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11 Plus Vocabulary List
Free 565+ words with meanings, synonyms, antonyms & memory tips • 0 learned
This free 11 plus vocabulary list contains 565+ essential words that commonly appear in GL Assessment and CEM grammar school entrance exams. Every word includes a clear definition, example sentence, synonyms, antonyms, memory tip, and British audio pronunciation — making it one of the most comprehensive free 11+ vocabulary resources available. Browse alphabetically, filter by difficulty level (easy, intermediate, advanced) or category, and mark words as learned to track your child's progress.
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Showing 12 of 565 words • sign in as a student to save your progress
abandon
/əˈbændən/ • verb
To give up completely or leave behind permanently
Example:
"The sailors had to abandon the sinking ship."
desert
forsake
leave
intermediate
Action Words
A-BAN-DON: Imagine putting a BAN on something and being DONE with it forever.
abode
/əˈbəʊd/ • noun
A place where someone lives; a home or residence
Example:
"The castle was the king's royal abode."
home
residence
dwelling
intermediate
Places
A-BODE: Think of it as 'a place to BODE' or stay.
abundance
/əˈbʌndəns/ • noun
A very large quantity of something; more than enough
Example:
"The garden produced an abundance of fresh vegetables."
plenty
wealth
profusion
intermediate
Abstract
A-BUN-DANCE: Imagine so many BUNS they could DANCE around!
absence
/ˈæbsəns/ • noun
The state of being away from a place or person
Example:
"Her absence from school was noticed by everyone."
nonattendance
lack
unavailability
easy
Abstract
AB-SENCE: When someone is ABSENT, you SENSE they're not there!
absurd
/əbˈsɜːd/ • adjective
Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous
Example:
"It would be absurd to go swimming in a snowstorm."
ridiculous
foolish
silly
intermediate
Descriptions
AB-SURD: Something so silly it's like a BIRD flying backwards!
abundant
/əˈbʌndənt/ • adjective
Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful
Example:
"Fish are abundant in this river."
plentiful
copious
ample
intermediate
Descriptions
A-BUN-DANT: So many BUNS you can't count them!
accuse
/əˈkjuːz/ • verb
To claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal
Example:
"She accused him of stealing her pencil."
blame
charge
incriminate
easy
Action Words
A-CCUSE: When you aCCUSE, you point a finger and say 'YOU did it!'
accustom
/əˈkʌstəm/ • verb
To make someone or yourself familiar with something through regular experience
Example:
"It took time to accustom herself to the new school."
familiarize
adapt
adjust
intermediate
Action Words
A-CUSTOM: To make something your CUSTOM or habit!
acquainted
/əˈkweɪntɪd/ • adjective
Having knowledge of someone or something through experience
Example:
"Are you acquainted with the new student?"
familiar
informed
aware
intermediate
Descriptions
A-QUAINT-ED: You've been introduced to someone QUAINT!
acquire
/əˈkwaɪə/ • verb
To gain or obtain something, especially through effort or ability
Example:
"She worked hard to acquire new skills."
obtain
gain
get
intermediate
Action Words
A-C-QUIRE: Think of a CHOIR that needs to ACQUIRE new singers.
across
/əˈkrɒs/ • preposition
From one side to the other of something
Example:
"She walked across the bridge to reach the park."
over
through
beyond
easy
Abstract
A-CROSS: You go ACROSS by crossing from one side to the other!
address
/əˈdres/ • noun
The details of where someone lives or where a building is located
Example:
"Please write your address on the envelope."
location
residence
speech
easy
Abstract
ADD-RESS: You ADD the REST of the details about where you live!
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The Complete 11 Plus Vocabulary List A–Z (565 Words with Meanings)
Every word in our list with its meaning, in alphabetical order — ideal for a quick read-through or printing. Click a letter heading for that letter’s full page with synonyms, antonyms and example sentences, use the interactive cards above to study with audio and memory tips, or download the whole list as a free PDF.
