6th Grade Spelling Bee Words

307 words for a 6th grade bee, in three rounds. Most carry a definition and a sentence, and every one has a play button so the pronouncer can say it aloud in Joy's voice. Print it, or run it from the screen. Free, nothing to sign up for.

Warm-up round

Words children practising here almost always get first time. Open with these so every speller gets a turn before anyone goes out.

  1. copynoun2.1% needed a second try

    An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress)

    a copy of a computer file

  2. hillnoun1.1% needed a second try

    A usually rounded natural elevation of land lower than a mountain

  3. lotnoun2.2% needed a second try

    An object used as a counter in determining a question by chance

  4. networknoun1.8% needed a second try

    A fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings

    … ribbons, lace and embroidery wrought together in a most curious piece of network …

  5. outcomenoun0.8% needed a second try

    Something that follows as a result or consequence

    a surprising outcome

  6. talladjective1.8% needed a second try

    High in stature

  7. agenoun4.8% needed a second try

    The time of life at which some particular qualification, power, or capacity arises or rests

    the voting age is 18

  8. artifactnoun5.5% needed a second try

    A usually simple object (such as a tool or ornament) showing human workmanship or modification as distinguished from a natural object

    … morality is an artifact of human culture, devised to help us negotiate social relations.

  9. babynoun4.4% needed a second try

    The youngest of a group

    He is the baby of the family.

  10. beatverb4.5% needed a second try

    To hit repeatedly so as to inflict pain

    Inmates were put in solitary for beating other inmates.

  11. bednoun5.9% needed a second try

    A piece of furniture on or in which to lie and sleep

    a bed of ashes

  12. bottomnoun6.5% needed a second try

    The underside of something

    at the bottom of the box

  13. brokenadjective5.7% needed a second try

    Violently separated into parts : shattered

    broken windows

  14. buyverb3.1% needed a second try

    To acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money : purchase

    buying stock in the company

  15. casenoun5.5% needed a second try

    A set of circumstances or conditions

    is the statement true in all three cases

  16. catnoun6.3% needed a second try

    A carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice

    some young … cat asked me to go drinking with him

  17. classnoun3.9% needed a second try

    A body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject

    Several students in the class are absent today.

  18. countverb6.6% needed a second try

    To indicate or name by units or groups so as to find the total number of units involved : number

    Count the pages of the manuscript.

  19. crossnoun3.9% needed a second try

    A structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution

    We all have our crosses to bear.

  20. datanoun3.4% needed a second try

    Factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation

    the data is plentiful and easily available

  21. drasticadjective4.3% needed a second try

    Acting rapidly or violently

    a drastic purgative

  22. dressverb5.5% needed a second try

    To make or set straight

    dress a child

  23. extendverb7.4% needed a second try

    To spread or stretch forth : unbend

    extended both her arms

  24. extensiveadjective5.5% needed a second try

    Having wide or considerable extent

    extensive reading

  25. factornoun4.8% needed a second try

    One who acts or transacts business for another: such as

  26. flashbacknoun3.5% needed a second try

    A recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)

  27. floornoun7% needed a second try

    The level base of a room

    the ocean floor

  28. freeadjective4.5% needed a second try

    Not costing or charging anything

    a free school

  29. goldnoun4.5% needed a second try

    A yellow metallic element with atomic number 79 that occurs naturally in pure form and is used especially in coins, jewelry, and electronics

  30. historynoun5.9% needed a second try

    Tale, story

    a history of Japan

  31. holenoun4.7% needed a second try

    An opening through something : perforation

    The coat has a hole in it.

  32. hopeverb5.2% needed a second try

    To cherish a desire with anticipation : to want something to happen or be true

    hopes for a promotion

  33. icenoun6.6% needed a second try

    Frozen water

  34. ironynoun4.7% needed a second try

    The use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning

  35. killedadjective7.4% needed a second try

    Being or containing a virus that has been inactivated (as by chemicals) so that it is no longer infectious

    killed vaccines

  36. loopnoun3.7% needed a second try

    A curving or doubling of a line so as to form a closed or partly open curve within itself through which another line can be passed or into which a hook may be hooked

    a drum loop

  37. massnoun5% needed a second try

    The liturgy of the Eucharist especially in accordance with the traditional Latin rite

    Sunday masses held at three different hours

  38. massiveadjective3.8% needed a second try

    Forming or consisting of a large mass:

  39. milknoun7% needed a second try

    A fluid secreted by the mammary glands of females for the nourishment of their young

  40. moodnoun3.1% needed a second try

    A conscious state of mind or predominant emotion : feeling

    He's been in a good mood all week.

