Four Letter Words

First, let's look at why you should take the time to learn your four letter words.

Many four letter words...

  • are hooks on three letter words, giving you openings for your bingo.

  • enable you to balance your rack when you have too many vowels or too many consonants.

  • are high-scoring, allowing you to maintain scoring momentum in between bingos.

  • have inflections that are seven letters or longer, thereby increasing your bingo knowledge.
If you're aspiring to be an excellent Scrabble player you should learn all the two letter words (without fail!) and you should also master the three letter words as flawlessly as possible.

I can recommend this because the number of these words is manageable (even though it doesn't feel like it when you're just starting out). In particular, there are only 124 two letter words, and 1292 three letter words.

The situation with four letter words is a bit different, because there are 5454 four letter words in all! Although a tiny number of world class Scrabble players have managed to learn all of the four letter words almost perfectly, most players settle for something less.

The obvious question then is this... If you are to learn only a subset of all the four letter words, which ones should you choose? Although there is no black and white answer to this question, I've made this task easier for you by selecting around 1000 four letter words that will benefit you most frequently in Scrabble games.

Even if you decide to go beyond this list to attempt all of them, starting with the four letter words on this page will lead to a very rapid acceleration in your performance.

I've divided my recommended list of four letter words into groups to make them easier to learn, and explained why each group of four letter words is important in a Scrabble game.

The groups are...

  • Vowel-Heavy Four Letter Words
  • Consonant-Heavy Four Letter Words
  • Four Letter Words Containing 'J'
  • Four Letter Words Containing 'Q'
  • Four Letter Words Containing 'X'
  • Four Letter Words Containing 'Z'

At the end of this page you'll also find a couple of handy resources I recommend you use to help master these word lists.

Vowel-Heavy Four Letter Words

Aside from the usual importance of having a balanced rack, vowel-heavy racks are particularly dangerous since they have very little scoring potential - all the vowel tiles have a face value of only '1'. The sooner you can replace a vowel-heavy rack with some consonants, the better.

There is only one four letter word containing all vowels and that is the word EUOI (a cry of Bacchic frenzy - in case you were wondering). If you haven't already seen this one, you'll meet it over and over again in your Scrabble games as you and your opponent desperately attempt to fix up a rack of vowels. EUOI is to Scrabble players, as ETUI is to Crossworld solvers.

Although only one of the four letter words contains all vowels, there are 93 four letter words containing three vowels and one consonant. These words will help you time and time again to offload some of your excess vowel baggage and clean up your rack, without having to continually exchange your tiles.

Here they are...

