Flocabulary: Word UpF

toothsome

[adjective] *delicious, luscious* They visited the orchard to pick ripe, _____ apples.

scathing

[adjective] *hurtful, critical* Some comedians get laughs with _____ social criticism.

immaculate

[adjective] *impeccably clean, spotless, pure* The carpet was _____ compared to the old stuffed dog.

linchpin

[noun] *something that holds separate things together* The clever CEO is the _____ in the company.

coalesce

[verb] *to combine into one* Over time, arctic ice can _____ into massive glaciers.

hail

[verb] *to come from* From their accents, it was obvious the tourists _____ed from London.

disparage

[verb] *to criticize, degrade, belittle* Critics _____ polo as a game for the wealthy.

chastise

[verb] *to criticize, to scold* Caia was _____ed for dropping the eggs.

abbreviate

[verb] *to shorten, reduce* The United States of America can be _____ed to U.S.A.

mollify

[verb] *to soften in temper* Wayne knew that only a teddy bear would _____ his younger sister.

permeate

[verb] *to spread out, to pervade* The smell of baking _____ed the house.

foster

[verb] *to stimulate, promote, encourage* The gardener watered the plants to _____ growth.

buffet

[verb] *to strike, to pound* Large waves _____ the rocky shore.

espouse

[verb] *to support, or to marry* Few _____ed the politician's beliefs.

vacillate

[verb] *to sway from one side to another* Her _____ing brother took ages to decide what to wear.

relish

[verb] *to take zestful pleasure in, enjoy the flavor of* I _____ visiting the sea shore every year.

spectral

[adjective] *ghostly* _____ creatures lurk in the graveyard.

parody

[noun] *a funny imitation*

objective

[noun] *a goal or purpose*

desolate

1. [adjective] *without any people; dismal and devastated* We were shipwrecked and washed up on the most _____ island. 2. [verb] *to devastate* Several mean boys tried to _____ my sand castle on the beach by running through it.

rupture

1. [verb (used with object)] *to break or burst* He had to go to the hospital because he _____ his appendix. 2. [noun] *the act of breaking or bursting* The storm caused a big _____ in the dam.

precarious

[adjective] *dangerously lacking in security or stability* The rocky path is particularly _____.

cursory

[adjective] *brief to the point of being superficial* The mechanic's inspection of the airplane was anything but _____.

tranquil

[adjective] *calm, serene, peaceful* Yoga is ideally a _____ practice.

placid

[adjective] *calm, tranquil* Lake _____ is appropriately named; it is a calm body of water.

dutiful

[adjective] *careful to fulfill obligations* Seeing-eye dogs are trained to be especially _____.

divisive

[adjective] *causing conflict, opposition* There is often a _____ spirit between Democrats and Republicans.

daunting

[adjective] *causing fear or discouragement; intimidating*

illusory

[adjective] *deceptive, produced by an illusion* The _____ masked figure seemed to come from another time.

fickle

[adjective] *characterized by changeableness, whimsical* Sia, a _____ eater, ordered pickles on her burger and then decided she didn't want them.

dynamic

[adjective] *characterized by continuous change or activity* Batman and Robin are the official _____ duo.

winsome

[adjective] *charming, attractive* Dion flashed a _____ smile.

sanguine

[adjective] *cheery, optimistic, hopeful* She decorated her grandmother's get-well cupcakes with _____ expressions.

pellucid

[adjective] *clear* The island waters were clean and _____.

incisive

[adjective] *clear, sharp, direct* The writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald lives on as an _____ commentary of the Jazz Age.

sympathetic

[adjective] *compassionate* The mild winter was _____ to the growing buds.

myriad

[adjective] *consisting of a very great number* The artist painted with a _____ of colors.

exigent

[adjective] *critical, urgent* For the president, all work-related matters are _____.

forsaken

[adjective] *abandoned, forgotten* Kelly missed her _____ bed all day after a sleepless night.

terse

[adjective] *abrupt, short, brief* The pianist played a _____ piece and abruptly left the stage.

rife

[adjective] *abundant* Poorly managed wildfires can run _____ for weeks.

copious

[adjective] *abundant, plentiful* The good weather was cause for this year's _____ harvest.

laudatory

[adjective] *admiring, praising* Though the play received _____ reviews, the theater was empty.

licentious

[adjective] *amoral, lawless, lewd* The Scarlet Letter's protagonist, Hester Prynne, is considered _____ by the townsfolk because she has an affair.

complicit

[adjective] *being an accomplice in a wrongful act* Bonnie and Clyde were _____ in their criminal activity.

unique

[adjective] *being the only one of its kind* She found a _____ starfish at the beach.

limber

[adjective] *bending or flexing readily, pliable* The dancer trained to become _____.

divergent

[adjective] *different, deviating, contrary* The science experiment produced inconclusive and _____ results.

sordid

[adjective] *dirty* The _____ thief made off with the diamonds.

presumptuous

[adjective] *disrespectfully bold* The _____ cadet was reprimanded by his drill sergeant.

irascible

[adjective] *easily angered* Bears can be unpredictably _____.

malleable

[adjective] *easily shaped or formed* Metal is _____ when heated and easily outfitted into coins.

submissive

[adjective] *easily yielding to authority* The young wolf cowered _____ly after a fight with the alpha dog.

euphoric

[adjective] *elated, overjoyed* Good music makes him feel _____.

tantamount

[adjective] *equivalent in value or significance* To an avid environmentalist, cutting down trees is _____ to ecological destruction.

melodramatic

[adjective] *exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental; histrionic* Mimes are inclined to be _____ as they cannot speak.

exorbitant

[adjective] *excessive* The concert ticket prices were _____.

audacious

[adjective] *excessively bold* The _____ mountain climber braved Mount Everest.

brazen

[adjective] *excessively bold, brash* A _____ Kanye West embarrassed Taylor Swift at the awards ceremony.

obsequious

[adjective] *excessively compliant or submissive* She served as an _____ maid, waiting on the family hand and foot.

histrionic

[adjective] *excessively dramatic or emotional* The satiric actor is famous for his _____s.

ubiquitous

[adjective] *existing everywhere, widespread* Cell phones have become practically _____.

vicarious

[adjective] *experienced through another's actions* The woman lived _____ly through the characters in the book she was reading.

lavish

[adjective] *extravagant* The king wore a _____ crown.

harrowing

[adjective] *extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous:* a _____ experience.

portly

[adjective] *fat, chubby, round* The _____ walrus ate fish to his heart's content.

empathetic

[adjective] *feeling another's pain as one's own* _____ to the cause, Mary camped out with the other protesters in the town's center.

despondent

[adjective] *feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, discouragement, or gloom:* _____ about failing health

steadfast

[adjective] *fixed or unchanging* Rosie the Riveter is a symbol of _____ feminism.

portentous

[adjective] *foreboding or foreshadowing evil, ominous The scene is spooky and _____.

ominous

[adjective] *foreboding or foreshadowing evil, portentous* Dark, _____ clouds rolled in.

noisome

[adjective] *foul, offensive, particularly to the sense of smell* Trash collectors have to deal with many _____ scents.

frenetic

[adjective] *frenzied, hectic, frantic* She kept an appointment book to avoid having a _____ work day.

rife

[adjective] *full, replete* _____ with corruption, the workers constantly accepted bribes.

torrid

[adjective] *giving off intense heat, passionate* Few creatures can survive in the _____ desert.

morose

[adjective] *gloomy or sullen* The gorilla was _____ because all the other gorillas ignored him.

lithe

[adjective] *graceful, flexible, supple* The _____ snake slithered forward.

gay

[adjective] *happy* The sunflowers look bright and _____.

deleterious

[adjective] *harmful* Poison is _____ to living things.

baleful

[adjective] *harmful, threatening* The gargoyle wore a _____ expression.

noxious

[adjective] *harmful, toxic* The waste disposal company closed because they were leaking _____ chemicals into the ocean.

callous

[adjective] *harsh, cold, unfeeling* Simon Cowell is a _____ judge of singing.

brash

[adjective] *hasty or lacking in sensitivity* The new art teacher made a student cry, and quickly learned he needed to soften his _____ attitude.

ruddy

[adjective] *having a healthy, reddish color* Her cheeks were as _____ as a bowl of cherries.

pungent

[adjective] *having a sharp, strong quality, especially related to smell* They could smell their aunt's _____ perfume from a mile away.

ambivalent

[adjective] *having contradictory feelings* Raina was _____ about shopping because she liked new things but hated making decisions.

tenuous

[adjective] *having little substance or strength* The rope seems _____, but the climber is well supported.

unilateral

[adjective] *having only one side* Kevin and Jayden's parents could not be _____ fans as the brothers played on opposing basketball teams.

ethereal

[adjective] *heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined* The enchanted forest had an _____ glow.

veracious

[adjective] *honest, truthful* The investigator did not need to count on _____ witnesses when he found solid evidence.

capricious

[adjective] *impulsive, unpredictable, subject to whim* Weather in New York is _____ in the spring and fall, hot one day and cold the next.

innate

[adjective] *inborn, native, inherent* Mozart, with an _____ musical ability, began composing at age five.

pervasive

[adjective] *inclined to spread throughout* Technology has become increasingly _____ throughout the last century.

fallacious

[adjective] *incorrect, misleading* The girls told _____ stories.

nebulous

[adjective] *indistinct, hazy* The card reader made _____ predictions.

gluttonous

[adjective] *insatiable in appetite* The _____ boy left the buffet bare.

labyrinthine

[adjective] *intricate, maze-like* The _____ hedge made for a pretty garden.

enervated

[adjective] *lacking energy, weakened, exhausted* The _____ hiker stopped for a break.

torpid

[adjective] *lazy, lethargic, moving slowly* The _____ tortoise inched across the road.

vivacious

[adjective] *lively, spirited, full of life* The _____ guy made for a great employee.

boisterous

[adjective] *loud, energetic* Athletes appreciate their _____ fans.

manifold

[adjective] *many* Disney World has _____ attractions.

succinct

[adjective] *marked by compact precision* Abe wrote a _____ review of the play for the school paper.

odious

[adjective] *meriting strong displeasure* Tiana loved horses but not the _____ task of cleaning their stables.

bourgeois

[adjective] *middle class* They live comfortably in a _____ neighborhood.

erroneous

[adjective] *mistaken, incorrect* Her fortune cookie was _____, she did not come into wealth.

remiss

[adjective] *negligent, exhibiting carelessness* The waitress, _____ in her duties, brought cold coffee to the cafe's devout customers.

static

[adjective] *not moving, being at rest* The globe is hardly _____, rotating at nearly 1000 miles per hour.

immutable

[adjective] *not susceptible to change Physics is an _____ science.

invariable

[adjective] *not susceptible to change* He stuck to an _____ exercise routine.

dutiful

[adjective] *obedient, compliant* The dutiful soldiers served their country.

swarthy

[adjective] *of dark color or complexion* Monica was _____ after six months in the Caribbean sun.

judicious

[adjective] *of sound judgment* The Supreme Court is expected to handle matters most _____ly.

uncanny

[adjective] *of supernatural character or origin* She didn't need a map with her _____ sense of direction.

saccharine

[adjective] *overly sweet* The children were pleased with the _____ fairy tale ending.

trite

[adjective] *overused, hackneyed* A poet should aim to be original, not _____.

mercurial

[adjective] *quick and changeable in temperament* Deb's little sister is known to be _____, happy one minute and grumpy the next.

protean

[adjective] *readily taking on various shapes or forms* They made shapes from the _____ jelly.

rustic

[adjective] *relating to country life* They live in a _____ part of town near the old barn.

existential

[adjective] *relating to existence* Frogs are probably never bothered by the _____ thoughts that sometimes bother humans.

familial

[adjective] *relating to family* He took care of his younger brother out of _____ duty.

amorous

[adjective] *relating to or showing love* The couple stood in an _____ embrace.

terrestrial

[adjective] *relating to the land* Scientists have not yet discovered all the _____ species of our planet.

olfactory

[adjective] *relating to the sense of smell* Without _____ nerves, you cannot smell the sweet flowers.

celestial

[adjective] *relating to the sky or the heavens* Lucy's interest in _____ bodies prompted her to study astronomy in college.

aloof

[adjective] *reserved, distant* The _____ man walked alone.

putrid

[adjective] *rotten, rancid, foul* Skunks emit a _____ odor.

rancid

[adjective] *rotten, spoiled, disgusting in smell or taste* The lemons were _____ after we forgot them in the fridge for weeks.

maudlin

[adjective] *sentimental* The old friends spent a _____ afternoon reminiscing about their youth.

discrete

[adjective] *separate, distinct, individual* The essay was organized into _____ sections.

exemplary

[adjective] *serving as an example* His football playing is _____.

acute

[adjective] *sharp, severe* Sharks have an _____ sense of smell.

brusque

[adjective] *short, abrupt, dismissive* The coffee shop attendant is mean and _____, but customers keep coming for the delicious pastries.

sagacious

[adjective] *shrewd, showing sound judgment* A country's leader should always be _____.

salient

[adjective] *significant, conspicuous* She got an 'A' on her paper because she successfully discussed all the _____ topic points.

sedentary

[adjective] *sitting* The miners were _____ during their lunch break.

incredulous

[adjective] *skeptical, disbelieving* Her eyes widened _____ly at the shocking news.