  41. nounnoun5.2% needed a second try

    Any member of a class of words that typically can be combined with determiners to serve as the subject of a verb, can be interpreted as singular or plural, can be replaced with a pronoun, and refer to an entity, quality, state, action, or concept

    There are two nouns in this sentence.

  42. perpreposition6.1% needed a second try

    By the means or agency of : through

  43. percentnoun6.7% needed a second try

    One part in a hundred

  44. plotnoun3.7% needed a second try

    A small area of planted ground

    a vegetable plot

  45. pooradjective4.7% needed a second try

    Lacking material possessions

  46. pushedverb6.9% needed a second try

    To press against with force in order to drive or impel

    push prices to record levels

  47. rationoun6.8% needed a second try

    The indicated quotient of two mathematical expressions

  48. resultverb6.5% needed a second try

    To proceed or arise as a consequence, effect, or conclusion

    death resulted from the disease

  49. rolledverb6.5% needed a second try

    To impel forward by causing to turn over and over on a surface

  50. settingnoun6.2% needed a second try

    The manner, position, or direction in which something is set

    two settings of sterling silver

  51. snownoun6.1% needed a second try

    Precipitation in the form of small white ice crystals formed directly from the water vapor of the air at a temperature of less than 32°F (0°C)

  52. soilverb5.2% needed a second try

    To stain or defile morally : corrupt

  53. sonnoun2.9% needed a second try

    A human male offspring especially of human beings

  54. speednoun5.1% needed a second try

    Rate of motion: such as

  55. springverb6.4% needed a second try

    Dart, shoot

  56. stonenoun5.4% needed a second try

    A concretion of earthy or mineral matter:

  57. tinyadjective3% needed a second try

    Very small or diminutive : minute

  58. tonenoun5.9% needed a second try

    Vocal or musical sound of a specific quality; especially : musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression

    spoke in low tones

  59. tripverb7.4% needed a second try

    To catch the foot against something so as to stumble

  60. withinadverb5.8% needed a second try

    In or into the interior : inside

  61. wondernoun5% needed a second try

    A cause of astonishment or admiration : marvel

    it's a wonder you weren't killed

  62. actnoun8.8% needed a second try

    The doing of a thing : deed

    an act of courage

  63. adaptverb9.5% needed a second try

    To make fit (as for a new use) often by modification

    adapt the curriculum to students' needs

  64. adverbnoun8.3% needed a second try

    A word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages, typically serving as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence, expressing some relation of manner or quality, place, time, degree, number, cause, opposition, affirmation, or denial, and in English also serving to connect and to express comment on clause content

    In "arrived early" the word "early" is an adverb.

  65. Africageographical name8.5% needed a second try

    Continent of the eastern hemisphere straddling the Equator, separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, and adjoining Asia at the Sinai Peninsula area 11,677,239 square miles (30,244,049 square kilometers)

  66. amountverb7.8% needed a second try

    To be the same in meaning or effect as

    acts that amount to treason

  67. analogynoun8.5% needed a second try

    A comparison of two otherwise unlike things based on resemblance of a particular aspect

  68. anarchynoun7.5% needed a second try

    Absence of government

    the city's descent into anarchy

  69. anatomynoun11.2% needed a second try

    A branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms

    the anatomy of birds

  70. bearnoun10.4% needed a second try

    Any of a family (Ursidae of the order Carnivora) of large heavy mammals of America and Eurasia that have long shaggy hair, rudimentary tails, and plantigrade feet and feed largely on fruit, plant matter, and insects as well as on flesh

    a tall, friendly bear of a man

  71. brightadjective12.3% needed a second try

    Radiating or reflecting light : shining, sparkling

    bright lights

  72. calculateverb12.1% needed a second try

    To determine by mathematical processes

    calculate the rate of acceleration

  73. carenoun12.2% needed a second try

    Suffering of mind : grief

    oppressed by sickness, grief, or care

  74. chronologicaladjective12% needed a second try

    Of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time

    chronological tables of American history

  75. climaxnoun8.6% needed a second try

    A figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness

    the climax of a distinguished career

  76. composeverb8% needed a second try

    To form by putting together : fashion

    a committee composed of three representatives

  77. conclusionnoun9% needed a second try

    A reasoned judgment : inference

    The obvious conclusion is that she was negligent.

