EX Words: The Prefix That Means Out, Beyond, and Former
EX is one of English's busiest prefixes. It means "out of" or "former" in Latin, and it generates an enormous range of vocabulary — EXACT, EXAMINE, EXCEED, EXCITE, EXCLUDE, EXECUTE, EXEMPT, EXHAUST, EXIST, EXPAND, EXPECT, EXPLAIN, EXPORT, EXPRESS, EXTEND, EXTRA. You could fill a crossword grid using nothing but EX- words. In Scrabble, the EX opening is powerful because X is worth 8 points, and starting with EX means you're spending that high-value tile early while building toward a long word. A 7+ letter EX word for a bingo bonus plus the X premium is a game-winning combination.
For crossword solvers, EX- is a pattern to watch for. When a clue uses words like "former," "previously," or "out of," the answer often starts with EX. EXILE (banished), EXPIRE (run out), EXHALE (breathe out), EXTRACT (pull out) — the "out" meaning runs through hundreds of words. Even EX as a standalone word (meaning a former partner) is valid in Scrabble. The two-letter word EX scores 9 points, making it one of the highest-scoring two-letter plays in the game.
Practical tip: In Scrabble, if you draw an X early, look for EX- plays immediately. Even a modest EXAM or EXIT on a premium square outscores most mid-length words. Pair this with knowledge of words starting with UN for the opposite prefix strategy (UN- negates, EX- removes). Also useful: words starting with C for EXC- combos like EXCEL and EXCEPT, and words starting with T for EXT- words like EXTEND and EXTRA.
FAQ
Is EX a valid two-letter Scrabble word?
Yes, EX is valid in both TWL and SOWPODS, scoring 9 points (E=1, X=8). It ranks among the top three highest-scoring two-letter words alongside QI and ZA. Playing EX parallel to existing words can generate massive combo scores. For similar high-value short plays, see words starting with QI.
What's the difference between EX- meaning "out" and EX- meaning "former"?
Both come from the same Latin root, but "former" is a more recent English development. EX-PRESIDENT, EX-WIFE use the "former" sense, while EXPORT (carry out), EXCLUDE (shut out), and EXHALE (breathe out) use the original Latin "out of" sense. The "former" usage started appearing around the 17th century. For another prefix with dual meanings, explore words starting with QU.
What EX words work best in Wordle?
EXALT, EXACT, EXTRA, EXPAT, and EXILE are all valid five-letter Wordle words. Since X is relatively rare in Wordle answers, guessing an EX word early helps you either confirm or eliminate X quickly. EXTRA is the strongest guess — it tests E, X, T, R, and A, all common letters. See also words starting with H for another productive Wordle starting letter.
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