ILLUSTRATED KID'S DICTIONARY
by Sky Wise
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WELCOME to the Picture Dictionary! This is very easy to use- simply click on any letter to find a list of words, then click on the word you like to see the picture, the definition, a sample sentence, and related words. Click on any "Table of Contents" link to go back to the beginning. That's it! Have fun! - Sky Wise PLEASE ALLOW A FEW MOMENTS FOR THE BOOK TO LOAD- There are over 500 illustrations, so please be patient- thanks.
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- Click on letter and/or word to navigate to the picture/word-
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abound – to be abundant in large numbers
Nesting birds abounded in the valley. Present tense: abound Synonyms: bristled, teemed, thronged, were abundant, were plentiful Note: The subject can be “valley” in this example: The valley abounded or teemed with nesting birds.
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abrade vt to wear something away by friction The waves abraded the rocks and made them smooth. Present Tense: abrade Synonyms: wore down, eroded
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accept vt to take something that is offered
She accepted her diploma from the principal. Present tense: accepts Synonyms: receive, get, take Antonym: rejected
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accumulate vi to gather or increase over a period of time
Snow accumulated on the roof of the house. Present tense: accumulates Synonyms: amassed, collected, gathered, piled up
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act vi to function as something or serve a particular purpose
She acted as a friend to me. Present tense: acts Synonyms: behaved, functioned, served
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add up vt to calculate the total of two or more numbers
He added up their quarters. Present tense: adds up Synonyms: counted up, totaled up Antonym: subtracted
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adjust vt to change something a little bit to make it fit or work better
Ed adjusted his tie. Present tense: adjusts Synonyms: fitted, fixed, straightened out
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adore- vt 1. to love somebody intensely or deeply
Bao adored her mom. Present tense: adores Synonyms: cherished, delighted in, esteemed, revered, treasured, worshiped Antonym: hated Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
age- vti 1. To grow old or cause something to grow old
The tree aged; its trunk and limbs grew hollow. Present tense: ages Synonyms: grew old, got older, wore out, matured Related: hollowed out
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aggravate to make something worse
He aggravated his injury by bumping his knee a second time. Present tense: aggravates Synonyms: worsened, inflamed, irritated Antonym: soothe
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agitate- vt 1.to make somebody feel anxious, nervous, or disturbed
She agitated her family by yelling. Present tense: agitates Synonyms: upset, frazzled, distressed, stressed out
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agree vti 1. to have the same opinion or be in accord about an idea
The student leaders agreed upon a plan. Present tense: agree Synonyms: concurred Phrasal equivalents to agreed upon: came out for, favored, got behind, supported Antonym: object
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align- vt 1. to place something in a line with something else
Carl aligned the two points with his ruler. Present tense: align Synonyms: lined up, connected Antonym: disconnected, dislocated
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amble- vi to walk slowly in a relaxed way
The boys ambled through the park. Present tense: amble Synonyms: moseyed, plodded, poked along, roamed, sauntered, shuffled, trudged, walked, wandered, went slowly Antonym: run Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
amuse- vt 1.to make someone smile or laugh or think something is funny The clown amused him. Present tense: amuses Synonyms: captivated, charmed, pleased, delighted, made a hit with, thrilled Antonym: annoy Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
angle- vtr 1.to turn, move or direct at an angle (Webster-Merriam Online)
The fish angled themselves upstream. Root/Present tense: angle Synonyms: directed, inclined, oriented, pointed, turned, veered
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announce- vt 1. to declare or report something publicly
Lisa announced the winners of the contest. Present tense: announces Synonyms: brought word of, called out, reported Antonym: conceal
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answer vti 1. To reply to something written or spoken
Wendy answered the geography question. Present tense: answer(s) Synonyms: gave an answer to, responded to, replied to
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answer to vi To be obliged to give somebody justifications or accept criticism for your behavior or actions
He answered to his boss. Present tense: answers to Synonyms: was accountable to, reported to, was responsible to
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apologize- vi 1. to say that you are sorry for something that has upset or wronged someone else
Laura apologized for what she did wrong. Present tense: apologizes Synonyms: said ”Sorry”, made amends, asked forgiveness Antonyms: defended, justified
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appall vt to make someone feel shock, horror, or disgust The crowd’s behavior appalled her. Present tense: appalls Synonyms: horrified, grossed (her) out, shocked, outraged, dismayed Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
appear_emerge vi 1. to come into view or become visible
An eagle appeared over the mountain. Present tense: appears Synonyms: arose, came into view, came into sight Related word: emerged Antonym: disappear
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appear_turn up vi 1. to come into view, become visible
Present tense: appear Synonyms: turned up, showed up, were found
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applaud vt 1. To clap hands as a sign of welcome, appreciation or approval
The audience applauded the actors. Present tense: applauds Synonyms: praised, cheered, clapped for, showed appreciation of
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apply submit an application vi 1. to make a formal, usually written request for something
Yoshi applied for a new sales job. Present tense: applies Synonyms: asked in writing, petitioned, submitted an application, put in for
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appraise vt 1. To give an estimate of how much money something is worth
He appraised the goblet. Present tense: appraises Synonyms: evaluated, assessed, set the price of, fixed the price of
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argue vi 1. To express disagreement with somebody, especially continuously or angrily
Cathy and her brother argued over who would get the car. Present tense: argue Synonyms: bickered, fought, fussed, scrapped, fell out Related word: debated
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arrange vt 2. To put people or things in a position or order
Mom arranged the flowers in a vase. Present tense: arranges Synonyms: placed, set the flowers out, organized
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array vt 2. to arrange troops for battle (usually in passive construction)
The soldiers were arrayed in a long column. Present tense: array, are arrayed(passive) Synonyms: lined up, ordered, grouped, arranged
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arrive vi 1. To get to a place after coming from another place
Jacob arrived on time. Present tense: arrives Synonyms: appeared, got there, presented himself, made it, showed up, turned up
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ask vti 1. To put a question to somebody
Kay asked her about the time. Present tense asks Synonyms: asked a question, inquired, wanted to know
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ask for vt 1.to request that something be provided or given
Jane asked for more time to finish. Present tense: asks for Synonyms: appealed for, requested, sought
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ask in vt (separable) 1. To invite somebody to enter or participate in an activity
Mei asked her friends in. Synonyms: invited, bade___to come in, beckoned (to her friends) to come in, motioned (to her friends) to come in Root/Present tense: asks __ in
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ask out vt (separable) 1. To invite somebody to go on a date
Li asked Hua out to a movie. Present tense: asks___ out Synonyms: invited
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assemble vt 1. to fit the parts of something together to make a finished whole
Henry assembled a model airplane. Present tense: assembles Synonyms: constructed, built, made, put together
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assume vi 1. To think that something is true even though you don’t have any evidence for it
The brothers assumed that they could borrow the car. Present tense: assumes Synonyms: figured, presumed, reckoned, supposed, thought, took for granted Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
attempt vti 1. to try to do something
Hanna attempted to climb the rope. Present tense: attempts Synonyms: endeavored, made an effort, took a chance, tried
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back out vt to withdraw from a commitment or promise
Fernando backed out of the baseball game. Synonyms: and phrasal equivalents abandoned, left, quit, walked out on, withdrew from Root/Present tense: backs out of Note: the intransitive form is simply back out
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back up vt (separable) 1. To provide support for a person or idea
Lucy backed up her friend on what she said. Present tense: backs up Synonyms: backed, supported, spoke up for (her friend), stood by (her friend)
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back up vti 2. to go or move something backwards
Dylan backed the truck up. /Present tense: backs up Synonyms: backed (the truck) out, reversed
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bag vt 1. to put something into a bag
The store clerk bagged the groceries. Root/Present tense: bags Synonyms: sacked, packed, loaded, loaded up
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bail vti 1. to empty water out of a boat, using a bucket or similar container
John bailed water from the boat. Present tense: bails Synonyms: dredged, ladeled, poured, scooped
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bake vti 1. To cook something such as bread, a cake, or a pie in an oven by dry heat or to be cooked the same way
Grandma baked a cake. Root/Present tense: bakes Synonyms: oven baked, prepared, made
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bar vt 3. to refuse or obstruct entry to a place
The owner barred them from entering. Present tense: bars Synonyms: kept, stopped, restrained
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bare vt to reveal or expose something
The wolf bared his teeth to the campfire. Present tense: bares Synonyms: flashed, showed, revealed, exposed
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barge in on (or into) vi to interrupt somebody in a clumsy or rude manner
She barged in on our meeting. Present tense: barges in Synonyms: butted in on, broke in on, burst in on , charged in on, crashed, muscled into, forced (her way) into, interrupted, intruded on, invaded
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bark vi to make the loud abrupt sound made by a dog or fox
The dog barked at the stranger. Present tense: barks Synonyms: bayed, howled, snapped, woofed, yapped
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bear vt 9. to yield something by a natural process or produce something desirable
The trees bore new flowers, then fruit. Present tense: bear Synonyms: produced, developed, displayed
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beat vt 2. hit something or somebody with repeated blows
He beat his fists against the wall. Present tense: beats Synonyms: banged, flailed, hammered, hit, pelted, pounded, struck
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beat vi 1. to defeat somebody in a contest
They beat us in football. Root/Present tense: beat Synonyms: bested, edged, defeated, outdid, outplayed, outpointed
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become 1. vi to come to be, take on, or develop a specific quality
He became nervous when it was his turn to play. Present tense: becomes Synonyms: came to be, grew, got
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become 1. vi to change or develop into something
She became a doctor by studying animal life first. Present tense: becomes Synonyms: came to be, developed into, turned into, prepared to be
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beg 1.vt to ask for something in a very intense way
Alice begged her mom to buy her candy. Root/Present tense: begs Synonyms: nagged, implored, called to, pleaded to, pressed
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begin 1. vti to start to do something that was not being done before
She began to cough. Root/Present tense: begin(s) Synonyms: commence, start
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belie 2. vt to show that something is not true or real
His nasty behavior belied the niceness he had shown before. Present tense: belies Synonyms: called into question, contradicted, disproved, negated, denied, falsified, was contrary to
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bestir vr to begin to do something after a period of inactivity
She bestirred herself to fix some breakfast. Present tense: bestirs Synonyms: roused, motivated, moved
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bite vt to cut through something using the teeth
The puppy bit his chew toy. Present tense: bites Synonyms: chewed, chomped on, gnawed on, munched, seized
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bleat vi to make the wavering sound of a sheep, goat or calf
The sheep bleated in the pasture. Present tense: bleats Synonyms: baaed, blatted
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blend vt to mix different substances smoothly together so that they do not separate
She blended the eggs with the flour and milk. Present tense: blends Synonyms: combined, mixed Related word: whipped
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blow out vt to extinguish a flame with a blast of air
Alice blew out the candles. Root/Present tense: blows out Synonyms: doused, extinguished, put out, quenched, smothered
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blind vt to make somebody temporarily unable to see
The rising sun blinded her vision. Root/Present tense: blinds Synonyms: blunted, obscured, screened
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block vt to obstruct a person’s line of sight
The people in front of us blocked our view of the band. Present tense: block Synonyms: obstructed, cut off, blocked out
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bloom vi open into a flower
The roses bloomed in the spring. Present tense: blooms Synonyms: flowered, blossomed, opened (analogous)Opened the shutters
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blot vt to make a blot or stain on something
The ink blotted the picture. Root/Present tense: blots Synonyms: spotted, stained
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blush vi to turn red in the face because of an emotion
She blushed because she was shy. Root/Present tense: blushes Synonyms: flushed, turned red (pink or scarlet)
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boil vti 3. to cook something by submerging it in boiling liquid
He boiled some eggs. Present tense: boils Synonyms: steamed, poached, simmered
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bond vi 4. to link together emotionally or psychologically
The two girls bonded. Synonyms: clicked, connected, hit it off, linked up, made friends Root/Present tense: bond
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bore vt to make somebody lose interest and get tired and annoyed
TV bored us. Present tense: bores Synonyms: fatigued, tired, wore (us) down
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brace vi 2. To prepare , or prepare yourself for something dangerous or unpleasant that is likely to happen.