somnolent

[adjective] *sleepy* She felt _____ after the all-nighter.

lethargic

[adjective] *sluggish, weary, apathetic* After playing fetch for hours, the dog felt _____.

stagnant

[adjective] *still, not flowing* Many can become unemployed in a _____ economy.

novel

[adjective] *strikingly new, unusual, or different* Practically everyone has a cell phone, but they were once _____ devices.

aghast

[adjective] *struck by amazement or terror* The community was _____ at the vicious crime.

pertinacious

[adjective] *stubbornly persistent, holding to a belief or position* The _____ CEO wouldn't budge on the matter of budget cuts.

pithy

[adjective] *succinctly meaningful* Emily Dickinson is known for her _____, to-the-point poetry.

bloated

[adjective] *swollen, bigger than desired* Everyone felt _____ after eating so many doughnuts.

impervious

[adjective] *unable to be penetrated, unaffected* Sofia bundled up so she would be _____ to the cold.

uniform

[adjective] *unvarying, conforming to one principle* The surface of the Earth, with its changing landforms, is not _____.

obdurate

[adjective] *unyielding to persuasion or moral influences* Our _____ neighbor refused to let us get our ball when it fell into his yard.

diverse

[adjective] *varied* The United States is one of the most ethnically _____ countries in the world.

corpulent

[adjective] *very fat* The _____ whale weighs tons.

diaphanous

[adjective] *very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent*

tortuous

[adjective] *winding, twisted* The adventurer followed the path of the _____ staircase.

akimbo

[adjective] *with hands on hips and elbows extending outward* The sculpture stood proud and _____.

amorphous

[adjective] *without shape or borders* The potter shaped the _____ clay.

formidable

[adjective] 1. *causing fear, apprehension, or dread:* a _____ opponent 2. *of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating:* a _____ problem 3. *arousing feelings of awe or admiration because of grandeur, strength, etc.* 4. *of great strength; forceful; powerful:* _____ opposition to the proposal

strenuous

[adjective] 1. *characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc.:* a _____ afternoon of weightlifting 2. *demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious:* To think deeply is a _____ task. 3. *vigorous, energetic, or zealously active:* a _____ person; a _____ intellect

strenuous

[adjective] 1. *characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc.:* a s_____ afternoon of weightlifting 2. *demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious:* To think deeply is a _____ task. 3. *vigorous, energetic, or zealously active:* a _____ person; a _____ intellect

reprehensible

[adjective] 1. *deserving of reproof, rebuke, or censure; blameworthy*

forlorn

[adjective] 1. *desolate or dreary; unhappy or miserable, as in feeling, condition, or appearance* 2. *lonely and sad; forsaken* 3. *expressive of hopelessness; despairing:* Bengals fans exchanged _____ glances after the second penalty was called, dooming their season. 4. *bereft; destitute:* _____ of comfort.

affluent

[adjective] 1. *having an abundance of wealth, property, or other material goods; prosperous; rich:* The _____ young lady had $5,000 in cash in her handbag. 2. *abounding in anything; abundant* 3. *flowing freely:* an _____ fountain

quaint

[adjective] 1. *having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm; oddly picturesque:* a _____ old house 2. *strange, peculiar, or unusual in an interesting, pleasing, or amusing way:* a _____ sense of humor

taciturn

[adjective] 1. *inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation* 2. *dour, stern, and silent in expression and manner*

derelict

[adjective] 1. *left or deserted, as by the owner or guardian; abandoned:* a _____ ship 2. *neglectful of duty; delinquent; negligent*

defunct

[adjective] 1. *no longer in effect or use; not operating or functioning:* a _____ law; a _____ organization 2. *no longer in existence; dead; extinct:* a _____ person; a _____ tribe of Indians

dilapidated

[adjective] 1. *reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect*

austere

[adjective] 1. *severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding:* an _____ teacher. 2. *rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent:* the _____ quality of life in the convent 3. *grave; sober; solemn; serious:* an _____ manner

redoubtable

[adjective] 1. *that is to be feared; formidable* 2. *commanding or evoking respect, reverence, or the like*

abject

[adjective] 1. *utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched:* _____ poverty 2. *contemptible; despicable; base-spirited:* an _____ coward 3. *shamelessly servile; slavish*

apparitional

[adjective] *ghostly, spectral* The Halloween decoration was silly, hardly _____.

destitute

[adjective] 1. *without means of subsistence; lacking food, clothing, and shelter* 2. *deprived of, devoid of, or lacking (often followed by of):* _____ of children

sedate

[adjective] 1. *calm, quiet, or composed; undisturbed by passion or excitement:* a _____ party; a _____ horse.

nimble

[adjective] *able to move easily and quickly* Sreng wasn't the strongest soccer player, but he was by far the most _____. Synonyms: *agile, swift* Antonyms: clumsy

agile

[adjective] *able to move quickly and easily; flexible* Cheerleaders are very _____ as evidenced by their fancy stunts and dance moves. Synonyms: *nimble, spry*

clairvoyant

[adjective] *able to see and detect things that others cannot* The fortune teller at the festival claimed to be _____.

durable

[adjective] *able to stand up to wear and tear; lasting a while* Farmer Jenkins installed _____ fencing around the pigs to replace the wood posts they had chewed up. Synonyms: *sturdy, reliable* Antonyms: fragile, flimsy, cheap

profuse

[adjective] *abundant, lavish, prolific* The children's _____ criticisms of Thanksgiving dinner made their mother send them to bed hungry.

conciliatory

[adjective] *agreeable, friendly* The company was hardly _____, so its workers picketed.

obnoxious

[adjective] *annoying or offensive* Most people would say that it's _____ to text during your own wedding, but this couple didn't seem to have a problem with it. Antonyms: delightful, pleasant

choreographed

[adjective] *arranged, as in dance* The ballerinas practiced their _____ steps.

flabbergasted

[adjective] *astounded, stupefied* Jay was _____ by the surprise ending of the book.

poised

[adjective] *balanced or ready for action* The superhero, _____ on the edge of the cliff, suddenly jumped into action. [adjective] *calm and controlled* As a royal figure, the Duchess of Cambridge must be _____ at every moment. Synonyms: *self-confident, self-assured*

poised

[adjective] *balanced, readied* He held his pencil, _____ to take notes.

vindictive

[adjective] *bearing a grudge; eager to take revenge* Ever since I took away my cat's bowl before he finished, he has been very _____ towards me. Synonyms: *vengeful, unforgiving, spiteful* Antonyms: forgiving

negligent

[adjective] *being careless; not paying attention to the things you have to do* Jay is a _____ driver; she spends the whole time texting his friends and ignoring the other drivers. Synonyms: *indifferent, inconsiderate* Antonyms: careful, mindful

hospitable

[adjective] *being nice and generous to strangers or guests* Mike was very _____ and shook my hand warmly when I arrived.

pugnacious

[adjective] *belligerent* Marco, the _____ twin, always fought with his brother.

elite

[adjective] *best or first class* The _____ members of American society often attend Ivy League schools. Synonyms: *aristocratic* [noun] *a person who is of a high class* Duke Francois wasn't a real duke, or even a real Francois for that matter (his birth name was Jeff), but his enormous financial success and eccentric brand of pretentiousness led even "old money" families to accept him as one of society's _____(s).

superior

[adjective] *better than; above average*

audacious

[adjective] *bold, daring or uninhibited* The_____ young baseball player was eager to work his way up from Little League. Synonyms: *courageous, nervy* Antonyms: timid, cowardly

tedious

[adjective] *boring, dull* Imagine how _____ it would be to watch grass grow!

pithy

[adjective] *brief but full of meaning; to the point* Carson kept his speech _____, but we all enjoyed it. Antonyms: long-winded

radiant

[adjective] *bright, beaming* The sky was _____ after the storm had passed.

random

[adjective] *by chance; not planned or prearranged; irregular* I'm going to type a _____ sentence right now: That milkshake hates country music! Synonyms: *unplanned, haphazard* Antonyms: purposeful, deliberate

feasible

[adjective] *capable of being accomplished; possible* Although it's not _____ to become a dragon, Jason certainly had a fun time dressing up and pretending to be one. Antonyms: impossible, unlikely

telepathic

[adjective] *capable of reading minds* Some say twins can communicate _____ally.

formidable

[adjective] *causing fear or admiration* Even though Jasper was less than five feet tall, he was a _____ opponent in the boxing world. Synonyms: *impressive, mighty, daunting*

gruesome

[adjective] *causing horror; ghastly, revolting* Hector couldn't get the _____ sight of the dead soldiers out of his head. Antonyms: beautiful, pleasant, pretty

dismal

[adjective] *causing sadness or gloom.* Some people like when it snows, but to me snow is the most _____ weather. Synonyms: *bleak, dreary, joyless* Antonyms: bright, cheerful, happy

wary

[adjective] *cautious and watchful; careful of danger* In certain cities, you need to be _____ of thieves who might try to pick your pocket. Synonyms: *alert, suspicious* Antonyms: careless

circumspect

[adjective] *cautious* Ty made _____ steps so as not to slip on the mopped floor.

prudent

[adjective] *cautious, careful* Indie did not make a _____ decision when she left the delicate plates where they could be knocked over.

authentic

[adjective] *genuine; real; true* While digging in our backyard, Wing and I found an _____ Native American arrowhead. Synonyms: *actual, valid* Antonyms: fake, false, counterfeit

insightful

[adjective] *characterized by or displaying insight; perceptive* It's a wonder the National Football League has yet to recognize the _____ gameday commentary I provide my wife and friends each Sunday from September to February—I seem to have it all figured out!

patent

[adjective] *clear, apparent* The chicken pecked at the farmer's hand until the farmer _____ly knew the bird was hungry.

limpid

[adjective] *clear, easily understood* The island was an ideal vacation spot, with warm weather and _____ waters.

intricate

[adjective] *complex* Every Halloween, there is an _____ corn maze that is fun for us to walk through at night. Antonyms: simple

belligerent

[adjective] *contentious, ready to fight* Fighting roosters are notoriously _____.

gilded

[adjective] *covered with a thin layer of gold, or deceptively attractive* When the gold paint started to wear off, the bird abandoned its _____ cage.

inventive

[adjective] *creative* Valerie was an _____ fashion designer and often won awards for her unique clothing designs. Synonyms: *artistic, innovative*

scurrilous

[adjective] *crude, vulgar* They made _____ remarks, calling the boys lying pigs.

quotidian

[adjective] *daily, everyday* Grandpa Joe's _____ routine includes the morning paper and a cup of coffee.

murky

[adjective] *dark, gloomy; hard to see through* The fish had a difficult time seeing in the _____ water.

recalcitrant

[adjective] *defiant* The _____ teen always broke curfew.

fastidious

[adjective] *demanding, painstaking or hard to please* Bruno is a _____ cleaner because he sweeps, mops and vacuums his entire house daily. Synonyms: *careful, meticulous, discriminating*

meritorious

[adjective] *deserving of praise or merit* Top Olympic athletes win medals for their _____ performances.

distinct

[adjective] *different; not the same as others*

subtle

[adjective] *difficult to perceive, barely observable; delicate* The chicken fillet had a _____ flavor of lemon to it. Synonyms: *faint* Antonyms: obvious, blatant

surreptitious

[adjective] *done in a secret or stealthy way* Sherlock Holmes observed a _____ meeting between two women wearing scarves and dark sunglasses.

truculent

[adjective] *eager to fight, violent* The _____ bulls charged at one another.

punctilious

[adjective] *eager to follow rules* Although his friends want to break into abandoned barn, Malik is a _____ kid who never breaks rules.

prior

[adjective] *earlier, former* Because of a _____ delay, the trains were all running late. Antonyms: after, later

susceptible

[adjective] *easily influenced or affected* The premature baby was _____ to colds, sicknesses, and infection. Antonyms: resistant

facile

[adjective] *easy* The science professor had a way of teaching that made complicated theories seem _____.

vast

[adjective] *enormous, immense* The universe is _____ and limitless.

exorbitant

[adjective] *excessive* Marisa didn't buy anything at the jewelry store because the prices were _____.

extravagant

[adjective] *excessive, over-the-top* In Fitzgerald's famous novel, Gatsby throws _____ parties.

impecunious

[adjective] *excessively poor* The _____ actor was so desperate for work, he took a job as a mime.

grandiose

[adjective] *extraordinary, grand in scope* The Statue of Liberty stands proud and _____.

exuberant

[adjective] *extremely enthusiastic* Carmelita was _____ as she slid down the slide with her fists in the air. Synonyms: *energetic, enthusiastic* Antonyms: depressed, unenthusiastic

hilarious

[adjective] *extremely funny; causing loud amusement* Tito couldn't stop laughing at the _____ YouTube video. Antonyms: serious, unfunny

spurious

[adjective] *false but intended to seem believable or possible* The painting, originally believed to be a _____ copy, proved to be an authentic van Gogh.

timorous

[adjective] *fearful, timid* The _____ girl shied away from people she didn't know.

despondent

[adjective] *feeling seriously depressed, gloomy, or hopeless* After the death of her puppy, Marie was _____ for weeks. Antonyms: cheerful, happy, elated

fecund

[adjective] *fertile, fruitful* The hearty, _____ soil helped the tree grow tall.

