Homophones — words that sound identical but are spelled differently — are one of the most common ways spellers lose points at a bee. Here's what makes them so tricky, plus a complete reference table of 1,000 homophone pairs with definitions to study from.
What Are Homophones?
Homophones are pairs (or occasionally trios) of words that sound identical when spoken aloud but have different spellings and different meanings — "their," "there," and "they're" are the textbook example, but English is full of them, from everyday mix-ups like "flower" and "flour" to competition-level pairs like "cede" and "seed." The word itself comes from the Greek roots "homo-" (same) and "-phone" (sound), describing a mismatch that exists only in speech: read the two words on a page and they're obviously different, but say them out loud and the ear can't tell them apart at all.
Homophones aren't the same thing as homographs (words spelled the same but pronounced differently, like "lead" the metal versus "lead" the verb) or homonyms (a broader term that can mean either). What makes homophones specifically relevant to spelling is that the sound gives a speller zero information about which spelling is correct — unlike most English words, where sounding a word out gets you most of the way to the right letters, a homophone requires knowing the word's meaning first and its spelling second.
Why Homophones Are So Tricky in a Spelling Bee
At a real spelling bee, a word is announced out loud — and for a homophone, that pronunciation is identical no matter which of the two spellings the judge intends. Competitors are allowed to ask for the word's definition, its part of speech, and to hear it used in a sentence, and with a homophone those questions aren't optional extras — they're the only way to figure out which word is actually being asked for. A speller who doesn't ask, or who mishears which definition was given, can spell a perfectly correct word that still counts as wrong, simply because it's the wrong word.
This is also why homophones reward vocabulary study just as much as spelling drills. Knowing that "cereal" is a breakfast grain and "serial" describes something in a sequence doesn't help a student sound either word out — both are pronounced identically — but it's exactly the knowledge that lets them choose the right spelling once the definition is read aloud. Building that word-to-meaning connection ahead of time, rather than trying to work it out live on stage, is what turns homophones from a guessing game into an easy two points.
How to Use This List
The table below lists 1,000 homophone and near-homophone pairs, sorted alphabetically by the first word in each pair, with a short definition for each half so you can see exactly what distinguishes them. Study a batch at a time rather than the whole list at once — cover the definitions, say each word aloud, and try to recall which spelling matches which meaning before checking your answer.
The Complete List: 1,000 Spelling Bee Homophones
All 1,000 pairs are listed below, alphabetically by the first word in each pair.
| Word A | Definition A | Word B | Definition B |
|---|---|---|---|
| accede | to agree to a demand or request | exceed | to go beyond the limit or bounds of |
| acclamation | an expression of approval or praise | acclimation | the process of adjusting to a new environment |
| ad | an advertisement promoting a product | add | to join or unite so as to increase size or quantity |
| addition | the process of adding something | edition | a particular form or version of a published text |
| adherence | attachment or commitment to a rule or cause | adherents | plural of adherent; devoted followers or supporters |
| adhesion | the property of sticking to a surface | adhesian | archaic or dialect relating to adhesive property |
| aerie | a high perched nest of an eagle or hawk | airy | spacious, well-ventilated, or light |
| affect | to produce a change or influence in | effect | a result or consequence of an action |
| affluence | the state of having a great deal of wealth | effluence | an outflowing or substance emitted |
| ail | to suffer from sickness, pain, or trouble | ale | a fermented alcoholic malt beverage |
| air | the invisible gaseous envelope of Earth | heir | a person entitled by law to property or rank |
| aisle | a walkway between rows of seats or shelves | isle | a small island |
| all | the whole quantity or extent of | awl | a small pointed tool used for piercing holes in leather |
| allowed | permitted or given permission to do something | aloud | audibly; not silently or in a whisper |
| allude | to suggest or call attention to indirectly | elude | to escape or evade capture or danger |
| allusion | an indirect or passing reference | illusion | a deceptive appearance or false impression |
| altar | a sacred elevated table used in religious rites | alter | to make different; modify or adjust |
| amend | to make minor changes to improve a text | emend | to correct or edit errors in a literary text |
| analyte | a chemical substance undergoing analysis | anolyte | the electrolyte in the anode compartment of an electrolytic cell |
| analyst | a person who conducts analysis | annalist | a writer of historical annals or records |
| anchor | a heavy metal device dropped to moor a ship | anker | an old Dutch and English liquid measure (approx. 10 gallons) |
| ant | a small social insect of the family Formicidae | aunt | the sister of one's parent |
| ante | a preliminary stake in a game of poker | anti | opposed to or acting against |
| apposite | apt in the circumstances or well-adapted | opposite | located directly across from or contrary in nature |
| arc | a continuous portion of a curved line or circle | ark | a large boat, or the sacred chest of the covenant |
| arrant | complete, utter, and unmitigated (notorious) | errant | straying from the proper course or standards |
| ascendance | the state of rising to high power or control | ascendants | ancestors or predecessors from whom one is descended |
| ascent | a climb or walk to the summit of a mountain | assent | the expression of approval or agreement |
| assay | to analyze and determine the content of an ore | essay | a short analytical or interpretive composition |
| assistance | the provision of money, resources, or aid | assistants | plural of assistant; helpers or subordinates |
| ate | past tense of eat; consumed food | eight | the cardinal number between seven and nine |
| auger | a tool with a helical bit used for boring holes | augur | to portend a good or bad outcome; a soothsayer |
| aught | anything at all; zero or cipher | ought | used to indicate duty, obligation, or correctness |
| aural | relating to the ear or the sense of hearing | oral | spoken rather than written; relating to the mouth |
| auricle | the external portion of the ear or an atrium | oracle | a priest acting as a medium for prophecy |
| away | at a distance from a particular place or person | aweigh | just clear of the sea bottom (said of an anchor) |
| aye | an affirmative vote; yes | eye | the organ of sight in humans and animals |
| bad | of poor quality or low standard; morally evil | bade | past tense of bid; commanded or greeted |
| bail | money paid as surety for release of a prisoner | bale | a large tightly bound bundle of hay, paper, or cotton |
| bait | food placed on a hook or trap to attract prey | bate | to lessen, diminish, or moderate |
| baize | a coarse felt-like green fabric used on billiard tables | bays | inlets of the sea, or laurel wreaths |
| bald | having a scalp lacking hair | bawled | past tense of bawl; shouted or cried out loudly |
| baleen | whalebone plates found in the mouth of certain whales | ballene | archaic term related to whaling materials |
| ball | a spherical object used in games or sports | bawl | to weep or cry out loudly without restraint |
| balm | a fragrant soothing ointment or aromatic herb | bomb | an explosive weapon detonated by fuse or impact |
| band | a flat, thin strip of material, or a musical group | banned | past tense of ban; prohibited or excluded by decree |
| bard | a poet, traditionally an ancient Celtic singer | barred | past tense of bar; fastened with a bar, or obstructed |
| bare | unclothed, uncovered, or exposed | bear | a large mammal, or to carry/endure |
| bark | the tough outer layer of a tree trunk | barque | a sailing vessel with three or more masts |
| baron | a member of the lowest order of British nobility | barren | land too poor to support crops; unproductive |
| base | the bottom support of an object, or dishonorable | bass | low-pitched sound or deep male singing voice |
| bask | to lie exposed to warmth and light | basque | a close-fitting woman's bodice, or Pyrenean native |
| bating | excepting or taking away; abating | baiting | tormenting or placing bait to lure animals |
| baud | a unit of data transmission speed in telecommunications | bawd | a woman in charge of a brothel |
| bazaar | a marketplace or shopping quarter in the Middle East | bizarre | very strange, eccentric, or unusual |
| beach | a pebbly or sandy shore at the edge of the sea | beech | a tall deciduous tree with smooth gray bark |
| beat | to strike repeatedly; rhythmic pulsation | beet | a plant grown for its edible sweet red root |
| beau | a male suitor, admirer, or dandy | bow | a tied knot with loops, or weapon shooting arrows |
| bee | a flying stinging insect that produces honey | be | to exist or occur |
| beer | an alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented grain | bier | a movable frame on which a coffin or corpse is placed |
| beetle | an insect with hard forewings forming wing cases | betel | the leaf of an Asian evergreen climbing plant chewed with areca nut |
| bell | a hollow resonant metallic cup sounded by striking | belle | a beautiful, highly popular woman or girl |
| ben | an inner room or mountain peak in Scotland | been | past participle of be |
| berg | an iceberg floating in the ocean | burg | an informal or historic term for a town or fortress |
| berry | a small pulpy fruit containing small seeds | bury | to deposit a dead body in the earth; conceal |
| berth | a ship's mooring space, or a sleeping bunk | birth | the process of being born; origin |
| better | of superior quality or excellence | bettor | a person who wagers money on uncertain outcomes |
| bib | a cloth tied around the neck of a child while eating | bibb | a variety of butterhead lettuce |
| bight | a curve or recess in a coastline; loop of rope | bite | to cut or pierce using the teeth |
| billed | charged with a bill; having a specified beak | build | to construct or assemble by combining parts |
| bin | a container for storage of rubbish or grain | been | past participle of the verb be |
| bird | a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate with feathers | burd | archaic Scottish term for a maiden or young lady |
| blew | past tense of blow; expelled a current of air | blue | the color of the clear daytime sky |
| bloc | a combination of political groups sharing an aim | block | a solid piece of hard material; an obstruction |
| boar | a wild tusked pig of Eurasian forests | bore | to drill a hole; make someone weary by dullness |
| board | a long flat piece of sawed wood; governing committee | bored | feeling weary through lack of interest |
| boarder | a resident who pays for food and lodging | border | the boundary line separating two countries or regions |
| bode | to foreshadow or presage a future event | bowed | past tense of bow; inclined the head or bent |
| bold | showing bravery, daring, or striking confidence | bowled | past tense of bowl; rolled a ball in a game |
| bolder | more daring, assertive, or courageous | boulder | a large smooth rock worn by weather and water |
| bole | the primary trunk of a tree below the branches | bowl | a round concave container used for food or liquids |
| boll | the rounded seed capsule of cotton or flax plants | bowl | a game played with heavy balls on grass |
| boos | vocal sounds uttered in disapproval | booze | informal term for alcoholic beverages |
| borough | a chartered town or self-governing urban unit | burro | a small donkey used as a pack animal in the Americas |
| burrow | a hole or tunnel dug by a rabbit or animal | borough | an administrative urban district |
| bough | a principal or main branch of a tree | bow | to bend the head forward in greeting or respect |
| bouillon | a savory clear broth made by simmering meat | bullion | uncoined gold or silver bars in bulk |
| boy | a male child from birth to adulthood | buoy | an anchored floating marker in a body of water |
| brae | a steep hillside or river bank in Scottish usage | bray | the harsh loud cry emitted by a donkey |
| braid | plaited threads or locks of hair | brayed | past tense of bray; uttered a donkey's harsh bray |
| braise | to fry meat lightly and then stew it slowly in liquid | brays | plural of bray; calls of donkeys |
| brake | a mechanical device to arrest or slow motion | break | to separate into fragments under impact |
| breach | an infraction or violation of a duty, law, or treaty | breech | the rear portion of a firearm behind the barrel |
| bread | a baked staple food prepared from flour and yeast | bred | past tense of breed; reared or produced offspring |
| brews | steeps and ferments malt into beer; prepares tea | bruise | an injury leaving discolored skin without laceration |
| bridal | relating to a bride or a marriage ceremony | bridle | the head harness used to direct and control a horse |
| broach | to introduce a sensitive topic for discussion | brooch | an ornate decorative pin fastened to clothing |
| brows | the forehead ridges bearing eyebrows | browse | to casually inspect books/goods or feed on foliage |
| brute | a brutally savage person or animal | bruit | to spread news, rumor, or report widely |
| bull | an uncastrated adult male bovine | bool | a Scottish dialect term for a marble or bowl |
| but | conjunction denoting contrast or exception | butt | the blunt thicker end of a tool; to push with the head |
| buy | to purchase something by paying money | by | preposition indicating closeness, agent, or means |
| bye | the advance of a competitor to the next round without play | buy | to acquire via payment |
| byte | a unit of digital data comprising eight bits | bite | to grip or cut with the incisors |
| cache | a hidden stockpile of weapons, provisions, or data | cash | currency in coins and notes; immediate money |
| caddie | an assistant carrying golf clubs for a player | caddy | a small container designed for holding dry tea leaves |
| cain | biblical murderer of Abel; used in idioms | cane | a jointed woody stem of bamboo or a walking rod |
| calendar | a systematic chart showing days, months, and year | calender | a machine that presses cloth or paper between rollers |
| call | to cry out, name, or summon | caul | the membrane enclosing a fetus before birth |
| callous | emotionally hardened, unfeeling, and insensitive | callus | a hardened thick patch of epidermis caused by friction |