He braced himself before the crash. Root/Present tense: braces Synonyms: steadied, supported, bolstered, trussed
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brag vi to talk shamelessly or with excessive pride about achievements or possessions
Julio bragged about winning the game. Present tense: brags Synonyms: boasted, talked big, blustered, brayed, crowed, gloated
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break fracture vti to become damaged or damage something so that it separates into pieces
He broke the glass. Present tense: breaks Synonyms: busted, cracked, fractured, shivered, shattered, smashed Related words: break up
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break up people or relationships vti 2. to cause a relationship, interaction or gathering to end
She broke up with him. Root/Present tense: breaks up Synonyms: called it quits, parted, parted company, separated, split, split up
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break for rest vi 14. to take a period of time for rest or leisure
The workers broke for lunch. Root/Present tense: break Synonyms: adjourned, broke away, broke off, ceased, stopped
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bring vt 1. To come from one place to another with someone or something
Fernand brought a chainsaw for the job. Present tense: brings Synonyms: bore, carried, conveyed, hauled, lugged, schlepped, toted, took along
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brood vi 2. to think resentful, dark or unpleasant thoughts
Maria brooded in her room. Present tense: broods Synonyms: pondered, pouted, sulked, stewed, thought
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browse vti to read through something quickly or superficially
The boys browsed the magazines in the store. Present tense: browse Synonyms: checked out, surveyed, perused, leafed through, inspected Related word: graze
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brush vti to use a brush to clean, groom, polish or scrub a surface vt
She brushed her teeth before bedtime. Present tense: brushes Synonyms: cleaned, scrubbed
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build vt to make a structure by putting the parts of it together
They built a factory across the street. Present tense: build Synonyms: constructed, put up, raised, erected Related word: assembled
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bundle vt to wrap or clothe someone warmly
She bundled the baby in a blanket. Present tense: bundles Synonyms: clothed, covered, covered up, wrapped, swaddled
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bury vt to dig a hole, put something in it and replace the soil or other material removed
Homer buried his bone. Present tense: buries Synonyms: cached, concealed, covered, hid, hid__away, stashed
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burn vti to be on fire or to cause to be on fire
The logs burned in the fireplace. Present tense: burn Synonyms: blazed, flamed, glowed, crackled, smoldered, toasted Related word: ignited
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burp vi a noise made through the mouth when air is suddenly forced through the windpipe.
The boy burped after eating too much pizza. Present tense: burps Synonyms: belched
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burst vti split or break apart suddenly and violently because of pressure.
The bubble gum burst over her lips. Present tense: bursts Synonyms: exploded, erupted, broke open.
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busy vr to start doing something that will keep you occupied and working for a long time
Mom busied herself at household chores. Present tense: busies (herself) Synonyms: busied herself (with), labored at, persevered at, slaved at, tasked herself with, worked hard at Note: the verb is reflexive, but the synonymous expressions often are not. The word “task” used as a verb often means to burden somebody else with work
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butter vt to spread butter on something or add butter to something
Richard buttered his toast for breakfast. Present tense: butters Synonyms: spread butter on, put butter on, slathered___with butter
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button vti to fasten or bind something with buttons
She buttoned her coat. Root/Present tense: buttons Synonyms: buttoned up, fastened, snapped
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buy vti 1. to acquire something by payment to pay money for something in order to obtain it
Yvette bought a guitar. Present tense: buys Synonyms: acquired, got, obtained, procured, purchased Related words: (all idiomatic) got hold of, picked up, snatched up, snapped up
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buzz vi to make a steady low humming sound like that of a bee
Bees buzzed around the garden. Root/Present tense: buzz Synonyms: hummed
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cackle vi to laugh a harsh, high-pitched malicious laugh
The girls cackled in a mean spirited way. Present tense: cackle Synonyms: giggled, chortled, crowed, snickered, tittered
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call vti 6. To call somebody by telephone or radio
Amalia called her friend. Present tense: calls Synonyms: called up, made a call to, phoned, rang up(Brit)
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calm vt to make somebody less anxious or upset
The mother calmed her baby by holding her. Root/Present tense: calms Synonyms: quieted, relaxed, stilled, pacified Concept words: antonym
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camp vti to establish or pitch a temporary shelter such as a tent, or even without the shelter, to lodge or bed down somewhere temporarily*
We camped in the mountains. Root/Present tense: camp Synonyms: camped out, slepped out, pitched our tent, went backpacking
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cap vt to put a cap over something
I capped the marker. Root/Present tense: caps Synonyms: replaced the cap on, topped
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carry vt to take something or somebody you are holding or supporting to another place
Celeste carried groceries for her mom. Present tense: carries Synonyms: bore, brought, brought back, lugged, toted Related words: brought, took
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carve vt 3. to cut cooked meat into slices
Dad carved the turkey. Present tense: carves Synonyms: sliced, cut up
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cast vt (angling) 4. throw a fishing line, baited hook, or net into the water
Andy cast his fishing line into the ocean. Present tense: casts Synonyms: threw, whipped, lobbed, flicked, flung Threw the ball
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catch vt to take hold of or stop something that is moving through the air
Manuel caught the ball while he was running. Root/Present tense: catches Synonyms: snared, grabbed, trapped
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celebrate vti to show happiness that something good or special has happened
The family celebrated Ana’s birthday. Present tense: celebrates Synonyms: commemorated, honored, feted, observed
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chart vt to make a chart, diagram, map, or graph of something
The teacher charted the students’ progress. Present tense: charts Synonyms: graphed, plotted, mapped
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chase vt to try to catch or overtake somebody
The children chased each other around the playground. Present tense: chase Synonyms: pursued, darted after, ran after, scurried after
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chatter vi to talk or converse rapidly and informally about unimportant things
The girls chattered on and on about their friends. Root/Present tense: chatter Synonyms: babbled, gabbed, gushed, prattled, rattled, talked, went on and on, yakked
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check vti to examine something in order to determine its state or condition
The nurse checked Alicia’s throat. Present tense: checks Synonyms: looked at, examined
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cheer vti to shout encouragement, support or appreciation
The home crowd cheered their football team. Present tense: cheers Synonyms: rooted for, gave a hand for, waved for, boosted Related word: applauded
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cherish vt to feel or show great love or affection for someone
Eric cherished the memory of his grandma. Present tense: cherishes Synonyms: was attached to, held dear, honored, nurtured, valued, venerated
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chip vt to break off one or more small pieces from something
The caveman chipped the rock with an antler. Present tense: chips Synonyms: cleaved, hewed, shaped, trimmed, whittled
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chirp vi to make a short high-pitched sound
The birds chirped in the bushes. Present tense: chirp Synonyms: chipped, piped, tweeted, trilled, warbled
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chug vt to drink something quickly, and without pausing
Julio chugged his soda in the lunchroom. Synonyms: downed, drank, gulped, swigged, swilled Present tense: chugs
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circle vt 2. To draw a ring or circle around something in order to mark it or draw attention to it.
Pierre circled the correct answer. Root/:Present tense: circles Synonyms: encircled, ringed
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cite vt to mention someone or something as an example to support an argument or help explain what is being said
Ida cited the author’s words from a book. Present tense: cites Synonyms: alluded to, noted, quoted, referenced, referred to
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claim vt to demand or take something officially that you have a right to or own
Alex claimed his coat from the lost and found. Present tense: claims Synonyms: took back, reclaimed, recovered, collected
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clank vi 2. To make a sharp, hard, metallic, non-resonant sound
The chains of the anchor clanked against the ship. Present tense: clanks Root/Present tense: clanged, jangled, clattered
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classify vt to assign people or things to classes or groups
Ed classified the animal as a vertebrate. It had a backbone. Present tense: classifies Synonyms: identified, categorized, judged, tagged
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clip vt to cut, or cut off or out, as with scissors or shears
He clipped an article out of the newspaper. Synonyms: cut, trimmed, took, snipped Present tense: clips
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closed vti 2. come or bring together to come together, or bring the ends or edges of something together
Kendra closed the shutters. Present tense: close Synonyms: closed up, fastened, latched, secured, shut, shut up Related words: barred, battened, bolted, covered, locked, sealed, sealed in, sealed off
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close out vt (commercial) 2. to get rid of old merchandise by selling it at reduced prices
The store closed out its line of summer pants. Present tense: closes out Synonyms: liquidated, sold out, returned to stock
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clown around* vi behave in a silly or comic way
The boys clowned around. Present tense: clown around Synonyms: made faces, misbehaved, cut up, monkeyed around, carried on
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cling vi to hold onto somebody or someone tightly with the hands or arms
Carla clung to her mom’s skirt. Root/Present tense: clings Synonyms: clutched, gripped, grasped, clasped, hung, hung on to, held onto
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coast vti to move forward by momentum only without applying power or effort
Emma coasted downhill. Present tense: coasts Synonyms: glided, sailed, skimmed
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coil vt to wind something into a series of connected loops or spirals.
Ignacio coiled the rope around the wooden spool. Present tense: coils Synonyms: wound, looped
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collapse 3. vi (MEDICAL) to fall or faint because of illness, exhaustion or weakness
Jorge collapsed on the track. Present tense: collapses Synonyms: broke down, crumpled, fell down, fainted, stumbled, tumbled
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come about (Naut.) vi to change the course of a sailing vessel or boat to the opposite tack or into the wind
The boat came about and picked up the swimmer. Present tense: comes about Synonyms: turned around, circled, veered around, hauled around
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come by vi to approach with the intent to visit or call on somebody*
She came by to see me. Root/Present tense: comes by Synonyms: dropped in, dropped by, stopped in, stopped by, showed up
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come around (idiomatic) vi to recover consciousness, revive
The patient came around and lifted his head. Root/Present tense: comes around Synonyms: awoke, became alert, became conscious, regained consciousness, revived, stirred, woke up
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compare vt to examine two or more people or things in order to discover similarities and differences between them
Celeste compared the roses for their scent. Present tense: compares Synonyms: considered, matched up, sized up, inspected, pondered, rated
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confront 1. vt to come face to face with somebody, especially in a challenge, and usually with hostility, criticism or defiance
David confronted the bully. Root/Present tense: confronts Synonyms: challenged, faced, defied, faced up to, stood up to, resisted
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consider vt 3. to gaze on steadily and reflectively
Aaron considered the price. Present tense: considers Synonyms: regarded, contemplated, eyed Related word: appraised
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convince vt to make somebody sure or certain of something
Sally convinced us that she could do a handstand. Present tense: convinces Synonyms: assured, proved to, reassured, showed Note on usage: we are convinced to believe something. We are persuaded to do something
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creep vi 2. To move slowly, silently or cautiously(Free Online Dictionary)
Two bees crept over a sunflower. Present tense: creep Synonyms: crawled, edged, inched, stole
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crinkle vt to become or make something become finely folded, wrinkled or wavy
Dennis crinkled the papers into a set of action figures. Present tense: crinkled Synonyms: creased, crumpled, folded , pleated Note: You fold your clothes, but you can crinkle aluminum foil
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crouch vi to squat down on the balls of the feet with knees bent and body hunched over
The catcher crouched for the pitch. Present tense: crouches Synonyms: crouched down, hunched, hunched down, sat down, squatted, squatted down
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cue vt to give somebody, especially an actor or performer a signal to say or do something
Ms. Harkins cued the children to start singing. Root/Present tense: cues Synonyms: gave a sign to, indicated to, motioned to, signaled
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cup vt to form one or both of the hands into an open, hollow, rounded shape usually to hold or receive something
Miyake cupped his hands under the faucet. Root/Present tense: cups Synonyms: cradled, curved, hollowed, stretched
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curl 3. vi to move in a curve or spiral
Smoke curled upward from the chimney. Present tense: curls Synonyms: circled, coiled, roiled, spiraled spun, swirled, wound
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curve vi to move or bend in a curve
The road curved into the valley. Present tense: curves Synonyms: arced, wound, meandered, snaked
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cut vt to divide something into pieces using a knife, scissors, or a similar sharp-edged tool
Nadya cut the onion. Root/Present tense cuts Synonyms: chopped, cut up, sectioned, sliced
