11+ Vocabulary List: 500 Words Every Child Should Know

The 11 plus vocabulary list covers words well beyond everyday primary school language. Both GL Assessment and CEM test vocabulary through synonym and antonym questions in verbal reasoning, comprehension passages in English, and creative writing tasks. There is no single official list published by either exam board. The best approach is to learn words grouped by theme: emotions, character, nature, movement, persuasion, science, history and the arts, so your child understands how words connect to each other rather than memorising isolated definitions.

This guide gives you 500 carefully chosen words across 10 themes, plus synonym and antonym pairs, word root shortcuts, and a seven-step plan for building vocabulary from Year 4 onwards.

Vocabulary is tested in almost every part of the 11 plus, from verbal reasoning synonym and antonym questions to English comprehension and creative writing. This is our complete 11 plus vocabulary list of 500 words, organised by theme, covering both GL Assessment and CEM exam boards, with tips on how to actually learn and use every word on it. 

Why vocabulary matters so much in the 11 plus

Here is something many parents do not realise until quite late in the preparation process. Vocabulary is not just tested in the English paper. It is tested everywhere. A child with a strong vocabulary has an advantage in verbal reasoning, comprehension, creative writing and even the way they interpret maths word problems. Vocabulary knowledge is the single most transferable skill in the 11 plus.

Both GL Assessment and CEM expect children to understand and use words well beyond the Key Stage 2 curriculum. These are not trick words. They are words that well-read, intellectually curious children encounter naturally through books, conversation and learning about the world. The problem is that children who have not been exposed to these words, even very bright children, will find verbal reasoning questions on synonyms and antonyms surprisingly difficult, simply because the words are unfamiliar.

Vocabulary builds on itself. A child who understands the word "tenacious" is also more likely to understand "tenacity," "tenaciously" and "untenable." A child who knows the Latin root "bene" (meaning good) can decode "beneficial," "benevolent," "benefactor" and "benediction" even if they have never seen those words before. This is why learning vocabulary through themes and roots is so much more powerful than learning lists of unconnected words.

11 plus vocabulary list - 500 words by theme

This vocabulary list for 11 plus contains 500 words organised into 10 themes. Each theme covers words that appear regularly in GL Assessment and CEM papers, and in comprehension passages and creative writing tasks across all grammar school regions.

Do not try to learn all 500 at once. Work through one theme at a time, spending a week or two on each group. Read each word in a sentence, look up any definitions you are not sure about, and encourage your child to use new words in their own writing and conversation.

1. Emotions and feelings

Words for how characters feel - essential for comprehension and creative writing

• amused

• empathetic

• exultant

• resolute

• anxious

• desolate

• dismayed

• irritable

• sullen

• elated

• melancholy

• apprehensive

• forlorn

• jubilant

• despondent

• perturbed

• wistful

• indignant

• serene

• turbulent

• remorseful

• elusive

• conflicted

• nostalgic

• anguished

• bewildered

• disgruntled

• restless

• wretched

• triumphant

• bashful

• radiant

• pensive

• agitated

• sheepish

• wary

• baffled

• composed

• fraught

• disconcerted

• petrified

• euphoric

• humiliated

• mortified

• overwhelmed

• resigned

• suspicious

• thunderstruck

• vexed

• zestful

Exam tip: Comprehension questions often ask "how does the character feel at this point?" Your child should pick the most precise word rather than a vague one. "Apprehensive" is more precise than "scared." "Melancholy" is more precise than "sad." 

2. Character and personality

Words for describing people - frequent in verbal reasoning and comprehension

• astute

• diligent

• tenacious

• taciturn

• selfless

• ingenious

• resourceful

• visionary

• intrepid

• cantankerous

• impeccable

• jocular

• meticulous

• obstinate

• scrupulous

• vehement

• zealous

• diffident

• gregarious

• stoic

• volatile

• prudent

• audacious

• frugal

• benevolent

• callous

• candid

• crafty

• duplicitous

• earnest

• fervent

• forthright

• imperious

• inquisitive

• judicious

• magnanimous

• naive

• obsequious

• pedantic

• querulous

• reckless

• sanguine

• sanctimonious

• shrewd

• steadfast

• sulky

• timid

• wily

• virtuous

• vain

Exam tip: In verbal reasoning, synonym questions on character words are very common. Know the differences between similar words: "astute" (clever and perceptive), "shrewd" (clever in a practical way), "wily" (clever in a cunning way). These are synonyms but carry different shades of meaning. 