ACAI
a berry of the Brazilian rainforests [n -S]
AEON
a vast age, also EON [n -S]
AERO
air [n -S]
AGEE
to one side [adv]
AGIO
a premium paid for the exchange of currency [n -S]
AGUE
a malarial fever [n -S]
AIAS
AIA, in India, a maid or nurse, also AYAH [n]
AIDE
an assistant [n -S]
AIGA
an extended family (Samoa), also AINGA [n -S]
AINE
elder (masculine form) [adj]
AITU
a Polynesian demigod [n -S]
AJEE
off the straight [adv]
AKEE
an African tree [n -S]
ALAE
ALA, in biology, any flat winglike projection [n]
ALEE
toward the side of a vessel sheltered from the wind [adv]
ALOE
an African plant [n -S]
AMIA
a freshwater fish [n -S]
AMIE
a female friend [n -S]
ANOA
a wild ox [n -S]
AQUA
water [n AQUAS or AQUAE]
AREA
a region [n AREAS or AREAE]
ARIA
an accompanied vocal solo [n -S]
ASEA
at sea [adv]
ATUA
the spirit of an ancestor (Polynesia) [n -S]
AULA
a hall (a large room for assembly) [n -S]
AUNE
measure of length [n -S]
AURA
a subtle emanation [n AURAS or AURAE]
AUTO
to ride in an automobile [v -ED, -ING, -S]
AWEE
awhile (for a short time) [adv]
BEAU
a boyfriend [n BEAUS or BEAUX]
CIAO
an informal greeting [interj CIAOS]
EALE
evil (wickedness or depravity) [n -S]
EASE
to free from pain or trouble [v EASED, EASING, EASES]
EAUS
EAU, a river or water [n]
EAUX
EAU, a river or water [n]
EAVE
the projecting edge of a roof [n -S]
EIDE
EIDOS, an essence (a fundamental nature) [n]
EINA
ouch (South African) [interj]
EINE
eyes [n]
EMEU
an emu (a large flightless bird) [n -S]
EOAN
pertaining to dawn [adj]
EPEE
a type of sword [n -S]
ETUI
a needle case, also ETWEE [n -S]
EUGE
well done [interj]
EUOI
expressing Bacchic frenzy, also EVOE, EVHOE, EVOHE [interj]
EURO
a large kangaroo [n -S]
EVOE
expressing Bacchic frenzy, also EUOI, EVHOE, EVOHE [interj]
HIOI
a New Zealand mint plant [n -S]
HUIA
a New Zealand bird [n -S]
IDEA
a conception or a plan [n -S]
IDEE
an idea (a conception or a plan) [n -S]
ILEA
ILEUM, a part of the small intestine [n]
ILIA
ILIUM, a bone of the pelvis [n]
INIA
INION, a part of the skull [n]
IOTA
a Greek letter [n -S]
IURE
by right or by law [adv]
IXIA
a flowering plant [n -S]
JIAO
a monetary unit of China, also CHIAO [n -S]
KAIE
a wharf [n -S]
KUIA
an elderly Maori woman [n -S]
LIEU
place; stead [n -S]
LUAU
a Hawaiian feast [n -S]
MEOU
cry like a cat, also MEOW, MIAOU, MIAOW, MIAUL [v -ED, -ING, -S]
MOAI
a huge carved figure on Easter Island [n MOAI]
MOOI
fine (delicate) [adj]
MOUE
a pout [n -S]
NAOI
NAOS, a Greek temple [n]
OBIA
an African witchcraft [n -S]
OBOE
a woodwind instrument [n -S]
ODEA
ODEUM, a concert hall, also ODEON [n]
OGEE
an S shaped moulding [n -S]
OHIA
a tropical tree [n -S]
OLEA
OLEUM, oil [n]
OLEO
margarine [n -S]
OLIO
a miscellaneous collection [n -S]
ONIE
any (Scots), also ONY [adj]
OOSE
fluff [n -S]
OOZE
to leak slowly [v OOZED, OOZING, OOZES]
OUMA
grandmother (Afrikaans) [n -S]
OUPA
grandfather (Afrikaans) [n -S]
OUZO
a Greek liqueur [n -S]
PAUA
abalone, also PAWA [n -S]
QUAI
a wharf, also QUAY [n -S]
RAIA
a non-Muslim inhabitant of Turkey, also RAYAH, RAYA [n -S]
ROUE
a lecherous man [n -S]
TOEA
a monetary unit of Papua New Guinea [n -S]
UNAI
a two-toed sloth, also UNAU [n -S]
UNAU
a two-toed sloth, also UNAI [n -S]
URAO
a chemical compound, also NATRON [n -S]
UREA
a chemical compound [n -S]
UVAE
UVA, also UVAS [n]
UVEA
a layer of the eye [n -S]
VIAE
VIA, a way [n]
ZOEA
the larval stage of crabs, also ZOOEA [n ZOEAS or ZOEAE]

Consonant-Heavy Four Letter Words

As it is easier to score well from a consonant-heavy rack than a vowel-heavy rack, being laden with too many consonants is not quite as disastrous as being laden with too many vowels.

Nonetheless, you will still frequently come across tight board positions where a rack full of consonants will constipate you unless you act on it.

Once again, the way to act on it is to master all of the small words containing lots of consonants. Whereas only one of the four letter words contains all vowels, 47 of the four letter words contain all consonants.

Here they are...

BRRR
used to indicate that one is cold, also BRR [interj]
BYRL
to carouse [v -ED, -ING, -S]
CWMS
CWM, a deep basin on a mountain, also CIRQUE, CORRIE [n]
CYST
a sac (a pouchlike structure in an animal or plant) [n -S]
DRYS
DRY, a prohibitionist [n]
FYRD
local militia in Anglo-Saxon times [n -S]
GYMP
to trim with gimp [v -ED, -ING, -S]
GYMS
GYM, a room for athletic activities [n]
GYNY
gynaecology [n GYNIES]
GYPS
GYP, to swindle, also GIP [v]
HWYL
emotional fervour [n -S]
HYMN
to sing a song of praise to god [v -ED, -ING, -S]
HYPS
HYP, to offend [v]
JYNX
the wryneck, a bird related to the woodpecker [n -ES]
KYND
to beget, also KYNDE [v -ED, -ING, -S]
LYCH
a corpse, also LICH [n LYCHES]
LYMS
LYM, a leash, also LYAM, LYME [n]
LYNX
a short-tailed wildcat [n -ES]
MYCS
MYC, a cancer-causing gene [n]
MYTH
a type of traditional story, also MYTHOS, MYTHUS [n -S]
PFFT
used to express a sudden ending [interj]
PRYS
an old spelling of PRICE [n -ES]
PSST
used to attract attention [interj]
RYND
an iron support [n -S]
SCRY
to engage in crystal gazing [v SCRIED or SCRYDE

