Z Words

Words starting with Z are prized in word games. Z is the rarest letter in written English by a small margin over J. In Scrabble, Z is worth 10 points, tied with Q for the highest single-tile value.

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

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• In Scrabble, the Z tile is worth 10 points — one of the highest values on the board.
• Memorise ZA and ZO (2-letter Z words) — they're huge parallel-play hooks.
• Z on a triple-letter square is worth 30 points — plan your play around it.
• Z-heavy racks are usually good — score fast and refresh.

• Z at the start of a word is the most common position.
• Z- + common vowel: 2- and 3-letter opens
• Z- + consonant clusters: less common but high-scoring
• -z at end of word: rare, memorise the few that exist

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