Sharp Words: The -AX Ending
Words ending in -AX have a satisfying bluntness to them — WAX, TAX, AX, MAX. They're short, punchy, and often tied to concrete objects or actions. ANTHRAX is the longest common one at 7 letters, while BEESWAX and BROADAX stretch the group into compound territory. For Scrabble players, the X tile at the end of a word is strategic: it often lands on premium squares because opponents leave the right edge of existing words open.
English picked up -AX words from multiple sources. AX (or AXE) comes from Old English "æx," while TAX arrived from Latin "taxare." BORAX traces back through Arabic to Persian. ADDAX (a type of antelope) comes from an African language via Latin. This mixed heritage means -AX words don't follow a single spelling pattern, which keeps them interesting for trivia buffs. The X in these words is always pronounced as /ks/, making them phonetically consistent even if their origins vary.
Word game tip: if you're holding an X in Scrabble and see an open A on the board, look for -AX plays immediately. WAX, TAX, MAX, and FAX are all high-frequency moves. Explore words ending in EX for the other common vowel-X pairing, and check words starting with A or words starting with S for front-end options. Players who like unusual X words should also see words starting with XI.
FAQ
Is AX or AXE the correct Scrabble spelling?
Both AX and AXE are valid in Scrabble. AX is preferred in competitive play because it uses fewer tiles for a strong score (9 points base). AXE adds an E for 10 points but uses an extra tile. For more X-ending words, check words ending in EX.
What unusual -AX words are worth knowing for word games?
ADDAX (an antelope), PICKAX, PANCHAX (a fish), and CARAPAX (a shell variant) are all valid and rarely played, which means opponents won't see them coming. BANJAX (to ruin, Irish slang) is another surprise entry. See words starting with JO for more uncommon plays.
How many points is the X tile worth in Scrabble?
X is worth 8 points, making it the third-highest tile after Q and Z (both 10). Pairing X with common vowels in -AX or -EX endings is one of the most reliable ways to score big. Browse words ending in R for other high-frequency endings to combine with.