The 11+ vocabulary list

All 1,179 words we teach, with the meaning next to each one — written so a nine-year-old can actually use it, not copied from a dictionary. Free to browse, nothing to sign up for.

They are grouped by what the words are about, which is how they tend to come up: words for how someone felt, words for how something moved, words for what a place was like. Tap any word for two example sentences, synonyms and antonyms.

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Every word we teach, each with a meaning a nine-year-old can follow. A printable PDF for the fridge.

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Movement & Action174 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
abandon
To leave someone or something behind and never go back.
accomplish
To finish something successfully after working at it.
acquire
To get something and make it your own.
agile
Able to move quickly and easily.
aimless
Having no plan or purpose.
amble
To walk in a slow, relaxed way.
arduous
Very difficult and tiring, needing lots of effort.
ascend
To climb or move upwards.
assemble
To put pieces together, or to gather in one place.
asunder
Apart, or into pieces.
avert
To turn away, or to stop something bad from happening.
banish
To send someone away and forbid them from coming back.
beckon
To wave or signal to someone to come closer.
billow
To swell and roll like waves, especially smoke or cloth.
bolster
To support something and make it stronger.
brandish
To wave something around in an excited or threatening way.
brisk
Quick and full of energy.
buoyant
Able to float, or feeling light and cheerful.
capsize
To tip over in the water.
careering
Rushing forward very fast and out of control.
cascade
To pour or tumble downwards like a waterfall; or a tumbling fall of something.
clamber
To climb using your hands and feet in an awkward way.
collide
To crash into something.
conceal
To hide something so it cannot be seen.
confine
To keep someone or something inside a small space or within limits.
conquer
To defeat someone or take control of a place by force.
consume
To eat, drink or use up something.
contort
To twist something out of its normal shape.
cower
To crouch down and shrink back in fear.
crumple
To crush something into creases and folds.
dawdle
To walk or do something slowly because you are wasting time.
deft
Quick and skilful, especially with your hands.
demolish
To knock something down completely.
descend
To go or climb down.
devour
To eat something quickly and greedily.
dexterous
Very skilful and quick with your hands.
disperse
To scatter and go off in different directions.
effortless
Done easily, without seeming to try hard at all.
elevate
To lift something up to a higher position.
elude
To cleverly escape from or avoid someone.
embark
To begin a journey or a big new activity.
emerge
To come out of somewhere and appear.
encounter
To meet someone or something unexpectedly.
energetic
Full of energy and always ready to be active.
engulf
To swallow up or completely cover something.
envelop
To wrap up or completely surround something.
equip
To give someone the tools or things they need for a job.
erratic
Changing suddenly and without any pattern.
escapade
An exciting adventure that is a little naughty or risky.
etch
To cut or scratch a design into a hard surface.
evacuate
To leave a dangerous place, or to move people away from one.
evade
To avoid someone or something by being quick or clever.
expel
To force someone or something to leave or come out.
extract
To take or pull something out, often with effort.
falter
To lose confidence and begin to hesitate or stumble.
feat
An act that takes great skill, strength or courage.
flail
To wave your arms and legs about wildly.
flee
To run away from danger.
fleet
Fast and nimble in movement.
flinch
To make a small, sudden movement because of pain, fear or surprise.
forage
To search for food in the wild.
frolic
To play and jump about happily.
fumble
To handle something clumsily or keep dropping it.
gingerly
Very carefully and gently, so that nothing goes wrong.
glide
To move smoothly and quietly, without any effort.
grapple
To wrestle or struggle with something difficult.
gruelling
So hard and tiring that it completely wears you out.
hamper
To make it hard for someone to do something.
hasty
Done too quickly and without thinking.
hectic
Extremely busy and full of rushing about.
hinder
To make something harder to do or slow it down.
hoist
To lift something up, often using ropes or effort.
hurtle
To move very fast, often without control.
immobile
Not moving or not able to move.
intercept
To stop or catch something before it reaches where it is going.
jaunt
A short trip taken for fun.
jostle
To push and bump against people in a crowd.
laborious
Needing a lot of hard, slow work.
languid
Slow, relaxed and without energy.
leisurely
Slow, relaxed and unhurried.
limber
Bending and moving easily.
lithe
Moving in a smooth, graceful and bendy way.
loiter
To hang around a place with nothing to do.
lope
To run with long, easy strides.
lumber
To move in a slow, heavy and clumsy way.
lunge
To make a sudden powerful movement towards something.
lurch
To move suddenly with an unsteady jerk.
lurk
To wait quietly out of sight, often to do something bad.
meander
To wander slowly along a winding path.
merge
To join together and become one.
muster
To gather people together, or to summon up courage or strength.
navigate
To find your way from one place to another.
nestle
To settle into a warm, cosy and comfortable position.
nimble
Able to move quickly, lightly and easily.
nuzzle
To rub or press gently against someone with your nose to show love.
obliterate
To destroy something completely so nothing is left.
obstacle
Something that gets in your way and stops you moving forward.
obtain
To get something, often by working or asking for it.
onslaught
A fierce attack or a great rush of something.
peer
To look very closely and carefully at something that is hard to see.
pelt
To throw things at someone again and again, or to rain very hard.
plod
To walk slowly with heavy steps.
plummet
To fall very fast and suddenly.
plunge
To fall or dive suddenly downwards.
pounce
To jump on something suddenly to catch it.
procure
To get something, often with care or effort.
prowl
To move around quietly and secretly, like a hunting animal.
pursue
To chase after someone or something.
quash
To stop or crush something completely.
quest
A long search or journey to find or achieve something.
rampage
To rush about wildly, causing damage; or a wild rush that causes damage.
ransack
To search a place roughly and messily, often stealing things.
recede
To move back or become further away.
recoil
To jump back suddenly in fear or disgust.
repel
To push something away or drive it back, or to make someone feel disgusted.
restrain
To hold someone or something back.
retreat
To move back or away, especially from danger.
retrieve
To go and get something back.
revolt
To rise up and fight against the people in charge.
rigid
Stiff and impossible to bend, or very strict.
roam
To wander around freely with no fixed plan.
ruffle
To make something messy or to upset someone slightly.
rummage
To search for something by moving things around in a messy way.
rupture
To burst or break apart suddenly.
salvage
To save something useful from a wreck or disaster.
saunter
To walk in a slow and relaxed way with no hurry at all.
scavenge
To search through leftovers or rubbish for anything useful to eat or keep.
scour
To search every part of a place very carefully.
scuttle
To run with quick short steps, often to hide.
seize
To grab something suddenly and firmly.
sever
To cut something completely in two or break it off.
shudder
To shake suddenly because you are cold, scared or disgusted; or that sudden shake.
simmer
To cook gently with small bubbles, or to be quietly full of anger.
skirmish
A short small fight between two groups.
sluggish
Moving slowly and without energy.
snare
A trap for catching animals, or to catch something in a trap.
stealthy
Moving quietly and secretly so nobody notices you.
stifle
To stop something from coming out, such as a laugh or a yawn.
stoop
To bend your body forwards and downwards.
stride
To walk with long confident steps.
submerge
To go or put completely under water.
supple
Bending and moving easily without stiffness.
surge
A sudden powerful rush forward.
swift
Moving very quickly.
tether
To tie an animal or object to something so it cannot move away.
thrust
To push something suddenly and hard.
thwart
To stop someone's plan from succeeding.
toil
To work very hard for a long time.
totter
To walk or stand unsteadily, as if about to fall.
traipse
To walk somewhere slowly and unwillingly because you are tired.
traverse
To travel across something from one side to the other.
trek
A long, difficult journey on foot.
trudge
To walk slowly with heavy steps because you are tired.
tussle
A rough struggle or fight, usually not serious.
undulate
To move in gentle waves, rising and falling.
unearth
To dig something up or discover something hidden.
unfurl
To unroll and open out.
unravel
To untangle threads, or to slowly work out a mystery.
unveil
To show something to people for the first time.
uproot
To pull a plant out of the ground, or to move someone from their home.
usher
To lead or guide someone politely to a place.
vanish
To disappear suddenly and completely.
vanquish
To defeat someone completely in a battle or contest.
vault
To jump over something using your hands or a pole to help you.
veer
To change direction suddenly.
venture
To dare to go somewhere or try something risky.
vigorous
Done with lots of energy and strength.
voyage
A long journey by sea or through space.
waft
To float gently through the air.
wallow
To roll about happily in mud or water, or to sink into a feeling for too long.
wield
To hold and use a weapon or tool.
wince
To make a small sudden movement because of pain or embarrassment.
wrench
To pull or twist something suddenly and forcefully.
writhe
To twist and turn your body about, often in pain.

