1 - Word Meanings

Word Meanings – Page 1 of 52
Aberration (noun) – Meaning: deviation from what is normal, distortion; Synonyms: deviation, distortion, abnormality,
anomaly, irregularity, peculiarity, eccentricity, oddness, unusualness; Example Sentence: His new scientific theory was
deemed an aberration by his very conservative colleagues.
Abeyance (noun) – Meaning: suspension, being temporarily suspended or set aside; Synonyms: suspension, inaction,
inactivity, inactiveness; Example Sentence: Construction of the highway is in abeyance until we get agency approval.
Abhor (verb) – Meaning: to regard with horror, detest; Synonyms: detest, hate, loathe, dislike, despise, be repulsed, be
revolted; Antonym: Adore, love, esteem, respect, admire, worship, adulate; Example Sentence: I abhor such hypocrisy.
Abjure (verb) – Meaning: to repudiate, renounce under oath; Synonyms (1): avoid, give up, shun, deny, reject,
repudiate, abnegate (formal); Antonym: Accept, receive, take, agree to take, admit; Synonyms (2): renounce, deny,
reject, abstain, forswear, refrain, disavow; Example Sentence: When Joseph became a citizen, he had to abjure his
allegiance to his country of origin.
Abrogate (verb) – Meaning: to abolish, do away with, or annul by authority; Synonyms: repeal, revoke, rescind, retract,
annul, abolish, nullify; Example Sentence: It was unclear if the judge would abrogate the lower court’s ruling.
Abscond (verb) – Meaning: to run away secretly and hide, often in order to avoid arrest or prosecution.; Synonyms:
escape, break out, make off, flee, run off; Example Sentence: Criminals will often head south and abscond with stolen
goods to Mexico.
Absolution (noun) – Meaning: 1. an absolving or clearing from blame or guilt 2. a formal declaration of forgiveness,
redemption.; Synonyms: forgiveness, pardon, release, freedom, liberty; Example Sentence: The jury granted Alan the
absolution he deserved.
Abstain (verb) – Meaning: to choose to refrain from something, especially to refrain from voting.; Synonyms (1): desist,
refrain, withdraw, withhold, go without, give up, curb; Antonym (1): indulge; Synonyms (2): sit on the fence, stay
neutral, not take sides; Antonym (2): vote; Example Sentence: I have decided to abstain on this issue.
Abstruse (adjective) – Meaning: difficult to comprehend, obscure.; Synonyms: obscure, perplexing, puzzling, complex,
profound, mysterious, rarefied, technical, highbrow, recondite, difficult; Antonym: simple; Example Sentence: Albert
Einstein’s abstruse calculations can be understood by only a few people.
Abysmal (adjective) – Meaning: 1. extreme, very profound, limitless 2. extremely bad.; Synonyms: terrible, awful,
dreadful, horrible, appalling, bad; Antonym: superb, excellent, outstanding, wonderful; Example Sentence: Tom’s last-
place finish in the race was an abysmal turn of events for the team.
Accolade (noun) – Meaning: 1. praise or approval 2. a ceremonial embrace in greeting 3. a ceremonious tap on the
shoulder with a sword to mark the conferring of knighthood.; Synonyms: tribute, honor, compliment, award, praise, rave
review (informal); Example Sentence: He received accolades from his superiors for finding ways to cut costs and increase
productivity.
Accretion (noun) – Meaning: 1. growth or increase by gradual, successive addition; building up 2. (in biology) the
growing together of parts that are normally separate; Synonyms (1): accumulation, buildup, increase, enlargement,
addition, growth, amassment, agglomeration; Antonym: erosion, corrosion, attrition, destruction, loss; Synonyms (2):
mass, deposit, lump, layer, bump, growth, addition, pile; Example Sentence; The accretion of sediment in the harbor
channel caused boats to run aground.
Acrid (adjective) – Meaning 1. having an unpleasantly bitter, sharp taste or smell 2. bitter or caustic in language or
manner. The burning tires in the junkyard gave off an acrid odor.; Synonyms (1): pungent, harsh, unpleasant, choking,
bitter, sour, tart; Antonym (1) : pleasant, nice; Synonym (2): sharp, cutting, caustic, bitter, vitriolic, mordant, trenchant,
acerbic; The burning tires in the junkyard gave off an acrid odor.
Ad hoc (adjective) – Meaning: for a specific, often temporary, purpose; for this case only.; Synonyms: unplanned,
informal, impromptu, improvised, off-the-cuff, unprepared, extemporized, makeshift; Antonym: planned, deliberate,
intentional, prearranged, strategic, premeditated, on purpose, scheduled, intended, calculated, designed, organized,
prepared; Example Sentence: She acted as the ad hoc scout leader while Mr. Davis—the official leader—was ill.
Adamant (adjective) – Meaning: 1. unyielding to requests, appeals, or reason 2. firm, inflexible.; Synonyms: obstinate,
obdurate, unyielding, unbending, inflexible, unwavering, immovable, resolute, steadfast, stubborn, fixed, resistant;
Antonym: amenable, agreeable, open, acquiescent, willing, docile, responsive, pliable, cooperative, flexible; Example
Sentence: The senator was adamant that no changes would be made to the defense budget.
Addle (verb) – Meaning: 1. to muddle or confuse 2. to become rotten, as in an egg.; Synonyms: sidetrack, divert,
confuse, addle, befuddle, disturb; Example Sentence: The jury found the defendant addled at the end of the prosecuting
attorney’s questions.
Ado (noun) – Meaning: fuss, trouble, bother.; Synonyms: bustle, activity, commotion, bother, excitement, upheaval, to-
do (informal), trouble; Example Sentence: Without much ado, she completed her book report.
Aficionado (noun) – Meaning: a fan or devotee, especially of a sport or pastime.; Synonyms: devotee, enthusiast,
adherent, fanatic, fan, addict, admirer, buff ; Example Sentence: The Jeffersons’ attendance at every game proved that
they were true aficionados of baseball.
Alacrity (noun) – Meaning: a cheerful willingness; being happily ready and eager.; Synonym: eagerness, enthusiasm,
readiness, quickness, promptness, speed, swiftness, rapidity, keenness, zeal; Example Sentence: The alacrity she brought
to her job helped her move up the corporate ladder quickly.
Allay (verb) – Meaning: 1. to reduce the intensity of, alleviate 2. to calm, put to rest.; Synonyms: dispel, calm, alleviate,
assuage, relieve, put to rest; Antonym: stimulate, encourage, arouse, kindle, excite, inspire; Example Sentence: The
remarks by the CEO did not allay the concerns of the employees.
Altercation (noun) – Meaning: a heated dispute or quarrel.; Synonyms: argument, quarrel, disagreement, dispute,
exchange, squabble, clash, difference of opinion, confrontation, row, fight; Example Sentence: To prevent an altercation
at social functions, one should avoid discussing politics and religion.
Ambivalent (adjective) – Meaning: having mixed or conflicting feelings about a person, thing, or situation; uncertain;
Synonym: unsure, undecided, in two minds, hesitant, uncertain, indecisive; Antonym: decisive; Example Sentence: She
was ambivalent about the proposal for the shopping center because she understood the arguments both for and against
its construction.
Ameliorate (verb) – Meaning: to make or become better, to improve; Synonym: better, perfect, amend, upgrade, enrich,
improve, enhance; Antonym: deteriorate; Example Sentence: The diplomat was able to ameliorate the tense situation
between the two nations.
Amorphous (adjective) – Meaning: having no definite shape or form; shapeless.; Synonyms: formless, shapeless,
nebulous, vague, unstructured, fluid; Antonym: defined; Example Sentence: The amorphous cloud of steam drifted over
her head.
Amulet (noun) – Meaning: something worn around the neck as a charm against evil.; Synonyms: charm, good luck
charm, talisman, lucky charm, juju; Example Sentence: The princess wore an amulet after being cursed by a wizard.
Anachronism (noun) – Meaning: 1. something that is placed into an incorrect historical period 2. A person, custom, or
idea that is out of date; Synonyms: relic, survival, leftover, holdover, archaism; Example Sentence: The authenticity and
credibility of the 1920s movie was damaged by the many anachronisms that appeared throughout the scenes.
Anarchy (noun) – Meaning: 1. the complete absence of government or control, resulting in lawlessness 2. Political
disorder and confusion; Synonyms: disorder, chaos, lawlessness, anarchism, revolution, mayhem (informal), rebellion,
mobocracy (disapproving), ochlocracy, riot; Antonym: order; Example Sentence: The days immediately following the
revolution were marked by anarchy.
Anomaly (noun) – Meaning: something that deviates from the general rule or usual form; one that is irregular, peculiar
or abnormal; Synonyms: irregularity, incongruity, difference, variance, glitch, abnormality, inconsistency; Example
Sentence: Winning millions of dollars from a slot machine would be considered an anomaly.
Antipathy (noun) – Meaning: 1. a strong aversion or dislike 2. an object of aversion; Synonyms: opposition, aversion
(formal), hostility, antagonism, hatred, dislike, ill feeling, ill will; Antonym: support; Example Sentence: It is a moment I
recall with great antipathy.
Antithesis (noun) – Meaning: the direct or exact opposite, opposition or contrast. Synonyms: opposite, direct opposite,
exact opposite, contrast, converse, reverse, opposition; Example Sentence: Martin’s parenting style is the antithesis of
mine.
Apathetic (adjective) – Meaning: feeling or showing a lack of interest, concern, or emotion; indifferent, unresponsive;
Synonyms: indifferent, uninterested, listless, dispirited, droopy, unconcerned, lethargic, lazy, bored, uncaring,
unresponsive, unsympathetic, unmoved, cold, cool; Antonyms: enthusiastic, eager, keen, passionate, fervent, excited,
wholehearted, animated, aflame, afire; Example Sentence: Ms. Brownstone was distressed by how apathetic her eighth
grade students were.
Aperture (noun) – Meaning: an opening or gap, especially one that lets in light; Synonyms: opening, hole, space, orifice
(literary), crack, slit; Example Sentence: The aperture setting on a camera has to be set perfectly to ensure that pictures
will have enough light.
Apex (noun) – Meaning: 1. the highest point 2. tip, pointed end; Synonyms: top, peak, summit, climax, zenith, head, high
point; Antonym: base; Example Sentence: Upon reaching the apex of the mountain, the climbers placed their flag in the
snow.
Apocalypse (noun) – Meaning: a cataclysmic event bringing about total devastation or the end of the world; Synonyms:
disaster, catastrophe, day of reckoning, Judgment Day, end of the world, destruction, Armageddon; Example Sentence:
Many people feared an apocalypse would immediately follow the development of nuclear weapons.
Apostate (noun) – Meaning: one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions; Synonyms: renouncer,
defector, deserter, renegade; Example Sentences: Disillusioned with the religious life, Reverend Gift lost his faith and left
the ministry, not caring if he’d be seen as an apostate by colleagues who chose to remain.
Apotheosis (noun) – Meaning: 1.deification, an exalted or glorified ideal, highest level of glory or power, best example of
something, transformation into deity, 2. highest level of glory or power: the highest point of glory, power, or importance
3. best example of something: the best or most glorious example of something the apotheosis of Romantic music 4.
transformation into deity: the supposed transformation of a human being into a deity; Synonyms: ideal, paragon,
nonpareil, saint; Example Sentence: Lancelot was the apotheosis of chivalry until he met Guinevere.
Appease (verb) – Meaning: to make calm or quiet, soothe; to still or pacify. Synonyms (1): mollify, conciliate, pacify,
placate, soothe, settle, quiet down, calm down, accede to somebody's demands, quieten down; Antonym (1): provoke;
Synonyms (2): satisfy, assuage, attenuate, calm, soothe, ease; Antonym (2): intensify; Example Sentence: His ability to
appease his constituents helped him win reelection.
Apprise (verb) – Meaning: to inform, give notice to. Synonyms: explain, tell, describe, impart, acquaint, pass on; Example
Sentence: Part of Susan’s job as a public defender was to apprise people of their legal rights.
Approbation (noun) – Meaning: approval. Synonyms: approval, consent, praise, admiration, esteem, commendation,
regard; Antonym: disapproval; Example Sentence: The local authorities issued an approbation to close the street for a
festival on St. Patrick’s Day.
Appropriate (verb) – Meaning: to take for one’s own use, often without permission; to set aside for a special purpose;
Synonyms: suitable, fitting, apt, apposite, right, correct, applicable; Antonym: inappropriate; Example Sentence: The
state legislature will appropriate two million dollars from the annual budget to build a new bridge on the interstate
highway.
Apropos (adjective) – Meaning: appropriate to the situation; suitable to what is being said or done; Synonyms: right,
appropriate, fitting, suitable, seemly, correct; Example Sentence: The chairman’s remarks about the founding fathers
were apropos since it was the fourth of July.
Arcane (adjective) – Meaning: mysterious, secret, beyond comprehension; Synonyms: mysterious, secret, esoteric,
deep, hidden, unfathomable, unknowable, obscure, impenetrable, inscrutable; Example Sentence: A number of college
students in the 1980s became involved in the arcane game known as “Dungeons and Dragons.”
Archaic (adjective) – Meaning: belonging to former or ancient times; characteristic of the past; Synonyms: old, ancient,
dated, outdated, out-of-date, antiquated, old-fashioned, outmoded, prehistoric, behind the times, antediluvian
(informal); Antonym: modern; Example Sentence: Samantha laughed at her grandfather’s archaic views of dating and
relationships.
Archetype (noun) – Meaning: an original model from which others are copied; original pattern or prototype; Synonyms:
model, epitome, prototype, original, classic; Example Sentence: Elvis Presley served as the archetype for rock and roll
performers in the 1950s.
Ardor (noun) – Meaning: fiery intensity of feeling; passionate enthusiasm, zeal. Synonyms: passion, love, enthusiasm,
zeal, fervor, eagerness, devotion, dedication, commitment; Antonym: indifference, apathy, uninterest; Example
Sentence: The ardor Larry brought to the campaign made him a natural campaign spokesperson.
Arduous (ahr·joo·u˘s) adj. 1. very difficult, laborious; requiring great effort 2. difficult to traverse or surmount.
Synonyms: difficult, hard, laborious, grueling, demanding, strenuous, onerous, tiring, toilsome, taxing, operose (formal);
Antonym: easy; Example Sentence: Commander Shackleton’s arduous journey through the Arctic has become the subject
of many books and movies.
Ascetic (adjective) – Meaning: practicing self-denial, not allowing oneself pleasures or luxuries; austere; Synonyms:
abstainer, austere, abstinent, frugal, abstemious, Spartan, severe; Antonym: hedonistic; Example Sentence: Some
religions require their leaders to lead an ascetic lifestyle as an example to their followers.
Askew (adjective & adverb) – Meaning: crooked, not straight or level; to one side. Synonyms: misaligned, skewed, awry,
cockeyed, crooked(ly), uneven, lopsided, out of true, asymmetrical, twisted, disorderly, wonky (UK, informal), off center,
out of line (informal); Antonym: straight; Example Sentence: Even the pictures on the wall stood askew after my five-
year-old son’s birthday party.
Asperity (noun) – Meaning: harshness, severity; roughness of manner, ill temper, irritability; Synonyms: severity,
brusqueness, gruffness, harshness, sharpness, astringency, sternness, stringency; Antonyms: affability, friendliness,
sociability, cordiality, joviality, gregariousness, pleasantness, warmth; Example Sentence: The asperity that Marvin, the
grumpy accountant, brought to the meetings usually resulted in an early adjournment.
Assay (verb) – Meaning: 1. to try, put to a test 2. to examine 3. to judge critically, evaluate after an analysis. Synonyms
(1): examine, assess, analyze, evaluate, test, try, prove, inspect, scrutinize; Synonyms (2): attempt, try, essay (formal),
take a stab at (informal), take a shot at, undertake, endeavor (US, formal), give a go (UK, informal); Example Sentence:
The chief engineer wanted a laboratory to assay the steel before using it in the construction project.
Assiduous (adjective) – Meaning: diligent, persevering, unremitting; constant in application or attention; Synonyms:
diligent, persevering, industrious, attentive, tireless, hard-working, sedulous (literary); Antonym: lazy, indolent, idle,
lethargic, languid, sluggish, slothful (formal); Example Sentences: The nurses in the intensive care unit are known for
providing assiduous care to their patients.
Assuage (verb) – Meaning: to make something less severe, to soothe; to satisfy (as hunger or thirst); Synonyms:
moderate, ease, soften, lessen, appease, satisfy, mitigate, alleviate, quiet, allay, temper, pacify, conciliate, placate
Antonym (1): inflame, arouse, anger, fan, provoke, stir up, agitate, ignite, kindle; Antonym (2): exacerbate, aggravate,
fuel, intensify, increase, worsen; Example Sentences: The small cups of water offered to the marathon runners helped to
assuage their thirst.
Attenuate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make thin or slender 2. to weaken, reduce in force, value, or degree; Synonyms:
weaken, lessen, reduce, decrease, diminish, water down, take the edge off, temper, offset, mitigate, assuage, soothe,
calm, dilute, lighten, thin, rarefy; Antonym: intensify; Example Sentences: The Russian army was able to attenuate the
strength and number of the German forces by leading them inland during winter.
Audacious (adjective) – Meaning: fearlessly or recklessly daring or bold; unrestrained by convention or propriety;
Synonyms (1): daring, bold, brave, fearless, courageous, risky, foolhardy; Antonym: pusillanimous (formal), cowardly,
nervous, timid, fearful, spineless, faint-hearted, lily-livered (literary), tremulous; Synonyms (2): impudent, bold,
disrespectful, cheeky (UK, informal), overconfident; Example Sentence: Detective Malloy’s methods were considered
bold and audacious by his superiors, and they often achieved results.
August (adjective) – Meaning: majestic, venerable; inspiring admiration or reverence; Synonyms: imposing, impressive,
grand, majestic, dignified, stately, noble, eminent; Antonym: humble; Example Sentence: Jackie Kennedy’s august
dignity in the days following her husband’s assassination set a tone for the rest of the nation as it mourned.
Auspice (noun) – Meaning: 1. protection or support, patronage 2. a forecast or omen 3. a sign or token for the future,
especially a happy or promising one; Synonyms: omen, portent, augury, sign, indication, token, prediction; Example
Sentence: The children’s art museum was able to continue operating through the auspices of an anonymous wealthy
benefactor.
Auspicious (adjective) – Meaning: favorable, showing signs that promise success; propitious. Synonyms: favorable,
fortunate, promising, propitious, lucky, opportune, providential; Antonym: inauspicious; Example Sentence: Valerie
believed it an auspicious beginning when it rained on the day that she opened her umbrella store.
Austere (adjective) – Meaning: 1. severe or stern in attitude or appearance 2. simple, unadorned, very plain. Synonyms:
serious, grim, severe, unsmiling, harsh, ascetic, rigid, somber; Antonym: gentle; Example Sentence: With its simple but
functional furniture and its obvious lack of decorative elements, the interior of the Shaker meeting hall was considered
austere by many people.
Authoritarian (adjective) – Meaning: favoring complete, unquestioning obedience to authority as opposed to individual
freedom; Synonyms: strict, tyrannical, demanding, totalitarian, despotic, absolute, dictatorial, autocratic, narrow-
minded; Antonym: liberal, open-minded, broad-minded, moderate, noninterventionist, freethinking, tolerant, laissez-
faire; Example Sentence: The military maintains an authoritarian environment for its officers and enlisted men alike.
Avant-garde (adjective) – Meaning: artists with new ideas and methods, using or favoring an ultramodern or
experimental style; innovative, cutting-edge, especially in the arts or literature; Synonyms (1): new, modern,
experimental, unconventional, innovative, advanced; Antonym (1): traditional; Synonyms (2): vanguard, van, forefront,
edge, leading edge, lead, sharp end, frontier, top, limit, uncharted territory, fore (literary), front line, front, avant-garde;
Antonym (2): rearguard; Example Sentence: Though it seems very conventional now, in the 1950’s, Andy Warhol’s art
was viewed as avant-garde.
Aversion (noun) – Meaning: 1. a strong, intense dislike; repugnance 2. the object of this feeling. Synonyms: dislike,
hatred, loathing, repugnance, distaste, hate, antipathy, abhorrence, detestation, repulsion, disgust: Antonym: liking
Example Sentence: Todd has an aversion to arugula and picks it out of his salads.
Baleful (adjective) – Meaning: harmful, menacing, destructive, sinister; Synonyms: threatening, menacing, malevolent,
sinister, malignant, vindictive, spiteful; Antonym: benevolent, kind, caring, compassionate, generous, giving, kindly,
benign, munificent, altruistic; Example Sentence: Whether it’s a man, woman, car, or animal, you can be certain to find
at least one baleful character in a Stephen King horror novel.
Banal (adjective) – Meaning: commonplace, trite; obvious and uninteresting; Synonyms: commonplace, hackneyed,
prosaic, predictable, ordinary, dull, boring, clichéd, trivial, facile; Antonym: original, unique, innovative, novel, inventive,
creative, new, unusual, imaginative, unprecedented, singular, special; Example Sentence: Though Tom and Susan had
hoped for an adventure, they found that driving cross-country on the interstate offered mostly banal sites, restaurants,
and attractions.
Bane (noun) – Meaning: 1. cause of trouble, misery, distress, or harm 2. Poison; Synonyms: nuisance, misery, pest
(informal), blight, curse, bother, irritation, annoyance; Antonym: blessing; Example Sentence: The bane of the oak tree is
the Asian beetle.
Beguile (verb) – Meaning: to deceive or cheat through cunning; to distract the attention of, divert; to pass time in a
pleasant manner, to amuse or charm; Synonyms: entice, lure, charm, captivate, mesmerize, hypnotize, fascinate,
enthrall, put under a spell, appeal to, attract; Example Sentence: Violet was able to beguile the spy, causing him to miss
his secret meeting.
Belie (verb) – Meaning: 1. to give a false impression, misrepresent 2. to show to be false, to contradict; Synonyms:
contradict, disprove, give the lie to, call into question, deny, oppose; Antonym: confirm; Example Sentence: By wearing
an expensive suit and watch, Alan hoped to belie his lack of success to everyone at the reunion.
Bellicose (adjective) – Meaning: belligerent, quarrelsome, eager to make war; Synonyms: belligerent, aggressive,
warlike, pugnacious, combative, confrontational, argumentative, quarrelsome, defiant, noncompliant; Antonym:
compliant, acquiescent, obedient, biddable, yielding, amenable, accommodating, conforming, in compliance,
compatible; Example Sentence: There was little hope for peace following the election of a candidate known for his
bellicose nature.
Belligerent (adjective) – Meaning: hostile and aggressive, showing an eagerness to fight. Synonyms: aggressive,
argumentative, quarrelsome, loudmouthed (informal), confrontational, pugnacious, spoiling for a fight, cantankerous,
stroppy (UK, informal); Antonym: easygoing; Example Sentence: Ms. Rivera always kept an eye on Daniel during recess,
as his belligerent attitude often caused problems with other children.
Bevy (noun) – Meaning: 1. a large group or assemblage 2. a flock of animals or birds 3. group of people; Synonyms:
group, squadron, team, crew, company, gang, troop, bevy, posse (informal), set, force; Example Sentence: There was a
lively bevy of eager bingo fans waiting outside the bingo hall for the game to begin.
Bilk (verb) – Meaning: to deceive or defraud; to swindle, cheat, especially to evade paying one’s debts. Synonyms: cheat,
trick, deceive, con, swindle, defraud, bamboozle (informal), take advantage of, dupe; Example Sentence: The stockbroker
was led away in handcuffs, accused of trying to bilk senior citizens out of their investment dollars.
Blasphemy (noun) – Meaning: contemptuous or irreverent acts, utterances, attitudes or writings against
God or other things considered sacred; disrespect of something sacrosanct. Synonyms (1): profanity, sacrilege,
wickedness, irreverence, violation, desecration; Antonym (1): piety; Synonyms (2): oath, curse, profanity, cuss (informal),
cussword (US, informal), imprecation (formal), execration (literary or formal), swearword; Example Sentence: If you
committed blasphemy during the Inquisition, you would be tortured and killed.
Blatant (adjective) – Meaning: completely obvious, not attempting to conceal in any way; Synonyms: obvious,
unconcealed, barefaced, unashamed, deliberate, flagrant, transparent, patent, manifest, palpable, brazen, open;
Antonym: furtive, stealthy, secret, sly, sneaky, surreptitious, clandestine, shifty, secretive; Example Sentence: Samuel’s
blatant disregard of the rules earned him a two-week suspension.
Blight (noun) – Meaning: 1. a plant disease that causes the affected parts to wilt and die 2. something that causes this
condition, such as air pollution 3. something that impairs or destroys 4. an unsightly object or area; Synonyms:
disfigurement, stain, scar, blot, affliction, disease; Example Sentence: They still do not know what caused the blight that
destroyed half of the trees in the orchard.
Blithe (adjective) – Meaning: light-hearted, casual, and carefree. Synonyms: carefree, casual, unconcerned, unthinking,
happy, merry, happy-go-lucky, easygoing, amiable, lighthearted; Antonym: anxious; Example Sentence: Rachel’s blithe
attitude toward spending money left her broke and in debt.
Boisterous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. loud, noisy, and lacking restraint or discipline 2. stormy and rough; Synonyms:
energetic, active, animated, rowdy, unruly, noisy, overexcited, over-the-top (informal); Example Sentence: The
boisterous crowd began throwing cups onto the field during the football game.
Bolster (verb) – Meaning: 1. to support or prop up 2. to buoy or hearten. Synonyms: boost, strengthen, reinforce,
encourage, shore up, support, augment (formal), sustain; Antonyms: undermine, weaken, dent, chip away at, challenge,
destabilize, demoralize, undercut, damage, emasculate (formal); Example Sentence: Coach Edmond’s speech bolstered
the team’s confidence.
Bombastic (adjective) – Meaning: speaking pompously, with inflated self-importance; Synonyms: pompous, pretentious,
verbose, long-winded, grandiloquent, affected; Antonym: simple; Example Sentence: Ahmed was shocked that a
renowned and admired humanitarian could give such a bombastic keynote address.
Boor (noun) – Meaning: a crude, offensive, ill-mannered person. Synonyms (1): loudmouth (informal), churl, yob (UK,
informal), yobbo (UK, informal); Synonyms (2): uncouthly, impolitely, loutishly, rudely, brashly, coarsely, vulgarly,
grossly, offensively, inconsiderately; Antonym: courteously Example Sentence: Seeing Chuck wipe his mouth with his
sleeve, Maribel realized she was attending her senior prom with a classic boor.
Bourgeois (adjective) – Meaning: typical of the middle class; conforming to the standards and conventions
of the middle class; Synonyms: middle-class, conventional, conformist, unadventurous, staid, predictable; Example
Sentence: A house in the suburbs, two children, two cars, and three TVs are key indicators of a bourgeois lifestyle.
Bravado (noun) – Meaning: 1. false courage, a show of pretended bravery 2. a real or pretended display of courage or
boldness; Synonyms: Audacity, boldness, daring, bluster, boasting, show, swagger; Antonym: cowardice; Example
Sentence: Kyle’s bravado often got him in trouble with other kids in the neighborhood.
Broach (verb) – Meaning: 1. to bring up, introduce, in order to begin a discussion of 2. to tap or pierce, as in to draw off
liquid; Synonyms: propose, present, submit, bring up, raise, introduce, try out, mention, approach; Example Sentence: It
was hard for Sarah to broach the subject of her mother’s weight gain.
