Advanced Words That Start With W

Advanced Words That Start With W

The letter ‘W’ is unique compared to most other letters—do you know why? It’s one of the few letters where the phonetic sound differs from its name. This article provides several lists of words that begin with ‘W’ to help you grasp its pronunciation and expand your vocabulary.

List of Advanced Words That Start With W

Advanced Words That Start With W with meaning and example

Warrant

• Meaning: Justification or authority for an action.
• Example: The judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Wield

• Meaning: To handle or use (a tool or weapon) effectively.
• Example: He wielded the sword with great skill.

Wistful

• Meaning: Full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy.
• Example: She gazed out the window with a wistful expression.

Whimsical

• Meaning: Playfully quaint or fanciful.
• Example: The whimsical design of the house made it look like a fairy-tale cottage.

Wheedle

• Meaning: To coax or persuade someone using flattery.
• Example: She managed to wheedle a few extra dollars out of her boss.

Wraith

• Meaning: A ghost or ghostlike image of someone.
• Example: He thought he saw a wraith in the dark hallway.

Wary

• Meaning: Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers.
• Example: She was wary of strangers offering help.

Wrought

• Meaning: Shaped; made.
• Example: The artist wrought the metal into a beautiful sculpture.

Warranted

• Meaning: Justified; authorized.
• Example: The criticism of his behavior was warranted.

Wistfulness

• Meaning: A feeling of longing or regret.
• Example: His voice carried a hint of wistfulness as he talked about his childhood.

Whimsicality

• Meaning: The quality of being whimsical; playful fancifulness.
• Example: The whimsicality of her art made it stand out.

Wondrous

• Meaning: Inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight.
• Example: The view from the mountain was simply wondrous.

Wrenching

• Meaning: Causing great emotional or physical pain.
• Example: The movie’s wrenching ending left the audience in tears.

Worshipful

• Meaning: Showing or feeling profound respect or admiration.
• Example: The audience was worshipful in their applause for the maestro.

Wholesome

• Meaning: Conducive to health or well-being.
• Example: She always prepared wholesome meals for her family.

Watertight

• Meaning: Completely secure and unable to leak.
• Example: The lawyer built a watertight case for her client.

Waddling

• Meaning: Walking with short steps, typically due to a heavy or awkward build.
• Example: The duck waddled across the yard.

Wanderlust

• Meaning: A strong desire to travel.
• Example: His wanderlust took him to countries all around the globe.

Wrangle

• Meaning: To argue or dispute, especially noisily or angrily.
• Example: The two politicians wrangled over the budget proposal.

Wheedling

• Meaning: Using flattery or coaxing to persuade someone.
• Example: Her wheedling tone eventually got her what she wanted.

Wisdom

• Meaning: The ability to make sound judgments based on knowledge and experience.
• Example: Her wisdom in handling the crisis was commendable.

Writhing

• Meaning: Making twisting or contorted movements.
• Example: The injured snake was writhing in pain.

Wistfully

• Meaning: In a manner full of yearning or sadness.
• Example: He wistfully recalled the days of his youth.

Wane

• Meaning: To decrease in size, extent, or degree.
• Example: His influence in the company began to wane after the scandal.

Wardrobe

• Meaning: A large, tall cupboard or closet where clothes are stored.
• Example: She has a wardrobe full of designer dresses.

Waxen

• Meaning: Having a smooth, pale, translucent appearance like that of wax.
• Example: Her waxen complexion made her look ghostly.

Wholesomeness

• Meaning: The quality of being good for health or well-being.
• Example: The wholesomeness of the food attracted health-conscious customers.

Woeful

• Meaning: Full of sorrow or misery.
• Example: His woeful expression made it clear he had bad news.

Wither

• Meaning: To become dry and shriveled, often as a result of lack of water.
• Example: The flowers began to wither in the heat.

Wielded

• Meaning: To have held or used (a weapon or tool).
• Example: He wielded his influence to get the project approved.

Well-spoken

• Meaning: Articulate and able to express oneself clearly.
• Example: The well-spoken candidate impressed the interviewers.

Warble

• Meaning: To sing in a trilling or quavering voice.
• Example: The bird warbled a sweet melody from the tree.

Whizzing

• Meaning: Moving or making a sound with speed and energy.
• Example: The car was whizzing down the highway.

Wrinkle

• Meaning: A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or the skin.
• Example: The shirt had a wrinkle down the front.

