Intermediate Words That Start With W

Intermediate Words That Start With W

Let’s explore some intermediate-level words that start with the letter W. While some might be familiar, others might be new additions to your vocabulary.

List of Intermediate Words That Start With W

Intermediate Words That Start With W with meanings and example

Wager: To bet or risk something on an uncertain outcome.

• Example: He decided to wager $50 on the horse race.

Wail: A loud, high-pitched cry of grief or pain.

• Example: The baby wailed all night long, keeping everyone awake.

Wait: To remain in place until a particular time or event.

• Example: We had to wait an hour for the bus to arrive.

Wander: To move aimlessly or without a fixed course.

• Example: He likes to wander through the city streets on weekends.

Wane: To decrease in size, extent, or degree.

• Example: Her enthusiasm began to wane after the first week of work.

Warn: To inform someone of a possible danger or problem.

• Example: The lifeguard warned swimmers about the strong currents.

Warrant: A legal document authorizing an action or a justification for something.

• Example: The police had a warrant to search the suspect’s house.

Wary: Cautious and alert for potential danger.

• Example: She was wary of strangers after her previous experience.

Waste: To use or expend carelessly or to no purpose.

• Example: Don’t waste your time on trivial matters.

Wasted: Diminished or worn away by time or neglect.

• Example: The building was wasted by years of neglect.

Wistful: Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

• Example: She had a wistful look as she watched the sunset.

Whale: A large marine mammal.

• Example: We saw a whale breaching the surface during our boat trip.

Wharf: A structure on the shore where ships can dock.

• Example: The cargo ship was unloaded at the wharf.

Whim: A sudden and impulsive decision or idea.

• Example: On a whim, they decided to take a road trip.

Whine: A high-pitched, complaining noise.

• Example: The dog whined at the door to be let in.

Whisk: To move something quickly and suddenly.

• Example: She whisked the bowl off the counter before it fell.

Wicked: Morally bad or evil.

• Example: The wicked witch cast a spell on the villagers.

Wield: To hold and use a weapon or tool.

• Example: He wielded the hammer with great skill.

Wiggle: To move up and down or from side to side with small, quick movements.

• Example: The baby wiggled in her mother’s arms.

Willful: Stubbornly determined to do as one wants.

• Example: The child’s willful behavior often got him into trouble.

Willy: Cunning or sly.

• Example: He gave a willy grin as he planned his next move.

Winch: A machine for lifting or pulling heavy objects.

• Example: The crew used a winch to pull the boat onto the shore.

Wound: An injury to the body, typically involving a cut or break in the skin.

• Example: The soldier was treated for his wound in the field hospital.

Wreck: The destruction of something, especially a vehicle or building.

• Example: The car was a wreck after the accident.

Wrestle: To struggle physically with someone or something.

• Example: He wrestled with the heavy suitcase up the stairs.

Wrinkle: A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or skin.

• Example: The old man’s face was full of wrinkles.

Wrist: The joint between the hand and the forearm.

• Example: She wore a bracelet on her left wrist.

Witty: Showing quick and inventive verbal humor.

• Example: His witty remarks kept the conversation lively.

Worn: Damaged or eroded through use.

• Example: The shoes were worn after years of daily use.

Worthy: Deserving respect, admiration, or support.

• Example: She is a worthy candidate for the position.

Worry: To feel anxious or concerned about something.

• Example: He tends to worry too much about minor things.

Wrest: To forcibly pull something from someone’s grasp.

• Example: She managed to wrest the phone from his hand.

Whiz: To move quickly, making a buzzing sound.

• Example: The bullet whizzed past his ear.

Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and moral well-being.

• Example: They enjoyed a wholesome meal made from fresh ingredients.

Waddle: To walk with short steps, swaying from side to side.

• Example: The duck waddled across the pond.

Whimsy: Playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or ideas.

• Example: The movie is full of whimsy and charm.

Warranted: Justified or necessary under the circumstances.

• Example: The decision to close the school was warranted due to the snowstorm.

Whittle: To carve or shape wood by cutting small pieces from it.

