8th Grade Vocabulary Worksheets: Grade 7 and 8 Word Lists

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NameDateMade at homeroomtools.comDraw a line from each one on the left to its partner on the right.Vocabularysynthesizecritiquededucehypothesizeprioritizecorrelateformulatesubstantiaterefutegeneralizediscernreconsiderto judge the strong and weakpoints of a piece of workto think again about a choice,ready to change itto prove that a statement or anidea is wrongto make a broad statement fromonly a few examplesto work out an answer from theknown factsto make out something that ishard to seeto suggest an explanation thathas not yet been provedto decide what matters most anddo that firstto be connected, so that onechanges with the otherto develop a plan or an ideacarefully and in detailto give facts that show thatsomething is trueto combine separate ideas intoone new whole
NameDateMade at homeroomtools.comDraw a line from each one on the left to its partner on the right.VocabularyAnswer keysynthesizecritiquededucehypothesizeprioritizecorrelateformulatesubstantiaterefutegeneralizediscernreconsiderto judge the strong and weakpoints of a piece of workto think again about a choice,ready to change itto prove that a statement or anidea is wrongto make a broad statement fromonly a few examplesto work out an answer from theknown factsto make out something that ishard to seeto suggest an explanation thathas not yet been provedto decide what matters most anddo that firstto be connected, so that onechanges with the otherto develop a plan or an ideacarefully and in detailto give facts that show thatsomething is trueto combine separate ideas intoone new whole
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All 240 words

Grade 8: Thinking words 12

  • correlate To be connected, so that one changes with the other. Hours of practice correlate with higher scores.
  • critique To judge the strong and weak points of a piece of work. Partners will critique each other's first drafts.
  • deduce To work out an answer from the known facts. From the wet floor we can deduce that the roof leaks.
  • discern To make out something that is hard to see. I could barely discern a shape in the fog.
  • formulate To develop a plan or an idea carefully and in detail. The group will formulate a plan for the fundraiser.
  • generalize To make a broad statement from only a few examples. It is risky to generalize from one survey.
  • hypothesize To suggest an explanation that has not yet been proved. Scientists hypothesize that the lake was once much larger.
  • prioritize To decide what matters most and do that first. Prioritize the tasks that are due tomorrow.
  • reconsider To think again about a choice, ready to change it. The council agreed to reconsider its vote.
  • refute To prove that a statement or an idea is wrong. The new data refute the earlier theory.
  • substantiate To give facts that show that something is true. Two witnesses could substantiate her account.
  • synthesize To combine separate ideas into one new whole. Synthesize the three articles into a single report.
Show all 240 words (228 more)

Grade 8: Persuasion words 12

  • advocate To speak up in public in favor of an idea or a plan. The students advocate a later start to the school day.
  • appeal A public call asking people to give help or money. The shelter made an appeal for blankets.
  • connotation A feeling or idea a word suggests beyond its meaning. The word cheap has a negative connotation.
  • consensus An opinion or decision that a whole group accepts. The class reached a consensus on the field trip.
  • denotation The direct meaning of a word, not what it suggests. The denotation of home is the place where a person lives.
  • dissent Strong disagreement with an official or common view. One judge wrote a note of dissent.
  • euphemism A mild word used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one. Let go is a euphemism for fired.
  • fallacy A false idea that many people think is true. The speaker called the old saying a fallacy.
  • nuance A tiny difference in meaning, sound or look. A good actor catches every nuance of a line.
  • premise An idea or statement that an argument is based on. The essay rests on the premise that sleep improves grades.
  • propaganda One-sided information spread to shape opinions. The class studied a propaganda poster from the 1940s.
  • stance A publicly stated position on an issue. The mayor changed her stance on the new road.

