Words & Meanings
Word Meaning Word MeaningAbhor Hate Counterfeit Fake, falseEnfranchise Give voting rights Hamper Hinder, obstructKindle To start a fire Noxious Harmful, poisonousPlacid Calm, peaceful Remunerate Payment for work doneTalisman Lucky charm Abrasive Rough, coarse, harshBilk Cheat, defraud Covert Hidden, undercoverEngender Cause Hangar Storage area for a planeKnotty Complex, difficult to solve Nuance Something subtle, a fine shade
of meaningPlagiarism Taking credit for someone
else's writing or ideasRenown Fame
Tangent Going off the main subject Abrasiveness Harshness, coarsenessBillowing Swelling, fluttering, waving Cower Recoil in fear, shrink away
fromHarangue Noisy attacking speech Labyrinth A mazeNullify To counter, make
unimportantPlaintiff Applicant, petitioner
Replete Full Tangible Can be touchedAbrogate Cancel, deny, repeal Blasphemy Speech that offends religious
sentimentsEnigma Puzzle, mystery Harbingers Indicators, signs that
something will happenLabyrinthine Complicated, highly
convolutedNuzzle Cuddle, snuggle
Plaudit Statement giving strong praise
Reprehensible Shameful, very bad
Tardy Slow, late, overdue Absolution Forgiveness, pardonBlatant Obvious Creditable Praiseworthy Ensconce Establish firmly in a position Hasten Hurry, rushLaceration Cut Obdurate StubbornPlausible Can be believed, reasonable Reprieve A respite, postponement of a
sentenceTawdry Of little value, gaudy Abstain Desist, go withoutBlighted Damaged, destroyed Credulous Gullible, ready to believe
anythingEnshroud Cover Haughtiness Arrogance, prideLachrymose Tearful, sad Obfuscate Deliberately make something
hard to understandPlethora An excess Repudiate Shun, eschewTedium Boredom Abstemious Self denying, refraining from
indulgingBlithe Free-spirited, carefree Crepuscular Active at dawn and duskEnunciation Clear pronunciation,
accent, articulationHeadstrong Stubborn, willful
1
Lackluster Dull, monotonous, bland Objective UnbiasedPliable Flexible, not stubborn Rescind Retract, repealTemper To moderate, soften Abstruse Obscure, difficult to understandBlunderbuss Type of gun; a clumsy
personCringe Recoil, flinch, shy away
Envenom To cause bitterness and bad feeling
Hedonism Pleasure-seeking
Laconic Brief, short to the point Oblique Indirect, slantingPlumage Feathers of a bird Resignation Acceptance of fateTenacious Stubborn, resolute Accolade Tribute, honor, praiseBolster Support, prop up Cryptic Puzzling, enigmaticEphemeral Short-lived Hedonist A pleasure seekerLamentation Expression of regret or
sorrowObliterate Destroy, demolish, eradicate
Plummet Fall suddenly and steeply Resolution DeterminationTentative Not certain Acquiesce Agree to, give in toBombast Arrogant, pompous
languageCurtail Cut short
Epicure Someone who appreciates good food and drink
Heed Listen to
Lampoon Ridicule, spoof Oblivious Totally unawarePodium Raised platform Resonant EchoingTenuous Flimsy, not solid Acrid Sharp, pungent (for smells &
tastes)Boorish Ill-mannered Cynical Believing that people act only
out of selfish motivesEpistle A letter Heresy Against orthodox opinionLance Spear, spike, javelin Obscure Hard to understand, partially
hiddenPoignant Deeply moving, strongly
affecting emotionsRespite A break, intermission
Terse Concise, to the point Acrophobia Fear of heightsBourgeois Middle class Debility Weakness, incapacityEpistolary Concerned with letters Hiatus Interruption, pauseLanguid Tired, slow Obscured Hidden, coveredPoised Calm, self-possessed Resplendent Shining, glowingTherapeutic Medicinal, curative Acuity Sharpness (mental or vision)Braggart Someone who boasts Debunking Exposing false claims or mythsEpitomized Characterized, personified Hidebound Rigid in opinionLanguish Decay, fade away, get weaker Obsequious Servile, submissivePolemical Causing debate or
argumentRestorative Making someone feel strong
and healthyThwart Prevent, frustrate Adamant Forceful, inflexibleBrawny Muscular Decathlon An athletic competition with 10
eventsEquivocate Speak ambiguously, avoid
telling the truthHieroglyphics Writing hard to read, enigmatic
Larceny Theft, robbery, stealing Obsession A dominating concern
2
Ponderous Weighty, slow and heavy Retention Preservation, withholdingTimorous Cowardly, fearful Adroit SkilfulBrevity Being brief Decorum Dignified & decent behavior
(adj. Decorous)Err Make a mistake Largess GenerosityObsolete No longer valid Pontificate Speak pompouslyReticent Restrained, holding
something backTirade Stream of verbal abuse
