The Extremely Short List of -XI Words
Words ending in XI form one of the smallest groups in any word game dictionary. You're looking at XI itself (the Greek letter, 2 letters), TAXI and MAXI (both 4 letters), and a handful of obscure entries. XI is a powerhouse in Scrabble — just two letters, 9 points base, and it fits into tight board spaces where nothing else will. TAXI adds a common consonant and scores 11. MAXI is worth 13 thanks to the X.
The X tile in Scrabble is worth 8 points, and placing it at the end of a word is less common than the beginning or middle. That's what makes -XI endings valuable: opponents don't expect them. In crosswords, if you see a two-letter entry crossing with X, XI is almost certainly the answer — it's one of the few two-letter words with X that solvers need to memorize. The Greek alphabet contributes several two-letter crossword staples (PI, NU, MU), and XI sits right alongside them.
Tip for Wordle players: XI won't appear (too short), but TAXIING patterns and MAXI-prefixed words do show up in extended word games. For more short, high-scoring options, check words starting with X and words ending in E. Greek-letter fans might also want to browse words starting with MONO for compound terms.
FAQ
Is XI a valid two-letter Scrabble word?
Absolutely. XI is accepted in both TWL (Tournament Word List) and SOWPODS dictionaries. It scores 9 points and is one of the most useful two-letter words for parallel plays. For similar short plays, see words starting with X.
How do you use TAXI and MAXI in crossword puzzles?
Both appear frequently as answers. TAXI is often clued with "cab" or "Yellow vehicle," while MAXI relates to long skirts or the prefix meaning "large." Their X placement makes them great for crossing with vertical entries. Also try words starting with A for common cross-fillers.