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cut in 2. vt to move in a line of people or things out of turn
Cindy cut in the line. Present tense: cuts in Synonyms: barged in(to), budged in, butted in, pushed in
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dam vt to block, restrain or obstruct the flow of something with a dam (usually water)
The boys dammed the stream. Present tense: dam Synonyms: barricaded, blockaded, blocked, choked off, clogged, closed off, filled, plugged, shut off, stopped up
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dare vt to challenge somebody to do something, usually something dangerous
Anita dared me to jump. Synonyms: challenged, goaded, incited, provoked, spurred, urged Root/Present tense: dares
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dart vi to move suddenly and quickly
Swallows darted through the air. Present tense: dart Synonyms: flew, flitted, sped, skimmed
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dawn vi to begin as the sun rises and light appears in the sky
The day dawned with a rosy glow. Synonyms: arose, began, came forth, emerged, glimmered, lightened, opened, started, unfolded Root/Present tense: dawn(s)
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dawn on vt to come into somebody’s mind or consciousness
It dawned on him that his friends were being mean. Root/Present tense: dawns on Synonyms: occurred to, sunk into, penetrated… (in active construction) He realized …, got the idea, saw the light
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daydream vi to have a fantasy
Tony daydreamed about being a great football player. Synonyms: fantasized, had a notion, fancied(being), imagined Root/Present tense: daydream(s)
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dazzle vti to amaze somebody with brilliance or skill or with a wonderful spectacle or display
Brenda dazzled her friends with her sequined dress. Present tense: dazzles Synonyms: impressed, awed, wowed, astonished, captivated
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debate vt to talk about something at length and in detail
The jury debated the evidence. Present tense: debates Synonyms: argued about, discussed, deliberated (about), hashed out, mulled, reviewed, sifted through, studied, talked about, took up, went into Related words: appraised, considered
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decline vt to give a polite refusal to an invitation
She declined the party invitation. Root/Present tense: declines Synonyms: rejected, said no to, nixed, refused, passed on, sent regrets to Concepts: antonym
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decorate 2.vt to furnish or adorn with something ornamental (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
Naomi decorated her room. Root/ Present tense: decorates Synonyms: beautified, did up, dressed out, enhanced, fixed up, furbished
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delight vt to give great pleasure to someone
The new baby delighted her. Synonyms: captivated, charmed, enchanted, entranced, thrilled Present tense: delight
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determine vti 5. to adopt a set purpose
Ernesto determined to do well on his homework. Root/Present tense: determines Synonyms: decided, fixed, made up his mind, purposed, resolved, settled
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devour vt to eat something quickly and hungrily
The bear devoured the sandwiches. Present tense: devours Synonyms: consume, eat ( ) up, gobble, guzzle, bolt down, feast on, gorge (oneself) on, scarf down
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dictate vt 2b. To impose, pronounce or specify authoritatively (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
The emperor dictated harsh terms to the defeated enemy. Root/Present tense: dictates Synonyms: directed, decreed, imposed- on, ordained, ordered, bade, commanded, set
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do vt a verb indicating somebody performs an action, an activity or a task
The dancer did a pirouette. Root/Present tense: does Synonyms: accomplished, achieved, completed, effected, executed, finished, fulfilled, performed, pulled off
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diet vi to follow a restricted pattern of eating or drinking in order to lose weight
Danielle dieted by eating lots of vegetables. Present tense: diets Synonyms: cut her calories, lost weight, slimmed down, trimmed down
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dig vti to make something by removing material, especially earth, with the hands, paws, tools or a machine
Delbert dug a hole. Present tense: digs
Synonyms: excavated, dug out, quarried, hollowed out, scooped out, gouged out
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dine vi to eat dinner
They dined at a fancy restaurant. Present tense: dine Synonyms: ate, ate out, dined out, had dinner, supped
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dip vt to plunge or immerse momentarily or partially under the surface (as of a liquid)
Roger dipped his head underwater. Root/Present tense: dips Synonyms: ducked, plunged, dunked, lowered, submerged
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disable vt to make somebody unable to perform the activities needed to earn a living or to carry out the basic tasks of daily life without difficulty
The car accident disabled him. Present tense: disables Synonyms: crippled, damaged, hurt, handicapped, impaired, impeded, incapacitated, paralyzed, weakened
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disgust vt to make somebody feel sickened or revolted
It disgusted her to step on used chewing gum. Root/Present tense: disgusts Synonyms: aggravated, angered, riled, crossed, galled, irked, offended, put (her) out, revolted, sickened, vexed
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dish out vt 17. to serve (food) from a dish, pot, etc. (Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary)
The lunch lady dished out the potatoes. Present tense: dishes out Synonyms: dished, dispensed, doled out, ladled, meted out, scooped, served, spooned
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disperse vi 6. To separate and move apart in different directions without order or regularity (Webster’s Encyclodpedic Unabridged Dictionary)
Children dispersed when the firecrackers went off. Present tense: disperse Synonyms: broke up, disbanded, ran off, scattered, took off, took off in all directions
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double vti 1. to make something twice as large or numerous, or become twice as many
The card player doubled his bet. Present tense: doubles Synonyms: augmented, duplicated, increased, matched, multiplied, paired, twinned
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doubt vt to feel unconvinced or uncertain about something, or think that something is unlikely
Max doubted what his friends had told him. Present tense: doubts Synonyms: disbelieved, distrusted, had doubts about, had qualms over, had reservations about, questioned, was skeptical about
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dive vi to jump or throw yourself into water, usually head first, especially with your arms stretched out above your head
The swimmer dove into the lake. Present tense: dives Synonyms: hurtled, lurched, pancaked, pitched, plunged, took a header, tumbled, went head first
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drag vt to move something, especially something that is too large or heavy, by pulling it along the ground or across a surface
Lia dragged a fishing net through the river. Present tense: drags
Synonyms: drew, hauled, pulled, tugged, towed, trailed
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drain vti to flow out of something, often leaving it empty or dry, or allow a liquid to do this
Water drained from the sink. Root/Present tense: drains Synonyms: emptied, flowed, flowed out, ran out, seeped out, trickled
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draw vt 1. produce a picture or diagram by making lines and marks (Google definition search)
He drew a dotted pattern. Present tense: draws Synonyms: composed, marked, outlined, penciled, rendered, represented, sketched, stippled
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drift vi to be, or allow something to be, carried along by the flow of water or air
They drifted down the river. Present tense: drift
Synonyms: floated, coasted, glided
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drink vti to take in liquid through the mouth
Birds drank water from puddles. Present tense: drink Synonyms: sipped, ladeled, scooped, sucked, sucked in
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drink vt to take in liquid through the mouth
Kanji drank soda from a glass. Root/Present tense: drink Synonyms: gulped, gulped down, imbibed, quaffed, slurped, swallowed
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drive vt 9. To push, knock or hammer something forcefully into a particular position
Workers drove spikes into the railroad ties. Present tense: drive Synonyms: battered, beat, hammered, hit, knocked, pounded, punched, rammed, whacked
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drive - compel or force a change (in a situation or emotional state)
Our sudden movement drove the bear into a frenzy. Root/Present tense: drive Synonyms: aroused, stirred, excited, roused, set, set ( ) off
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drive vti to travel in a vehicle (such as a car), or take somebody somewhere in a vehicle
Surfers drove to the beach. Present tense: drive Synonyms: cruised, headed for, motored, rode, rolled down, traveled
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Drop vti to let go of something or allow it to fall
Celeste dropped her handkerchief. Present tense: drops Synonyms: let go, let go of, left
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drop off (separated) vt to take somebody or something to a place, usually by car, then leave them or it there
She dropped him off at the entrance. Present tense: drops off Synonyms: discharged him, left ___ off, let ___ go, let ___ off, let ___ out, released him
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eat vti 1. To take something into the mouth as food and swallow it
Sally ate three tacos and a burrito. Present tense: eats Synonyms: consumed, put away, downed, finished off, ingested
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ebb vt to recede from the land or shore, as the tide falls (refers to sea or tidal water)
The water ebbed at low tide. Present tense: ebbs Synonyms: pulled back, receded, retreated, went down, withdrew
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Water eddied at the bottom of the falls. Present tense: eddy/eddies Synonyms: circled, whirled, swirled, churned, coiled, purled, roiled, swelled
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edit vt to prepare a text for publication by correcting errors and ensuring clarity and accuracy
Galina edited her report. /Present tense: edits Synonyms: corrected, checked, emended, rewrote, redacted
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elect vt to choose somebody by a vote, e.g. for public office, an official role, or membership of some group
They elected a new leader Present tense: elect Synonyms: chose, decided on, decided upon, designated, determined, picked, settled on, voted in, went with
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embed vti to fix something or become fixed in a surrounding mass (such as earth or stone)
Fossils were embedded in limestone. Present tense: embed Synonyms: buried, deposited, enclosed, pressed, set
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embrace vti to hug somebody in your arms fondly, or hug each other fondly
Evie embraced her mom. Synonyms: clasped, clutched, gripped (her mom) tightly Present tense: embraces
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emerge vi to appear out of or from behind something
The groundhog emerged from his hole. Present tense: emerges Synonyms: came out, came up , popped, rose, surfaced
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empathize with vt to identify with and understand another person’s feelings or difficulties
Jane empathized with her sister. Present tense: empathizes Synonyms: identified with, felt for, related to (her sister’s feelings), sympathized with, understood
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enable vt to provide somebody with the resources, authority or opportunity to do something
Cora’s drivers license enabled her to work. Present tense: enables Synonyms: allowed, made it possible for, permitted
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enclose vt 3. To add something to the contents of an envelope or package
He enclosed a Thank You note. Present tense: encloses Synonyms: included, inserted, put ___ inside
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end vti to reach or bring something,such as an event, to a close or final point
The students ended their book discussion. Present tnese: end Synonyms: broke off, closed, concluded, completed, wound up, wrapped up
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endure vti to experience exertion, pain, or hardship without giving up
Jorge and Manuel endured the desert heat. Present tense: endure Synonyms: bore, coped with, lived through, put up with, survived, withstood
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enter vti to go or come into a place
The children entered a cavern. Present tense: enter Synonyms: came into, came upon, passed into, went into
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estimate vt to make an approximate calculation of something
Wei Long estimated the size of the fish he had caught. Present tense: estimates Synonyms:: appraised, described, gauged, guessed, interpreted, judged, measured, pictured, reckoned, represented , sized up
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Evaluate vt * replace picture and context how about “evaluated the troops”--- reviewed
The jury evaluated the evidence. Synonyms: assessed, considered, thought about, weighed Root/Present tense: evaluate(s)
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examine vt to inspect or study something or someone in detail
Ben examined the dent in his car. Present tense: examines Synonyms: checked, checked out, inspected, looked at, looked over, observed, sized up
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expand vi to become or cause something to become larger in size, scope, or extent, or greater in number or amount
The balloon expanded. Present tense: expands Synonyms: blew up, enlarged, filled out, grew, inflated, mushroomed, puffed up, spread out
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face vt to be in a position opposite somebody or something
The lighthouse faced the ocean. Present tense: faces Synonyms: fronted, looked out on, stood opposite
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fail vt to be unsuccessful in passing
The car failed the emissions test. Present tense: fails Synonyms: bombed, flunked
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fall vi 1. move down to come down freely from a higher to a lower position, moved by the force of gravity
The climber fell down a crevasse. Present tense: falls Synonyms: dropped, pitched, plummeted Related words: dove
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feed vt to give food to a person or animal
Candace fed her cat fresh tuna. Root/present tense: feeds Synonyms: furnished, gave, provided, served
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feel vt to experience an emotion or physical sensation
Edgar felt sick after eating. Present tense: feels Phrasal synonym: experienced (sickness)
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fence vt to enclose somebody or something inside a fence
They fenced the dog in the back yard. Present tense: fence in Synonyms: barricaded, confined, corralled, held, penned, restricted, secured
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field vt to handle or answer something such as a question or complaint
The president fielded a question from the audience. Root/Present tense: fields Synonyms: answered, covered, handled, parried, responded to, took care of
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fight vti use violence 1. Use violent physical means such as blows with fists or weapons to overcome someone.
