An adverb is a part of speech that provides greater description to a verb, adjective, or another adverb. They're noted for their -ly ending, although they don't have to end in -ly. Anxiously is an adverb, but so is something like above. We're at the start of an alphabetical list of adverbs, beginning with adverbs that start with A. Without further ado, let's step right in.
50 Adverbs Starting With A
Below, you'll find 50 A-adverbs in common use today. Beside them is a short and sweet definition, as well as a sampling of synonyms:
Adverb | Definition | Synonym |
higher in position | over, atop, beyond | |
in a foreign country | overseas, elsewhere, internationally | |
happening quickly or unexpectedly | suddenly, unexpectedly, precipitously | |
without question | certainly, definitely, unequivocally | |
in a scholarly manner | scholastically, educationally, intellectually | |
something that happens by mistake or without intent | inadvertently, unintentionally, unwittingly | |
in an appropriate, suitable way | consequently, correspondingly, subsequently | |
in a precise manner | exactly, meticulously, correctly | |
in an acting or moving manner | vigorously, ardently, currently | |
something truthful, legitimate, or correct | certainly, clearly, obviously | |
as an extra factor or circumstance | also, furthermore, plus | |
something that was completed in a satisfactory way | sufficiently, appropriately, suitably | |
by admission or acknowledgement | absolutely, honestly, legitimately | |
two things working against one another | negatively, unfavorably, skeptically | |
from or to a great distance away | far off, remote, a great distance | |
starting over again | again, anew, once more | |
at a later time; subsequently | eventually, following, later | |
returning to a place; performing an action an additional time | additionally, besides, moreover | |
in a bold or assertive manner | forcefully, belligerently, antagonistically | |
in the past or before | back, before, since | |
in a pleasant manner | willingly, affably, pleasantly | |
in front of | above, afore, early | |
in a similar manner | identically, concordantly, congruently | |
apparently, but without proof | purportedly, supposedly, avowedly | |
slightly short of; not quite | apparently, approximately, practically | |
without others | apart, companionless, solo | |
something spoken that can be heard | audibly, clearly, distinctly | |
something that happened before a specific time | formerly, previously, earlier | |
okay or satisfactory | adequately, appropriately, contentedly | |
in addition to | again, too, furthermore | |
having or choosing another option | rather, preferably | |
as a whole | collectively, completely, unconditionally | |
forever; continually | constantly, continually, perpetually | |
in a wonderful way | wonderfully, admirably, magnificently | |
once every year | each year, every year, per annum | |
no matter what else may be true | anyway, nevertheless, regardless | |
any longer; at the present | any longer, today, at the moment | |
something done without regard to what happens | anyhow, nevertheless, regardless | |
at any place | anyplace, everywhere | |
people or things that are separated by time or distance | alone, asunder, separately | |
seemingly; evidently | allegedly, ostensibly, supposedly | |
in an appropriate or suitable manner | suitably, accordingly, judiciously | |
imprecise, but close in quantity or amount | generally, practically, relatively | |
as can be supported by sound, logical deduction | supposedly, evidently, apparently | |
on land | aground, shorewards | |
away from; to the side | afar, alone, away | |
not being on the right route | abroad, adrift, aside | |
moving or starting independently | naturally, undoubtedly, unquestionably | |
at another location | abroad, along, apart | |
to do something for a short time | briefly, momentarily, temporarily |
If you're still hungry for more, check out this List of 100 Adverbs!
What Exactly Is an Adverb?
"Exactly," you say? There we have a nice E-adverb. Notice how "exactly" is adding emphasis to the linking verb "is." "What is an adverb?" would be a perfectly acceptable statement, too, but adverbs are around to add a little "oomph" or detail where possible.
Adverbs don't just stand alongside verbs. They can also modify adjectives and other adverbs. A great way to spot adverbs is to look for words that end in -ly. Examples from the above list include "abruptly" and "actively."
We can get a little more specific than simply saying adverbs add intensity or emphasis to other words. Let's take a closer look at what, exactly, they aim to do:
- Adverbs Tell How It Happened: Adverbs like "abruptly" describe how something was done.
- Adverbs Tell Where It Happened: Adverbs like "afar" describe the location of where something happened.
- Adverbs Tell When It Happened: Adverbs like "annually" describe when something took place.
- Adverbs Tell The Extent of an Action: Adverbs like "almost" describe the extent to which something did or did not happen.
For more on how adverbs work to intensify the meaning behind other words, check out these Examples of Adverbs.
10 Example Sentences
If you've been wondering how some of the above adverbs look in sentence form, wonder no longer! Here are ten of them in action:
- She reached above for one of the dishes.
- Let's travel abroad together.
- He abruptly left the workshop.
- She accidentally tore her shirt.
- He became additionally interested in this type of literature.
- I am adequately prepared to leave for Kenya tomorrow.
- We will visit Nairobi annually.
- We can get lost anywhere together.
- Don't automatically rule out Boston as a place to live.
- Let's wait awhile before calling.
Apt Adverbs for All
If you're interested in a deeper dive into the categories of adverbs, check out our article on Types of Adverbs. It explores further categories such as adverbs of degree (e.g., "almost") and adverbs of time (e.g., "daily").
Finally, note that, although adverbs are enticing intensifiers, it's best to use them with caution. Too many -ly words in a span of writing can make things seem clunky. Whenever you can go with a strong verb in lieu of a bland verb and an adverb, opt for the strong verb.