GRE Ultimate
inextricable
(adj.) - hopelessly confused or tangled The civil rights movement and the Cold War are inextricably linked, with the latter providing the impetus for much-needed social reform for minorities.
flabbergasted
(adj.) astounded (Whenever I read an Agatha Christie mystery novel, I am always flabbergasted when I learn the identity of the murderer.)
vitriolic
(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid) Although the tone may come off as vitriolic, their narratives are essential in questioning existing ideologies.
pedestrian
(adj.) commonplace, trite, unremarkable, quotidian
poignant
(adj.) deeply affecting, touching; keen or sharp in taste or smell
scurvy
(adj.) dispicable
nice
(adj.) exacting, fastidious, extremely precise
singular
(adj.) exceptional, unusual, odd
meet
(adj.) fitting, proper
garish
(adj.) glaring; tastelessly showy or overdecorated in a vulgar or offensive way
macabre
(adj.) grisly, gruesome; horrible, distressing; having death as a subject
occult
(adj.) hidden, concealed, beyond comprehension
implicit
(adj.) implied or understood though unexpressed; without doubts or reservations, unquestioning; potentially contained in An implicit hinge is a word or phrase in text completion questions that is not a conjunctive like and, but, or however, but nonetheless tells you in which direction the sentence key, and therefore the blank, should go.
erroneous
(adj.) incorrect, containing mistakes
fell (adj.)
(adj.) inhumanely cruel
insidious
(adj.) intended to deceive or entrap; sly, treacherous
contingent
(adj.) likely but not certain to happen, possible; dependent on uncertain events or conditions; happening by chance; (n.) a representative group forming part of a larger body
august
(adj.) majestic, venerable
cardinal
(adj.) major, as in cardinal sin
pied
(adj.) multicolored, usually in blotches
erratic
(adj.) not regular or consistent; different from what is ordinarily expected; undependable ____________ decisions
paradigmatic
(adj.) of or relating to a typical example
shoddy
(adj.) of poor quality; characterized by inferior workmanship On Tuesday, after complaints from Europe about _________Chinese masks and ineffective test kits, China's Ministry of Commerce ordered manufacturers to provide further assurances that their products met standards.
moot
(adj.) open to discussion and debate, unresolved; (v.) to bring up for discussion; (n.) a hypothetical law case argued by students The question of whether these forests can provide a safeguard against further environmental degradation thus remains ______
overt
(adj.) open, not hidden, expressed or revealed in a way that is easily recognized (an overt lie)
consequential
(adj.) pompous, self-important (primary definitions are: logically following; important)
flip
(adj.) sarcastic; impertinent; as in flippant: a flip remark
erudite
(adj.) scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic
radiant
(adj.) shining, bright; giving forth light or energy _______ city
astute
(adj.) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom an astute politician and strategist
willful
(adj.) stubbornly self-willed; done on purpose, deliberate
punctilious
(adj.) very careful and exact, attentive to fine points of etiquette or propriety
vivacious
(adjective) lively, sprightly, full of energy syn: spirited, animated, ebullient ant: dull, spiritless, listless, indolent, languid
bogged down
(v) to sink in or as if in a bog
impasse
A BLOCKED PATH; A DILEMMA WITH NO SOLUTION The rock slide produced an impasse, so no one could proceed further on the road. Synonyms: cul-de-sac; deadlock; stalemate
collusion
A COLLABORATION; COMPLICITY; CONSPIRACY It came to light that the police chief and the mafia had a collusion in running the numbers racket. Synonyms: connivance; intrigue; machination
phalanx
A COMPACT OR CLOSE-KNIT BODY OF PEOPLE, ANIMALS, OR THINGS A phalanx of guards stood outside the prime minister's home day and night. Synonyms: legion; mass
imprecation
A CURSE Spouting violent imprecations, Hank searched for the person who had vandalized his truck. Synonym: damnation
malediction
A CURSE; A WISH OF EVIL UPON ANOTHER The frog prince looked for a princess to kiss him and put an end to the witch's malediction. Synonyms: anathema; imprecation
gradations
A DEGREE OR STAGE IN A PROCESS; A VARIATION IN COLOR The paint store offers so many different gradations of red that it's impossible to choose among them. Synonyms: nuance; shade; step; subtlety
declivity
A DOWNWARD SLOPE Because the village was situated on the declivity of a hill, it never flooded. Synonyms: decline; descent; grade; slant; tilt
dogma
A FIRMLY HELD OPINION, ESPECIALLY A RELIGIOUS BELIEF Linus's central dogma was that children who believed in the Great Pumpkin would be rewarded. Synonyms: creed; doctrine; teaching; tenet
libertine
A FREE THINKER (USUALLY USED DISPARAGINGLY); ONE WITHOUT MORAL RESTRAINT The libertine took pleasure in gambling away his family's money. Synonym: hedonist
dirge
A FUNERAL HYMN OR MOURNFUL SPEECH Melville wrote a __________ for the funeral of James McPherson, a Union general who was killed in 1864. Synonyms: elegy; lament
dissonance
A HARSH AND DISAGREEABLE COMBINATION, ESPECIALLY OF SOUNDS Cognitive dissonance is the inner conflict produced when long-standing beliefs are contradicted by new evidence. Synonyms: clash; contention; discord; dissension; dissent; dissidence; friction; strife; variance
demagogue
A LEADER OR RABBLE-ROUSER, USUALLY ONE APPEALING TO EMOTION OR PREJUDICE He began his career as a demagogue, giving fiery speeches at political rallies. Synonyms: agitator; inciter; instigator
peccadillo
A MINOR SIN OR OFFENSE Gabriel tends to harp on his brother's peccadilloes and never lets him live them down. Synonyms: failing; fault; lapse; misstep
potentate
A MONARCH OR RULER WITH GREAT POWER Alex was much kinder before he assumed the role of potentate. Synonyms: dominator; leader
proclivity
A NATURAL INCLINATION OR PREDISPOSITION Her childhood love of acting, singing, and adoration indicated a proclivity for the theater later in life. Synonyms: bias; leaning; partiality; penchant; predilection; predisposition; prejudice; propensity
interregnum
A PERIOD BETWEEN REIGNS When John F. Kennedy was shot, there was a brief interregnum before Lyndon B. Johnson became president. Synonyms: interval
misanthrope
A PERSON WHO DISLIKES OTHERS The Grinch was such a misanthrope that even the sight of children singing made him angry. Synonym: curmudgeon
philistine
A PERSON WHO IS GUIDED BY MATERIALISM AND IS DISDAINFUL OF INTELLECTUAL OR ARTISTIC VALUES The philistine never even glanced at the rare violin in his collection but instead kept an eye on its value and sold it at a profit. Synonyms: boor; bourgeois; capitalist; materialist; vulgarian
epicure
A PERSON WITH REFINED TASTE IN FOOD AND WINE Niren is an _________ who always throws the most splendid dinner parties. Synonyms: bon vivant; connoisseur; gastronome; gastronomical; gourmand; gourmet
pastiche
A PIECE OF LITERATURE OR MUSIC IMITATING OTHER WORKS The playwright's clever pastiche of the well-known children's story had the audience rolling in the aisles. Synonyms: medley; spoof
juncture
A POINT OF TIME, ESPECIALLY ONE WHERE TWO THINGS ARE JOINED At this juncture, I think it would be a good idea for us to take a coffee break. Synonyms: confluence; convergence; crisis; crossroads; moment
iniquity
A SIN; AN EVIL ACT "I promise to close every den of iniquity in this town!" thundered the conservative new mayor. Synonyms: enormity; immorality; injustice; vice; wickedness
elegy
A SORROWFUL POEM OR SPEECH Though the beautiful elegy is about death and loss, it urges its readers to endure this life, and to trust on spirituality. Synonym: dirge; lament
eulogy
A SPEECH IN PRAISE OF SOMEONE His best friend gave the eulogy, outlining his many achievements and talents. Synonyms: commend; extol; laud
lassitude
A STATE OF DIMINISHED ENERGY The lack of energy that characterizes patients with anemia makes lassitude one of the primary symptoms of the disease. Synonyms: debilitation; enervation; fatigue; languor; listlessness; tiredness; weariness
coffer
A STRONGBOX; A LARGE CHEST FOR MONEY The bulletproof glass of the coffer is what keeps the crown jewels secure. Synonyms: chest; exchequer; treasury; war chest
effigies
A STUFFED DOLL; A LIKENESS OF A PERSON Protesters burned effigies of the unpopular leader. Synonyms: dummy; figure; image
nuance
A SUBTLE EXPRESSION OF MEANING OR QUALITY The scholars argued for hours over tiny nuances in the interpretation of the last line of the poem. Synonyms: gradation; subtlety; tone
raconteur
A WITTY, SKILLFUL STORYTELLER The raconteur kept all the passengers entertained with his stories during the six-hour flight. Synonyms: anecdotalist; monologist
missive
A WRITTEN NOTE OR LETTER Priscilla spent hours composing a romantic missive for Elvis. Synonym: message
cribbage
A card game involving 2 to 4 players
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
strain
A condition resulting from damaging a muscle or tendon
Phalanx
A military formation of foot soldiers armed with spears and shields
quietus
A silencing, suppressing, or ending. was granted a ________ on the remainder of the debt in the old man's will
plastic
ABLE TO BE MOLDED, ALTERED, OR BENT The new material was very plastic and could be formed into products of vastly different shape. Synonyms: adaptable; ductile; malleable; pliant
replete
ABUNDANTLY SUPPLIED; COMPLETE The gigantic supermarket was replete with consumer products of every kind. Synonyms: abounding; full
invective
ABUSIVE LANGUAGE A stream of ____________poured from Mrs. Pratt's mouth as she watched the vandals smash her ceramic frog. Synonyms: denunciation; revilement; vituperation
diurnal
ACTIVE OR OCCURRING DURING THE DAY Diurnal creatures tend to become inactive during the night. Synonyms: daylight; daytime
estimable
ADMIRABLE Most people consider it estimable that Mother Teresa spent her life helping the poor of India. Synonyms: admirable; commendable; creditable; honorable; laudable; meritorious; praiseworthy; respectable; venerable; worthy
overwrought
AGITATED; OVERDONE The lawyer's overwrought voice on the phone made her clients worry about the outcome of their case. Synonyms: elaborate; excited; nervous; ornate
diaphanous
ALLOWING LIGHT TO SHOW THROUGH; DELICATE These diaphanous curtains do nothing to block out the sunlight. Synonyms: gauzy; sheer; tenuous; translucent; transparent
droll
AMUSING IN A WRY, SUBTLE WAY Although the play couldn't be described as hilarious, it was certainly droll. Synonyms: comic; entertaining; funny; risible; witty
diatribe
AN ABUSIVE, CONDEMNATORY SPEECH The trucker bellowed a diatribe at the driver who had cut him off. Synonyms: fulmination; harangue; invective; jeremiad; malediction; obloquy; tirade
dictum
AN AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT "You have the time to lean, you have the time to clean," was the dictum our boss made us live by. Synonyms: adage; aphorism; apothegm; decree; edict
levity
AN INAPPROPRIATE LACK OF SERIOUSNESS; AN OVERLY CASUAL ATMOSPHERE The joke added a jarring note of levity to the otherwise serious meeting. Synonyms: amusement; humor
coterie
AN INTIMATE GROUP OF PERSONS WITH A SIMILAR PURPOSE Angel invited a coterie of fellow stamp enthusiasts to a stamp-trading party. Synonyms: clique; set
inquest
AN INVESTIGATION; AN INQUIRY The police chief ordered an _________ to determine what went wrong. Synonyms: probe; quest; research
penury
AN OPPRESSIVE LACK OF RESOURCES (AS MONEY); SEVERE POVERTY Once a famous actor, he eventually died in penury and anonymity. Synonyms: destitution; impoverishment
pariah
AN OUTCAST Once he betrayed those in his community, he was banished and lived the life of a pariah. Synonyms: castaway; derelict; leper; offscouring; untouchable
ostensible
APPARENT The ostensible reason for his visit was to borrow a book, but he secretly wanted to chat with the lovely Wanda. Synonyms: represented; supposed; surface
decorum
APPROPRIATENESS OF BEHAVIOR OR CONDUCT; PROPRIETY The countess complained that the vulgar peasants lacked the decorum appropriate for a visit to the palace. Synonyms: correctness; decency; etiquette; manners; mores; propriety; seemliness
lucid
CLEAR AND EASILY UNDERSTOOD The explanations were written in a simple and lucid manner so that the students were immediately able to apply what they learned. Synonyms: clear; coherent; explicit; intelligible; limpid
limpid
CLEAR; TRANSPARENT Fernando could see all the way to the bottom through the pond's ________ water. Synonyms: lucid; pellucid; serene
explicit
CLEARLY STATED OR SHOWN; FORTHRIGHT IN EXPRESSION The journalist wrote an explicit description of the gruesome murder. Synonyms: candid; clear-cut; definite; definitive; express; frank; specific; straightforward; unambiguous; unequivocal
numismatics
COIN COLLECTING Tom's passion for numismatics has resulted in an impressive collection of coins from all over the world.