SCRYING, SCRIES]
SKRY
to decry [v SKRIED, SKRYING, SKRIES]
SKYF
to smoke (South African) [v -ED, -ING, -S]
SKYR
curd [n -S]
SPRY
nimble [adj SPRIER, SPRIEST, SPRYER, SPRYEST]
SYNC
to cause to operate in unison, also SYNCH [v -ED, -ING, -S]
SYND
to rinse [v -ED, -ING, -S]
SYPH
a venereal disease, also SYPHILIS [n -S]
TRYP
short for trypanosome (a flagellate protozoon) [n -S]
TSKS
TSK, to utter an exclamation of annoyance, also TSKTSK [v]
TYGS
TYG, an old drinking-cup [n]
TYMP
the plate on a blast-furnace [n -S]
TYND
TIND, to kindle (to cause to burn) [v]
TYPP
a unit of yarn size [n -S]
TYPY
conforming to the strict characteristics of a group, also TYPEY

[adj TYPIER, TYPIEST]
WHYS
WHY, the reason or cause of something [n]
WYCH
a tree [n -ES]
WYND
a narrow alley [n -S]
WYNN
a rune denoting bliss, also WYN [n -S]
WYNS
WYN, a rune denoting bliss, also WYNN [n]
XYST
a training area in ancient Greece, also XYSTUS, XYSTOS [n -S]
YMPT
YMPE, to graft [v]
ZZZS
sleep [n ZZZS]

Heavy Four Letter Words

The heavy four letter words are defined as those containing a 'J', 'Q', 'X', or 'Z'. These tiles are among the ten so-called power tiles of Scrabble. The other power tiles are the blanks and 'S' tiles. They are called power tiles for a reason - they enable you to do some power scoring (although the 'Q' is really a mixed-fortune tile).

With practice you can, and should, come to know virtually all, if not all, of the four letter words containing these tiles.

Most people find it easier to learn the four letter words containing these tiles in separate groups (four letter words containing 'J', four letter words containing 'Q', etc.), so that's how I've organised things here.

Four Letter Words Containing 'J'

Here are all 142 four letter words containing 'J' that are allowed in Scrabble...

AJAR
partly open [adj]
AJEE
off the straight [adv]
BAJU
a short Malayan jacket [n -S]
BENJ
narcotic hemp [n -ES]
DJIN
a supernatural being in Muslim mythology, also DJINN, DJINNI,

DJINNY, GENIE, JANN, JIN, JINN, JINNEE, JINNI [n -S]
DOJO
a school that teaches judo or karate [n -S]
FUJI
a silk fabric [n -S]
GAJO
a non-gypsy [n -S]
GJUS
GJU, an old Shetland viol, also GUE, GU [n]
HADJ
a pilgrimage to Mecca, also HAJ, HAJJ [n -ES]
HAJI
a person who has made a hadj, also HADJI, HADJEE, HAJJI [n -S]
HAJJ
a pilgrimage to Mecca, also HADJ, HAJ [n -ES]
JAAP
an ignorant fool (South African) [n -S]
JABS
JAB, to poke sharply [v]
JACK
to raise with a type of lever [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JADE
to weary [v JADED, JADING, JADES]
JAFA
a person from Auckland (offensive) [n -S]
JAGA
a watchman (Indonesia) [n -S]

to guard [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAGG
to cut unevenly, also JAG [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAGS
JAG, to cut unevenly, also JAGG [v]
JAIL
to imprison [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAKE
a yokel (a country bumpkin) [n -S]
JAKS
JAK, a type of fruit [n]
JAMB
to force together tightly [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAMS
JAM, to force together tightly [v]
JANE
a woman [n -S]
JANN
a supernatural being in Muslim mythology, also DJIN, DJINN, DJINNI,