A — 47 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- abandon — To give up completely or leave behind permanently
- abode — A place where someone lives; a home or residence
- absence — The state of being away from a place or person
- absurd — Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous
- abundance — A very large quantity of something; more than enough
- abundant — Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful
- accuse — To claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal
- accustom — To make someone or yourself familiar with something through regular experience
- acquainted — Having knowledge of someone or something through experience
- acquire — To gain or obtain something, especially through effort or ability
- across — From one side to the other of something
- address — The details of where someone lives or where a building is located
- adhere — To stick firmly to something; to follow rules or beliefs closely
- admission — The act of allowing someone to enter a place, or the act of confessing something is true
- adopt — To take something as your own, such as a child, an idea, or a way of doing things
- advance — To move forward or make progress; to develop or improve
- affable — Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to
- affectionate — Showing fondness or tenderness; loving
- aid — Help or support given to someone in need
- alert — Quick to notice and respond to things; watchful and aware
- ally — A person, group, or country that supports and helps another
- altitude — The height of something above sea level or ground level
- ambition — A strong desire to achieve something; determination to succeed
- amount — The total number or quantity of something
- ample — Enough or more than enough; plentiful
- antiquity — The ancient past, especially before the Middle Ages; great age
- anxious — Feeling worried or nervous about something uncertain
- appeal — To make a serious request for help; or to be attractive or interesting to someone
- appearance — The way that someone or something looks; or the act of arriving somewhere
- apprehensive — Anxious or fearful about something that might happen
- approve — To officially agree to something or to think that something is good
- arduous — Requiring great effort or endurance; difficult and tiring
- argument — A disagreement or quarrel; or a reason given to support an idea
- arouse — To awaken or stir up feelings, interest, or reactions
- artful — Clever or skilful, especially in a crafty or cunning way
- article — A piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine; or a particular item or object
- assemble — To gather together in one place; to fit together the parts of something
- assiduous — Showing great care, attention, and persistent effort
- assistance — Help or support given to someone
- asunder — Into separate parts or pieces; apart
- attached — Joined or connected to something; or feeling close and affectionate towards someone
- attempt — To try to do something, especially something difficult
- available — Ready to be used or obtained; free to do something
- average — Typical or ordinary; in the middle between extremes
- avoid — To stay away from something or someone; to prevent something from happening
- avowed — Openly declared or admitted; stated publicly without hiding
- awkward — Causing difficulty or embarrassment; clumsy and ungraceful
B — 23 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- banish — To send someone away as punishment; to get rid of something
- bargain — A good deal where you pay less than expected, or to negotiate the price of something
- barren — Too poor or dry to produce vegetation; empty and lifeless
- beautiful — Very pleasing to look at or experience; having qualities that delight the senses
- because — For the reason that; used to explain why something happens
- beck — A small stream or brook, especially in northern England; also a gesture of summoning
- believe — To accept that something is true or that someone is telling the truth
- belligerent — Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight
- bemused — Puzzled, confused, or bewildered
- benefit — An advantage or good result; to receive help or gain something positive
- benevolent — Well-meaning and kindly; showing goodwill
- besieged — Surrounded by enemy forces trying to capture a place; overwhelmed by many demands or problems
- betray — To be disloyal to someone who trusts you; to reveal a secret or show hidden feelings
- bewildered — Completely confused and unable to understand
- bicycle — A vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing pedals with your feet
- box — A container with flat sides, usually square or rectangular; to fight with fists as a sport
- brief — Lasting only a short time; a short summary of information; to give someone essential information
- Britain — An island nation in northwest Europe, comprising England, Scotland, and Wales
- broad — Wide from side to side; covering a large range or variety of things
- bruise — A dark mark on your skin caused by an injury; to cause such a mark or to hurt someone's feelings
- brusque — Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner; rudely brief
- burden — A heavy load; something difficult to bear or manage
- business — Work relating to buying and selling goods or services; a company or shop; a matter or situation
C — 69 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- calamity — A serious disaster or misfortune causing great damage or distress
- candidate — A person who is applying for a job or competing for a position
- careering — Moving swiftly and in an uncontrolled way
- category — A group of things sharing similar characteristics; a class or division
- caulking — A waterproof substance used to fill gaps and seal joints
- caution — Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes; a warning
- cease — To come or bring to an end; to stop
- cemetery — A place where dead people are buried; a graveyard
- chaos — Complete disorder and confusion
- charred — Burnt and blackened by fire
- choreographer — A person who creates and arranges dance movements
- clemency — Mercy; leniency in punishing someone
- coarse — Rough in texture; lacking refinement or politeness
- coax — To gently persuade someone to do something
- college — An educational institution for higher learning or specialised training
- colour — The property of things that is produced by light reflecting off them, such as red, blue, or green
- combination — A mixture or joining of different things together
- commence — To begin or start something
- commit — To carry out an action; to pledge or dedicate oneself to something
- committee — A group of people appointed to make decisions or manage something
- communicate — To share or exchange information, news, or ideas with someone
- community — A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests
- companion — A person or animal who accompanies or spends time with another
- company — A business organisation; the presence of another person or people
- compel — To force or strongly urge someone to do something
- competition — A contest in which people or teams try to win against each other
- completely — Totally; in every way or as much as possible
- complex — Made up of many different parts; difficult to understand
- composition — The way something is put together; a piece of writing or music
- comprehend — To understand something fully
