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279 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
abdicate
(verb) |
to give up a position, right or power
The king abdicated his throne. synonyms: quit, resign, renounce, step down |
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abduct
(verb) |
forcefully and wrongfully to carry, take or lead away
The kidnappers abducted the child. synonyms: kidnap, carry off |
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abhor
(verb) |
to hate, to view with repugnance, to detest
Her mother said, "I abhor violence." synonyms: hate, loathe, abominate |
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absurd
(adjective) |
ridiculously unreasonable, lacking logic
His argument was absurd. ridiculous, ludicrous, preposterous, bizarre, inane |
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abyss
(noun) |
deep hole; deep immeasureable space, gulf or cavity
She fell into the abyss. synonyms: chasm, pit |
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accelerate
(verb) |
to increase in speed, cause to move faster
Press the gas peddle to accelerate. speed up, hasten, expedite |
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acclaim
(noun) |
praise, enthusiastic approval
Her research won her great accalaim. synonyms: praise, approval, plaudit, adulation |
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acclaim
(verb) |
to approve, to praise, to applaud
The students acclaimed their teacher for her work. synonyms: cheer, applaud, praise, honor, exalt, extol |
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acute
(adjective) |
sharp in some way (as in geometry or in intellect); crucial (as in "acute shortage")
Her mind was still acute. She had an acute need to be around her loved ones. synonyms: sharp, shrewd, keen, perceptive, crucial |
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adage
(noun) |
old saying, proverb
She loved the adage her aunt told her. synonyms: proverb, maxim |
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adhere
(verb) |
to stick
The chewing gum adhered to the bottom of her shoe. He adhered to the teachings of the Catholic Church synonyms: stick to; follow |
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adjourn
(verb) |
to suspend for a period of time; to postpone
They adjourned the meeting. synonyms: suspend, recess, postpone |
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adjunct
(adjective) |
associated with as in a secondary position
She was not a regular member of the faculty; she was an adjunct professor. synonyms: accessory, assisting |
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admonish
(verb) |
to scold; to remind; to advise against something
He admonished her not to forget her mother's birthday. synonyms: warn, caution, scold |
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adorn
(verb) |
to decorate or add beauty to
She adorned her hair with flowers. synonyms: decorate, ornament, embellish |
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adversary
(noun) |
opponent, enemy
Time was her adversary. synonyms: enemy, foe, opponent |
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aeronautic
(adjective) |
relating to aircraft
He wanted to be an aeronautic engineer because he loved airplanes |
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affable
(adjective) |
pleasantly easy to get along with; friendly and warm.
She was so affable that no one could dislike her. synonyms: agreeable, amiable, amicable |
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affectation
(noun) |
putting on airs; pretense; a false impression
He had an affectation of using a French accent when speaking to his friends. pretension, artificiality, airs, sham, facade, pose |
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aghast
(adjective) |
overcome by surprise, disgust or amazement; shocked
She was aghast that they put their grandmother in a nursing home. synonyms: shocked, appalled astounded, dismayed, astonished |
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agility
(noun) |
being able to move quickly and easily; being nimble
She was a great softball player and mathematician; she had physical and mental agility. synonyms: nimbleness, dexterity, deftness |
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agile
(adjective) |
able to move quickly, easily and nimbly
She was an agile second baseman. synonyms: nimble, deft |
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agitate
(verb) |
to shake or grow excited; to excite
He was so disruptive in class that he agitated the teacher. synonyms: stir up, disturb, upset |
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aimless
(adjective) |
lacking purpose or goals
He wandered walked around in an aimless fashion. synonyms: purposeless, haphazard, accidental |
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alleviate
(verb) |
lessen, to make easier
Her love alleviated their sorrow. synonyms: lessen, decrease, relieve, soothe, mitigate, assuage, ease, allay |
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allure
(noun) |
fascination, appeal
The internet has great allure to Rocco. synonyms: temptation, attraction, fascination |
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aloof
(adjective) |
distant in relations with other people
Blaze was not blase; she was not aloof from her friends. synonyms: distant, detached, cool, blase |
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altruistic
(adjective) |
concerned for the welfare of others.
Blaze is an altruistic kid. synonyms: benevolent, charitable |
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amateur
(noun) |
not a professional; someone not paid to engage in a sport, art, etc.
She was an amateur naturalist, but hoped to become a professional one someday. synonyms: non-professional, buff, devotee, dabbler, enthusiast |
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amend
(verb) |
to alter, to add to or subtract from formally
The founders amended the constitution. synonyms: alter, improve, repair, mend, make better |
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amorous
(adjective) |
having to do with love
Rocco wrote amorous poems to Angelina. synonyms: romantic |
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amorphous
(adjective) |
without shape or form;
His essay was like an amoeba; it was amorphous. synonyms: shapeless, vague synonyms: shapeless, vague |
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amphibian
(noun) |
animal capable of breathing in air or water.