Wager

• Meaning: To bet or risk something on the outcome of an event.
• Example: He wagered a large sum on the horse race.

Worship

• Meaning: To show reverence and adoration for a deity.
• Example: They gathered at the temple to worship.

Whizz

• Meaning: To move or make a sound with a quick or light hissing sound.
• Example: A bullet whizzed past his ear.

Warranting

• Meaning: Justifying or necessitating.
• Example: His actions were so reckless, warranting immediate intervention.

Whistle

• Meaning: A high-pitched sound made by blowing air through a small opening.
• Example: He blew the whistle to start the game.

Warrior

• Meaning: A person engaged in or experienced in warfare.
• Example: The ancient warrior was known for his bravery.

Wagon

• Meaning: A vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers.
• Example: The old wagon was loaded with hay.

Wholesomely

• Meaning: In a manner conducive to physical or moral health.
• Example: They lived wholesomely, with a focus on natural foods and activities.

Witting

• Meaning: Done with full awareness or consciousness.
• Example: He gave a witting nod to the plan.

Whirlwind

• Meaning: A very energetic or tumultuous process or event.
• Example: The project was a whirlwind of activity.

Waspish

• Meaning: Easily irritated or annoyed.
• Example: His waspish comments hurt her feelings.

Winnow

• Meaning: To separate the valuable from the worthless.
• Example: The farmer winnowed the chaff from the wheat.

Wealthy

• Meaning: Having a great deal of money or resources.
• Example: The wealthy businessman donated to several charities.

Waddle

• Meaning: To walk with short, slow steps, typically with an awkward side-to-side motion.
• Example: The penguin waddled across the ice.

Wound

• Meaning: An injury to the body, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken.
• Example: The soldier treated his wound with the first aid kit.

Wist

• Meaning: A poetic or literary term for “knew” or “understood.”
• Example: He wist not what was happening around him.

Whittle

• Meaning: To carve or shape (wood) by cutting small slices from it.
• Example: He whittled a small figure from a piece of wood.

Warmonger

• Meaning: A person who advocates for or tries to incite war.
• Example: The warmonger’s rhetoric caused concern among the diplomats.

Wastrel

• Meaning: A person who wastes resources or leads a dissolute life.
• Example: His father always worried he would become a wastrel.

Worshiping

• Meaning: Showing reverence and adoration for a deity or object of worship.
• Example: They spent hours worshiping in the temple.

Wiles

• Meaning: Devious or cunning strategies employed in manipulating or persuading someone.
• Example: She used her feminine wiles to get what she wanted.

Welter

• Meaning: A state of wild disorder; a jumble.
• Example: The country was in a welter of confusion after the coup.

Withhold

• Meaning: To refuse to give something that is due or desired.
• Example: The government decided to withhold the documents from the public.

Wielding

• Meaning: Holding and using (a tool or weapon).
• Example: The knight was wielding his sword with expertise.

Wheeler

• Meaning: A person or thing that wheels, turns, or is part of a wheeled vehicle.
• Example: The horse was a fine wheeler, turning the plow smoothly.

Wheeling

• Meaning: Moving in a circular or curving course.
• Example: The hawks were wheeling in the sky.

Weary

• Meaning: Feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.
• Example: She was weary after the long journey.

Whiplash

• Meaning: An injury caused by a sudden jerking motion, especially of the neck.
• Example: The car accident left him with a severe whiplash.

Wagging

• Meaning: Moving rapidly back and forth.
• Example: The dog’s tail was wagging with excitement.

Whip

• Meaning: A tool used for striking, consisting of a handle and a flexible lash.
• Example: The trainer used a whip to signal the horse.

Warbling

• Meaning: Singing softly and with a succession of constantly changing notes.
• Example: The lark was warbling in the early morning.

Wraithlike

• Meaning: Resembling a ghost or apparition.
• Example: The misty figure seemed almost wraithlike in the dim light.

Wander

• Meaning: To move aimlessly from place to place.
• Example: He liked to wander through the forest, enjoying the peace.

Watertightness

• Meaning: The quality of being impermeable to water.
• Example: The boat’s watertightness was crucial for the journey.

Whisking

• Meaning: Moving quickly and suddenly.
• Example: She was whisking the eggs with great speed.

Wonders

• Meaning: Feelings of amazement or admiration, often caused by something beautiful or unfamiliar.
• Example: The wonders of the natural world never cease to amaze.

