The 500 Most Important Words for the 11+ Exam
If your child is preparing for the 11+, vocabulary is one of the highest-impact areas to focus on, and one of the most overlooked.
Prefer paper? The whole word list is also available as a free printable PDF.
Download the PDF (102 KB)Many children lose marks not because they lack ability, but because they encounter unfamiliar words in comprehension passages, cloze exercises, and verbal reasoning questions. The good news? Vocabulary is entirely learnable with the right approach.
This guide gives you a structured, free list of the most important words for the 11+ exam, organised by difficulty, along with practical tips for helping your child actually remember them.
Why Vocabulary Matters So Much in the 11+
The 11+ tests vocabulary in three main ways:
- Verbal reasoning: synonyms, antonyms, and closest-meaning questions rely almost entirely on word knowledge
- English comprehension: unfamiliar words in a passage slow a child down and cause misunderstanding
- Cloze exercises: filling in missing words requires not just knowing a word, but knowing how it's used
Both major exam boards, GL Assessment and CEM, place significant emphasis on vocabulary. A child with a strong word bank has a meaningful advantage across multiple sections of the exam.
How to Use This Word List
Don't try to learn all the words at once. Here's what works:
- 5–10 words per day, 4–5 days per week
- Start with the foundation words, then move to intermediate and advanced
- For each word: learn the meaning, one synonym, and use it in a sentence
- Review words your child finds difficult more often than easy ones
Short, consistent sessions beat long cramming sessions every time. Even 10 minutes a day adds up to hours of practice over a term.
And if you'd rather not be the one holding the flashcards every evening, our free 11+ Words app does the quizzing for you - every word on this page is already in there.
Foundation Words 100 words
Start here. These words appear frequently in 11+ papers and form the backbone of a strong vocabulary. Many children think they know these, but struggle to define them precisely or identify synonyms.
| Word | Meaning | Common synonym |
|---|---|---|
| Abundant | More than enough, plentiful | Plentiful, ample |
| Adversity | Difficulty or hardship | Hardship, misfortune |
| Agile | Able to move quickly and easily | Nimble, lithe |
| Amiable | Friendly and pleasant | Friendly, affable |
| Ancient | Very old | Old, archaic |
| Anxious | Worried or nervous | Worried, uneasy |
| Audacious | Showing willingness to take bold risks | Bold, daring |
| Barren | Too poor to produce vegetation | Bare, desolate |
| Benevolent | Well-meaning and kind | Kind, generous |
| Bewildered | Confused and unable to understand | Confused, perplexed |
| Bold | Brave and confident | Brave, daring |
| Boisterous | Noisy and energetic | Lively, rowdy |
| Cautious | Being careful about risks | Careful, wary |
| Cease | To stop | Stop, halt |
| Cheerful | Noticeably happy | Happy, jolly |
| Colossal | Extremely large | Huge, enormous |
| Compassionate | Feeling concern for others | Caring, sympathetic |
| Concealed | Kept hidden | Hidden, disguised |
| Considerable | Great in size or extent | Large, significant |
| Courageous | Not deterred by danger | Brave, bold |
| Cunning | Clever at achieving goals deceitfully | Crafty, sly |
| Curious | Eager to know or learn | Inquisitive, nosy |
| Desolate | Bleak and empty | Bare, barren |
| Determined | Firm in purpose | Resolute, steadfast |
| Diligent | Hardworking and careful | Industrious, thorough |
| Dismal | Gloomy and bleak | Gloomy, dreary |
| Eager | Keen and enthusiastic | Keen, enthusiastic |
| Elaborate | Detailed and complicated | Detailed, complex |
| Elegant | Pleasingly graceful | Graceful, refined |
| Enormous | Very large | Huge, vast |
| Essential | Absolutely necessary | Necessary, vital |
| Exhausted | Completely tired | Tired, weary |
| Ferocious | Savagely fierce | Fierce, wild |
