What are the highest scoring Scrabble words ending in ER?

QUIZZER (34 pts), QUICKER (22 pts), and JINXER (20 pts) lead the pack. More commonly playable high-scorers include WHACKER (19 pts), FOXIER (16 pts), JOKER (16 pts), and HEXER (15 pts). The -ER suffix adds only 2 points but unlocks agent nouns and comparatives from existing roots.

How does the ER suffix work strategically in Scrabble?

ER serves two grammatical functions: it creates agent nouns (PLAY to PLAYER, TEACH to TEACHER) and comparatives (QUICK to QUICKER, FAST to FASTER). Both types are valid extensions of words already on the board. ER is also a powerful hook — adding ER to FARM makes FARMER, scoring the full word plus crosswords.

Can you add ER to any adjective or verb in Scrabble?

Not universally. Most one-syllable adjectives accept -ER (TALL to TALLER, FAST to FASTER), and many verbs form agent nouns (PLAY to PLAYER, SING to SINGER). However, some don't work — you can't play BEAUTIFULER. Always verify with a word checker. Common exceptions include multi-syllable adjectives and irregular comparatives.

Words Ending in ER — Comparative and Agent Nouns for Scrabble Success

June 14, 2026 7 min read Word Finder

The -ER suffix does double duty in Scrabble — it creates comparative adjectives (FASTER, TALLER) and agent nouns (PLAYER, SINGER). This versatility means almost any adjective or verb on the board is a potential hook for your ER tiles. With E being the most abundant tile and R appearing six times in the bag, ER combinations are always within reach.

High-Scoring Words Ending in ER

These -ER words leverage high-value consonants for impressive point totals. The suffix adds just 2 points, but the roots carry serious weight.

#	Word	Points	Length	Definition
1	QUIZZER	34	7	One who quizzes
2	QUICKER	22	7	More quick; faster
3	JINXER	20	6	One who brings bad luck
4	WHACKER	19	7	One who whacks
5	FOXIER	16	6	More cunning
6	JOKER	16	5	One who jokes; a card
7	HEXER	15	5	One who casts hexes
8	BOXER	14	5	A fighter; a dog breed
9	MIXER	14	5	A blending device
10	HIKER	12	5	One who hikes
11	PLAYER	11	6	One who plays
12	DARKER	11	6	More dark; less light
13	WIPER	10	5	A cleaning device

2 pts

Base ER value

R tiles in the bag

2 types

Comparatives + Agent nouns

Two Ways ER Creates Words

Understanding the dual function of -ER helps you spot more opportunities on the board. Every adjective and every verb is a potential ER target.

Agent Nouns (verb → doer)

PLAY → PLAYER, SING → SINGER, TEACH → TEACHER, DRIVE → DRIVER. The person or thing that does the action. Nearly unlimited possibilities.

Comparatives (adjective → more)

FAST → FASTER, TALL → TALLER, DARK → DARKER, QUICK → QUICKER. Shows something has more of a quality. Works with most 1-syllable adjectives.

💡 The ER Extension Mindset

Every time you see a verb or adjective on the board, ask yourself: "Can I add ER to this?" FARM → FARMER, QUICK → QUICKER, JUMP → JUMPER. This simple mental check unlocks dozens of scoring opportunities your opponents miss.

ER Words That Also Take S

Many -ER words accept an S at the end, creating a double extension opportunity. If PLAYER is on the board, adding S makes PLAYERS. This chain of extensions can accumulate over multiple turns.

JOKERS17 pts BOXERS15 pts MIXERS15 pts HIKERS13 pts PLAYERS12 pts WIPERS11 pts

Strategy Tips for ER Plays

Look for adjectives near premiums: If DARK sits two squares from a DWS, adding ER to make DARKER places the R on the premium. Every adjective near a bonus square is an ER opportunity.

Chain extensions across turns: Play FARM turn 1, opponent ignores it, you add ER for FARMER turn 2. This slow build strategy works when opponents don't block extensions.

ER + S double hook: If you have E, R, and S, look for verbs on the board. Add ERS if there's room — TEACH → TEACHERS in one play is a potential bingo reaching premium squares.

Parallel play crosswords: Playing an ER word parallel to existing words creates 2-letter combinations. Words like ER, RE, and EN are all valid 2-letter words, making parallel plays very reliable.

Premium Square Positioning

With ER being just 2 tiles, you can precisely calculate where they'll land relative to premium squares. The key is word multiplication from extensions.

✓ Extend to Hit TWS

A 5-letter word + ER = 7 letters. If the extension reaches a Triple Word Score, you triple the entire QUICKER or WHACKER — devastating.

✓ Create Crossword Bonuses

E and R form many valid 2-letter words (ER, RE, EN, etc.), so parallel ER extensions almost always create scoring crosswords at each intersection.

Summary

🎯 Summary

The -ER suffix gives you two word-building pathways from a single pair of tiles. Comparatives turn adjectives into extended plays, while agent nouns transform verbs into scoring opportunities. With 6 R tiles and 12 E tiles in the bag, ER is one of the most frequently available suffixes. Scan the board for adjectives and verbs, target premium squares with your extensions, and remember that ER words almost always accept an S for further chaining.

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