• Example: He whittled a small bird from a piece of wood.

Waltz: A dance in triple time performed by a couple.

• Example: They danced a graceful waltz at the wedding.

Whopper: Something unusually large.

• Example: That fish was a real whopper!

Wade: To walk through water or another substance that impedes movement.

• Example: They waded through the shallow river to reach the other side.

Wagered: Past tense of wager; to have bet or risked something on an uncertain outcome.

• Example: He wagered his entire savings on the game.

Wardrobe: A collection of clothes or a piece of furniture to store clothes.

• Example: She has an impressive wardrobe full of designer outfits.

Whisker: A long, stiff hair growing on the face of a cat or other mammal.

• Example: The cat’s whiskers twitched as it watched the bird.

Wobble: To move unsteadily from side to side.

• Example: The table wobbled on its uneven legs.

Warranties: Guarantees provided by the manufacturer or seller about the quality or durability of a product.

• Example: The car came with several warranties covering different parts.

Wisp: A small thin or twisted bunch, piece, or amount of something.

• Example: A wisp of smoke curled up from the chimney.

Wobbly: Unsteady or shaky.

• Example: The chair was wobbly and needed to be fixed.

Wristwatch: A watch worn on a strap around the wrist.

• Example: He checked his wristwatch to see if he was late.

Wrath: Extreme anger.

• Example: The king’s wrath was terrifying to behold.

Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

• Example: The whimsical design of the garden made it look like a fairy tale.

Wilful: Deliberate or intentional.

• Example: His wilful disregard for the rules got him into trouble.

Woodland: Land covered with trees.

• Example: They went for a hike in the woodland area near the town.

Wallow: To roll about or lie relaxed in mud or water.

• Example: The pigs wallowed in the muddy field.

Weld: To join metal pieces together by heating them until they melt and fuse.

• Example: The welder carefully welded the two metal beams together.

Wistfulness: A feeling of vague or regretful longing.

• Example: There was a note of wistfulness in her voice as she spoke of her childhood.

Whip: To beat or hit something with a flexible object, such as a rope or strap.

• Example: He whipped the horse to make it run faster.

Wisdom: The ability to make sound decisions based on knowledge and experience.

• Example: His wisdom is respected by everyone in the village.

Whimper: A low, feeble sound expressive of fear, pain, or discontent.

• Example: The puppy whimpered softly in its sleep.

Winding: Twisting or curving in a series of bends.

• Example: The winding road led them up the mountain.

Whisking: Moving something quickly and suddenly.

• Example: She was whisking the eggs in the bowl.

Waggish: Humorous in a playful or mischievous way.

• Example: His waggish remarks often brought laughter to the room.

Waning: Decreasing in size, extent, or degree.

• Example: His influence in the company is waning.

Whittled: To reduce or gradually diminish something in size, amount, or importance.

• Example: The budget was whittled down to the bare essentials.

Washing: The act of cleaning something with water and, typically, soap.

• Example: She spent the afternoon washing clothes.

Wasteland: An unused area of land that has become barren or overgrown.

• Example: The old factory site is now a wasteland.

Wheeze: To breathe with a whistling or rattling sound.

• Example: He started to wheeze after running up the stairs.

Whacking: Striking something forcefully or violently.

• Example: He gave the ball a whacking hit with the bat.

Wadding: Soft material used to pad or stuff something.

• Example: The box was filled with wadding to protect the fragile items.

Whispered: Spoken very softly using one’s breath without one’s vocal cords.

• Example: She whispered a secret in his ear.

Wharfage: The fee charged for the use of a wharf or for goods placed on a wharf.

• Example: The shipping company paid wharfage for docking the ship.

Wilderness: A wild and uninhabited area.

• Example: They spent a week camping in the wilderness.

Worrying: Causing anxiety or concern.

• Example: The worrying news about the storm put everyone on edge.

Welcoming: Friendly or making you feel welcome.

• Example: The host was very welcoming and made us feel at home.

Warmth: The quality, state, or sensation of being warm; friendly and affectionate behavior.

