Alphabetic A

verb

1 of 125

Bad / Attack

Url audio

avenge - To Inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)

Pierre felt that honor compelled him to kill Gaston to avenge Gaston's killing of Pierre's sister, even though he knew that the killing had been unintentional.

adjective

2 of 125

Good / Successful

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aristocratic - Belonging to a class of people who are at the highest level of society.

The prince commanded great respect because of his aristocratic manner.

verb

See noun

3 of 125

Bad / War

Url audio

ambush - To suddenly attack someone after hiding and waiting for them:

The brigade walked quietly to the hidden spot on the hill, patiently until the enemy walked in the valley below, so that they could ambush the unsuspecting enemy, who were taken by surprise.

adjective

4 of 125

Bad / Unfriendly

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aloof - Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

Dwight, aloof as always, would barely communicate with his wife as they contemplated the state of their marriage, even when they were in the most beautiful surroundings.

adjective

5 of 125

Bad / Aggressive

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autocratic - Demanding total obedience and control, often in a domineering way.

The king ran his government in an autocratic manner, refusing to take advice or hear feedback from anybody else.

adjective

6 of 125

Bad / Afraid

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alarming - Causing fear, concern, worry, and apprehension.

Starting in 2014 there was an alarming increase in fentanyl deaths in the US peaking to over 73,000 deaths in 2023.

adjective

7 of 125

Good / Flexible

Url audio

apologetic - Feeling or showing that you are sorry for doing something wrong or for causing a problem

When Bill realized that his mistake caused the company to lose millions of dollars, he wrote his manager an apologetic email.

adjective

8 of 125

Other / Surprise

Url audio

appalled - Filled with dismay or disgust, especially at something morally wrong.

We were appalled at the cost of the car repairs—it was far too high!

adjective

9 of 125

Good / Exciting

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astounding - Very surprising or shocking; causing amazement.

The scientist worked hard, and ended up making an astounding discovery that could change medicine forever.

verb

10 of 125

Bad / War

audio

abduct - To seize and take someone away against their will, by force; to kidnap.

The kidnappers abducted Patty Heart on February 4, 1974 and demanded that prisoners be released in exchange for her return.

verb

11 of 125

Bad / Attack

Url audio

afflict - To cause pain, suffering, or trouble.

The South American country was afflicted by political and financial corruption for decades.

noun

12 of 125

Bad / Powerless

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addict - A person who is physically or mentally dependent on a substance, especially drugs or alcohol.

The addict struggled for years to overcome his dependence on heroin.