| Fierce | Violent and aggressive | Ferocious, intense |
| Flexible | Able to bend easily | Adaptable, supple |
| Fortunate | Lucky | Lucky, blessed |
| Fragile | Easily broken | Delicate, brittle |
| Frugal | Economical with money or food | Thrifty, sparing |
| Furious | Extremely angry | Angry, enraged |
| Generous | Freely giving | Giving, liberal |
| Gentle | Mild and kind | Mild, tender |
| Glorious | Magnificent and splendid | Magnificent, splendid |
| Gracious | Courteous and kind | Polite, courteous |
| Grateful | Feeling thankful | Thankful, appreciative |
| Grave | Serious and solemn | Serious, solemn |
| Greedy | Having an excessive desire | Selfish, gluttonous |
| Grim | Stern or forbidding | Stern, harsh |
| Harsh | Cruel or severe | Severe, brutal |
| Humble | Not proud or arrogant | Modest, meek |
| Immense | Extremely large | Vast, enormous |
| Vast | Extremely great in size or extent | Huge, immense |
| Brief | Short in duration | Short, concise |
| Clumsy | Awkward in movement or manner | Awkward, ungainly |
| Rapid | Happening very quickly | Quick, swift |
| Feeble | Lacking physical strength | Weak, frail |
| Ample | Enough or more than enough | Sufficient, plentiful |
| Brave | Ready to face danger without fear | Courageous, bold |
| Calm | Not showing agitation or excitement | Peaceful, tranquil |
| Clever | Quick to understand and learn | Bright, smart |
| Damp | Slightly wet | Moist, humid |
| Eerie | Strange and frightening | Spooky, uncanny |
| Faint | Barely perceptible | Weak, dim |
| Fond | Having an affection for | Affectionate, attached |
| Hasty | Done with excessive speed | Quick, rushed |
| Hollow | Having an empty space inside | Empty, vacant |
| Ideal | The most suitable for a purpose | Perfect, best |
| Jagged | Having a rough, uneven edge | Rough, uneven |
| Keen | Eager or enthusiastic | Enthusiastic, eager |
| Lively | Full of energy and enthusiasm | Energetic, vibrant |
| Loyal | Faithful to someone or something | Faithful, devoted |
| Massive | Very large in size or extent | Huge, enormous |
| Modest | Not vain or boastful about ability | Humble, unassuming |
| Narrow | Small in width | Slim, thin |
| Neat | Tidy and orderly in appearance | Tidy, orderly |
| Obedient | Willing to comply with instructions | Compliant, dutiful |
| Peculiar | Strange or unusual | Odd, strange |
| Plain | Simple and not decorated | Simple, ordinary |
| Precise | Exact and accurate | Exact, accurate |
| Rare | Not occurring very often | Uncommon, scarce |
| Reluctant | Unwilling to do something | Hesitant, unwilling |
| Restless | Unable to stay still or settled | Fidgety, uneasy |
| Rigid | Unable to bend or be forced out of shape | Stiff, inflexible |
| Sincere | Free from pretence or deceit | Genuine, honest |
| Slender | Gracefully thin | Slim, thin |
| Sturdy | Strongly and solidly built | Robust, solid |
| Sufficient | Enough for a particular purpose | Adequate, enough |
| Swift | Happening quickly or promptly | Fast, rapid |
| Tedious | Too long, slow, or dull | Boring, monotonous |
| Tender | Gentle and kind | Gentle, delicate |
| Trivial | Of little value or importance | Minor, insignificant |
| Unique | Being the only one of its kind | Distinctive, one of a kind |
| Vague | Not clearly expressed | Unclear, hazy |
| Vibrant | Full of energy and life | Lively, colourful |
| Weary | Feeling extremely tired | Exhausted, fatigued |
| Wicked | Morally wrong or bad | Evil, bad |
| Wise | Having good judgement from experience | Sensible, judicious |
| Yearn | To have an intense longing for something | Long, crave |
| Adequate | Satisfactory or acceptable in quality | Sufficient, acceptable |
| Blunt | Not sharp; direct in manner | Direct, forthright |
| Content | In a state of peaceful satisfaction | Satisfied, pleased |
Intermediate Words 150 words
Build on the foundations. Once your child is confident with the foundation list, move to these. They appear regularly in comprehension passages and verbal reasoning sections.
