Our Check Dictionary instantly verifies words against official Scrabble & Words With Friends lists. Settle debates, check spellings & learn definitions.
The tiles hit the board. Your opponent smirks and announces a 40-point word you’re pretty sure they just made up. ZAX.
The game stops. The challenge hangs in the air: “That’s not a real word.”
Welcome to the most common argument in word games. You need an impartial referee. An expert authority who can deliver a final, binding verdict in seconds.
This Dictionary Checker is that referee. It’s here to end arguments, verify plays, and uphold the rules of the game.
How to Settle Any Debate in Seconds
When a game is on the line, you need answers fast. Here’s the deal.
1. Enter the Word in Question: In the search box, type the single word whose legitimacy is being challenged.
2. Choose the Right Dictionary: This is the most important step. Select the correct dictionary for the game you’re playing.
3. Get the Instant Verdict: Hit “Check Word.” You’ll get an immediate and clear result. End of argument.
Here’s a Secret: Not All Dictionaries Are the Same
This is the thing that separates the rookies from the pros. A word might be totally legal in one game but completely invalid in another. A generic Google search won’t cut it. You need the official list for the game you’re actually playing.
- Scrabble® (US/Canada): The official rulebook here is the NWL (NASPA Word List). It’s the tournament standard, and its rulings are final.
- Scrabble® (UK/World): Playing internationally? Then you’re playing under SOWPODS rules. And yes, the words are different.
- Words With Friends®: This is a whole other beast. The ENABLE word list is the law here, and it’s known for being more modern and permissive. Our Words With Friends Cheat is an expert in these specific rules.
More Than a Verdict: Definitions Included
Our word checker doesn’t just give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. If a word is valid, we’ll also show you its definition.
So when you prove that ‘ZAX’ is a real word, you can also confidently inform the table that it’s “a tool for cutting roofing slates.”
It’s the perfect way to win the argument and learn something new.
Part of a Bigger Toolkit
This official word list checker is a vital part of any serious player’s toolkit. It’s the perfect companion to our other tools that help you find the words in the first place.
- Need a list of suspects? Our main word unscrambler can analyze a jumble of letters and report all possible findings.
- Is the clue a coded message? If you suspect an anagram, our anagram solver is the specialist for cracking the code.
- Stuck in a grid? Our Crossword Solver can analyze the whole scene for clues.
- For your daily puzzles, consult our experts for the Wordle Solver and Quordle Solver.
What is the official Scrabble dictionary?
For North America (US/Canada), the official dictionary is the NASPA Word List (NWL), previously known as the TWL. For most of the rest of the world, it’s the SOWPODS list, also known as Collins Scrabble Words (CSW). Our Scrabble dictionary checker lets you choose the right one.
How do I know if a word is valid in Words With Friends?
The easiest way is to use our tool and select the ENABLE dictionary. Words With Friends uses its own unique and massive word list, which includes many words (like modern slang) that are not allowed in traditional Scrabble.
Is this dictionary checker up to date?
Absolutely. We keep our word lists updated to reflect the latest official versions used in tournament play. You can trust our word validator to be the final word in any game-night debate.