probity
COMPLETE HONESTY AND INTEGRITY George Washington's reputation for _________ is illustrated in the legend about his inability to lie after he chopped down the cherry tree. Synonyms: integrity; morality; rectitude; uprightness; virtue
polemic
CONTROVERSY; ARGUMENT; VERBAL ATTACK The candidates polemic against his opponent was vicious and small-minded rather than convincing and well-reasoned. Synonyms: denunciation; refutation
cogent
CONVINCING AND WELL-REASONED Swayed by the cogent argument of the defense, the jury had no choice but to acquit the defendant. Synonyms: convincing; persuasive; solid; sound; telling; valid
profligate
CORRUPT; DEGENERATE Some historians claim that it was the Romans' decadent, profligate behavior that led to the decline of the Roman Empire. Synonyms: dissolute; extravagant; improvident; prodigal; wasteful
pusillanimous
COWARDLY; WITHOUT COURAGE The pusillanimous man would not enter the yard where the miniature poodle was barking. Synonyms: cowardly; timid
plebeian
CRUDE OR COARSE; CHARACTERISTIC OF COMMONERS After five weeks of rigorous studying, the graduate settled in for a weekend of plebeian socializing and television watching. Synonyms: conventional; unrefined
dyspeptic
SUFFERING FROM INDIGESTION; GLOOMY AND IRRITABLE The dyspeptic young man cast a gloom over the party the minute he walked in. Synonyms: acerbic; melancholy; morose; solemn; sour
mired
Stuck, entangled (in something, like a swamp or muddy area), soiled
lachrymose
TEARFUL Marcella always became lachrymose when it was time to bid her daughter good-bye. Synonyms: teary; weeping
ethos
THE BELIEFS OR CHARACTER OF A GROUP It is the Boy Scouts' ethos that one should always be prepared. Synonyms: culture; ethic; philosophy
distaff
THE FEMALE BRANCH OF A FAMILY The lazy husband refused to cook dinner for his wife, joking that the duty belongs to the distaff's side. Synonyms: maternal
propriety
THE QUALITY OF BEHAVING IN A PROPER MANNER; OBEYING RULES AND CUSTOMS The aristocracy maintained a high level of propriety, adhering to even the most minor social rules. Synonyms: appropriateness; decency; decorum; modesty
larceny
THEFT OF PROPERTY The crime of stealing a wallet can be categorized as petty larceny. Synonyms: burglary; robbery; stealing
precipitate
THROWN VIOLENTLY OR BROUGHT ABOUT ABRUPTLY; LACKING DELIBERATION Theirs was a precipitate marriage - they had only known each other for two weeks before they wed. Synonyms: abrupt; hasty; headlong; hurried; ill-considered; impetuous; impulsive; prompt; rash; reckless; sudden
embellish
TO ADD ORNAMENTAL OR FICTITIOUS DETAILS Britt _______________ed her resume, hoping to make the lowly positions she held seem more important. Synonyms: adorn; bedeck; elaborate; embroider; enhance; exaggerate
posit
TO ASSUME AS REAL OR CONCEDED; TO PROPOSE AS AN EXPLANATION Before proving the math formula, we needed to posit that x and y were real numbers. Synonym: suggest
pervade
TO BE PRESENT THROUGHOUT; TO PERMEATE Four spices - cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cayenne - pervade almost every Indian dish, and give the cuisine its distinctive flavor. Synonyms: imbue; infuse; penetrate; permeate; suffuse
rarefy
TO BECOME THINNER OR SPARSER Since the atmosphere rarefied as altitudes increase, the air at the top of very tall mountains is too thin to breathe. Synonyms: attenuate; thin
impugn
TO CALL INTO QUESTION; TO ATTACK VERBALLY "How dare you impugn my motives?" protested the lawyer, on being accused of ambulance chasing. Synonyms: challenge; dispute
mollify
TO CALM OR MAKE LESS SEVERE Their argument was so intense that it was difficult to believe any compromise would mollify them. Synonyms: appease; assuage; conciliate; pacify
ossify
TO CHANGE INTO BONE; TO BECOME HARDENED OR SET IN A RIGIDLY CONVENTIONAL PATTERN The forensics expert ascertained the body's age based on the degree to which the facial structure had ossified.
exculpate
TO CLEAR FROM BLAME; TO PROVE INNOCENT The legal system is intended to convict those who are guilty and exculpate those who are innocent. Synonyms: absolve; acquit; clear; exonerate; vindicate
exonerate
TO CLEAR OF BLAME The fugitive was exonerated when another criminal confessed to committing the crime. Synonyms: absolve; acquit; clear; exculpatory; vindicate
propitiate
TO CONCILIATE; TO APPEASE Because their gods were angry and vengeful, the Vikings propitiate them with many sacrifices. Synonyms: appease; conciliate; mollify; pacify; placate
mar
TO DAMAGE OR DEFACE; TO SPOIL Telephone poles mar the natural beauty of the countryside. Synonyms: blemish; disfigure; impair; injure; scar
gambol
TO DANCE OR SKIP AROUND PLAYFULLY From her office, Amy enviously watched the playful puppies gambol around Central Park. Synonyms: caper; cavort; frisk; frolic; rollick; romp
jettison
TO DISCARD; TO GET RID OF AS UNNECESSARY OR ENCUMBERING The sinking ship jettisoned its cargo in a desperate attempt to reduce its weight. Synonyms: dump; eject
desiccate
TO DRY OUT THOROUGHLY After a few weeks lying on the deserts baking sands, the cow's carcass became completely desiccated. Synonyms: dehydrate; dry; parch
opine
TO EXPRESS AND OPINION At the "Let's Chat Talk Show," the audience member opined that the guest was in the wrong. Synonyms: point out; voice
demur
TO EXPRESS DOUBTS OR OBJECTIONS When scientific authorities claimed that all the planets revolved around the Earth, Galileo, with his superior understanding of the situation, was forced to demur. Synonyms: dissent; expostulate; protest; remonstrate
divine
TO FORETELL OR KNOW BY INSPIRATION The fortune-teller divined from the pattern of the tea leaves that her customer would marry five times. Synonyms: auger; foresee; intuit; predict; presage
ingratiate
TO GAIN FAVOR WITH ANOTHER BY DELIBERATE EFFORT; TO SEEK TO PLEASE SOMEBODY SO AS TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE The new intern tried to ingratiate herself with the managers so that they might consider her for a future job. Synonyms: curry favor; flatter
garner
TO GATHER AND STORE The director managed to garner financial banking from several different sources for his next project. Synonyms: acquire; amass; glean; harvest; reap
fawn
TO GROVEL The understudy fawned over the director in hopes of being cast in the part on a permanent basis. Synonyms: bootlick; grovel; pander; toady
coalesce
TO GROW TOGETHER TO FORM A SINGLE WHOLE The sun and planets eventually coalesced out of a vast cloud of gas and dust. Synonyms: amalgamate; blend; condense; consolidate; fuse; unite
inure
TO HARDEN; ACCUSTOM Eventually, Hassad became ________d to the sirens that went off every night and could sleep through them. Synonyms: condition; familiarize; habituate
proliferate
TO INCREASE IN NUMBER QUICKLY Although he only kept two guinea pigs initially, they proliferated to such an extent that he soon had dozens. Synonyms: breed; multiply; procreate; reproduce; spawn
imbue
TO INFUSE, DYE, WET OR MOISTEN Marcia struggled to imbue her children with decent values, a difficult task in this day and age. Synonyms: charge; freight; impregnate; permeate; pervade
edify
TO INSTRUCT MORALLY AND SPIRITUALLY The guru was paid to deify the actress in the ways of Buddhism. Synonyms: educate; enlighten; guide; teach
nettle
TO IRRITATE I don't particularly like having blue hair - I just do it to nettle my parents. Synonyms: annoy; vex
prevaricate
TO LIE OR DEVIATE FROM THE TRUTH Rather than admit that he had overslept again, the employee prevaricated and claimed that heavy traffic had prevented him from arriving at work on time. Synonyms: equivocate; lie; perjure
palliate
TO MAKE LESS SERIOUS; TO EASE The alleged crime was so vicious that the defense lawyer could not palliate it for the jury. Synonyms: alleviate; assuage; extenuate; mitigate
lumber
TO MOVE SLOWLY AND AWKWARDLY The bear lumbered toward the garbage, drooling at the prospect of the leftovers he smelled. Synonyms: galumph; hulk; lurch; stumble
militate
TO OPERATE AGAINST; WORK AGAINST Lenin militated against the tsar for years before he overthrew him and established the Soviet Union. Synonyms: affect; change; influence
cosset
TO PAMPER; TO TREAT WITH GREAT CARE Marta just loves to cosset her first and only grandchild. Synonyms: cater to; cuddle; dandle; fondle; love; pamper; pet; spoil
permeate
TO PENETRATE This miraculous new cleaning fluid is able to permeate stains and dissolve them in minutes! Synonyms: imbue; infuse; pervade; suffuse
discern
TO PERCEIVE OR RECOGNIZE It is easy to ____________ the difference between butter and butter-flavored topping. Synonyms: catch; descry; detect; differentiate; discriminate; distinguish; espy; glimpse; know; separate; spot; spy; tell
forestall
TO PREVENT OR DELAY; TO ANTICIPATE The landlord forestalled T.J.'s attempt to avoid paying the rent by waiting for him outside his door. Synonyms: avert; deter; hinder; obviate; preclude
obviate
TO PREVENT; TO MAKE UNNECESSARY The river was shallow enough to wade across at many points, which obviates the need for a bridge. Synonyms: forestall; preclude; prohibit
engender
TO PRODUCE, CAUSE, OR BRING ABOUT His fear and hatred of clowns was engendered when he witnessed a bank robbery carried out by five men wearing clown suits and makeup. Synonyms: beget; generate; spawn
enervate
TO REDUCE IN STRENGTH The guerrillas hoped that a series of surprise attacks would enervate the regular army. Synonyms: debilitate; enfeebled; sap; weaken
repudiate
