Maximize

Smush

Smush is a minimalist word puzzle where you combine a limited set of letters to build as many valid words as possible. Each letter has only five uses,...

About Smush

What Is Smush?

Smush is a minimalist word puzzle where you combine a limited set of letters to build as many valid words as possible. Each letter has only five uses, while the gold letter must always be included, so finding efficient word combinations is the key to scoring well.

How to Play

Quick start:

Build words: Select letters and use Smush! to submit a word.
Watch your letters: Each regular letter can be used only five times; the gold letter is always required.
Score: Find more valid words while managing your limited letter uses.

Hardest Challenge

The real challenge is resource management. Finding words is only half the puzzle; you must decide when a word is worth spending one of your five available uses for each letter. The limited-use mechanic makes Smush more strategic than a standard unlimited word finder.

Tips & Strategy

Start with short words: They help reveal useful letter combinations without burning through your best letters too quickly.
Track letter usage: Before making a word, check which letters are running low.
Look for variations: After finding one word, try changing its ending or rearranging its letters.
Use the gold letter constantly: Since it is required, build your word search around it rather than treating it as an optional letter.
Save rare combinations: Don't spend limited letter uses on obvious words if they could help form longer or harder-to-find answers.