2,077 Words Ending in H — Shorter Than You Think
Here's something counterintuitive about H-ending words: they tend to be short. While many English ending groups are dominated by long, suffixed words, the H-ending list is packed with punchy, everyday vocabulary. ASH, BATH, CASH, DISH, EACH, FISH, HIGH, LASH, MUCH, PATH, PUSH, RICH, RUSH, SUCH, WASH, WISH. These are core English words, not borrowed from anywhere — they've been in the language since Old English, and their short, blunt construction reflects that Anglo-Saxon heritage. The four dominant H-ending patterns are -SH (BRUSH, CRASH, FLASH), -CH (BEACH, COACH, MATCH), -TH (BIRTH, DEATH, GROWTH), and -GH (COUGH, ENOUGH, THROUGH). Each pattern carries a distinct pronunciation, which is why H is one of the trickiest final letters for non-native English speakers.
In crossword puzzles, H-enders show up constantly in short fill. ASH, OAR... no, that's R. Focus: BATH, DASH, EACH, FISH, HIGH, and MATH are all four letters or fewer and appear in grids weekly. For Scrabble, H is worth 4 points, and many H-ending words combine it with other common tiles for efficient scoring. GNASH, QUASH, and GRAPH use the H well. PHARAOH — one of the few words ending in a bare H without a preceding consonant cluster — is a seven-letter play worth 15 points. Tip: the -WICH and -BURGH endings in place names don't count in word games, but -ISH words (FOOLISH, STYLISH, OAFISH) are valid and plentiful. Explore words ending in B for another consonant-heavy ending group, words ending in F for similar Anglo-Saxon roots, and words ending in OH for the tiny subset where H follows a bare vowel.
FAQ
What H-ending words are most useful in crossword puzzles?
Short ones dominate: ASH, BATH, EACH, FISH, MATH, MUCH, PATH, RICH, and SUCH are all crossword regulars. Among six-letter words, CHURCH, BRANCH, GROWTH, SCOTCH, and SPEECH appear frequently. The -TH group (HEALTH, WEALTH, STEALTH) is particularly common for themed puzzles. For more crossword staples, see words ending in Y, the single largest ending group in English.
Why is the GH ending sometimes silent?
The GH in words like THROUGH, DOUGH, and SIGH used to be pronounced as a guttural sound (like the CH in Scottish LOCH) in Old and Middle English. Over several centuries, that sound disappeared from standard English pronunciation, but the spelling fossilized. In words like COUGH and LAUGH, the GH shifted to an F sound instead of going silent. This spelling chaos is one reason English is hard to learn — but for word game players, it means GH words are easy to overlook by opponents. See words ending in G for words where the G is always pronounced.
Are there good H-ending words for Scrabble rack management?
Yes. If you're holding an H with low-value tiles, OOH (6 points), AAH (6 points), and SHH (9 points) are quick dumps. For higher scoring, ZILCH (19 points) and EPOCH (12 points) combine H with premium consonants. QUASH deploys the Q tile for 14 points without needing a QU- opening. For more Q-without-U strategies, check words starting with Q and words ending in Q.
Two-Letter Words (5)
Three-Letter Words (25)
Four-Letter Words (110)
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Five-Letter Words (259)
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Six-Letter Words (322)
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Seven-Letter Words (372)
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Eight-Letter Words (430)
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Nine-Letter Words (290)
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Ten-Letter Words (129)
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