| cam | a rotating curved projection on a wheel to impart motion | cham | an archaic title for an emperor of China or Tartary |
| camp | a place with tents or temporary shelters | kamp | archaic spelling or German/Dutch cognate for field |
| candid | truthful, straightforward, and sincere in expression | candied | preserved or encrusted with boiled sugar |
| canon | a recognized general rule, law, or sacred scripture | cannon | a heavy mounted artillery piece that fires projectiles |
| canvas | a heavy coarse unbleached fabric for sails and art | canvass | to solicit votes, opinions, or survey answers |
| capital | principal wealth; seat of government; uppercase letter | capitol | the legislative building in which a congress convenes |
| carat | a standard unit of weight for gems (200 milligrams) | carrot | an orange tapering root vegetable rich in carotene |
| karat | a measure of the purity of gold out of 24 parts | carat | a unit of weight for precious gemstones |
| caret | a proofreading symbol (^) indicating an insertion | karat | a unit measuring the purity of gold |
| carol | a joyful festive hymn or religious folk song | carrel | a small private desk or booth in a library |
| cast | to throw with vigor; the actors in a play | caste | a rigid social hierarchy or hereditary class |
| caster | a small swiveling wheel; a shaker for salt or sugar | castor | a soothing oil from seeds or beaver gland secretion |
| catty | spiteful, malicious, or gossipy | caddie | a golf attendant |
| cauf | a floating perforated box for holding live fish | cough | a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs |
| caulk | to make seams watertight using sealant | cork | the buoyant bark of the cork oak used for stoppers |
| cause | a person or event that produces an outcome | caws | the harsh repetitive cries of crows |
| cay | a low sandy island or coral reef | key | a notched metal tool used to lock or unlock a door |
| quay | a stone wharf or platform for loading ships | key | an instrument for operating a lock |
| cede | to formally yield or surrender territory or rights | seed | the fertilized ripened ovule of a flowering plant |
| ceiling | the overhead interior surface of a room | sealing | closing or securing tightly to make airtight |
| cell | the fundamental microscopic structural unit of life | sell | to exchange goods or services for currency |
| cellar | an underground storeroom below a building | seller | a vendor or party who offers items for sale |
| censer | a vessel used for burning aromatic incense | censor | an official empowered to examine and suppress text/media |
| sensor | an instrument detecting physical stimuli such as heat/light | censer | an incense burner used in church liturgy |
| cent | a coin representing one-hundredth of a dollar | scent | a distinctive pleasant fragrance or odor |
| sent | past tense of send; dispatched to a destination | cent | a fractional monetary unit |
| cereal | a grain crop like oats or barley eaten as food | serial | arranged in a sequential order or published in installments |
| cere | the waxy fleshy swelling at the base of a bird's bill | sear | to scorch or burn the exterior surface quickly |
| sere | dry, parched, or withered | cere | the fleshy bare skin above a bird's beak |
| cession | the formal ceding or surrender of land/rights | session | a formal meeting or continuous period of assembly |
| chased | pursued rapidly in order to catch | chaste | pure; refraining from all unlawful sexual relations |
| champagne | a sparkling white wine produced in the Champagne region | champaign | open, level, and unobstructed country or plain |
| chance | the occurrence of events in the absence of obvious cause | chants | repetitive melodic rhythmic recitations |
| chantey | a traditional rhythmic song sung by sailors at work | shanty | a crudely built small wooden cabin or shack |
| cheap | low in cost; inexpensive; poor in quality | cheep | the delicate high chirp emitted by a young bird |
| check | to verify or restrain; a financial order on a bank | cheque | a written bill of exchange ordering a bank payment |
| chews | masticates or grinds food with the teeth | choose | to pick out or select by preference |
| chili | a spicy hot pungent fruit of the capsicum plant | chilly | noticeably cold, frosty, or cool in manner |
| choir | an organized ensemble of singers, especially in church | quire | four sheets of paper folded to make sixteen pages |
| choler | one of the four ancient bodily humors (yellow bile); anger | collar | a band of fabric around the neck of a garment |
| choral | composed for or sung by a large choir | coral | a hard calcareous skeleton formed by marine polyps |
| chord | a harmonic combination of several musical tones | cord | a flexible strand composed of twisted fibers |
| chough | a red-legged European bird belonging to the crow family | chuff | a rhythmic puffing noise from an engine exhaust |
| chronical | pertaining to historical annals or chronicles | chronicle | a continuous historical account of events in order |
| chute | an inclined sloping trough for sliding objects downward | shoot | to discharge a missile, firearm, or sprout new leaves |
| cite | to quote a text or mention as an authoritative source | site | a geographical plot of land or digital location |
| sight | the anatomical faculty or visual power of seeing | cite | to refer to as proof or precedence |
| clack | a sharp abrupt sound of two hard items contacting | claque | a group of sycophants hired to applaud a performance |
| clamber | to climb with effort using both hands and feet | clamor | a loud, noisy, and persistent outcry from a crowd |
| clause | a distinct grammatical unit containing subject and predicate | claws | the sharp hooked talons on the feet of animals |
| clew | the lower corner of a square or fore-and-aft sail | clue | a fact or piece of evidence that aids in an investigation |
| click | a short sharp snapping sound | clique | a tight-knit exclusive circle of associates |
| climb | to ascend toward an elevated position | clime | a region characterized by its prevailing weather/climate |
| close | to shut an opening; situated in near proximity | clothes | garments worn by humans to cover the body |
| coal | a black combustible sedimentary rock composed of carbon | cole | a brassica plant such as cabbage, kale, or rape |
| coarse | rough and harsh in texture; lacking refinement | course | a path traversed; an academic series of lessons |
| coax | to persuade gently and persistently by flattery | cokes | solid fuels made by heating coal without oxygen |
| coign | a projecting corner or cornerstone of an edifice | coin | a piece of stamped metal used as legal currency |
| colonel | a commissioned military officer above a lieutenant colonel | kernel | the edible central seed or core of a nut |
| complacent | self-satisfied and uncritically contented with oneself | complaisant | eager to please; politely obliging and agreeable |
| complement | something that completes, balances, or perfects | compliment | an expression of admiration, praise, or respect |
| confectionary | relating to sweets, pastries, and confectionery arts | confectionery | sweets, candies, and sugared pastries collectively |
| coo | the soft murmuring vocalization of a dove | coup | a sudden decisive illegal overthrow of a government |
| coomb | a narrow, steep-sided valley or hollow in a hill | comb | a toothed implement for detangling or styling hair |
| cop | to catch or seize, or a police officer (slang) | kopp | archaic or South African term for a rounded hill |
| core | the inner central part of a fruit or celestial body | corps | a specialized branch or division of an army |
| corps | a military division or body of persons acting together | corpse | the dead physical body of a deceased human |
| cosign | to sign jointly alongside a primary signer | cosine | a fundamental trigonometric ratio of a right triangle |
| coterie | a small exclusive circle of individuals with common interests | co-trow | archaic phrase for jointly believing |
| council | an administrative or advisory assembly of delegates | counsel | advice given; a legal advocate in judicial court |
| councilor | a member serving on an administrative council | counselor | a professional giving guidance; a legal attorney |
| courier | a messenger who transports letters, parcels, or reports | currier | a leather specialist who dresses and colors tanned hide |
| cousin | a child of one's aunt or uncle | cozen | to cheat, mislead, or obtain by artful deception |
| coward | one who lacks the courage to face danger or distress | cowered | past tense of cower; crouched back in terror |
| coy | artfully shy, coquettish, or demure | koi | an ornamental domesticated variety of East Asian carp |
| craft | skill in manual work, or a boat or vessel | kraft | a heavy brown paper manufactured from wood pulp |
| crappie | a North American freshwater sunfish | crappy | of very poor quality; unpleasant (informal) |
| crank | an L-shaped arm attached to an axle to impart motion | cranch | to crunch or grind between the teeth (archaic) |
| creak | a harsh groaning or squeaking friction sound | creek | a natural narrow stream of fresh water |
| crew | an organized group of workers on a ship or project | crue | archaic term for a flock or group |
| crews | groups of sailors operating vessels | cruise | a leisurely voyage across water for recreational pleasure |
| cruel | inflicting deliberate suffering and pain on others | crewel | a thin two-ply loosely spun worsted yarn for embroidery |
| cue | a guiding hint or signal; a stick in billiards | queue | a sequence of people or processes waiting in line |
| curb | a stone edging on a raised pavement; to check/restrain | kerb | British spelling for the raised edge of a pavement |
| currant | a small dried fruit of the Corinth grape | current | a continuous body of water or air moving in one direction |
| cygnet | a young swan during its juvenile plumage | signet | a personalized engraved seal used on wax seals |
| cymbal | a concave circular brass plate struck to make sound | symbol | a mark, character, or emblem representing an idea |
| dam | a barrier built across a waterway to impound water | damn | to condemn to eternal punishment or denounce |
| days | plural of day; standard twenty-four-hour periods | daze | a state of stunned confusion or bewilderment |
| dear | deeply loved and cherished; high in financial cost | deer | a hoofed ruminant mammal of the family Cervidae |
| decease | the departure from life; physical death | disease | an abnormal condition impairing bodily structure/function |
| decedent | a deceased person, especially in legal contexts | descendant | a person descending directly from an ancestor |
| defuse | to deactivate an explosive or de-escalate tension | diffuse | spread out broadly without concentration |
| demean | to degrade or degrade the dignity of someone | demesne | manorial land retained by a lord for his own use |
| dense | having closely packed parts; high in mass per volume | dents | depressions or hollows made by an impact |
| dependence | the state of relying on someone or something else | dependents | plural of dependent; persons relying on others for support |
| descendant | offspring proceeding from an ancestral line | descendent | moving or pointing downwards; descending |
| desert | an arid barren wilderness; to forsake one's post | dessert | the sweet confection served at the end of a meal |
| device | a mechanical instrument designed for a purpose | devise | to invent, formulate, or bequeath by a will |
| deviser | an inventor, planner, or architect of a scheme | divisor | the mathematical quantity by which a dividend is divided |
| dew | condensed moisture formed on cool terrestrial objects | due | owed as a debt or expected at an appointed hour |
| dewy | wet with droplets of dew; moist and fresh | doey | resembling dough; soft, pale, and pasty |
| die | to cease to live; a engraved stamp used for coining | dye | a pigment or synthetic chemical used to impart color |
| dire | extremely urgent, dreadful, or catastrophic | dyer | a tradesperson who dyes textiles or leather |
| discreet | judicious, circumspect, and prudent in speech | discrete | distinct, unconnected, and individually separate |
| discussed | conversed about or analyzed in detail | disgust | a profound feeling of revulsion or distaste |
| dock | a pier or wharf for receiving and loading watercraft | doc | informal abbreviation for a doctor or document |
| doe | an adult female deer, antelope, or hare | dough | a malleable paste of flour and water used in baking |
| does | female deer (plural); performs an action (verb) | doze | to sleep lightly for a brief duration; slumber |
| done | accomplished, fully executed, or completed | dun | of a dull grayish-brown hue; to demand payment |
| dory | a small, shallow-draft boat with a flat bottom | dore | golden or gilded (from French dore) |
| draft | a preliminary plan; flow of air; military conscription | draught | a current of cool air; drawing liquid from a cask |
| dual | consisting of two distinct parts or complementary roles | duel | a prearranged formal combat fought between two foes |
| duck | a waterbird with a broad flat beak and webbed feet | duc | archaic French title of nobility; duke |
| duct | a tube or pipe conveying liquid, air, or secretions | ducked | past tense of duck; quickly plunged or lowered |
| dune | a mound or ridge of sand formed by wind action | doon | Scottish dialect form for down |
| dust | fine powdery dry particles of earth or waste | dost | archaic second-person singular present of do |
| dyeing | the chemical process of imparting color to fabrics | dying | the cessation of biological life; on the verge of death |
| earn | to receive wages or recognition for labor performed | urn | a tall ornate vase with a pedestal, used for ashes |
| eave | the overhanging lower projection of a sloping roof | eve | the evening or day immediately preceding an occasion |
| elicit | to evoke or draw forth a response or hidden fact | illicit | strictly forbidden by legal statute or social taboo |
| eligible | qualified, entitled, or worthy of being chosen | illegible | not clearly written; indecipherable to read |
| elision | the omission of a sound or syllable in speech | illusion | a misleading sensory perception or false belief |
| elusion | the act of adroitly dodging, slipping, or evading | illusion | an optical deception or false perception |
| emigrant | a person who departs from their home nation to settle elsewhere | immigrant | a person who enters a foreign land to establish permanent residence |
| eminent | renowned, lofty, and prominent in standing | imminent | impending and about to take place very soon |
| epic | a grand heroic poem recounting legendary exploits | epoch | a distinctive period marked by notable events in history |
| err | to make a mistake; deviate from the truth | air | the gaseous mixture of oxygen and nitrogen on Earth |
| eruption | a sudden violent ejection of lava, ash, or steam | irruption | a sudden, violent entry or invasion into an area |