Frogs are amphibians. |
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angular
(adjective) |
having clear angles; having bony facial features
The lead character, Joey, in No Promises in the wind had a lean and angular face. |
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animosity
(noun) |
ill will, intense dislike
There is great animosity between the Shiite Muslims and the Sunni Muslims in Iraq. synonyms: ill will, bitterness, rancor, acrimony, enmity |
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annihilate
(verb) |
destroy completely
The hydrogen bomb is capable of annihilating an entire city. synonyms: destroy, devastate, demolish |
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antidote
(noun) |
substance that can counteract poison
The rattlesnake bit him; he needed an antidote quickly. synonyms: counteragent, neutralizer, remedy |
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aperture
(noun) |
opening
The aperture of a camera lens is a circular opening that changes size to regulate the amount of light going through. synonyms: hole, opening, gap |
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aqueous
(adjective) |
composed mostly of, containing
She used an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. synonyms: watery, hydrous, aquatic |
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ardent
(adjective) |
characterized by passion or desire
The knight showed his ardent love for her by battling the dragon. synonyms: passionate, fervent |
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arid
(adjective) |
very dry, lacking moisture; unimaginative
Like the Sahara Desert, his prose was arid. synonyms: dry, parched, barren, dull, uninteresting, insipid |
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aroma
(noun) |
fragrance, odor, smell
I love the aroma of fresh coffee. synonyms: fragrance, odor |
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articulate
(adjective) |
well-spoken, clearly presented
After learning her SSAT vocabulary, Blaze was quite articulate. synonyms: eloquent |
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articulate
(verb) |
to speak clearly
The teacher asked Chloe to articulate her reasons for her opinion. synonyms: enunciate |
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artifice (1)
(noun) |
clever ruse, ploy
The Greeks use of a wooden horse was a brilliant artifice. synonyms: ruse, ploy, stratagem, trick, deception |
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ascertain
(verb) |
to find out or discover by examination
George Washington sent out scouts to ascertain the precise location of the British troops. synonyms: determine, discover, unearth, find out |
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assailable
(adjective) |
able to be attacked
Her argument was like a house of straw; it was quite assailable. synonyms: vulnerable, unprotected |
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astound
(verb) |
to overwhelm with amazement
Your brilliance never ceases to astound me. synonyms: amaze, stun, stupify |
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astute
(adjective) |
shrewd and perceptive; able to understand quickly.
Fagan was an astute leader of young orphans. synonyms: shrewd, foxy, crafty, wily; discerning, perceptive, incisive |
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atrocity
(noun) |
horrible act
The genocide in Darfur is an atrocity. synonyms: horror, barbarity, outrage |
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audacity
(noun) |
boldness or daring
Oliver had the audacity to ask for more gruel. synonyms: boldness, daring, a lot of nerve, impudence |
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authoritative
(adjective) |
having great authority
Mrs. Mordente is an authoritative writing teacher synonyms: masterful |
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banal
(adjective) |
boringly predictable
George Bush's speech was banal. synonyms: insipid, boring, dull, bland |
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banish
(verb) |
to send away, to exile
After the food fight, the principal banished Kevin from the lunchroom. synonyms: exile, expel, send away, get rid of |
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barrier
(noun) |
something that makes progress harder; a limit or boundary
Illiteracy is a barrier to progress. Jenna and Blaze wanted a barrier down the middle of their room. synonyms: obstacle, limitation |
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beguile
(verb) |
to delude, deceive by trickery
Rocco beguiled Mom into letting him go to Connor and Will's. synonyms: charm, allure, bewitch, captivate |
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belligerence
(noun) |
aggressive hostility
Rocco displayed great belligerence when Mom told him to brush his teeth. synonyms: combativeness, hostility |
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benefactor
(noun) |
someone who gives financial assistance
Interlochen is lucky to have several benefactors. synonyms: patron, backer, donor |
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beneficial
(adjective) |
conferring benefit, advantageous, helpful
Mrs. Persau's assistance is beneficial. synonyms: advantageous, favorable |
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benevolence
(noun) |
inclination to do good deeds
The king showed great benevolence to his people. synonyms: kindliness, favor, largess |
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bewildered
(adjective or noun) |
confused, puzzled, perplexed
The algebra problem bewildered her. synonyms: confused, perplexed, |
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bias
(noun) |
prejudice, inclination
Since his mother was Irish, he loved and had a strong bias for Irish things. synonyms: partiality |
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bias
(verb) |
to cause prejudice, to influence unfairly.
Osama bin Laden has tried to bias many Arab youth against the United States. synonyms: prejudice, negatively influence |
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bile
(noun) |
ill temper, irritability
The teacher displayed bile towards her students. synonyms: bitterness, bad temper |
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bliss
(noun) |
supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment; heaven; paradise
To finish studying vocabulary, for Blaze was bliss. synonyms: joy, delight, ecstasy |
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brevity
(noun) |
being brief; not lasting a long time
The laconic speaker loved brevity. synonyms: shortness, terseness, swiftness |
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bounty
noun |
(1) abundance or (2) reward
The harvest was bountiful. He was a bounty hunter in the Old West; he captured outlaws for a bounty, a reward. synonyms: abundance, cornucopia, reward |
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bravado
(noun) |
showy and pretentious display of courage; false courage
The coward's bravado quickly vanished when the outlaws pointed a gun at him. synonyms: swagger, bluster |
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cajole
(verb) |
to persuade with flattery; to coax; to wheedle
Alice tried to cajole her Dad into buying her a laptop synonyms: coax, wheedle |
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cantankerous
(adjective) |
quarrelsome and grouchy
Oscar the Grouch is usually cantankerous synonyms: grouchy, ill-tempered |
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caprice
(noun) |
whim, impulse, an idea that just pops into your head; something unplanned
On a caprice, she dove into the river for a swim with all her clothes on. synonyms: whim, impulse |
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celestial
(adjective) |
relating to the heavens
The planets are celestial bodies. synonyms: heavenly, divine |
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censor
(verb) |
to remove parts of books, plays or other writings; such as offensive words
The teacher censored all the bad words from a novel before letting the children read it. synonyms: suppress, delete |
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censor
(noun) |
person who removes parts of books, plays or other writings; such as offensive words
In some societies, there are censors who censor all newspapers to remove criticism of the government. synonyms: government editor |
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chronic
(adjective) |
continuing over a long time; long standing
Some people suffer chronic fatigue. synonyms: persistent, constant, continuous |
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circumscribe
(verb) |
to encircle
Magellan circumscribed the globe. A fence circumscribed the property. synonyms: encircle; outline; encompass |
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choleric
(adjective) |
bad tempered
The choleric baby was being exceptionally cantankerous. synonyms: bad-tempered |
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condone
(verb) |
to overlook, tolerate, allow
The mother condoned the child's animosity. synonyms: overlook, accept, tolerate |
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constrict
(verb) |
to tighten, squeeze.
