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Base-finding tool

You can use this tool to help with either writing flats or solving them. Simple search and regex (advanced) search can help find words that fit specific patterns, while the other tools are geared toward specific flat types.

In the National Puzzlers’ League (NPL), we have a puzzle type called a flat that is rooted in wordplay. The solution to a flat is called its base. You can use this tool to find bases for writing your own flats, or as an aid in solving flats published in The Enigma. (The search functions are also useful for forms.)

Most of these wordlists are from the early 2000s and approximate lists of dictionary entries. Spread the Word(list) is a contemporary list that focuses on crossword-appropriate entries and thus has many useful pop-culture names and some phrases that lack pure dictionary nature but are perfectly good puzzle answers!

NPL Solving Tools

Instructions

Input instructions for the selected tool will appear here.

* (asterisk) matches any number of characters, including zero.

. (period) matches a single character.

This is version 2026–06-12–01.