Adulation Strong admiration, worship Bristle To show irritationDecoy Trap, trick, lure Erratic Wandering, irregularHistrionic Theatrical, exaggerated Laud PraiseObstreperous Noisy and boisterous Portend ForetellRetraction Withdrawal, cancellation of
a statementTitter Giggle quietly
Adversity Hardship Broach Start to discuss, approachDeference Respect Esoteric Obscure, hard to understandHoary Old Lavish On a grand scale, wastefulObtuse Mentally dull Portent A warning sign, omenRevere Worship Tome Large bookBrusque Blunt, abrupt Defoliate Cause leaves to fallEspouse Promote, take up, support Hone Sharpen, increase, whetLax Careless, not strict Obviate Avoid, make unnecessaryPoseur Someone who puts on an
actRiddled Full of (usually full of holes)
Torpid Inactive, lazy, stagnant Aesthetic Concerning art or beautyBulwark Fortification, barricade,
wallDefunct No longer in existence
Etymology Study of word origin Hyperbole Grossly exaggerated speechLegend Key to map / myth or story Odious HatefulPosterity Future generations Rife CommonTorpor Dormancy, sluggishness,
inactivityAffable Friendly, social, easygoing
Bureaucracy Officialdom Degradation Deprivation, poverty, debasement
Eulogy Praise Hypochondriac A person obsessed with healthLegion In large numbers Officious domineering, intrusive,
meddlesome`posthumous After death Rigor ThoroughnessTotter Walk unsteadily Alacrity Eagerness, enthusiasmBurgeon Grow, flourish Deleterious HarmfulEuphemism A polite phrase to cover
something unpleasantHypocritical, Insincere
Lethargic Tired, without energy Ogle Stare at, observe in an obvious manner
postulate Hypothesize, propose Robust Strong, healthy. ToughTractable Obedient, dutiful, polite Alchemy Medieval chemistry / attempt to
change metal into gold
3
Burnish Polish Deliberate To think over deeplyEuphony Pleasant sounds Iconoclast Person who opposes
orthodoxyOlfactory Concerned with the sense
of smellPotable Suitable for drinking
Rotund Round and fat Tranquil PeacefulAlibi Excuse to show someone
was not at a crime sceneButtress Strengthen, support
Delineation Demarcation, explanation, definition, outlining
Evacuate Vacate, abandon
Idiosyncrasy A personal peculiarity, something unique to a person
Libertarian Someone who opposes tyranny
Ominous Threatening Potent Powerful, compelling, strongRuminate Think over something,
ponderTranscribe copy
Allay To lessen Byline The line that tells you who wrote an article
Demur Hesitate, refuse Exacerbate Make worseIgnominious Shameful Liniment Soothing lotionAnalgesic Something that relieves
painDecongestant A medicine that helps you
breathe easilyConditioner A liquid that keeps the hair
healthy and shinyDandruff Small pieces of dead skin in
the hairSangfroid The quality of being calm
in a dangerous situationSubterfuge A trick or deceitful way of
achieving somethingStigma A bad reputation that
something has because many people disapprove of it
Nifty Skilful, accurate/ simple & effective
Omnipotent All-powerful Pragmatic PracticalRuse Trick, stratagem Transgress Disobey, commit a sinAlleviate Make less severe Cacophony Discordant loud noisesDenounce Condemn, speak out
againstExasperated Frustrated, annoyed
Ignominy Shame Lithe Flexible, suppleOmniscient All-knowing Pragmatist Concerned with usefulnessSaccharin Falsely sweet Transient Short-lived, ephemeralAloof Distant, detached Cajole CoaxDeplete Use up, lessen Exceptionable Very bad (something which we
should object to)Livid Very angry Onerous Burdensome, hard to
undertakePreamble Introductory material Sacrosanct Very holy, inviolableTraverse Cross Altruism Putting others first, being self-
sacrificingCaldron Huge cooking pot Deplore Regret4
Exculpate Free someone from blame, pardon, acquit
Illusory Deceptive, false, misleading
Lobbyist Try to persuade someone to support a particular cause
Onus Burden
Precarious Unstable, risky Sagacious WiseTrepidation Fear Amass AccumulateCallow Immature Depravity Moral corruptionExecrable Very, very bad Immoderate Excessive, extreme, flatteringLofty Snooty, arrogant, haughty Opaque Does not let light throughPrecedent A previous occurrence
used as a guideSage A wise person
Trinket Something of little value, knick-knack
Ambiguity Uncertainty, vagueness
Candid Frank, honest Deprecate Criticize, denounceExegesis Scholarly explanation or
interpretationOpulent Wealthy, rich, magnificent
Longevity Long life Immutable Unchanging, permanentPrecept Guiding principle Salacious Lecherous, eroticTrite Unoriginal, dull Candor Frankness, opennessDeride Ridicule, make fun of,
mockExemplary Outstandingly good, setting a