| Word | Meaning | Common synonym |
|---|---|---|
| Absurd | Wildly unreasonable | Ridiculous, ludicrous |
| Accumulate | Gather together over time | Collect, amass |
| Adamant | Refusing to change one's mind | Firm, resolute |
| Adept | Very skilled at something | Skilled, proficient |
| Adjacent | Next to or adjoining | Neighbouring, nearby |
| Adverse | Preventing success | Unfavourable, harmful |
| Affluent | Having a great deal of wealth | Wealthy, prosperous |
| Agitate | Make someone troubled | Disturb, unsettle |
| Aloof | Not friendly or forthcoming | Distant, remote |
| Ambiguous | Open to more than one interpretation | Unclear, vague |
| Apprehensive | Worried about the future | Anxious, uneasy |
| Ardent | Very enthusiastic or passionate | Passionate, fervent |
| Arduous | Involving a lot of effort | Difficult, strenuous |
| Arrogant | Having an exaggerated sense of importance | Proud, conceited |
| Articulate | Able to speak fluently and clearly | Eloquent, fluent |
| Astute | Able to assess situations quickly | Shrewd, clever |
| Austere | Severe or strict in manner | Stern, strict |
| Authentic | Genuine or real | Real, genuine |
| Avid | Having a keen interest | Keen, enthusiastic |
| Bewildering | Causing great confusion | Confusing, puzzling |
| Blatant | Done openly and unashamedly | Obvious, flagrant |
| Blithe | Showing a casual lack of concern | Carefree, cheerful |
| Bountiful | Large in quantity | Plentiful, generous |
| Candid | Truthful and straightforward | Frank, honest |
| Capable | Having the ability to do something | Able, competent |
| Captivating | Attracting and holding interest | Charming, fascinating |
| Nurture | Care for and encourage the growth of | Foster, cultivate |
| Persist | Continue firmly despite difficulty | Persevere, continue |
| Celestial | Positioned in or relating to the sky | Heavenly, divine |
| Chaotic | In a state of complete confusion | Disorderly, frenzied |
| Circumspect | Wary and unwilling to take risks | Careful, cautious |
| Clamour | A loud, confused noise | Din, uproar |
| Clandestine | Kept secret or hidden | Secret, covert |
| Coerce | Persuade someone by force | Force, compel |
| Coherent | Logical and consistent | Logical, clear |
| Complacent | Smugly satisfied with oneself | Self-satisfied, smug |
| Concede | Admit something is true | Admit, acknowledge |
| Condemn | Express complete disapproval | Criticise, denounce |
| Conspicuous | Clearly visible | Obvious, noticeable |
| Contemplate | Think about something carefully | Consider, ponder |
| Contemptuous | Showing that something is worthless | Scornful, disdainful |
| Controversial | Causing disagreement | Debatable, contentious |
| Convey | Transport or communicate | Carry, communicate |
| Cordial | Warm and friendly | Friendly, warm |
| Credulous | Too ready to believe things | Gullible, naive |
| Crestfallen | Sad and disappointed | Dejected, downcast |
| Cryptic | Having a hidden meaning | Mysterious, puzzling |
| Recite | Repeat aloud from memory | Narrate, declaim |
| Tolerate | Allow something without interference | Endure, permit |
| Abolish | Put an end to something formally | End, eliminate |
| Abrupt | Sudden and unexpected | Sudden, hasty |
| Absorb | Take in or soak up | Soak up, assimilate |
| Accessible | Able to be reached or obtained easily | Reachable, obtainable |
| Accustomed | Familiar with something through experience | Familiar, used to |
| Acquire | Come to possess or own something | Obtain, gain |
| Adapt | Adjust to suit new conditions | Adjust, modify |
| Adjourn | Break off a meeting to resume later | Postpone, suspend |
| Advocate | Publicly recommend a policy or cause | Support, champion |
| Ally | A person or group that cooperates with another | Partner, associate |
| Analyse | Examine something in detail | Examine, study |
| Anecdote | A short amusing or interesting story | Story, tale |
| Animate | Bring to life or liveliness | Enliven, energise |
| Anticipate | Regard as probable; expect | Expect, foresee |
| Appropriate | Suitable or proper in the circumstances | Suitable, fitting |
| Assemble | Gather together in one place | Gather, collect |
| Assert | State a fact or belief confidently | Declare, affirm |
| Assess | Evaluate or estimate the nature of something | Evaluate, judge |
| Assist | Help someone by doing a share of the work | Help, aid |
| Attain | Succeed in achieving something | Achieve, reach |
| Attentive | Paying close attention | Observant, alert |
| Attribute | Regard something as caused by | Ascribe, credit |
| Bland | Lacking strong flavour or interest | Dull, mild |
| Blunder | A stupid or careless mistake | Mistake, error |
| Boast | Talk with excessive pride | Brag, gloat |
| Bolster | Support or strengthen | Support, reinforce |
| Burden | A heavy load or responsibility | Load, weight |
| Bustling | Full of busy and noisy activity | Busy, lively |