As her throat began to swell, her airways constricted. synonyms: squeeze, tighten, stifle |
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contemplation
(noun) |
thoughtful observation
She sat in blissful contemplation in the wolf preserve synonyms: meditation; thought |
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contend
(verb) |
(1) to fight or struggle against, to debate; (2) to assert.
Their team was contending for first place. synonyms: compete, argue, assert |
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contentious
(adjective |
eager to quarrel
Rocco was being very contentious today. synonyms: quarrelsome, cantankerous, pugnacious |
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convene
(verb) |
to assemble or meet
The school board members convene once a month. synonyms: assemble, gather |
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conventional
(adjective) |
established or approved by general usage
She liked to dress in a conventional manner, so she wore nothing outlandish. synonyms: customary, normal |
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copious
(adjective) |
abundant, large in number
In making her study guide, she wrote copious notes. synonyms: abundant, plentiful, profuse |
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countenance
(verb) |
to approve or support; condone
When the child became cantankerous, the mother said, "I will not countenance such behavior." synonyms: condone, approve |
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countenance
(noun) |
face or facial expression
The music teacher had a warm countenance. synonyms: appearance, demeanor, visage |
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couplet
(noun) |
two rhyming lines of a poem
She loved to write couplets. |
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courier
(noun) |
person who carries messages, news or information
Lena's first job was as a courier. synonyms: carrier, runner, messenger |
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cue
(noun) |
signal, hint
The play director insisted that each performer begin right on cue. synonyms: signal, hint, prompt |
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curvature
(noun) |
curved nature
She could not stand straight up because she suffered from curvature of the spine synonyms: arc, bow |
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dawdle
(verb) |
waste time with idle lingering
Please don't dawdle; you're late for school! synonyms: linger, dally |
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dearth
(noun) |
scarcity, lack
There was a dearth of food; the only copious item was water synonyms: shortage, scarcity |
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deceit
(noun) |
deception, trickery
He was too altruistic to use deceit to achieve his goals. synonyms: dishonesty, fraudulence, deception |
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declamation
(noun) |
exercise in giving speeches; sometimes meaning a long speech
Preacher Herman's declamation made many of the congregation members drowsy. synonyms: long speech |
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deject
(verb) |
to depress or make sad
She was mature enough not to become dejected when her adversary won the tournament. synonyms: discourage, dishearten, sadden |
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delude
(verb) |
to deceive, mislead
It was not just bravado; he was actually deluded into thinking that he was strong enough to climb the mountain. synonyms: deceive, dupe |
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deluge
(noun) |
flood, great rainstorm; metaphorically, an outpouring of something like emotion
It had gotten so arid that they prayed for a deluge. synonyms: flood, torrent, overflow |
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deluge
(verb) |
to flood, to overflow
His fans held him in such acclaim that they deluged him with fan mail. synonyms: to inundate, to flood, |
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demote
(verb) |
to reduce in rank or grade(opposite of promote)
She was demoted back to the third grade. synonyms: downgrade |
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deplore
(verb) |
to regard as deeply regrettable
I deplore your aggressive behavior synonyms: regret, lament, denounce, condemn |
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desolation
(noun) |
state of being destroyed, barren
The terrible deluge brought devastation and desolation to the village. synonyms: barrenness, bleakness |
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despicable
(adjective) |
deserving scorn or contempt
His chronic bile was despicable. synonyms: contemptible, hateful, mean, vile, detestable |
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despondent
(adjective) |
in a state of deep depression
The former general was despondent after being demoted to colonel. synonyms: depressed, morose, desolate, forlorn |
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destitute
(adjective) |
without something; poor
After the deluge brought desolation to her village, she was despondent because she was destitute synonyms: bereft, devoid, lacking, poor, impoverished |
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devotee
(noun) |
someone passionately devoted
She was a devotee of Johnny Depp; she deluged him with fan mail. synonyms: enthusiast, fan, admirer |
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devout
(adjective) |
deeply religious
Agnes was ardently religious. She was devout. Indeed, she was pious (holy). synonyms: pious, religious |
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dexterity
(noun) |
skill in using hands or body; agility
The pianist had great dexterity and could play very quickly. synonyms: skill, agility |
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dingy
(adjective) |
dark or drab in color; shabby; squalid; dirty