Bumptious (adjective) – Meaning: arrogant, conceited; Synonyms: full of yourself, pleased with yourself, self-satisfied,
prideful, self-important, smug, conceited, arrogant, overbearing, brash; Antonym: modest; Example Sentence: The
bumptious man couldn’t stop talking about himself or looking in the mirror.
Buoyant (adjective) – Meaning: 1. able to float 2. light-hearted, cheerful; Synonyms (1): floating, afloat, light Synonyms
(2): cheerful, lighthearted, upbeat (informal), optimistic, happy, jaunty, carefree; Antonym: morose, miserable, glum,
depressed, down, low, gloomy, pessimistic, down in the dumps (informal), blue (informal), sad, sullen; Synonyms (3):
resilient, resistant, flexible, tough; Example Sentence: In science class, the children tried to identify which objects on the
table would be buoyant.
Burgeon (verb) – Meaning: to begin to grow and flourish; to begin to sprout, grow new buds, blossom. Synonyms:
mushroom, multiply, prosper, proliferate, flourish, grow rapidly, increase; Antonym: dwindle, decrease, decline,
diminish, fall off, drop, drop off, lessen, shrink, fade, fade away, disappear; Example Sentence: The tulip bulbs beneath
the soil would burgeon in early spring, providing there was no late frost.
Burnish (verb) – Meaning: to polish, rub to a shine; Synonyms: polish, shine, buff, rub up, rub, clean, put a shine on;
Example Sentence: When Kathryn began to burnish the old metal teapot, she realized that it was, in fact, solid silver.
Cabal (noun) – Meaning: 1. a scheme or conspiracy 2. a small group joined in a secret plot. Synonyms (1): faction,
section, unit, group, sect, clique, cell, league, caucus, ring, gang, band; Synonyms (2): plot, scheme, conspiracy, artifice
(formal), connivance, collusion; Synonyms (3): group, party, splinter group, bloc, offshoot, section, division, side, clique,
circle; Synonyms (4): conflict, division, disunity, schism, disharmony, discord, strife, sectarianism, dissension,
disagreement, contention; Synonyms (5): conspiracy, plan, scheme, subversion, design, intrigue, strategy, stratagem;
Synonyms (6): story, story line, action, scenario, outline, narrative; Synonyms (7): area, section, parcel, piece, lot;
Example Sentence: With Antonio as their leader, the members of the unit readied themselves to begin the coup.
Cadge (verb) – Meaning: to beg, to obtain by begging; Synonyms (1): mooch (slang), scrounge (informal), wheedle,
sponge, freeload (informal), beg; Synonyms (2): wander, amble, meander, roam, ramble, knock around (informal),
saunter, walk, drift, range, mosey (informal); Synonyms (3): steal, take, rob, pilfer, swipe (informal), make away with;
Synonyms (4): sneak, steal, prowl, lurk, stalk, loiter; Synonyms (5): wait, hang around, linger, lurk, hang out (informal),
skulk; Synonyms (6): amble, stroll, wander, drift, dally, dawdle, idle; Example Sentence: Their dog Cleo would cadge at
my feet, hoping I would throw him some table scraps.
Capricious (adjective) – Meaning: impulsive, whimsical and unpredictable; Synonyms: unpredictable, changeable,
variable, impulsive, whimsical, unreliable, fickle, erratic, wayward, flighty; Antonym: predictable; Example Sentence:
Robin Williams, the comedian, demonstrates a most capricious nature even when he is not performing.
Careen (verb) – Meaning: 1. to lurch from side to side while in motion 2. to rush carelessly or headlong; Synonyms: bowl,
career, roll along, travel, speed, traverse; Example Sentence: Watching the car in front of us careen down the road was
very frightening.
Caste (noun) – Meaning: a distinct social class or system; Synonyms: class, social group, standing, background, social
order, kind, status; Example Sentence: While visiting India, Michael was fascinated to learn the particulars of each caste
and the way they related to each other.
Castigate (verb) – Meaning: to inflict a severe punishment on; to chastise severely; Synonyms: criticize, reprimand, tell
off (informal), chastise (formal), scold, rebuke, rake over the coals, punish, rebuke, reprove; Antonym: praise,
admiration, commendation, approval, acclaim, tribute, applause, compliment, recommendation; Example Sentence:
When she was caught stealing for the second time, Maya knew her mother would castigate her.
Catharsis (noun) – Meaning: the act of ridding or cleansing; relieving emotions via the experiences of others, especially
through art; Synonyms: release, purification, cleansing, purging, purgation, liberation, freeing up; Example Sentence:
Survivors of war often experience a catharsis when viewing Picasso’s painting Guernica, which depicts the bombing of a
town during the Spanish civil war.
Censure (noun) – Meaning: expression of strong criticism or disapproval; a rebuke or condemnation. Synonyms:
criticism, disapproval, condemnation, denunciation, deprecation, scorn, contempt; Antonyms: approval, appreciation,
admiration, liking, praise, esteem, approbation; Example Sentence: After the senator was found guilty of taking bribes,
Congress unanimously agreed to censure him.
Chastise (verb) – Meaning: to punish severely, as with a beating; to criticize harshly, rebuke. Synonyms: reprimand, tell
off (informal), discipline, censure, punish, rebuke, reprove, penalize, castigate (formal), correct, upbraid, scold, chasten,
criticism; Antonym: praise, admiration, commendation, approval, acclaim, tribute, applause, compliment,
recommendation; Example Sentence: Charles knew that his wife would chastise him after he inadvertently told the room
full of guests that she had just had a facelift.
Chauvinist (noun) – Meaning: a person who believes in the superiority of his or her own kind; an extreme nationalist;
Synonyms: bigot, sexist, homophobe, jingoist, xenophobe; Example Sentence: Though common in the early days of the
women’s movement, male chauvinists are pretty rare today.
Churlish (adjective) – Meaning: ill-mannered, boorish, rude; Synonyms: rude, boorish, coarse, truculent, crass, ill-bred,
impolite, polite; bad-mannered, ill-natured, irritable, grumpy, sullen, surly, unpleasant; Antonyms: pleasant, enjoyable,
agreeable, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, amusing, lovely, nice; Example Sentence: Angelo’s churlish remarks made
everyone at the table uncomfortable and ill at ease.
Circumspect (adjective) – Meaning: cautious, wary, watchful; Synonyms: cautious, prudent, careful, guarded, wary,
judicious, chary, cagey (informal); Antonyms: reckless, irresponsible, wild, thoughtless, uncontrolled, out of control,
inattentive, hasty, careless, rash, heedless; Example Sentence: The captain was circumspect as she guided the
boat through the fog.
Coeval (adjective) – Meaning: 1. of the same time period, contemporary 2 equal in age or duration: having the same
age, duration, or date of origin (formal); Synonyms: coetaneous, contemporaneous, synchronous, synchronic,
contemporary, peer; Example Sentence: The growth of personal computers and CD players were coeval during the
twentieth century.
Cogent (adjective) – Meaning: convincing, persuasive, compelling belief; Synonyms: forceful, convincing, persuasive,
clear, lucid, strong, logical, rational, coherent, sound; Antonyms: unconvincing, unpersuasive, unimpressive, weak,
feeble, unsuccessful, vain, implausible; Example Sentence: Ella’s cogent arguments helped the debate team win the state
championship.
Collusion (noun) – Meaning: a secret agreement between two or more people for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose;
conspiracy; Synonyms: conspiracy, complicity, involvement, agreement, knowledge, consent, approval, plot, scheme,
plan, intrigue, collusion, machination, sedition, treachery; Example Sentence: The discovery of the e-mail proved that
collusion existed between the CEO and CFO to defraud the shareholders.
Complaisant (adjective) – Meaning: tending to comply, obliging, willing to do what pleases others. Synonyms (1):
obliging, helpful, supportive, accommodating, willing, compliant, cooperative; Antonym (1): difficult; Synonyms (2): joint,
two-way, mutual, shared, collaborative, common, communal, united; Example Sentence: To preserve family peace and
harmony, Lenny became very complaisant when his in-laws came to visit.
Conciliatory (adjective) – Meaning: making or willing to make concessions to reconcile, soothe, or comfort; mollifying,
appeasing. Synonyms (1): appeasing, peacemaking, pacifying, assuaging, mollifying; Antonyms (1): provocative,
challenging, provoking, stimulating, confrontational, inflammatory, offensive, incendiary, insulting, rabble-rousing
(disapproving), aggressive, annoying, aggravating (informal), vexing; Synonyms (2): suggestive, enticing, seductive,
alluring, cheeky (UK, informal), encouraging, tantalizing, beguiling, bewitching; Antonyms (2): forbidding; Example
Sentence: Abraham Lincoln made conciliatory gestures toward the South at the end of the Civil War.
Conclave (noun) – Meaning: a private or secret meeting; Synonyms: meeting, assembly, council, congress, gathering,
caucus, engagement, date, appointment, tryst, assignation; Example Sentence: The double agent had a conclave with
the spy he was supposed to be observing.
Consternation (noun) – Meaning: a feeling of deep, incapacitating horror or dismay. Synonyms: dismay, disquiet, alarm,
anxiety, worry, dread, trepidation, bewilderment; Antonyms: composure, equanimity (formal), calm, serenity, self-
possession, tranquillity, self-control, poise, calmness; Example Sentence: The look of consternation on the faces of the
students taking the history exam alarmed the teacher, who thought he had prepared his students for the test.
Contentious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. quarrelsome, competitive, quick to fight 2. controversial, causing contention.
Synonyms (1): argumentative, combative, quarrelsome, antagonistic, prickly (informal), touchy, naysaying, belligerent,
hot-blooded; Antonym: easygoing; Synonyms (2): controversial, provocative, polemical, critical, disputatious (formal);
Example Sentence: With two contentious candidates on hand, it was sure to be a lively debate.
Conundrum (noun) – Meaning: a hard riddle, enigma; a puzzling question or problem; Synonyms: puzzle, mystery,
challenge, problem, riddle, enigma, paradox, problem, mystery, riddle, puzzle, question, perplexity; Example Sentence:
Alex’s logic professor gave the class a conundrum to work on over the weekend.
Cornucopia (noun) – Meaning: abundance; a horn of plenty; Synonyms: abundance, profusion, wealth, copiousness,
bounty (literary), excess, glut, surplus, superfluity, flood, overabundance, accumulation, surfeit, oversupply; Antonyms:
dearth, lack, shortage, scarcity, drought, famine, want, deficiency, absence, need; Example Sentence: The first-graders
made cornucopias for Thanksgiving by placing papier-mâché vegetables into a hollowed-out horn.
Countenance (noun) – Meaning: the appearance of a person’s face, facial features and expression; Synonyms:
expression, face, features, mien (literary), visage (literary), look, appearance, aspect, mien (literary), form, mug
(informal), phizog (UK, slang); Example Sentence: As she walked down the aisle, Julia’s countenance was absolutely
radiant.
Craven (adjective) – Meaning: cowardly; Synonyms: cowardly, gutless, spineless, weak, timorous, fearful, pusillanimous
(formal), lily-livered (literary); Antonyms: bold, brave, daring, courageous, intrepid, audacious, gallant (literary), valiant,
unflinching, confident, forward, brash, self-assured, impudent, bold-faced; Example Sentence: “This craven act of
violence will not go unpunished,” remarked the police chief.
Credulous (adjective) – Meaning: gullible, too willing to believe things; Synonyms: gullible, naive, trusting, imprudent
(formal), unsuspecting, innocent, uncritical, naive; Antonyms: shrewd, astute, sharp, on the ball (informal), smart,
perceptive, discerning, insightful, wise, clever, intelligent, cunning, crafty, sharp-witted, canny, sensible, accurate,
judicious, suspicious; Example Sentence: All the tables, graphs, and charts made the company’s assets look too good to
the credulous potential investors at the meeting.
Daunt (verb) – Meaning: to intimidate, to make afraid or discouraged. Synonyms: put off, deter, discourage, intimidate,
scare, frighten, overwhelm, dishearten, overawe, unnerve, unman, dismay, faze, subdue; Antonym: encourage, inspire,
hearten, cheer, raise your spirits, buoy up, reassure, boost, embolden; Example Sentence: Members of the opposing
team were trying to daunt the home team by yelling loudly and beating their chests.
De facto (adjective) – Meaning: in reality or fact; actual; Synonyms: Synonyms: actual, genuine, effective, existing, real;
Example Sentence: Though there was a ceremonial head of government, General Ashtononi was the de facto leader of
the country.
Debacle (noun) – Meaning: 1. a sudden disaster or collapse; a total defeat or failure 2. a sudden breaking up or breaking
loose; violent flood waters, often caused by the breaking up of ice in a river; Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, fiasco,
shambles, tragedy, calamity, misfortune, farce; Antonym: success; Example Sentence: Putting the bridge’s supporting
beams in loose sand caused a total debacle when the sand shifted and the bridge fell apart.
Decimate (verb) – Meaning: to destroy a large portion of; Synonyms: destroy, devastate, annihilate, ruin, cut a swath
through, slaughter, lay waste, demolish, cut down; Example Sentence: Neglect and time would eventually decimate
much of the housing in the inner cities.
Decorum (noun) – Meaning: appropriateness of behavior, propriety; decency in manners and conduct; Synonyms:
dignity, good behavior, propriety, modesty, sedateness, correctness, appropriateness, demureness, politesse, restraint,
politeness, tact, gentility; Antonym: abandon; Example Sentence: When questions concerning decorum arise, I always
refer to Emily Post.
Deign (verb) – Meaning: to condescend, to be kind or gracious enough to do something thought to be beneath
one’s dignity; Synonyms: condescend, lower yourself, stoop, consent, agree, force yourself, demean yourself, patronize,
humiliate, talk down, look down on, disdain; Antonym: respect; Example Sentence: Would you deign to spare a dime for
a poor old beggar like me?
Delineate (verb) – Meaning: to draw or outline, sketch; to portray, depict, describe; Synonyms: outline, delimit (formal),
mark out, demarcate, define, allocate, set, describe, explain, portray, present, set out; Example Sentence: The survey will
clearly delineate where their property ends.
Demagogue (noun) – Meaning: a leader who obtains power by appealing to people’s feelings and prejudices rather than
by reasoning; Synonyms: firebrand, agitator, manipulator, crowd pleaser, haranguer, orator, tub-thumper (informal),
troublemaker, hothead, stirrer (UK, informal), revolutionary; Example Sentence: Hilter was the most infamous
demagogue of the twentieth century.
Demur (verb) – Meaning: to raise objections, hesitate; Synonyms: object, protest, raise objections, balk, express doubts,
doubt, be reluctant, jib; Antonym: agree; Example Sentence: Polly hated to demur, but she didn’t think adding ten cloves
of garlic to the recipe would make it taste good.
Demure (adjective) – Meaning: modest and shy, or pretending to be so; Synonyms (1): modest, sedate, decorous,
reserved, shy, retiring, diffident, bashful; Antonym (1): bold; Synonyms (2): prim, coy, prudish (disapproving), strait-
laced; Antonym (2): pert; Example Sentence: When it was to her advantage, Sharon could be very demure, but otherwise
she was quite outgoing.
Denigrate (verb) – Meaning: to blacken the reputation of, disparage, defame; Synonyms (1): disparage, pour scorn on,
vilify, put down (informal), degrade, belittle, malign, depreciate; Antonym (1): glorify; Synonyms (2): defame, slander,
libel, abuse, stigmatize, insult; Antonym (2): praise; Example Sentence: The movie script reportedly contained scenes that
would denigrate the Queen, so those scenes were removed.
Denouement (noun) – Meaning: the resolution or clearing up of the plot at the end of a narrative; the outcome or
solution of an often complex series of events; Synonyms: ending, end, finale, conclusion, termination, finish; Antonym:
opening; Example Sentence: The students sat at the edge of their seats as they listened to the denouement of the story.
Deprecate (verb) – Meaning: to express disapproval of; to belittle, depreciate; Synonyms: condemn, denounce, deplore,
criticize, censure, denigrate, disapprove, decry (formal), belittle; Antonym: approve; Example Sentence: Grandpa’s
tendency to deprecate the children’s friends was a frequent source of family strife.
Derisive (adjective) – Meaning: scornful, expressing ridicule; mocking, jeering; Synonyms: mocking, scathing, sarcastic,
irreverent, contemptuous, scornful, disdainful, cynical, sardonic; Antonym: admiring; Example Sentence: In order to
promote freedom of expression, derisive comments were forbidden in the classroom.
Derivative (adjective) – Meaning: derived from another source, unoriginal; Synonyms: imitative, unoriginal, copied,
plagiaristic, derived; Antonym: original; Example Sentence: The word “atomic” is a derivative of the word “atom.”
Desecrate (verb) – Meaning: to violate the sacredness of, to profane; Synonyms: defile, vandalize, insult, violate,
outrage, lay waste to, damage, commit sacrilege against, blaspheme; Antonym: consecrate, sanctify, bless, set apart,
hallow, dedicate, devote; Example Sentence: Someone desecrated the local cemetery by spray-painting graffiti on
tombstones.
Desultory (adjective) – Meaning: aimless, haphazard; moving from one subject to another without logical connection;
Synonyms: aimless, casual, random, unfocused, haphazard, erratic, indiscriminate; Antonym: methodical; Example
Sentence: The family became concerned listening to Steven’s desultory ramblings.
Dichotomy (noun) – Meaning: division into two usually contradictory parts or kinds; Synonyms: contrast, opposition,
irreconcilable difference, gulf, contradiction, separation, clash; antonym: harmony; Example Sentence: When the
teacher broached the subject of the election, there was a predictable dichotomy among the students.
Diffident (adjective) – Meaning:lacking self-confidence, shy and timid; Synonyms: shy, hesitant, insecure, timid, reticent,
unobtrusive, reserved, self-effacing, retiring, quiet; Antonyms: brash, loud, garish, vulgar, gaudy, bright, tasteless,
trashy; Example Sentence: Alan’s diffident nature is often misinterpreted as arrogance.
Dilatory (adjective) – Meaning: slow or late in doing something; intended to delay, especially to gain time; Synonyms:
slow, tardy, late, remiss, behindhand, slack, problem, negligent, lazy, lagging, dragging, flagging, laggard, slow-paced,
slow-going; Antonyms: prompt, punctual, on time, at the appointed time, without delay, timely; Example Sentence:
Resentful for having to work the holiday, Miguel’s dilatory approach to getting himself up and dressed was his own small
act of passive resistance.
Disabuse (verb) – Meaning: to undeceive, correct a false impression or erroneous belief; Synonyms: persuade out of,
disillusion, enlighten, set straight, shatter somebody's illusions, correct, deprive; Example Sentence: Natalie needed
to disabuse Chin of his belief that she was in love with him.
Disconcert (verb) – Meaning: 1. to upset the composure of, ruffle 2. to frustrate plans by throwing into disorder;
Synonyms (1): unsettle, perturb, discompose (formal), discomfit (formal), rattle, fluster, unnerve, discombobulate
(informal), throw (informal), take aback; Antonym (1): relax; Synonyms (2): worry, disturb, upset, disconcert, unnerve,
perturb, disquiet (archaic or literary), bother, fluster; Antonyms (2): unwind, calm down, slow down, let go, loosen up,
lighten up (informal), settle down; Example Sentence: The arrival of Miriam’s ex-husband and his new wife managed to
disconcert the typically unflappable Miriam.
Disconsolate (adjective) – Meaning: 1. sad, dejected, disappointed 2. inconsolable, hopelessly unhappy; Synonyms:
unhappy, dejected, gloomy, melancholy, sad, discontent, unsatisfied, miserable; Antonym: content, gratified, happy,
satisfied, contented, pleased, comfortable, at ease, relaxed; Example Sentence: The disconsolate look on Peter’s face
revealed that the letter contained bad news.
Disenfranchise (verb) – Meaning: to deprive of the rights of citizenship, especially the right to vote; Synonyms:
marginalize, exclude, alienate, subjugate, disqualify; Antonyms: enfranchise, give somebody the vote, empower,
emancipate, liberate, naturalize; Example Sentence: The independent monitors were at polling locations to ensure
neither party tried to disenfranchise incoming voters.
Disingenuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. insincere, calculating; not straightforward or frank 2. Falsely pretending to be
unaware; Synonyms: dishonest, insincere, untruthful, deceitful, hypocritical, misleading, duplicitous; Antonyms: honest,
upright, trustworthy, moral, good, decent, law-abiding, reliable, scrupulous, honorable; Example Sentence: Carl’s
disingenuous comments were not taken seriously by anyone in the room.
Disparage (verb) – Meaning: to speak of in a slighting or derogatory way, belittle; Synonyms: belittle, laugh at, mock,
ridicule, pour scorn on, sneer, criticize, vilify, denigrate, run down, deride, scorn; Antonym: praise, admiration,
commendation, approval, acclaim, tribute, applause, compliment, recommendation; Example Sentence: Comedians
often disparage politicians as part of their comedic routines.
Dissemble (verb) – Meaning: to disguise or conceal one’s true feelings or motives behind a false appearance; Synonyms
(1): mislead, pretend, act, put on an act, play-act (informal), dissimulate (formal), feign; Synonyms (2): give the wrong
impression, misinform, deceive, lie, hoodwink, delude, take in, lead on, misrepresent, distort, fabricate, bamboozle
(informal); Example Sentence: Tom needed to dissemble his desire for his boss’s job by acting supportive of her planned
job change.
Dissuade (verb) – Meaning: to discourage from or persuade against a course of action; Synonyms: deter, put off,
discourage, advise against, persuade against, talk out of; Antonym: persuade; Example Sentence: I tried to dissuade
them from painting their house purple, but they didn’t listen.
Dither (verb) – Meaning: 1. to hesitate, be indecisive and uncertain 2. to shake or quiver; Synonyms: hesitate, dally,
dawdle, waste time, vacillate, waver, shilly-shally; Example Sentence: During a crisis, it is important to have a leader who
will not dither.
Dogma (noun) – Meaning: a system of principles or beliefs, a prescribed doctrine; Synonyms: creed, doctrine,
philosophy, canon, belief, view, tenets (formal), code; Example Sentence: Some find the dogma inherent in religion a
comfort, whereas others find it too restrictive.
Dogmatic (adjective) – Meaning: 1. asserting something in a positive, absolute, arrogant way 2. of or relating to dogma;
Synonyms: rigid, inflexible, unbending, strict, intransigent, narrow, doctrinaire, fixed; Antonyms: flexible, adaptable,
accommodating, variable, compliant, open, acquiescent, tractable, amenable, malleable, docile; Example Sentence: His
dogmatic style of conversation was not very popular with his young students.
Dross (noun) – Meaning: 1. waste product, sludge 2. something worthless, commonplace, or trivial; Synonyms: rubbish,
trash, garbage, scum, waste, junk (informal); Example Sentence: Work crews immediately began the task of cleaning the
dross at the abandoned plastics factory.
Dulcet (dul·sit) adj. melodious, harmonious, sweet-sounding; Synonyms: melodic, melodious, honeyed, soothing,
pleasant, soft; Antonyms: harsh, severe, bleak, austere, inhospitable, stark, bitter; Example Sentence: The chamber
orchestra’s dulcet tunes were a perfect ending to a great evening.
Ebullient (adjective) – Meaning: bubbling over with enthusiasm, exuberant; Synonyms: jovial, enthusiastic, cheerful,
bright, jolly, lively, happy, bouncy; Antonym: lugubrious, sad, mournful, gloomy, depressing, doleful, melancholic,
somber, cheerless, miserable, dismal, morose; Example Sentence: The ebullient children were waiting to stick their hands
into the grab bag and pull out a toy.
Éclat (noun) – Meaning: 1. A conspicuous success; great acclaim or applause 2. brilliant success 3. ostentatious display;
brilliant performance or achievement; Synonyms: flashy, affected, showy, brazen, flamboyant, grandiose, pretentious;
Antonym: modest; Example Sentence: Even the ruinous deceit of the envious Salieri could not impede the dazzling éclat
of the young and gifted Mozart.
Edifying (adjective) – Meaning: enlightening or uplifting with the aim of improving intellectual or moral development;
instructing, improving; Synonyms: educational, informative, illuminating, instructive, scholastic, enlightening; Example
Sentence: His edifying sermon challenged the congregation to devote more time to charitable causes.
Efficacious (adjective) – Meaning: acting effectively, producing the desired effect or result; Synonyms: effective,
efficient, effectual, successful, useful, worthwhile, valuable; Example Sentence: Margaret’s efficacious approach to her
job in the collections department made her a favorite with the CFO.
Effrontery (noun) – Meaning: brazen boldness, impudence, insolence; Synonyms: impudence, nerve, cheek (informal),
cheekiness (UK, informal), boldness, arrogance, chutzpah (informal), brashness, shamelessness; Example Sentence: The
customs officials were infuriated by the effrontery of the man who nonchalantly carried drugs into the country in his shirt
pocket.
Effusive (adjective) – Meaning: expressing emotions in an unrestrained or excessive way; profuse, overflowing, gushy;
Synonyms: gushing, demonstrative, fulsome, vociferous, lavish, gushy, unrestrained, expansive, extravagant,
unreserved, ebullient, profuse; Antonym: reserved; Example Sentence: Anne’s unexpectedly effusive greeting made
Tammy uncomfortable.
Egalitarian (adjective) – Meaning: characterized by or affirming the principle of equal political, social, civil, and economic
rights for all persons; Synonyms: classless, equal, free, democratic, equal opportunities, open, unrestricted; Antonym:
class-conscious; Example Sentence: Hannah was moved by the candidate’s egalitarian speech.
Eke (verb) – Meaning: to get or supplement with great effort or strain; to earn or accomplish laboriously; Synonyms (1):
eke out, make sth last, use sparingly, make a little go a long way, draw out, drag out, make sth go further, stretch, spin
out; Antonyms (1): squander, waste, spend, throw away, fritter away, dissipate, misuse, lavish, consume; Synonyms (2):
supplement, complement, add to, pad out, make up, increase, extend, stretch out, addition, extra, complement,
enhancement, increase, increment, add-on, appendage, addendum, adjunct, extension, insertion, annex; Antonyms (2):
diminish, reduce, lessen, make smaller, weaken, moderate, contract; Synonyms (3): scrape, scratch, scrape together,
scratch out, make, earn, scrimp, manage, get by, predicament, jam (informal), fix (informal), pickle (informal), plight,
problem, difficulty, quandary, jam (informal), mess, dilemma, tight spot, tight corner, pickle (informal), fix (informal);
Example Sentence: Working two jobs enabled Quincy to eke out a living wage for his family.
Élan (noun) – Meaning: 1. vivacity, enthusiasm, vigor 2. distinctive style or flair; Synonyms: panache, verve, vivacity, flair,
brio (literary), dash, style, flamboyance, confidence, spirit, elegance, ostentation (disapproving), showiness, flashiness,
gaudiness, splendor, luridness, glitziness, grandiosity, loudness, colorfulness, pretension, display, affectation,
brazenness, vulgarity; Example Sentence: The new designer’s élan and originality was sure to help him succeed in the
highly competitive fashion industry.
Elite (noun) – Meaning: 1. the best or most skilled members of a social group or class 2. a person or group regarded
as superior; Synonyms: choice, best, select, leading, top, exclusive, extraordinary; Antonyms: run-of-the-mill, mediocre,
ordinary, middling, average, undistinguished, basic, unremarkable, commonplace, no-frills (informal), everyday, plain,
mundane, regular, common or garden; Example Sentence: Within the student orchestra, there existed a small group of
musical elite who performed around the country.
Eloquent (adjective) – Meaning: expressing strong emotions or arguments in a powerful, fluent, and persuasive manner;
Synonyms: expressive, fluent, articulate, persuasive, stirring, powerful, moving; Antonym: inarticulate, tongue-tied,
incoherent, mumbling, hesitant, faltering, speechless, stuttering, stammering, stumbling, clumsy, awkward; Example
Sentence: Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is considered one of the most eloquent speeches ever given
by a U.S. president.