fine exampleImpartial Unbiased, neutral Loquacious TalkativeOrdain Destine, confer holy orders
on a priestPrecinct District of a city
Sallow Yellowish Ambivalence Lack of clarity, wavering, being undecided
Cantankerous Bad-tempered, quarrelsome
Derogatory Uncomplimentary
Exemplify Serve as a good example Impecunious Having no moneyLucid Clear Ornate Highly decoratedPrecipice Steep slope Salubrious Health-givingTruant Striker, someone absent
without permissionAmbulatory Able to walk around (used of
hospital patient)Capacious Spacious Desecrate To damage or pollute a holy
placeExhaustive Complete and thorough Impious Wicked, profaneLudicrous Ridiculous, silly Orthodox ConventionalPrecipitous Done in a hurry Salutary Something which teaches you
a lesson, beneficialTruncate Cut short Ameliorate Make betterCapitulate Surrender, give in to Exonerate Acquit, absolve, remove blameImpoverished Destitute, poor Lukewarm Unenthusiastic; neither hot nor
coldOssify Turn to bone, become
fixed and rigidPreclude Prevent or make impossible
5
Sanctimonious Hypocritically holy Tumult Uproar, noiseCarping Constant criticism Desist Stop, discontinue, ceaseExorcism Eliminating getting rid of
(esp. demons)Impromptu Unrehearsed, spontaneous
Lummox Clumsy person Ostentatious ShowyPrecocious Developing early Sanction Give approval toTurpitude Depravity Amiable FriendlyCartographer Person who makes maps Despondent Having no hope, miserableExpatriate Refugee, someone living
away from their own country Inadvertent Not intentional
Luscious Juicy, moist, succulent Oust Push out of a positionSanguinary Bloodthirsty, bloody Tyro Novice, beginnerAmity Friendship Castigate Scold stronglyDestitution Hardship, poverty, misery Expedient Convenient, practicalIncantation Chant, invocation, prayer Lynch Assassinate, kill, illegal
hangingOvert Obvious, not hidden Predicament Dilemma, difficult situationSanguine Optimistic, cheerful Ubiquitous Found everywhere,
omnipresentAmorphous Lacking in shape Catharsis Expressing repressed
emotionsDeter Prevent Expedite Make fasterIncarceration Putting in prison Machinations Plots and plansOverwrought Worked up, in an
emotional statePreeminent Famous, outstanding
Sardonic Mocking Unalloyed Undiluted, totalCaucus Type of private political
meetingDeteriorate Worsen, decline
Exposition Clear explanation Incessant Without stoppingMaelstrom Whirlpool, storm in the
oceanPalatable Good to eat, agreeable
Prerogative Right or privilege Savant Person with knowledgeUnctuous Oily; using excessive
flatteryAnalogous Comparable
Caustic Burning Detrimental HarmfulExtol Praise Incipient Just beginningMagnanimous Generous, big-hearted Palisade Fence made of postsPrescient Having fore-knowledge Scale ClimbUndermined Damaged, attacked Anarchy Chaos , lack of governmentCavalcade Procession of vehicles Devoured Greedily eaten, consumedExtradite Deport from one country
back to the home countryInclination Tendency, a leaning toward
Magnate Powerful businessman Palliative A remedy that improves but doesn't cure
Presentiment A feeling that something Scapegoat A person on whom blame is
6
might happen placed for faults of othersUnderscore Emphasize Anecdote An amusing brief storyCelerity Speed Dexterous Skilful with handsExtraneous Irrelevant Incoherent Not clearMaladroit Clumsy, unskillful Pallid PalePresumptuous Assuming too much,
arrogantScrupulous Careful, diligent, painstaking
Unequivocal Clear, obvious Animosity Hatred, antagonismDichotomy A division into two parts Extrapolate Extend; predict on the basis of
known dataIncongruous Not fitting in, out of place Malady IllnessPalpable Easily felt, easily perceived Pretentious Pompous, self-importantScrutinize Examine carefully Unfetter Set freeAnnex (n) A building which is an
addition to an existing building
Censure Blame or criticize severely
Didactic Intended to teach, instructive
Extrinsic Irrelevant, on the outside
Inconsequential Unimportant, insignificant, negligible
Malediction A curse
Panacea Remedy for all ills Prevaricate Speak misleadingly and evasively
Scuttle Sink Unfrock To remove a priest from his position
Annex (v) Take possession of, seize, capture
Cerebral Intellectual
Diffident Lacking confidence fallacious FalseInconspicuous Not easily seen Malefactor A wrongdoerParadigm Example, model Pristine UnspoiledSeminary An institution in which
priests are trainedUnprecedented Never having happened before
Anomaly Irregularity Certitude CertainlyDigress Wander off the subject Falter Hesitate, waverIndelible Can't be wiped out Malinger Deliberately avoid work, shirkParagon A perfect example Procrastinate Delay, put offSentinel Guard, sentry Unwitting Not deliberate, unconsciousAntagonistic Opposed, hostile,
