5-letter words with R as the 1st letter and E as the 4th letter

The pattern is R _ _ E _: keep R fixed at the start and E in the fourth slot while testing the two unknown letters. Familiar examples include RIVER, RATES, REFER, ROLES, and RESET. Only 34 matches rank among common English words, so less familiar entries sit beside everyday choices.

Quick facts about the R _ _ E _ pattern

• The pattern matches 158 tournament-dictionary words.
• RIVER, RATES, and REFER are recognizable examples.
• S is the most frequent final letter, appearing in 48 matches; D appears in 32.
• RAZED scores 15 points, while RAZER, RAZES, and RAZEE each score 14.
• The average score across the matches is 7.6 points.

How many words fit R _ _ E _?

There are 158 matches, but only 34 fall within the common-word group. Try RIVER, RATES, ROLES, RIDER, and RAVEN first when you need recognizable candidates. RAZED, RATED, and RULED show how often this pattern ends in D.

The final letter narrows the choices quickly: S and D lead, followed by R with 26 matches. If your last tile is fixed, start with the most common endings before testing less frequent ones.

Which matches work in Wordle and word games?

The pattern has 24 entries in the Wordle answer list, and all 24 also appear in tournament dictionaries. Another 157 matches are allowed guesses, so a valid guess does not necessarily belong to the answer list. Use known letters to test likely everyday candidates.

Dictionary coverage varies: 127 matches appear in ENABLE, 156 in Collins, and 134 in NWL2023. That difference matters in tournament play; the full count does not mean every game accepts every word. Check your game's word list before using an unfamiliar match.

5-letter words with R first and E fourth

RAZED leads the scores at 15 points, with RAZER, RAZES, and RAZEE at 14 each. The Z brings much of their value. These score-focused choices are less familiar than RIVER or RATES, so weigh the board position against the points.

A useful rule of thumb: save high-value letters for a scoring square when the board allows it, but prioritize a recognizable candidate when solving a clue. Compare neighboring patterns if either fixed letter changes.