Random Word API

Free random word API with no key: generate one or many random English words, filtered by length. Minimal payload, useful for games and test data. Tested.

No API key requiredCORS enabledHTTPSFree tier

Endpoint tested and returned HTTP 200 on 20 Aug 2026

What is the Random Word API?

The Random Word API is a free, key-free API that returns random English words, with options to control how many are returned and to filter by word length.

This returns a plain array of random English words and nothing else. Its usefulness is in the places you need arbitrary vocabulary: word games, passphrase generation, test fixtures and placeholder content.

For passphrases specifically, be careful: words from a general dictionary API are not a substitute for a proper diceware wordlist with known entropy. If security matters, use a vetted list and a cryptographic random source locally.

Quick facts

Base URL: https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com
Authentication: No API key required.
Rate limit: No published limit.
Pricing: Free and open source.
CORS: Enabled — callable directly from browser JavaScript
Official docs: Read the docs

How to use the Random Word API

Every request below was executed against the live API on 20 Aug 2026, and the response shown is the real body it returned — not an illustration.

1. Generate random words

GET https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3

curl

curl 'https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3'

JavaScript (fetch)

const res = await fetch("https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3");
if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${res.status}`);
const data = await res.json();
console.log(data);

Python (requests)

import requests

res = requests.get("https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3", timeout=20)
res.raise_for_status()
print(res.json())

Response — HTTP 200

[
  "outfishes",
  "nonlanguage",
  "devoir"
]

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`word`	path	Optional	Return random words. `word`
`number`	integer	Optional	How many words to return. `3`
`length`	integer	Optional	Only words of exactly this length. `5`
`all`	path	Optional	The entire word list. `all`

Response fields

(array)array: A plain JSON array of word strings. There is no wrapper object.

What you can build with the Random Word API

Generate words for a word game or puzzle
Create readable test fixtures and placeholder data
Build vocabulary or spelling practice tools
Seed randomised content in demos

Common errors and how to fix them

Empty array

The length filter matched no words.

Fix: Very long or very short lengths have few or no matches; loosen the filter.

Obscure words returned

The list is a full dictionary, not curated.

Fix: Expect archaic and technical words; filter against a common-word list if that matters.

Using it for passwords

Dictionary words have unknown entropy.

Fix: Use a vetted diceware list and a local cryptographic random source for anything security-relevant.

Random Word API — frequently asked questions

Is the Random Word API free?

Yes, completely free and open source with no API key.

Can I control word length?

Yes, the `length` parameter returns only words of exactly that many characters, which is what word games usually need.

Should I use it to generate passphrases?

No. Words from a general dictionary have unknown entropy characteristics. Use a vetted diceware wordlist and a cryptographic random source locally for anything security-relevant.

Why do I get obscure words?

It draws from a full dictionary rather than a curated common-word list, so archaic and technical words appear. Filter client-side if that is a problem.

Tools that pair with this API

Lorem Ipsum Generator

Generate classic lorem ipsum placeholder text by paragraphs, sentences or words. Copy dummy text for mockups, designs and layouts in one click.

Word Counter

Count words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and estimated reading time instantly. Free online word counter for essays, blogs and social media.

Password Generator

Generate strong random passwords with cryptographically secure randomness. Choose length and character sets, see entropy strength, copy instantly.

Alternatives to Random Word API

If Random Word API does not fit, these utility apis cover similar ground. Every one was called before publishing, and each links to its own reference page with a working curl command and the response it returned.

API	What it does	Auth	CORS	Last verified
Agify	Free API that estimates age from a first name using public name data. No key for 100 requests/day. Tested curl example, live response and accuracy caveats.	No key	Yes	19 Aug 2026
Genderize	Free API estimating the gender statistically associated with a first name, with a probability score. 100 requests/day, no key. Tested example and caveats.	No key	Yes	19 Aug 2026
Nationalize	Free API predicting likely nationality from a first name, returning ranked countries with probabilities. 100 requests/day, no key. Tested curl example.	No key	Yes	19 Aug 2026
Random User Generator	Free random user generator API with no key: names, addresses, emails, photos and logins in multiple nationalities. Seeded and reproducible. Tested example.	No key	Yes	19 Aug 2026
The Calendar	Free US holiday API with no key: federal and per-state holidays as static JSON files, each entry citing its statutory basis and observance rule. Tested example included.	No key	Yes	21 Aug 2026
TheColorAPI	Free colour API with no key: convert between hex, RGB, HSL, CMYK and XYZ, get human colour names, contrast values and generate colour schemes. Tested.	No key	Yes	20 Aug 2026

All Utility APIs

Random Word API is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with ByteTools or ByteVancer. Details on this page were verified on 20 Aug 2026; always check the official documentation before relying on this API in production, as terms and limits can change.