aggressiveChary Wary of, cautious about,
reluctant to giveDilatory Slow, falling behind with
one's workFanaticism Passion, excessive devotion
Indigenous Native to a particular area Malleable Flexible, can be shapedParamount Of supreme importance Prodigal Wasteful, extravagantSequester Isolate Upbraid Scold, tell of, reprimandAntediluvian Outdated, prehistoric, very
old-fashionedChastise Punish
Dilemma Puzzling situation Fastidious Overly particular, finicky7
Indolence Laziness Mallet Hammer, stick used for poloProdigious Very large Serendipity Fortunate coincidence,
unsought discoveryUproarious Hilarious, hysterical, very
funnyAnthology A book which is a collection of
poems or storiesChicanery Trickery Dilettante Person who dabbles in a
subject without serious studyFatuous Silly, foolish Inductee Novice, beginnerManipulatable Influencable, controllable Parched Dried upProfane Unholy Serene Calm, peacefulUpshot Outcome Anthropocentrism Putting man at the center of
one's philosophy Chimerical Changeable, unstable Diligent Hard-workingFeasible Possible and practicable Indulgent Pampering, satisfying desiresMarred Damaged, spoiled Pariah An outcast from societyProfanity Swearing, cursing Serrated Jagged, saw-likeUrbane Sophisticated, suave Antiquated Outdated, old-fashionedCholeric Easily angered Diorama Model of a sceneFecund Fertile Inebriation To be drunk, high, intoxicatedMarshal To gather together Parity EqualityProfound Having deep meaning Servile Overly submissive, grovelingUsurp Take someone's position
(usually by force)Apathetic Indifferent, uninterested,
lethargicChronicler Person who records
historical informationDirge Mournful song
Felicitous Apt Ineffable Cannot be expressed in wordsMarsupial Pouched mammal like a
kangarooProfundity Depth
Skeptical Doubting, not gullible Utilitarian UsefulApathy Lack of interest or emotion Circuitous IndirectDisapprobation Disapproval Fervor Passion, enthusiasmInept Incompetent, unskilled,
uselessMartinet Person who believes in strict
disciplineParody A mockery, imitation for
ridiculeProletarian Member of the working class
Skirmish Minor battle Utopian A believer in an ideal worldApocryphal Of doubtful origin Circumlocution Using too many words, long Discern Distinguish one thing from
anotherFickle Unpredictable, whimsical,
easily swayedInertia Inactivity, lethargy Masochist One who intentionally inflicts
pain on oneselfParry Ward off , avoid Prolific Producing a lotSluggard Slow-moving, lethargic
personVacillate Waver, hesitate
Appease Pacify, soothe, calm down, Circumscribe Limit
8
make peace withDiscord Disagreement Fineness SkillInevitable Cannot be avoided Matriarchy Society governed by womenParsimonious Economical, frugal, thrifty Proponent Supporter, promoterSmelt Refine an ore Vacuous Empty, silly, meaninglessApprehensive Worried, fearful Circumspect Cautious, considering all sidesDiscordancy Cacophony, harshness,
jarringFitful Not continuous, stopping and
startingInexorable Relentless Maverick A person with independent or
unusual viewsParsimony Stinginess, frugality, cost-
cuttingProsaic Dull, boring, ordinary
Smorgasbord A Swedish buffet of cold dishes
Vagrant Person wandering without a home
Arable Can be cultivated Circumvent AvoidDiscrepancy Something that does not
match up, inconsistencyFlagrant Clearly wrong
Inexpedient Not advisable Meager In short supplyPartisan Biased, one-sided,
committed to one groupProscribe Forbid
Solace Comfort for grief Vapid Dull, uninspiringArbitrary Random, for no definite
reasonClairvoyant Psychic, mystic
Flamboyant Showy, ornate Infallible Perfect, flawlessMeander Wander from side to side Pathos Evoking sadness or pityProsody Study of versification Solicit To ask or seekVariegated Multicolored, speckled Arcane Obscure, known only to a few
peopleClamor Shout, scream Discursiveness IndirectnessFlaunt Show off, display in a
showy mannerInfamous Famous for something bad
Mellow Soft, melodious, ripe Patron One who gives support (usually financial)
Prostration Lying face down, or, be overcome with extreme weakness
Somnambulist Sleepwalker
Vehemence Violence, fervor, forcefulness
Archaic Ancient, outdated
Clandestine Secret, covert, stealthy Disdain Contempt, strong dislikeFlippant Making jokes about serious
mattersInfer Deduce, conclude
Menagerie Collection of animals Patronize Behave in an arrogant manner towards
Protagonist Main character in a film, book, play..