  78. congruentadjective11% needed a second try

    Congruous

    … establish incentives and rewards congruent with professional standing.

  79. contrastverb7.9% needed a second try

    To set off in contrast : compare or appraise in respect to differences

    Contrast European and American manners.

  80. contributeverb11% needed a second try

    To give or supply (something, such as money or time) as a part or share

    contribute money to a cause

  81. credibilitynoun12.4% needed a second try

    The quality or power of inspiring belief

    an account lacking in credibility

  82. declareverb9% needed a second try

    To make known formally, officially, or explicitly

    publicly declared her opposition to the plan

  83. diedverb12.3% needed a second try

    To pass from physical life : expire

    died at the age of 56

  84. evaluateverb12.4% needed a second try

    To determine or fix the value of

  85. expressionnoun11.3% needed a second try

    An act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : utterance

    freedom of expression

  86. factorsnoun9.1% needed a second try

    costs increased by a factor of 10

  87. ferociousadjective8.9% needed a second try

    Exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality

    a ferocious predator

  88. fightverb9.2% needed a second try

    To contend in battle or physical combat

    He will fight for the heavyweight title next month.

  89. fingersnoun9.9% needed a second try

    Any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb

    a narrow finger of land

  90. fractionnoun9.3% needed a second try

    A numerical representation (such as ³/₄, ⁵/₈, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers

    a fraction closer

  91. Frenchadjective10.7% needed a second try

    Of, relating to, or characteristic of France, its people, or their language

  92. frequentverb11.6% needed a second try

    To associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually

    a bar frequented by sports fans

  93. genrenoun11.9% needed a second try

    A category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content

    a classic of the gothic novel genre

  94. graphnoun10.8% needed a second try

    A diagram (such as a series of one or more points, lines, line segments, curves, or areas) that represents the variation of a variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables

  95. hairnoun8.9% needed a second try

    A slender threadlike outgrowth of the epidermis of an animal

    won by a hair

  96. ironnoun11.3% needed a second try

    A silver-white malleable ductile magnetic heavy metallic element that readily rusts in moist air, occurs in pure form in meteorites and combined in most igneous rocks, is the most abundant element on Earth by mass, and is vital to biological processes

  97. jumpedverb9.3% needed a second try

    To spring into the air : leap; especially : to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs

  98. kingdomnoun7.7% needed a second try

    A politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen

  99. lakenoun8% needed a second try

    A considerable inland body of standing water

  100. leadverb7.6% needed a second try

    To guide on a way especially by going in advance

    led the officers to his hiding place

  101. meanverb11.1% needed a second try

    To have in the mind as a purpose : intend

    she means to win

  102. melodynoun12.2% needed a second try

    A sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

    whilst all the winds with melody are ringing

  103. methodnoun10.1% needed a second try

    A procedure or process for attaining an object: such as

  104. momentnoun7.8% needed a second try

    A minute portion or point of time : instant

    a moment of dreadful suspense

  105. monarchynoun7.7% needed a second try

    Undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person

    Saudi Arabia is governed by a monarchy.

  106. multicellularadjective12.2% needed a second try

    Having, made up of, or involving more than one and usually many cells especially of living matter

  107. narrativenoun11.2% needed a second try

    Something that is narrated : story, account

    He is writing a detailed narrative of his life on the island.

  108. nationnoun9.8% needed a second try

    A community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government

    Canada is a nation with a written constitution

  109. obliviousadjective8.8% needed a second try

    Not aware of what is happening around you

    He was oblivious to the noise around him while reading.