The brothers fought with swords. Present tense: fight Synonyms: battled, clashed, combated, dueled, scrimmaged, skirmished, warred
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figure vt 2. believe or come to the conclusion (informal)
They figured that the store was closed. Synonyms: concluded, determined, inferred, judged, reasoned Present tense: figure
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fill vt 7. To satisfy a need or requirement
James filled the order. Root/Present tense: fills Synonyms: carried out, completed, complied with, fulfilled, satisfied
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find vt 4. discover something accidentally to notice or come across somebody or something by chance
The children found two enchanted houses. Present tense: find Synonyms: came across, came upon, discovered, encountered
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finish off vt 2. To eat, drink or use up all of something
Oscar finished off a bucket of chicken. Present tense: finishes off Synonyms: ate _entirely, completely ate, consumed, dispatched, gobbled up, polished off Related word: devoured
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flatten vti to make something flat or flatter, or to become flat or flatter
Alice flattened the dough with a rolling pin. Present tense: flattens Synonyms: graded, rolled out, smoothed, spread out, thinned out
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flee vti to run away from something
People fled from the oncoming storm. Present tense: flee Synonyms: bolted, cleared out, escaped, got away, hightailed it, made a break for it, ran, ran away, retreated, took flight
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fly vti to travel through the air using wings or an engine
Three pelicans flew over the ocean. Present tense: fly Synonyms:, glided, soar, winged Related words: drifted, flitted, floated, fluttered, sailed, skim, sped, traveled
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flicker vi to burn or shine unsteadily
The candle flickered in the breeze. Synonyms: sparked, glimmered, flared, twinkled Present tense: flickers
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flinch vi to make an involuntary, small backward movement in response to pain or something frightening or shocking
Marian flinched when she saw the mouse. Present tense: flinches Synonyms: blanched, cringed, shrank back, startled, recoiled
Related: winced
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fold vt to bend something thin and flat over on itself
Jeremy folded his dress shirt. Present tense: folds Synonyms: arranged, creased, folded up, turned up
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follow directions vt 9. To act in accordance with something, especially with instructions or directions given by somebody else
The pilot followed a checklist. Present tense: follows Synonyms: abided by, adhered to, complied with, fulfilled, heeded, kept, minded, obeyed, observed, ran through Illustration with heeded
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follow go behind or after vt to go after something or somebody in position, time, or sequence
We followed a large truck on the road. Present tense: follow Synonyms: drove behind, fell back of, tailgated, trailed, lagged behind, were stuck behind
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forget 1. vti not remember to fail to remember or be unable to remember something
Frank forgot the keys to the cabin. Root/Present tense: forget(s) Synonyms
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: form (an object) vti 2 to cause something to develop or exist, or take shape, or begin to develop or exist, especially as part of a natural process
The volcano formed a dome in the lake. Present tense: form(s Synonyms: developed, forged, grew, shaped
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form a group vt 8. To set up or establish something
The students formed a cheerleading squad. Present tense: form Synonyms: assembled, brought together, built, composed, created, made up, organized, put together
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freeze 2. vti cover or become covered with ice to become covered or cause the surface of something to be covered with ice
Ice froze on the branches. Present tense: freezes Synonyms: crystallized, hardened, solidified Related words: thickened, glazed, ieed up
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gape vi to stare in open-mouthed wonder or surprise
Ed gaped at his homework. Present tense: gapes Synonyms: goggled, looked aghast , stared aghast
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gasp vi to breathe with difficulty
Irving gasped for air at the top. Present tense: gasps Synonyms: choked, fought, heaved, panted, snorted, struggled, wheezed, whooped
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gather vti to bring people or things together, or come together, to form a group
Children gathered on the playground. Present tense: gather Synonyms: assembled, clustered, came together, congregated, got together, joined together
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give up vti to surrender or admit defeat
The home team gave up. Present tense: give up Synonyms: bowed out, capitulated, folded, conceded, gave in, pulled out, quit, resigned, threw in the towel, walked out
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gaze vt to look at somebody or something steadily and for a long time, especially with great attention, admiration, or fascination
They gazed at the brilliant sunset. Present tense: gaze Synonyms: looked at, beheld, contemplated, observed, regarded, viewed
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gear up vi to prepare somebody or take action in preparation for something or to do something
The brothers geared up for a camping trip. Present tense: gear up Synonyms: equipped themselves, prepared, provisioned, stocked up, supplied themselves
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gesture vti to make a movement with part of the body in order to express meaning or emotion, or to communicate an instruction
Carmen gestured to get his attention. Synonyms: flagged, flailed, gesticulated, hailed, motioned, signaled, waved Present tense: gestures Synonyms: concealed, covered up, ignored, minimized, passed over, smoothed over, swept aside, veiled, winked at, whitewash
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get fetch an object vt to obtain and bring something where it is wanted (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
Jerry got an orange from his backpack. /Present tense: gets Synonyms: fetched, fished, grabbed, lay hold of, picked, pulled, pulled out, took, took out
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get understand vt 13. To hear or understand something
Ed got her meaning. Present tense: gets Synonyms: apprehended, caught on to, followed, perceived, picked up on, figured out, gathered, understood
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get (someone) down discourage vt to make somebody demoralized or discouraged
Sally’s bad experience got her down. Present tense: gets (her) down Synonyms: affected(her), dispirited (-), grieved (-),saddened(-), weighed on (-)
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get down descend vi to come down from something(Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
Samuel got down off the ladder. Present tense: gets down Synonyms: descended, lowered (himself), moved down, stepped down
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get across an obstacle vt 6. To succeed in moving somewhere, or arrive somewhere
They got across the river. Root/Present tense: get across Synonyms: crossed, cut across, forded, navigated, negotiated, traversed, waded across Related: arrive
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get by vi to manage to survive or just make ends meet
She got by fixing people’s appliances. Present tense: gets by Synonyms: coped, did well enough, earned enough money, got along, got on, made ends meet, made a living, subsisted
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get on proceed vi to deal with a situation and make reasonable progress of a particular kind
They got on with their studies. Present tense: get on Synonyms: carried on, continued, persisted, persevered, proceeded, pushed ahead, resumed, went ahead
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get through vt to endure to the end of a difficult time or situation
She got through the abuse. Present tense: gets through Synonyms: bore, came through, endured, handled, made it through, rode out, stood through, suffered, survived, weathered, withstood
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glare shine intensely vti 3. To shine brightly and intensely, often dazzlingly
The sun glared down on the prospectors. Present tense: glares Synonyms: beamed, blazed, bore, flared, radiated
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glare stare intensely vi to stare intently and angrily
Jake glared back at the other driver. Present tense: glares Synonyms: gave a dirty look, glowered, peered, scowled, stared
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glaze vt 2. to coat or brush food with milk, egg, or sugar (or a combination) before baking in order to produce a shiny brown finish
Holly glazed the rolls with icing. Root/Present tense: glazes Synonyms: daubed, finished, laced, spread, topped
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gloss over vt 3. to ignore or avoid unpleasant facts (MacMillan Dictionary Online)
The speaker glossed over the company’s problems. Present tense: gloss over Synonyms: concealed, covered up, ignored, minimized, passed over, smoothed over, swept aside, veiled, winked at, whitewashed
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He went crazy. Present tense: goes Synonyms: became, grew, turned Phrasal Synonyms: (for “went crazy”) went bananas, went nuts, wigged out
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go by elapse vi to move onward in terms of time
Time went by. Present tense: goes by Synonyms: elapsed, lapsed, flowed, passed, passed by, ran on, glided by, rolled by, rolled on Related words: expired, lapsed, passed away, passed on, ran out, took(time)
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go over review vt 2. to check or examine something carefully (with or without another person)
Marcus went over the plans. Root/Present tense: goes over Synonyms: went through, read, recapped, reviewed, ran (someone) through, walked (someone) through Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
grate shred food vt to cut something into small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface or tool with sharp-eyed holes in it, or be shredded in this way
We grated cheese for the pizza. Present tense: grate Synonyms: scraped, shredded, slivered Related word: chipped
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grate fray nerves vi 4. to be a source of irritation
The boy grated on his father’s nerves. Present tense: grates Synonyms: agitated (his father) , chafed, gnawed on, inflamed, irritated, frayed, fretted, rubbed on, wore on
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graze vti eat grass and other green plants in fields, or eat the grass and plants of a particular field or fields
Some cows grazed in the meadow. Present tense: graze Synonyms: browsed, foraged, pastured Related words: ate, fed, nibbled, ranged
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greet vt to welcome somebody in a cordial and usually conventional way
They greeted their cousins at the station. Present tense: greet Synonyms: accosted, called to, bowed to, embraced, extended arms to, hailed, said hello to, welcomed
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grin vi to smile broadly, usually showing the teeth
He grinned at them after telling a joke. Present tense: grins Synonyms: beamed, simpered, smiled, smirked
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grind vti 1. pulverize to crush something into very small pieces by rubbing it between two hard surfaces, or to be crushed in this way.
Nadya ground the rice into flour. Present tense: grinds Synonyms: abraded, beat, broke up, chipped, churned, crushed, flaked, grated, mashed, mashed, milled, minced, pounded, smashed
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growl vti to communicate something by means of a low, nonverbal sound in the throat that expresses hostility
The dog growled at his neighbor. Present tense: growls Synonyms: gnarled, grumbled, grunted, snarled
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grub vt to dig or pull something out of the ground, especially without proper tools
The little pig grubbed for fresh turnips. Present tense: grubs Synonyms: burrowed, delved, dug, ferreted, hunted, probed, rooted, rummaged
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guard vt to protect somebody or something against danger or loss
They guarded the king from harm. Present tense: guard Synonyms: defended, protected, safeguarded, shielded
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The racers gunned their engines. Present tense: gun Synonyms: raced, revved up, powered up
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gush of liquid vi to flow out, or to send a liquid out, rapidly and in large quantities
Water gushed out of the fire hydrant. Present tense: gushes Synonyms: burst, cascaded, flooded, flushed, jetted, ran, rushed, spouted, spewed, spurted, streamed, surged
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gush of emotion vi to speak, behave or say something with extreme or exaggerated enthusiasm
Alice gushed about her friend’s good news. Present tense: gushes Synonyms: babbled, blathered, carried on, chattered, enthused, prattled
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hack vti to cut or chop something by striking it with short repeated blows using a sharp tool such as a knife or an ax
Frank hacked off a branch for the fire. Present tense: hacks Synonyms: chopped, cut, lopped
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hand in vt to give or submit something to somebody
Dalia handed in her homework. Present tense: hands in Synonyms: presented submitted, turned in
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handle vtr to touch, move, or pick up something with the hands
Oscar handled the toast gingerly. Present tense: handles Synonyms: juggled, managed, manipulated, palmed, tossed
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hang vi 16. to drape over and down from a point of suspension
The coat hung from the hook. Present tense: hangs Synonyms: dangled, draped, suspended
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The monkey hung from a vine. Present tense: hangs Synonyms: dangled
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happen vt 2. to do something by chance and without a previous plan
Alice happened to meet her friend at the store. Present tense: happens Synonyms: chanced Related word: occurred
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harden vti to become or make somebody become more tough, callous, or unfeeling
Frances hardened her attitude towards him. Synonyms: cemented, crystallized, firmed up, set, solidified, became callous in, became hard in Present tense: hardens
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harmonize vi 4. to play or sing in harmony
The singers harmonized beautifully. Present tense: harmonize Synonyms: blended their voices, sang together
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harness vt to put a harness on an animal
The drivers harnessed the horses to the wagons. Present tense: harnesses Synonyms: hitched, hooked up, reined, yoked
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hate vt 2. To have strong distaste or aversion for something, somebody, or something that has to be done
She hated having to get up early in the morning. Present tense: hates Synonyms: abhorred, cursed, detested, disliked, resented, shrank from, shuddered at, was sick of
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haul vt to transport something that is heavy and bulky from one place to another
Masons hauled bricks to the worksite. Present tense: haul Synonyms: brought, carried, conveyed, moved, toted, trucked
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have vt 5.to be the place where something is or can be kept, or to contain that thing
The box had an emerald ring inside. Present tense: has
Synonyms: bore, carried, contained, cradled, held, included, kept, possessed, secured
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heap vt to collect or arrange something into a loose pile
They heaped up the leaves. Present tense: heap Synonyms: added, bunched, gathered, piled, raked
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hear vt to perceive sound or to be able to perceive sound
She heard an owl hooting. Present tense: hears Synonyms: attended to, gave ear to, hearkened to, made out, overheard, perceived, picked up on
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heat vti to become or to make something warm or hot
John heated his coffee in the microwave. Present tense: heats
Synonyms: heated up, reheated, warmed up
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hesitate vi to be slow in doing something or pause in doing or saying something, often because of uncertainty or doubt
He hesitated before crossing the rope bridge. Present tense: hesitates Synonyms: balked, demurred, dithered, doubted, hung back, held back, paused, shrank, thought twice, waffled, wavered
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hide vti to conceal yourself, or something or somebody else, from view
Henry hid in the closet. Root/Present tense: hides Synonyms: concealed himself, ensconsed himself, holed up, laid low, secreted himself, stowed away, took cover
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hit vt SPORTS to make something such as a ball move by striking it with a bat or racket
Yoshi hit a foul ball. Present tense: hits Synonyms: chopped, clipped, glanced, knocked, punched, slapped, sliced, spanked, swatted, swiped, tipped
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hoard vt to collect and store, often secretly, a large quantity of food or money for use in the future
The squirrel hoarded nuts for the winter. Present tense: hoards Synonyms: amassed, brought together, cached, collected, gathered, piled up, rounded up, stockpiled, stored up
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hold vt to take something firmly and hold it in the hands or arms
Betty held her books tightly. Present tense: holds
Synonyms: carried, clasped, clutched, grasped, gripped
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host vt to provide the space and facilities for a special event
Amelia hosted a party at her house. Present tense: hosts Synonyms: held, gave, threw, presented, provided Related words: entertained(at her house).
