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surfeit

(n) excess, abundance (v) to feed, supply, or give to surfeit an intemperate or immoderate indulgence in something (as food or drink)

Momentous

(of a decision, event, or change) of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future. The Sony breach exemplifies a case in which the sheer diversity of information renders this breach a particularly momentous one.

moribund

(of a person) at the point of death. \on examination she was moribund and dehydrated\" synonyms:dying

tenet

. principle, doctrine, dogma, etc.

fetter

1 : a chain or shackle for the feet 2 : something that confines : restraint Examples: John keeps his smartphone with him when he goes hiking, but Linda leaves hers at home, preferring to free herself momentarily of the fetters of technology. opposite : unfettered †'free, unrestrained, unbridled

redoubtable

1 : causing fear or alarm : formidable 2 : illustrious, eminent; broadly : worthy of respect I can almost understand what drove the redoubtable Mr Azam to do the things he did.

acculturate

1 : cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture; also : a merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact 2 : the process by which a human being acquires the culture of a particular society from infancy

tacit

1 : expressed or carried on without words orspeech 2 : implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressed

delectable

1 : highly pleasing : delightful 2 : delicious Synonyms: agreeable, blessed (also blest),congenial, darling, pleasant, delicious,delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet,enjoyable, felicitous, good, grateful,gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice,palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty,satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty,welcome

ensconce

1 : shelter, conceal ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms €" Mark Twain 2 : establish, settle ensconced in a new job

underpin

1 : support, substantiate 2 : to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of Examples the central beliefs that underpin a free society this is where IT strategy can be defined to underpin or carry the C strategy to reach goals set

underpin

1 : support, substantiate 2 : to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of it is imperative that IT services underpin the business processes

teething

1 : the first growth of teeth 2 : the phenomena accompanying growth of teeth through the gums

stave

1 : to fend off <staving offcreditors>2 : to ward off (as somethingadverse) : forestall <trying tostave off disaster> Examples managed to stave off the invaders the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies

botch

1 : to foul up hopelessly often used with up 2 : to put together in a makeshift way

herald

1 : to give notice of : announce 2 a : to greet especially with enthusiasm : hail b : publicize 3 : to signal the approach of : foreshadow Examples The early flowers are heralds of spring. Mercury was the herald of the Roman gods

contravene

1 : to go or act contrary to : violate 2 : to oppose in argument : contradict

mull

1 : to grind or mix thoroughly :pulverize 2 : to consider at length : ponder €"often used with overintransitive verb: meditate, ponder

stutter

1 : to speak with involuntary disruption or blocking of speech (as by spasmodic repetition or prolongation of vocal sounds) 2 : to move or act in a halting or spasmodic manner With stuttering sales of the latest Eurofighter Typhoon model forcing job cuts at U.K.-based BAE Systems Plc, Europe€™s biggest defense company, and the upheaval of Brexit straining defense pacts, that heritage may count for little.

dawdle

1 : to spend time idly 2 : to move lackadaisically Examples Hurry up! There\'s no time to dawdle. Come home immediately afterschool, and don\'t dawdle. Synonyms: crawl, creep, dally, delay, diddle, dillydally, drag, lag, linger, loiter, lollygag (also lallygag), mope, poke, shilly-shally, tarry

succumb

1 : to yield to superior strength or forceor overpowering appeal or desire <succumb to temptation> 2 : to be brought to an end (as death) by the effect of destructive or disruptive forces synonyms see yield

blue chip

1 a : a stock issue of high investmentquality that usually pertains to asubstantial well-established companyand enjoys public confidence in its worth and stability; also : a company that offers such stocks b : a business or undertaking with anoutstanding record or likelihood of profitability

endemic

1 a : belonging or native to a particularpeople or country b : characteristic of or prevalent in a particular field, area, or environment 2 : restricted or peculiar to a locality or region synonyms see native

bespoke

1 a : custom-made b : dealing in or producing custom-made articles 2 dialect : engaged Examples a wealthy man who can easily afford bespoke suits once the last decent-looking woman in town was bespoke, it was time for the luckless bachelor to move on Synonyms: custom€"made (also bespoken),custom, customized, custom-tailored, made-to-order, tailored, tailor-made

infirmity

1 a : the quality or state of being infirm b : the condition of being feeble : frailty 2 : disease, malady 3 : a personal failing : foible one of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotism €" A. J. Toynbee Other forms: plural in·fir·mi·ties Examples In recent years she has had to reduce her schedule because of age and infirmity. the infirmities of old age

conflate

1 a : to bring together : fuse b : confuse Examples be careful not to conflate gossip with real news the movie conflates documentary footage and dramatized reenactments

compendious

"a compendious study"" synonyms: succinct; pithy; short and to the point; short and sweet; potted; thumbnail; brief; crisp; compact"

repose

"a state of rest, sleep, or tranquillity. \in repose her face looked relaxed\"" synonyms: rest; relaxation; inactivity; restfulness; stillness; idleness; verb be situated or kept in a particular place. \""the diamond now reposes in the Louvre\"" synonyms: lie; be placed; be set; be situated; be positioned; be supported; rest \""the diamond reposed on a bed of plum velvet\""""; "

sanction

"a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule. \a range of sanctions aimed at deterring insider abuse\"" synonyms: penalty; punishment; deterrent;"""

stentorian

"adjective (of a person\'s voice) loud and powerful. \a stentorian roar\"" synonyms: loud; booming; thundering; thunderous; trumpeting; blaring; roaring; ear-splitting; deafening;"""

pipe dream

"an unattainable or fanciful hope or scheme. \free trade in international aviation will remain a pipe dream\"" synonyms: fantasy; false hope; illusion; delusion; daydream; unrealizable dream; reverie; mirage; castle in the air; castle in Spain; chimera; informalpie in the sky"""

clamor

"demand, shout loudly and insistently. the surging crowds clamoured for attention""

garrulous

"excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. a garrulous cab driver"" synonyms: talkative; loquacious; voluble; verbose; long-winded; chatty"

asinine

"extremely stupid or foolish. \Lydia ignored his asinine remark\"" synonyms: stupid; foolish; pointless; brainless; mindless"""

parlous

"full of danger or uncertainty; precarious. \the parlous state of the economy\"" synonyms: bad; dire; dreadful; awful; terrible; appalling; frightful; grave; serious; desperate; precarious; uncertain; touch-and-go; difficult; unsafe; perilous; dangerous; risky"""

vicissitude

"her husband's sharp vicissitudes of fortune"" synonyms: change; alteration; alternation; transformation; metamorphosis; transmutation; mutation; modification; transition; development; shift; switch; turn; More alternation between opposite or contrasting things. ""the vicissitude of the seasons"""""

incumbent

"necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility. the government realized that it was incumbent on them to act"" synonyms: binding; obligatory; mandatory; necessary; compulsory; required; requisite; essential; imperative ""it is incumbent on the government to give a clear lead"" 2. currently holding office. ""the incumbent President was defeated"" synonyms: current; existing; present; in office; in power; reigning ""the incumbent President had been defeated"" 3.having a sizeable share of a market. ""powerful incumbent airlines""""; "

trifle

"noun a thing of little value or importance. \we needn\'t trouble the headmaster over such trifles\"" synonyms:unimportant thing/matter

sieve

"sift; put (a food substance or other material) through a sieve. sieve the flour and sugar together in a bowl"" synonyms: strain"

gamut

"the complete range or scope of something. \the whole gamut of human emotion\"" synonyms: range; spectrum; span; sweep; compass; scope; area; breadth; width; reach; extent; catalogue; scale; sequence"

verve

"vigour and spirit or enthusiasm. Kollo sings with supreme verve and flexibility"" synonyms: enthusiasm; vigour; energy; pep; dynamism; go; elan; vitality; vivacity; buoyancy; liveliness; animation; sprightliness; zest; sparkle"

saunter

"walk in a slow, relaxed manner. Adam sauntered into the room"" synonyms: stroll; amble; wander; meander; drift; maunder; potter; walk; promenade; ramble"""

confer

(1) to discuss something important in order to make a decision discuss, deliberate, consult (2) to give (something, such as a degree, award, title, right, etc.) to someone or something bestow

concomitant

(adj) accompanying especially in a subordinate or incidental way Examples hunger, a lack of education, and other concomitants of poverty disease is all too often one of the concomitants of poverty Synonyms: accompanying, attendant, attending, coexistent, coexisting, coincidental, coincident, concurrent Synonyms: attendant, companion, accompaniment, corollary, incident, obbligato

pursuant

in accordance with (a law or a legal document or resolution). \the local authority applied for care orders pursuant to section 31 of the Children Act 1989\" following; going in pursuit."

insurmountable

incapable of being surmounted : insuperable Synonyms: bulletproof, impregnable,indomitable, insuperable, invincible,invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable,unstoppable

insuperable

incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved <insuperable difficulties> Examples the building project ran into insuperable financial difficulties and had to be scrapped insuperable problems have arisen which make it very unlikely that we will ever finish this project

overarching

including or influencing everypart of something Full Definition forming an arch overhead 2 : dominating or embracing all else <overarching goals>

anomalous

inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual

anomalous

inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual 2 a : of uncertain nature or classification b : marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical Examples that was an anomalous year for the housing industry, so the number of starts is anything but typical an anomalous burst of anger from this usually easy going person Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal,exceptional, atypical, especial, exceeding,extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd,peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare,singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique,unusual, unwonted

untenable

indefensible; not able to be defended ; not able to be occupied an untenable position untenable apartments

besotted

infatuated to make dull or stupid all readybesotted with drink

in lieu

instead of He gave us an IOU in lieu of cash.

foment

instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action). \they accused him of fomenting political unrest\" synonyms:instigate

foment

instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action). they accused him of fomenting political unrest""

visceral

instinctive obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation Synonyms:intuitive, nonrationalillogical, unlogical lacking in correct logical relation characterized by or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect: a visceral reaction.

veracity

integrity, probity, truthfulness, honesty, verity Examples her innate veracity is beyond question I challenge the veracity of many of the quotations in his memoirs, for he recreates conversations that occurred decades ago There is not the least bit of controversy regarding the veracity of these events, by the way. It is all well documented, and there are still many around who remember these events vividly.

seething

intensely hot : boiling < a seething inferno> constantly moving or active : agitated

lo and behold

interjection€"used to express wonder or surprise example: and lo and behold, there was a lot of evidence that they would.

vest

intransitive verb 1 : to become legally vested 2 : to put on garments or vestments Synonyms: accredit, certify, charter [British], commission, empower, enable, invest, license (also licence), qualify, authorize, warrant

cognitive

involving conscious intellectual activity (as thinking, reasoning, orremembering) cognitive impairment when star performers were compared with average ones in senior leadership positions, nearly 90% of the difference in their profiles are attributable to emotional intelligence factors rather than cognitive abilities.

laborious

involving or characterized by hard or toilsome effort : labored Examples the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill Synonyms: active, assiduous,bustling, diligent, employed,engaged, hopping, industrious,busy, occupied, sedulous, tied-up,working

whit

iota, modicum, bit the smallest amount or part imaginable I care not a whit about what other people think

raring

itching, enthusiatic, eager, anxious Since you will be raring to go, it is a good idea to choose worthy destinations. At first, the apparition is happy to be free of his physical constraints and is raring to change the fortunes of any and all.

dissemblance

lack of resemblance : dissimilitude

dissimilitude

lack of resemblance Examples there\'s a real dissimilitude between literature and film, and a critic shouldn\'t evaluate one in terms of the other Synonyms: contrast, disagreement, discrepancy, disparateness, disparity, dissimilarity, difference,

listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out Synonyms enervated, lackadaisical,languid, languishing, languorous, limp,spiritless

diffident

lacking confidence : not feeling comfortable around people: very careful about acting or speaking Examples She was diffident about stating her opinion. for someone who makes a living performing for other people, the actress is remarkably diffident in real life

disinegenuos

lacking in candor; also : giving a false appearance of simple frankness : calculating

base

lacking or indicating the lack of higher qualities of mind or spirit :ignoble b : lacking higher values : degrading a drab base way of life Synonyms: ignoble, contemptible, currish, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable, ignominious, low, low-down, low-minded, mean, nasty, paltry, snide, sordid, vile, wretched

banal

lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : example: please find new ways of phrasing your thoughts instead of relying on banal expressions

crass

lacking sensitivity, refinement or intelligence example: he attracted crass comments from the audience tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar

transient

lasting only for a short time had transient thoughts of suicide but never acted upon them not lasting long: staying somewhere only a shorttime

stratum

layer, level startum 1 server of NTP passes info to startum 2 and then to strata n one of the segments of society into which people are grouped the lower strata of society have been hit especially hard by this economic downturn

nondescript

leaving distinctive or interesting features or characteristics unremarkable, unexceptional

amenable

liable to be brought to account: answerable citizens amenable to the law 2 a : capable of submission (as to judgment or test) : suited the data is amenable to analysis b : readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperate a government not amenable to change

inimical

likely to cause damage or have a bad effect not friendly Full Definition being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence forces inimical to democracy Synonyms adversarial, adversary, antagonistic, antipathetic,inhospitable, hostile, jaundiced,mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic

contentious

likely to cause disagreement or argument gun control is likely to be a contentious subject in any group discussion Synonyms: aggressive, agonistic,argumentative, assaultive, bellicose, brawly,chippy, combative, confrontational,belligerent, discordant, disputatious, feisty,gladiatorial, militant, pugnacious,

esoteric

limited to a small circle <engaging in esoteric pursuits> b : private, confidential <an esoteric purpose> Examples metaphysics is such an esotericsubject that most people arecontent to leave it to thephilosophers

ebullient

lively and enthusiastic

subterranean

located or living under the surface of the ground : existing or working in secret

retroactive

made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition Examples They all received a retroactive pay raise. The new tax will be retroactive to January 1.

facetious

making light of something usuallyregarded as serious or sacred a facetious and tasteless remark aboutpeople in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating Synonyms cute, flippant, flip, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-ass, smart-assed, smarty-pants, wise, wiseass

steep

marinate; soak (food or tea) in water or other liquid so as to extract its flavour or to soften it. \the chillies are steeped in olive oil\" synonyms:marinade

tendentious

marked by a tendency in favor of aparticular point of view : biased

cookie-cutter

marked by lack of originality or distinction

penurious

marked by or suffering from penury/poverty parsimonious synonyms see stingy Examples the company\'s penurious management could not be convinced of the need to earmark more money for research and development the most penurious members of the community are forced to depend on the services of the food bank

stalwart

marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit Synonyms: bold, courageous, dauntless,doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted,gutsy, gutty, heroic (also heroical), intrepid, lionhearted, manful, brave, stout, stouthearted, undauntable, undaunted,valiant, valorous

febrile

marked or caused by fever : feverish

febrile

marked or caused by fever : feverish a febrile reaction caused by an allergy

histrionic

melodramatic, overact, theatrical

wanton

merciless, inhumane wanton cruelty What happened next€"the slaughter of the family and servants€"was one of the seminal events of the 20th century, a wanton massacre that shocked the world and still inspires a terrible fascination today

meld

merge, blend blend, mixture

sundry

miscellaneous, various <sundry articles> of various items not important enough to mentioned individually a drugstore selling magazines, newspapers and sundries

dilapidated

miserable, moth-eaten, neglected,ratty, run-down, scrubby, scruffy,seedy, sleazy, tacky, Examples a dilapidated car that had seen better days to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin furniture is dilapidated by use €" Janet Flanner

proselytize

missionize; brainwash, influence, sway; propagate Examples He uses his position to proselytize for the causes that he supports. the efforts of early missionaries to proselytize the Native Americans of Minnesota were largely unproductive

tepid

moderately warm : lukewarm eg. a tepid bath 2 a : lacking in passion, force, or zest eg. tepid poetry b : marked by an absence of enthusiasm or conviction eg. a tepid interest a tepid response

befuddle

most of the applicants were befuddled by the wording of one of the questions on the driving test Synonyms addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, confuse, bemuse, bewilder,

cerebral

much given to learning and thinking a very cerebral jurist who has given much thought to what makes our nation\'s constitution work Synonyms blue, intellectual,eggheaded, geeky, highbrow,highbrowed, intellectualist,

cerebral

much given to learning and thinking intellectual a very cerebral jurist who has given much thought to what makes our nation\'s constitution work

passe

no longer fashionable or popular 1 : past one\'s prime 2 a : outmoded b : behind the times Examples That style of music is now considered passÃ©. that literary style is a bit passÃ© nowadays

untenable

not able to be defended 2 : not able to be occupied the purported reason for maintaining law and order at the expense of people's right to free flow information and freedom of expression seems untenable

inexorable

not able to be stopped or changed : not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped : relentless inexorable progress>

tenuous

not certain, definite, or strong :flimsy, weak, or uncertain: very thin Columnist Bruce Schneier called FBI's case against North Korea tenuous" and noted that a Korean language used may not have been a North Korean dialect"

bashful

not comfortable around people a bashful child who hid in his room whenever there were visitors in the house Synonyms backward, shy, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish, withdrawn

incongruous

not conforming, not harmonious, incompatible

unsullied

not contaminated

intractable

not easily managed, controlled, or solved : not easily relieved or cured 1 : not easily governed, managed, or directed intractable problems 2 : not easily manipulated or wrought intractable metal

extraneous

not forming an essential or vital part b : having no relevance Examples the architect\'s streamlined modern style shuns any sort of extraneous ornamentation the professor would have covered all of the course material if she had refrained from her extraneous remarks on just about everything

extrinsic

not forming part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous b : originating from or on the outside originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole 2 : external Examples the fact that the ring belonged to your grandmother is extrinsic to its value to a jeweler

spurious

not genuine, sincere, or authentic : based on false ideas or bad reasoning Synonyms: bogus, fake, false, forged, inauthentic, phony (also phoney), queer, sham, snide, counterfeit, unauthentic

incongruous

not harmonious : incompatible<incongruous colors> b : not conforming : disagreeing<conduct incongruous with principle> Examples there\'s an incongruous modernism to the actor\'s performance in this period piece incongruous theories about the origins of matter

desultory

not having a plan or purpose : done without serious effort

tacky

not having or exhibiting good taste: a : marked by lack of style : dowdy b : marked by cheap showiness : gaudy a tacky publicity stunt a tacky outfit

unassuming

not having or showing a desireto be noticed, praised, etc. Full Definition : not assuming : modest an unassuming librarian an unassuming manner an unassuming neighborhood Examples a talented but surprisingly unassuming musician

tep·id

not hot and not cold: not energetic or excited

jejune

not interesting, : too simple Synonyms: arid, colorless, drab, dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat, heavy Examples She made jejune remarks about life and art. another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

incontrovertible

not open to question : indisputable

im·plau·si·ble

not plausible : provoking disbelief Synonyms: fantastic (also fantastical),incredible, inconceivable, incredulous,unbelievable, uncompelling, unconceivable,unconvincing, unimaginable, unthinkable

impalpable

not readily discerned by themind <impalpable evils> incapable of being felt by touch : intangible <the impalpable aura of power that emanated from him

inscrutable

not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood : mysterious <an inscrutable smile> <inscrutable motives> Examples the many inscrutable beliefs of that ancient religion ancient oracles typically uttered inscrutable prophecies that could be interpreted almost any way one chose

inconspicuous

not readily noticeable, unobtrusive, invisible,

undocumented

not supported by documentary evidence undocumented expenditures b : lacking documents required forlegal immigration or residence undocumented workers

disingenuous

not truly honest or sincere :giving the false appearance of being honest or sincere Examples Her recent expressions of concern are self-serving and disingenuous.

