5-Letter Words Containing J

100 words

J is the rarest letter in English, appearing in fewer words than any other consonant. That scarcity makes these 5-letter J words valuable knowledge for word games and crossword puzzles alike.

Pattern Guide

Word recommendations for board games.

Word Games

High-value words for board games

Top 5-Letter Words

JAZZY

(used especially of clothes) marked by conspicuous display

33 pts
HAJJI

an Arabic term of respect for someone who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca

22 pts
21 pts
JIFFY

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

21 pts
JAMMY
19 pts
JEMMY

a short crowbar

19 pts
JERKY

meat (especially beef) cut in strips and dried in the sun

19 pts
JIMMY

a short crowbar

19 pts

JAZZY dominates both games, scoring 33 in Scrabble and 34 in WWF. The more interesting strategic difference appears with HAJJI—it scores 22 in Scrabble but jumps to 25 in WWF because H is worth 4 points there instead of 4. JUMPY makes the WWF top tier at 23 points but falls just outside Scrabble's elite. When playing WWF, prioritize words combining J with H or other premium WWF letters.

Wordle

5-letter words for daily puzzles

Good Starters (E, A, R, S, T)

JAMESStarter

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of John; author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament

JEANSStarter

(used in the plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear

JAGERStarter
JAKESStarter

a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate

Common Words (likely answers)

JESUSCommon

a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)

ENJOYCommon

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

JIMMYCommon

a short crowbar

JUDGECommon

judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

JEANS offers the strongest opening among J-starters, combining two vowels with common consonants S and N. JAMES provides similar coverage if you want to test M early.

Hidden Gems

Rare but valid words to surprise opponents

JEHAD

a holy struggle or striving by a Muslim for a moral or spiritual or political goal

JOIST

beam used to support floors or roofs

JOWLY

having sagging folds of flesh beneath the chin or lower jaw

JAKES

a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate

JAKES refers to a small outhouse—specifically one with a bench and holes for sitting. Shakespeare used this term, and it remains valid in modern word games. It's useful when you need to pluralize with S while placing J on a premium square.

Popular crossword answers

Words frequently used in crossword puzzles with common clues.