Words Ending in AZ: Just Topaz, Spaz, and Pizzaz
You can count the -AZ words in English on one hand, and two of them are basically slang. TOPAZ is the heavyweight — a genuine gemstone, a mineral rated 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, traditionally amber-yellow but found in blue, pink, and colorless varieties. The name likely comes from the Sanskrit TAPAS meaning "fire" or "heat." SPAZ is informal (and considered offensive in British English) for a clumsy person. PIZZAZ (also spelled PIZZAZZ or PIZAZZ) means flair or energy, and nobody agrees on how many Z's it needs.
For Scrabble players, this tiny group packs serious punch because of the Z tile. TOPAZ scores 16 points — solid for five letters. SPAZ gets 15 points. PIZZAZ, if your dictionary accepts the single-Z spelling, is worth a massive 35 points for six letters (P=3, I=1, Z=10, Z=10, A=1, Z=10). The double-Z spelling PIZZAZZ is even higher but requires both Z tiles plus a blank. In crosswords, TOPAZ appears frequently with gemstone or color clues. The word RAZZMATAZZ ends in -AZ too if you think about it, but it's usually clued differently. If this tiny pattern leaves you wanting more, explore words ending in LY for a massive word list. See also words starting with Q for another letter that's tricky to place, and words starting with E for gemstone vocabulary like EMERALD.
FAQ
How many Z's does PIZZAZZ have in Scrabble?
Multiple spellings are accepted: PIZZAZ (one final Z), PIZAZZ (one Z in the middle, two at the end), and PIZZAZZ (the full double-Z version). PIZZAZZ scores highest but needs both Z tiles plus a blank. PIZZAZ with a single Z at the end is the most playable version at 35 points. For other Z strategies, see words starting with ZE.
What color is topaz actually?
Pure topaz is colorless. The classic amber-yellow "topaz" color comes from impurities. Blue topaz — now the most popular variety in jewelry — is almost always heat-treated from colorless stones. Imperial topaz (orange-pink) is the rarest and most valuable. In crosswords, TOPAZ gets clued as a gem, a color, or a mineral. Browse words starting with S for SAPPHIRE and other gemstone vocabulary.