Vocabulary For Middle and High School Students

Decades of research have confirmed the important role that vocabulary plays in reading comprehension and in children’s overall academic success. Immersing children and young people in rich and varied language experiences allows them to learn words through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is important for students to have a strong vocabulary in order to understand and comprehend written and spoken language and to be able to effectively communicate their own ideas and thoughts. A strong vocabulary can also help them perform better in other academic subjects, as understanding the meaning of new words is essential for learning and retaining information. Also, take a look at our other vocabulary and spelling posts: 106 More Vocabulary and Spelling Worksheets, Lists, Texts and Videos, Grades 1-8, 150 Vocabulary Word-Definition Lists and Worksheets for Middle – High School, 373 Greek and Latin Roots in English Words and 32 Spelling Lists and Worksheets.

29 Vocabulary Word Lists, Lessons and Learning Strategies

Additionally, here are over 400 English vocabulary words that middle and high school students should know, understand, and use. Each word below has an example that shows how to use the word in a sentence.

Abject: Extremely unhappy, poor, or miserable. Example: “The abject poverty of the village was evident in the dilapidated houses and lack of basic amenities.”
Abstemious: Moderately or sparingly consuming food, drink, or other indulgences; self-disciplined. Example: “He was abstemious in his eating habits and rarely indulged in sweets.”
Adjudicate: To make a formal judgment or decision about something. Example: “The court adjudicated the case in favor of the plaintiff.”
Adulate: To admire or flatter someone excessively, often in an attempt to gain favor or attention. Example: “He was known for his tendency to adulate those in positions of power.”
Adumbrate: To outline or suggest something in a general way, without giving full details. Example: “The artist adumbrated the outline of the painting with a light sketch.”
Agglutinate: To cause something to stick together or become united, often through a chemical process. Example: “The glue was used to agglutinate the broken pieces of the vase.”
Aggrandize: To make something or someone seem greater or more important than they really are; to exaggerate or overstate. Example: “He tried to aggrandize his accomplishments in order to impress others.”
Aggregate: To collect or bring together a number of things or people. Example: “The aggregate number of attendees at the concert was over 10,000.”
Aggrieve: To cause great distress or suffering to someone. Example: “The news of her husband’s infidelity aggrieved her deeply.”
Aggro: A shortened form of the word “aggravation”, meaning annoyance or irritation. Example: “I don’t want to deal with any more aggro today.”
Alleluia: An exclamation of praise or joy, often used in religious contexts. Example: “The choir sang alleluias as part of the Easter service.”
Aloof: Being distant or detached from others, often in an unfriendly way. Example: “He kept aloof from the rest of the group and seemed disinterested in their conversation.”
Amorphous: Without a clear shape or form. Example: “The amorphous blob on the ground turned out to be a pile of mud.”
Anomaly: Something that is unusual or unexpected. Example: “The sudden appearance of a snowstorm in July was an anomaly.”
Arduous: Hard to do or accomplish; requiring a lot of effort. Example: “Climbing to the top of the mountain was an arduous task.”
Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities. Example: “He was so arrogant that he believed he could do no wrong.”
Baffle: To confuse or bewilder someone. Example: “The math problem completely baffled me.”
Baleful: Threatening or ominous; having a harmful or malevolent intention. Example: “The baleful look in her eyes made him feel uneasy.”
Banal: Lacking originality or freshness; uninteresting or boring. Example: “His ideas were so banal that I couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying.”
Banter: Lighthearted, playful, or teasing conversation. Example: “The two friends enjoyed a good-natured banter during their lunch break.”
Bard: A poet or storyteller, especially one who writes or performs verse. Example: “He was a talented bard, known for his powerful and evocative poetry.”
Bask: To take pleasure in or enjoy something, often in a relaxed or leisurely way. Example: “She basked in the warm sun and enjoyed the feeling of contentment.”
Beguile: To deceive or mislead through charm or flattery. Example: “She was beguiled by his smooth words and didn’t realize he was trying to manipulate her.”
Beleaguer: To harass or attack relentlessly; to surround and cut off from supplies or support. Example: “The enemy forces beleaguered the city, causing widespread destruction and suffering.”
Belligerent: Hostile or aggressive. Example: “The belligerent driver honked his horn and gestured angrily at the other car.”
Benevolent: Showing kindness and concern for others. Example: “The benevolent teacher went out of her way to help struggling students.”
Benign: Gentle, kind, or harmless; not causing harm or trouble. Example: “The tumor was found to be benign and not a cause for concern.”
Bequeath: To pass something down to someone as an inheritance. Example: “He bequeathed his valuable art collection to his daughter.”
Bland: Lacking flavor or character. Example: “The bland soup needed more spices to make it taste better.”
Blandishment: Flattery or persuasion used to coax or entice someone. Example: “He tried to win her over with sweet talk and blandishments, but she saw through his insincerity.”
Bombastic: Using language that is grandiose or pompous. Example: “His bombastic speech was filled with empty promises.”
Boorish: Rude or offensive in behavior or manner; lacking in refinement or social graces. Example: “His boorish behavior at the dinner party offended everyone.”
Brandish: To wave or shake something in a threatening manner. Example: “The thief brandished a knife at the store clerk and demanded money.”
Broach: To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion. Example: “He hesitated to broach the sensitive subject, but knew it was necessary.”
Bruit: To spread or publicize a rumor or report. Example: “The news of the celebrity’s scandal was bruit across the internet.”
Buoyant: Cheerful and optimistic. Example: “Despite the challenges she faced, she remained buoyant and hopeful.”
Byzantine: Complicated and convoluted; characterized by intricate detail. Example: “The byzantine bureaucracy made it difficult to get anything done.”
Cajole: To persuade or try to influence someone through flattery or insincere words. Example: “He tried to cajole her into lending him the money.”
Callous: Insensitive and unsympathetic. Example: “He was so callous that he didn’t seem to care about the suffering of others.”
Calumny: False and malicious accusations or slander. Example: “He was accused of calumny when it was revealed that he had lied about his qualifications.”
Cadence: A rhythmic flow or pattern, especially in language or music. Example: “The cadence of his voice was soothing and hypnotic.”
Candid: Honest, open, and straightforward; not hiding anything. Example: “She was known for her candid personality and always told the truth, even if it was difficult.”
Capricious: Changing suddenly and unpredictably, often without a good reason. Example: “The capricious weather made it hard to plan outdoor activities.”
Carapace: A protective outer covering, such as the shell of a turtle or the exoskeleton of an insect. Example: “The carapace of the turtle offered it protection from predators.”
Carouse: To engage in boisterous and drunken revelry; to party or celebrate in an unrestrained manner. Example: “They caroused into the early hours of the morning, singing and dancing.”
Castigate: To criticize or punish severely; to scold or reprimand. Example: “He was castigated by his boss for his careless mistake.”
Cauterize: To burn or sear a wound or tissue in order to stop bleeding or prevent infection. Example: “The doctor had to cauterize the wound to prevent it from becoming infected.”
Cautious: Careful and wary, especially to avoid danger or risk. Example: “She was cautious when crossing the busy street.”
Cede: To give up or transfer ownership or control of something. Example: “The company was forced to cede control to the new owner.”
Censor: To suppress or remove material deemed inappropriate or offensive. Example: “The government censors any news stories that might be critical of its policies.”