3. Nature, weather and landscape

Comprehension passages frequently use natural settings - know the vocabulary

• verdant

• majestic

• serene

• tempestuous

• foamy

• briny

• canopy

• scorching

• drizzle

• chilly

• barren

• lush

• arid

• murky

• tranquil

• desolate

• ethereal

• pristine

• rugged

• sweeping

• cascading

• billowing

• dappled

• gnarled

• parched

• shimmering

• smouldering

• sodden

• sweltering

• withered

• abundant

• bleak

• blustery

• cavernous

• craggy

• dewy

• glacial

• looming

• luminous

• misty

• overcast

• placid

• radiant

• rippling

• rustling

• stagnant

• stark

• sultry

• thunderous

• torrential

Exam tip: In creative writing, the examiner rewards specific, precise descriptive words. "Verdant meadow" is far stronger than "green field." "Tempestuous sea" shows vocabulary range in a way "rough sea" does not. 

4. Movement and action

Precise movement words improve creative writing scores significantly

• trudge

• scurry

• stagger

• lunge

• dart

• glide

• wander

• creep

• stumble

• waver

• propel

• ascend

• linger

• saunter

• stride

• meander

• scramble

• swagger

• tiptoe

• vault

• plunge

• reel

• swoop

• lurk

• prowl

• skulk

• bound

• clamber

• crawl

• dither

• edge

• flail

• flinch

• hasten

• hover

• hurtle

• limp

• lurch

• plod

• retreat

• shuffle

• sidle

• slither

• spin

• sprint

• stalk

• stomp

• teeter

• thrash

• weave

Exam tip: Movement words are one of the fastest ways to improve creative writing marks. A child who writes "he walked" gets fewer marks than one who writes "he trudged" or "he skulked" or "he staggered." Encourage your child to collect and practise movement words specifically. 

5. Persuasion, argument and communication

Words for how people convince, debate and express ideas, common in both papers

• advocate

• assert

• convince

• refute

• rebuke

• contradict

• counterargument

• justify

• persuade

• exaggerate

• emphasise

• proclaim

• dispute

• challenge

• criticise

• negotiate

• deliberate

• postulate

• speculate

• vindicate

• denounce

• decry

• endorse

• implore

• accuse

• concede

• convey

• debate

• deflect

• discredit

• dismiss

• elaborate

• elicit

• exhort

• lecture

• manipulate

• mediate

• murmur

• mutter

• oppose

• placate

• propose

• provoke

• ramble

• retort

• snarl

• stipulate

• urge

• verify

• warn

Exam tip: In comprehension passages, identifying how a character is speaking (murmuring vs proclaiming vs snarling) tells you a lot about their emotional state. Understanding these words helps children answer inference questions much more accurately. 