He was so destitute that all he owned were his dingy clothes. synonyms: shabby, dirty, filthy |
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din
(noun) |
loud, confusing noise
The children were so boisterous in the cafeteria that they made quite a din. synonyms: clamor, noise |
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disseminate
(verb) |
to scatter or spread widely
They disseminated the newsletters by courier instead of mail, because they wanted the recipients to get them quickly. synonyms: spread widely, broadcast, disperse |
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diplomatic
(adjective) |
tactful; skilled in conducting negotiations between nations
The king was in a cantankerous mood, so the queen, who wanted him to give the people a holiday, approached him diplomatically. synonyms: tactful |
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disclaim
(verb) |
to deny ownership of or association with
Since he had gotten over his fit of bile, he deceitfully disclaimed ever having been in a bad mood synonyms: repudiate, reject, disown, disavow, renounce |
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dismal
(adjective) |
causing gloom; cheerless
The dingy cell they put him in made him dismal. synonyms: miserable, dreary |
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discursive
(adjective) |
covering a wide set of topics
She tried to cajole the discursive teacher into sticking to one main point. synonyms: rambling |
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doff
(verb) |
to remove or take off
Deluded into believing that there was no one around, they doffed their clothes and went in for a swim only to hear the shouts of bar patrons observing from below. synonyms: to shed |
|
dogged
(adjective) |
persistent in effort; tenacious
Even though he was being abducted, the child doggedly fought the kidnappers. synonyms: tenacious, stubbornly determined |
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dogmatic
(adjective) |
unquestioning belief in certain ideas
The dogmatic priest adhered completely to the Bible and would not consider any different ideas. synonyms: opinionated, absolute, dictatorial |
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ebullient
(adjective) |
overflowing with enthusiasm, excitement or fervor; high-spirited.
The harvest had produced such bounty that the farmers were ebulient. synonyms: bubbling, exuberant, enthusiastic |
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eccentric
(adjective) |
odd, unorthodox, unconventional
The young woman did so many things on mere caprice that her friends thought her eccentric. synonyms: odd, unconventional |
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eccentric
(noun) |
an odd person
The eccentric did absolutely nothing in a conventional way. synonyms: oddball, weirdo, nonconformist |
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effect
(noun) |
result
Even though she was really frightened, her bravado had the desired effect: the robber ran away. synonyms: result |
|
effect
(verb) |
to cause; to produce; to bring about
Thomas Jefferson's dogged efforts effected the changes he wanted: ten amendments were added to the Constitution. synonyms: bring about; cause; produce |
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elusive
(adjective) |
difficult to find; difficult to catch
Robin Hood was a very elusive adversary for the Sheriff of Nottingham. synonyms: slippery, evasive |
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embellish
(verb) |
to add detail or decoration
She embellished her writing with copious details. synonyms: elaborate, expand, ornament |
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eminent
(noun) |
distinguished; high in rank
The students acclaimed the eminent scholar. synonyms: prominent, famous, distinguished |
|
emulate
(verb) |
copy, imitate
Don't emulate your brother! All he does is dawdles. synonyms: imitate, simulate, copy |
|
enact
(verb) |
to make into law
Congress refused to enact most of Truman's Fair Deal proposals. synonyms: to pass a law |
|
encompass
(verb) |
to form a circle around
Mountains encompassed the entire valley; in fact, they circumscribed it. synonyms: encircle, circumscribe |
|
endorse
(verb) |
to approve, to support
He would not endorse his teacher's dogmatic views. synonyms: approve, support, authorize |
|
enigma
(noun) |
puzzle, mystery
He could not figure out what she was thinking; her countenance was an enigma. synonyms: mystery, riddle, puzzle |
|
ensnare
(verb) |
to capture in, as in a snare; to involve
I'm an honest person. I don't want to be ensnared in one of your artifices. synonyms: trap |
|
err
(verb) |
to make a mistake
He did not deliberately engage in deceit. He simply erred. synonyms: to make an error |
|
erudite
(adjective) |
knowledgeable and learned
The teacher deserved her reputation for eminence; she was quite erudite. synonyms: learned, knowledgeable, wise |
|
etiquette
(noun) |
code of social behavior
During a declamation, it is improper etiquette to make noise. Synonyms: manners, decorum |
|
expunge
(verb) |
to delete or omit completely
In some countries, the censors expunge from newspapers all criticisms of the government. synonyms: delete, erase, obliterate |
|
extricate
(verb) |
to release from difficulty or entanglement
The compassionate naturalist extricated the hawk that had gotten ensnared in a fishing line. synonyms: disengage, release |
|
extroverted
(adjective) |
outgoing or interested in people
She was so extroverted that she never had a dearth of friends. synonyms: outgoing, gregarious |
|
fanatic
(noun) |
someone with excessive enthusiam
She wasn't just a devotee of Johnny Depp; she was a fanatic and had her whole room decorated with his pictures. synonyms: zealot |
|
fatigue
(verb) |
to tire out
After awhile, the din of the party fatigued me. synonyms: tire out, make weary |
|
fatigue
(noun) |
tiredness; weariness
He suffered from chronic fatigue and on most days fell asleep during class. synonyms: exhaustion |
