6-letter words with W as the 5th letter and S as the 6th letter

Every match ends in WS, giving you the same two final letters across the set. Familiar examples include screws, elbows, straws, and bylaws, but only 7 entries are classed as common. Collins accepts 55 matches, compared with 36 in both NWL2023 and ENABLE, so the right choice depends on your game's dictionary.

Quick facts about the WS ending

• All 56 matches have six letters and end in WS.
• Only 7 entries are classed as common.
• Collins has 55 matches; NWL2023 and ENABLE each have 36.
• OXBOWS scores 18 points, the highest score among the examples.

How many 6-letter words with W fifth and S sixth?

The exact total is 56, and every answer shares the final sequence WS. The first letter gives the biggest visible cluster: S starts 13 entries, while E starts 7 and P starts 5.

The openings vary: screws starts with S, elbows with E, and bylaws with B. The ending is much tighter, with W in position five and S closing every word. Once you know the final S, that W is the more distinctive clue.

Which WS words score well, and which are familiar?

OXBOWS leads the scores at 18, followed by YAKOWS at 16; KAPOWS scores 15. Those unusual letters raise the point totals, though board placement still matters. BYLAWS scores 14 and offers a more familiar option.

Most players will recognize allows, throws, arrows, and renews before oxbows. Just 7 of the 56 are classed as common, so a matching pattern does not guarantee an everyday word. Collins has 19 more matches than NWL2023; check your game's word list before risking an unfamiliar entry.

The average score is 11.6, putting OXBOWS well above the typical score in this group. Use the high scorer when its letters fit your rack, not simply because it tops the list.