Five-letter position pattern
5 Letter Words with M as 1st and L as 3rd Letter
The M?L?? shape looks narrow, but it opens up once you know the common second letters and endings. M opens words with a vowel next in most cases, as in MONEY, MUSIC and MAJOR. L in the third box often doubles or follows a vowel, as in ALLOW, VALUE and RULES.
86matching five-letter words
Five-letter words with M in the 1st and L in the 3rd position
- malam
- malar
- malas
- malax
- malay
- malee
- maleo
- males
- malgr
- malic
- malie
- malik
- malis
- malls
- malms
- malmy
- malta
- malts
- malty
- malum
- malva
- malwa
- melam
- melas
- melba
- melch
- melds
- melee
- melic
- melik
- melis
- mells
- meloe
- melon
- melos
- melts
- melty
- milch
- milds
- miler
- miles
- milfs
- milha
- milia
- milko
- milks
- milky
- mille
- mills
- milor
- milos
- milpa
- milts
- milty
- miltz
- molal
- molar
- molas
- molds
- moldy
- moler
- moles
- molet
- molka
- molla
- molle
- molls
- molly
- molpe
- molto
- molts
- molvi
- mulch
- mulct
- muled
- mules
- mulet
- muley
- mulga
- mulla
- mulls
- mulse
- mulsh
- multi
- multo
- mylar
What the Words Have in Common
The second box is most often I as in MILES, A as in MALES and O as in MOLLY. For endings, look for ES as in MILES and LS as in MILLS.
The Most Familiar Words on This Page
MILES, MILLS, MALES, MOLLY and MALIK are the best known words that fit, so they make sensible first guesses. MILKY, MALLS and MELTS are worth keeping in reserve.
Useful five-letter words
- MILES
- MILLS
- MALES
- MOLLY
- MALIK
Pattern Notes
M and L are both consonants, so the open boxes usually carry the vowels, as in MILES, MILLS and MALES. Most of the familiar words have a vowel in the second box. The fifth box is most often S, Y and K, which makes it the quickest place to settle the ending.
Quick Strategy for This Pattern
The second box is the biggest unknown, and I, A and O are the strongest letters to test. If the second letter comes back grey, move to the ending and try S in the fifth box. The fixed M and L do a lot of the work, so spend your guesses on the three open boxes. For a wider view, see 5 letter words starting with M and 5 letter words with L as the 3rd letter.
Playing This Pattern in Word Games
In Scrabble, M is worth three points and L is worth one point. Knowing words such as MILES, MILLS and MALES helps you use both tiles quickly when they land on your rack.
Frequently asked questions
Which letters usually come second in words with M first and L third
I, A and O are the usual choices, as in MILES, MALES and MOLLY. Testing one of them in the second box is the quickest way to narrow the list.
What should I guess first for this pattern
MILES is a strong first choice, because it is a familiar word that also tests E, I and S in the three open boxes.
What are some common 5 letter words with M as 1st and L as 3rd letter
MILES, MILLS, MALES, MOLLY and MALIK are among the best known. MILKY, MALLS and MELTS are good follow ups.