a-n-s-w-e-r
ANSWER is a response to a question, or the solution to a problem. As a verb, it means to respond or reply. In word games, the W (4pts) provides excellent scoring potential!
9
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
ANSWER serves multiple functions in English:
Response (Noun)
A reply to a question, letter, or communication. "The answer was 42." Also a solution to a problem or puzzle.
To Respond (Verb)
To reply or react to something. "Please answer the phone." Can be used for doors, questions, or calls.
In Context
Legal: "answer to charges." Academic: "test answers." Personal: "answer for your actions."
The word ANSWER has ancient Germanic roots:
Originally meant: A solemn response to a charge or accusation - literally "to swear in return." The legal sense came first!
Where we use "answer"
Questions & Replies
• Test answers
• Interview answers
• Phone answering
• Door answering
Solutions & Responses
• Math answers
• Puzzle answers
• Legal answers
• Prayer answers
Common expressions with "answer"
💭 "The answer is blowing in the wind" - Bob Dylan lyric
🎯 "Answer to someone" - be accountable to
✅ "Answer for" - take responsibility
🚀 "Answer the call" - respond to a need
🔑 "Have all the answers" - know everything
🎯The W in ANSWER is worth 4 points - 44% of the word's total value!
🧮"42" is famously "The Answer to the Ultimate Question" in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
🌍Answer.com was one of the first Q&A websites, launched in 1999
🎲ANSWER contains SWAN, WREN, NEAR, and EARN as valuable subwords
"Placed the W on a triple letter score - ANSWER scored 27 points!"
- W placement strategy
"My opponent challenged ANSWER - seriously? It's one of the most common words!"
- Never challenged
"ANSWER hooked perfectly with ANSWERS for a double word score."
- Hook play
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 9 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
Premium letter: W (4pts) = 44% of value
W placement is key for maximizing points!
ANSWER's central W makes it perfect for crossing plays. Easy S-hook for ANSWERS.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like ANSWER