profligate

noun : a person given to wildly extravagant and usually grossly self-indulgent expenditure Examples a profligate who could not really afford the grand style he maintained at Monticello, Jefferson died deeply in debt Synonyms: fritterer, high roller, prodigal, spender, spendthrift, squanderer, waster, wastrel adjective carelessly and foolishly wastingmoney, materials, etc. : very wasteful Full Definition 1 : wildly extravagant profligate spending 2 : completely given up to dissipationand licentiousness : shamelesslyimmoral leading a profligate life

introspection

noun : a reflective looking inward : an examination of one\'s own thoughts and feelings Examples not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife\'s constant need to discuss their relationship Synonyms: self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching

promenade

noun : a public place for walking especiallyalong verb to walk in a public place for pleasure Examples They promenaded along the beach.

caveat

noun : an explanation or warning that should be remembered when you are doing or thinking about something

herald

noun Synonyms: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler(or gospeller), exponent, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, verb to give notice of : announce <a gongused to herald the new year> <the approach of a cold air mass€¦is heralded by a shift of the wind €" P. E. James> 2 a : to greet especially withenthusiasm : hail doctors are heralding a new drug b : publicize a highly heralded event 3 : to signal the approach of :foreshadow The technology heralded a new age of space exploration Examples Rain heralds the arrival of spring. The technology heralded a new age of space exploration.

profligate

noun a person given to wildly extravagant and usually grossly self-indulgent expenditure adjective wildly extravagant <profligate spending>

discourse

noun verbal interchange of ideas; especially : conversation Synonyms: chat, colloquy, converse, dialogue (also dialog), conversation, discussion, exchange verb to express oneself especially in oral discourse

recourse

noun a temporary replacement if you\'re a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient

hamper

obstruct, inhibit, impede, curb, set back

conspicuous

obvious to the eye, attracting attention, noticeable

axiomatic

obviously true 1 : taken for granted : self-evident an axiomatic truth

long-standing

of long duration (a long-standing dispute)

execrable

of low quality ; extremely unsatisfactory another souvenir shopselling execrable knickknacks manufactured in some foreign sweatshop her execrable singing finally brought a complaint from the neighbors

serville

of or befitting a slave or a menial position 2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : abject Examples had always maintained a servile attitude around people with money

populist

of or relating to a political party that claims to represent ordinary people

aural

of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing Examples a quiet room for people seeking relief fromthe overload of aural stimulus just outside

emotive

of or relating to the emotions 2 : appealing to or expressing emotion

ethereal

of or relating to the regions beyond the earth celestial, heavenly c : unworldly, spiritual lacking material substance : immaterial, Examples that ethereal attribute that every performer should have€"charisma the bakery\'s scrumptious pastries have a wonderfully ethereal consistency a land of ethereal beauty and tranquillity

comatose

of, resembling, or affected with coma 2 : characterized by lethargic inertness : torpid <a comatose economy> Examples the city\'s downtown has been comatose for years Synonyms: dead, sleepy, slow

venerable

old and respected : valued and respected because of old age, longuse, etc. encouraged by the venerable doctor\'s head-nodding

archetype

old, out of use

by and large

on the whole : in general

vassal

one in a subservient or subordinate position

pagan

one who has little or no religionand who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious orhedonistic person

misogynist

one who hates women

maven

one who is experienced or knowledgeable :expert; also : freak 4a. Examples an investment maven, he was doing well even when the market was doing poorly a science-fiction maven who could talk forhours about fictional technology

glazier

one who sets glas

bigot

one who stubbornly or intolerantly adheres to his or her own opinions and prejudices an incorrigible bigot who hasn\'t entertained a new thought in years Synonyms dogmatist, dogmatizer,partisan (also partizan), sectarian

temperament

one\'s characteristic attitude or mood looking for a dog with a sweet temperament Synonyms grain, nature, temper, disposition

overt

open to view : manifest <overt hostility

overt

open to view Examples overt hostility an overtly religious reference

concurrent

operating or occurring at the same time running parallel b : convergent; acting in conjunction sentence : concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air.

novel

original or striking especially in conceptionor style Synonyms: fresh, new, original, strange,unaccustomed, unfamiliar, unheard-of,unknown, unprecedented

vacillate

oscillate; to waver in mind

ectopic

out of place <ectopic lesions>

egregious

outstandingly bad; shocking. egregious abuses of copyright""

apopcleptic

overcome with anger; furious. \Mark was apoplectic with rage at the decision\" synonyms:furious; enraged; overcome with anger; infuriated; in a temper; incensed; raging; "

hindsight

perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

sycophant

person who flatters another in order to get ahead when her career was riding high, the self-deluded actress often mistook sycophants for true friends Synonyms apple-polisher, bootlicker, brownnoser, fawner, flunky (alsoflunkey or flunkie), lickspittle, suck-up, toady

queasy

perturbed, nervous, tense, troubled, uneasy, unquiet, upset, uptight, worried having an unpleasantly nervous or doubtful feeling Examples The boat ride made me a littlequeasy. She complained of a queasystomach. He feels queasy about taking the test.

spite

petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart Examples He is jealous and full of spite. an act of spite You only denied his request out of (pure) spite.

cusp

point, apex: as a : a point of transition (as from one historicalperiod to the next) : turning point; also : edge,verge Examples the cusp of a tooth She is on the cusp of being a star. on the cusp between childhood andadolescence

progenitor

precursor, originator, ancestor the East India company was the progenitor of the modern multinational corporation

precursor

predecessor, forerunner Examples 18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics a precursor of the modern eggplant

preordain

predestine

precedence

priority of importance <yoursafety takes precedence> his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first

innocuous

producing no injury, harmless, innoffensive , insipid

testament

proof or evidence that something exists or is true a tangible proof or tribute Examples the €œbefore€ and €œafter€ pictures are a testament to the effectiveness of the weight loss program

aegis

protection, sponsorship a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company.

unsullied

pure, untarnished

catharsis

purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension

posit

put forward as fact or as a basis for argument. \the Confucian view posits a perfectible human nature\" synonyms:postulate

imperil

put in peril, endanger, compromise, jeopardise Examples The toxic fumes imperiled the lives of the trapped miners. The financial health of the company was imperiled by a string of bad investments. a list of imperiled species

demure

quiet and polite : not attracting or demanding a lot of attention : not showy or flashy Full Definition 1 : reserved, modest 2 : affectedly modest, reserved, or serious : coy Examples She was wearing a demure gray suit. the demure charm of the cottage

radicalize

radical: very different from the usual or traditional : extreme b : favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c : associated with political views,

temerity

rashness, recklessness 2 : a rash or reckless act Examples she had the temerity to ask my boyfriend if she could go out with him should he and I ever break up Synonyms: audaciousness, audacity, brashness

supple

readily adaptable or responsive to new situations 2 a : capable of being bent or folded without creases, cracks, or breaks : pliant <supple leather> b : able to perform bending or twisting movements with ease : limber <supple legs of a dancer>

prominent

readily noticeable : conspicuous

recoup

regain <an attempt to recouphis fortune> Samsung Electronics is poised to recoup its title as the world€™s top maker of smartphones.

pecuniary

relating to or in the form of money

fiduciary

relating to or involving trust(such as the trust between a customer and a professional)

empirical

relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory an empirical basis for thetheory 3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment empirical laws

strenuous

requiring or showing great energy and effort Full Definition 1 a : vigorously active : energetic b : fervent, zealous his most strenuous supporters

oleaginous

resembling or having the properties of oil : oily; also : containingor producing oil 2 : marked by an offensivelyingratiating manner or quality

deference

respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or ingratiating regard for another\'s wishes synonyms see honor in deference to : in consideration of <returned early in deference to her parents\' wishes> Examples the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests

deride

ridicule Examples my brothers derided our efforts, but were forced to eat theirwords when we won first place

cobble

roughly assemble or put together something from available parts or elements thankfully i can cobble together enough experience to be able to apply for the certification

wrack

ruin, destruction 2 : a remnant of something destroyed

preclude

rule out in advance, negate , prevent, impede, thwart Examples Clinton's lawyers cleaned her email devices in such a way as to preclude complete forensic recovery.

categorical

said in a very strong, clear, and definite way Examples He issued a categorical denial about his involvement in the deal. a categorical denial of the rumors that the celebrities were planning to get married

slake

satisfy, quench slake your thirst will slake your curiosity

ingest

sawallow, ruminate, absorb, gulp, digest, imbibe, soak

dearth

scarcity that makes dear; specifically : famine an inadequate supply : lack <a dearth of evidence>

slate

schedule; plan. \London shows are slated for late June\" nominate (someone) as a candidate for an office or post. \"I understand that I am being slated for promotion\" "

collusion

secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose Synonyms: complicity, connivance,conspiracy Examples there was collusion between the twocompanies to fix prices

collusion

secret cooperation for an illegalor dishonest purpose Examples there was collusion between the two companies to fix prices

arcane

secret or mysterious : known or understood by only a few people Examples a theory filled with arcane details grammatical rules that seem arcane to generations of students who were never taught grammar in the first place

arcane

secret or mysterious : knownor understood by only a fewpeople Examples grammatical rules that seem arcane to generations of students who were never taught gramm

pretentious

self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance that pretentious couple always serves caviar at their parties, even though they themselves dislike it

instrumental

serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool <was instrumental in organizing the strike>

instrumental

serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool <was instrumental in organizing the strike> very important in helping or causing something to happen or be done

vi·car·i·ous

serving instead of someone or something else b : that has been delegated <vicarious authority> 2 : performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another : substitutionary <a vicarious sacrifice>

brass

shameless boldness had the brass to demand a refund for something they had broken themselves! Synonyms audaciousness, audacity, brashness, effrontery, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness,

gall

shameless boldness I can\'t believe he had the gall to ask me how much I weigh Synonyms audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness,

ensconce

shelter, conceal <ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms €" MarkTwain> 2 : establish, settle <ensconced in€‹ a new job> Synonyms: install, lodge, nestle, perch, roost, settle Examples The sculpture is safelyensconced behind glass. He ensconced himself in frontof the television.

assiduous

showing great care, attention, and effort Examples the fascinating sight ofassiduous ants carrying food intothe anthill

assiduous

showing great care, attention, and effort Full Definition marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application an assiduous book collector tended her garden with assiduous attention

coy

showing reluctance to make a definite commitment a coy response using coy tricks to attract attention

cue

signal, sign, indication, prompt, reminder, gesture the blinking blue light is my cue to lower the volume

straddle

sit or stand with one leg on either side of. he turned the chair round and straddled it" synonyms: sit/stand astride

guille

skill in achieving one\'s ends throughindirect, subtle, or underhanded means Examples When they couldn\'t win by honest means, they resorted to guile. a shady salesman who usually relies on a combination of quick thinking and guile

industrious

skillful, ingenious 2 : constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied : diligent <an industrious worker>

anathema

someone or something intenselydisliked or loathed €" usually used as a predicate nominative this notion was anathema to most of his countrymen€" S. J. Gould Synonyms curse, ban, execration, imprecation, malediction Examples a politician who is anathema toconservatives ideas that are an anathema to me

contention

something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated : anger and disagreement : a situation in which you have a chance to win something that you are trying to win Examples my contention is that today\'s lower batting averages are the result of better pitching several actresses seem to be in heated contention for the title of €œworst dressed€

archetype

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the abacus is sometimes cited as the archetype of the modern digital calculator Synonyms antecedent, ancestor,daddy, foregoer, forerunner,granddaddy (also grandaddy),precursor, predecessor, prototype

forte

something for which a person shows a special talent doing funny impressions of people has always been my forte Synonyms long suit, mÃ©tier (also metier), speciality, specialty, strong suit, thing

quid pro quo

something given or received for something else; also : a dealarranging a quid pro quo Examples in politics nobody does somethingfor nothing: there\'s always a quidpro quo involved Synonyms: back-and-forth, barter, commutation, dicker, exchange, swap, trade, trade-off, truck

overture

something introductory : prelude the first part of an event : the beginning of something Examples The government has made a significant peace overture by opening the door to negotiation. the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities

connotation

something suggested by a word or thing : implication the connotations of comfort thatsurrounded that old chair undertone

connotation

something suggested by a word or thing : implication <the connotations of comfort that surrounded that old chair>

inflection

something that curves or is curved the inflection of the river is even morevobvious when viewed from the summit of the nearby mountain Synonyms angle, arc, arch, bow, crook,curvature, curve, bend, turn, wind

blight

something that frustrates plans or hopes 3 : something that impairs or destroys 4 : a deteriorated condition Examples

banality

something that is boring or ordinary ; especially : an uninteresting statement : a banal remark : the quality of being ordinary or banal husband\'s infedility is one of life\'s many banalities

synthesis

something that is made by combining different things (such as ideas, styles, etc.) Examples a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought

effusion

something that is said or expressed too much or with a lot of emotion greeted her with great effusion

microcosm

something that is seen as a small version of something much larger Examples The village is a microcosm of thewhole country.

underpinning

something that serves as a foundation :basis, support , cornerstone€" often used in plural Examples the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods

undeepinning

something that serves as a foundation :basis, support €" often used in plural the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into questionthe underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision

blight

something that spoils the appearance orcompleteness of a thing <the expanding urban sprawl is a blight on the countryside> Synonyms blemish, blotch, defect,deformity, disfigurement, excrescence,excrescency, fault, flaw, imperfection,mar, mark, pockmark, scar

strident

sounding harsh and unpleasant : expressing opinions or criticism in a very forceful and often annoying or unpleasant way Full Definition : characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound a strident voice; also : commanding attentionby a loud or obtrusive quality strident slogans

extemporary

spoken or done without preparation improvised, offhand

pervasive

spread throughout: The corruption is so pervasive that it is accepted as the way to do business. pervasive drug use among students creates a climate in the schools that is destructive to learning. pervasive odors of ripening vine, Fill the air like a lusciouswine.

salient

standing out conspicuously : prominent; especially : of notable significance very important or noticeable

austere

stern and cold in appearance or manner an austere Puritan b : somber, grave an austere critic

dogmatism

stubborn or intolerant adherence toone\'s opinions or prejudices it seems as if one foot rested on dogmatism and one on scepticism.

restive

stubbornly resisting control : balky 2 : marked by impatience or uneasiness :fidgety Examples the restive horse threw its head and refused to move when the rider urged it forward spent a restive night worrying about the next day\'s exam

reconnaissance

survey, exploration, scrutiny

veer

swerve, change direction,to turn or steer sharply away from someone or something. The bird veered off from the cluster of trees. The bird veered off and missed hitting the post.

rue

synonyms: regret, be sorry about, feel apologetic/remorseful about, feel remorse for, repent of Ferguson will rue the day he turned down that offer\

tenable

synonyms:defensible, justifiable, defendable,supportable, sustainable,maintainable, arguable, able to hold water, reasonable, rational,

rend

tear (something) into pieces. \snapping teeth that would rend human flesh to shreds\" \"you tell me this in order to make me able to betray you without rending my heart\" \"he rent the branch out of the tree\""

discretion

the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters we\'ll rely on your discretion in handling this accusation of cheating Synonyms discreetness, common sense,

reparation

the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury b : something done or given as amends or satisfaction 3 : the payment of damages : indemnification; specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation

larceny

the act of stealing something Examples He was arrested and charged with larceny. He has been accused of several larcenies.

ascension

the act or process of ascending Examples her ascension from the freshman to the varsity team was evidence of how much she had improved in one season

perusal

the action of reading or examining something reading, study,

ward

the action or process of guarding The men had no uniforms, so they wore ordinary clothes: coats to ward off the early morning chill and large brimmed hats

egress

the action or right of going or coming out 2 : a place or means of going out :exit a way to get out of a place or the act of leaving a place Examples The auditorium is designed to provide easy egress in an emergency. the only egress from the nightclub was a dark, narrow stairway to the street below

vocation

the activity by which one regularly makes a living Synonyms calling, employment, game, lay, line, profession, trade, occupation, work

braggadocio

the annoying or exaggerated talk of someone who is trying to sound very proud or brave Examples a loud mouthed braggart who hid his cowardice with braggadocio his braggadocio hid the fact that he felt personally inadequate

substrate

the base on which an organism lives

nihilism

the belief that a society\'s political and social institutions are so bad that they should be destroyed

paragon

the best of its kind Even with the rise of Kobe Bryant, many still believe that Michael Jordan is the paragonfor basketball players.

quintessential

the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form

antithesis

the exact opposite of something or someone: the state of two things that are directly opposite to each other

bearing

the fact or state of being pertinent<these new facts have some bearingon the case> Synonyms applicability, pertinence, connection, materiality, relevance, relevancy, correlation

pinnacle

the highest point of development or achievement : acme

levy

the imposition or collection of an assessment Synonyms: assessment, duty, imposition, impost, tax Examples The government imposed a levy on gasoline. the legislators approved a new levy on imported cattle to help protect American ranchers

wherewithal

the money, skill, etc., that is neededto get or do something : means, resources; specifically : money didn't have the wherewithal for an expensive dinner

heyday

the period of one\'s greatest popularity,vigor, or prosperity Synonyms: blossom, florescence, floruit,flower, flush, bloom, high noon, prime, salad days, springtime

domicile

the place where you live : yourhome Full Definition 1 : a dwelling place : place ofresidence : home2 a : a person\'s fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes b : residence 2b Examples You will need to report your change of domicile to your insurance company. Students must establish a domicile in the state to be eligible for reduced tuition.

nadir

the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and verticallydownward from the observer 2 : the lowest point Examples The relationship between the two countries reached a nadir in the 1920s. the discussion really reached its nadir when people resorted to name-calling

volition

the power of choosing or determining : will left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated

clout

the power to influence or control situations Examples She used her political clout to have another school built. britain lost its clout with the advent of bogger auper power countries By not only keeping abreast of news, but providing detailed analysis of products being offered, GetVoiP is able to generate traffic to their site and increase their clout with businesses. The more online clout you have as a business, the more money you€™ll make.

volition

the power to make your own choices or decisions Synonyms accord, autonomy, choice, self-determination, free will, will left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated

brinksmanship

the practice of causing or allowing a situation to become extremely dangerous in order to get the results that you want Examples two nations caught up in nuclear brinksmanship

pretexting

the practice of presenting oneself as someone else in order to obtain private information

brunt

the principal force, shock, or stress (as of an attack) 2 : the greater part : burden Examples Cities on the coast felt/bore the brunt of thestorm .His troops took the brunt of the enemyattack. The brunt of his criticism was directed at the supervisors.

ebullient

the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings : exuberance

laxity

the quality or state of being lax/careless/loose/carefree/slack

tedium

the quality or state of being tedious or boring Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being tedious : tediousness; also : boredom 2 : a tedious period of time Examples The movie was three hours of tedium. I took a day off to relieve the tedium of work.