Soothsayer Fortuneteller
Vehement Forceful Archetype Classic example of
9
Clemency Mercy Disinterested UnbiasedFlout Defy, reject Ingenue Naïve, unsophisticated personMendacious Given to lying Paucity ShortageProtean Changeable Sophomoric Juvenile, immatureVenal Corrupt, can be bribed Archives Old recordsCliché Overused expression,
something unoriginaldisparage Criticize, belittle
Flustered Worked-up, not calm ingrate Ungrateful personMercenary Concerned only with
moneyPeccadillo Minor weakness, trivial offence
Protégé Person under protection of, or guided by another
Soporific Inducing sleep
Veneer Surface coating Articulate Clear, lucid, eloquentClientele Customers Disparity An inequalityFly-by-night Unreliable, disreputable Inimical HostileMercurial Volatile, changeable Pedant One who insists on strict
adherence to rules or narrow learning
Sparse Spare, bare, meager Venerate Revere, worshipArtifice Deception, trickery Coalesce Come together, mergeDispassionate Neutral, objective Forensic Concerned with courts of law,
concerned with argumentInnate Inherited, inborn Merge Come togetherPedestrian Common, mundane, banal Provincial Unsophisticated, narrow-
mindedSpecious False Venial Minor, unimportantArtisan Craftsman Coddle Pamper, fuss over, indulgeDisseminate Circulate, spread
(information)Fortitude Bravery
Innocuous Harmless, inoffensive Metaphorically Symbolically, figurativelyPeerless Without equal prudent Cautious, wiseSpeckled Spotted, freckled, dotted Veracity TruthfulnessAscetic Without luxuries, severely
simpleCoercion Force
Diurnal Active in daytime Fortuitous Happening by chanceMeticulous Very careful, painstaking Pejorative DerogatoryPuerile Childish Sporadic Not continuous, intermittentVerbose Talkative, rambling Assiduous Thorough, diligentCogent Lucid, well argued Divert Entertain / distract / cause a
detourFractious Irritable, difficult to control Inscrutable Mysterious, impenetrableMettle Courage, bravery, valor Pellucid Transparently clearPunctilious Paying attention to small
detailsSpurious False
Verbosity Using too many words Assuage To calm
10
Cogitate Think over something, ponder
Docile Gentle and easily led
Fraudulent Fake, false Insentient UnfeelingMilieu Environment Pensive In a thoughtful mood, thinking
deeplyPurloin Steal Stagnant Still, not movingVertigo Dizziness Astute Perceptive, sharp-wittedCollage Picture made from
fragments of other picturesDogmatic Having stubbornly held opinion
Frivolous Not serious Insipid Dull, bland, boringMire Swamp, muddy ground Penury PovertyPusillanimous Cowardly Staid Dull, sober, seriousVestigial Not developed Asylum Place of refuge or safetyCollate Arrange in order Dolt Stupid personFrugal Economical, not wasting
anythingInstigate To start, provoke
Misanthrope Hater of the rest of mankind
Perceptive Observant
Pyromania Compulsion to start fires Vignette Small sketchAtheist Person who does not
believe in GodDotard Foolish old man
Furrow Groove Instigator Person who entices others to do something
Misnomer Wrong name Percipient Perceptive, insightfulQuaff Drink down quickly Staunch Loyal, faithful, dependableVilification Blackening someone's
nameAtrophy Waste away from lack of use
Collusion Plotting and planning Drawl Speak slowly with words running together
Furtive Hidden and secret Insurgent A rebelMisogynist Hater of women Perdition DamnationQuagmire Marsh, bog Stereotype Fixed imageVindicate Prove right, remove blame Attenuate WeakenCommandeer Take possession of Drivel NonsenseFutile Useless, hopeless Interminable Never endingMisrepresentation Deliberately deceiving Peremptory In a commanding mannerQuaint Picturesque Stevedore Dock workerVirtuoso An accomplished musician Augment Increase, make biggerComplacent Self-satisfied, smug Droll Dryly amusingIntermittent Sporadic, irregular Mitigate Lessen, make less severePerfidy Treachery Quandary Dilemma, puzzleStifle Suppress Virulent Dangerous, harmfulAuspicious Favorable, promising to
turn out wellCompliant Easy to control, submissive
Drone Monotonous noise; to Gambol Frolic, leap, bound
11
speak with no emotionIntransigence Stubbornness Modicum Small amountPerfunctory Superficial, cursory Quarantine Isolation to prevent the spread
of diseaseStoic Known for fortitude,
indifferent to pleasure or painAustere Severely plain
Concatenate Link together Dubious DoubtfulGarble Distort, confuse, muddle Momentous Very importantPeripatetic Nomadic, moving from
place to placeQuarry Something that is hunted /
mine for stoneStoke Add fuel to, strengthen Vitriolic Corrosive, strongly attackingAversion A dislike of Dupe To fool someoneGarish Gaudy Intrepid BravePeripheral On the edge, not important Querulous Always complainingStolid Impassive, indifferent Vivacity Liveliness, animationBalk Hinder and prevent,