Emotions & Feelings148 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
affectionate
Showing love and fondness in a warm, caring way.
aghast
Filled with shock and horror.
agitated
Upset and unable to keep still or calm.
alleviate
To make pain or trouble less bad.
anguish
Very great sadness or pain.
animated
Full of life, energy and excitement.
anxious
Worried and nervous about what might happen.
apprehensive
A little scared and worried about something that is coming.
ardent
Full of strong, keen feeling about something.
arouse
To stir up a feeling, or to wake someone up.
astonish
To surprise someone very much.
awe
A feeling of great wonder and respect, sometimes mixed with a little fear.
bemused
Puzzled and unsure about what is going on.
bewitch
To put a magic spell on someone, or to completely charm them.
blissful
Completely and perfectly happy.
brood
To keep thinking sadly or angrily about something.
burden
A heavy load to carry, or a worry that weighs on your mind.
captivate
To hold someone's attention completely because they find something wonderful.
cherish
To love and care for something very much.
composed
Calm and in control of your feelings.
console
To comfort someone who is sad.
contempt
A strong feeling that someone or something is worthless.
content
Happy and satisfied with what you have.
covet
To badly want something that belongs to someone else.
crestfallen
Sad and disappointed after something has gone wrong.
cringe
To shrink back or squirm because something is scary or embarrassing.
daunting
So difficult or scary that it makes you unsure you can manage it.
dejected
Feeling sad and without hope.
despair
The feeling of losing all hope.
despise
To dislike someone or something very strongly.
despondent
Very sad and without any hope.
detest
To dislike something so much that you cannot bear it.
discontent
A feeling of being unhappy and not satisfied.
disdain
A feeling that someone or something is not worth your respect.
dismay
A shocked, worried feeling when something unpleasant happens.
distraught
So upset and worried that you can hardly think.
distress
Great worry, sadness or pain.
downcast
Sad and low, often looking at the ground.
dread
A strong fear of something that is going to happen.
dumbfounded
So amazed that you cannot speak.
eager
Very keen and excited to do something.
ecstatic
So happy that you can hardly contain it.
elated
Extremely happy and excited.
embrace
To hug someone warmly, or to accept something new eagerly.
enchant
To delight someone so much that it feels like magic.
enrage
To make someone extremely angry.
envious
Wishing you had what someone else has.
esteem
A feeling of great respect and admiration for someone.
exasperate
To annoy someone so much that they almost lose patience.
exhausted
So tired that you have no energy left.
exhilarated
Feeling thrilled, happy and full of energy.
exuberant
Bursting with energy, excitement and happiness.
exult
To show great joy, especially after winning something.
famished
Very hungry after going without food for a long time.
fatigue
A feeling of great tiredness.
fervent
Showing very strong and sincere feelings.
flabbergasted
So surprised that you do not know what to say.
fluster
To make someone feel nervous, confused and rushed.
foreboding
A strong feeling that something bad is about to happen.
forlorn
Lonely, sad and left all alone.
frantic
Wild with worry, fear or hurry.
fraught
Full of worry or danger.
frenzy
A burst of wild, out-of-control excitement or activity.
fret
To keep worrying about something.
fume
To be very angry, often without saying anything.
furious
Wildly angry, so cross that you can hardly keep calm.
glee
A feeling of great delight and excitement.
glum
Quietly sad and in low spirits.
gratitude
A feeling of being thankful.
grieve
To feel very sad because something or someone has been lost.
hesitant
Slow to act because you are not sure.
hilarious
Extremely funny.
humiliate
To make someone feel very ashamed or silly in front of others.
hysterical
So overcome with emotion that you cannot control yourself.
idolise
To love and admire someone so much you think they are perfect.
impatient
Not wanting to wait for something.
indifferent
Not caring or interested either way.
indignant
Angry because something seems unfair.
infuriate
To make someone lose their temper completely.
inspire
To fill someone with the wish or the courage to do something.
irate
Very angry, and showing it by shouting or complaining.
irk
To annoy someone slightly.
irresistible
So tempting that you cannot say no to it.
irritable
Easily annoyed and quick to snap.
jittery
Nervous and unable to keep still.
jubilant
Feeling great joy because of a success.
keen
Very eager and interested.
kinship
A close connection or family bond between people.
lament
To show deep sadness about something.
lethargic
So tired that you have no energy at all.
listless
Tired and without interest in anything.
livid
Extremely angry, bursting with rage.
loathe
To dislike something so strongly that you can hardly bear it.
malady
An illness or disease.
marvel
To be filled with wonder and amazement.
melancholy
Feeling or showing a deep, quiet sadness.
mirth
Happy laughter and fun.
morose
Gloomy, silent and in a bad mood.
mournful
Full of sadness, especially about a loss.
nauseating
So horrible that it makes you feel sick.
nauseous
Feeling sick, as if you might vomit.
nostalgic
Feeling happy and a little sad when you remember good times from the past.
optimistic
Believing that good things will happen.
outburst
A sudden explosion of strong feeling, like anger or laughter.
outrage
A feeling of great anger and shock at something unfair.
overwhelm
To affect someone so strongly that they can hardly cope.
pacify
To make someone calm when they are angry or upset.
pessimistic
Expecting the worst to happen.
petrified
So frightened that you cannot move.
plight
A sad or difficult situation someone is stuck in.
qualm
A worried feeling that what you are doing might be wrong.
ravenous
Extremely hungry, and ready to eat greedily.
reassure
To comfort someone and make them feel less worried.
rejoice
To feel or show great happiness.
relish
To enjoy something very much.
reluctant
Not wanting to do something.
remorse
A deep feeling of sorrow for something wrong you have done.
repent
To feel truly sorry for something wrong you have done.
resent
To feel angry about something because it seems unfair.
savour
To enjoy something slowly so the pleasure lasts as long as possible.
scorn
A strong feeling that someone or something is useless and deserves no respect.
seethe
To be so angry inside that you feel like you are boiling.
serene
Calm, peaceful and untroubled.
solemn
Very serious and not smiling.
soothe
To make someone feel calmer or to make pain gentler.
spellbound
So amazed or interested that you cannot look away.
subdued
Quieter and less lively than usual.
sullen
Silent and bad-tempered, refusing to be cheerful.
tantalise
To tease someone by showing them something they want but cannot have.
temptation
A strong wish to do something, especially something you know you shouldn't.
tender
Gentle, loving and soft.
torment
To cause a person or animal great suffering or annoyance, often again and again.
trepidation
A nervous, fearful feeling about something that is going to happen.
triumph
A great victory or success.
turmoil
A state of great confusion and upset.
twinge
A sudden short pain or unpleasant feeling.
unnerve
To make someone lose their confidence or feel worried.
vehement
Showing very strong, forceful feeling.
vengeance
The act of hurting someone back for what they did to you.
vex
To annoy or worry someone.
vicarious
Felt by watching or hearing about what happens to someone else, rather than doing it yourself.
weary
Very tired after long effort.
wistful
Quietly sad because you are longing for something you cannot have.
woe
A feeling of deep sadness or big trouble.
wrath
Very great anger.
wretched
Very unhappy, or in a very poor and miserable state.
yearn
To want something so much that it almost hurts.
zest
A feeling of great enjoyment and enthusiasm.