• Example: She was known for the warmth of her hospitality.

Waxed: Treated with wax or having increased in size or intensity.

• Example: The floor was freshly waxed and shone under the light.

Warrants: Legal documents that allow police to do certain things, such as search a place or arrest someone.

• Example: The judge issued several warrants for the suspect’s arrest.

Wrestled: Past tense of wrestle; to have struggled physically.

• Example: The two wrestled for control of the ball.

Wristlet: A small bracelet worn around the wrist.

• Example: She wore a silver wristlet with her evening dress.

Worryingly: In a way that causes anxiety or concern.

• Example: The situation in the region has become worryingly unstable.

Waggery: Playful or humorous behavior.

• Example: His waggery always lightened the mood at the office.

Writ: A formal legal document ordering or prohibiting some action.

• Example: The court issued a writ demanding the release of the prisoner.

Willow: A tree with long, slender branches that often droop to the ground.

• Example: The old willow tree provided shade on hot summer days.

Webbed: Having the fingers or toes connected by a membrane.

• Example: The frog’s webbed feet make it an excellent swimmer.

Windy: Characterized by or abounding in wind.

• Example: The windy weather made it difficult to walk along the beach.

Wattage: The amount of electrical power expressed in watts.

• Example: The new lightbulb has a higher wattage than the old one.

Wordplay: The witty exploitation of the meanings and ambiguities of words.

• Example: The comedian’s wordplay kept the audience laughing throughout the show.

Willowy: Slender and graceful, like a willow tree.

• Example: The dancer’s willowy figure moved gracefully across the stage.

Wandering: Moving from place to place without a fixed plan.

• Example: She spent the afternoon wandering around the city.

Worship: The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.

• Example: They gathered at the temple for worship.

Whiff: A slight, brief smell of something.

• Example: She caught a whiff of fresh bread as she walked past the bakery.

Wipe: To clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth, paper, or one’s hand.

• Example: He used a towel to wipe the table clean.

Wickedly: In a way that is evil or morally wrong.

• Example: She smiled wickedly before revealing her plan.

Woodwork: The wooden parts of a building, such as stairs, doors, and frames.

• Example: The intricate woodwork in the house was hand-carved.

Windmill: A structure with sails or blades that turn in the wind, used to generate power or pump water.

• Example: The old windmill still stands on the hill, though it no longer functions.

Whizz: To move swiftly with a buzzing or humming sound.

• Example: The bullet whizzed past his ear as he ducked for cover.

Watched: Past tense of watch; to have looked at or observed attentively.

• Example: They watched the sunset together from the balcony.

Widow: A woman whose spouse has died and who has not remarried.

• Example: The widow lived alone in the large house after her husband’s death.

Witticism: A witty remark or comment.

• Example: His witticism during the meeting broke the tension in the room.

Wrestles: Engages in physical struggle or combat with someone.

• Example: The athletes wrestle to win the championship title.

Wresting: Forcibly pulling or twisting something away from someone.

• Example: He was wrestling the remote from his brother’s hand.

Worried: Feeling anxious or concerned about something.

• Example: She was worried about her upcoming exam.

Waltzed: Dance a waltz or move in a graceful manner.

• Example: They waltzed elegantly across the dance floor.

Wrinkles: Small lines or folds in fabric or skin.

• Example: The shirt had wrinkles that needed ironing.

Wheezing: Breathing with a whistling or rattling sound due to difficulty.

• Example: He was wheezing after running up the hill.

Willing: Ready and eager to do something.

• Example: She was willing to help her friends with their project.

Worshipped: Show deep respect and adoration for a deity or idol.

• Example: The ancient people worshipped a variety of gods.

Wrecked: Damaged or destroyed completely.

• Example: The car was wrecked in the accident.

Woolly: Made of wool or resembling wool in texture; unclear or confused.

• Example: The woolly sweater kept him warm in winter.

Wielded: Held and used a tool or weapon effectively.

• Example: The knight wielded his sword with great skill.

Worrywart: A person who is excessively concerned about potential problems.

