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Words With Friends and Scrabble use different word authorities, so acceptance in one game does not guarantee acceptance in the other. Words With Friends 2 publishes its own English-word policy; Scrabble’s applicable list depends on whether you mean North American home play or tournament play. For a disputed word, check the list for the specific game, region, and setting—not just a general dictionary.
Which dictionary does Words With Friends use?
Zynga says Words With Friends 2 uses the Oxford English Dictionary as a source of words and definitions, but the game’s published acceptance policy—not every entry in Oxford—determines what the game accepts. Zynga also says the game has more than 173,000 acceptable English words. Its rule book describes an in-app feature for searching definitions of unfamiliar English words; looking up a definition is distinct from confirming that a word is accepted in play.
Word types the published policy permits
Words may be accepted when they have a part-of-speech label, including words marked foreign-origin, archaic, obsolete, colloquial, or slang. Zynga’s rule book also says it has added words of its own, giving “zen” and “texting” as examples, and that more may be added in future. The published policy does not guarantee that every word in Oxford will pass or that the game’s list will never change.
Word forms the policy excludes
- Proper nouns—words that are always capitalized.
- Abbreviations.
- Prefixes or suffixes used by themselves.
- Words that require a hyphen or apostrophe.
Which dictionary does Scrabble use?
There is no single context-free Scrabble list established for every region and kind of play. Hasbro identifies the Merriam-Webster Official Scrabble Players Dictionary as the official word list for North America. For tournament play, Hasbro says NASPA manages a separate list. Those statements distinguish a North American home-game reference from tournament play; they do not establish the current lexicon or edition for every territory or tournament.
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- CLASSIC CROSSWORD GAME: Get family and friends together for a fun game night with the Scrabble board game! Put letters together, build words, and earn the most points to win
- WOODEN TILES AND RACKS: This edition of the Scrabble game features 100 wooden letter tiles and wooden tile racks. The textured gameboard helps tiles stay on the board
- RACK UP THE POINTS: Scrabble letters are worth points, and premium squares on the gameboard multiply the score. Surprise opponents with 2-letter words, challenge their choices, and strategize to win
- GAME FOR 2-4 PLAYERS: Go for classic Scrabble gameplay in a head-to-head face-off, or mix things up and play in teams. The game guide offers expert tips, and other ways to play this classic word game
- FUN FAMILY GAME: Do you remember playing Scrabble when you were a kid? Introduce this fun game to your kids and grandkids! Connect over a classic board game and create memories for generations to come
Hasbro’s July 8, 2020 Scrabble rules update referred to the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary’s sixth edition at that time. Merriam-Webster’s Scrabble app page, accessed October 7, 2026, describes a seventh edition with over 500 new words. The latter page does not state a publication date, so those edition details should not be read as a complete account of which edition governs every current game or tournament.
Why can Words With Friends accept a word that Scrabble rejects?
The games have separate word authorities and policies. Words With Friends’ published policy includes Zynga additions and expressly permits some entries labeled colloquial or slang; Hasbro identifies a particular North American Scrabble list and a separately managed tournament list. A disagreement between the games therefore does not, by itself, show that either one is malfunctioning.
Rank #2
- Classic work game features sleek folding carrying case with handle and two slide-and-store trays
- Colorful gameboard features recessed game spaces
- For 2 to 4 players
- Gameboard rotates with ease on six soft rubber wheels
- Includes deluxe carrying case with Scrabble gameboard and two slide-and-store trays, 100 wooden letter tiles, 4 deluxe curved tile racks, plush drawstring letter pouch and gameplay guide
There is no supported, dated word-by-word comparison here that establishes how many words are exclusive to either game or which specific words differ. When a particular play is disputed, check it in the current Words With Friends game and in the Scrabble lexicon that applies to the location and play setting. A general dictionary entry, or acceptance by the other game, does not settle the result.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does a Scrabble word challenge work?
Hasbro’s guidance for physical Scrabble says a challenge must be made before the next player starts their turn. The challenge applies to all words made in that play: if any is unacceptable, the whole play is unacceptable. The Hasbro challenge instructions describe the consequences this way:
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Rank #3
- PORTABLE WOOD CASE & MAGNETIC CLOSURE — Crafted with a compact folding wood case and a secure magnetic latch, this deluxe set brings classic wordplay on road trips, vacations, and camping. When closed, it serves as an attractive accent for coffee tables or travel shelves.