|
fauna
(noun) |
animal life in a given area
We tried to observe the fauna of the Pacific Northwest, but much of it was elusive. synonyms: animals, wildlife |
|
fervent
(adjective) |
showing great warmth, intensity, enthusiasm
Susan B. Anthony fervently disseminated her views about the rights of women. synonyms: warm, eager, enthusiastic |
|
fickle
(adjective) |
easily changeable, especially in emotions
Although she expressed her fervent love for him last week, she was fickle and dumped him for a new boyfriend yesterday. synonyms: inconstant; changeable |
|
fidelity (1)
(noun) |
faithfulness
He said to the traitor, "We cannot condone your lack of fidelity to our nation." synonyms: loyalty, allegiance, devotion |
|
fidelity (2)
(noun) |
truthfulness
He said to the perjurer, "We cannot condone your lack of fidelity to the truth." synonyms: truthfulness, accuracy |
|
flagrant
(adjective) |
outrageously glaring, notorious
"You're flagrant insults are despicable. You should learn to be more diplomatic." synonyms: glaring, obvious |
|
flippant
(adjective) |
not serious; not respectful of other's feelings
I cannot endorse your flippant remark; you should think before you speak. synonyms: frivolous, irreverent |
|
formidable
(adjective) |
able to inspire awe or wonder because of power or size
Their erudite classmate was a formidable member of the debating team. synonyms: impressive, awe-inspiring |
|
foundation
(noun) |
basis or groundwork of something, whether a building or idea
His dogmatic views had no real foundation. synonyms: groundwork, basis |
|
frequent
(adjective) |
often
He was so frequently choleric that he made everything dismal. synonyms: often, common |
|
frequent
(verb) |
to visit often
numerous types of fauna frequented the stream. synonyms: visit often |
|
futile
(adjective) |
ineffective, useless
It is futile to deny it; we saw you steal the cookies. Don't try to disclaim your involvement. synonyms: useless, pointless, hopeless |
|
germinate
(verb) |
to sprout, to bud
As if on cue, the seeds she planted germinated exactly one week later. synonyms: sprout, grow |
|
glib
(adjective) |
having a ready flow of words, a fast talker (implies deceitful).
He wasn't just garrulous; he was downright glib so I didn't trust him. synonyms: flip, verbose (in a negative way) |
|
gregarious
(adjective) |
fond of company
He was so gregarious that he did not mind the din of a lively party. synonyms: sociable, amiable, convivial |
|
grotesque
(adjective) |
odd or unnatural
The gathering of Death Eaters that Voldemort convened was grotesque. synonyms: bizarre, outlandish, ugly |
|
grovel
(verb) |
to humble oneself, to beg
The toady was grovelling before the king. He was a complete sycophant. synonyms: beg, crawl |
|
gruesome
(adjective) |
grisly, horrible
Edgar Allen Poe embellishes many of his stories with gruesome descriptions. synonyms: frightful, ghastly |
|
hallowed
(adjective) |
holy
Devout Muslims regard the holy city of Mecca as hallowed ground. synonyms: holy, sacred |
|
harbinger
(noun) |
omen, sign of a future event
Some people contend (assert) that the groundhog's appearance on February 2nd is a harbinger of spring. synonyms: omen, precursor |
|
heed
(noun) |
careful attention
He is just a contentious (argumentative) person. Pay him no heed. synonyms: listen to |
|
hovel
(noun) |
small, miserable shack
The eccentric old man lived in a dingy, dismal hovel. synonyms: shack, shanty |
|
immaculate
(adjective) |
spotless, free from error
Mom was ebullient when Katherine cleaned her room so well that it was immaculate. synonyms: spotless, errorless, faultless, unblemished, impeccable |
|
imminent
(adjective) |
about to happen, on the verge of occurring
She was so fickle and lacking fidelity that her decision to switch boyfriends was imminent. synonyms: impending, approaching |
|
impervious
(adjective) |
incapable of being penetrated; unable to be influenced
The building's foundation was impervious to mice and other pests. She was impervious to their scorn. synonyms: impenetrable |
|
impious
(adjective) |
lacking respect for religion
The devout worshpers viewed her flippant remark as impious. synonyms: sacrilegious, irreverent |
|
imply
(verb) |
suggest without stating directly
His fervent declamation implied that he was really a fanatic. synonyms: suggest, hint, intimate |
|
inadvertent
(adjective) |
unintentional
If you sit with your leg under you, you may inadvertently constrict the blood flow to it, and "put it to sleep." synonyms: unintentional, accidental |
|
incentive
(noun) |
motivation to do something, inducement
The meeting had become rancorous, so they had great incentive to adjourn it. synonyms: motive, inducement |
|
incredulous
(adjective) |
not believing
He was so obnoxious that I was incredulous when he said he had written a book on etiquette. synonyms: disbelieving, skeptical |
|
inert
(adjective) |
having no power to move or react
He was so fatigued that he was almost inert. synonyms: sluggish, dormant, inactive, lethargic |
|
ingenuity
(noun) |
creativity, cleverness
Although she was only an amateur scientist, her invention showed great ingenuity. synonyms: creativity, inventiveness |
|
insinuation
(noun) |
sly suggestion made to cause suspicion
The censor expunged the writer's insinuation that the king had become feeble. synonyms: hint, suggestion, implication |
|
insurgent
(noun) |
rebel, person who rebels
The insurgents wanted to effect a change in the government. synonyms: rebel |
|
insurgent
(adjective) |
rebellious; starting a revolt
The insurgent students had the audacity (boldness, impudence) to lock the principal in her office. synonyms: rebellious |
|
irate
(adjective) |
full of anger
The irate mob had nothing but animosity for the king. synonyms: angry, infuriated, enraged |
|
jeer
(verb) |
to mock in an abusive way
The incredulous crowd jeered when the governor said that he would enact new laws to protect them. synonyms: ridicule, mock, scoff |
|
judicious
(adjective) |