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ice up vi to become coated with a layer of ice
The window iced up overnight. Present tense: ices up Synonyms: froze, frosted, glazed
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identify with vt to feel a strong sympathetic or imaginative bond with somebody or something and sharing his, her, or its nature or concerns
He identified with the caped hero. Root/Present tense: identified Synonyms: associated with, connected with, related to, empathized with, pictured himself as
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idle vti to be lazy and avoid work, or to pass the time lazily doing nothing in particular
She idled in her bedroom. Present tense: idles Synonyms: amused(herself), dabbled, diddled, diddled around, dilly-dallied, horsed around, lazed, loafed, messed around, monkeyed around, mucked around, played around
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ignite vti to set fire to something or to catch fire
The trees ignited. Present tense: ignite Synonyms: blazed, burned, burst in flames, caught fire, combusted, flared up, flashed, glinted, glowed, kindled, lit up, glowed, kindled, lit up, sparked, went up
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illuminate vt to make something visible or bright with light, or be lit up
The candle illuminated the room. Present tense: illuminates Synonyms: brightened, illumined, lightened, lit up
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immunize vt to make somebody resistant to a particular disease, especially by vaccination
The doctor immunized Alfredo with a vaccine. Present tense: immunizes Synonyms: injected, inoculated, protected, treated
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impair vt to lessen the strength, quality, or effectiveness of something
The fog on the windshield impaired her vision. Present tense: impairs Synonyms: blocked, blurred, clouded, diminished, impeded, hazed, hindered, lessened, marred, masked, obscured, reduced, spoiled, veiled, weakened
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import vt to bring something or cause something to be brought in from another country, usually for commercial or industrial purposes
They imported mangos from Mexico. Present tense: import Synonyms: brought, brought in, carried in, shipped in, transported in
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improve vti to make something better in quality or condition or to become better
Her condition improved. Present tense: improves Synonyms: got better, looked up, progressed, rallied, recovered, turned for the better
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inch vti to move or cause somebody or something to move very slowly or by small degrees
The caterpillar inched along the leaf. Present tense: inches Synonyms: crept, crawled, edged, glided, slinked, squirmed, stole, wriggled
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influence vt to persuade or sway somebody
I influenced him to do something. Present tense: influence Synonyms: animated, drove, egged (him) on, fired (him) up, induced, influenced, inspired, motivated, moved, pushed, spurred, stimulated
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inhabit vt to live in or occupy a particular place
Ancient horses inhabited woodlands. Present tense: inhabit Synonyms: dwelled in, lived in, occupied, populated, settled in
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invert vti to reverse the order, position, or arrangement of something
The pilot inverted the airplane. Present tense: inverts Synonyms: flipped, turned(the airplane) upside down, overturned, upended, upturned
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invite vt 1. to ask somebody to come or go somewhere
Jasmine invited her friend for lunch. Present tense: invites
Synonyms: asked__over, invited__ over
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iron out vt to smooth away wrinkles in a fabric or garment using an iron
Aileen ironed out the wrinkles. Present tense: irons Synonyms: evened, flattened, ironed, leveled, pressed, rubbed
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itch vti to have, produce, or cause somebody to feel an irritating sensation on the body that provokes a desire to scratch the skin
Eduardo’s skin itched. Root/Present tense: itches Synonyms: bothered (him), crawled, crept, irritated (-), pricked (-),prickled(-), tickled, tickled
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jiggle vti to move or cause something to move in small rapid movements in any direction
Manny jiggled the penny jar. Root/Present tense: jiggle(s) Synonyms: agitated, pushed and pulled, rattled, rocked, shook, wiggled
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jog 1. vi trot to run at a steady slow pace
They jogged across the field. Present tense: run across Synonyms: cantered, loped, trotted Related words: bolted, careered, charged, darted, dashed, hastened, hurtled, hurried, scurried, scampered, sped, zoomed
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join vti to meet, or make two or more things meet, and become linked or united
They joined hands in a dance. Present tense: join Synonyms: clasped, combined, connected, coupled, linked, touched, united
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judge vt 5. to measure by guesswork, using the eye or some other sense as a rough guide
He judged the distance across the river. Present tense: judges Synonyms: appraised, estimated, evaluated, figured, gauged, guessed, evaluated, projected, reckoned, surveyed, viewed
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jump vti to bend the knees and push the whole body quickly up off a surface or the ground
He jumped for joy. Present tense: jumps Synonyms: bounced, bounded, danced, leaped, skipped sprang
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justify vt 3. To give a reason or explanation why something was done
The candidate justified his actions. Present tense: justifies Synonyms: acquitted, excused, explained, explained away, glossed over, put a good face on, rationalized
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jut vi to stick out or make something stick out, especially beyond the surface or edge of something
Rocks jutted from the waterfall. Present tense: jut Synonyms: bulged, beetled, extended, jutted out, poked out, projected, protruded, stood out, stuck out, overhung(the waterfall)
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keep vt 17. to take care of a person or animal, providing what is required to live
The farmer kept a herd of alpacas. Present tense: keeps Synonyms: looked after, cared for, maintained, managed, owned, sustained, took care of
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keep up vt 2. to go as fast or make the same progress as somebody else
Alyssa kept up with the lead runners. Present tense: keeps up Synonyms: kept pace, matched, persevered, stayed, stayed up, vied
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kiss vti to touch someone with the lips in affection or passion
Mom kissed the new baby. Present tense: kisses Synonyms: bussed, caressed, pecked
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kneel vi to rest on, or get down on, one or both knees
Donna kneeled on the mat. Present tense: kneels Synonyms: balanced, bent down, bent sideways, dipped
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knit vti to interlock loops of yarn using a needle or machine or to make a piece of fabric( or clothing) by the same method
Alice knit a pattern. Root/Present tense: knit(s) Synonyms: joined, linked, looped, tied, wove
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know vti 2. believe, be certain about something to believe firmly in the truth or certainty of something
He knew that the Earth moved. Present tense: knows Synonyms: believed, felt confident, felt sure, had no doubt, was confident, was sure
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know 5. vt recognize, to have encountered somebody or something before to be acquainted, associated, or familiar with somebody or something
Fernand knew the boy in the mirror. Present tense: knows Synonyms: distinguished, identified, made out, placed, recalled, recognized, remembered
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lace up vt to fasten or tighten the laces of something such as a boot or corset
Mark laced up his skates. Present tense: laces up Synonyms: cinched, did up, fastened, hitched up, laced, strapped, tied up
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lay vt to put something down, often carefully, in a horizontal position
Max laid his coat on the bed. Present tense: lays
Synonyms: lay ( ) down, place, put ( ) down, set, set ( )down
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last vi to continue to be used or available for a period of time
The food lasted for five days. Present tense: lasts Synonyms: endured, held out, served, sufficed, was adequate, was enough
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lead 1. vti guide somebody to show the way to others, usually by going ahead of them
Harvey led the other cyclists. Present tense: leads Synonyms: guided, headed, went ahead of
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leap vi to make a jump with a long or high arc
Eddie leapt between the rooftops. (also spelled as leaped) Present tense: leaps Synonyms: hopped, jumped, leaped, skipped, vaulted, hurdled, sprang
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leave vt to cause a residue, trace or mark to remain
Wolves left tracks in the snow. Synonyms: created, imprinted, marked, made, produced Present tense: leave
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let (someone) in permit vt to allow somebody (or an animal) to enter somewhere such as a building or a room
Ellen let the dog in. Present tense: lets (-- ) in Synonyms: allowed, bade, permitted ( ) in or to come in
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let (someone) in on inform vt to allow somebody to know about something
Marcie let her sister in on the secret. Present tense: lets (someone) in on (something) Synonyms: divulged, revealed, told, unveiled (the secret to her sister).
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let on reveal vi to share a secret with someone
She let on that she was engaged. Present tense: lets on Synonyms: adverted, hinted, indicated, let it be known, revealed, showed, tipped(him) off
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let out vent vt to make a loud or piercing sound using the voice
The lion let out a huge roar. Root/Present tense: lets out Synonyms: discharged, emitted, exclaimed, gave out, issued, let go, let loose, uttered, sent forth, sent out, vented, voiced
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let out enlarge vt 5. enlarge a garment
Vanessa let out the pants. Root/Present tense: lets out Synonyms: altered, expanded, loosened, opened out, resized, widened
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let out release gradually vt to release something, usually slowly in a measured way*
John let out the fishing line. Present tense: lets out Synonyms: released, measured out, paid out
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let up diminish vi to become slower, calmer or quieter
The rain let up. present tense: lets up Synonyms: abated, ceased, diminished, ebbed, moderated, slackened, subsided, stopped
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lie stretch out vi to stretch (oneself) out on a surface that is slanted or horizontal
Jean lay in the shade of a tree. Present tense: lies Synonyms: reclined, rested Related: was(suggesting location), reposed, basked(usually sunbathing), sprawled(arms and legs akimbo)
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light vti 1. To begin to burn or cause something to begin to burn
A volunteer lit the gaslamp. Present tense: lights Synonyms: turned on Related Words: ignited, kindled, torched, touched off, selt alight
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litter vt 2. to cover a place with scattered objects
Cottonwood trees littered the sand with twigs and leaves. Present tense: litter Synonyms: cluttered, spattered, sprinkled, spread, strewed, showered
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load vt to put into a machine the items that it will work on
Madeleine loaded the dishwasher. Root/Present tense: loads Synonyms: filled, loaded up, packed, stacked
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loan vt 3. To allow someone to borrow something on the condition that it is returned
The bank loaned Ivan money for a car. Root/Present tense: loans Synonyms: advanced, furnished, lent, provided
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lock vti to fasten something using a lock
Alex locked the bicycle. Present tense: locks Synonyms: bar, bolt, clasp, hasp, latch, secure Related: connect, engage, interlock, link, yoke (transitive)
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look (across) scan vti to direct or turn the eyes toward or on something
Annie looked across the water. Present tense: looks across Synonyms: beheld, gazed (across), looked (at), minded, observed, peered across, scanned, scouted, spied, studied, surveyed, viewed
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look (over) inspect vt to inspect or examine, especially in a cursory way(Merriam Webster Online)
Denise looked over her notebook. Present tense: looks over Synonyms: checked out, examined, looked (at), looked (through), perused, scanned, studied Related: overlooked
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make induce an action vt 14. To cause somebody to do something or act in a particular way
The dust made him sneeze. Present tense: makes Equivalent phrases: cause or induce (someone to do something)
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make a face (idiomatic) vi to distort one’s facial features* (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
She made a face in the mirror. Present tense: makes Synonyms: grimaced, pouted
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make up beautify vt to apply cosmetics to your own face or somebody else’s face
She made up her face. Present tense: makes up Synonyms: adorned, beautified, enhanced, prettified, spiffed up
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make up create vt 4. to invent an excuse or a story
She made up a story. Present tense: makes up Synonyms: ad lib, concoct, contrive, cook up, create, dream up, formulate, hatch, devise, improvise, invent, originate, slap together, throw together Related words: lie
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mar vt to spoil or detract from something
Their argument marred a happy celebration. Synonyms: blemished, detracted from, fouled up, loused up, mangled, messed up, negated, ruined, shattered Present tense: mars