• Example: My aunt is a real worrywart, always fretting over minor issues.

Wailing: Making a high-pitched, mournful sound.

• Example: The sirens were wailing in the distance.

Whittling: Carving or shaping wood by cutting small pieces from it.

• Example: He spent the afternoon whittling a wooden figure.

Wandered: Moved around aimlessly or without a fixed destination.

• Example: They wandered through the park, enjoying the fresh air.

Woolen: Made of wool.

• Example: She wore a warm woolen hat to protect herself from the cold.

Wiring: The system of electrical connections in a building or device.

• Example: The electrician was busy installing new wiring in the house.

Wanderer: Someone who travels aimlessly or without a fixed route.

• Example: The wanderer roamed from town to town, never staying in one place for long.

Wand: A slender, often magic or ceremonial stick.

• Example: The magician waved his wand to cast a spell.

Woven: Interlaced threads or fibers to make fabric or material.

• Example: The blanket was woven with colorful patterns.

Whiplash: An injury caused by a sudden jerking movement of the head.

• Example: She suffered from whiplash after the car accident.

Waterfall: A natural feature where water cascades over a cliff or rock face.

• Example: The hikers admired the stunning waterfall during their trek.

Wanderlust: A strong desire to travel and explore the world.

• Example: Her wanderlust led her to visit every continent.

Warrantee: A person or entity that provides a warranty or guarantee.

• Example: The warrantee ensures that the product will be repaired if faulty.

Wastage: The action or process of losing or wasting something.

• Example: The company aimed to reduce wastage in their production line.

Wilfulness: The quality of being determined to do as one wants, regardless of consequences.

• Example: His wilfulness often led to conflicts with his colleagues.

Welling: Rising up or overflowing, often used with tears or emotions.

• Example: Tears were welling up in her eyes as she read the letter.

Widely: Extensively or over a large area.

• Example: The book is widely read in many countries.

Whaling: The practice of hunting whales.

• Example: Whaling was once a major industry in some coastal towns.

Whispers: Soft, low sounds or voices spoken quietly.

• Example: They exchanged whispers during the meeting to avoid being overheard.

Wristband: A band worn around the wrist, often for identification or fashion.

• Example: The event attendees wore wristbands for entry.

Willpower: The ability to control oneself and make decisions despite desires or impulses.

• Example: She showed great willpower by sticking to her diet.

Woolgathering: The act of indulging in daydreams or aimless thinking.

• Example: His woolgathering often led him to lose focus on the task at hand.

Waver: To show indecision or hesitation; to move back and forth.

• Example: Her resolve began to waver as the deadline approached.

Willingly: Done with a readiness or eagerness.

• Example: He willingly helped his friend move into the new apartment.

Wired: Equipped with or connected by electrical wires.

• Example: The house was fully wired for a modern home theater system.

Waving: Moving something back and forth, often as a gesture of greeting.

• Example: She was standing on the dock, waving at the approaching boat.

Wigged: Wearing a wig, or showing surprise or agitation.

• Example: She wigged out when she saw the surprise party.

Wistfully: With a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

• Example: He looked wistfully at the old photographs.

Wading: Walking through water or a substance that hinders movement.

• Example: They were wading through the shallow water on the beach.

Wrote: Past tense of write; to have composed text.

• Example: She wrote a letter to her friend last night.

Widower: A man whose spouse has died and who has not remarried.

• Example: The widower lived alone in the house they once shared.

Warranting: Justifying or requiring a certain action or response.

• Example: His behavior was warranting a serious discussion with his manager.

Wildlife: Animals and plants living in their natural environment.

• Example: The park is a sanctuary for local wildlife.

Whizzing: Moving quickly with a buzzing or humming sound.

• Example: The speeding car was whizzing past us on the highway.

Worries: Feelings of anxiety or concern.

• Example: His worries about the upcoming exam kept him awake at night.

Wickedness: The quality of being morally wrong or evil.

• Example: The story explored the theme of wickedness and redemption.

Worded: Expressed or phrased in a particular way.

