Visually, the letter “H” resembles a ladder. Come to think of it, that’s a fitting way to regard the letter “H” when playing Last Letter First: as a ladder of a letter that can help you climb to the top of the leaderboard.
In this blog post, we’re going to highlight the top ten words ending in H. Each of these words will earn you 20 points or more. We invite you to learn these words, commit them to memory, and use them whenever the opportunity arises.
Top Ten Words Ending in H:
10. Relinquish
Relinquish is a verb that represents the act of giving something up. Often, it’s used to describe what happens to a title or record when it’s broken and given to another holder.
Example:
The tennis champion was forced to relinquish his title after his opponent narrowly defeated him.
R(1)+E(1)+L(1)+I(1)+N(1)+Q(10)+U(1)+I(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 22 Points
9. Backwash
Backwash encompasses a few definitions. According to Merriam-Webster, backwash can describe “a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced especially by a propelling force.” It can also refer to the consequences or aftermath of an event or situation. Many people also use this word informally to refer to the saliva and particles that return to the vessel from which they’re drinking.
Examples:
The CEO’s harsh email created a backwash of confusion among all the employees.
My sister won’t let anyone drink from her cup because she can’t stand the idea of drinking someone else’s backwash.
B(3)+A(1)+C(3)+K(5)+W(4)+A(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 22 Points
8. Bequeath
Similar to the word relinquish, the verb bequeath indicates that something is being passed on to another person. However, bequeath tends to refer to property, money, or possessions that a deceased person has distributed to loved ones.
Example:
The grandfather informed all his grandchildren that he would bequeath each of them a special gift upon his passing.
B(3)+E(1)+Q(10)+U(1)+E(1)+A(1)+T(1)+H(4) = 22 Points
7. Vanquish
If you are playing a video game, it’s good news for you if you vanquish the enemy! Synonyms for this word include conquer, defeat, and overcome.
Example:
My goal is to vanquish Bowser next time I play my favorite Mario game on the Nintendo Switch.
V(4)+A(1)+N(1)+Q(10)+U(1)+I(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 23 Points
6. Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a noun used to distinguish a country, state, or community. If you live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, that means that you’re a resident of that state.
Example:
The governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has decided to mandate stricter environmental standards.
C(3)+O(1)+M(3)+M(3)+O(1)+N(1)+W(4)+E(1)+A(1)+L(1)+T(1)+H(4) = 24 Points
5. Quippish
Quippish! What a fun word! Add this one to your ever-growing vocabulary, and use it to describe someone who’s delightfully witty or charmingly clever.
Example:
Our friend group relies on Mark to share quippish comments that make us all laugh, especially because they’re perfectly timed.
Q(10)+U(1)+I(1)+P(3)+P(3)+I(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 24 Points
4. Quackish
Here’s another fun word to say and to use. Quackish is an adjective that can be used to refer to someone who seems fake, pretentious, or downright fraudulent.
Example:
The guest speaker at the event came across as quackish to his audience when he went off on weird tangents about breakfast cereals.
Q(10)+U(1)+A(1)+C(3)+K(5)+I(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 26 Points
3. Jackfish
In North America, jackfish serves as another name for the northern pike. In other locations, jackfish refers to small fish in the jack family, like bluefish or crevalle jack. In other words, if you like to fish, you might be more familiar with this word than others who haven’t hooked a worm to the end of a fishing pole.
Example:
My uncle said he’s hoping to catch some jackfish when he heads out on his boat later this afternoon.
J(8)+A(1)+C(3)+K(5)+F(4)+I(1)+S(1)+H(4) = 27 Points
2. Chutzpah
Do you know people who have so much confidence that, if it could be bottled, they’d have enough to pass around? How about someone who would not flinch at the idea of pulling a prank on a boss during an important meeting? That kind of audacity has a name: chutzpah.
Examples:
Melanie has the most chutzpah I’ve ever seen; when she forgot her own lunch at home, she brazenly stole her co-worker’s meal from the refrigerator.
I don’t have the chutzpah to bet any money on the football game because I’m afraid I’ll lose.
C(3)+H(4)+U(1)+T(1)+Z(10)+P(3)+A(1)+H(4) = 27 Points
1. Huzzah
Like quite a few other words on our list, this is such a fun word to use in a sentence. Huzzah is an exclamation that conveys your delight and/or approval. Prepare to have this word at the ready when you finish a Strands puzzle, complete the day’s Wordle, or win a fierce round of Last Letter First.
Example:
I shouted, “Huzzah!” when I beat my best friend at chess.
H(4)+U(1)+Z(10)+Z(10)+A(1)+H(4) = 30 Points
Rely on the “Ladder H” During Gameplay
As you can see, words ending in “H” can reliably boost your score. Next time you start or join a game of Last Letter First, when your opponent sends you a word like “thingamabob” (worth 21 points), challenge yourself to use at least one of these words in response. Toss in bequeath or backwash, and you’ll emerge a point ahead. (Huzzah!)
We hope this blog post emphasizes that many words in the English language are satisfying to use in games and conversation. Imagine how many head-turns you’ll get when you describe a friend as “quippish” or a TV character as “quackish.” As this list of words ending in “H” proves, building your vocabulary can be fun, especially when you put it to good use.