pliable

[adjective] *flexible, bendable* The shoes are comfortable because the leather is soft and _____.

amiable

[adjective] *friendly, affable* The friends liked the comedian because he maintained an _____ manner while making the audience laugh.

affable

[adjective] *friendly, amiable* Surprisingly, the _____ little girl grew to be uptight.

algid

[adjective] *frigid, cold* The waters of the Arctic Ocean are bitterly _____.

porous

[adjective] *full of holes or pores* Our tent was so cheap that its _____ fabric meant we got soaking wet from the rain. Antonyms: watertight

munificent

[adjective] *generous, benevolent* Quinton donated a _____ gift for the charity raffle.

magnanimous

[adjective] *generous, noble* _____ Penelope gave money to the poor street musician.

disgruntled

[adjective] *grumpy; dissatisfied and sulky* Maria was _____ that the sidewalks were so crowded when she was in a hurry. Synonyms: *unhappy, annoyed, irritable*

inveterate

[adjective] *habitual, natural* She had an _____ habit of brushing her teeth three times a day.

gay

[adjective] *happy, cheery, or homosexual* Everyone had a _____ time at the birthday party.

opaque

[adjective] *hard to understand; not clear or lucid; obscure* Donovan's true motivation for yelping in class remained _____, though it seemed clear enough that he wasn't a dog, and hadn't suffered the sting of a slingshot projectile of any sort.

innocuous

[adjective] *harmless* While some snakes are _____, the Mamba is deadly.

infamous

[adjective] *having a very bad reputation; famous for something evil* One of the most _____ killers in New York City history was "Son of Sam." Synonyms: *notorious* Antonyms: well-liked, beloved

malevolent

[adjective] *having intent to harm others* The _____ pirate ship made a threatening approach.

magnetic

[adjective] *having the power to attract* Ronda has a _____ personality, which is probably why she's so popular. [adjective] *being able to attract iron* Some metals are more _____ than others. Synonyms: *alluring* Antonyms: uninteresting, repellent

urban

[adjective] *having to do with the city; city-like*

candid

[adjective] *honest and straightforward, without holding back unpleasant truths* The movie critic was so _____ she sometimes made actors cry. [adjective] *informal; unposed* While we were at the park, mom took some candid shots of us walking and playing.

inextricable

[adjective] *hopelessly confused or tangled* Their disagreement was as _____ as a tangled pile of rope.

nefarious

[adjective] *horribly villainous* The frightening pumpkins wore _____ expressions.

inimical

[adjective] *hostile, threatening* The snake barred its _____ fangs.

puerile

[adjective] *immature* I was embarrassed by my friend's _____ behavior at the dinner party.

licentious

[adjective] *immoral, lewd* Lea's grandfather made her turn off MTV because of the _____ dancing during the awards show.

pivotal

[adjective] *important, vital* A _____ moment in the football game occurred when the opposing team's quarterback fell and broke his ankle. Antonyms: insignificant, minor, incidental

orthodox

[adjective] *in agreement with established or generally accepted beliefs or ways of doing things, especially relating to religion* Some _____ religious women cover their hair as a show of respect. Synonyms: *conventional, customary* Antonyms: unconventional, unorthodox, heterodox

abundant

[adjective] *in great numbers* The wettest place on Earth is a village in India that is known for its _____ rainfall.

mendacious

[adjective] *inclined to lie or mislead* Pinocchio tells the story of a _____ wooden boy whose nose grows when he lies.

pervasive

[adjective] *inclined to spread throughout* The _____ stink of the rotten eggs spread throughout the house.

profane

[adjective] *indecent, blasphemous* Will's parents don't let him listen to music that uses _____ language.

illuminating

[adjective] *informative; enlightening* Christina found Cameron's article on the need to switch to LED light bulbs on campus _____; he'd cast light on the glaring need for greater energy efficiency.

daft

[adjective] *insane, foolish* It's _____ and needlessly dangerous to ignore a stop sign.

cogent

[adjective] *intelligent, viable* The witness's convincing court testimony made for _____ evidence.

envious

[adjective] *jealous* Antony was always _____ of his friend's mansion.

jubilant

[adjective] *joyful, happy* The happy girls sprang into a _____ jump.

benevolent

[adjective] *kind, good, caring* Devon has a _____ heart and always gives to charity.

meager

[adjective] *lacking in quality or stature* Wanda was so busy she barely had time to eat a _____ lunch.

voluminous

[adjective] *large, ample* The _____ clouds meant a storm was coming.

substantial

[adjective] *large, important; major* Ludacris has given a _____ amount of money to charities. Synonyms: *significant* Antonyms: small, minor

permanent

[adjective] *lasting for a long time, maybe forever* Spilling grape juice on my white T-shirt left a _____ stain. Synonyms: *fixed* Antonyms: temporary

lethargic

[adjective] *lazy, apathetic* The fat, lazy cat led a _____ life.

comatose

[adjective] *lethargic* Everyone felt _____ after the heavy meal.

capricious

[adjective] *likely to change quickly for no reason* My cat is so _____, which is why I keep her on a leash. I never know what she'll do next. Antonyms: constant, steadfast

flaccid

[adjective] *limp* The petals of the flower had become _____ from the heat.

predatory

[adjective] *living by killing and eating other animals, or by stealing from others* The pirates were a powerful _____ presence in the Indian Ocean. Synonyms: *thieving, vulturous*

boisterous

[adjective] *loud, energetic* The fans became _____ after their team scored a touchdown.

fortuitous

[adjective] *lucky, occurring by chance* Jasmine woke up late, but the morning proved _____ when she caught the train just in time to get to class.

hybrid

[adjective] *made from unlike parts; combining different elements* Some new _____ vehicles run on both vegetable oil and electricity. [noun] *something made from unlike parts or by combining different elements* The car salesman pushed the _____ because it combined the best features of a pick-up truck and sports-utility vehicle. [noun] *the offspring of two distinct plants or animals of different varieties* The dog was labelled a "mutt," but more specifically, was a pug-Rottweiler _____.

fey

[adjective] *magical* The _____ story about a princess who kisses a toad is familiar to many children.

malicious

[adjective] *malevolent, harmful* A _____ neighbor popped the soccer ball on the morning of the big game.

myriad

[adjective] *many, of great numbers* Ciara tried on a _____ of prom dresses before finding the right one for her.

voracious

[adjective] *marked by a large appetite for food or an activity* Timothy was such a _____ reader that the librarian let him check out more than the allowable number of books. Synonyms: *avid, unquenchable, insatiable* Antonyms: quenched, satisfied, indifferent

ingenious

[adjective] *marked by special intelligence* Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous character, Sherlock Holmes, is an _____ detective.

foreboding

[adjective] *menacing; indicating something bad is coming* The huge waves and strong winds were a _____ sign that a hurricane was brewing off the coast. [noun] *a prophesy* She felt a sense of _____ as she read the ominous note.

diminutive

[adjective] *miniature, small* The _____ bunny fit in the palm of a hand.

nomadic

[adjective] *moving about from place to place without settling down* The family lived a _____ lifestyle, and they traveled with a tent that was easily moved.

adjacent

[adjective] *near, next to* The new Yankee Stadium was built _____ to the old one. Synonyms: *adjoining, close* Antonyms: distant

urgent

[adjective] *needing fast action or attention* When an ambulance drives by with its lights flashing, you know there is an _____ problem. Synonyms: *critical, pressing*

benign

[adjective] *nonthreatening, innocuous* The mushroom looks _____, but is actually poisonous.

counterfeit

[adjective] *not genuine, fake* When Chris was caught trying to buy candy with _____ money, they didn't just call the cops; they brought in the FBI. Synonyms: *false, bogus* Antonyms: genuine, real [noun] *an imitation designed to deceive* This painting, which looks authentic, was actually a _____. [verb] *to make an illegal copy* Some criminals try to _____ U.S. currency.

sporadic

[adjective] *not happening often; occasional* Mary experiences _____ moments of happy memories of her late husband. Synonyms: *scattered, spotty, infrequent* Antonyms: steady, continuous, frequent

corrupt

[adjective] *not honest; willing to abuse power* The _____ businessman accepted bribes. Synonyms: *crooked, untrustworthy* Antonyms: decent, honest [verb] *to make evil or ruin the morals of* Some people think that violent movies _____ our youth in America."

accommodating

[adjective] *obliging, helpful* The _____ driver waited for the commuters who were running to catch the bus.

maternal

[adjective] *of or like a mother* The painting of Madonna and child clearly shows _____ love. Synonyms: *motherly, protective*

officious

[adjective] *offering unwanted help or service* The coach gave the player advice without being pushy or _____.

overt

[adjective] *open and observable; obvious* Billy and his siblings made _____ attempts to be well-behaved before the holidays. Antonyms: hidden, sneaky, covert

seminal

[adjective] *original, ground-breaking* Isaac Newton's influential theories, when first released, were _____ to the scientific world.

rural

[adjective] *out in the country or related to the country*

congested

[adjective] *overcrowded; filled too full* During rush hour, the city streets were _____. Antonyms: clear, unblocked

ajar

[adjective] *partly open* We left the gate _____ so that all our friends could drive in as they arrived. [adverb] *partly open* The door was standing _____.

ardent

[adjective] *passionate, enthusiastic and fiery* Quincy and his sisters are _____ South African soccer fans. Synonyms: *impassioned, fervent, zealous*

ample

[adjective] *plenty; more than enough*

toxic

[adjective] *poisonous; causing harm* Don't drink laundry detergent: It's _____! Antonyms: harmless

latent

[adjective] *present but hidden* Kyla's _____ musical ability presented itself during her very first violin lesson.

discreet

[adjective] *prudent or inconspicuous* The girls whispered _____ly.

flustered

[adjective] *put into a state of confusion* David was _____ when the chickens landed on his shoulders. Synonyms: *distraught, rattled* Antonyms: clearheaded, composed

dependent

[adjective] *relying on another person for help or support, or relying on something in order for something else to happen* Kids are _____ on their parents for food and shelter. Synonyms: *reliant, counting on* Antonyms: independent

mandatory

[adjective] *required, not optional* Even though attendance to the meeting was _____, no one showed up.

impudent

[adjective] *rude, improper* Some may consider it _____ to ask about age.

sacrosanct

[adjective] *sacred, holy* Places of worship such as temples, mosques, and churches are considered _____ by many.

melancholy

[adjective] *sad, gloomy, unhappy* Harvey was so _____ that he stopped making eye contact with anyone. Synonyms: *glum, miserable* [noun] *a gloomy state of mind, especially when habitual or prolonged; depression* Falling into a terrible _____, the dog refused to eat.

akin

[adjective] *sharing the same properties* During spirit week at school everyone dresses _____ each other. Synonyms: *similar, related* Antonyms: different

radiant

[adjective] *shining, bright; giving off light or energy* During the day, the sun is the most _____ star in the sky. Synonyms: *beaming, brilliant, glowing* Antonyms: cloudy, dark, dim

flagrant

[adjective] *shockingly noticeable or evident, usually in a disgraceful way* Annette committed a _____ error: She forgot to put on her seatbelt. Synonyms: *striking, undisguised* Antonyms: hidden, concealed

concise

[adjective] *short and to the point; saying a lot in a few words*

myopic

[adjective] *short-sighted* Aisha has to wear glasses to see the chalkboard because of her _____ vision.

discerning

[adjective] *showing good or outstanding judgment and understanding* All five candidates offered their decades-long voting records up for public scrutiny in order to highlight their personal histories of displaying _____, progressive political values.

casual

[adjective] *showing little concern; informal* For a _____ dining experience, you can go to a buffet. Synonyms: *relaxed* Antonyms: serious

perfunctory

[adjective] *showing little enthusiasm, done as duty* Keenan had the _____ job of clearing out the cluttered attic.

sullen

[adjective] *silent or gloomy because of anger or resentment* After finding out that she wasn't going to get ice cream, Malkia became _____ and frowned quietly. Synonyms: *glum, frowning* Antonyms: cheerful

fatuous

[adjective] *silly, foolish* The _____ skier ignored the storm warnings and continued down the mountain.

proficient

[adjective] *skilled* Nicki is a _____ swimmer and had no problem passing her swim test. Synonyms: *accomplished, competent*

deft

[adjective] *skilled, adept* The _____ waiter carried all the plates without dropping one.

canny

[adjective] *smart and careful; watchful of one's own interests* While General Motors was still building big trucks and SUVs, Honda made the _____ decision to focus on smaller cars that were better for the environment. Synonyms: *shrewd, prudent* Antonyms: foolish

gregarious

[adjective] *sociable* Manny was a _____ kid with lots of friends.

gregarious

[adjective] *sociable, outgoing* Because he is so darn _____, Greg always proves to be the life of the party.

mellow

[adjective] *soft, gentle, pleasant* Cecilia loved nothing more than spending a _____ afternoon in the garden reading and listening to music. Synonyms: *easy, relaxed* Antonyms: harsh, hard [verb] *to make mellow* Tony's hatred of the government would ultimately _____ as he got older.

balmy

[adjective] *soothing, refreshing and mild* People change into shorts at the first sign of _____ weather. Synonyms: *temperate, tropical, moist*

commodious

[adjective] *spacious, roomy* The _____ closet fit lots of clothes.