Grade 8: Describing words 12

  • arbitrary Decided by chance or whim, not by a reason or a plan. The order of the names on the list is arbitrary.
  • coherent Clear, well organized and easy to understand. She gave a coherent account of the experiment.
  • comprehensive Covering all or nearly all of what is needed. The guide has a comprehensive list of trails.
  • conventional Following the usual or traditional way of doing things. They chose a conventional oven over a microwave.
  • explicit Said in a clear, exact way that cannot be mistaken. The coach gave explicit instructions for the drill.
  • inherent Belonging to the basic nature of something. Climbing has some inherent risk.
  • meticulous Taking great care over every small detail. He kept meticulous notes on each trial.
  • obsolete Out of use because something newer took its place. Floppy disks are now obsolete.
  • profound Very deep or strong in feeling or effect. The speech had a profound effect on the crowd.
  • redundant Not needed because it is more than is necessary. Cut the redundant words from the sentence.
  • superficial Only on the surface, not complete or deep. The scratch on the table is superficial.
  • tentative Not certain or agreed yet, and likely to change. We set a tentative date for the concert.

Grade 8: Action words 12

  • accumulate To gather more and more of something over time. Dust can accumulate behind the shelves.
  • allocate To set aside a share of something for a purpose. The school will allocate more money to the library.
  • compel To make someone do something against their wishes. The storm may compel us to cancel the game.
  • deviate To do something different from the usual way. The pilot had to deviate from the planned route.
  • diminish To become smaller or less, or to make something so. The noise began to diminish after midnight.
  • exploit To use someone unfairly for your own gain. He would never exploit a friend's trust.
  • facilitate To help something happen more easily. A translator will facilitate the meeting.
  • impose To make people accept a rule, a tax or a punishment. The town may impose a fee on plastic bags.
  • mediate To talk to two sides in order to help them agree. A teacher offered to mediate the dispute.
  • prolong To make something go on for longer. A good coat of paint will prolong the life of the fence.
  • reinforce To add strength or support to something. Steel bars reinforce the concrete.
  • undermine To make someone or something weaker little by little. Constant delays undermine trust in the project.

Grade 8: Character words 12

  • aloof Keeping apart from others and not joining in. The new student seemed aloof at first.
  • apathetic Not interested and not caring what happens. The apathetic crowd barely clapped.
  • benevolent Kind and wanting to do good for others. A benevolent neighbor paid for the repairs.
  • eccentric Odd or unusual in a way that people notice. The eccentric inventor wore two hats.
  • frugal Careful with money and not wasteful. A frugal shopper compares prices first.
  • gullible Easily tricked through believing people too quickly. The gullible buyer believed every word of the ad.
  • impartial Fair because it does not favor either side. A referee must be impartial.
  • pragmatic Solving problems in a practical, sensible way. She took a pragmatic approach and fixed the leak first.
  • prudent Showing care and good sense about risks. It is prudent to save part of each paycheck.
  • tactful Careful to avoid upsetting other people. He gave a tactful answer about the haircut.
  • versatile Good at many different things, or useful in many ways. A versatile player can fill any position.
  • zealous Full of energy and eagerness for a cause. The zealous volunteers arrived an hour early.

Grade 8: Literature words 12

  • allegory A story in which each person or event is a symbol. The fable is an allegory about greed.
  • anthology A book of stories, poems or songs by several writers. Her poem was printed in an anthology.
  • memoir A person's written account of their own life. The pilot's memoir describes her first flight.
  • motif An idea or pattern that keeps returning in a work. Water is a motif throughout the novel.
  • paradox A statement made of two ideas that seem to disagree. Less is more is a well-known paradox.
  • parody A funny copy of the style of a well-known work. The class wrote a parody of a famous poem.
  • prose Ordinary writing in sentences, as opposed to poetry. The author writes both poetry and prose.
  • pun A joke that uses a word or phrase with two meanings. The headline was a pun on the word current.
  • satire Humor used to show the faults of people or ideas. The cartoon is a satire on modern advertising.
  • sonnet A 14-line poem that follows a set rhyme pattern. We read a sonnet about the sea.
  • subplot A second, less important story inside a book or play. A subplot follows the hero's younger brother.
  • syntax The way words are arranged to form a sentence. Poets sometimes bend the usual syntax.