| eucalyptus | an Australian evergreen tree yielding aromatic oil | eucalypt | short common name for the eucalyptus tree |
| ewe | an adult female sheep | yew | a slow-growing evergreen conifer with toxic foliage |
| you | the second person personal pronoun | ewe | a female sheep |
| eyelet | a reinforced circular hole in cloth for lacing | islet | a miniature isolated island in a body of water |
| facts | verified pieces of factual information or realities | fax | a facsimile document transmitted over telephone lines |
| fade | to gradually lose brightness, color, or vigor | fayed | past tense of faye; fitted pieces of timber snugly together |
| faille | a soft ribbed silk or rayon woven fabric | file | a document collection; a rasping tool with ridges |
| fain | pleased or willing under the circumstances; gladly | feign | to invent falsely or simulate an appearance of |
| faint | lacking physical strength; to lose consciousness briefly | feint | a deceptive movement executed to distract an opponent |
| fair | impartial and equitable; a carnival or agricultural expo | fare | the fee charged for transport; culinary provisions |
| fairy | a mythical folklore creature with supernatural powers | ferry | a commercial boat conveying travelers across a river |
| faker | a charlatan, forger, or pretender | fakir | a Sufi Muslim or Hindu ascetic mendicant who lives on alms |
| faro | a 19th-century card game where players bet on cards | pharaoh | an ancient Egyptian monarch or ruler |
| fast | moving or capable of moving with great speed; firm | facet | one side of a many-sided cut diamond or aspect |
| fate | the predetermined course of unavoidable events; destiny | fete | an elaborate outdoor celebration, festival, or banquet |
| faun | a Roman woodland deity with a human torso and goat legs | fawn | a young deer; to flatter servilely for favor |
| faze | to discomfit, rattle, or perturb someone's confidence | phase | a distinct chronological stage in an evolving process |
| feat | a remarkable exploit demanding dexterity or courage | feet | the plural form of foot; terminal lower limbs |
| feeze | to drive away, frighten, or unravel (dialect) | fees | plural of fee; charges or payments for services |
| felloe | the curved segment forming the outer rim of a wheel | fellow | a comrade, scholarly peer, or male individual |
| ferrule | a metal band fastened to an umbrella or walking stick tip | ferule | a flat wooden rod used in classrooms for discipline |
| few | a small countable quantity of items or people | phew | an utterance vocalizing relief, weariness, or disgust |
| fiancé | a betrothed male prior to his marriage | fiancée | a betrothed female prior to her marriage |
| fife | a high-pitched small transverse flute used in marching bands | five | the cardinal number following four and preceding six |
| file | a folder of sorted documents; a ridged steel smoothing tool | phial | a miniature cylindrical glass vial for chemicals |
| find | to discover, locate, or recover something missing | fined | past tense of fine; penalized by a monetary fee |
| fir | a tall pyramidal evergreen coniferous tree | fur | the dense soft hair covering the pelt of animals |
| firth | a narrow coastal inlet or estuary in Scotland | fourth | occurring in position number four |
| fish | a limbless cold-blooded gill-breathing aquatic vertebrate | fiche | a flat sheet of microfilm holding microphotographs |
| fizz | to produce a hissing effervescent sound from gas | phiz | an archaic colloquial noun for a human face |
| flair | an instinctive talent, aptitude, or stylish elegance | flare | a sudden dazzling burst of flame; a warning beacon |
| flea | a wingless blood-sucking jumping parasitic insect | flee | to run away swiftly from an imminent peril |
| flecks | minute specks, particles, or spots on a surface | flex | to bend or contract a muscle or pliable material |
| flew | past tense of fly; navigated through the air | flue | a chimney channel through which exhaust gases escape |
| flu | short form for influenza; a contagious viral illness | flue | a duct or passage for smoke in a chimney |
| flier | an aviator or promotional leaflet on paper | flyer | variant spelling of flier; an advertising handbill |
| flock | a gathering of birds or sheep grazing together | phlox | a North American garden plant with colorful fragrant clusters |
| floe | a large sheet of floating sea ice detached from pack ice | flow | to move smoothly and continuously like a liquid |
| flour | finely ground cereal grain meal used for baking | flower | the reproductive floral structure of angiosperm plants |
| foaled | gave birth to a young foal (said of a mare) | fold | to double fabric over on itself; an enclosure for sheep |
| for | preposition indicating destination, reason, or favor | fore | situated at the front; a golfer's cautionary shout |
| four | the natural integer following three and preceding five | for | in favor of or on behalf of |
| forego | to precede chronologically in time or rank | forgo | to abstain from or relinquish an enjoyable option |
| foreword | a introductory text written by an author at the front of a book | forward | directed ahead toward the front; bold |
| fort | a fortified stronghold garrisoned with troops | forte | a person's strong ability or specialty; loudly in music |
| forth | forward in direction, position, or progression | fourth | the ordinal number corresponding to four; 1/4 |
| foul | repulsive to sensory taste or smell; violating rules | fowl | a domesticated gallinaceous bird raised for eggs or poultry |
| franc | the historical currency unit of France, Belgium, and Switzerland | frank | bluntly candid, outspoken, and open in speech |
| frays | wears out threads into loose filaments; small fights | phrase | a brief idiomatic sequence of spoken words |
| freeze | to solidify into ice under subzero temperatures | frieze | a sculptured ornamental horizontal frieze on a wall |
| friar | a member of a mendicant religious brotherhood | fryer | a young tender fowl suitable for deep frying |
| fungous | spongy, diseased, or resembling a botanical fungus | fungus | a eukaryotic organism including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms |
| gage | a pledge, glove, or challenge thrown in duel | gauge | an instrument calibrated to measure pressure, thickness, or volume |
| gait | a manner or pattern of walking, stepping, or running | gate | a hinged swinging barrier set in a fence or portal |
| gamble | to bet or risk money on games of uncertain chance | gambol | to skip, frolic, and leap about exuberantly |
| gantlet | two rows of men with weapons to flog a transgressor | gauntlet | an armored heavy glove worn by medieval knights |
| gel | a semi-rigid colloidal suspension resembling jelly | jell | to solidify into a jelly; to take coherent form |
| genes | hereditary DNA sequences encoding protein structures | jeans | sturdy twilled blue cotton denim trousers |
| gest | a medieval tale of heroic adventure or exploit | jest | a playful joke, mock remark, or humorous banter |
| gibe | a taunting sarcastic scoff or derisive insult | jibe | to shift tack in sailing; to harmonize or accord |
| gild | to overlay a surface with a thin layer of gold leaf | guild | a medieval confederation of artisans or merchants |
| gilt | overlaid with gold; a young female pig before breeding | guilt | the culpability of having committed a legal infraction |
| glair | the viscous white of an egg used as an adhesive glaze | glare | an intense blinding dazzling light; a hostile stare |
| gneiss | a coarse-grained banded crystalline metamorphic rock | nice | pleasant, polite, agreeable, and refined |
| gnaw | to bite through or erode gradually with the incisors | nor | used to connect coordinates of negative statements |
| gnu | a large African antelope with curved horns; wildebeest | new | freshly created, discovered, or recently produced |
| knew | past tense of know; possessed information | gnu | a wildebeest native to African savannas |
| gored | stabbed or punctured by animal horns or tusks | gourd | the dried shell or flesh of a cucurbitaceous plant |
| gorilla | the largest living terrestrial anthropoid ape | guerrilla | an irregular paramilitary fighter engaging in skirmishes |
| graft | a surgically transplanted living tissue; corruption | graphed | plotted on coordinate axes of a chart |
| grate | a metal grating over a hearth; to shred foodstuffs | great | substantially larger than normal; magnificent |
| graze | to feed on pasturage; to lightly scrape skin | grays | achromatic shades intermediate between black and white |
| grease | thick oily lipid substance applied as a lubricant | greece | a Mediterranean nation in southeastern Europe |
| grill | a framework of metal bars for broiling foodstuffs | grille | a decorative protective openwork metal lattice on vehicles |
| grip | a firm tenacity of holding; to grasp securely | grippe | an archaic diagnostic designation for epidemic influenza |
| grisly | causing horror, revulsion, and grim disgust | grizzly | a large powerful brown bear of western North America |
| groan | a deep guttural sound uttered under pain or grief | grown | past participle of grow; reached full maturity |
| grocer | a merchant retailing packaged foodstuffs and dry goods | grosser | more repulsive, vulgar, coarse, or overweight |
| guessed | surmised or formed an opinion without certainty | guest | a visitor received with hospitality at one's home |
| gym | a gymnasium hall fitted for athletic training | Jim | a masculine given name (short for James) |
| hail | frozen pellets of hard ice; to acclaim or greet | hale | free from infirmity; vigorous, robust, and healthy |
| hair | filaments growing from the epidermal skin of mammals | hare | a fast running long-eared herbivorous lagomorph |
| hall | a corridor, expansive chamber, or civic meeting auditorium | haul | to pull, tug, or transport heavy freight |
| hallo | an exclamation to hail or attract someone's notice | hallow | to consecrate, sanctify, or make holy |
| hand | the prehensile distal organ of the human upper limb | hanned | archaic or variant dialectal form |
| hart | an adult male red deer of five years or older | heart | the muscular circulatory organ that pumps blood |
| hay | mowed grass dried and cured for animal forage | hey | an exclamation used to summon attention or greet |
| heal | to restore an injured biological tissue to health | heel | the back ventral part of the human foot below the ankle |
| hear | to register and perceive acoustic sound with the ears | here | at or within this specific local place |
| heard | past tense of hear; perceived audible sounds | herd | a congregating flock or drove of hoofed grazing animals |
| hewn | carved, chopped, or shaped with an ax or adze | hueing | tinting with a distinctive shade or color tone |
| hi | an informal friendly spoken greeting | high | elevated upward at a substantial altitude |
| higher | more elevated in rank, altitude, or degree | hire | to engage the labor of a worker for wages |
| him | objective pronoun denoting a male individual | hymn | a religious canticle of adoration sung to a deity |
| hoar | a grayish-white deposit of crystalline frost | whore | a derogatory archaic term for a prostitute |
| hoard | a secret accumulation of wealth or supplies stored away | horde | a massive swarm or wandering nomadic multitude |
| hoarse | having a harsh grating voice due to throat strain | horse | a large hoofed solid-ungulate mammal; Equus caballus |
| hoes | agricultural hand tools used for tilling weed roots | hose | a pliable rubber conduit for water; stockings |
| hold | to grasp, grip, or retain within one's arms | holed | punctured with openings, gaps, or perforations |
| hole | a hollow cavity, aperture, or gap in a solid mass | whole | entire, complete, unbroken, and undivided |
| holy | sacred, divine, and consecrated to religious worship | wholly | completely, entirely, and without qualification |
| hoop | a rigid circular band of metal or wood | whoop | a loud boisterous shout of joy or victory |
| hostel | an inexpensive lodging house for budget travelers | hostile | actively antagonistic, unfriendly, and belligerent |
| hour | a period of time comprising sixty minutes | our | belonging to or associated with the speaker and peers |
| hue | a specific gradation or shade of spectral color | hew | to cut, chop, or fell with an edged blade |
| humus | dark organic soil fraction formed by decomposed foliage | hummus | a savory Levantine paste prepared from pureed chickpeas |
| idle | inactive, unoccupied, and not engaged in work | idol | a sculpted image or effigy worshipped as a deity |
| idyl | a charming poem depicting pastoral rustic simplicity | idle | not in active operation; lazy and inert |
| in | preposition specifying enclosed interior location | inn | a roadside establishment offering lodging and ale |
| incite | to provoke, spur on, or foment rebellion | insight | the intuitive faculty to grasp deep underlying truths |
| indict | to bring a formal criminal charge in a court of law | indite | to compose or draft a literary text in writing |
| innocence | the condition of being guiltless and pure of crime | innocents | plural of innocent; guiltless or naive persons |
| instance | a representative example or single occurrence | instants | plural of instant; fleeting moments of time |
| intension | the internal philosophical content of a term | intention | an explicit purpose, plan, or objective |
| jam | a thick sweet preserve made of crushed fruit and sugar | jamb | an upright vertical side post of a door or portal |
| jewel | a cut precious gemstone of high value | joule | the SI derived unit of work, heat, and mechanical energy |
| karat | a standard ratio of gold purity out of 24 | carrot | an edible tapering orange taproot vegetable |
| knap | to chip or break with light sharp hammer blows | nap | a brief light daytime slumber; fuzzy surface of cloth |
| knave | a deceitful rogue or untrustworthy villain | nave | the central nave aisle of a cathedral church |
| knead | to massage and fold moist dough into a cohesive mass | need | to require something indispensable for life |
| knew | past tense of know; was aware of factual truths | new | recently produced, fabricated, or revealed |
| knickers | short gathered underpants or baggy knee-length trousers | nickers | whinnies and soft neighs of horses |
| knight | a chivalric armored mounted combatant of the Middle Ages | night | the hours of celestial darkness from sunset to dawn |
| knit | to weave yarn into interconnected loops using needles | nit | the tiny parasitic egg of a louse glued to hair |
| knob | a rounded handle for turning a lock or drawer | nob | a wealthy person of aristocratic distinction (slang) |
| knock | to rap with the knuckles upon a wooden portal | nock | the notched groove at the end of an archery arrow |
| knot | a tight intertwining of ropes; one nautical mile/hour | not | a negative adverb negating a proposition |
| know | to perceive, understand, and possess information | no | a negative refusal or denial |