| Chronic | Persisting for a long time | Persistent, long-lasting |
| Circulate | Move continuously through a system | Spread, distribute |
| Coincide | Occur at the same time | Correspond, align |
| Collaborate | Work jointly on an activity | Cooperate, work together |
| Commence | Begin; start | Begin, start |
| Commend | Praise formally or officially | Praise, applaud |
| Compel | Force or oblige someone to do something | Force, oblige |
| Compensate | Give something to make up for a loss | Reimburse, offset |
| Comply | Act in accordance with a wish or command | Obey, conform |
| Comprehend | Grasp mentally; understand | Understand, grasp |
| Conceive | Form or devise a plan or idea | Devise, imagine |
| Conclude | Bring to an end; deduce | End, deduce |
| Conform | Comply with rules or standards | Comply, obey |
| Consent | Give permission for something | Agree, permit |
| Consequence | A result or effect of an action | Result, outcome |
| Considerate | Careful not to inconvenience others | Thoughtful, kind |
| Constant | Occurring continuously over time | Continuous, steady |
| Constrain | Compel or force in a particular way | Restrict, limit |
| Contract | Become smaller in size | Shrink, reduce |
| Contradict | Deny the truth of a statement | Deny, dispute |
| Contrast | Show a difference when compared | Differ, oppose |
| Contribute | Give something in order to help achieve | Give, provide |
| Convert | Change the form or use of something | Change, transform |
| Convince | Cause someone to believe firmly | Persuade, satisfy |
| Cooperate | Act jointly with others toward a goal | Collaborate, help |
| Cultivate | Try to acquire or develop a quality | Develop, foster |
| Debate | A discussion involving opposing viewpoints | Discussion, argument |
| Decline | Become smaller or worse; refuse | Decrease, refuse |
| Deduce | Reach a conclusion through reasoning | Infer, conclude |
| Defer | Put off to a later time | Postpone, delay |
| Defiant | Boldly resistant or challenging | Rebellious, resistant |
| Deflect | Cause to change direction | Divert, redirect |
| Delicate | Easily broken or damaged | Fragile, dainty |
| Demolish | Pull or knock down a building | Destroy, raze |
| Depict | Represent by drawing or describing | Portray, illustrate |
| Deprive | Prevent from enjoying something | Deny, withhold |
| Descend | Move downward | Go down, drop |
| Designate | Officially assign a role or name | Appoint, name |
| Desperate | Feeling a loss of hope | Hopeless, frantic |
| Detach | Disengage or separate from something | Separate, disconnect |
| Deteriorate | Become progressively worse | Worsen, decline |
| Determine | Decide firmly; establish exactly | Decide, establish |
| Devote | Give all of one's time to an activity | Dedicate, commit |
| Diminish | Make or become less | Reduce, lessen |
| Disclose | Make secret information known | Reveal, expose |
| Discourage | Persuade someone against a course of action | Deter, dishearten |
| Dismiss | Order or allow someone to leave | Send away, reject |
| Displace | Force something out of its usual place | Move, dislodge |
| Distinct | Recognisably different in nature | Different, separate |
| Distribute | Give shares of something to a group | Allocate, share |
| Diverse | Showing a great deal of variety | Varied, assorted |
| Dominant | Most important, powerful, or influential | Leading, principal |
| Drastic | Likely to have a strong effect | Extreme, severe |
| Dwindle | Diminish gradually in size or strength | Decrease, shrink |
| Elicit | Draw out a response or reaction | Evoke, draw out |
| Eliminate | Completely remove or get rid of | Remove, eradicate |
| Embark | Begin a course of action | Start, undertake |
| Emerge | Become visible after being hidden | Appear, arise |
| Emphasise | Give special importance to something | Stress, highlight |
| Enable | Give someone the ability to do something | Allow, permit |
| Encounter | Unexpectedly experience or be faced with | Meet, face |
| Endure | Suffer something patiently | Bear, withstand |
| Enhance | Intensify or improve the quality of | Improve, boost |
| Enthusiastic | Having intense enjoyment or interest | Eager, keen |
| Envious | Feeling discontent from another's advantages | Jealous, resentful |
| Establish | Set up on a firm basis | Set up, found |
| Exceed | Go beyond what is allowed or expected | Surpass, outdo |
| Excel | Be exceptionally good at something | Shine, thrive |
| Exclude | Deny access to a place or activity | Omit, bar |
| Expand | Become or make larger | Grow, enlarge |
| Extract | Remove or take out something | Remove, withdraw |
| Fluctuate | Rise and fall irregularly in level | Vary, waver |
| Fragment | A small part broken off something | Piece, portion |
Advanced Words 250 words
For exam readiness. These words appear in the most challenging 11+ papers and are often the difference between a good and an outstanding score.