DJINNY, GENIE, JIN, JINN, JINNEE, JINNI [n -S]
JAPE
to mock [v JAPED, JAPING, JAPES]
JAPS
JAP, to spatter [v]
JARK
a pass [n -S]
JARL
a Scandinavian nobleman [n -S]
JARP
to take part in an Easter competition [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JARS
JAR, to vibrate from an impact [v]
JASP
a precious stone [n -S]
JASS
jazz, a musical form with syncopated rhythms [n -ES]
JASY
a wig, also JASEY, JAZY [n JASIES]
JATO
jet assisted take off [n -S]
JAUK
to dawdle [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAUP
to splash [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JAVA
coffee [n -S]
JAWS
JAW, to jabber [v]
JAXY
the posterior, also JAXIE, JACKSIE, JACKSY [n JAXIES]
JAYS
JAY, a corvine bird, also JAYBIRD [n]
JAZY
a wig, also JASEY, JASY [n JAZIES]
JAZZ
to liven up the beat of [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JEAN
a durable cotton fabric [n -S]
JEAT
a spout [n -S]
JEDI
a follower of Jedi philosophy (Star Wars film) [n -S]
JEED
JEE, to turn to the right [v]
JEEL
to congeal [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JEEP
to travel by a four wheeled drive vehicle [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JEER
to mock [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JEES
JEE, to turn to the right [v]
JEEZ
a mild oath, also GEEZ [interj]
JEFE
a chief [n -S]
JEFF
to ruthlessly downsize, also KENNETT [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JEHU
a fast driver [n -S]
JELL
to congeal [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JEON
a monetary unit of South Korea [n JEON]
JERK
to move spasmodically [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JESS
to fasten straps to a hawk's legs, also JESSE [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JEST
to joke [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JETE
a ballet leap [n -S]
JETS
JET, to spurt forth in a stream [v]
JEUX
JEU, a game [n]
JEWS
JEW, to barter successfully [v]
JIAO
a monetary unit of China, also CHIAO [n -S]
JIBB
to shift from side to side while sailing [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JIBE
to jeer [v JIBED, JIBING, JIBES]
JIBS
JIB, to draw back, to renegue [v]
JIFF
a short time, also JIFFY [n -S]
JIGS
JIG, to bob (to move quickly up and down) [v]
JILL
a liquid measure [n -S]
JILT
to discard a lover [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JIMP
natty (neatly dressed) [adj JIMPER, JIMPEST]
JINK
to dodge nimbly [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JINN
a supernatural being in Muslim mythology, also DJIN, DJINN, DJINNI,

DJINNY, GENIE, JANN, JIN, JINNEE, JINNI [n -S]
JINS
JIN, a supernatural being in Muslim mythology [n]
JINX
to bring bad luck to [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JIRD
an African gerbil [n -S]
JISM
energy, also GISM [n -S]
JIVE
to dance to jazz or swing music [v JIVED, JIVING, JIVES]
JIVY
lively [adj JIVIER, JIVIEST]
JIZZ
characteristic features [n -ES]
JOBE
to reprimand tediously [v JOBED, JOBING, JOBES]
JOBS
JOB, to do piece work [v]
JOCK
an athletic support [n -S]
JOCO
cheerful [adj]
JOES
JOE, a fellow [n]
JOEY
a young kangaroo [n -S]
JOGS
JOG, to run at a slow, steady pace [v]
JOHN
a toilet [n -S]
JOIN
to unite [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JOKE
to say something amusing [v JOKED, JOKING, JOKES]
JOKY
amusing, also JOKEY [adj JOKIER, JOKIEST,]
JOLE
to bump, also JOLL, JOWL, JOULE [v JOLED, JOLING, JOLES]
JOLL
to bump, also JOLE, JOWL, JOULE [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JOLS
JOL, to have a good time (S African) [v JOLLED, JOLLING, JOLS]
JOLT
to jar [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JOMO
a cross between a yak and cow, also ZHO, DSO, DZHO, DZO [n -S]
JONG
friend (Afrikaans) [n -S]
JOOK
to duck [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JORS
JOR, a part of a raga (Indian music) [n]
JOSH
to tease [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JOSS
a Chinese idol [n -ES]
JOTA
a Spanish dance [n -S]
JOTS
JOT, to note quickly [v]
JOUK
to dodge [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JOUR
a day [n -S]
JOWL
to bump, also JOLE, JOLL, JOULE [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JOWS
JOW, to ring a bell [v]
JOYS
JOY, to rejoice [v]
JUBA
a lively dance [n -S]
JUBE
a platform in a church [n -S]
JUCO
junior college [n -S]
JUDO
a form of jujitsu [n -S]
JUDS
JUD, a mass of coal holed ready for removal [n]
JUDY
a girl (a female child (a young person)) [n JUDIES]
JUGA
JUGUM, a pair of opposite leaves [n]
JUGS
JUG, to stew in a closed container [v]
JUJU
a fetish or charm [n -S]
JUKE
to dance [v JUKED, JUKING, JUKES]
JUKU
Japanese martial art [n -S]
JUMP
to leap into the air [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JUNK
to discard as trash [v -ED, -ING, -S]
JUPE
a woman's jacket [n -S]
JURA
JUS, a legal right [n]
JURE
by law [adv]
JURY
to select material for exhibition [v JURIED, JURYING, JURIES]
JUST
engage in personal combat [v -ED, -ING, -S]