TO REJECT THE VALIDITY OF The old woman's claim that she was Russian royalty was repudiated by other known relatives. Synonyms: deny; disavow; disclaim; disown; renounce
lampoon
TO RIDICULE WITH SATIRE The mayor hated being lampooned by the press for his efforts to improve people's politeness. Synonym: tease
disabuse
TO SET RIGHT; TO FREE FROM ERROR Galileo's observations __________d scholars of the notion that the sun revolved around the Earth. Synonyms: correct; undeceive
eschew
TO SHUN; TO AVOID (AS SOMETHING WRONG OR DISTASTEFUL) The filmmaker eschewed artificial light for her actors, resulting in a stark movie style. Synonyms: avoid; elude; escape; evade; shun; shy
mitigate
TO SOFTEN; TO LESSEN A judge may mitigate a sentence if she decides that a person committed a crime out of need. Synonyms: allay; alleviate; assuage; ease; lighten; moderate; mollify; palliate; temper
placate
TO SOOTHE OR PACIFY The burglar tried to placate the snarling dog by referring to it as a "nice doggy" and offering it a treat. Synonyms: appease; conciliate; mollify
occlude
TO STOP UP; TO PREVENT THE PASSAGE OF A shadow is thrown across the Earth's surface during a solar eclipse, when the light from the sun is occluded by the moon. Synonyms: barricade; block; close; obstruct
distend
TO SWELL, INFLATE, OR BLOAT Her stomach was distended after she gorged on the six-course meal. Synonyms: broaden; bulge
inculcate
TO TEACH; TO IMPRESS IN THE MIND Most parents inculcate their children with their beliefs and ideas instead of allowing their children to develop their own values. Synonyms: implant; indoctrinate; instill; preach
lionize
TO TREAT AS A CELEBRITY After the success of his novel, the author was lionized by the press. Synonyms: feast; honor; regale
pare
TO TRIM OFF EXCESS; TO REDUCE The cook's hands were sore after she pared hundreds of potatoes for the banquet. Synonyms: clip; peel
equivocate
TO USE EXPRESSIONS OF DOUBLE MEANING IN ORDER TO MISLEAD When faced with criticism of his policies, the politician equivocated and left all parties thinking he agreed with them. Synonyms: ambiguous; evasive; waffling
peregrinate
TO WANDER FROM PLACE TO PLACE, TO TRAVEL, ESPECIALLY ON FOOT Shivani enjoyed peregrinating the expansive grounds of Central Park. Synonyms: journey; traverse; trek
parry
TO WARD OFF OR DEFLECT, ESPECIALLY BY A QUICK-WITTED ANSWER Kari parried every question the army officers fired at her, much to their frustration. Synonyms: avoid; evade; repel
liberal
TOLERANT OR BROAD-MINDED; GENEROUS OR LAVISH Cali's liberal parents trusted her and allowed her to manage her own affairs to a large extent. Synonyms: bounteous; latitudinarian; munificent; permissive; progrssive
credulous
TOO TRUSTING; GULLIBLE Although some four-year-olds believe in the Tooth Fairy, only the most credulous nine-year-olds also believe in her. Synonyms: naïve; susceptible; trusting
legerdemain
TRICKERY The little boy thought his legerdemain was working on his mother but she in fact knew about every hidden toy and stolen cookie. Synonyms: chicanery; conjuring
onerous
TROUBLESOME AND OPPRESSIVE; BURDENSOME The assignment was so extensive and difficult to manage that it proved onerous to the team in charge of it. Synonyms: arduous; backbreaking; burdensome; cumbersome; difficult; exacting; formidable; hard; laborious; oppressive; rigorous; taxing; trying
divisor
The number by which another number is divided.
deforestation
The removal of trees faster than forests can replace themselves.
prudence
WISDOM; CAUTION OR RESTRAINT The college student exhibited prudence by obtaining practical experience along with her studies, which greatly strengthened her résumé. Synonyms: astuteness; circumspection; discretion; frugality; judiciousness; providence; thrift
Flagging
Weak from exhaustion
invidious
ENVIOUS; OBNOXIOUS, OR OFFENSIVE; LIKELY TO PROMOTE ILL-WILL It is cruel and invidious for parents to play favorites with their children. Synonyms: discriminatory; insulting; jaundiced; resentful
plethora
EXCESS Assuming that more was better, the defendant offered the judge a plethora of excuses. Synonyms; glut; overabundance; superfluity; surfeit
ostentation
EXCESSIVE SHOWINESS The ostentation of the Sun King's court is evident in the lavish decoration and luxuriousness of his palace at Versailles. Synonyms: conspicuousness; flashiness; pretentiousness; showiness
ebullient
EXHILARATED; FULL OF ENTHUSIASM AND HIGH SPIRITS The ebullient child exhausted the babysitter, who lacked the energy to keep up with her. Synonyms: ardent; avid; bubbly; zestful
nominal
EXISTING IN NAME ONLY; NEGLIGIBLE A nominal but far from devoted member is the high school yearbook committee, she rarely attends meetings. Synonyms: minimal; titular
ersatz
FAKE Edda, a fashion maven, knew instantly that her friend's new Kate Spade bag was really an ersatz version purchased on the street. Synonyms: artificial; dummy; false; imitation; mock; sham; simulated; spurious; substitute
intrepid
FEARLESS; RESOLUTELY COURAGEOUS Despite freezing winds, the ________ hiker completed his ascent. Synonym: brave
metaphor
FIGURE OF SPEECH COMPARING TWO DIFFERENT THINGS The metaphor "a sea of troubles" suggests a lot of troubles by comparing their number to the vastness of the sea. Synonyms: allegory; analogy; simile; symbol
mores
FIXED CUSTOMS OR MANNERS; MORAL ATTITUDES In keeping with the mores of ancient Roman society, Nero held a celebration every weekend. Synonyms: conventions; practices
panache
FLAMBOYANCE OR DASH IN STYLE AND ACTION; VERVE Leah has such panache when planning parties, even when they're last-minute affairs. Synonym: flair
fetid
FOUL-SMELLING; PUTRID The fetid stench from the outhouse caused Francesca to wrinkle her nose in disgust. Synonyms: funky; malodorous; noisome; rank; stinky
mirth
FRIVOLITY; GAIETY; LAUGHTER Vera's hilarious jokes contributed to the general mirth at the dinner party. Synonyms: glee; hilarity; jollity; merriment
disparate
FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT; ENTIRELY UNLIKE Although the twins are physically identical, their personalities are disparate. Synonyms: different; dissimilar; divergent; diverse; variant; various
fruition
Fulfillment of an effort or desire
meretricious
GAUDY; FALSELY ATTRACTIVE The casino's meretricious decor horrified the cultivated interior designer. Synonyms: flashy; insincere; loud; specious; tawdry
largess
GENEROUS GIVING (AS OF MONEY) TO OTHERE WHO MAY SEEM INFERIOR She'd always relied on her parents' largess, but after graduation she had to get a job. Synonyms: benevolence; boon; compliment; favor; present
cupidity
GREED; STRONG DESIRE The thief stared at the shining jewels with cupidity in his gleaming eyes. Synonyms: avarice; covetousness; rapacity
indolent
HABITUALLY LAZY OR IDLE Her indolent ways got her fired from many jobs. Synonyms: fainéant; languid; lethargic; slothful; sluggish
obdurate
HARDENED IN FEELING; RESISTANT TO PERSUASION The president was completely obdurate on the issue, and no amount of persuasion would change his mind. Synonyms: inflexible; intransigent; recalcitrant; tenacious; unyielding
innocuous
HARMLESS Some snakes are poisoned, but most species are innocuous and pose no danger to humans. Synonyms: benign; harmless; inoffensive; insipid
pejorative
HAVING BAD CONNOTATIONS; DISPARAGING The teacher scolded Mark for his unduly pejorative comments about his classmate's presentation. Synonyms: belittling; dismissive; insulting
prescient
HAVING FORESIGHT Jonah's decision to sell the apartment seemed to be a prescient one, as its value soon dropped by half. Synonyms: augural; divinatory; mantic; oracular; premonitory
ignoble
HAVING LOW MORAL STANDARDS; NOT NOBLE IN CHARACTER; MEAN The photographer was paid a princely sum for the picture of the self-proclaimed ethicist in the ignoble act of pick-pocketing Synonyms: lowly; vulgar
inimical
HOSTILE; UNFRIENDLY Even though a cease-fire had been in place for months,the two sides were still inimical to each other. Synonyms: adverse; antagonistic; dissident; recalcitrant
licentious
IMMORAL; UNRESTRAINED BY SOCIETY Religious citizens were outraged by the licentious exploits of the free-spirited artists living in town. Synonyms: lewd; wanton
panoply
IMPRESSIVE ARRAY Her résumé indicates a panoply of skills and accomplishments. Synonyms: array; display; fanfare; parade; pomp; shine; show
querulous
INCLINED TO COMPLAIN; IRRITABLE Curtis's complaint letter received prompt attention after the company labeled him a querulous potential troublemaker. Synonyms: peevish; puling; sniveling; whiny
oblique
INDIRECT OR EVASIVE; MISLEADING OR DEVIOUS Usually open and friendly, Reynaldo has been behaving Ina curiously oblique manner lately. Synonyms: glancing; slanted; tangential
inexorable
INFLEXIBLE; UNYIELDING The inexorable force of the twister swept away their house. Synonyms: adamant; obdurate; relentless
dilatory
INTENDED TO DELAY The congressman used __________ measures to delay the passage of the bill. Synonyms: dragging; flagging; laggard; lagging; slow; slow-footed; slow-going; slow-paced; tardy
fervid
INTENSELY EMOTIONAL; FEVERISH The fans of Maria Callas were particularly fervid, doing anything to catch a glimpse of the great opera singer. Synonyms: burning; impassioned; passionate; vehement; zealous
convoluted
INTRICATE AND COMPLICATED Although many people bought the professor's book, few people could follow its convoluted ideas and theories. Synonyms: Byzantine; complex; elaborate; intricate; knotty; labyrinthine; perplexing; tangled
dearth
If there is a _________ of something, there is not enough of it.
