abase ✅(v.) to lower in esteem, degrade; to humble
abashed ✅(adj., part.) embarrassed, ashamed, or nonplussed
abate ✅(v.) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit
aberration ✅noun: a state or condition markedly different from the norm
abeyance ✅noun: a state of being temporarily inactive, suspended, or set aside
abhor ✅to regard with horror or loathing; to hate deeply
abject ✅Lowly, miserable and wretched
abnegate ✅to deny oneself things; to reject; to renounce
abomination ✅something that causes great horror or disgust
aboriginal ✅being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
abort ✅to give up unfinished
,Synonyms: abandon, repeal, rescind, revoke
abound ✅to exist in great numbers or quantities
abrasive ✅(adj.) causing irritation, harsh; grinding or wearing down
abridge ✅to shorten
abrogate ✅to abolish
absolute ✅complete; totally unlimited; certain
absolve ✅(v.) to clear from blame, responsibility, or guilt
synonyms: acquit, exonerate, vindicate, excuse, pardon
abstemious ✅(adj.) moderate, sparing (as in eating and drinking); characterized by abstinence and self-
discipline
abstruse ✅difficult to understand
abysmal ✅Very bad or of bad quality
,accede ✅to agree to
accolade ✅tribute; honor; praise
accretion ✅a growth in size; an increase in amount
accumulate ✅to increase in number or amount; to pile up, collect, or gather
acerbic ✅(adj.) biting, bitter in tone or taste (Jill became extremely acerbic and began to cruelly make
fun of all her friends.)
acme ✅the highest point
acquisitive ✅greedy
acrimonious ✅bitter
acumen ✅keen insight
adamant ✅unyielding; firm in opinion
syn: stubborn
adept ✅Skilled; expert at
, adequate ✅enough, sufficient
adhere ✅to stick to something
admonished ✅warn or reprimand someone firmly
adorned ✅decorated
adroit ✅skillful
adulation ✅excessive praise or admiration
adulterate ✅to make impure; to contaminate
adversary ✅an enemy or opponent
advocate ✅to support; to be in favor of
aegis ✅shield; protection; defense
aesthetic ✅pertaining to beauty