Grade 8: Science words 12

  • atom The smallest piece of a chemical element. A water molecule has one oxygen atom.
  • compound A substance formed when two or more elements join. Table salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
  • conductor A substance that heat or electricity travels through. Copper is a good conductor.
  • density How much mass a substance has for its size. We measured the density of each liquid.
  • element A substance that cannot be split into simpler ones. Gold is an element.
  • frequency How many times a wave repeats in a set period of time. The radio picks up a wave of one frequency.
  • friction The force that slows one surface sliding over another. Friction slows the sled on dry grass.
  • insulator A material that blocks heat, sound or electricity. Rubber is an insulator.
  • mass How much matter an object contains. A balance measures the mass of the rock.
  • mixture Two or more substances mixed together. Trail mix is a mixture of nuts and dried fruit.
  • solution A liquid with another substance dissolved in it. Stir salt into water to make a solution.
  • wavelength The distance from one wave of energy to the next. Red light has a longer wavelength than blue light.

Grade 8: Government words 12

  • annex To take over land next to your own, often by force. The empire tried to annex the valley.
  • boycott To stop buying from or dealing with, as a protest. Shoppers began to boycott the store.
  • census An official count of the people who live in a country. The census counted every household.
  • delegate A person picked to speak or vote for a larger group. Each school sent one delegate to the meeting.
  • jurisdiction The legal power to make decisions and judgments. The case falls under state jurisdiction.
  • neutrality The state of not taking a side in a dispute or war. The country kept its neutrality for years.
  • ordinance A law or rule set by a city or other authority. A city ordinance bans loud music after ten.
  • petition A written request signed by many people. Two hundred people signed the petition for a crosswalk.
  • ratify To make an agreement official by a vote or signature. The states voted to ratify the treaty.
  • repeal To officially end a law so that it no longer applies. Voters asked the state to repeal the tax.
  • suffrage The right to vote in elections. The amendment extended suffrage to women.
  • veto A refusal to allow a law or a decision to go ahead. The governor used a veto on the bill.

Grade 8: Math words 12

  • axis A fixed line on a graph for measuring positions. Label each axis of the graph.
  • coordinate One of the numbers that give the position of a point. The first coordinate of the point is 4.
  • equation A mathematical statement that two amounts are equal. Solve the equation 2x + 1 = 9.
  • formula A rule in mathematics written in letters and numbers. Use the formula for the area of a circle.
  • function A value that depends on and changes with another. The cost is a function of the number of tickets.
  • linear Relating to or shown by a straight line. The graph shows a linear pattern.
  • outlier A value that lies far from the others in a set. One score of 12 was an outlier.
  • quadrant One of the four parts of a graph made by its axes. The point lies in the second quadrant.
  • slope A number that tells how steep a line is. The slope of the line is 2.
  • symmetry The quality of having matching parts on each side. A butterfly's wings show symmetry.
  • theorem A mathematical statement that can be proved by logic. The class proved the theorem step by step.
  • vertex The corner point where two lines meet at an angle. A triangle has one vertex at each corner.

Grade 8: Economics words 12

  • budget A plan for how to spend a set amount of money. The club made a budget for the trip.
  • commodity A raw material or product that is traded. Coffee is a valuable commodity.
  • consumer Someone who pays for goods or services to use them. A wise consumer reads the label.
  • deficit The amount by which spending is greater than income. The town ended the year with a deficit.
  • entrepreneur A person who sets up a business of their own. The young entrepreneur sold handmade soap.
  • inflation A steady rise in prices over time. Inflation made groceries cost more this year.
  • monopoly The state of being the only seller of a product. One firm held a monopoly on the railroad.
  • recession A period when a country's economy does poorly. Many shops closed during the recession.
  • revenue The income of a business or a government. Ticket sales are the theater's main revenue.
  • subsidy Government money that lowers the cost of something. Farmers received a subsidy for planting trees.
  • surplus An amount left over beyond what is needed. The farm sold its surplus of corn.
  • tariff A tax charged on goods that enter or leave a country. The tariff raised the price of imported steel.

