8th grade word list

Building a strong vocabulary in middle school is an important step toward academic success. By the 8th grade, students are expected to read more complex texts, write with clarity, and express their thoughts in a more advanced way. A well-organized 8th grade word list helps students expand their knowledge, improve comprehension, and communicate with confidence.

8th Grade Word List with the meaning

Word	Meaning
Abet (v.)	To encourage or assist someone to do something wrong
Abhor (v.)	To regard with disgust and hatred
Abridge (v.)	To shorten a text or film without losing the sense
Abstract (adj.)	Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical existence
Accentuate (v.)	To make more noticeable or prominent
Acclaim (n.)	Enthusiastic and public praise
Acrid (adj.)	Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell
Acrimony (n.)	Bitterness or ill feeling
Adept (adj.)	Very skilled or proficient at something
Adversary (n.)	One’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute
Aesthetic (adj.)	Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
Affluent (adj.)	Having a great deal of money; wealthy
Alleviate (v.)	To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe
Allusion (n.)	An indirect or passing reference
Ambiguous (adj.)	Open to more than one interpretation; unclear
Ameliorate (v.)	To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
Anarchy (n.)	A state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority
Anomaly (n.)	Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
Antithesis (n.)	A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else
Apathy (n.)	Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Arbitrary (adj.)	Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
Arcane (adj.)	Understood by few; mysterious or secret
Archaic (adj.)	Very old or old-fashioned
Arduous (adj.)	Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
Articulate (v.)	To express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently
Assiduous (adj.)	Showing great care and perseverance
Assimilate (v.)	To take in and understand fully; to absorb and integrate
Astute (adj.)	Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people; shrewd
Asylum (n.)	The protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee
Attribute (v.)	To regard something as being caused by
Audacious (adj.)	Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
Augment (v.)	To make something greater by adding to it; increase
Austere (adj.)	Severe or strict in manner or appearance; extremely plain and simple
Authoritarian (adj.)	Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
Autonomous (adj.)	Having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs
Banal (adj.)	So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring
Belligerent (adj.)	Hostile and aggressive
Benevolent (adj.)	Well-meaning and kindly
Berate (v.)	To scold or criticize someone angrily
Bias (n.)	Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group
Bombastic (adj.)	High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated
Brevity (n.)	Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech
Buttress (v.)	To support or strengthen
Cacophony (n.)	A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
Candid (adj.)	Truthful and straightforward; frank
Candor (n.)	The quality of being open and honest; frankness
Capricious (adj.)	Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Castigate (v.)	To reprimand someone severely
Catalyst (n.)	A person or thing that precipitates an event
Censure (n.)	The expression of formal disapproval
Chronological (adj.)	Following the order in which events occurred
Clamor (n.)	A loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting
Coalesce (v.)	To come together to form one mass or whole
Coerce (v.)	To persuade an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats
Cogent (adj.)	Clear, logical, and convincing
Coherent (adj.)	Logical and consistent
Collateral (n.)	Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan
Commensurate (adj.)	Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion
Compatible (adj.)	Able to exist or occur together without conflict
Compelling (adj.)	Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way
Compensate (v.)	To give someone something, typically money, in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury
Complacent (adj.)	Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements
Complement (v.)	To add to something in a way that enhances or improves it
Comprehensive (adj.)	Complete; including all or nearly all elements of something
Concede (v.)	To admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it
Concise (adj.)	Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive
Concrete (adj.)	Existing in a material or physical form; not abstract
Concur (v.)	To be of the same opinion; to agree
Condescend (v.)	To show feelings of superiority; to be patronizing
Conflagration (n.)	An extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property
Conformist (n.)	A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices
Congenital (adj.)	Present from birth
Conjecture (n.)	An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information
Connoisseur (n.)	An expert judge in matters of taste
Consecutive (adj.)	Following continuously; in unbroken or logical sequence
Consensus (n.)	A general agreement
Conspicuous (adj.)	Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice
Constituent (n.)	A part of a whole; a voter in a district
Construe (v.)	To interpret or assign meaning to words or actions
Contempt (n.)	The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
Contend (v.)	To struggle to surmount a difficulty; to assert something as a position in an argument
Contentious (adj.)	Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
Contradict (v.)	To deny the truth of a statement by asserting the opposite
Contrived (adj.)	Deliberately created rather than arising naturally; forced
