Acrostic Puzzle Generator
Create acrostic puzzles where solving clues reveals a hidden word. The first letter of each answer spells out a secret message—perfect for vocabulary and creative wordplay.
Enter the word you want to hide, then click + to create entry slots.
Enter a hidden word and fill in answers & clues
to create your acrostic puzzle
About This Tool
The Acrostic Puzzle Generator creates engaging word puzzles where the first letters of each answer spell out a hidden word or message. Enter your secret word, then create clues for words that begin with each letter. Students solve the clues crossword-style, and when they read the highlighted first letters from top to bottom, they discover the hidden word. This classic puzzle format combines vocabulary practice with the excitement of revealing a secret message. Perfect for themed lessons, holidays, or reinforcing any vocabulary set.
Frequently Asked Questions
An acrostic puzzle is a word game where the first letter of each answer, read vertically, spells out a hidden word or message. You solve horizontal clues like a crossword, but the real challenge is discovering what secret word the first letters reveal. It combines vocabulary practice with puzzle-solving excitement.
Start with your hidden word (like FRIEND or SCHOOL), then think of words that begin with each letter. Write clear clues for each word—definitions, fill-in-the-blanks, or descriptions work well. The hidden word often relates to a theme, making the puzzle more meaningful when solved.
Acrostics work great for any vocabulary set! Use them for spelling words, science terms, historical figures, character names from books, holiday themes, or classroom rules. The hidden word can reinforce the lesson theme—spell PLANTS for a botany unit or FRIENDSHIP for character education.
Absolutely! For younger students, use short hidden words (3-5 letters) with simple vocabulary. For older students, use longer words or even phrases, with more challenging clues. You can also vary difficulty by using or hiding hints, and by choosing more or less common vocabulary words.