having wise judgment
The first Constitutional Convention judiciously amended the Constitution. synonyms: wise, sage, sagacious |
|
lagoon
(noun) |
shallow body of water connected to a larger one
He had to extricate his pet cat from the lagoon into which it had fallen. synonyms: inlet, pool |
|
lethargy
(noun) |
drowsiness, tiredness
His feeling of lethargy was so strong that he remained essentially inert. synonyms: sluggishness, fatigue |
|
limber
(adjective) |
bending and moving easily
At fifty seven years old, try as he might, he could not emulate the movements of the limber teenager. synonyms: agile, supple |
|
magnanimous
(adjective) |
having great or noble spirit, acting generously
His kindness was no affectation; he was genuinely magnanimous and altruistic synonyms: big-hearted, generous, noble, princely |
|
marvel
(noun) |
amazing thing; something marvelous
The automatic aperture on his new camera was a marvel: it let in just the right amount of light. synonyms: a wonder, a miracle |
|
marvel
(verb) |
to be full of wonder; be greatly impressed, be amazed
I marvel at your formidable strength. synonyms: be amazed |
|
meager
(adjective) |
very small or insufficient
Oliver's food was so meager, he had to grovel for more. synonyms: slight, skimpy, inadequate, insufficient |
|
meek
(adjective) |
humble and submissive
He was the opposite of extroverted; he was meek. synonyms: passive, docile, compliant |
|
melancholy
(adjective) |
very sad or depressing
The meager hovel in which he had to live made him frequently melancholy. synonyms: gloomy, mournful |
|
miniscule
(adjective) |
tiny, miniature
The bee sting caused her throat to constrict to the point that she had only a miniscule opening through which to breathe synonyms: microscopic, minute |
|
misbegotten
(adjective) |
poorly conceived, poorly planned
Devastation was imminent because their battle plan was misbegotten; they put it together too hastily. synonyms: ill-conceived; illegitimate |
|
nebulous
(adjective) |
cloudy, hazy, not well defined
Their reasons for considering the field hallowed were nebulous at best; perhaps they thought it was the site of a great battle. synonyms: hazy, cloudy, ill-defined, unclear |
|
obnoxious
(adjective) |
offensive and very disagreeable
His flagrant farting was obnoxious. synonyms: offensive, repugnant, repellant |
|
obscure
(adjective) |
hard to see, unknown
She spoke so circuitously that her main point was obscure. synonyms: vague, unclear |
|
obscure
(verb) |
to hide or make difficult to find
His grotesque face obscured his gentle and magnanimous soul. synonyms: hid, clouded over |
|
obsolete
(adjective) |
outmoded; outdated; no longer useful
Once he had one the lottery, his hovel became obsolete. synonyms: outdated, passe, outmoded |
|
obstruct
(verb) |
to get in the way of, to block, to hamper
A recently formed lagoon obstructed his path. synonyms: block, clog, impede |
|
olfactory
(adjective) |
relating to the sense of smell
The deer must heed its olfactory sense; if it smells a wolf it must run. |
|
ominous
(adjective) |
threatening, menacing, having the character of an evil omen
The gruesome discovery of a half-eaten antelope was ominous; it implied that a large predator was nearby. synonyms: foreboding |
|
opportune
(adjective) |
appropriate time to do something; timely; lucky
It was an opportune time for a dinner party; mom had just cleaned the house and it was immaculate. synonyms: timely, appropriate, lucky |
|
orbit
(verb) |
to circle around something else
The moon orbits the earth, which orbits the Sun; the wolfpack orbited the herd of deer. synonyms: circle, revolve around |
|
orbit
(noun) |
the path of something that circles something else.
The wolves made three orbits around the deer herd, implying that an attack was imminent. synonyms: circuit, revolution |
|
palatable
(adjective) |
good tasting
Although their dinner was meager, it was quite palatable. synonyms: agreeable, appetizing, savory |
|
paradox
(noun) |
apparent contradiction; something that is true but seems contrary to common sense
There is an old adage that states: "The paradox of government is that the person who desires power most is the one who should have it least." synonyms: contradiction |
|
perjury
(noun) |
false statements under oath
If you adhere to the truth, you cannot commit perjury. synonyms: falsehood, lies |
|
petrify
(verb) |
to turn to stone; to paralyze with fear
The ominous sound of a door creaking petrified him. synonyms: fossilize, paralyze, stun |
|
pious
(adjective) |
religiously devout or moral
She was so pious that she was impervious to temptation. synonyms: devout, religious |
|
plausible
(adjective) |
believable, seeming to be true
Her claim that she ripped the shirt inadvertently was plausible. synonyms: believable, conceivable, credible |
|
pompous
(adjective) |
stiff, unnatural formality
His pompous behavior of acting so important was obnoxious. synonyms: stuffy, stiff, affected, pretentious, self-important |
|
profound
(adjective) |
deep, wise, serious
He had profound understanding of the conflict and made a judicious decision synonyms: wise, deep, sagacious |
|
prolific
(adjective) |
producing great amounts; fertile
His ingenuity made him a prolific inventor. synonyms: productive, fertile |
|
pungent
(adjective) |
sharp, flavorful (sometimes too flavorful)
The pungent odor was an enigma; no one knew what caused it. synonyms: biting, acrid, piquant |
|
quell
(verb) |
to quiet something raucous; crush, defeat, conquer
The army quelled the insurgents. synonyms: suppress, overpower, overcome |
|
rabble
(noun) |
large disorderly mob
He erred by inciting the rabble; he thought that he could control them but the irate mob quickly turned on him as well. synonyms: crowd, mob, multitude, horde |
|
ransack
(verb) |
plunder; search by taking everything out and leaving a mess
The impious robbers ransacked the church, looking for gold. synonyms: plunder, pillage, loot |
|
raze
(verb) |
to completely destroy a building, city, etc.