Cerebral: Relating to the intellect or the mind, rather than the emotions or physical senses. Example: “He was a cerebral person, more interested in ideas than in physical activities.”
Chicanery: Deception or trickery, often used to achieve an unfair advantage. Example: “The politician’s use of chicanery to win the election was widely criticized.”
Chivalrous: Having the qualities of a gentleman, such as courage, honor, and consideration for others. Example: “He was known for his chivalrous behavior, always opening doors and offering his seat to women.”
Coerce: To force or persuade someone to do something against their will. Example: “The kidnappers coerced the victim into giving them the combination to the safe.”
Collaborate: To work together, often in order to achieve a common goal. Example: “The researchers collaborated on a study to understand the causes of the disease.”
Collate: To gather and arrange in a systematic order. Example: “The librarian had to collate the books on the shelves by subject and author.”
Commensurate: Proportional or appropriate in size or amount. Example: “The salary was not commensurate with the amount of work expected.”
Complaisant: Willing to please or accommodate others, often to the point of being overly polite or obsequious. Example: “She was so complaisant that she never stood up for herself.”
Debacle: A complete failure or collapse; a disaster. Example: “The project was a debacle from the start and ended in a costly mess.”
Debilitate: To weaken or make someone unable to function properly. Example: “The illness debilitated him, leaving him bedridden for weeks.”
Debris: The remains or fragments of something that has been destroyed or broken up. Example: “The debris from the destroyed building littered the street.”
Decorous: Proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance; exhibiting good taste and manners. Example: “She was always decorous, even in the most formal of occasions.”
Decry: To speak out against something strongly, often because it is considered wrong or harmful. Example: “Many people decried the government’s decision to cut funding for education.”
Defenestrate: To throw someone or something out of a window. Example: “The angry mob defenestrated the corrupt politician.”
Deference: Respect and reverence shown towards someone or something. Example: “She paid deference to the elder’s wisdom and experience.”
Deign: To consider something beneath one’s dignity or worth. Example: “She refused to deign to speak with him after he insulted her.”
Deluge: A large amount of something that comes in a short period of time. Example: “The deluge of rain caused widespread flooding in the area.”
Demagogue: A leader who uses emotional appeals and manipulates the opinions of the people in order to gain power. Example: “The demagogue used fear and anger to stir up the crowd.”
Demur: To object or express hesitation or reluctance. Example: “She demurred at the suggestion, saying she wasn’t interested.”
Denigrate: To criticize or speak poorly of someone or something in order to damage their reputation. Example: “He denigrated his opponent’s character during the debate.”
Deprecate: To express disapproval or belittle something. Example: “She deprecated his attempts to impress her.”
Desiccate: To dry out or dehydrate something. Example: “The intense heat desiccated the plants, leaving them withered and lifeless.”
Desuetude: A state of disuse or neglect; a lack of activity or interest. Example: “The old, abandoned house had fallen into a state of desuetude.”
Diaphanous: Thin and transparent; delicate and ethereal. Example: “The diaphanous veil added a romantic touch to her wedding dress.”
Diatribe: A lengthy and bitter speech or written attack, often filled with anger or criticism. Example: “He launched into a diatribe against the government, accusing it of corruption and incompetence.”
Ebullient: Full of enthusiasm and energy; lively and excited. Example: “She was ebullient about the new project and couldn’t wait to get started.”
Eccentric: Unconventional or strange in behavior or appearance. Example: “He was known for his eccentric fashion sense, which often involved mismatched patterns and bright colors.”
Edict: A formal declaration or order issued by a person in authority. Example: “The king issued an edict forbidding anyone from leaving the city.”
Efficacious: Effective in producing a desired result. Example: “The medicine was efficacious in relieving her symptoms.”
Efficacy: The ability to produce the desired or intended result; effectiveness. Example: “The efficacy of the medication was proven in clinical trials.”
Egregious: Outstandingly bad or unacceptable; flagrant. Example: “The error was so egregious that it could not be overlooked.”
Elucidate: To explain or make something clear; to shed light on. Example: “The teacher tried to elucidate the complex concept for the students.”
Emanate: To come out or be produced from a source. Example: “A strong smell of gasoline emanated from the leaking fuel tank.”
Embezzle: To steal or misappropriate money or assets that are entrusted to one’s care. Example: “The accountant was caught embezzling company funds.”
Emend: To correct or improve, especially by making minor changes to text or language. Example: “The editor emended the manuscript, fixing typos and clarifying certain passages.”
Emollient: A substance that softens or soothes the skin; a calming or soothing influence. Example: “The emollient lotion helped to reduce redness and irritation.”
Empathize: To understand and share the feelings of another person. Example: “She tried to empathize with her friend’s pain and offered her support.”
Enamored: Deeply in love or infatuated with someone or something. Example: “He was enamored with the beautiful actress and couldn’t take his eyes off her.”
Enigma: Something that is mysterious or difficult to understand. Example: “The solution to the puzzle was an enigma that nobody could figure out.”
Enmity: Strong dislike or hostility towards someone or something. Example: “There was a long-standing enmity between the two families.”
Ennui: A feeling of boredom or weariness; a lack of interest or excitement. Example: “The monotony of her daily routine caused her to feel a deep ennui.”
Enormity: The quality of being outrageously or shockingly bad; great wickedness. Example: “The enormity of the crime shocked the community.”
Entomology: The scientific study of insects. Example: “He was an expert in entomology and could identify almost any bug he saw.”
Fallacious: Based on a false or mistaken idea; not true or valid. Example: “His argument was fallacious and couldn’t be supported by the facts.”
Fastidious: Very careful and attentive to detail. Example: “The fastidious scientist spent hours making sure that every detail of the experiment was correct.”
Fecund: Fertile or productive; able to produce offspring or new growth. Example: “The fecund soil was perfect for growing a variety of crops.”
Fervent: Showing great enthusiasm or passion. Example: “She was fervent about her cause and worked tirelessly to promote it.”
Fervid: Extremely passionate or intense; burning with emotion. Example: “Her fervid speech stirred the crowd and inspired them to take action.”
Filibuster: To obstruct or delay progress, especially by speaking or acting excessively or unnecessarily. Example: “He used a filibuster to try to block the legislation from passing.”
Flagellate: To whip or lash; to inflict punishment or pain through physical means. Example: “The prisoners were flagellated as punishment for their crimes.”
Flamboyant: Showy or ostentatious; flashy and attention-seeking. Example: “His flamboyant style was admired by some and ridiculed by others.”
Flimsy: Weak and easily broken or damaged. Example: “The flimsy cardboard box couldn’t hold the heavy books.”
Flout: To openly and deliberately defy or disregard a rule or norm. Example: “He flouted the school’s dress code by wearing a T-shirt with a controversial slogan.”
Fortitude: Courage and strength of mind that enables someone to endure difficult circumstances. Example: “She showed great fortitude in the face of adversity.”
Fractious: Quarrelsome or prone to arguing. Example: “The fractious children fought constantly and were difficult to manage.”
Frivolous: Silly or superficial; not worth taking seriously. Example: “She dismissed his idea as frivolous and not worth considering.”
Fulsome: Overly complimentary or flattering, often to the point of insincerity. Example: “She was turned off by his fulsome praise and suspected he was just trying to butter her up.”
Furtive: Sneaky or secretive, often in a way that suggests something is being hidden. Example: “He had a furtive look in his eyes and seemed to be trying to avoid being noticed.”