| Word | Meaning | Common synonym |
|---|---|---|
| Abate | Become less intense | Lessen, diminish |
| Abdicate | Fail to fulfil responsibility | Renounce, relinquish |
| Aberrant | Departing from normal | Abnormal, deviant |
| Abhor | Regard with disgust | Detest, loathe |
| Abjure | Solemnly renounce | Renounce, forswear |
| Abnegate | Renounce a belief | Reject, abandon |
| Abrogate | Repeal a law | Abolish, revoke |
| Abstemious | Not self-indulgent | Moderate, restrained |
| Abstruse | Difficult to understand | Complex, obscure |
| Acerbic | Sharp and forthright | Sharp, cutting |
| Acrimony | Bitterness or ill feeling | Bitterness, hostility |
| Acumen | The ability to make good judgements | Shrewdness, insight |
| Admonish | Warn or reprimand firmly | Reprimand, rebuke |
| Adroit | Clever or skilful | Skilful, deft |
| Affable | Friendly and easy to talk to | Friendly, amiable |
| Alacrity | Brisk and cheerful readiness | Eagerness, willingness |
| Alleviate | Make suffering less severe | Ease, relieve |
| Altruistic | Showing unselfish concern for others | Selfless, charitable |
| Ambivalent | Having mixed feelings | Uncertain, undecided |
| Ameliorate | Make something bad better | Improve, better |
| Vitriolic | Filled with bitter criticism | Scathing, venomous |
| Amicable | Done in a friendly spirit | Friendly, cordial |
| Anachronism | Something out of its time | Archaism, relic |
| Anarchy | Disorder from lack of authority | Chaos, disorder |
| Antagonise | Cause hostility in someone | Provoke, irritate |
| Apathy | Lack of interest or concern | Indifference, lethargy |
| Appease | Pacify by making concessions | Pacify, placate |
| Arcane | Known only by a few | Mysterious, obscure |
| Ardour | Great enthusiasm or passion | Passion, enthusiasm |
| Assiduous | Showing great care and effort | Diligent, industrious |
| Punctilious | Showing great attention to detail | Meticulous, precise |
| Atone | Make amends | Repent, compensate |
| Recalcitrant | Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude | Defiant, unruly |
| Auspicious | Suggesting a good future | Promising, favourable |
| Avarice | Extreme greed for wealth | Greed, covetousness |
| Beguile | Charm or trick someone | Charm, deceive |
| Belligerent | Hostile and aggressive | Aggressive, hostile |
| Bemoan | Express discontent about | Lament, complain |
| Benign | Gentle and kindly | Kind, harmless |
| Brazen | Bold and without shame | Shameless, impudent |
| Brevity | Concise and exact use of words | Conciseness, shortness |
| Brisk | Active and energetic | Lively, energetic |
| Buoyant | Cheerful and optimistic | Cheerful, light-hearted |
| Cajole | Persuade by flattery | Coax, persuade |
| Callous | Showing no concern for others | Uncaring, heartless |
| Capitulate | Cease to resist | Surrender, yield |
| Capricious | Given to sudden changes | Unpredictable, fickle |
| Censure | Express severe disapproval | Condemn, criticise |
| Chastise | Rebuke or punish | Scold, reprimand |
| Churlish | Rude in an unfriendly way | Rude, surly |
| Clemency | Mercy shown to an offender | Mercy, leniency |
| Salient | Most noticeable or important | Prominent, notable |
| Compunction | Anxiety from guilt | Remorse, guilt |
| Condescending | Showing a low opinion of others | Patronising, superior |
| Confound | Cause surprise or confusion | Baffle, perplex |
| Consternation | A feeling of great worry | Dismay, alarm |
| Torpid | Mentally or physically inactive | Sluggish, lethargic |
| Contrite | Feeling regret for wrongdoing | Remorseful, sorry |
| Convoluted | Extremely complex | Complex, intricate |
| Copious | Abundant in supply | Plentiful, ample |
| Covert | Not openly done | Secret, hidden |
| Credible | Able to be believed | Believable, plausible |
| Culpable | Responsible for a fault | Guilty, blameworthy |
| Cursory | Hasty and not detailed | Brief, superficial |
| Cynical | Distrustful of human goodness | Sceptical, distrustful |
| Dauntless | Fearless | Fearless, intrepid |
| Debilitate | Make someone very weak | Weaken, enfeeble |
| Deceitful | Guilty of deceiving | Dishonest, misleading |
| Deference | Humble submission to another | Respect, submission |
| Deliberate | Done with full awareness | Intentional, planned |
