles)

Gallery Books

Based on 382 reviews Check latest price

The Ultimate Brain Health Puzzle Book for Adults: Crosswords, Sudoku, Cryptograms, Word Searches, and More!

Rockridge Press

Based on 958 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Sharpen your mind

Explore the many brain health benefits of puzzling, like building vocabulary and strengthening reasoning skills.

Level it up

Build your abilities and develop your own solving techniques with puzzles that progress from easy to more difficult.

Solve the puzzle

Get step-by-step instructions for solving crosswords, cryptograms, word searches, calcudoku, sudoku, and logic puzzles.

F*ck I'm Bored! Activity Book For Adults

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Brain Games - Crossword Puzzles - Large Print (Blue)

Publications International, Ltd.

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Brain Games: Crossword Puzzles - Large Print

This 192-page book is bursting with crosswords that are sure to challenge your language and vocabulary skills without straining your eyes. With more than 80 crossword puzzles that are spread out on two pages and an easy-to-see and simple-to-fill-out format. Puzzles are arranged in order of increasing difficulty, ensuring plenty of options for all levels of puzzlers.

USA TODAY Crossword 3: 200 Puzzles from The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper (Volume 21) (USA Today Puzzles)

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Based on 995 reviews Check latest price

KAPPA Super Saver LARGE PRINT Word Search Puzzle Pack - (Pack of 6) Full Size Books

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product features

The Kappa Difference

One of the world leader in puzzles, Kappa Books Publishers, LLC provides the largest variety of puzzles to challenge and delight the enthusiast in everyone. We are dedicated to providing the most entertaining and challenging puzzles for every type of solver. Our diverse portfolio of products keep your mind sharp. From Word Searches to Sudoku and more, Kappa is the trusted brand for quality puzzle entertainment. Kappa is family owned and manufactures in the USA.

The Kappa Difference

One of the world leader in puzzles, Kappa Books Publishers, LLC provides the largest variety of puzzles to challenge and delight the enthusiast in everyone. We are dedicated to providing the most entertaining and challenging puzzles for every type of solver. Our diverse portfolio of products keep your mind sharp. From Word Searches to Sudoku and more, Kappa is the trusted brand for quality puzzle entertainment. Kappa is family owned and manufactures in the USA.

The Kappa Difference

One of the world leader in puzzles, Kappa Books Publishers, LLC provides the largest variety of puzzles to challenge and delight the enthusiast in everyone. We are dedicated to providing the most entertaining and challenging puzzles for every type of solver. Our diverse portfolio of products keep your mind sharp. From Word Searches to Sudoku and more, Kappa is the trusted brand for quality puzzle entertainment. Kappa is family owned and manufactures in the USA.

The Kappa Difference

One of the world leader in puzzles, Kappa Books Publishers, LLC provides the largest variety of puzzles to challenge and delight the enthusiast in everyone. We are dedicated to providing the most entertaining and challenging puzzles for every type of solver. Our diverse portfolio of products keep your mind sharp. From Word Searches to Sudoku and more, Kappa is the trusted brand for quality puzzle entertainment. Kappa is family owned and manufactures in the USA.

Kappa Puzzle Books

Kappa Puzzles are a diverse collection of your favorite puzzles including Large Print, Easy to Read, Word Search, Crosswords, Sudoku, Hidden message, Inspirational and many more! Whether you are looking to relax and unplug or test your knowledge of your favorite celebrity, Kappa offers a wide range of titles covering a multitude of topics.

The New York Times Truly Tough Crossword Puzzles: 200 Challenging Puzzles

St. Martin's Griffin

Based on 182 reviews Check latest price

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