hesitate overConciliate To bring together, end a
disputeGarner Gather, collect Inveterate HabitualMoratorium Temporary prohibition or
halt to activityPerjury Lying under oath
Quirk Oddity Stratagem Plot, plan, trickVivify Enliven Banal Common, dullConcise Stated in few words Ebullient Very lively, jovial, happyGarrulous Talkative Invidious Arousing envyMoribund On the point of death Pernicious Destructive, harmfulRamble Wander aimlessly Strident Loud and harshVociferous Noisy, loud in speech BanalityCondescend Talk down to Eccentric Unusual, quirky, oddGaunt Emaciated, bony and
angularInviolable Cannot be invaded
Morose Gloomy, bad tempered Persnickety Fastidious, fussyRamifications Branches, subdivisions of
a complex systemStringent Strict or severe
Volatile Dangerously unstable; evaporate easily
Bane Troublesome influence
Condone Tacitly support, overlook Eclectic Taking things from different sources
Genre A category, type Irascible Easily angeredMundane Ordinary, worldly Perpetuated Caused to continueRancor Resentment, animosity,
bad feelingStrut Swagger, show off
Voluble Talkative Bard PoetEdifice Building, structure Germane RelevantIre Anger Munificent Generous, charitablePerpetuity Eternity Rant Use bombastic language
12
Stupefying Astonishing, shocking Voluminous Very large, spaciousBastion Fortress, stronghold Conflagration Big fireEfface Wipe out, remove all trace
ofGerminal Just growing, not developed,
immatureIrksome Annoying, infuriating Mutinous Very rebelliousPersonable Attractive Ratify Approve, consentSubpoena Summons to court Voracious RavenousBefuddle Confuse Confound ConfuseEffigy A model of a person Gibbering Making meaningless noisesIronic Satiric, unexpected Myriad In large numbersPerspicacious Insightful, sharp, wise Raucous Rough, unpleasant (of sounds)Substantiate Give supporting evidence Waive Surrender, give upBegrudge Resent Congeal To solidifyEffusive Gushing; demonstrative Glacial Hostile, unfriendly, coldNavigable Suitable for sailing Perspicacity InsightRaze Destroy, demolish Subterfuge A trickwane Grow less Beguile Mislead, lureCongenital Present from birth Egalitarianism Belief in equalityGoad Prod, urge Irreproachable Cannot be criticized, perfectNebulous Vague Pertinent RelevantRebuttal Denial Subtle Not obviouswary Hesitant, cautious Belabor Explain in unnecessary detailConnoisseur Person with refined taste
and good judgementEgregious Obviously bad
Grate Annoy, aggravate, vex Irrevocable Cannot be cancelled, unchangeable
Nefarious Wicked, immoral, disreputable
Peruse Read carefully
Recant Disclaim, retract statement Subversive Rebellious, revolutionaryWax To increase, to grow Beleaguer Besiege, attackConsecrate Dedicate Egress ExitGratis Free of charge Itinerant NomadicNegate Cancel, deny Pervasive Spreading everywhereRecapitulate Summarize Succinct ConciseWaylay Accost, stop, approach,
hinderBelle Contradict
Consensus General agreement Eloquent Fluent and persuasive in speech
Gratuitous Unwarranted Jaded Tired, boredPetrify Terrify; turn to stone Receptacle Container, vessel, holderSuffragist Someone who campaigns
for voting rightsweighty Serious
Belittle To demean Conspicuous Easily seen, prominentElucidate Make clear Gravity Seriousness
13
Jargon Specialized language used by experts
Neologism Newly coined word
Petulant Sulky, peevish Recluse Someone who cuts himself off from life
Supercilious Proud and haughty Whelp Young dogBellicose Warlike, aggressive Consummate Complete, totalElusive Hard to pin down Gregarious Sociable, outgoingJaundiced Cynical, pessimistic Nettle AnnoyRecuperate Get better after illness Superlative Extremely good, the bestWhet Sharpen Belligerent Aggressive, ready to fightEmaciated Very thin, withered Gritty Coarse, granularJaunt Short pleasure trip Niggardly Miserly, stingyPhilanthropy Love of mankind Surly Grumpy, rudeWhimsical Capricious, changeable Bemoan Complain aboutContrite Sorry Emancipate Set freeGuffaw Sudden loud laughter Jeopardize Put at riskPhilistine Uncultured person Redolent Smelling of, giving off odorsSurreptitious Secret, sneaky, stealthy Willful StubbornBenevolent Kindly Contrition Sorrow and repentanceEmbezzle Defraud, steal Guile Cunning, craftinessJingoistic Extremely patriotic,
nationalisticNonchalance An appearance of indifference,
calm and composedPhlegmatic Calm, imperturbable Redress Put right something that was
wrongWily Cunning Benign Kindly, harmlessContumacious Stubborn Embroil Involve in hostility or argumentGuileless Frank, straightforward,
honestJocular In a joking manner