Behaviour & Manners140 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
adhere
To stick firmly to something, or to follow a rule closely.
admirable
So good that people look up to it and praise it.
aggravate
To make a problem worse, or to really annoy someone.
appease
To calm someone down by giving them what they want.
assiduous
Working with great care, effort and determination.
awkward
Uncomfortable and clumsy, or difficult to deal with.
beguile
To charm or trick someone in a clever way.
betray
To let someone down by breaking their trust, often by giving away their secrets.
boisterous
Noisy, lively and full of rough energy.
brazen
Bold and cheeky, without any shame.
brusque
Using few words in a way that seems rude and unfriendly.
cajole
To gently persuade someone by being nice or making promises.
caution
The care you take to avoid danger or mistakes.
cautious
Careful to avoid danger or mistakes.
chaos
A state of complete confusion, where nothing is in order.
chivalrous
Polite, kind and brave, especially towards people who need help.
clemency
The mercy a ruler or judge shows by giving a gentler punishment.
commend
To praise someone for doing something well.
compel
To force someone to do something.
consent
To agree to something or give permission for it.
contribute
To give something, such as money, time or ideas, to help.
conventional
Usual and traditional, done the way things are normally done.
cordial
Warm, friendly and polite.
courteous
Polite and showing good manners.
covert
Done secretly, so that other people do not notice.
curb
To control or hold back something so that it does not get out of hand.
custom
A way of doing something that people have followed for a long time.
deceit
The act of tricking someone by lying or hiding the truth.
deceive
To trick someone into believing something that is not true.
decline
To politely say no to something you have been offered.
dedicate
To give your time and effort to something because it matters to you.
defiant
Refusing to do what you are told.
deliberate
Done on purpose, not by accident.
demure
Quiet, shy and very well-behaved.
deprive
To take away something that a person needs.
deter
To put someone off doing something.
devote
To give a lot of your time, effort or love to something.
disarray
A state of untidiness and confusion.
discreet
Careful not to attract attention or give away secrets.
distasteful
Unpleasant or offensive, so that you dislike it.
docile
Quiet, gentle and easy to control.
dutiful
Careful to do everything you are supposed to do.
eavesdrop
To listen secretly to other people's private conversation.
entice
To tempt someone by offering them something nice.
exempt
Allowed to skip something that everyone else must do.
extravagant
Spending or costing far more than is needed.
feign
To pretend to feel or be something.
feud
A long, bitter quarrel between two people or groups.
forbid
To order someone not to do something.
forsake
To leave behind someone or something you should stay with.
frivolous
Silly and not serious, when you really ought to be sensible.
frugal
Careful not to waste money or things.
furtive
Done secretly, hoping nobody will notice.
gape
To stare at something with your mouth wide open.
glare
To stare at someone in an angry way; or that angry stare.
gracious
Kind, polite and pleasant to others.
grovel
To crawl or beg in an overly humble way to please someone.
haphazard
Done in a messy way with no plan at all.
hoard
To collect lots of things and hide them away.
hoax
A trick that makes people believe something that is not true.
hostile
Very unfriendly and ready to argue or fight.
hygienic
Clean and free from germs that could spread illness.
idle
Not busy or not in use, or not wanting to work.
imitate
To copy the way someone speaks or acts.
impertinent
Rude and not showing respect.
impostor
Someone who pretends to be another person to trick people.
impudent
Rude and cheeky, showing no respect.
indulge
To let yourself or someone else enjoy a treat.
innocuous
Harmless, and not likely to upset or hurt anyone.
insolent
Rude in a bold, cheeky way.
interfere
To get involved in something that is not your business, often making it worse.
intervene
To step in to stop trouble or help sort something out.
justice
The fair treatment of people, where right is rewarded and wrong is punished.
juvenile
To do with young people, or behaving in a childish way.
lax
Not strict or careful enough.
leeway
Freedom to do things in your own way or make small mistakes.
lenient
Gentle and not strict when someone breaks a rule.
liberty
The freedom to live, think and act as you choose.
lure
To tempt a person or animal into going somewhere.
meddle
To interfere in things that are not your business.
menace
Something or someone that causes danger or harm.
mercy
The kindness you show someone when you could have punished or harmed them.
mingle
To mix with other people at a gathering.
mischievous
Naughty in a playful way.
mislead
To give someone a wrong idea on purpose.
moral
Knowing and doing what is right, fair and honest.
mutiny
A time when a group refuses to obey their leader and tries to take over.
negligent
Not taking proper care of something you should look after.
nonchalant
Looking calm and relaxed, as if you do not care at all.
nuisance
Someone or something that annoys you or causes trouble.
nurture
To care for something and help it grow.
obedient
Doing what you are told without a fuss.
oblige
To do something helpful that someone has asked you to do.
obnoxious
Very rude and unpleasant in a way that annoys everyone.
offend
To upset someone by being rude or unkind.
oppose
To be against something and try to stop it.
oppress
To treat people cruelly and unfairly, keeping them under control.
painstaking
Done with great care and attention to every detail.
pamper
To look after someone with too much care and comfort.
pardon
To forgive someone for something they have done wrong.
pester
To annoy someone by bothering them again and again.
plunder
To steal goods by force, especially during a battle or raid.
prim
Very neat, proper and easily shocked by rude things.
privilege
A special right or advantage that only some people have.
prohibit
To officially say that something is not allowed.
provoke
To deliberately make someone angry or cause a reaction.
quell
To calm or put an end to something, such as fear or a fight.
rash
Acting too quickly without thinking about what might happen.
rebellious
Refusing to obey rules or people in charge.
reckless
Doing dangerous things without caring what might happen.
relent
To give in and become less strict after refusing something.
resign
To give up a job or position by your own choice.
rowdy
Noisy and behaving in a rough, wild way.
sabotage
To damage or spoil something on purpose so it does not work.
sacrifice
To give up something you value, to help someone or to gain something more important.
sanitary
Clean, and helping to protect people's health.
shun
To avoid someone or something on purpose.
sneer
To smile in a nasty way that shows you look down on someone; or that nasty smile.
spontaneous
Done suddenly without planning it first.
squander
To waste money or time in a careless way.
submissive
Always willing to obey others without arguing.
submit
To give in to someone, or to hand in work for someone to judge.
subterfuge
A trick used to hide what you are really doing, or to get your own way.
succumb
To give in to something you have been fighting against.
swagger
To walk in a proud, show-off way; or that proud way of walking.
tactful
Careful not to upset people with what you say or do.
tamper
To touch or change something you should not, often causing damage.
tantrum
A sudden burst of angry, childish behaviour.
traitor
Someone who betrays their friends, team or country.
uncouth
Rude and bad-mannered.
unorthodox
Unusual and different from the normal way of doing things.
unruly
Wild and difficult to control.
uphold
To support or defend something, such as a rule or belief.
vile
Extremely unpleasant or nasty.
volatile
Likely to change suddenly, often for the worse.
wary
Careful because you sense there might be danger.
wasteful
Using more of something than you need, so some of it is thrown away or lost.
wayward
Behaving badly and hard to control.
wholesome
Good for you and healthy.
yield
To give in and stop fighting, or to produce something like crops.