  110. organnoun10.1% needed a second try

    A differentiated structure (such as a heart, kidney, leaf, or stem) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function in an organism

    the eyes and related structures that make up the visual organs

  111. organismnoun10.9% needed a second try

    A complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole

    a multicellular organism

  112. originnoun9% needed a second try

    Ancestry, parentage

    was of humble origin

  113. outsidenoun8.7% needed a second try

    An outer side or surface

    the crowd numbered 10,000 at the outside

  114. populationnoun8.1% needed a second try

    The whole number of people or inhabitants in a country or region

  115. poundsnoun8.3% needed a second try

    Any of various units of mass and weight

  116. predictionnoun9.5% needed a second try

    An act of predicting

  117. probabilitynoun10.9% needed a second try

    The chance that something will happen

    The probability of rain today is 70 percent.

  118. productnoun10.4% needed a second try

    The number or expression resulting from the multiplication together of two or more numbers or expressions

    a product of his environment

  119. proportionnoun10.8% needed a second try

    Harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : balance, symmetry

  120. rangenoun7.9% needed a second try

    A series of mountains; the distance something can reach

    The mountain range stretched across the horizon.

  121. realisticadjective12.4% needed a second try

    Of, relating to, or marked by literary or artistic realism : accurately representing what is natural or real : convincingly rendered to appear natural

    a realistic novel

  122. rideverb8.4% needed a second try

    To sit and travel on the back of an animal that one directs

    rode on a wave of popularity

  123. sailnoun10.7% needed a second try

    A ship equipped with sails

  124. scalenoun11.5% needed a second try

    An instrument or machine for weighing

  125. sectionnoun7.7% needed a second try

    The action or an instance of cutting or separating by cutting

  126. sleepnoun8.4% needed a second try

    The natural, easily reversible periodic state of many living things that is marked by the absence of wakefulness and by the loss of consciousness of one's surroundings, is accompanied by a typical body posture (such as lying down with the eyes closed), the occurrence of dreaming, and changes in brain activity and physiological functioning, is made up of cycles of non-REM sleep and REM sleep, and is usually considered essential to the restoration and recovery of vital bodily and mental functions

  127. smiledverb9% needed a second try

    To have, produce, or exhibit a smile

  128. someonepronoun10.3% needed a second try

    Some person : somebody

  129. speakverb10.2% needed a second try

    To utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk

  130. themenoun9.3% needed a second try

    A subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation

    guilt and punishment is the theme of the story

  131. tissuenoun10.6% needed a second try

    A piece of soft absorbent tissue paper used especially as a handkerchief or for removing cosmetics

    a tissue of lies

  132. transferverb8.6% needed a second try

    To convey from one person, place, or situation to another : move, shift

  133. typenoun8.8% needed a second try

    A particular kind, class, or group

    oranges of the seedless type

  134. uniqueadjective10.7% needed a second try

    Being the only one : sole

    his unique concern was his own comfort

  135. verbnoun7.6% needed a second try

    A word (such as jump, happen, or exist) that functions as the main word of the predicate of a sentence and expresses an act, occurrence, or state of being or that is used with another verb as an auxiliary

  136. villagenoun10.7% needed a second try

    A settlement usually larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town

  137. volumenoun8.5% needed a second try

    The degree of loudness or the intensity of a sound; also : loudness

Main round

The body of the bee. Recorded practice puts these in the middle, alongside the words too rarely practised here for us to say anything about.

  1. accumulateverb15.9% needed a second try

    To gather or pile up especially little by little : amass

    accumulate a fortune

  2. adjacentadjective13.9% needed a second try

    Not distant : nearby

    the city and adjacent suburbs

  3. adjectivenoun14% needed a second try

    A word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages and typically serving as a modifier of a noun to denote a quality of the thing named, to indicate its quantity or extent, or to specify a thing as distinct from something else

    The word red in "the red car" is an adjective.

  4. agriculturenoun15.3% needed a second try

    The science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products

    cleared the land to use it for agriculture

  5. algorithmnoun13.7% needed a second try

    A procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation

  6. alreadyadverb15.5% needed a second try

    Prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously

    He had already left when I called.

  7. althoughconjunction16.5% needed a second try

    In spite of the fact that : even though

    They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

  8. analyzeverb15% needed a second try

    To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of (something) by analysis

    chemically analyze a specimen

  9. anglenoun17.4% needed a second try

    A corner whether constituting a projecting part or a partially enclosed space

    They sheltered in an angle of the building.