Eminent (adjective) – Meaning: towering above or more prominent than others, lofty; standing above others in quality,
character, reputation, etc.; distinguished; Synonyms: well-known, renowned, important, distinguished, famous,
celebrated, prominent, outstanding; Antonym: unknown; Example Sentence: The chairperson proudly announced that
the keynote speaker at the animal rights convention would be the eminent primatologist Jane Goodall.
Empirical (adjective) – Meaning: based on observation or experience rather than theory; Synonyms: experiential,
experimental, observed, pragmatic, practical, realistic, firsthand; Antonym: theoretical; Example Sentence: Frank’s
empirical data suggested that mice would climb over the walls of the maze to get to the cheese rather than navigate the
maze itself.
Enclave (noun) – Meaning: a distinct territory lying wholly within the boundaries of another, larger territory; Synonyms
(1): reserve, territory, commune, area, district, ghetto, region; Synonyms (2): group, community, class, clan (informal),
clique; Example Sentence: The country of Lesotho is an enclave of South Africa.
Endemic (adjective) – Meaning: 1. prevalent in or characteristic of a specific area or group of people 2. native
to a particular region; Synonyms (1): plague, outbreak, endemic, scourge, contagion, pandemic; Synonyms (2): spate,
wave, rash, craze, increase, rise; Antonym: decrease; Example Sentence: Kudzu, a hairy, purple-flowered vine thought to
be endemic to the southeastern United States, was actually imported from Japan.
Enervate (verb) – Meaning: to weaken, deprive of strength or vitality; to make feeble or impotent; Synonyms: weaken,
debilitate, sap your strength, drain, fatigue, exhaust, undermine, weary, wear out, deplete, devitalize (formal), enfeeble,
tire; Antonyms: invigorate, refresh, revitalize, stimulate, enliven, energize, animate, rejuvenate, strengthen, liven up,
galvanize, exhilarate, fortify, quicken; Example Sentence: Stephanie’s cutting remarks managed to enervate Hasaan.
Engender (verb) – Meaning: to produce, give rise to, bring into existence; Synonyms (1): produce, cause, create, bring
about, stimulate, provoke, prompt; Synonyms (2): beget, give birth to, generate, propagate, spawn; Example Sentence:
Professor Sorenson’s support worked to engender Samantha’s desire to pursue a Ph.D.
Enigma (noun) – Meaning: 1. something that is puzzling or difficult to understand; a perplexing or inexplicable thing that
cannot be explained 2. a baffling problem or difficult riddle; Synonyms (1): paradox, conundrum, problem, mystery,
riddle, puzzle, question, perplexity; Synonyms (2): inconsistency, absurdity, irony, contradiction, contradiction in terms,
oxymoron, puzzle; Example Sentence: How Winston came to be the president of this organization is a true enigma.
Enormity (noun) – Meaning: 1. excessive wickedness 2. a monstrous offense or evil act, atrocity. (Note: Enormity is often
used to indicate something of great size (e.g., the enormity of the task), but this is considered an incorrect use of the
word.); Synonyms (1): atrociousness, horror, heinousness, nefariousness, monstrousness, wickedness, flagrancy;
Antonym (1): goodness; Synonyms (2): atrocity, abomination, outrage, evil, horror, crime; Antonym (2): kindness;
Synonyms (3): size, extent, scale, vastness, immensity, hugeness, magnitude Example Sentence: The enormity of Jeffery
Dahmer’s crimes will never be forgotten.
Ephemeral (adjective) – Meaning: lasting only a very short time, transitory; Synonyms: short-lived, transient, passing,
fleeting, brief, momentary, temporary, transitory, evanescent; Antonym: lasting; Example Sentence: Numerous
ephemeral ponds and pools can be found in the desert during the rainy season.
Epicurean (noun) – Meaning: a person devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and luxury, especially the enjoyment of good
food and comfort; Synonyms (1): gourmet, hedonistic, decadent, pleasure-seeking, pleasure-loving, sensualist; Antonym:
Spartan; Synonyms (2): gastronomic, foodie (informal), gourmet, gourmand, connoisseur, decadent; Example Sentence:
While on vacation at a posh resort hotel, Joan became a true epicurean.
Epitome (noun) – Meaning: 1. something or someone that embodies a particular quality or characteristic, a
representative example or a typical model 2. a brief summary or abstract; Synonyms (1): essence, personification,
embodiment, height, quintessence, archetype; Antonyms: antithesis, opposite, direct opposite, exact opposite, contrast,
converse, reverse, opposition; Synonyms (2): spirit, core, heart, crux, kernel, soul, quintessence, principle, substance,
lifeblood; Synonyms (3): concentrate, extract, tincture, distillate, concentration, distillation; Example Sentence: With his
ten-gallon hat, western shirt, and rugged jeans, Alex was the epitome of the American cowboy.
Equanimity (noun) – Meaning: calmness of temperament, even-temperedness; patience and composure, especially
under stressful circumstances; Synonyms (1): composure, calmness, level-headedness, equability, self-control, poise,
stability; Antonyms (1): volatility, instability, unpredictability, precariousness, hot-bloodedness, explosiveness,
impulsiveness, capriciousness; Synonyms (2): serenity, self-possession, tranquillity; Antonyms (2): agitation, anxiety,
worry, nervousness, tension, distress, excitement; Example Sentence: The hostage negotiator’s equanimity during the
standoff was remarkable.
Equivocate (verb) – Meaning: to use unclear or ambiguous language in order to mislead or conceal the truth; Synonyms:
prevaricate, beat around the bush, vacillate, quibble, be evasive, fudge (informal); Antonym: speak your mind; Example
Sentence: Raj tried to equivocate when explaining why he came home after his curfew.
Eradicate (verb) – Meaning: to root out and utterly destroy; to annihilate, exterminate; Synonyms: eliminate, get rid of,
wipe out (informal), destroy, exterminate, do away with, stamp out, remove; Antonyms: introduce, present, familiarize,
make known to, announce, acquaint with, bring together; Example Sentence: The exterminator said he would eradicate
the vermin from the house.
Erratic (adjective) – Meaning: 1. moving or behaving in an irregular, uneven, or inconsistent manner 2. deviating from
the normal or typical course of action, opinion, etc.; Synonyms: unpredictable, unreliable, inconsistent, irregular,
changeable, intermittent, uneven, fitful, variable; Antonyms: consistent, coherent, uniform, even, harmonious; Example
Sentence: During an earthquake, a seismograph’s needle moves in an erratic manner.
Erudite (adjective) – Meaning: having or showing great learning; profoundly educated, scholarly; Synonyms: learned,
scholarly, knowledgeable, well-educated, well-read, cultured, intellectual, bookish, literary, academic, studious,
educated; Antonyms: uneducated, unschooled, untaught, ignorant, uninformed, untutored, unqualified, illiterate;
Example Sentence: The scholarly work of nonfiction was obviously written by an erudite young author.
Ethos (noun) – Meaning: the spirit, attitude, disposition or beliefs characteristic of a community, epoch, region,
etc.; Synonyms: philosophy, beliefs, character, code, attitude, tenet (formal), moral belief, spirit, principles; Example
Sentence: The ethos of their group included a commitment to pacifism.
Eulogy (noun) – Meaning: a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of someone or something; Synonyms: tribute,
acclamation, acclaim, exaltation (formal), praise, homage, panegyric (formal), encomium (formal); Antonyms: criticism,
censure, disapproval, reproach, disparagement, condemnation, denigration, blame, denunciation; Example Sentence:
Richard was asked to give a eulogy for his fallen comrade.
Euphoria (noun) – Meaning: a feeling of well-being or high spirits; Synonyms: elation, ecstasy, joy, jubilation, rapture,
excitement, exhilaration, bliss, exultation; Antonyms: despair, misery, desolation, hopelessness, anguish, gloom,
depression, despondency, dejection; Example Sentence: When falling in love, it is not uncommon to experience feelings
of euphoria.
Evince (verb) – Meaning: to show or demonstrate clearly; to make evident; Synonyms: show, demonstrate, make clear,
display, reveal, exhibit, manifest, demonstration, display, expression, illustration, confirmation, appearance, indication,
spectacle; Antonyms: conceal, hide, cover, cover up, secrete, screen, obscure, mask, disguise, camouflage; Example
Sentence: The safety officer tried to evince the dangers of driving under the influence by showing pictures of alcohol-
related automobile accidents.
Exacerbate (verb) – Meaning: to make worse; to increase the severity, violence, or bitterness of; Synonyms (1): make
worse, worsen, aggravate, impair, intensify; Antonym (1): soothe; Synonym (2): excite; Antonyms (2): calm, pacify, quiet,
mollify, appease, lull, relax, quieten; Example Sentence: We should have known that splashing salt water on Dan’s
wound would exacerbate his pain.
Exculpate (verb) – Meaning: to free from blame, to clear from a charge of guilt; Synonyms: free, let off, excuse, clear,
release, acquit, exonerate; Antonyms: arraign, accuse, impeach, prosecute, bring before the court, have up (UK,
informal); Example Sentence: When Anthony admitted to the crime, it served to exculpate Marcus.
Exigent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. urgent, requiring immediate action or attention, critical 2. requiring much
effort or precision, demanding; Synonyms (1): urgent, pressing, crucial, vital, important, necessary, needful, insistent,
earnest, importunate (formal), persuasive, pleading, beseeching (literary); Antonym (1): unimportant, insignificant,
inconsequential, slight, trivial, trifling, petty, minor, irrelevant, of no great concern, immaterial, negligible, no great
shakes; Synonyms (2): demanding, challenging, taxing, exacting, tough, testing, tricky, burdensome, difficult, arduous;
Antonym (2): easy, simple, trouble-free, straightforward, effortless, uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic,
painless; Example Sentence: The late-night call on Paul’s cell phone concerned matters of an exigent nature.
Exorbitant (adjective) – Meaning: greatly exceeding the bounds of what is normal or reasonable; inordinate and
excessive; Synonyms: excessive (disapproving), inflated, steep (informal), overpriced, ridiculous, extortionate,
unreasonable, outrageous, inordinate; Antonyms: reasonable, sensible, rational, judicious, practical, realistic, sound,
evenhanded, equitable (formal), intelligent, wise, logical, level-headed; Example Sentence: Three thousand dollars is an
exorbitant amount to pay for a scarf.
Expedient (adjective) – Meaning: 1. appropriate for a purpose, a suitable means to an end 2. serving to promote one’s
own interests rather than principle: Synonyms (1): convenient, practical, useful, beneficial, advantageous, self-serving,
politic, pragmatic, selfish; Antonyms (1): altruistic, unselfish, humane, selfless, philanthropic, noble, self-sacrificing;
Synonyms (2): fitting, suitable, appropriate, advisable, necessary, opportune; Antonyms (2): inappropriate, unsuitable,
unfitting, untimely, unfortunate, inapt, wrong, incorrect, incongruous, inapplicable, inapposite (formal), ill-chosen, ill-
timed, insensitive, misplaced, improper, tasteless, unseemly, tactless, unbecoming, unacceptable; Example Sentence: A
quick divorce was an expedient end to the couple’s two month marriage.
Expunge (verb) – Meaning: to wipe or rub out, delete; to eliminate completely, annihilate; Synonyms: wipe out
(informal), obliterate, purge, erase, delete, rub out, cross out, edit out, remove, cut, censor; Antonyms: insert,
supplement, pullout, addition, enclosure, inset, insertion, attachment; Example Sentence: After finishing probation,
juveniles can petition the courts to expunge their criminal records.
Extenuate (verb) – Meaning: to reduce the strength or lessen the seriousness of, to try to partially excuse; Synonyms:
mitigating, explanatory, justifying, moderating, palliative, qualifying; Antonyms: magnifying, telescopic, enlarging,
telephoto, zoom; Example Sentence: Fred claimed that extenuating circumstances forced him to commit forgery.
Facetious (adjective) – Meaning: humorous and witty, cleverly amusing; jocular, sportive; Synonyms (1): flippant, silly, ill-
timed, ill-judged, foolish, inappropriate, inane, glib, frivolous, offhand, glib, dismissive, flip (informal), superficial,
facetious, jokey, insouciant; Antonyms: earnest, solemn, grave, sober, intense, deep, serious, thoughtful, grave, solemn,
stern, somber, grim, severe, staid, sober, unsmiling, quiet, serious-minded, humorless; Synonyms (2): lighthearted,
playful, humorous, witty, droll, amusing, funny, comical, waggish (US, informal), jokey; Example Sentence: Ms. Weston’s
facetious remarks always made people laugh.
Fatuous (adjective) – Meaning: complacently stupid; feeble-minded and silly; Synonyms: unintelligent, silly, complacent,
unaware, childish, pointless, meaningless, foolish, stupid, inane; Antonyms: sensible, level-headed, sane, rational,
reasonable, shrewd, wise, sagacious (formal), prudent, judicious; Example Sentence: Since Sam was such an
intellectually accomplished student, Mr. Britt was surprised to discover that Sam’s well-meaning but fatuous parents
were not at all like him.
Feckless (adjective) – Meaning: 1. lacking purpose or vitality; feeble, weak 2. incompetent and ineffective, careless;
Synonyms (1): incompetent, good-for-nothing, useless, hopeless, spineless, feeble, weak, ineffective, worthless,
ineffectual, unreliable, irresponsible, aimless; Antonym: dynamic, active, go-ahead (informal), self-motivated, energetic,
vibrant, forceful, full of life, vigorous; Synonyms (2): sluggish, tired, weary, lackluster, lazy, languid, indolent, exhausted,
slow, dull, lifeless, listless; Example Sentence: Jake’s feckless performance led to his termination from the team.
Fecund (adjective) – Meaning: fertile; Synonyms: fertile, prolific, productive, fruitful, rich, teeming; Antonyms: infertile,
sterile, unproductive, barren, unfruitful, childless, arid, bare; Example Sentence: The fecund soil in the valley was able to
sustain the growing community.
Feign (verb) – Meaning: to pretend, to give the false appearance of; Synonyms: pretend, put on, fake, simulate, make-
believe, invented, affect, assume, sham, imaginary, made-up, false, fictitious; Antonyms: real, actual, physical, material,
factual, tangible, existent (formal); Example Sentence: Walter feigned illness to avoid attending the meeting.
Felicitous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. apt, suitably expressed, apropos 2. marked by good fortune; Synonyms (1):
appropriate, apt, suitable, apposite, well-chosen, fitting, relevant, pertinent, germane (formal); Antonyms (1): inapposite
(formal), unsuitable, out of place, inappropriate, inapt, unfitting, wrong, misplaced, misguided, irrelevant, inapplicable;
Synonyms (2): fortunate, lucky, fortuitous, timely, happy, blessed, joyous, propitious; Antonyms (2): unfortunate,
disastrous, calamitous, doomed, hopeless, fateful, ruinous; Example Sentence: The felicitous turn of events during her
promotional tour propelled Susan’s book to the bestseller list.
Fervent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. having or showing great emotion; ardent, zealous 2. extremely hot, burning;
Synonyms: keen, avid, ardent, eager, enthusiastic, passionate, zealous, fanatical, impassioned, burning, intense,
vehement, heated, concerned; Antonyms: indifferent, uncaring, uninterested, unresponsive, apathetic, unsympathetic,
unconcerned, unmoved, cold, cool; Example Sentence: Norman had a fervent belief that aliens had already landed on
earth.
Fervor (noun) – Meaning: zeal, ardor, intense emotion; Synonyms: passion, dedication, enthusiasm, eagerness, zeal,
commitment, feeling, vehemence, intensity, ardor; Antonyms: indifference, apathy, coldness, coolness, unconcern,
disinterest, uninterest; Example Sentence: The fervor of the fans in the stands helped propel the team to victory.
Fetter (verb) – Meaning: 1. to shackle, put in chains 2. to impede or restrict; Synonyms: shackle, bond, chain, yoke,
handcuff, irons, restraint; Example Sentence: The presence of two security guards fettered their plans to get backstage.
Flaccid (adjective) – Meaning: hanging loose or wrinkled; weak, flabby, not firm; Synonyms: limp, soft, flabby (informal),
drooping, sagging, loose, lax, slack, floppy, wilted, lifeless, wilting, bendy; Antonyms: firm, solid, hard, compact, rigid,
dense, stiff, unyielding; Example Sentence: The skin of cadavers becomes flaccid in a matter of hours.
Flippant (adjective) – Meaning: not showing proper seriousness; disrespectful, saucy; Synonyms: frivolous, offhand, glib,
dismissive, flip (informal), superficial, facetious, jokey, insouciant, playful, frolicsome, perky, lighthearted, dizzy
(informal), giddy (dated), silly; Antonyms: serious, thoughtful, grave, solemn, stern, somber, grim, severe, staid, sober,
unsmiling, quiet, serious-minded, humorless; Example Sentence: Ursula’s flippant remarks in front of her fiancé’s parents
were an embarrassment to us all.
Florid (adjective) – Meaning: 1. elaborate, ornate 2. (of complexion) ruddy, rosy; Synonyms (1): ornate, baroque,
elaborate, flowery, fancy, flamboyant, ostentatious (disapproving), showy, rococo, extravagant, decorative,
overelaborate, baroque, sumptuous, lavish, rich, ornamental, opulent; Antonyms (1): plain, basic, unadorned, pure,
bare, simple, natural, ordinary, normal, stark, everyday, austere, dull, commonplace; Synonyms (2): ruddy, red,
sanguine, rosy, heightened, blowzy (disapproving); Antonyms (2): pallid, pale, white, ashen, colorless, sallow, wan,
anemic, pasty; Example Sentence: The florid architecture in Venice did not appeal to me; I prefer buildings without so
much ornamentation.
Flout (verb) – Meaning: to disobey openly and scornfully; to reject, mock, go against (as in a tradition or convention);
Synonyms: disobey, break, ignore, defy, contravene, be in breach of, scorn, spurn, scoff; Antonyms: obey, submit, do as
you are told, follow, comply with, act upon, observe, abide by, conform, mind, defer to; Example Sentence: Flappers in
the early 20th century would flout convention by bobbing their hair and wearing very short skirts.
Forbearance (noun) – Meaning: patience, willingness to wait, tolerance; Synonyms: patience, self-control, restraint,
tolerance, moderation, leniency, mercy; Antonyms: impatience, annoyance, irritation, edginess, intolerance, pique,
displeasure, exasperation, touchiness, tetchiness (informal); Example Sentence: Gustaf dreaded the security check in the
airport, but he faced it with great forbearance because he knew it was for his own safety.
Forestall (verb) – Meaning: to prevent by taking action first, preempt; Synonyms (1): anticipate, foresee, expect,
envision, predict, forecast, project; Synonyms (2): prevent, preclude (formal), avert, preempt, obviate, hinder, thwart,
block; Example Sentence: The diplomat was able to forestall a conflict by holding secret meetings with both parties.
Forswear (verb) – Meaning: 1. to give up, renounce 2. to deny under oath; Synonyms (1): reject, renounce, abjure, give
up, disown, dissociate from; Antonyms (1): resort to, turn to, give in to, have recourse to, fall back on, avail yourself of,
employ, make use of, use; Synonyms (2): deny, disavow (formal), contradict, gainsay (formal), disclaim, swear, reject;
Antonyms (2): admit, confess, come clean (informal), make a clean breast, acknowledge, own up, disclose, declare,
state, concede, fess up (US, informal); Example Sentence: Natasha had to forswear her allegiance to her homeland in
order to become a citizen of the new country.
Frugal (adjective) – Meaning: 1. careful and economical, sparing, thrifty 2. costing little; Synonyms: thrifty, prudent,
sparing, careful, penny-wise, parsimonious, stingy, meager, economical, tight, penny-pinching (UK, informal), cautious,
parsimonious; Antonyms: profligate, wasteful, reckless, spendthrift, squandering, decadent, extravagant; Example
Sentence: My grandparents survived the Great Depression by being very frugal.
Fulminate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to issue a thunderous verbal attack, berate 2. to explode or detonate; Synonyms: rail,
rant and rave, rage, rant, thunder, criticize, bar, railing, handrail, banister, support, barrier, fence; Antonyms: praise,
admiration, commendation, approval, acclaim, tribute, applause, compliment, recommendation; Example Sentence:
The senator was prone to fulminating when other legislators questioned her ideology.
Fulsome (adjective) – Meaning: offensive due to excessiveness, especially excess flattery or praise; Synonyms: flattering,
excessive (disapproving), immoderate (formal), effusive, overgenerous, lavish, fawning, gratifying, pleasing, satisfying,
satisfactory, cheering, pleasurable; Antonyms: galling, annoying, irritating, infuriating, exasperating, maddening,
frustrating, vexing; Example Sentence: Her new coworker’s fulsome attention bothered Malinda.
Gainsay (verb) – Meaning: to deny, contradict, or declare false; to oppose; Synonyms: oppose, naysay, contradict, argue,
refute, deny, contravene, disaffirm (formal), negate (formal), dispute; Antonyms: agree, concur, be in agreement, see
eye to eye, coincide, subscribe; Example Sentence: Petra would gainsay all accusations made against her.
Gargantuan (adjective) – Meaning: gigantic, huge; Synonyms: huge, large, gigantic, enormous, vast, massive, colossal,
immense; Antonyms: tiny, minute, miniature, minuscule, small, little, petite, infinitesimal, teeny (informal), diminutive,
microscopic, insignificant; Example Sentence: It was a gargantuan supermarket for such a small town.
Garish (adjective) – Meaning: excessively bright or over decorated, gaudy; tastelessly showy; Synonyms: brash, bright,
loud, lurid, vulgar, tasteless, gaudy, showy, tawdry; Antonyms: tasteful, discerning, discriminating, sophisticated,
refined, stylish, classy (informal), aesthetic, attractive, elegant, chic, beautiful; Example Sentence: Though Susan thought
Las Vegas was garish, Emily thought it was perfectly beautiful.
Garrulous (adjective) – Meaning: talkative; Synonyms: talkative, chatty, voluble, effusive, loquacious (formal), verbose,
long-winded, gushing, gassy (informal), chattering, gaseous (informal); Antonyms: taciturn, reserved, uncommunicative,
reticent, silent, quiet, introverted, shy, distant, aloof; Example Sentence: Andrew had the unfortunate luck of being
seated next to a garrulous young woman for his 12-hour flight.
Genteel (adjective) - Meaning: elegantly polite, well-bred, refined; Synonyms (1): refined, proper, polite, courteous,
discreet, well-mannered, mannerly, civil, decorous; Antonyms (1): vulgar, rude, offensive, crude, bad, earthy, blue
(informal), improper, naughty (humorous), coarse; Synonyms (2): pretentious, snobbish, condescending, patronizing,
snooty (informal), affected, arrogant; Antonyms (2): modest, self-effacing, humble, discreet, unassuming, unpretentious,
reserved; Example Sentence: The genteel host made sure that each entrée was cooked to each guest’s specifications.
Gregarious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. seeking and enjoying the company of others, sociable 2. tending to form a group
with others of the same kind: Synonyms: outgoing, sociable, social, extrovert, extroverted, expressive, expansive,
unreserved, companionable, convivial; Antonyms: shy, introverted, retiring, withdrawn, timid, bashful, diffident,
inhibited, reticent, reserved, quiet, coy; Example Sentence: John was a gregarious fellow who always had fun at social
events.
Guffaw (noun) – Meaning: a noisy, coarse burst of laughter; Synonyms (1): chuckle, laugh, chortle, roar, belly laugh,
horselaugh; Synonyms (2): laughter, inward laughter, chortle, giggle, snigger, gurgle; Example Sentence: Michael let out
quite a guffaw when Jamal told him the outlandish joke.
Guile (noun) – Meaning: treacherous cunning; shrewd, crafty deceit; Synonyms (1): cunning, astuteness, treachery,
slyness, wiliness, craftiness, cleverness, deviousness, deceit, duplicity, trickiness, deceitfulness; Antonyms: frankness,
honesty, forthrightness, openness, bluntness, truthfulness, guilelessness, outspokenness, candor, sincerity; Synonyms
(2): insincerity, dishonesty, disingenuousness, hypocrisy, deceit, mendacity; Example Sentence: The most infamous
pirates displayed tremendous guile.
Hallow (verb) – Meaning: to make holy, consecrate; Synonyms: consecrate, sanctify, bless, deify, revere, respect, set
apart, dedicate, devote; Antonyms: desecrate, defile, vandalize, insult, violate, outrage, lay waste to, damage, commit
sacrilege against, blaspheme; Example Sentence: The religious leader proclaimed the new worship hall a hallowed space.
Hapless (adjective) – Meaning: unlucky, unfortunate; Synonyms: unfortunate, unlucky, luckless, ill-fated, wretched,
miserable, ill-starred (formal), star-crossed, doomed; Antonyms: fortunate, lucky, providential, happy, opportune,
auspicious, fortuitous; Example Sentence: The hapless circumstances of her journey resulted in lost luggage, missed
connections, and a very late arrival.
Harangue (noun) – Meaning: a long, often scolding or bombastic speech; a tirade; Synonyms: tirade, diatribe, criticism,
scolding, lecture, rant, address, jeremiad (literary), outburst, invective (formal), outpouring, upsurge, surge, eruption,
explosion, outbreak, burst, flare-up, gust, frenzy; Example Sentence: Members of the audience began to get restless
during the senator’s political harangue.
Harbinger (noun) – Meaning: a person, thing, or event that foreshadows or indicates what is to come; a forerunner or
precursor; Synonyms: forerunner, herald, portent, omen, indication, sign, foreshadowing, augury, precursor, forebear,
ancestor, antecedent, predecessor, forefather, grandparent; Example Sentence: The arrival of the robins is a harbinger
of spring.
Harrowing (adjective) – Meaning: distressing, creating great stress or torment; Synonyms: disturbing, upsetting,
traumatic, distressing, tormenting, vexing, dreadful, worrying, stressful, tense; Antonyms: relaxing, calming, soothing,
comforting, peaceful, tranquil; Example Sentence: The turbulent flight proved to be a harrowing experience for Jane.
Haughty (adjective) – Meaning: scornfully arrogant and condescending; acting as though one is superior and others
unworthy, disdainful; Synonyms: supercilious, proud, arrogant, snooty (informal), conceited, self-important, superior,
stuck-up (informal), self-aggrandizing, high and mighty, condescending, arrogant; Antonyms: humble, modest,
unassuming, retiring, meek, self-effacing, unpretentious, shy; Example Sentence: Stanley is so often haughty that he has
very few friends.
Hegemony (noun) – Meaning: predominant influence or leadership, especially of one government over others;
Synonyms: domination, control, supremacy, dominion, power, authority, power, control, command, authority,
dominion, dominance, supremacy, ascendancy, government, rule; Example Sentence: A military takeover in the
impoverished country secured the hegemony of the Centrist Party in its bid for power.
Hermetic (adjective) – Meaning: having an airtight closure; protected from outside influences; Synonyms: airtight,
enclosed, closed, sealed, hermetically sealed, hermetic, impermeable; Example Sentence: Astronauts go for space walks
only when wearing hermetic space suits.
Iconoclast (noun) – Meaning: 1. a person who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional ideas, beliefs, or institutions 2.
someone who opposes and destroys idols used in worship, somebody challenging tradition, destroyer of religious
images, heretic in Greek Orthodox Church; Synonyms: revolutionary, radical, free thinker, subversive, individualist,
reformer, rebel; Antonyms: conservative; Example Sentence: Using words as weapons, the well-spoken iconoclast
challenged religious hypocrisy and fanaticism wherever she found it.