Character & Personality137 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
acquainted
Knowing someone or something, often only a little.
adamant
Completely sure about something and refusing to be talked out of it.
affable
Friendly, relaxed and easy to talk to.
ally
A person, group or country that agrees to help and support you.
aloof
Distant and not friendly, keeping away from other people.
altruistic
Caring about other people's needs more than your own.
amiable
Friendly and pleasant to be around.
anonymous
Done by someone whose name is not known.
arrogant
Behaving as if you are better and more important than everyone else.
artful
Clever in a sly way, and good at getting what you want.
audacious
Brave in a bold, slightly cheeky way, and daring to do something risky.
avid
Very keen and eager about something you enjoy.
avowed
Openly admitted or declared.
bashful
Shy and easily embarrassed.
belligerent
Angry and eager to fight or argue.
benevolent
Kind and wanting to do good things for other people.
biased
Unfairly favouring one side over another.
bravado
A bold show of courage to hide how scared you really are.
bystander
A person who watches something happen but does not take part.
callous
Cruel and not caring about other people's feelings.
candid
Honest and truthful, saying exactly what you really think.
candidate
Someone who is trying to be chosen for a job, a prize or a place.
capable
Able to do something well.
compassionate
Feeling sorry for others who are hurting and wanting to help them.
compatible
Able to exist or work well together.
comrade
A close friend or companion, especially someone you share hard times with.
conceited
Much too proud of yourself and your abilities.
consistent
Always behaving or happening in the same way.
courageous
Very brave.
coy
Shy in a playful way, often pretending to be more shy than you really are.
crafty
Clever at getting what you want, often by tricking people.
cunning
Clever at tricking people to get what you want.
cynical
Believing that people only do things for selfish reasons.
devious
Sneaky and dishonest in a clever way.
dignified
Calm, serious and behaving in a way that earns respect.
diligent
Working hard and taking care over what you do.
distinguished
Respected and admired, especially for your achievements.
dogged
Refusing to give up, however hard things get.
earnest
Serious and truly meaning what you say.
eccentric
Behaving in an odd but usually harmless way.
eminent
Famous and highly respected.
enterprise
The courage and energy to start new and difficult projects.
ferocious
Fierce, wild and violent.
fickle
Changing your mind often about what you like or want.
fierce
Very aggressive, strong or wild.
foe
An enemy, someone who is against you.
formidable
So powerful or impressive that it makes people nervous.
gallant
Brave, noble and polite.
generous
Happy to give or share with others.
genial
Friendly, kind and cheerful.
genuine
Real and true, not fake.
grave
Very serious and important.
gregarious
Enjoying the company of other people, or living in groups.
gullible
Too ready to believe whatever you are told.
hardy
Strong and able to cope with difficult conditions.
haughty
Acting as if you are better than everyone else.
headstrong
Determined to do what you want and refusing to listen.
hearty
Warm, cheerful and full of energy.
hospitable
Friendly and welcoming to visitors.
humble
Not boasting about how good you are.
idiosyncrasy
A strange habit or way of behaving that is special to one person.
idol
Someone who is greatly admired or loved, often a famous person.
imperious
Bossy and proud, expecting everyone to obey you.
impulsive
Doing things suddenly without thinking first.
industrious
Working hard and getting lots done.
inept
Very clumsy or bad at doing something.
insipid
Dull and weak, without any interesting flavour or character.
intrepid
Brave and not afraid of danger.
invincible
So strong that it cannot be beaten.
jovial
Cheerful and full of fun.
kindred
Alike in character, or connected like family.
loyal
Always supporting and standing by a person, team or cause.
malicious
Deliberately unkind and wanting to hurt others.
mediocre
Not bad but not good either, just ordinary.
meek
Quiet, gentle and not standing up for yourself.
merchant
Someone who buys and sells goods, especially in large amounts.
merciful
Kind and forgiving instead of punishing.
meticulous
Very careful about every tiny detail.
miserly
Mean with money and hating to spend it.
modest
Not boasting about your talents or success.
mortal
Certain to die one day, like all living things.
naive
Believing things too easily because you have not yet learned how tricky people can be.
noted
Well known and respected, especially for a particular skill.
notorious
Famous for something bad.
objective
Based on facts rather than on personal feelings.
obstinate
Refusing to change your mind or do what others want, however hard they try.
odious
So unpleasant that it makes you feel strong dislike.
outcast
A person who has been rejected and left out by others.
passive
Letting things happen without trying to act or change them.
persevere
To keep trying even when something is difficult.
persist
To keep trying and refuse to give up.
petty
Small and unimportant, or mean about little things.
pioneer
Someone who is one of the first to explore a place or try something new.
placid
Calm and not easily upset or excited.
pluck
The courage to do something scary.
poised
Calm, steady and ready to act.
pompous
Acting too grand and important.
prudent
Careful and sensible, thinking ahead before you act.
quirky
Unusual in an interesting or charming way.
rascal
A cheeky person who behaves badly in a playful way.
renowned
Famous and admired by many people.
resilient
Able to bounce back quickly after something bad happens.
rogue
Someone who behaves badly or dishonestly, but is often likeable.
ruthless
Cruel and showing no pity at all.
savage
Wild and violent.
sincere
Truly meaning what you say or feel, without pretending.
sinister
Seeming evil or threatening, as if something bad is about to happen.
sly
Clever at tricking people in a sneaky way.
smug
Too pleased with yourself in a way that annoys other people.
sober
Serious and calm, not silly or playful.
sprightly
Lively and full of energy, especially for someone old.
staunch
Very loyal and firm in your support.
steadfast
Staying firm and not giving up, no matter what happens.
stern
Strict and serious, expecting to be obeyed.
stubborn
Refusing to change your mind, even when you might be wrong.
tenacious
Holding on and refusing to give up.
tentative
Careful and unsure, as if not quite confident yet.
testy
Quick to become cross and impatient, especially when bothered.
thrifty
Careful with money and never wasteful.
timid
Shy and easily frightened.
typical
Happening or behaving in the way you would expect.
tyrant
A ruler who uses power in a cruel and unfair way.
undaunted
Not frightened or discouraged, even when things are difficult.
unwavering
Staying steady and never doubting or giving up.
vain
Too proud of how you look or what you can do.
valiant
Very brave, especially when things are difficult.
venerable
Respected because of great age, wisdom or good character.
versatile
Able to do many different things well.
vigilant
Watching carefully for danger or trouble.
virtuous
Behaving in a good, honest and moral way.
vivacious
Bubbly, lively and full of fun.
vulnerable
Easy to hurt or attack because of being weak or unprotected.
wily
Clever at tricking people.
witty
Clever and funny with words.
worthy
Deserving respect, praise or attention.
zany
Funny in a strange, silly way.
zealous
Full of huge energy and enthusiasm for something.