turbulent

[adjective] *stirred up, disturbed or chaotic* The ships were tossed about by the _____ seas, causing the sailors to become sick. Synonyms: *choppy, stormy* Antonyms: settled, calm, manageable

inclement

[adjective] *stormy, bad, severe* The beach day was spoiled due to _____ weather.

exotic

[adjective] *strange or foreign in character* Stacie always brings the most _____ fruit for lunch; yesterday she stunk up the lunch arbor eating a massive durian, imported from Thailand.

obsequious

[adjective] *submissive* The _____ waiter returned to the table every five minutes to make sure everything was OK.

loquacious

[adjective] *talkative* They call him _____ Luis because he talks so much.

lachrymose

[adjective] *tearful* The onions made for _____ cooking.

provocative

[adjective] *tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing* Grandpa was outraged after stumbling upon the _____ political cartoon featuring two Founding Fathers kissing one another right on the lips while looking for the Sunday funnies!

inflammatory

[adjective] *tending to arouse anger, hostility, passion, etc.* Certain cable news correspondents and commentators have a reputation for generating purposefully _____ statements, trolling for conflict and ratings.

gaunt

[adjective] *thin and bony* The dogs appeared _____ after not eating for many days. Synonyms: *skinny, bony*

unscathed

[adjective] *totally unharmed* Even though the bus got into an accident, all of the passengers walked away _____. Antonyms: harmed, injured

diaphanous

[adjective] *transparent, see-through* The bride's veil was delicate and _____.

distraught

[adjective] *troubled and disturbed emotionally* _____ after breaking up with her first boyfriend, Jana decided to cut off all her hair. Synonyms: *upset, agitated* Antonyms: calm, happy

pending

[adjective] *unfinished; remaining to be decided* The school was all talking about the _____ decision on whether students would be allowed to wear tank tops. Synonyms: *forthcoming, undetermined* [preposition] *while awaiting; until* I will be the new king, pending King Arthur's return.

blasé

[adjective] *unimpressed and indifferent* We all thought Ken would be really excited about our road trip, but instead he was very _____ about the whole thing. Synonyms: *bored, disenchanted* Antonyms: eager, enthusiastic

hapless

[adjective] *unlucky* The _____ bulldog-gambler always lost at poker.

exceptional

[adjective] *unusual, extraordinary* Laura, Dakota, Arvind and Joanna were such _____ spellers that they made it all the way to the National Spelling Bee. Synonyms: *atypical, phenomenal, peculiar*

loathe

[adjective] *unwilling, reluctant* Tricia was _____ to admit her mistake, preferring to think that everything was just fine. Antonyms: willing, eager

fruitless

[adjective] *useless; unsuccessful* Devon made a _____ attempt to hit a half-court shot for $1,000. Synonyms: *ineffective, futile* Antonyms: productive, successful

customary

[adjective] *usual, normal, routine* It isn't _____ to fall asleep at your desk when you should be working. Synonyms: *usual, conventional* Antonyms: unusual, rare

upright

[adjective] *vertical, straight* The trees in the forest stood tall and _____. [adjective] *good, honest* Some people think all politicians lie, but I've met a few upright politicians. Other forms: *_____ is a very flexible word and can be used as a noun or an adverb as well: Standing _____ [adverb], the football player kicked the ball through the _____(s) [noun] for a field goal.*

irate

[adjective] *very angry; furious* Courtney got _____ when I told her that I had taken her iPod and lost it. Antonyms: happy

blatant

[adjective] *very obvious in an offensive or obnoxious way* The restaurant menu had several _____ misspellings. Synonyms: *flagrant, outright*

grueling

[adjective] *very tiring; exhausting* The trip to the top of the mountain was _____ in the snow. Synonyms: *backbreaking, arduous*

lewd

[adjective] *vulgar, offensive, rude* Jada's annoying little brother made a _____ face, sticking out his tongue.

legendary

[adjective] *well-known or famous* Wild Bill, the outlaw, was _____ for his bank robbery hold-ups and gun fights. Antonyms: obscure, unknown

notorious

[adjective] *widely known because of bad behavior* Al Capone was one of the most _____ gangsters of the 1920s. Synonyms: *infamous*

hiemal

[adjective] *wintry, relating to winter* The bear settled in his cave for _____ sleep.

brumal

[adjective] *wintry, relating to winter* Wade wore a warm jacket to bike in the _____ weather.

bleak

[adjective] *without much hope; cold and dreary* To some people who don't have many choices, the future can seem _____. Antonyms: bright, sunny

bereft

[adjective] *without, devoid of* She was _____ of speech when she realized she had a winning lotto ticket.

verbose

[adjective] *wordy* The law section of library was teeming with _____, technical books.

cosmopolitan

[adjective] *worldly, sophisticated* New York City is a _____ melting pot of trends and culture.

haggard

[adjective] *worn and wild-looking* The travelers had _____ faces after flying for more than twenty hours without sufficient leg room or a meal. Synonyms: *fatigued, exhausted, ashen*

idolatrous

[adjective] *worshiping excessively an object or person* Bees live in colonies and are _____ to their queen.

noteworthy

[adjective] *worthy of notice; outstanding because of some special excellence* Most of the lyrics the rapper spit were unoriginal, but there were a few _____ lines. Synonyms: *exceptional, extraordinary, notable* Antonyms: common, ordinary

commendable

[adjective] *worthy of praise* The coach gave Maya a high five for her _____ goal.

juvenile

[adjective] *young or immature* Warren was too old to play with _____ toys.

feral

[adjective] 1. *existing in a natural state, as animals or plants; not domesticated or cultivated; wild* 2. *having reverted to the wild state, as from domestication:* a pack of _____ dogs roaming the woods 3. *of or characteristic of wild animals; ferocious; brutal*

trivial

[adjective] *of very little importance or value* Our problems seem very _____ compared to those of people who don't have enough food. Synonyms: *insignificant, commonplace* Antonyms: valuable, worthwhile

grim

[adjective] *gloomy, harsh, and frightening* War is a _____ business. Synonyms: *dreadful, savage, frightful* Antonyms: mild, delightful

abnormal

[adjective] *not normal, average, typical, or usual; deviating from a standard:* It is _____ for a turtle to have two heads. Synonyms: *unusual, unique*

incredulous

[adjective] *not willing to believe something* Paul had been told that the wood was unbreakable, so he was _____ when it broke apart in his hands. Synonyms: *cynical, skeptical* Antonyms: credulous, gullible

robust

[adjective] *strong, healthy, hardy, or vigorous* The third little pig was the smartest because he built a _____ house made out of bricks. Antonyms: weak, soft

abrupt

[adjective] *sudden or unexpected* The road came to an _____ end.

flabbergast

[adjective] *to surprise or amaze people into a state of shock* Nathan was _____ that he was able to read upside down. Synonyms: *astound* Antonyms: bore

surreptitiously

[adverb] *done by stealthy means, clandestine* The cat crept _____ towards its prey.

diligently

[adverb] *carefully, while showing care* Trisha studied _____ and graduated top of the class.

gingerly

[adverb] *cautiously or carefully* The baker _____ placed the decorative flowers on the wedding cake. Antonyms: carelessly, recklessly [adjective] *cautiously or carefully* He picked up the cat in a _____ way.

vice versa

[adverb] *conversely, in reverse* Mick constantly antagonizes his sister and _____ _____.

simultaneously

[adverb] *existing, occurring, or operating at the same time* Charly claims he read his book while _____ texting on his phone.

figuratively

[adverb] *symbolically* Yesterday it rained cats and dogs, _____ of course.

awry

[adverb] *turned or twisted; gone wrong* The wedding plans went _____ when the bride did not show up at the chapel.

headlong

[adverb] *without delay or time for careful thought; hasty* The soldier rushed _____ into the battle. [adjective] *without delay or time for careful thought; hasty* He took a _____ dive into the bushes.

incessantly

[adverb] *without interruption* Caleb couldn't sleep because bulldozers and dump trucks were working _____ in the once-vacant lot.

quid pro quo

[noun (Latin)] *a mutually beneficial exchange* In a _____ agreement, Maria gave her brother a chocolate bar in exchange for doing her chores.

metamorphosis

[noun] *a change of form, shape, substance* Caterpillars undergo a _____ to become butterflies.

canvas

[noun] *a closely woven, heavy cloth of cotton, hemp, or linen, used for tents, sails, etc.*

maxim

[noun] *a common saying of advice or virtue* A common _____ claims that a watched pot never boils.

volition

[noun] *a conscious choice or decision* Darren had gone to a faraway university of his own _____.

collusion

[noun] *a conspiracy, a secret agreement* The CIA uncovered a _____ between the two anti-government organizations.

confluence

[noun] *a convergence, a coming together* The stream met the river at a _____.

laceration

[noun] *a cut, tear* The doctor stitched her patient's _____.

reel

[noun] *a cylinder, frame, or other device that turns on an axis and is used to wind up or pay out something* [verb] *to wind on a _____, as thread, yarn, etc.*

aberration

[noun] *a deviation from the expected course* For the chef, such a tasteless meal was an _____.

variance

[noun] *a difference between what is expected and what actually occurs* The accountant found a _____ in her client's taxes.

orations

[noun] *a dignified and formal speech* One of the most celebrated modern _____ is Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech.

tragedy

[noun] *a disastrous event, or a work of art in which the hero meets a terrible fate* Hurricane Katrina was a _____.

doppelgänger

[noun] *a ghostly double of a living person* The painter depicted a couple meeting their _____s.

preponderance

[noun] *a great amount or frequency* The forensic team found a _____ of evidence against the accused.

deluge

[noun] *a great flood or something that overwhelms like a flood* They traveled through town by row boat after the _____.

salutation

[noun] *a greeting* A handshake is a common _____.

travesty

[noun] *a grossly inferior imitation* The world poverty threshold is a _____.

cavity

[noun] *a hole* The bird made its nest in a _____ in the tree bark.

dearth

[noun] *a lack, scarcity* A _____ in rainfall resulted in dried up crops.

connotation

[noun] *a meaning or association suggested by a word beyond its definition* The word "cool" can refer to temperature, but it also has positive _____s in slang.

neonate

[noun] *a newborn infant* The mother cradled her _____.

albino

[noun] *a person or animal without pigmentation in their skin* We spotted an _____ deer in the woods.

dissonance

[noun] *lack of harmony or agreement* The _____ between the government and its people caused rioting.

ascetic

[noun] *a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons* [adjective] *exceedingly strict, abstinent, austere, or severe in religious exercises or self-mortification*

conduit

[noun] *a pipe, passage, channel* Water flowed freely from the _____s into the purification chamber.

domicile

[noun] *a place of residence; abode; house or home*

scourge

[noun] *a plague* A notorious _____, the Black Death, reduced the Europe's population by a third during the 14th century.

bard

[noun] *a poet, often a singer as well* William Shakespeare is arguably history's most renown _____.

premonition

[noun] *a presentiment of the future* She had a distinct _____ that the fortune teller was a con artist.

lull

[noun] *a relatively calm interval, as in a storm* There was a brief _____ in the dog's barking when its owner called it over.

parody

[noun] *a satirical imitation* Saturday Night Live is a comedy show that often airs _____ies.

aphorism

[noun] *a short saying* The elder was full of wise _____s.

prestidigitation

[noun] *a sleight of hand* Harry Houdini's _____ is legendary.

modicum

[noun] *a small amount of something* One needs more than a _____ of skill to play a good game of chess.

grotto

[noun] *a small cave or cavern* The family visited the Blue _____ while on vacation.

buffet

[noun] *a spread of food involving choices* The hotel served a complimentary breakfast _____.

flux

[noun] *a state of constant change or a flow* New York City experiences a _____ in tourism during the holidays.

veneer

[noun] *a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, façade* Brick _____ covered the flimsy wood.

fabulist

[noun] *a teller of fables; a liar* His writing was once respected, but now he is considered a petty _____.

penchant

[noun] *a tendency, partiality, preference* She had a _____ for cereal in the morning.

inclination

[noun] *a tendency, propensity* Chandra loves all music, but her _____ is towards the piano.

ruse

[noun] *a trick* The magician performed a fiery _____.

excursion

[noun] *a trip, an outing* It is a beautiful day for a beach _____.

cliché

[noun] *a trite, overused expression* Some people think red roses are _____ on Valentine's Day.

henchman

[noun] *a trusted follower, goon* Mobster Frank Costello had many _____.

amalgamation

[noun] *a union, a merger* An _____ of FBI and local police forces helped catch the criminal.

malaise

[noun] *a vague feeling of discomfort* The doctor tried to diagnose the root of Wythe's _____.

pittance

[noun] *a very small amount* He gave the beggar a _____.

antechamber

[noun] *a waiting room* The patient waited in the _____ until the doctor called him in.

indictment

[noun] *accusation of wrongdoing* The new security cameras led to the _____ of the thieves.

concord

[noun] *agreement* The roommates lived in _____ after deciding to take turns washing the dirty dishes.

harmony

[noun] *agreement, often of sound* The talented musicians played in _____.

agoraphobia

[noun] *an abnormal fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by anxiety attacks*

claustrophobia

[noun] *an abnormal fear of being in enclosed or narrow places*

battery

[noun] *an assault or an array of similar things intended for use together* The criminal was arrested for _____.