Fusillade: A rapid and continuous firing of guns or other weapons. Example: “The fusillade of bullets sent everyone running for cover.”
Futile: Useless or ineffective; having no chance of success. Example: “The rescue efforts were futile, as the missing hikers were never found.”
Gainsay: To contradict or deny something. Example: “He tried to gainsay the evidence, but it was clear that he was lying.”
Gall: Bitter or resentful feelings; a feeling of anger or frustration. Example: “She couldn’t hide her gall at being passed over for the promotion.”
Gambol: To skip or frolic in a playful manner. Example: “The puppies gamboled around the yard, chasing each other’s tails.”
Garrulous: Excessively talkative and unable to stop talking, often about unimportant or trivial things. Example: “He was so garrulous that nobody wanted to listen to him anymore.”
Genteel: Refined or polished in manners and appearance; dignified and well-bred. Example: “She was known for her genteel manners and always acted with grace and poise.”
Germinate: To sprout or begin to grow; to start developing. Example: “The seeds germinated quickly in the warm, moist soil.”
Goad: To urge or prod someone to do something, often with persistent or annoying urging. Example: “The salesperson tried to goad him into buying the expensive car.”
Gourmand: A person who loves food and eats a lot of it, especially in a gluttonous manner. Example: “She was a gourmand and always looked forward to trying new and exotic dishes.”
Grandiloquent: Using grand or pompous language, often in an attempt to impress or intimidate others. Example: “His grandiloquent speech was filled with flowery words and empty promises.”
Grandiose: Pretentious or exaggerated; characterized by grandeur or extravagance. Example: “His grandiose plans were met with skepticism by his colleagues.”
Gregarious: Enjoying the company of others and seeking social interaction. Example: “She was very gregarious and always surrounded by friends.”
Guerdon: A reward or recompense given for a service or achievement. Example: “The guerdon for his hard work was a promotion and pay raise.”
Guffaw: A loud and unrestrained burst of laughter. Example: “His joke was met with a chorus of guffaws from the audience.”
Guile: Clever or cunning deception used to trick or deceive someone. Example: “He used guile to escape from the authorities.”
Gullible: Easily convinced or deceived, especially due to a lack of skepticism or critical thinking. Example: “He was so gullible that he believed everything he was told.”
Gustatory: Relating to the sense of taste. Example: “The restaurant’s focus on gustatory pleasures made it a popular destination for foodies.”
Guzzle: To drink or eat something quickly and in large quantities. Example: “He guzzled down the entire bottle of water in one go.”
Gyrate: To move in a circular or spiral motion. Example: “The ballerina gyrated gracefully across the stage.”
Halcyon: Peaceful and calm, often used to describe a happy or golden age. Example: “The halcyon days of her childhood were filled with sunshine and laughter.”
Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech, often filled with criticism or complaints. Example: “He was known for his harangues, which could go on for hours.”
Harbinger: Something that indicates or foreshadows a coming event. Example: “The dark clouds were a harbinger of the storm that was coming.”
Harebrained: Foolish or reckless; lacking good judgment. Example: “Her harebrained idea to bungee jump off the bridge was met with skepticism.”
Haughty: Proud and arrogant, with a feeling of superiority towards others. Example: “She was haughty and looked down on those who she considered inferior.”
Hauteur: Arrogance or haughtiness; a sense of superiority or disdain. Example: “She looked down her nose at the commoners with hauteur.”
Heinous: Extremely wicked or cruel; deserving strong condemnation or punishment. Example: “The heinous crime shocked the community.”
Herculean: Requiring great strength or effort; formidable. Example: “The task was a Herculean one, but he was determined to see it through.”
Heterogeneous: Made up of diverse or different elements; not homogenous. Example: “The group was a heterogeneous one, with people from all walks of life.”
Hiatus: A break or interruption in the continuity of something. Example: “There was a long hiatus in their friendship due to a misunderstanding.”
Hieroglyphic: A system of writing using pictorial symbols or characters. Example: “The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to record their history and beliefs.”
Hirsute: Covered with hair or fur; hairy or shaggy. Example: “The hirsute animal was a bit intimidating to approach.”
Holistic: Considering the whole and its parts, rather than just the parts. Example: “The holistic approach to healthcare considers the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”
Homogenous: Consisting of parts or elements that are similar or identical; uniform in composition. Example: “The homogenous group of students all had the same interests and backgrounds.”
Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence; a belief in one’s own superiority. Example: “His hubris led to his downfall, as he refused to listen to anyone else’s advice.”
Hypothesis: A proposed explanation or prediction based on limited evidence, used as a starting point for further investigation. Example: “The scientist developed a hypothesis to explain the strange behavior of the particles.”
Hyperbole: Extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Example: “She used hyperbole to describe how hungry she was, saying that she could eat an entire cow.”
Hypocritical: Failing to practice what one preaches; pretending to have beliefs, morals, or virtues that one does not actually possess. Example: “He was criticized for being hypocritical, as he claimed to support environmental causes but continued to use single-use plastics.”
Imbue: To infuse or saturate something with a particular quality or influence. Example: “The music was imbued with a sense of longing and sadness.”
Iconoclast: Someone who challenges or attacks long-held beliefs or traditions. Example: “He was an iconoclast who wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Idiosyncrasy: A peculiar or distinctive characteristic or habit. Example: “His idiosyncrasy was his love for collecting unusual hats.”
Ignominious: Disgraceful or shameful. Example: “His ignominious defeat in the election was a surprise to everyone.”
Imbue: To infuse or saturate something with a particular quality or influence. Example: “The music was imbued with a sense of longing and sadness.”
Impecunious: Lacking money or financial resources. Example: “The impecunious student had to work part-time to pay for her tuition.”
Imperturbable: Calm and composed, even in difficult or stressful situations. Example: “She remained imperturbable during the hurricane, refusing to let the chaos around her affect her.”
Impetuous: Acting or done impulsively or without thinking; hasty and rash. Example: “His impetuous decision to quit his job without a backup plan was met with criticism.”
Implacable: Unable to be placated or calmed; stubbornly resistant to change. Example: “He was implacable in his refusal to apologize, even after causing significant harm.”
Imprecation: A curse or wish for evil or harm to befall someone. Example: “He muttered imprecations under his breath as he walked away.”
Impugn: To challenge or attack the truth or integrity of something or someone. Example: “She impugned his character, accusing him of lying and cheating.”
Inchoate: In an early stage of development; not fully formed or realized. Example: “The inchoate idea was just a germ of an idea and needed more work to become a reality.”
Incontrovertible: Undeniable or unquestionable; not able to be disputed. Example: “The evidence was incontrovertible and left no room for doubt.”
Indomitable: Unconquerable or unyielding; having great determination or resilience. Example: “Despite the challenges she faced, she remained indomitable and never gave up.”
Inexorable: Unyielding or relentless; unable to be stopped or prevented. Example: “The inexorable march of time could not be slowed down.”
Ingenuous: Naive or unsophisticated; lacking worldly experience. Example: “He was so ingenuous that he believed everything he was told.”
Inimical: Hostile or harmful; working against someone’s interests. Example: “The inimical forces were determined to defeat their enemy at any cost.”
Insidious: Sneaky or treacherous; working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner. Example: “The insidious virus spread quietly, undetected until it was too late.”
