One of the luxuries of word-building games is that they never get old, and the more you play, the stronger your vocabulary. Plus, there are seemingly as many words in the English language as there are stars in the night sky, which means you never have to worry about running out!
According to Merriam-Webster, “It has been estimated that the vocabulary of English includes roughly 1 million words (although most linguists would take that estimate with a chunk of salt, and some have said they wouldn’t be surprised if it is off the mark by a quarter-million); that tally includes the myriad names of chemicals and other scientific entities.”
It’s never too late to add as many new words to your arsenal as you possibly can. You could even make it a goal to learn, at minimum, three new words a week; by the end of the year, you’ll have learned 156 new words that you can add to conversations and play in your favorite word-building games!
Understanding Scoring Systems
Many word-building games — including Last Letter First — utilize a unique scoring system that assigns point values to each letter of the alphabet. Commonly used vowels such as “A” and “E” are worth only one point each, but a letter like “Q” will earn you 10!
You have the potential to become a formidable opponent when playing word-building games if you take the time to learn words that will score you big points; in a word-building game like Last Letter First, for example, “muscular” words like “wizardly” and “antiqued” will act as rungs that will help you steadily climb the leaderboard.
If you’re curious about high-scoring words for word-building games, we’re here to share some excellent, reliable words for word building games.
A
Azimuths = 29 Points
“Azimuth” is a navigation term. You can use the plural version of this word when describing the angular positions of celestial objects relative to true north.
Abjured = 28 Points
To “abjure” is to renounce a belief, cause, or claim. For example: “He abjured his former political ideology.”
For more high-scoring A words, check out this blog post.
C
Chintzy = 24 Points
This is such a fun word to say, not to mention use in a sentence: “That chintzy jewelry I bought was fun while it lasted!” By definition, “chintzy” refers to something that is cheaply made and not of high quality.
Cozening = 22 Points
“Cozening” means that someone is using persuasion or flattery to deceive another. This word is going to earn you 22 points on account of “Z,” an all-star letter that’s never going to let you down. If “Z” were an Olympian, let’s just say it would be a repeat gold medalist.
E
Equinox = 23 Points
We have all experienced an “equinox,” which is the time of year when the sun crosses the equator and brings forth a new season. The spring equinox, for example, took place in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20, 2025. The equinox speaks to timing, so this is your friendly reminder to use your high-scoring words when the moment’s just right.
Enzymes = 21 Points
These proteins within the body’s living cells catalyze chemical reactions and are essential for regulating vital biological processes such as digestion and energy production. You need enzymes to survive, and when it comes to word-building games, this word can help you thrive!
Want even more high-scoring words that begin with “E”? Click here!
G
Guzzle = 25 Points
When it’s hot outside or you’ve just finished working out, it’s normal to want to “guzzle” an entire bottle of water. What this word has going for it are those double z’s. This is your friendly little elbow nudge to think of other double-z words if you want to boost your score in word-building games like Last Letter First. Here are a few double-z words: buzzard, razzed, fizzle, muzzle. (You’re welcome!)
Gadzooks = 23 Points
Among the words that start with the letter G, “gadzooks” has got to be the most fun to use not only in word-building games but also in real life. This old-fashioned exclamation can be used to express surprise or annoyance. Try it sometime. “Gadzooks! Where in the world did you find my missing shoe?”
K
Kazoo = 19 Points
Whether you enjoy the sound of a kazoo or find it rather annoying, you can rest assured that playing the kazoo in Last Letter First will be an exciting experience indeed! Comparable, some might say, to a mic drop.
Kylix = 19 Points
Another word that’s going to earn you an easy 19 points is “kylix.” This word refers to an ancient Greek drinking cup. What else can we say except, “Cheers!”
M
Mozzarella = 29 Points
You know exactly what to do when you get hungry for pizza: you make your own or order one from your favorite pizza joint. Now you know exactly what to do when an opponent hands you a word that ends with “m”: you drop that metaphorical mozzarella ball and bake 29 points right into your score. Talk about satisfying.
Mizzle = 27 Points
This sounds like a word right up Snoop Dogg’s alley. Are we right or are we right? Snoop sure loves his “izzles,” which is to say that if he were to play Last Letter First, he’d win a lot more than one might expect. (Fo’ shizzle.)
O
Oxidization = 28 Points
Ever notice a car covered in rust? That’s what happens when metal begins to oxidize. Use this word to make your opponent’s shiny score a little less shiny.
Outjinxed = 24 Points
Similar to “gadzooks,” “outjinxed” is a fun word that you can rely on to express surprise or frustration at an unexpected loss. Here’s an example: “The other team totally outjinxed us when their point guard scored a basket with three seconds left in the game!”
Pssssst! More “O” words can be found on this page within our Learning Hub.
S
Snazzy = 27 Points
Know what’s super snazzy? Those aforementioned double z’s combined with a high-powered s. “Snazzy,” which refers to something that’s attention-grabbing, is the word you’ll want to use when your opponent hands you a word that ends in “S.” Try snazzy on for size, and you’ll be well on your way to snagging what some might describe as a stylish victory.
Squeezed = 27 Points
Fresh juice. What you must do to get inside a crowded elevator. Slathering a condiment on your favorite sandwich. Getting that last little bit of toothpaste out of the tube. “Squeezed” helps get you places, is what we’re saying. That even holds true when you’re using this word in word-building games.
Ready to “squeeze” some other S-words into your arsenal? We’ve got you covered.
V
Vulcanize = 23 Points
To vulcanize is to harden a material. It’s often used to treat rubber, making it more elastic and durable. If you choose to use “vulcanize” during word-building games, you’ll be happy to find that it makes your score feel less soft and pliable, if you catch our drift.
Vivify = 18 Points
Play like a victor and use the word “vivify.” It will not only earn you 18 points but also “vivify” your word-building games strategy.
Y
Yellowhammer = 25 Points
Okay, let’s say you’re playing Last Letter First and your opponent sends you an adverb (a word that commonly ends in “ly.”) Now it’s your turn to come up with words that start with Y. For starters, we recommend yellowhammer. The name of this bird will earn you 25 points. Suffice to say, you’ll be flying high!
Yuppifying = 24 Points
If you’re using lengthy, high-scoring words for word-building games, you might be inclined to say that you’re “yuppifying” your strategy. Polishing it. Upgrading it. That kind of thing . . .
Off You Go, Word Building Wordsmith
There are many reasons why Last Letter First is so popular: it’s fun, challenging, and appropriate for all ages. Our word-building game also does a great job of connecting like-minded people; whether you enjoy playing with a sibling, a relative who lives many miles away, or even with strangers, this game caters to word enthusiasts who like opportunities to use and expand their vocabulary.
Ready to play? You can play on your browser, on a tablet, or on your phone (Last Letter First can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play). Choose whichever is most convenient for you, and don’t forget to visit our Learning Hub, which we update regularly.
Gadzooks! It’s time for us to wrap up this post. May your upcoming turns be exciting and your impending scores sky-high!
