Yes. RAX is a valid word.
RAX is valid in the North American word list used for the Scrabble board game and other crossword tile games.
RAX is in the NASPA Word List 2023 (NWL2023), the North American list that Tileside uses for challenges and the one used in club and tournament play.
About RAX
RAX is a Scots word meaning to stretch out, as when reaching for something; its forms include RAXED, RAXES and RAXING. RAX uses an R, an A and the X, worth 10 points before any bonus. Few players know it, so it can win a challenge. It shows up in old Scots writing, where a weary traveler might rax his arms after a long ride. As a play, RAX is one of the cheapest ways to use the X: the R and A are among the most common tiles in the bag.
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RAX scores 10 points
Before any bonus squares: R 1 + A 1 + X 8 = 10. On a double-word square that's 20, on a triple-word 30, and every letter bonus under one of these tiles is applied first.
Example: RAX as the first play
Later in the game, put the X on a 3L square and RAX is worth 26 before any word bonus.
Longer words from RAX
Change one tile
Swap any one letter of RAX and these are still words:
- FAXto transmit and reproduce by electronic means
- LAXa vowel articulated with relatively relaxed muscles; not strict or stringent
- MAXto reach the upper limit
- PAXa ceremonial embrace given to signify Christian love and unity
- SAXa saxophone
- TAXto place a charge imposed by authority for public purposes on
- VAXto vaccinate
- WAXto coat with a natural, heat-sensitive substance
Same letters, other words
No other word in the list uses exactly the letters R, A and X.
Memory tip
RAX means to stretch out, an old Scots word. Picture someone stretching to reach the X.
On these lists
Check words at the table, free
Tileside keeps score, checks words like this one during a challenge, tracks the tiles left in the bag and times turns. It runs in your phone's browser with no account and works offline.
Tileside checks words against the North American list, the NASPA Word List 2023. Your group's chosen dictionary always wins.
Word list: NASPA Word List 2023, used under license. NASPA Word List 2023 Edition © NASPA 2023. The copy included in this app is licensed for personal use. You may not use it for any commercial purposes.
Works with the Scrabble board game, played at the table. Tileside is an independent product, not affiliated with or endorsed by the makers of Scrabble.