currency

the quality or state of beingcurrent : currentness management, along with IS auditors, should review all policies periodically for currency

ether

the rarefied element formerly believed to fill the upper regions of space the upper regions of space : heavens Example The balloon disappeared into the ether. plucked an answer out of the ether broadcasting radio signals into the ether

turnover

the rate at which employees leave a workforce and are replaced. high staff turnover left the program with too many young instructors" synonyms: rate of replacement

iota

the smallest amount or part imaginable there\'s not an iota of doubt regarding the defendant\'s guilt

triage

the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care 2 : the assigning of priority order to projects on the basis of where funds and other resources can be best used, are most needed, or are most likely to achieve success

verve

the spirit and enthusiasmanimating artistic composition orperformance : vivacity b : energy, vitality Examples She played with skill and verve.

stratification

the state of being divided into social classes: the state of having many layers

primacy

the state of being most important or strongest Examples the primacy of calcium for building strong bones Synonyms: distinction,dominance, noteworthiness,

contrition

the state of feeling remorseful and penitent or contrite synonyms:remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, penitence, sorrow, sorrowfulness, regret, ruefulness, pangs of conscience; Examples Were her tears a true sign of contrition? once again she heard her abusive husband\'s tearful expressions of contrition

celibacy

the state of not being married 2 a : abstention from sexual intercourse b : abstention by vow from marriage Examples a widower who has maintainedabsolute celibacy since thedeath of his wife

tutelage

the teaching of an individual student by a teacher : an act of guarding or protecting something : helpful influence or guidance Examples a governess overseeing thetutelage of the family\'s children

duress

the use of power to impose one\'s will on another complied with the order only under duress Synonyms arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure

mull

think about (something) deeply or consider and at length. \she began to mull over the various possibilities\" synonyms:ponder

baleful

threatening harm or evil : harmful or deadly Full Definition 1 : deadly or pernicious in influence baleful effects 2 : foreboding or threatening evila baleful look Examples the baleful effects of water pollution a dark, baleful sky portending a tornado

protuberance

thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded mass : prominent <protuberant eyes>

abjure

to abstain from : avoid <abjure extravagance> Examples abjured some long-held beliefs when she converted to another religion a strict religious sect that abjures theluxuries, comforts, and conveniences of the modern world

vituperative

to abuse or censure severely or abusively

ti·rade

to abuse or censure severely or abusively Synonyms: abuse, assail, bash, belabor,

concert

to act in harmony or conjunction Synonyms: arrange, bargain,negotiate Banks can lower costs and enable growth through service model innovation€"especially when applied in concert with sophisticated marketing, analytics and integrated multichannel distribution.

bode

to announce beforehand : foretell 2 : to indicate by signs

obviate

to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action) Examples brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist

spat

to argue or fight : to have a spat Examples They were typical sisters, spatting one minute, playing together the next. we tend to spat over money more than anything else Synonyms: altercate, argufy, bicker, brabble, brawl, controvert, dispute, fall out, fight, hassle, jar, quarrel, quibble, row, scrap, argue, squabble, tiff, wrangle

incense

to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

supplicate

to ask humbly and earnestly of Examples the minister reminded his flockthat God is a being to be obeyedand worshipped always and notjust someone to be supplicatedin times of trouble

lambaste

to assault violently : beat, whip attack verbally : censure

enshrine

to assign a high status or value to some teachers tend to enshrine their personal preferences as sacred rules of English grammar Synonyms aggrandize, canonize, deify, dignify, elevate, ennoble, exalt, ensky, enthrone, glorify, magnify Related Words boost, lift, promote, raise, upgrade, uplift; heighten, intensify; idealize, romanticize, sanitize, sugarcoat; acclaim, extol(also extoll), honor, laud, praise

imbibe

to assimilate or take into solution drink b : to take in or up Examples an array of colorful and tasty drinks for party guests to imbibe plants can imbibe water through their roots

abet

to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose to help, encourage, or support someone in a criminal act Examples She abetted the thief in his getaway. Did he abet the commission of acrime? Their actions were shown to abet terrorism.

Smitten

to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously 3 : to cause to strike 4 : to affect as if by striking 5 : captivate, take Examples He vowed that he would smite his enemy. Misfortune smote him and all his family. He smote the ball mightily.

accost

to attack someone verbally in a bold or aggressive way. An example of the word accost would be a person on a bus yelling at someone in order to get his seat. I was once accosted and grilled by the ( constantly patrolling ) security guards just for taking pictures!

eschew

to avoid habitually especially on <a class=d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral[1]">moral</a> or <a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practical[1]">practical</a> grounds"

prevaricate

to avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question Examples during the hearings the witness was willing to prevaricate in order to protect his friend

brim/brimming

to be copiously supplied a secondhand bookstore that was brimming with bargains Synonyms abound, bristle, bulge,burst, bustle, buzz, crawl, hum,overflow, pullulate, swarm, teem

percolate

to be diffused through : penetrate to spread gradually Synonyms: bleed, ooze, exude, seep, strain,sweat, transude, weep

gravitate

to be drawn or attracted especially by natural inclination There is so much momentum behind Samsung and Galaxy S that many consumers -- particularly ones who don\'t avidly read tech Web sites such as CNET -- will simply gravitate toward the Galaxy S4 on name recognition alone.

reel

to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud Synonyms spin, swim, turn, whirl Related Words swirl to move forward while swaying fromside to side got off the amusement park ride reeling and barely able tostand Synonyms careen, dodder, lurch,stagger, teeter, totter, waddle

tank

to be very unsuccessful : to failcompletely : to make no effort to win a contest (such as a tennis match) : to deliberately lose a game, match, etc. Examples Some people say she deliberately tanked the match. Some people have accused her of tanking.

catapult

to become catapulted Examples They catapulted rocks toward the castle. The publicity catapulted her CD to the top of the charts. The novel catapulted him from unknown tobest-selling author. Synonyms: cast, throw, chuck, dash, fire,fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, lob, loft, peg,pelt, pitch, sling, toss

marvel

to become filled with surprise,wonder, or amazed curiosity <marveled at the magician\'s skill> to feel astonishment or perplexity at or about <marveled that they had escaped>

transpire

to become known or apparent to happen : to become known Examples please tell me what transpired on the night of October 1

go to rack and ruin \\ go to wrack and ruin

to become ruined. (The words rack and wrack mean \wreckage\" and are found only in this expression.) That lovely old house on the corner is going to go to rack and ruin. My lawn is going to wrack and ruin."

devolve

to become worse or of less value the once-lovely neighborhood has devolved into a squalid slum Synonyms atrophy, crumble, decay, decline, degenerate, descend,

precipitate

to bring about especially abruptly precipitate a scandal that wouldend with his expulsion to cause (something) to happen quickly or suddenly

harken

to bring back to mind let\'s harken back to what we learned last week Synonyms flash back (to), hark back (to), remember (to), hearken back (to), mind [chiefly dialect], recall, recollect, reminisce (about), reproduce, think (of)

scourge

to bring destruction to (something)through violent action barbarians scourged the countryside, leaving village after village burned to the ground Synonyms destroy, devastate, ruin,ravage

attune

to bring into harmony : tune 2 : to make aware or responsive <attune businesses to changing trends> Examples after years spent in academia, he\'s finding it difficult to attune himself to the corporate culture

educe

to bring out (as something latent) Examples the gift of a puppy finally educed a response from the shy boy

evoke

to call forth or up: conjure 2a to cite especially with approval or for support to bring to mind or recollection 2 : to re-create imaginatively

countermand

to cancel (an order) especially by giving a new order Examples Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded.

prosecute

to carry through (as a process) to completion the neurologists plan to prosecute their research for as long as funding remains available Synonyms accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute

impeach

to cast doubt on; especially : tochallenge the credibility or validityof accuse <impeach the testimony of awitness>

deter

to cause (someone) to decide not to do something : to prevent (something) from happening Examples we tried to deter him from hiscrazy scheme, but to no avail serving to deter <a deterrent effect>

lull

to cause (someone) to fall asleep or become sleepy : to cause (someone) to feel safe and relaxed instead of careful and alert 1 : to cause to sleep or rest : soothe He was lulled to sleep by her soothing voice. 2 : to cause to relax vigilance were lulled into a false sense of security

impel

to cause (someone) to feel a strong need or desire to do something force <felt impelled to correct the misconception> Examples gasoline impels a car\'s engine I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be

deflect

to cause (something that is moving) to change direction : to hit something and suddenly change direction Examples the wind deflected the Frisbee just as I was about to lunge for it

wreak

to cause (something veryharmful or damaging) Examples Gangs have been wreakingmayhem in the city. The hurricane wreaked terribledamage/destruction on coastalcities.

upend

to cause (something) to be upside down the team won the division play-offs, but was upended in the final championship game we had to upend the sofa inorder to fit it into the elevator HSBC is not the only company to try to project the responsible company image only to be upended by the bad behavior of some of its staff

wreak havoc (with something)

to cause a lot of trouble with something; to ruin or damage something. Your bad attitude will wreak havoc with my project. The rainy weather wreaked havoc with our picnic plans.

Harrow

to cause persistent suffering to the villagers were gaunt and sickly, harrowed by years of disease and starvation Synonyms agonize, anguish, bedevil, beset, besiege, curse, excruciate, afflict, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture

engender

to cause to exist or to develop : produce <policies that have engendered controversy> to assume form : originate a suggestion to go out for pizza that didn\'t seem to engender any interest feelings of confidence and independence that were only just beginning to engender within her

deranged

to cause to go insane or as if insane being stranded at night on a lonelyroad would derange anyone Synonyms crack, craze, frenzy, loco,madden, unbalance, unhinge, unstring to undo the proper order or arrangement of the storage room had all been deranged by the earthquake, and it took hours to sort out things Synonyms confuse, disorder,disarrange, disarray, discompose,dishevel, disjoint, dislocate, disorganize,

expurgate

to change (a written work) by removing parts that might offendpeople to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation an expurgated edition of the letters>

veer

to change direction or course

draft

to choose (someone) for a special purpose : to officially order (someone) to join the armed forces The drama club drafted three teenagers to be in the parade.

convene

to come together in a group for a meeting convened the members of the council for an emergency session

descry

to come upon after searching, study, or effort we couldn\'t descry the reasons for his sudden departure Synonyms ascertain, find, detect, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find out, get,

whinge

to complain in an annoying way Examples Quit whinging and get on with the job.People were whinging about thelack of service.

fulminate

to complain loudly or angrily Synonyms: bluster, rant, huff,rave, spout example Public officials across the political spectrum fulminated against the perceived security threat.

reverberate

to continue or be repeated in a series of reflected sound waves the sound of thunder reverberated from one end of the mountain pass to the other Synonyms echo, reecho, resonate,resound, sound

dissuade

to convince (someone) not to do something a : to advise (a person) against something Examples tried to dissuade her from her intention to drop out of college

adulterate

to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element

adulterate

to corrupt, debase, or makeimpure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element;

gild

to cover (something) with a thin layer of gold

pan

to criticize severely the show was panned Synonyms blame, censure, condemn, denounce, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, criticize, reprehend, slag [chiefly British]

blight

to damage (a thing or place) the condition that has blighted his son\'s life €" Patricia Guthrie

fray

to damage or diminish by continued friction constant rubbing against the rock face has badly frayed our climbing rope a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS

sully/sullied

to damage or ruin the goodquality of (something)

avow

to declare assuredly she avowed her innocence 2 : to declare openly, bluntly, andwithout shame ever ready to avow his reactionary outlook synonyms see acknowledge, assert

repudiate

to declare not to be true vigorously repudiated the charge that she hadlied on her rÃ©sumÃ© Synonyms contradict, disaffirm,disallow, disavow, disclaim,disconfirm, disown, gainsay, negate,negative, refute, reject, deny

stud

to decorate or cover(something) with many small items a sky studded with stars> <a careerstudded with honors>

spangle

to decorate or cover(something) with many small,shiny objects the grass floor spangled with fallen petals

wane

to decrease in size, extent, ordegree : dwindle: as a : to diminish in phase or intensity€" used chiefly of the moon, othersatellites, and inferior planets

parry

to defend yourself by turning or pushing aside (a punch, a weapon, etc.) : to avoid giving a direct answerto (a question) by being skillful or clever Examples He parried the thrust of his opponent\'s sword. He parried and then threw a punch. She cleverly parried the reporters\' questions.

dehumanize

to deprive of human qualities, personality, or spirit Examples being deprived of clothes dehumanized the prisoners

lobotomize

to deprive of sensitivity, intelligence, or vitality <fear of prosecution was causing the press to lobotomize itself €" Tony Eprile>

divest

to deprive or dispossess especially of property, authority, or title b : to undress or strip especially of clothing, ornament, or equipment c : rid, free 2 : to take away from a person he was divested of the boxing title when the fraud was uncovered

raze

to destroy (something, such as a building) completely Examples an entire city block razed by a terrible fire the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

delve

to dig or labor with or as if with a spade 2 a : to make a careful or detailed search for information delved into the past b : to examine a subject in detail the book delves into the latest research

peter

to diminish, wane, dwindle

remonstrate

to disagree and argue or complain about something

acquit

to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation)

execrate

to dislike and criticize (someone or something) very strongly Full Definition transitive verb1 : to declare to be evil or detestable: denounce 2 : to detest utterly Examples She came to execrate the hypocritical values of her upper-class upbringing. leaders from around the world execrated the terrorists responsible for the bomb blast

recuse

to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case ; broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest

recuse

to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case; broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest

affront

to do or say something that shows a lack of respect to face in defiance : confront <affront death> a deliberate offense : insult<an affront to his dignity> Examples He was affronted by her rude behavior. did not mean to affront you when I told you I didn\'t need your help

elicit

to draw forth or bring out (somethinglatent or potential) 2 : to call forth or draw out (as information or a response) Examples the role elicited the actress\'s flair for comedy that previous directors had overlooked

bedizen

to dress or adorn gaudily Examples an elderly actress bedizening herself with makeup and jewelry

desiccate

to dry up 2 : to preserve (a food) by drying : dehydrate 3 : to drain of emotional or intellectual vitalityintransitive verb : to become dried up Examples that historian\'s dryasdust prose desiccates what is actually an exciting period in European history add a cup of desiccated coconutto the mix

reek

to emit smoke or vapor exude, give off it is very solidly constructed and reek\'s of quality

adorn

to enhance the appearance of especially with beautiful objects Examples Her paintings adorn the walls. They adorned themselves with jewelry.

substantiate

to establish by proof orcompetent evidence : verify substantiate a charge to prove the truth of (something)

parry

to evade or turn aside something

barter

to exchange things (such as products or services) for other things instead of for money trade, swap, exchange she qould barter her freedom for marrying the qealthy man

ostracize

to exclude from a group by common consent

imply

to express (something) in anindirect way : to suggest(something) without saying orshowing it plainly: to include or involve(something) as a natural ornecessary part or result

decry

to express scornfully one\'s low opinion of scientists were quick to decry the claims of the psychic Synonyms bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate

espouse

to express support for after working among them for two years in the Peace Corps, she felt compelled to espousethe peasants' cause for socialjustice

pry

to extract, detach, or open with difficulty pried the secret out of my sister

venerate

to feel or show deep respect for (someone or something that is considered great, holy, etc.) Examples a writer venerated by generations of admirers She is venerated as a saint.

steel

to fill with courage or strength of purpose hoped that his inspirational talk would steel the youths in the pursuit of their dreams steeled herself to face the crisis

steel

to fill with courage or strength of purpose hoped that his inspirational talk would steel the youths in the pursuit of their dreams Related Words animate, enliven,invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce

mesh

to fit or work together properly; compliment Examples They meshed traditions from several cultures into one wedding ceremony. The book tries to mesh philosophy and/with humor. The two plans mesh well/nicely.

prosecute

to follow to the end : pursue until finished to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law Examples the neurologists plan to prosecute their research for as long as funding remains available Synonyms: accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out

prosecute

to follow to the end : pursueuntil finished <prosecute a war>2 : to engage in : perform the neurologists plan to prosecute their research for as long as funding remains available

disenthral

to free from bondage : liberate Examples we must disenthrall ourselves fromtime-honored ways of doing things, or we will never progress as a society Synonyms: discharge, free (also disenthral), emancipate, enfranchise, enlarge, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

unfetter

to free from fetters <unfetter a prisoner emancipate, liberate <unfetter the mind from prejudice> Examples authorities eventually unfettered the menagerie of wild animals that had been kept illegally as pets

ingratiate

to gain favor or approval for (yourself) by doing or saying things that people like ingratiate themselves with the community leaders

graft

to get (illicit gain) by graft the acquisition of gain (as money) in dishonest or questionable ways; also : illegal or unfair gain

eke

to get with great difficulty €" usually used with out eke out a living

eke

to get with great difficulty €" usually used with out eke out a living

portend

to give an omen or anticipatory sign of to be a sign or warning that something usually bad or unpleasant is going to happen 2 : indicate, signify Examples The distant thunder portended a storm. If you\'re superstitious, a black cat portends trouble.

apprise

to give information to let me apprise you of the current situation Synonyms acquaint, advise,enlighten, brief, catch up, clear, clue(in), familiarize, fill in, hip, inform,

reprieve

to give relief or deliverance to for a time The lunch break is a sacred time of reprieve that many of us look forward to from the moment we step into the office.

shore

to give support to : brace €" usually used with up <trying to shore up his claim>

careen

to go forward quickly without control 1 : to put (a ship or boat) on a beach especially in order to clean, caulk, or repair the hull to sway from side to side : lurch a careening carriage being pulledwildly€¦by a team of runaway horses€" J. P. Getty Examples the sled careened as it barreled down the hill he careened unsteadily to the couch after hitting his head

contravene

to go or act contrary to : violate <contravene a law> 2 : to oppose in argument : contradict <contravene a proposition> Examples the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

sap

to gradually diminish the supply or intensity of sapped her strength to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of the illness sapped him of his stamina

perscute

to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches : pester Examples people who were persecuted simply for practicing their religious faiths he likes to persecute her sister with pointless, annoying questions at very inopportune times

persecute

to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; Examples people who were persecuted simply for practicing their religious faith she likes to persecute her sister with pointless, annoying questions at very inopportune times

jar

to have a harsh or unpleasant effecton someone or something : to hit or shake (something) forcefully : to make (someone) feel uneasy jar·ring·ly \\ËˆjÃ¤r-iÅ‹-lÄ"\\ adverb Examples The loss jarred his confidence in the team. The earthquake jarred the tiles loose. The tiles jarred loose in the earthquake.

subsume

to have as part of a whole games and team sports are subsumed underthe classification of€œrecreation€ Synonyms carry, comprehend, contain, embrace, encompass, entail, involve, number, include, take in to include or place within something larger or more comprehensive :encompass as a subordinate or component element red, green, and yellow are subsumed under the term€œcolor€

abet

to help, encourage, or support someone in a criminal act Examples She abetted the thief in his getaway. Did he abet the commission of a crime? Their actions were shown to abet terrorism. Synonyms: incite, brew, ferment,foment, instigate, pick, provoke,raise, stir (up), whip (up)

smite

to hit (someone or something) very hard Misfortune smote him and all hisfamily. He smote the ball mightily.

stunt

to hold back the normal growth of unfortunately, an unusually dry summer seems to have permanently stunted the tree

undergird

to hold up or serve as a foundation for the theory of evolution undergirds virtually all of modern biology Synonyms: bear, bolster, brace, buttress, carry, prop (up), shore (up), stay, sustain, support, underpin, uphold

prepossesing

to impress favorably beforehand or at the outset.

