📖 Word Validity Checker

Scrabble Dictionary Checker

Instantly verify if a word is valid for Scrabble or Words With Friends. Settle disputes and confirm plays!

Need words? Use our Word Unscrambler first!

What Is This Dictionary Checker?

Our Scrabble Dictionary Checker instantly tells you whether a word is valid in official word game dictionaries. Whether you're settling a heated dispute during game night or verifying words you found with our Word Unscrambler, this free tool gives you definitive answers in seconds.

We check words against three official dictionaries used in Scrabble tournaments and word games worldwide, plus provide definitions so you can learn new words as you play.

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Works With Our Unscrambler

Found a word using our Word Unscrambler? Before playing it, verify it's valid in your preferred dictionary. This two-step workflow ensures you never play an invalid word.

  1. 1. Unscramble your letters → find words
  2. 2. Check validity here → confirm it's playable
  3. 3. Play with confidence → win the game!
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Settle Disputes Instantly

"That's not a real word!" Sound familiar? Our checker ends arguments immediately with official dictionary validation. No more flipping through heavy books or debating obscure spellings.

  1. 1. Opponent plays suspicious word
  2. 2. Check it here in 2 seconds
  3. 3. Show them the proof → game on!

Understanding the Three Dictionaries

Different Scrabble dictionaries exist for different regions and games. Here's what each one means and when to use it.

Dictionary Full Name Words Used For
TWL TWL/NWL ~192,000 US/Canada tournaments, Hasbro Scrabble
SOWPODS CSW/SOWPODS ~279,000 UK/International tournaments, Mattel Scrabble
ENABLE ENABLE ~173,000 Words With Friends, casual online games

💡 Pro Tip

When playing online, check which dictionary the game uses. Words With Friends uses ENABLE, while most Scrabble apps use TWL (US) or SOWPODS (international). A word valid in one may not be valid in another!

Official Scrabble Challenge Rules

In tournament Scrabble, challenging words is a strategic part of the game. Here's how it works:

  1. 1
    Call "Challenge" immediately

    You must challenge before the next player draws new tiles. Once tiles are drawn, the previous word cannot be challenged.

  2. 2
    Look up the word

    Check the agreed-upon dictionary. In tournament play, a designated word judge handles this. At home, use our checker!

  3. 3
    Apply the penalty

    If Invalid Player removes the word and loses their turn.
    If Valid The challenger loses their next turn (tournament rules).

Try These Tricky Words

Test our dictionary checker with these commonly disputed or surprising Scrabble words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dictionaries does this checker support? ▼
Our checker validates words against three official dictionaries: TWL/NWL (used in US/Canada tournaments with ~192,000 words), SOWPODS/CSW (used in UK/International play with ~279,000 words), and ENABLE (used by Words With Friends and casual games with ~173,000 words).
Why is a word valid in one dictionary but not another? ▼
Different dictionaries have different word lists based on regional vocabulary, source materials, update schedules, and editorial decisions about offensive content. SOWPODS contains the most words because it combines British and American sources.
How do I challenge a word in Scrabble? ▼
Call "Challenge" before the next player draws tiles. Look up the word in your agreed-upon dictionary. If invalid, the player removes it and loses their turn. If valid, the challenger loses their next turn in tournament play. Use our tool to check instantly!
Can I use this with your Word Unscrambler? ▼
Absolutely! That's the ideal workflow. Use our Word Unscrambler to find possible words from your letters, then use this Dictionary Checker to verify they're valid in your preferred dictionary before playing them.

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