surfeit

[noun] *an excess, a surplus, an overabundance* There was a _____ of food at the Independence Day cookout.

compliment

[noun] *an expression of esteem or approval* The young artist received many _____s for his paintings.

sympathy

[noun] *an expression of pity for another, compassion* Sam felt such _____ for the abandoned dog, she adopted him.

propensity

[noun] *an inclination, preference* A _____ for junk food can lead to poor health.

presage

[noun] *an omen* Some consider crows to be dark _____s.

contusion

[noun] *bruise, injury* He got multiple _____s when he lost control of his bike on the steep hill.

mutability

[noun] *capability of change* Certain politicians are known for their _____.

strife

[noun] *conflict* The war tore apart families, causing much _____.

misogyny

[noun] *hatred of women* _____ rallied many against women's suffrage.

polygamy

[noun] *having more than one spouse at a time* In some cultures, _____ is readily accepted.

monogamy

[noun] *having only one spouse at a time* The couple committed to _____.

acumen

[noun] *keen insight* His business _____ helped expand the company globally.

luminescence

[noun] *light from non-thermal sources* As a child, he was a afraid of the dark, but his night light provided the perfect _____.

matrimony

[noun] *marriage* The couple celebrated their _____ with friends and family.

mores

[noun] *moral attitudes* The _____ of academia oppose cheating.

cacophony

[noun] *noise, discordant sound* The amateur garage band only succeeded in creating a _____ of drums and guitar.

gourmand

[noun] *one who likes eating and drinking* The chef was appropriately a _____.

hedonist

[noun] *one whose primary pursuit is pleasure* The _____ spent all his money on fast cars, fancy dinners and lavish vacations.

vocation

[noun] *one's work or professional calling* Jared always felt that his _____ was outdoor work.

pulchritude

[noun] *physical beauty* Marilyn Monroe is famous for her _____.

credulity

[noun] *readiness to believe* The _____ of the children had them terrified of the supposedly haunted castle.

repose

[noun] *rest, sleep* We found our brother in a state of _____ after the race.

sybarite

[noun] *someone devoted to pleasure and luxury, a voluptuary* The French queen, Marie Antoinette, was scorned by rebels as a _____.

voluptuary

[noun] *someone devoted to sensory pleasure and luxury, a sybarite* The Roaring Twenties are remembered as a _____ decade.

anomaly

[noun] *something that does not fit into the normal order* Snow on a tropic beach would be quite an _____.

entity

[noun] *something that exists as a discrete unit* The company split into two new _____ies and moved to a new office building.

fortitude

[noun] *strength, bravery* Spartan warriors were famous for their _____.

physiognomy

[noun] *the art of judging human character from facial features* It doesn't take careful _____ to detect that Vera is a happy person.

predestination

[noun] *the concept of destiny or fate* The businessman believed in _____ and thought his presidency was meant to be.

empathy

[noun] *the experience of another's feelings as one's own* A lioness feels no _____ for its prey; she just sees it as food.

convalescence

[noun] *the gradual return to health after illness* Her paper cut did not warrant such a lengthy period of _____.

firmament

[noun] *the sky, the heavens* The Big Dipper is visible in the dark _____.

zeitgeist

[noun] *the spirit of the time* Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City captured the _____ of the 1980s.

vicissitudes

[noun] *the unexpected changes and shifts often encountered in one's life* The old man survived the _____ of life.

apocalypse

[noun] *total devastation, the end of the world* Many religions have prophetic legends about the _____.

vim

[noun] *vitality and energy, vigor* The young dog is full of constant _____.

vigor

[noun] *vitality and energy, vim* A sugar rush was the cause of their _____.

desolate

[noun] 1. *barren or laid waste; devastated:* a treeless, _____ landscape 2. *deprived or destitute of inhabitants; deserted; uninhabited* 3. *solitary; lonely:* a _____ place 4. *having the feeling of being abandoned by friends or by hope; forlorn* 5. *dreary; dismal; gloomy:* _____ prospects

anxiety

[noun] 1. *distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune:* He felt _____ about the possible loss of his job 2. *earnest but tense desire; eagerness:* He had a keen _____ to succeed in his work 3. *a state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder*

requisition

[noun] 1. *the act of requiring or demanding* 2. *a demand made* 3. *an authoritative or formal demand for something to be done, given, supplied, etc.:* The general issued a _____ to the townspeople for eight trucks. 4. *a written request or order for something, as supplies.* 5. *the form on which such an order is drawn up*

sobriety

[noun] 1. *the state or quality of being sober.* 2. *temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages* 3. *seriousness, gravity, or solemnity:* an event marked by _____

feud

[noun] *a bitter, long-term argument or hostility* Because of a longstanding _____ between their two families, Romeo and Juliet had to elope. Synonyms: *conflict, quarrel* Antonyms: agreement, peace

laceration

[noun] *a cut, a rip* Beware, broken glass can cause serious _____(s).

slander

[noun] *a false statement to damage the reputation of another* Celebrity TV stations revel in seedy rumors and ruthless _____.

slander

[noun] *a false statement to damage the reputation of another* Celebrity TV stations sometimes _____ stars in the spotlight.

debut

[noun] *a first public appearance* The actress walked the red carpet at her latest film's _____. Synonyms: *beginning* Antonyms: closing, finale [verb] *to appear for the first time* The playwright's masterpiece is set to _____ on Broadway next June.

citadel

[noun] *a fortress or stronghold* Only ten warriors remained to defend the _____.

seer

[noun] *a fortune teller* The Oracle of Delphi is a mythological _____.

soothsayer

[noun] *a fortune teller* The _____ used tarot cards to read the future.

plethora

[noun] *a great number, an abundance* J.K. Rowling has won a _____ of awards for her famous Harry Potter series.

chorus

[noun] *a group of people trained to sing together* The _____ was invited to sing at the White House. [noun] *the part of a song that's repeated after each verse* The _____ to that song is so catchy!

abode

[noun] *a home; a place where someone lives* I just want to find a nice _____ somewhere in the mountains. Synonyms: *house, residence*

apathy

[noun] *a lack of interest or concern* C-Ray is filled with so much _____; I don't think she would even care if her best friend moved away forever. Synonyms: *indifference, aloofness* Antonyms: care, concern, sympathy

tome

[noun] *a large book* The Library of Congress has _____(s) that are over a hundred years old.

catastrophe

[noun] *a large-scale disaster, misfortune, or failure The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was a _____.* Synonyms: *calamity, fiasco*

crusade

[noun] *a military expedition; a campaign for a cause* The king led the _____ across the country to take over more land and people.

fallacy

[noun] *a misleading or false belief* The idea that the world was flat was a popular _____.

neonate

[noun] *a newborn baby* The _____s are cared for in the nursery wing of the hospital.

era

[noun] *a period of time marked by distinct events* The invention of the Ford Model T marked a new _____ in travel.

addict

[noun] *a person who becomes dependent on something that is habit-forming, like a drug or an activity* Kayla was a shoe _____: She had an entire closet dedicated to her shoes! synonyms: fanatic, fiend

vocation

[noun] *a person's employment, job, or calling* It's never too early to think about what _____ you might like once you get older. Synonyms: *occupation*

doctrine

[noun] *a principle, position or belief system that is taught* The speech was full of religious _____, so I was bored and confused at the same time. Synonyms: *theory, belief, dogma*

mercenary

[noun] *a professional soldier hired into a foreign army* Pablo is a _____ so he is often away from home for months at a time.

embargo

[noun] *a prohibition or restriction, usually of trade* Because the government announced an _____ of all Cuban goods, I couldn't let the ship come in to dock.

hierarchy

[noun] *a ranking system of groups or individuals* The Pope is the head of the Catholic _____.

epidemic

[noun] *a rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something, especially a disease* Cell phone use among teens is sweeping the country like an _____. Synonyms: *outbreak, rash*

drone

[noun] *a remote-controlled device* Instead of sending in jet planes with actual pilots in them, the Air Force has been using more _____(s) to drop bombs on its enemies. [noun] *a buzzing or humming sound that lasts for a long time* The _____ of the refrigerator was really annoying. [noun] *a male bee* _____(s) are interesting creatures, since they don't gather pollen, make honey, or sting. [verb] *to make a buzzing or humming sound; to speak in a dull tone of voice* While the soda machine _____(ed) in the hallway, the teacher droned on and on about the meaning of certain words in the classroom.

pedagogue

[noun] *a schoolteacher* The _____ read at his desk while his students learned from their textbooks.

sycophant

[noun] *a self-serving flatterer* Kara said she liked Shawn's song with the hope that it would help her get a job at his record store, but Shawn knew she was a _____.

anecdote

[noun] *a short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or amusing nature* Adhara's entertaining _____ about the time she fell into the meerkat exhibit at the zoo had the whole class in stitches.

vignette

[noun] *a short profile that gracefully includes the name and identification of a subject as well as key background information, abbreviated but relevant news, a quote, and a brief scene-setting passage* This latest issue of Broke Teacher Quarterly features a charming _____ on Mr. Zizzo and his cost-cutting use of citric acid over ripe lemons—what a character!

status

[noun] *a situation or state of affairs* The _____ of our field trip to the zoo was up in the air when we weren't able to raise enough money. Synonyms: *condition, state* [noun] *position relative to that of others; standing* John had the highest _____ of all in the company. He was the CEO. Synonyms: *rank, worth*

species

[noun] *a specific group of plants or animals that have some things in common* I thought the animal was a cat, but it was a whole different _____.

oration

[noun] *a speech, especially one in public for a special occasion* The president gave an important _____ to millions of citizens across the country.

anarchy

[noun] *a state of lawlessness, confusion or disorder* The crowd erupted into a state of _____, with people starting fires and creating chaos. Synonyms: *chaos, disorder, turmoil*

libel

[noun] *a statement that gives an unjust or unfavorable representation of a person or thing, a defamation* The newspaper was found guilty of _____.

saga

[noun] *a story of heroic exploits; a long, detailed account* I can tell you the _____ of Harriet Tubman's life, but it might take a while. Synonyms: *tale, history, epic*

narrative

[noun] *a story; a detailed report* You'll love reading the _____ of Frederick Douglass. Synonyms: *account* [adjective] *of or relating to narration, or the telling of a story* I don't like abstract poems; I prefer _____ poems.

whim

[noun] *a sudden desire to do something without a particular reason; a fanciful idea* On a _____, Devin decided to jump into the river.

pang

[noun] *a sudden sharp feeling* A _____ of hunger took hold of me in the middle of my walk. Synonyms: *ache, twinge*

synopsis

[noun] *a summary* Jamal read the movie's _____ before buying a ticket to see it.

inventory

[noun] *a supply of goods or materials* With shelves and shelves of books, the bookstore had plenty of _____. [verb] *to take stock of* As a waitress, I had to _____ the ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper at the end of my shift.

emblem

[noun] *a symbol or sign* The olive branch is an _____ of peace. Synonyms: *mark, token, insignia*

tragedy

[noun] *a thing or event that is disastrous or terrible* The real _____ of Hurricane Katrina was that the government was so slow to act. Synonyms: *catastrophe, failure* Antonyms: success, blessing [noun] *a play that has a sad ending* Even though Romeo and Juliet is a love story, it's considered a _____ since it ends so sadly.

firebrand

[noun] *a troublemaker; someone who encourages others to rebel* Tony tried to get Lisa fired because he thought she was a _____. Synonyms: *rebel, agitator*

invective

[noun] *a verbal attack* Chris has a bullying boss who emails him _____(s) daily.

perspective

[noun] *a view, or a mental view or outlook* From my _____ at the back of the classroom, it looked as if Joey was using notes to cheat on the test.

tycoon

[noun] *a wealthy and powerful businessperson* Donald Trump is a _____ in New York City and owns lots of real estate. Synonyms: *baron, capitalist, industrialist*

iniquity

[noun] *a wicked act, a sin* Andre grew up in a small town where there was no crime, so when he moved to the big city, it seemed full of _____.

atrocity

[noun] *an appalling condition; the act of being shockingly cruel or inhumane* The biggest _____ of the war was the horrible treatment of women and children in the prison camps.

closure

[noun] *an appropriate narrative conclusion* Detective Hom's apprehension of the true Gecko Garden Vegetable Thief brought _____ to a case that had vexed Grant K-8 administrators all growing season, and squashed rumors that it had been the ASB president all along.

tract

[noun] *an area, expanse or region* While trying to buy a _____ of land, Chris had to be taken to the hospital due to his inflamed digestive _____.

altercation

[noun] *an argument, dispute* The goalie got into an _____ with the referee over a call in the game.

calumny

[noun] *an attempt to defame another's reputation* Multiple critics published unfair _____ies against the controversial book.

colossus

[noun] *an enormous structure* The _____ of Rhodes was a massive statue and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

glut

[noun] *an excessive amount; too much* Due to the small number of people at the birthday party, there was a _____ of cake leftover. Antonyms: shortage

caption

[noun] *an explanation or description for a picture* Daphne did not read the _____ under the cartoon, so she did not get its meaning. [verb] *to entitle something* The yearbook editor asked us to _____ each and every photograph.

defect

[noun] *an imperfection or fault* The TV had two major _____(s); it showed no picture and made no sound. [verb] *to leave, desert or abandon* The man tried to _____ from his country because the ruler was a harsh dictator.

