Game Words is a word list that can be used for various word games including Scrabble. It is copyrighted to preserve the integrity/development of the list but may be used and shared freely. Furthermore, other entities are welcome to use Game Words dictionaries in developing their own word lists. Game Words replaces the previous project, NAWL (North American Word List). One reason for the re-development was to avoid copyright infringement risks. The base dictionary for NAWL was too much like the NASPA word list so I'm using another dictionary as the base dictionary. Also, the name NAWL was abandoned and to avoid confusion with the NASPA official word list that is distributed using the initials NWL.
Game Words is based primarily on the ENABLE2 word list with additional words added from other dictionaries and based on word research. It is intended to be used in North American games. A future word list may be developed for world use including terminology that is custom to different regions outside of North America (USA and Canada).
Game Words was compiled by comparing source dictionaries. Most words in ENABLE2 are included in Game Words. Generally, words that were not included in at least two dictionaries (one a North American dictionary) were re-evaluated for inclusion. Unlike past Scrabble dictionaries, words are not limited by their inclusion in a source dictionary. Additional words have been added based on research in multiple areas of interest.
Source Dictionaries include:
Game Words includes words used in North American speech, from the casual to the technical.
Additionally, words that are used universally are valid in much the same way they are selected for used in traditional Scrabble dictionaries. Plant and animal names, names of letters, country currencies, chemicals, and words in use in various fields of study are examples of valid words. Proper names are not valid words. Neither are words that are written in all caps and spoken using the letters of the word, such as EMF, OK.
Downloads: Includes a complete prospective list in text format, PDF alphabetical summaries (alphabetical and by subject) with definitions, and list of additions with definitions in text format (shortcut format).
Software: a discussion of the software use to research and compile NAWL.
(with other North American dictionaries)
| Source Dictionary | Not in source dictionary | Words in Common | Not in Game Words |
| ENABLE2 (length 2-21) | 36064 | 173446 | 26 |
| ENABLE2 (length 2-15) | 24146 | 169240 | 26 |
| ENABLE2 (length 2-9) | 14254 | 105706 | 26 |
| NWL18 (length 2-15) | 1361 | 192025 | 86 |
| NWL18 (length 2-9) | 631 | 119329 | 16 |
| Game Words includes 16124 words length 16-21 |
Notes: Other dictionary outputs (NAWL w/o offensive, NAWL w/o 16-21 letter words, IWL to include international english words (CSW, YAWL))
Notes: When finding a word that is not valid but should be ..
Find subjects by searching <WORD> glossary
Prefer reputable/official sites such as .edu, .gov, etc.
Note: words in all caps are abbrev (invalid) no matter how pronounced. ASCII
Note: terms based on a proper name are generally invalid
Criteria: After subject surveys each word must be re-searched in Google to see frequency of use, consistency of definition, and to get valid definition and variations. If part of random or rabbit trail search, include source in word.
Questionable words should be omitted. Words added can later be flagged as excluded.
Quick International Word List: Combine CSW, Yawl, and Nawl
Initial research saved in text file (post to web)
Reviewed words updated to include variations, plural
Validate and enter words in Hoot
Generate primary dictionary format text file
Generate additions files