  10. antagonistnoun14.8% needed a second try

    One that contends with or opposes another : adversary, opponent

    political antagonists

  11. anticipateverb12.8% needed a second try

    To give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to

    We don't anticipate any problems during the construction.

  12. appearverb13.7% needed a second try

    To be or come in sight

    when the sun appears on the horizon

  13. buildverb15.3% needed a second try

    To form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct

    birds building a nest

  14. catastrophenoun14.4% needed a second try

    A momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin

    Deforestation and erosion can lead to an ecological catastrophe.

  15. centurynoun15.4% needed a second try

    A period of 100 years

    a company that has been in business for more than a century

  16. citizennoun13.8% needed a second try

    A native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it

    She was an American citizen but lived most of her life abroad.

  17. civilizationnoun14.1% needed a second try

    A relatively high level of cultural and technological development

    the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized

  18. claimverb12.6% needed a second try

    To ask for especially as a right

    claimed the inheritance

  19. climatenoun14.6% needed a second try

    A region of the earth having specified climatic conditions

    His physician advised moving to a warmer climate.

  20. consequencenoun16.1% needed a second try

    A conclusion derived through logic : inference

    … we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.

  21. constantadjective12.7% needed a second try

    Marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : exhibiting constancy of mind or attachment

    a constant friend

  22. constructverb12.6% needed a second try

    To make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : build

    construct a bridge

  23. continuousadjective14.4% needed a second try

    Marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence

    The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

  24. culturenoun13.2% needed a second try

    The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group

    a corporate culture focused on the bottom line

  25. democracynoun17.3% needed a second try

    A form of government in which the people elect representatives to make decisions, policies, laws, etc. according to law

    Free and fair elections are a hallmark of American democracy.

  26. dimensionnoun15.6% needed a second try

    The quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size

    … the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways …

  27. dynastynoun15.7% needed a second try

    A succession of rulers of the same line of descent

    a dynasty that ruled China for nearly 300 years

  28. economynoun15.6% needed a second try

    The structure or conditions of economic life in a country, area, or period

    an economy of information

  29. eitheradjective16.5% needed a second try

    Being the one and the other of two : each

    flowers blooming on either side of the walk

  30. elaborateadjective14.5% needed a second try

    Planned or carried out with great care

    took elaborate precautions

  31. empirenoun16.6% needed a second try

    Something resembling a political empire

  32. encourageverb16% needed a second try

    To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten

    she was encouraged to continue by her early success

  33. equatornoun15.9% needed a second try

    The great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth

    the equator of a dividing cell

  34. evidencenoun14% needed a second try

    An outward sign : indication

  35. exaggerateverb14.6% needed a second try

    To enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : overstate

    a friend exaggerates a man's virtues

  36. frequencynoun14% needed a second try

    The fact or condition of occurring frequently

    the frequency of automobile accidents

  37. genuineadjective16.9% needed a second try

    Actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character

    genuine vintage wines

  38. insteadadverb15.2% needed a second try

    As a substitute or equivalent

    was going to write but called instead

  39. naturaladjective15.8% needed a second try

    Based on an inherent sense of right and wrong

    natural justice

  40. orderverb12.8% needed a second try

    To put in order : arrange

    The books are ordered alphabetically by author.

  41. possibleadjective16.6% needed a second try

    Being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization

    a possible but difficult task

  42. quiteadverb17.3% needed a second try

    Wholly, completely

    not quite finished

  43. remainverb14.4% needed a second try

    To be a part not destroyed, taken, or used up

    only a few ruins remain

  44. repetitionnoun15.7% needed a second try

    The act or an instance of repeating} or being {a_link

  45. societynoun13.9% needed a second try

    Companionship or association with one's fellows : friendly or intimate intercourse : company

  46. solutionnoun13.1% needed a second try

    An action or process of solving a problem

  47. termnoun13.8% needed a second try

    A word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject

    legal terms

  48. themselvesplural pronoun16.7% needed a second try

    Those identical ones that are they

    were themselves again after a night's rest

  49. variableadjective13.6% needed a second try

    Able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes

    variable winds

  50. modenoun

    A way of doing something; in math, the number that appears most often

    The mode of the numbers 2, 3, 3, 4 is 3 because it appears twice.