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mass vti to gather or be gathered in a mass
The soldiers massed for battle. Root/Present tense: mass Synonyms: bunched, came together, collected, concentrated, drew together, gathered, grouped, swelled
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measure vt to find out the size, length, quantity or rate of something using a suitable instrument or device
Yoshi measured the window frame. /Present tense: measures Synonyms: measured out, ruled, scaled, sized
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meditate vi to empty the mind of thoughts, or concentrate the mind on just one thing, in order to aid mental or spiritual development, contemplation, or relaxation
Henry meditated quietly. Present tense: meditates Synonyms: breathed, engaged, focused, thought
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melt vti to change a substance from a solid to a liquid state by heating it, or be changed in this way
The snow melted from the sun’s heat. Present tense: melts Synonyms: dissipated, dwindled, liquefied, shrank, softened, thawed, vanished, wasted away
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meet vti to get together with somebody by arrangement
They met for coffee. Present tense: meet Synonyms: got together, joined up, hooked up, linked up, met up
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migrate vi 2. (zoological) to move from one habitat or environment to another in response to reproductive habits, seasonal changes and variations in food supply*
The whales migrated a long distance. Present tense: migrate Synonyms: moved, journeyed, ranged, roamed, traveled Related: swam
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narrate vt to tell a story or to give an account of something in detail
Fernando narrated the story of “The Three Little Pigs”. Present tense: narrates Synonyms: detailed, depicted, read, related, set forth, told
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navigate vti to find a way through a place, or direct the course of something, especially a ship or aircraft
The ship navigated to the port. Present tense: navigates Synonyms: approached, cruised, headed, maneuvered, proceeded, sailed, steamed, steered
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need vt to not have something that is needed
Jack needed a winter coat. Present tense: needs Synonyms: felt need of, lacked, missed, required
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Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS or INDEX notice vti to see or catch sight of somebody or something and register that fact in the mind
Morris noticed smoke coming from the chimney. Present tense: notices Synonyms: detected, discerned, discovered, espied, made out, marked, observed, perceived, saw, spotted, took notice of
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observe vt to see or notice something, especially while watching carefully
The students observed plants growing under different conditions. Present tense: observe Synonyms: examined, inspected, investigated, looked at, monitored, studied
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open unwrap vt to reveal the contents of something by unwrapping it
Marissa opened her present. Present tense: opens Synonyms: opened up, undid, untied, unpacked, unwrapped
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open spread vi to spread out (vi 2.a Merriam Webster Online)
The canyon opened out into a sunlit valley. Present tense: open Synonyms: broadened, expanded, spread, stretched, widened
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open up talk openly vi 6. To speak honestly, especially about personal feelings
She opened up about the pressures of her job. Present tense: opens up Synonyms: confessed, confided, let on, made known, related, revealed, talked
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operate vt to function or work or make something function or work
Adrian operated a forklift. Present tense: operates Synonyms: controlled, handled, managed, ran, utilized, worked
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overlooked vt 3. to look down at something to look at something from above
The statue overlooked the water. Present tense: overlooks Synonyms: commanded, dominated, looked across, looked out on, looked out over
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play make music on an instrument put on cover or clothe oneself
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pack vt to put personal belongings into a bag or other container for transportation
We packed our bags for the trip. Present tense: pack Synonyms: crammed, filled, filled up, loaded, stuffed Related words: provisioned, stocked, supplied
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package vt to put things into or wrap them up as a package
Isaac packaged a gift. Present tense: packaged Synonyms: boxed, bundled, crated, packed Return to TABLE OF CONTENTS
pan rotate camera vti to move a camera horizontally from a stationary point in order to capture a broad view of a scene or to film a moving object
The director panned his camera across the waterway. Root/present tense: pans Synonyms: rotated, swiveled, swung, turned
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pan shake a pan vi to use a shallow dish to separate valuable minerals from loose soil, gravel or sediment, by washing or shaking
The prospector panned the gravel to separate the gold. Present tense: pans Synonyms: agitated, jiggled, rinsed, shook, washed
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panic vti to feel panic or to make a person or animal feel panic
She panicked when she saw the shadow. Present tense: panics Synonyms: became hysterical, came apart, froze up, had a fit, lost it(her mind), overreacted, startled, stampeded, was terrified
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paragraph vt to arrange something in a series of paragraphs
Jimmy paragraphed his main ideas. Present tense: paragraphs Synonyms: divided, indented, separated, set off, split up
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parallel vt to be or run parallel (or alongside) something else; in general to follow, in form, the contour of something else
The highway paralleled the seacoast. Present tense: parallels Synonyms: aligned with, coincided with, conformed to, ran alongside, went along
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pass hand over vt 4. To hand something to somebody
Isaac passed a note in class. Root/Present tense: passes Synonyms: conveyed, delivered, handed, handed over, sent, slipped
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pass throw vt 3. sports to throw, kick, or hit a ball or another object to another player during a game
Nate passed the football. Root/Present tense: passes Synonyms: cast, delivered, drilled, flung, hurled, lobbed, rifled, threw, tossed
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pay vti to give somebody a particular amount of money for work done or for goods or services provided
Cesar paid for the groceries. Present tense: pays Synonyms: gave cash, paid cash, paid up, put up, settled, settled up
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peak vi 2. to form a peak or peaks
The mountain peaked on the north side. Present tense: peaks Synonyms: crested, culminated, reached the top, topped out
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peck vti 3. to make a hole in something by repeatedly striking it with a beak
The woodpecker pecked on a tree. Present tense: pecks Synonyms: jabbed, picked, poked, rapped, tapped
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peel vt to cut away or pull off the skin or outer layer of something, especially a fruit or vegetable
Huan peeled an orange. Present tense: peels Synonyms: flayed, pared, stripped
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phase in vt vto introduce something in stages over a period of time
The school phased in some rules. Present tense: phases in Synonyms: introduce( ) gradually, put forward ( ) in steps
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pick vt to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use (Merriam Webster Online)
They picked wild raspberries. Root/Present tense: pick Synonyms: accumulated, bagged, collected, got, gathered, harvested, rounded up
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pick out vt to choose or select something from among others
Sally picked out a pastry. Present tense: picks out Synonyms: chose, decided, fixed on, opted for, settled on
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pin vt to fasten, attach or secure something with a pin
She pinned a flower to his lapel. Present tense: pins Synonyms: attached, clasped, fastened
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play contest a game vti 2. to take part in a game or sporting activity
The boys played a game of GO. Present tense: play Synonyms: faced off in, competed in, contested, contended in, opposed each other in
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play make music on an instrument vti 8. (music) to use a musical instrument to produce or perform music
Alex played the guitar. Present tense: plays Synonyms: performed, picked, practiced, strummed
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plead vt to ask for something in a serious and emotional way (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
“Please give us some cookies,” he pleaded. (also pled or plead) Present tense: says Synonyms: begged, entreated, implored, supplicated
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poke vti to push the point of something such as an outstretched finger, elbow, or stick against somebody or something else
Reynaldo poked the campfire with a stick. Present tense: poke Synonyms: jabbed, nudged, prodded Related: agitated, kindled, stoked
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pounce vi to jump or swoop suddenly toward or onto somebody or something, especially onto prey
Percy pounced on a ball of yarn. Present tense: pounces Synonyms: attacked, came down, fell, jumped, leaped, sprang, swooped, swooped down
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practice vt to do something to get better
Bernard practiced his speech in an empty room. Present tense: practices Synonyms: honed, polished, prepared, recited, rehearsed, ran through, sharpened, tried out, tuned up, worked out
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produce vti to make or create something
The factory produced a lot of smoke. Present tense: produces Synonyms: created, made, generated Related words: belch out, discharge, emit, give off, issue, spew, yield
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put set vt to move something into a particular place or position
Dad put Sophie down from the chair. Present tense: put Synonyms: assisted, brought, carried, conveyed, helped, set, took
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put on cover or clothe oneself vt 2. To cover the body or a part of the body with clothing, headgear, footwear, or other accessories
She put on her winter coat. Present tense: puts on Synonyms: bundled up in, changed into, donned, threw on, wrapped up in
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qualify meet expectations vi to have or give somebody a skill or attribute necessary for a particular activity
Mr. Davidson qualified for the job. Present tense: qualifies Synonyms: fulfilled, met, or passed the requirements, measured up, sufficed, was right
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question vti to ask somebody questions, especially formally or officially, about a particular topic
Ben’s mom questioned him. Present tense: questions Synonyms: asked questions of, cross-examined, gave ( ) the third degree, interrogated, grilled, probed, pump ( ) for answers, quizzed
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quit vti to stop doing something
Deng quit running. Present tense: quits Synonyms: ceased, gave up, halted, left off, packed it in, stopped, suspended
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quote vt to repeat or copy the exact words spoken or written by somebody
She quoted her dad’s exact words. Present tense: quotes Synonyms: echoed, iterated, parroted, recited, repeated, reproduced, retold
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rage vi to speak or do something with sudden extreme anger or feel such strong anger
Randy raged about his punishment. Present tense: rages Synonyms: exploded, frenzied, flew into a fit, had a fit, had a tantrum, maddened, ramped, raves, stormed, threw a fit
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reach vi to move toward something in order to touch or grasp it
The fans reached for the home run ball. Present tense: reach Synonyms: extended, grasped, lunged, reached out, stretched, outstretched(their arms)
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read vti 3. To find something out by studying written or printed material
Henry read the morning paper. Present tense: reads Synonyms: perused, studied, scrutinized, looked through, surveyed Related words: browsed, leafed through, review, skimmed, slogged through, , waded through
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realize vi 2. To be aware or conscious of something or to become aware of something
Jacob realized that his friend was kidding. Present tense: realizes Synonyms: apprehended, became aware, caught on, get, got it, got the idea, got the picture, picked up
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receive vt 3. To take delivery of a message
Akira received a letter. Present tense: receives Synonyms: got, picked up
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rim vt to run around the rim of something
Oak and juniper trees rimmed the canyon. Root/Present tense: rim Synonyms: bordered, encircled, flanked, fringed, skirted, surrounded
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ring vti 1. to make the sound of a bell to make, or cause something such as a bell to make , a metallic sound when struck or played
The priest rang the church bell. Present tense: rings Synonyms: sounded, struck, (intransitive)pealed- as in “the church bells pealed”
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ripple vi to flow in a broken irregular stream (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
Waves rippled on the surface of the water. Present tense: ripple Synonyms: agitated, billowed, bobbed, ebbed and flow, pitched, pulsed, splashed, surged, swelled, throbbed
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rise vi 2. ascend to go up to a higher position or location
The shark rose to the surface. Present tense: rises Synonyms: angled up, ascended, drifted up, floated up, moved up
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run 1. vi go at fast pace to move rapidly on foot so that both feet are temporarily off the ground in each step.