Thinking & Learning109 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
abstract
About ideas rather than things you can touch.
absurd
So silly that it makes no sense at all.
accurate
Exactly right, with no mistakes in it.
adept
Very good and skilled at doing something.
alternative
A different choice that could be used instead.
amateur
Someone who does an activity for fun rather than as a job.
ambiguous
Unclear because it could mean more than one thing.
analyse
To study something closely, part by part.
apparent
Easy to see or understand; clear.
assume
To believe something is true without checking it.
astute
Clever at understanding things and spotting what is really going on.
attentive
Watching and listening carefully.
authentic
Real and genuine, not fake.
baffled
So confused that you cannot understand something at all.
bewildered
Very confused and unsure what is happening.
blunder
A silly, careless mistake.
clarify
To make something easier to understand.
classify
To sort things into groups that are alike.
competent
Able to do something well enough.
complex
Made of many parts, and hard to understand or work out.
comprehend
To fully understand something.
concoct
To make something by mixing things, or to invent a story or plan.
conscious
Awake, and aware of what is happening around you.
contrary
Completely opposite to something else.
crucial
Extremely important; something everything else depends on.
cryptic
Having a hidden meaning that is hard to work out.
decipher
To work out what something difficult or secret means.
demonstrate
To show clearly how something works, or that it is true.
determine
To decide something firmly, or to work it out for certain.
dilemma
A tricky choice between two things, where neither seems right.
distinguish
To see or show how two things are different.
dubious
Not sure whether something is true or can be trusted.
endeavour
To try very hard to do something.
engrossed
So interested in something that you notice nothing else.
enlighten
To explain something so that someone understands it clearly.
enthral
To hold someone's full attention with delight.
essential
So important that you cannot manage without it.
establish
To set something up, or to prove that something is true.
evaluate
To think carefully about how good or useful something is.
evident
Easy to see or understand.
fable
A short story, often about animals, that teaches a lesson.
fathom
To understand something after thinking about it very hard.
foresee
To know something will happen before it actually does.
fundamental
Forming the most important base of something.
heed
To pay careful attention to advice or a warning.
ignorant
Not knowing about something, often because you have not been told or taught.
illusion
Something that tricks your eyes or mind into believing what is not real.
imaginative
Full of new and clever ideas.
immerse
To put something completely under a liquid, or to get lost in an activity.
improvise
To make or do something on the spot without preparing.
infer
To work out something that has not been said directly.
ingenious
Very clever and full of smart ideas.
inquisitive
Always wanting to find things out.
inscribe
To write or carve words onto something.
instinct
A natural feeling that makes you act without thinking.
intangible
Not able to be touched or held, but still real.
interpret
To work out what something means.
intrigue
To make someone very curious and interested.
invalid
Not accepted as correct or official, usually because it breaks a rule.
jinx
Something believed to bring bad luck.
judicious
Showing good sense and careful judgement.
justify
To give a good reason for something you have done.
knack
A clever skill for doing something easily.
knowledgeable
Knowing a lot about something.
logical
Sensible, and following clear reasoning.
lucid
Very clear and easy to understand, or thinking clearly.
ludicrous
So silly that it makes you laugh.
mesmerise
To hold someone's attention so completely they cannot look away.
muddle
To mix things up so they become confusing.
mystify
To confuse someone completely.
mythical
Existing only in stories and legends, not in real life.
notion
An idea or a thought about something.
novel
New, different and unlike anything seen before.
novice
Someone who is new to an activity and still learning it.
oblivious
Not noticing what is happening around you.
obscure
Not well known, or hard to see or understand.
observant
Quick to notice things that other people miss.
observe
To watch something carefully in order to learn about it.
outwit
To beat someone by being cleverer than they are.
pensive
Quietly thinking hard about something, often looking a little sad.
perceive
To notice or understand something.
perplexed
Confused and unable to understand something.
plausible
Sounding reasonable and likely to be true.
ponder
To think about something slowly and carefully.
precise
Exact and completely accurate.
predict
To say what you think will happen in the future.
prejudice
An unfair opinion about someone, formed without knowing the facts.
preposterous
So silly that it is hard to believe.
probe
To explore or examine something carefully to find out more.
prodigy
A young person who is amazingly talented at something.
profound
Very deep and full of meaning.
relevant
Closely connected to what is being talked about.
resolve
To decide firmly to do something, or to find an answer to a problem.
retain
To keep or hold on to something.
sceptical
Not sure something is true and needing proof before you believe it.
scrutinise
To look at something very closely and carefully to check every detail.
shrewd
Clever at judging people and situations, especially to get what you want.
specific
Exact and clearly stated, not general.
strive
To try very hard to achieve something.
subtle
Small and not obvious, so it is easy to miss.
superficial
Only on the surface, without going deep.
thorough
Done carefully and completely, with nothing missed out.
unanimous
Agreed by every single person, with nobody voting against.
uncanny
Strange in a way that is hard to explain and slightly spooky.
unfathomable
Too strange, deep or difficult to understand.
vague
Not clear or exact.
valid
Based on good reasoning, or officially acceptable and able to be used.
verdict
The decision reached at the end of a trial or contest.
verify
To check that something is really true.