repast
MEAL OR MEALTIME Ravi prepared a delicious repast of chicken tikka and naan. Synonyms: banquet; feast
prattle
MEANINGLESS; FOOLISH TALK Her husband's mindless prattle drove Heidi insane; sometimes she wished he would just shut up. Synonyms: babble; blather; chatter; drivel; gibberish
paragon
MODEL OF EXCELLENCE OR PERFECTION He is the paragon of what a judge should be: honest, intelligent, hardworking, and just. Synonyms: apotheosis; ideal; quintessence; standard
quiescent
MOTIONLESS Many animals are quiescent over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to conserve energy. Synonyms: dormant; latent
euphony
PLEASANT, HARMONIOUS SOUND To their loving parents, the children's orchestra performance sounded like euphony, although an outside observer probably would have called it a cacophony of hideous sounds. Synonyms: harmony; melody; music; sweetness
orotund
POMPOUS Roberto soon grew tired of his date's orotund babble about her new job, and decided that their first date would probably be their last. Synonyms: aureate; bombastic; declamatory; euphuistic; flowery; grandiloquent; magniloquent; oratorical; overblown; sonorous
impecunious
POOR; HAVING NO MONEY After the stock market crashed, many former millionaires found themselves impecunious. Synonyms: destitute; impoverished; indigent; needy; penniless
magnate
POWERFUL OR INFLUENTIAL PERSON The entertainment magnate bought two cable TV stations to add to his collection of magazines and publishing houses. Synonyms: dignitary; luminary; nabob; potentate; tycoon
pragmatic
PRACTICAL, AS OPPOSED TO IDEALISTIC While idealistic gamblers think they can get rich by frequenting casinos, pragmatic gamblers realize that the odds are heavily stacked against them. Synonyms: rational; realistic
Photosynthesis
Plants use the sun's energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars
decimals
Portions of integers expressed as numbers following a decimal point
griots
Professional oral historians who served as keepers of traditions and advisors to kings within the Mali Empire
dilettante
SOMEONE WITH AN AMATEURISH AND SUPERFICIAL INTEREST IN A TOPIC Jerry's friends were such _________s they seemed to have new jobs and hobbies every week. Synonyms: amateur; dabbler; superficial; tyro
knell
SOUND OF A FUNERAL BELL; OMEN OF DEATH OR FAILURE When the townspeople heard the ______ from the church belfry, they knew that their mayor had died. Synonyms: chime; peal; toll
nascent
STARTING TO DEVELOP; COMING INTO EXISTENCE The advertising campaign was still in a nascent stage, and nothing had been finalized yet. Synonyms: embryonic; emerging; inchoate; incipient
crescendo
STEADY INCREASE IN VOLUME OR FORCE The crescendo of tension became unbearable as Evel Knievel prepared to jump his motorcycle over the school buses. Synonyms: acme; capstone; climax; crest; culmination; meridian; peak
noisome
STINKING; PUTRID A dead mouse trapped in your walls produces a noisome odor. Synonyms: disgusting; foul; malodorous
martinet
STRICT DISCIPLINARIAN; ONE WHO RIGIDLY FOLLOWS RULES A compete martinet, the official insisted that Pete fill out all the forms again even though he was already familiar with his case. Synonyms: dictator; stickler; tyrant
fatuous
STUPID; FOOLISHLY SELF-SATISFIED Ted's fatuous comments always embarrassed his keen-witted wife at parties. Synonyms: absurd; ludicrous; preposterous; ridiculous; silly
deleterious
SUBTLY OR UNEXPECTEDLY HARMFUL If only we had known the clocks were defective before putting them on the market, it wouldn't have been so deleterious to our reputation. Synonyms: adverse; hurtful; inimical; injurious
steward
a person who is given both the authority over what he or she cares for and the responsibility for seeing that it lives and grows If your parents are always traveling and you have to take care of your six younger siblings, you probably feel like the __________ of the house.
apologist
a person who makes an argument in support of someone or something - defenders Ex: his most vociferous apologist trump apologist holocaust deniers are Nazi apologist
panacea
a remedy for all ills; cure-all; an answer to all problems an idealistic ___________
sycophant
a self-serving flatterer; a yes-man Dreading criticism, the actor surrounded himself with admirers and sycophants. Synonyms: boot licked; fawner; lickspittle; toady
stasis
a state of static balance or equilibrium The rusty, ivy-colored World War II tank had obviously been in stasis for years. Synonyms: inertia; standstill
vestige
a trace; a remnant Vestiges of the former tenant still remained in the apartment, though he hadn't lived there for years. Synonyms: relic; remains; sign
metamorphosis
a transformation or dramatic change
sinecure
a well-paying job or office that requires little or no work The corrupt mayor made sure to set up all his relatives in sinecures within the administration.
calumny
a false and malicious accusation; misrepresentation The unscrupulous politician used calumny to bring down his opponent in the senatorial race. Synonyms: defamation; libel; slander
tergiversate
abandon one's beliefs or allegiances
articulate
able to speak clearly and expressively She is extremely articulate when it comes to expressing her pro-labor views; as a result, unions are her strongest supporters. Synonyms: eloquent; expressive; fluent; lucid; silver-tongued; smooth-spoken
unequivocal
absolute; certain
imperative
absolutely necessary n. adj(immediate force than pressing but less than urgent) The _________ to fill seats is urgent for almost all colleges during the economic downturn. These lessons are important during normal times, and _________ to help us prepare for future health crises.
rife
abundant In a place rife with both poverty and crime
zephyr
a gentle breeze; something airy or unsubstantial The zephyr from the ocean made the intense heat on the beach bearable for the sunbathers. Synonyms: breath; draft
wraith
a ghost or specter; a ghost of a living person seen just before his or her death Gideon thought he saw a wraith late one night as he sat vigil outside his great uncle's bedroom door. Synonyms: apparition; bogeyman; phantasm; shade; spirit
bevy
a group As predicted, a bevy of teenagers surrounded the rock star's limousine. Synonyms: band; bunch; gang; pack; troop
cacophony
a harsh, jarring noise The junior high orchestra created an almost unbearable cacophony as they tried to tune their instruments. Synonyms: chaos; clamor; din; discord; disharmony; noise
pinnacle
a high peak or point ____of the mordernist architecture
bibliophile
a lover of books
stigma
a mark of shame or discredit In "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne was required to wear the letter A on her clothes as a public stigma for her adultery. Synonyms: blemish; blot; opprobrium; stain; taint
melange
a mixture; medley. a __________ of scent)
impetus
a moving force, impulse, stimulus Though frequently viewed as discrete events, the civil rights movement and the Cold War are inextricably linked, with the latter providing the impetus for much-needed social reform for minorities.
sybarite
a person devoted to pleasure and luxury A confirmed sybarite, the nobleman fainted at the thought of having to leave his palace and live in a small cottage. Synonyms: hedonist; sensualist
indiscretion
action lacking in judgment, breaking the rules as a result of lack of judgment put the incident down as just a youthful ________
trenchant
acute, sharp, or incisive; forceful; effective Tyrone's trenchant observations in class made him the professor's favorite student Synonyms: biting; caustic; cutting; keen
mirthful
adj. merry or amusing the______ laughter of old teammates telling lame jokes and ribald stories
Pyrrhic
adjective: describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that the victory is not worthwhile George W. Bush's win in the 2000 election was in many ways a pyrrhic victory: the circumstances of his win alienated half of the U.S. population.
Solvent
capable of meeting financial obligations Being interesting, then, may not be such an entirely separate issue down the road from remaining solvent.
glib
casual; informal The slimy politician managed to continue gaining supporters because he was a glib speaker. Synonyms: easy; superficial
beget
cause to exist; produce When a city's restaurant scene starts to get national attention, it ________tourism.
loathsome
causing hatred or disgust; repulsive
grisly
causing horror or disgust The ______ remains of the creature's victims, though, are visible to everyone.
soporific
causing sleep or lethargy The movie proved to be so soporific that soon loud snores were heard throughout the cinema. Synonyms: hypnotic; narcotic; slumberous; somnolent
talon
claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey A vulture holds its prey in its talons while it dismembers it with its beak. Synonyms: claw; nail
liken to
compare to Scholars have likened today's rappers with West African griots.
sangfroid
composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances the ability to stay calm in difficult situations
aesthetic
concerning the appreciation of beauty The aesthetic movement regarded the pursuit of beauty as the only true purpose of art. Synonyms: artistic; tasteful
perplexed
confused He would be far more surprised — in fact probably_______ — by the anti-vaccine science deniers, because those are putting their own children at risk.
symbiosis
cooperation; mutual helpfulness The rhino and the tick-eating bird live in symbiosis; the rhino gives the bird food in he form of ticks, and the bird rids the rhino of parasites. Synonyms: association; interdependence
sardonic
cynical; scornfully mocking Isabella was offended by the sardonic way in which her date made fun of her ideas and opinions. Synonyms: acerbic; caustic; sarcastic; satirical; snide
specious
deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious The student's specious excuse for being late sounded legitimate but was proved otherwise when his teacher called his home. Synonyms: illusory; ostensible; plausible; sophistic; spurious
atheistic
denying the existence of God
disenfranchise
deprive of voting rights As recently as 2016, the ban ______________ one out of every five Black adults in the state.
ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame Ex: an ignominious exit
commendable
deserving praise
arbitrary
determined by chance or impulse When you lack the information to judge what you do next, you will be forced to make an arbitrary decision. Synonyms: changeable; erratic; indiscriminate; random; wayward
anomaly
deviation from what is normal (Albino animals may display too great an anomaly in their coloring to attract normally colored mates.)
tangential
digressing; diverting Your argument is interesting, but it's tangential to the matter at hand, so I suggest we get back to the point. Synonyms: digression; extraneous; inconsequential; irrelevant; peripheral
interminable
endless _____ stress has been found to damage human cardiovascular systems; however, wild animals show no signs of increased sickness when placed in constant sight of a predator.
stamina
endurance
hyperbolic
enlarged beyond truth or reasonableness Though perhaps it is __________ to suggest that racial equality would not have come to fruition if not for the hostility of the Cold War, it likely expedited the emergence of social progress, ultimately leading to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. i
surfeit
excessive amount Because of the surfeit of pigs, pork prices have never been lower. Synonyms: glut; plethora; repletion; superfluity; surplus
immoderate
excessive; extreme
florid
excessively decorated or embellished The palace had been decorated in an excessively florid style; every surface had been carved and gilded Synonyms: baroque; elaborate; flamboyant; ornate; ostentatious; rococo
solicitousness
expressing care/concern the touching _____________ with which he watched over his younger brother
torpor
extreme mental and physical sluggishness After the surgery, the patient's torpor lasted several hours until the anesthesia wore off. Synonyms: apathy; languor
meticulous
extremely careful; particular about details
ecstatic
extremely happy Back in February, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was a newly crowned Super Bowl champion, riding with his Kansas City Chiefs teammates on the top of double-decker buses along city streets lined with _______ fans
abysmal
extremely hopeless or wretched; bottomless
stentorian
extremely loud Cullen couldn't hear her speaking over the stentorian din of the game on TV. Synonyms: clamorous; noisy
sacrosanct
extremely sacred; beyond criticism Many people considered Mother Teresa to be sacrosanct and would not tolerate any criticism of her. Synonyms: holy; inviolable; off-limits
Equity
fairness
dilapidated
falling apart or ruined, run-down Although once a thriving town, the village had become veritably dilapidated.
audacious
fearless and daring The audacious peasant dared to insult the king's mother. Synonyms: adventuresome; aggressive; assertive; bold; brave; courageous; daring; dauntless; doughty; fearless; gallant; game; heroic; intrepid; mettlesome; plucky; stout; stouthearted; up afraid; undaunted; valiant; valorous; venturesome; venturous
gallivant
go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment
solecism
grammatical mistake "I ain't going with you," she said, obviously unaware of her solecism. Synonyms: blooper; faux pas; vulgarism
spartan
highly self-disciplined; frugal; austere When he was in training, the athlete preferred to live in a spartan room, so he could shut out all distractions. Synonyms: restrained; simple
ribald
humorous in a vulgar way The court jester's ribald brand of humor delighted the rather uncouth king. Synonyms: coarse; gross; indelicate; lewd; obscene
boorish
ill-mannered
candid
impartial and honest in speech The observations of a child can be charming since they are candid and unpretentious. Synonyms: direct; forthright; frank; honest; open; sincere; straight; straightforward; undisguised
restive
impatient; uneasy, or restless The passengers became restive after waiting in line for hours and began to shout complaints at the airline staff. Synonyms: agitated; anxious; fretful
unintelligible
impossible to understand He muttered a reply that was largely ______, and a few people muffled giggles into their hands.
capricious
impulsive and unpredictable ________________ dicision
elated
in high spirits, jubilant; extremely pleased,over the moon David Williams said he was ______ when he opened a letter in October 2018 saying that he would receive $30,000 from Williams's estate.
lenient
inclined not to be strict
exacerbation
increase in the severity of a disease or its symptoms
assure
inform positively and with certainty and confidence The insurance broker _____ a client that the application would be submitted before the enrollment deadline.
redoubtable
inspiring fear or awe
didactic
instructive
peppery
irritable and sharp-tongued
blithe
joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought Summer finally came, and the blithe students spent their days at the beach. Synonyms: carefree; lighthearted; merry
desultory
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
desultory
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected Athena had a desultory academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in 3 years. Synonyms: aimless; disconnected; erratic; haphazard; indiscriminate; object less; purposeless; random; stray; unconsidered; unplanned
slain
killed
benign
kind and gentle around campus he's known as a real character, but one whose eccentricities are entirely _______
apathy
lack of interest or emotion The apathy of voters is so great that less than half the people who are eligible to vote actually bother to do so. Synonyms: coolness; disinterest; disregard; impassivity; indifference; insensibility; lassitude; lethargy; listlessness; phlegm; stolidity; unconcern; unreponsiveness
lackluster
lacking brilliance or vitality; dull His writing can be _________ at times.
enervated
lacking energy, weakened, exhausted
diffident
lacking self-confidence Steve was diffident during the job interview because of his nervous nature and lack of experience in the field. Synonyms: backward; bashful; coy; demure; modest; retiring; self-effacing; shy; timid
ephemeral
lasting a short time The lives of mayflies seem ephemeral to us, since the flies' average life span is a matter of hours. Synonyms: evanescent; fleeting; momentary; transient
digress
leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing
whimsical
lightly acting in a fanciful or capricious manner; unpredictable The ballet was whimsical, delighting the children with its imaginative characters and unpredictable sets. Synonyms: capricious; erratic; flippant; frivolous
sublime
lofty or grand The music was so sublime that it transformed the rude surroundings into a special place. Synonyms: august; exalted; glorious; grand; magnificent; majestic; noble; resplendent; superb
retrospective
looking back at past things
vociferous
loud and noisy
defiled
made unclean Ex: defile a holy place
enlivened
make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing
bog
marsh, swamp
arithmetic
math
ripen
mature
amulet
an ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits Though she claimed it was not because of superstition, Vivian always wore an amulet around her neck Synonyms: fetish; talisman
archaic
ancient; old-fashioned Her archaic Commodore computer could not run the latest software. Synonyms: ancient; antediluvian; antique; bygone; dated; dowdy; fusty; obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated; outmoded; passé; prehistoric; stale; superannuated; superseded; vintage
seraphic
angelic; sweet Selena's seraphic appearance belied her nasty, bitter personality. Synonyms: cherubic; heavenly
mannered
artificial or stilted in character The portrait is an example of the mannered style that was favored in that era. Synonyms: affected; unnatural
sentient
aware; conscious; able to perceive The anesthetic didn't work, and I was still sentient when the dentist started drilling! Synonyms: feeling; intelligent; thinking
tyro
beginner; novice An obvious tyro at salsa, Millicent received no invitations to dance. Synonyms: apprentice; fledgling; greenhorn; neophyte; tenderfoot
sedition
behavior that promotes rebellion or civil disorder against the state Li was arrested for sedition after he gave a fiery speech in the main square. Synonyms: conspiracy; insurrection
gore
blood from a wound
effrontery
boldness; audacity The receptionist had the effrontery to laugh out loud when the CEO tripped over a computer wire and fell flat on his face. Synonyms: brashness; gall; nerve; presumption; temerity
valiant
brave "heroic" and "courageous," so it isn't surprising that those who serve in the military often are called _________ It's also one of several __________ efforts nationwide to help ensure that indie bookstores — which are not considered essential businesses — survive the pandemic.
pithy
brief, concise, succinct, and to the point Martha's pithy comments during the interview must have been impressive because she got the job. Synonyms: brief; compact; laconic; terse
olio
mixture; hodgepodge; medley; olla podrida The simplest and most basic of all pasta suppers, spaghettini aglio e ________ is made from ingredients most of us have in the cupboard.) _________ of scent
unsavory
morally offensive
sobriquet
nickname One of Ronald Reagan's sobriquets was "The Gipper." Synonyms: alias; pseudonym
indubitable
not open to question or doubt At the base of the experiment was a core of ______ knowledge.
unpropitious
not propitious Born in Galicia in 1917 and raised by a single mother who emigrated with him to Argentina four years later, Pestana's beginnings were humble and unpropitious.
impious
not religious The nun cut herself off from her _______ family after she entered the convent.
unseemly
not suitable; inappropriate or improper Ex: an unseemly exit from the company
rhetorical
pertaining to effective communication; insincere in language
affected
phony; artificial The affected hairdresser spouted French phrases, though she had never been to France. Synonyms: insincere; pretentious, put-on
machination
plot or scheme Tired of his enemies' endless machinations to remove him from the throne, the king had them executed. Synonyms: cabal; conspiracy; design; intrigue
extolled
praised Despite Madeline being jealous of her sister, she still _____ her virtues when she won the talent show.
sanguine
ruddy; cheerfully optimistic A sanguine person thinks the glass is half full, whereas a depressed person thinks it's half empty. Synonyms: confident; hopeful; positive; rosy; rubicund
surly
rude and bad-tempered When asked to clean the windshield, the surly gas station attendant tossed the dirty rag at the customer and walked away. Synonyms: gruff; grumpy; testy
impertinent
rude and disrespectful Even though the candidate possessed the technical skills necessary to qualify for the position, an in-person interview revealed that his personality was far too __________ to take on the responsibility of interacting in a friendly manner with clients.
dissheveled
rumpled, mussed; hanging in disorder
rustic
rural The rustic cabin was an ideal setting for a vacation in the country. Synonyms: bucolic; pastoral
priggish
self-righteously moralistic and superior. "a priggish little pedant"
sagacious
shrewd; wise Owls have a reputation for being sagacious, perhaps because of their big eyes, which resemble glasses. Synonyms: astute; judicious; perspicacious; sage; wise
wizened
shriveled; withered; wrinkled The wizened old man was told that the plastic surgery necessary to make him look young again would cost more money than he could imagine. Synonyms: atrophied; desiccated; gnarled; wasted
diffidence
shyness; lack of confidence She entered the exam with a feeling of diffidence, knowing that she hadn't reviewed all of the material.
wan
sickly pale The sick child had a wan face, in on trash to her rosy-cheeked sister. Synonyms: ashen; sickly
taciturn
silent; not talkative The clerk's taciturn nature earned him the nickname Silent Bob. Synonyms: laconic; reticent
reticent
silent; reserved Physically small and verbally reticent, Joan Didion often went unnoticed by those she was reporting upon. Synonyms: cool; introverted; laconic; standoffish; taciturn; undemonstrative
insatiable
so great or demanding as not to be satisfied
zealot
someone passionately devoted to a cause The religious zealot had no time for those who failed to share his strong beliefs. Synonyms: enthusiast; fanatic; militant; radical
Mercennary
someone who fight for money usually for a foreign country
anachronism
something out of place in time The play was set in the nineteenth century, but was ruined by anachronisms, like the lead actor's digital watch. Synonyms: archaism; incongruity
fad
something that is very popular for a short time, then forgotten When the organic trend began, most people believed it would be a passing fad.
