Words With Z: High-Scoring Scrabble and Word Game Words You Need to Know

Why Z Is Your Secret Weapon in Word Games

The letter Z is worth 10 points in Scrabble and Words With Friends — tied with Q for the highest tile value in the game. But unlike Q, which usually needs a U to function, Z is remarkably flexible. It pairs with every vowel, works in dozens of short words, and can be deployed on premium squares for devastating scores. Master Z words and you’ll consistently outperform opponents who panic when they draw this tile.

Essential Two-Letter Z Words

These tiny words are the foundation of high-scoring Z plays. Memorize all of them:

ZA (a type of pizza) — This is arguably the most useful Z word in the game. At just two letters, it fits almost anywhere and scores a minimum of 11 points. On a double letter score for the Z, that jumps to 21 points. Play it parallel to an existing word for even more.

ZO (a Tibetan yak hybrid) — Valid in SOWPODS but not TWL. If you play international Scrabble rules, this is invaluable.

Don’t forget that Z combines with two-letter words in parallel plays. Setting ZA alongside an existing word like IT creates both ZA and ZI (or similar combinations), scoring for multiple words simultaneously.

High-Scoring Short Z Words (3-4 Letters)

These words are your bread and butter for everyday Z plays:

ZAP (14 pts), ZEN (12 pts), ZIT (12 pts), ZAG (13 pts), ZIG (13 pts) — Common words that are easy to play in tight board positions.

ZEP (14 pts), ZEK (16 pts), ZAX (19 pts) — Less common but higher-scoring. ZAX (a tool for cutting roofing slates) is particularly valuable at 19 base points.

QUIZ (22 pts), ZINC (15 pts), ZONE (13 pts), ZEAL (13 pts), ZERO (13 pts) — Familiar words that most players know. QUIZ is especially powerful because it also uses the Q without requiring a separate U tile.

FIZZ (25 pts), FUZZ (25 pts), BUZZ (24 pts), JAZZ (29 pts) — Double-Z words score enormously even before premium squares. JAZZ on a double word score is 58 points from a four-letter word.

Power Z Words for Scrabble (5+ Letters)

When you have the tiles for longer Z words, the scoring potential is massive:

PIZZA (25 pts) — Everyone knows this word, and it scores well with two Z’s. Place the first Z on a premium square for maximum impact.

QUARTZ (24 pts) — Uses two of the three highest-value tiles (Q and Z). On a triple word score, this hits 72 base points, and with premium letter bonuses it can exceed 100.

FREEZE (18 pts), BREEZE (17 pts), SNEEZE (15 pts) — Common double-E + Z words that are easy to remember and frequently playable.

ZIGZAG (26 pts) — Uses the Z twice and is one of the coolest-looking words you can play on a board. At 26 base points, it’s strong even without premium squares.

ORGANIZE (18 pts), MAXIMIZE (28 pts), OPTIMIZE (21 pts) — Long words ending in -IZE. These are bingo candidates (using all 7 tiles) that earn the 50-point bonus on top of their already high base scores.

Z Words Most Players Don’t Know

These lesser-known Z words can give you an edge when common plays aren’t available:

ADZE (14 pts) — A woodworking tool. Short, high-scoring, and uses common letters.

CZAR (15 pts) — An emperor or authority figure. Valid in both TWL and SOWPODS.

RAZZ (22 pts) — To tease or ridicule. Double-Z in four letters.

TOPAZ (16 pts) — The gemstone. Places well because T, O, P, A are all common letters you’ll frequently have.

WALTZ (17 pts) — The dance. Easy to remember and scores well.

KAZOO (18 pts) — The musical instrument. Uses two O’s, which helps when you’re vowel-heavy.

PIEZO (16 pts) — Relating to electric charge produced by pressure. Valid in tournament Scrabble and surprises opponents.

HAFIZ (20 pts) — A Muslim who knows the Quran by heart. One of the highest-scoring 5-letter Z words.

Strategic Tips for Playing Z

Don’t hold Z too long. Unlike the blank tile, Z doesn’t gain value by waiting. If you can score 20+ points with Z now, play it. Holding it clogs your rack and costs you flexibility.

Target premium squares aggressively. Z on a triple letter score is worth 30 points for that letter alone. Combined with a double word score, even a simple ZA can score 40+ points.

Use Z in parallel plays. Playing ZA, ZO, or short Z words parallel to existing words lets you score for multiple words in a single turn. This is where two-letter Z word knowledge pays off most.

Pair Z with high-frequency letters. Words like ZONE, MAZE, SIZE, and RAZE use common tiles (E, A, N, O, R, S) that you’re likely to have. You rarely need to “save up” special tiles to use Z effectively.

Remember the -IZE ending. Dozens of English words end in -IZE: SIZE, PRIZE, SEIZE, GLAZE. If you have Z plus I and E, scan for -IZE opportunities immediately.

Need to find the perfect Z word for your tiles? Use our Word Unscrambler — just include Z with your available letters to see every possible word you can play.