• Example: The letter was carefully worded to avoid misunderstandings.

Whiskey: A distilled alcoholic drink made from fermented grain mash.

• Example: He enjoyed a glass of whiskey on the rocks.

Wagging: Moving back and forth, often used to describe tails or tongues.

• Example: The dog’s tail was wagging excitedly when he saw his owner.

Warts: Small, rough growths on the skin caused by a virus.

• Example: The doctor treated the warts on her hand with a special medication.

Whirling: Spinning or rotating rapidly.

• Example: The dancer was whirling gracefully across the stage.

Welding: The process of joining metal parts together by heating them.

• Example: The construction worker was busy welding steel beams.

Wobbling: Moving unsteadily from side to side.

• Example: The table was wobbling because one of its legs was shorter.

Wagged: Moved something back and forth rapidly.

• Example: The dog wagged its tail happily when it saw its owner.

Wreckage: The remains of something that has been badly damaged or destroyed.

• Example: The wreckage of the plane was scattered across the field.

Wildest: Most extreme or uncontrolled.

• Example: They enjoyed the wildest party of the year at the festival.

Whistling: Producing a high-pitched sound by forcing air through a small opening.

• Example: He was whistling a cheerful tune as he worked in the garden.

Wooded: Covered with trees or forest.

• Example: They went for a hike in the wooded area near their cabin.

Wit: The ability to think quickly and make clever remarks.

• Example: Her wit made her the life of the party.

Wildly: In a manner that is uncontrolled or unrestrained.

• Example: The crowd cheered wildly as the band took the stage.

Wagering: The act of placing a bet or gamble on an outcome.

• Example: He was wagering on the outcome of the horse race.

Whisked: Moved swiftly and lightly.

• Example: She whisked the ingredients together to make the batter.

Widowhood: The state of being a widow.

• Example: She faced the challenges of widowhood with courage and grace.

Wielding: Using or handling a tool or weapon effectively.

• Example: The blacksmith was wielding his hammer expertly.

Whims: Sudden and impulsive desires or changes of mind.

• Example: His whims often led him to make spontaneous decisions.

Wrathful: Full of or showing intense anger.

• Example: The wrathful response from the manager was unexpected.

Wildness: The state of being wild or untamed.

• Example: The wildness of the jungle made it difficult to navigate.

Wreaked: Caused or inflicted damage or havoc.

• Example: The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal town.

Whirring: Making a continuous, rapid sound, like that of a machine.

• Example: The whirring of the fan filled the quiet room.

Worshipful: Showing reverence or respect, often associated with religious context.

• Example: The worshipful audience listened intently to the sermon.

Worshipper: A person who shows reverence and adoration, especially in a religious context.

• Example: The worshippers gathered at the temple for the evening service.

Whimpering: Making a series of low, feeble sounds or cries.

• Example: The puppy was whimpering because it was hungry.

Wooden: Made of wood or lacking naturalness in movement or expression.

• Example: The wooden table had intricate carvings.

Whizzed: Moved very quickly with a buzzing sound.

• Example: The drone whizzed through the sky.

Whipping: Striking with a whip or moving rapidly.

• Example: The rider was whipping the horse to increase its speed.

Wristbands: Bands worn around the wrist, often for identification or support.

• Example: The festival provided wristbands to track entry.

Worriedly: In a manner that shows concern or anxiety.

• Example: She looked worriedly at the weather forecast.

Whipped: Beaten or stirred vigorously, or having been struck with a whip.

• Example: She whipped the cream until it was fluffy.

Waltzes: Dance moves performed in a waltz style or the act of dancing a waltz.

• Example: They danced waltzes at the formal event.

Whirlpool: A swirling body of water produced by opposing currents or a rotating motion.

• Example: They were caught in a dangerous whirlpool while boating.

Wisped: Moved or floated lightly and quickly.

• Example: Smoke wisped up from the campfire.

Witchcraft: The practice of magical skills, spells, or sorcery.

• Example: The novel was set in a world where witchcraft was common.

Intermediate Words That Start With W