Spam Trigger Words List 2025
Over 500 words and phrases that can land your emails in spam. Complete list organized by category with safer alternatives.
Spam filters have evolved significantly in 2025. They now use machine learning to detect not just obvious spam words, but also AI-generated language patterns, overly salesy copy, and manipulative urgency tactics.
This comprehensive list covers 500+ spam trigger words and phrases across 6 categories. Use it as a reference when writing emails, or use Sendable's free spam checker to automatically detect these words in your copy.
⚡ Quick Tip
Using one spam trigger word won't necessarily land you in spam. It's about the overall pattern. An email with 5+ trigger words and aggressive formatting is far more likely to be flagged than one with a single borderline phrase.
How Spam Filters Work in 2025
Modern spam filters use several techniques to evaluate your emails:
- Keyword analysis – Detecting known spam trigger words
- Pattern recognition – Identifying spam-like sentence structures
- AI detection – Flagging content that sounds machine-generated
- Sentiment analysis – Measuring urgency and manipulation levels
- Link analysis – Checking URLs against blacklists
- Engagement history – Tracking how recipients interact with your emails
The key insight: context matters more than individual words. The same word might be fine in one context but flagged in another. That's why automated checking tools are so valuable.
Complete Spam Trigger Words List by Category
Financial & Money
Urgency & Pressure
Overpromising & Claims
AI & Robotic Phrases
Suspicious & Scammy
Sales & Marketing
Safer Alternatives to Common Spam Words
Instead of avoiding all marketing language, replace risky phrases with more natural alternatives:
| ❌ Avoid | ✓ Use Instead |
|---|---|
| "Act now!" | "Here when you're ready" |
| "100% free" | "No cost to try" |
| "Limited time offer" | "Available until [date]" |
| "Click here" | "See the full details" |
| "Guaranteed results" | "Based on our experience with..." |
| "I hope this finds you well" | [Start with your point directly] |
| "Don't miss out" | "You might find this useful" |
| "This is not spam" | [Never say this—just write legitimately] |
Industry-Specific Spam Words
SaaS & Technology
Watch out for: "Free trial," "Demo," "Get started free," "Upgrade now," "Limited beta access," "Early adopter," "Exclusive features."
E-commerce & Retail
Be careful with: "Huge sale," "Clearance," "Buy one get one," "Free shipping," "Discount code," "Flash sale," "Best price guaranteed."
Finance & Insurance
Highly scrutinized: "No credit check," "Pre-approved," "Low rates," "Debt consolidation," "Investment opportunity," "Crypto," "Forex."
Health & Wellness
Red flags include: "Weight loss," "Miracle cure," "Anti-aging," "All natural," "Doctor recommended," "FDA approved," "Clinically proven."
How to Use This List Effectively
- Don't obsess over individual words – Focus on the overall tone and density of trigger words in your email.
- Consider context – "Free" in "Feel free to ask questions" is fine. "FREE BONUS!!!" in a subject line is not.
- Use automated tools – Sendable's spam checker can scan your entire email in seconds.
- Test with real email providers – Send tests to Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo accounts.
- Monitor deliverability over time – Track your bounce and spam rates.
Check Your Emails Automatically
Stop manually scanning for spam words. Paste your email into Sendable and instantly see all trigger words highlighted with color-coded categories.
Try Free Spam CheckerFrequently Asked Questions
Will using one spam word ruin my deliverability?
No. Modern spam filters look at patterns, not individual words. A single borderline word in an otherwise well-written email usually won't cause issues. Problems arise when multiple triggers combine with aggressive formatting.
Are these words banned from all emails?
No—context matters. "Free" is perfectly fine in many contexts. These words become problematic when used manipulatively or combined with other spam signals.
Why are AI phrases now considered spam triggers?
In 2025, spam filters recognize patterns common in AI-generated and mass-produced content. Phrases like "I hope this finds you well" signal generic, impersonal emails—exactly what spam filters aim to catch.
How often is this list updated?
We update this list quarterly based on the latest spam filter behavior. The most recent update added AI-detection phrases and 2025-specific patterns.