Two emus ran across the outback. Present tense: run Synonyms: bounded, dashed, raced, scampered, sprinted Related words: cantered, darted, galloped, hurtled, sped, trotted
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run away escape vi to escape or flee from somebody or something
D.J. ran away Present tense: runs away Synonyms: absconded, bolted, broke out, cut and run, cut loose, departed, escaped, fled, made a getaway, ran off, skipped, skipped out, slipped away, split, stole away
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stick together bond personally
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sample vt to take a sample of something, especially to determine its character, features, or quality
Samantha sampled a new sandwich. Present tense: samples Synonyms: explored, investigated, tasted, tested, tried out, ventured
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save vt 4. to set something aside, keep something back, or protect something so that it can be used later
They saved the chopped onions for the pizza. Present tense: save Synonyms: put aside, reserved, set aside
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say vt 3. to utter something as a matter of fact, belief, or prediction
“Two plus two is four”, she said. Present tense: says Synonyms: answered, , replied, responded
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scan vt to look over and around something intently
The fox scanned the meadow. Present tense: scans Synonyms: checked out, glanced over, investigated, looked over, looked up and down, searched, scoured, surveyed
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score vti to make a point or points in a match or game
Eduardo scored a late goal. Present tense: scores Synonyms: achieved, chalked up, connected on, gained, got, kicked, kicked in, made, notched, punched in
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seal vt to close something tightly or securely with a seal
She sealed the letter. Root/Present tense: seals Synonyms: bonded, bound, closed, secured
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search vt to look into, over or through something carefully in order to find somebody or something
The police searched the house for evidence. Present tense: searches Synonyms: examined, explored, hunted through, inspected, looked over, probed, rummaged through, sifted through
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seclude vtr to remove somebody from contact with others
She secluded herself in a cabin. Root/Present tense: secludes Synonyms: cloistered, hid, immured, isolated, sequestered, shut, shut( ) off
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see vti 1. perceive with eyes to perceive, or to perceive something with the eyes
The captain saw a ship on the horizon. Present tense: sees Synonyms: detected, discerned, glimpsed, noticed, spied, spotted
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seethe vi to be in a state of extreme emotion, especially unexpressed anger
Sara seethed when she saw the mess. Synonyms: boiled, fumed, simmered, steamed
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sell vt 2. offer something for sale to offer a particular product or range of products for sale
Martin sold roasted peppers. Present tense: sells Synonyms: hawked, vended Related words: advertised, marketed, pushed
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send vt 3. To ask or command somebody to come or go
Mercedes sent them to the store for groceries. Present tense: sends Synonyms: directed, dispatched
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serenade vt performed a love song
He serenaded the girl on the balcony. Present tense: serenades Synonyms: bid for, charmed, courted, entreated, flattered, made an overture to, sang to, wooed
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set down vt to put something down on a surface
They set down their bowling bags. Root/Present tense: set down Synonyms: deposited, lay down, put down, unloaded
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settle homestead vti to populate an area with permanent residents
Pioneers settled in river valleys. Present tense: settle Synonyms: abided, colonized, dwelled, established (themselves), formed communities, homesteaded, moved to, put down roots, resided, squatted, took residence
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settle come to rest vi 9. To stop moving and come to rest
The ship settled on its side. Present tense: settles Synonyms: alit, bottomed out, came to rest, descended, fell, immerse, landed, lay down, lodged, reposed, put down, sagged, set, submerged, tipped over, touched bottom
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settle settle in layers vti to apply or arrange things as separate thicknesses or form into separate thicknesses
The leaves settled onto the storm grate. Present tense: layer Synonyms: caked, pressed, compacted, matted, layered
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sew vt to join things or repair or make something by using a needle to pass thread repeatedly through material
The seamstress sewed the pants. Present tense: sews Synonyms: basted, mended, stitched, stitched up
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shape vt 3. To mold something into a different shape
Bert shaped the clay into a pot. Root/Present tense: shapes Synonyms: fashioned, formed, molded
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share vti 3. to divide something equally between people
Mel shared an orange with his brother. Present tense: shares Synonyms: apportioned, divided, split
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shear vti 2.to cut hair, fleece, or foliage from the surface of something using a sharp tool
The farmer sheared the sheep. (also shorn) Present tense: shears Synonyms: clipped, shaved, snipped, fleeced, groomed
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shelve vt to put or store something on a shelf
Esme shelved the canisters in the cabinet. Present tense: shelves Synonyms: kept, laid, placed, put away, set, stored, stowed
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shield vt to defend or protect somebody with a shield or by using the body or another object as a shield
The prince shielded them from harm. Present tense: shields Synonyms: defended, guarded, insulated, kept (someone) safe, protected, preserved, safeguarded, saved, screened
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shimmer vi to shine softly with a wavering or flickering light , or cause something to shine in this way
Snowflakes shimmered in the sunlight. Present tense: shimmers Synonyms: gleamed, glimmered, glowed, shined( shone)
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shine vi 1. emit light to give out light
The moon shone on the prairie. Present tense: shines Synonyms: gleamed, glowed, glinted, glimmered Related Words: beamed, radiated, flashed, flared, fluoresced, glared, glistened, glittered, illuminated
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shiver vi to tremble or shake slightly because of cold, fear or illness
Esther shivered from the cold. Present tense: shivers Synonyms: had the shakes, quivered, quaked, shook, shuddered, trembled
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shovel vti to lift, clear or move something with a shovel
Miners shoveled coal. /Present tense: shovel Synonyms: dug out, excavated, mined, quarried, scooped out, spaded, spaded out, tunneled out, unearthed
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shrug vi to raise and drop the shoulders briefly, especially to indicate indifference or lack of knowledge
Annika shrugged when she didn’t know the answer. Present tense: shrug Synonyms: bunch the shoulders, squeeze (one’s) shoulders, squinch
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shut off close vt 2. To stop the passage, flow, or supply of something
Javier shut off the water. Present tense: shuts off Synonyms: close (the valve), cut off Related: see switch off
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shut off put an end to vt 2. to shut off the passage, flow or supply of something
Father shut off the conversation. Root/Present tense: shuts off Synonyms: capped, curtailed, cut off, cut short, ended, halted, put an end to, scrapped, stopped, terminated Note: this meaning is either figurative i.e.. “shut off the flow of conversation” or literal, the 2nd meaning of shut up—“to cause somebody to be quiet or stop talking”
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signed out vi to write a signature as a record of having left somewhere
Ernest signed out of the school for an appointment. Present tense: signs out Synonyms: checked out, logged out, registered (one’s departure), recorded (one’s departure)
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sign up enroll vti to agree, or get somebody to agree, to participate in something, especially by way of a signature
Irma signed up for soccer. Present tense: signs up for Synonyms: chose, elected, elected for, enlisted in, enrolled in, joined up in, opted for, put in for
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sing vi to make a melodious sound that is typical of a species
A little bird sang in the bushes. Present tense: sings Synonyms: called, chatterws, cheeped, chirred, chirped, chirruped, chirked, piped, trilled, tweeted, twittered, whistled Other bird sounds: cackled, cawed, clucked, cooed, cronked, croaked, cronked, crowed, cried, cuckooed, drummed, gabbled, gaggled, honked, hooted, tu-whitted, tuwhooed, whooped
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sit vi 2. To place yourself or someone else in a seat or sitting position
Sabrina sat between her parents on the subway. Root/Present tense: sits Synonyms: parked, placed herself, rested, settled, took a seat
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skate vi to glide along a surface wearing ice skates or roller skates
Brigit skated on the ice. Present tense: skates Synonyms: coasted, glided, sailed, skimmed
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skip hop vi to move along by hopping from one foot to the other
The girls skipped down the sidewalk. Present tense: skip Synonyms: bobbed, cavorted, danced, hippety-hopped, hopped, leaped, loped, scampered, skittered
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skip omit vt to pass over or leave something out that should properly follow as part of a sequence or a complete work
They skipped problem #3. Present tense: skip Synonyms: bypassed, crossed out, cut out, deleted, excepted, left out, left off, left undone, lined through, omitted, passed over
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skitter vi to move about or run off quickly with small scampering steps
Lizards skittered across the leaves. Present tense: skitter Synonyms: bounded, cantered, capered, danced, darted, flitted, frisked, glanced, ran, scampered, scurried, skimmed, slithered, scrambled, skirred, sprinted
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sleep vi (Physiological) to go into or be in a state of sleep
Sally slept for almost an hour. Present tense: sleeps Synonyms: dozed, napped, slumbered
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slice vt to cut something, or to be cut into slices or portions
Melvin sliced the pizza. Present tense: slices Synonyms: allotted, cut, divvied out, sectioned, shared
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slide vti (baseball) 7. To approach a base in baseball or softball horizontally while skidding feet first (or head first on the belly)
Al slid into second base. Present tense: slides Synonyms: careened, bellied, dove, drove, lunged, pitched, skimmed, skidded
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slope vti to go up or down, to ascend or descend
The mountain sloped down to the forest’s edge. Present tense: slopes Synonyms: banked, canted, inclined, pitched, slanted
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smolder vi to burn slowly and gently, usually with some smoke but without a flame
The campfire smoldered in the rain. Present tense: smolders Synonyms: burned , fumed, seethed, smoked, steamed
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snarl vi to growl threateningly (often with the teeth showing)
Rowf snarled at Kitty. Present tense: snarls Synonyms: bayed, gnarled, growled, hissed, howled
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snooped vi to look for private information about someone or something
The detective snooped around the crime scene. Present tense: snoops Synonyms: explored, investigated, looked, had a good look, nosed, prowled
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sort vt to place people or things in categories according to shared attributes
They sorted the stones by texture. Present tense: sort Synonyms: arranged, categorized, compared, classified, grouped, organized, ordered, put (the stones) in order, separated
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split vt to divide something or be divided lengthwise into two or more parts, usually by force
Maxim split some firewood. Present tense: splits Synonyms: chopped, cleaved, cut, cut up, lopped Related: carved, chipped, divided
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split up go separate ways vti 2. to go off in a different direction or send individuals in a different direction
The boys split up at the bus stop. Present tense: split up Synonyms: broke off, parted, separated, went separate ways
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She spoke to a group of men. Present tense: speak Synonyms: declaimed, discoursed, expatiated, lectured, talked Related words: addressed vt
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spoil vt to harm a person’s character, especially a child’s, by repeated overindulgence
Mom spoiled him with treats. Root/Present tense: spoils Synonyms: babied, catered to, coddled, gratified, indulged, pampered, pandered to, pleased
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sprawl vi to sit or lie with the arms and legs spread awkwardly in different directions
Roger sprawled on the floor. Present tense: sprawls Synonyms: flopped, lounged, lolled, lay, lay spreadeagled, reclined, spread out, straggled
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spread vti to open or extend something to its fullest area
The maple tree spread its branches. Synonyms: arrayed, displayed, extended, outstretched, radiated, splayed, spread out, stretched ( ) out Present tense: spreads
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squeak vi to make a short high-pitched sound or cry
Their wet shoes squeaked on the floor. Present tense: squeak Synonyms: creaked, screeched, screaked
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squeeze vt to press something hard in the hand or between two other objects, especially in order to reduce its size or alter its shape
Sid squeezed the toothpaste tube. Present tense: squeezes Synonyms: clasped, clinched, clutched, compressed, grabbed
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squint vi to half close the eyes to see better
Elmer squinted to see the words. Root/Present tense: squint Synonyms: peeked, peeped, scrunched, squinched
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squirm vi to wriggle the body, especially because of discomfort or in an attempt to get free from being held
Sylvia squirmed in her seat. Present tense: squirms Synonyms: agonized, fidgeted, floundered, jerked, jiggled, twisted, wiggled, wriggled, writhed
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stabilize vi to become stable or to make something stable
Jo’s heartbeat stabilized. Present tense: stabilizes Synonyms: adjusted, became regular, got better, settled down, steadied, strengthened
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stack vt to load or heap something with large piles of articles or objects
We stacked the books against the wall. Present tense: stack Synonyms: loaded, heaped, pile,d, stored
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start go first vti (sports) 8. to play or go first or be selected to play or go first in a contest
Nagato started for the Blue Sox. Root/Present tense: starts Synonyms: began, opened, started the game, pitched first
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start out begin vi to set out on a journey
The explorers started out from St. Louis. Present tense: start out Synonyms: began, got off, embarked, launched, set out, started
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steady vtir to become steady or make something steady
Grandfather steadied himself with a cane. Present tense: steadies Synonyms: braced, bolstered, fortified, girded, held (himself up, propped (himself) up, reinforced, steeled, strengthened, supported
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stick adhere vi to hold to something firmly by or as if by adhesion
The gum stuck to her shoe. /Present tense: sticks Synonyms: adhered, attached, bonded, clung, latched on
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stick with hold to a belief vt 2. To remain loyal or faithful to somebody or something (or an idea)
Fiona stuck with her opinion. Present tense: sticks with Synonyms: abided with, adhered to, clung to, hung on to, maintained, persisted in, stayed with, stood with, stuck by
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stick out bulge vti to protrude or cause something to protrude
Alma’s belly stuck out. Present tense: sticks out Synonyms: bulged, jutted out, pouched, pouted, projected, protended, protruded, showed Related: ballooned, mushroomed, swelled
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stick together bond personally vi to stay close physically or to remain unified
They stuck together. Present tense: stick together Synonyms: befriended (each other), bonded, cohered, united, joined (together), linked up, pulled together, made friends
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stomp vti to walk or move with very heavy or noisy steps
They stomped their feet. Present tense: stomp Synonyms: clomped, pounded, stamped, tramped
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stream vi to flow continuously or quickly in large quantities
Water streamed over the rocks. Present tense: stream Synonyms: flowed, gushed, rushed, surged, swirled, tumbled related word: rippled
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stride vt to walk with long regular steps, often briskly or energetically
The president strode to the podium. Present tense: strides Synonyms: marched, paced, stepped, trotted Related words: hastened, hurried, walked
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strike vt 1. hit somebody or something to hit somebody or something with a hand, tool or weapon