Wrestle

• Meaning: To struggle or grapple with someone, often as a sport.
• Example: The two athletes began to wrestle on the mat.

Whiny

• Meaning: Complaining in a feeble or petulant way.
• Example: His whiny tone annoyed everyone at the meeting.

Winnowing

• Meaning: Separating grain from chaff, typically by blowing air through it.
• Example: The farmers were winnowing the harvested wheat.

Widower

• Meaning: A man who has lost his spouse by death and has not remarried.
• Example: The widower lived alone in his large house.

Warming

• Meaning: Causing warmth or feeling warmer.
• Example: The fire was warming the cold room.

Wounded

• Meaning: Injured, especially by a weapon.
• Example: The soldier was wounded in battle.

Wicked

• Meaning: Evil or morally wrong.
• Example: The villain had a wicked grin on his face.

Waver

• Meaning: To be undecided between two options.
• Example: She wavered on whether to accept the job offer.

Wisp

• Meaning: A small, thin, or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.
• Example: A wisp of smoke curled from the chimney.

Warping

• Meaning: Becoming bent or twisted out of shape, typically as a result of heat or dampness.
• Example: The wooden boards were warping in the damp basement.

Wobble

• Meaning: To move unsteadily from side to side.
• Example: The table wobbled every time someone leaned on it.

Wallow

• Meaning: To roll about or lie in mud or water, especially to keep cool.
• Example: The pigs were wallowing in the mud.

Wreck

• Meaning: The remains of something that has been badly damaged or destroyed.
• Example: The shipwreck lay on the ocean floor.

Wrenched

• Meaning: Pulled or twisted suddenly and violently.
• Example: He wrenched his ankle while playing basketball.

Wanderer

• Meaning: A person who travels aimlessly.
• Example: The wanderer had no fixed home and traveled from place to place.

Whimsy

• Meaning: Playful or fanciful behavior or humor.
• Example: The child’s story was full of whimsy and imagination.

Wildcat

• Meaning: A small, wild or feral cat; also refers to a person who is fierce or unpredictable.
• Example: The wildcat roamed the forest freely.

Wagering

• Meaning: Placing a bet on the outcome of something.
• Example: He was wagering on the outcome of the football match.

Warmth

• Meaning: The quality, state, or sensation of being warm.
• Example: The warmth of the fire was comforting on a cold night.

Wiggle

• Meaning: To move up and down, or from side to side, with small, quick movements.
• Example: The worm wiggled in the dirt.

Wearing

• Meaning: Causing fatigue or exhaustion.
• Example: The long hours at work were wearing him down.

Whisk

• Meaning: To move quickly and suddenly; also, a kitchen utensil used for beating ingredients.
• Example: She whisked the mixture until it was smooth.

Wainscot

• Meaning: Wooden paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a room.
• Example: The dining room was elegantly finished with a dark wainscot.

Wallowing

• Meaning: Engaging in an activity in an unrestrained way.
• Example: She was wallowing in self-pity after the breakup.

Wobbling

• Meaning: Moving unsteadily from side to side.
• Example: The tower of blocks was wobbling before it finally fell.

Whittling

• Meaning: Carving small pieces from wood, typically as a leisure activity.
• Example: He spent the afternoon whittling a small boat.

Whence

• Meaning: From where.
• Example: He returned to the village whence he came.

Willful

• Meaning: Deliberate, intentional, or stubborn.
• Example: His willful disregard for the rules got him into trouble.

Winnow

• Meaning: To blow away impurities or undesirable elements; to sift through and pick out the best parts.
• Example: The committee had to winnow down the list of applicants.

Weird

• Meaning: Strange or unusual.
• Example: The movie had a weird ending that left everyone puzzled.

Wrathful

• Meaning: Full of intense anger.
• Example: The wrathful king ordered the traitor’s execution.

Windfall

• Meaning: An unexpected gain or advantage, often financial.
• Example: Winning the lottery was an incredible windfall for her.

Wandering

• Meaning: Traveling aimlessly from place to place.
• Example: The wandering monk had no permanent home.

Widen

• Meaning: To make or become wider.
• Example: The construction crew worked to widen the road.

Wail

• Meaning: A long, loud cry of pain or grief.
• Example: The child let out a wail when she fell and scraped her knee.

Wretched

• Meaning: In a very unhappy or unfortunate state.
• Example: The refugees lived in wretched conditions.