Speech & Sound91 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
admission
The act of admitting that something is true, often something you did wrong.
assure
To tell someone firmly that something is definitely true.
babble
To talk quickly in a way that makes no sense, or to make a bubbling sound.
banter
The friendly, playful teasing and joking between people.
bellow
To shout in a very loud, deep voice.
bicker
To argue about small, silly things.
blurt
To say something suddenly without thinking.
boast
To talk too proudly about yourself or what you own.
cacophony
A horrible mix of loud noises all at once.
chide
To tell someone off gently.
chortle
To laugh in a happy, gleeful way.
clamour
A loud noise made by lots of people shouting at once.
clatter
A loud rattling noise of hard things banging together.
coax
To gently persuade someone to do something.
commotion
A sudden burst of noisy confusion.
concise
Saying what you need to say in only a few words.
condemn
To say strongly that something is wrong or bad.
confer
To give someone an award, title or honour, or to talk something over with others.
confide
To tell someone a secret because you trust them.
contest
To argue that something is wrong or unfair and try to change it.
contradict
To say the opposite of what someone else has said.
convey
To carry something somewhere, or to make a feeling or idea known.
curt
Using so few words that you seem rude.
din
A loud, unpleasant noise that goes on for a long time.
disclose
To make known something that was secret or hidden.
dispute
A disagreement or argument between people.
divulge
To tell someone a secret.
eloquent
Able to speak clearly and beautifully so people want to listen.
emphasise
To give special importance to something you say or write.
exaggerate
To make something sound bigger, better or worse than it really is.
exclaim
To shout out suddenly with surprise or excitement.
explicit
Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no doubt.
gruff
Rough and unfriendly in voice or manner.
harmonious
Going together in a peaceful and pleasant way.
hubbub
A loud noise made by lots of voices at once.
hushed
Very quiet and still.
implore
To beg someone desperately to do something.
imply
To suggest something without actually saying it.
inaudible
So quiet that it cannot be heard.
indicate
To show or point out where something is, or what is meant.
interrogate
To ask someone lots of questions, often in a strict way, to find something out.
jargon
The special words used by a group, which are hard for outsiders to understand.
jeer
To laugh at someone in a mean, mocking way.
kerfuffle
A noisy fuss or commotion about something.
lyrical
Expressed in a beautiful, song-like way.
mimic
To copy someone's voice or actions, often for fun.
mock
To make fun of someone in an unkind way.
muffled
Made quieter and less clear, as if covered up.
murmur
To speak in a soft, low voice that is hard to hear.
mute
Silent and not speaking, often from surprise or shock.
nag
To keep annoying someone by asking or complaining again and again.
narrate
To tell a story out loud or explain events as they happen.
negotiate
To talk with someone to try to reach a deal that suits you both.
nominate
To suggest someone for a job, prize or role.
oath
A serious promise, often made in front of other people.
objection
A reason you give for disagreeing with something.
omit
To leave something out.
pandemonium
Wild noise and complete confusion everywhere.
persuade
To talk someone into doing or believing something.
plead
To beg for something in a very serious way.
pledge
A serious promise to do something.
proclaim
To announce something important loudly and publicly.
protest
To speak out or act to show you strongly disagree with something.
quarrel
An angry argument between people.
query
A question, especially one asking for information.
quibble
To argue about tiny things that do not matter.
ramble
To walk for pleasure, or to talk on and on without a clear point.
rebuke
To speak sharply to someone because they have done something wrong.
recite
To say something aloud from memory.
reprimand
To tell someone off formally, especially as the person in charge.
retort
To answer back quickly and sharply.
reveal
To show or tell something that was hidden.
sarcastic
Saying the opposite of what you mean to make fun of someone.
scold
To tell someone off angrily for doing something wrong.
shriek
To give a sudden loud high scream; or the scream itself.
shrill
So high and piercing that it hurts your ears.
squabble
To argue noisily about something small and unimportant.
stammer
To speak with pauses and repeated sounds, finding it hard to get words out.
summarise
To give the main points of something in a short way.
summon
To officially call someone to come to you.
taunt
To tease someone in a cruel way to upset them.
terse
Using very few words, often in an unfriendly way.
tumult
A loud, confused noise made by an excited crowd.
unison
Doing or saying something all together at exactly the same time.
uproar
A storm of loud noise and angry shouting from lots of people.
vouch
To say from your own knowledge that something is true or someone is good.
vow
A serious promise you mean to keep forever.
warble
To sing with a gentle, trembling sound like a bird.
whimper
To make small, weak crying sounds.
wrangle
To argue noisily for a long time.
yodel
To sing by quickly switching between low and very high notes.

Appearance & Looks90 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
adorn
To decorate something to make it look prettier.
bedraggled
Wet, muddy and messy-looking.
bland
Plain and boring, without much taste or interest.
bleary
Tired-looking and unable to see clearly.
blemish
A small mark or fault that spoils how something looks.
blunt
Not sharp, or saying things in a very direct way.
brawny
Strong and full of muscles.
brittle
Hard but easily snapped or broken.
burly
Big, strong and heavily built.
camouflage
The colours or patterns that help something blend in and hide.
charred
Burnt and blackened on the outside.
coarse
Rough to touch, or rude and unpolished.
conspicuous
Very easy to see; standing out so everyone notices.
contrast
A clear difference between two things.
counterfeit
Made as a fake copy of something real, meant to trick people.
dainty
Small, pretty and delicate.
decrepit
Old and falling apart because of age or heavy use.
delectable
So delicious that you want more of it.
delicate
So fine or soft that it can easily be broken or hurt.
dishevelled
Very untidy, with messy hair or clothes.
distinct
Clearly different, or easy to see, hear or notice.
divine
Belonging to a god, or so wonderful that it seems heavenly.
drab
Dull, plain and without colour.
elaborate
Full of careful detail, with lots of parts.
elegant
Graceful and stylish.
embellish
To add extra details or decoration to make something fancier.
erect
Standing up straight.
exquisite
Extremely beautiful and finely made.
feeble
Weak and without strength.
flamboyant
Bold, colourful and eye-catching, in a way that makes people notice you.
flawless
Perfect, with no mistakes or faults.
flimsy
Thin, weak and easily broken.
fragile
Easily broken or damaged.
frail
Weak and delicate, often because of age or illness.
gaunt
Very thin and bony, often from being ill or hungry.
ghastly
Horrible, shocking or very unpleasant.
gnarled
Twisted, knobbly and rough, like a very old tree.
grimace
To twist your face because of pain or disgust.
grotesque
Strange and ugly in a way that is frightening or silly.
haggard
Looking very tired and worn out.
identical
Exactly the same in every way.
illegible
So messy that it cannot be read.
immaculate
Perfectly clean and tidy.
impeccable
So perfect that not a single fault can be found.
inconspicuous
Not easily seen or noticed.
inedible
Not fit or safe to eat.
intact
Whole and undamaged.
intricate
Having many small parts or details.
jagged
Having sharp, uneven points along the edge.
knobbly
Covered in small bumps and lumps.
lanky
Very tall and thin, often with long arms and legs.
legible
Clear enough to read.
lopsided
Leaning or heavier on one side, not even.
luscious
Tasting or looking rich, sweet and delicious.
magnificent
Extremely beautiful and impressive.
majestic
Grand and impressive, like a king or queen.
mar
To spoil or damage something.
mottled
Covered in patches or spots of different colours.
opulent
Very grand and expensive-looking.
ornate
Decorated with lots of fancy patterns and details.
ostentatious
Showy in a way that is meant to impress other people.
outlandish
Very strange and unusual, almost unbelievable.
parallel
Side by side and always the same distance apart, never meeting.
peculiar
Strange or unusual.
preen
To tidy and admire your own appearance.
pristine
Perfectly clean and unspoilt, like new.
prominent
Easy to see or notice; standing out.
quizzical
Showing that you are puzzled or curious, often in a joking way.
rickety
Old, weak and likely to fall apart.
rotund
Round and plump in shape.
scowl
To make an angry, cross face by pulling your eyebrows down; or that angry face itself.
shabby
Old, worn out and scruffy-looking.
sleek
Smooth, shiny and well cared for.
splendid
Extremely good or beautiful to look at.
stately
Grand, dignified and impressive.
stout
Rather fat and solid, or strong and thick.
sturdy
Strong and solidly built, not easily broken.
superb
Extremely good; among the very best.
tarnish
To make something less shiny or spoil how good it seems.
tattered
Torn, ragged and falling apart.
taut
Stretched tight with no slack.
threadbare
So worn out that the material is thin and nearly see-through.
transparent
So clear that you can see straight through it.
trinket
A small, pretty object that is not worth much money.
unkempt
Untidy and not looked after.
unscathed
Not harmed or damaged at all.
vibrant
Full of life, energy or bright colour.
vivid
So bright or clear that it feels real.
wondrous
So wonderful that it fills you with amazement.
youthful
Seeming young, fresh and full of energy.

