Intermediate Vocabulary Words

Academic vocabulary common across TOEFL, IELTS, and multi-test contexts. These words appear in university-level texts and are essential for scoring well on standardized English proficiency tests.

6223 words · Page 89 of 104

spangle GRE TOEFL

A small, shiny decorative sequin; can also mean to sparkle or shimmer.

spanking GRE TOEFL

A beating, typically on the buttocks, administered as punishment.

spare TOEFL IELTS

To refrain from killing, harming, or punishing someone or something.

spark GRE TOEFL IELTS

A small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, or something that ignites interest or energy.

sparkle GRE TOEFL IELTS

To shine brightly with flashes of light; to glitter.

sparrow TOEFL IELTS

A small, brownish bird with a streaked breast, common in many parts of the world.

sparse SAT GRE TOEFL

Thinly dispersed or scattered; not dense.

sparsely TOEFL

In a way that is thinly dispersed or scattered.

spartan SAT GRE TOEFL

Showing simplicity, frugality, and self-discipline, often associated with ancient Sparta.

spawn GRE TOEFL

To produce or generate; often used of fish or amphibians laying eggs.

specialized TOEFL IELTS

Designed or adapted for a specific purpose or function.

species SAT TOEFL IELTS

A group of living organisms that can interbreed and are genetically similar.

specific TOEFL IELTS

Precise, clearly defined, or identified.

specification TOEFL

A detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.

specified TOEFL

Clearly defined or identified in detail.

specimen SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

An individual sample of something used for scientific study or analysis.

speck GRE TOEFL

A very small particle or spot.

spectacle TOEFL IELTS

An impressive or dramatic sight; also, an event that attracts widespread attention.

spectacular GRE TOEFL IELTS

Remarkably impressive or dramatic.

spectator SAT TOEFL IELTS

A person who watches an event, especially a sports event.

spectrum SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A range of different things that are related in a gradual sequence, often used in science and politi...

speculate SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

To form theories or guesses without firm evidence.

speedy TOEFL IELTS

Fast-moving or quick; done with speed.

sphere TOEFL IELTS

A round solid figure where every point on the surface is equidistant from the center; also, a partic...

spherical TOEFL

Shaped like a sphere; round in three dimensions.

spill TOEFL IELTS

To cause or allow a substance, especially a liquid, to flow out of its container unintentionally.

spin TOEFL IELTS

To rotate rapidly around a central point or axis.

spinach TOEFL

A leafy green vegetable rich in iron and vitamins, commonly eaten cooked or raw.

spinal TOEFL

Relating to the spine or spinal cord.

spine TOEFL

The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, supporting the body and housing the ...

spinet TOEFL

A small, lightly constructed harpsichord popular in the 16th to 18th centuries.

spinning TOEFL

The activity or process of forming thread or yarn from fiber.

spiny GRE TOEFL

Having or covered with spines or sharp points.

spiral GRE TOEFL IELTS

A curve that winds around a central point, gradually receding from or approaching it.

spiritual TOEFL IELTS

Relating to the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.

spit TOEFL IELTS

To eject saliva or other matter from the mouth.

splash TOEFL IELTS

To cause a liquid to scatter in drops or make a noise by being quickly moved through.

splendid GRE TOEFL IELTS

Magnificent, impressive, or excellent.

splendor GRE TOEFL IELTS

Great brilliance or beauty; magnificence.

splice GRE TOEFL

To join two ends of something, especially a rope or wire, by interweaving strands.

split GRE TOEFL IELTS

To divide or break something into parts, often forcefully or sharply.

spoil TOEFL IELTS

To ruin or damage something, making it less enjoyable, useful, or valuable.

spoilage TOEFL

The process or condition of something becoming spoiled or unusable, often due to decay or damage.

sponge TOEFL IELTS

A porous material that can absorb water or liquid, used for cleaning; also refers to simple aquatic ...

spontaneity GRE TOEFL

The quality of acting or happening naturally and without preplanning or external influence.

spontaneous SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Occurring naturally or without apparent external cause; not planned.

spontaneously TOEFL

In a way that happens naturally and without planning.

spoon TOEFL IELTS

A utensil with a small, shallow bowl and a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food.

sporadic GRE TOEFL

Occurring irregularly or infrequently, without a predictable pattern.

sporadically TOEFL

In a scattered or irregular manner, without a consistent pattern.

spot TOEFL IELTS

A small, distinct mark or area that is different from the surrounding surface; also means to see or ...

spotless TOEFL

Perfectly clean or without flaws, defects, or blemishes.

spotlight TOEFL IELTS

A directed bright light used on stage to illuminate a performer; figuratively, public attention.

spouse TOEFL IELTS

A husband or wife.

sprawl GRE TOEFL

To spread out over a large area in an uncontrolled or irregular way; also refers to a sprawling post...

spray TOEFL IELTS

Droplets of liquid forcibly scattered through the air, or the act of dispersing such droplets.

spring TOEFL IELTS

The season between winter and summer, characterized by warmer weather and new plant growth; also a n...

springtime TOEFL

The season of spring; a period associated with renewal, growth, and freshness.

sprout GRE TOEFL

To begin to grow; also refers to a small shoot emerging from a seed or plant.

spur TOEFL IELTS

A metal device worn on a rider's heel to urge a horse forward; also means to prompt or stimulate act...

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