Intractable: Difficult to control or manage; resistant to change or improvement. Example: “The intractable problem proved to be a challenge for the team.”
Intrepid: Fearless and brave; showing no hesitation in the face of danger or difficulty. Example: “The intrepid explorer braved the treacherous conditions to reach the summit.”
Jaded: Weary or unenthusiastic as a result of excess or overuse; lacking in freshness or vitality. Example: “The tourists were feeling a bit jaded after days of nonstop sightseeing.”
Jargon: Specialized or technical language used by a particular group or profession. Example: “The legal jargon in the contract was difficult for the layperson to understand.”
Jejune: Lacking in substance or interest; immature or childish. Example: “The movie was so jejune that it was hard to stay awake through it.”
Jettison: To discard or throw away, often in order to lighten a load or improve efficiency. Example: “The pilot had to jettison some of the fuel in order to make an emergency landing.”
Jibe: To agree or be consistent with; to match or fit together. Example: “His story didn’t jibe with the facts and it was clear he was lying.”
Jocular: Humorous or playful; meant to be amusing. Example: “He was known for his jocular nature and always had a joke or two up his sleeve.”
Jocund: Cheerful and lighthearted; merry and joyous. Example: “She was in a jocund mood and couldn’t stop laughing.”
Jocundity: Cheerfulness or good humor; a playful or jolly disposition. Example: “Her jocundity was infectious and she had a way of lifting the spirits of those around her.”
Jolt: A sudden, sharp shock or movement; a sudden change or disruption. Example: “The car hit a pothole and gave us all a jolt.”
Joist: A horizontal beam used in construction to support a floor or ceiling. Example: “The old joists were in need of repair and needed to be replaced.”
Jostle: To bump or push roughly; to compete for space or position. Example: “The crowded train station was filled with people jostling for a spot on the platform.”
Jovial: Cheerful and good-natured; hearty and friendly. Example: “He was a jovial person, always ready with a smile and a joke.”
Jubilant: Overjoyed or triumphant; filled with delight. Example: “The team was jubilant after winning the championship.”
Judicious: Wise or sensible; using good judgment. Example: “She was known for her judicious decisions and was respected for her level-headedness.”
Juxtapose: To place two or more things side by side, often for contrast or comparison. Example: “The photographer juxtaposed the old and the new in the photo, highlighting the contrast between the two.”
Kaleidoscope: A toy or device that produces a constantly changing pattern of geometric shapes when viewed through its lenses. Example: “The children were fascinated by the kaleidoscope and spent hours playing with it.”
Kantian: Relating to the philosophical ideas of Immanuel Kant, especially his concept of moral duty. Example: “His Kantian beliefs led him to act with integrity and principle.”
Kazoo: A small, simple musical instrument consisting of a hollow tube with a flexible membrane that vibrates when blown into. Example: “He was a bit of a kazoo enthusiast and could play a variety of tunes on it.”
Keel: A central structural beam or member in a ship or boat, running lengthwise along the bottom and providing stability. Example: “The ship’s keel was damaged in the storm and needed to be repaired.”
Kefir: A fermented milk drink made with kefir grains. Example: “She enjoyed a glass of kefir for breakfast every day.”
Kerfuffle: A disturbance or commotion, often caused by a disagreement or misunderstanding. Example: “The kerfuffle at the meeting was caused by a misunderstanding of the proposal.”
Kinship: A relationship based on shared ancestry or common ancestry; a feeling of family connection. Example: “The two families were connected by kinship, with several generations of shared history.”
Kismet: Destiny or fate; the idea that events are determined by some greater power. Example: “She believed that their meeting was kismet and that they were meant to be together.”
Knavery: Trickery or deception; dishonest or fraudulent behavior. Example: “He was accused of knavery and was forced to resign his position.”
Knell: The sound of a bell, especially one tolling to mark a death or a funeral. Example: “The knell of the church bell signaled the end of the service.”
Kowtow: To act in an excessively submissive or obsequious manner; to show excessive deference or respect. Example: “He was accused of kowtowing to the boss and not speaking up for himself.”
Kudos: Praise or admiration; recognition for achievement or excellence. Example: “She received kudos from her colleagues for her hard work and dedication.”
Kyphosis: A curvature of the spine that causes an exaggerated forward rounding of the back. Example: “He had a severe case of kyphosis and struggled with chronic back pain.”
Labile: Likely to change or fluctuate; unstable or unstable. Example: “The stock market was quite labile, with prices rising and falling rapidly.”
Lacerate: To tear or cut, often severely or deeply. Example: “He lacerated his hand on the broken glass and needed to get stitches.”
Lachrymose: Tearful or weepy; expressing or expressing sorrow. Example: “She was feeling lachrymose after watching the sad movie.”
Laconic: Using few words; terse or concise in speech or writing. Example: “He was known for his laconic style and rarely spoke more than was necessary.”
Lacuna: A gap or missing part; an absence or deficiency. Example: “The lacuna in the manuscript made it difficult to understand the author’s argument.”
Laggard: Sluggish or slow to act or progress; falling behind. Example: “He was a bit of a laggard and always seemed to be running behind schedule.”
Lambaste: To scold or criticize severely; to attack or reprimand. Example: “He was lambasted for his poor performance and was warned to improve.”
Lament: To express grief or sorrow; to mourn or grieve. Example: “She lamented the loss of her beloved pet.”
Languid: Lacking energy or vitality; sluggish or slow. Example: “The hot summer day made her feel languid and listless.”
Languor: A feeling of weariness or listlessness; a lack of energy or vitality. Example: “The languor of the long, hot day was palpable in the room.”
Larceny: Theft or stealing, especially of property or valuables. Example: “He was convicted of larceny and sentenced to prison.”
Lassitude: A feeling of tiredness or exhaustion; a lack of energy or enthusiasm. Example: “The lassitude that set in after after our trip brought down our spirits.”
Latent: Present but not yet active or visible; dormant or potential. Example: “The latent talent for painting was finally discovered when she took an art class.”
Laud: To praise or honor highly; to extol or celebrate. Example: “He was lauded for his bravery in the face of danger.”
Lavish: Generous or extravagant; giving or providing in abundance. Example: “The lavish banquet was a feast for the senses.”
Legerdemain: Sleight of hand or deception; trickery or cunning. Example: “The magician wowed the audience with his legerdemain.”
Lenient: mild or forgiving, especially in regards to punishment or discipline, or it can also refer to a lenient attitude or approach. Example: “The judge was lenient in his sentencing, taking into account the defendant’s remorse and efforts to reform.”
Macabre: Gruesome or horrifying; related to death or suffering. Example: “The macabre images in the horror movie were too much for her to handle.”
Machination: A scheming or crafty plot; a secret or underhanded plan. Example: “He suspected that the machinations of his rivals were behind his sudden demotion.”
Magnanimous: Generous or charitable; willing to forgive or overlook faults. Example: “She was magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Maladroit: Clumsy or awkward; lacking in dexterity or skill. Example: “He was a bit maladroit and often dropped things or stumbled.”
Malevolent: Wishing harm or evil upon others; having ill will. Example: “The malevolent stare of the villain sent shivers down her spine.”
Malcontent: Dissatisfied or disgruntled; unhappy with the current state of affairs. Example: “The malcontent employees voiced their complaints at the meeting.”