| Denounce | Publicly declare wrong | Condemn, censure |
| Deplete | Use up the supply of | Exhaust, drain |
| Derision | Contemptuous ridicule | Mockery, scorn |
| Despondent | In low spirits from loss | Downcast, dejected |
| Devious | Showing a willingness to deceive | Cunning, sly |
| Vociferous | Vehement or clamorous in expression | Loud, outspoken |
| Discreet | Careful not to cause offence | Tactful, careful |
| Disdain | The feeling of contempt | Scorn, contempt |
| Disparage | Regard as unworthy | Belittle, deprecate |
| Dubious | Hesitating or doubting | Doubtful, uncertain |
| Duplicitous | Deceitful | Deceitful, dishonest |
| Eccentricity | Unusual behaviour | Oddness, quirk |
| Egregious | Outstandingly bad | Shocking, outrageous |
| Eloquent | Fluent and persuasive in speaking | Articulate, fluent |
| Eminent | Famous and respected | Distinguished, notable |
| Empathy | Ability to understand another's feelings | Compassion, understanding |
| Endeavour | Try hard to do something | Try, attempt |
| Enigmatic | Difficult to interpret | Mysterious, puzzling |
| Zealot | A person fanatically committed to a cause | Fanatic, extremist |
| Equivocal | Open to more than one interpretation | Ambiguous, unclear |
| Erroneous | Wrong; incorrect | Mistaken, incorrect |
| Evasive | Tending to avoid commitment | Elusive, shifty |
| Exasperate | Irritate greatly | Frustrate, infuriate |
| Exemplary | Serving as a desirable model | Outstanding, admirable |
| Exhaustive | Including all elements | Complete, thorough |
| Exhilarating | Making one feel very happy | Thrilling, exciting |
| Explicit | Stated clearly | Clear, direct |
| Exuberant | Filled with lively energy | Enthusiastic, vivacious |
| Facetious | Treating something serious as amusing | Flippant, frivolous |
| Fallacious | Based on a mistaken belief | False, misleading |
| Fastidious | Very attentive to accuracy | Meticulous, particular |
| Fathom | Understand after much thought | Understand, comprehend |
| Fervent | Having strong feelings | Passionate, ardent |
| Fervour | Intense passionate feeling | Passion, enthusiasm |
| Flagrant | Conspicuously wrong | Blatant, obvious |
| Flippant | Not showing respect | Disrespectful, glib |
| Flourish | Grow or develop in a healthy way | Thrive, prosper |
| Forlorn | Pitifully sad | Sad, miserable |
| Formidable | Inspiring fear through size | Daunting, impressive |
| Fortitude | Courage in the face of pain | Courage, resilience |
| Abeyance | A state of temporary suspension | Suspension, dormancy |
| Futile | Producing no results | Useless, pointless |
| Garrulous | Excessively talkative | Talkative, chatty |
| Gratuitous | Uncalled for | Unnecessary, unwarranted |
| Gregarious | Fond of company | Sociable, outgoing |
| Guile | Sly or cunning intelligence | Cunning, deceit |
| Gullible | Easily persuaded to believe things | Naive, credulous |
| Harrowing | Acutely distressing | Distressing, traumatic |
| Haughty | Arrogantly superior | Arrogant, proud |
| Hazardous | Risky or dangerous | Dangerous, perilous |
| Heed | Pay attention to | Notice, consider |
| Heretic | A person who holds unorthodox opinions | Dissenter, rebel |
| Hilarity | Extreme amusement | Amusement, laughter |
| Hostile | Unfriendly | Aggressive, antagonistic |
| Humility | A modest view of one's importance | Modesty, meekness |
| Hypocritical | Behaving in a false way | Two-faced, insincere |
| Idiosyncratic | Peculiar to an individual | Quirky, eccentric |
| Ignorant | Lacking knowledge | Unaware, uninformed |
| Immutable | Unchanging over time | Fixed, permanent |
| Impartial | Treating all rivals equally | Fair, unbiased |
| Impetuous | Acting without thought | Rash, hasty |
| Implacable | Unable to be appeased | Relentless, merciless |
| Implicit | Suggested without being stated | Implied, indirect |
| Impudent | Not showing due respect | Rude, insolent |
| Incisive | Intelligently analytical | Sharp, acute |
| Incredulous | Unwilling or unable to believe | Disbelieving, sceptical |
| Indifferent | Having no interest | Unconcerned, apathetic |
| Indignant | Feeling righteous anger | Angry, offended |
| Indolent | Wanting to avoid activity | Lazy, idle |
| Inept | Having no skill | Incompetent, clumsy |
| Inexorable | Impossible to stop | Relentless, unstoppable |
