Q Words

Words starting with Q are prized in word games. Q is the third-rarest letter in English text (only J and Z are rarer). In native English words, Q is almost always followed by U. In Scrabble, Q is worth 10 points — and there is only one Q tile in the bag.

This page lists every valid English word starting with Q, plus the 2- and 3-letter Q words worth memorising for Scrabble and Words With Friends. All words are verified against the ENABLE dictionary.

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• In Scrabble, the Q tile is worth 10 points — one of the highest values on the board.
• Memorise QI (the only 2-letter Q word) and QAT, QUAG, QOPH for high-value opens.
• Q on a triple-letter square is worth 30 points — plan your play around it.
• Q-heavy racks are usually good — score fast and refresh.

• Q is almost always followed by U in English (QUEEN, QUICK, QUOTE) — exceptions: QI, QAT, QOPH, QANAT, FAQIR.
• Q- + common vowel: 2- and 3-letter opens
• Q- + consonant clusters: less common but high-scoring
• -q at end of word: rare, memorise the few that exist

• Scrabble — the Q is one of the six ‘power tiles’ (blanks, Q, X, Z, J and S).
• Words With Friends — Q is worth similar or higher scores in WWF.
• Wordle — knowing rare-letter words rules out common answers fast.
• Crosswords — Q-starting words appear in themed puzzles regularly.