| knows | has knowledge of information in the mind | nose | the facial olfactory organ containing the nostrils |
| lacks | is without or short of necessary provisions | lax | not sufficiently strict, vigilant, or rigorous |
| ladder | a wooden or metal frame of steps for vertical ascent | latter | the second of two mentioned entities |
| lade | to stow cargo, freight, or provisions aboard a ship | laid | past tense of lay; positioned flat upon a surface |
| lama | a Tibetan Buddhist holy monk or spiritual mentor | llama | a South American domesticated pack camelid |
| laps | revolutions around a racetrack; takes up liquid with tongue | lapse | a brief momentary interruption in memory; interval |
| lays | deposits upon a horizontal plane; ballad poems | laze | to lounge about in indolence and leisure |
| lea | an open green pasture, meadow, or grassy field | lee | the side sheltered and protected from the blowing wind |
| lead | a soft heavy malleable toxic bluish-gray metallic element | led | past tense of lead; guided or preceded in path |
| leak | an unintended puncture allowing fluid to seep out | leek | a biennial allium vegetable with edible cylindrical stalks |
| lean | slender and destitute of fat; to tilt at an angle | lien | a legal claim on property held until a debt is satisfied |
| leased | granted occupancy of real estate under contract | least | the lowest or smallest in degree, size, or magnitude |
| levee | an artificial embankment raised along a river against floods | levy | to enact and collect a tax, assessment, or tariff |
| liar | a deceitful person who tells fabrications and lies | lyre | an ancient plucked stringed instrument like a small harp |
| lichen | a symbiotic dual organism composed of fungus and alga | liken | to compare and draw an analogy of resemblance to |
| lie | an intentional falsehood; to recline horizontally | lye | a strongly alkaline caustic potassium/sodium solution |
| links | interlocked loops in a chain; a seaside golf terrain | lynx | a wild short-tailed northern cat with tufted ears |
| literal | interpreting words in their primary dictionary sense | littoral | pertaining to the coastal shore of a sea or lake |
| load | a heavy burden or cargo being conveyed | lode | a mineralized metallic vein embedded in rock strata |
| loan | a sum of currency lent on agreement of repayment | lone | solitary, unaccompanied, and isolated |
| loot | valuable goods plundered during wartime sacking | lute | a classical plucked stringed lute with a pear-shaped body |
| lose | to become deprived of; fail to maintain possession | loose | not rigidly fastened, tightened, or bound |
| made | constructed, built, or formed from raw materials | maid | a female domestic servant or an unmarried maiden |
| postal letters and parcels; linked armor mesh | male | of the biological sex producing spermatozoa | |
| main | most important; primary; the open ocean | mane | the long flowing hair on the dorsal neck of a horse/lion |
| maize | corn; Zea mays grain with golden kernels on a cob | maze | an intricate perplexing labyrinth of paths |
| mall | a spacious pedestrian concourse or shopping center | maul | to tear with claw and tooth; a heavy wooden mallet |
| manner | a particular way of doing; personal demeanor | manor | a grand feudal estate comprising house and tenant lands |
| mantel | the ornamental shelf structure framing a fireplace | mantle | a long sleeveless cloak; geological layer beneath crust |
| marry | to join together in legal matrimonial bond | merry | cheerful, blithe, and full of buoyant festivity |
| marshal | a high-ranking military or law enforcement officer | martial | warlike, brave, and characteristic of armed conflict |
| mask | a face covering used for concealment or protection | masque | a Renaissance courtly drama with verse and music |
| meat | the edible flesh of animals consumed as food | meet | to encounter another individual in person |
| mete | to distribute or allot punishment or justice | meat | animal flesh used as nutrition |
| medal | a commemorative metal disk awarded for distinction | meddle | to intrude or interfere in affairs without warrant |
| metal | an element characterized by ductility and conductivity | mettle | inherent courage, tenacity, and resolute character |
| mewl | to whimper or emit a frail cry like an infant | mule | a sterile hybrid offspring of a male donkey and female horse |
| might | immense physical strength, power, or capability | mite | a minute microscopic parasitic arachnid; a tiny bit |
| mince | to chop meat into diminutive fragments; speak delicately | mints | plural of mint; aromatic spearmint plants or coin factories |
| mind | the intellect, memory, and cognitive capacity of a person | mined | past tense of mine; dug out mineral ore from the earth |
| miner | a laborer who extracts coal or minerals underground | minor | under the legal age of majority; of secondary importance |
| missal | a liturgical book containing prayers for the Catholic Mass | missile | a self-propelled guided rocket weapon |
| missed | failed to strike, hit, perceive, or catch | mist | a light atmospheric suspension of minute liquid water droplets |
| moan | a low sustained audible utterance of suffering | mown | past participle of mow; clipped short with a scythe/mower |
| moat | a deep water-filled protective trench surrounding a castle | mote | a solitary minuscule particle or speck of dust |
| mode | a characteristic fashion, method, or statistical average | mowed | past tense of mow; cut down meadow grass |
| moose | the largest North American antlered deer; Alces alces | mousse | a rich chilled dessert whipped frothy with egg whites/cream |
| mordant | bitingly sarcastic in tone; a chemical fixing dyes | mordent | a rapid ornamentation of a musical note with its neighbor |
| morning | the initial period of the day extending until noon | mourning | the ceremonial expression of sorrow for the deceased |
| muscle | fibrous bodily tissue capable of contraction to yield motion | mussel | an edible bivalve mollusk with dark elongated shells |
| mustard | a pungent yellow condiment prepared from brassica seeds | mustered | past tense of muster; assembled soldiers or rallied courage |
| naval | pertaining to a nation's military war fleet or navy | navel | the umbilical scar located centrally on the abdomen |
| nay | a negative voice vote; archaic no | neigh | the resonant whinny vocalization of a horse |
| none | not a single one; not any portion | nun | a consecrated woman living under religious vows in a cloister |
| oar | a wooden paddle lever pivoted in a rowlock to propel boats | ore | mineral-bearing rock from which valuable metals are extracted |
| overdo | to carry an action or exertion to excess | overdue | unpaid, unfulfilled, or past the appointed date |
| paced | walked back and forth with measured regular steps | paste | a cohesive adhesive mixture used to bond surfaces |
| packed | crammed closely into a container to full volume | pact | a solemn formal covenant, treaty, or accord |
| pail | a cylindrical open bucket equipped with a handle | pale | lacking chromatic intensity; whitish; a boundary stake |
| pain | an unpleasant physical sensation caused by injury | pane | a single sheet of plate glass installed in a window frame |
| pair | a duo of two complementary objects forming a set | pear | a sweet tapering pomaceous fruit with juicy pulp |
| pare | to shave or peel away the outer skin of produce | pear | a succulent orchard fruit |
| palate | the roof of the oral cavity; refined sensory discernment | palette | a flat oval tablet upon which a painter blends pigments |
| pallet | a flat wooden transport platform; a rustic straw mattress | palate | the sensory palate or roof of the mouth |
| pall | a velvet cloth draped over a bier; a somber dark cloud | Paul | a masculine given name of Latin derivation |
| passed | moved ahead beyond; succeeded in passing an exam | past | time gone by; bygone historical era |
| patience | the capacity to endure delays and trial without anger | patients | plural of patient; persons under medical diagnosis |
| pause | a temporary hesitation or cessation of speech/movement | paws | plural of paw; the padded clawed feet of quadrupeds |
| pea | a spherical green edible seed grown in legume pods | pee | informal term for micturition; urine |
| peace | the absence of warfare, hostility, or civic disturbance | piece | a distinct constituent portion fractured from a whole |
| peak | the pointed summit of a mountain; highest pinnacle | peek | to take a swift, furtive glance through an aperture |
| pique | to provoke resentment, pride, or curiosity | peak | the apex of a pyramid or mountain |
| peal | a resonant ringing of church bells; a clap of thunder | peel | to strip off the rind, bark, or outer epidermis |
| pearl | a lustrous nacreous gem formed inside a mollusk shell | purl | a reversed knitting stitch producing ribbed ridges |
| pedal | a foot-driven lever mechanism on a bicycle or piano | peddle | to travel from locale to locale vending minor wares |
| peer | a social or legal equal; to squint and look intently | pier | a heavy masonry or wooden platform extending over water |
| penance | a self-imposed sacramental punishment for sins | pennants | long tapering triangular flags flown on ships |
| pi | the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter (3.14159) | pie | a baked pastry crust shell filled with sweet or savory items |
| pistil | the central seed-bearing female organ of a flower | pistol | a handheld firearm with a chamber integrated into the barrel |
| plain | unadorned and simple; an expansive flat grassland | plane | a flat geometric surface; a woodworking tool; an aircraft |
| plait | a braided strand composed of woven hair or straw | plate | a flat dish for food; a thin sheet of metal or armor |
| pleas | urgent appeals or formal defenses in a court of law | please | to give delight, contentment, or gratification to |
| plum | a juicy oval stone fruit with smooth purple/red skin | plumb | weighted with a lead plumb bob; strictly vertical |
| pole | a long slender cylindrical rod of wood or metal | poll | the tallying of votes in an election; a public opinion survey |
| pore | a microscopic dermal stomata; to read with close scrutiny | pour | to dispense a fluid in a continuous downward stream |
| praise | encomium, laudation, and commendation bestowed on someone | prays | third-person singular of pray; offers supplications to God |
| preys | stalks and feeds upon quarry; victimizes others | praise | laudatory acclaim or tribute |
| presence | the fact of being physically situated at a venue | presents | plural of present; gifts given voluntarily to others |
| pride | self-respect and dignity; a social pack of lions | pried | past tense of pry; leveraged open with a crowbar |
| prier | an inquisitive meddler who investigates others' secrets | prior | preceding in chronological order; monastic deputy superior |
| prince | the male heir or sovereign ruler of a principality | prints | plural of print; impressions, photos, or stamped textile fabrics |
| principal | primary in importance; headmaster of a school; capital | principle | a fundamental truth, moral doctrine, or scientific law |
| profit | the net financial surplus remaining after expenditures | prophet | an inspired spokesperson or proclaimer of divine revelation |
| quarts | liquid volume measures each equal to two fluid pints | quartz | a common hard crystalline rock-forming silica mineral |
| quaver | to vibrate or tremble with a tremulous vocal pitch | quiver | to shudder with trembling; a cylindrical case for arrows |
| rain | liquid precipitation falling in drops from cloud layers | reign | the sovereign period of tenure of a monarch on a throne |
| rein | a leather strap running to a horse's bit for guidance | rain | falling drops of condensed atmospheric water |
| raise | to lift vertically upward; rear offspring; increase | rays | plural of ray; straight linear beams of light or radiation |
| raze | to level a city or edifice flat to the bedrock | raise | to elevate higher in stature or position |
| rap | a crisp sharp tap struck upon a surface; hip-hop music | wrap | to bundle, encase, or envelop in packaging |
| rapt | completely enthralled, engrossed, and captivated | wrapped | enclosed within folded wrapping material |
| read | to comprehend written characters with the eyes | reed | a tall slender stalked aquatic grass of marshes |
| real | actually existing in concrete reality; not simulated | reel | a rotatable cylinder spool for winding thread/film; a lively dance |
| red | the primary hue of blood, rubies, and ripe tomatoes | read | past tense of read; understood written texts |
| reek | to emanate a foul offensive stench; archaic vapor | wreak | to inflict or execute vengeance, damage, or mayhem |
| rest | a tranquil cessation of toil, work, or exertion | wrest | to forcibly twist and wrench an object from a grip |
| retch | to suffer spasmodic involuntary efforts to vomit | wretch | a miserable, pitied, or contemptibly unfortunate person |
| review | a critical retrospective evaluation or appraisal | revue | a theatrical entertainment comprising satirical skits and dances |
| rheum | a watery mucous discharge from the eyes or nostrils | room | an partitioned structural chamber within a dwelling |
| right | morally correct and just; directional opposite of left | write | to inscribe alphabetic glyphs upon a medium |
| rite | a solemn religious or sacramental liturgical ceremony | wright | a master fabricator or builder (e.g. shipwright) |
| ring | a circular band of precious metal; a chime of a bell | wring | to twist and squeeze moisture from wet fabrics |
| road | a prepared paved highway for vehicular travel | rode | past tense of ride; traveled on an animal or conveyance |
| rowed | past tense of row; propelled a skiff with pairs of oars | road | a thoroughfare constructed between two towns |
| roe | the mass of fertilized eggs within a female fish | row | a linear arrangement of objects placed in a sequence |
| role | the theatrical part played by an actor; designated function | roll | to rotate continuously over an axis; a bread bun |
| rood | a large medieval crucifix mounted in a church chancel | rude | uncivil, impolite, boorish, and ill-mannered |
| root | the subterranean anchoring organ of a vascular plant | route | an established course, path, or road traveled |
| rose | a fragrant prickly perennial flowering shrub; ascended | rows | plural of row; ordered parallel alignments |
| rote | mechanical memorization gained through routine repetition | wrote | past tense of write; penned a manuscript |
| rough | having a jagged unpolished surface; stormy and turbulent | ruff | a starched pleated linen collar worn in the 16th century |
| rung | a horizontal footstep rung on a climbing ladder | wrung | past tense of wring; twisted firmly to extract water |
| rye | a hardy cereal grass grain used for dark bread and whiskey | wry | characterized by dry, sarcastic, twisted humor |
| sac | an anatomical cavity or pouch enveloped by a membrane | sack | a coarse burlap bag used for stowing dry freight |
