SION Words: The Other Side of the -TION Coin
Most people know about -TION words, but -SION is the quieter sibling that handles the trickier conversions. Where -TION typically follows a T sound in the root verb (CREATE → CREATION), -SION steps in after D, DE, and SE sounds: DECIDE → DECISION, ERODE → EROSION, FUSE → FUSION. This isn't just a spelling curiosity — it's a solving tool. When a crossword clue involves a verb root ending in D or S, the noun form almost certainly uses -SION rather than -TION. Knowing this cuts your search time dramatically.
The SION group spans 259 words, concentrated in the 8-to-10 letter range. Common ones like TENSION, VERSION, PASSION, MISSION, and SESSION appear in crosswords weekly. But there are also medical and scientific terms that stump casual solvers: ELISION (the omission of a sound), ERASION (a scraping away), and AVULSION (a tearing away). These technical SION words are favorite weapons of crossword constructors who want to raise difficulty without being unfair — the words follow predictable patterns even if they're uncommon.
For the dominant partner in this pair, see words ending in EX for high-value suffixed words, or words starting with R for REVISION, RECESSION, and other RE- + SION combinations. Also check words starting with V for VERSION and its relatives, and words starting with F for FUSION and FISSION.
FAQ
When should I use -SION instead of -TION?
Use -SION when the root word ends in D (decide → decision), DE (erode → erosion), SE (tense → tension), or MIT (admit → admission). If the root ends in T or TE, use -TION instead. This rule covers about 90% of cases. See words starting with R for many RE- verbs that follow the SION pattern (revise → revision).
What SION words score highest in Scrabble?
EXCURSION (18 points), CONVULSION (15 points), and EXPULSION (18 points) lead the pack thanks to the X tile. Standard words like PASSION (9 points) and TENSION (7 points) score modestly but play reliably. For more high-value plays, explore words ending in EX and words starting with MONO.