Wilful

• Meaning: Deliberate, intentional, or stubborn.
• Example: Her wilful disregard for the rules got her into trouble.

Whiskers

• Meaning: The stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of certain animals.
• Example: The cat’s whiskers twitched as it watched the mouse.

Wry

• Meaning: Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.
• Example: He gave her a wry smile when she mentioned his mistake.

Whiz

• Meaning: To move quickly through the air with a whistling or buzzing sound.
• Example: The car whizzed past us on the highway.

Worn

• Meaning: Damaged or deteriorated through use or age.
• Example: His shoes were worn from years of use.

Waving

• Meaning: Moving one’s hand to and fro in greeting or signal.
• Example: The children were waving goodbye as the bus pulled away.

Well-born

• Meaning: Born to a high social rank or status.
• Example: The well-born lady was accustomed to luxury.

Worshiper

• Meaning: A person who shows reverence and adoration for a deity.
• Example: The worshipers gathered at the temple every morning.

Winnowed

• Meaning: Separated the desirable part of something from the undesirable.
• Example: The committee winnowed the list of candidates down to three.

Whimper

• Meaning: To make a series of low, feeble sounds expressing fear or pain.
• Example: The puppy began to whimper when it was left alone.

Wagered

• Meaning: Bet on the outcome of something.
• Example: He wagered a large sum on the outcome of the race.

Weakened

• Meaning: Made less strong or powerful.
• Example: The illness had weakened her, leaving her bedridden.

Wedded

• Meaning: Married; also, closely devoted to a particular belief or system.
• Example: She was wedded to her job, spending long hours at the office.

Wagged

• Meaning: Moved quickly back and forth, typically of a tail.
• Example: The dog’s tail wagged with excitement.

Willfulness

• Meaning: The quality of being stubborn or obstinate.
• Example: His willfulness often led to conflicts with his colleagues.

Warrantor

• Meaning: A person who guarantees something or makes a warranty.
• Example: The seller acted as a warrantor for the authenticity of the painting.

Waltz

• Meaning: A smooth, gliding ballroom dance in triple time.
• Example: They waltzed gracefully across the dance floor.

Worn-out

• Meaning: Extremely tired or exhausted; also, something no longer useful due to wear.
• Example: After the long hike, he felt completely worn-out.

Wacky

• Meaning: Eccentric or silly.
• Example: The comedian’s wacky sense of humor kept the audience laughing.

Worrying

• Meaning: Causing anxiety or concern.
• Example: The doctor’s report was worrying for the patient.

Wrangled

• Meaning: Argued or disputed, often in a noisy way.
• Example: The two lawyers wrangled over the terms of the contract.

Wince

• Meaning: To make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement out of pain or distress.
• Example: She winced as the needle went into her arm.

Wag

• Meaning: To move rapidly back and forth.
• Example: The dog began to wag its tail when it saw its owner.

Widow

• Meaning: A woman who has lost her spouse by death and has not remarried.
• Example: The widow lived alone in her quiet house.

Whipped

• Meaning: Beaten or struck with a whip; also, to have moved quickly or suddenly.
• Example: The horse was whipped into action by its rider.

Whizzed

• Meaning: Moved quickly through the air with a buzzing or whirring sound.
• Example: The bullet whizzed past his ear.

Withering

• Meaning: Intending to make someone feel humiliated; shriveling due to lack of moisture.
• Example: She gave him a withering look that made him feel small.

Wretchedly

• Meaning: In a miserable or unfortunate way.
• Example: He lived wretchedly in a small, rundown apartment.

Withstood

• Meaning: Remained undamaged or unaffected by; resisted.
• Example: The old fortress withstood the attack.

Warped

• Meaning: Twisted or bent out of shape, typically as a result of heat or moisture.
• Example: The wooden boards warped in the humidity.

Whisked

• Meaning: Moved something or someone quickly and suddenly.
• Example: The waiter whisked the plates away before we could finish.

Widened

• Meaning: Made or became wider.
• Example: The river widened as it approached the sea.

Wickedly

• Meaning: In an evil or morally wrong way.
• Example: He laughed wickedly at the misfortune of others.

Wandered

• Meaning: Moved without a specific direction or purpose.
• Example: He wandered through the city, exploring the streets.

Warrantable

• Meaning: Justifiable; able to be justified or defended.
• Example: The actions were warrantable given the circumstances.

