Decoding the letter X

The letter X, lowercase x (pronounced /eks/) normally represents the sounds /ks/. Sometimes it represents /gz/ and at the beginning of the word it represents /z/. There are also other, less common pronunciations.

As /ks/

 * At the end of the word: box - complex - fix - fox - index - lynx - matrix - mix - ox - relax - sex - six - tax
 * Before a consonant: context - excavation - exchange - exclusive - excuse - expand - expect - expensive - experience - expert - explain - explore - export - express - extend - extinguisher - extra - mixture - next - Oxford - text
 * Between vowels (the preceding vowel is stressed): boxer - galaxy - exercise - exhibition - Mexico - pixel - saxophone - taxi - Texas - toxic - tuxedo
 * "xc" as /ks/: excel - excellent - except - excess - excite

As /gz/

 * Between vowels (the following vowel is stressed): auxiliary - Alexander - exact - exaggerate - exam - examination - examine - example - executive - exhaust - exhibit - exist - existence - exotic - exuberant

As /z/

 * xenophobia - xylophone

As /kʃ/

 * anxious, complexion, luxury, obnoxious, sexual

As /ɡʒ/

 * luxurious

"nx" as /ŋz/

 * anxiety

Variant pronunciations

 * exile: /ˈksaɪl/ or /ˈgzaɪl/
 * exit: /ˈksɪt/ or /ˈgzɪt/

Homophones

 * lynx - links

Minimal pairs

 * lynx - link; next - nest; six - sick; text - test;

/ks/ vs /gz/

 * tax - tags;

Silent X

 * Sioux /suː/

Informal spelling

 * pix: pics, a shortening of pictures
 * thanx: thanks
 * thx: an abbreviation of thanks