Nondescript Having no special features pillage PlunderRedundant Unnecessary, superfluous Susceptible VulnerableWispy Flimsy, frail, delicate Benignity Compassion, gentlenessContusion A bruise Emerge Come out, appearGullibility Unawareness, trustfulness,
being easily fooledJollity Gaiety, happiness
Nonentity A person of no importance Pinnacle Topmost pointReferendum Public vote Wistful Melancholy, pensive,
expressing a longing forBequeath Leave something in one's
will to be given after one's death
Conundrum A puzzle
Emulate To imitate something admired
Gullible Easily fooled
Jubilant Ecstatic, delighted Nostalgia Longing for the pastPious Very religious Refute DisproveSybarite Lover of luxury Zany Crazy, wacky14
Berate Scold, criticize Conventional Usual, customary, commonEndorse Give support or approval to Gustatory Concerned with the sense of
tasteJudicious Correct in judgement, wise Notoriety Infamy, known for wrongdoingRegale Entertain Sycophant Bootlicker, flattererZeal Enthusiasm Beret Type of capCorpulent Fat Endurance Staying power, patience,
staminaHackneyed Common and overused Jurisprudence Science or study of lawNovel New, unusual Placate Pacify, soothe, calmRelegate Dismiss to a lower position Taciturn Quiet, saying littleZealot Fanatic Bestial Behaving like a beast, brutalCorrugated Highly folded Enduring LastingHallowed Worshipped, consecrated Juxtapose Place next toNovice A beginner, tyro Placebo Harmless medicine with no
effectRemorse Regret, sorrow, contrition Tactile Concerned with the sense of
touchzenith Summit Cranny A very small hole, esp. in a
wallPerennial Constantly occurring,
lasting for a long timeTrickle Move slowly or gradually
Creak To make a harsh sound, as when a door opens
Crackle To make a small sharp sound as when dry sticks burn
accost To meet someone and to speak first
Accomplice One who aids and abets a criminal
Admonish To warn about, advise against doing something
agile Lively
Affluent Rich Aglow Shining brightlyAilment A mild illness Ajar Slightly openAmicable Friendly Agitate DisturbAnguish Great sorrow Anomalous UnusualArduous Demanding great effort Arraign To charge, accuseAudacious Bold, daring Autonomous Free, independentAvarice Greed Chasm A deep crack in the earthBeckon To signal with one's hand Beverages DrinksBicker To quarrel Bewilder To confuseBlandishment Coaxing, persuasion by
flatteryBoulder A large rock
Brandish To shake or wave a weapon menacingly
Brawl A noisy fight
Brittle Easily broken Diffidence Lack of confidence in oneselfexacting Detailed, meticulous Divulge To make known, to revealDrench To make very wet Enervate To debilitate, to weakenDingy Dirty, shabby Expanse A large area
15
Facile easy Extempore Without preparationFeat An act requiring great
strength or courageExorbitant Extravagant, excessive
Garb Clothing Flounder To move awkwardlyFret about To worry about Homage Allegiance, respectGrouchy Irritable Hoax A trickImminent About to happen Eminent Famous and respectedGrope To search blindly,
uncertainlyGauche Impolite, clumsy
Impartible Indivisible Incidental Of lesser importance, secondary
Infested Inhabited in large numbers by something harmful
Loafer An idle lazy person
Lanky Tall and thin Lustrous Bright, shiningMolest To annoy, bother Moron A foolish, silly personMumble To speak indistinctly Nadir The lowest pointMunch To chew Pauper A very poor personPilfer To steal promulgate To make known, to declare
officiallyReiterate To say again Sagacity Good judgement, wisdomSinuous Winding, curving Slit CutSurmise To guess Surfeit To eat an excessive amountLuminous Bright meddle Interfere, intrude
Choose the correct answer:1- Most people (adroit - abhor - rancor- adore) terrorism.2- The report contained a (plumage - braggart - byline - plethora) of details.3- I suggested putting off the meeting, but the manager (demurred - depleted -
desecrated - exonerated).4- She remained (caustic - savant - sanguine - incipient) about our chances of
success.5- That (feat - loafer - brawl - cranny) will never get the job done.6- The people who are chosen to become astronauts must be healthy and
(timorous - apprehensive - audacious - egregious).7- Her boss (agitated - admonished - arraigned - bewildered) her not to be late for
work again.8- When he (blandished - anguished - brandished - drenched) a knife, the clerk
agreed to give him the money in the cash drawer.9- The diplomats from both countries were (floundered - groped - infested -
enervated) by the long series of talks.10- It is hard to understand him because he has a tendency to (promulgate -
mumble - pilfer - surmise)11- There was a sign on the gate which read "Do not (condescend - ramble -
molest - vivify) the dog."