Ignoble (adjective) – Meaning; 1. lacking nobility in character or purpose, dishonorable 2. not of the nobility, common;
Synonyms: dishonorable, shameful, immoral, despicable, dastardly, base, reprehensible, contemptible, shabby,
disgraceful, low; Antonyms: honorable, moral, decent, worthy, proper, upright, noble, good, fair, righteous, right,
ethical, principled; Example Sentence: Mark was an ignoble successor to such a well-respected leader, and many
members of the organization resigned.
Ignominious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. marked by shame or disgrace 2. deserving disgrace or shame; despicable;
Synonyms: humiliating, embarrassing, discomfiting (formal), shameful, disgraceful, reprehensible, dishonorable,
disreputable, discreditable, despicable, chastening, humbling, embarrassing, mortifying, shameful, demeaning,
degrading, crushing, dishonoring; Antonyms: honorable, moral, decent, worthy, proper, upright, noble, good, fair,
righteous, right, ethical, principled; Example Sentence: The evidence of plagiarism brought an ignominious end to what
had been a notable career for the talented young author.
Imbroglio (noun) – Meaning: a confused or difficult situation, usually involving disagreement; Synonyms: mess,
embarrassment, entanglement, complication, enmeshment, confusion, untidiness, muddle, chaos, clutter, jumble,
disorder, disarray, state (informal), tip, heap, tangle; Example Sentence: An imbroglio developed when the bus drivers
went on strike, leaving thousands of commuters stranded at the bus station with no way to get home.
Immolate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to kill, as a sacrifice 2. to kill (oneself) by fire 3. to destroy (one thing for another);
Synonyms (1): sacrifice, offer up, slaughter, make an offering of, kill, burn, protest, commit suicide; Synonyms (2): give
up, sacrifice, renounce, do without, forgo, relinquish; Example Sentence: It was a tragic end to the protester’s life when,
out of desperation, he decided to immolate himself in
public.
Impasse (noun) – Meaning: a deadlock, stalemate; a difficulty without a solution; Synonyms: stalemate, standoff,
deadlock, gridlock, bottleneck, dead end; Example Sentence: The labor negotiations with management reached an
impasse, and a strike seemed imminent.
Impassive (adjective) – Meaning: not showing or feeling emotion or pain; Synonyms: unemotional, emotionless, blank,
expressionless, inexpressive, poker-faced, unrevealing, deadpan, cool, aloof; Antonyms: expressive, animated, sensitive,
communicative, open, easy-to-read, dramatic, mobile; Example Sentence: It was hard to know what she was feeling by
looking at the impassive expression on her face.
Impecunious (adjective) – Meaning: having little or no money; poor, penniless; Synonyms: poor, impoverished,
penniless, struggling, deprived, underprivileged, disadvantaged, indigent (formal), broke (informal), strapped (informal),
hard up (informal), poverty-stricken, needy, cleaned out (informal), ruined, destitute, insolvent, bankrupt, badly off, on
the breadline, skint (UK, informal); Antonyms: wealthy, rich, well-off, well-to-do, well-heeled (informal), affluent,
prosperous, rolling in it (informal), flush (informal), loaded (slang), moneyed; Example Sentence: Many impecunious
immigrants to the United States eventually were able to make comfortable lives for themselves.
Imperialism (noun) – Meaning: the policy of extending the rule or authority of a nation or empire by acquiring other
territories or dependencies; Synonyms: expansionism, empire-building, colonialism, colonization, interventionism,
domination; Example Sentence: Great Britain embraced imperialism, acquiring so many territories that the sun never set
on the British Empire.
Imperious (adjective) – Meaning: overbearing, bossy, domineering; Synonyms: domineering, authoritative,
commanding, arrogant, haughty, high-handed, overbearing, bossy, superior, bossy, dominant, overbearing, officious,
authoritarian, forceful, dictatorial, assertive; Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming, retiring, meek, self-effacing,
unpretentious, shy; Example Sentence: Stella was relieved with her new job transfer because she would no longer be
under the control of such an imperious boss.
Impetuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. characterized by sudden, forceful energy or emotion; impulsive, unduly hasty and
without thought 2. marked by violent force; Synonyms (1): impulsive, rash, hasty, unthinking, sudden, reckless,
spontaneous, hotheaded; Antonyms: considered, careful, measured, well-thought-out, painstaking; Synonyms (2):
unwary, thoughtless, impetuous, imprudent (formal), precipitate, spontaneous, rash, brash, reckless, hasty,
irresponsible, offhand, madcap; Example Sentence: It was an impetuous decision to run off to Las Vegas and get married
after a one-week courtship.
Implacable (adjective) – Meaning: incapable of being placated or appeased; inexorable; Synonyms: pitiless, merciless,
relentless, ruthless, cruel, hardhearted, callous, rigid, unbending, unyielding, obdurate, cold-hearted; Antonyms: kind,
caring, nice, sympathetic, generous, gentle, thoughtful, compassionate, benevolent, kindhearted, humane, considerate,
benign, humanitarian, kindly, charitable; Example Sentence: Some of the people who call the customer service desk for
assistance are implacable, but most are relatively easy to serve.
Importune (verb) – Meaning: 1. to ask incessantly, make incessant requests 2. to beg persistently and
urgently; Synonyms (1): pester, bother, harass, plague, badger, annoy, beleaguer, pursue; Synonyms (2): annoy, harass,
worry, beleaguer, disturb, bedevil, tease, hector, hound, dog, nag, ride (informal), pick on; Antonym: delight; Example
Sentence: Children can’t help but importune during the holidays, constantly nagging for the irresistible toys they see
advertised on television.
Imprecation (noun) – Meaning: an invocation of evil, a curse; Synonyms (1): execration (literary or formal), oath, insult,
swearword, expletive, malediction (formal), curse; Synonyms (2): swearing, execration (literary or formal), cursing,
blasphemy, profanity, cussing (informal); Example Sentence: In the book I’m reading, the gypsy queen levies an
imprecation on the lead character.
Impudent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. boldly showing a lack of respect, insolent 2. Shamelessly forward, immodest;
Synonyms: bold, brazen, impertinent (formal), sassy, insolent, rude, disrespectful, impolite, presumptuous, ill-mannered,
mouthy (informal), cheeky (UK, informal); Antonyms: respectful, deferential, reverential, reverent, humble, dutiful,
admiring, polite, submissive, courteous, obsequious; Example Sentence: Thumbing his nose at the principal was an
impudent act.
Impute (verb) – Meaning: to attribute to a cause or source, ascribe, credit, attribute bad action to somebody, attribute
bad quality to somebody; Synonyms (1): credit, chalk up, attribute, ascribe (formal), assign, accredit, praise, recognition,
thanks, acclaim, glory, acknowledgment, tribute; Synonyms (2): complain, charge, accuse, implicate, allege, assert,
challenge, cite; Example Sentence: Doctors impute the reduction in cancer deaths to the nationwide decrease in cigarette
smoking.
Incendiary (adjective) – Meaning: 1. causing or capable of causing fire; burning readily 2. of or involving arson 3. tending
to incite or inflame, inflammatory; Synonyms (1): combustible, flammable, inflammable; Synonyms (2): inflammatory,
provocative, rabble-rousing (disapproving), aggressive, stirring, rousing; Antonyms: conciliatory, appeasing,
peacemaking, pacifying, assuaging, mollifying; Example Sentence: Fire marshals checked for incendiary devices in the
theater after they received an anonymous warning.
Inchoate (adjective) – Meaning: 1. just begun; in an initial or early stage of development, incipient 2. not yet fully
formed, undeveloped, incomplete; Synonyms: undeveloped, incipient, immature, beginning, starting, budding,
developing, emergent, early, embryonic; Antonyms: mature, established, developed, settled, matured, complete,
advanced; Example Sentence: During the inchoate stage of fetal growth, it is difficult to distinguish between a cow, a
frog, and a human; as they mature, the developing embryos take on the characteristics of their own particular species.
Incredulous (adjective) – Meaning: skeptical, unwilling to believe. (Note: Do not confuse with incredible, meaning
“implausible or beyond belief.”); Synonyms: disbelieving, skeptical, unbelieving, doubtful, doubting, unconvinced,
suspicious, suspicious, distrustful; Antonyms: convinced, persuaded, influenced, swayed, won over, converted, induced;
Example Sentence: The members of the jury were incredulous when they heard the defendant’s farfetched explanation of
the crime.
Incursion (noun) – Meaning: a raid or temporary invasion of someone else’s territory; the act of entering or running into
a territory or domain; Synonyms (1): raid, night raid, attack, sortie, invasion, foray; Antonyms: retreat, departure,
withdrawal, flight, evacuation; Synonyms (2): intrusion, spread, infiltration, movement, arrival, inroad; Example
Sentence: There was an incursion on the western border of their country.
Indefatigable (adjective) – Meaning: not easily exhausted or fatigued; tireless; Synonyms: untiring, unflagging,
unrelenting, remorseless, unfaltering, inexorable (formal), dogged, determined, tireless, determined, dogged,
indefatigable, constant, steady, persistent, patient; Antonyms: half-hearted, unenthusiastic, perfunctory, lukewarm,
indifferent, lackadaisical, reluctant, unwilling, feeble, weak, spiritless, uninterested; Example Sentence: The
indefatigability of the suffragette movement led to the passage of the 20th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right
to vote.
Indolent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. lazy, lethargic, inclined to avoid labor 2. causing little or no pain; slow to grow or heal;
Synonyms: lazy, lethargic, idle, sluggish, slothful (formal), apathetic, laid-back (informal), torpid, lax, languid, sluggish,
tired, weary, lackluster, lazy, languid, indolent, exhausted, slow, dull, lifeless, listless; Antonyms: energetic, active,
bouncing, peppy (informal), animated, spirited, robust, enthusiastic, lively, vigorous, brisk, full of beans (informal),
bouncy; Example Sentence: Iris’s indolent attitude did not bode well for her professional future.
Indomitable (adjective) – Meaning: not able to be vanquished or overcome, unconquerable; not easily discouraged or
subdued; Synonyms: unconquerable, strong, resolute, determined, stubborn, doughty (literary), invincible, tough,
spirited, steadfast, staunch, unbeatable, unassailable, unattainable, insurmountable, undefeated, impregnable;
Antonyms: submissive, obedient, passive, compliant, acquiescent, subservient, docile, meek, dutiful, tractable,
deferential, accommodating; Example Sentence: The indomitable spirit of the Olympic athletes was inspirational.
Ineluctable (adjective) – Meaning: certain, inevitable; not to be avoided or overcome; Synonyms: unavoidable,
inescapable, inexorable (formal), inevitable, unpreventable, certain, sure; Antonyms: avoidable, preventable,
unnecessary, needless, stoppable; Example Sentence: The ineluctable outcome of the two-person race was that there
would be one winner and one loser.
Infidel (noun) – Meaning: 1. a person with no religious beliefs 2. a nonbeliever, one who does not accept a particular
religion, doctrine, or system of beliefs; Synonyms: unfaithfulness, faithlessness, disloyalty, betrayal, adultery, cheating,
perfidy (literary), infidelity, falseness, treachery, deceitfulness; Antonyms: faithfulness, loyalty, devotion, dependability,
reliability, fidelity, constancy, staunchness; Example Sentence: Because Tom had been raised with strict religious beliefs,
it was no surprise that he was viewed as a heathen and an infidel by his family when he refused to be married in the
church.
Ingenuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. not cunning or deceitful, unable to mask feelings; artless, frank, sincere 2. lacking
sophistication or worldliness. (Note: Do not confuse with ingenious, meaning “remarkably clever.”); Synonyms (1):
innocent, unworldly, artless, unsophisticated, gullible, inexperienced, naive, trusting, simple, open; Antonyms (1): artful,
cunning, crafty, devious, sly, deceitful, wily, sneaky; Synonyms (2): honest, direct, frank, open, straightforward, sincere,
candid; Antonyms (2): dishonest, lying, deceitful, false, untruthful, fraudulent, corrupt, unfair, insincere, mendacious,
underhand, misleading; Example Sentence: Don’s expression of regret was ingenuous, for even though he didn’t know
her well, he felt a deep sadness when Mary died.
Inimitable (adjective) – Meaning: defying imitation, unmatchable; Synonyms: unique, matchless, unmatched,
incomparable, one and only, peerless, one-off; Antonyms: common, shared, mutual, joint, public, for all, communal,
collective, conjoint, corporate; Example Sentence: His performance on the tennis court was inimitable, and he won three
championships.
Inscrutable (adjective) – Meaning: baffling, unfathomable, incapable of being understood; Synonyms: enigmatic, sphinx-
like, unfathomable, mysterious, impenetrable, unreadable, indecipherable, unknowable, inexplicable, incomprehensible,
mysterious, unknowable, inscrutable, puzzling, unfathomable, perplexing, inexplicable; Antonyms: transparent,
straightforward, translucent, crystal clear, see-through, clear; Example Sentence: It was completely inscrutable how the
escape artist got out of the trunk.
Insolent (adjective) – Meaning: haughty and contemptuous; brazen, disrespectful, impertinent; Synonyms: impudent,
impertinent (formal), rude, audacious, disrespectful, cheeky (UK, informal), brazen; Antonyms: respectful, deferential,
reverential, reverent, humble, dutiful, admiring, polite, submissive, courteous, obsequious; Example Sentence: Parents
of teenagers often observe the insolent behavior that typically accompanies adolescence.
Insouciant (adjective) – Meaning: unconcerned, carefree, indifferent; Synonyms: unpremeditated, unplanned, chance,
unintentional, unintended, unexpected, off-the-cuff, spontaneous, impulsive, spur-of-the-moment, sudden, accidental,
inadvertent; Antonyms: premeditated, planned, deliberate, intentional, calculated, thought-out, intended, conscious,
studied; Example Sentence: Wendy’s insouciant attitude toward her future concerned her father, who expected her to go
to college.
Interdict (verb) – Meaning: to prohibit, forbid; Synonyms: order, court order, ban, prohibition, veto, injunction,
restraining order, exclusion order, embargo, sanction, proscription (formal), restriction; Example Sentence: Carlos
argued that the agriculture department should interdict plans to produce genetically modified foods.
Intractable (adjective) – Meaning: unmanageable, unruly, stubborn; Synonyms (1): stubborn, obstinate, obdurate,
willful, inflexible, pigheaded, headstrong, perverse, mulish; Antonyms (1): easygoing, relaxed, laid-back (informal),
tolerant, even-tempered, calm, blasé, unconcerned, carefree, mellow; Synonyms (2): difficult, problematic,
troublesome, thorny, knotty, awkward; Antonyms (2): easy, simple, trouble-free, straightforward, effortless,
uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic, painless; Example Sentence: The young colt was intractable, and training
had to be cancelled temporarily.
Intransigent (adjective) – Meaning: unwilling to compromise, stubborn; Synonyms: inflexible, stubborn, obdurate,
obstinate, uncompromising, intractable (formal), unyielding, unbending, narrow-minded, rigid; Antonyms: flexible,
supple, lithe, elastic, plastic, stretchy, bendable, springy, malleable, bendy; Example Sentence: Young children can be
intransigent when it comes to what foods they will eat, insisting on familiar favorites and rejecting anything new.
Intrepid (adjective) – Meaning: fearless, brave, undaunted; Synonyms: fearless, bold, courageous, valiant, heroic, daring,
gallant (literary), resolute, audacious, plucky, dauntless (literary), brave; Antonyms: cowardly, gutless, spineless, weak,
craven (literary), faint-hearted, lily-livered (literary), pusillanimous (formal); Example Sentence: The intrepid nature and
fortitude of the U.S. Marines is legendary.
Inured (adjective) – Meaning: accustomed to, adapted; Synonyms (1): harden, toughen, accustom, season, habituate,
acclimatize, desensitize, familiarize, naturalize, strengthen, reinforce, stabilize, roughen, coarsen; Synonyms (2): solidify,
freeze, consolidate, settle, coagulate, congeal, set; Antonyms: soften, weaken; Example Sentence: Trisha had become
inured to her boss’s criticism, and it no longer bothered her.
Inveigle (verb) – Meaning: 1. to influence or persuade through gentle coaxing or flattery; to entice; Synonyms: entice,
persuade, trick, deceive, charm, con (informal), cajole, wheedle, influence, convince, beguile, allure, seduce, lure, tempt,
induce, seduce, bribe, cajole, invite, attract; Antonyms: put off, postpone, delay, defer, shelve, suspend, adjourn, hold
over, leave to another time, put on the back burner, put on ice, put on hold; Example Sentence: Vanessa inveigled her
way into a promotion that should have gone to Marie.
Inveterate (adjective) – Meaning: habitual; deep rooted, firmly established; Synonyms: chronic, confirmed, hardened,
ingrained, incurable, incorrigible, seasoned, entrenched, habitual, deep-rooted, diehard, adamant, long-lasting,
lingering, continuing, enduring, lasting, prolonged, protracted; Antonyms: occasional, infrequent, chance, irregular,
sporadic, rare, intermittent, random; Example Sentence: I am an inveterate pacifist and am unlikely to change my mind.
Involute (adjective) – Meaning: intricate, complex; Example Sentence: The tax reform committee faces an extremely
involute problem if it wants to distribute the tax burden equally.
Iota (noun) – Meaning: a very small amount; the smallest possible quantity; Synonyms: jot, bit, speck, grain, scrap,
particle, smidgen (informal), scintilla; Antonyms: lot, group, batch, assortment, bunch (informal), bundle, delivery,
quantity, set, grouping; Example Sentence: Professor Carlton is so unpopular because he doesn’t have one iota of respect
for his students.
Irascible (adjective) – Meaning: irritable, easily aroused to anger, hot tempered; Synonyms: irritable, touchy, testy
(informal), petulant, grumpy, snappish, hot-tempered, short-tempered, snappy, cantankerous, ornery (US, informal),
cross, quick-tempered; Antonyms: easygoing, relaxed, laid-back (informal), tolerant, even-tempered, calm, blasé,
unconcerned, carefree, mellow; Example Sentence: Her irascible temperament caused many problems with the staff at
the office.
Ire (noun) – Meaning: anger, wrath; Synonyms: anger, rage, fury, indignation, wrath, bile (literary), annoyance;
Antonyms: calmness, serenity, quietness, stillness, peace, coolness, calm, tranquillity, composure; Example Sentence: I
was filled with ire when Vladimir tried to take credit for my work.
Irk (verb) – Meaning: to annoy, irritate, vex; Synonyms: displease, vex, annoy, trouble, bother, nag, rile (informal),
rankle, peeve (informal), gall, irritate, bug (informal); Antonyms: please, satisfy, gratify, make happy, delight, make
somebody's day, thrill, entertain, content; Example Sentence: Being a teenager means being continually irked by your
parents—and vice versa.
Irresolute (adjective) – Meaning: feeling or showing uncertainty; hesitant, indecisive; Synonyms: indecisive, vacillating,
unsure, weak, undetermined, wishy-washy (informal), wavering, procrastinating, unsteady, in two minds, vacillating,
hesitant, faltering, dithering, uncertain; Antonyms: determined, strong-minded, resolute, gritty, single-minded,
unwavering, firm, dogged, indomitable, untiring, heroic; Example Sentence: Sandra is still irresolute, so if you talk to her,
you might help her make up her mind.
Jocund (adjective) – Meaning: merry, cheerful, sprightly and lighthearted, jolly: cheerful and full of good humor
(literary); Synonyms: jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, joyous; Example Sentence: Alexi’s jocund nature makes it a pleasure to
be near her.
Laconic (adjective) – Meaning: brief, to the point, terse; Synonyms: terse, brief, concise, curt, to the point, short,
economical; Antonyms: long-winded, long-drawn-out, rambling, interminable, lengthy, prolix, loquacious (formal),
wordy, verbose, discursive, circuitous, expansive; Example Sentence: Morrison’s ten-minute commencement address
was everything we could have asked for: laconic, powerful, and inspirational.
Laissez-faire (adjective) – Meaning: hands-off policy; noninterference by the government in business and economic
affairs; Synonyms: noninterventionist, unrestrictive, permissive, freewheeling, lax, hands-off, relaxed, noninterfering,
neutral, nonaligned, nonpartisan; Antonyms: proactive, taking the initiative, active, practical, hands-on, down to
business, positive, upbeat (informal), preemptive; Example Sentence: I believe a more laissez-faire approach by
management would make everyone more cooperative and productive.
Libertine (noun) – Meaning: one who lives or acts in an immoral or irresponsible way; one who acts according to his or
her own impulses and desires and is unrestrained by conventions or morals; Synonyms: philanderer, libertine, Don Juan,
gigolo, ladies' man, Lothario (literary), Romeo, lover, seducer, adulterer, satyr, stud; Example Sentence: They claim to
be avant-garde, but in my opinion, they’re just a bunch of libertines.
Lilliputian (adjective) – Meaning: 1. very small, tiny 2. trivial or petty; small person or thing: a person or thing that is
unusually small in height; Synonyms: Imaginary place, mythical place, fictitious place, bantam, slight, petite, diminutive,
tiny, minute, miniature, bantam, pint-sized (informal), pocket-sized, diminutive, midget; Example Sentence: My troubles
are lilliputian compared to hers, and I am thankful that I do not have such major issues in my life.
Loquacious (adjective) – Meaning: talkative, garrulous; Synonyms: talkative, garrulous, chatty, voluble, verbose, wordy,
effusive, noisy, gabby (informal), talky, windy (informal), prolix; Antonyms: silent, still, hushed, soundless, noiseless,
quiet, inaudible; Example Sentence: The loquacious woman sitting next to me on the sixhour bus ride talked the entire
time.
Lucid (adjective) – Meaning: 1. very clear, easy to understand, intelligible 2. sane or rational; Synonyms: articulate, well-
spoken, silver-tongued, smooth-tongued, eloquent, thought through, coherent, plain, simple, sound, clear; Antonyms:
incoherent, disjointed, confused, jumbled, rambling, all over the place (informal), illogical, fragmented, disorganized,
disorderly, jumpy, jerky, unconnected; Example Sentence: Andrea presented a very lucid argument that proved her point
beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Lucrative (adjective) – Meaning: profitable, producing much money; Synonyms: profitable, well-paid, rewarding,
worthwhile, money-spinning (UK, informal), beneficial, productive; Antonyms: unprofitable, loss-making, unsuccessful,
running at a loss, nonpaying, insolvent, nonprofit, unbeneficial; Example Sentence: Teaching is a very rewarding career,
but unfortunately it is not very lucrative.
Lugubrious (adjective) – Meaning: excessively dismal or mournful, often exaggeratedly or ridiculously so; Synonyms: sad,
mournful, gloomy, depressing, doleful, melancholic, somber, cheerless, miserable, dismal, morose; Antonyms: cheerful,
happy, cheery, jolly, smiling, joyful, merry, jovial, in good spirits, sunny, chirpy (informal), jaunty, gleeful, optimistic;
Example Sentence: Billy looks like a fool, acting so lugubrious over losing a silly bet.
Maladroit (adjective) – Meaning: clumsy, bungling, inept; Synonyms: awkward, clumsy, inept, gauche, ungainly,
inelegant, graceless, gawky (informal), unskillful, ham-fisted (informal), insensitive, ham-handed (informal); Antonyms:
dexterous, deft, adroit, handy, nimble-fingered, nimble, agile, expert, clever, adroit, dexterous, skilled, expert, practiced,
adept, competent, proficient; Example Sentence: The maladroit waiter broke a dozen plates and spilled coffee on two
customers.
Malaise (noun) – Meaning: a feeling of illness or unease; Synonyms (1): sickness, illness, disease, disorder, condition,
malady; Synonyms (2): dissatisfaction, discontent, unease, disquiet, anxiety, depression, discomfort; Example Sentence:
After his malaise persisted for more than a week, Nicholas went to see a doctor.
Malapropism (noun) – Meaning: comical misuse of words, especially those that are similar in sound, unintentional use
of wrong word: the misuse of a word through confusion with another word that sounds similar, especially when the
effect is ridiculous; Synonyms: howler, blunder, gaffe, error, mistake, malapropism, boner (informal), bloomer (UK,
informal humorous), clanger (UK, informal); Example Sentence: His malapropisms may make us laugh, but they won’t
win our vote.
Malfeasance (noun) – Meaning: misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official; improper professional
conduct; Synonyms (1): misdemeanor, petty larceny, crime, offense, malfeasance, transgression, infringement, violation;
Synonyms (2): misdeed (formal), wrongdoing, indiscretion, lapse, transgression, foul, wrong, breach, misconduct, slip,
faux pas (literary), misbehavior; Example Sentence: The city comptroller was found guilty of malfeasance and removed
from office.
Malinger (verb) – Meaning: to pretend to be injured or ill in order to avoid work, feign illness: to pretend to be ill,
especially in order to avoid work; Synonyms: shirk, skive (UK, informal), bunk off (UK, informal), take a sickie (UK,
informal), play hooky (informal), be AWOL, duck, sidestep, shun, evade, avoid, duck, get out of, wriggle out of, shun,
dodge; Example Sentence: Stop malingering and give me a hand with this job.
Malleable (adjective) – Meaning: 1. easily molded or pressed into shape 2. easily controlled or influenced 3. easily
adapting to changing circumstances; Synonyms (1): soft, supple, flexible, bendy, pliable, ductile, plastic; Antonyms: rigid,
unbending, inflexible, stiff, firm, unyielding, inelastic; Synonyms (2): impressionable, compliant, acquiescent,
manipulable, biddable, persuadable, pliable; Example Sentence: You should be able to convince Xiu quickly; she’s quite a
malleable person.
Maverick (noun) – Meaning: rebel, nonconformist, one who acts independently; Synonyms: eccentric, individualist,
rebel, one of a kind, odd one out, dissident, nonconformist, odd, unconventional, unusual, peculiar, strange, weird,
bizarre; Antonyms: conformist, conventional, traditional, orthodox, obedient, unadventurous, unquestioning; Example
Sentence: Madonna has always been a maverick in the music industry.
Mélange (noun) – Meaning: a mixture or assortment; Synonyms: mixture, mix, jumble, potpourri, mishmash, medley,
blend, hodgepodge, muddle, assortment, mixed bag, crazy quilt; Example Sentence: There was a very interesting
mélange of people at the party.
Mellifluous (adjective) – Meaning: sounding sweet and flowing; honeyed; Synonyms: smooth, flowing, melodious,
pleasant, honeyed, silky, sweet, mellow, rich, soothing, dulcet, flat, even, level, horizontal, plane; Antonyms: jarring,
shaking, vibrating, quaking, trembling, juddering, jolting, shuddering; Example Sentence: Her mellifluous voice floated in
through the windows and made everyone smile.
Mendacity (noun) – Meaning: 1. the tendency to be dishonest or untruthful 2. a falsehood or lie; Synonyms: lies,
deception, deceit, falsehood, fabrication, dishonesty, deceitfulness, untruthfulness, unreliability, spuriousness,
inaccuracy; Antonyms: truthfulness, honesty, truth, candor, frankness, openness, straightforwardness, directness,
accuracy, reliability, correctness, exactitude, faithfulness, truth; Example Sentence: Carlos’s mendacity has made him
very unpopular with his classmates, who don’t feel they can trust him.
Mercurial (adjective) – Meaning: 1. liable to change moods suddenly 2. lively, changeable, volatile; Synonyms:
changeable, unpredictable, lively, active, impulsive, inconstant, volatile, witty, fast-talking, brilliant; Antonyms:
consistent, coherent, uniform, even, harmonious; Example Sentence: Fiona is so mercurial that you never know what
kind of reaction to expect.