Grade 7: Thinking words 12

  • assume To take something as true without checking it. Do not assume the first search result is correct.
  • clarify To make an idea clearer by explaining it further. The diagram helps clarify the steps.
  • classify To sort things into groups of the same kind. Classify the rocks by how they formed.
  • distinguish To tell one thing apart from another. Can you distinguish a fact from an opinion?
  • evaluate To judge how good, useful or successful something is. Evaluate each source before you quote it.
  • examine To study something carefully to find out more. Examine the map before you answer.
  • imply To hint at something without stating it. His frown seemed to imply that he disagreed.
  • interpret To work out or explain what something means. How do you interpret the last line of the poem?
  • justify To show that there is a good reason for something. Justify your answer with a fact from the text.
  • restate To say the same thing again in other words. Restate the question in your own words.
  • speculate To guess about something without knowing all the facts. We can only speculate about how the story ends.
  • verify To make sure that something is true or correct. Verify the date in a second source.

Grade 7: Argument words 12

  • argument A set of reasons given to support an idea. The essay builds an argument for longer recess.
  • bias An unfair preference for one side or one group. The article shows a bias toward the home team.
  • claim A statement that something is true, not yet proved. Her claim is that the town needs a new library.
  • counterclaim An opposing claim put forward by the other side. The writer answers each counterclaim in turn.
  • credible Worth believing because it can be trusted. A credible source names its author.
  • logical Reasoned out in clear, connected steps. A logical next step is to test the idea.
  • objective Based on facts, not on personal feelings. A news report should be objective.
  • perspective A particular way of seeing or thinking about something. The story is told from the dog's perspective.
  • reasoning The thinking that leads from facts to a decision. Explain the reasoning behind your choice.
  • rebuttal A reply giving reasons or proof that a claim is wrong. His rebuttal used numbers from the survey.
  • relevant Having to do with the subject at hand. Keep only the details that are relevant to your topic.
  • valid Backed by good reasons, so it is fair to accept. She raised a valid point about the cost.

Grade 7: Describing words 12

  • adequate Enough in amount or quality for what is needed. The tent gave adequate shelter from the rain.
  • ambiguous Open to more than one meaning; not clear. The ending is ambiguous on purpose.
  • concise Saying what is needed in few words. Write a concise summary of the chapter.
  • diverse Made up of many different kinds of people or things. The reef holds a diverse group of fish.
  • elaborate Having many carefully arranged parts or details. She wore an elaborate costume with beads.
  • evident So plain that no one could miss or doubt it. It was evident that the team had practiced.
  • hostile Unfriendly and full of strong dislike. The crowd grew hostile after the call.
  • plausible Likely enough to be believed. Her excuse sounded plausible.
  • prominent Standing out from its surroundings, or well known. The tower is a prominent landmark.
  • rigid Hard to bend, move or change; fixed. The frame is made of rigid plastic.
  • tedious Boring and taking too long. Copying the list by hand was tedious.
  • vital Necessary for something to succeed or to exist. Water is vital to every living thing.

Grade 7: Action words 12

  • anticipate To expect something and get ready for it. We anticipate a large crowd on opening night.
  • collaborate To work together with others on a shared task. The two classes will collaborate on a mural.
  • convey To make a thought or feeling understood by others. The colors convey a feeling of calm.
  • deprive To take away something that someone needs. A long dry spell can deprive crops of water.
  • exclude To keep someone or something from taking part. The club does not exclude new players.
  • hinder To make it hard for something to happen or move ahead. Heavy snow may hinder the search.
  • modify To change something a little, often to make it better. We had to modify the design to fit the box.
  • obtain To get something, especially by making an effort. You must obtain a permit to camp here.
  • omit To leave something out. Do not omit your name from the form.
  • pursue To keep working toward a goal over time. She plans to pursue a career in music.
  • restrict To keep something within a set limit. The rules restrict each team to five players.
  • sustain To keep something up at the same strength. The runners could not sustain that pace.