Malleable: Pliable or flexible; able to be shaped or molded. Example: “The clay was soft and malleable, making it easy to sculpt.”
Manifold: Many or varied; having many different parts or aspects. Example: “The manifold duties of the job kept her busy from morning to night.”
Martyr: Someone who suffers or dies for a cause or belief; a victim of persecution. Example: “He was hailed as a martyr for his efforts to promote civil rights.”
Maverick: An independent or unconventional person; a rebel or nonconformist. Example: “She was known as a maverick in her field and wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Mawkish: Sentimental or overly emotional in a cloying or insincere way. Example: “The mawkish love song was met with eye rolls from the audience.”
Melancholy: A feeling of sadness or despair; a state of being downcast or morose. Example: “She was feeling a bit melancholy after the break-up.”
Mendacious: Lying or dishonest; not truthful. Example: “He was caught in a mendacious act and lost the trust of his colleagues.”
Mercurial: Changing or unpredictable, especially in mood or behavior. Example: “She was known for her mercurial personality and could be joyful one minute and sullen the next.”
Meritorious: Deserving of praise or honor; commendable. Example: “His meritorious service to the community was recognized with a special award.”
Mettle: Courage or fortitude; strength of character. Example: “She showed great mettle in the face of adversity.”
Milieu: The social or cultural environment in which something occurs; the setting or context. Example: “The academic milieu of the university was very competitive.”
Nab: To catch or seize, often unexpectedly or unexpectedly; to take into custody. Example: “The police were able to nab the suspect after a short chase.”
Nadir: The lowest point or greatest difficulty; the lowest point in a series of events. Example: “The company’s financial troubles hit their nadir before they were able to turn things around.”
Naive: Lacking in experience or knowledge; gullible or credulous. Example: “She was a bit naive and fell for the scam despite the warning signs.”
Nascent: Just starting or beginning to develop; in an early stage. Example: “The nascent company was still finding its footing in the competitive market.”
Nebulous: Vague or indefinite; not clearly defined or understood. Example: “His nebulous ideas were met with skepticism by his colleagues.”
Necrosis: The death of cells or tissue, often caused by injury or disease. Example: “The necrosis in his leg was the result of a severe infection.”
Nefarious: Wicked or evil; criminal or nefarious. Example: “He was accused of nefarious activities and was sentenced to prison.”
Neologism: A new word or phrase, especially one that has been recently coined. Example: “The neologism ‘selfie’ became popular in the 21st century.”
Neophyte: A beginner or novice; someone who is new to a field or activity. Example: “As a neophyte, he was still learning the ropes of the job.”
Nepotism: Favoritism based on family or personal connections; the practice of giving preferential treatment to one’s own. Example: “The accusations of nepotism were a major scandal for the company.”
Nerd: A person who is highly intellectual or knowledgeable, often to the point of being socially awkward. Example: “He was a bit of a nerd and spent most of his time studying or reading.”
Nettle: To irritate or annoy; to cause discomfort or vexation. Example: “His sarcastic comments nettled her and made her feel uncomfortable.”
Nexus: A connection or link; a center or focus. Example: “The nexus of the investigation was the strange disappearance of the victim.”
Nicety: A fine or subtle detail; a small but important distinction. Example: “He was known for his attention to nicety and always made sure everything was perfect.”
Nihilism: The belief that life has no meaning or purpose; the rejection of all values and beliefs. Example: “His nihilistic views were unpopular and often met with derision.”
Nimble: Quick and light in movement or action; agile or deft. Example: “She was a nimble dancer and moved gracefully across the floor.”
Obdurate: Refusing to change or be swayed; stubborn or hard-hearted. Example: “She was obdurate in her refusal to forgive him.”
Obsequious: Excessively eager to please or serve; servile or submissive. Example: “He was known for his obsequious behavior and always tried to do what others wanted.”
Obviate: To prevent or remove the need for; to make unnecessary. Example: “The new technology was able to obviate the need for manual labor.”
Ocular: Pertaining to the eye or vision; visible or perceivable. Example: “The ocular evidence was clear, and he was convicted of the crime.”
Odious: Extremely unpleasant or distasteful; causing disgust or revulsion. Example: “The odious smell of the garbage was overwhelming.”
Olfactory: Pertaining to the sense of smell; involving the ability to perceive odors. Example: “The olfactory cells in the nose are responsible for detecting smells.”
Ombré: Having colors or tones that shade into each other, usually from light to dark. Example: “Her hair was dyed in an ombré style, with shades of blonde fading into brown.”
Ominous: Foreboding or threatening; suggesting danger or disaster. Example: “The ominous clouds on the horizon signaled a storm was coming.”
Omnipotent: All-powerful or all-knowing; having unlimited or universal power. Example: “He believed in an omnipotent being that controlled the fate of the universe.”
Omniscient: All-knowing or all-seeing; having complete knowledge or understanding. Example: “The omniscient narrator seemed to know everything about the characters.”
Onomatopoeia: The use of words that imitate or suggest the source of the sounds they describe. Example: “The onomatopoeic words ‘sizzle’ and ‘hiss’ were used to describe the sound of the fire.”
Opaque: Not transparent or translucent; not allowing light to pass through. Example: “The opaque curtains blocked out the sunlight and made the room dark.”
Opprobrium: Disgrace or shame; strong disapproval or contempt. Example: “He faced opprobrium from his peers after his unethical behavior was revealed.”
Oration: A formal or eloquent speech; a public address or discourse. Example: “His oration at the graduation ceremony was inspiring and memorable.”
Orb: A sphere or circular object; a globe or ball. Example: “The large orb hanging in the sky was the sun.”
Orphic: Mysterious or obscure; enigmatic or enigmatic. Example: “The orphic symbols on the ancient stone were still not understood by scholars.”
Pacifist: Someone who opposes war or violence and advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Example: “She was a pacifist and believed that all disputes could be resolved through non-violent means.”
Pacify: To calm or soothe; to bring peace or quiet. Example: “The teacher tried to pacify the upset students with a calming voice and a reassuring smile.”
Palatable: Agreeable or acceptable; pleasing to the taste or senses. Example: “The meal was a bit bland, but still palatable.”
Palliate: To alleviate or reduce the severity of; to make less painful or difficult. Example: “The pain medication was able to palliate his symptoms and make him more comfortable.”
Pallor: A pale or wan appearance; a lack of color or vitality. Example: “Her pallor alarmed the doctor, who ordered tests to determine the cause.”
Panacea: A universal remedy or solution; a cure-all. Example: “He was searching for the panacea that would solve all of his problems.”
Pandemic: A disease that affects a large portion of the population; a widespread outbreak. Example: “The pandemic forced everyone to take extra precautions and follow guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Panoply: A wide range or variety; a complete or impressive collection. Example: “The panoply of colors in the sunset was breathtaking.”
Paragon: A model of excellence or perfection; an ideal example. Example: “She was a paragon of virtue and always did the right thing.”
Pare: To trim or cut away the outer edge or surface; to reduce or eliminate. Example: “He pared the apple and sliced it into thin wedges.”
Parity: Equality or balance; similarity or equivalence. Example: “They were striving for parity in their negotiations and wanted to reach a fair agreement.”
Parsimony: Extreme frugality or stinginess; a reluctance to spend or give. Example: “His parsimony was a source of frustration for his family, who felt he was too tight with his money.”