Meretricious (adjective) – Meaning: gaudy, tawdry; showily attractive but false or insincere; Synonyms (1): plausible,
specious, glib, persuasive, insincere, deceiving, false, deceptive; Antonyms: genuine, real, authentic, indisputable, true,
unadulterated, actual, legitimate, valid; Synonyms (2):reasonable, believable, credible, probable, conceivable, likely,
possible, acceptable; Example Sentence: With its casinos and attractions, some people consider Las Vegas the most
meretricious city in the country.
Mete (verb) – Meaning: to distribute, allot, apportion; Synonyms (1): give out, deal out, allocate, impose, bestow
(formal), exact, wreak, dispense, dole out (informal), dish out (informal); Synonyms (2): hand out, provide, distribute,
offer, allot, assign, give away, hand over, award; Antonyms: keep, hang onto, hold onto, save, retain, cling to, have,
preserve, possess; Example Sentence: The punishments were meted out fairly to everyone involved in the plot.
Mettlesome (adjective) – Meaning: courageous, high-spirited. (Note: Do not confuse with meddlesome, meaning
“inclined to interfere.”); Synonyms: lively, spirited, high-spirited, courageous, plucky, frisky, energetic, fiery, spunky
(informal); Antonyms: lethargic, sluggish, tired, weary, lackluster, lazy, languid, indolent, exhausted, slow, dull, lifeless,
listless; Example Sentence: Alice’s mettlesome attitude was infectious and inspired us all to press on.
Mince (noun and verb) – Meaning: 1. to cut into very small pieces 2. to walk or speak affectedly, as with studied
refinement 3. to say something more delicately or indirectly for the sake of politeness or decorum shred food: to cut
meat or vegetables into very small pieces 4. divide something up: to divide land or property into very small portions,
especially in a way regarded as detrimental 5. walk daintily: to walk with small light steps in an affectedly dainty way 6.
speak daintily: to speak, or say something, in an affectedly dainty way; Synonyms (1): ground beef, hamburger, minced
meat, minced beef, mincemeat; Synonyms (2): cut up, chop up, shred, crumble, hash, grind, chop; Example Sentence:
Please don’t mince your words—just tell me what you want to say.
Minutiae (noun plural) – Meaning: very small details; trivial or trifling matters; Synonyms: details, niceties, intricacies,
particulars, ins and outs, workings, facts, information, niceties, fine points, specifics; Antonyms: gist, essence, substance,
idea, nucleus, kernel, general picture, point, meaning, sense, nub, spirit, core, heart, crux, kernel, soul, quintessence,
principle, substance, lifeblood; Example Sentence: His attention to the minutiae of the process enabled him to make his
great discovery.
Mirth (noun) – Meaning: great merriment, joyous laughter; Synonyms: laughter, hilarity, humor, jollity, fun, merriment,
entertainment, merrymaking, delight, glee, joyfulness, joy, cheer, happiness, amusement, hilarity, mirth, enjoyment,
merriment, glee; Antonyms: sadness, blues (informal), grief, sorrow, unhappiness, wretchedness, melancholy, gloom,
despondency, desolation, dejection, woe, misery, depression; Example Sentence: The joyous wedding celebration filled
the reception hall with mirth throughout the evening.
Misanthrope (noun) – Meaning: one who hates or distrusts humankind; Synonyms: pessimist, recluse, loner, cynic,
malcontent, misanthropist, cynic, doubter, worrier; Antonyms: optimist, philanthropist, patron, humanitarian, donor,
sponsor, promoter, contributor, backer, guarantor; Example Sentence: Pay no mind to his criticism; he’s a real
misanthrope, and no one can do anything right in his eyes.
Miscreant (noun) – Meaning: a villain, criminal; evil person; Synonyms: troublemaker, scoundrel, mischief-maker,
malefactor (formal), wrongdoer, criminal, reprobate, offender, villain, lowlife (informal), mischief-maker, pest (informal),
menace, scalawag (US, dated informal), agitator, firebrand, rabble-rouser (disapproving); Example Sentence: The
miscreant had eluded the police for months, but today he was finally captured.
Mitigate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make less intense or severe 2. to moderate the force or intensity of, soften, diminish,
alleviate; Synonyms: alleviate, lessen, ease, allay, moderate, take the edge off, diminish, tone down, dull, soften,
assuage, relieve, mollify, abate (formal or literary), palliate, improve, lighten; Antonyms: aggravate, annoy, irritate,
exasperate, provoke, make angry, pester, get on somebody's nerves, frustrate, vex, worsen, exacerbate, exaggerate,
heighten, intensify, magnify, fan the flames of, augment (formal); Example Sentence: The unusual extenuating
circumstances mitigated her punishment.
Mollify (verb) – Meaning: 1. to soothe the anger of, calm 2. to lessen in intensity 3. to soften, make less rigid; Synonyms:
placate, pacify, appease, calm, calm down, soothe, moderate, quell, still, conciliate, appease, propitiate (formal), satisfy,
please; Antonyms: enrage, infuriate, anger, make your blood boil, madden, incense; Example Sentence: The crying child
was quickly mollified by her mother.
Moot (adjective) – Meaning: debatable, undecided; Synonyms: debatable, arguable, doubtful, controversial, unresolved,
disputable, unlikely, unsettled, dubious, contentious, unsettled, undecided, questionable, undetermined; Antonyms:
established, recognized, well-known, reputable, traditional, conventional, customary, time-honored, proven; Example
Sentence: Although this is a moot issue, it is one that is often debated among certain circles.
Morose (adjective) – Meaning: gloomy, sullen, melancholy; Synonyms: miserable, glum, depressed, down, low, gloomy,
pessimistic, down in the dumps (informal), blue (informal), sad, sullen, unhappy, fed up (informal), despondent,
dejected, wretched, dismal, woeful; Antonyms: cheery, happy, jolly, joyful, smiling, cheerful, merry, jovial, chirpy
(informal), jaunty, radiant, bright and breezy; Example Sentence: My daughter has been morose ever since our dog ran
away.
Multifarious (adjective) – Meaning: very varied, greatly diversified; having many aspects; Synonyms: diverse, varied,
assorted, miscellaneous, different, manifold, mixed, diversified, various, heterogeneous, varied, miscellaneous, assorted,
sundry; Antonyms: homogeneous, same, similar, regular, standardized, consistent, equal, identical; Example Sentence:
The job requires the ability to handle multifarious tasks.
Mundane (adjective) – Meaning: 1. dull, routine; commonplace, ordinary 2. worldly as opposed to spiritual; Synonyms:
ordinary, dull, routine, everyday, commonplace, boring, unexciting, humdrum, dreary, monotonous, tedious,
uninteresting, banal, normal, usual, regular, everyday, conventional, average, familiar, routine, common; Antonyms:
exotic, unusual, out of the ordinary, striking, interesting, bizarre, mysterious, glamorous, colorful, outlandish, strange,
different, exceptional; Example Sentence: My job may be mundane, but it is secure and it pays well.
Nadir (noun) – Meaning: the very bottom, the lowest point; Synonyms: lowest point, all-time low, rock bottom, pits
(informal), depths of despair, depths, base, foot, bottom; Antonyms: zenith, peak, summit, pinnacle, top, acme, high
point, apex, highest, crowning, topmost, ultimate, greatest, uttermost; Example Sentence: When he felt he was at the
nadir of his life, Robert began to practice mediation to elevate his spirits.
Narcissism (noun) – Meaning: admiration or worship of oneself; excessive interest in one’s own personal features;
Synonyms: vanity, self-love, self-admiration, self-absorption, egotism, conceit, self-importance, selfishness, self-
centeredness, pride, arrogance, airs, bigheadedness; Antonyms: selflessness, unselfishness, self-sacrifice, altruism,
generosity, gallantry, self-abnegation; Example Sentence: Some critics say that movie stars are guilty of narcissism.
Nascent (adjective) – Meaning: coming into existence, emerging; Synonyms (1): budding, promising, embryonic,
emerging, blossoming, burgeoning, growing, potential, up-and-coming; Antonyms: moribund, dying, failing, expiring, on
your last legs, at death's door, on your deathbed; Synonyms (2): talented, gifted, hopeful, auspicious, capable, likely,
encouraging, favorable; Example Sentence: The nascent movement gathered strength quickly and soon became a
nationwide call to action.
Nemesis (noun) – Meaning: 1. source of harm or ruin, the cause of one’s misery or downfall; bane 2. Agent of retribution
or vengeance; Synonyms (1): opponent, archenemy, archrival, adversary, competitor, rival, antagonist, foe (literary);
Synonyms (2): punishment, vengeance, retribution, fate, doom, revenge; Synonyms (3): avenger, retaliator, revenger,
vindicator; Example Sentence: In “Frankenstein,” the monster Victor creates becomes his nemesis.
Nexus (noun) – Meaning: 1. a means of connection, a link or tie between a series of things 2. a connected
series or group 3. the core or center; Synonyms: connection, link, tie, relationship, node, interconnection, join, bond,
yoke; Example Sentence: The nexus between the lobbyists and the recent policy changes is clear.
Noisome (adjective) – Meaning: 1. offensive, foul, especially in odor; putrid 2. harmful, noxious; Synonyms: foul,
offensive, disgusting, repulsive, repellent, repugnant, horrible, awful, putrid, unpleasant, distasteful, filthy, indecent,
dirty; Antonyms: pleasant, enjoyable, agreeable, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, amusing, lovely, nice; Example
Sentence: What a noisome odor is coming from that garbage can!
Non sequitur (noun) – Meaning: 1. a conclusion that does not logically follow from the evidence 2. Incongruous
statement: a statement that appears unrelated to a statement that it follows; 3. unwarranted conclusion: a conclusion
that does not follow from its premises; Example Sentence: Marcus’s argument started off strong, but it degenerated into
a series of non sequiturs.
Nonchalant (adjective) – Meaning: indifferent or cool, not showing anxiety or excitement; Synonyms: casual, offhand,
cool, calm, relaxed, blasé, indifferent, detached, unconcerned, dispassionate, imperturbable, laid-back (informal),
unflappable, insouciant; Antonyms: concerned, worried, afraid, disturbed, alarmed, fretful, apprehensive, uneasy,
nervous, upset, anxious; Example Sentence: Victoria tried to be nonchalant, but I could tell she was nervous.
Noxious (adjective) – Meaning: unpleasant and harmful, unwholesome; Synonyms (1): harmful, toxic, poisonous, deadly,
lethal, venomous, injurious, deleterious (formal), pernicious; Antonyms (1): harmless, inoffensive, innocuous, innocent,
meaningless, anodyne (literary), bland, mild; Synonyms (2): nasty, unpleasant, offensive, foul, horrible, disgusting,
spiteful, mean, malicious, vicious, cruel, horrible, malevolent, wicked; Antonyms (2): pleasant, enjoyable, agreeable,
pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, amusing, lovely, nice; Example Sentence: The noxious smell drove everyone from the
room.
Nullify (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make null (without legal force), invalidate 2. to counteract or neutralize the
effect of; Synonyms: invalidate, annul, cancel out, abolish, reverse, quash; Antonyms: validate, authorize, certify,
endorse, ratify, legalize; Example Sentence: The opponents wanted to nullify the bill before it became a law.
Obdurate (adjective) – Meaning: stubborn and inflexible; hardhearted, not easily moved to pity; Synonyms (1):
obstinate, stubborn, inflexible, pigheaded, adamant, immovable, stiff-necked, unyielding, implacable (formal), mulish,
unbending; Antonyms (1): compliant, conforming, in compliance, compatible; Synonyms (2): hardhearted, callous,
unfeeling, hard-boiled (informal), unsympathetic, heartless, pitiless, ruthless; Antonyms (2): warm-hearted, kindly,
tender, kind, sympathetic, affectionate, loving, compassionate, kindhearted; Example Sentence: I doubt he will change
his mind; he is the most obdurate person I know.
Obfuscate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make obscure or unclear, to muddle or make difficult to understand 2. to dim or
darken; Synonyms: obscure, complicate, confuse, muddy, cloud, mystify, muddle, befuddle, befog (literary),
incomprehensible, unclear, vague, ambiguous, doubtful, murky, unintelligible, opaque, abstruse; Antonyms: clarify,
elucidate (formal), make clear, clear up, explain, illuminate, spell out, simplify, shed light on; Example Sentence: Instead
of clarifying the matter, Walter only obfuscated it further.
Obstreperous (adjective) – Meaning: noisily and stubbornly defiant; aggressively boisterous, unruly; Synonyms:
disruptive, rowdy, disorderly, loud, noisy, undisciplined, unruly, rough, troublesome, troublemaking, unruly, disorderly,
unsettling, upsetting, disrupting, disturbing, distracting; Antonyms: demure, modest, sedate, decorous, reserved, shy,
retiring, diffident, bashful; Example Sentence: The obstreperous child refused to go to bed.
Obtrusive (adjective) – Meaning: 1. prominent, undesirably noticeable 2. projecting, thrusting out 3. tending to push
one’s self or one’s ideas upon others, forward, intrusive; Synonyms (1): conspicuous, unmistakable, blatant, prominent,
flashy, garish, flagrant, obvious, bald, sheer; Antonyms: inconspicuous, unobtrusive, discreet, unremarkable, ordinary,
modest, quiet, low-key, unassuming; Synonyms (2): interfering, intruding, meddlesome (disapproving), pushy (informal),
forward, presumptuous; Example Sentence: Thankfully, Minsun survived the accident, but she was left with several
obtrusive scars.
Obtuse (adjective) – Meaning: 1. stupid and slow to understand 2. blunt, not sharp or pointed; Synonyms: insensitive,
dull-witted, simple-minded, imperceptive, stupid, dull, unresponsive, impervious, oblivious, unmoved, inured to,
indifferent, obtuse, unaffected, blasé; Antonyms: astute, shrewd, smart, perceptive, judicious, incisive, wise, intelligent,
clever, perspicacious; Example Sentence: Please don’t be so obtuse; you know what I mean.
Obviate (verb) – Meaning: to make unnecessary, get rid of; Synonyms: do away with, remove, avoid, preclude (formal),
forestall, prevent, avert, ward off, stave off, fend off; Example Sentence: Hiring Magdalena would obviate the need to
hire a music tutor, for she is also a classical pianist.
Occult (adjective) – Meaning: 1. secret, hidden, concealed 2. involving the realm of the supernatural 3. Beyond ordinary
understanding, incomprehensible; Synonyms: obscure, mysterious, abstruse, impenetrable, cryptic, arcane, secret,
incomprehensible, unclear, vague, ambiguous, doubtful, murky, unintelligible, opaque; Antonyms: straightforward,
frank, forthright, candid, up-front, direct, honest, open, sincere, straight; Example Sentence: The rights and beliefs of the
occult organization were finally made a matter of public record after a long investigation.
Odious (adjective) – Meaning: contemptible, hateful, detestable; Synonyms: hateful, horrible, abhorrent (formal),
loathsome, revolting, detestable, repellent, repulsive, obnoxious, abominable, execrable (formal), vile, odious, terrible,
unbearable, intolerable, insufferable, repulsive, disgusting; Antonyms: delightful, pleasant, charming, lovely, wonderful,
enjoyable, amusing, agreeable, enchanting, pleasing; Example Sentence: This is an odious policy that will only damage
the environment more.
Officious (adjective) – Meaning: meddlesome, bossy; eagerly offering unnecessary or unwanted advice; Synonyms:
meddlesome (disapproving), bossy, bureaucratic, self-important, overbearing, interfering, intrusive, fussy, interfering,
intrusive, meddling (disapproving), nosy (informal), officious, prying, snoopy, gossipy; Antonyms: detached, separate,
disconnected, standing apart, apart, removed, separated, isolated; Example Sentence: My officious Aunt Midge is
coming to the party, so be prepared for lots of questions and advice.
Oligarchy (noun) – Meaning: 1. form of government in which the power is in the hands of a select few 2. small governing
group: a small group of people who together govern a nation or control an organization, often for their own purposes 3.
government by small group: government or control by a small group of people; Example Sentence: The small governing
body calls itself a democracy, but it is clearly an oligarchy.
Omnipotent (adjective) – Meaning: having unlimited or universal power or force; Synonyms: almighty, all-powerful,
invincible, unstoppable, supreme, godlike; Antonyms: powerless, helpless, incapable, weak, unable, ineffective, feeble,
defenseless; Example Sentence: In Greek mythology, Zeus was the most powerful god, but he was not omnipotent, since
even his rule was often held in check by the unchangeable laws of the Three Fates.
Omniscient (adjective) – Meaning: having infinite knowledge; knowing all things; Synonyms: all-knowing, all-seeing,
wise, well-informed, sagacious (formal); Example Sentence: In a story with an omniscient narrator, we can hear the
thoughts and feelings of all of the characters.
Onus (noun) – Meaning: duty or responsibility of doing something; task, burden; Synonyms: responsibility, burden,
obligation, duty; Example Sentence: It was Clark’s idea, so the onus is on him to show us that it will work.
Opprobrious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. expressing contempt or reproach; scornful, abusive 2. bringing

shame or disgrace; Synonyms (1): scornful, contemptuous, excoriating (formal), damning, reproachful, dismissive,
critical, censorious, disapproving, disdainful, disrespectful, mocking, derisive, disparaging, sneering; Antonyms (1):
approving, positive, favorable, appreciative, sympathetic, complimentary, admiring; Synonyms (2): shameful,
humiliating, ignominious, embarrassing, belittling, degrading, mortifying, disgraceful, dishonorable, inglorious;
Antonyms (2): glorious, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, celebrated, superb, outstanding; Example Sentence: It was
inappropriate to make such opprobrious remarks in front of everybody.
Opulent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. possessing great wealth, affluent 2. Abundant, luxurious; Synonyms (1): wealthy,
lavish, luxurious, rich, magnificent, affluent, prosperous, sumptuous; Antonyms (1): poor, broke (informal), needy,
destitute, hard up (informal), poverty-stricken, indigent (formal), impoverished, skint (UK, informal), penniless, badly off;
Synonyms (2): abundant, ample, lavish, profuse, rich, plentiful, copious; Antonyms (2): sparse, thin, scant, scarce, spare,
light, bare, meager, scrubby; Example Sentence: Lee is very wealthy, but he does not live an opulent lifestyle.
Ostensible (adjective) – Meaning: seeming, appearing as such, put forward (as of a reason) but not necessarily so;
pretended; Synonyms: ostensive (formal), apparent, professed, supposed, perceived, seeming, alleged, superficial;
Antonyms: real, actual, physical, material, factual, tangible, existent (formal); Example Sentence: The ostensible reason
for the meeting is to discuss the candidates, but I believe they have already made their decision.
Ostracize (verb) – Meaning: to reject, cast out from a group or from society; Synonyms: coldshoulder, exclude, banish,
shun, ignore, snub, send to Coventry, excommunicate, expel, blackball, blacklist, omit, reject, castoff, discard, hand-me-
down, throwaway; Antonyms: include, contain, comprise, take in, embrace, consist of, take account of, bring in,
incorporate, add in, enter, involve, rope in; Example Sentence: Kendall was ostracized after he repeatedly stole from his
friends.
Overweening (adjective) – Meaning: 1. presumptuously arrogant, overbearing 2. excessive, immoderate; Synonyms:

arrogant, conceited, presumptuous, pompous, haughty, egotistic, bigheaded (informal), superior, proud, overconfident,
supercilious, self-important; Antonyms: unassuming, modest, retiring, meek, self-effacing, unpretentious, shy; Example
Sentence: I quit because I couldn’t stand to work for such an overweening boss.
Oxymoron (noun) – Meaning: a figure of speech containing a seemingly contradictory combination of expressions, such
as friendly fire; Synonyms: inconsistency, absurdity, irony, contradiction, contradiction in terms, enigma, puzzle,
discrepancy, variation, irregularity, changeability, unpredictability, conflict; Example Sentence: The term “non-working
mother” is a contemptible oxymoron.
Palliate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make something less intense or severe, mitigate, alleviate; to gloss over, put a positive
spin on 2. to provide relief from pain, relieve the symptoms of a disease or disorder; Synonyms: cure, heal, treat,
alleviate, relieve, improve, remedy, ameliorate (formal), treatment, therapy, medicine, medication, remedy, antidote;
Example Sentence: The governor tried to palliate his malfeasance, but it soon became clear that he would not be able to
prevent a scandal.
Pallor (noun) – Meaning: paleness, lack of color; Synonyms: paleness, whiteness, pastiness, sallowness, wanness,
milkiness, lightness, anemia; Antonyms: ruddiness, redness, rosiness, glow, blush, flush, reddishness, pinkness, color;
Example Sentence: The fever subsided, but her pallor remained for several weeks.
Paradigm (noun) – Meaning: 1. something that serves as a model or example 2. set of assumptions, beliefs, values or
practices that constitutes a way of understanding or doing things; Synonyms: epitome, archetype, model, exemplar
(literary), example, model, template, prototype, standard, pattern; Antonyms: antithesis, opposite, direct opposite,
exact opposite, contrast, converse, reverse, opposition; Example Sentence: Elected “Employee of the Month,” Winona is
a paradigm of efficiency.
Pariah (noun) – Meaning: an outcast, a rejected and despised person; Synonyms (1): outcast, untouchable, exile,
outsider, pariah, recluse, castaway, leper; Synonyms (2): unattainable, matchless, superlative, superior, unrivaled,
unchallenged, unbeatable, unparalleled, unassailable, unachievable, impossible, unfeasible, inaccessible, unreachable;
Antonym: ordinary; Example Sentence: After he told a sexist joke, Jason was treated like a pariah by all of the women in
the office.
Partisan (noun) – Meaning: 1. a person fervently and often uncritically supporting a group or cause 2. A guerilla, a
member of an organized body of fighters who attack or harass an enemy; Synonyms: biased, opinionated, one-sided,
prejudiced, bigoted, limited, parochial, narrow-minded, unfair, partial, influenced, predisposed, subjective, jaundiced;
Antonyms: impartial, neutral, fair, unbiased, independent, objective, detached, unprejudiced, disinterested, open-
minded, evenhanded, nonaligned, balanced; Example Sentence: The partisan lobby could not see the logic of the
opposing senator’s argument and did not understand how the proposed legislation would infringe upon basic
constitutional rights.
Paucity (noun) – Meaning: scarcity, smallness of supply or quantity; Synonyms: scarcity, rareness, scantiness, lack, rarity,
dearth, scarceness; Antonyms: glut, excess, surplus, oversupply; Example Sentence: The paucity of food in the area
drove the herd farther and farther to the south.
Peccadillo (noun) – Meaning: a trivial offense, a small sin or fault; Synonyms: offense, failing, indulgence, crime,
transgression, wrong, wrongdoing, sin, fault, infringement, breach; Antonyms: virtue, asset, feature, quality, advantage,
benefit, plus, pro; Example Sentence: Don’t make such a big deal out of a little peccadillo.
Pedantic (adjective) – Meaning: marked by a narrow, tiresome focus on or display of learning, especially of rules or
trivial matters; Synonyms: finicky, plodding, obscure, arcane, dull, doctrinaire, sophistic, hairsplitting, nitpicking, fussy,
incomprehensible, unclear, vague, ambiguous, doubtful, murky, unintelligible, opaque, abstruse, fastidious, picky,
choosy (informal), persnickety, particular, demanding, difficult, careful, painstaking, exacting, precise, meticulous, exact,
thorough, assiduous, faddy; Antonyms: sloppy, messy, untidy, disordered, chaotic, slovenly; Example Sentence: Her
lessons were so pedantic that I found I was easily bored.
Pedestrian (adjective) – Meaning: commonplace, trite; unremarkable, unimaginative, dull; Synonyms: dull, ordinary,
unimaginative, uninspired, prosaic, everyday, humdrum, unexciting, boring, tedious, boring, uninteresting, tedious,
monotonous, dreary, dry, deadly (informal), unexciting, lackluster, mind-numbing, lifeless; Antonyms: exciting, thrilling,
exhilarating, stirring, stimulating, electrifying, moving, rousing, sensational, breathtaking; Example Sentence: Although
the film received critical acclaim, its pedestrian plot has been overused by screenwriters for decades.
Pellucid (adjective) – Meaning: 1. translucent, able to be seen through with clarity 2. (e.g., of writing) very clear, easy to
understand 3. transparent: allowing all or most light to pass through (literary) 4. clear in meaning: easy to understand or
clear in meaning (formal); Example Sentence: Senator Waterson’s pellucid argument made me change my vote.
Penchant (noun) – Meaning: a strong inclination or liking; Synonyms: liking, proclivity, fondness, desire, partiality,
weakness, taste, predilection (formal), inclination, support; Antonyms: antipathy, opposition, aversion (formal), hostility,
antagonism, hatred, dislike, ill feeling, ill will; Example Sentence: I have a real penchant for science fiction and spend
hours reading my favorite authors every night.
Penultimate (adjective) – Meaning: next to last; Synonyms: last but one, second to last, one before the last, next to last;
Example Sentence: There’s a real surprise for the audience in the penultimate scene.
Penury (noun) – Meaning: extreme poverty, destitution, hardship; Synonyms: poverty, pennilessness, destitution,
indigence (formal), neediness, impecuniousness (formal), impoverishment, lack, deficiency, scarcity, shortage, dearth,
paucity, scarceness, insufficiency; Antonyms: luxury, treat, extra, extravagance, indulgence, bonus, amenity, frill,
superfluity; Example Sentence: After ten years of penury, it’s good to be financially secure again.
Peremptory (adjective) – Meaning: 1. offensively self-assured, dictatorial 2. commanding, imperative, not allowing
contradiction or refusal 3. putting an end to debate or action; Synonyms (1): dictatorial, authoritative, unconditional,
absolute, dogmatic, imperious, commanding, definite, tyrannical, despotic, autocratic, authoritarian, overbearing,
domineering, arrogant, imperious, officious, high-handed, heavy-handed, bossy; Antonyms (1): polite, well-mannered,
good-mannered, civil, well-bred, gracious, courteous, respectful, mannerly; Synonyms (2): decisive, no-nonsense, quick,
hasty, direct, unthinking, snap, determined, resolute, conclusive, pivotal, key, critical, significant, crucial, vital,
influential, important, convincing, final, definitive; Antonyms (2): roundabout, indirect, circuitous, oblique, winding,
meandering, ambiguous; Example Sentence: The father’s peremptory tone ended the children’s bickering.
Perfidious (adjective) – Meaning: treacherous, dishonest; violating good faith, disloyal; Synonyms: disloyal, treacherous,
deceitful, dishonest, untrue, lying, base, low, unfaithful, treacherous, untrue, false, fickle, untrustworthy, perfidious
(literary), faithless; Antonyms: honest, upright, trustworthy, moral, good, decent, law-abiding, reliable, scrupulous,
honorable; Example Sentence: The perfidious knight betrayed his king.
Perfunctory (adjective) – Meaning: done out of a sense of duty or routine but without much care or interest; superficial,
not thorough; Synonyms (1): unthinking, automatic, mechanical, dutiful, obligatory, token, routine, careless, cursory,
inconsiderate, thoughtless, tactless, undiplomatic, indiscreet, blunt; Antonyms (1): thoughtful, considerate, kind, caring,
unselfish, selfless, attentive, sympathetic, solicitous, helpful, kindhearted; Synonyms (2): hasty, superficial, quick,
fleeting, hurried, passing, rapid, brief, speedy, swift, rushed, fast; Antonyms (2): thorough, methodical, careful,
systematic, painstaking, meticulous, scrupulous, logical, disciplined, precise, orderly, regular, careful; Example Sentence:
We were not satisfied with his perfunctory work; we felt a more thorough job could have been done.