lugubrious
sorrowful; mournful; dismal Irish wakes are a rousing departure from the lugubrious funeral services to which most people are accustomed. Synonyms: funereal; gloomy; melancholy; somber; woeful
pontificate
speak in a pretentiously dignified or dogmatic way syn: orate; sermonize
pilfering
stealing
hale
strong and healthy
lissome
supple; limber; flexible
leery
suspicious After being swindled once, Ruth became leery of strangers trying to sell things to her. Synonyms: distrustful; guarded; wary
turgid
swollen as from a fluid; bloated In the process of osmosis, water passes through the walls of turgid cells, ensuring that they never contain too much water. Synonym: distended
voluble
talkative; speaking easily; glib The voluble man and his reserved wife proved the old saying that opposites attract. Synonyms: loquacious; verbose
syncopation
temporary irregularity in musical rhythm A jazz enthusiast will appreciate the use of syncopation in that musical genre.
garrulous
tending to talk a lot The garrulous parakeet distracted its owner with its continuous talking. Synonyms: effusive; loquacious
contraction
the act of decreasing the size of something or shortening it, or it can be the process of becoming smaller or compressed. He added that "this is a very deep ______________."
quotient
the answer to a division problem
hegemony
the domination of one state or group over its allies When Germany claimed hegemony over Russia, Stalin was outraged. Synonyms: authority; power
emergence
the first stage of a social movement, occurring when the social problem being addressed is first identified It was not until the 1940s, with the advent/emergence of shows like Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma, that the convention of using songs to advance the plot of a musical became the standard structure for this genre of theater and film, effectively altering the way writers and directors tell stories through lyrics and scores.
impartiality
the idea that the same ethical standards are applied to everyone the defense lawyers challenged the ________ of the presiding judge
dividend
the number that is being divided
Restoration
the period of Charles II's rule over England, after the collapse of Oliver Cromwell's government
zenith
the point or culmination; peak The diva considered her appearance at the Metropolitan Opera to be the zenith of her career. Synonyms: acme; pinnacle
hyposcrisy
the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense. Confronted with these ongoing accusations of _________, the United States was given no choice but to respond.
usury
the practice of lending money at exorbitant rates The moneylender was convicted of usury when it was discovered that he charged 50 percent interest on all his loans. Synonym: loan-sharking
unification
the process of being united or made into a whole.
incidence
the relative frequency of occurrence of something People with Lyme disease are at a greater risk of __________ and severity of coronavirus.
Equivocation
the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication
Nanotechnology
the use of single atoms and molecules to construct microscopic devices
viscous
thick and adhesive, like a slow-flowing liquid Most viscous liquids, like oil or homey, become even thicker as they are cooled down. Synonyms: gelatinous; glutinous; thick
memorabilia
things worth remembering
hermetic
tightly sealed The hermetic deal of the jar proved impossible to break. Synonyms: airtight; impervious; watertight
foment
to arouse or incite The rebels tried to foment revolution through their attacks on the government. Synonyms: agitate; impassion; inflame; instigate; kindle
assail
to attack; to assault The foreign army will try to assail our bases, but they will not be successful in their attack. Synonyms: beset; storm; strike
dither
to be indecisive
wilt
to become limp and drooping (as a flower), wither; to lose strength and vigor
spawn
to bring forth; to produce a large number _________ a feeling of
slake
to calm down or moderate In order to slake his curiosity, Bryan finally took a tour backstage at the theater. Synonyms: moderate; quench; satisfy
expurgate
to censor Government propagandists expurgated all negative references to the dictator from the film. Synonyms: bowdlerize; cut; sanitize
abstain
to choose not to do something Before the medical procedure, you must abstain from eating. Synonyms: forbear; refrain; withhold
subdue
to conquer or bring under control
obliterate
to destroy completely the memories of Alzheimer's patients may be far from obliterated, and can potentially be accessed with the aid of luminescent stimulation.
ordain
to establish by law; to order or command; to appoint as a priest or minister; to destine The citizens of France in the 18th century lived under the delusion that their monarchy was ordained by God for many years.
ameliorate
to make better; to improve The doctor was able to ameliorate the patient's suffering using painkillers. Synonyms: amend; better; improve; pacify; upgrade
adulterate
to make impure The restauranteur made his ketchup last longer by adulterating it with water. Synonyms: debase; doctor; load
alleviate
to make more bearable Taking aspirin helps to alleviate a headache. Synonyms: allay; assuage; comfort; ease; lessen; lighten; mitigate; palliate; relieve
perpetuate
to make permanent or long lasting
ensure
to make sure or certain
husband
to manage economically; to use sparingly
retorgress
to move backward; to return to an earlier condition
procure
to obtain
vacillate
to physically sway; to be indecisive The customer held up the line as he vacillated de tween ordering chocolate chip or rocky-road ice cream. Synonyms: dither; falter; fluctuate; oscillate; waver
satiate
to satisfy fully or overindulge His desire for power was so great that nothing less than complete control of the country could satiate it. Synonyms: cloy; glut; gorge; surfeit
upbraid
to scold sharply The teacher upbraided the student for scrawling graffiti all over the walls of the school. Synonyms: berate; chide; rebuke; reproach; tax
advocate
to speak in favor of The vegetarian advocated a diet containing no meat. Synonyms: back; champion; support
sully
to tarnish; to taint With the help of a public relations firm, he was able to restore his sullied reputation. Synonym: besmirch; defile
litigate
to try in court; to engage in legal proceedings
traipse
to walk or move wearily or reluctantly; a tedious or tiring journey on foot
persnickety
too fussy or picky
officious
too helpful; meddlesome While planning her wedding, Maya discovered just how officious her future mother-in-law could be. Synonyms: eager; intrusive; unwanted
rococo
very highly ornamented; relating to an 18th century artistic style of elaborate ornamentation The ornate furniture in the house reminded Tatiana of the rococo style. Synonyms: intricate; ornate
vim
vitality and energy The vim with which she worked so early in the day explained why she was so productive. Synonyms: force power
verbose
wordy The professor's answer was so verbose that his student forgot what the original question had been. Synonyms: long-winded; loquacious; prolix; superfluous
proponent
(n.) one who puts forward a proposal; one who supports a cause or belief
sobriety
(n.) sedate, calm, seriousness Jason believed that maintaining his _____ in times of crisis was the key to success in life.
chauvinist
(noun) a blindly devoted patriot
sap (noun)
(noun) a fool or nitwit
stand
(noun) a group of trees
guy
(noun) a rope, cord, or cable attached to something as a brace or guide; to steady or reinforce using a guy: Think guide. (verb form: guyed, guying)
die
(noun) a tool used for shaping, as in a tool-and-die shop
pluck
(noun) courage, spunk, fortitude
bent
(noun) leaning, inclination, proclivity, tendency
strut
(noun) the supporting structural cross-part of a wing
wag
(noun) wit, joker
dire
(of a situation or event) extremely serious or urgent. "______ consequences" New census data reveals that unemployment numbers are even ________ than was previously suspected.
nadir
LOWEST POINT As Joey waited in line to audition for the diaper commercial, he realized he had reached the nadir of his acting career. Synonyms: bottom; depth; pit
cloying
SICKLY SWEET; EXCESSIVE When Enid and Jay first started dating, their cloying affection toward one another often made their friends ill. Synonyms: excessive; fulsome
abyss
an extremely deep hole The submarine dove into the abyss to chart the previously unseen depths. Synonyms: chasm; void
draconian
(adj) hard, severe, cruel. His ____________ behavior alarmed his parents. Draconian measures of the occupier
Axis
an imaginary line about which a body rotates.
quagmire
(n.) a difficult situation We'd all like to avoid the kind of military ____________ characterized by the Vietnam War.
misgiving
(n.) a feeling of fear, doubt, or uncertainty Despite studying for months, she still has _____ taking the entrance exam.
pundit
(n.) a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions
excerpt
(n.) a passage taken from a book, article, etc.; (v.) to take such a passage; to quote Instead of sharing all 147 lines of your favorite poem in class, you might want to read an ___________, that is, just a part of the verses, so no one dozes off.
