Illustrated March Madness scene — AI-generated artwork behind this tournament's word search puzzle
Play a March Madness word search free online. We built the 12-word list around its format, its trophy, and the traditions around it, then scattered it across a 15×15 grid — horizontal, vertical and diagonal. Find them all to clear the board.
Words to find: MARCHMADNESS, BRACKET, REGIONAL, SWEETSIXTEEN, ELITEEIGHT, FINALFOUR, QUARTERFINAL, SEMIFINAL, CHAMPIONSHIP, NCAATROPHY, CINDERELLA, UPSET.
Every word on the list appears exactly once. Words can run forwards or backwards, so scan both directions before you move on.
March Madness word list, defined
BRACKET/ˈbrækɪt/ · noun and verb
A bracket is a support fixed to a wall for holding a shelf or other object, one of a pair of marks used to enclose text, or a group or category within a range such as income or age. As a verb, to bracket means to enclose in brackets or to place things together as belonging to the same category. Related: brace, support, group, category.
REGIONAL/ˈrɛdʒənl/ · adjective
Relating to a particular area or region, especially one with its own distinct culture or characteristics. Related: local, regional, regionalist, provincial.
QUARTERFINAL/kwɔrtərˈfaɪnəl/ · noun
The stage of a competition that comes after the semifinals and before the finals, typically involving four teams or players. Related: semifinal, final, playoff, elimination round.
SEMIFINAL/sɛmɪˈfaɪnəl/ · noun
The final round of competition before the final, typically involving two teams or individuals. Related: final, intermediate, preliminary, quarterfinal.
CHAMPIONSHIP/ˈtʃæmpiənʃɪp/ · noun
A competition or series of contests held to determine a winner in a sport, game, or field of activity; the title or status of being champion. Related: title, tournament, contest, competition.
UPSET/ˈʌpsɛt/ · verb, noun
To cause someone to feel unhappy or distressed, or to be in a state of being unhappy or distressed. A feeling of unhappiness or distress. Related: disturb, disquiet, displease, hurt.