Word Power Vocabulary List
Word Power Vocabulary List
Part 1 of 2 • Clear Definitions, Memory Anchors & Example Sentences
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Study Tip: Look at the Memory Anchor and say each word out loud using the pronunciation guide!
1. abundant /uh-BUN-duhnt/ Adjective
Memory Anchor: Plenty / Overflowing
Simple Meaning: Existing in very large amounts; having more than enough of something.
Example: In the autumn, the farmers celebrated an abundant harvest of fresh apples and pumpkins.
Synonyms: plentiful, overflowing, generous | Opposite: scarce, rare
2. imperialist /im-PEER-ee-uh-list/ Noun / Adj
Memory Anchor: Empire / Ruling Others
Simple Meaning: Describing a nation or leader who extends power by conquering and controlling other lands.
Example: The imperialist ruler sent his military across the ocean to take control of neighboring territories.
Synonyms: conqueror, colonizer, dominant | Opposite: independent, self-governing
3. repugnant /ri-PUHG-nuhnt/ Adjective
Memory Anchor: Gross / Disgusting
Simple Meaning: Extremely distasteful, disgusting, or offensive; something that pushes you away.
Example: The smell of spoiled milk left in the hot car for three days was completely repugnant.
Synonyms: repulsive, foul, sickening, offensive | Opposite: delightful, appealing
4. inhibit /in-HIB-it/ Verb
Memory Anchor: Stop / Hold Back
Simple Meaning: To slow down, prevent, or stop something from growing, moving, or happening naturally.
Example: Cold temperatures and heavy frost will inhibit the tomato plant's ability to produce fruit.
Synonyms: hinder, restrict, restrain, block | Opposite: encourage, aid, boost
5. animosity /an-uh-MOSS-uh-tee/ Noun
Memory Anchor: Enemy Vibe / Bad Blood
Simple Meaning: Strong, deep dislike, bitter anger, or active ill will toward another person or group.
Example: Even after the fierce championship game, the two rival players shook hands and showed no animosity.
Synonyms: hostility, bitterness, hatred, grudge | Opposite: friendship, harmony, warmth
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Word Power Vocabulary List
Part 2 of 2 • Words 6 – 10
6. exhort /eg-ZORT/ Verb
Memory Anchor: Cheer On / Urge Strongly
Simple Meaning: To strongly urge, advise, or passionately encourage someone to take action.
Example: The coach gathered the exhausted team at halftime to exhort them to keep trying until the final buzzer.
Synonyms: encourage, urge, push, persuade | Opposite: discourage, dissuade
7. turbulent /TUR-byuh-luhnt/ Adjective
Memory Anchor: Bumpy / Stormy Waves
Simple Meaning: Full of wild commotion, disorder, chaos, or violent, bumpy movement.
Example: The airplane rattled and shook as it flew straight through the turbulent storm clouds.
Synonyms: stormy, chaotic, rough, unstable | Opposite: calm, peaceful, smooth
8. yearn /YURN/ Verb
Memory Anchor: Heart Longing / Wish
Simple Meaning: To have an intense, deep feeling of longing, craving, or wishing for something or someone.
Example: While spending the summer far away at camp, Maya began to yearn for her family and her own cozy bed.
Synonyms: crave, long for, desire, ache for | Opposite: dislike, reject, ignore
9. utilitarian /yoo-til-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn/ Adjective
Memory Anchor: Useful / Practical Tool
Simple Meaning: Designed to be useful, sturdy, and practical rather than attractive, fancy, or decorative.
Example: The plain metal army boots weren't stylish, but their utilitarian build kept feet dry and safe in deep mud.
Synonyms: practical, functional, durable, useful | Opposite: decorative, fancy, ornamental
10. desolate /DESS-uh-lit/ Adjective
Memory Anchor: Empty / Ghost Town
Simple Meaning: Completely empty, barren, lonely, and deserted, showing no signs of life or joy.
Example: We drove past a desolate stretch of desert where nothing grew except a few dry, dusty bushes.
Synonyms: barren, deserted, isolated, bleak | Opposite: crowded, lively, vibrant
Quick Word Match Reference
• Abundant: Plenty / More than enough
• Exhort: Strongly encourage or urge
• Imperialist: Expanding control over lands
• Turbulent: Wild, stormy, bumpy disorder
• Repugnant: Disgusting or offensive
• Yearn: Deep longing or aching wish
• Inhibit: Hold back or slow down
• Utilitarian: Built to be useful, not fancy
• Animosity: Bitter hatred or hostility
• Desolate: Bare, empty, and deserted
Words 6 to 10 of 10 Complete Set • 10 Target Words Page 2
