Yes. VAX is a valid word.
VAX is valid in the North American word list used for the Scrabble board game and other crossword tile games.
VAX 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 VAX
VAX is an informal short form of vaccine or vaccination, a fairly recent word. It is a strong three-letter play because it combines the 4-point V and the 8-point X with an A, for 13 points before any bonus. The V has no two-letter words, so short words like VAX are a welcome way to use it. Clinics and news reports made the short form common, and the word list followed. Since the V is worth 4 and has no two-letter words, VAX is one of the best short homes for it, and the X adds 8 more.
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VAX scores 13 points
Before any bonus squares: V 4 + A 1 + X 8 = 13. On a double-word square that's 26, on a triple-word 39, and every letter bonus under one of these tiles is applied first.
Example: VAX as the first play
Later in the game, put the X on a 3L square and VAX is worth 29 before any word bonus.
Hooks: one tile makes a new word
After VAX (1):
Place that one tile so it also forms a word in the other direction and both words score.
Longer words from VAX
Change one tile
Swap any one letter of VAX 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
- RAXto stretch out
- SAXa saxophone
- TAXto place a charge imposed by authority for public purposes on
- WAXto coat with a natural, heat-sensitive substance
Same letters, other words
No other word in the list uses exactly the letters V, A and X.
Add one tile: words from these letters plus one more
VAX + X
Memory tip
VAX is short for a vaccine or vaccination. V and X together: 13 points before bonuses.
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.