fair,impartial, also JOUST [adj JUSTER, JUSTEST,]
JUTE
a strong, coarse fibre [n -S]
JUTS
JUT, to protrude [v]
JUVE
a juvenile lead [n -S]
JYNX
the wryneck, a bird related to the woodpecker [n -ES]
KOJI
a Japanese fungus which breaks down soy beans [n -S]
MOJO
a magic charm [n MOJOS or MOJOES]
PUJA
a Hindu worship practice, also POOJA, POOJAH, PUJAH [n -S]
RAJA
a king or prince in India, also RAJAH [n -S]
ROJI
a Japanese garden design [n -S]
SIJO
a Korean verse [n -S]
SJOE
wow (S Africa) [interj]
SOJA
the soybean [n -S]

Four Letter Words Containing 'Q'

The 'Q' is a tile that sometimes gets you out of trouble with a quick and easy 60 points, and other times enables your opponent to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by sticking you with it in the endgame. In either case, the only way to manage your 'Q' consistently is to learn every single one of the four letter words containing the 'Q' immediately. The good news is, there are relatively few of them. 22 to be exact.

Here are all 22 four letter words containing the dreaded 'Q'...

AQUA
water [n AQUAS or AQUAE]
QADI
a Muslim judge, also CADI [n -S]
QAID
a Muslim leader, also CAID [n -S]
QATS
QAT, an evergreen shrub, also KAT, KHAT [n]
QOPH
a Hebrew letter, also KOPH [n -S]
QUAD
to space by means of quadrats [v QUADDED, QUADDING, QUADS]
QUAG
a quagmire [n -S]
QUAI
a wharf, also QUAY [n -S]
QUAT
a pimple [n -S]
QUAY
a wharf, also QUAI [n -S]
QUEP
expressing derision [interj]
QUEY
a young cow [n -S]
QUID
a pound sterling [n -S]
QUIM
female genitalia [n -S]
QUIN
a quintuplet [n -S]
QUIP
to make witty remarks [v QUIPPED, QUIPPING, QUIPS]
QUIT
to depart from or stop, also QUITE [v QUITTED, QUITTING, QUITS]
QUIZ
to interrogate [v QUIZZED, QUIZZING, QUIZZES]
QUOD
to imprison [v QUODDED, QUODDING, QUODS]
QUOP
to throb [v QUOPPED, QUOPPING, QUOPS]
SUQS
SUQ, a marketplace in the Middle East [n]
WAQF
a donation for pious purposes, also WAKF [n -S]

Four Letter Words Containing 'X'

The 'X' is the most reliable high-scoring letter. But it is only reliable, if you've learnt what to do with it.

Here are 84 four letter words that will help you consistently score huge points when your rack contains an 'X'...

APEX
the topmost point [n APEXES or APICES]
AXAL
pertaining to an axis, also AXIAL [adj]
AXED
AX, to chop with a cutting tool [v]
AXEL
a figure skating jump [n -S]
AXES
AX, to chop with a cutting tool [v]
AXIL
the upper angle between leaf and stem [n -S]
AXIS
a line about which a body rotates [n AXES]