- comrade — A companion who shares activities or experiences; a fellow member
- conceal — To hide or keep something secret
- conceited — Excessively proud of oneself; vain
- concentrated — Focused intensely; made stronger by removing water or other substances
- conclude — To bring to an end; to reach a decision or judgement
- conclusion — The end of something; a judgement or decision reached by reasoning
- condemn — To express strong disapproval of; to sentence to punishment
- conferred — Discussed something to reach a decision; granted an honour or title
- confine — To keep within limits; to restrict or imprison
- conscience — An inner sense of what is right and wrong that guides behaviour
- conscious — Aware of and responding to one's surroundings; deliberate and intentional
- consent — Permission or agreement to do something
- conserve — To protect something from harm or destruction; to use carefully to prevent waste
- consideration — Careful thought about something; thoughtfulness for others
- consist — To be made up or composed of certain parts or elements
- conspire — To make secret plans together, usually to do something harmful
- constant — Happening continuously; remaining the same and not changing
- consume — To eat, drink, or use up something
- contemporary — Living or occurring at the same time; belonging to the present day
- contempt — A feeling that someone or something is worthless; scorn
- content — Satisfied and happy with what one has; at peace
- contest — A competition in which people try to win; a struggle for victory
- contract — A formal written agreement between two or more parties
- contrast — A striking difference between two things when compared
- contribute — To give something to help achieve a goal or be part of something
- conventional — Following traditional or accepted customs and practices
- convert — To change something into a different form or purpose
- convey — To transport or communicate something from one place to another
- convict — To declare someone guilty of a crime in a court of law
- convince — To persuade someone that something is true or to do something
- correct — Free from error; true and accurate
- covert — Not openly shown or acknowledged; secret
- covet — To want something greatly, especially something that belongs to someone else
- coy — Pretending to be shy or modest; reluctant to give information
- credit — Recognition for an achievement; the ability to buy now and pay later
- cultivate — To prepare land for growing crops; to develop or improve something
- cunning — Having skill in achieving one's aims through deceit or cleverness
- curb — To control or limit something; to keep in check
- custom — A traditional practice or usual way of behaving
D — 49 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- debate — A formal discussion where opposing arguments are presented; to argue or discuss a topic thoroughly.
- debrief — To question someone thoroughly after a mission or event to gather information about what happened.
- deceit — The act of deceiving someone; dishonest behaviour intended to make someone believe something false.
- deceive — To cause someone to believe something that is not true; to trick or mislead deliberately.
- declare — To announce officially or formally; to state something firmly and publicly.
- decline — To politely refuse something offered; or a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.
- definite — Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful; certain and unambiguous.
- deliberate — Done consciously and intentionally; or to think about something carefully before making a decision.
- demolished — Completely destroyed or torn down, especially a building or structure.
- deny — To state that something is not true; to refuse to give or allow something.
- deposit — A sum of money placed in a bank; a layer of matter left by a natural process; to put something down.
- depot — A place for storing goods or vehicles; a bus or train station.
- derelict — In a very poor condition due to neglect; an abandoned building or ship.
- description — A spoken or written account of the characteristics or features of something or someone.
- despair — Complete loss of hope; to feel that there is no hope left.
- desperately — In a way that shows great urgency, need, or hopelessness; extremely.
- despise — To feel intense dislike or contempt for someone or something.
- destitute — Extremely poor and lacking the basic necessities of life.
- determine — To discover facts through investigation; to firmly decide or resolve to do something.
- develop — To grow or cause to grow more advanced, mature, or elaborate over time.
- device — A piece of equipment or tool designed for a particular purpose.
- devote — To give all or most of one's time, energy, or resources to a person, activity, or cause.
- dictionary — A book or electronic resource listing words alphabetically with their meanings, pronunciations, and other information.
- digest — To break down food in the body; to understand and absorb information; a summary of information.
- dilapidated — In a state of severe disrepair or ruin, especially due to age or neglect.
- diligent — Showing careful and persistent effort in work or duties.
- diluted — Made weaker or thinner by adding water or another substance.
- din — A loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise.
- disappear — To cease to be visible; to vanish from sight or existence.
- disappointed — Feeling sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to meet expectations.
- disarray — A state of disorder and confusion; untidiness.
- disastrous — Causing great damage, harm, or suffering; extremely bad or unsuccessful.
- disclose — To make secret or new information known; to reveal or expose.
- discontent — Dissatisfaction with one's circumstances; a feeling of unhappiness.
- dishevelled — Having a untidy or disordered appearance, especially referring to hair or clothing.
- dismal — Causing or suggesting sadness or gloom; depressing; extremely poor in quality.
- disperse — To scatter or spread widely in different directions; to cause a group to break up.
- dispute — A disagreement or argument between people, or to argue and question whether something is true or correct
- distasteful — Causing dislike or disgust; unpleasant or offensive.
- distinct — Clearly different or separate; easily perceived or understood.
- distinguished — Successful and commanding great respect; dignified in appearance or manner.
- distress — Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain; to cause someone anxiety or suffering.
- divine — Of, from, or relating to God or a god; heavenly; to discover by intuition or insight.
- divinity — The state or quality of being divine; a god or goddess; the study of religion.
- domestic — Relating to the home, household, or family; relating to one's own country, not foreign.
- dose — A measured quantity of medicine to be taken at one time; an amount of something.
- drought — A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall leading to a shortage of water.
- dumb — Unable to speak; temporarily speechless with shock or surprise (note: avoid using to mean unintelligent).
- dwelling — A house, flat, or other place of residence where someone lives.
E — 38 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- earnest — Sincere and serious in intention; showing deep conviction.
- economical — Giving good value in relation to resources used; avoiding waste.