Whopping

• Meaning: Very large.
• Example: The company reported a whopping increase in profits.

Windswept

• Meaning: Exposed to and affected by strong winds.
• Example: The windswept cliffs were a dramatic sight.

Whiffed

• Meaning: Got a brief or faint smell of something.
• Example: She whiffed the scent of roses as she passed the garden.

Wham

• Meaning: A sudden loud noise or impact.
• Example: The door closed with a loud wham.

Whirly

• Meaning: Moving rapidly in a circular motion.
• Example: The leaves were caught in a whirly gust of wind.

Willfully

• Meaning: Deliberately, intentionally.
• Example: He willfully ignored the warning signs.

Worm

• Meaning: A small, elongated, soft-bodied invertebrate.
• Example: The worm wriggled in the moist soil.

Wheezed

• Meaning: Breathed with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest, as a result of obstruction in the air passages.
• Example: The old man wheezed as he climbed the stairs.

Whittled

• Meaning: Carved or shaped something by cutting small slices from it.
• Example: He whittled a piece of wood into a small figurine.

Warbler

• Meaning: A type of small bird known for its melodious singing.
• Example: The warbler’s song filled the forest with cheerful sounds.

Wade

• Meaning: Walk through water or another liquid.
• Example: They waded through the shallow stream.

Wrath

• Meaning: Intense anger or fury.
• Example: His wrath was evident when he discovered the theft.

Woven

• Meaning: Made by interlacing threads or other materials.
• Example: The rug was woven with intricate patterns.

Wailful

• Meaning: Full of wailing or lamentation.
• Example: The wailful cries of the bereaved echoed through the church.

Wheezing

• Meaning: Breathing with a whistling sound due to a respiratory problem.
• Example: The asthma attack left her wheezing for breath.

Wagoner

• Meaning: A person who drives or works with wagons.
• Example: The wagoner traveled with his team across the plains.

Wickedness

• Meaning: The quality of being morally wrong or evil.
• Example: The novel explored the depths of human wickedness.

Wreathed

• Meaning: Covered or surrounded with something.
• Example: The mountain was wreathed in clouds.

Whack

• Meaning: To strike something with a sharp blow.
• Example: He gave the ball a whack with the bat.

Whispered

• Meaning: Spoken very softly, using one’s breath rather than one’s voice.
• Example: She whispered a secret to her friend.

Whiff

• Meaning: A brief or faint smell.
• Example: A whiff of freshly baked bread made him hungry.

Widowhood

• Meaning: The state of being a widow.
• Example: She faced widowhood with remarkable strength and grace.

Waggish

• Meaning: Humorous in a playful or mischievous way.
• Example: His waggish remarks made everyone laugh.

Wired

• Meaning: Equipped with or connected by wires; also, excited or tense.
• Example: The new house was fully wired for internet.

Wristlet

• Meaning: A small strap or band that goes around the wrist.
• Example: She carried her phone in a small wristlet purse.

Wriggle

• Meaning: To twist and turn with small, quick movements.
• Example: The worm wriggled in the soil.

Writhe

• Meaning: To make continual twisting movements.
• Example: He writhed in pain after injuring his ankle.

Whirligig

• Meaning: A spinning toy or object; also a whirlwind.
• Example: The children enjoyed playing with the whirligig on a sunny day.

Worthy

• Meaning: Deserving of respect or attention.
• Example: She is a worthy candidate for the award.

Warlord

• Meaning: A military leader who controls a region by force.
• Example: The warlord ruled the territory with an iron fist.

Wieldable

• Meaning: Capable of being wielded or used effectively.
• Example: The sword was designed to be wieldable by a skilled fighter.

Woolly

• Meaning: Covered with wool; also, vague or fuzzy.
• Example: The sheep had a woolly coat that kept it warm.

Wiggled

• Meaning: Moved with slight twisting or oscillating motions.
• Example: The puppy wiggled with excitement as it saw its owner.

Wilderness

• Meaning: An uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.
• Example: They went hiking in the wilderness of the national park.

Whispering

• Meaning: Speaking very softly or quietly.
• Example: The whispering winds rustled the leaves.

Wobbled

• Meaning: Moved unsteadily from side to side.
• Example: The table wobbled because one of the legs was uneven.

Wasted

• Meaning: Spent or used carelessly; also, in a state of deterioration due to excessive consumption.
• Example: The food was wasted when no one showed up for the dinner.

Advanced Words That Start With W