5 Letter Words
Explore our comprehensive list of 5-letter words perfect for Scrabble, Words With Friends, Wordle, and other word games. Browse by score, starting letter, or game strategy.
Why 5 Letter Words Matter in Word Games
Five-letter words are the sweet spot in most word games. In Scrabble, they're long enough to score well and short enough to fit on the board easily. In Wordle, every answer is exactly 5 letters. Knowing a wide range of 5-letter words gives you a competitive edge across multiple games.
Highest Scoring 5-Letter Words
These 5-letter words earn the most points in Scrabble. Use them on bonus squares for maximum impact.
Common 5-Letter Words (A-F)
Everyday 5-letter words useful in Scrabble, crosswords, and vocabulary building.
Best 5-Letter Words for Wordle
Top starting words and strategic picks for Wordle. These words use the most common English letters and help you eliminate possibilities quickly.
5-Letter Scrabble Strategy Words
Lesser-known but high-value words that can turn the game in your favor.
Browse 5-Letter Words by Starting Letter
Click any letter to explore 5-letter words beginning with that letter.
Word Game Tips
Scrabble Strategy
Five-letter words using J, Q, X, or Z score highest. Place them on Triple Letter or Double Word squares to multiply your points. Words like JAZZY (33 pts) and FUZZY (29 pts) are game-changers.
Wordle Tips
Start with words that use common letters: E, A, R, O, T, L, I, S, N. CRANE, SLATE, and RAISE are top-rated openers because they test 5 different common letters at once.
Words With Friends
Point values differ from Scrabble. Focus on words with H, Y, and W which score higher in Words With Friends. The bonus tile placement is also different, so plan accordingly.
Vocabulary Building
Learning 5-letter words improves both your game performance and everyday vocabulary. Start with common words, then expand to unusual ones like GLYPH, THYME, and ZILCH.
Understanding 5-Letter Word Patterns
Five-letter words follow specific patterns that can help you solve puzzles faster. The most common letter patterns in English 5-letter words are CVCCV and CVCVC. Recognizing these patterns helps you narrow down possibilities in games like Wordle.
The letter E appears most frequently in 5-letter words, followed by A, R, O, and T. About 30% of all 5-letter words contain the letter S, making it one of the most versatile tiles in Scrabble.
5-Letter Words in Competitive Play
In tournament Scrabble, 5-letter words are among the most frequently played. They balance scoring potential with board management. Experienced players maintain a mental list of high-value 5-letter words.
For Wordle players, understanding letter frequency and position is crucial. The letter S is most common in position 1, while E dominates position 5. Middle positions favor A, R, and O.
Related Words & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 5-letter words are there in English?
There are approximately 8,000+ valid 5-letter words in the standard Scrabble dictionary (TWL/NWL). The number varies by dictionary. Our list covers all words accepted in major word games.
What is the highest scoring 5-letter word in Scrabble?
JAZZY is the highest-scoring 5-letter word in Scrabble, worth 33 points without any bonus squares. Other high scorers include FUZZY (29 pts), FIZZY (29 pts), and DIZZY (27 pts).
What are the best 5-letter words for Wordle?
The best Wordle starting words use the most common English letters. Top picks include CRANE, SLATE, TRACE, RAISE, and ARISE. These words test frequently used letters across different positions.
What 5-letter words have the most vowels?
Five-letter words with the most vowels include ADIEU (4 vowels), AUDIO (4 vowels), OORIE (4 vowels), and OURIE (4 vowels). These can be useful in Wordle to quickly identify which vowels are in the answer.
How can I find 5-letter words with specific letters?
Use our Word Unscrambler tool. Enter your available letters and it will find all valid words. You can also use wildcards (? or _) for unknown letters.