Perjury (noun) – Meaning: the deliberate willful giving of false, misleading, or incomplete testimony while under oath;
Synonyms: lying, untruthfulness, lie, falsehood, untruth, fabrication, falsification, mendacity, equivocation,
prevarication, deceitful, dishonest, two-faced, insincere, untruthful, mendacious, double-dealing, false; Antonyms:
honesty, uprightness, morality, trustworthiness, goodness, scrupulousness, decency, rectitude, righteousness, fairness,
reliability, honor; Example Sentence: William was convicted of perjury for lying about his whereabouts on the night of
the crime.
Pernicious (adjective) – Meaning: deadly, harmful, very destructive; Synonyms: malicious, wicked, evil, malevolent,
malign, malignant, maleficent, spiteful, bad, destructive, harmful, deadly, fatal, insidious, ruinous, malignant, damaging,
deleterious (formal), noxious; Antonyms: benign, kind, benevolent, caring, kindly, gentle, nonthreatening,
compassionate, harmless, inoffensive, innocuous, innocent, meaningless, anodyne (literary), bland, mild; Example
Sentence: Nancy’s opponent started a pernicious rumor that destroyed her chances of winning.
Personable (adjective) – Meaning: pleasing in appearance or manner, attractive; Synonyms: amiable, friendly, pleasant,
affable, agreeable, likable, charming, attractive; Antonyms: disagreeable, displeasing, distasteful, offensive, nasty,
unpleasant, dislikable, horrible; Example Sentence: Sandra is personable and well-liked by her peers.
Pertinacious (adjective) – Meaning: extremely stubborn or persistent; holding firmly to a belief, purpose, or course of
action; Synonyms: resolute, stubborn, obstinate, persistent, unshakable, headstrong, perverse, willful, tenacious,
obdurate, mulish, rigid, firm, staunch, unyielding, unbendable, determined, definite, unwavering, steadfast, tenacious,
persevering, purposeful; Antonyms: malleable, soft, supple, flexible, bendy, pliable, ductile, plastic; Example Sentence:
The pertinacious journalist finally uncovered the truth about the factory’s illegal disposal of toxins.
Petrify (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make hard or stiff like a stone 2. to stun or paralyze with fear, astonishment, or dread;
Synonyms (1): frighten, terrify, scare, alarm, fill with fear, horrify, startle, upset, worry, panic; Antonyms: reassure,
assure, comfort, encourage, set your mind at rest, soothe, calm, support, bolster, uplift, cheer; Synonyms (2): fossilize,
harden, solidify, ossify, fix, rigidify, turn into stone, calcify, set; Example Sentence: I was petrified when I heard the door
open in the middle of the night.
Petulant (adjective) – Meaning: peevish; unreasonably or easily irritated or annoyed; Synonyms: sulky, crabby, peevish,
grumpy, sullen, moody, cantankerous, huffy, snappish, irritable, grouchy (informal), ill-tempered, touchy, testy
(informal), querulous, snappy, bad-tempered, morose, in a mood, angry, cross, petulant, unsociable, resentful, bad-
tempered, sullen, uncooperative, brooding, grouchy (informal), in a funk (US, informal), in a huff, in a strop (UK,
informal); Antonyms: affable, jovial, genial, pleasant, friendly, sociable, easygoing, jovial, gregarious, cordial, warm,
cheerful, jolly, fun-loving, breezy, cheery, good-humored, full of beans (informal), bright and breezy, happy, merry,
jocund (literary), blithe (literary), buoyant; Example Sentence: The pouting and sulking child could only be described as
petulant!
Philistine (noun) – Meaning: a smug, ignorant person; someone who is uncultured and commonplace; Synonyms:
barbarian, vulgarian, boor, savage, brute, ruffian, boor, thug, beast, violent, unrestrained, vicious, fierce, ferocious,
brutal; Antonyms: aesthete, art lover, aesthetician, connoisseur, cognoscente, gentle, soft, light, soothing, mellow,
restful, peaceful, quiet; Example Sentences: Richards thinks he is cosmopolitan, but he’s really just a philistine.
Phoenix (noun) – Meaning: 1. a person or thing of unmatched beauty or excellence 2. a person or thing that has become
renewed or restored after suffering calamity or apparent annihilation (after the mythological bird that periodically
immolated itself and rose from the ashes as a new phoenix); Example Sentence: The phoenix is often used to symbolize
something that is indomitable or immortal.
Pillage (verb) – Meaning: to forcibly rob of goods, especially in time of war; to plunder; Synonyms (1): loot, spoils,
plunder, booty, prize, taking, swag (slang), rob; Synonyms (2): money, cash, wealth, assets, dough (slang), dosh (UK,
slang); Example Sentence: The barbarians pillaged the village before destroying it with fire.
Piquant (adjective) – Meaning: 1. agreeably pungent, sharp or tart in taste 2. pleasantly stimulating or provocative;
Synonyms (1): spicy, hot, tasty, sharp, tangy, strong, tart, zesty; Antonyms (1): bland, insipid, weak, tasteless, mild, plain,
flat, flavorless, wishy-washy (informal); Synonyms (2): stimulating, provocative, interesting, exciting, encouraging,
inspiring, motivating, interesting, exciting, thought-provoking; Antonyms (2): boring, uninteresting, tedious, dull, dreary,
mind-numbing, tiresome, lackluster, unexciting, monotonous, repetitive, wearisome, humdrum, uninspiring; Synonyms
(3): critical, biting, severe, harsh, brusque; Example Sentence: The spicy shrimp salad is wonderfully piquant.
Pique (verb) – Meaning: to wound (someone’s) pride, to offend; to arouse or provoke; Synonyms: temper, resentment,
annoyance, anger, ill will, bad feeling, displeasure, irritation; Example Sentence: The article really piqued my interest in
wildlife preservation.
Pith (noun) – Meaning: 1. the essential or central part; the heart or essence (of the matter, idea, experience, etc.) 2. (in
biology) the soft, sponge-like central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants; Synonyms: nucleus, essence, crux,
heart, nub, core, kernel, quintessence, spirit, soul, substance, nitty-gritty (informal), zest, gist, center, basis, core, heart,
focus, nub; Example Sentence: Her brief, but concise, statement went right to the pith of the argument and covered the
most important issues.
Placid (adjective) – Meaning: calm and peaceful; free from disturbance or tumult; Synonyms: easygoing, docile, good-
natured, mild, calm, equable, even-tempered, imperturbable, peaceful, serene, tranquil, still, quiet, gentle, sedate, relax;
Antonyms: excitable, emotional, nervous, edgy, impulsive, volatile, passionate, hasty, high-strung; Example Sentence:
Lake Placid is as calm and peaceful as its name suggests.
Plaintive (adjective) – Meaning: expressing sorrow; mournful, melancholy; Synonyms: lamenting, elegiac (formal),
mournful, nostalgic, sorrowful, wistful, sad, melancholy; Antonyms: cheerful, happy, cheery, jolly, smiling, joyful, merry,
jovial, in good spirits, sunny, chirpy (informal), jaunty, gleeful, optimistic; Example Sentence: Janice’s plaintive voice
made me decide to stay and comfort her longer.
Platitude (noun) – Meaning: a trite or banal statement, especially one uttered as if it were new; Synonyms (1): cliché,
inanity, tired expression, commonplace, banality, bromide (dated), prosaicism, chestnut (informal), truism, formula, line,
saying, saw; Synonyms (2): dullness, boredom, insipidity, triteness, plainness, vapidity, inaneness, tediousness, tedium,
monotony, dreariness, dryness, lifelessness, flatness, insipidness, unimaginativeness; Example Sentence: Matthew
offered me several platitudes but no real advice.
Plethora (noun) – Meaning: an overabundance, extreme excess; Synonyms: overabundance, excess, surfeit, glut,
surplus, superfluity, flood, oversupply; Antonyms: shortage, lack, scarcity, deficiency, dearth, famine, absence,
unavailability; Example Sentence: There was a plethora of food at the reception.
Poignant (adjective) – Meaning: 1. arousing emotion, deeply moving, touching 2. keenly distressing; piercing or incisive;
Synonyms: moving, emotional, touching, distressing, sad, affecting, heartbreaking, upsetting, tender, agonizing,
expressive, nostalgic, heartrending, stirring, inspiring, tender, affective, emotive, pitiful; Antonyms: unemotional,
impassive, dispassionate, undemonstrative, unresponsive, detached, inexpressive, poker-faced, composed, objective,
cold, emotionless, blank, expressionless, inexpressive, unrevealing, deadpan, cool, aloof; Example Sentence: They
captured the poignant reunion on film.
Polemical (adjective) – Meaning: controversial, argumentative; Synonyms: argumentative, combative, quarrelsome,

antagonistic, prickly (informal), touchy, naysaying, belligerent, hot-blooded, confrontational, contrary, aggressive,
challenging, awkward, stroppy (UK, informal), contentious, provocative, debated, debatable, divisive, hot, notorious,
scandalous, heated, polemic, controversial, polemical, critical, disputatious (formal); Antonyms: easygoing, relaxed, laid-
back (informal), tolerant, even-tempered, calm, blasé, unconcerned, carefree, mellow; Example Sentence: The analyst
presented a highly polemical view of the economic situation.
Poseur (noun) – Meaning: someone who takes on airs to impress others; a phony; Synonyms: poser (informal
disapproving), show-off (informal), exhibitionist, posturer, narcissist, swaggerer, peacock, problem, question, puzzle,
conundrum, challenge, riddle, enigma; Example Sentence: My first impression of the arrogant newcomer told me that he
was a poseur; I just had a hunch that he wasn’t what he seemed to be.
Pragmatic (adjective) – Meaning: practical, matter-of-fact; favoring utility; Synonyms: practical, realistic, hardheaded,
logical, rational, sensible, reasonable, matter-of-fact, no-nonsense, down-to-earth, hard-nosed (informal), applied, real-
world, hands-on, everyday, real, useful; Antonyms: idealistic, naive, unrealistic, romantic, optimistic, impractical,
theoretic, hypothetical, academic, notional, imaginary, conjectural, speculative, abstract; Example Sentence: Since we
don’t have money or time to waste, I think we should take the most pragmatic approach.
Precarious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. fraught with danger 2. dangerously unsteady or insecure; Synonyms (1): shaky,
unstable, insecure, uncertain, wobbly, unsafe, unsteady; Antonyms (1): stable, steady, unchanging, even, constant, firm,
unwavering, sure, established, secure, committed, long-standing; Synonyms (2); unwarranted, risky, dangerous,
hazardous, perilous, unwarrantable, unjustified, unjustifiable, indefensible; Antonyms (2): safe, harmless, benign,
innocuous, innocent, nonviolent, nontoxic, anodyne (literary); Example Sentence: Steve, the “Crocodile Hunter,” is
constantly placing himself in very precarious positions.
Precept (noun) – Meaning: a rule establishing standards of conduct; Synonyms: principle, teaching, rule, guideline,
instruction, law, edict, dictum (formal), rule, theory, notion, tenet (formal), dogma, assumption, law; Example Sentence:
The headmaster reviewed the precepts of the school with the students.
Precipitous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. extremely steep, dropping sharply 2. hasty, rash, foolhardy; Synonyms (1): rash,
quick, hurried, swift, impulsive, hasty, precipitate, reckless, impetuous, thoughtless, foolish, sudden, careless, imprudent
(formal), precipitous, brash, speedy, rapid, rushed, fast; Antonyms (1): careful, cautious, wary, vigilant, watchful, alert,
suspicious, chary, thoughtful; Synonyms (2): steep, sheer, abrupt, high, vertical, lofty, sharp, precipitous, abrupt, sudden;
Antonyms (2): gentle, mild, calm, tender, moderate, placid, temperate; Example Sentence: Driving through the state
park, we spotted a grizzly bear on a precipitous cliff and wondered if he would fall.
Pretentious (adjective) – Meaning: showy, pompous, putting on airs; Synonyms: affected, ostentatious (disapproving),
showy, exaggerated, conceited, hollow, pompous, fake, artificial, precious, unnatural, posh (UK, informal); Antonyms:
down-to-earth, practical, realistic, sensible, matter-of-fact, pragmatic, no-nonsense; Example Sentence: Hannah thinks
that being pretentious will make people like her, but she is sorely mistaken.
Prevaricate (verb) – Meaning: to tell lies, to stray from or evade the truth: Synonyms (1): hedge, evade, beat around the
bush, quibble, dither, dissemble (formal), fib (informal), misstate, stall, put off, fudge (informal), hedgerow, privet,
border, verge, windbreak, shrubbery; Synonyms (2): hesitate, dally, dawdle, waste time, vacillate, waver, shilly-shally;
Example Sentence: Quit prevaricating and tell me what really happened.
Primeval (adjective) – Meaning: ancient, original, belonging to the earliest ages; Synonyms (1): ancient, archaic,
prehistoric, original, antique, early, earliest, olden (archaic or literary), primordial, antediluvian (informal), primal,
ageless, age-old; Antonyms (1): modern, contemporary, current, up-to-date, up-to-the-minute, recent, new, present,
fresh, prevailing, modern-day, present-day, existing, ongoing; Synonyms (2): primitive, basic, instinctive, intuitive,
embryonic, original, aboriginal, nascent; Antonyms (2): considered, careful, measured, well-thought-out, painstaking;
Example Sentence: The primeval art found in the caves was discovered by accident.
Pristine (adjective) – Meaning: 1. in its original and unspoiled condition, unadulterated 2. clean, pure, free from
contamination; Synonyms (1): immaculate, perfect, faultless, spotless, pure, unsullied, spotless, neat and tidy, clean,
tidy, spick-and-span; Antonyms (1): soiled, grubby, mucky (informal), not clean, muddy, stained, filthy, dirty; Synonyms
(2): unspoiled, untouched, primeval, original, virgin, unchanged, unharmed, unblemished, undamaged, intact, well-
preserved; Antonyms (2): developed, technologically advanced, industrialized, advanced, established, settled, stable,
solid, firm, steady, mature; Example Sentence: We were awed by the beauty of the pristine forest in northern Canada.
Prodigal (adjective) – Meaning: 1. recklessly wasteful or extravagant, especially with money 2. given in great abundance,
lavish or profuse; Synonyms: wasteful, reckless, dissolute, profligate, extravagant, uncontrolled, lavish, uneconomical,
careless, inefficient, profligate, improvident (formal), spendthrift; Antonyms: cautious, careful, watchful, thoughtful,
alert, vigilant, guarded, wary, restrained, precautious, circumspect, chary, prudent, cagey (informal); Example Sentence:
The parable of the prodigal son shows what can happen when money is wasted.
Profligate (adjective) – Meaning: 1. recklessly wasteful or extravagant, prodigal 2. lacking moral restraint, dissolute;
Synonyms (1): wasteful, reckless, spendthrift, squandering, decadent, extravagant, lavish, uneconomical, careless,
inefficient, improvident (formal); Antonyms: parsimonious (formal), stingy, frugal, thrifty, ungenerous, miserly,
tightfisted, sparing, mean, penny-pinching (UK, informal), tight; Synonyms (2): dissolute, licentious (formal
disapproving), immoral, wicked, shameless, degenerate, depraved, debauched, self-indulgent, dissipated; Example
Sentence: The profligate man quickly depleted his fortune.
Proletariat (noun) – Meaning: the working class, those who do manual labor to earn a living; Synonyms: working class,
grassroots, hoi polloi, workers, masses, blue-collars, public, manual workers, hoi polloi, the masses, proletariat, wage-
earners; Antonyms: gentry, upper class, nobility, aristocracy, elite, ruling class, landed gentry, noblesse, upper crust
(informal), lords and ladies, peers of the realm; Example Sentence: The proletariats demanded fewer hours and better
wages.
Propinquity (noun) – Meaning: 1. proximity, nearness 2. affinity, similarity in nature; Synonyms: nearness, closeness,
proximity, convenience, relationship, immediacy, imminence, proximity, closeness, propinquity (formal), juxtaposition,
contiguity (formal); Antonyms: remoteness, isolation, seclusion, distance, solitude, inaccessibility, separation,
segregation, loneliness, sequestration, quarantine; Example Sentence: The two scientific elements demonstrate a
remarkable propinquity.
Propitious (adjective) – Meaning: auspicious, presenting favorable circumstances; Synonyms: auspicious, favorable,
fortunate, promising, propitious, lucky, opportune, providential, approving, positive, constructive, good, sympathetic,
encouraging, complimentary, flattering, kind; Antonyms: inauspicious, unpromising, discouraging, ill-starred (formal),
ominous, unfavorable, gloomy, ill-fated, fateful, adverse; Example Sentence: These are propitious omens indeed and
foretell a good journey.
Prosaic (adjective) – Meaning: unimaginative, ordinary, dull; Synonyms (1): straightforward, matter-of-fact, simple,
plain, ordinary, routine, frank, forthright, candid, up-front, direct, honest, open, sincere, straight; Synonyms (2): banal,
mundane, dull, everyday, humdrum, colorless, run-of-the-mill, pedestrian, plain, vanilla, characterless, ordinary,
commonplace, hackneyed, predictable, dull, boring, clichéd, trivial, facile; Antonyms: extraordinary, strange, odd,
unusual, unexpected, astonishing, surprising, amazing, bizarre, weird, peculiar, uncommon; Example Sentence: The
prosaic novel was rejected by the publisher.
Proscribe (verb) – Meaning: 1. to prohibit, forbid; to banish or outlaw 2. to denounce or condemn; Synonyms: ban, bar,
forbid, exclude, make illegal, veto, disallow, rule out, prohibit, prohibition, injunction, court order, embargo, sanction,
interdict; Antonyms: permit, license, document, certification, certificate, authorization, card, authority, badge, warrant;
Example Sentence: The king proscribed the worship of idols in his kingdom.
Protean (adjective) – Meaning: taking many forms, changeable; variable, versatile; Synonyms: variable, changeable,
mutable, adjustable, fluctuating, erratic, inconsistent, varying, changing, erratic, unpredictable, capricious, wavering;
Antonyms: constant, continuous, endless, relentless, continual, persistent, perpetual, unbroken, unceasing, ceaseless,
unremitting, incessant; Example Sentence: In Native American mythology, the coyote is often called the “shape shifter”
because he is such a protean character.
Protocol (noun) – Meaning: 1. etiquette, ceremony, or procedure with regard to people’s rank or status 2. a first copy of
a treaty or document; Synonyms (1): procedure, etiquette, code of behavior, conventions, rules, modus operandi,
proprieties, good form, decorum; Synonyms (2): process, modus operandi, way, technique, practice, method, course of
action, system, formula, route; Example Sentence: Jackson was fired for repeatedly refusing to follow protocol.
Provident (adjective) – Meaning: wisely providing for future needs; frugal, economical; Synonyms (1): prudent,
foresighted, well-prepared, wise, careful, sensible, farsighted, judicious, practical, cautious, discreet, shrewd, pragmatic;
Antonyms (1): improvident (formal), imprudent (formal), careless, reckless, negligent, irresponsible, wasteful,
extravagant, spendthrift, profligate, rash; Synonyms (2): frugal, cautious, thrifty, careful, sparing, mean, parsimonious,
economical, thrifty, prudent, penny-wise, parsimonious, stingy, meager, economical, tight, penny-pinching (UK,
informal); Antonyms (2): spendthrift, wasteful, extravagant, improvident (formal), prodigal, reckless, profligate; Example
Sentence: Because my parents were so provident, I didn’t have to struggle to pay for college.
Proxy (noun) – Meaning: 1. a person or agent authorized to represent or act for another 2. a document authorizing this
substitution; Synonyms (1): substitute, alternate, stand-in, deputy, understudy, surrogate, replacement, delegate;
Synonyms (2): indirect means, substitution, deputation, commission, delegation, representation; Example Sentence: The
president appointed a proxy to handle business matters during his absence.
Puerile (adjective) – Meaning: 1. childish, immature 2. suitable only for children, belonging to or of childhood;
Synonyms: childish, immature, infantile, foolish, silly, trivial, trifling, fatuous; Antonyms: mature, established, developed,
settled, matured, complete, advanced; Example Sentence: Andrew is a remarkably successful businessman for someone
so puerile.
Pugnacious (adjective) – Meaning: contentious, quarrelsome, eager to fight, belligerent; Synonyms: aggressive,
confrontational, belligerent, truculent, argumentative, contentious, violent, hostile, destructive, antagonistic, bellicose;
Antonyms: peaceable, peace-loving, compliant, amiable, easygoing, agreeable, willing to please, unwarlike,
nonbelligerent, nonviolent, diplomatic; Example Sentence: Don’t be so pugnacious—I don’t want to fight.
Punctilious (adjective) – Meaning: very conscientious and precise, paying great attention to details or trivialities,
especially in regard to etiquette: Synonyms (1): scrupulous, fastidious, painstaking, assiduous, meticulous, conscientious,
thorough, exact, precise, correct, honorable, trustworthy, reliable, dependable, trusty; Antonyms (1): sloppy (informal),
messy, untidy, disordered, chaotic, slovenly; Synonyms (2): seemly, polite, correct, courteous, civil, proper, appropriate,
decorous, fitting, fit, decent, proper, becoming, right; Antonyms (2): boorish, rude, ill-mannered, impolite, coarse,
rough, loutish, uncouth, crude, ignorant, churlish, base; Example Sentence: Kira is as punctilious in her personal affairs as
she is in the workplace.
Pundit (noun) – Meaning: a learned person or scholar; one who is an authority on a subject; Synonyms: expert,
specialist, authority, analyst, commentator, guru, skilled, skillful, practiced, proficient, professional, knowledgeable,
adept; Antonyms: inexperienced, inexpert, raw, new, innocent, untried, untested, unproven, green, unsophisticated,
amateurish, naive; Example Sentence: The journalist consulted several legal pundits before drafting the article.
Pungent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. having a strong, sharp taste or smell 2. penetrating, caustic, stinging; Synonyms (1):
strong, spicy, powerful, hot, overpowering, sharp, bitter, sharp-tasting, piquant, stimulating; Antonyms (1): bland,
insipid, weak, tasteless, mild, plain, flat, flavorless, wishy-washy (informal); Synonyms (2): pithy, forceful, biting, pointed,
cutting, witty, caustic, acerbic, trenchant, sharp, piercing; Antonyms (2): mild, slight, minor, unimportant, insignificant,
trifling, trivial; Example Sentence: I love the pungent taste of a good, strong curry.
Purloin (verb) – Meaning: to steal; Synonyms: steal, pilfer, appropriate, walk off with, pocket, filch (informal), lift
(informal), help yourself to, pinch (UK, informal), nick (UK, slang), thieve, shoplift; Example Sentence: The thief purloined
a sculpture worth thousands of dollars.
Purport (verb) – Meaning: 1. to be intended to seem, to have the appearance of being 2. propose or intend; Synonyms
(1): significance, sense, importance, meaning, implication, relevance, import, reason, rationale; Synonyms (2): purpose,
intention, intent (formal), aim, design, plan, end, object, objective; Example Sentence: The letter purports to express
your opinion on the matter.
Quaff (verb) – Meaning: to drink hurriedly or heartily; to swallow in large draughts; Synonyms: drink, swig (informal),
gulp down, guzzle (informal), put away, knock back (informal), throw back, swallow down, swill (disapproving), imbibe
(formal or humorous); Example Sentence: He quickly quaffed three glasses of water.
Quail (verb) – Meaning: to draw back in fear, flinch, cower; Synonyms: quake, tremble, quaver, cower, flinch, cringe,
show fear, take fright; Example Sentence: Mona quailed as soon as Otto entered the room.
Querulous (adjective) – Meaning: complaining, peevish, discontented; Synonyms (1): critical, complaining, difficult,
carping, hard to please, fussy, negative, censorious; Antonyms (1): equable, composed, calm, unflappable, placid,
easygoing, level-headed, phlegmatic, serene, tranquil, dispassionate; Synonyms (2): whining, cantankerous, moaning
(informal), grumbling, complaining, grouchy (informal), whingeing (UK, informal); Antonyms (2): good-natured, pleasant,
cheerful, friendly, kind, happy, helpful, agreeable, genial, affable, amiable; Example Sentence: He’s a cantankerous and
querulous old man, but I love him.
Queue (noun) – Meaning: 1. a line of people or vehicles waiting their turn 2. a pigtail; Synonyms (1): line, file, crocodile,
column, train, row; Synonyms (2): backlog, log jam, train, string, succession, tailback; Example Sentence: Look how long
the queue is! We’ll be waiting for hours.
Quid pro quo (noun) – Meaning: a thing given in return for something; an equal exchange or substitution; Synonyms:
deal, trade, agreement, exchange, tradeoff, tit for tat, bribe, an eye for an eye, contract, transaction, arrangement, pact,
treaty, covenant, compact, bond, convention, indenture; Example Sentence: Let’s come up with a quid pro quo
arrangement that will create a winning situation for both sides.
Quiescent (adjective) – Meaning: inactive, quiet, at rest; dormant, latent; Synonyms: calm, inactive, dormant, gentle,
sluggish, inert, still, motionless, latent, lifeless, tranquil, peaceful, quiet, still, cool, composed, unruffled, serene, relaxed;
Antonyms: active, lively, vigorous, energetic, full of life, on the go, full of zip (informal), dynamic;Example Sentence: The
volcano is quiescent at the moment, but who knows when it will erupt again.
Quintessence (noun) – Meaning: 1. the essence of a substance 2. the perfect example or embodiment of something;
Synonyms (1): essence, embodiment, epitome, personification, ideal, soul, heart, spirit, core, heart, crux, kernel, soul,
quintessence, principle, substance, lifeblood; Synonyms (2): concentrate, extract, tincture, distillate, concentration,
distillation; Example Sentence: Maura is the quintessence of kindness.
Quixotic (adjective) – Meaning: extravagantly chivalrous and unselfish; romantically idealistic, impractical; Synonyms:
idealistic, unrealistic, romantic, impractical, impracticable, dreamy, naive, unrealistic, romantic, optimistic, impractical;
Antonyms: down-to-earth, practical, realistic, sensible, matter-of-fact, pragmatic, no-nonsense; Example Sentence: His
quixotic ways charmed all the women at the dance.
Quotidian (adjective) – Meaning: 1. daily 2. commonplace, pedestrian 3. commonplace: of the most ordinary everyday
kind (formal) 4. done daily: done or experienced on a daily basis (formal) 5. med recurring daily: describes a fever that
recurs or flares up every day; Synonyms: Everyday, mundane, routine, unremarkable, workaday, ordinary; Example
Sentence: Prudence took her quotidian dose of medicine.
Rakish (adjective) – Meaning: 1. debonair, smartly dressed or mannered, jaunty in appearance or manner 2.
unconventional and disreputable; dissolute or debauched; Synonyms (1): casual, confident, breezy, stylish, sporty,
dashing, jaunty, dapper, debonair, unpremeditated, unplanned, chance, unintentional, unintended, unexpected, off-the-
cuff, spontaneous; Antonyms (1): bland, insipid, weak, tasteless, mild, plain, flat, flavorless, wishy-washy (informal);
Synonyms (2): dissolute, profligate, degenerate, louche, dubious, disreputable, depraved, lecherous, dissipated, raffish;
Antonym (2): upright; Example Sentence: The rakish young woman charmed everyone at the table.
Rancor (noun) – Meaning: a bitter feeling of ill will, long-lasting resentment; Synonyms: acrimony, bitterness, malice,
resentment, vindictiveness, spite, meanness, nastiness, hatred, ill will, hostility, malevolence, spleen, venom, bitterness,
animosity, hostility, unfriendliness, bad blood, bad feeling; Example Sentence: Greg is full of rancor toward his brother,
and this causes tension at family gatherings.