| Infamous | Well known for bad qualities | Notorious, disgraceful |
| Ingenious | Clever and inventive | Clever, inventive |
| Innate | Inborn | Natural, inborn |
| Inquisitive | Curious to learn | Curious, enquiring |
| Insidious | Proceeding in a gradual harmful way | Sneaky, subtle |
| Insolent | Showing a rude lack of respect | Rude, impertinent |
| Integrity | The quality of being honest | Honesty, honour |
| Intrepid | Fearless | Fearless, brave |
| Irate | Feeling very angry | Angry, furious |
| Judicious | Having good judgement | Wise, sensible |
| Languid | Displaying little energy | Weak, listless |
| Lavish | Sumptuously rich | Extravagant, generous |
| Lax | Not sufficiently strict | Slack, careless |
| Lethargic | Affected by sluggishness | Sluggish, slow |
| Loquacious | Tending to talk a great deal | Talkative, garrulous |
| Ludicrous | So foolish as to be funny | Ridiculous, absurd |
| Magnanimous | Generous in forgiving | Generous, forgiving |
| Malevolent | Having a wish to harm others | Malicious, spiteful |
| Meticulous | Taking great care | Careful, precise |
| Mitigate | Make less severe | Lessen, reduce |
| Morose | Sullen and ill-tempered | Sulky, gloomy |
| Mundane | Lacking interest | Ordinary, dull |
| Nonchalant | Feeling no worry | Calm, casual |
| Notorious | Famous for something bad | Infamous, disreputable |
| Oblivious | Not aware of | Unaware, ignorant |
| Obstinate | Stubbornly refusing to change | Stubborn, pigheaded |
| Obtuse | Slow to understand | Slow, dull |
| Ominous | Giving a feeling of fear | Threatening, sinister |
| Ostracise | Exclude from a group | Exclude, shun |
| Pacify | Bring peace to | Calm, appease |
| Pensive | Engaged in deep thought | Thoughtful, reflective |
| Perilous | Full of danger | Dangerous, hazardous |
| Persevere | Continue despite difficulty | Persist, continue |
| Petulant | Childishly sulky | Sulky, irritable |
| Placid | Not easily upset | Calm, peaceful |
| Pompous | Affectedly grand | Self-important, arrogant |
| Pragmatic | Dealing with things practically | Practical, realistic |
| Precarious | Not securely held | Unstable, risky |
| Presumptuous | Too confident | Arrogant, bold |
| Procrastinate | Delay doing something | Delay, postpone |
| Profound | Very great or intense | Deep, intense |
| Prolific | Producing much | Productive, fertile |
| Prudent | Acting with care and thought | Sensible, wise |
| Querulous | Complaining in a petulant way | Complaining, whining |
| Rancour | Bitterness from feeling wronged | Bitterness, resentment |
| Rash | Acting without careful thought | Impulsive, reckless |
| Raucous | Making a harsh, loud noise | Noisy, rowdy |
| Reticent | Not revealing thoughts | Reserved, quiet |
| Rigorous | Extremely thorough | Thorough, strict |
| Ruse | A trick intended to deceive | Trick, ploy |
| Sagacious | Having good judgement | Wise, shrewd |
| Sarcastic | Mocking or meaning the opposite | Mocking, cutting |
| Sceptical | Not easily convinced | Doubtful, cynical |
| Serene | Calm and peaceful | Calm, tranquil |
| Shrewd | Having practical intelligence | Astute, clever |
| Sinister | Giving a sense of evil | Threatening, ominous |
| Solemn | Formal and dignified | Serious, grave |
| Sombre | Dark or dull in tone | Gloomy, dark |
| Steadfast | Resolutely firm | Firm, resolute |
| Stoic | Enduring pain without complaint | Patient, uncomplaining |
| Subtle | Hard to detect | Understated, delicate |
| Sullen | Bad-tempered and sulky | Moody, gloomy |
| Superfluous | Unnecessary | Unnecessary, excess |
| Suppress | Forcibly put an end to | Subdue, stifle |
| Surreptitious | Kept secret | Secret, covert |
| Tempestuous | Very stormy | Stormy, turbulent |
| Tenacious | Holding firm to something | Persistent, determined |
| Tentative | Not certain or fixed | Hesitant, uncertain |
| Timid | Showing a lack of courage | Shy, fearful |
| Tranquil | Free from disturbance | Calm, peaceful |
| Treacherous | Guilty of betrayal | Disloyal, traitorous |
| Turbulent | Moving unsteadily | Unstable, stormy |
| Unscrupulous | Without moral principles | Dishonest, unprincipled |
| Vacuous | Having a lack of thought | Empty, vacant |
| Venerable | Accorded great respect | Respected, esteemed |
| Vigilant | Keeping careful watch | Alert, watchful |