Conventional (adj.)	Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed
Converge (v.)	To come together from different directions; to meet
Convoluted (adj.)	Extremely complex and difficult to follow
Corroborate (v.)	To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding
Counterfeit (adj.)	Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud
Credible (adj.)	Able to be believed; convincing
Culpable (adj.)	Deserving blame; guilty
Debunk (v.)	To expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, idea, or belief
Decadent (adj.)	Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
Deference (n.)	Humble submission and respect
Deficit (n.)	The amount by which something, especially money, is too small
Delineate (v.)	To describe or portray something precisely
Demagogue (n.)	A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument
Denounce (v.)	To publicly declare to be wrong or evil
Deplete (v.)	To use up the supply or resources of
Deplore (v.)	To feel or express strong disapproval of something
Depravity (n.)	Moral corruption; wickedness
Deride (v.)	To express contempt for; to ridicule
Derive (v.)	To obtain something from a specified source
Despondent (adj.)	In low spirits from loss of hope or courage
Destitute (adj.)	Without the basic necessities of life
Deter (v.)	To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
Detrimental (adj.)	Tending to cause harm
Devoid (adj.)	Entirely lacking or free from
Dexterity (n.)	Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands
Diatribe (n.)	A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something
Didactic (adj.)	Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive
Diffuse (v.)	To spread over a wide area
Dilemma (n.)	A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives
Diligent (adj.)	Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties
Diminish (v.)	To make or become less
Discrepancy (n.)	A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts
Disdain (n.)	The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect
Dismay (n.)	Consternation and distress
Disparage (v.)	To represent as being of little worth; to belittle
Disparity (n.)	A great difference
Dispatch (v.)	To send off to a destination or for a purpose
Dispel (v.)	To make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Disperse (v.)	To distribute or spread over a wide area
Disposition (n.)	A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character; temperament
Disseminate (v.)	To spread something, especially information, widely
Dissident (n.)	A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state
Dissipate (v.)	To disperse or scatter; to squander or fritter away
Dissonance (n.)	Lack of harmony among musical notes; a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious elements
Distort (v.)	To pull or twist out of shape; to give a misleading or false account of
Diverse (adj.)	Showing a great deal of variety; very different
Divulge (v.)	To make known private or sensitive information
Doctrine (n.)	A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group
Document (v.)	To record something in written, photographic, or other form
Dogmatic (adj.)	Inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true
Dominion (n.)	Sovereignty or control
Dubious (adj.)	Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon
Duplicity (n.)	Deceitfulness; double-dealing
Dynamic (adj.)	Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress
Eccentric (adj.)	Unconventional and slightly strange
Eclipse (v.)	To overshadow; to be more outstanding or better than
Eclectic (adj.)	Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
Efficacy (n.)	The ability to produce a desired or intended result
Egocentric (adj.)	Thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others
Elaborate (adj.)	Involving many carefully arranged parts; detailed and complicated
Elated (adj.)	Ecstatically happy
Eloquent (adj.)	Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing
Elusive (adj.)	Difficult to find, catch, or achieve
Emanate (v.)	To originate from; to be produced or emitted
Embody (v.)	To be an expression of or give a tangible form to an idea or quality
Empirical (adj.)	Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
Emulate (v.)	To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation
Endorse (v.)	To declare one’s public approval or support of
Endure (v.)	To suffer something painful or difficult patiently; to remain in existence
Enhance (v.)	To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of
Enigma (n.)	A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
Enumerate (v.)	To mention a number of things one by one
Epitome (n.)	A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type
Equivocal (adj.)	Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
Erratic (adj.)	Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable
Erudite (adj.)	Having or showing great knowledge or learning
Esoteric (adj.)	Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
Ethereal (adj.)	Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
Euphemism (n.)	A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt
Evoke (v.)	To bring or recall a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind
Exacerbate (v.)	To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse
Exemplary (adj.)	Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind
Exemplify (v.)	To be a typical example of
Exhaustive (adj.)	Including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive
Expedite (v.)	To make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly
Explicit (adj.)	Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt
Exploit (v.)	To make full use of and derive benefit from a resource
Extol (v.)	To praise enthusiastically
Extraneous (adj.)	Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with
Extrapolate (v.)	To extend the application of a method or conclusion to an unknown situation by assuming existing trends will continue