  51. let'scontraction

    Let us

  52. per seadjective

    Of a dark grayish blue resembling indigo

  53. stancenoun

    Station

  54. couldn'tcontraction

    Could not

  55. -ist (one who)suffix

    A suffix meaning 'one who practices or believes in'

    A scientist is one who studies science.

  56. debugverb

    To remove insects from

    debug a computer program

  57. genusnoun

    A class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic

  58. inputnoun

    Advice, opinion, comment

    increased input of fertilizer increases crop yield

  59. loftyadjective

    Elevated in character and spirit : noble

    lofty ideals

  60. trans- (across)prefix

    A prefix meaning 'across' or 'through'

    Transportation moves people across distances.

  61. outputnoun

    Output is the result or information produced by a machine, computer, or person after processing data.

    The computer's output showed the results of the math test.

  62. phylumnoun

    A direct line of descent within a group

  63. randomadjective

    Lacking a definite plan, purpose, or pattern

  64. satirenoun

    A literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn

  65. thesisnoun

    A dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view

  66. To be emphatic, firm, or resolute about something intended, demanded, or required

    They insist on going.

  67. To tell (a story) in detail; also : to provide spoken commentary for (something, such as a movie or television show)

    The children enjoyed the lively manner with which she narrated her life's story.

  68. Any of a small set of words (such as I, she, he, you, it, we, or they) in a language that are used as substitutes for nouns or noun phrases and whose referents are named or understood in the context

  69. To relate in detail : narrate

  70. Space or a place for storing

  71. Break, disregard

    violate the law

  72. An instrument for measuring altitudes consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90 degrees with an index or vernier and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction

  73. The state of being suspended} : {sx

    a novel of suspense

  74. To strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support : make stronger or more pronounced

    reinforce levees

  75. A way of thinking about something; an opinion

    From my viewpoint, we should start the project early.

  76. auto- (self)prefix

    A prefix meaning 'self' or 'same'

    Automatic means working by itself.

  77. vs. (versus)noun

    A word meaning vs. (versus)

  78. macro- (large)prefix

    A prefix meaning 'large' or 'long'

    Macroscopic means large enough to see without a microscope.

  79. micro- (small)prefix

    A prefix meaning very small or tiny

    A microscope helps us see micro-organisms.

  80. tele- (distant)prefix

    A prefix meaning 'far away' or 'distant'

    Telephone lets you talk to distant people.

  81. binarynoun

    Something made of two things or parts

    42 is written as 101010 in binary.

  82. mediannoun

    A medial part (such as a vein or nerve)

  83. -phobia (fear of)suffix

    A suffix meaning extreme fear or dislike of something

    Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.

  84. déjà vunoun

    The illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time

    The team's poor start to the season was déjà vu for its long-suffering fans.

  85. To supply (land, crops, etc.) with water by artificial means

    irrigating the cotton plants

  86. Angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: such as

  87. A great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the poles

  88. A preferential rating

  89. The act of rebutting especially in a legal suit

  90. A government in which the power belongs to a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by the leaders and representatives elected by those citizens to govern according to law

  91. Insistent and positive affirming, maintaining, or defending (as of a right or attribute)

    an assertion of ownership/innocence

  92. bona fideadjective

    Neither specious nor counterfeit : genuine

    has become a bona fide celebrity

  93. A system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed

  94. Angular distance measured on a great circle of reference from the intersection of the adopted zero meridian with this reference circle to the similar intersection of the meridian passing through the object

  95. One that processes

    scrap processor

  96. The use of reason; especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

  97. Any of various egalitarian economic and political theories or movements advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

    If modern socialism was born in 19th-century Europe, it was subsequently shaped by, and adapted to, a whole range of societies.

  98. tentativeadjective

    Not fully worked out or developed

    tentative plans

  99. Government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided

  100. A half of the celestial sphere as divided into two halves by the horizon , the celestial equator, or the ecliptic

    a hemisphere of life heretofore unknown to us

  101. The act or process or an instance of persuading

  102. status quonoun

    The existing state of affairs

    seeks to preserve the status quo

  103. An uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

    Some common conjunctions are "and," "but," and "although."