an Asian deer [n AXISES]
AXLE
a shaft upon which a wheel revolves [n -S]
AXON
an extension of a nerve cell [n -S]
BOXY
like a box [adj BOXIER, BOXIEST]
BRUX
to grind teeth together [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
CALX
a mineral residue [n CALXES or CALCES]
COAX
to cajole (to persuade by flattery) [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
COXA
the hip bone [n COXAE]
COXY
self-important, also COCKSY [adj COXIER, COXIEST]
CRUX
a basic or decisive point [n CRUXES or CRUCES]
DEXY
a tablet of dex, also DEXIE [n DEXIES]
DIXI
I have spoken [interj]
DIXY
a camp-kettle, also DIXIE [n DIXIES]
DOUX
very sweet (used of champagne) [adj]
DOXY
a doctrine, also DOXIE [n DOXIES]
EAUX
EAU, a river or water [n]
EXAM
an examination [n -S]
EXEC
an executive officer [n -S]
EXED
EX, to cross out [v EXED, EXES, EXING]
EXES
EX, the letter X [n]
EXIT
to go out [v -ED, -ING, -S]
EXON
a sequence which codes for protein synthesis [n -S]
EXPO
a public exhibition [n -S]
EXUL
an exile [n -S]
FAIX
faith [interj]
FALX
a sickle-shaped structure [n FALCES]
FAUX
not genuine; fake [adj]
FIXT
FIX, to repair [v]
FLAX
the fibres of the plant linum [n -ES]
FLEX
to bend [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FLIX
to have fur [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FLUX
to melt, also FLIX [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FOXY
crafty [adj FOXIER, FOXIEST]
GREX
a group of plants with a common hybrid ancestor [n -ES]
HOAX
to trick [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
IBEX
a wild goat [n IBEXES or IBICES]
ILEX
a shrub of the holly family [n ILEXES or ILICES]
IXIA
a flowering plant [n -S]
JAXY
the posterior, also JAXIE, JACKSIE, JACKSY [n JAXIES]
JEUX
JEU, a game [n]
JINX
to bring bad luck to [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JYNX
the wryneck, a bird related to the woodpecker [n -ES]
LANX
a platter [n LANCES]
LUXE
luxury [n -S]
LYNX
a short-tailed wildcat [n -ES]
MAXI
a long skirt or coat [n -S]
MINX
a pert girl [n -ES]
MIXT
MIX, to combine together [v]
MIXY
mixed [adj MIXIER, MIXIEST]
MOXA
a Chinese plant [n -S]
MYXO
myxomatosis, a disease introduced to control rabbits [n -S]
NEXT
the person or thing that comes immediately after [n -S]
NIXE
NIX, a water sprite [n]
NIXY
an undeliverable piece of mail [n NIXIES]
ONYX
a variety of quartz [n -ES]
ORYX
an African antelope [n -ES]
OXEN
OX, a hoofed mammal [n]
OXER
an ox-fence [n -S]
OXES
OX, a clumsy person [n]
OXID
oxide (a compound of oxygen) [n -S]
OXIM
a chemical compound, also OXIME [n -S]
PIXY
a mischievous fairy of elf [n PIXIES]
PLEX
short form of multiplex [n -ES]
POXY
dirty [adj POXIER, POXIEST]
PREX
a president, also PREXY [n -ES]
ROUX
a mixture of butter and flour [n ROUX]
SAXE
as in saxe blue [adj]
SEXT
one of the seven daily periods for prayers [n -S]
SEXY
arousing sexual desire [adj SEXIER, SEXIEST]
TAXA
TAXON, a unit of scientific classification [n]
TAXI
to travel in a taxicab [v TAXIED, TAXIING, TAXIS or TAXIES]
TEXT
to send a text message by mobile phone [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ULEX
a plant of the gorse genus [n -ES]
VEXT
VEX, to annoy [v]
WAXY
resembling wax [adj WAXIER, WAXIEST]
WEXE
to wax [v WEXED, WEXING, WEXES]
XYST
a training area in ancient Greece, also XYSTUS, XYSTOS [n -S]
YUNX
a genus of small birds [n -ES]

Four Letter Words Containing 'Z'

The 'Z' is the second most consistently high-scoring tile in Scrabble (second only to the 'X').

There are 140 four letter words containing the 'Z', and just like the other heavy tiles, you should do your utmost to learn all of them.

Here they are...

ADZE
to dress timber with an adze, also ADZ [v ADZED, ADZING, ADZES]
AZAN
the Muslim call to prayer, also ADHAN [n -S]
AZON
a radio-controlled aerial bomb [n -S]
AZYM
unleavened bread, also AZYME [n -S]
BIZE
a cold wind in Switzerland, also BISE [n -S]
BOZO
a dim-witted fellow [n -S]
BUZZ
to make a vibrating sound [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
CHEZ
at the home of [prep]
CHIZ
to cheat [v CHIZZED, CHIZZING]
COZE
to chat [v COZED, COZING, COZES]
COZY
to attempt to get on friendly terms, also COSY

[v COZIED, COZYING, COZIES]

snug and comfortable, also COSY, COZIER, COZIEST [adj]
CZAR
an emperor or king, also TSAR, TZAR, KSAR [n -S]
DAZE
to stun [v DAZED, DAZING, DAZES]
DITZ
a silly person [n -ES]
DOZE
to sleep lightly [v DOZED, DOZING, DOZES]
DOZY
drowsy [adj DOZIER, DOZIEST]
DZHO
a cross between a yak and cow, also ZHO, DSO, DZO, JOMO [n -S]
DZOS
DZO, a cross between a yak and cow [n]
FAZE
to unsettle, also FEASE, FEAZE, FEESE, FEEZE, PHEESE, PHEEZE