- elect — To choose someone by voting; to decide to do something.
- elude — To escape from or avoid something, especially by being clever or skilful.
- embarrass — To cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
- embrace — To hold someone closely in one's arms; to accept willingly.
- emerge — To come out from somewhere; to become known or apparent.
- empire — A group of countries or regions controlled by one ruler or government; a large business organisation.
- employ — To give work to someone and pay them for it; to make use of something.
- endeavour — To try hard to do or achieve something; a serious attempt.
- endure — To suffer through something difficult patiently; to remain in existence.
- enterprise — A business or company; a project or undertaking that requires boldness and effort.
- entire — Whole; with no part left out; complete.
- entirely — Completely; wholly; in every way.
- environment — The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives; the natural world.
- equip — To supply with the necessary items for a particular purpose.
- equipment — The necessary items for a particular purpose; tools, machinery, or supplies.
- equipped — Supplied with the necessary items; prepared or fitted out.
- erect — To build or put up a structure; standing upright and straight.
- errand — A short journey undertaken to deliver or collect something or to complete a task.
- especially — To a great extent; more than usually; particularly.
- estimate — To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, or extent of something.
- evaluation — The process of judging or calculating the quality, importance, or value of something.
- evident — Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
- exaggerate — To represent something as larger, better, or worse than it really is.
- excellent — Extremely good; outstanding.
- excitement — A feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness; something that causes such feelings.
- exciting — Causing great enthusiasm and eagerness; thrilling.
- exclaim — To cry out suddenly, especially in surprise, joy, or anger.
- existence — The fact or state of living or being real; a way of living.
- expel — To force someone to leave a place, especially as a punishment; to force out.
- expense — The cost required for something; money spent on something.
- explanation — A statement or account that makes something clear; the reason given for something.
- extended — Made longer or larger; stretched out; lasting longer than usual.
- exterior — The outer surface or part of something; situated on the outside.
- extinction — The state of no longer existing; the dying out of a species.
- extract — To remove or take out something; a passage taken from a text or a substance drawn out.
- extremely — To a very great degree; exceedingly.
F — 22 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- famine — Extreme scarcity of food affecting a large population, often causing widespread hunger.
- fatal — Causing death; having extremely harmful consequences.
- fatigue — Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion.
- favourite — A person or thing that is preferred above all others of the same kind.
- feeble — Lacking physical strength; weak and unconvincing.
- feign — To pretend to feel or be affected by something; to fake.
- fertile — Capable of producing abundant vegetation or offspring; highly productive.
- flamboyant — Tending to attract attention because of confidence, style, or brightness.
- flawless — Without any imperfections or defects; perfect.
- flee — To run away quickly from danger or an unpleasant situation.
- fleet — A group of ships or vehicles travelling together; moving swiftly.
- flora — The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
- flourish — To grow or develop successfully; to thrive; a dramatic gesture.
- foe — An enemy or someone who opposes or competes against you
- forbid — To order someone not to do something; to prohibit.
- foundation — The solid base that supports a building, or the basic ideas or facts that something is built upon
- fragment — A small piece broken off from something; to break into pieces.
- fragrant — Having a pleasant, sweet smell.
- frequent — Occurring or done many times at short intervals; to visit often.
- friend — A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection and trust.
- frivolous — Not having any serious purpose or value; carefree and superficial.
- fund — A sum of money saved for a particular purpose; to provide money for something.
G — 10 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- garment — An item of clothing worn on the body
- government — The system or group of people responsible for controlling and making decisions for a country, state, or organization
- grate — To shred food into small pieces using a rough surface, or to irritate and annoy someone
- gratitude — The feeling of being thankful and appreciative for what one has received
- grave — Serious, solemn, or causing great concern; also a burial place for the dead
- gregarious — Fond of company and sociable; enjoying the company of others
- grieve — To feel intense sorrow, especially due to someone's death; to mourn deeply
- grotesque — Extremely ugly, strange, or distorted in a way that causes shock or disgust
- guarantee — A formal promise or assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled
- guard — To watch over and protect something or someone from harm or danger
H — 12 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- habitable — Suitable or fit for living in; capable of supporting life
- habitat — The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- halt — To bring or come to an abrupt stop; to cease movement or activity
- handkerchief — A small square piece of cloth used for wiping the nose or face
- hasty — Done or acting with excessive speed; rushed without careful consideration
- helix — A three-dimensional spiral curve, like a corkscrew or spring shape
- heroic — Having qualities of bravery, courage, and noble character associated with a hero
- hoax — A deliberately planned deception or trick intended to make people believe something false
- holiday — A day of celebration or rest from work, or a period of travel away from home for recreation
- hollow — Having an empty space or cavity inside; not solid throughout
- humble — Having a modest view of one's importance; not proud or arrogant
- hygienic — Clean and free from disease-causing contaminants; promoting good health through cleanliness