accomplice
(n.) a person who takes part in a crime *SYNONYMS:* partner in crime, confederate
paucity
(n.) an inadequate quantity, scarcity, dearth __________ of resources
anguish
(n.) great mental suffering, distress, or pain; (v.) to be deeply tormented by pain or sorrow
carnage
(n.) large-scale slaughter or loss of life
mire
(n.) mud; wet, swampy ground; a tough situation; (v.) to get stuck
peddle
(v) Travel around while selling; sell illegally; give out or disseminate
decoy
(v.) to lure into a trap; (n.) a person or thing used to lure into a trap
thwart
(v.) to oppose successfully; to prevent, frustrate
broach
(verb) to bring up; to announce; to begin to talk about
fell (verb)
(verb) to cause to fall by striking
color
(verb) to change as if by dyeing, i.e., to distort, gloss, or affect (usually the first)
alloy
(verb) to commingle;to debase by mixing w/ something inferior; unalloyed means pure
rail
(verb) to complain about bitterly
grouse
(verb) to complain or grumble
exact
(verb) to demand; to call for; to require; to take
damp
(verb) to diminish the intensity or check the vibration of a sound
sap (verb)
(verb) to enervate or weaken the vitality of
waffle
(verb) to equivocate; to change one's position;
milk
(verb) to exploit; to squeeze every last ounce of
intimate
(verb) to imply, suggest, or insinuate
qualify
(verb) to limit
quail
(verb) to lose coverage; to turn frightened
pine
(verb) to lose vigor (as through grief); to yearn
tender
(verb) to proffer or offer
mince
(verb) to pronounce or speak affectedly; to euthanize, to speak too carefully. Also, to take tiny steps; to tiptoe
prize
(verb) to pry; to press or force with a lever; something taken by force, spoils
table
(verb) to remove (as a parliamentary motion) from consideration
flag
(verb) to sag or droop; to become spiritless; to decline
steep
(verb) to saturate or completely soak, as in to let a tea bag steep
appropriate
(verb) to take for one's own use; to confiscate
essay
(verb) to test or try; to attempt, to expirement
list
(verb) to tilt or lean to one side
brook
(verb) to tolerate; to endure; to countenance
ford
(verb) to wade across the shallow part of a river or stream
rent
(verb) torn (past tense of rend); an opening or tear caused by such
arrest, arresting
(verb)/(adj.) to suspend; to engage; holding one's attention: as in arrested adolescence, an arresting portrait
Integers
-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3
panegyric
ELABORATE PRAISE; FORMAL HYMN OF PRAISE The director's panegyric for the donor who kept his charity going was heart warming. Synonyms: compliment; homage
Rational numbers
Any number that can be expressed as a fraction
jingoism
BELLIGERENT SUPPORT OF ONE'S COUNTRY The professor's jingoism made it difficult for the students to participate in an open political discussion. Synonyms: chauvinism; nationalism
endemic
BELONGING TO A PARTICULAR AREA; INHERENT The health department determined that the outbreak was _________ to the small village, so they quarantined the inhabitants before the virus could spread. Synonyms: indigenous; local; native
incarnadine
BLOOD-RED IN COLOR At his mother's mention of his baby pictures, the shy boy's cheeks turned incarnadine with embarrassment. Synonyms: reddened; ruby; ruddy
pugilism
BOXING Pugilism has been defended as a positive outlet for aggressive impulses. Synonyms: fighting; sparring
phlegmatic
CALM AND UNEMOTIONAL IN TEMPERAMENT Although the bomb could go off at any moment, the phlegmatic demolition expert remained calm and unafraid. Synonyms: apathetic; calm; emotionless; impassive; indifferent; passionless; unemotional
pathogenic
CAUSING DISEASE Bina's research on the origins of pathogenic microorganisms should help stop the spread of disease. Synonyms: infecting; noxious
grievous
CAUSING GRIEF OR SORROW; SERIOUS AND DISTRESSING Maude and Bertha sobbed loudly throughout the grievous event. Synonyms: dire; dolorous; grave; mournful
investiture
CEREMONY CONFERRING AUTHORITY At Napoleon's _____________, he grabbed the crown from the Pope's hands and placed it on his head himself. Synonyms: inaugural; inauguration; induction; initiation; installation
guile
DECEIT; TRICKERY Since he was not fast enough to catch the roadrunner on foot, the coyote resorted to guile in an effort to trap his enemy. Synonyms: artifact; chicanery; connivery; duplicity
contrite
DEEPLY SORROWFUL AND REPENTANT FOR A WRONG After three residents were mugged in the lobby while the watchman was away from his post, he felt very contrite. Synonyms: apologetic; regretful; remorseful
dogmatic
DICTATORIAL IN ONE'S OPINIONS The dictator was dogmatic, claiming he, and only he, was right. Synonyms: authoritarian; bossy; dictatorial; doctrinaire; domineering; imperious; magisterial; masterful; overbearing; peremptory
parley
DISCUSSION; USUALLY BETWEEN ENEMIES The parley between the rival cheerleading teams resulted in neither side admitting that they copied the other's dance moves. Synonyms: debate; dialogue; negotiations; talks
multifarious
DIVERSE Ken opened the hotel room window, letting in the multifarious noises of the great city. Synonyms: assorted; heterogenous; indiscriminate; legion; motley; multi fold; multiform; multiplex; populous; varied
perfunctory
DONE IN A ROUTINE WAY; INDIFFERENT The machine-like teller processed the transaction and gave the waiting customer a perfunctory smile. Synonyms: apathetic; automatic; mechanical
partisan
Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause
antithetical
Directly opposed, opposite; involving antithesis (the rhetorical act of placing two phrases opposite one another for contrast, as in love me or hate me)
Galley
Drafts of a book about to be published
lissome
EASILY FLEXED; LIMBER; AGILE The lissome yoga instructor twisted herself into shapes that her students could only dream of. Synonyms: graceful; lithe; supple
irascible
EASILY MADE ANGRY Attila the Hun's irascible and violent nature made all who dealt with him fear for their lives. Synonyms: cantankerous; irritable; ornery; testy
efficacy
EFFECTIVENESS The efficacy of penicillin was unsurpassed when it was first introduced; the drug completely eliminated almost all bacterial infections. Synonyms: dynamism; effectiveness; efficiency; force; power; productiveness; proficiency; strength; vigor
malicious
Intended to hurt or harm
esoteric
KNOWN OR UNDERSTOOD ONLY BE A FEW Only a handful of experts are knowledgeable about the esoteric world of particle physics. Synonyms: abstruse; arcane; obscure
pallid
LACKING COLOR OR LIVELINESS The old drugstore's pallid window could not compete with the new megastore's extravagant display next door. Synonyms: ashen; blanched; ghostly; pale; wan
craven
LACKING COURAGE The craven lion cringed in the corner of his cage, terrified of the mouse. Synonyms: faint hearted; spineless; timid
languid
LACKING ENERGY; INDIFFERENT; SLOW The languid cat cleaned its fur, ignoring the vicious, snarling dog chained a few feet away from it. Synonyms: lackadaisical; listless; sluggish; weak
myopic
LACKING FORESIGHT; HAVING A NARROW VIEW OR SHORT-RANGE PERCEPTION Not wanting to spend a lot of money up front, the myopic business owner would likely suffer the cinsequences later. Synonyms: short-sighted; unthinking
insipid
LACKING INTEREST OR FLAVOR The critic claimed that the painting was insipid, containing no interesting qualities at all. Synonyms: banal; bland; dull; stale; vapid
prodigal
LAVISH; WASTEFUL The prodigal son quickly wasted all of his inheritance on a lavish lifestyle devoted to pleasure. Synonyms: extravagant; lavish; profligate; spendthrift; wasteful
neologism
NEW WORD OR EXPRESSION Aunt Mabel simply does not understand today's youth; she is perplexed by their clothing, music, and neologisms. Synonyms: slang; coinage
imperturbable
NOT CAPABLE OF BEING DISTURBED The counselor had so much experience dealing with distraught children that she was imperturbable, even when faced with the wildest tantrums. Synonyms: composed; dispassionate; impassive; serene; stoic
intractable
NOT EASILY MANAGED OR MANIPULATED Intractable for hours, the wild horse eventually allowed the rider to mount. Synonyms: stubborn; unruly
inchoate
NOT FULLY FORMED; DISORGANIZED The ideas expressed in Nietzsche's mature work also appear in an inchoate form in his earliest writing. Synonyms: amorphous; incoherent; incomplete; unorganized
neophyte
NOVICE; BEGINNER A relative neophyte at bowling, Rodolfo rolled all of his balls into the gutter. Synonyms: apprentice; greenhorn; tyro
irrational numbers
Numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. Their decimal expansions are nonending and nonrepeating.
quotidian
OCCURRING DAILY; COMMONPLACE The sight of people singing on the street is so quotidian in New York that passersby rarely react to it. Synonyms: everyday; normal; usual
exponent
ONE WHO CHAMPIONS OR ADVOCATES The Vice President was an enthusiastic exponent of computer technology. Synonyms: representative; supporter
iconoclast
ONE WHO OPPOSES ESTABLISHED BELIEFS, CUSTOMS, AND INSTITUTIONS His lack of regard for traditional beliefs soon established him as an iconoclast. Synonyms: maverick; nonconformist; rebel; revolutionary
quixotic
OVERLY IDEALISTIC; IMPRACTICAL The practical Danuta was skeptical of her roommate's __________ plans to build a roller coaster in their yard. Synonyms: capricious; impulsive; romantic; unrealistic
maudlin
OVERLY SENTIMENTAL The movies treatment of the mothers death was so maudlin that instead of making the audience cry, it made them cringe. Synonyms: bathetic; mawkish; saccharine; weepy
obsequious
OVERLY SUBMISSIVE AND EAGER TO PLEASE The obsequious new associate made sure to compliment her supervisor's tie and agree with him on every issue. Synonyms: compliant; deferential; servile; subservient
idiosyncrasy
PECULIARITY OF TEMPERAMENT; ECCENTRICITY His numerous idiosyncrasies included a fondness for wearing bright green shoes with mauve socks. Synonyms: humor; oddity; quirk
eloquent
PERSUASIVE AND MOVING, ESPECIALLY IN SPEECH The Gettysburg Address is moving not only because of its lofty sentiments but because of its __________ words. Synonyms: articulate; expressive; fluent; meaningful; significant; smooth-spoken
jocular
PLAYFUL; HUMOROUS The jocular old man entertained his grandchildren for hours. Synonyms: amusing; comical
impetuous
QUICK TO ACT WITHOUT THINKING It is not good for an investment broker to be impetuous since much thought should be given to all the possible options. Synonyms: impulsive; precipitate; rash; reckless; spontaneous
mercurial
QUICK, SHREWD, AND UNPREDICTABLE Her mercurial personality made it difficult to guess how she would react to the bad news. Synonyms: clever; crafty; volatile; whimsical
insurrection
REBELLION After the emperor's troops crushed the insurrection, it's leaders fled the country. Synonyms: mutiny; revolt; revolution; uprising
lapidary
RELATING TO PRECIOUS STONES OR THE ART OF CUTTING THEM Most lapidary work today is done with the use of motorized equipment.
redress
RELIEF FROM WRONG OR INJURY Seeking redress for the injuries she had received in the accident, Doreen sued the driver of the truck that had hit her. Synonyms: amends; indemnity; quittance; reparation; restitution
rejoinder
RESPONSE Patrick tried desperately to think of a clever rejoinder to Marianna's joke, but he couldn't. Synonyms: retort; ripost
doctrinaire
RIGIDLY DEVOTED TO THEORIES WITHOUT REGARD FOR PRACTICALITY; DOGMATIC The professor's manner of teaching was considered doctrinaire for such a liberal school. Synonyms: dictatorial; inflexible
judicious
SENSIBLE; SHOWING GOOD JUDGMENT The wise distinguished judge was well known for having a judicious temperament. Synonyms: circumspect; prudent; sagacious; sapient
pungent
SHARP AND IRRITATING TO THE SENSES The smoke from the burning tires was extremely pungent. Synonyms: acrid; caustic; piquant; poignant; stinging
précis
SHORT SUMMARY OF FACTS Farah wrote a précis of her thesis on the epic poem to share with the class. Synonym: summary
ingenuous
SHOWING INNOCENCE OR CHILDLIKE SIMPLICITY She was so ingenuous that her friends feared that her innocence and trustful ness would be exploited when she visited the big city. Synonyms: artless; guileless; innocent; naïve; simple; unaffected
politic
SHREWD AND PRACTICAL IN MANAGING OR DEALING WITH THINGS; DIPLOMATIC She was wise to curb her tongue and was able to explain her problem to the judge in a respectful and politic manner. Synonym: tactful
perspicacious
SHREWD, ASTUTE, OR KEEN- WITTED Inspector Poirot used his perspicacious mind to solve mysteries. Synonyms: insightful; intelligent; sagacious
arraign
To bring before a court to face charges Ascencao is scheduled to be ____________ in Providence Superior Court on July 15.