PHESE [v FAZED, FAZING, FAZES]
FIZZ
to make a hissing or sputtering sound [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FOZY
lacking in freshness [adj FOZIER, FOZIEST]
FRIZ
to curl hair tightly, also FRIZZ, FRIZZLE [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FUTZ
to spend time aimlessly [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
FUZE
to equip with a detonating device, also FUSE [v FUZED,

FUZING, FUZES]
FUZZ
to become fuzzy [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
GAZE
to look intently [v GAZED, GAZING, GAZES]
GAZY
given to gazing [adj GAZIER, GAZIEST]
GEEZ
a mild oath, also JEEZ [interj]
GIZZ
a wig [n -ES]
HAZE
to make a shimmering vapour [v HAZED, HAZING, HAZES]
HAZY
unclear (not clear) [adj HAZIER, HAZIEST]
HIZZ
to hiss (to make a sibilant sound) [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
IZAR
an outer garment worn by Muslim women [n -S]
JAZY
a wig, also JASEY, JASY [n JAZIES]
JAZZ
to liven up the beat of [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
JEEZ
a mild oath, also GEEZ [interj]
JIZZ
characteristic features [n -ES]
KAZI
a lavatory, also KHAZI, CARSEY, KARZY, KARSY, KARSEY [n -S]
KUZU
a thickening agent used in a macrobiotic diet [n -S]
LAZE
to pass time idly [v LAZED, LAZING, LAZES]
LAZO
to catch with a long rope with a running noose, also LASSO, LARIAT

[v LAZOED, LAZOING, LAZOES or LAZOS]
LAZY
to move or lie sluggishly [v LAZIED, LAZYING, LAZIES]

disinclined toward work or exertion [adj LAZIER, LAZIEST]
LEZZ
a lesbian, also LEZ, LEZZA, LEZZIE, LEZZY [n -ES]
LUTZ
a jump in figure skating [n -ES]
MAZE
to bewilder [v MAZED, MAZING, MAZES]
MAZY
full of confusing turns and passages [adj MAZIER, MAZIEST]
MEZE
a Greek or Middle Eastern appetizer, also MEZZE [n -S]
MEZZ
a mezzanine floor [n -ES]
MIZZ
misery [n -ES]
MOZE
to raise a nap on [v MOZED, MOZING, MOZES]
MOZO
a manual labourer [n -S]
MOZZ
a curse [n -ES]
MUZZ
to make muzzy (confused) [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
MZEE
an old person in East Africa [n -S]
NAZE
a headland [n -S]
NAZI
a type of fascist [n -S]
OOZE
to leak slowly [v OOZED, OOZING, OOZES]
OOZY
slimy [adj OOZIER, OOZIEST]
ORZO
rice-shaped pasta [n -S]
OUZO
a Greek liqueur [n -S]
OYEZ
a proclamation, also OYES [n -ES]
PHIZ
the face [n PHIZES or PHIZZES]
PIZE
to strike somebody [v -ED, -ING, -S]
POZZ
positive, also POZ [adj]
PREZ
a president [n -ES]
PUTZ
to waste time [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
QUIZ
to interrogate [v QUIZZED, QUIZZING, QUIZZES]
RAZE
to demolish, also RASE [v RAZED, RAZING, RAZES]
RAZZ
to deride [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
RITZ
pretentious display [n -ES]
RIZA
an ornamental plate [n -S]
SITZ
a type of hip bath [n pl.]
SIZE
to cover with a weak gluey material [v SIZED, SIZING, SIZES]
SIZY
thick and adhesive [adj SIZIER, SIZIEST]
SPAZ
a clumsy, foolish, or incompetent person [n pl.]
SWIZ
to defraud, also SWIZZ [v SWIZZED, SWIZZING]
TIZZ
a state of agitation [n -ES]
TOZE
to tease out [v TOZED, TOZING, TOZES]
TREZ
threepence, also TREYBIT [n -ES]
TUZZ
a tuft [n -ES]
TZAR
an emperor or king, also TSAR, CZAR, KSAR [n -S]
VIZY
to look at closely, also VIZZIE [v VIZIED, VIZYING, VIZIES]
WHIZ
to move rapidly with a hissing sound, also WHIZZ [v WHIZZED,