| Vivacious | Attractively lively | Lively, spirited |
| Volatile | Liable to change rapidly | Unpredictable, unstable |
| Wary | Cautious about dangers | Cautious, careful |
| Zealous | Having great energy for a cause | Passionate, fervent |
| Abstain | Restrain oneself from doing something | Refrain, forgo |
| Acquiesce | Accept something reluctantly but without protest | Comply, submit |
| Vexation | The state of being annoyed or frustrated | Annoyance, irritation |
| Aggrandise | Increase the power or status of | Exaggerate, magnify |
| Wanton | Deliberate and unprovoked | Reckless, unjustified |
| Anomaly | Something that deviates from the norm | Irregularity, deviation |
| Antipathy | A deep-seated feeling of dislike | Hostility, aversion |
| Apathetic | Showing no interest or concern | Indifferent, unconcerned |
| Apocryphal | Widely circulated but of doubtful truth | Dubious, unverified |
| Arbitrary | Based on random choice rather than reason | Random, capricious |
| Assuage | Make an unpleasant feeling less intense | Ease, relieve |
| Belie | Fail to give a true impression of | Contradict, disguise |
| Cacophony | A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds | Discord, noise |
| Castigate | Reprimand someone severely | Criticise, rebuke |
| Conciliatory | Intended to placate or pacify | Appeasing, pacifying |
| Corroborate | Confirm or give support to a statement | Confirm, verify |
| Despot | A ruler with absolute, often cruel, power | Tyrant, autocrat |
| Diffident | Modest or shy because of a lack of confidence | Shy, timid |
| Discern | Perceive or recognise something clearly | Perceive, distinguish |
| Disparate | Essentially different in kind | Distinct, unrelated |
| Ebullient | Cheerful and full of energy | Exuberant, buoyant |
| Ephemeral | Lasting for a very short time | Fleeting, transient |
| Erudite | Having great knowledge from reading | Learned, scholarly |
| Extol | Praise enthusiastically | Praise, laud |
| Fastidiousness | Great attention to detail and accuracy | Meticulousness, precision |
| Frivolous | Not having any serious purpose | Trivial, silly |
| Impervious | Unable to be affected by something | Unaffected, resistant |
| Inadvertent | Not resulting from careful thought | Accidental, unintentional |
| Incongruous | Not in harmony with its surroundings | Out of place, odd |
Tips for Learning These Words
Make It a Daily Habit
Short daily sessions are far more effective than weekly cramming. Even 10 minutes a day over three months adds up to over 15 hours of practice.
Test in Both Directions
Don't just learn word-to-meaning. Practise the other direction too: being given a definition and finding the word. This is exactly what verbal reasoning questions require.
Learn Synonyms Together
The 11+ frequently asks children to identify the word closest in meaning to another. Learning synonyms alongside each word is one of the most targeted ways to prepare.
Use the Words in Real Sentences
Encourage your child to use a new word in conversation or writing each day. Using a word actively helps it move from short-term to long-term memory.
Focus on the Difficult Ones
If your child gets a word right consistently, move on. Spend more time on words they find difficult. This is how your child makes the fastest progress.
Practise These Words With the 11+ Words App
If you want your child to learn these words in a structured, engaging way, without you having to quiz them yourself, the 11+ Words app is completely free and built specifically for this.
The app includes:
- Structured word lists organised by difficulty
- Flashcard review sessions
- Multiple quiz types that mirror 11+ exam formats
- Adaptive practice so harder words come up more often
- Progress tracking so you can see what's been learned
No ads. No hidden costs. No subscription.
Wondering why this list stops at 500 rather than running into the thousands? Read: What Vocabulary Is Actually Tested in the 11+?
Flashcards losing their shine? Read: How to Build a Vocabulary Habit Without Flashcard Burnout
Confused about how vocabulary and verbal reasoning differ? Read: 11+ Vocabulary vs Verbal Reasoning: What's the Difference?
Word selection is based on common 11+ exam requirements across both GL Assessment and CEM exam boards.