How to play
- A word appears.
- If it has already appeared earlier in this game, tap Seen. If it's the first time, tap New.
- Each correct answer scores a point. A wrong answer costs a life.
- Three lives. As the game goes on, the list of words you've seen keeps growing, so it gets harder.
The daily game shows every player the same words in the same order. Practice mode is unlimited. Also try Recall and Sequence, and check your progress on the stats page.
What this game measures
Words is a recognition memory task. Unlike Recall and Sequence, which test how much you can hold in mind right now, Words tests whether you can tell a familiar item from a new one after dozens of others have come and gone. That leans on longer-lasting memory, not just the short-term scratchpad.
The hard part is interference: common words all start to feel a little familiar. Good players notice whether a word feels familiar because they saw it here or just because it's an everyday word. There's more on this in How memory works.
Tips for a higher score
Make each word vivid. Picture it for a split second. A clear image is easier to recognize later than a word you only glanced at.
Link words together. "Candle" then "river" becomes a candle floating down a river. Stories make words stickier.
Trust the first feeling, then check it. If a word feels familiar, ask whether you can remember it appearing. If not, it may just be a common word.
See the full memory tips guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good score?
Scores in the 30s and 40s are common. Getting past 60 usually takes deliberate techniques like picturing each word.
Is there a time limit?
No. Take as long as you like on each word. The challenge is memory, not speed.
Is it the same for everyone?
Yes. The daily game shows the same words in the same order to every player.