- RAISED GRID KEEPS TILES SECURE — Designed with a built-in game board featuring a raised tile grid that locks pieces in place. Keeps letter tiles from sliding or shifting during travel, making play smooth and reliable on cars, trains, planes, or outdoor tables.
- BUILT-IN SLIDE-OUT STORAGE — Features hidden compartments beneath slide-out board sections to organize and protect all game components. Everything stays neatly tucked away, ensuring no loose pieces are lost between matches.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & TRAVEL-READY SPECS — Opens to a playing surface of 9.8" x 9.2" x 1.2" and folds down to a compact 9.8" x 4.6" x 2.4". Weighs just 1.5 lbs, offering a sturdy, solid-wood feel that easily fits into backpacks, carry-ons, or totes.
- COMPLETE DELUXE SET & GREAT GIFT — Includes 100 solid wood letter tiles with crisp black print, 4 matching wooden tile racks, a scorepad, pencil, and instructions. Officially licensed by Hasbro and packaged for effortless gifting to travelers, game lovers, and families.
- If a challenged word is absent from the dictionary being used, the player takes back the letters and the turn ends.
- If the word is present, the play scores and the challenger loses their next turn.
This board-game procedure is not the same as Words With Friends’ in-app validation: the app checks a proposed play against its own acceptance rules rather than using this challenge process.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COASTAL-INSPIRED WOOD CABINET — Housed in a solid wood cabinet finished in crisp white with soft blue and turquoise accents, this special edition pairs classic wordplay with beach-house and modern farmhouse decor. Serves as a chic centerpiece for game rooms, coastal homes, and coffee tables.
- 360-DEGREE ROTATING TURNTABLE — Features a built-in swivel base that turns the cabinet smoothly toward each player for comfortable, upright board viewing. The solid wood frame sits firmly on your table without sliding during turns.
- RAISED GRID KEEPS TILES ALIGNED — Designed with a raised tile grid across the board surface that holds pieces securely in place during rotation. Prevents letters from shifting or sliding, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted matches.
- COORDINATED DELUXE COMPONENTS — Outfitted with matching white-finished wooden letter tiles, 4 white wood tile racks, and a durable canvas tile pouch. Includes a textured hardcover scorebook with a pencil to track high-scoring words.
- THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION — An ideal gift for Scrabble collectors, beach house owners, housewarmings, or family game nights. Officially licensed by Hasbro and designed by WS Game Company for 2 to 4 players, ages 8+.
Rank #4
- EVERY WORD COUNTS — Experience classic Scrabble word-building gameplay reimagined. Designed for 2 to 4 players ages 8 and up, this engaging edition improves vocabulary and spelling skills while offering timeless, strategic fun for family game nights, gatherings, or quiet evenings.
- PREMIUM VINTAGE COMPONENTS — Features a full-sized vintage-inspired game board, 100 solid wood letter tiles, 4 wooden tile racks, a fabric tile pouch, and a scorepad. Everything fits neatly into an integrated internal storage tray for organized protection and effortless cleanup.
- BEAUTIFUL ON DISPLAY, FUN TO COLLECT — Designed to resemble an elegant hardcover volume, this game doubles as sophisticated decor for your bookshelf, mantel, or coffee table. It's part of an expansive collection of over 20 unique Vintage Bookshelf Edition game titles—allowing you to collect your favorite classic games and line them up together to create a cohesive, custom library aesthetic.
- THE PERFECT GIFT — Solves the challenge of finding a memorable present for friends and family. Gifting one or a few titles starts an elegant personal game library and offers them meaningful, screen-free experiences. Future occasions like birthdays and holidays become effortless as you add new titles to their collection with each passing milestone.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN — The fabric-wrapped book case and protective slipcover measure 10.6 x 8.4 x 2.6 inches for convenient, upright shelf display. Inside, the full-size game board unfolds spacious and flat for play, then packs away seamlessly with all accessories into the book case, making it as easy to take on trips and coffee shop visits as it is to store at home.
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