Time & Change77 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
abolish
To officially get rid of something completely, such as a rule or law.
abrupt
Sudden and quick, often in a way that feels rude or unexpected.
accustom
To get yourself used to something new.
amend
To change something slightly to make it better or correct.
ancient
Very old; from a long, long time ago.
antique
Very old and often valuable.
antiquity
The distant past, especially the times of ancient Greece and Rome.
awry
Not going as planned; twisted to one side.
calamity
A terrible event that causes great damage or sadness.
cease
To stop happening or stop doing something.
commence
To begin or start.
conclude
To bring something to an end, or to decide something after thinking about it.
constant
Happening all the time without stopping, or staying the same.
contemporary
Belonging to the present time; modern.
convert
To change something into something else.
corrode
To slowly eat away at metal or other material.
customary
Done as a habit or tradition; usual.
disastrous
Causing great damage, trouble or failure.
dormant
Not active now, as if asleep, but able to wake up later.
drastic
Sudden and extreme, with a very big effect.
durable
Strong enough to last a long time without breaking.
ebb
To slowly get weaker or drain away, like the tide going out.
elapse
To go by or pass, used when talking about time.
endure
To put up with something difficult for a long time.
ensue
To happen straight after something else, often because of it.
evolve
To change and develop slowly over time.
fatal
Causing death, or leading to complete failure.
fleeting
Lasting only a very short time.
frequent
Happening often.
imminent
About to happen very soon.
inaugural
Marking the start of something important, or being the very first of its kind.
inaugurate
To open or start something officially with a ceremony.
incessant
Never stopping.
inevitable
Certain to happen and impossible to avoid.
keepsake
A small object you keep to remember a person or a special time.
lapse
A short slip or failure, or a period of time passing.
latter
Being the second of two things or people just mentioned.
leisure
The free time you have for resting and enjoying yourself.
liable
Likely to do or to suffer something.
linger
To stay somewhere longer than needed.
lull
A quiet, calm break in noise or activity.
makeshift
Made quickly from whatever is available, to use for a short time.
mishap
A small accident or piece of bad luck.
momentous
Very important because of its lasting effects.
monotonous
Boring because it never changes.
mundane
Ordinary, dull and nothing special.
obsolete
No longer used because something newer has replaced it.
ordeal
A very difficult or unpleasant experience that goes on for some time.
origin
The point where something begins or comes from.
originate
To start or come from a particular place or time.
overdue
Later than it should be.
perish
To die, or to be destroyed or ruined.
potential
Possible in the future, though not happening yet.
predicament
A tricky situation that is hard to get out of.
prevail
To win in the end or to be the strongest.
previous
Coming before the one you are talking about.
primitive
Very simple and from an early time, without modern comforts.
procrastinate
To keep putting off something you should do now.
prolong
To make something last longer.
promote
To move someone up to a more important position.
prompt
Quick and without delay.
prosper
To do well and become successful or rich.
punctual
Arriving or doing things exactly on time.
reserve
To keep something back to use later, or to book it for someone.
restore
To bring something back to how it was before.
revive
To bring something back to life or strength.
seldom
Not very often.
slumber
To sleep deeply and peacefully.
suspend
To stop something for a while, or to hang something up.
tardy
Late, or slower than expected.
tedious
Boring because it goes on too long and never changes.
thrive
To grow strong, healthy and successful.
transform
To change something completely.
ultimate
Final, or the greatest of all.
upheaval
A sudden big change that causes trouble and confusion.
urgent
So important that it must be dealt with straight away.
wane
To become gradually smaller or weaker.

Size & Amount76 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
abundance
A very large amount of something, more than enough.
abundant
More than enough of something; plenty of it.
accumulate
To gather more and more of something over time.
ample
More than enough; plenty of room or plenty of something.
approximate
Close to the right amount, but not exact.
bountiful
Giving or containing a very large amount.
cluster
A small group of things close together.
colossal
Extremely large; absolutely huge.
contract
To become smaller or shorter.
cram
To squeeze too many things into a small space.
cumbersome
Heavy and awkward to carry or use.
dearth
A shortage of something, so there is not enough to go around.
dense
Packed closely together, or very thick.
deplete
To use something up until very little is left.
destitute
Having no money and none of the things you need to live.
diluted
Made weaker or thinner by adding water or another liquid.
dwindle
To become smaller or fewer, little by little.
economical
Careful not to waste money, time or materials.
enormous
Extremely large.
estimate
To work out roughly how much or how many, without counting exactly.
extraordinary
So unusual or amazing that it is far beyond normal.
fragment
A small piece that has broken off something.
gigantic
Very much bigger than normal.
hefty
Big, heavy and solid.
immense
Huge in size or amount, often too big to measure easily.
inferior
Not as good as something else.
infinite
Without any end or limit.
innumerable
Too many to be counted.
intense
Very strong or extreme.
invaluable
Extremely useful or precious.
laden
Carrying a very heavy load.
lavish
Very grand and costing a lot.
liberal
Given freely and in large amounts.
lofty
Very tall or high up.
mammoth
Huge in size or amount.
meagre
Very small in amount and not enough.
mere
Nothing more than; only.
miniature
Very small, like a tiny copy of something bigger.
moderate
Neither too much nor too little, around the middle.
monumental
Extremely large or important.
morsel
A small piece of food.
multitude
A very large number of people or things.
notable
Important or interesting enough to be noticed and remembered.
numerous
Very many in number.
plentiful
Available in large amounts; more than enough.
possess
To own or have something.
potent
Very strong and powerful in its effect.
prosperous
Rich and successful.
puny
Small and weak.
robust
Strong, healthy and unlikely to break.
scanty
Too small in amount, or only just enough.
scarce
Hard to find because there is very little of it.
significant
Big or important enough to be worth noticing.
sparse
Spread out thinly, with only a small amount in each place.
stupendous
Amazingly large or impressive.
substantial
Large enough to matter.
sufficient
As much as is needed; enough.
superfluous
More than is needed, and so not necessary.
superior
Better, higher or more important than others.
surplus
An amount left over when you have more than you need.
swarm
A large moving crowd of insects or people.
teem
To be completely full of moving things.
throng
A large crowd of people packed together.
tinge
A small amount of a colour or feeling.
tremendous
Extremely large or extremely good.
trifle
Something of little value or importance.
trivial
So small and unimportant that it hardly matters.
unique
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
unsurpassed
Better than all others; never beaten.
unwieldy
Awkward to carry or use because it is big and clumsy.
utmost
The greatest or highest amount possible.
utter
Complete and total.
vast
Extremely large; stretching a very long way.
voracious
Extremely hungry or eager for a lot of something.
wholly
Completely and entirely.
zenith
The highest point that something reaches.