Pastiche: A work that imitates the style of another artist or work; a mixture of different styles or elements. Example: “The pastiche of different styles made for an interesting and eclectic mix.”
Pathos: A quality that evokes pity or sadness; a feeling of compassion or sympathy. Example: “The pathos of the story moved her to tears.”
Paucity: A scarcity or shortage; a lack or deficiency. Example: “The paucity of resources made it difficult to complete the project on time.”
Peccadillo: A minor or trivial fault or offense; a small transgression. Example: “His peccadillos were generally overlooked, as they were considered harmless.”
Pedantic: Overly concerned with minor details or rules; overly concerned with appearing learned or scholarly. Example: “He was accused of being pedantic and nitpicking every small detail.”
Penultimate: Next to the last; second to the final one in a series. Example: “The penultimate episode of the season was filled with suspense and drama.”
Quaff: To drink deeply or heartily; to consume or swallow quickly. Example: “He quaffed down the cold water after his run.”
Quagmire: A difficult or complicated situation; a bog or marsh. Example: “The company was in a financial quagmire and it was unclear how they would recover.”
Quail: To feel fear or cowardice; to shrink back in fear or anxiety. Example: “She quailed at the sight of the spider and quickly ran away.”
Quandary: A state of uncertainty or doubt; a predicament or dilemma. Example: “He was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer or not.”
Quarantine: To isolate or separate, often for medical or public health reasons; to restrict the movement of people or animals. Example: “The city was placed under quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Quaver: To tremble or shake; to vibrate or oscillate. Example: “His voice quavered with emotion as he spoke.”
Quell: To suppress or put an end to; to quench or extinguish. Example: “The protests were quelled by the military intervention.”
Querulous: Irritable or cranky; prone to complaining or grumbling. Example: “Her querulous nature was starting to wear on everyone’s nerves.”
Quibble: A minor or petty disagreement or complaint; a minor point of contention. Example: “The quibble over the details was delaying the project.”
Quid pro quo: Something given or received in exchange for something else; a reciprocal arrangement. Example: “The quid pro quo of the deal was that she would provide the funding in exchange for a share of the profits.”
Quiescent: Inactive or dormant; at rest or in a state of latency. Example: “The volcano had been quiescent for decades, but there were signs that it might erupt again.”
Quirk: A peculiar or eccentric habit or trait; a peculiar or unexpected feature. Example: “He had a quirky sense of humor that often caught people off guard.”
Quisling: A traitor or collaborator; someone who betrays their country or cause. Example: “He was accused of being a quisling and was ostracized by his community.”
Quiver: A trembling or shaking movement; a slight trembling or shaking. Example: “She couldn’t help but quiver with excitement as she waited for the concert to start.”
Quotidian: Occurring daily; commonplace or ordinary. Example: “The quotidian routine of getting up, going to work, and coming home was starting to get to her.”
Quotient: A result obtained by dividing one number by another; a measure of ability or aptitude. Example: “His IQ quotient was well above average.”
Quandary: A state of uncertainty or doubt; a predicament or dilemma. Example: “He was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer or not.”
Rabid: Fanatical or extreme; fiercely enthusiastic or devoted. Example: “He was a rabid fan of the team and never missed a game.”
Raconteur: A skilled storyteller; someone who can relate interesting tales or anecdotes. Example: “He was known as a raconteur and could captivate an audience with his stories.”
Rail: To complain or criticize bitterly; to express anger or frustration. Example: “She railed against the injustice of the situation.”
Ramification: A consequence or result; an implication or outcome. Example: “The ramifications of the decision were far-reaching and affected many people.”
Ramify: To branch out or divide into smaller parts; to have many different aspects or consequences. Example: “The consequences of the decision were starting to ramify and it was becoming clear that it was a mistake.”
Rancorous: Full of bitterness or resentment; characterized by ill will. Example: “The rancorous tone of the argument made it clear that there was no hope of reconciliation.”
Rapt: Completely absorbed or engrossed; deeply moved or enchanted. Example: “She was rapt in the beauty of the landscape and didn’t notice the time passing.”
Raze: To destroy or demolish completely; to level to the ground. Example: “The old building was razed to make way for the new construction.”
Rebarbative: Unpleasantly rough or harsh; repellent or unappealing. Example: “The rebarbative tone of the email was off-putting and he didn’t want to respond.”
Rebuke: To criticize or reprimand sharply; to reprove or scold. Example: “He was rebuked for his disrespectful behavior.”
Recant: To withdraw or take back; to disavow or renounce. Example: “He recanted his earlier statement and admitted that he had lied.”
Recluse: A person who lives in solitude or seclusion; a hermit. Example: “He was a bit of a recluse and preferred to spend his days alone in his workshop.”
Recondite: Deeply hidden or obscure; difficult to understand or comprehend. Example: “The recondite nature of the topic made it difficult for him to grasp.”
Redolent: Having a strong, pleasant smell; fragrant or aromatic. Example: “The room was redolent with the scent of roses.”
Redoubtable: Formidable or impressive; worthy of respect or admiration. Example: “He was a redoubtable opponent and was not easily conquerable.
Sallow: Yellowish or pale in color; having a sickly appearance. Example: “He looked sallow and tired after his illness.”
Salve: A soothing or healing ointment; something that helps to make things better. Example: “The salve provided some relief for her sore muscles.”
Sanctimony: Pretentious or insincere righteousness; hypocritical moralizing. Example: “She was accused of sanctimony and was not well-liked.”
Sap: To drain or weaken; to diminish or reduce. Example: “The long hours were starting to sap her energy.”
Sardonic: Witty or cynical in a mocking or sarcastic way; humorously or derisively ironic. Example: “He had a sardonic sense of humor and enjoyed poking fun at people.”
Savor: To enjoy or appreciate fully; to relish or savor. Example: “She savored the moment and tried to commit it to memory.”
Scintilla: A tiny or trace amount; a spark or glimmer. Example: “There was not a scintilla of doubt in his mind.”
Scribble: To write or draw hastily or carelessly; to mark with a quick or uncontrolled stroke. Example: “She scribbled a note to herself and left it on the desk.”
Scrupulous: Conscientious or exacting; attentive to detail and principle. Example: “She was scrupulous in her work and always made sure everything was done to the highest standards.”
Seclusion: Isolation or seclusion; a state of being alone or removed from others. Example: “He sought seclusion in the mountains to escape the noise and chaos of the city.”
Seditious: Tending to incite rebellion or dissent; promoting or encouraging resistance to authority. Example: “His seditious remarks were met with anger and he was banned from speaking at the event.”
Sedulous: Diligent or persistent; hard-working or attentive. Example: “She was sedulous in her studies and always put in extra effort.”
Seemly: Proper or appropriate; fitting or fitting. Example: “It was not seemly for him to be shouting in the library.”
Serendipity: The occurrence of fortunate events by chance; the discovery of something valuable or useful by accident. Example: “The serendipity of finding the lost wallet was a lucky break.”
Sinecure: A job or position that requires little or no work; a comfortable or easy position. Example: “The sinecure allowed him to have a steady income without much effort.”
Sine qua non: A necessary or essential element; something that is indispensable. Example: “His presence was the sine qua non of the project and it couldn’t proceed without him.”
Tacit: Implied or understood without being directly stated; unspoken or implicit. Example: “There was a tacit agreement between them not to discuss the matter further.”