malinger
To evade responsibility by pretending to be ill A common way to avoid the draft was by malingering - pretending to be mentally or physically ill so as to avoid being taken by the army. Synonyms: shirk; slack
Optogenetics
Transgenic technique that combines genetics and light to control targeted cells in living tissue
implacable
UNABLE TO BE CALMED DOWN OR MADE PEACEFUL His rage at the betrayal was so great that he remained implacable for weeks. Synonyms: inexorable; intransigent; irreconcilable; relentless; remorseless; unforgiving; unrelenting
intransigent
UNCOMPROMISING; REFUSING TO BE RECONCILED The professor was intransigent on the deadline, insisting that everyone turn the assignment in at the same time. Synonyms: implacable; inexorable; irreconcilable; obdurate; obstinate; remorseless; rigid; unbending; unrelenting; unyielding
hapless
UNFORTUNATE; HAVING BAD LUCK I wish someone would give that poor. Hapless soul some food and shelter. Synonyms: ill-fated; ill-starred; jinxed; luckless; unlucky
fractious
UNRULY; REBELLIOUS The general had a hard time maintaining discipline among his fractious troops. Synonyms: contentious; cranky; peevish; quarrelsome
exigent
URGENT; REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION The patient was losing blood so rapidly that it was exigent to stop the bleeding. Synonyms: critical; imperative; needed; urgent
euphemism
USE OF AN INOFFENSIVE WORD OR PHRASE IN PLACE OF A MORE DISTASTEFUL ONE The funeral director preferred to use the euphemism "sleeping" instead of the word "dead." Synonym: circumlocution; delicacy
laconic
USING A FEW WORDS He was a classic laconic native of Maine; he talked as if he were being charged for each word. Synonyms: concise; curt; pithy; taciturn; terse
perfidious
WILLING TO BETRAY SOMEONE'S TRUST The actress's perfidious companion revealed all of her intimate secrets to the gossip columnist. Synonyms: disloyal; faithless; traitorous; treacherous
hoary
VERY OLD; WHITISH OR GRAY FROM AGE The old man's hoary beard contrasted starkly to the new stubble of his teenage grandson. Synonyms: ancient; antediluvian; antique; venerable; vintage
peripatetic
WANDERING FROM PLACE TO PLACE, ESPECIALLY ON FOOT Elena's peripatetic meanderings took her all over the countryside in the summer months. Synonyms: itinerant; nomadic; wayfaring
itinerant
WANDERING FROM PLACE TO PLACE; UNSETTLED The itinerant tomcat came back to the Johansson homestead every two months. Synonyms: nomadic; vagrant
maelstrom
WHIRLPOOL; TURMOIL; AGITATED STATE OF MIND The transportation system of the city had collapsed in the maelstrom of war. Synonyms: eddy; turbulence
belfry
a bell tower; the room in which a bell is hung The town was shocked when a bag of money was found stashed in the old belfry of the church. Synonyms: spire; steeple
tome
a book, usually a large and academic one The teacher was forced to refer to various times to find the answer to the advanced student's question. Synonyms: codex; volume
planetarium
a building or room in which images of stars, planets, etc. are shown on a high, curved ceiling
vicissitude
a change or variation Investors must be prepared or vicissitudes of the stock market. Synonyms: inconstancy; mutability
boor
a crude person; one lacking manners or taste "That utter boor ruined my recital with his constant guffawing!" wailed the pianist. Synonyms: clod; lout; oaf; vulgarian; yahoo
plight
a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation Using the plight of African American citizens to dispute the United States' commitment to democracy, the Soviet Union asserted that discrimination would be nonexistent if American devotion to their form of government was sincere.
conundrum
a difficult problem
wallow
to roll about in a lazy, clumsy, or helpless way
amenable
agreeable; cooperative; suited This is more complicated, but it is _______to policy.
evasion
an act of escaping or avoiding
Expeditious
done with speed and efficiency _________victory
tacit
done without using words Although not a word was said, everyone in the room knew that a tacit agreement had been made about what course of action to take. Synonyms: implicit; implied; undeclared; unsaid; unuttered
ambiguous
doubtful or uncertain; can be interpreted several ways The directions he gave were so ambiguous that we disagreed on which way to turn. Synonyms: cloudy; doubtful; dubious; equivocal; indeterminate; nebulous; obscure; unclear; vague
rhetoric
effective writing or speaking Lincoln's talent for rhetoric was evident in his beautifully expressed Gettysburg Address. Synonyms: eloquence; oratory
aghast
feeling great dismay or horror stood there, ________, as the vile monster made its way toward me
veracity
filled with truth and accuracy She had a reputation for veracity, so everyone trusted her description of the events. Synonyms: candor; exactitude; fidelity; probity
sportive
frolicsome; playful The lakeside vacation meant more sportive opportunities for the kids than the wine tour through France. Synonyms: frisky; merry
magnanimity
generosity; nobility
salubrious
healthful Run-down and sickly, Gertrude hoped that the fresh mountain air would have a salubrious effect on her health. Synonyms: bracing; curative; medicinal; therapeutic; tonic
boldface
heavier type
Gothic
of the middle ages; of or relating to a mysterious, grotesque, and desolate style of fiction
umbrage
offense; resentment The businessman took umbrage at the security guard's accusation that he had shoplifted a packet of gum. Synonyms: asperity; dudgeon; ire; pique; rancor
passé
old fashioned; out-of-style passé views on social issues
toady
one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors The king was surrounded by toadies who rushed to agree with whatever outrageous thing he said. Synonyms: parasite; sycophant
banal
predictable; clichéd; boring His conversations consisted of banal phrases like "Have a nice day" or "Another day, another dollar." Synonyms: bland; bromidic; clichéd; commonplace; fatuous; hackneyed; innocuous; insipid; jejune; musty; platitudinous; prosaic; quotidian; shopworn; stale; stereotypic; threadbare; timeworn; tired; trite; vapid; worn-out
salient
prominent; of notable significance His most salient characteristic is his tendency to dominate every conversation. Synonyms: marked; noticeable; outstanding
opprobrium
public disgrace After the scheme to defraud the elderly was made public, the treasurer resigned in utter opprobrium. Synonyms: discredit; disgrace; dishonor; disrepute; ignominy; infamy; obloquy; shame
misgivings
qualm, doubt, reservation, scruple; suspicion, distrust, mistrust, lack of faith, lack of confidence, diffidence, second thoughts; trepidation, scepticism, worry, unease, uneasiness, anxiety, apprehension, uncertainty, niggle, disquiet, disquietude, hesitation, hesitance, hesitancy [ANTONYMS] confidence
contentious
quarrelsome While the mayoral candidate had appealing ideas for balancing the budget, his _____ personality made some voters wonder if he would be able to peacefully negotiate with local officials who did not share his views.
contumacious
rebellious; stubborn The contumacious teenager ran away from home when her parents told her she was grounded. Synonyms: factious; insubordinate; insurgent; mutinous; rebellious; seditious
forensic
referring to legal proceedings or formal debate or rhetoric Investigators say they connected the men to Atre's slaying through ______ evidence found at the crime scene, digital evidence and information obtained through hundreds of interviews conducted over the course of the probe.
defy
refuse to obey
attribute
regard something as being caused by someone or something
vernal
related to spring; fresh Bea basked in the balmy vernal breezes, happy that winter was coming to an end. Synonyms: springlike; youthful
deference
respect; courtesy The respectful young law clerk treated the Supreme Court justice with the utmost deference. Synonyms: courtesy, homage, honor, obeisance, respect; reverence; veneration
dread
to fear greatly Ireland, with its rolling green hills, magnificent castles, and fascinating culture, had always been on her bucket list of places she dreamed to visit; nevertheless, as the trip approached, she began to _____ the vacation, as her persnickety mother-in-law had invited herself along on the trip and was bound to be an aggravating traveling companion.
infer
to find out by reasoning; to arrive at a conclusion on the basis of thought; to hint, suggest, imply
abdicate
to give up a position, right, or power With then angry mob clamor ink outside the palace, the king abdicated his throne and fled. Synonyms: cede; quit; relinquish; resign; yield
burgeon
to grow and flourish
insure
to guarantee against loss or harm
revere
to honor, to regard with respect Before he was revered for his remarkable transcendental insights, Ralph Waldo Emerson was publicly and personally considered a lost soul.
extrapolate
to infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information I think it's probably a function of your anxiety that you're ______________ years into the future based on the whims of an infant.
apprise
to inform He _____ her of the whereabouts of her brother, whom she hadn't seen in five years.
yoke
to join together As soon as the farmer had yoked his oxen together, he began to plow the fields. Synonyms: bind; harness; pair
dissemble
to present a false appearance; to disguise one's real intentions or character The villain could dissemble to the police no longer - he admitted the deed and tore up the floor to reveal the stash of stolen money. Synonyms: act; affect; assume; camouflage; cloak; counterfeit; cover up; disguise; dis simulate; fake; feign; mask; masquerade; pose; pretend; put on; sham
supplant
to replace (another) by force; to take the place of The overthrow of the government meant a new leader to supplant the tyrannical former one. Synonyms: displace; supersede
requite
to return or repay Thanks for offering to lend me $1,000, but I know I'll never be able to requite your generosity. Synonyms: compensate; reciprocate
stratagem
trick designed to deceive an enemy The Trojan Horse must be one of the most successful military stratagems used in all of history. Synonyms: artifice; feint; maneuver; ruse; wile
skewed
turned to one side We can infer that students have a skewed perception of how phone use affects their learning, while teachers are perceiving a more complete view of how smartphones distract both them and their classes.
undecipherable
unable to solve, unreadable Somewhere along the line you probably clicked "accept" to 25m ____________ terms and conditions the company knew full well you weren't going to read, let alone understand.
insufferable
unbearable
wanton
undisciplined; unrestrained; reckless The townspeople were outraged by the _________ display of disrespect when they discovered the statue of the town founder covered in graffiti. Synonyms: capricious; lewd; licentious
stolid
unemotional; lacking sensitivity The prisoner appeared stolid and unaffected by the judge's harsh sentence. Synonyms: apathetic; impassive; indifferent; phlegmatic; stoic; unconcerned
veritably
unquestionably, certainly
unconscionable
unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust After she promised me the project, the fact that she gave it to someone else is unconscionable. Synonyms: dishonorable; indefensible
variegated
varied; marked with different colors The variegated foliage of the jungle allows it to support thousands of different animal species. Synonym: diversified