Scrabble players are always on the lookout for valid words that not only fit on the board but also bring in a high score. One common question that arises during gameplay is whether a specific word is allowed according to the official Scrabble dictionary. A word like cower might sound familiar in everyday conversation, but that doesn’t always guarantee it is accepted in the game. If you’re wondering whether cower is a Scrabble word, how many points it’s worth, and how you can use it strategically, this topic will guide you through everything you need to know.
Is Cower a Valid Word in Scrabble?
Acceptance in the Official Scrabble Dictionary
Yes, cower is absolutely a valid word in Scrabble. It is recognized in both the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) and the international Collins Scrabble Words list (CSW), which means it can be used in games played in the U.S., U.K., and most English-speaking regions around the world.
Cower is defined as a verb that means to crouch down or shrink away, often in fear or submission. It is commonly used in literature and conversation, making it a familiar and safe word to use during gameplay.
Points Value of Cower in Scrabble
Understanding how many points a word earns is crucial in Scrabble. Here is the breakdown of cower by letter score in standard English-language Scrabble:
- C = 3 points
- O = 1 point
- W = 4 points
- E = 1 point
- R = 1 point
Total: 10 points(before any bonus tile multipliers).
Although cower doesn’t contain high-value letters like Q or Z, it includes W, which adds a bit more weight to its overall value. With smart placement on double or triple letter and word tiles, this word can yield a strategic advantage.
Strategies for Using Cower in Scrabble
Ideal Board Placement
Because cower is five letters long, it gives players flexibility for horizontal or vertical alignment. Try placing it so that the letter W lands on a double or triple letter score tile. That alone can boost the word’s overall points significantly. Additionally, placing cower so that it connects with other words already on the board can multiply your score through crosswords.
Using Cower with Other Words
In Scrabble, forming multiple words in one move is a great tactic. Here’s how cower can interact with other short words to earn extra points:
- Connect the R to form re or er.
- Build from cow, then add -er to form cower.
- Use the C to start another word like cat or cop.
Small additions can help create new words on the board while still scoring points from the primary word cower.
Extending or Modifying Cower
Another effective strategy in Scrabble is to extend existing words. Cower can be changed into longer forms like:
- Cowered past tense, adds two extra letters
- Cowering present participle, adds four extra letters
These extensions not only help in scoring but also open up the board for further gameplay and letter usage.
Scrabble Word Legality: How to Check
Scrabble Dictionaries and Word Lists
If you are ever unsure whether a word like cower is valid in Scrabble, you can reference the following sources:
- Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD)
- Collins Scrabble Words (CSW)
- Online Scrabble word checkers
These tools confirm word legality and sometimes even show point values, definitions, and allowed extensions.
House Rules and Tournaments
In casual play, players often agree on which dictionary to follow. However, in formal tournaments, the dictionary used is predetermined, and players must strictly follow it. In both cases, cower is recognized and accepted, making it a safe and legal word across Scrabble platforms.
Meaning and Usage of Cower in English
Definition and Part of Speech
Cower is a verb that means to crouch or shrink away, typically from fear or cold. It conveys vulnerability and submission and is frequently used in narratives to describe how characters respond to danger or intimidation.
Example Sentences
- The kitten began tocowerin the corner during the thunderstorm.
- He did notcowerin the face of adversity, but stood tall.
- Villagers wouldcowerwhenever the dragon flew overhead.
Using recognizable verbs like cower in Scrabble not only helps in points but also enhances your understanding of language and vocabulary.
Other Words Related to Cower in Scrabble
Synonyms You Might Use
While cower is a strong word choice, there may be times when you don’t have the right letters. Here are a few synonyms that may work depending on your available tiles:
- Cringe (6 letters)
- Flinch (6 letters)
- Shiver (6 letters)
- Squat (5 letters)
Although not all of them carry the exact same nuance, they are generally accepted in Scrabble and can offer good alternatives.
Words Built from Cower
When playing cower, you can also rearrange its letters to make new playable words if needed:
- Core
- Row
- Ore
- Cow
- Rec
These shorter words can be useful in tighter board spaces or when you’re trying to unload extra letters.
cower is a valid and useful word in Scrabble, worth a total of 10 points before bonuses. It’s recognized in all official word lists and can be an effective choice when placed strategically. With its moderate point value and versatility in extension or modification, it’s a solid word to keep in your vocabulary arsenal. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or participating in a more competitive setting, knowing that cower is legal gives you one more valuable tool for your next game. Mastering words like this helps improve both your Scrabble strategy and your understanding of English language usage.