Crossword word lists for constructors

A crossword word list is a file of fill candidates, each with a score that says how desirable the entry is in a grid. Autofill and fill-assist tools use the scores to suggest lively words like JUKEBOX over dull or obscure ones. The main lists constructors use are Peter Broda's list, Spread the Wordlist, the Collaborative Word List, and the paid XWord Info and Cruciverb databases.

What is a scored crossword word list?

A plain dictionary tells software which strings are legal. A scored list also says which ones are good. Scores usually run from "use this immediately" at the top down to entries a constructor would only accept in an emergency, such as awkward abbreviations or very obscure names. A typical line looks like this:

JUKEBOX;60
ETUI;20

Without scores, a solver picking among 40 candidates for a slot has no way to prefer the one solvers will enjoy. That is why a better list improves autofill more than any other single change.

How do word list scores work?

There is no universal scale. Each list defines its own, and numbers are only comparable within one list. Spread the Wordlist, for example, shows large clusters of entries scored 50–55 and 40–45, with a total of about 300,000 answers. Higher is generally better, but check the notes that come with the one you download. Scores are subjective and tend to reflect editor judgment about freshness, familiarity and how "green" an entry is (a common one like ARENA is neutral; a partial like ATA is poor).

Because scores are opinions, constructors often edit them. If a list rates a word you dislike too highly, lower it and re-import.

What are the main crossword word lists?

Figures below come from a constructor's survey of lists plus each list's own site, checked on 2026-10-14. Sizes and prices change, so confirm before you pay.

Notes on each:

• Peter Broda's list is a free, widely used list described as conscientiously scored. It also keeps multi-word information such as spaces and hyphens in some versions.
• Spread the Wordlist is free to download in lowercase, uppercase and "surface forms" files, in .dict (Crossfire) or .txt (Crossword Compiler) formats. Its license is CC BY-NC-SA 4.0; the page says you may use it in a free product with attribution and may sell crosswords you build with it.
• Collaborative Word List is the largest free option and keeps growing because contributors add to it.
• XWord Info and Cruciverb draw on published puzzle data, so their lists favor entries that have appeared in major outlets. That helps with "is this word used?" but still needs your judgment.

Licenses differ and many aren't stated, so read the terms before you redistribute any list. Gridsmith doesn't host or bundle these lists.

How big should my word list be?

Bigger isn't automatically better. A huge unscored list gives autofill lots of junk to choose from. A medium list with good scores usually fills better than a giant one, and you can always add a short personal list of entries you love. Start with one well-scored list, fill a few grids, then tune.

How do I import a word list into Gridsmith?

Gridsmith ships with a large built-in list (about 227,000 words, all scored equally), so autofill works out of the box but favors obscure words. To use a scored list:

1. Download a list as a plain text file with the extension .txt, .dict or .dic.
2. In the editor, open Tools, then Import words… and choose the file.
3. Check the word count shown in the editor, then open a slot and look at the ranked suggestions.

The file format Gridsmith reads:

• One entry per line.
• WORD;score, for example JUKEBOX;60. The score is a number. If you omit it, the entry gets a default score of 50.
• Words are uppercased on import and must be letters A–Z only. Lines containing spaces, hyphens, digits or punctuation are skipped, so a multi-word entry must be written as one run, like HOTSHOT.
• Blank lines and lines beginning with # are ignored.
• If a word appears twice, the higher score wins.
• Lines where the score isn't a number are skipped.

Importing replaces the built-in list for that session; it does not merge with it. If you want both, combine the files yourself first. Lists that use a different layout, such as scores before the word or a comma separator, won't parse as intended, so convert them with a spreadsheet or a quick find-and-replace before importing.

Fill-assist and autofill both use the list you load: suggestions are ranked by score, highest first. Try a few patterns with the fill tips guide once you've imported.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best crossword word list?

There's no single best. Many constructors start with Peter Broda's list or the Collaborative Word List because they're free and large, then add paid lists like XWord Info's if they want data tied to published puzzles.

Are crossword word lists free?

Several are: Peter Broda's, Spread the Wordlist and the Collaborative Word List. XWord Info and Cruciverb require paid memberships.

What does a crossword word score mean?

It's a rating of how desirable the entry is in a grid. Scales differ between lists, so compare scores only within a single list.

What format does Gridsmith accept for word lists?

Plain text, one WORD;score per line, letters A–Z only, with optional comments starting with #. Files ending in .txt, .dict or .dic are accepted.

Can I use the NYT's own word list?

The NYT doesn't publish one. Lists like XWord Info's are built from published puzzle data by third parties.