internalize

to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self asconscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization

enamor

to inflame with love €" usually used in the passive with of

derogate

to insult (someone or something) : to say or suggest that (something or someone) is not important or worthy of respect

affront

to insult especially to the face by behavior or language to cause offense to laws that affront society>2 : to face in defiance : confront affront death

browbeat

to intimidate or disconcert by a sternmanner or arrogant speech : bully to use threats or angry speech to make (someone) do or accept something

embroil

to involve in conflict or difficulties <a program embroiled in controversy>

earmark

to keep or intend for a specialpurpose <the earnings from mysecond job have been earmarked for a down payment on a car> Synonyms allocate, consecrate, dedicate, devote, give up (to), reserve, save, set by

snicker

to laugh in a covert or partly suppressed manner :

impute

to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly 2 : to credit to a person or a cause : attribute Examples people often impute his silence to unfriendliness and not to the shyness it really represents

defect

to leave a country, political party, organization, etc., and go to a different one that is a competitor or an enemy

drivel

to let saliva dribble from the mouth : slaver 2 : to talk stupidly and carelessly nonsense Examples What is he driveling about now? a driveling idiot

lade

to load heavily or oppressively, load example the trucks were heavily laden with produce for the market

peer

to look narrowly or curiously; especially : to look searchingly at something difficult to discern 2 : to come slightly into view : emergepartly peer into someone\'s eyes Synonyms blink, gawk, gawp [chiefly British], gaze, goggle, gape, rubberneck, stare

swoon

to lose consciousness whenever theyoung woman swooned, she always seemed to manage falling into the armsof a good-looking man Synonyms black out, conk (out), keel(over), pass out, faint

prime

to make (someone) ready to do something to make (something) ready for use Examples She was obviously primed for the questions at the press conference. Both teams are primed for battle and ready to play. We sanded and primed the woodwork before painting.

frazzled

to make (someone) very nervous or upset : burnout, collapse,exhaustion, fatigue, lassitude,prostration, tiredness, weariness

vitiate

to make (something) lesseffective : to ruin or spoil (something) 1 : to make faulty or defective :impair the comic impact is vitiated by obvious haste €" William Styron 2 : to debase in moral or aesthetic status a mind vitiated by prejudice 3 : to make ineffective fraud vitiates a contract

subverse

to make (something) weaker or less effective 1 : to overturn or overthrow from thefoundation : ruin Examples by insisting that she pay me forhelping her, she subverted my nobledesire to do a good deed withoutreward

ameliorate

to make (something, such as a problem) better, less painful, etc. Examples trying to ameliorate the suffering of people who have lost their jobs This medicine should help ameliorate the pain. Synonyms: improve, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade

slanderous

to make a false spoken statementthat causes people to have a bad opinion of someone Examples She is being sued for slander. He was a target of slander. We\'ve heard countless unsupported slanders about her.

harry

to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : assault 2 : to force to move along by harassing harrying the terrified horses down out of the mountains €" R. A. Sokolov 3 : to torment by or as if by constant attack

rile

to make agitated and angry : upset Examples Her comments riled the professor.It doesn\'t take much to get him riled up.His antics got the kids all riled up.

recant

to make an open confession of error to publicly say that you no longer have an opinion or belief that you once had Examples Church officials asked the minister to recant. Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper.

besmirch

to make dirty contaminate, defile,pollute, taint; discolor; confuse,disarrange, disarray, dishevel, inconsiderately besmirched the white bedsheets with their dirty feet Synonyms befoul, begrime, bemire,dirty, blacken, daub,

inebriate

to make drunk : intoxicate Examples those inebriate sports fans who yell and scream throughout the game

desensitize

to make emotionally insensitive or callous; to extinguish an emotional response (as of fear, anxiety, or guilt) to stimuli that formerly induced it

underscore

to make evident : emphasize,stress <arrived early to underscorethe importance of the occasion>

manifest

to make evident or certain by showing or displaying Examples Both sides have manifested a stubborn unwillingness to compromise. Their religious beliefs are manifested in every aspect of their lives. Love manifests itself in many differen tways.

moor

to make fast with or as if with cables, lines, or anchors : anchor intransitive verb 1 : to secure a boat by mooring : anchor

augment

to make greater, more numerous,larger, or more intense the impact of the report was augmented by its timing

whet

to make keen or more acute :excite, stimulate <whet theappetite> <whetted her curiosity>

promulgate

to make known openly or publicly the encyclical that promulgated the church's position on artificial birth control Synonyms advertise, annunciate,blare, blaze, blazon, broadcast,declare, enunciate, flash, give out, herald, placard, post, proclaim, announce, publicize, publish, release, sound, trumpet

bungle

to make mistakes in doing (something) : to not do (something) well or successfully mishandle, botch <bungle a job> Examples The government bungled badly in planning the campaign.bungled the job the first time she tried to do it

jostle

to make one\'s way by pushing and shoving people jostling toward the exit

whet

to make sharp or sharper whetted the knife with the grindstone Synonyms edge, grind, hone, stone,strop, sharpen

circumvent

to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem Examples employees who try to circumvent thecompany\'s dress codecircumvented the traffic jam by takingan alternate routemost casual joggers will be able tocircumvent the reservoir without toomuch of a strain

earmark

to mark in a distinguishing manner 2 : to designate (as funds) for a specific use orowner The old building has been earmarked for demolition .The project uses funds that had been earmarked for education.

cite

to mention (something) especially as an example or to support an idea or opinion He cited evidence suggesting she was in the area when the crime was committed.

recede

to move back or away : withdraw <a receding hairline> b : to slant backward 2 : to grow less or smaller : diminish, decrease <a receding deficit> <the flood waters gradually receded>

Wade

to move or proceed with difficulty or labor wade through the crowd wade through all the evidence 3 : to set to work or attack with determination or vigor €" used with in or into wade into a task

hurtle

to move rapidly or forcefully Examples the probe hurtled through space to its destination: Jupiter hurtled his spear at the tiger as it lunged toward him

incite

to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on Examples the rock band\'s failure to show up incited ariot, as the crowd had waited for hours the demagogue\'s fiery rant incited thecrowd to riot

swindle

to obtain money or property by fraud or deceit cheat

intervene

to occur, fall, or come between points of time or events <only six months intervened between their marriage and divorce> 2 : to enter or appear as an irrelevant or extraneous feature or circumstance <it\'s business as usual until a crisis intervenes>

immolate

to offer in sacrifice; especially : to kill as a sacrificial victim 2 : to kill or destroy often by fire Examples a ceremony in which they immolated their cherished possessions so that the gods would send rain

proffer

to offer or give (something) to someone to present for acceptance : tender, offer Examples He proffered advice on how best to proceed. proffered his assistance in helping the two sides reach a compromise

retort

to pay or hurl back : return retort an insult reply 3 : to answer (as an argument) by a counter argument 1 : to answer back usually sharply 2 : to return an argument or charge 3 : retaliate also noun

imbue

to permeate or saturate, to impregnate or inspire as with feelings or opinions to caue to become impressed or penetrated Examples her training at the school for the deaf imbued her with a sense of purpose that she had never known before

inveigle

to persuade (someone) to do something in a clever or deceptive way: to get (something) in a clever or deceptive way to win over by wiles : entice to acquire by ingenuity or flattery: wangle inveigled her way into a promotion

scrounge

to persuade someone to give you (something) for free : to get or find something by looking in different places, asking different people, etc. to get as needed by or as if by foraging, scavenging, or borrowing scrounging enough money for a bus ticket

glean

to pick over in search of relevant material <gleaning old files for information> to gather information or material bit by bit Examples She gleaned her data fromvarious studies. He has a collection of antique tools gleaned from flea markets and garage sales. They spent days gleaning the files for information.

entrench

to place (someone or something) in a very strongposition that cannot easily be changed to establish solidly <entrenched themselves in the business>

stoke

to poke or stir up (as a fire) : supply with fuel 2 : to feed abundantly 3 : to increase the activity, intensity, oramount of limiting the number of cars available€¦will help stoke demand for the car €" Keith Naughton

extol

to praise (someone or something) highly Examples The health benefits of exercise are widely extolled. campaign literature extolling the candidate\'s military record

stymie

to present an obstacle to : stand in the way of <stymied by red tape> Examples the raging blizzard stymied therescuers\' attempts to find thestranded mountain climbers

broach

to present or bring forward for discussion broached the topic of plans for next year\'s parade

enshrine

to preserve or cherish as sacred Examples some teachers tend to enshrine their personal preferences as sacred rules of English grammar

malinger

to pretend to be sick or injured in order to avoid doing work His boss suspected him of malingering because of his frequentabsences from work.

preempt

to prevent from happening or taking place : forestall, preclude take for oneself the movement was then preempted by a lunatic fringe

churn out

to produce mechanically or copiously :grind out the usual pap which hasbeen churned out about this superstar

rebut

to prove (something) is false by using arguments or evidence Examples Her lawyer attempted to rebut the witness\'s testimony. Stalingrad\'s defenders were finallyable to rebut the besiegers, but onlyafter a horrendous loss of life.

retrofit

to provide (something) with new parts that were not available when it was originally built to adapt to a new purpose or need : <a class=sx-link sc" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modify">modify</a> <retrofit the story for a new audience>"

pander

to provide gratification for others\' desires films that pander to the basest emotions

dissent

to publicly disagree with anofficial opinion, decision, or set of beliefs public disagreement with anofficial opinion, decision, or set of beliefs

parlous

to put (something or someone) in a dangerous situation

incarcerate

to put in prison to subject to confinement Examples the state incarcerated over 1900 peoplelast year

redact

to put in writing : frame 2 : to select or adapt (as by obscuring or removing sensitiveinformation) for publication or release; broadly : edit 3 : to obscure or remove (text) from a document prior to publication or release

don

to put on (an article of clothing) 2 : to wrap oneself in : take on Examples He donned his gloves and hat. She donned her jacket.

marginalize

to put or keep (someone) in a powerless or unimportant position within a society or group to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society orgroup

exalt

to raise (someone or something) to a higher level: to praise (someone or something)highly: to present (something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable Examples His behavior has exalted the power and prestige of his office. The essay exalts the simple beautyof the country. We exalt thee, O Lord.

prune

to reduce especially by eliminating superfluous matter Synonyms: bob, crop, cut, cut back, dock, lop (off), nip, pare, poll,clip, shave, shear, snip, trim < pruned the text> <prune the budget> a much needed pruning of banks across the world could stifle lending and dampen economic recovery, IMF said.

annul

to reduce to nothing : obliterate 2 : to make ineffective or inoperative : neutralize annul the drug\'s effect ..should have consigned them to the annuls of history

repudiate

to refuse to have anything to do with :disown 3 a : to refuse to accept; especially : to reject as unauthorized or as having no binding force b : to reject as untrue or unjust 4 : to refuse to acknowledge or pay synonyms see decline Examples vigorously repudiated the charge that she had lied on her rÃ©sumÃ© the angry mother bitterly repudiated her teenaged daughter, telling her that she never wanted to see or hear from her again we didn\'t like the terms, so we repudiated the contract

condone

to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless <a government accused of condoning racism> <condone corruption in politics> synonyms see excuse Examples he is too quick to condone his friend\'s faults

marginalize

to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group example isolated communities such as the Roma communities feel marginalized by the wider community

exonerate

to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship 2 : to clear from accusation or blame Examples the results of the DNA fingerprinting finally exonerated the man, but only after he had wasted 10 years of his life in prison

warrant

to require or deserve (something) Examples The writing was poor, but it hardlywarrants that kind of insulting criticism. The punishment he received was not warranted.

transcend

to rise above or go beyond the limits of to outstrip or outdo in some attribute,quality, or power his military exploits far transcended those of his predecessors. Synonyms: beat, better, eclipse, exceed,excel, outclass, outdistance, outdo, outgun,outmatch, outshine, outstrip, overtop, top,tower (over), surpass Examples a man whose practical knowledge of botany transcends that of his more educated colleagues a person who believes that any true understanding of God transcends human intelligence

vilify

to say or write very harsh and critical things about (someone or something) Examples claimed that she had beenvilified by the press because of her conservative views

vilify

to say or write very harsh and critical things about (someone or something) Examples He was vilified in the press for his comments. claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views

vilify

to say or write very harsh and critical things about (someone or something) Examples claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views

confiscate

to seize by or as if by authority

ex·tra·dite

to send (a person who has been accused of a crime) to another state or country for trial

compartmwntalize

to separate something categories or compartments we shouldn\'t compartmentalize the students into such restrictive categories asscholar and athlete, which are not mutually exclusive

absolve

to set free from an obligation or theconsequences of guilt 2 : to remit (a sin) by absolution synonyms see exculpate Examples no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law

array

to set or place in order : draw up, marshal <the forces arrayedagainst us>

suture

to sew together (a cut,wound, etc.) : to close (something) with a suture

brandish

to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly to wave or swing (something, such as a weapon) in a threatening or excited manner

forebode

to show signs of a favorable or successful outcome that police car parked outside the house doesn\'t forebode well Related Words forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy; forewarn, warn; anticipate, divine, foreknow, foresee;

fray

to show signs of strain fraying nerves strain, irritate tempers became a bit frayed

cower

to shrink away or crouch especially forshelter from something that menaces,domineers, or dismays synonyms see fawn

straddle

to sit or ride with a leg on either side of (something) : to be on both sides of (something) : to have parts that are in (different places, regions, etc.)

remedy (verb)

to solve, correct, or improve(something) Full Definition transitive verb: to provide or serve as a remedyfor : relieve <remedy a social evil> Remedy errors early in the lifecycle

revile

to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way : to subject to verbal abuse :vituperate Examples Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

revile

to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way Examples Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

banter

to speak to or address in a wittyand teasing manner

permeate

to spread or diffuse through <a room permeated with tobacco smoke> \'not all of the atteibutes will be used in this video but like i said this will permeate several other videos as a running example\'

permeate

to spread or diffuse through a room permeated with tobacco smoke interpenetrate, percolate (into), pervade, riddle, suffuse,transfuse

permeate

to spread or diffuse through Examples the smell of freshly baked bread permeated the house a room permeated with tobacco smoke

pervade

to spread throughout the delicious scent of roasting turkey pervaded thehouse permeate, percolate

overstate

to state in too strong terms : exaggerate <overstated his qualifications> Examples it appears you\'ve somewhat overstated your computer skills, if you can\'t find the €œon€ button!

exfiltrate

to steal (sensitive data) from a computer (as with a flash drive) to escape from a hostile area

forestall

to stop (something) from happening or to cause (something) to happen at a later time : to act before (someone else) in order to prevent something Examples Negotiations failed to forestallthe conflict. His comments were meant to forestall criticism of his proposal. He forestalled critics by offering a defense of the project.

desist

to stop doing something Examples Despite orders from the police, the protesters would not desist.

impinge

to strike or dash especially with a sharpcollision 2 : to have an effect : make an impression

buffet

to strike sharply especially withthe hand : cuff 2 : to strike repeatedly : batter<the waves buffeted the shore> Examples The waves buffeted the shore. The strong winds buffeted theship. The island was buffeted by a tropical storm last month.

castigate

to subject to severe punishment, reproof, orcriticism Examples castigated him for his constant tardiness a news paper editorial castigating the city council for approving the project in the firstplace a judge who believes in castigating criminals to the full extent of the law

propound

to suggest (an idea, theory, etc.) to a person or group of people to consider Examples let us propound the question whether mercy killing should ever be an option

corroborate

to support with evidence or authority : make more certain synonyms see confirm

precede

to surpass in rank, dignity, or importance to be, go, or come ahead or in front of 3 : to be earlier than 4 : to cause to be preceded : preface

commandeer

to take arbitrary or forcible possession of Examples an airliner commandeered by terrorists

revel

to take intense pleasure or satisfaction reveled in the quiet after everyone had gone

eviscerate

to take out the internal organs of (an animal) 1 a : to take out the entrails of : disembowel b : to deprive of vital content or force 2 : to remove an organ from (a patient) or the contents of (an organ) Examples the ancient Egyptians wouldeviscerate the bodies of thedead as part of the process ofmummifying them

partake

to take part insomething in today\'s world, CEOs also need to partake in some of the grunt work as well.

deride

to talk or write about (someoneor something) in a very critical or insulting way : to say that(someone or something) isridiculous or has no value ridicule Examples my brothers derided our efforts, but were forced to eat their words when we won first place derisive

brood

to think a lot about something in an unhappy way to think anxiously or gloomily about : ponder brooding anger for a long time

premeditate

to think about and revolve in the mindbeforehand to think, consider, or deliberate beforehand

ruminate

to think carefully and deeply about somethingof an animal : to bring up and chew again what has already been chewed and swallowed

addle

to throw into confusion : confound Examples It's a dangerous poison that's strongenough to addle the brain. Their brains were addled with fear.

pinion

to tie up (someone\'s arms or legs) very tightly Examples They pinioned his arms behind his back.

stumble

to trip in walking or running

exhort

to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action the speaker exhorted the graduating students to go forth and try to make a difference in the world

hem

to utter the sound represented by hem hemmed and hawed before answering 2 : equivocate the administration hemmed and hawed over the students\' demands

defile

to violate the chastity or virginityof : deflower

straggle

to walk slowly into or from a place in a way that is not continuous or organized : to move away or spread out from others in a disorganized way

hobble

to walk with difficulty becauseof injury or weakness

bespatter

to wet or soil by striking with somethingliquid or mushy vehicle after passing vehicle bespattered the sides of my once-clean car with that wintry slush

secede

to withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association.

berate

to yell at (someone) : to criticize (someone) in a loud and angry way Synonyms: baste, bawl out, scold, call down, castigate, chastise, chew out, dress down, flay, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, reproach, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

cede

to yield or grant typically by treaty 2 : assign, transfer Russia ceded Alaska to the U.S. in 1867. The state had to cede part of their territory. The country had no choice but to cede control of the canal.

succumb

to yield to superior strengthor force or overpowering appealor desire <succumb to temptation> 2 : to be brought to an end (as death) by the effect of destructive or disruptive forces : to stop trying to resist something : to die

obsequies

too eager to help or obey someoneimportant Examples She\'s constantly followed by obsequious assistants who will do anything she tells them to.

facile

too simple : not showing enough thought or effort : done or achieved in a way that is too easy : working, moving, or performing well and very easily Examples This problem needs more than just a facile solution. He is a wonderfully facile writer.

pander

toprovide gratification for others\'desires films that pander to the basest emotions

topsy-turvy

totally disordered Synonyms: chaotic, cluttered, confused,disarranged, disarrayed, disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, higgledy-piggledy, hugger-mugger, jumbled, littered,

afflict

trouble, injure Examples the South was afflicted by a severe drought he\'s been afflicted by nightmares eversince the accident

veritable

true or real

convolute

twist Instead it offers quite a convoluted description of who we are.