| sail | a canvas fabric hoisted on masts to harness wind | sale | the transactional disposal of wares for monetary payment |
| sailer | a vessel rated according to its sea navigation properties | sailor | a mariner employed aboard a naval or commercial vessel |
| sane | possessing sound, balanced, and lucid mental faculties | seine | a large weighted vertical fishing net that hangs in water |
| saver | one who economizes currency or rescues lives | savor | to enjoy and relish the rich taste or experience of |
| scene | the localized setting of an episode in drama or reality | seen | past participle of see; visually observed with eyes |
| scilly | a cluster of small islands off the coast of England | silly | lacking seriousness, wisdom, or practical sense |
| scull | a lightweight racing rowing boat or small oar | skull | the cranium enclosing and protecting the brain |
| sea | the vast body of saline water covering the global surface | see | to perceive optically via the visual apparatus |
| seam | the line formed by joining two textile edges with thread | seem | to exhibit an outward appearance or impression of |
| sear | to cauterize, scorch, or brown with extreme surface heat | seer | a visionary prophet gifted with supernatural foresight |
| sere | withered, desiccated, and devoid of botanical moisture | sear | to flash-fry or burn the outer face of meat |
| seas | plural of sea; major expanses of oceanic salt water | seize | to grab hold of with sudden overpowering force |
| sees | third-person singular of see; views with ocular vision | seize | confiscates by legal warrant or physical power |
| serf | a feudal peasant bound in servitude to an estate's lord | surf | breaking foamy waves crashing along a coastline |
| serge | a hard-wearing twilled worsted textile used in uniforms | surge | a sudden swelling wave or rolling rush of current |
| sew | to stitch textiles together using a needle and filament | so | to this high degree; consequently; therefore |
| sow | to scatter grain seeds into soil for crop germination | sew | to hem or fasten with needlework |
| shake | to agitate with rapid oscillating vibrations | sheikh | an Arab chieftain or venerable Islamic scholar |
| shear | to clip the fleece from a sheep using specialized shears | sheer | pure and unadulterated; almost vertical and steep |
| shoe | an external leather covering protecting the human foot | shoo | an interjection shouted to drive off unwanted birds |
| shone | past tense of shine; emitted or beamed luminous radiance | shown | past participle of show; displayed or demonstrated |
| sic | bracketed term noting an error in original quoted source | sick | afflicted with physical disease, nausea, or illness |
| side | a lateral flank of an object or organism; edge | sighed | past tense of sigh; exhaled a heavy audible breath |
| sighs | respirates audible breaths of weariness or longing | size | the physical spatial dimensions or volume of an item |
| sign | a visible symbol, omen, or placard bearing notices | sine | the ratio of the opposite leg to the hypotenuse |
| sink | to submerge downward into liquid; a kitchen basin | sync | informal for synchronization; harmonious timing |
| siphon | a bent conduit used to drain fluids over a crest | syphon | an alternative orthography for siphon |
| slay | to kill violently in warfare or mortal combat | sleigh | a horse-drawn runner vehicle gliding over snow |
| sleight | cunning dexterity, craftiness, or artful trickery | slight | small in amount; to snub or insult someone casually |
| slew | past tense of slay; a great multitude or quantity | slough | a muddy quagmire or wetland; to shed skin |
| slow | taking a prolonged duration; moving at low velocity | sloe | the tart astringent purplish-black fruit of the blackthorn |
| soar | to glide effortlessly aloft at lofty altitudes | sore | tender and aching from inflammation or blister |
| sole | the underside of the human foot; single and solitary | soul | the immortal spiritual essence of a human being |
| some | an indefinite undetermined quantity or portion | sum | the aggregate total resulting from arithmetic addition |
| son | a male child in relationship to biological parents | sun | the luminous central G-type star of the Solar System |
| soot | a fine black powdery amorphous carbon deposited by smoke | suite | a connected set of rooms, furniture, or orchestral pieces |
| spade | a digging implement equipped with a sharp iron blade | spayed | past tense of spay; surgically neutered a female animal |
| staid | sedate, grave, serious, and conservatively reserved | stayed | past tense of stay; remained anchored in place |
| stair | a single step in an ascending staircase flight | stare | to gaze with wide unblinking fixation at an object |
| stake | a sharpened post driven into soil; an escrowed wager | steak | a prime thick cut of beef broiled or grilled |
| stalk | the primary stem axis of a plant; to pursue stealthily | stork | a large long-legged wading migratory bird |
| stationary | fixed immovably in one station; not in transit | stationery | writing implements, envelopes, and paper supplies |
| steal | to unlawfully take possession of another's chattels | steel | a hard malleable structural alloy of iron and carbon |
| step | a footfall pace taken in ambulation; a single stride | steppe | a vast semi-arid unforested grassland in Eurasia |
| stile | a flight of wooden steps over a pasture boundary wall | style | a distinctive aesthetic fashion, flair, or literary manner |
| straight | proceeding along an unswerving linear path | strait | a narrow maritime channel linking two larger seas |
| succor | comfort, aid, and relief rendered in times of distress | sucker | an organ adapted for suction; a credulous person |
| suite | a luxurious interconnected series of hotel apartments | sweet | tasting pleasantly of sucrose or honey; delightful |
| sundae | a dish of ice cream topped with syrup, nuts, and cream | Sunday | the solar day of rest concluding the standard weekend |
| tack | a small flat-headed fastener; the heading of a vessel | tact | poise, discretion, and diplomatic sensitivity with others |
| tail | the caudal rear appendage extending from an animal's spine | tale | a fictitious fable, narrative, or historical chronicle |
| tare | the tare weight of an empty container deducted from gross | tear | to rip, lacerate, or sever material into shreds |
| taught | past tense of teach; educated and instructed a pupil | taut | pulled firmly rigid with extreme tension; not slack |
| tea | an aromatic beverage brewed from Camellia sinensis leaves | tee | a miniature peg upon which a golf ball is balanced |
| team | a coordinated roster of athletes or workers united in goal | teem | to overflow, swarm, or abound with living organisms |
| tear | a droplet of salty fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland | tier | one of several ascending rows in an amphitheater |
| tense | rigid with muscular stress; a temporal verb paradigm | tents | plural of tent; collapsible fabric shelters on poles |
| tern | a slender gull-like seabird with a deeply forked tail | turn | to rotate circular around an axis; change direction |
| the | the definite article designating a specific entity | thee | archaic second-person singular pronoun in objective case |
| their | possessive pronoun signifying belonging to them | there | in or located at that specified distant location |
| they're | grammatical contraction signifying 'they are' | their | belonging to them; possessive pronoun |
| threw | past tense of throw; hurled through the air by hand | through | entering at one extremity and exiting at the other |
| throe | a sharp spasm, pang, or paroxysm of pain | throw | to propel an object violently with the arm |
| throne | the ornate chair of state occupied by a monarch | thrown | past participle of throw; cast or hurled outward |
| thyme | a pungent aromatic perennial culinary herb of the mint family | time | the continuous measurable continuum of chronological events |
| tic | an involuntary spasmodic muscular twitch of the face | tick | a light clicking cadence; a blood-engorged arachnid |
| tide | the cyclical gravitational rise and ebb of oceanic water | tied | past tense of tie; bound, knotted, or tethered with rope |
| timber | standing trees or felled logs seasoned for carpentry | timbre | the unique acoustical resonance and color of a voice/instrument |
| to | preposition expressing motion toward an objective | too | in excessive quantity; also; in addition to |
| two | the numeric value representing a cardinal pair of units (2) | to | preposition indicating direction or destination |
| toad | a terrestrial warty-skinned amphibian of the order Anura | toed | possessing digits or toes on the foot |
| towed | past tense of tow; hauled behind by means of a cable | toad | a squat tailless terrestrial amphibian |
| toe | one of the articulated terminal digits of the foot | tow | to pull a stranded car or barge along with a hawser |
| told | past tense of tell; recounted facts or narratives to someone | tolled | past tense of toll; rang a church funeral bell slowly |
| tracked | trailed the footprints or monitored the path of | tract | an expanse of territory; a religious leaflet pamphlet |
| tray | a flat shallow server with a perimeter lip for dishes | trey | a playing card or die bearing three pips or spots |
| troop | a squadron of soldiers or a gathering of baboons | troupe | a roving ensemble of dramatic theatrical performers |
| trussed | bound securely with ropes or skewers before roasting | trust | unwavering confidence in the integrity and truth of someone |
| turnip | a round swollen biennial taproot with edible white flesh | turnup | the folded fabric cuff sewn at the base of trouser legs |
| undo | to untie, unbind, or annul the consequences of an act | undue | disproportionate, unwarranted, or exceeding proper bounds |
| vain | conceited with narcissistic pride; pointless and futile | vane | a revolving metal fin indicating wind direction |
| vein | a blood vessel transporting deoxygenated blood to heart | vain | unduly proud; devoid of real worth or substance |
| vale | a tranquil valley or dale (used in poetic topography) | veil | a fine diaphanous fabric worn over the face for modesty |
| valiance | heroic bravery, intrepid valor, and courage | valiants | plural of valiant; stouthearted noble warriors |
| vary | to alter, diversify, or fluctuate in condition | very | to a superior or extreme degree; completely |
| vial | a miniature glass cylinder with a stopper for fluids | viol | a 16th-century bowed stringed musical instrument |
| vice | a wicked moral depravity; a habit; tool clamping items | vise | a mechanical clamping device with threaded jaws |
| wade | to trudge through shallow water, mud, or snow | weighed | past tense of weigh; measured mass with scales |
| wail | to utter a prolonged piercing lamentation of grief | whale | a giant aquatic placental cetacean with a blowhole |
| wain | a heavy four-wheeled wagon used for hauling hay | wane | to diminish progressively in luminous phase or power |
| waist | the narrow intermediate part of the torso between ribs and hips | waste | to squander recklessly; refuse or rubbish |
| wait | to tarry in expectation of an event or person | weight | the downward gravitational force exerted on a mass |
| waive | to voluntarily surrender a legal privilege or claim | wave | an undulating ridge of water; to gesture with the hand |
| waiver | a written document relinquishing a legal title or right | waver | to vacillate between options; quiver unsteadily |
| wale | a raised ridge in corduroy; a welt on the skin | wail | to weep and mourn with high-pitched cries |
| walk | to advance on foot with bipedal alternate strides | wok | a deep hemispherical iron frying pan used in Asian cooking |
| war | a declared armed hostile combat between states | wore | past tense of wear; bore upon the body as attire |
| ware | manufactured goods or earthenware pottery for sale | wear | to don clothes; to deteriorate through long friction |
| where | at or in which particular physical geographic place | ware | articles of commerce or manufactured pottery |
| warn | to alert beforehand regarding an impending hazard | worn | past participle of wear; threadbare and deteriorated |
| warrant | a judicial authorization for an arrest or search | warren | an interconnected underground network of rabbit burrows |
| way | a path, lane, or method used to accomplish an aim | weigh | to determine heaviness on a balance or scale |
| whey | the thin serum of milk remaining after cheese curds separate | way | a direction, route, or technique |
| weak | frail, lacking physical muscle or stamina | week | a calendar cycle spanning seven consecutive days |
| weald | an expanse of open uncultivated rolling woodland | wield | to handle and brandish a weapon or tool with skill |
| weather | the atmospheric conditions of temperature, rain, and wind | whether | conjunction presenting two alternative options |
| wether | a castrated ram sheep | weather | atmospheric meteorological state of the sky |
| weld | to fuse metal components together under thermal heat | welled | past tense of well; gushed up from a subterranean source |
| wen | a harmless sebaceous retention cyst on the skin | when | at what appointed time or chronological moment |
| wet | soaked, saturated, or moistened with liquid water | whet | to hone the cutting edge of a blade with a whetstone |
| which | specifying one particular option out of a defined group | witch | a person reputed to practice sorcery or magic arts |
| while | a space of time; during the interval that | wile | a cunning deceptive stratagem or trick |
| whine | a high-pitched fretful petulant whimpering sound | wine | an alcoholic drink produced by fermenting grape must |
| whir | a continuous buzzing whizzing sound of rapid rotor spin | were | past plural form of the auxiliary verb be |
| whirled | past tense of whirl; rotated in rapid dizzying gyrations | world | the planetary globe of Earth and its human inhabitants |
| whorled | having leaves or petals radiating in a circle around an axis | world | the Earth and its entire cosmos of nature |
| whit | a tiny infinitesimal particle; the least measurable bit | wit | mental acuity, sharp intellect, and humorous repartee |
| whither | to what destination or geographic location | wither | to shrivel, droop, and lose vitality like a plant |
| who's | contraction signifying 'who is' or 'who has' | whose | possessive pronoun designating ownership by a person |
| wood | the hard fibrous lignified xylem comprising tree trunks | would | past modal auxiliary indicating intention or hypothesis |
| yoke | a heavy wooden beam harnessed over draft oxen | yolk | the nutrient-rich yellow core of an avian egg |
| aba | a loose sleeveless outer garment worn by Arabs | abba | a Syriac and Aramaic title of honor for a bishop or father |
| abscissa | the horizontal coordinate in a plane Cartesian system | abscissae | plural of abscissa |