staple

[noun] *an important item or raw material* Chocolate was an important _____ in the Johnson household. [verb] *to secure or fasten by a short, U-shaped piece of wire bent so as to bind together papers, sections of a book, or the like* Edward hates to _____ his papers in class because he has to get up out of his seat to go do it.

legacy

[noun] *an inheritance or gift; something handed down from an ancestor or from the past* James Brown was more than an amazing musician; his _____ lives on in all of the music he has influenced. Synonyms: *gift, tradition, heritage*

stance

[noun] *an intellectual or emotional attitude toward something* Gavin's mom took a negative _____ on taking drugs because her father had died from a drug addiction. [noun] *the position of one's feet* The baseball player's _____ was awkward, yet he consistently hit home runs when he was at bat.

hiatus

[noun] *an interruption in continuity, a break* After a long _____, the band got back together.

pariah

[noun] *an outcast* Ana was a _____ amongst the other girls in school; they ignored her.

panorama

[noun] *an unobstructed or complete view* The celebrity's home had a _____ of the entire valley and beyond.

indignation

[noun] *anger due to an unfair situation* When the old factory closed, the workers felt _____ about their new unemployment.

umbrage

[noun] *anger, offense, resentment* Good teachers help their students, rather than take _____, when they do not understand a lesson.

rubble

[noun] *broken bits and pieces* After the huge earthquake, the buildings were nothing but _____. Synonyms: *debris, fragments, wreckage*

camaraderie

[noun] *cheerful unity among a group* The horses were raised together and had a touching _____.

restitution

[noun] *compensation, reimbursement* The insurance gave the homeowners _____ for the flood damages.

flattery

[noun] *compliments, sycophancy* Ivy used _____ and a shiny red apple to win her teacher's favor.

guile

[noun] *deceitful actions or behavior* It was clear the _____ sales representative would stop at nothing to make money.

propriety

[noun] *decency, state of being proper* The bride had no sense of _____ and was on the phone throughout her wedding.

uncertainty

[noun] *doubt; the state of being unsure* There was some _____ among the travelers as to which road to take. Synonyms: *indecision, ambiguity* Antonyms: certainty, sureness

void

[noun] *empty or unfilled space* With his children away at college, Mr. Morales felt a _____ in his life. Synonyms: *nothingness, gap, blankness* [verb] *to cancel or nullify* Realizing I didn't actually need a radio shaped like a waffle, I tried to _____ my online purchase. [adjective] *empty or without* His life was _____ of happiness.

stamina

[noun] *endurance* Most marathon runners have a lot of _____ to run long distances. Synonyms: *staying power, endurance*

citrus

[noun] *fruit of the family that includes oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes* If you drive through parts of Florida, you can gaze at beautiful _____ trees.

prowess

[noun] *great skill or ability* Few fighters had the swagger, the _____, and the charm that Muhammad Ali had. Synonyms: *expertise, mastery* Antonyms: inability, weakness

diversity

[noun] *having different types together; variety*

revenue

[noun] *income; earnings* The kids made a lot of _____ with their music and lemonade stand. Antonyms: expenditure, outgoings, payment

circumlocution

[noun] *indirect language* Hector wrote clearly and to the point, avoiding _____(s).

notoriety

[noun] *infamy, known in bad regard* Benedict Arnold achieved _____ as a traitor to the American Revolution.

wrath

[noun] *intense anger* The coach said we had to finish our sprints or we would feel his _____. Synonyms: *rage, fury* Antonyms: happiness, love

petulance

[noun] *irritability, impoliteness* Her _____ was due to the early wake-up call.

mirth

[noun] *joy, fun, and laughter* There was so much _____ around the Thanksgiving table; everyone seemed to be smiling and enjoying themselves. Synonyms: *glee, hilarity* Antonyms: sadness, distress

heritage

[noun] *legacy or tradition* The family had been located in the town for over one hundred years and were very proud of their _____.

banter

[noun] *light talk; witty remarks* She was pretty, but her constant _____ was driving me crazy; I need some real conversation.

perjury

[noun] *lying in a court of law after taking an oath not to lie* It is well known that criminals sometimes commit _____, but some police officers have also been caught lying to a judge or jury.

mien

[noun] *manner or appearance* The king was a man of honorable _____, so the townspeople did not fear him.

paragon

[noun] *model of perfection* Lana eats junk food and never exercises so she is definitely not a _____ of health.

canine

[noun] *of, or relating to, dogs* Wolves have many dog-like qualities because they are also _____(s). [noun] *the four pointy teeth that many animals (including humans) have* When the _____ opened his mouth, I could see his sharp _____(s).

bigot

[noun] *one who is not tolerant of people who are different* We knew Ryan was a _____ when we heard him talk about how women shouldn't be allowed to run companies. Synonyms: *prejudiced person* Antonyms: liberal person

arbitrator

[noun] *one who settles controversy between two sides* The dispute was settled with an _____, rather than a court case.

jurisdiction

[noun] *power, authority or territory* Although the murder case was out of Officer Brazelton's _____, he continued to investigate.

vengeance

[noun] *punishment in return for an injury or a wrong; unusual force or violence* Humiliated by his boss for asking too many questions, Lee got his _____ when he was named "Employee of the Month." Synonyms: *revenge, retribution* Antonyms: forgiveness *Usage note:* The phrase "with a _____" means "with great force," as in: Dang! My sore throat came back with a _____.

retaliation

[noun] *revenge, punishment* The American Revolution began with the _____ of the colonies against unfair British rule.

cadence

[noun] *rhythm* The shared _____ of the rowers ensured that the boat moved swiftly.

inquisitor

[noun] *someone who asks questions or makes an inquiry* The police officer was a good _____ and got the truth from the suspect.

pioneer

[noun] *someone who settles in a land first or who opens up new areas of research* Early American _____(s) traveled in covered wagons along the Oregon Trail to settle the west.

sham

[noun] *something fake or false* The poster promised the "Greatest Show on Earth," but I thought that was as _____. Synonyms: *hoax, falsehood* Antonyms: truth, reality [adjective] *pretended; counterfeit; feigned* The _____ ads promised a free blender with each order, but the company never sent me anything.

preview

[noun] *something seen in advance* Fans were treated to a _____ of the championship game when a handful of players scrimmaged on a nearby field. Synonyms: *sneak peak* [verb] *to view beforehand* Ms. Turner _____(ed) the movie to make sure it was appropriate for her kids.

sequel

[noun] *something that comes after something else, especially a book or movie that continues the story of an earlier work* When it comes to X-Men movies, I think the _____(s) were even better than the original. Antonyms: original

incident

[noun] *something that happens in real life or in a story; an event, sometimes one that is a slight problem* Because of the _____ with my exploding bottle of Diet Coke, Lauren never invites me to her home anymore. Synonyms: *occurrence*

figment

[noun] *something that is made up in the mind but has no connection to reality* You think he likes you? Ha! That's just a _____ of your imagination. Synonyms: *dream, fantasy* Antonyms: reality

alacrity

[noun] *speed, readiness* The little girl opened her birthday gifts with _____.

serendipity

[noun] *the act of finding things not sought, luck* By _____, Ray found two quarters on the sidewalk just when he needed money for the parking meter.

reception

[noun] *the act or instance of receiving or meeting* The ambassador gave a warm _____ to the visitors.

elocution

[noun] *the art of public speaking* The King's Speech is a film about King George VI overcoming a stutter and mastering _____.

neologism

[noun] *the creation of new words, or a new word* The Washington Post hosts a yearly _____ competition which asks readers to invent new words and define them.

lead

[noun] *the first paragraph in a news story* Retta wrote a righteous _____ for her newscast, concisely conveying all 5 Ws—who, what, when, where, and why.

momentum

[noun] *the force or speed with which something moves* A Newton's cradle demonstrates conservation of _____. Synonyms: *drive, power, thrust*

gravity

[noun] *the force that makes objects fall toward the center of the Earth (or any other large mass)* There is less _____ on the moon, so astronauts have been able to hop along the surface like kangaroos. [noun] *seriousness* Chloe didn't realize the _____ of her dad's illness until he was rushed to the hospital. Synonyms: *importance, severity* Antonyms: unimportance, silliness

climax

[noun] *the highest or most intense moment in the course of something* Marley's year reached it's _____ when she and her best friend got into the same college. Synonyms: *top, apex, pinnacle*

homicide

[noun] *the killing of one person by another* As a detective specializing in _____s, Bianca has seen lots of gruesome murder scenes. Synonyms: *murder*

ultimate

[noun] *the last part, or a fundamental element* The winning trophy is the team's _____ goal.

trajectory

[noun] *the path that a particular narrative and its connotations take* She thought she had the article about the hotheaded rocket scientist's _____ pegged when the author suddenly revealed a surprise twist, leading her in a completely different direction!

geography

[noun] *the science that deals with the surface of the Earth, including countries, climate, and land formations* Flying in a plane over a country gives you a great sense of its _____.

compromise

[noun] *the settlement of a disagreement by having each side give up something* With the help of their teacher, the kids reached a _____. Antonyms: disagreement, dispute [verb] *to make mutual concessions in order to come to an agreement* Unable to _____, the two students ended up not getting anything done.

entomology

[noun] *the study of insects* Gloria was interested in _____ and kept a butterfly collection.

trickle

[noun] *to fall by drops or to flow in a small stream* Tears would _____ down her cheeks when she finally realized that her lost dog wasn't coming home. Synonyms: *drip, dribble* [noun] *a small irregular quantity of something* Kato's income from his dog-walking business had slowed to a _____.

retribution

[noun] *vengeance, revenge, payback* After last year's embarrassing loss, the team knew they had to win the championship for _____ and glory.

affliction

[noun] *the cause of serious pain and suffering, or a state of such suffering* Some people consider blindness an _____, but to others it is just a challenge.

wince

[verb (used with object)] *to move back suddenly as though in pain or fear* Sargent Draper winced as a health care officer gave her the annual flu shot. Synonyms: *flinch, recoil*

perceive

[verb (used with object)] *to become aware of through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing* Flies _____ the world differently than humans because they have so many more eyes. Synonyms: *discern, spot*

notify

[verb (used with object)] *to let someone know; to inform* When we lost our dog, we went from house to house and _____ all the neighbors.

abate

[verb (used with object)] *to make or become less in amount or intensity*; We waited for the storm to _____ before we went outside. Synonyms: *lessen, decrease* Antonyms: increase, amplify

accelerate

[verb (used with object)] *to speed up, or to cause to speed up* You can_____ a plant's growth by using fertilizers.

throb

[verb (used without object)] *to pound or beat rapidly or violently; to pulsate or vibrate* I had a terrible headache and my head started to _____.

recalibrate

[verb] * to readjust or make corrections to* The phone's touch screen needed to be _____ed in order to properly function.

savor

[verb] *to appreciate fully, enjoy* They _____ed the scent of warm apple pie.

stupefy

[verb] *to astound* She was _____ied at his proposal.

stagnate

[verb] *to be idle, to be still* The crocodile disturbed the _____ing waters.

espy

[verb] *to catch sight of, glimpse* The car sped by so quickly, it was impossible to _____ the driver.

espy

[verb] *to catch sight of, glimpse* The regal eagle _____ied us from its high perch.

repulse

[verb] *to cause disgust or distaste, or to drive back, repel* She is _____ed by all crawling insects.

amend

[verb] *to change for the better, improve* The US Constitution was _____ed to allow women to vote.

wane

[verb] *to decrease gradually in size or degree* The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the start of the _____ing days at summer's end.

diminish

[verb] *to decrease or make smaller* We had so much dirty laundry that the detergent was quickly _____ing.

abscond

[verb] *to depart in a sudden and secret manner, especially to avoid capture and legal prosecution:* The cashier _____ed with the money.

enervate

[verb] *to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken*

supplant

[verb] *to displace and substitute for another* During the Industrial Revolution, farm life was _____ed by urbanization.

differentiate

[verb] *to distinguish, to make different* Ari tied a bright ribbon to her luggage so that she would be able to _____ it at baggage claim.

variegate

[verb] *to diversify* The landscaper _____ed the drab garden with lush flowers.

accentuate

[verb] *to emphasize, to highlight* The use of liner to _____ the eyes dates as far back as Ancient Egypt.

revel

[verb] *to enjoy* Everyone _____ed in the parade.

feign

[verb] *to fake or pretend to* He _____ed a fever by holding the thermometer over a hot light bulb.

inundate

[verb] *to flood* He is _____ed with work.

cavort

[verb] *to frolic, leap, prance* Jessica was _____ing in the driveway when her brother got home.

confound

[verb] *to frustrate* The crossword puzzle _____ed Mike every Sunday morning, but he did it anyway.

aggregate

[verb] *to gather, amass* She _____ed a bouquet of flowers.

abort

[verb] *to give up on a half-finished project or effort* The astronaut _____ed his space mission.

abort

[verb] *to give up unfinished* Too afraid to jump, he _____ed his plan to skydive.

vacillate

[verb] *to go back and forth, fluctuate* When he asked for her hand in marriage, she _____ed between yes and no.

surmise

[verb] *to guess, infer, suppose* Gia could only _____ that Kyle was hungry when he ate her burger.

refrain

[verb] *to hold oneself back, forbear* They had made a commitment to eat healthy, and therefore _____ed from having dessert.