The soldiers had an incentive to raise the building because snipers were firing at them from inside. synonyms: demolish, destroy, flatten, wreck, level |
|
recluse
(noun) |
one who lives and stays away from others
He was a recluse, the complete opposite of his brother, who was gregarious. synonyms: hermit, loner |
|
recur
(verb) |
to occur again
Every time he stepped into the perfume factory, the same olfactory sensation would recur. synonyms: repeat, return |
|
reek
(adjective) |
giving off a strong, offensive odor
When she told him he reeked, he asked, "Are you insinuating that the awful smell came from me?" synonyms: stink |
|
regal
(adjective) |
royal, splendid
The rabble jeered at her regal attitude as the insurgents led her to the guillotine. synonyms: royal, kingly, majestic |
|
reign
(verb) |
to rule over
The king reigned magnanimously. synonyms: rule |
|
reign
(noun) |
period when a ruler is in power
The reign of Julius Caesar was a time of prolific growth of the Roman Empire. synonyms: ruling period |
|
reimburse
(verb) |
to repay someone
The Government had to reimburse her after the soldiers inadvertently razed her home. synonyms: compensate, repay |
|
reinforce
(verb) |
strengthen
When the deluge subsided, it was an opportune time to reinforce the dam. synonyms: support, strengthen |
|
renowned
(adjective) |
well-known, famous
The politician was renowned for his glib speeches. synonyms: famed, notable |
|
repartee
(noun) |
witty conversation
Renowned for his repartee, he was the life of the party. synonyms: banter |
|
repudiate
(verb) |
to reject something one was once associated with
He repudiated his previously pious attitude. synonyms: reject, disown, renounce |
|
repugnant
(adjective) |
repulsive, revolting
To some people, the reek of pungent odors are repugnant. synonyms: distasteful, offensive |
|
revel
(verb) |
celebrate noisily; have a party
During his brief reign, the king often reveled with his friends. synonyms: celebrate, indulge |
|
rout
(noun) |
total defeat
The loss of the first battle was a harbinger of the rout to come. synonyms: defeat, destruction |
|
rout
(verb) |
to defeat, to conquer
When ordered to battle, the soldiers shook off their lethargy and routed their enemies. synonyms: defeat, overwhelm |
|
satellite
(noun) |
moon; small thing going around a bigger thing
The moon is a satellite that orbits the earth. Sputnick was the first man-made satellite that orbited the earth. synonym: moon |
|
saucy
(adjective) |
flippant, impertinent
Her saucy remarks got her in trouble with her parents. synonyms: rude, flippant |
|
scathing
(adjective) |
overly critical
In her scathing remarks, she called the war in Iraq a misbegotten venture. synonyms: searing, critical |
|
schism
(noun) |
division of groups
The animosity in Iraq dates back to the 8th Century schism between the Shiite and Sunni Muslims. synonyms: division, disunity |
|
scrupulous
(adjective) |
acting with strict morality
She scrupulously guarded the regal banquet; she didn't take even a miniscule morsel for herself. synonyms: moral, ethical conscientious, principled |
|
seethe
(verb) |
to bubble from within, as a volcano
When the police ransacked her house, it made her anger seethe. synonyms: boil, bubble |
|
sentry
(noun) |
guard, watchman
Joe was too meek to be a good sentry. synonyms: watchman, lookout |
|
shrewd
(adjective) |
clever, keen-witted
She was too shrewd to let his opposition obstruct her from reaching her goals. synonyms: clever, keen, astute, cunning, wily |
|
significant
(adjective) |
meaningful, important
Her perjury was significant in that it caused the criminal to go free and obtructed justice. synonyms: important, |
|
sinister
(adjective) |
threatening, evil, menacing
His sinister gaze petrified her. synonyms: ominous, wicked |
|
slack
(noun) |
lack of tautness
There was no wind so there was a lot of slack in the lines to the sails. synonyms: looseness |
|
slack
(adjective) |
sluggish, idle, relaxed
The sentry was not doing his job; he was too slack. synonyms: lax, negligent, careless, slow |
|
solicit
(verb) |
to seek something from someone
The courier solicited reimbursement for his expenses. synonyms: request, seek |
|
splice
(verb) |
join two pieces together
Film splicing, in which two pieces of film are glued together, is now obsolete; all splicing of scenes is now done electronically. synonyms: join, connect, attach, link |
|
spurn
(verb) |
reject with scorn
The melancholy child spurned her parents attempts to cheer her up. synonyms: refuse, snub |
|
squalid
(adjective) |
very dirty or foul, wretched
The recluse lived in a dingy, squalid hovel in an arid desert. synonyms: filthy, sordid, foul |
|
staunch
(adjective) |
steady, loyal
He was a staunch ally, who would never repudiate his support for the President. synonyms: steadfast, firm, stable, faithful |
|
stealthy