I — 36 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- idiosyncrasy — A distinctive or peculiar habit, behavior, or characteristic unique to an individual
- idle — Not active or in use; avoiding work; lazy or without purpose
- idol — A person or thing that is greatly admired and loved; an image used as an object of worship
- ignorant — Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something
- imitate — To copy or reproduce the actions, appearance, or sounds of someone or something
- immediate — Occurring or done without delay; nearest in time, relationship, or space
- immediately — Without any delay; at once; instantly
- immerse — To dip or submerge completely in liquid; to involve oneself deeply in an activity or interest
- impudent — Showing a lack of respect; rudely bold or disrespectful
- inaudible — Unable to be heard; too quiet or unclear to be perceived by the ear
- inaugural — Marking the beginning of a new venture or the start of someone's time in office
- inaugurate — To formally begin or introduce a new system, policy, or period; to admit someone to office with a ceremony
- incision — A surgical cut made in skin or flesh; a clean, precise cut
- inconspicuous — Not clearly visible or attracting attention; not easily noticed
- individual — A single person distinct from a group or class; a unique entity
- inedible — Not suitable or safe for eating; unfit for consumption
- inferior — Lower in rank, quality, or importance compared to something else
- influence — The capacity to have an effect on someone's character, development, or behavior; power to shape outcomes
- inhabit — To live in or occupy a place; to be present in a particular area
- inhabitants — People or animals that live in a particular place
- innocuous — Not harmful or offensive; unlikely to cause any damage or controversy
- insane — In a state of mental illness; extremely foolish or irrational
- insert — To place or put something into something else; to add something in between
- insolent — Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
- inspire — To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative or positive
- intangible — Unable to be touched or grasped; not having a physical presence but still perceptible
- intense — Of extreme force, degree, or strength; deeply felt or highly concentrated
- intention — A thing intended; a plan or aim that guides action
- interested — Showing curiosity or concern about something; wanting to learn more or be involved
- interfere — To get involved in a situation where one's involvement is not wanted; to obstruct a process
- interior — The inner part or inside of something; the internal affairs of a country
- interpret — To explain or understand the meaning of something; to translate spoken words from one language to another
- interrogate — To ask questions of someone closely and aggressively, especially in an official context
- interrupt — To stop something from continuing by breaking in; to cut into someone's speech
- invalid — Not legally or officially acceptable; having no force or foundation
- isolation — The state of being separated from others; the condition of being alone or apart
J — 1 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- justice — Fair treatment and behavior according to the law and moral principles; the quality of being fair and reasonable
L — 20 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- labour — Work, especially hard physical work; the workforce of a country or industry
- lament — To express passionate grief or sorrow about something
- language — A system of communication using words and grammar; the style of speaking or writing
- latter — Being the second of two things mentioned; relating to the end of a period
- lavish — Luxurious and extravagant; given or produced in generous abundance
- lean — To incline or bend from a vertical position; to rely on for support
- leisure — Free time when one is not working or occupied; time available for enjoyment
- lenient — Not harsh or strict in punishing or judging; merciful and tolerant
- liable — Legally responsible; likely to do or experience something undesirable
- liberal — Open to new ideas and willing to respect different opinions; given generously
- liberty — The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions; freedom to act as one chooses
- library — A building or room containing collections of books and other materials for reading or borrowing
- lightning — A brilliant flash of light in the sky caused by electrical discharge during a storm
- limb — An arm, leg, or wing of a person, animal, or bird; a large branch of a tree
- limit — A point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend
- linger — To stay in a place longer than necessary; to be slow to disappear or die
- lodge — To stay somewhere temporarily as a guest; to become fixed or embedded in something
- lofty — Very tall and impressive; noble in character or elevated in attitude
- loneliness — Sadness resulting from being without companionship; the quality of being unfrequented and isolated
- loyal — Giving firm and constant support or allegiance to a person, cause, or institution
M — 18 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- majestic — Having impressive beauty, scale, or dignity; grand and awe-inspiring in appearance or manner
- malady — A disease or illness, especially a chronic or serious one; can also refer to a problem or fault in a system
- margin — The edge or border of something; an amount by which something is won or falls short; the blank space around text on a page
- mariner — A person who navigates or assists in navigating a ship; a sailor, especially one with experience
- matte — Having a dull, flat surface without shine or lustre; not glossy or reflective
- maximum — The greatest amount, size, or intensity possible or permitted; the upper limit
- meagre — Lacking in quantity, quality, or substance; inadequate or insufficient; thin and weak in appearance
- meant — Past tense of mean; intended to convey or refer to; destined or fated for a particular purpose
- merchant — A person or business that buys and sells goods, especially in large quantities; a trader or shopkeeper
- mercy — Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom one has power over; kindness that goes beyond what is expected
- mere — Used to emphasize how small, unimportant, or insignificant something is; nothing more than what is specified
- meticulous — Showing great attention to detail; very careful, thorough, and precise in one's work or actions
- minimum — The smallest or lowest amount, degree, or limit possible or permitted; the least quantity
