Rules: Find the given words in the grid by running them horizontally, vertically, or diagonally in one of eight possible directions.
The answer string varies depending on the puzzle. There could be an unused word or a message hidden in another way to solve the puzzle. Enter this word/message in ALL CAPS, no spaces, and no other punctuation. The key "CERES" is used in this example.
(Brief) Word Searches are descended from observational puzzles. The Selenby Digest in Norman, Oklahoma published the first American word search in 1968. Norman E. Gibat was the original creator. (Note: earlier puzzles called "Sopas de letras"/"Soup of Letters" were created, but they are unlikely to have influenced Gibat.) The concept spread slowly until it was picked up by some newspaper syndicators. Most major newspapers and puzzle magazines now include word searches.
This example's background: Thomas Snyder created this planetary word search for a puzzle seminar shortly after "Pluto" was demoted as a planet.
Additional sources: More Word Search puzzles can be found from a variety of sources, including some future Grandmaster Puzzles publications.
Contributor design rules: A Grandmaster Word Search will have a one-of-a-kind solution that can only be discovered through observation. Words should be interlinked (crossed at letters), and words should cross the vast majority of the letters in the grid. Although a word list is not required, the words should be linked thematically. Standard variations such as missing letters, rebus clues, and word bending are also encouraged.