Tamp: To compress or pack down; to push or force into place. Example: “He used a tamp to pack down the dirt around the plants.”
Tangential: Only slightly or indirectly related; digressing or straying from the main topic. Example: “His comments were tangential to the discussion and didn’t contribute much.”
Taut: Tightly stretched or drawn; rigid or tense. Example: “The rope was taut and looked ready to snap.”
Tautology: The repetition of the same idea in different words; a statement that is true by definition. Example: “The statement ‘free gift’ is a tautology because a gift is always free.”
Tawdry: Cheap or showy in a tasteless way; gaudy or garish. Example: “The tawdry decorations were a disappointment and not at all what she had hoped for.”
Temerity: Boldness or audacity; reckless or rash courage. Example: “She had the temerity to speak out against the powerful politician.”
Tenacious: Persistent or determined; holding fast or clinging. Example: “He was tenacious in his pursuit of the truth and never gave up.”
Tender: Gentle or sensitive; kind or caring. Example: “She had a tender heart and was always there to help others in need.”
Tenebrous: Dark or shadowy; obscure or mysterious. Example: “The tenebrous forest was full of secrets and secrets.”
Tepid: Lukewarm or lacking enthusiasm; indifferent or lukewarm. Example: “The tepid response to the proposal was a disappointment.”
Thwart: To frustrate or oppose; to prevent or hinder. Example: “He was determined to thwart her plans and did everything in his power to stop her.”
Timorous: Fearful or timid; easily frightened. Example: “The timorous cat cowered in the corner at the slightest noise.”
Torpor: A state of sluggishness or inactivity; a lack of energy or enthusiasm. Example: “The long winter had left him in a state of torpor and he struggled to get out of bed in the morning.”
Travail: Refers to hard or strenuous work; labor or toil. It can also refer to a situation that is difficult or burdensome. Example: “The project was a travail that required many late nights and long hours.”
Travesty: Refers to a mockery or parody; a distorted or exaggerated imitation. Example: “The trial was a travesty of justice and the verdict was widely criticized.”
Trite: Overused or hackneyed; lacking originality or freshness. Example: “His jokes were trite and everyone had heard them before.”
Ubiquitous: Existing or present everywhere; widespread or common. Example: “Smartphones are now ubiquitous and can be found in almost every household.
Uproar: A loud and confuse
Umbra: The darkest part of a shadow; the area that is completely in shadow. Example: “The umbra of the eclipse was visible for a brief moment.”
Unassailable: Unquestionable or unanswerable; beyond doubt or dispute. Example: “His argument was unassailable and no one could refute it.”
Unctuous: Excessively or insincerely smooth or oily; tending to flatter or ingratiate oneself. Example: “He was known for his unctuous behavior and many people found him insincere.”
Unwieldy: Difficult to handle or manage; awkward or cumbersome. Example: “The package was too unwieldy to carry on the plane and had to be shipped instead.”
Upbraid: To scold or criticize harshly; to reproach or rebuke. Example: “She upbraided him for his careless behavior and told him to be more responsible.”
Upheaval: A sudden or violent change; a disruption or upheaval. Example: “The political upheaval in the country led to widespread unrest and uncertainty.”
Uphold: To support or defend; to maintain or preserve. Example: “He upheld the values of honesty and integrity and always tried to do the right thing.”
Upstanding: Honorable or virtuous; having high moral standards. Example: “He was an upstanding member of the community and was admired by many.”
Usurious: Charging excessive or illegal interest; practicing loan sharking or predatory lending. Example: “The usurious lender charged exorbitant rates and preyed on people in financial distress.”
Usurp: To seize or take control without the right or authority to do so; to take over or assume power. Example: “He was accused of trying to usurp the throne and take over the kingdom.”
Utilitarian: Practical or useful; concerned with efficiency or utility. Example: “The utilitarian design of the car focused on function over form.”
Utter: To speak or say; to express or utter words. Example: “She uttered a cry of surprise when she saw the snake.”
Vacillate: To waver or fluctuate; to hesitate or be indecisive. Example: “He vacillated on the decision and couldn’t make up his mind.”
Vapid: Lacking in liveliness or flavor; dull or insipid. Example: “The vapid conversation left her feeling uninterested and bored.”
Vehement: Strong or passionate; fervent or intense. Example: “She was vehement in her opposition to the proposal and made her feelings known.”
Venerable: Respected or revered because of age or dignity; deserving of respect or honor. Example: “The venerable professor was well-respected by his students and colleagues.”
Venerate: To regard with respect or reverence; to honor or revere. Example: “He was venerated by many for his contributions to science and medicine.”
Veracity: Truthfulness or honesty; accuracy or reliability. Example: “Her veracity was never in doubt and she was known for always telling the truth.”
Verbose: Using more words than necessary; excessively wordy. Example: “He was criticized for being verbose and not getting to the point.”
Verisimilitude: The appearance or illusion of truth or reality; the quality of being believable or credible. Example: “The film had a high level of verisimilitude and many people were convinced it was a documentary.”
Veritable: True or genuine; real or actual. Example: “He was a veritable expert on the topic and knew everything there was to know.”
Vesper: Evening; the time around sunset. Example: “The vesper light was beautiful and cast a warm glow on the landscape.”
Vex: To annoy or frustrate; to cause irritation or distress. Example: “He was vexed by the constant interruptions and couldn’t focus on his work.”
Vexation: Annoyance or frustration; irritation or anger. Example: “The vexation on her face was clear and it was obvious she was not happy.”
Viable: Capable of being done or achieved; practical or feasible. Example: “The plan was not viable and had to be abandoned.”
Vignette: A brief or small scene or incident; a brief or minor literary work. Example: “The vignette in the book was a poignant and moving depiction of a moment in time.”
Wanton: Reckless or irresponsible; without regard for the consequences. Example: “His wanton behavior was dangerous and he was lucky to have escaped injury.”
Warble: To sing or trill in a sweet or melodious way; to produce a series of musical sounds. Example: “The birds warbled in the trees and the sound was soothing.”
Waver: To hesitate or be indecisive; to fluctuate or vacillate. Example: “She wavered on the decision and couldn’t decide which option to choose.”
Waylay: To attack or ambush; to intercept or confront unexpectedly. Example: “He was waylaid by a group of thugs and beaten up.”
Whet: To sharpen or stimulate; to arouse or increase appetite or desire. Example: “The delicious smell of baking cookies whetted her appetite and she couldn’t wait to try one.”
Wily: Clever or cunning; artful or shrewd. Example: “He was a wily businessman and always managed to come out on top.”
Winnow: To sift or separate; to select or choose. Example: “The company used a series of tests to winnow out the best candidates for the job.”
Wistful: Expressing a longing or a desire for something that is unattainable or distant; having a longing or a melancholy feeling. Example: “She had a wistful look in her eyes and it was clear she was thinking of something far away.”
Wither: To shrink or wilt; to lose vitality or strength. Example: “The flowers withered in the hot sun and turned brown.”
Withershins: In the opposite direction; counterclockwise. Example: “The dancer moved withershins and the audience was confused.”
Wizen: To become shrunken or wrinkled; to grow old or shrivel. Example: “The old man’s face was wizen and he looked much older than his years.”
Woebegone: Miserable or unhappy; dejected or despairing. Example: “The woebegone expression on his face was hard to ignore and it was clear he was in a lot of pain.”