  104. point of viewnoun phrase

    A position or perspective from which something is considered or evaluated : standpoint

  105. -ology (study of)suffix

    A suffix meaning 'the study of' something

    Biology is the study of living things.

  106. obedientadjective

    Following rules and doing what you are told

    The obedient dog sat when his owner told him to.

  107. A combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements

  108. Government by the few

    The corporation is ruled by oligarchy.

  109. unanimousadjective

    When everyone agrees completely

    The class vote was unanimous - everyone chose pizza for lunch.

  110. The art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and man-made features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations

  111. vice versaadverb

    With the order changed : with the relations reversed : conversely

  112. The science or art of making maps

  113. A function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase which usually expresses a modification or predication

  114. The office of dictator

    people suffering under his dictatorship

  115. The act or process of distributing

    the distribution of leaflets

  116. An ejaculatory utterance usually lacking grammatical connection: such as

  117. organ systemnoun

    A word meaning organ system

  118. i.e. (that is)noun

    A word meaning i.e. (that is)

  119. anti- (against)noun

    A word meaning anti- (against)

  120. inter- (between)noun

    A word meaning inter- (between)

  121. absolute valuenoun

    A nonnegative number equal in numerical value to a given real number

  122. acute trianglenoun

    A triangle where all three angles are less than 90 degrees

    An acute triangle has all sharp angles.

  123. An opposing argument

    … careful consideration of each of the arguments made by the appellant, and of the counter-arguments advanced by the appellees …

  124. etc. (et cetera)noun

    A word meaning etc. (et cetera)

  125. e.g. (for example)noun

    A word meaning e.g. (for example)

  126. et al. (and others)noun

    A word meaning et al. (and others)

  127. digestive systemnoun

    The bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and the discharge of residual wastes and consisting of the digestive tract and accessory glands (such as the salivary glands and the pancreas) that secrete digestive enzymes

  128. respiratory systemnoun

    A system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory tract

Challenge round

The words that most often took more than one try in recorded practice. Hold them back for when the field is down to a few.

  1. retrieveverb27.7% needed a second try

    To locate and bring in (killed or wounded game)

  2. strategynoun28.6% needed a second try

    The science and art of employing the political, economic, psychological, and military forces of a nation or group of nations to afford the maximum support to adopted policies in peace or war

  3. adequateadjective24.1% needed a second try

    Sufficient for a specific need or requirement

    adequate time

  4. appropriateadjective24.8% needed a second try

    Especially suitable or compatible :

    an appropriate response

  5. consonantadjective27% needed a second try

    Being in agreement or harmony : free from elements making for discord

    The decision was consonant with the company's usual practice.

  6. exhaustverb26.9% needed a second try

    To consume entirely : use up

    exhausted our funds in a week

  7. hypothesisnoun26.5% needed a second try

    An assumption or concession made for the sake of argument

  8. imagerynoun23.1% needed a second try

    Pictures produced by an imaging system

  9. peculiaradjective26.7% needed a second try

    Characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive

    … a drowsy fervour of manner and tone which was quite peculiar to her.

  10. phrasenoun22.5% needed a second try

    A characteristic manner or style of expression : diction

    an adverbial phrase

  11. quietnoun23.9% needed a second try

    The quality or state of being quiet : tranquility

  12. substitutenoun27.1% needed a second try

    A person or thing that takes the place or function of another

  13. surprisenoun23.9% needed a second try

    An attack made without warning

  14. temperaturenoun24.9% needed a second try

    Degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale

    running a temperature

  15. unicellularadjective23.1% needed a second try

    Having or consisting of a single cell

    unicellular microorganisms

  16. benefitnoun20.8% needed a second try

    Something that produces good or helpful results or effects or that promotes well-being : advantage

    discounted prices and other benefits of a museum membership

  17. clausenoun21% needed a second try

    A group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex or compound sentence

    The sentence "When it rained they went inside" consists of two clauses: "when it rained" and "they went inside."

  18. coefficientnoun20.1% needed a second try

    Any of the factors of a product considered in relation to a specific factor

    coefficient of expansion of a metal

  19. dictionarynoun21.4% needed a second try

    A reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactic and idiomatic uses

  20. equationnoun17.6% needed a second try

    The act or process of equating

  21. everyonepronoun21.1% needed a second try

    Every} person : {sx

    Everyone laughed at her joke.

