These academic vocabulary words for fifth graders are broadly used in many subjects and even in everyday conversation, but they can be hard to define; their definitions are often abstract and can change based on context. But they add precision to writing and speaking. They often help shape plot, mood, or point of view. For instance, skip or trudge would convey different impressions and feelings than walk. Having a strong academic vocabulary is critical to reading comprehension.
Print this list, courtesy of Hyde Park Central School District, and post it somewhere that you and your child will see it daily. Try to use these words in conversation with your fifth grader. Hearing new words used in context is one of the best ways for kids to learn and remember new words.
| abolish | escalate | influence |
| accomplish | establish | investigate |
| accurate | evaluate | navigate |
| announce | evidence | opposed |
| anxious | exhaust | ordinary |
| approach | expansion | passage |
| approval | expectation | persuade |
| approximate | explain | primary |
| argument | express | recently |
| avoid | extend | reference |
| briskly | familiar | review |
| cease | frequent | revolt |
| claim | gigantic | scarce |
| conclude | gist | significant |
| conflict | glare | source |
| consistent | harsh | summarize |
| context | heroic | superior |
| convince | hesitate | tension |
| culture | hilarious | tolerate |
| decade | historic | tremble |
| dissatisfied | horizontal | unexpected |
| dominate | hostile | unfamiliar |
| drowsy | huddle | vertical |
| edible | identify | effortless |
| illegible | equivalent | immigrate |
See the academic vocabulary lists for 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade, too.
Check out our weekly spelling lists for fifth graders. Week 1 focuses on homophones, words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.