Wont: Habit or custom; something that is usual or customary. Example: “It was her wont to rise early and start the day with a walk.”
Wraith: A ghost or spirit; a specter or apparition. Example: “She saw a wraith out of the corner of her eye and was scared out of her wits.”
Wrangle: To argue or disagree; to engage in a dispute or disagreement. Example: “They wrangled over the terms of the contract and couldn’t come to an agreement.”
Wreak: To inflict or cause; to bring about or execute. Example: “He wreaked havoc on the town and caused widespread destruction.”
Wrought: Created or made; fashioned or worked. Example: “The wrought iron gate was a work of art and took months to complete.”
Wry: Humorous or sarcastic in an understated way; dry or ironic. Example: “He had a wry sense of humor and often made witty comments.”
Xanthous: Yellow in color; having a yellowish hue. Example: “The xanthous sky was a beautiful sight to behold.”
Xenagogue: A guide or conductor; someone who leads or escorts others. Example: “The xenagogue showed us around the city and pointed out all the sights.”
Xenial: Friendly or hospitable; relating to the relationship between guests and hosts. Example: “The xenial host made us feel welcome and went out of his way to make our stay comfortable.”
Xenodochial: Hospitable to strangers; welcoming to outsiders or foreigners. Example: “The xenodochial innkeeper made us feel like we were at home.”
Xenogenesis: The production of offspring that are genetically different from their parents; reproduction by means other than sexual reproduction. Example: “The discovery of xenogenesis in certain species was a major scientific breakthrough.”
Xenomania: An obsession or enthusiasm for foreign or exotic things; a desire for novelty or unfamiliarity. Example: “He had a xenomania for all things Japanese and loved everything about the culture.”
Xenophobia: Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers; a dislike or distrust of those who are different or unfamiliar. Example: “The xenophobia of certain groups was a source of concern and led to a lot of tension and conflict.”
Xeric: Dry or arid; lacking in moisture or humidity. Example: “The xeric climate of the desert was a challenge for travelers and required special precautions.”
Xylography: The art or technique of engraving or printing from woodblocks; the production of prints or illustrations using woodcut or wood engraving techniques. Example: “The museum had a collection of xylography prints that were beautifully crafted and highly prized.”
Xylotomy: The study or analysis of wood; the classification and identification of woods. Example: “The xylotomy of the tree was done by a specialist and revealed that it was a rare and valuable species.”
Yare: Quick or prompt; ready or willing. Example: “She was yare to get started and was eager to begin the project.”
Yarn: A long, continuous length of twisted fibers; a story or tale. Example: “She spun a yarn about her adventures in the jungle and everyone was captivated.”
Yaw: To sway or deviate; to veer or wander off course. Example: “The boat yawed in the rough seas and it was hard to keep it steady.”
Yawp: A loud or harsh cry; a raucous or hoarse shout. Example: “The yawp of the seagulls echoed across the harbor.”
Yclept: Called or named; referred to or titled. Example: “He was yclept the greatest scientist of his time and his contributions were numerous.”
Yen: A strong desire or yearning; a longing or inclination. Example: “She had a yen to travel and see the world.”
Yeoman: A hardworking and reliable person; a competent and dependable worker. Example: “The yeoman was praised for his diligence and dedication to his job.”
Yield: To produce or provide; to give or grant. Example: “The crop yield was excellent and the farmer was happy with the harvest.”
Yoke: A wooden or metal bar used to join two animals together; a device used to connect or link two things. Example: “The oxen were yoked together and used to pull the plow.”
Yokel: A naive or unsophisticated person; a rustic or country bumpkin. Example: “The city dwellers laughed at the yokel’s ignorance and made fun of his accent.”
Yokemate: A partner or companion; someone who shares the same yoke or burden. Example: “She was his yokemate in life and they faced all challenges together.”
Yonder: At a distance; over there or in that direction. Example: “She pointed yonder and said she saw something moving in the bushes.”
Yore: In the past; long ago or in former times. Example: “In days of yore, knights in shining armor fought for honor and glory.”
Yorick: A jester or fool; a buffoon or clown. Example: “He played the role of Yorick in the play and was the source of much laughter and amusement.”
Yowl: To cry or howl; to make a loud, prolonged, and often mournful sound. Example: “The cat yowled in pain and ran away.”
Yule: Christmas; the period around Christmas. Example: “The yule season was a time of joy and celebration for many people.”
Yuppie: A young, upwardly mobile professional; a person who is ambitious and career-oriented. Example: “The yuppie was always on the lookout for new opportunities and was always working hard to advance his career.”
Ywis: Surely or certainly; without doubt or question. Example: “Ywis, he will be here on time and we can count on it.”
Zaftig: Plump or full-figured; voluptuous or curvaceous. Example: “She was a zaftig woman and had a beautiful figure.”
Zaniness: Foolishness or absurdity; craziness or wackiness. Example: “The zaniness of the situation made everyone laugh and forget their troubles.”
Zany: Foolish or absurd; comical or humorous. Example: “The zany antics of the clown made everyone laugh.”
Zeal: Enthusiasm or eagerness; fervor or passion. Example: “He had a zeal for life and always tried to make the most of every opportunity.”
Zenith: The highest point or peak; the pinnacle or summit. Example: “The mountain was at its zenith and the view was breathtaking.”
Zephyr: A gentle or mild breeze; a soft or delicate wind. Example: “The zephyr blew through the trees and rustled the leaves.”
Zerography: The production of prints or copies using a process that involves electrostatic charges; a printing process that uses a dry toner. Example: “The office used a zerography machine to produce copies of documents.”
Zest: Vigor or enthusiasm; liveliness or excitement. Example: “He approached the task with zest and was determined to succeed.”
Zigzag: A line or path that alternately turns in opposite directions; a jagged or angled course. Example: “The river meandered in a zigzag pattern and was hard to follow.”
Zinc: A metallic element; a bluish-white metal used in a variety of applications. Example: “The roof was coated with zinc to protect it from corrosion.”
Zincy: Containing or resembling zinc; having the properties or characteristics of zinc. Example: “The zincy coating on the roof protected it from the elements.”
Zing: Energy or vigor; a sharp or lively quality. Example: “The music had a lot of zing and was full of life.”
Zinjanthropus: An extinct hominid species; an early human ancestor. Example: “The zinjanthropus skull was a rare and important find and shed light on human evolution.”
Zodiac: The belt of the heavens within which the sun, moon, and planets move; the area of the sky divided into 12 equal sections. Example: “The ancient Greeks believed in the power of the zodiac and used it to predict the future.”
Zoolatry: The worship of animals or animal deities; the practice of animal worship. Example: “The zoolatry of certain cultures was a source of fascination for many people.”
Zygote: The fertilized egg formed by the union of a sperm and an egg; the earliest stage of development in the life cycle of an organism. Example: “The zygote formed and began to divide, eventually becoming a fully developed organism.”
Zythum: A type of ancient Egyptian beer made from barley and other ingredients; a fermented beverage made from grain. Example: “The zythum was a popular drink in ancient Egypt and was often served at feasts and celebrations.”

To summarize, It’s important for students to expand their vocabulary and use a variety of words in their written and spoken communication. This can help them express themselves more clearly and accurately, and can also make their writing and speaking more interesting and engaging for their listeners or readers. Vocabulary.com has more great collections of vocabulary word lists.

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