captivate

[verb] *to hold the interest of, to gain the attention of The sunset is _____ing.

mimic

[verb] *to imitate, to copy* Sabrina _____ed her older sister's outfit.

ameliorate

[verb] *to improve, to make better* A hot, hearty soup can help _____ a cold.

wax

[verb] *to increase gradually in size or degree* The wolves howled at the _____ing moon.

aggrandize

[verb] *to increase or make greater* The library received donations to _____ its collection.

augment

[verb] *to increase or make larger* The winning lotto ticket _____ed the family fortune.

infuse

[verb] *to inject* The inspiring coach _____ed a love of soccer into his young team.

abduct

[verb] *to kidnap* They were _____ed by an alien hot air balloon.

whet

[verb] *to make more keen, stimulate* The noise outside _____ the woman's curiosity.

suffice

[verb] *to meet needs* She didn't think a phone call would _____, so she made thank-you notes for her party guests.

undulate

[verb] *to move in a smooth wavelike motion* After Harry jumped in the pool, the water _____ed for some time.

gape

[verb] *to open the mouth and stare stupidly* The turtle _____ed at the delicious potato.

purport

[verb] *to present an intention that is often false* The lawyer _____ed that he had spent hours on the briefing, when in truth he barely glanced at it.

pique

[verb] *to provoke or to cause indignation* Nick's new speaker system was top notch, but his loud music caused the neighbors to feel _____.

juxtapose

[verb] *to put next to each other* The American flag _____s its red and white stripes.

abhor

[verb] *to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe; abominate*

obfuscate

[verb] *to render incomprehensible* The road sign is somewhat _____ing.

reiterate

[verb] *to repeat* The professor _____ed the key points of his lesson by writing them on the blackboard.

carouse

[verb] *to revel, to party* Ed had a headache after a night of _____ing.

sate

[verb] *to satisfy (an appetite) fully* The hefty breakfast _____ed their stomachs.

satiate

[verb] *to satisfy excessively* The runner drank until her thirst was _____ed.

redress

[verb] *to set right or remedy* The ballplayer _____ed his carelessness and paid for the broken window.

rectify

[verb] *to set right, correct* The cashier had to _____ the old register's mistakes.

abridge

[verb] *to shorten, cut down* The class read the _____ed version of the book because the original was too long.

peregrinate

[verb] *to travel from place to place on foot* He packed up and _____ed across the country, one day at a time.

cajole

[verb] *to urge, coax* The kids _____ their mom into doing their laundry.

fluctuate

[verb] *to vary irregularly* The stock market _____s daily.

bide

[verb] *to wait, or remain in a condition* They _____ed their time indoors until the storm passed.

retract

[verb] *withdraw* The pilot _____ed the plane's wheels after take-off.

exacerbate

[verb] 1. *to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate* 2. *to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate*

assuage

[verb] 1. *to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease; mitigate:* to _____ one's grief; to _____ one's pain 2. *to appease; satisfy; allay; relieve:* to _____ one's hunger 3. *to soothe, calm, or mollify*

allay

[verb] 1. *to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet* 2. *to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate:* to _____ pain

renovate

[verb] 1. *to restore to good condition; make new or as if new again; repair* 2. *to reinvigorate; refresh; revive*

raze

[verb] 1. *to tear down; demolish; level to the ground:* to _____ a row of old buildings 2. *to shave or scrape off*

clad

[verb] *dressed, wearing* He was _____ in a tuxedo.

abrogate

[verb] *to abolish, often by authority* Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865, but some countries have yet to _____ the institution.

augment

[verb] *to add to* Larry's dad agreed to _____ his allowance by two dollars a week. Synonyms: *to boost, increase, enhance* Antonyms: to decrease, reduce

acknowledge

[verb] *to admit that something is real or true; to express that you know someone or something* President Truman raised his hat to _____ the other boat passing by. Synonyms: *grant, concede* Antonyms: deny

concur

[verb] *to agree* Do you _____ with Jesse's statement that dolphins are the most awesome animals in the world?

accede

[verb] *to agree* He _____(ed) to his mother's request and hung his clothes neatly.

atone

[verb] *to apologize, make amends* Markus _____(ed) for his mistake by cooking a lovely breakfast.

laud

[verb] *to applaud or praise* The audience _____(ed) the show when the performers bowed.

accost

[verb] *to approach or confront aggressively* Joan felt _____(ed) by the door-to-door salesman, so she called to complain about his aggressive behavior.

haggle

[verb] *to argue in a petty, back-and-forth manner, especially about a price* The men _____ed over the price of the vendor's antiques. Synonyms: *bicker, quarrel* Antonyms: agree

wrangle

[verb] *to argue or dispute* Elroy likes to _____ with his mother about the dangers of smoking. Synonyms: *to dispute, fight, brawl* Antonyms: to agree, give in

beseech

[verb] *to ask for urgently; to beg* The conquistadors fell to their knees to _____ their god to bring them good fortune. Synonyms: *plead, implore*

abet

[verb] *to assist, encourage or support, usually in some wrongdoing* Bonnie Parker helped aid and _____ Clyde Barrow in dozens of crimes during the Great Depression.

shirk

[verb] *to avoid or get out of doing work* _____(ing) their responsibilities, Mia and Addison skipped school and rode their bikes to the beach instead. Synonyms: *sneak, slack, cheat*

supervise

[verb] *to be in charge of something or someone; to manage* If you work at a camp, you have to be prepared to _____ little kids closely to make sure that they don't get lost or injured. Synonyms: *manage, control, guide*

implore

[verb] *to beg for something, or to ask very seriously* The women _____(ed) their leader to save them.

perturb

[verb] *to bother or disturb greatly* Renee was _____(ed) that she wasn't invited to the upcoming party. Synonyms: *upset, unsettle* Antonyms: calm, please

nurture

[verb] *to bring up, care for, train, or nourish* I tried to _____ the plants, but I must have done something wrong because they died. Synonyms: *raise, cultivate* Antonyms: ignore, neglect [noun] *rearing, upbringing, training, education, or the like* Was it nature or _____ that's made you so goofy?

bilk

[verb] *to cheat, to swindle* The gambler _____ed his opponents in order to win the bet.

masticate

[verb] *to chew* The cow steadily _____(ed) its grass lunch.

dub

[verb] *to choose; to name* In a special ceremony, Rosaria _____ the captain a knight. Synonyms: *designate, label*

elucidate

[verb] *to clarify* The teacher made his students a study to guide to _____ the important points of the lesson.

clamber

[verb] *to climb with difficulty* Tanja loves to _____ up and down the jungle gyms. Synonyms: *scale, scramble up*

blandish

[verb] *to coax through flattery* Simone _____ed the cat with sweet words, and got her to come indoors.

intervene

[verb] *to come between; to step in and stop* Security was able to _____ before the fight could escalate between the women. Synonyms: *to intrude* Antonyms: to leave alone, withdraw

burgeon

[verb] *to come forth, blossom* The tiny town _____(ed) into a bustling city.

vie

[verb] *to compete for* Charlie and Big "T" both _____ for the ball at the tip-off. Synonyms: *to compete, contend, strive*

erect

[verb] *to construct, to raise* I wonder sometimes how ancient people _____ed columns without modern equipment.

persist

[verb] *to continue steadily in an action, to refuse to stop or be changed; to last, remain* The marathon runners _____ed to see who would win the race. Synonyms: *carry on, stick it out* Antonyms: give up, quit

rebuke

[verb] *to criticize sharply or disapprove of* Mother _____ed George for beheading his sister's doll. Synonyms: *berate, admonish, reprimand* [noun] *a criticism or admonishment* The police officer gave the teenager a sharp _____ for speeding in a residential area.

upbraid

[verb] *to criticize, scold, reproach* His wife _____(ed) him for the mess in the garage.

delude

[verb] *to deceive, to mislead* They _____ed themselves into believing that the rich dessert would not affect their diet.

forestall

[verb] *to delay, impede* Recycling helps _____ global warming.

covet

[verb] *to desire eagerly or wrongfully, without thinking about the rights of others* Jordan won a trip to Disneyland, a prize that we all _____(ed). Synonyms: *long for, crave*

aspire

[verb] *to desire something eagerly, especially something important or in the future* Beyoncé always _____ to be a singer, but she never knew she'd become an actress as well. Synonyms: *yearn, long for*

annihilate

[verb] *to destroy completely; to leave in utter ruin* The nuclear bomb will _____ the city. Synonyms: *massacre, obliterate* Antonyms: help, preserve

defame

[verb] *to destroy the reputation of* Magazines across the board _____ed the actress's good name.

discern

[verb] *to detect or perceive as separate and distinct* The students were able to _____ that their teacher was not happy with them after she read the notes left by her substitute. Synonyms: *distinguish, differentiate* Antonyms: disregard, overlook

evolve

[verb] *to develop over time or gradually* Over the next two weeks, the seeds we planted in science class will _____ into different types of plants. Synonyms: *emerge, grow, metamorphose*

agitate

[verb] *to disturb either physically or emotionally; to shake up* The bad news would only serve to _____ Paul, making it difficult for him to concentrate on work for the rest of the day. Antonyms: calm, soothe

douse

[verb] *to drench, saturate* The firefighter _____ed the flames.

devour

[verb] *to eat up hungrily or quickly* The caged lion wanted to _____ the school children for its dinner. Synonyms: *chow down, consume* [verb] *to take in eagerly (as in a book, a movie, etc.)* Last summer I _____(ed) all the books I could find by R. L. Stine.

pique

[verb] *to excite to action* When Bryson started playing the piano, the sweet music _____(ed) everyone's interest. Synonyms: *provoke, increase* [verb] *to hurt the pride of* _____(ed) that Rory had ignored her after the game, Joanna stormed off in anger. [noun] *a feeling of hurt* Believing that he hadn't been chosen for the lead in the play because he was Asian, Mike's _____ was obvious to everyone.

ostracize

[verb] *to exclude from a community* The Nuremberg Laws were antisemitic laws in Nazi German that _____(ed) Jewish people.

rue

[verb] *to feel sorrow or regret* Tommy will _____ the day he gets his water gun taken away for good by his mother. Antonyms: to celebrate, rejoice

fathom

[verb] *to figure out; to understand; to get to the bottom of* I can't _____ why you would want to buy those shoes when you already own a pair just like them. Synonyms: *discern* Antonyms: misunderstand [noun] *a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of the sea* He shuddered, imagining the grasp of the colossal squad lurking ten _____(s) below the surface of the water.

ensue

[verb] *to follow; to come as a result of* The riot caused chaos to _____. Synonyms: *result, come next* Antonyms: precede, come before

compel

[verb] *to force* A high fever _____ed him to stay home from school.

acquire

[verb] *to gain ownership of something; to obtain by one's own actions* Only once he became the spokesperson for a brand of cereal could the rapper finally _____ the yellow sports car he always wanted. Synonyms: *obtain* Antonyms: lose, forfeit

muster

[verb] *to gather or to summon* Robyn had to _____ up a lot of courage to sing and play in front of such a big crowd. Antonyms: disperse, scatter

impede

[verb] *to get in the way of; to interfere with the movement of* In the video game, the evil mushrooms are meant to _____ your progress and make the level challenging. Synonyms: *slow, delay, obstruct, hinder* Antonyms: advance, encourage

bestow

[verb] *to give as an honor; to present as a gift* Our teacher_____ed lots of praise on the kids who had performed in the talent show. Synonyms: *award, confer* Antonyms: deprive

concede

[verb] *to give in, to accept* While it seemed no one would vote for him, the politician refused to _____ the election.

patronize

[verb] *to give one business as a customer regularly or to provide financial help* The restaurant was largely _____(ed) by children at lunch time. Synonyms: *buy* [verb] *to treat someone as an inferior; to talk down to* Quick to _____ us with his fake concern, our teacher asked if we needed some pillows since it looked like we wanted to take a nap. Synonyms: *condescend, treat like a child*

resume

[verb] *to go on or continue after an interruption* After the wedding speeches were over, the kids _____(ed) dancing. Synonym: *restart* Antonym: finish, stop

maul

[verb] *to handle roughly; to injure by a rough beating* Raul was _____(ed) by the angry rugby players. Synonyms: *abuse, hurt* Antonyms: guard, protect [noun] *a heavy hammer used for driving stakes* No one could swing his _____ laying railroad track like John Henry.

yearn

[verb] *to have a strong and earnest desire* Arabella _____(ed) to run through the meadow, but the big gate stopped her. Synonyms: *be passionate, hunger, long* Antonyms: dislike

buffet

[verb] *to hit or strike* The hurricane winds _____ed the palm trees.

enthrall

[verb] *to hold the attention of as though under a spell* Little Benji was _____(ed) by the enormous fish at the aquarium. Synonyms: *enchant, entrance* Antonyms: bore

poach

[verb] *to hunt or fish illegally* It is highly illegal to _____ an endangered species like the Siberian tiger, each death brings the species closer to extinction.

mortify

[verb] *to hurt someone's feelings deeply; to cause embarrassment or humiliation* Looking back at baby pictures, my sister and I were _____(ied) by how our parents used to dress us. Synonyms: *ridicule, shame* Antonyms: compliment, praise

mimic

[verb] *to imitate or copy an action (often to make fun of someone)*

tamper

[verb] *to interfere with; to mess with rashly or foolishly* Someone _____(ed) with the lock and broke the door. Synonyms: *meddle, tinker*

mediate

[verb] *to intervene, to arbitrate, to sort out* With their mother to _____, the kittens stopped fighting.

