Adverbs That Start With A

Updated October 1, 2019
Adverbs That Start With A
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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

above

higher in position

over, atop, beyond

abroad

in a foreign country

overseas, elsewhere, internationally

abruptly

happening quickly or unexpectedly

suddenly, unexpectedly, precipitously

absolutely

without question

certainly, definitely, unequivocally

academically

in a scholarly manner

scholastically, educationally, intellectually

accidentally

something that happens by mistake or without intent

inadvertently, unintentionally, unwittingly

accordingly

in an appropriate, suitable way

consequently, correspondingly, subsequently

accurately

in a precise manner

exactly, meticulously, correctly

actively

in an acting or moving manner

vigorously, ardently, currently

actually

something truthful, legitimate, or correct

certainly, clearly, obviously

additionally

as an extra factor or circumstance

also, furthermore, plus

adequately

something that was completed in a satisfactory way

sufficiently, appropriately, suitably

admittedly

by admission or acknowledgement

absolutely, honestly, legitimately

adversely

two things working against one another

negatively, unfavorably, skeptically

afar

from or to a great distance away

far off, remote, a great distance

afresh

starting over again

again, anew, once more

afterward

at a later time; subsequently

eventually, following, later

again

returning to a place; performing an action an additional time

additionally, besides, moreover

aggressively

in a bold or assertive manner

forcefully, belligerently, antagonistically

ago

in the past or before

back, before, since

agreeably

in a pleasant manner

willingly, affably, pleasantly

ahead

in front of

above, afore, early

alike

in a similar manner

identically, concordantly, congruently

allegedly

apparently, but without proof

purportedly, supposedly, avowedly

almost

slightly short of; not quite

apparently, approximately, practically

alone

without others

apart, companionless, solo

aloud

something spoken that can be heard

audibly, clearly, distinctly

already

something that happened before a specific time

formerly, previously, earlier

alright

okay or satisfactory

adequately, appropriately, contentedly

also

in addition to

again, too, furthermore

alternatively

having or choosing another option

rather, preferably

altogether

as a whole

collectively, completely, unconditionally

always

forever; continually

constantly, continually, perpetually

amazingly

in a wonderful way

wonderfully, admirably, magnificently

annually

once every year

each year, every year, per annum

anyhow

no matter what else may be true

anyway, nevertheless, regardless

anymore

any longer; at the present

any longer, today, at the moment

anyway

something done without regard to what happens

anyhow, nevertheless, regardless

anywhere

at any place

anyplace, everywhere

apart

people or things that are separated by time or distance

alone, asunder, separately

apparently

seemingly; evidently

allegedly, ostensibly, supposedly

appropriately

in an appropriate or suitable manner

suitably, accordingly, judiciously

approximately

imprecise, but close in quantity or amount

generally, practically, relatively

arguably

as can be supported by sound, logical deduction

supposedly, evidently, apparently

ashore

on land

aground, shorewards

aside

away from; to the side

afar, alone, away

astray

not being on the right route

abroad, adrift, aside

automatically

moving or starting independently

naturally, undoubtedly, unquestionably

away

at another location

abroad, along, apart

awhile

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.

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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:

  1. She reached above for one of the dishes.
  2. Let's travel abroad together.
  3. He abruptly left the workshop.
  4. She accidentally tore her shirt.
  5. He became additionally interested in this type of literature.
  6. I am adequately prepared to leave for Kenya tomorrow.
  7. We will visit Nairobi annually.
  8. We can get lost anywhere together.
  9. Don't automatically rule out Boston as a place to live.
  10. 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.