| acca | a rich fabric of silk and gold thread | akka | a pygmy people of the upper Congo basin |
| acetic | relating to or containing acetic acid or vinegar | ascetic | characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention |
| ade | a fruit beverage sweetened with sugar (e.g. lemonade) | aid | help, assistance, or support provided to someone |
| aide | an assistant to an important person or military officer | aid | help or support; to assist |
| aerology | the branch of meteorology dealing with the upper atmosphere | airology | archaic or variant spelling of aerology |
| affective | relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes | effective | successful in producing a desired or intended result |
| afferent | conducting inwards or toward the central nervous system | efferent | conducting outwards or away from the central nervous system |
| airt | to direct or guide toward a point (Scottish) | art | the expression of human creative skill and imagination |
| alder | a deciduous tree of the birch family | older | having lived or existed for a longer time |
| algin | a gelatinous substance obtained from brown seaweeds | algen | variant or German plural for algae |
| allegation | a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal | alligation | an arithmetical rule for solving mixture problems |
| alluvion | the flow of water against a shore or deposit of sediment | eluvion | soil formed by the decomposition of rock in situ |
| amice | a white linen cloth worn on the neck and shoulders by priests | amiss | not quite right; inappropriate or out of order |
| anchorite | a religious recluse living in solitary isolation | ankerite | a calcium-magnesium-iron carbonate mineral |
| anther | the pollen-bearing part of a flower stamen | author | a writer of a book, article, or document |
| aphorism | a pithy observation that contains a general truth | aphorize | to utter or write in aphorisms |
| apnea | temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep | apnoea | British variant spelling of apnea |
| appal | to greatly dismay, horrify, or shock | appall | standard alternative spelling of appal |
| aqueous | of, like, or containing water; watery | aquas | plural of aqua; light bluish-green colors |
| arbor | a shady garden alcove formed by trees or climbing plants | arbour | British spelling of arbor; a garden shelter |
| aria | a long accompanied song for a solo voice in an opera | arria | archaic or classical name variant |
| arrack | an alcoholic spirit made in SE Asia from fermented sap/rice | arac | variant spelling of arrack |
| arras | a rich tapestry or wall hanging, historically from Arras, France | arris | a sharp edge formed by the meeting of two surfaces in architecture |
| ascension | the act of rising to an important position or to heaven | assension | archaic phonetic spelling of ascension/assent |
| ashen | very pale with shock, fear, or illness; of ash wood | ashin | dialect variant of ashen |
| aspect | a particular part or feature of something | aspekt | linguistic variant term for aspect |
| aster | a daisy-like garden plant with starry flowers | astir | in a state of excited movement or activity |
| atelier | a workshop or studio, especially of an artist or designer | attelier | variant spelling of atelier |
| attar | a fragrant essential oil, typically made from rose petals | otter | a semiaquatic fish-eating mammal with dense fur |
| baa | the bleating cry of a sheep or goat | bah | an expression of contempt, disgust, or disagreement |
| bairn | a child (Scottish and Northern English) | barn | a large farm building used for storing grain or hay |
| balas | a rose-red variety of spinel stone | ballast | heavy material used to provide stability to a ship |
| ballot | a system of voting secretly in writing | ballet | an artistic dance form performed to music |
| balm | a fragrant soothing ointment or cream | barm | the froth on fermenting malt liquors, used as yeast |
| barouche | a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a collapsible top | barrouche | historical spelling of barouche |
| barre | a stationary handrail used by dancers during warm-up | bar | a long rigid piece of metal or wood; legal profession |
| basil | an aromatic annual herb of the mint family | bacil | short/variant root for bacillus bacterium |
| bateau | a light, flat-bottomed river boat with tapering ends | bato | archaic or variant boating term |
| bathos | an effect of anticlimax created by a lapse in mood | bathus | deep marine zone or organism variant |
| bay | a broad inlet of the sea, or a laurel tree | bey | a governor of a district or province in the Ottoman Empire |
| bead | a small piece of glass or stone pierced for threading | bede | archaic term for a prayer, or the Venerable Bede |
| beam | a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal | beem | dialect variant of beam |
| beaufort | a scale of wind speed ranging from 0 to 12 | beau forte | French phrase for beautiful strength |
| bequeath | to leave personal property to someone by a will | bequest | a legacy or property left in a will |
| bergamot | an aromatic citrus fruit whose oil flavors Earl Grey tea | burgamot | archaic spelling of bergamot |
| beryl | a mineral consisting of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate (emerald/aquamarine) | barrel | a cylindrical wooden container bulging in the middle |
| bet | to risk a sum of money on the outcome of an event | bett | archaic past tense of beat or bet |
| bijou | a small and delicately made item or jewel | bijoux | plural of bijou; small elegant trinkets |
| binate | growing in pairs, especially of botanical leaves | bynate | rare chemical variant |
| bison | a humpbacked shaggy-haired wild ox of North America | byssin | a fibrous substance or cotton byproduct |
| blain | an inflammatory swelling or sore on the skin | blade | the flat cutting edge of a knife or sword |
| blanch | to make white or pale by scalding with boiling water | blanche | feminine French form meaning white |
| blond | having fair hair and light complexion | blonde | a woman with fair hair (traditional gendered spelling) |
| bogie | an undercarriage with four or six wheels under a railway coach | bogey | an evil spirit, or one stroke over par in golf |
| bolero | a lively Spanish dance in triple time, or short jacket | bollero | variant culinary or Spanish dance spelling |
| bombast | high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress | bombaste | archaic padding or cotton stuffing |
| borage | an herbaceous plant with star-shaped blue flowers | boric | relating to or containing the element boron |
| boreas | the ancient Greek god of the north wind | boras | plural of bora, a cold dry north wind |
| born | brought into life by birth | borne | carried or sustained by something |
| boule | a round loaf of French crusty bread, or council in Greece | bool | Scottish term for a bowl or marble |
| bourdon | a low-pitched drone bass bell or organ pipe | burden | a heavy load or difficult responsibility |
| bourne | a small stream or brook; a goal or limit (archaic) | borne | carried or tolerated |
| brawn | physical strength in contrast to intelligence; potted pork | braun | German surname meaning brown |
| brayer | a hand-roller used in printmaking to spread ink | brayar | phonetic variant for an ink roller |
| brevet | a military commission conferring higher nominal rank without extra pay | brevette | a minor patent or French mini-certificate |
| brill | a flatfish resembling a turbot, found in European waters | bril | optical unit of luminance |
| briony | a climbing wild vine with red or black berries (bryony) | bryony | a perennial climbing plant with tuberous roots |
| brisa | a northeast trade wind in the Caribbean and Philippines | breeza | phonetic coastal wind variation |
| britches | short trousers gathered just below the knee; breeches | breeches | knee-length trousers worn historically |
| brogan | a coarse, heavy leather ankle-high shoe or work boot | brogann | variant spelling of brogan |
| bulbul | a tropical Asian or African songbird of the family Pycnonotidae | bullbull | folkloric variant for the bulbul bird |
| bunt | to gently tap a baseball with the bat; a blighted fungus on wheat | bunched | grouped closely together |
| burl | a rounded knotty growth on a tree trunk prized for veneer | burle | archaic textile defect or burl knot |
| bursar | a person who manages financial affairs at a college | burser | variant spelling of bursar |
| buteo | a genus of medium-to-large birds of prey (buzzards/hawks) | butte | an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top |
| caaba | the sacred shrine at Mecca (Kaaba) | kaaba | the cubical stone building in the Great Mosque at Mecca |
| cacao | seeds from a small tropical American tree used to make cocoa | cocoa | a powder made from roasted and ground cacao seeds |
| cacique | a native chief in Spanish America; a tropical oriole-like bird | kasik | archaic Ottoman or Caribbean variant |
| cadi | a judge in an Islamic court of law (qadi) | kadi | alternative spelling of qadi or Islamic judge |
| caecum | a pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines | cecum | American spelling of the large intestine pouch |
| caiman | a semi-aquatic reptile related to alligators in Central/South America | cayman | alternative spelling of caiman; Caribbean islander |
| calix | a cup-like cavity or organ in anatomy (renal calyx) | calyx | the sepals of a flower enclosing the petals |
| calligraphy | decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering | kalligraphy | archaic Greek-derived variant |
| camas | a North American plant of the lily family with edible blue bulbs | camass | variant botanical spelling of camas |
| cambium | a cellular plant tissue layer between xylem and phloem | cambian | pertaining to cambium layer |
| camise | a loose tunic or shirt worn in the Middle East (kameez) | kameez | a long tunic worn in South Asia |
| canape | a small piece of bread or pastry topped with savory food | canopy | an ornamental cloth covering hung over a bed or throne |
| cancan | a high-energy French music-hall dance featuring high kicks | can-can | alternative hyphenated spelling |
| cant | hypocritical talk; specialized jargon; to tilt obliquely | can't | contraction of cannot |
| canton | a subdivision of a country, as in Switzerland | cantoon | a strong twilled cotton fabric |
| capon | a castrated rooster fattened for the table | capote | a long hooded cloak worn historically |
| carabao | a domesticated water buffalo of the Philippines | karabao | phonetic variant for water buffalo |
| caracole | a half-turn to the left or right executed by a horse | caracol | alternative equestrian spelling |
| carboy | a large globular glass bottle protected by wickerwork/frame | car-boy | archaic automotive delivery boy |
| carcase | the dead body of an animal (British variant of carcass) | carcass | the dead body of a slaughtered animal |
| cardiac | relating to the heart and circulatory system | cardiack | obsolete medical spelling |
| carmagnole | a short jacket worn by French revolutionaries; a street song | carmagnol | variant spelling of the revolutionary dance/jacket |
| carnelian | a dull-red or reddish-brown variety of chalcedony gemstone | cornelian | alternative historical spelling of carnelian |
| casque | an anatomical helmet-like structure or armor headpiece | cask | a large cylindrical wooden barrel for fermenting ale |
| catarrh | excessive discharge or inflammation of mucous membranes | katar | a short punch dagger from the Indian subcontinent |
| cautery | an instrument used to burn or sear tissue to stop bleeding | cautere | archaic surgical spelling |
| cayenne | a pungent hot red pepper powder made from dried capsicums | kayan | an indigenous ethnic group of Borneo |
| celesta | a small keyboard instrument with struck steel plates (tinkling) | celeste | sky blue in color, or heavenly |
| cellist | a musician who plays the violoncello | sellist | obsolete humorous term for a vendor |
| cenobite | a member of a monastic community (in contrast to an anchorite) | coenobite | traditional British spelling for a monastic monk |
| centaur | a mythological creature with the upper body of a human and lower body of a horse | center | the middle point or axis of an object |
| cephalic | relating to the head or skull | cephalo | combining form relating to the head |
| cerate | an unctuous pharmaceutical preparation containing wax and oil | serrate | having a jagged toothed saw-like edge |
| cerement | waxed cloth used for wrapping a dead body; graveclothes | searement | archaic sealing cloth |
| cervid | a mammal belonging to the deer family Cervidae | servid | variant zoological form |
| cetacean | a marine mammal of the order Cetacea (whales, dolphins) | cetaceous | pertaining to the whale group |
| chalcedony | a microcrystalline variety of quartz with waxy luster | calcedony | archaic mineralogical spelling |
| chamois | an agile goat-antelope of European mountains; soft leather | shammy | a soft pliable leather cloth used for polishing |
| chancre | a painless ulcerating sore marking the primary stage of syphilis | shanker | archaic phonetic spelling of chancre |
| chapeau | a hat or head covering (from French) | chapow | archaic Anglicized spelling of chapeau |
| charivari | a noisy mock serenade with tin pots to celebrate a wedding (shivaree) | shivaree | a noisy mock serenade in North America |
| chateau | a French country house or castle, or wine estate | chateaux | plural of chateau in French orthography |
| chattel | a personal movable possession as distinct from real estate | cattle | domesticated bovine farm animals |
| chechia | a cylindrical brimless red felt cap worn in North Africa | sheshia | alternative spelling of the North African hat |
| chemise | a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or straight-hanging dress | shammy | soft leather cloth |
| cherub | a winged angelic being attending on God; a sweet child | cherubic | having the innocent plump beauty of a cherub |
| chevron | a V-shaped stripe worn on an army uniform sleeve | shevron | phonetic spelling variant of chevron |
| chiffon | a light, sheer sheer fabric made of silk or nylon | shiffon | phonetic textile variant |
| chirurgeon | an archaic historical term for a surgeon | surgeon | a medical practitioner qualified to perform operations |
| chivvy | to tell someone repeatedly to do something; harass | chivy | alternative spelling of chivvy |
| chlorine | a toxic irritating greenish-yellow halogen gas (Cl) | chlorin | a chemical heterocyclic aromatic ring compound |
| chrism | consecrated oil mixed with balsam used in Christian baptism | crism | archaic liturgical spelling of chrism |
| chroma | the purity or saturation of a color | chrome | chromium plate or alloy; shiny metallic finish |
| cicerone | a guide who conducts sightseers through a museum or ruins | chaperone | a person accompanying young people to supervise conduct |
| cicisbeo | the recognized gallant escort of a married woman in 18th-century Italy | cicisbei | plural of cicisbeo |