fabricate

[verb] *to invent, make up, concoct* Jessica _____ed a story about her dog eating her homework to hide the fact that she forgot to do it.

abate

[verb] *to lessen, to reduce in severity* Once the storm had _____(ed), it turned into a beautiful day.

subsist

[verb] *to live, exist* Tamara is a strict vegan who _____s only on foods untouched by animal products.

browse

[verb] *to look through or glance at casually* The store manager didn't like having kids in the store because they tended to _____ without buying anything. Synonyms: *check over, survey* [verb] *to eat (wild vegetation), to graze* The monkeys _____ for berries in the tree canopy first thing in the morning.

abase

[verb] *to lower, demean, degrade* The CEO _____(ed) himself in front of his colleagues when he was unaware of the crisis at his own power plant.

antagonize

[verb] *to make an enemy of; to stir up anger or dislike* You can get taken out of a game for _____ing your opponents. Synonyms: *anger, annoy, offend* Antonyms: aid, compliment

infuriate

[verb] *to make extremely angry or furious* Jillian was _____(ed) that her day at the beach was ruined by rain. Synonyms: *anger, enrage* Antonyms: make happy, please

incense

[verb] *to make extremely angry; infuriate* Ann was _____ when she received an F on her math final exam because she had studied for two solid weeks. [noun] *perfumed sticks you can buy to make your room smell good* This place has some serious funk going on—I'm off to Ocean Beach to pick up a little Nag Champa _____ to help burn it off.

intensify

[verb] *to make or become more intense; to strengthen* Instead of weakening, the storm would only _____ as it hit the Florida coast. Antonyms: calm, weaken

conjure

[verb] *to make something happen or come into being as though by magic* The magician used his hands to _____ something from nothing. Synonyms: *summon*

fortify

[verb] *to make strong; to protect against an attack* Tony decided to _____ his sagging roof by adding two pillars.

concoct

[verb] *to make up or invent* Dalton _____ed a delicious pizza recipe.

recede

[verb] *to move back or to drop to a lower level* Once Clive turned 50, his hairline began to _____. Synonyms: *withdraw, decline* Antonyms: advance, increase

overwhelm

[verb] *to overcome completely in mind or feeling* The little boy was _____(ed) by the number of balloons he could choose from. Synonyms: *bewilder, stun* [verb] *to defeat completely* On their march back to Boston, the British troops were _____(ed) by American minutemen. Synonyms: *conquer*

inundate

[verb] *to overwhelm with too much of something* The phone lines were _____(ed) with requests for the new pop single. [verb] *to flood or cover, as with water* The hurricane waters will completely _____ the town.

persevere

[verb] *to persist, remain constant* Even though Oscar was exhausted, he _____(ed) and finished the race.

gratify

[verb] *to please or satisfy* Seeing the shy kids smile and wave at me was a _____(ing) experience. Synonyms: *make happy, thrill* Antonyms: disappoint, upset

extol

[verb] *to praise highly* The professor _____ed her students for their careful lab work.

cavort

[verb] *to prance, dance about* The actors _____(ed) on stage to the choreographed dance.

dictate

[verb] *to pronounce, command, prescribe* Darius took notes on what the teacher _____(ed).

lurk

[verb] *to prowl or lie hidden, as though about to attack* We watched the cat _____ in grass, waiting for a mouse to pass by. Synonyms: *creep, sneak, snoop*

pluck

[verb] *to pull off or out; to pick* When Mary first picked up the guitar all she could do was _____ at the strings. Now she plays beautifully. Synonyms: *snatch* Antonyms: insert [noun] *courage* Full of _____, Umberto jumped through the window.

quench

[verb] *to put out, extinguish; to satisfy* If I've been at cheerleading practice and I'm thirsty, for some reason milk just doesn't _____ my thirst. Synonyms: *put down, relieve* Antonyms: start

abide

[verb] *to put up with, tolerate* Tanya did not _____ the law when she let her wild puppy off his leash at the park.

endure

[verb] *to put up with; to bear* Ronda was only able to _____ the long car trip because she had some videos she could watch. Synonyms: *undergo, live through* [verb] *to continue to exist* Even though he's seen some great comedies recently, for some reason my father's love of Bugs Bunny cartoons _____(s). Antonyms: end, stop

bewilder

[verb] *to puzzle completely; confuse* I was _____(ed) as to why my parents would put such a big flower on my head. Synonyms: *baffle, fluster* Antonyms: clear up, explain

minimize

[verb] *to reduce to the smallest amount* Luke's doctor tried to _____ the amount of pain he felt following his knee surgery. Synonyms: *downplay, diminish, lessen* Antonyms: enhance, exaggerate, maximize Other forms: The smallest amount is the _____ (noun).

repudiate

[verb] *to reject, turn down* Mari _____(ed) the corporate job offer and decided to become a baker.

alleviate

[verb] *to relieve* Tyrell took a nap to _____ his headache.

recapitulate

[verb] *to repeat, reiterate* The clip at the beginning of the TV show _____(ed) what happened last week.

fetter

[verb] *to restrain, chain, tie* The guards _____ed the prisoner with handcuffs.

redact

[verb] *to revise, edit* Omar's teacher _____(ed) his article for the school paper because it contained unnecessary information.

plunder

[verb] *to rob; to pillage* When the pirates sail into port, it is inevitable that they will _____ local homes and businesses. [noun] *stolen goods or loot* Jack Sparrow's _____ consisted of gold and silver coins.

dominate

[verb] *to rule over, control, or tower above*

forage

[verb] *to rummage, scavenge, graze for food* The squirrel _____ed the orchard for nuts.

render

[verb] *to say, or to make* The DVD video format _____(ed) VHS out-of-date.

reprimand

[verb] *to scold in a very strong or serious way* Little Alice _____(ed) the deer for wandering indoors. [noun] *a strong scolding from someone in authority* I received an angry _____ for not doing my homework.

berate

[verb] *to scold severely* Lisa's parents _____(ed) her for going to the dance without permission.

flout

[verb] *to scorn, ignore, show contempt for* The driver_____ed the law and sped down the highway.

grope

[verb] *to search blindly; to feel with your hands* When the light go out, I _____ for the switch. Synonyms: *to fumble*

consult

[verb] *to seek advice; to talk things over in order to reach a decision* President Jimmy Carter headed into the conference room to _____ his advisers on the best course of action. Synonyms: *ask, confer*

dispatch

[verb] *to send off or away* The police will _____ over a hundred volunteers to help search the nearby woods and fields for the missing child. [noun] *a message* The soldier delivered the important _____ to his commanding officer.

detach

[verb] *to separate from* When Ronnie goes climbing, he uses his carabiners to attach and _____ himself to the ropes. Antonyms: attach

ignite

[verb] *to set on fire; to burn*

arbitrate

[verb] *to settle a disagreement between two parties by having a third party make a decision after hearing both sides* Ms. Dessario _____ed our big disagreement about who really won the student election. Synonyms: *make a deal, negotiate*

disheartened

[verb] *to shake or destroy the courage of; to discourage* The basketball team, usually in good spirits, was _____ to learn that their opponents were undefeated. Synonyms: *dismay, deject* Antonyms: encourage

bellow

[verb] *to shout in a deep voice, or to make a sound similar to a bull* Our coach would _____ at us to run our laps or else! Synonyms: *howl, call* Antonyms: whisper

fawn

[verb] *to show affection through flattery* The fans _____ed over the famous actor.

exemplify

[verb] *to show by example, or to be an example of* Our student body president tries to _____ the characteristics of a good leader and friend. Synonyms: *demonstrate, display*

manifest

[verb] *to show clearly* The librarian's love of reading was _____ in his vast book collection.

malign

[verb] *to slander, to smear, to libel, to defame, to speak evil of* The press _____ed the politician after his slip-up at the press conference.

placate

[verb] *to soothe, appease* Babies are often _____(ed) with pacifers.

vilify

[verb] *to speak evil of; slander* Sandra likes to _____ her stepmother with outrageous stories and accusations in order to make her mom smile. Antonyms: compliment, praise, support

rant

[verb] *to speak wildly and violently* The man standing on the street corner was _____ing about how the end of the world was coming next Tuesday. Synonyms: *rave* [noun] *a loud, violent speech* I had to listen to Nate's _____ about how a secret society is taking over the world.

deploy

[verb] *to spread out or move into a position of readiness* If the landing gear doesn't _____ on time, the plane will crash on the runway.

confront

[verb] *to stand up to; to face boldly* Bobby's mom and dad _____(ed) him about hitting his little sister. Synonyms: *resist, oppose* Antonyms: back down

allege

[verb] *to state as a fact, but usually without offering proof* Ricardo was quick to _____ it was Don Vito who had ordered the kidnapping, but was Ricardo trustworthy? Synonyms: *assert, claim* Antonyms: deny

linger

[verb] *to stay in place longer than expected*

fortify

[verb] *to strengthen* There was no way to _____ the house of cards, so it toppled.

amble

[verb] *to stroll, walk* The friends leisurely _____(ed) to class.

grapple

[verb] *to struggle with physically or mentally* Steven was forced to _____ with the idea of losing both his mom and his brother in the car accident.

insinuate

[verb] *to suggest or hint slyly* I know you're not saying it outright, but are you _____(ing) that I'm stupid? Synonyms: *indicate, hint at*

teem

[verb] *to swarm, brim or overflow* Ponds often _____ with fish, insects and frogs. Synonyms: *to abound, overrun, be prolific* Antonyms: to lack, need

dismantle

[verb] *to take apart, often making something useless* Bud knew how to _____ a car engine, but he had no idea how to put it back together. Antonyms: assemble, build, construct

presume

[verb] *to take for granted; to assume or suppose* I saw his crown and automatically _____(ed) he was the king. Synonyms: *believe, figure* Antonyms: disbelieve

narrate

[verb] *to tell a story* Morgan Freeman often _____s his films because of his strong voice.

muse

[verb] *to think about or ponder something* My dad told me that my problem wasn't that I _____ too much and that an idle mind was the devil's playground.

mull

[verb] *to think about something carefully; to consider* Skyler sat and to _____ over how to make the right decision. Synonyms: *ponder, contemplate* Usage note: Mull is often followed by the word over, but it doesn't have to be, as in: Rachel mulled her options for college.

ponder

[verb] *to think about; to consider carefully* Kyle loves nothing more than to _____ the meaning of life. Synonyms: *contemplate, reflect, mull over* Antonyms: forget, ignore

ratiocinate

[verb] *to think, contemplate* Dean _____(ed) about the importance of passing his math class, and decided to hire a tutor.

pelt

[verb] *to throw a series of things; to strike again and again* We _____(ed) the side of the school bus with snowballs. Synonyms: *bombard, pound*

barter

[verb] *to trade* Instead of buying the strawberries outright, Gabe preferred to _____ his services for them.

snare

[verb] *to trap, catch, or get* Davi set out to _____ himself some dinner. Synonyms: *entrap* Antonyms: liberate, let go [noun] *trap* The squirrel dodged the _____ and ran home.

pamper

[verb] *to treat with extreme kindness or generosity* Having been _____(ed) her whole life, the princess was shocked to learn that she would have to brush her own teeth at her new school. Synonyms: *spoil*

strive

[verb] *to try hard; to struggle to accomplish something*

cater

[verb] *to try to satisfy the needs of; try to make things easy and pleasant* The cereal company finally _____(ed) to popular demand and put its "Frosty the Ferret" cartoon character back on the box. Synonyms: *humor, indulge* [verb] *to supply food and service* We had the big dinner catered, so we didn't have to cook a thing.

avert

[verb] *to turn away* The shy horse _____(ed) it's gaze from the camera [verb] *to prevent* The two powerful countries barely _____(ed) a terrible war. Synonyms: *avoid, deter*

capsize

[verb] *to turn bottom-side-up; overturn* Don't rock the boat or it will _____! Synonyms: *roll over, flip over*

goad

[verb] *to urge, provoke* The carriage drivers _____ed the horses forward.

goad

[verb] *to urge, to provoke into action* The burning sun _____(ed) Alia into using sunscreen.

assail

[verb] *to violently attack or assault* Jane was _____(ed) by ghosts and spirits during the night.

trek

[verb] *to walk, travel by foot* They would _____ up the mountain for nine hours, but still hadn't reached the top.

fend

[verb] *to ward off or defend* Celebrities often have to _____ off paparazzi and fans who try to take their picture. Synonyms: *to repel, resist, shield*

erode

[verb] *to wear away gradually; to eat away* Weather and time would eventually _____ the brick wall away. Antonyms: strengthen, reinforce

weather

[verb] *to withstand or survive a situation* The family stayed indoors to _____ the blizzard.

collaborate

[verb] *to work together, especially on a piece of work or art*

embark

[verb] *to start or begin* Trina is going to _____ on a trip and sail around the world by herself. Synonyms: *to commence, launch, undertake*

pacify

verb 1. *to bring or restore to a state of peace or tranquility; quiet; calm:* to _____ an angry man 2. *to appease:* to _____ one's appetite 3. *to reduce to a state of submission, especially by military force; subdue*