Grade 7: Character words 12

  • ambitious Wanting very much to succeed. The ambitious student entered three contests.
  • arrogant Believing you are better or more important than others. The arrogant prince ignored every warning.
  • compassionate Feeling and showing care for people who are suffering. A compassionate neighbor brought soup.
  • cunning Good at planning tricks to get what you want. The cunning fox waited by the gate.
  • humble Not thinking you are better than other people. The champion stayed humble after her win.
  • impulsive Acting suddenly without thinking first. An impulsive choice cost him the game.
  • loyal Always giving support to a person or a group. The loyal dog waited at the door all day.
  • resilient Able to recover quickly after something difficult. The resilient town rebuilt after the flood.
  • sincere Honest and showing what you really feel. He gave a sincere apology.
  • skeptical Not ready to believe something without more proof. She was skeptical of the ad's promises.
  • stubborn Refusing to change your mind or what you are doing. The stubborn mule would not move.
  • timid Easily scared; not bold or sure of yourself. The timid kitten hid behind the couch.

Grade 7: Literature words 12

  • climax The most exciting or important moment of a story. The climax comes when the bridge gives way.
  • conflict A serious disagreement or struggle between two sides. The conflict begins when the map is stolen.
  • dialect The form of a language used in one region or group. The characters speak in a local dialect.
  • excerpt A short piece taken from a longer work. We read an excerpt from the novel.
  • flashback A scene in a story that returns to an earlier time. A flashback shows the hero as a child.
  • imagery Language or pictures that describe ideas or scenes. The poem is full of winter imagery.
  • irony An outcome that is the opposite of what was meant. The irony is that the fire station burned down.
  • mood The feeling a story or poem gives its reader. The mood of the poem is gloomy.
  • motive The reason a person has for doing something. The detective looked for a motive.
  • resolution The point at which a problem is settled or ended. The resolution ties up every loose end.
  • suspense Excitement or worry about what will happen next. The last chapter is full of suspense.
  • tone The writer's attitude, shown in the choice of words. The letter has a friendly tone.

Grade 7: Life science words 12

  • adaptation A change that helps a living thing survive. Thick fur is an adaptation to the cold.
  • cell The smallest living unit of a plant or an animal. A cell can be seen under a microscope.
  • decomposer A living thing that makes dead matter decay. A mushroom is a decomposer.
  • gene A part of the DNA in a cell, passed on from parents. A gene affects the color of the petals.
  • mutation A change in the genes of a living thing. A mutation gave the moth darker wings.
  • nucleus The control center of a cell, which directs its growth. The nucleus holds the cell's genes.
  • organ A body part, such as the heart, with its own job. The heart is the organ that pumps blood.
  • photosynthesis The process by which a plant makes food using sunlight. Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves.
  • respiration Breathing; taking air in and letting it out. Exercise speeds up respiration.
  • tissue Many cells of the same kind doing one job together. Muscle tissue can tighten and relax.
  • trait A characteristic of a person or a living thing. Eye color is an inherited trait.
  • virus A tiny thing that causes disease in living things. A virus causes the common cold.

Grade 7: World history words 12

  • artifact An object people made long ago, kept for its history. The museum displays an artifact from the tomb.
  • barter To trade goods for other goods instead of money. Villagers would barter wool for salt.
  • caravan A group traveling together, often across a desert. The caravan rested at an oasis.
  • conquest The act of taking control of a land or people by force. The conquest of the city took two years.
  • empire Many lands or countries under one ruler or government. The empire stretched across three continents.
  • feudalism A system of serving a lord in return for land. Feudalism shaped life in medieval villages.
  • merchant A person who trades goods in large amounts. The merchant traded silk for spices.
  • noble A member of the highest-ranking families in a society. Each noble owed soldiers to the king.
  • peasant A poor farmer of the past with a small piece of land. The peasant paid rent in grain.
  • reform A change made to improve a system or a law. The reform gave farmers more land.
  • revolt An attempt by a group to remove its rulers by force. The revolt began in the northern towns.
  • scribe A person who copied documents by hand before printing. A scribe copied each page by hand.