- moderate — Average in amount, intensity, or degree; not extreme; to make or become less extreme or intense
- modest — Having a humble view of one's importance; not large, elaborate, or expensive; moderate in amount
- moral — Concerned with principles of right and wrong behaviour; a lesson learned from a story or experience
- mortal — Subject to death; not living forever; a human being as opposed to a god or immortal creature
- mysterious — Difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify; full of mystery or secrets
N — 7 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- nauseous — Feeling sick and as if one might vomit; causing a feeling of sickness or disgust
- neat — Arranged in a tidy, orderly way; clean and well-organized; done with skill and precision
- necessary — Required to be done, achieved, or present; essential; needed to accomplish a goal or result
- nimble — Quick and light in movement or action; able to think and respond quickly; agile
- noted — Well-known and respected, especially for a particular quality or achievement; famous or distinguished
- nuisance — A person, thing, or situation that is annoying or causes trouble or difficulty; an inconvenience
- nurseryman — A person who owns, works in, or manages a plant nursery where young plants and trees are grown for sale
O — 19 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- oath — A solemn promise, often calling upon God or something sacred as witness; a sworn declaration
- object — A material thing that can be seen and touched; to express disapproval or opposition to something
- objection — An expression of disapproval or opposition; a reason for disagreeing with something
- oblige — To make someone legally or morally bound to do something; to do something as a favour or kindness
- obscure — Not clearly expressed or easily understood; not well-known; to make unclear or difficult to see
- obstinate — Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action despite good reasons to do so
- occupy — To fill or take up a space, time, or position; to live or be situated in a place; to keep oneself busy
- occur — To happen or take place; to exist or be found; to come into the mind suddenly
- odour — A distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one; a scent or fragrance
- offend — To cause someone to feel hurt, upset, or angry; to commit an illegal act
- omen — A sign or warning of something that will happen in the future, especially something significant or bad
- opportunity — A favourable time, situation, or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something
- oppose — To actively resist or disagree with something; to compete against someone
- oppress — To keep someone in hardship and subjection by exercising cruel or unjust authority; to cause distress
- option — A thing that is or may be chosen; the freedom or right to choose between alternatives
- ordeal — A very unpleasant and prolonged experience; a severe trial or difficult test of character
- origin — The point or place where something begins or is created; a person's social background or ancestry
- orthodontist — A dental specialist who corrects irregularities of the teeth, especially using braces and other devices
- ostentatious — Characterized by pretentious or showy display; designed to impress or attract notice
P — 50 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- paid — Past tense of pay; having received money for work or goods; given money in exchange
- painstaking — Done with great care and thoroughness; involving much careful effort and attention to detail
- palaeontologist — A scientist who studies fossils and prehistoric life forms to understand the history of life on Earth
- parallel — Extending in the same direction and remaining the same distance apart; similar or corresponding in nature
- Parliament — The supreme legislative body of a country, especially the UK; a formal assembly for discussion
- passive — Accepting what happens without active response or resistance; not participating actively
- pasture — Land covered with grass suitable for grazing animals; to put animals to graze in a field
- peak — The pointed top of a mountain; the highest point or level of something; to reach the maximum
- peculiar — Strange or unusual; different from what is normal or expected; belonging uniquely to a person or place
- perceive — To become aware of something through the senses; to understand or interpret something in a particular way
- peril — Serious and immediate danger; exposure to the risk of harm or loss
- perilous — Full of danger or risk; extremely hazardous
- perish — To die, especially in a violent or sudden way; to decay or deteriorate
- permit — To allow or give permission for something; an official document giving authorization
- perplexed — Completely puzzled or confused; unable to understand something
- persuade — To convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument
- physical — Relating to the body rather than the mind; relating to things that can be seen, touched, or measured
- physiotherapy — The treatment of disease, injury, or disability through physical methods such as exercise and massage
- pigment — A substance that gives colour to something; natural colouring matter in living things
- pioneer — A person who is among the first to explore or develop something new; to be the first to develop
- placid — Calm and peaceful; not easily upset or excited; tranquil
- pledge — A solemn promise or undertaking; to commit to giving or doing something
- plume — A long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers; a cloud of smoke or steam rising into the air
- plunder — To steal goods using force, especially during war or civil unrest; the violent seizure of property
- plunge — To jump or dive quickly and energetically; to decrease suddenly and dramatically
- polarity — The state of having two opposite qualities, tendencies, or poles; the direction of magnetic or electric force
- pompous — Self-important and excessively dignified; showing an inflated sense of one's own importance
- poultry — Domestic birds kept for eggs or meat, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese
- precarious — Not securely held or in position; dangerously unstable; dependent on uncertain circumstances
- prejudice — A preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience; unfair treatment based on such opinions
- present — A gift; the current time; being in a particular place; to give or show something formally
- privilege — A special right or advantage available only to a particular person or group; an honour