Places & Settings65 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
adjacent
Right next to something else.
ajar
Slightly open.
aroma
A pleasant smell.
austere
Very plain and strict, without comfort or decoration.
barren
Empty and bare, where nothing can grow.
barricade
A barrier built quickly to block the way.
besieged
Surrounded by enemies or crowds, or overwhelmed by many requests.
bustling
Full of busy, noisy activity.
cavern
A very large cave.
chaotic
Completely confused and without any order.
chasm
A very deep crack or gap in the ground.
crevice
A narrow crack in rock or a wall.
dank
Unpleasantly damp, cold and musty, like the inside of a cave.
debris
The broken bits and pieces left scattered after something is destroyed.
derelict
Empty, abandoned and falling to pieces.
desolate
Empty, lonely and sad, with nothing and nobody in it.
dilapidated
Falling to pieces because it has not been looked after.
domestic
Belonging to the home and family, or tame and kept by people.
eerie
Strange in a way that makes you feel nervous or scared.
exotic
Unusual and exciting because it comes from a faraway place.
expanse
A wide, open stretch of land, sea or sky.
exterior
The outside part of something.
grim
Gloomy, harsh and without cheer.
habitable
Good enough for people or animals to live in.
haven
A safe place where you can shelter from harm.
hazardous
Dangerous and likely to cause harm.
inhabit
To live in a place.
interior
The inside part of something.
isolate
To keep someone or something apart from others.
jeopardy
A state of danger, when something could be harmed or lost.
knoll
A small round hill.
loom
To appear as a large, worrying shape, or to be about to happen.
maroon
To leave someone stranded in a place they cannot escape from.
nautical
To do with ships, sailors and the sea.
nomad
A person who moves from place to place instead of living in one home.
oasis
A green place in a desert where there is water.
occupy
To live in, fill or take up a space.
odour
A smell, often an unpleasant one.
outskirts
The outer edges of a town or city, far from the centre.
peril
The threat of serious danger.
perilous
Very dangerous.
picturesque
Pretty enough to be in a painting or on a postcard.
precarious
Not safe or steady, and likely to fall or fail at any moment.
quaint
Charming in an old-fashioned way.
ravine
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides.
reek
To smell very strongly and unpleasantly.
refuge
A safe place to shelter from danger.
remote
Far away from towns and hard to reach.
reside
To live in a particular place.
rugged
Rough, rocky and uneven, or strong and tough.
rural
To do with the countryside rather than the town.
rustic
Simple and plain in a way that suits the countryside.
sacred
Holy, or deeply respected and precious.
secluded
Quiet and hidden away from other people.
solitary
Alone, with no other people or things nearby.
subterranean
Existing or happening under the ground.
summit
The very top of a mountain or hill.
thicket
A thick group of bushes and small trees growing close together.
tranquil
Completely calm, quiet and peaceful.
treacherous
Dangerous and full of hidden risks, or unable to be trusted.
undergrowth
The bushes and plants that grow thickly under trees.
vacant
Empty, with nobody using it.
verge
The edge of something, or the moment just before something happens.
void
A completely empty space.
yonder
Over there, some distance away.

Weather & Nature49 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
adverse
Unhelpful or harmful; working against you.
arid
Very dry, with almost no rain at all.
atrocious
Extremely bad or unpleasant.
bleak
Cold, empty and without much hope.
conserve
To protect something from harm, or to save it from being wasted.
cultivate
To grow plants, or to work at improving something.
dreary
Dull, grey and boring.
drenched
Completely soaked with water.
drought
A long time with little or no rain, when the land dries out.
erode
To wear something away slowly, little by little.
extinction
The dying out of a whole kind of animal or plant, so that none are left.
famine
A time when there is not enough food for many people to eat.
fertile
Able to grow plenty of healthy plants or crops.
flourish
To grow strongly and do very well.
fragrant
Having a sweet, pleasant smell.
frigid
Extremely cold.
gale
A very strong wind.
glorious
Wonderfully beautiful or impressive.
humid
Warm and damp, with lots of moisture in the air.
infest
To swarm over a place in large, unwanted numbers.
lethal
Able to cause death.
lukewarm
Only slightly warm, or not very enthusiastic.
lush
Growing thickly, green and healthy.
mirage
Something you seem to see, often in heat, that is not really there.
molten
Melted into hot liquid by great heat.
nocturnal
Awake and active at night instead of during the day.
nourish
To feed something so it grows healthy and strong.
noxious
Harmful or poisonous, especially a gas or smell.
overcast
Covered with grey cloud and dull.
parched
Extremely dry, or very thirsty.
pungent
Having a very strong, sharp smell or taste.
quench
To stop your thirst by drinking, or to put out a fire.
ripple
A tiny wave that moves across the surface of water.
sodden
Completely soaked through with water.
sow
To plant seeds in the ground so they can grow.
stagnant
Not moving or flowing, and often smelly and stale.
swelter
To feel uncomfortably hot.
temperate
Mild, without extremes of heat or cold.
tempest
A violent storm with strong winds.
tempestuous
Stormy and wild, or full of strong emotions.
tepid
Only slightly warm.
torrent
A fast, powerful rush of water or words.
turbulent
Full of sudden movement, confusion or trouble.
vapour
A gas that forms when a liquid evaporates, or a fine mist of tiny drops hanging in the air.
venom
The poison that some snakes and spiders make, or great bitterness in words.
vermin
The small wild creatures, such as rats, mice and fleas, that cause damage or spread disease.
wilt
To droop and become floppy from lack of water or energy.
wither
To dry up, shrivel and die, like a plant without water.
zephyr
A soft, gentle breeze.

Light & Dark23 words

These words with example sentences and similar words
beacon
A light or fire used as a signal that can be seen from far away.
dazzle
To amaze someone with bright light or brilliance.
dingy
Dark, dirty and a little gloomy.
dismal
Dull, gloomy and miserable.
gleam
To shine softly with light.
glimmer
To shine with a faint, unsteady light; or that faint light.
glisten
To shine and sparkle, often because something is wet.
gloomy
Dark, dull and a little sad.
ignite
To set something on fire or make it start burning.
illuminate
To light something up.
indistinct
Not clear enough to see or hear properly.
inferno
A huge, fierce fire that is out of control.
kindle
To start a fire, or to stir up a feeling.
luminous
Giving off light, or glowing brightly.
mellow
Soft, gentle and relaxed.
murky
Dark, dirty and hard to see through.
ominous
Giving you a worrying feeling that something bad is about to happen.
opaque
Impossible to see through.
phantom
A ghost, or something that seems real but is not.
radiant
Shining brightly, or glowing with happiness.
shimmer
To shine with a soft light that seems to tremble.
sombre
Dark, dull and serious in mood or colour.
twilight
The soft, dim light just after the sun goes down.

Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?

Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test