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Updated June 2026
to scoop out or overcharge
“The carpenter used a chisel to gouge a channel in the wood.”
/ɡaʊdʒ/
"Gouge" repeats a letter (4 unique of 5), so it rules out fewer options as an opening guess. Its 3 vowels help pin down vowel positions early.
"Gouge" is worth 7 points before board bonuses. Aim its letters at double/triple-letter and word squares to lift the score.
Change a single letter of “gouge” to make these 5-letter words — useful for Wordle and crossword clues.
Look up gouge in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.
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