untrammeled

unchained, unbridled

subvert

undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution). \an attempt to subvert democratic government\" synonyms:destabilize; unsettle; overthrow; overtur "

tacit

understood although not put intowords we have a tacit agreement that if I wash the dishes, she dries them and puts them away Synonyms implied, implicit,unexpressed, unspoken, unvoiced,wordless

illicit

unlawful, illegal, not permitted Examples had a long history of using illicit drugs

invidious

unpleasant and likely to cause bad feelings in other people envious 3 a : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : obnoxious <invidious remarks> Examples inevitably, his remarkable success attracted the invidious attention of the other sales representatives

dank

unpleasantly moist or wet <adank basement> synonyms: damp, wet, moist Examples a dark dank cave vegetables tended to go badquickly in the dank cellar

indiscriminate

unrestrained <indiscriminate sexual behavior> b : heterogeneous, motley <anindiscriminate collection> haphazard, random <indiscriminate application of a law>

callow

used to describe a young person who does not have much experience and does not knowhow to behave the way adults behave Full Definition : lacking adult sophistication :immature <callow youth> Examples a story about a callow youth who learns the value of hard work and self-reliance

pithy

using few words in a clever and effective way : resembling or having a lot of pith The book is filled with pithy sayings about love and loss. a pithy little Mother\'s Day card

menagerie

variety a collection of wild or foreignanimals kept especially forexhibition 2 : a varied mixture <a menagerie of comedians €" TV Guide> Examples the living room is eclectically furnished with a menagerie of garage-sale finds

mint

verb: create, produce The One M8 is undeniably the most impressive handset the company has ever minted. noun: unmarred as if fresh from a mint <in mint condition>

trawl

verb : to catch fish with a large net (calleda trawl) : to search through (something) in order to find someone or something Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : to fish with a trawl b : to make a search as if by trawling 2 : troll transitive verb : to catch (fish) with a trawl Examples The boat trawled far out at sea. a fishing boat trawling the oceanfloor He trawled the Internet looking for Web sites on growing grapes.

confute

verb to prove to be false theories which will eventually be confirmed or confuted by experience Synonyms belie, confound, disprove, debunk, disconfirm, discredit, falsify, rebut, refute, shoot down

gull

verb to take advantage of (one who is foolish or unwary) : deceive Examples we were gulled into believing that if we answered the e-mail, we\'d somehow become millionaires, but instead we just got put on a list for junk mail noun a person. who is deceived

strife

very angry or violent disagreement between two or more people or groups Examples political/religious strife civil strife Synonyms: conflict, disaccord,discordance, discordancy,disharmony, dissension (alsodissention), dissent, dissidence,dissonance, disunion,

convoluted

very complicated and difficult to understand : having many twists and curves Full Definition 1 : having convolutions a ram withconvoluted horns 2 : involved, intricate a convolutedargument Examples a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before

squalid (adj)

very dirty and unpleasant : immoral or dishonest The family lived in squalid conditions. squalor (noun)

overwrought

very excited or upset Examples became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing the author\'s prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors

sumptuous

very expensive, rich, or impressive

rave reviews

very good reviews/ratings

scathing

very harsh or severe bitterly severe a scathing condemnation

blatant

very obvious and offensive Full Definition 1 : noisy especially in a vulgar or offensive manner : clamorous I take off points for blatant spelling errors

antiquated

very old and no longer useful, popular, or accepted : very old-fashioned or obsolete Examples saw an antiquated hand-cranked rope-making machine at the textiles museum

scrumptious

very pleasant to taste Full Definition : delightful, excellent; especially :delicious scrump·tious·ly adverb Examples baked a scrumptious chocolate cake

morose

very serious, unhappy, and quiet : very sad or unhappy Examples those morose job seekers who have grown accustomed to rejection

inane

very silly or stupid Full Definition empty, insubstantial lacking significance, meaning, or point : silly <inane comments> synonyms see insipid void or empty space a voyage into the limitless inane €" V. G.Childe inane comments

paltry

very small or too small in amount : having little meaning, importance, or worth Full Definition 1 : inferior, trashy 2 : mean, despicable a paltry trick 3 : trivial a paltry excuse 4 : meager, measly made a paltry donation

unequivocal

very strong and clear : not showing or allowing any doubt : not equivocal Our stance on misconduct is unequivocal: we will not tolerate it, and where we find it we will fully investigate and apply consequences where warranted without fear or favour.

opprobrium

very strong disapproval or criticism of a person or thing especially by a large number of people Examples They\'re going ahead with the plandespite public opprobrium. saw no reason why €œsecretary€ should suddenly become a term of opprobrium among the politicallycorrect

meteoric

very sudden or fast marked by very quick success Examples a meteoric rise to fame

knackered

very tired or exhausted British: tired, exhausted Examples I\'m absolutely knackered, so no pub-crawling for me tonight

noisome

very unpleasant or disgusting offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell noisome garbage

tenuous

very weak, negligible, shaky, delicate despite being a powerful force in the financial industry, the Rothschilds had a tenuous place in society because of the Queen\'s disapproval to accept them as part of the political fabric

caveat

warning, caution

oversight

watchful and responsible care regulatory supervision 2. an inadvertent omission or error Examples owners wanted to have oversight of the club's fund-raising activities claiming €œ3 billion€ instead of €œ3 million€ was just an oversight you'll have oversight of the troop until the scoutmaster returns Synonyms: administration, care, charge,control, direction, governance, government,guidance, handling, intendance, management,operation, conduct, presidency, regulation,running, stewardship, superintendence,superintendency, supervision

staunch

watertight, sound b : strongly built : substantial 2 : steadfast in loyalty or principle astaunch friend faithful Examples She is a staunch advocate of women\'s rights.He\'s a staunch believer in thevalue of regular exercise.I\'m one of his staunchestsupporters.

amenable

willing whatever you decide to do, I\'m amenable€"just let me know our normally balky cat becomes the most amenable of creatures when confronted with the strange environment of the veterinary clinic even our nation\'s highest leaders must remain amenable to the law

ruse

wily subterfuge synonyms: trick Examples His act was just a clever ruse to get me to go out with him.

trammel

years after his death, she was still trammeled by inconsolable grief for her deceased husband 2 : to prevent or impede the freeplay of : confine Synonyms chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, manacle, pinion, shackle, bind

copious

yielding something abundantly <a copious harvest> <copious springs> b : plentiful in number <copious references to other writers> 2 a : full of thought, information, or matter b : profuse or exuberant in words,expression, or style <a copious talker> 3 : present in large quantity : takingplace on a large scale <copious weeping> <copious food and drink>

vindicate

zbsb

din

1.To stun with deafening noise.(verb) a loud, confusing mixture of noisesthat lasts for a long time (noun) It was hard to hear anything above the din in the restaurant. there's always a great din from the cafeteria during lunch dinner his ears

singular

2 : distinguished by superiority :exceptional an artist of singular attainments> 3 : being out of the ordinary :unusual on the way home we had a singular adventure 4 : departing from general usage or expectation : peculiar, odd the air had a singular chill>

facetitious

2 : meant to be humorous or funny : notserious synonyms see witty the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes

reap

2 : obtain, win Samsung is now reaping the rewards of that effort.

purview

2 : the range or limit of authority,competence, responsibility, concern, orintention 3 : range of vision, understanding, orcognizance

deprecate

2 : to express disapproval of 3 a : play down : make little of b : belittle, disparage

diaSpora

2 a : the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland < the black diaspora to northern cities>

intervene

3 a : to come in or between by way ofhindrance or modification b : to interfere with the outcome or course especially of a condition or process (as toprevent harm or improve functioning)

cornerstone

: a basic element : foundation Synonyms: basis, bedrock, bottom, base,footing, foundation, ground, groundwork,keystone, root, underpinning, warp, warp and woof

libertine

: a free thinker especially in religious matters 2 : a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality; specifically : one leading a dissolute life the legend of Don Juan depicts him as a playboy and libertine

oversight

: a mistake made becausesomeone forgets or fails tonotice something : the act or job of directing work that is being done

aficionado

: a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity : devotee aficionados of the bullfight movie aficionados

resurgence

: a rising again into life, activity, or prominence a resurgence of interest Examples There has been some resurgence in economic activity recently.

cache

: a secure place of storage they systematically searched for the cache of guns and ammunition but to no avail.

sycophant

: a servile self-seeking flatterer Examples when her career was riding high, the self-deluded actress often mistook sycophants for true friends

allegory

: a symbolic representation :emblem 2

goings-on

: actions, events

insidious

: awaiting a chance to entrap :treacherous b : harmful but enticing : seductive<insidious drugs>

cogent

: convincing b : pertinent, relevant Examples the results of the DNA finger printing were the most cogent evidence for acquittal

Momentous

: important, consequential Examples a momentous occasion that will go down in the history books Synonyms: big, consequential, earthshaking,earth-shattering, eventful, historic, major,material, meaningful, important, monumental,much, significant, substantial, tectonic,weighty

lopsided

: leaning to one side : lacking in balance, symmetry, orproportion : disproportionately heavy on oneside Examples the portrait in the foyer was lopsided, so I straightened it while I was waiting Synonyms: askew, aslant, atilt, cock-a-hoop,cockeyed, crazy, crooked, listing, awry,oblique, off-kilter, pitched, skewed, slanted,slanting, slantwise, tilted, tipping, uneven

moniker

: name, nickname Examples seeing as no respectable rodeo performer could possibly be known as Leslie, a suitably masculine moniker was created for him €œCornelius Jedidiah Beauregard€ is his rather unwieldy moniker

derelict

: no longer cared for or used by anyone : failing to do what should be done Examples The officer was charged with being derelict in his duty. the guards were judged derelict in their duty Origin: Latin derelictus,

hackneyed

: not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often : not fresh or original Full Definition : lacking in freshness or originality hackneyed slogans synonyms see trite Examples it\'s hackneyed, but true€"the more you save the more you earn Synonyms: banal, clichÃ© (also cliche), clichÃ©d, cobwebby, commonplace

askew

: out of line : awry askew·ness noun Examples The picture hung askew on the wall. His tie is slightly askew in this picture. his hat was askew because of the wind

dither

: shiver, tremble 2 : to act nervously or indecisively : vacillate noun : a highly nervous, excited, or agitated state : excitement, confusion Examples We don\'t have time to dither. She did not dither about/over what to do next. Synonyms: fret, fluster, fuss, huff, lather, pother, stew, sweat, swelter, swivet, tizzy, twitter

swoon

: to become very excited about someone or something : to suddenly become unconscious Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : faint b : to become enraptured swooning with joy 2 : droop, fade

abdicate

: to fail to do what is required by (a duty or responsibility) eg your data may be held in the public cloud, but you cannot abdicate your security responsibility

infer

: to form (an opinion) from evidence : to reach (a conclusion) based on known facts : to hint or suggest (something) Examples he inferred that she had leftbecause her coat was gonethe results infer that there mightbe a problem with one piece of the equipment

teetering

: to move unsteadily : wobble b : waver, vacillate 2 : seesaw

repudiate

: to refuse to have anything to do with :disown 3 a : to refuse to accept; especially : to reject as unauthorized or as having no binding force b : to reject as untrue or unjust 4 : to refuse to acknowledge or pay

stoke

: to stir or add fuel to (something that is burning) : to increase the amount or strength of (something) Di Maria stoked the fire on an Argentine radio station yesterday, by revealing the club did not want him to aggravate a leg injury. Synonyms: accelerate, add (to),aggrandize, amplify, augment,boost, build up, compound,enlarge, escalate, expand, extend,hype, multiply, pump up, raise,

harness

: to tie together : 3 : utilize

predicate

Definition: 1. to state or affirm that something is true; 2. to use something as a foundation or justification for an action or opinion; 3. to imply something Synonyms: affirm, allege, avow, state, declare, base, found, imply, connote, suggest Examples Strong growth is predicated by good business The lawyer claimed that the charges against his client were predicated on lies. (based, built, declared)

contingency

a. An event that may occur but that is not likely or intended; a possibility. b. A possibility that must be prepared for; a future emergency.

enter the fray

1. To join a competition. Now that you\'ve entered the fray and decided to run for mayor, I hope you\'ve prepared for the personal attacks unfortunately are likely to follow. 2. To join in on an argument. Once my relatives start arguing, I usually leave the room rather than enter the fray.

alacrity

: promptness in response : cheerfulreadiness accepted the invitationwith alacrity Synonyms: amenability, gameness, goodwill, obligingness, willingness

drawl

: to speak slowly with vowel sounds that are longer than usual

brackish

Synonyms distasteful, unappetizing, unpalatable, unsavory, yucky Examples the office coffee is often some brackish brew that\'s been sitting around for a couple of hours the river becomes brackish as we approach the tidemark

envoy

a person sent on a mission to represent another the president sent the secretary of state as his personal envoy to gain the support of the country\'s allies Synonyms agent, delegate, emissary,ambassador, legate, minister,representative

corral

gather together and confine (a group of people or things). \the organizers were corralling the crowd into marching formation\" "

subliminal

relating to things that influence your mind in a way that you do not notice 1 : inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception 2 : existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness the subliminal mind subliminal advertising She thinks there\'s a lot of subliminal messaging in the media.

dissuade

to convince (someone) not to do something Examples tried to dissuade her from herintention to drop out of college

ambivert

a person who has a balance of extrovert and introvert features in their personality.

predispose

synonyms: make susceptible, make liable, make prone, lay open, make vulnerable,put at risk of, leave open lack of exercise may predispose an individual to high blood pressure""

supplant

to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery <a href=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uproot">uproot</a> (2) : to eradicate and <a class="formulaic" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supply">supply</a> a substitute for <efforts to supplant the vernacular> "

fray

A fight; a brawl. See Synonyms at brawl. 2. A heated dispute or intensely competitive situation: \Minneapolis became the latest battleground in the fray over bio-engineering as hundreds of protesters took to the streets\""

bastion

A projecting part of a fortification. A well-fortified position. One that upholds or defends something, as against neglect or unpopularity: a college that is a bastion of traditionalism

allegory

A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.

agnostic

Agnostic, in an information technology (IT) context, refers to something that is generalized so that it is interoperable among various systems. The term can refer not only to software and hardware, but also to business processes or practices. The word agnostic comes from the Greek a-,meaning without and gnÅsis, meaningknowledge. In IT, that translates to the ability of something to function without €œknowing€ the underlying details of a system that it is working within. As with interoperability, agnosticism is typically enabled by either compliance with widely-used standards or added elements (such as coding) that will enable one system to function in a variety of environments. Some examples of agnosticism in IT: Platform-agnostic software runs on any combination of operating system and underlying processor architecture. Such applications are sometimes referred to as €œcross-platform.€Device-agnostic software operates across various types of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet PCs andsmartphones.Database-agnostic software functions with any vendor€™s database management system (DBMS). Typical database-agnostic products include business analytics (BA) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.Protocol-agnostic software is independent of communication protocols. It negotiates a protocol with its peer and begins communication.Business process-agnostic software functions in different business environments. One example is a business process-agnostic business service that encapsulates logic associated with a specific business entity, such as \invoice\" or \"claim.€Vendor-agnostic middleware can mediate between software from multiple vendors

recrimination

Examples an angry statement in which you accuse or criticize a person who has accused or criticized you : a retaliatory accusation; also : the making of such accusations endless recrimination The discussion turned into a heated debate with recriminations flying back and forth. The meeting ended with bitterness and recrimination.

slew

Examples A whole slew of people were waiting. He has written a slew of books. Synonyms: abundance, barrel, basketful, boatload, bucket, bunch,

contiguous

Examples Connecticut and Massachusetts are contiguous states Synonyms: abutting, adjoining,bordering, conterminous, adjacent,

panacea

Examples a remedy for all ills or difficulties : cure-all The law will improve the lives of local farmers, but it is no panacea. a woman who seems to believethat chicken soup is a panacea for nearly everything

portent

Full Definition 1 : something that foreshadows a coming event : omen, sign 2 : prophetic indication or significance3 : marvel, prodigy Examples a red sky in the morning can be a portent of a coming storm a scout was sent to have a look at this teenage pitcher who was supposed to be the latest portent of the baseball world

since

However, Barca have since signed Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and with Luis Enrique known to demand a high work-rate from his players, it is unclear whether Xavi can fit into that philosophy

unilateral

Of, on, relating to, involving, or affecting only one side: \a unilateral advantage in defense\" (New Republic). 2. Performed or undertaken by only one side: unilateral disarmament."

orwellian

Orwellian\ is an adjective describing a situation; idea; or societal condition that George Orwell identified as being destructive to the welfare of a free and open society. It denotes an attitude and a brutal policy of draconian control by propaganda; surveillance; misinformation; denial of truth (doublethink); and manipulation of the past; including the \"unperson\"€"a person whose past existence is expunged from the public record and memory; practised by modern repressive governments. THERE\'S something Orwellian about Education Secretary Mike Russell\'s diktat that a video of him congratulating students must be played at all college graduation ceremonies."

vilify

Related Words belittle, denigrate, detract, disparage; discredit, disgrace, dishonor, shame; abase, debase, degrade, humble, humiliate; disdain, scorn

banal

Related Words unexciting,uninspiring, unrewarding; bland,boring, drab, dreary, dry, dull, heavy,humdrum, jading, leaden, lifeless, Examples the sort of banal woman who appeals to men not looking for intellectual stimulation please find new ways of phrasing your thoughts instead of relying on banal expressions

evince

She evinced an interest in art at an early age. the teenager caught shoplifting seemed to evince no remorse Synonyms: bespeak, betray,communicate, declare, demonstrate,display, show, expose, give away, manifest, reveal

uphold

Synonyms defend, justify, support, maintain, advocate, champion, espouse; confirm, vindicate, Examples determined to uphold her views in the face of all challenges an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns worshippers upheld their joined hands and sang the praises of the Lord

rescind

Synonyms abandon, abort, call, call off, cry off, drop, recall, repeal, cancel, revoke, scrap, scrub

repeal

Synonyms abandonment, abortion, calling, calling off, dropping, recall, recision, cancellation, rescission, revocation Examples the company called the furniturestore to repeal the order for six new desks

efface

Synonyms abolish, black out, blot out,cancel, clean (up), annihilate, eradicate,erase, expunge, when the supply ship finally arrived, it discovered that virtually all evidence of the colony at Roanoke had been effaced

exonerate

Synonyms absolve, acquit, clear,exculpate, vindicate

predilection

Synonyms affection, affinity, aptitude, a young lad with a predilection for telling tall tales

churn

Synonyms agitate, stir, swirl, wash,whirl to make (the account of a client) excessively active byfrequent purchases and salesprimarily in order to generate commissions a lot of data is being churned out daily; Big Data

expound

Synonyms air, express, give, look, raise, sound, state, vent, ventilate, voice

primordial

Synonyms ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, early

decimate

Synonyms annihilate, cream,destroy, demolish, desolate

furtive

Synonyms backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, secret, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, Examples He cast a furtive glance in our direction. We exchanged furtive smilesacross the table.

diffident

Synonyms backward, bashful, coy,demure, shy, introverted, modest,recessive, retiring, self-effacing , sheepish, withdrawn

pale

Synonyms blanch, bleach, blench, decolorize, dull, fade, whiten, snow, wash out but these inconveniences pale into insignificance when the raw power of the motor is unleashed

moot

Synonyms bring up, broach, introduce, place, raise Examples conservatives had shouted down the proposal when it was first mooted the issue of whether a person\'snature or upbringing is more important continues to be mooted by experts and laymen alike

volition

Synonyms choice,self-determination, free will, will

disjointed

Synonyms choppy, disconnected,incoherent, unconnected Related Words baffling, bewildering,confounding, confused, confusing,disordered, disorderly, disorganized,muddled, perplexing, puzzlin

incapacitate

Synonyms cripple, disable, hamstring,immobilize, paralyze, prostrate

anathematize

Synonyms curse, beshrew [archaic], imprecate, maledict Related Words condemn, damn, denounce, execrate

impasse

Synonyms deadlock, gridlock, halt, logjam, Mexican standoff, stalemate, standoff, standstill a situation in which no progress seems possible a : a predicament affording no obvious escape b : deadlock 2 : an impassable road or way :cul-de-sac Examples An arbitrator was called in to break the impasse. She had reached an impasse in her career.