  22. everythingpronoun20.4% needed a second try

    All that exists

    you mean everything to me

  23. exactlyadverb19.6% needed a second try

    In a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition

    it's exactly 3 o'clock

  24. familynoun17.7% needed a second try

    The basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children

    want to spend more time with my family

  25. foreshadowingnoun18.5% needed a second try

    An indication of what is to come

    On this merry Christmas evening, however, no fears or dim foreshadowings of any coming event clouded our hearts or faces.

  26. governmentnoun19.7% needed a second try

    The officials comprising the governing body of a political unit and constituting the organization as an active agency

    The government was slow to react to the crisis.

  27. inequalitynoun20% needed a second try

    The quality of being unequal or uneven: such as

  28. laughedverb19.2% needed a second try

    To show emotion (such as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound

    The audience was laughing hysterically.

  29. manipulateverb18.3% needed a second try

    To treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner

    manipulate a pencil

  30. metalnoun19% needed a second try

    Any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and typically lustrous substances that are good conductors of electricity and heat, form cations by loss of electrons, and yield basic oxides and hydroxides

  31. middleadjective19.6% needed a second try

    Equally distant from the extremes : medial, central

    the middle house in the row

  32. persuadeverb17.9% needed a second try

    To move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action

  33. protagonistnoun18.1% needed a second try

    An active participant in an event

  34. quoteverb19.9% needed a second try

    To speak or write (a passage) from another usually with credit acknowledgment

  35. regionnoun17.9% needed a second try

    An administrative area, division, or district; especially : the basic administrative unit for local government in Scotland

  36. religionnoun19.9% needed a second try

    A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

  37. resolutionnoun18.7% needed a second try

    The act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones

    made a resolution to mend my ways

  38. similaradjective21.5% needed a second try

    Having characteristics in common : strictly comparable

    no two animal habitats are exactly similar

  39. solveverb19% needed a second try

    To find a solution, explanation, or answer for

    solve a problem

  40. speciesnoun20.3% needed a second try

    Kind, sort

  41. symbolismnoun18.9% needed a second try

    Artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states

  42. tradenoun17.5% needed a second try

    The business of buying and selling or bartering commodities : commerce

Where the round order comes from

When a child finishes a word in practice here, we record how many attempts it took. This page uses 120,463 recorded completions across 228 of these 307 words, from at least 632 children, between 2025-04-10 and 2026-09-12. A word needs at least 100 recorded completions before we show a rate for it at all, and the rest of the round is ordered editorially.

What the percentage is: the share of recorded completions of that word that took more than one attempt. Words a child gave up on are excluded from both sides of it rather than counted as a miss.

What it is not: a spelling bee error rate, and not a statement about this grade. The figures are per word, from children practising on SpellingJoy: our own users working through an assigned list, not a random sample, and not necessarily children in 6th grade. A practice game that lets you try again is also not a competition where one mistake ends your turn. Read it as a signal about which words repay practice, not as a prediction of who goes out.

The rounds are broad bands for that reason. Rates are grouped 5 points at a time, and a round boundary never falls inside a group, so we never put one word above another on a difference this data cannot support. Words with too little recorded practice sit in the main round, ordered by length and syllable count, which is an editorial guess and is marked by the absence of a percentage rather than dressed up as one.

The words themselves come from this grade's curriculum lists: Academic science terms, Common Latin/foreign expressions in English, Common prefixes/suffixes, English grammar terminology, Fry High-Frequency Words, Grade 6 ELA – argumentative writing vocabulary, Grade 6 ELA – literary devices and figurative language, Grade 6 ELA – literature analysis terms{index=91}{index=92}, Grade 6 Math – introductory algebra vocabulary, Grade 6 Math – statistics vocabulary, Grade 6 Social Studies – ancient world vocabulary, Grade 6 Social Studies – geography/map skills, Granite School District – 6th Grade Math{index=96}{index=97}, GreatSchools Curriculum, Middle school computer science fundamentals, Science – taxonomy hierarchy, World history – forms of government.

Looking for the official Scripps list? The School Spelling Bee Study List and Words of the Champions are published by the Scripps National Spelling Bee and are available from spellingbee.com/study-list. This packet is ours and is not affiliated with Scripps.