JAR Words: Practically a One-Word Category
JAR, AJAR, and BEESWAX... wait, not that last one. The words ending in JAR number exactly three: JAR (the container), AJAR (slightly open), and BEZOAR — though that last one is sometimes debated since its pronunciation doesn't always emphasize the JAR sound. For practical purposes, if a crossword clue points to a JAR ending, you're choosing between JAR and AJAR. That's the kind of constraint that actually helps solvers: extreme scarcity means near-certain answers.
AJAR deserves special attention. It's a crossword constructor's pet word — short, common letters, and a perfect clue target ("slightly open," "not quite shut," "how a door might be left"). The word itself is interesting etymologically: the A- prefix comes from the Old English "on," so AJAR literally meant "on the turn" — a door on its turning point, partially open. JAR as a container comes from Arabic jarrah, meaning an earthen vessel. Both words are worth just 10 and 11 points in Scrabble respectively, but AJAR hooks nicely onto existing plays with its A opening.
For more extremely short word lists that help with elimination in crosswords, try words ending in FE and words ending in EX. If you want the opposite — massive lists to browse — words ending in ING and words ending in TION are your best bets.
FAQ
How often does AJAR appear in crossword puzzles?
Very frequently. AJAR is one of the most-used four-letter crossword answers in major publications because it has common letters, a unique meaning, and writes easily clued definitions. It pairs well with words you'll find in words starting with P and words starting with S for crossing entries.
Is BEZOAR a JAR-ending word?
Technically yes — BEZOAR ends in the letters J-A-R... wait, no. BEZOAR ends in Z-O-A-R. The words ending in the actual sequence JAR are just JAR and AJAR. For another tiny-but-useful word group, see words ending in ZEN and words ending in IF.