rut

Synonyms drill, grind, groove,lockstep, pattern, rote, routine,treadmill

incorrigible

Synonyms hopeless, incurable, irrecoverable, irredeemable, irreformable, irremediable, irretrievable, unrecoverable, unredeemable an incorrigible criminal who should spend the rest of his life behind bars

base

Synonyms ignoble, contemptible, currish, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable, ignominious, low, low-down, low-minded,

appellation

Synonyms name, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, designation, handle, moniker (also monicker), nomenclature, title a twisting roadthat deserved the appellation€œSidewinder Lane€

judgmental

Synonyms: faultfinding, hypercritical, critical,overcritical, rejective example: culinary purists who tend to be judgmentalabout home cooks who take shortcuts

flurry

Synonyms: burst, flare, flare-up, flash,flicker, outbreak, flutter, outburst, spurt

construe

Synonyms: clarify, clear (up), explain,demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate,expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate,interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle

rapturious

Synonyms: cloud nine, elatedness, elation,euphoria, exhilaration, heaven, high,intoxication, paradise, ecstasy, rhapsody,seventh heaven, swoon, transport

unflinching

Synonyms: determined, dogged, grim,implacable, relentless, unappeasable, unyielding, unrelenting Example she was unflinching in his determination to see that justice was done

indubitable

Synonyms: accomplished, certain, inarguable, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, irrefutable, irrefragable, positive, sure, unanswerable, unarguable, unchallengeable, undeniable, unquestionable

viable

Synonyms: achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, possible, workable more research will be required to see if this is a viable solution

dissemble

Synonyms: act, affect, assume, bluff, counterfeit, feign, fake, pass (for), Examples he dissembled happiness at the news that his old girlfriend was getting married€"to someone else children learn to dissemble at a surprisingly early age

deleterious

Synonyms: adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, dangerous, harmful, detrimental, Examples nicotine has long beenrecognized as a deleterioussubstance

corollary

Synonyms: aftereffect, aftermath,backwash, child, conclusion,consequence, effect, development,

palatable

Synonyms: agreeable, all right, alright

contrite

Synonyms: apologetic, compunctious, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry Examples being contrite is not enough to spare you an arrest if you\'re caught shoplifting

lurid

Synonyms: appalling, atrocious,awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly,grisly, gruesome (also grewsome),hideous, horrendous, horrid,horrific, horrifying, horrible,macabre, monstrous, nightmare,nightmarish, shocking, terrible,terrific

moot (2)

Synonyms: arguable, controvertible, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, issuable, debatable, negotiable, questionable a : open to question : debatable b : subjected to discussion : disputed 2 : deprived of practical significance :made abstract or purely academic Examples The court ruled that the issue is now moot because the peopleinvolved in the dispute have died. I think they were wrong, but the point is moot. Their decision has been made and it can\'t be changednow.

moot

Synonyms: arguable,controvertible, disputable,doubtable, doubtful, issuable,debatable, negotiable,questionable Examples He says that they should have foreseen the accident, but that point is moot. The court ruled that the issue is now moot because the people involved in the dispute have died. I think they were wrong, but the point is moot. Their decision has been made and it can\'t be changed now.

jejune

Synonyms: arid, colorless, drab,dreary, drudging, dry, dull, dusty, flat not interesting, insipid Examples She made jejune remarks about life and art. another moralizing tale filled with jejune platitudes

duress

Synonyms: arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure the use of power to impose one\'s will on another complied with the order only under duress

ersatz

Synonyms: artificial, bogus, dummy, imitation, factitious, fake, false, faux, imitative, man-made, Examples like everything else the restaurant served, the whipped cream on the dessert was ersatz

descry

Synonyms: ascertain, find, detect, determine, dig out, dig up, discover, dredge (up), ferret (out), find out, get Examples we couldn\'t descry the reasons for his sudden departure could just descry the ship comingover the horizon

detritus

Synonyms: ashes, debris, remains, flotsam, residue, rubble, ruins, wreck, wreckage

confect

Synonyms: assemble, build, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up Examples a cook who can confect a magnificent dinner from whateveringredients are in the cupboards

supercilious

Synonyms: assumptive, bumptious, cavalier, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (alsohifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, Full Definition : coolly and patronizingly haughty reacted to their breach of etiquette with a supercilious smile

temerity

Synonyms: audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek,

balk

Synonyms: baffle, frustrate, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart something that makes movement or progress difficult the extravagant centerpiece proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation it\'s hard not to balk at this revelation

be·drag·gle

Synonyms: bathe, wet, douse (also dowse), drench, drown, soak, sodden, sop, souse, wash, water, waterlog, water-soak, wet down

vie

Synonyms: battle, contend, face off, fight, race, rival, compete to compete with others in an attempt to get or win something Examples They are vying to win the championship for the third year in a row. Two young men were vying for her attention.

rue

Synonyms: bemoan, deplore, lament, repent, regret to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret regret, sorrow <with rue my heart is laden €" A. E. Housman>

flagrant

Synonyms: blatant, conspicuous, egregious, glaring, gross, obvious Examples flagrant abuse of the law her flagrant disregard for otherpeople\'s rights very bad : too bad to be ignored

egregious

Synonyms: blatant, conspicuous, flagrant, glaring, gross, obvious, patent, pronounced, rank, striking Examples the student\'s theme was marred by a number of egregious errors in spelling

condone

Synonyms: blink (at), brush (aside or off), excuse, discount, disregard, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, overlook, overpass, paper over, pardon, he is too quick to condone his friend\'s faults

edict

Synonyms: bull, decree, diktat, directive, fiat, rescript, ruling, ukase Examples The government issued an edict banning public demonstrations. a royal/religious edict

concussion

Synonyms: bump, collision,impact, crash, impingement, jar,jolt, jounce, kick, shock, slam,smash, strike, wallop There was of course a considerable concussion as the vessel drove up on the sand heap.

frazzle

Synonyms: burnout, collapse,exhaustion, fatigue, lassitude,prostration, tiredness, weariness

hoard

Synonyms: cache, stash,stockpile, store

remiss

Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, slack Examples I would be remiss if I didn\'t tell you how much I appreciated the lovelygift

ineluctable

Synonyms: certain, inevitable, ineludible, inescapable, necessary, sure, unavoidable, unescapable

allure

Synonyms: charm, animal magnetism, appeal, attractiveness,captivation, charisma, duende,enchantment, fascination, force field, glamour example: Stok er powerfully captures the allure of the supernatural in Dracula

stifle

Synonyms: choke, smother, strangle, suffocate, deter, discourage

exegesis

Synonyms: clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation, road map Examples a psychobiography that purports to be the definitive exegesis of the late president\'s character

fungible

Synonyms: commutable, exchangeable, interchangeable, substitutable, switchable , wheat, and lumber are fungible commodities> 2 : interchangeable

stereotype

Synonyms: concept, conception,generality, notion, generalization

infer

Synonyms: conclude, decide,deduce, derive, extrapolate,gather, judge, make out, reason,understand, draw a conclusion

contrition

Synonyms: contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame Examples once again she heard herabusive husband\'s tearfulexpressions of contrition

bridle

Synonyms: control, check, constrain, contain,curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure,pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame Examples She was forced to bridle her anger. He bridled at their criticism of his methods.

confluence

Synonyms: convergence, conjunction, convergency, meeting Examples a happy confluence of beautifulweather and spectacularscenery during our vacation

vice

Synonyms: corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquitousness, iniquity, libertinage, libertinism, licentiousness, profligacy, sin moral depravity or corruption : wickedness Examples Such men are prone to vice. He thought gambling was a vice. the vice of greed

envy

Synonyms: covetousness, enviousness, green-eyed monster, invidiousness, jealousy, resentment Examples I envy you for your large group of friends. They envied his success. They envied him for his success. I envy the way you\'ve made so many friends.

derange

Synonyms: crack, craze, frenzy,loco, madden, unbalance, unhinge,unstring

lacuna

Synonyms: crunch, dearth, deficit, drought (also drouth), failure, famine, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, lack, deficiency, Examples She found a lacuna in the historical record. attributes many of the nation\'s problems to a lacuna of leadership at the top

antidote

Synonyms: cure, corrective,curative, rectifier, remedy,therapeutic, therapy its focus on privacy with the help of its Circles seemed like the right antidote to Facebook.

Machiavellian

Synonyms: cutthroat, immoral, unprincipled, unconscionable, unethical, unscrupulous Examples yet another tale of a power-mad dictator with a Machiavellian plan to take over the world

incursion

Synonyms: descent, foray, raid, inroad,invasion, irruption Examples there were incursions from the border every summer

disparate

Synonyms: different, dissimilar,distant, distinct, distinctive,distinguishable, diverse,nonidentical, other, unalike, unlike

unobtrusive

Synonyms: discreet,inconspicuous, invisible,unnoticeable not attracting attention in a way that bothers you Examples the notice that an 18% tip would be automatically added was so unobtrusive we almost didn\'t see it at the bottom of the menu

ordain

Synonyms: doom, fate, destine, predestine,predetermine it was ordained that anyone hunting in the forest without permission was to pay a fine

preordain

Synonyms: doom, fate, foredoom, foreordain, ordain, predestine, predetermine, destine Examples my wife and I are such soulmates, I\'m convinced that our marriage was preordained

reverberate

Synonyms: echo, reecho, resonate, resound, sound an historic event that still reverberates today

edify

Synonyms: enlighten, educate, illume, illuminate, illumine, inspire, nurture Examples These books will both entertain and edify readers. a family-oriented show that tried to edify the television audience as wellas entertain it

vestibule

Synonyms: entranceway, entry, entryway, foyer, hallway, lobby, hall

appraisal

Synonyms: estimation,appraisement, assessment,estimate, evaluation, fix, judgment(or judgement), value judgment Examples gave us a positive appraisal of his artistic talents the appraisal of the house\'s value took place yesterday

ethos

Synonyms: ethics, morality, morals, norms, principles, standards It also includes the ethos in which the company stands by so that everyone is clear on the company values and their mission.

preface

Synonyms: exordium, foreword, intro,preamble, introduction, prelude, proem,prologue (also prolog), prolusion

perilous

Synonyms: grave, grievous, hazardous, jeopardizing, menacing, parlous, dangerous, risky, serious, threatening, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesome Examples a perilous journey across the mountains a perilous journey through hostileterritory

conjecture

Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, surmise, shot in the dark

surmise

Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition,conjecture

amok

Synonyms: helter€"skelter (oramuck), berserk, berserkly,frantically, frenetically, frenziedly,harum-scarum, hectically, madly,pell-mell, wild, wildly run amok

clamor

Synonyms: howl, hubbub, hue and cry,hullabaloo, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar,vociferation overwhelmed by people clamoring for our attention

sectarian

Synonyms: illiberal, insular,Lilliputian, little, narrow-minded, relating to religious or political sects and the differences between them of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian

precocious

Synonyms: inopportune, early, premature, unseasonable, untimely exceptionally early in development or occurrence <precocious puberty> 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age <a precocious child> Examples a precocious baldness makes him look older than he really is

secular

Synonyms: nonreligious, profane, temporal

abhorrent

Synonyms: offensive, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful,

antipode

Synonyms: opposite, antithesis, contrary, counter, negative, obverse, reverse the exact opposite or contrary Examples my jock brother is an antipode to my bookworm sister

Insurgence

Synonyms: rebellion, insurgency, insurrection, mutiny, outbreak, revolt, revolution, rising, uprising

unabashed

Synonyms: shameless,unashamed, unblushing,unembarrassed not embarrassed or ashamed about openly expressing strong feelings or opinions Examples unabashed by their booing and hissing, he continued with his musical performance

burnish

Synonyms: shine, gloss, luminance, luster (or lustre), polish, sheen Examples after some much-needed polishing, the silver tea set had a brilliant burnish

insufferable

Synonyms: unbearable,insupportable, intolerable,unendurable, unsupportable

machismo

Synonyms: virility, macho, manhood, manliness, masculinity Examples a culture that prizes machismo and has rigid gender roles

emolument

Synonyms: wage, hire, packet [British], pay, paycheck, pay envelope, payment, salary, stipend

discord

Synonyms: conflict, disaccord, discordance,discordancy, disharmony,

latitude

The greater than normal personal latitude enjoyed by both sex worker and foreigner lead to more negotiation on condom use and overall lower use freedom of action or choice students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses

shirk

To avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility).

ingratiate

To bring (oneself, for example) into the favor or good graces of another, especially by deliberate effort: She quickly sought to ingratiate herself with the new administration.

coned

To destroy, do away with, slaughter, or kill. We need to CONE Osama€ or €œOsama is to be CONED€

pale in comparison

To pale in comparison is to look weak, small, meager, or inferior compared to something else. Pale here takes the little-used sense to become smaller. It\'s the same pale used in the common phrase (less common in the U.S.) pale into insignificance, whose meaning is obvious.

prevaricate

To speak or write evasively. See Synonyms at lie 2. (Usage Problem) To behave in an indecisive manner; delay or procrastinate. He prevaricated for some two years before accepting the new design for production. As the industry prevaricated, sales collapsed.

pro rata

Used to describe a proportionate allocation. A method of assigning an amount to a fraction, according to its share of the whole. For example, a pro-rata dividend means that every shareholder gets an equal proportion for each share he or she owns.

diatribe

a bitter and abusive speech or piece of writing 3 : ironic or satirical criticism Examples The article is a diatribe againstmainstream media. a bitter diatribe about how unfairthe tax system is

ethology

a branch of knowledge dealing with humancharacter and with its formation and evolution the scientific and objective study of animal behavior especially under natural conditions

flurry

a brief period of excitement or activity a large amount of something that happens or comes suddenly a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity a flurry of activity on the floor of the stock market as soon as the news spread Synonyms burst, flare, flare-up, flash, flicker, outbreak, flutter, outburst, spurt

bane

a cause of great distress or annoyance. the telephone was the bane of my life""

fetter

a chain or shackle for the feet 2 : something that confines :restraint

confluence

a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point <a happy confluence of weather and scenery> Examples a happy confluence of beautifulweather and spectacularscenery during our vacation Synonyms: convergence, conjunction, convergency, meeting

commonality

a common feature or attribute Examples one commonality between the two very different women is their passion for charity work

fiasco

a complete failure

snag

a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle Examples We hit a snag with our travel plans. = We ran into a snag with our travel plans.

aphorism

a concise statement of a principle

lassitude

a condition of weariness or debility : fatigue Synonyms: burnout, collapse, exhaustion, frazzle, fatigue as his cancer progresses, hisdays are increasingly marked bylassitude and isolation from theoutside world

a crime (as treason) committed against a sovereign power b : an offense violating the dignity of a ruler as the representative of a sovereign power 2 : a detraction from or affront to dignity or importance

curmudgeon

a crusty, ill-tempered, and usuallyold man Examples only a curmudgeon would object to the nursing home\'s holiday decorations

recess

a dark, hidden place or part a deep recess in the hill>

totem

a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark ; symbol, emblem the bald eagle, that universally recognized totem of our country

travail

a difficult experience or situation : painful or difficult work or effort example: However, i think this fall in profitability is temporary, and that SCB will come through its recent travails.

guise

a display of emotion or behavior thatis insincere or intended to deceive my new neighbor began seeking my company under the guise of friendship, but he turned out to be amember of a religious cult bent on conversion Synonyms act, airs, charade, disguise, facade, front, masquerade, playacting, pose, pretense (or pretence), put-on, semblance, show

aura

a distinctive atmosphere surrounding agiven source an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being Examples the monastery perched high on a mountain top had an aura of unreality and mystery about it

aspersion

a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone\'s reputation cast aspersions on her integrity how dare you asperse the character of our dedicatedpastor!

frailty

a fault due to weakness especially of moral character Examples selfishness is a common human frailty frailty doesn\'t affect all elderly people, formany are indeed healthy and strong

umbrage

a feeling of being offended by whatsomeone has said or done took umbrage at the slightest suggestion of disrespect

qualm

a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about whether you are doing the right thing Examples He accepted their offer without a qualm. she has no qualms about downloading pirated music file from the Internet

skepticism

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something our alibi was met with skepticism at first, but we gradually convinced them of the truth

tantrum

a fit of bad temper Examples had a tantrum when he foundhis little sister using his modelpaints

foolery

a foolish act, utterance, or belief 2 : foolish behavior Examples it\'s foolery to expect me to let youshoplift that DVDlet the kids have a little foolery once in a while

fray

a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective another generation of scientists entered the fray to find a cure for AIDS Synonyms battle, fight, struggle, scrabble, throes a troubled youth always getting into frays at school

avulsion

a forcible separation or detachment: as a tearing away of a body part accidentally or surgically

spate

a great flow of water or of somethingthat overwhelms a spate of words has been published on this controversial topic a spate of new criticisms Synonyms alluvion, bath, cataclysm,cataract, deluge, flood tide, following the monsoon rain, the rivers were in full spate

hubris

a great or foolish amount of pride or confidence Full Definition : exaggerated pride or self-confidence Examples His failure was brought on by his hubris.

hubris

a great or foolish amount of pride or confidence Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance: \There is no safety in unlimited technological hubris\" A 300-year-old imperial dynasty; one marked by periods of glorious achievement as well as staggering hubris and ineptitude; was swiftly brought to an end -Romanovs "

pantheon

a group of illustrious or notable persons or things example the company could end up joining a pantheon of corporate fiascos that includes Enron

constituency

a group of people who support or who are likely to support a politican or political party

legislature

a group of people with the power to make or change laws Examples Our legislature passed a law requiring people to wear safety belts. Each state has its own legislature.

consortium

a group of persons formally joinedtogether for some common interest a consortium for the prevention of animal cruelty Synonyms board, brotherhood, chamber, club, college, congress

triad

a group of three <a triad of candlesticks on the mantle> Synonyms threesome, trifecta, trinity, trio, triple, triplet, triumvirate

pipe dream

a hope, wish, or dream that is impossible to achieve or not practical an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story Examples His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream. opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream

bevy

a large group or collection a bevy of girls

spate

a large number or amount b : a sudden or strong outburst : rush <a spate of anger> Examples a spate of anger A spate of books on the subject have come out recently. the recent spate There was a spate of corporate mergers in the 1980s.

microcosm

a little world; especially : the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe 2 : a community or other unity that is an epitome of a larger unity

tirade

a long and angry speech a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language Examples after the inspection by the health department, we had to listen to the manager\'s tirade about keeping the restaurant\'s kitchen cleaner

litany

a long list of complaints, problems, etc. a sizable series or set a litany of problems>

rigmarole

a long, complicated, and annoying process, description, etc. Full Definition 1 : confused or meaningless talk 2 : a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure Examples We had to go through the rigmarole of installing, registering, and activating the software before we found out it wouldn\'t work. He just told us what to do without all the usual rigamarole.

stalwart

a loyal supporter Full Definition 1 : a stalwart person 2 : an unwavering partisan Examples party stalwarts

chasm

a marked division, separation, ordifference Examples Leaders tried to bridge a chasm between the two religious groups a racial/cultural/economic chasm

conduit

a means of transmitting ordistributing a conduit for illicit payments a conduit of information mentorship also acts as an informal conduit of passing institutional knowledge from the more experienced managers to younger generation.