- probably — Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell; in all likelihood
- proclaim — To announce officially or publicly; to declare openly and proudly
- procure — To obtain something, especially with care or effort; to acquire or secure
- profession — A paid occupation requiring specialized education and training; the body of people in such an occupation
- profit — Financial gain; the money made after subtracting costs; to gain benefit or advantage
- programme — A planned series of events or activities; a broadcast on television or radio; to arrange or schedule
- prohibit — To formally forbid by law, rule, or authority; to prevent or make impossible
- prominent — Important or well-known; easily visible; sticking out or projecting
- promote — To support or encourage; to advance to a higher position or rank; to advertise or publicize
- prompt — Done without delay; quick to act; to cause or encourage an action; a cue or reminder
- pronunciation — The way in which a word or language is spoken; the act of producing the sounds of speech
- proportion — A part or share of a whole; the relationship of one thing to another in terms of size or amount
- prosperous — Successful, flourishing, or thriving, especially financially; bringing wealth and success
- provoke — To stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion; to deliberately annoy or anger someone
- public — Of or concerning the people as a whole; open to or shared by all; the community or people in general
- punctual — Arriving or doing something at the expected or agreed time; prompt and on time
- puncture — A small hole made by a sharp object; to make a hole in something; to deflate suddenly
- purpose — The reason for which something is done or created; a person's sense of resolve or determination
Q — 8 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- quaint — Attractively unusual or old-fashioned in a charming way
- queer — Strange or odd; differing from what is usual or expected
- quell — To suppress or put an end to something, especially by force
- quench — To satisfy thirst by drinking; or to extinguish a fire or desire
- queue — A line of people or vehicles waiting their turn for something
- quiet — Making little or no noise; calm and peaceful
- quite — To a considerable extent; fairly or completely
- quiver — To shake with a slight rapid motion; to tremble
R — 33 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- raiment — Clothing or garments, especially fine or elegant attire
- ramble — To walk or talk without a clear purpose or direction
- rank — A position or level within a hierarchy or organization
- rare — Not occurring very often; uncommon or unusual
- really — In actual fact; truly or genuinely
- receive — To be given or presented with something; to accept delivery of
- recite — To repeat aloud from memory, especially in front of an audience
- refuse — To decline to accept, do, or give something
- release — To set free or allow to escape; to make available to the public
- repent — To feel sincere regret or remorse for wrongdoing
- reprimand — To formally express disapproval or criticism of someone's behaviour
- reserve — To keep something for future use or for a particular person
- reside — To live permanently or for a considerable time in a place
- residence — A person's home; the place where someone lives
- resign — To voluntarily leave a job or position; to accept something unpleasant
- resilient — Able to recover quickly from difficulties; tough and adaptable
- resolve — To settle or find a solution to a problem; to make a firm decision
- resort — A place visited for holidays or recreation; an action adopted as a last option
- restaurant — An establishment where meals are prepared and served to customers
- restore — To bring back to the original condition; to return something to its former state
- restrain — To prevent someone from doing something; to keep under control
- retain — To continue to have or keep something; to hold onto
- retreat — To withdraw from a difficult situation or from an enemy
- reveal — To make something known that was previously hidden or secret
- revive — To bring back to life, consciousness, or strength; to restore
- rhyme — Words that have the same ending sound; a short poem with matching sounds
- ridiculous — Deserving or inviting mockery; absurd or unreasonable
- rigid — Unable to bend or be forced out of shape; strict and inflexible
- roam — To move about or travel without a fixed purpose or direction
- robust — Strong and healthy; vigorous and sturdy
- rogue — A dishonest or unprincipled person; someone who behaves unexpectedly
- rowdy — Noisy and disorderly; rough and loud in behaviour
- rural — Relating to or characteristic of the countryside rather than towns
S — 56 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- sacred — Connected with God or religious purposes; treated with great respect
- sacrifice — To give up something valued for the sake of something else
- sane — Having a sound and healthy mind; reasonable and sensible
- sanitary — Relating to conditions that affect health, especially cleanliness
- satin — A smooth, glossy fabric with a shiny surface
- scanty — Small or insufficient in quantity or amount
- scarce — Insufficient for the demand; not easy to find
- score — The number of points achieved in a game or test; twenty
- scripture — Sacred writings of a religion, especially the Bible
- secure — Protected against danger or threat; free from worry or doubt
- seize — To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; to capture
- seldom — Not often; rarely
- separate — To cause to move or be apart; to divide into distinct parts
- serene — Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil
- sermon — A religious talk given by a preacher; a long lecture about morals
- shoulder — The part of the body between the neck and upper arm
- shrewd — Having sharp powers of judgement; clever and astute
- shrine — A holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity or purpose
- shrink — To become or make smaller in size; to draw back in fear
- signature — A person's name written in their own handwriting as identification
- sincere — Genuine and honest; free from pretence or deceit
- sincerely — In a sincere and genuine manner; truly
- sleek — Smooth and glossy; elegant and streamlined in appearance
- slope — A surface that is higher on one side than the other; an incline
- sly — Cunning and deceitful; showing cleverness in achieving one's aims
- sober — Not affected by alcohol; serious and sensible in manner
