7-letter words with N as the 2nd letter and B as the 5th letter

The fixed pattern is _N__B__, and its entries range from everyday verbs to rare word-game forms. S is the most common starting letter, while D and S tie as the most frequent endings. Only two entries qualify as common by frequency, so expect many unfamiliar options among the matches.

At a glance: the N-and-B pattern

• There are 32 tournament-dictionary words matching _N__B__.
• Collins lists all 32; ENABLE and NWL2023 each list 19.
• INHIBIT, INHABIT, and SNUBBED are recognizable examples.
• KNOBBLY and KNUBBLY top the Scrabble scores at 18 points.

Which words fit this N-and-B pattern?

INHIBIT and INHABIT make the pattern easier to spot: both begin with IN and place B in the fifth position. SNUBBED is another clear example, with S at the start and the required B in place.

Starting letters are concentrated: S leads with 7 matches, while I, K, and U each start 6. At the other end, D and S tie at 8 words apiece, followed by E with 6.

How do these N-and-B words score?

KNOBBLY and KNUBBLY score 18 points each in Scrabble, ahead of KNOBBED at 16. KNOBBER and KNOBBLE follow at 15 points apiece, putting five KNOB-family forms among the leading scorers.

INHIBIT and INHABIT each score 12, despite being much more familiar. Only 2 of the 32 matches count as common by frequency, so the pattern produces plenty of obscure plays. Collins includes all 32, compared with 19 in each of ENABLE and NWL2023; check your game's dictionary before playing an unfamiliar form.