| arduous | Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring | |
| arrogate | To take or claim for oneself without justification | |
| articulate | Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently | |
| artifice | Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others | |
| artless | Having no art or skill; uncultured and unsophisticated | |
| ascendancy | Occupying a position of dominant power or influence | |
| ascetic | A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention. | |
| ashen | resembling ashes; pale, typically because of fear, shock, or illness | |
| askew | Not in a straight or level position; awry | |
| aspersion | An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something | |