modus operandi

a method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

skirmish

a minor or brief argument or disagreement Related Words argument, fight, quarrel, row, spat, squabble, tiff; battle,brawl, fray, wrangle

epiphany

a moment in which you suddenly see or understandsomething in a new or very clearway example: the day you know why you are born€"is often described as a personal epiphany.

moniker

a name or nickname Examples seeing as no respectable rodeo performer could possibly be known as Leslie, a suitably masculine moniker was created for him €œCornelius Jedidiah Beauregard€ is his rather unwieldy moniker

fracas

a noisy argument or fight Full Definition : a noisy quarrel : brawl Examples the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockuppolice preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game Synonyms: battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, dustup, fight, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scrum, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle

quirk

a peculiar trait : idiosyncrasy c : accident, vagary <a quirk of fate>

dalliance

a period of brief or casual involvement with something. \Berkeley was my last dalliance with the education system\""

savant

a person of deep wisdom or learning<a savant in the field of medicalethics> Synonyms pundit, sage, scholar Related Words seer, wise man; polyhistor, polymath, Renaissance man; brain, egghead, genius,

luminary

a person of prominence or brilliant achievement

charlatan

a person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people

incumbent

a person who holds a particular office or position

savant

a person who knows a lot about a particular subject : a person who does not have normal intelligence but who has very unusual mental abilities that other people do not have

sycophant

a person who praises powerful people in order to get their approval a person who flatters another in orderto get ahead when her career wasriding high, the self-deluded actress often mistook sycophants for true friends

plaintiff

a person who sues anotherperson or accuses anotherperson of a crime in a court of law Examples the judge ruled that theplaintiff\'s lawsuit wasgroundless, and he dismissed it

maven

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field an investment maven, he was doing well even when the market was doing poorly Synonyms ace, adept, artist,authority, cognoscente, connoisseur,

scamper

a playful or hurried run or movement

brainchild

a product of one\'s creative effort Examples the artificial language Esperanto was thebrainchild of L. L. Zamenhof, a Polish oculist Synonyms: invention, coinage, concoction,contrivance, creation, innovation, wrinkle

riposte

a quick and clever reply Examples he\'s known for having a brilliantriposte to nearly any insult

basilisk

a reptile that can kill people by breathing on them or looking at them adj suggesting a basilisk : baleful,spellbinding <the eyes€¦with all their blaze of basilisk horror €"Bram Stoker>

recriminate

a retaliatory accusation; also :the making of such accusations endless recrimination

Dunkirk

a retreat to avoid total defeat 2 : a crisis situation that requires a desperate last effort to forestall certain failure a Dunkirk for UnitedStates foreign policy €" Time Examples with the company facing a financialDunkirk, it was hoped that the new CEO could turn things around€"and fast Synonyms boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, emergency, exigency, extremity, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour

scabbard

a sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet

aphorism

a short phrase that expresses a true or wise idea synonym: proverb, saying, adage

rundown

a short statement of the main points a rundown of the suspect\'s lengthy police record

manifestation

a sign that shows somethingclearly Synonyms: abstract, avatar, epitome, externalization, genius, icon image, incarnation, incorporation, embodiment, objectification, personification, personifier Examples a portrait of a mother and childthat is regarded as the verymanifestation of maternal love his journey, his physical manifestation may have ended , but I think his legacy will live on forever. _ king of Bhutan on Lee Kwan Yiew

exodus

a situation in which manypeople leave a place at thesame time Examples the mass exodus from the citiesfor the beaches and themountains on most summerweekends

maelstrom

a situation in which there are a lot of confused activities, emotions, etc. Examples She was caught in a maelstrom of emotions.The ship was drawn into the maelstrom.

smidgen

a small amount : bit <a smidgen ofsalt> <a smidgen of common sense> Examples the maid cleaned the house until therewasn\'t even a smidgen of dust left

smattering

a small number Synonyms couple, handful, scatter, scattering, smatter, few, sprinkle, sprinkling Examples She only knows a smattering ofGerman. a smattering of guests at the art exhibit

modicum

a small portion : a limited quantity Examples only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together england still expects a modicum of eccentricity in its artists he hasnt even a modicum of common sense

delectation

a source of great satisfaction tourists enjoying the delectations of this tropical paradise for the first time Synonyms delight, feast, gas [slang],joy, kick, manna, pleasure, treat

quandary

a state of perplexity or doubt a situation in which you are confused about what to do situation in which one has to choose between two or more equally unsatisfactory choices I\'m in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don\'t have the money to do either Examples The unexpected results of the testhave created a quandary for researchers. I\'m in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don\'thave the money to do either.

paradox

a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true

avarice

a strong desire to have or get money excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : greediness,cupidity Examples the bank official\'s embezzlementwas motivated by pure avarice

consternation

a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. Much to her parents\' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.

conviction

a strong persuasion or belief the state of being convinced synonyms see certainty, opinion Examples spoke with conviction about her political beliefs Synonyms: assurance, assuredness,certainty, certitude, cocksureness, confidence,doubtlessness, face, positiveness, satisfaction,sureness, surety

nuance

a subtle distinction or variation2 : a subtle quality

aura

a subtle sensory stimulus (as an aroma) a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source <the place had an aura of mystery> Synonyms: air, ambience (or ambiance),aroma, atmosphere, climate, flavor, halo,karma, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina,smell, temper, vibration(s)

coup d\'etat

a sudden attempt by a small group of people to take over the government usually through violence

veneer

a superficial or deceptivelyattractive appearance, display, oreffect : facade, gloss <a veneer oftolerance>

derrick

a tall machine with a long part like an arm that is used to move or lift heavy things especially on ships a tall tower that is built over an oilwell and used to support and guidethe tool that is used to dig the holeand get oil out of the ground

contrivance

a thing contrived; especially : a mechanical device an artificial arrangement or development the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived Examples a new contrivance for cleaning computer keyboards

ruse

a trick or act that is used to fool someone : a wily subterfuge synonyms see trick Examples His act was just a clever ruse to get me to go out with him.

effrontery

a very confident attitude or way of behaving that is shocking or rude shameless boldness Examples the little squirt had the effrontery to deny eating any cookies, even with the crumbs still on his lips

bedlam

a very noisy and confused state or scene, madhouse The park had never had so many visitors at one time. It was total bedlam. French physician Philippe Pinel was instrumental in the transformation of bedlams from filthy hellholes to well-ordered, humane institutions

gravitas

a very serious quality or manner Ghulam Azam\'s burial ceremony was performed for the most part with the gravitas such an event demands.

archetype

a very typical example of a certain person or thing. \he was the archetype of the old-style football club chairman\""

jettison

a voluntary sacrifice of cargo to lighten aship\'s load in time of distress omit or forgo as part of a planor as the result of some other decision must be prepared to jettison many romantic notions

pantomime

a way of expressing information or telling a story without words by using body movements and facial expressions Examples In the game of charades, one player uses pantomime to represent a word or phrase that the other players have to try to guess.

tailwind

a wind that blows in the same direction as something (such as a ship or an airplane) that is moving forward While the commodity crash has created havoc on the exporting nations, commodity importers in South Asia are now in a honeymoon period. Their external balances are performing better, inflation is low and fiscal deficits are under control. Such tailwinds, will obviously push growth higher making a lot of people incorrectly conclude that the government is doing a great job.

derelict

abandoned especially by theowner or occupant; also : run-down 2 : lacking a sense of duty : negligent noun : a person who has no money, job, home, etc.

sentient

able to feel, see, hear, smell, or taste Full Definition responsive to or conscious of sense impressions sentient beings Synonyms alive, apprehensive, aware, cognizant, mindful, sensible, conscious, ware, witting Examples sentient of the danger posed by the approaching hurricane

capacious

able to hold or contain a lot : large in capacity Synonyms: ample, spacious,commodious, roomy Examples that car has a capacious trunk that makes it a good choice for families

incipient

aborning, budding, growing an incipient solar system evidence of incipient racial tension Examples I have an incipient dislike and distrust of that guy, and I only met him this morning

rack up

achieve, gain racked up their 10th victory Examples racked up their second consecutive Super Bowl victory

gusto

active strength of body or mind I don\'thave the gusto to go on a strenuous hike right now

covert

adj: not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed :veiled 2 : covered over : sheltered noun: hiding place : shelter a thicket affording cover for game a masking or concealing device

menial

adjective and noun of or relating to servants : lowly 2 a : appropriate to a servant : humble, servile <answered in menial tones> b : lacking interest or dignity <a menial task>me·nial·ly adverb Examples low-paid menials immigrants to that country faced fierce prejudice and could expect to find work only as menials

minatory

adjective: having a menacing quality : threatening Examples the novel\'s protagonist is haunted by a minatory black specter

regressive

adjective: regressive returning to a former or less developed state; characterized by regression. \regressive aspects of recent local government reform\" relating to or marked by psychological regression. \"a regressive personality\" "

prima facie

adjective 1 : true, valid, or sufficient at first impression: apparent 2 : self-evident legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case unless disproved < prima facie evidence>

expedient

adjective Suitable or efficient for accomplishing a purpose: thought email was the most expedient way to communicate with distant relatives. Convenient but based on a concern for self-interest rather than principle: changed his position when it was politically expedient. Obsolete Speedy; expeditious. noun Something that is a means to an end, especially when based on self-interest: compromised only as an expedient to boost his career. Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need: exhausted every expedient before filing a lawsuit.

motif

adominant idea or central theme a single or repeated design or color Examples the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist\'s works the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif

communique

advertisement, bulletin, announcement, notice, notification, posting, release

manic

affected with, relating to,characterized by, or resulting from mania

distraught

agitated with doubt or mental conflict or pain 2 : mentally deranged : crazed Examples distraught relatives waiting to learnwhether there were any survivors of theplane crash

palatable

agreeable to the palate or taste agreeable or acceptable to the mind Examples I did not find the idea of moving again very palatable I always associate the palatable aroma of roasting turkey with Thanksgiving the vegetarian version of that classic dish turned out to be surprisingly palatable

egalitarian

aiming for equal wealth, status, etc., for all people a communist statewith egalitarian beliefs

pathological

altered or caused by disease; also :indicative of disease being such to a degree that is extreme,excessive, or markedly abnormal <a pathological liar>

infraction

an act that breaks a rule or law Full Definition : the act of infringing : violation Examples speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony

geriatric

an aged person Examples most of the clinic\'s outpatients are geriatrics living on fixed incomes children who think that anyone over the age of 40 is geriatric went into nursing to work with geriatric patients

lee·way

an allowable margin of freedom or variation : tolerance Examples you will be given some leeway in choosing how to carry out the project

outlay

an amount of money that is spent Full Definition 1 : the act of expending 2 : expenditure, payment outlays for national defense Examples The initial outlay for the program will be 2.4 million dollars. Maintaining a horse requires considerable outlay. the nation had outlaid nearly 20 billion dollars on social programs at that point

surfeit

an amount that is too much or more than you need Examples ended up with a surfeit ofvolunteers who simply got in eachother\'s way Synonyms bellyful, fat,overabundance, overage, overflow,overkill, overmuch, overplus,oversupply, plethora, plus,redundancy, superabundance,superfluity, excess, surplus,surplusage

tussle

an argument or a dispute Just how positive will depend on how long the price stays low. That is the subject of a continuing tussle between OPEC and the shale-drillers.

antic

an attention drawing often wildly playful or funny act or action caper

chauvinist

an attitude that the members of your own sex are always better than those of the opposite sex : the belief that your country, race, etc., is better than any other Examples their ingrained chauvinism has blinded them to their country\'s faults

gamut

an entire range or series ran the gamut from praise to contempt the distance or extent between possible extremes the actress\'s work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas Synonyms diapason, range, scale, spectrum, spread, stretch

gamut

an entire range or series synonyms see range Examples the actress\'s work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas

rut

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity I\'ve fallen into a rut, watching television and then going to bed every night Synonyms drill, grind, groove, lockstep, pattern, rote, routine, treadmill

rubrik

an established rule, tradition, or custom

referendum

an event in which the people of acounty, state, etc., vote for oragainst a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on aparticular issue

malefaction

an evil deed : crime Examples the town treasurer has been linked to the kickback scheme and other financial malefactions

pollyanna

an excessively cheerful or optimistic person. \what I am saying makes me sound like some ageing Pollyanna who just wants to pretend that all is sweetness and light\" "

caveat

an explanation or warning thatshould be remembered whenyou are doing or thinking aboutsomething

dystopia

an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives anti-utopia

coup

an impressive victory or achievement that usually isdifficult or unexpected Landing the ex-Top Gear presenters, as well as ex-producer and creative force behind the show Andy Wilman, is quite the coup for Amazon.

imprecation

an offensive word or phrase that people say when they are angry 1 : curse 2 : the act of imprecating

conjecture

an opinion or judgment based on little or no evidence the many conjectures about the true identity of Jack the Ripper Synonyms guess, shot, supposition, surmise

decree (noun,verb)

an order publicly issued by anauthority a decree issued by the state\'s supreme court to the legislature command, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative

diktat

an order that must be followed 1 : a harsh settlement unilaterally imposed (as on a defeated nation) 2 : decree, order Examples The company president issued a diktat that employees may not wear jeans to work. a democratic government has to be something wanted by that nation\'s citizens and not something created by a foreign power\'s diktat

subtext

an underlying theme in a piece of writing a message which is not stated directly but can be inferred the implicit or metaphorical meaning (as of a literary text) That was not the main theme of his speech, but it was a clear subtext. There is an emotional subtext, too.

plight

an unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation

agglomerate

an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the Holy Roman Empire was an ever-varying agglomerate of central European states that managed to survive for 1,000 years

medieval

antiquated, out of use, old

montage

any combination of disparate elements that forms or is felt to form a unified whole, single image, etc. the combining of pictorial elements from different sources in a single composition.

plausible

appearing worthy of belief <the argument was both powerful and plausible> Synonyms: credible, creditable, likely, believable, presumptive, probable

odious

arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : hateful <an odious crime><a false and odious comparison>odi·ous·ly adverbodi·ous·ness noun Examples an odious and unforgivable insult Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable,appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful,dreadful, evil, foul

solicit

ask Examples solicited several opinions about which job he should accept always ready to solicit donations for a charity solicited him to join the team

appraise/appraisal

assess/assessment, analyse/analysis, rate, estimate, calculate, determine, compute.

complicity

association or participation in or as if in awrongful act germany arrests former auschwitz guard having concluded that he had been complicit in murder.

placate

assuage, mollify, appease, pacify to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : ease unable to assuage their grief 2 : pacify, quiet €¦to assuage an implacable foe €" Edward Gibbon

insidious

awaiting a chance to entrap :treacherous b : harmful but enticing : seductive having a gradual and cumulative effect :subtle

rubric

b (1) : name, title; specifically : the title of astatute (2) something under which a thing is classed : category <the sensations fallingunder the general rubric,€œpressure€ €" F. A.Geldard> 3 : an established rule, tradition, or custom 4 a guide listing specific criteria for gradingor scoring academic papers, projects, or tests Examples the rubrics at the beginning of the chapters are intended to be humorous the rubric, popular among jewelers anyway, that a man should spend a month\'s salary on his fiancÃ©e\'s engagement ring all of these books with their conspiracy theories fall under the rubric of speculative fiction

reel

b : to be in a whirl 2 : to behave in a violent disorderly manner 3: to waver or fall back (as from a blow) 4 : to walk or move unsteadily

vice

bad or immoral behavior or habits: a moral flaw or weakness: a minor bad habit

liminal

barely perceptible3 : of, relating to, or being anintermediate state, phase, orcondition : in-between, transitional example: in the liminal state between life and death €" Deborah Jowitt

adapt

become adjusted to new conditions. a large organization can be slow to adapt to change""

germane

being at once relevant and appropriate : fitting Synonyms: applicable, apposite, apropos, pertinent, material, pointed, relative, relevant Examples facts germane to the dispute my personal opinion isn\'t germane to our discussion of the facts of the case omit details that are not germane to the discussion

fore

being at or in the forward part or surface of something cats have five fore toes but only four hind toes In the years ahead, investment in training will remain at the fore for the banking industry, reflecting the Government\'s focus on upskilling the local population

discordant

being at variance : disagreeing

uncanny

being beyond one\'s powers to know, understand, or explain a number of uncanny parallels in the lives of the twins who had been separated at birth Synonyms arcane, cryptic, deep, enigmatic (also enigmatical), impenetrable, inscrutable, mystic, occult, mysterious

pavlovian

being or expressing a conditionedor predictable reaction : automatic

spruce

being strikingly neat and trim in styleor appearance a slim, spruce man in a tailor-made business suit Synonyms dapper, natty, sharp,snappy, smart

per se

being such inherently, clearly, or as a matter of law so relieving poverty brings big happiness,but income, per se does not.

vilification

belittlement, denigration,disparagement; cattiness, despite,hatefulness, malevolence, malice,maliciousness, malignancy, malignity

endemic

belonging or native to a particular people or country b : characteristic of or prevalent in aparticular field, area, or environment 2 : restricted or peculiar to a locality or region

quail

blanch, pale, whiten; quake, quiver, shake, shudder, tremble; crouch; jerk, start, twitch; to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust we quailed when the waiter unexpectedly presented us with a hindquarter of frog\'s legs Synonyms blench, cringe, flinch, recoil, shrink, squinch, wince

boon

blessing; godsed; bonus; aid; help; advantage; gain; asset; priilege "the route will be a boon to many travellers"

bluster

boastful speech or writing all the bluster in the campaign speech was intended to hide a lack of specifics Synonyms bombast, brag, braggadocio, bull [slang],

brazen

bold and without shame. he went about his illegal business with a brazen assurance" Such brazen acts of disrespect will not be tolerated while I\'m in charge! "

brazen

bold and without shame he went about his illegal with brazen assurance unashamed, unabashed, unembarrassed, immodest

drudgery

boring, difficult, or unpleasant work Examples He hated the drudgery of his job. in the €œgood old days€ household servants led lives filled with much drudgery and little pleasure

stigmatize

brand to describe or identify in opprobrious/infamous/vitriolic terms

temerity

brashness, brassiness, audacity, boldness brazen

contravention

breach, infringement, breaking, flouting DLP deals with activities which may constitute a contravention of the bank\'s IS policies

venal

bribable, corruptible, dirty, purchasable Examples that judge is known for being venal and easily bought

terse

brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly using few words : devoid of superfluity a terse summary; also :short, brusque dismissed me with a terse€œno€

cusp

brink, point, edge, threshold,verge Examples the cusp of a tooth She is on the cusp of being a star on the cusp between childhood and adolescence

ramp-up

buildup, increase

equanimity

calm emotions when dealing with problems or pressure 1 : evenness of mind especially under stress nothing could disturb his equanimity 2 : right disposition : balance physical equanimity

stolid

calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation. \a stolid bourgeois gent\" synonyms:impassive; phlegmatic; unemotional; calm; placid; unexcitable "

scalable

capable of being easily expanded or upgraded on demand <a scalable computer network>

extensible

capable of being extended

tenable

capable of being held, maintained, or defended : defensible, reasonable Examples the soldiers\' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher groundthe tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs

palpable

capable of being touched or felt : tangible 2 : easily perceptible : noticeable Examples the tension in the negotiating room was palpable a small but palpable lump in my neck a palpable case of lying under oath

frugal

careful about spending moneyor using things when you do notneed to : using money orsupplies in a very careful way example: For international banks, the idea of operating across the border, let alone frugally, is on trial- even if the banks themselves have escaped prosecution.