16
12- Although he displays (diffidence - nuance - ensconce - heresy) with strangers, he is very self-confident with friends.
13- I am very (obscure - terse - dubious - poised) about signing this contract because I am not sure about some of the terms.
14- His (redolent - surly - jaunt - egress) manner keeps him from having many friends.
15- Seen from an airplane, the river is as (itinerant - beleaguer - pertinent - sinuous) as a snake.
16- He resented the way she (patronized - meandered - smelted - parched) him.17- (Malefactors - expedites - Lummoxes - Precipices) will be pursued and
punished.18- I feel that I must (traverse - ossify - deprecate - lynch) the allocation of funds for
such an unproductive purpose.19- After the accident, he was amazed to find his car in (sentinel - pristine -
philistine - profane) condition.20- She is usually very (drawled - collated - circumspect - variegated) when she
buys something for her family.21- The boys always (placate - emulate - inculcate - munch) popcorn while they
watch the movie.22- Since I did not expect to address you this evening, my remarks will have to be
(bequeath - pinnacle - extempore - wispy).23- Dr. Taylor's fees are (exorbitant - susceptible - nondescript - contumacious).24- Professor Patterson was (redressed - embezzled - exasperated - emancipated)
by his students constant lateness.25- Professor William's explanation served to obscure rather than (bemoan -
elucidate - whet - nettle) the theory.26- The reporter could not (peruse - succinct - grate - divulge) the source of his
information.27- Whether or not he is (nebulous - goad - culpable - raucous) will be determined
by the jury.28- Even the most (callous - mutinous - voluminous - munificent) observer will be
moved by the news report about the war.29- Margaret is a very (irascible - stringent - morose - congenial) person.
Everybody likes her.30- In spite of efforts by several universities, the (vociferous - cryptic - strident -
moribund) symbols on the mural remained a mystery.31- The city buses are in (ebullient - stolid - decrepit - querulous) condition, but the
bus company does not have funds to purchase new ones.32- His ideas were so (cogent - peripheral - peripatetic - modicum) that nobody
offered an argument against them.33- The lecturer (stifled - mitigated - digressed - augmented) from the subject so
often that it was difficult to take notes.
17
34- My schedule is so (hectic - furtive - dotard - vestigial) that I have only half an hour for lunch.
35- The dial on this alarm clock is (momentous - auspicious - luminous - perspicacious) so that it can be seen in the dark.
36- His (obsequious - monotonous - invidious - superfluous) submission to his boss's ideas disgusted his fellow workers.
37- Earnest Hemingway was a very (virulent - sporadic -prolific - pejorative) writer; during his brief career he published seven major novels, six volumes of short stories and poems , and two travel sketches.
38- These ruins are the (coddles - ingrates - disparages - vestiges) of an ancient civilization.
39- She used every (wile - venal - flout - mellow) that she could think of in order to trick him into helping her.
40- The candidate's speech was interrupted by (vagrant - infallible - sporadic - sluggard) applause.
41- She could not convince the (chronicler - sentry -mallet - sequester) to allow her through the gate without proper identification.
42- They paid ((paragon - panacea - homage - malady) to their dead leader by lowering the flag to half-mast.
43- We laughed all through the movie. It was (incongruous - hilarious - scrupulous - extraneous).
44- The actors were costumed in the original (garb - savant - caucus - tyro) of sixteenth-century England.
45- John felt that he had to (desist - sallow - ordain - emulate) the success of his famous father.
46- This point is explained in the (preamble - cacophony - subterfuge - liniment) to the report.
47- Some TV advertisements have a (reticent - deleterious - hidebound - epistolary) effect on our children.
48- She is noted for her (retraction - adversity - torpor - largess). She gives her friends a lot of gifts.
49- Children learn far more by example than by (candor - precept - trite - ambivalence).
50- The car has a (ludicrous - precipitous - capacious - ostentatious) boot. It can hold a lot of things.
18
Top Related