Match a crossword answer when you know only some positions. Use one question mark for each blank square.
Count the answer squares and type one character per square.
Place every confirmed letter in its exact position and use ? for each unknown.
Search the alphabetical matches and compare them with the clue and crossings.
Every character fixes the answer length. Known letters must match their positions exactly, while each question mark accepts any letter from A to Z. No regular-expression syntax or special punctuation is needed.
A pattern solver can surface possible spellings, but it cannot understand a clue's tense, theme, or wordplay. Verify promising candidates against the clue and every crossing entry.