Extricate (v.)	To free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty
Facetious (adj.)	Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant
Facilitate (v.)	To make an action or process easy or easier
Fallacy (n.)	A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument
Fastidious (adj.)	Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Feasible (adj.)	Possible to do easily or conveniently
Fervent (adj.)	Having or displaying a passionate intensity
Flagrant (adj.)	Conspicuously or obviously offensive
Flippant (adj.)	Not showing a serious or respectful attitude
Foment (v.)	To instigate or stir up (undesirable feelings or actions)
Frugal (adj.)	Sparing or economical with regard to money or food
Futile (adj.)	Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
Garrulous (adj.)	Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
Gravity (n.)	(1) The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth; (2) Extreme importance or seriousness
Gregarious (adj.)	Fond of company; sociable
Guile (n.)	Sly or cunning intelligence
Hackneyed (adj.)	Lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite
Haughty (adj.)	Arrogantly superior and disdainful
Hedonist (n.)	A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life
Hierarchy (n.)	A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
Hypocrisy (n.)	The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform
Iconoclast (n.)	A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions
Idiosyncrasy (n.)	A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual
Impartial (adj.)	Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just
Imperative (adj.)	Of vital importance; crucial
Impetuous (adj.)	Acting or done quickly and without thought or care
Impinge (v.)	To have an effect or impact, especially a negative one
Implacable (adj.)	Unable to be appeased or placated
Implicit (adj.)	Implied though not plainly expressed
Inadvertent (adj.)	Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning
Incessant (adj.)	Continuing without pause or interruption
Incipient (adj.)	In an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop
Inclusive (adj.)	Including all the services or items normally expected or required
Incongruous (adj.)	Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something
Inconsequential (adj.)	Not important or significant
Incorporate (v.)	To take in or contain something as part of a whole; to include
Indefatigable (adj.)	Persisting tirelessly
Indigenous (adj.)	Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
Indignant (adj.)	Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
Indomitable (adj.)	Impossible to subdue or defeat
Ineffable (adj.)	Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words
Inevitable (adj.)	Certain to happen; unavoidable
Ingenious (adj.)	(Of a person) clever, original, and inventive; (of a thing) cleverly and originally devised
Inherent (adj.)	Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute
Innocuous (adj.)	Not harmful or offensive
Innovative (adj.)	(Of a person) featuring new methods; advanced and original; (of a thing) new and original
Insidious (adj.)	Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
Insipid (adj.)	Lacking flavor; lacking vigor or interest
Integral (adj.)	Necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
Integrity (n.)	The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness
Intrepid (adj.)	Fearless; adventurous
Intrinsic (adj.)	Belonging naturally; essential
Intuitive (adj.)	Based on what feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive
Inundate (v.)	To overwhelm someone with things or people to be dealt with; to flood
Invaluable (adj.)	Extremely useful; indispensable
Inveterate (adj.)	Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change
Irrefutable (adj.)	Impossible to deny or disprove
Jubilation (n.)	A feeling of great happiness and triumph
Judicious (adj.)	Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense
Juxtapose (v.)	To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect
Knell (n.)	The sound of a bell, especially one rung solemnly for a death or funeral
Kudos (n.)	Praise and honor received for an achievement
Laconic (adj.)	(Of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words
Lament (v.)	To express sorrow or regret; to mourn
Lampoon (v.)	To publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm
Languid (adj.)	Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed
Laudable (adj.)	Deserving praise and commendation
Lethargic (adj.)	Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic
Levity (n.)	Humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking respect
Liability (n.)	The state of being responsible for something, especially by law; a person or thing likely to cause a problem
Liaison (n.)	Communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship
Linear (adj.)	Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line; progressing from one stage to another in a single series of steps
Lucid (adj.)	Expressed clearly; easy to understand
Ludicrous (adj.)	So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing
Magnanimous (adj.)	Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself
Malicious (adj.)	Characterized by a desire to harm someone; malevolent
Malleable (adj.)	(Of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; easily influenced
Melancholy (n.)	A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause
Meticulous (adj.)	Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
Mitigate (v.)	To make less severe, serious, or painful
Moderate (adj.)	Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree
Momentous (adj.)	Of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future
Morose (adj.)	Sullen and ill-tempered
Munificent (adj.)	More generous than is usual or necessary
Myriad (n.)	A countless or extremely great number
Nadir (n.)	The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization
Naive (adj.)	Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment
Nebulous (adj.)	In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy; vague or ill-defined
Negligent (adj.)	Failing to take proper care in doing something
Neophyte (n.)	A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief
Nonchalant (adj.)	Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
Notorious (adj.)	Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed
Novel (adj.)	New or unusual in an interesting way
Nuance (n.)	A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound
Objective (adj.)	Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering facts
Oblivious (adj.)	Not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one
Obscure (adj.)	Not discovered or known about; uncertain; not clearly expressed or easily understood
Obsolete (adj.)	No longer produced or used; out of date
Obtuse (adj.)	Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand
Ominous (adj.)	Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening
Omnipotent (adj.)	Having unlimited power; able to do anything
Ostentatious (adj.)	Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice
Overt (adj.)	Done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden
Paradigm (n.)	A typical example or pattern of something; a model
Paradox (n.)	A statement that contradicts itself but might be true
Paramount (adj.)	More important than anything else; supreme
Parochial (adj.)	Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope
Partisan (adj.)	Prejudiced in favor of a particular cause
Patronize (v.)	To treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority; to be a customer of
Pedantic (adj.)	Excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous
Penchant (n.)	A strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
Perfunctory (adj.)	Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection
Peripheral (adj.)	Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something; of secondary importance
Perpetual (adj.)	Never ending or changing
Perplex (v.)	To make someone feel completely baffled
Persistent (adj.)	Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition
Pertinent (adj.)	Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite
Pervasive (adj.)	Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
Phenomenon (n.)	A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question
Philanthropy (n.)	The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes
Pithy (adj.)	Concise and forcefully expressive
Plausible (adj.)	Seeming reasonable or probable
Pragmatic (adj.)	Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
Precarious (adj.)	Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse; dependent on chance
Precedent (n.)	An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances
Precipitate (v.)	To cause an event or situation to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
Precursor (n.)	A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner
Predilection (n.)	A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something
Predominate (v.)	To be the strongest or main element; to have or exert control or power
Premeditated (adj.)	Thought out or planned beforehand
Premise (n.)	A previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion; the basis of an argument
Pretext (n.)	A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
Prevalent (adj.)	Widespread in a particular area at a particular time
Pristine (adj.)	In its original condition; unspoiled; clean and fresh as if new
Prodigious (adj.)	Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree
Profound (adj.)	Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight
Proliferate (v.)	To increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply
Prolific (adj.)	Present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful; producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring
Prudent (adj.)	Acting with or showing care and thought for the future
Pugnacious (adj.)	Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
Qualitative (adj.)	Relating to, measuring, or measured by the quality of something rather than its quantity
Quantitative (adj.)	Relating to, measuring, or measured by the quantity of something rather than its quality
Quandary (n.)	A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation
Quell (v.)	To put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force; to suppress
Querulous (adj.)	Complaining in a petulant or whining manner
Quintessential (adj.)	Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
Rancor (n.)	Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing
Rapid (adj.)	Happening in a short time or at a great rate
Rationalize (v.)	To attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate
Recalcitrant (adj.)	Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
Reclusive (adj.)	Avoiding the company of other people; solitary
Reconcile (v.)	To restore friendly relations between; to make one view or belief compatible with another
Recourse (n.)	A source of help in a difficult situation
Redundant (adj.)	Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous
Refute (v.)	To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to disprove
Relegate (v.)	To consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position
Relentless (adj.)	Oppressively constant; incessant
Renounce (v.)	To formally declare one’s abandonment of a claim, right, or possession
Reprehensible (adj.)	Deserving censure or condemnation
Repudiate (v.)	To refuse to accept or be associated with; to deny the truth or validity of
Resilient (adj.)	Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Resolute (adj.)	Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering
Respite (n.)	A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant
Robust (adj.)	Strong and healthy; vigorous
Rudimentary (adj.)	Involving or limited to basic principles; relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form

