Introducing Wordbend: A new daily word puzzle that builds your vocabulary

Some puzzles ask you to move quickly. Others want you to slow down and think. This latest addition to the Elevate app does a bit of both. It gives you a grid of letters, a handful of clues, and just enough of a twist to keep things interesting.

It’s called Wordbend.* Designed to take just a few minutes a day, Wordbend is a short, clue-based puzzle that tests your vocabulary, stretches your logic, and helps you learn something new—without feeling like a quiz.

Whether you’re someone who already loves daily puzzles (like our Daily Crossword) or you’re just looking for a smarter break in your day, Wordbend fits right in.

Wordbend is delightfully educational—designed to support vocabulary, memory recall, and problem-solving skills in a format that’s fun to revisit each day.

Plus, it’s a quick way to keep your streak going, even on busy days when you don’t have time for a full training session.

What is Wordbend?

Wordbend is a fresh twist on the word puzzle format. Each day brings you a new puzzle—and challenge: clues guide you to hidden words that bend and twist through a grid. Your job? Figure out the words and trace them, letter by letter, until the entire board is solved.

It’s short, it’s satisfying, and it’s a lot smarter than your typical word search. You’re learning patterns, thinking flexibly, and building language skills along the way.

How to play Wordbend

To play, open the Today tab in the Elevate app and tap into Wordbend under the Puzzles category. Start by reading the clues—they’ll point to themed words hidden in the grid. Tap and drag to connect the letters, following the path of the word. And here’s the trick: words can (and usually will) change direction, so stay flexible.

You’ll need to use every letter in the grid to complete the puzzle. But don’t worry: If you get stuck, hints are available to help reveal letters one at a time.

Most people finish a puzzle in under five minutes, making it a great way to stay sharp even on busy days.

Tips and tricks for solving Wordbend puzzles

We asked a few members of the Elevate team—some of the earliest Wordbend solvers—for their best advice. Here’s what they shared:

• “Look for any words you can spot before even reading the clues.”
  
  
• “If something doesn't pop into your head right away when you read a clue, skip it. You’ll probably recognize others more quickly, and solving those will make the confusing ones easier.”
  — Olivia Johnson, Director of People
  
  
• “I usually scan for any obvious words first, as Olivia mentioned, then skim through the first few clues so I’m not just searching for one word at a time.”
  
  
• “Once a few words are solved, I look for open paths on the board—those spots almost always lead you to the next word.”
  — Megan Gergets, Senior Product Marketing Manager
  
  
• “Try to identify the theme of the puzzle as soon as possible, so you can start to recall related words a little easier.”
  — Anna Braunsdorf, VP of Content

Why word puzzles matter

Word games do more than pass the time. They’re one of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to support cognitive health. In fact, research shows that language-based puzzles can improve memory, attention, and processing speed. Games like Wordbend, which combine vocabulary and logic, also help reinforce word recall and flexible thinking.

That’s part of what makes Wordbend a great daily habit. It’s fun, quick, and helps you fit a little progress into even the busiest day.

Try Wordbend today

If you’re looking for a smarter way to take a break—or a new puzzle to add to your day—Wordbend is a great place to start. 

Download the Elevate app and try Wordbend today. One puzzle a day is all it takes to build a habit that keeps your mind active and learning.

*Available now on iOS and in select Android markets.

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