| cilium | a microscopic hairlike vibrating organelle on cells | psyllium | the seed husks of plantago used as dietary fiber |
| cinch | a saddle girth strap; an extremely easy task (slang) | synch | informal for synchronize |
| cinquefoil | a plant of the rose family with five-lobed leaves; 5-leaf architectural ornament | cinquefoile | archaic heraldic spelling |
| cipolin | a white marble ribboned with green talc veins | cipolino | Italian variant of cipolin marble |
| cirque | a steep-sided amphitheater-like valley formed by glacial erosion | circ | short for circle or circular |
| cist | an ancient prehistoric stone coffin or burial box | cyst | an abnormal sac filled with liquid in bodily tissue |
| civet | a cat-like nocturnal carnivore of Africa and Asia | sieve-it | colloquial instruction to strain |
| clevis | a U-shaped shackle fastened with a pin for towing | clevises | plural of clevis shackles |
| cloisonne | enamel decorative work in which metal wire delineates cells | cloison | a dividing partition or septum |
| coadjutor | a bishop appointed to assist a diocesan bishop with right of succession | coadjutress | a female assistant or helper |
| coagulate | to change from a liquid to a thickened solid gel | coagulant | a substance that causes coagulation |
| cob | a sturdy short-legged riding horse; central corncob core | cobb | a round loaf of crusty bread |
| cochlea | the spiral cavity of the inner ear containing auditory organs | cochlear | relating to the cochlea of the ear |
| cockade | a rosette or ribbon knot worn on a hat as a badge | coquette | a flirtatious woman |
| cocoa | a brown powder made from roasted cacao seeds | coca | a tropical South American shrub yielding cocaine leaves |
| coelom | the principal fluid-filled body cavity of many animals | celom | alternative anatomical spelling |
| coir | coarse fiber extracted from the outer husk of the coconut | quire | a collection of 24 or 25 sheets of paper |
| colleague | a fellow member of a profession or staff | colligate | to bind together or subsume under a rule |
| colloquy | a formal conversation, dialogue, or conference | colloquial | used in ordinary or familiar conversation |
| colter | the vertical cutting blade on a plow (coulter) | coulter | British spelling of a plow cutter blade |
| comity | courtesy and mutual civil respect between nations | comedy | professional entertainment consisting of jokes and satire |
| commissary | a deputy or delegate; a store providing food on an army base | commissar | an official responsible for political education in the USSR |
| condemn | to express complete disapproval of; sentence to punishment | condamne | archaic French-influenced spelling |
| coney | a rabbit, especially in commercial fur trading (coney/cony) | koni | phonetic variant |
| conger | a large voracious scaleless marine eel of Atlantic reefs | conjur | short root for conjure |
| connote | to imply or suggest an association in addition to literal meaning | denote | to be a sign of or indicate explicitly |
| consols | British consolidated government annuities/bonds | consoles | cabinets housing electronic controls; comforts |
| contour | an outline representing the shape or form of something | contoure | archaic spelling of contour |
| cootie | a body louse (informal military slang) | cooty | variant spelling of cootie |
| copal | a hard translucent fossil resin used in varnishes | couple | two individuals or paired items |
| coppice | an area of woodland where trees are coppiced regularly | copse | a dense small thicket of trees |
| coquet | to flirt playfully without serious intent | coquette | a woman who flirts insincerely with men |
| corbel | a stone bracket projecting from a wall to support weight | corbie | Scottish term for a raven or crow |
| cordate | heart-shaped (especially of botanical leaves) | chordate | an animal belonging to the phylum Chordata |
| coriaceous | resembling or having the tough texture of leather | coriander | an aromatic Mediterranean annual herb |
| corm | a swollen underground stem base of certain plants (crocus) | korm | variant botanical phonetic spelling |
| cornea | the transparent layer forming the front of the eye | corneal | relating to the cornea of the eye |
| coronach | a funeral song or dirge sung in the Scottish Highlands | coronet | a small crown worn by nobles of lower rank |
| correlate | to have a mutual relationship or connection | corrector | a person or device that rectifies errors |
| cortette | a small courtyard or enclosure | quartet | a musical group composed of four musicians |
| coterie | a small intimate group of people with shared tastes | cotery | archaic Anglicized spelling of coterie |
| coulisse | a grooved side timber or theatrical wing backstage | coolis | phonetic culinary sauce variant |
| courtier | a person who attends a royal court as companion or advisor | courier | a messenger transporting goods or dispatches |
| cowl | a large loose hood, especially on a monk's habit | kowl | variant dialectal spelling of cowl |
| coxcomb | a conceited dandy; the cap of a court jester | cockscomb | the fleshy red crest of a rooster; a garden amaranth |
| crape | a light crinkled fabric, especially black mourning silk | crepe | a very thin pancake, or crinkly silk fabric |
| creche | a model representing Jesus in the manger; a day nursery | crush | to compress violently so as to shatter |
| crenel | an indentation in the battlement of a castle wall | crannel | narrow crevice in rock strata |
| crock | an earthenware pot or jar; something worn out | crocked | slang for intoxicated or broken |
| cropper | a person or machine that crops; a severe fall | crawler | one that crawls or creeps |
| croquet | a lawn game played by hitting wooden balls with mallets | croquette | a small cake of minced food fried in breadcrumbs |
| crosier | a hooked staff carried by a bishop as symbol of pastoral office | crozier | alternative spelling of crosier |
| cruet | a small glass bottle for holding vinegar or oil at table | crew-it | phonetic phrase |
| crux | the decisive or most pivotal point at issue; a southern constellation | crooks | dishonest criminals; hooked shepherd staffs |
| cud | partly digested food regurgitated from a ruminant's first stomach | could | past modal of can |
| cuirass | a piece of armor consisting of breastplate and backplate | curass | phonetic armored vest variant |
| culm | the hollow stem of a grass; anthracitic coal dust | calm | serene, tranquil, and free from turbulence |
| cupel | a porous shallow vessel of bone ash used in assaying gold | couple | a pair of entities |
| curia | the papal court and administrative government of the Vatican | curiae | plural of curia |
| cusp | a pointed end where two curves meet; a transition point | cuspid | a tooth with a single pointed cusp (canine) |
| cutis | the true skin beneath the epidermis; the derma | cuteness | the state of being endearing or attractive |
| cymling | a scalloped summer squash (pattypan) | simlin | regional American name for scallop squash |
| dactyl | a metrical foot consisting of one stressed and two unstressed syllables | dactyle | variant poetic spelling |
| daguerreotype | an early photographic process using silver-plated copper plates | daguerreotypist | a photographer using daguerreotypes |
| damask | a figured woven fabric of silk or linen with reversible patterns | damascene | to inlay steel with decorative gold/silver patterns |
| daphne | a Eurasian shrub with fragrant flowers and toxic berries | daffy | silly or mildly eccentric |
| dartre | an archaic medical term for a chronic scaly skin eruption | dart | a small pointed missile hurled by hand |
| debauch | to corrupt or debase; a bout of sensual dissipation | debouche | to emerge from a narrow gorge into open terrain |
| debris | scattered fragments, wreckage, or ruins | debrie | phonetic singular form |
| debut | a person's first public appearance on stage or in society | debute | archaic phonetic spelling |
| decal | a design prepared on special paper for transferring onto glass/porcelain | deckle | the rough untrimmed edge of handmade paper |
| decimate | to destroy a large proportion of; historically execute one in ten | decimeter | a metric unit of length equal to one tenth of a meter |
| decrepit | worn out or ruined because of age or neglect | decrepitate | to crackle and shatter when heated (salts) |
| degrease | to remove oil or grease from machinery or wool | degree | a unit of temperature, angle, or academic rank |
| delouse | to rid a person, animal, or garment of parasitic lice | deluge | a severe torrential downpour of rain; inundation |
| demur | to raise objections or show reluctance; hesitate | demure | modest, reserved, shy, and quiet in behavior |
| dendrite | a branched extension of a nerve cell; a branching mineral crystal | dendritic | having a branched tree-like form |
| dentil | a small rectangular block used in a repeating series in classical cornices | dental | relating to the teeth or dentistry |
| depilate | to remove hair from the body | depilatory | a substance that removes unwanted body hair |
| descant | a decorative melody sung or played above the main tune | discant | archaic spelling of descant |
| dhole | an Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) that hunts in packs | dole | to distribute shares; government unemployment benefit |
| diacritic | a sign (such as an accent) written above or below a letter | diacritical | serving to distinguish or indicate pronunciation |
| dial | a face of a clock or gauge marked with divisions | diel | involving a 24-hour cycle of night and day |
| diamante | sparkling artificial jewels or sequins sewn on fabric | diamond | a precious crystalline allotrope of carbon of extreme hardness |
| diapason | a rich swelling outpouring of harmonious sound; grand organ stop | diapasonal | pertaining to the full range of diapason |
| dickcissel | a North American grassland bird with a yellow breast and black bib | dick-cissel | variant name of the prairie songbird |
| didot | a European typographical unit of measure (approx. 0.376 mm) | dido | a mischievous antic; legendary queen of Carthage |
| dielectric | an electrical insulator that can be polarized by an applied electric field | dialect | a regional variety of a language |
| digitigrade | walking on digits or toes with heels elevated (cats, dogs) | plantigrade | walking on soles of feet (humans, bears) |
| dinghy | a small inflatable or rigid boat used as a tender | dingy | gloomy, drab, dark, and soiled |
| diphyodont | having two successive sets of teeth (deciduous and permanent) | monophyodont | having only one set of teeth throughout life |
| dirk | a short straight-bladed dagger historically worn in the Scottish Highlands | derek | masculine given name |
| disburse | to pay out money from a fund or treasury | disperse | to scatter, distribute broadly, or dispel |
| discoid | having the flat circular shape of a disc | discous | resembling a disc |
| disinthrall | to liberate from servitude or bondage (disenthral) | disenthrall | standard spelling meaning to free from enchantment |
| disseize | to dispossess someone wrongfully of real estate | disseise | alternative legal spelling of disseize |
| distich | a strophic unit of two rhymed lines of verse; a couplet | distick | variant phonetic transcription |
| divertissement | a short ballet or entertainment interlude between opera acts | divertimento | a light entertaining instrumental musical composition |
| dizen | to dress up or bedeck in gaudy finery | dizenment | gaudy attire or ornamentation |
| doily | a small ornamental lacework mat placed under a dish | doiley | historical variant spelling of doily |
| dolce | soft and sweet (musical instruction to perform smoothly) | dolci | Italian plural for sweet pastries |
| dolor | a state of profound mental suffering or sorrow (dolour) | dollar | the monetary unit of the US, Canada, Australia, etc. |
| dolour | British spelling of dolor; deep grief | dollar | a unit of paper and coin currency |
| domina | a lady or mistress of a household in Roman times | domino | a small rectangular gaming tile; a hooded masquerade cloak |
| douceur | a financial gratuity or bribe given to gain favor | doucely | sweetly or gently in Scottish/French dialect |
| douse | to drench with liquid or extinguish a flame | dowse | to search for subterranean water with a divining rod |
| dowel | a headless wooden or metal peg used for joining wood pieces | dowl | feathery down or fluff on cloth |
| doxology | a short liturgical hymn of praise to God (e.g. Gloria Patri) | doxological | pertaining to a doxology |
| drachma | the ancient and modern currency unit of Greece until 2002 | drachm | a dram unit of apothecaries' weight |
| dragoman | an official interpreter or guide in Middle Eastern countries | dragomans | plural of dragoman interpreters |
| drail | a weighted trailing fishing hook used in trolling | drain | a channel or pipe carrying off liquid waste |
| dram | a unit of weight (1/16 of an ounce avoirdupois); small drink | drachm | apothecaries' weight unit |
| droshky | a low four-wheeled open carriage used in Russia (drosky) | drosky | alternative spelling of droshky |
| drought | a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation | drouth | archaic or poetic variant of drought |
| drupe | a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stony pit (peach, cherry) | droop | to sag downward from exhaustion or lack of moisture |
| dryad | a tree nymph or female woodland spirit in Greek mythology | dryades | plural of dryad nymphs |
| duarchy | government by two rulers; a diarchy | diarchy | a form of government with two joint sovereigns |
| ducat | a historical gold coin minted in Venice and Europe | duck-it | phonetic phrase for dodging |
| duchess | the wife or widow of a duke, or a female peer of rank | dutchess | historical archaic variant spelling |
| ductile | capable of being drawn out into a thin wire (metals) | ductal | pertaining to a physiological bodily duct |
| dugong | a large herbivorous marine mammal (Dugong dugon) of the Indian Ocean | dug-on | phonetic phrase |
| dulcimer | a musical stringed instrument struck with small hammers | dulcimore | Appalachian folk variant of dulcimer |
| dulia | the veneration accorded by Catholics to angels and saints | doolia | phonetic religious variant |
| dumose | bushy, stunted, and shrubby in growth habit (botany) | dumous | alternative botanical spelling of dumose |
| duramen | the hard darker nonliving central heartwood of a tree | duramater | the tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain |
| echelon | a stepped formation of troops or aircraft; a level in hierarchy | echeloned | arranged in stepped formation |
| echidna | a spiny egg-laying monotreme mammal of Australia | echidnae | plural of echidna |
| ecru | the pale grayish-yellow color of unbleached linen | ecrue | variant spelling of ecru |
| edaphic | resulting from or influenced by the soil characteristics | edaphon | the collective organisms inhabiting the soil |
| effigy | a sculpted or fabricated likeness or dummy of a hated person | effigies | plural of effigy |