travesty

caricature, do, imitate, mock, parody, misrepresentation

precipitate

cause (an event or situation especially a bad one) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly or prematurely fears that this is going to precipitate a crisis seem overblown suicide: the precipitating event almost invariably seem domestic

psychosomatic

caused by mental or emotionalproblems rather than by physical illness Examples The doctor told her that her stomach problems were psychosomatic.

soporific

causing or tending to cause sleep <soporific drugs> Synonyms: drowsy, narcotic, opiate, sleepy, slumberous (or slumbrous), somniferous, somnolent, hypnotic

fractious

causing trouble : hard to manage or control full of anger and disagreement tending to be troublesome : unruly a fractious crowd quarrelsome, irritable a fractious political campaign

indubitable

certainly true : not able to be doubted Synonyms: accomplished, certain, inarguable, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable Examples the indubitable fact that there are no more woolly mammoths or saber-toothed tigers around

metastesize

change of position, state, or form to spread or grow by or as if by metastasis

capricious

changing often and quickly ; especially : often changingsuddenly in mood or behavior : not logical or reasonable : based on an idea, desire, etc., that is not possible to predict Full Definition : governed or characterized by caprice : impulsive, unpredictable Synonyms: fickle, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant,

sectarian

characteristic of a sect

mercurial

characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood a mercurial temper Synonyms: capricious, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, fickle, mutable, skittish, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile

stifling

choke, smother, strangle,suffocate

privy

clandestine not known or meant to be known by the general populace privy information on the current state of the peace negotiations Synonyms behind-the-scenes, confidential, esoteric, hushed, hush-hush, inside, intimate, nonpublic, private, secret

construe

clarify, clear (up), explain,demonstrate, demystify, elucidate,explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle construed my actions as hostile

saturnine

cold, comfortless, dark, darkening,depressing, depressive, desolate,dire, disconsolate, dismal, drear,

rake

collect, gather or move the movie could not rake in the expected amount in movie collections

rake

collect, gather or move the movie could not rake in the expected amount in movie collections Not all Harvard MBA students are raking in the dough

fulminant

coming on suddenly and with great severity <fulminant disease>

prevalence

commonness, presence, frequentness, pervasiveness, popularity

indemnify

compensate (someone) for harm or loss each of the parties shall indemnify me for all reasonable costs of defending such actions and proceedings" synonym: <a href="https://www.google.com.bd/search?es_sm=122&q=define+reimburse&sa=X&ei=n9PwVJbPG8SKuAS07oHoAw&ved=0CB4Q_SowAA">reimburse</a>

gripe

complaint

sanguine

confident and hopeful; optimistic he is sanguine about prospects for the global economy

sanguine

confident, optimistic confident and hopeful Examples She has a sanguine disposition. He is sanguine about the company\'s future.

canonical

conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : orthodox

ramification

consequence, outgrowth the ramifications of which were not put into consideration.

discrete

consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : noncontinuous separate and different from each other

sully

contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; discolor; confuse, to make dirty people that sully our state parks with their trash a once-gleaming marble interior sullied by decades of exposure to cigarette smoke

commensurate

corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree : proportionate was given a job commensurate with her abilities project duration and budget must be commensurate with the nature and characteristics of the deliverables

demure

coy, withdrawn, sheepish Examples She was wearing a demure gray suit. the demure charm of the cottage

petulant

cranky, grumpy, iritable Ozil, petulant as he is, bluntly refuses to meet those requirements.

divisive

creating disunity or dissension <adivisive issue>

flak

criticism, opposition He took a lot of flak from the other kids for his unusual appearance

lambaste

criticize

revile

criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner. he was now reviled by the party that he had helped to lead" "

draconian

cruel; also : severe draconian littering fines

inflection

curve, bend, turn the act or result of curving or bending : bend

aquiline

curving like an eagle\'s beak: like an eagle

bane

death, destruction <stop the way of those that seek my bane €"Philip Sidney> d : woe 2 : a source of harm or ruin : curse <national frontiers have been more of a bane than a boon for mankind €" D. C. Thomson>

promulgate

declare, proclaim example: This striking confirmation forced the German scientists to assert that no scientific discovery of such importance has been made since Newton\'s theory of gravitation was promulgated

consecrate

dedicated to a sacred purpose Examples the consecrate gold tablets which Joseph Smith claimed to have found

aspersion

defamation cast aspersions on her integrity

iconoclastic

defying tradition Jackson Pollack was an iconoclastic artist, totally breaking with tradition by splashing paint on a blank canvas.

abase

degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, deteriorate, lessen, Examples was unwilling to abase himself by pleading guilty to a crime that he did not commit I certainly don\'t abase myself when I do good, honest manual labor.

protract

delay, defer 2 : to prolong in time or space : continue 3 : to extend forward or outward €" Examples the highway project was protracted by years of litigation

wanton

deliberate and unprovoked. \sheer wanton vandalism\" synonyms:deliberate; wilful; malicious; malevolent; spiteful; vicious; wicked; evil; cruel; More "

contingent

dependent on or conditioned by something else payment is contingent on fulfillment of certain conditions

contingent

dependent on or conditioned by something else <payment is contingenton fulfillment of certain conditions>

dismal

depressing, gloomy, cheerless

emasculate

deprive of strength, vigor, or spirit : weaken 2 : to deprive of virility or procreative power : castrate 3 : to remove the androecium of (a flower) in the process of artificial cross-pollination Critics charged that this changewould emasculate the law. to deprive of courage or confidence being eliminatedearly in one\'s very first tennistournament can be an emasculating experience

bereft

deprived of or lacking (something). her room was stark and bereft of colour" synonyms: deprived of

culpable

deserving blame : guilty of doing something wrong Examples are you any less culpable formurder if you acted in the heatof passion?

kismet

destiny,doom, fortune, fate Examples he always said that it was kismet that they met at a showing of their favorite movie

scuttle (v)

destroy, wreck; also : scrap scuttle the deal

contrive

devise, plan contrive ways of handling the situation

contrive

devise, plan to form or think of (a plan, method, etc.) : to form or make (something) in a skillful or clever way : to make (something) happen in a clever way or with difficulty contrive ways of handling the situation

retrograde

directed or moving backwards. \a retrograde flow\" synonyms:backward

dissident

disagreeing especially with an establishedreligious or political system, organization, or belief maverick, nonconformist, nonorthodox, out-there,unconventional, unorthodox

phase out

discontnue, decommission, move out

deter

discourage, or prevent from acting 2 : inhibit serve as a deterrent

ignominy

disgrace, shameful Examples he spent the remainder of his life inignominy after being involved in abribery scandal

masquerade

disguise oneself; also : to go about disguised

malady

disorder, ailment Examples in the olden days people were always suffering from some unknown malady

repudiate

disown, disregard to refuse to acknowledge or pay we didn\'t like the terms, so we repudiated the contract

vindictive

disposed to seek revenge : vengeful b : intended for or involving revenge

vindictive

disposed to seek revenge : vengeful be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street

mold

distinctive nature or character : type to determine or influence the quality or nature of <mold public opinion>

tangent

diverging from an original purpose or course : irrelevant an abrupt change of course : digression

polarize

divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs. \the cultural sphere has polarized into two competing ideological positions\" "

schism

division, separation; also :discord, disharmony a schism between political parties Examples a schism between leading members of the party The church was divided by schism.

bourgeois

dominated by commercial and industrial interests : capitalistic relating to or belonging to the middleclass of society : having qualities or values associatedwith the middle class : too concernedabout wealth, possessions, and respectable behavior

over·arch·ing

dominating or embracing all else <overarching goals> including or influencing every part of something

hegemony

domination <battled for hegemony in Asia> Examples European intellectuals have long debated the consequences of the hegemony of American popular culture around the world Synonyms: ascendance (also ascendence), ascendancy (also ascendency), dominance, domination, dominion, supremacy, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, reign, sovereignty (also sovranty)

furtive

done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed furtive guy who always seemsto be up to something, and usually that something is no-good

expeditious

done with speed and efficiency. an expeditious investigation

surreptitious

done, made, or acquired by stealth : clandestine 2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : stealthy <a surreptitious glance> Synonyms: backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive Synonyms: backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive

soused

drunk

palpable

easily perceptible : noticeable a palpable difference Synonyms: appreciable, apprehensible, detectable, discernible (also discernable), distinguishable, perceptible, sensible Examples I felt a palpable sense of relief. The attraction between them was palpable. There was a palpable excitement in the air as the town prepared for the festival

impressionable

easy to influence Examples The teacher was accused of forcing his political beliefs on impressionable teenagers. The book had a profound effect on his impressionable youngmind.

fringe

edge, periphery €" oftenused in plural <operated on thefringes of the law> it\'s always facinating to see people working on the fringes of science

circumvent

employees who try to circumvent the company\'s dress code internal controls may fail where such controls are circumvented by exploiting vulnerabilities . most casual joggers will be able to circumvent the reservoir without too much of a strain Synonyms: beat, bypass, dodge,get around, shortcut, sidestep,skirt

incite

encourage, spark, instigate, urge or persuade (someone) to act in a violent or unlawful way. he incited loyal subjects to rebellion" "

impinge

encroach, infringe <impinge on other people\'s rights> to have an effect : make an impression <waiting for the germ of a new idea to impinge upon my mind €" Phyllis Bentley> hail was noisily impinging upon the car\'s exterior

implicate

enlace, entwine, intertwine, interlace, intertwist, interweave, inweave, lace, ply, twist, weave, wreathe, writhe Deguito implicates Chinese-Filipino businessman Kim Wong in the money laundering

swathe

enveloping medium Large swathes of housing were built to accommodate the surge in population and as a result Detroit made many millionaires. a wide swath of existing Windows users will be able to make the jump to Windows 10 free of charge.

supplant

eradicate, replace, uproot Examples old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

efface

erase (a mark) from a surface. make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous. \with time; the words are effaced by the rain\" \"to efface oneself is not the easiest of duties which the teacher can undertake\" "

akin

essentially similar, related, or compatible <his interests are akin to mine> Examples The two languages are closely akin. The two languages are closely akin to one another. a feeling akin to loneliness Synonyms: affiliated, related, allied, kindred

prosaic

everyday, ordinary

vile

evil or immoral: very bad or unpleasant with the last look at the Count\'s vile body, i ran from the place

excommunicate

excluded from the rights of church membership : excommunicated

contemporaneous

existing or happening during the same time period Examples the contemporaneous publication of the two articles contemporaneous accounts of the battle from officers on both sides

connoisseur

expert; especially : one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge

connoiseur

expert; especially : one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge works that are highly prized byconnoisseurs of art glass

doleful

expressing or suggesting mourning a doleful expression on their faces as they said good-bye to the friends they had made over the summer Synonyms aching, agonized,anguished, bemoaning, bewailing,bitter, deploring, mournful, dolesome,

plangent

expressing or suggesting mourning a plangent, haunting song about a long-ago love marked by a high volume of sound plangent organ music filled the church Synonyms blaring, blasting, booming, clamorous, clangorous, Synonyms aching, agonized, anguished, bemoaning, bewailing,

dogmatic

expressing personal opinions or beliefs as if they are certainly correct and cannot be doubted Synonyms: doctrinaire, opinionated, opinionative, opinioned, pontifical, self-opinionated

furtive

expressive of stealth : sly <had a furtive look about him> gave each other furtive glancesas we watched our friend openthe booby-trapped soda

abject

extremely bad or severe very weak : lacking courage orstrength Examples demanded nothing less than anabject apology from them a man made abject by suffering>

abysmal

extremely bad, appaling, fathomless

decrepit

fallen into ruin or disrepair3 : dilapidated, run-down

conducive

favourable, helpful, encouraging, beneficial the new survey is our latest effort to get your feedback in a more conducive way.

bold

fearless before danger showing an ability to take risks; xonfident and courageous

truculent

feeling or displaying ferocity : cruel,savage 2 : deadly, destructive 3 : scathingly harsh : vitriolic

flighty

fickle and irresponsible

flotsam

floating pieces, parts, etc., from a ship that has been wrecked Examples the dispirited family picked through the flotsam of their possessions after the hurricane, looking for anything that could be salvaged

cult

formal religious veneration : worship

erstwhile

formerly, once, previously serving as general secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami in the erstwhile East Pakistan

charlatan

fraud; fake; fraudster. Deceiver, cheat

ingenuous

free from any intent to deceive or impress others <photographsthat capture the ingenuoussmiles of young children at play> Synonyms artless, genuine, honest, guileless, innocent, naive(or naÃ¯ve), natural, real, simple, sincere, true, unaffected, unpretending, unpretentious

latitude

freedom of action or choice students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses

latitude

freedom, an allowable margin of freedom or variation I design internal communication strategies for clients and I have a lot of creative latitude €" but not enough

personable

friendly or pleasant in manner :easy to get along with

parlous

full of danger or risk Examples The company is in a parlous financial situation. He talked about the parlous state of the country.

raring

full of enthusiasm or eagerness ready and raring to go Examples we\'d gotten up so early that by thetime eight o\'clock rolled around, we were raring to get started on the hike

wistful

full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning a wistful memoir

resolute

fully committed to achieving a goal despite the risks involved, she wasresolute in her decision to undergo theexperimental operation Synonyms bent (on or upon) , bound,decisive, do-or-die, firm, hell-bent (on orupon), intent, out, purposeful,

vindictive

gdgdg

enoble

give (someone) a noble rank or title. \they receive life baronies on appointment unless they are already ennobled\" synonyms:elevate to the nobility/peerage; raise to the nobility/peerage; make/create someone a noble; "; ;

austere

giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets> simple or plain : not fancy of a person having a serious and unfriendly quality having few pleasures : simple and harsh

inordinate

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount an inordinate number of complaints about the slow pace of snow removal around the city Related Words boundless, endless,immeasurable, infinite, limitless;unbearable, unjustifiable, unwarranted;

plutocratic

government by the richest people: a country that is ruled by the richest people: a group of very rich people whohave a lot of power

compunction

guilt or regret Examples throughout her school years she cheated without compunction

mirth

happiness and laughter Examples Her clumsy attempt to cut thecake was the cause of much mirth. He was in a mirthful mood.

invective

harsh or insulting words : rudeand angry language Full Definition 1 : an abusive expression or speech 2 : insulting or abusive language: vituperation synonyms see abuse Examples a barrage of racist invective hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic

specious

having a false look of truth or genuineness : sophistic <specious reasoning> Synonyms: beguiling, deceitful, deceiving, deluding, delusive, delusory, fallacious, false, misleading, deceptive Examples a specious argument that reallydoes not stand up under closeexamination

pompous

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude the pompous waiter served us in the manner of a person doing some poorsoul a great favor

populous

having a large population Full Definition 1 a : densely populated b : having a large population2 a : numerous b : filled to capacitypop·u·lous·ly adverbpop·u·lous·ness noun Examples the most populous state in the U.S.

kafkaesque

having a nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical quality Kafkaesque bureaucratic delays

seminal

having a strong influence on ideas, works, events, etc., that come later : very important and influential

seminal

having a strong influence on ideas, works, events, etc., that come later :very important and influential containing or contributing the seeds of later development : creative, original a seminal book

plain vanilla

having no special or extra features; ordinary or standard. choosing plain vanilla technology wherever you can will save you money""

blithe

having or showing a good mood ordisposition a blithe, obedient child Synonyms cheerful, blithesome,bright, buoyant, canty [British dialect], cheery, chipper, eupeptic,gay, gladsome, lightsome, sunny,upbeat, winsome

blase

having or showing a lack of excitement or interest in something especially because it is very familiar Full Definition 1 : apathetic to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence or enjoyment : world-weary a blasÃ© traveler blasÃ© about one\'s hometown 2 : sophisticated, worldly-wise 3 : unconcerned his blasÃ© reaction to losing the match Examples People get blasÃ© about their hometown.

vacuous

having or showing a lack of intelligence or serious thought : lacking meaning, importance, or substance emptied of or lacking content 2 : marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : stupid, inane <a vacuous mind> <a vacuous movie> 3 : devoid of serious occupation : idle Examples a great vacuous space thatshould have been filled with anaudiencea movie that wasenthusiastically derided for itsvacuous dialogue

bellicose

having or showing a tendency to argue or fight Synonyms: aggressive, agonistic, argumentative, assaultive, belligerent, brawly, chippy, combative, Examples bellicose hockey players who always seem to spend moretime fighting than playing

apathetic

having or showing little or no feeling or emotion : spiritless 2 : having little or no interest or concern :indifferent synonyms see impassive Examples people of conscience cannot be apathetic about the great suffering in this world gave nothing more than an apathetic gaze to his interrogators

invidious

having or showing mean resentment of another\'s possessions or advantages tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy the invidious task of arbitration inevitably, his remarkable success attracted the invidious attention of the other sales representatives Synonyms covetous, green-eyed, envious, jaundiced, jealous, resentful

precocious

having or showing the qualities or abilities of an adult at an unusually early age exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age <a precocious child> Examples a precocious baldness makes him look older than he really is

conceited

having or showing too much pride in your own worth or goodness Examples a conceited basketball player who was always too busy evento sign autographs

prepossessing

having qualities that people like : appealing or attractive he is of a fairly prepossessing appearance

material

having real importance or great consequences facts material to the investigation

riveting

having the power to fix the attention : engrossing, fascinating Examples a riveting explanation of light waves that fascinated the class Synonyms: absorbing, arresting, consuming,engaging, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating,gripping, immersing, intriguing, involving,interesting

legislative

having the power to make laws: relating to the making of laws

glutinous

having the quality of glue : gummy glu·ti·nous·ly adverb Examples a bad horror movie from the 1950sabout a glutinous blob thatdevoured Manhattan

equivocal

having two or more possiblemeanings: not easily understood or explained Full Definition subject to two or more interpretations and usually used tomislead or confuse an equivocal statement

delectable

highly pleasing : delightful <a delectable melody>2 : delicious <a delectable meal> Synonyms: agreeable, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling,pleasant, delicious, delightful,

laurels

honor or fame given for someachievement a recognition of achievement :honor €" usually used in plural Examples They enjoyed the laurels of theirmilitary victory. The player earned his laurels fromyears of hard work.

reverence

honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something) Examples Her poems are treated withreverence by other poets. Their religion has a deepreverence for nature.

homage

honor expression of high regard : respect €"often used with pay something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another tribute Examples the poem is a moving homage to all who have served in our nation\'s armed services the unique homage that we grant to Olympic athletes

ignominious

humiliating, degrading causing disgrace or shame an ignominious defeat

vice

immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society that section of the city is legendary for crime and vice Synonyms corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquitousness, iniquity, libertinage, libertinism, licentiousness, profligacy, sin

indecorous

impolite not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an indecorous joke for a solemn moment in the marriage ceremony Synonyms amiss, graceless, improper, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, inappropriate, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt,

insurmountable

impossible to overcome

inexorable

impossible to stop or prevent. \the seemingly inexorable march of new technology\" synonyms:relentless; unstoppable; unavoidable; inescapable; inevitable; irrevocable; "

impetuous

impulsive

enmasse

in a body : as a whole Examples Her supporters arrived en masse for the rally.

amok

in a confused and reckless manner returned to the classroom to find an escaped snake and her students running amok Synonyms helter-skelter, berserk, berserkly, frantically, frenetically,

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