8th Grade Vocabulary Words - List 28

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Word Definition Practice Sentence Synonyms Antonyms Part of Speech Description
dilated To become larger or wider. The pupil of her eye dilated in response to the bright light. expand, swell, inflate contract, decrease, deflate Verb
placate To please someone or to calm them. The manager tried to placate the angry customer. appease, assuage, pacify irritate, upset, agitate Verb
precariously In a difficult and uncertain way that may cause injury. She balanced precariously on the edge of the cliff. perilously, recklessly, hazardously securely, carefully, safely Adverb
trait A particular feature of a person or thing. He was a hardworking person, a trait that was admired by many. characteristic, attribute, aspect Noun
inevitably Surely or nearly guaranteed to happen. Life will inevitably bring changes that are out of our control. certainly, likely, expectedly doubtfully, questionably Adverb
accumulate To collect over time. The savings account started to accumulate a large amount of money over time. collect, increase, stockpile lessen, shrink, dwindle Verb
fleeting Only lasting for a short time. The fleeting moment was gone before she knew it. momentary, passing, transient enduring, perpetual, constant Adjective
obsequious To be subservient and flattering in an excessive manner. The obsequious employee bowed and scraped in front of the boss. spineless, submissive, kowtowing arrogant, brazen, confident Adjective
meager Not enough, or scant. The waiter had a meager income that barely paid for basic needs. insufficient, paltry, sparse ample, plentiful, substantial Adjective
blunder A careless slip up. He made a blunder by not double-checking his work. mistake, fault, error success, correct, right Noun
contaminated To be polluted. The water was contaminated with harmful chemicals. spoiled, harmed, corrupted pure, clean, sterilized Verb
reverberated A loud noise that is repeated. The sound of the drums reverberated through the concert hall. echo, resound, ring Verb
depleted To empty or lessen. The drought has greatly depleted the region's water supply. decrease, diminish, drain fill, increase, augment Verb
mimic To copy a sound or action of someone or something. She was able to mimic the meadowlark's song exactly. resemble, simulate, parrot Verb
loathe To dislike or hate. I loathe the thought of going to work on the weekend. despise, detest, abhor cherish, love, admire Verb

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