Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for playing word games wherein competition is based primarily upon semantics skills, and more particularly, word games in which players compete by presenting words upon a gameboard in alternating turns, wherein each presented word is responsive to one or more previously presented words according to semantic criteria, and wherein the quality and nature of semantic relationships between opponents' words determines scores, rankings, and outcomes. Said semantic criteria comprise synonymy, antonymy, and genus-species relationships, for example. The game is provided as a physical boardgame and as a software application to be played on personal computing devices and over a network such as the internet against either human opponents or artificial intelligence-based computer opponents.