Grade 7: Math words 12

  • constant A number or value that stays the same. In y = 2x + 5, the 5 is a constant.
  • diameter The width of a circle, measured through its center. The diameter is twice the radius.
  • expression Numbers and symbols that stand for an amount. Simplify the expression 3x + 2x.
  • integer A number with no fraction part. The answer must be an integer.
  • median The middle number of a set put in order. The median of 2, 5 and 9 is 5.
  • percent One part in every hundred. Sixty percent of the class walks to school.
  • radius How far a circle's edge is from its center. The radius of the wheel is 30 centimeters.
  • rate How fast or how often something happens. The pump fills the tank at a steady rate.
  • ratio A comparison of the sizes of two amounts. The ratio of cats to dogs is 3 to 2.
  • sample A small group studied to learn about a larger group. We surveyed a sample of fifty students.
  • variable A letter or symbol for a value that can change. In the expression, x is the variable.
  • volume The amount of space inside an object or shape. Find the volume of the box.

Grade 7: Geography words 12

  • delta Low land where a river splits before it meets the sea. Rice grows well in the river delta.
  • elevation How high a place is above sea level. The town lies at an elevation of 2,000 meters.
  • export To sell and send goods to another country. The farms export fruit to Canada.
  • import To bring goods in from another country to sell. The islands import most of their fuel.
  • irrigation Bringing water to land so that crops can grow. Irrigation turned the dry valley green.
  • peninsula A piece of land that sticks out into the sea or a lake. Florida is a peninsula.
  • plateau A wide, flat area of high land. The village sits on a high plateau.
  • rural Belonging to the countryside. The bus serves several rural towns.
  • strait A narrow strip of sea linking two larger seas. Ships pass through the strait every day.
  • terrain The land of an area and its natural features. The trail crosses rocky terrain.
  • tributary A stream or river that flows into a bigger river. The creek is a tributary of the main river.
  • urban Belonging to a city or a town. Most jobs were in urban areas.

How this list was compiled: Word lists chosen for this site on 2026-10-01: 120 words for grade 7 and 120 for grade 8, in sets of twelve. The grades are our suggestion and the lists follow no published program or standard. Each meaning is written in our own words and was checked that day against the entry for the word in the Cambridge Dictionary, US edition (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/): it gives a sense the entry lists, in shorter words. For tone, the sense used in literature (the writer's attitude) was read on 2026-10-01 in the article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tone_(literature). The example sentence after each meaning is our own. Facts named in the examples (a water molecule has one oxygen atom, gold is an element, table salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine, red light has a longer wavelength than blue, copper conducts and rubber insulates, a virus causes the common cold, fungi are decomposers, the nucleus holds the genes, Florida is a peninsula) were read on 2026-10-01 in the articles on each subject at https://en.wikipedia.org/. No word repeats our third or fourth grade vocabulary lists. Licence: own work

How it works

These 8th grade vocabulary worksheets set twelve words beside their meanings, which print in a different order. Each grade has ten sets of twelve, from thinking words to science, math and social studies words.

Read the full guide

The grade 8 sets

Set opens on Grade 8: Thinking words, such as synthesize, deduce and refute. The other grade 8 sets are Persuasion, Describing, Action, Character, Literature, Science, Government, Math and Economics words.

7th grade vocabulary worksheets

Pick a set that starts with Grade 7: Thinking, Argument, Describing, Action, Character, Literature, Life science, World history, Math or Geography words. The grades are our suggestion, and no word repeats our third or fourth grade lists.

Your own word list

The box above the sheet takes one pair a line, word = meaning: tariff = a tax on imported goods. The sheet then prints your pairs in place of ours.

  • Under the tool every word is listed with its meaning and a sentence that uses it.
  • Twelve meanings fit one page at Small text, the size the page opens on.

Questions and answers

What words are on an 8th grade vocabulary list?

There is no official list. Ours suggests 120 words: verbs for thinking such as synthesize, substantiate and refute, describing words such as arbitrary and tentative, and subject words such as tariff, density and slope.

Are these middle school vocabulary worksheets?

Yes. Seventh and eighth grade are middle school grades in most of the United States. Choose All of them in Set for a sheet that draws twelve words from both lists.

Does the worksheet print with an answer key?

Yes, as the last page. To print without it, untick Add an answer key as the last page under More options. See the answers, in the same place, shows the matches on screen.

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