6. Conflict, challenge and resilience

Narrative passages regularly feature tension and struggle - know these words

• adversity

• resilient

• endure

• persist

• rivalry

• strive

• relentless

• determined

• hardship

• peril

• turmoil

• devastation

• collapse

• escalate

• perish

• wreckage

• overcome

• withstand

• prevail

• surrender

• confront

• defiance

• disobedient

• empower

• retaliate

• sabotage

• undermine

• jeopardise

• aggressive

• belligerent

• combative

• contentious

• defiant

• ferocious

• fierce

• formidable

• hostile

• menacing

• oppressive

• ruthless

• tenacious

• turbulent

• unyielding

• vigorous

• volatile

• vulnerable

• wretched

• courageous

• forbearing

• perseverance

7. Leadership, power and morality

Historical and political comprehension passages use these words heavily

• charismatic

• decisive

• steadfast

• authoritative

• influential

• commanding

• mentor

• delegate

• impartial

• integrity

• righteous

• lawful

• deceit

• disloyal

• manipulation

• traitor

• corrupt

• tyrannical

• dictatorial

• oppressive

• autocratic

• dominant

• sovereign

• supreme

• subservient

• compliant

• docile

• subversive

• treacherous

• conspire

• betray

• allegiance

• loyalty

• magnanimous

• merciful

• noble

• principled

• unjust

• virtuous

• wicked

• reformist

• revolutionary

• radical

• progressive

• conservative

• moderate

• conciliatory

• diplomatic

• assertive

• passive

8. Science, discovery and the environment

Non-fiction comprehension passages often have a science or nature angle

• biodiversity

• ecosystem

• erosion

• sustainable

• renewable

• conservation

• adaptation

• organism

• groundbreaking

• revolutionary

• pioneer

• breakthrough

• hypothesis

• theory

• observation

• logical

• analytical

• systematic

• empirical

• objective

• photosynthesis

• atmosphere

• precipitation

• magnitude

• innovative

• artificial

• device

• mechanism

• fundamental

• complex

• intricate

• phenomenon

• significant

• negligible

• profound

• substantial

• fluctuate

• diminish

• accelerate

• accumulate

• deplete

• generate

• harness

• mitigate

• monitor

• preserve

• restore

• transform

• vital

• irreversible

9. History, society and culture

Many comprehension passages are set in historical or social contexts

• civilisation

• dynasty

• monarchy

• parliament

• revolution

• era

• medieval

• sovereignty

• alliance

• treaty

• truce

• campaign

• equality

• protest

• reform

• transformative

• heritage

• ancestry

• folklore

• festivity

• multicultural

• urbanisation

• diverse

• inclusive

• commemorate

• repercussion

• consequence

• trigger

• abolish

• colonise

• emancipate

• liberate

• oppress

• persecute

• subjugate

• tyrannise

• aristocracy

• democracy

• republic

• feudal

• imperial

• indigenous

• nomadic

• prehistoric

• propaganda

• regime

• uprising

• epidemic

• famine

• migration

10. The arts, literature and imagination

Literary terms and creative vocabulary strengthen both English papers

• imagery

• foreshadow

• metaphor

• simile

• tone

• atmosphere

• narrative

• perspective

• symbolism

• contrast

• monologue

• portrayal

• dramatic

• whimsical

• inventive

• imaginative

• resonate

• harmony

• rhythm

• melody

• abstract

• symmetry

• texture

• depict

• eloquent

• poignant

• evocative

• vivid

• haunting

• lyrical

• melancholic

• satirical

• allegorical

• didactic

• epistolary

• ironic

• paradoxical

• rhetorical

• subjective

• thematic

• alliteration

• hyperbole

• onomatopoeia

• personification

• protagonist

• antagonist

• subplot

• resolution

• climax

• denouement

Exam tip: Knowing literary terms helps children identify techniques in comprehension passages and describe them accurately. "The author uses personification to make the storm seem threatening" earns more marks than "the storm is described as if it is alive." 

How vocabulary is tested in GL Assessment and CEM

Understanding how vocabulary is tested helps you prepare for the right things. Here is exactly what your child will face in each part of the exam.

Synonyms and antonyms

• Choose the word closest in meaning to a given word

• Choose the word most opposite in meaning

• Select the best word to complete a sentence

• Find the word that belongs to a group

Example: Which word is closest in meaning to "tenacious"? Options: fragile, persistent, weary, hasty, cheerful 

Odd one out

• Identify the word that does not belong in a group

• Find the pair of words that share a connection

• Spot the word with a different connotation from the rest

• Group words by category or relationship

Example: Which word is the odd one out? resolute, steadfast, tenacious, timid, determined 

Comprehension vocabulary

• Understand the meaning of a word in context

• Rephrase a sentence using different words

• Explain what a word or phrase suggests about a character

• Select the word that best fits a gap in a passage

Example: What does the word "desolate" suggest about the character's feelings at this point in the story? 

Creative writing vocabulary

• Use precise and varied vocabulary in own writing

• Avoid repetition by choosing alternatives

• Match vocabulary to tone (formal, informal, descriptive)

• Use ambitious language to impress the examiner

Instead of "he walked slowly," a child with strong vocabulary might write "he trudged" or "he meandered" or "he shuffled." 

GL Assessment vs CEM: GL Assessment verbal reasoning papers test vocabulary more directly through dedicated synonym, antonym and word-connection question types. CEM papers embed vocabulary testing within reading comprehension and cloze exercises, making the vocabulary feel more contextual. There is no officially published word list for either board. A broad, theme-based vocabulary preparation programme works well for both. 

Key synonym and antonym pairs to know

Synonym and antonym questions are among the most common question types in 11 plus verbal reasoning papers. Knowing word pairs, not just isolated definitions, is what makes these questions fast to answer. Here are 18 high-frequency words with their closest synonym and opposite.