Abstract Concepts & Feelings

Abhor (v.) – to regard with extreme disgust or hatred.
Ambiguous (adj.) – open to more than one interpretation; unclear.
Apathy (n.) – lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Apprehensive (adj.) – anxious or fearful that something bad will happen.
Arduous (adj.) – involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult.
Benevolent (adj.) – well-meaning and kindly.
Brevity (n.) – concise and exact use of words; shortness of time.
Compassion (n.) – sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.
Condescend (v.) – to show feelings of superiority; to patronize.
Conform (v.) – to comply with rules, standards, or laws.
Diligent (adj.) – having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
Empathy (n.) – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Gratitude (n.) – the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Inept (adj.) – having or showing no skill; clumsy.
Inevitable (adj.) – certain to happen; unavoidable.
Integrity (n.) – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Melancholy (n./adj.) – a feeling of pensive sadness, often with no obvious cause.
Ponder (v.) – to think about something carefully.
Serene (adj.) – calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Superficial (adj.) – existing or occurring at the surface; shallow.

Words about Conflict & Power

Abdicate (v.) – to fail to fulfill or undertake a responsibility or duty (especially a throne).
Belligerent (adj.) – hostile and aggressive.
Boisterous (adj.) – noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
Cower (v.) – to crouch down in fear.
Defiant (adj.) – showing open resistance or bold disobedience.
Dominion (n.) – sovereignty or control.
Formidable (adj.) – inspiring fear or respect through being impressively powerful or capable.
Harass (v.) – to subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
Insurrection (n.) – a violent uprising against an authority or government.
Menace (n./v.) – a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat.
Obliterate (v.) – to destroy utterly; to wipe out.
Oppress (v.) – to keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.
Pugnacious (adj.) – eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
Relegate (v.) – to assign an inferior rank or position to.
Tyranny (n.) – cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Language, Communication & Thought

Articulate (v./adj.) – to express an idea clearly and effectively; (adj.) having the ability to speak fluently.
Assertion (n.) – a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Coherent (adj.) – logical and consistent; clearly expressed.
Connotation (n.) – an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning.
Denotation (n.) – the literal or primary meaning of a word.
Dialect (n.) – a particular form of a language specific to a region or social group.
Elaborate (v./adj.) – to develop or present in detail; (adj.) involving many carefully arranged parts.
Eloquence (n.) – fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.
Emphasize (v.) – to give special importance or prominence to something.
Gist (n.) – the main or essential part of a matter.
Imply (v.) – to strongly suggest the truth or existence of something not explicitly stated.
Infer (v.) – to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning.
Rhetoric (n.) – the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Syntax (n.) – the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Science & The Senses

Acrid (adj.) – having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant smell or taste.
Audible (adj.) – able to be heard.
Aural (adj.) – relating to the ear or the sense of hearing.
Luminous (adj.) – full of or shedding light; bright or shining.
Opaque (adj.) – not able to be seen through; not transparent.
Pungent (adj.) – having a sharply strong taste or smell.
Tactile (adj.) – of or connected with the sense of touch.
Translucent (adj.) – allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through.
Transparent (adj.) – allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen.

Society & The World

Alienate (v.) – to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.
Anarchy (n.) – a state of disorder due to absence of authority.
Bureaucracy (n.) – a system of government in which most decisions are made by state officials.
Consensus (n.) – a general agreement.
Contemporary (adj./n.) – living or occurring at the same time; (n.) a person of the same time.
Diversity (n.) – the state of being diverse; variety.
Epitome (n.) – a perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Global (adj.) – relating to the whole world; worldwide.
Hypocrite (n.) – a person who pretends to have virtues, morals, or beliefs that they do not actually possess.
Indigenous (adj.) – originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Innovation (n.) – a new method, idea, or product.
Pragmatic (adj.) – dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
Renown (n.) – the condition of being known or talked about by many people; fame.
Tolerance (n.) – the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes.

Verbs of Action & Change

Acquire (v.) – to buy or obtain for oneself.
Assimilate (v.) – to take in and understand fully; to absorb into a culture.
Converge (v.) – to come together from different directions; to meet.
Diverge (v.) – to separate and go in different directions.
Evolve (v.) – to develop gradually.
Facilitate (v.) – to make an action or process easier.
Illuminate (v.) – to light up; to make clear.
Mimic (v.) – to imitate.
Perceive (v.) – to become aware or conscious of something through the senses.
Persevere (v.) – to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
Reconcile (v.) – to restore friendly relations; to make compatible.
Speculate (v.) – to form a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
Transform (v.) – to make a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

A strong vocabulary is like a powerful tool that supports learning across all subjects. The 8th grade word list not only prepares students for exams but also builds confidence in expressing ideas. Consistent practice, reading, and curiosity about words are the keys to success.

Want to Learn More?