WHIZZING]
YUTZ
fool (Yiddish) [n -ES]
YUZU
a type of Japanese citrus fruit [n -S]
ZACK
a sixpence (a British coin) [n -S]
ZAGS
ZAG, to change course sharply [v]
ZANY
to play the zany to [v ZANIED, ZANYING, ZANIES]

crazy or clownish [adj ZANIER, ZANIEST]
ZAPS
ZAP, to kill or destroy instantaneously [v]
ZARF
a holder for a cup [n -S]
ZATI
the bonnet-monkey [n -S]
ZEAL
enthusiasm [n -S]
ZEAS
ZEA, the stigma of a cereal plant [n]
ZEBU
an Asian ox [n -S]
ZEDS
ZED, the letter Z [n]
ZEES
ZEE, the letter Z [n]
ZEIN
a maize protein [n -S]
ZEKS
ZEK, a prisoner in a labour camp in USSR [n]
ZELS
ZEL, an Oriental cymbal [n]
ZEPS
ZEP, a long zeppelin shaped sandwich [n]
ZERK
a grease fitting [n -S]
ZERO
to aim at the centre of a target [v ZEROED, ZEROING,

ZEROES or ZEROS]
ZEST
to be enthusiastic [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ZETA
a Greek letter [n -S]
ZEZE
a musical instrument [n -S]
ZHOS
ZHO, a cross between a yak and cow [n]
ZIFF
a beard [n -S]
ZIGS
ZIG, to change course sharply [v]
ZILA
an administrative district in British India, also ZILLA, ZILLAH [n -S]
ZILL
a finger cymbal [n -S]
ZIMB
an Ethiopian insect [n -S]
ZINC
to coat with a metallic element [v ZINCKED or ZINCED,

ZINCKING or ZINCING, ZINCS]
ZINE
a magazine for specialist interests [n -S]
ZING
to move with zest [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ZINS
ZIN, a dry, red table wine [n]
ZIPS
ZIP, to fasten with a metal fastener with teeth [v]
ZITE
a type of pasta like macaroni, also ZITI [n]
ZITI
a type of pasta like macaroni, also ZITE [n -S]
ZITS
ZIT, a pimple [n]
ZIZZ
to nap [v -ED, -ING, -ES]
ZOBO
a male cross of a yak and a cow, also ZOBU [n -S]
ZOBU
a male cross of a yak and a cow, also ZOBO [n -S]
ZOEA
the larval stage of crabs, also ZOOEA [n ZOEAS or ZOEAE]
ZOIC
pertaining to animals [adj]
ZOLS
ZOL, a spliff, a marijuana cigarette [n]
ZONA
a belt [n ZONAE]
ZONE
to arrange in areas [v ZONED, ZONING, ZONES]
ZONK
to stupefy [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ZOOM
to move with a buzzing sound [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ZOON
the whole product of one fertilized egg [n ZOONS or ZOA]

to zoom [v -ED, -ING, -S]
ZOOS
ZOO, a home for animals in captivity [n]
ZOOT
as in zoot suit [adj]
ZORI
a type of sandal [n -S]
ZOUK
dance music [n -S]
ZULU
a fishing vessel [n -S]
ZUPA
a confederation of village communities [n -S]
ZURF
a coffee-cup holder [n -S]
ZYGA
ZYGON, a H shaped fissure of the brain [n]
ZYME
a ferment [n -S]
ZZZS
sleep [n ZZZS]

There are many more useful groups of four letter words to study once you've mastered the ones on this page. I particularly recommend you study the four letter words that look like they would take an 'S' but don't, and the four letter words that look like they don't take an 'S' but do.

But I've done enough of your work for you for the time being. I'll leave these for you to put together ;-)

A Couple of Handy Resources

If you don't think you have a good enough memory to pull off feats like this, let me assure you that you do not need photographic memory. If you don't believe me, take it from USA memory champion, Ron White : "Anyone can do this!"

And finally, it's a good idea to have a list of all the small Scrabble words sorted alphabetically for easy searching. So make sure you grab a copy of...

Word Buff's FREE Downloadable
Mini Scrabble Dictionary

As part of my effort to compile a free library of Scrabble cheats, I've put together a 39 page mini online Scrabble dictionary containing all the short Scrabble words. As I explain in the book's introduction, the short words are by far the most important ones to learn first.

Here's a snippet...

I've carefully highlighted which words are from which dictionaries to help you avoid learning phonies. I've put a downloadable copy in the Members Area. If you'd like to get your hands on it right now...

Just tell me where to send it!






Return to Word Lists from Four Letter Words

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