Practise both directions. Your child should be able to find synonyms and antonyms for each word. In verbal reasoning, questions come from both angles. A child who knows "tenacious" means persistent should also know its opposite is something like "yielding" or "spineless." 

Word roots that unlock hundreds of words at once

This is the single biggest shortcut in 11 plus vocabulary preparation. Many English words come from Greek and Latin roots. A child who knows 20 key roots can decode hundreds of unfamiliar words they have never seen before, including words that are not on any vocabulary list.

One root, many words. If your child knows that "mal" means bad, they can work out that "malevolent" (mal + volent, meaning "wishing bad") describes someone who wishes harm. They can decode "malicious," "maltreat" and "malady" even without having seen those words before. Spend five minutes a week on one new root and the payoff builds fast.

7 ways to build your child's vocabulary before the exam

The vocabulary list for 11 plus is only useful if your child actually learns the words on it. Here is a practical seven-step approach that works for children from Year 4 onwards.

1. Read widely every day - it is the most natural way to build vocabulary

Children who read regularly across a variety of genres build vocabulary faster than those who do not. Written language uses far more words than spoken language, and reading exposes your child to words in context, which is the most effective way to absorb their meaning. Aim for at least 15 minutes of reading a day, mixing fiction, non-fiction, history, science and current events. Our 11 plus tutors always recommend building a reading habit in Year 4 as the single most valuable vocabulary investment a family can make. 

2. Learn words in themed groups, not random lists

Random word lists are hard to remember because nothing connects the words to each other. When your child learns 50 emotion words together, the words reinforce each other. They start to see that "forlorn," "desolate" and "despondent" are all in the same family, and that knowing one makes the others easier to remember and distinguish. 

3. Study Greek and Latin word roots

As shown in the section above, learning 20 key roots gives your child a tool for decoding hundreds of words they have never seen before. This is especially valuable in verbal reasoning, where unfamiliar words appear regularly. Spend five minutes a week on one new root and test your child on words built from it at the end of the week. 

4. Keep a personal vocabulary notebook

When your child comes across a new word, in a book, in a comprehension passage or in a practice paper, they write it in their notebook with the definition, a synonym, an antonym and one example sentence they wrote themselves. Writing the sentence is key. It forces your child to understand the word deeply enough to use it, not just recognise it. 

5. Play word games to make learning enjoyable

Scrabble, Boggle, crosswords and word searches all build vocabulary in a low-pressure, engaging way. Vocabulary quiz apps and card games designed for 11 plus preparation are also useful. The goal is to make word learning feel normal and enjoyable rather than like revision, so that it happens naturally and consistently over months. 

6. Use new words in real conversation and writing

The most reliable way to make a word truly stick is to use it out loud or in writing. When your child learns "tenacious," encourage them to use it naturally in conversation over the next few days. When they are writing a story for school, encourage them to reach for three words from their vocabulary list. Words that have been actively used are far more securely stored than words only passively read. 

7. Practise synonym and antonym questions regularly under timed conditions

Knowing a word is not the same as being able to retrieve it quickly under exam pressure. Use our free 11 plus practice papers to give your child regular timed exposure to synonym, antonym and word-connection questions in the GL Assessment format. Doing one paper per week builds the retrieval speed that makes vocabulary useful on exam day, not just in theory. Our 11 plus mock exams also include full verbal reasoning papers with vocabulary sections, giving your child experience of performing at pace in real exam conditions. 

Start in Year 4. Vocabulary is built slowly through repeated exposure over months and years, not through last-minute cramming. A child who learns 10 new words a week from the start of Year 4 will have a vocabulary of over 500 above-average words before they sit the exam in September. Our 11 plus intensive summer course builds vocabulary practice into every English session in the final weeks before the exam, but the best results always come to children who started building their word bank early. 

Final thoughts

A strong 11 plus vocabulary list is not a document to be memorised in one sitting. It is a resource to be worked through slowly, one theme at a time, over the course of a year or more.

Use the 500 words in this guide as a foundation. Add your child's own discoveries from their reading. Build a personal vocabulary notebook. Practise synonyms and antonyms regularly. And start early, in Year 4 if possible, so that by the time September arrives, the words feel like old friends rather than strangers on a page.