(adjective) |
sneaky, secret
Because she was so limber, she was able to climb to the roof in a stealthy manner. synonyms: sneaky, clandestine, furtive |
|
suave
(adjective) |
smooth, graceful and confident in speech and behavior (sometimes insincerely)
Because he was so suave when he dumped her, it made her seethe. synonyms: smooth, gracious, sophisticated, courtly |
|
subdue
(verb) |
to bring under control
The army needed reinforcements to quell, or subdue, the insurgents. synonyms: control, overcome, vanquish |
|
succeed
(verb) (1) |
to follow, to come after
George Bush succeeded Bill Clinton as President of the United States. synonyms: follow, replace |
|
succeed
(verb) (2) |
to prosper, do well
The Soviet Union succeeded in placing the first man-made satellite into orbit around the earth. synonyms: achieve positive results |
|
suffice
(verb) |
to be adequate or enough
The politician's nebulous promises did not suffice to win him votes. synonyms: satisfy, be sufficient |
|
surfeit
(noun) |
overly abundant supply, an excess
At the banquet there was a surfeit of palatable food. synonyms: overabundance, excess |
|
surmise
(verb) |
to guess, to infer
He surmised their location, even though they were trying to be stealthy. synonyms: guess, speculate, infer |
|
surrogate
(noun) |
substitute
The court appointed surrogate parents for the orphan; they scrupulously managed his wealth. synonyms: substitute, proxy |
|
taciturn
(adjective) |
tending not to speak, shy
Although he was taciturn, when he did speak his words were quite profound. synonyms: shy, quiet, reserved, guarded |
|
tactful
(adjective) |
acting with sensitivity to others' feelings
Her remarks were too saucy and not tactful. synonyms: diplomatic, discreet, judicious, thoughtful |
|
taint
(verb) |
to contaminate, to corrupt, to poison
He could no longer revel in his success, as his repugnant behavior had tainted the mood. synonyms: contaminate, spoil, corrupt, stain |
|
taut
(adjective) |
stretched tightly
The lines to the sails were taut; there was not the slightest slack in them. synonyms: tight, tense, stretched |
|
temperate
(adjective) |
moderate, avoiding extreme positions
He was temperate by nature, but scathingly critical of the current government synonyms: moderate, restrained, sensible |
|
tepid
(adjective) |
lukewarm
Although he was a staunch Republican, his support for George Bush was tepid at best. synonyms: lukewarm, unenthusiastic, half-hearted |
|
token
(noun) |
sign or symbol
She spurned the token he gave her to profess his love. synonyms: symbol, expression |
|
token
(adjective) |
solely for show
She surmised that she was appointed to be the token woman on the committee. synonyms: nominal, meaningless |
|
torrid
(adjective) |
extremely hot, scorching
Their romance was not tepid, it was torrid. synonyms: sizzling, hot |
|
trepidation
(noun) |
fear, apprehension
Her trepidation recurred each time she saw the sinister man. synonyms: fear, fright, anxiety |
|
trite
(adjective) |
lacking originality
After awhile, what seemed like witty repartee became trite. synonyms: unoriginal, uninspired, stale, banal |
|
tumult
(noun) |
noise and confusion
In the midst of all the tumult, the army was able to subdue the crowd. synonyms: disorder |
|
tyranny
(noun) |
harsh exercise of absolute power
After the emperor routed the supporters of democracy, he ruled by tyranny. synonyms: oppression, repression |
|
ultimate
(adjective) |
the highest or final point
Space and time are the ultimate paradox; they appear to have neither a beginning nor an end. synonyms: maximum, final, fundamental |
|
unanimous
(adjective) |
approved by everyone concerned
They unanimously voted for Jane to succeed John as chairperson of the club. synonym: uncontested, unopposed |
|
unkempt
(adjective) |
messy, sloppy
There was a surfeit of dirty clothes on the floor; the place was unkempt. synonyms: sloppy, slovenly, untidy |
|
usurp
(verb) |
to seize, to take by force
The dictator usurped power from the unanimously chosen president, and thereafter ruled by tyranny. synonyms: seize, grab |
|
vacate
(verb) |
to leave (as in vacation)
The schism with the king caused the prince to vacate the palace. synonyms: leave, depart |
|
vehement
(adjective) |
with deep feeling
She was vehement in her view that the rebels had to be subdued. synonyms: passionate, earnest, fervent |
|
vex
(verb) |
annoy
Being a token woman on the committee vexed her. synonyms: irritate, bother, annoy |
|
wan
(adjective) |
pale, lacking color
While he was suave at the outset, his complexion became wan as he realized that his two girlfriends were comparing notes. synonyms: pale, ashen |
|
wantonly
(adverb) |
without a reason
He wantonly solicited a murder. synonyms: indiscriminately, randomly |
|
wretched
(adjective) |
miserable, pathetic
He was a wretched recluse. synonyms: dejected, forlorn |