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.
Endpoint tested and returned HTTP 200 on 2026-08-20
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 2026-08-20, 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 'https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3'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);import requests
res = requests.get("https://random-word-api.herokuapp.com/word?number=3", timeout=20)
res.raise_for_status()
print(res.json())[
"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.
Random Word API is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with ByteTools or ByteVancer. Details on this page were verified on 2026-08-20; always check the official documentation before relying on this API in production, as terms and limits can change.