| elan | energy, style, and enthusiastic vigor (élan) | elane | phonetic French loan variant |
| eland | a large spiral-horned African antelope with a dewlap | island | a tract of land surrounded by water |
| eld | old age, antiquity, or ancient times (archaic) | elder | an older person, or a flowering shrub with dark berries |
| elegiac | mournful and wistful in tone; in elegiac meter | elegiacs | verses composed in elegiac meter |
| eleven | the cardinal number following ten and preceding twelve | eleven-plus | historical examination in Britain |
| elfin | small, mischievous, and delightfully strange; like an elf | elvan | a fine-grained igneous rock found in Cornwall |
| eloge | a speech of praise or panegyric pronounced on a deceased member of the French Academy | eulogy | a spoken speech of tribute honoring the dead |
| elytron | each of the hardened chitinous protective forewings of a beetle | elytra | plural form of elytron |
| embrocation | a liquid lotion applied to the body to soothe pain or stiffness | embroicate | archaic verb form of embrocate |
| emendation | a correction, alteration, or textual revision in a text | amendation | amendment or textual modification |
| emir | an independent Islamic prince, chieftain, or governor | amere | archaic variant |
| empiric | relying on practical experience rather than theory; charlatan | empirical | verifiable by observation and sensory experiment |
| empyrean | the highest heaven in ancient cosmology, sphere of pure fire | empyreal | celestial, heavenly, and refined |
| enamel | an opaque glassy decorative coating fused on metal/teeth | enameler | an artisan applying enamel |
| enclitic | a word pronounced with so little emphasis that it attaches to another | proclitic | a word leaning accentually on the following word |
| endocarp | the innermost layer of a fruit pericarp surrounding the seed (peach pit) | exocarp | the outermost skin of a fruit pericarp |
| ensilage | green fodder stored and preserved by fermentation in a silo | insilage | variant spelling of ensilage |
| entelechy | the realization of potentiality as actuality (Aristotle) | entelechial | pertaining to complete realization |
| ephebe | a young male citizen of ancient Greece undergoing military training | ephebi | plural of ephebe in Greek history |
| ephemera | things that exist or are used for only a very short day/time | ephemerid | a mayfly insect belonging to Ephemeroptera |
| epicene | having characteristics of both sexes or neither; effeminate | epicoene | classical spelling of epicene |
| epistle | a formal didactic letter; a book of the New Testament | apostle | an early pioneering disciple sent on a mission |
| epithet | an adjective characterizing a quality or attribute of a person | epitaph | a brief inscription on a gravestone |
| epopee | an epic poem, or the art of composing epic poetry | epopeia | alternative variant of epic poem |
| erg | a unit of work and energy equal to 10^-7 joules; sand desert | urge | a strong impulsive desire; to encourage |
| ergot | a fungal disease of rye caused by Claviceps purpurea | ergotin | a medicinal alkaloid extracted from ergot |
| erythema | redness of the skin caused by capillary congestion and inflammation | erythemal | producing or relating to erythema |
| eschar | a dry scab or slough produced by a thermal burn or cautery | esker | a long serpentine gravel ridge formed by glacial streams |
| espalier | a fruit tree trained to grow flat against a wall on a lattice | espaliers | plural of espalier-trained trees |
| estoppel | a legal bar preventing a party from asserting contrary claims | estoppell | archaic legal spelling of estoppel |
| estuary | the tidal mouth of a large river where tide meets stream | estuarine | belonging to or inhabiting an estuary |
| eta | the seventh letter of the Greek alphabet (Η, η) | eater | one who consumes food |
| etui | a small decorative ornamental case for needles and scissors | etwee | Anglicized 18th-century spelling of etui |
| euchre | a North American card game played with 32 highest cards | euker | phonetic variant for euchre |
| evanesce | to pass away like vapor; fade gradually from sight | evanescent | quickly fading, fleeting, or vanishing |
| exchequer | the national treasury or financial funds of a government | exchecker | archaic spelling of exchequer |
| exegesis | critical explanation and analytical interpretation of scripture | exegeses | plural of exegesis |
| expiate | to atone, make amends, or satisfy the guilt of a sin | expiator | one who expiates or atones |
| facet | a flat polished surface on a cut precious gemstone | faucet | a plumbing valve or tap controlling fluid flow |
| falchion | a broad, curved medieval sword with a single cutting edge | falchon | variant historical spelling |
| falsetto | an unnaturally high singing voice above the normal range | falsettist | a singer who uses falsetto |
| farce | a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay | farse | archaic liturgical intercalation in a chant |
| farina | flour or fine meal made from cereal grain or potatoes | ferrina | archaic or variant medicinal powder |
| fasces | a bundle of rods containing an ax blade carried before Roman magistrates | fascis | singular anatomical bundle |
| fatigue | extreme physical exhaustion resulting from labor; army work clothes | fatigued | wearied and worn out by exertion |
| fauces | the narrow passage connecting the mouth to the pharynx | fosses | ditches or trenches, especially fortifications |
| fauld | a piece of plate armor protecting the hips and groin | fold | to bend double; an enclosure for sheep |
| fauna | the animal life characteristic of a specific region or era | fawn | a young deer; to court favor obsequiously |
| febrile | having or showing the symptoms of a fever; feverish | febrific | producing or causing a fever |
| fecula | starchy powder obtained from plants by grating and washing | faecula | classical Latin-derived spelling of fecula |
| feoff | to invest a feudal tenant with a freehold estate or fee | fief | an estate of land held on condition of feudal homage |
| ferret | a domesticated polecat used to hunt rabbits and rodents | ferrate | a chemical salt containing the iron oxyanion |
| fescue | a pasture grass of the genus Festuca grown for forage/turf | fescu | archaic pointer used in reading |
| fetid | emanating a pungent offensive decaying odor; stinking | foetid | traditional British spelling of fetid |
| fibula | the outer and smaller of the two bones between knee and ankle | fibulae | plural of fibula leg bones |
| fief | an estate of land held on condition of feudal homage | thief | a person who commits stealthy theft |
| filigree | delicate and intricate ornamental openwork of fine gold/silver wire | filagree | 18th-century variant spelling of filigree |
| fiord | a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs (fjord) | fjord | Scandinavian spelling of glacial maritime inlet |
| flaccid | soft, limp, drooping, and lacking firmness or elasticity | flaccidity | the quality of being flaccid or limp |
| flacon | a small decorative stoppered glass bottle for perfume | falcon | a diurnal raptorial bird of prey with long pointed wings |
| flagellant | a person who subjects themselves or others to flogging | flagellated | lashed or possessing whiplike flagella |
| flagellum | a slender whiplike cellular appendage used for locomotion | flagella | plural of flagellum in microbiology |
| flam | a deceptive trick or humbug; a drum stroke rudiment | phlegm | viscous mucus secreted in the respiratory passages |
| flambeau | a flaming torch made of thick wicks dipped in tallow/wax | flambeaux | plural of flambeau torches |
| flamen | a sacrificial priest of ancient Rome devoted to a deity | flaming | burning brightly with fire |
| flange | a projecting flat rim or collar on a pipe or railway wheel | flanged | equipped with a stabilizing flange |
| fleer | to laugh mockingly, sneer, or jeer at someone | fleur | French word meaning flower |
| floccose | bearing dense tufts of soft woolly hairs (botany) | flocculent | having a fluffy loosely aggregated texture |
| florin | a former British two-shilling silver coin; gold coin of Florence | flora | the plant life of a particular region |
| focaccia | a flat Italian bread topped with olive oil, herbs, and salt | focaccias | plural of focaccia bread loaves |
| foible | a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character | foil | to baffle or defeat; thin sheet of metal |
| foliaceous | resembling or bearing leaves; thin and leaflike in texture | foliose | having many leaves; leafy lichen |
| font | a basin for baptismal water in a church; typographical typeface | faunt | archaic poetic term for an infant |
| fora | plural of forum; public meeting places | flora | the plant life of a geographical ecosystem |
| foramen | an anatomical opening, hole, or passage through a bone | foramina | plural of foramen in anatomy |
| foremast | the mast nearest the bow of a sailing vessel | foremost | most prominent in position, rank, or importance |
| fossa | a shallow anatomical pit, depression, or trench in a bone | fossae | plural of fossa in osteology |
| fracas | a noisy disturbance or tumultuous physical fight | fractus | a ragged cloud fragment torn by wind |
| frail | physically delicate and vulnerable; a rush basket for figs | frale | archaic variant of frail |
| frigate | a fast warship of medium tonnage in the age of sail | frigata | archaic naval designation |
| fructose | a sweet hexose monosaccharide sugar found in fruit and honey | fructous | bearing fruit or fruitful (archaic) |
| fuchsia | a shrub with drooping purplish-red tubular flowers | fuchsin | a synthetic magenta dye derived from coal tar |
| fugue | a polyphonic contrapuntal composition; state of amnesia | few-g | phonetic pronunciation |
| fulcrum | the point on which a lever pivots or is supported | fulcra | plural of fulcrum levers |
| fungible | mutually interchangeable and replaceable (commodities/money) | fungoid | resembling or caused by a fungus |
| furlong | an eighth of an imperial mile (equal to 220 yards) | forlong | archaic variant |
| fusil | a light flintlock musket; a vertically elongated heraldic lozenge | fusee | a friction match or grooved spiral pulley in a watch |
| futharc | the runic alphabet used by early Germanic peoples (futhark) | futhark | the standard Scandinavian runic alphabet |
| gabardine | a tough, tightly woven twill fabric with diagonal ribs | gaberdine | a loose coarse cloak worn in the Middle Ages |
| gadwall | a common migratory Eurasian and North American dabbling duck | gad-wall | hyphenated ornithological name |
| gaffe | an unintentional socially awkward blunder or indiscreet remark | gaff | a sharp barbed iron hook on a pole for landing fish |
| galantine | a cold dish of boned stuffed meat or poultry poached in stock | gallant | brave, chivalrous, and attentively polite |
| galea | a helmet-like anatomical structure in plants or insects | galeae | plural of galea in morphology |
| gall | bitter digestive bile; bold impudence; an abnormal plant swelling | gaul | an inhabitant of ancient Roman Gaul (modern France) |
| galleon | a large multi-decked sailing ship used by Spain in 16th-18th centuries | gallien | archaic variant |
| gallipot | a small glazed earthenware pot used by apothecaries for ointment | galipot | a crude resin exudate from maritime pine |
| galoche | a waterproof overshoe worn over boots (galoshe/overshoe) | galoshes | plural rubber overshoes |
| galvanize | to coat iron with zinc to prevent rust; to shock into action | galvanism | electricity produced by chemical action |
| gambado | a leather legging attached to a saddle; a fantastic leap | gambade | a leaping movement of a horse |
| gangue | the commercially valueless mineral material enclosing ore | gang | an organized group of associates or criminals |
| garb | attire or clothing of a distinctive style; a sheaf of grain | garbe | heraldic term for a wheat sheaf |
| garbanzo | a chickpea seed used widely in Mediterranean cooking | garbanzos | plural of garbanzo chickpeas |
| gargoyle | a grotesque carved spout projecting from the gutter of a building | gargle | to rinse the mouth and throat with liquid |
| garnet | a hard vitreous silicate mineral of deep red color used as a gem | garnett | a machine for shredding textile waste |
| garrulous | excessively talkative, loquacious, and rambling | garrulity | excessive and trivial loquacity |
| gasconade | extravagant and pretentious boasting; bravado | gasconader | one who boasts excessively |
| gaufre | a thin wafer or waffle-like French biscuit | gofer | an employee who runs errands ('go for') |
| gavel | a small ceremonial wooden mallet tapped by a presiding judge/auctioneer | gabelle | a historical French tax on salt |
| gazebo | a freestanding hexagonal garden pavilion offering a wide view | gazebos | plural of gazebo pavilions |
| geanticline | a major upward arching fold of the Earth's crust (anticlinorium) | geosyncline | a major downward trough of the Earth's crust |
| gecko | a small nocturnal insectivorous lizard with adhesive toe pads | gekko | zoological genus of geckos |
| geisha | a Japanese hostess trained to entertain with music, dance, and tea | geishas | plural of geisha entertainers |
| gemsbok | a large Southern African oryx antelope with long straight horns | gemsbuck | alternative spelling of gemsbok |
| genappe | a smooth worsted yarn used for fringes and braids | genapp | to singe worsted yarn to remove loose fibers |
| genealogy | the study and tracing of family lineages and ancestral pedigrees | genealogist | a researcher who charts pedigrees |
| genipap | a tropical American tree bearing edible fleshy fruit for preserves | genipa | botanical genus of the rubiaceous tree |
| gerbil | a small burrowing rodent of arid African and Asian regions | gerbille | French variant spelling of gerbil |
| ghazal | a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets on love in Persian/Urdu | ghazel | alternative spelling of the lyric poem |
| gherao | a form of protest in India where workers surround a manager's office | gheraos | plural of gherao labor protests |
| ghillie | a Scottish gamekeeper; a lace-up shoe without a tongue | gillie | alternative spelling of ghillie attendant |
| giaour | a derogatory Ottoman term for a non-Muslim; an infidel | glaur | Scottish dialect term for soft mud or ooze |
| gibus | a collapsible opera top hat fitted with internal springs | gibbous | having the illuminated part greater than a semicircle (moon) |
| gimbal | a pivoted support permitting rotation of an object about an axis | gimble | nonsense word from Lewis Carroll; to drill |
| ginkgo | a deciduous gymnosperm tree with fan-shaped leaves (maidenhair) | gingko | frequent variant spelling of ginkgo |
| ginseng | a medicinal fleshy root of East Asia and North America | jin-seng | phonetic transcription variant |
| girandole | a branched ornate chandelier or wall-bracket candleholder | girandola | a rotating wheel of fireworks |
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