Rapacious (adjective) – Meaning: excessively greedy and grasping (especially for money); voracious, plundering;
Synonyms (1): greedy, voracious, grasping, avid, avaricious, gluttonous, ravenous, insatiable, covetous, mercenary,
intemperate; Antonyms (1): temperate, restrained, self-controlled, controlled, moderate, reasonable, mild, measured,
reserved, muted; Synonyms (2): destructive, vicious, harmful, aggressive, dangerous, damaging, violent, devastating,
detrimental, injurious; Antonyms (2): harmless, inoffensive, innocuous, innocent, meaningless, anodyne (literary), bland,
mild; Example Sentence: The rapacious general ordered his soldiers to pillage the town.
Raucous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. unpleasantly loud and harsh 2. boisterous, disorderly, disturbing the peace;
Synonyms: wild, loud, boisterous, harsh, disorderly, rough, unruly, hoarse, riotous, rowdy, noisy; Antonyms: subdued,
gentle, quiet, restrained, muted, subtle, soft, hushed, low; Example Sentence: The raucous music kept us awake all
night.
Reactionary (noun) – Meaning: a person who favors political conservativism; one who is opposed to progress or
liberalism; Synonyms: backward-looking, conservative, illiberal, unreceptive, unreasonable, intolerant, bigoted,
intransigent, diehard, medieval, prehistoric, outdated, retrospective, nostalgic, retrograde, traditional; Antonyms:
progressive, liberal, broad-minded, open-minded, reformist, enlightened, advanced, tolerant, radical; Example Sentence:
It should be an interesting marriage: he’s a reactionary and she’s as liberal as they come.
Recalcitrant (adjective) – Meaning: disobedient, unruly, refusing to obey authority; Synonyms: unruly, intractable
(formal), refractory, disobedient, wayward, headstrong, obstinate, unmanageable, noncompliant, stubborn,
uncooperative, boisterous, disruptive, disorderly, rowdy, disobedient, wild, uncontrollable, unmanageable, intractable
(formal), recalcitrant, obstreperous, willful (US, disapproving), wayward, energetic, active, animated, unruly, noisy,
overexcited, over-the-top (informal); Antonyms: cooperative, obliging, helpful, supportive, accommodating, willing,
compliant, complaisant; Example Sentence: The recalcitrant child was sent to the principal’s office for the third time in a
week.
Recidivism (noun) – Meaning: a relapse or backslide, especially into antisocial or criminal behavior after conviction and
punishment; Synonyms: reoffending, reoffense, repetition, habit, tendency, backsliding; Example Sentence: Allowing
prisoners to earn their GEDs or college degrees has been shown to greatly reduce recidivism.
Recondite (adjective) – Meaning: 1. not easily understood, obscure, and abstruse 2. dealing with abstruse or
profound matters; Synonyms: obscure, abstruse, complex, out-of-the-way, little known, esoteric, hidden, concealed,
incomprehensible, unclear, vague, ambiguous, doubtful, murky, unintelligible, opaque; Antonyms: mainstream, normal,
typical, conventional, ordinary, majority, vanilla (UK, slang), middle-of-the-road; Example Sentence: He loves the
challenge of grasping a recondite subject.
Refractory (adjective) – Meaning: stubborn, unmanageable, resisting control or discipline; Synonyms: headstrong,
stubborn, rebellious, obstinate, intractable (formal), recalcitrant, wayward, noncompliant, unruly, unmanageable,
disobedient, impetuous, impulsive, reckless, rash, willful, determined, stubborn, obstinate, intractable (formal),
pigheaded, impulsive, hasty, unthinking, sudden, spontaneous, hotheaded; Antonyms: placid, easygoing, docile, good-
natured, mild, calm, equable, even-tempered, imperturbable, peaceful, serene, tranquil, still, quiet, gentle, sedate;
Example Sentence: Elena is a counselor for refractory children in an alternative school setting.
Regale (verb) – Meaning: to delight or entertain with a splendid feast or pleasant amusement; Synonyms: entertain,
amuse, delight, divert, ply, interest, tickle, distract, regale; Antonym: bore; Example Sentence: The king regaled his
guests until the early morning hours.
Remonstrate (verb) – Meaning: 1. to say or plead in protest, objection, or opposition 2. to scold or reprove; Synonyms:
argue, protest, object, oppose, complain, squabble, bicker, dispute, gripe (informal), quarrel, dispute, fight, disagree,
bicker, squabble, fall out; Antonyms: agree, concur, be in agreement, see eye to eye, coincide, subscribe; Example
Sentence: The children remonstrated loudly when their babysitter told them they couldn’t watch that movie.
Renegade (noun) – Meaning: 1. a deserter; one who rejects a cause, group, etc. 2. a person who rebels and becomes an
outlaw; Synonyms: apostate, traitor, rebel, turncoat, betrayer, defector, deserter, renouncer; Antonyms: loyalist,
stalwart, partisan, supporter, devotee, advocate, proponent, resolute, determined, committed, unfaltering, steadfast,
unwavering, firm, unshakable, vigorous, staunch; Example Sentence: The renegade soldier decided to join the guerilla
fighters.
Renowned (adjective) – Meaning: famous; widely known and esteemed; Synonyms: famous, well-known, celebrated,
notorious (archaic), prominent, popular, distinguished, legendary, recognized, established, famed, eminent, illustrious;
Antonyms: unknown, unidentified, indefinite, mysterious, strange, unfamiliar, unheard of, nameless, anonymous, new,
unspecified, undetermined; Example Sentence: The renowned historian Stephen Ambrose wrote many books that were
popular with both scholars and the general public.
Repartee (noun) – Meaning: 1. a quick, witty reply 2. the ability to make witty replies; Synonyms: banter, wordplay, wit,
badinage, raillery, teasing, mockery, joking, chitchat (informal); Example Sentence: He wasn’t expecting such a sharp
repartee from someone who was normally so quiet.
Replete (adjective) – Meaning: 1. well-stocked or abundantly supplied 2. full, gorged; Synonyms (1): full, complete,
supplied, abounding, chock-full (informal), brimming, awash, rife, filled, occupied; Antonyms (1): lacking, missing,
absent, not there, wanting; Synonyms (2): sated, stuffed (informal), satisfied, satiated, full up, full; Antonyms (2):
hungry, starving, famished, ravenous, starved, peckish (informal), ravening, voracious; Example Sentence: The house was
replete with expensive antiques.
Repose (noun) – Meaning: 1. resting or being at rest 2. calmness, tranquility, peace of mind; Synonyms (1): inactivity,
sleep, rest, relaxation, restfulness, ease, leisure; Antonyms (1): activity, pursuit, interest, hobby, occupation, leisure
interest, endeavor, pastime, attempt, effort, try, exertion, best shot, work, hard work, industry, striving, struggle;
Synonyms (2): calmness, peace, stillness, tranquillity, calm, peacefulness, serenity, quietness, coolness, composure;
Antonyms (2): agitation, anxiety, worry, nervousness, tension, distress, excitement; Example Sentence; The wail of a
police siren disturbed my repose.
Reprehensible (adjective) – Meaning: deserving rebuke or censure; Synonyms: wrong, bad, disgraceful, shameful,
inexcusable, unacceptable, incorrect, mistaken, erroneous, off beam, wide of the mark, blameworthy; Antonyms:
praiseworthy, admirable, commendable, laudable, worthy, exemplary, creditable; Example Sentence: The reprehensible
behavior of the neighborhood bully angered everyone on the block.
Reprieve (noun) – Meaning: 1. postponement or cancellation of punishment, especially of the death sentence 2.
temporary relief from danger or discomfort; Synonyms: official pardon, stay of execution, amnesty, pardon, acquittal,
absolution, exculpation (formal), exoneration, stay; Example Sentence: The court granted him a reprieve at the last
moment because of DNA evidence that absolved him.
Reprisal (noun) – Meaning: 1. an act of retaliation for an injury with the intent of inflicting at least as much
harm in return 2. the practice of using political or military force without actually resorting to war; Synonyms: retaliation,
payback, act of vengeance, punishment, revenge, retribution; Antonyms: forgiveness, pardon, absolution, amnesty,
reconciliation, exoneration, exculpation (formal); Example Sentence: The president promised a swift reprisal for the
attack.
Reprobate (noun) – Meaning: an immoral or unprincipled person; one without scruples; Synonyms: degenerate, rascal,
troublemaker, ne'er-do-well, sinner, wrongdoer, debased, decadent, immoral, debauched, corrupt, perverted, wicked;
Example Sentence: Edgar deemed himself a reprobate, a criminal, and a traitor in his written confession.
Repudiate (verb) – Meaning: to disown, disavow, reject completely; Synonyms: reject, disclaim, renounce, deny, not
accept, rebut, retract, disavow (formal), turn your back on, wash your hands of, castoff, discard, hand-me-down,
throwaway; Antonyms: acknowledge, admit, recognize, allow (formal), accept, concede, grant, confess, own up, fess up
(US, informal); Example Sentence: Ms. Tallon has repeatedly repudiated your accusations.
Rescind (verb) – Meaning: to repeal or cancel; to void or annul; Synonyms: withdraw, annul, cancel, repeal, overturn,
quash, void, retract, revoke, make null and void, remove, take out, extract, pull out, draw, take away; Antonyms:
authorize, approve, allow, sanction, permit, give permission, okay (informal), consent, empower; Example Sentence:
They have rescinded their offer, so we must find another buyer.
Resonant (adjective) – Meaning: echoing, resounding; Synonyms (1): booming, ringing, echoing, reverberating,
resounding, deep, rich, thriving, prosperous, wealthy, flourishing, successful, growing, and up (informal), on the up;
Antonyms (1): tinny, shoddy, cheap, tacky (informal), worthless, inferior, poor; Synonyms (2): significant, meaningful,
important, evocative, indicative, reminiscent; Antonyms (2): insignificant, unimportant, irrelevant, immaterial,
inconsequential, trivial, minor, paltry, petty, trifling, slight; Example Sentence: The new announcer at the stadium has a
wonderfully resonant voice.
Reticent (adjective) – Meaning: tending to keep one’s thoughts and feelings to oneself; reserved, untalkative, silent;
Synonyms: cagey (informal), discreet, quiet, restrained, unforthcoming, uncommunicative, taciturn, silent, reserved,
wary, guarded, cautious, careful, reticent, evasive, secretive, watchful, cautious, suspicious, distrustful, mistrustful,
chary, guarded, circumspect, careful; Antonyms: talkative, chatty, loquacious (formal), verbose, garrulous, voluble,
fluent, glib, conversational; Example Sentence: Annette is very reticent, so don’t expect her to tell you much about
herself.
Rigmarole (also rigamarole) (noun) – Meaning: 1. rambling, confusing, incoherent talk 2. a complicated, petty
procedure; Synonyms (1): hassle (informal), bother, ritual, fuss, to-do (informal), business, carry-on (UK, informal);
Synonyms (2): explanation, account, excuse, palaver, waffle (informal), verbiage, overelaboration, gobbledygook (US,
informal disapproving); Example Sentence: We had to go through a great deal of rigmarole to get this approved.
Rogue (noun) – Meaning: 1. a dishonest, unprincipled person 2. a pleasantly mischievous person 3. a vicious and
solitary animal living apart from the herd; Synonyms: scoundrel, rascal, reprobate, ne'er-do-well, cad (dated), scalawag
(US, dated informal), scallywag (UK, dated informal), crook (informal), villain, rat (slang), cheat; Antonyms: hero,
superman, champion, conqueror, idol; Example Sentence: Yesterday, that rogue hid all of my cooking utensils; today he’s
switched everything around in the cupboards!
Roil (verb) – Meaning: 1. to make a liquid cloudy or muddy 2. to stir up or agitate 3. to anger or annoy 4. Make
somebody angry: to anger or annoy somebody; Synonyms: churn, mix, roil, agitate, annoy, shake, whip, toss, stir up, stir,
blend, combination, mixture, assortment, fusion, amalgam, synthesis, mingling, assembly; Example Sentence: That you
could even think such a thing really roils me.
Rubric (noun) – Meaning: 1. a class or category 2. a heading, title, or note of explanation or direction; Synonyms (1):
title, heading, header, introduction, head, preface; Synonyms (2): rules, instructions, guidelines, directions, rulebook,
procedures, comments, documentation; Synonyms (3): custom, tradition, practice, system, convention, rule; Synonyms
(4): class, category, classification, division, type, family; Example Sentence: I would put this under the rubric of
“quackery,” not “alternative medicine.”
Sacrilegious (adjective) – Meaning: disrespectful or irreverent toward something regarded as sacred; Synonyms:
violating, heretical, disrespectful, blasphemous, irreverent, impious, profane (formal); Antonyms: reverent, deferential,
reverential, respectful, worshipful, awed, humble, respectful, admiring, reverent, polite, submissive, courteous,
obsequious; Example Sentence: Her book was criticized by the church for being sacrilegious.
Sagacious (adjective) – Meaning: having or showing sound judgment; perceptive, wise; Synonyms: wise, sage (literary),
learned, perceptive, erudite, knowledgeable, intelligent, astute, clever, shrewd, discerning, prudent, sensible, judicious;
Antonyms: foolish, silly, unwise, imprudent (formal), thoughtless, irrational, stupid, crazy (informal), rash, reckless,
ridiculous, laughable, derisible; Example Sentence: My sagacious uncle always gives me good, sound advice.
Salient (adjective) – Meaning: 1. conspicuous, prominent, highly noticeable; drawing attention through a striking quality
2. spring up or jutting out; Synonyms: noticeable, striking, outstanding, prominent, relevant, significant, leading, main,
obvious, visible, perceptible, conspicuous, evident, manifest, in plain sight, in full view, plain, clear; Antonyms: minor,
slight, negligible, inconsequential, trivial, insignificant, unimportant, trifling, petty, minimal, inconsiderable, marginal,
small, lesser, inferior, junior, secondary, insignificant, minor-league, lower; Example Sentence: Jill’s most salient feature
is her stunning auburn hair.
Salutary (adjective) – Meaning: producing a beneficial or wholesome effect; remedial; Synonyms: helpful, useful,
beneficial, constructive, valuable, productive, advantageous, of use, effective; Example Sentence: To promote better
health, I’ve decided to move to a more salutary climate.
Sanctimonious (adjective) – Meaning: hypocritically pious or devout; excessively self-righteous; Synonyms: self-
righteous (disapproving), holier-than-thou (informal), smug, pious, pompous, self-satisfied, superior, censorious,
complacent, haughty, hoity-toity (disapproving), supercilious, hypocritical, pretentious; Antonyms: humble, modest,
unassuming, retiring, meek, self-effacing, unpretentious, shy; Example Sentence: The thief’s sanctimonious remark that
“a fool and his money are soon parted” only made the jury more eager to convict him.
Sangfroid (noun) – Meaning: composure, especially in dangerous or difficult circumstances; Synonyms: self-possession,
calmness, poise, cool (informal), aplomb, self-assurance, self-control, composure, confidence, self-assurance, self-
confidence, assurance, poise, composure, coolness; Antonyms: anxiety, nervousness, worry, concern, unease,
apprehension, disquiet, fretfulness, angst, fear; Example Sentence: I wish I had Jane’s sangfroid when I find myself in a
confrontational situation.
Sanguine (adjective) – Meaning: 1. confidently cheerful, optimistic 2. of the color of blood; red; Synonyms: confident,
optimistic, cheerful, hopeful, positive, upbeat (informal), self-assured, poised, self-confident, self-possessed, assured,
assertive, self-reliant, buoyant, cool; Antonyms: pessimistic, negative, cynical, doubtful, distrustful, gloomy, glum,
unenthusiastic, suspicious; Example Sentence: People are drawn to her because of her sanguine and pleasant nature.
Sardonic (adjective) – Meaning: sarcastic, mocking scornfully; Synonyms: mocking, scornful, ironic, sarcastic, derisive,
satirical, cutting, mordant, scathing, disdainful, contemptuous, disrespectful, insulting, jeering; Antonyms: sincere,
honest, open, frank, natural, straight, unaffected, candid, heartfelt, genuine, truthful, earnest, serious, authentic;
Example Sentence: I was hurt by his sardonic reply.
Saturnine (adjective) – Meaning: gloomy, dark, sullen; Synonyms: melancholy, morose, gloomy, sad, sullen, dejected,
depressed, downhearted, miserable, down in the dumps (informal), down, glum, gloomy, unhappy, despondent,
dejected, dismal, low; Antonyms: cheerful, happy, cheery, jolly, smiling, joyful, merry, jovial, in good spirits, sunny,
chirpy (informal), jaunty, gleeful, optimistic; Example Sentence: The saturnine child sulked for hours.
Savoir faire (noun) – Meaning: knowledge of the right thing to do or say in a social situation; graceful tact; Synonyms:
know-how (informal), confidence, style, flair, poise, savvy (informal), sense, nous (UK, informal), knowledge, experience,
expertise, proficiency, competence; Antonyms: gaucheness, uncouthness, awkwardness, tactlessness, gracelessness,
clumsiness, callowness, rudeness, vulgarity, bad manners, crudeness, coarseness, impropriety; Example Sentence: Savoir
faire is essential if you want to be a successful diplomat.
Schism (noun) – Meaning: a separation or division into factions because of a difference in belief or opinion; Synonyms:
split, break, division, rupture, rift, gulf, breakup, faction, separation; Antonyms: union, amalgamation, combination,
blending, coming together, joining together, unification, merger; Example Sentence: The schism between the two parties
was forgotten as they united around a common cause.
Scintilla (noun) – Meaning: a trace or particle; minute amount, iota; Synonyms: jot, iota, scrap, shred, speck, ounce, bit,
spark, trace, particle, atom, whit (dated informal), bit, speck, tittle, dot, mite (dated), smidgen (informal), grain;
Antonyms: ton, load (informal), lot, mass, mountain, heap (informal), stack (informal), ocean; Example Sentence: She
has not one scintilla of doubt about his guilt.
Scurvy (adjective) – Meaning: contemptible, mean; Synonyms (1): cheap, inexpensive, economy, low-priced, discounted,
economical, low-cost, cut-rate, on sale, reduced, bargain, bargain-basement, going for a song, cut-price; Antonyms (1):
expensive, luxurious, classy (informal), exclusive, posh (informal), affluent, lavish; Synonyms (2): shoddy, inferior,
second-rate, substandard, common, tawdry, careless, slapdash, sloppy, low, inferior, low-down, cheap, substandard,
poor, trashy, lousy (informal); Antonyms (2): superior, better, finer, advanced, better-quality, improved, enhanced, a cut
above; Synonyms (3): contemptible, despicable, shameful, low, base, disgraceful, distasteful, detestable, disreputable,
loathsome; Antonyms (3): admirable, estimable, commendable, venerable, good, splendid, worthy, marvelous,
excellent; Synonyms (4): stingy, tightfisted, close-fisted (informal), miserly, penny-pinching (informal), parsimonious,
mean, ungenerous, parsimonious, sparing, grudging; Antonyms (4): generous, kind, big-hearted, openhanded,
munificent, giving, charitable, liberal; Example Sentence: That scurvy knave has ruined my plans again.
Sedulous (adjective) – Meaning: diligent, persevering, hard working; Synonyms: zealous, assiduous, diligent, hard-
working, keen, conscientious, determined, painstaking, careful, enthusiastic, passionate, fervent, ardent, fanatical,
obsessive, eager, extreme, vehement, intense; Antonyms: lazy, indolent, idle, lethargic, languid, sluggish, slothful
(formal); Example Sentence: After years of sedulous research, the researchers discovered a cure.
Semantics (noun) – Meaning: 1. the study of meaning in language 2. the meaning, connotation, or interpretation of
words, symbols, or other forms 3. the study of relationships between signs or symbols and their meanings 4. study of
meaning in language 5. study of symbols 6. study of logic; Synonyms: linguistics, dialectology, etymology, phonology,
morphology, semantics, grammar, syntax; Example Sentence: He claims it’s a matter of semantics, but the matter is not
open to interpretation.
Sententious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. expressing oneself tersely, pithy 2. full of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-
righteous manner; Synonyms: moralizing, moralistic, judgmental, critical, censorious, disapproving, lecturing, preaching,
exhorting, hectoring, improving, holier-than-thou (informal), sanctimonious; Antonyms: approving, positive, favorable,
appreciative, sympathetic, complimentary, admiring; Example Sentence: I was looking for your honest opinion, not a
sententious reply.
Shiftless (adjective) – Meaning: lazy and inefficient; lacking ambition, initiative, or purpose; Synonyms: lazy, suspicious,
dubious, idle, good-for-nothing, dishonest, indolent, untrustworthy, deceitful, slothful (formal), devious, inefficient,
workshy; Antonyms: industrious, diligent, hard-working, busy, productive, conscientious, active, assiduous, energetic,
bustling; Example Sentence: My shiftless roommate has failed all of his classes.
Simian (noun and adjective) – Meaning: of or like an ape or monkey; Synonyms (1): monkey, ape, primate, chimpanzee,
simian, baboon; Synonyms (2): rogue (informal), rascal (humorous), mischief-maker, scamp, scalawag (US, dated
informal); Synonyms (3): fool, dupe, ass, laughingstock, butt, buffoon, figure of fun; Example Sentence: Creationists do
not believe that humans have simian ancestors.
Sinuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. winding, undulating, serpentine 2. supple and graceful: lithe and graceful, especially
making graceful winding or curving movements 3. winding or serpentine: full of bends and curves 4. devious: indirect
and devious 4. botany Same as sinuate; Synonyms: lithe, supple, twisting, winding, graceful, flowing, flexible, lissom,
agile, nimble, limber; Example Sentence: It is dangerous to drive fast on such a sinuous road.
Slake (verb) – Meaning: 1. to satisfy, quench 2. to reduce the intensity of, moderate, allay; Synonyms: quench, satisfy,
satiate, sate, extinguish, satiate, reduce, appease; Antonyms: exacerbate, make worse, worsen, aggravate, impair,
intensify; Example Sentence: The deer slaked its thirst at the river.
Sodden (adjective) – Meaning: 1. thoroughly saturated, soaked 2. expressionless or dull, unimaginative; Synonyms:
saturated, soaking, soaked, soaking wet, sopping wet, sopping, wet, wet through, drenched, wringing wet, wringing,
drenched, wet through, wet, dripping wet, flooded, inundated, waterlogged, steeped, marinated; Antonyms: dry,
dehydrated, dried out, dried up, arid, waterless, desiccated, dry as a bone, parched; Example Sentence: Caught in an
unexpected rainstorm, I was sodden by the time I reached the bus stop.
Solecism (noun) – Meaning: 1. a mistake in the use of language 2. violation of good manners or etiquette, impropriety;
Synonyms: error, mistake, blunder, faux pas (literary), gaffe, blooper (US, informal humorous), slip, bloomer (UK,
informal humorous); fault, boo-boo (informal), inaccuracy, miscalculation, slip, slip-up (informal), oversight, boob (UK,
informal); Example Sentence: Frank’s solecism caused his debate team much embarrassment.
Sophistry (noun) – Meaning: clever but faulty reasoning; a plausible but invalid argument intended to deceive by
appearing sound; Synonyms: casuistry, fallaciousness, illogicality, sophism, dishonesty, fraudulence, unsound reasoning,
subtlety, twisting the facts, justification, vindication, excuse; Antonyms: logic, reason, judgment, sense, common sense,
lucidity, reasoning, rationality, sensibleness, soundness; Example Sentence: I was amused by his sophistry but knew he
had a little more research to do before he presented his argument to the distinguished scholars in his field.
Sordid (adjective) – Meaning: 1. dirty, wretched, squalid 2. morally degraded; Synonyms (1): base, disreputable, sleazy,
repugnant, disgusting, despicable, ignoble, wretched, nasty (informal), degenerate, decadent, dishonorable,
disreputable, squalid, immoral, ignoble; Antonyms (1): uplifting, inspiring, elevating, improving, enriching, heartening,
moving, inspirational, stirring; Synonyms (2): squalid, disgusting, dirty, low, distasteful, grimy, grubby, foul, filthy, grungy
(informal), rundown, nasty, fetid, unclean, neglected; Antonyms (2): pleasant, enjoyable, agreeable, pleasing,
pleasurable, satisfying, amusing, lovely, nice, amiable, friendly, congenial, likable, genial, affable, cheery, nice, good-
humored, good-natured; Example Sentence: This sordid establishment should be shut down immediately.
Specious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. seemingly plausible but false 2. deceptively pleasing in appearance; Synonyms: false,
hollow, erroneous, baseless, inaccurate, unfounded, fallacious, phony, sham, bogus, incorrect, untrue, unsound, wrong,
spurious, misleading, deceptive; Antonyms: valid, reasonable, sound, rational, legitimate, well-founded, defensible,
justifiable, bona fide, lawful, legal, binding, effective, in force; Example Sentence: Vinnie did not fool me with his
specious argument.
Spurious (adjective) – Meaning: false, counterfeit, not genuine or authentic; Synonyms: false, bogus, fake, forged,
counterfeit, imitation, specious, inauthentic, sham, phony, sham, artificial, copied, fictitious, pretend, put-on, made-up,
insincere; Antonyms: genuine, real, authentic, indisputable, true, unadulterated, actual, legitimate, valid; Example
Sentence: The expert confirmed that the Willie Mays autograph was spurious.
Squalid (adjective) – Meaning: 1. filthy and wretched 2. morally repulsive, sordid; Synonyms (1): filthy, dirty, foul, nasty,
fetid, unclean, neglected, grimy, muddy, mucky (informal), soiled, grubby, messy; Antonyms (1): clean, spotless,
unsoiled, fresh, sparkling, hygienic, sanitary, uncontaminated, unpolluted, sterile, dirt-free; Synonyms (2): seedy, sordid,
sleazy, repulsive, low, immoral, dishonest, disreputable, dingy, sordid, shabby, squalid, sleazy, seamy, dodgy (UK,
informal), ropy (UK, informal); Antonyms (2): charming, delightful, amiable, attractive, appealing, pleasant, polite,
charismatic, fascinating, enchanting, persuasive, captivating, alluring, enthralling, entrancing; Example Sentence: The
housing inspectors noted such deplorable and squalid living conditions in the building on Water Street that they were
forced to evacuate the tenants.
Stoical (adjective) – Meaning: seemingly unaffected by pleasure or pain; indifferent, impassive; Synonyms: dry-eyed,
unemotional, impassive, expressionless, unmoved, stoical, stoic, dispassionate, undemonstrative, unresponsive,
detached, inexpressive, poker-faced, composed, objective, cold, emotionless, blank, inexpressive, poker-faced,
unrevealing, deadpan, cool, aloof; Antonyms: tearful, in tears, crying, weepy (informal), upset, weeping, sobbing,
howling, bawling (informal), sniveling, wailing, unhappy, miserable, disconsolate, mournful, sorrowful, rueful; Example
Sentence: He remained stoical while his wife told him she was leaving.
Stolid (adjective) – Meaning: not feeling or showing emotion, impassive; not easily aroused or excited; Synonyms:
impassive, unresponsive, dull, emotionless, indifferent, insensitive, slow-witted, unemotional, blank, expressionless,
inexpressive, poker-faced, unrevealing, deadpan, cool, aloof; Antonyms: emotional, moving, touching, poignant,
affecting, exciting, weepy (informal), expressive, open, demonstrative, emotive, sensitive, responsive, passionate,
touching, poignant, affecting, stirring, heartbreaking, emotional, inspiring, tender, affective, emotive, heartrending;
Example Sentence: Maxine is a very stolid person, so it will be difficult to tell how she feels.