- soldier — A person who serves in an army
- sow — To plant seeds by scattering them on the ground
- special — Better, greater, or different from what is usual; unique
- stern — Serious and strict in manner or attitude; unrelenting
- stomach — The organ in the body where food is digested; the belly
- stoop — To bend the body forward and downward; to lower oneself morally
- stout — Somewhat fat or heavily built; strong and thick
- stress — Mental or emotional strain from demanding circumstances; emphasis
- stretched — Extended or pulled to become longer or wider
- stubborn — Refusing to change one's mind or position; determined not to yield
- sturdy — Strongly and solidly built; robust and durable
- subdued — Quiet and rather thoughtful or depressed; softened in tone or colour
- submissive — Ready to obey others without resistance; meek and compliant
- submit — To yield to the authority of another; to present for consideration
- subterfuge — Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick or deception
- subterranean — Existing or occurring beneath the earth's surface; underground
- subtropical — Relating to regions bordering on the tropics; nearly tropical
- successful — Having achieved one's aims or reached prosperity
- succumb — To give in to pressure or temptation; to die from an illness
- sufficient — Enough; adequate for the purpose
- suggest — To put forward an idea for consideration; to imply or hint at
- summit — The highest point of a hill or mountain; the peak level of achievement
- superfluous — More than is needed or wanted; unnecessary or excessive
- superior — Higher in quality, rank, or importance than others
- supposed — Generally assumed or believed to be true; required or expected
- surprise — An unexpected event; the feeling caused by something unexpected
- suspect — To believe something to be true without certain proof; to doubt
- suspend — To hang something from above; to temporarily stop or delay
- symbol — A thing representing or standing for something else
- system — An organized set of connected things or parts working together
T — 16 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- temperate — Having a mild climate; showing moderation and self-restraint
- tempestuous — Characterized by strong and turbulent emotion; stormy
- temptation — The desire to do something wrong or unwise; something enticing
- they — Used to refer to people, animals, or things previously mentioned
- thrust — To push suddenly or violently in a specified direction
- tomorrow — The day after today; the future
- torment — Severe physical or mental suffering; a cause of great distress
- traitor — A person who betrays their country, friends, or a cause
- tranquil — Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful
- tries — Makes an attempt or effort to do something
- trifle — Something of little value or importance; a small amount
- trivia — Unimportant facts or details; information of little significance
- trivial — Of little value or importance; not worth serious attention
- turbulent — Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; stormy
- twilight — The soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon
- tyrant — A cruel and oppressive ruler who exercises power harshly
U — 8 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- unfathomable — Impossible to understand or measure the depth of
- uniform — A distinctive set of clothes worn by members of the same group
- union — The act of joining together; an organization of workers
- unite — To come or bring together to form a single unit
- unnecessary — Not needed or required; more than what is essential
- unorthodox — Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted
- unsurpassed — Better or greater than any other; unequalled
- until — Up to the point in time or event mentioned
V — 13 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- vacant — Empty; not occupied or filled
- valiant — Showing courage or determination in the face of danger
- vanished — Disappeared suddenly and completely
- vapour — A substance diffused in the air, especially moisture or fumes
- vast — Extremely large in area, size, or extent
- vehicle — A machine used for transporting people or goods
- veil — A piece of cloth used to cover or conceal something
- venerable — Commanding respect because of age, wisdom, or character
- ventilation — The provision of fresh air to a room or building
- vessel — A ship or large boat; a container for holding liquids
- vicarious — Experienced through imagining what another person experiences
- virtuous — Having or showing high moral standards; morally excellent
- volatile — Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably; easily evaporating
W — 9 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- wasteful — Using or expending something carelessly or extravagantly
- weary — Feeling or showing extreme tiredness; exhausted
- weird — Suggesting something supernatural; strange or unusual
- wholesome — Conducive to health and well-being; morally good
- wholly — Entirely; fully; completely
- wither — To become dry and shrivelled; to decline or decay
- worthy — Deserving effort, attention, or respect
- wound — An injury to living tissue caused by a cut or blow
- wretched — In a very unhappy or unfortunate state; of poor quality
Y — 1 words (see meanings, synonyms & examples) →
- yield — To produce or provide; to give way to pressure or arguments
Frequently Asked Questions About This 11+ Vocabulary List
How many words are in this list?
565+ carefully selected words that commonly appear in GL and CEM grammar school entrance exams, each with definition, synonyms, antonyms & audio.
How should my child use this list?
Learn 5-10 new words per day. Start with easy words, progress to advanced. Study the synonyms and antonyms, and practise using each word in a sentence.
Is it suitable for GL and CEM?
Yes! Covers words tested in both GL Verbal Reasoning (synonyms, antonyms, closest meaning) and CEM comprehension/cloze passages.
Can I filter by difficulty?
Yes! Filter by difficulty (easy, intermediate, advanced), category, starting letter, and learning progress. You can also search for specific words.
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Can I download it as a PDF?
Yes — the full list with meanings is available as a free printable PDF, no email required. Great for revision on paper or in the car.
Can I track my child's progress?
Yes! Mark words as learned and see your progress stats. Your progress is saved locally so you can pick up where you left off.