60 spelling words for 9th graders to practice at home

Ninth grade is a pivotal year for enhancing language skills. While not all schools or teachers give spelling tests, most students will read and write increasingly more challenging and complex information. They may also do more public speaking and oral presentations. 

At this age, many students are also starting to think about careers and college. Expanding their language and spelling skills can give kids a significant leg up on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT and college applications. No matter what the future holds, having excellent comprehension and communication skills can be extremely beneficial through all stages of life.  

Below, we list 60 common spelling and vocabulary words to help prepare your ninth grader. Then, we share some top strategies to help parents support their teens in mastering these words and skills.

Spelling words for 9th graders

1. Abundant

2. Aesthetic

3. Alleviate

4. Ambivalent

5. Anticipate

6. Astute

7. Benevolent

8. Candid

9. Capricious

10. Conspicuous

11. Convergence

12. Copious

13. Debilitate

14. Diligent

15. Disparage

16. Eloquent

17. Empathy

18. Ephemeral

19. Facetious

20. Fortitude

21. Frivolous

22. Gregarious

23. Haphazard

24. Impetuous

25. Improvise

26. Inevitably

27. Intangible

28. Intrinsic

29. Juxtaposition

30. Lethargy

31. Magnanimous

32. Mundane

33. Obfuscate

34. Omnipotent

35. Paradigm

36. Perpetual

37. Precipitate

38. Prolific

39. Quagmire

40. Quarantine

41. Rejuvenate

42. Resilient

43. Sanguine

44. Scrutinize

45. Serendipity

46. Subtle

47. Sycophant

48. Tangential

49. Tranquil

50. Ubiquity

51. Unravel

52. Vicarious

53. Vindicate

54. Volatile

55. Whimsical

56. Zephyr

57. Zenith

58. Amicable

59. Exacerbate

60. Furtive

Tips and tricks: How to help kids boost language skills

Whether it’s spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension, or grammar and writing, there are multiple approaches to help kids build better overall language skills. Here are some of the top recommended strategies for different skill sets and types of learners. 

Easy tactics to improve spelling

1. Practice phonics and word patterns

• Utilize phonics programs that emphasize the relationship between sounds and letters. For some learners, seeing and understanding patterns that help them “sound out” words can enhance spelling and comprehension skills. 

2. Use spelling apps and online tools

• Apps like Quizlet or online spelling games provide interactive and engaging ways to practice spelling. Research indicates that technology can offer new ways of learning and also expand access to educational tools.

3. Encourage daily writing

• Regular journaling or creative writing exercises may help improve memory among other benefits, including creativity, productivity, and even stress reduction. 

4. Break words into syllables

• Teach syllabication techniques (forming or dividing words) to help break down complex words into manageable parts. Similar to organizing math problems or other projects into smaller parts, it can help with comprehension, memorization, and recall. 

5. Use mnemonics

• Try making up mnemonics, or memory aids, for difficult words. Using mnemonic devices like songs, imagery, poems, rhymes, or other associations can help reinforce spelling in a fun way.

Strategies to enhance vocabulary

1. Read widely and often

• Encourage reading a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Research indicates that regular reading expands vocabulary.

2. Talk about it!

• Participate in group discussions or debates on different topics. Verbal engagement with peers can help build vocabulary retention. 

3. Learn word roots and affixes

• Focus on etymology by studying prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Understanding these components can significantly improve word recognition and usage. 

4. Practice vocabulary lists

• Create and regularly review vocabulary lists from reading materials or subject-specific content. Consistent exposure to new words often helps with retention. 

5. Play word games

• Play family games like Scrabble, Boggle, or crossword puzzles that incorporate vocabulary. Game-based learning can enhance vocabulary and even teach kids skills like money management. 

6. Implement the "Word of the Day"

• Introduce a new word each day and encourage its use in conversation and writing. Repetition and contextual use can help solidify understanding. 

General tips

Create a word wall

• Display frequently used or challenging words in a visible location. Visual reminders often help with memorization. 

Use context clues

• Even if they don’t know a specific word, you can often infer meaning from context while reading. Encourage kids to deduce meanings based on context and then look up the definition to confirm. 

The beauty of editing: Encourage reflection and revision

• Most of us are taught to check our work. Writing is the same! Promote the practice of revising written work, focusing on spelling and vocabulary use. The habit of “reflective writing” can help you become more aware of words and meanings and try new expressions.

Implementing these strategies can foster a supportive learning environment that encourages teens – and any age – to develop their spelling and vocabulary skills effectively.

Putting it all together

By starting with this list of spelling words for 9th graders, students can significantly enhance their vocabulary and academic comprehension, setting a strong foundation for future learning. Parents, encourage your teens to practice regularly and engage in discussions using these words to reinforce their learning.

Want more parenting wins? Head to the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on family, finances, and fun. 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.