Stringent (adjective) – Meaning: very strict, according to very rigorous rules, requirements or standards; Synonyms:
severe, strict, rigorous, stern, harsh, tough, inflexible, rigid, cruel, brutal, ruthless, relentless, rigorous, difficult;
Antonyms: lax, lenient, soft, tolerant, permissive, accepting, nonjudgmental, negligent, slack, careless, slipshod, sloppy,
laid-back (informal); Example Sentence; The stringent eligibility requirements greatly limited the number of candidates
for the scholarship.
Stultify (verb) – Meaning: 1. to impair or make ineffective, cripple 2. to make (someone) look foolish or
incompetent; Synonyms (1): numb, dull, bore, deaden, put off, put to sleep, frozen, anesthetized, deadened, unfeeling,
sensationless, dead; Antonyms (1): stimulate, rouse, encourage, arouse, kindle, excite, inspire, motivate, fuel, incite, fire
up (informal); Synonyms (2): humiliate, make a fool of, belittle, set up (informal), ridicule, chasten, embarrass, demean,
degrade, disgrace, shame, put down (informal), show up, humble, debase, dishonor; Synonyms (3): negate (formal),
cancel out, block, render useless, preempt, vitiate, refute, contradict, disprove, disavow (formal), deny, repudiate,
contravene, disaffirm (formal); Antonyms (2): advance, development, improvement, spread, progress, expansion,
encroachment, innovation, enhancement, increase; Example Sentence: Of course I’m angry! You stultified me at that
meeting!
Stymie (verb) – Meaning: to hinder, obstruct, thwart; to prevent the accomplishment of something; Synonyms: impasse,
dead end, stalemate, standstill, deadlock, standoff, gridlock, bottleneck; Antonyms: breakthrough, advance, step
forward, leap forward, new idea, innovation, invention, revolution, discovery, development; Example Sentence: The
negotiations were stymied by yet another attack.
Sublime (adjective) – Meaning: having noble or majestic qualities; inspiring awe, adoration, or reverence; lofty,
supreme; Synonyms (1): beautiful, inspiring, inspirational, uplifting, awe-inspiring, moving, transcendent, magnificent,
exalted (formal), heavenly; Antonyms: ridiculous, ludicrous, preposterous, absurd, silly, outlandish, outrageous, bizarre,
unreasonable, incredible, nonsensical; Synonyms (2): excellent, superb, splendid, marvelous, wonderful, great, terrific,
outstanding, brilliant, exceptional, first-rate, admirable, superb, tremendous; Example Sentence: Beethoven’s music is
simply sublime.
Subliminal (adjective) – Meaning: below the threshold of consciousness; Synonyms: subconscious, unconscious, hidden,
concealed, unintentional, intuitive, involuntary; Antonyms: conscious, awake, wide awake, sleepless, insomniac, aware,
mindful, cognizant (formal), sentient, sensible, deliberate, intentional, premeditated, on purpose, willful, determined,
considered; Example Sentence: Subliminal advertising is devious but effective.
Subvert (verb) – Meaning: 1. to overthrow 2. to ruin, destroy completely 3. to undermine; Synonyms: undermine,
overthrow, destabilize, disrupt, sabotage, bring down, topple, weaken, dent, chip away at, challenge, destabilize,
demoralize, undercut, damage, emasculate (formal); Antonyms: support, hold up, reinforce, prop up, maintain, shore
up, keep up, buoy, buttress, brace, stay, sustain; Example Sentence: She quietly subverted his authority by sharing
internal information with outside agents.
Sundry (adjective) – Meaning: various, miscellaneous; Synonyms: various, miscellaneous, assorted, varied, different,
diverse, heterogeneous, divers (formal), several, manifold, motley, multifarious, a variety of, a range of, an assortment
of, a mixture of, different, a choice of, diverse, assorted; Antonyms: uniform, unchanging, unvarying, even, unbroken,
undeviating, constant, consistent, standardized, homogeneous, harmonized, regular, monotonous, identical, like, alike,
similar, equal, equivalent, same; Example Sentence: The sundry items in her backpack reveal a great deal about her
personality.
Supercilious (adjective) – Meaning: haughty, scornful, disdainful; Synonyms: arrogant, condescending, contemptuous,
haughty, disdainful, patronizing, scornful, pompous, superior, snooty (informal), stuck-up (informal), snobbish,
conceited, haughty, egotistic, bigheaded (informal), superior, proud, overconfident, supercilious, self-important;
Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming, retiring, meek, self-effacing, unpretentious, shy, respectful, subservient,
servile, deferential, obliging, meek, obsequious; Example Sentence: Sunil’s supercilious attitude and sarcastic remarks
annoy me greatly.
Supplicant (noun) – Meaning: a person who asks humbly for something; one who beseeches or entreats; Synonyms:
petitioner, applicant, aspirant, suppliant (formal), beggar, appellant, mendicant, suitor, requester, asker, lobbyist,
activist, campaigner, suitor, solicitor; Antonyms: donor, giver, contributor, benefactor, patron, supporter, subscriber,
presenter; Example Sentence: The supplicants begged for forgiveness.
Surly (adjective) – Meaning: bad-tempered, gruff, or unfriendly in a way that suggests menace; Synonyms: gruff,
brusque, abrupt, curt, churlish, rude, impolite, discourteous, disagreeable, truculent, grumpy, short-tempered, irritable,
boorish, crabby, tetchy (informal), unhelpful, sullen, grouchy (informal), unfriendly, short, bad-tempered, crotchety
(informal), angry, impatient, snippy (informal), stern, crusty; Antonyms: friendly, welcoming, approachable, outgoing,
responsive, sociable, open, pleasant, kindly, affable, warm, hospitable, convivial, openhearted; Example Sentence: Emily
received a surly greeting from the normally cheerful receptionist.
Surrogate (noun) – Meaning: a substitute; one who takes the place of another; Synonyms: substitute, replacement,
proxy, stand-in, deputy, alternate, backup, understudy, supernumerary, extra, auxiliary, additional, ancillary, temporary,
standby; Example Sentence: Martha agreed to be a surrogate mother for her sister.
Svelte (adjective) – Meaning: slender and graceful, suave; Synonyms: slender, graceful, lithe, willowy, sylphlike, slim,
lissome, slight, lean, trim, small, meager, little; Antonyms: stocky, thickset, sturdy, solid, stout, chunky (informal), squat,
burly, hefty, heavy, bulky, strapping (informal), husky; Example Sentence: The svelte actress offered a toast to her
guests.
Sycophant (noun) – Meaning: a person who tries to win the favor of influential or powerful people through flattery; a
fawning parasite; Synonyms: toady, flatterer, bootlicker (informal disapproving), brownnoser (slang), minion, yes man,
groveler, creep (UK, informal), crawler (UK, informal), fawner; Example Sentence: The president is surrounded by
sycophants, so how will he really know if his ideas have merit?
Taciturn (adjective) – Meaning: habitually untalkative, reserved; Synonyms: reserved, uncommunicative, reticent, silent,
quiet, introverted, shy, distant, aloof, aloof, reticent, standoffish, distant, unfriendly, cold, detached, cool, shy, diffident,
snobbish; Antonyms: garrulous, talkative, chatty, voluble, effusive, loquacious (formal), verbose, long-winded, gushing,
gassy (informal), chattering, gaseous (informal); Example Sentence: I’ve always known him to be taciturn, but yesterday
he regaled me with tales of his hiking adventures.
Tangible (adjective) – Meaning: able to be perceived by touch, palpable; real or concrete; Synonyms (1): palpable,
touchable, perceptible, concrete, physical, noticeable, real, solid, definite, substantial, material, corporeal, visible;
Antonyms (1): intangible, imperceptible, incorporeal (formal), immaterial, insubstantial, impalpable (formal); Synonyms
(2): actual, substantial, real, certain, evident, definite, plain, clear, demonstrable, quantifiable, obvious, hard, solid;
Antonyms (2): intangible, unquantifiable, elusive, vague, ethereal, subtle, indefinable, indescribable; Example Sentence:
There is no tangible evidence of misconduct; it’s all hearsay.
Tawdry (adjective) – Meaning: gaudy or showy but without any real value; flashy and tasteless; Synonyms: cheap, gaudy,
flashy, showy, tasteless, crude, flamboyant, contemptible, despicable, shameful, low, base, scurvy; Antonyms: tasteful,
discerning, discriminating, sophisticated, refined, stylish, classy (informal), aesthetic, attractive, elegant, chic, beautiful,
sharp, astute, judicious, sensitive, shrewd, selective; Example Sentence: I’ve never seen such a tawdry outfit as the three-
tiered taffeta prom gown that the singer wore to the awards ceremony!
Teem (verb) – Meaning: to be full of; to be present in large numbers; Synonyms (1): swarm, crowd, abound, be full, be
stuffed, be loaded, be crammed, group, cloud, flight, horde, throng, flock, bevy, multitude, pack, mass, mob, drove,
herd; Synonyms (2): pour, pelt, rain cats and dogs, stream, rain, bucket (UK, informal), decant, dispense, drizzle,
discharge, transfer, empty, tip, stream, rush, flow; Antonyms: drizzle, light rain, trickle, shower, sprinkle; Example
Sentence: This city is teeming with tourists during the summer months.
Temerity (noun) – Meaning: foolish disregard of danger; brashness, audacity; Synonyms: nerve, audacity, gall, cheek
(informal), boldness, impudence, impertinence, chutzpah (informal), courage, bravery, spirit, audacity, bravado, guts
(slang), daring; Antonyms: reticence, reserve, caginess (informal), silence, uncommunicativeness, discretion, restraint;
Example Sentence: This is no time for temerity; we must move cautiously to avoid any further damage.
Tenacious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. holding firmly to something, such as a right or principle; persistent, stubbornly
unyielding 2. holding firmly, cohesive 3. sticking firmly, adhesive 4. (of memory) retentive; Synonyms: stubborn,
obstinate, resolute, firm, persistent, insistent, dogged, determined, steadfast, inflexible, immovable, willful, mulish,
bolshie (informal), obdurate, intractable, persistent, persevering, stalwart; Antonyms: irresolute, indecisive, vacillating,
unsure, weak, undetermined, wishy-washy (informal), wavering, procrastinating, unsteady, in two minds, hesitant,
faltering, dithering, uncertain, inconclusive, indefinite, indeterminate, tentative, unclear; Example Sentence: When it
comes to fighting for equality, she is the most tenacious person I know.
Tendentious (adjective) – Meaning: biased, not impartial, partisan; supporting a particular cause or position; Synonyms:
provocative, opinionated, biased, partisan, subjective, argumentative, prejudiced, one-sided, questionable, doubtful,
partial, challenging, provoking, stimulating, confrontational, inflammatory, offensive, incendiary, insulting, rabble-
rousing (disapproving), aggressive, annoying, aggravating (informal), vexing; Antonyms: impartial, neutral, fair, unbiased,
independent, objective, detached, unprejudiced, disinterested, open-minded, evenhanded, nonaligned, balanced,
conciliatory, appeasing, peacemaking, pacifying, assuaging, mollifying; Example Sentence: The tendentious proposal
caused an uproar on the Senate floor.
Tenet (noun) – Meaning: a belief, opinion, doctrine or principle held to be true by a person, group, or organization;
Synonyms: principle, theory, idea, assumption, belief, doctrine, dogma, precept (formal); Example Sentence: This
pamphlet describes the tenets of Amnesty International.
Tenuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. unsubstantial, flimsy 2. having little substance or validity; Synonyms: weak, shaky,
unsubstantiated, questionable, feeble, vague, unconvincing, half-hearted, doubtful; Antonyms: convincing, persuasive,
believable, credible, realistic, true-to-life, compelling, forceful, influential, strong, undoubted, substantial, resounding,
considerable, conclusive, definite; Example Sentence: Though the connection between the two crimes seemed tenuous at
first, a thorough investigation showed they were committed by the same person.
Timorous (adjective) – Meaning: fearful, timid, afraid; Synonyms: nervous, fearful, timid, frightened, scared, afraid, shy,
apprehensive, bashful, diffident, coy, retiring, reticent, cowardly, faint-hearted, hesitant, anxious, worried, edgy, jumpy,
panicky, tense, uneasy, nervy (UK, informal); Antonyms: brave, courageous, valiant, heroic, bold, daring, fearless, plucky;
Example Sentence: The stray dog was timorous, and it took a great deal of coaxing to get him to come near the car.
Toil (noun) – Meaning: exhausting labor or effort; difficult or laborious work. (verb) to work laboriously, labor
strenuously; Synonyms: work, labor, drudgery, slog, sweat (informal), hard work, donkeywork (informal), grind
(informal), labor, employment, job, vocation, occupation, composition, design, creation, opus, masterpiece, piece,
product, production, oeuvre (formal); Antonyms: relaxation, recreation, entertainment, rest, repose, respite, leisure,
reduction, lessening, letup (US, informal), easing, slackening, moderation; Example Sentence: Evan toiled for hours
before solving the problem.
Totalitarian (adjective) – Meaning: a form of government in which those in control neither recognize nor tolerate rival
parties or loyalties, demanding total submission of the individual to the needs of the state; Synonyms: dictatorial,
authoritarian, one-party, oppressive, autocratic, despotic, tyrannical, tyrannous, overbearing, dogmatic, domineering,
arrogant, imperious, officious, high-handed, heavy-handed, bossy; Antonyms: democratic, self-governing, self-ruled,
independent, autonomous, elected, representative, egalitarian, free, classless, equal, open, unrestricted, uncensored;
Example Sentence: The totalitarian regime fell quickly when the people revolted.
Tractable (adjective) – Meaning: easily managed or controlled; obedient, docile; Synonyms (1): docile, controllable,
manageable, obedient, manipulable, submissive, amenable, biddable, compliant, pliant, yielding, easily swayed,
impressionable, suggestible, quiet, passive, unassuming, compliant, submissive, tame, meek, obedient, biddable, pliable,
flexible, bendable, supple, workable, pliant, elastic, malleable, plastic, soft, bendy; Antonyms: intractable, stubborn,
obstinate, obdurate, willful, inflexible, pigheaded, headstrong, perverse, mulish, immovable, willful, bolshie (informal);
Synonyms (2): malleable, pliable, workable, ductile, elastic, plastic, flexible, bendable, pliant, soft, supple, bendy, ductile,
plastic, impressionable, compliant, acquiescent, manipulable, biddable, persuadable, vulnerable, suggestible,
susceptible, sensitive, gullible, pliable, receptive; Example Sentence: In the novel Brave New World, the World
Controllers use hypnosis and a “happiness drug” to make everyone tractable.
Transient (adjective) – Meaning: lasting only a very short time; fleeting, transitory, brief; Synonyms: fleeting, passing,
brief, temporary, momentary, transitory, short-lived, ephemeral, evanescent, transient; Antonyms: permanent,
enduring, perpetual, lasting, everlasting, eternal, undying, stable, long-lasting, undeviating, unending, constant; Example
Sentence: Their relationship was transient but profound.
Trenchant (adjective) – Meaning: 1. penetrating, forceful, effective 2. extremely perceptive, incisive 3. clearcut, sharply
defined; Synonyms: incisive, cutting, sharp, biting, acerbic, severe, scathing, forceful, direct, forthright, caustic,
penetrating, keen, perceptive, insightful, penetrating, razor-sharp, intense, strong, acute, deep, powerful, profound,
extreme, ardent, lively; Antonyms: mild, gentle, kind, soft, meek, placid, calm, serene, docile, lenient, peaceable,
easygoing; Example Sentence: It was a trenchant argument, and it forced me to change my mind about the issue.
Tribunal (noun) – Meaning: a court of justice; Synonyms (1): court, court of law, law court; Synonyms (2): board, panel,
committee, body; Example Sentence: He will be sentenced for his war crimes by an international tribunal.
Truculent (adjective) – Meaning: 1. defiantly aggressive 2. fierce, violent 3. bitterly expressing opposition; Synonyms:
hostile, belligerent, defiant, quarrelsome, argumentative, aggressive, fractious, confrontational, obstreperous, sullen,
surly, cussed (informal), insolent, antagonistic, intimidating, unfriendly, unreceptive, unsympathetic, argumentative,
inimical; Antonyms: easygoing, relaxed, laid-back (informal), tolerant, even-tempered, calm, blasé, unconcerned,
carefree, mellow; Example Sentence: The outspoken council president gave a truculent speech arguing against the
proposal.
Truncate (verb) – Meaning: to shorten or terminate by (or as if by) cutting the top or end off; Synonyms: shorten,
abbreviate, trim, cut, prune, pare, cut down, cut, cut back, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, condense, contract, truncate,
reduce, compress, telescope, take up, diminish; Antonyms: lengthen, grow, increase, extend, elongate, stretch, pull out,
draw out, prolong, drag out; Example Sentence: The glitch in the software program truncated the lines of a very
important document I was typing.
Tumultuous (adjective) – Meaning: 1. creating an uproar, disorderly, noisy 2. a state of confusion, turbulence, or
agitation, tumult; Synonyms (1): turbulent, confused, chaotic, agitated, unstable, in turmoil, disorderly; Synonyms (2):
unrestrained, unbridled, riotous, boisterous, rowdy, wild, joyous, festive, noisy, uncontrolled, abandoned, uninhibited,
unreserved, unrepressed; Example Sentence: It was another tumultuous day for the stock market, and fluctuating prices
wreaked havoc for investors.
Turpitude (noun) – Meaning: 1. wickedness 2. a corrupt or depraved act; Synonyms: immorality, wickedness, depravity,
baseness, improbity (formal), sin, corruption, dissoluteness, dishonesty, dissipation, decadence, iniquity, debauchery;
Example Sentence: Such turpitude deserves the most severe punishment.
Umbrage (um·brij) n. offense, resentment; Synonyms: offense, exception, affront, slight, resentment, annoyance,
aggravation, irritation, exasperation, anger, bitterness, dislike, hatred, antipathy, offense, umbrage, bile (literary),
misdeed (formal), felony, misdemeanor, transgression, violation, illegality, corruption, wrongdoing, misconduct,
lawbreaking, delinquency, criminality, wrong, sin, fault, transgression; Example Sentence: I took great umbrage at your
suggestion that I twisted the truth.
Undulate (verb) – Meaning: to move in waves or in a wavelike fashion, fluctuate; Synonyms: roll, ripple, rise and fall,
swell, heave, surge, reel, cylinder, spool, tube, wave, undulation, swell, current, wrinkle, flow, outpouring, gush, rush,
heave, swell, upwelling, flood, stream, spill, wave, pitch; Example Sentence: The curtains undulated in the breeze.
Untoward (adjective) – Meaning: 1. contrary to one’s best interest or welfare; inconvenient, troublesome, adverse 2.
improper, unseemly, perverse; Synonyms (1): unfortunate, annoying, unpleasant, inconvenient, troublesome, awkward,
problematic; Antonyms (1): pleasant, enjoyable, agreeable, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, amusing, lovely, nice;
Synonyms (2): inappropriate, unfitting, unseemly, improper, unbecoming, indecent; Antonyms (2): appropriate, suitable,
fitting, apt, apposite, right, correct, applicable; Example Sentence: Jackson’s untoward remarks made Amelia very
uncomfortable.
Upbraid (verb) - Meaning: to reprove, reproach sharply, condemn; admonish; Synonyms: scold, tell off (informal),
reproach, tear a strip off (UK, informal), chastise (formal), reprimand, rebuke, censure, tick off (UK, informal), yell at,
admonish, caution, discipline, chew out (US, informal), haul over the coals, tick off (UK, informal); Antonyms: praise,
admiration, commendation, approval, acclaim, tribute, applause, compliment, recommendation; Example Sentence: The
child was upbraided for misbehaving during the ceremony.
Urbane (adjective) – Meaning: elegant, highly refined in manners, extremely tactful and polite; Synonyms: suave,
polished, courteous, refined, cultured, stylish, smooth, genteel, elegant, sophisticated, smooth, polished, polite, urbane,
formal, impeccable, gracious, sophisticated, charming, mannerly; Antonyms: unsophisticated, unworldly, naive,
inexperienced, ingenuous, simple, artless, innocent, childlike, natural; Example Sentence: Christopher thinks he’s so
urbane, but he’s really quite pedestrian.
Vacuous (adjective) – Meaning: empty, purposeless; senseless, stupid, inane; Synonyms (1): unintelligent, vacant, stupid,
gormless (UK, informal), inane; Antonyms (1): bright, brilliant, vivid, intense, dazzling, light, clear; Synonyms (2) empty,
blank, vacant, void, hollow, unfilled; Antonyms (2): full, filled, occupied, complete, jam-packed (informal), bursting,
chock-full (informal), packed, crammed, crowded, chock-a-block (informal), full up; Example Sentence: This TV show is
yet another vacuous sitcom.
Venal (adjective) – Meaning: easily bribed or corrupted; unprincipled; Synonyms (1): corruptible, mercenary, bribable,
bent, unprincipled; Antonyms (1): honest, upright, trustworthy, moral, good, decent, law-abiding, reliable, scrupulous,
honorable, truthful, authentic, true, frank, candid, straightforward, direct, open, sincere; Synonyms (2): corrupt,
degenerate, decadent, lawless, amoral, crooked (informal), immoral, unethical, dishonest, crooked (informal), shady,
fraudulent; Antonyms (2): aboveboard, open, fair, honest, forthright, straightforward, on the up and up (informal), legal,
on the level (informal), lawful, kosher (informal), correct, legitimate, regular; Example Sentence: The venal judge was
removed and disbarred.
Venerable (adjective) – Meaning: worthy of reverence or respect because of age, dignity, character or position;
Synonyms: respected, august (formal), esteemed, honored, revered, admired, imposing, impressive, grand, majestic,
dignified, stately, noble, eminent; Antonyms: disreputable, notorious, infamous, scandalous, disgraceful, seedy, dingy,
sordid, shabby, squalid, sleazy, seamy, dodgy (UK, informal), ropy (UK, informal); Example Sentence: The venerable
Jimmy Carter has just won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Verbose (adjective) – Meaning: using more words than necessary; wordy, long-winded; Synonyms: wordy, prolix, long-
winded, talkative, bombastic, effusive, pompous, garrulous, pretentious, loquacious (formal), rambling, long-winded,
loquacious (formal); Antonyms: taciturn, reserved, uncommunicative, reticent, silent, quiet, introverted, shy, distant,
aloof; Example Sentence: Her verbose letter rambled so much that it didn’t seem to have a point.
Verisimilitude (noun) – Meaning: the appearance of being true or real; Synonyms: truth, credibility, authenticity,
reliability, plausibility, likelihood, correctness; Antonyms: falsity, falseness, spuriousness, hollowness, inaccuracy,
deceptiveness, speciousness, incorrectness, fallaciousness, untruth; Example Sentence: The movie aims for complete
verisimilitude and has painstakingly recreated the details of everyday life in the 1920s.
Veritable (adjective) – Meaning: real, true, genuine; Synonyms: absolute, real, genuine, authentic, actual, true, proper,
out-and-out, unconditional, unlimited, supreme, unmodified, unadulterated, pure, perfect, unquestionable,
unequivocal, unbounded; Antonyms: false, untrue, untruthful, incorrect, wrong, dishonest, fabricated, deceitful, made-
up, insincere, deceptive; Example Sentence: Einstein was a veritable genius.
Vex (verb) – Meaning: 1. to annoy, irritate 2. to cause worry to; Synonyms (1): displease, annoy, upset, irk, irritate,
anger, aggravate (informal), exasperate, bug (informal), rile, incense; Antonyms (1): pacify, appease, soothe, calm,
mollify, placate, calm down; Synonyms (2): trouble, agitate, distress, bother, torment, worry, upset, problem, difficulty,
dilemma, mess, nuisance, snag, danger, hitch, fault, trial, tribulation, hassle (informal); Antonyms (2): placate, pacify,
conciliate, calm down, soothe, calm, mollify, appease, propitiate (formal), satisfy, please; Synonyms (3): confound,
perplex, puzzle, tease, mix up, confuse, muddle, muddle, mix up, mistake, misperceive; Antonyms (3): enlighten, explain
to, inform, instruct, edify, educate, tell, clarify; Example Sentence: I was completely vexed by his puerile behavior.
Vitriolic (adjective) – Meaning: savagely hostile or bitter, caustic; Synonyms: spiteful, venomous, hurtful, acerbic, bitter,
cruel, rancorous, malicious, hateful, sarcastic, vicious, caustic, malicious, vindictive, mean, nasty, unpleasant, vicious,
unkind, malevolent, hurtful, horrid; Antonyms: kind, caring, nice, sympathetic, generous, gentle, thoughtful,
compassionate, benevolent, kindhearted, humane, considerate, benign, humanitarian, kindly, charitable; Example
Sentence: Her vitriolic attack on her opponent was so hostile that it may cost her the election.
Volatile (adjective) – Meaning: 1. varying widely, inconstant, changeable, fickle 2. unstable, explosive, likely to
change suddenly or violently 3. (in chemistry) evaporating readily; Synonyms (1): unpredictable, explosive, hot-blooded,
impulsive, fickle, capricious, hot-tempered; Antonyms (1): placid, easygoing, docile, good-natured, mild, calm, equable,
even-tempered, imperturbable, peaceful, serene, tranquil, still, quiet, gentle, sedate; Synonyms (2): unstable,
precarious, dangerous, hazardous, explosive, changeable; Antonyms (2): stable, steady, unchanging, even, constant,
firm, unwavering, sure, established, secure, committed, long-standing; Example Sentence: Dan’s volatile personality has
been compared to that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Voluble (adjective) – Meaning: 1. talking a great deal and with great ease; language marked by great fluency; rapid,
nimble speech 2. turning or rotating easily on an axis; Synonyms: vociferous, fluent, articulate, verbose, talkative,
garrulous, clamorous, vocal, loud, voluble, enthusiastic, raucous, strident, noisy; Antonyms: taciturn, reserved,
uncommunicative, reticent, silent, quiet, introverted, shy, distant, aloof; Example Sentence: Your new spokesperson is
very voluble and clearly comfortable speaking in front of large audiences.
Voracious (adjective) – Meaning: excessively greedy, rapacious; having a great appetite for something, devouring
greedily; Synonyms: insatiable, avid, hungry, ravenous, gluttonous, greedy, rapacious, greedy, ravenous, unquenchable,
unappeasable, unsatisfiable, limitless; Antonym: sated, full, full up, gorged, satisfied, stuffed (informal), satiated,
bursting, replete; Example Sentence: I have always been a voracious reader and go through dozens of books every
month.
Xenophobia (noun) – Meaning: a strong dislike, distrust, or fear of foreigners; Synonyms: chauvinism, racial intolerance,
racism (disapproving), dislike of foreigners, nationalism, prejudice, bigotry, sexism, prejudice, narrow-mindedness,
dogmatism, machismo, jingoism; Antonyms: tolerance, broad-mindedness, open-mindedness, lenience, acceptance,
forbearance, charity, patience; Example Sentence: Many atrocities have been committed because of xenophobia.
Zenith (noun) – Meaning: 1. the highest point, top, peak 2. the point in the sky directly above the observer; Synonyms:
peak, summit, pinnacle, top, acme, high point, apex, highest, crowning, topmost, ultimate, greatest, uttermost;
Antonyms: nadir, lowest point, all-time low, rock bottom, pits (informal), depths of despair, depths, base, foot;
She is at the zenith of her career and has won every case this year.

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Word Meanings – Page 1 of 52

Opprobrious (adjective) – Meaning: 1. expressing contempt or reproach; scornful, abusive 2. bringing

Overweening (adjective) – Meaning: 1. presumptuously arrogant, overbearing 2. excessive, immoderate; Synonyms:

Polemical (adjective) – Meaning: controversial, argumentative; Synonyms: argumentative, combative, quarrelsome,

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