Kenji and his dad struck the drum. Present tense: strike Synonyms: banged, beat, clapped, hit, knocked, pounded, rapped, smacked, thumped, whacked Related words: battered, hammered, pasted, pommeled, pummeled, pelted, thrashed, flailed (at)
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struggle labor vi to try very hard to deal with a challenge, problem, or difficulty
Irving struggled to finish on time. Present tense: struggles Synonyms: battled, labored, scrambled
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struggle grapple vi to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition
Amalia struggled with the horse. Root/Present tense: struggles Synonyms: battled, fought, grappled, scuffled, wrestled
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stub vi to bang your toe against something accidentally
Steve stubbed his toe. Root/Present tense: stubs Synonyms: banged, bumped, jabbed, jammed Related words: poked, punched
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stumble vi to trip when walking or running
Michael stumbled over a rock. Present tense: stumbles Synonyms: fell, lurched, pitched, staggered, tottered, tripped
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stun vt to shock, upset or amaze somebody
It stunned us when she dove into the lake. Present tense: stun Synonyms: astonished, blew (us ) away, dumbfounded, shocked, startled, upset
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support vt 8. to give something greater credibility by providing further evidence for it
Henry supported his report with a bibliography. Present tense: supports Synonyms: authenticated, backed up, referenced, listed resources for, listed supporting authors, sourced
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swerve vi to make a sudden change in direction
The impala swerved. Present tense: swerve Synonyms: darted, deflected, lurched, sheered, sheered off, sheered away, sidestepped, turned away, veered
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swim 1. vi move through water to move or propel yourself unsupported through water using natural means of propulsion such as legs tails or fins
Pedro swam with the fish. Present tense: swims Synonyms: bathed, dipped, glided, paddled, plunged, stroked
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take carry vt 3. to carry, bring, or transport, something or somebody from one place to another
Frances took her suitcase into the hotel. Present tense: takes Synonyms: bore, brought, carried, conveyed, hauled, lugged, moved, toted
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take require time vt 24. to need a particular amount of time to be completed or performed
The game took a long time. Present tense: takes Synonyms: continued, lasted, persisted, ran on, stretched, stretched on, went on
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take after emulate vt to look or behave like somebody else, especially within the same family
Isabel took after her mom. Present tense: takes after Synonyms: acted like, copied, did like, emulated, followed the example of, imitated, made like, mimic, mirrored, patterned (one self) after
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take down write down vt to make a note of something in writing
Rex took down Naomi’s shopping directions. Present tense: takes down Synonyms: jotted down, made a note, noted, noted down, recorded, scribbled, set down, transcribed, wrote down
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talk vi to speak or express something using speech
Tom talked at the party. Root/Present tense: talks Synonyms: babbled, blabbed, cackled, chaffer, chattered, conversed, gabbed, gabbled, jabbered, jawed, kibitzed, nattered, palavered, prated, prattled, rapped, rattled, rattled on, ran on, shmoozed, twittered, visited, yakked Related words: gossiped, tattled, descanted, discussed, expatiated
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tap vti 3. To produce something such as a noise or rhythm by tapping
He tapped his feet to the beat. Present tense: taps Synonyms: patted, rapped, touched
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tear vti to pull something such as paper or cloth into pieces, or to come apart or rip
Tanya tore the paper. /Present tense: tears Synonyms: rent, pulled ( the paper) apart, ripped, ripped apart, ripped (the paper ) in two, tore (the paper) apart
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tease make fun of vti 2. to make fun of somebody either playfully or maliciously
Jarvis teased his sister. Present tense: teases Synonyms: jeered at, made fun of, razzed, ribbed
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tease ruffle vt 5. To make hair look thicker or to comb the hair with quick short movements toward the roots so it stands up away from the head
Nancy teased her hair. Present tense: teases Synonyms: disarranged, fluffed, mussed, ruffled
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tell vt to give an account in speech or writing of events or facts
Oscar told the truth. Present tense: tells Synonyms: admitted, brought ( ) to light, came out with, confessed, conceded, disclosed, owned up to, revealed, said
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tend vi to be generally inclined or likely to react or behave in a particular way
Herman tended to get mad. Present tense: tends Synonyms: inclined, was (disposed, inclined), had a tendency
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terrorize vt 2. To fill somebody with feelings of intense fear over a period of time
The fox terrorized the chickens. Present tense: terrorizes Synonyms: alarmed, frightened, scared, terrified
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text vt to send a text message (Cambridge Dictionary Online)
Marlene texted her friend. Present tense: texts Synonyms: contacted, messaged, sent a text message
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think wonder vti to use the mind to consider ideas and make judgments
Stanley thought about where the river came from. Present tense: thinks Synonyms: conjectured, meditated, reflected, mused, puzzled, speculated, wondered
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think over consider vt to reflect on something( especially something that requires a decision)
Terry thought over the pros and cons. Present tense: thinks over Synonyms: analyzed, appraised, considered, contemplated, deliberated, dwelled upon, meditated about, minded, mulled, mulled over, pondered, reflected upon, sorted out, thought out, thought over
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throw vt 1. propel something from the hand to make something move relatively quickly from the hand and through the air
Youssef threw the javelin. Present tense: throws Synonyms: flung, cast, hurled, heaved, lobbed, pitched, tossed Related words: drove, launched, let fly, propelled, served, slung, thrust
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tie down vt 1.secure with or as if with ropes (Free Dictionary. com)
Esme tied down the saddlebags. Present tense: ties down Synonyms: bound, fastened, knotted, secured, tied up
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tire wear out vti to make somebody feel in need of rest or sleep, or to grow weaker and less energetic
The heat tired us. Present tense: tires Synonyms: debilitated, exhausted, fatigued, wearied, tired (us ) out, wear (us) out
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toss vt to lightly throw something, especially with the palm of the hand upturned
Sam and Carl tossed the ball to each other. Present tense: toss Synonyms: handed –off, lobbed, passed_off, pitched, tossed_off Related word: exchanged
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trace vt 5. to outline something
Ahmed traced a circle in the sand. Present tense: traces Synonyms: carved, cut, drew, engraved, etched, furrowed, graved, impressed, imprinted, incised, inscribed, outlined, represented
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transfix vt 2. To hold motionless by or as if by piercing
The light beams transfixed the deer. Present tense: transfixes Synonyms: engrossed, fixed, gripped, hypnotized, paralyzed, petrified, riveted, rooted ( the deer ) to the spot, stopped ( the deer ) in its tracks, stunned
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transform vt to change people or things completely (or dramatically), especially improving their appearance or usefulness
The coronation transformed Elizabeth. Present tense: transforms Synonyms: altered, changed, exalted, glorified, transfigured
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transcribe vt to write out an exact copy of something
They transcribed his exact words. Present tense: transcribe Synonyms: copied, duplicated, noted, recorded, rendered, reproduced, set down, took down, wrote down, wrote out Related words: quoted
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try on vt put on an item of clothing to test its fit or suitability(Encarta)
Eduardo tried on some boots. Present tense: try on Synonyms:: put on, pulled on
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trot vi to move or cause a four legged animal such as a horse to move at a rate which is faster than walking but slower than cantering, and in which diagonal pairs of feet are off the ground alternatively
Three horses trotted through the sagebrush. Present tense: trot Synonyms: ambled, cantered, hurried, jogged, loped, scampered, stepped lively Related words: galloped
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turn flip something over vti 7. to move a page so that the other side, or another page, can be read or looked at
He turned the page. Present tense: turns Synonyms: flipped, flipped over, rolled over, turned over
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turn up appear or reappear vi to reappear or be rediscovered after being lost or in an unknown place, often in a surprising or unexpected way
The coat turned up in the lunchroom. Present tense: turns up Synonyms: appeared, materialized, showed up, surfaced
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update vt to provide somebody or something with the most recent information, or with more recent information than was previously available
The newscaster updated people. Present tense: updates Synonyms: apprised, filled (people) in, informed, kept (people) posted, notified, posted, reported to, told, warned
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upend vti to place, stand, or turn something upward so that it is standing or resting on one end, or to be turned over on one end
Ruggles upended the lamp. Present tense: upends Synonyms: brought down, capsized, flipped over, overturned, pulled over, tipped over, toppled, turned over, upset, upturned
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upstage vt to divert, or attempt to divert, attention away from somebody else
Anita upstaged her sister. Present tense: upstages Synonyms: drew attention from, eclipsed, stole the show from, outshone, overshadowed
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use vt to employ something for some purpose or put something into action or service
Carl used a mitten to grab the pot. Present tense: uses Synonyms: made use of, did with, employed, wielded Related words: donned, put on, wore
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utter vt to emit something as a sound made by the voice
He uttered a few words. Present tense: utters Synonyms: emitted, let out, let loose, mouthed, spoke, said Note: utter always takes an object. You say words. You utter words or sounds. By way of comparison, see talk
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vault vti to leap or spring over something, especially by pushing on it with the hands or using a pole
The boys vaulted the fence. Present tense: vault Synonyms: bound over, cleared, hopped, hurdled, jumped, jumped over, leapt, leapt over, sprang over, vaulted over
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veil vt to cover something such as a person’s face with a veil
Elena veiled her face. Present tense: veils Synonyms: blanketed, concealed, covered, curtained, hid, masked, obscured, screened, shaded, shrouded
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vow vt to promise something solemnly and seriously
They vowed to be faithful. Present tense: vows Synonyms: avowed, gave (their) word, made a commitment, pledged, promised Related words: engaged, guaranteed, undertook
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wade vti to walk against the pressure of water or mud
Raymond waded into the river. Present tense: wades Synonyms: ambled, floundered, lumbered, lurched, plodded, ploughed, set out, sloshed, stomped, tramped, trudged, wallowed, walked
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wait vi 2. To stop or slow down in order to allow somebody else to catch up
They waited for him to catch up. Present tense: wait Synonyms: paused, hung around, waited (until) (he could catch up), stopped, stopped (until) Related: await Note: await is transitive and more formal as in “They awaited him”
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She woke him up. Present tense: wakes (him) up Synonyms: arouse, awaken, rouse Related: animated, prodded, shook
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walled vt to fortify or surround something or somebody with a wall
They walled the city with a levee and sandbags. Present tense: wall Synonyms: closed off, protected, sealed off, secured, walled off
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wallow vi to lie down and roll around in something
The hippopotamus wallowed in the mud. /Present tense: wallows Synonyms: bathed, floundered, lay, lolled, rolled, rolled about, rolled around, sloshed, splashed
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warm vt to increase the temperature of something to a desirable or comfortable level, or become warm
Cora warmed her hands by the fire. Present tense: warms Synonyms: heated, thawed
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wash vti to clean something with water, usually with added soap or detergent
Wanda washed her hair. Present tense: washes Synonyms: cleaned, cleansed, scrubbed, shampooed
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waste vt to use something or use something up carelessly, extravagantly (or without anything to show for it)
Wayne wasted a lot of paper. Present tense: wastes Synonyms: consumed, went through, ran through, squandered, threw away
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whimper vi sob softly to make repeated weak plaintive crying or whining sounds of pain, distress or fear
Inez whimpered in little breaths. Present tense: whimpers Synonyms: bleated, boohooed, cried, keened, sniffed, sniveled, sobbed, wept
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whip vt. 7. (COOKING) beat liquid until stiff to make a food substance such as batter, or whipping cream stiff and creamy by adding air to it with short quick movements using a fork, whisk or an electric beater
Paul whipped the cream to make a topping. Root/Present tense: whips Synonyms: agitated, beat, whisked
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whisk brush away lightly vt to remove something with a quick, light, sweeping movement
Alan whisked the wood chips off the counter. Present tense: whisks Synonyms: brushed, flicked, swept
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whisk move someone quickly vti 4. to move or take somebody or something somewhere very quickly or suddenly
Mom whisked us out the door. Present tense: whisk Synonyms: hastened, hurried, hustled, impelled, rushed, scooted, shooed, spurred, urged
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win vt 2. to get something for defeating others to get something as a prize by beating other competitors using skill, effort or luck
Armand won the trophy. Present tense: wins Synonyms: attained, earned, gained, brought in, secured, snagged, took, took possession of, collected, copped, got, grabbed, landed Related words: (intransitive) conquered, prevailed, succeeded, triumphed See also: beat, win a race or contest
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wince vi to make an involuntary movement away from something because of pain or fear
Winnie winced when the doctor gave her a shot. Present tense: winces Synonyms: blanched, cowered, cringed, flinched, grimaced, made a face, recoiled, shrank, started
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wink vi to close one eye briefly, usually either as a friendly greeting or to show that something just done or said is a joke or a secret
The girls winked at each other. Present tense: wink Synonyms: batted, blinked, fluttered, squinted
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wear have on (as clothing) vti to have something on all or part of the body for the purpose of clothing, jewelry, protection or for another purpose
Marcie wore a red dress. Present tense: wears Synonyms: had on, sported, modeled, was attired in* Related: put on, donned, got into Note: *most synonyms for “wear” in this sense are in passive construction
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wear out fall apart vi to become useless from long or excessive use(Merriam Webster Online Dictionary)
Tim’s pants wore out. Present tense: wore out Synonyms: fell apart, frayed
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wear out exhaust vti to exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress (Free Online Thesaurus)
The runners wore out. Present tense: wear out Synonyms: burned out, flagged, drooped, fatigued, got tired, grew tired, grew weary, tired, wearied
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work out vi to train or take part in strenuous physical exercise as a way of keeping in shape
They worked out at the gym. Present tense: work out Synonyms: exercised, trained
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worry vi to feel anxious or to cause another person to feel anxious about something unpleasant that may happen or may have happened
Karl worried about whether she would like him. Present tense: worries Synonyms: agonized, felt anxious, stressed
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yell vi to shout or scream something or to speak in a very loud voice
They yelled at their cousin on the highway. Present tense: yell Synonyms: called (to), hollered, howled, screamed, shouted, squawked
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yip vi 2. to utter a short, sharp cry or yelp (Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
The Chihuahua yipped at Grandpa. Present tense: yips Synonyms: barked, yapped
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Zo Sorry!
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