Junior Vocabulary Akin

Tyro

A beginner, novice; one with little or no background or skill —You cannot expect a mere __________________ to perform like a veteran in his first season of major league play. Synonym: neophyte Antonyms: veteran, past master, expert

Diatribe

A bitter and prolonged verbal attack —The senator's speech was more of a ________________ than a reasoned address. Synonyms: harangue, tirade Antonyms: panegyric, encomium, eulogy

Coterie

A circle of acquaintances; a close-knit, often exclusive, group or people with a common interest —Robert Browning and his _____________________ had ideas about poetry that seemed revolutionary in their day. Synonyms: clique, set

Animadversion

A comment indicating strong criticism or disapproval —The inexperience filmmaker was disheartened by the __________________ of the film critic.

Machination

A crafty, scheming, or underhanded action designed to accomplish some (usually evil) end --Shakespeare's Othello was the victim not only of logo's evil ________________________ but also of his own jealous nature. synonyms: plot, maneuver

Behemoth

A creature of enormous size, power, or appearance --The Loch Ness monster is a famous _____________. synonyms: whale, elephant, colossus antonyms: dwarf, pygmy, midget

Effigy

A crude image of a despised person —The night before the battle, the troops burned the despised enemy leader in _____________________. Synonyms: figure, figurine

Dilettante

A dabbler in the arts; one who engages in an activity in an amateurish trifling way —Many people dismissed the poster artists of the 1960's as mere _____________________ with nothing serious to say about life or art. Synonym: amateur Antonym: professional

Obeisance

A deep bow or other body movement indicating respect or submission; deference, homage —Upon entering the throne room, each courtier made a respectful ______________________ before the king and queen. Synonym: honor Antonyms: disrespect, irreverence

Pillory

A device for publicly punishing offenders; a means for exposing one to public contempt or ridicule —The ___________________ was placed in the center of town so that everyone could view the outlaws and their shame. To expose to public contempt or ridicule —The candidate tried to ______________________ her political opponent by suggesting that he had ties to organized crime. Antonyms: extol, laud, acclaim

Dissidence

A difference of opinion; discontent —When the commanding officer announced that all leave was cancelled, there was widespread ________________________ in the ranks. Synonyms: disagreement, disaffection Antonyms: harmony, concord

Figment

A fabrication of the mind; an arbitrary notion —The silhouette of a man on the porch was a mere _______________________ of your overheated imagination. Synonyms: invention, fancy

Canard

A false rumor, fabricated story —The tabloid journalist was responsible for spreading the _________________ about the candidate's mental health. Synonym: hoax

Eulogy

A formal statement of commendation; high praise —The best friend and longtime law partner of the deceased delivered the ___________________ at the funeral. Synonyms: panegyric, encomium, tribute Antonyms: philippic, invective

Bastion

A fortified place, stronghold —Contrary to popular belief, the military is not always a ____________________ of political conservatism. Synonyms: citadel, rampart, parapet

Travesty

A grotesque or grossly inferior imitation; a disguise, especially the clothing of the opposite sex —Instead of modernizing Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, they made a ____________________ of it. Synonyms: burlesque, caricature, farce To ridicule by initiating in a broad or burlesque fashion —The new song ________________________ the original version.

Coup

A highly successful stroke, masterstroke, tour de force, act, plan, or stratagem; a sudden takeover of power or leadership --The surprise _________________ by high-ranking military officers toppled the weak government in a matter of hours. antonyms: blunder, faux pas, gaffe

Halcyon

A legendary bird identified with the kingfisher —The teacher read the legend of the _____________ a mythic bird that nested in a calm sea. Of or relating to the halcyon; calm, peaceful; happy, golden; prosperous, affluent synonyms: tranquil, placid, palmy antonyms: turbulent, tumultuous

Juggernaut

A massive and inescapable force or object that crushes whatever is in its path —Any population that has experienced the ______________________ of war firsthand will not easily forget its destructive power.

Euphemism

A mild or inoffensive expression used in place of a harsh or unpleasant one; a substitute --Common ______________________ for die include the expressions pass away and go to the other side.

Neophyte

A new convent, beginner, novice —In comparison to an experienced wilderness hiker, he is a mere _______________________ in the woods. Synonyms: tenderfoot, tyro Antonyms: veteran, past master, expert, pro

Idiosyncracy

A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identity —The fact that the plurals of some nouns are formed irregularly is an _________________ of English grammar. Synonyms: quirk, mannerism

Counterpart

A person or thing closely resembling or corresponding to another; a complement —I have to admit I was frightened of my ______________________ on the other because she held the high-jump record. Synonym: match

Misanthrope

A person who hates or despises people —The millionaire ______________________ left all her money to an animal shelter and not a penny to a single human being. Synonym: people-hater

Litany

A prayer consisting of short appeals to God recientes by the leader alternating with responses from the congregation; any repetitive chant; a long list —Whenever she talks about her childhood, she recites an interminable __________________ of grievances. Synonyms: catalog, megillah

Pedantry

A pretentious display of knowledge; overly rigid attention to rules and details —The fussy music professor was distinguished more for her ____________________________ than her true scholarship. Synonyms: nit-picking, pettifoggery

Nettle

A prickly or stinging plant --If you are pricked by a ________________, aloe cream will soothe and reduce the sting. To arouse displeasure, impatience, or anger; to vex or irritate severely —The principal was _________________ by the student's disrespectful behavior. Synonyms: peeve, annoy, incense, gall Antonyms: please, delight, soothe, pacify

Motif

A principal idea, feature, theme, or element; a repeated or dominant figure in a design —The collector admired the unusual Asian ____________________ woven into the tapestry.

Stratagem

A scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end —The defenses attorney used a clever ________________ to curry sympathy for her client. Synonyms: trick, ploy, subterfuge

Acclamation

A shout of welcome; an overwhelming verbal vote of approval —It is very rare for a presidential candidate to be nominated by _________________________ from the convention floor. Synonyms: ovation, cheering, plaudits Antonyms: booing, hissing, jeers, catcalls

Shambles

A slaughterhouse; a place of mass bloodshed; a state of complete disorder and confusion, mess —The burglars made a complete___________________ of the apartment in their search for money and jewelry.

Cabal

A small group working in secret —The members of the ________________ met at an unknown location for the purpose of fixing prices and stifling competition. Synonyms: ring, gang, plot, conspiracy

Concord

A state of agreement, harmony, unanimity; a treaty, pact, covenant —A spirit of __________________ was restored when the company compensated its employees. Antonyms: disagreement, strife, discord

Penchant

A strong attraction or inclination —A teacher with a ________________ for belaboring the obvious is bound to be boring Synonyms: proclivity, predilection Antonyms: disinclination, aversion

Nuance

A subtle or slight variation (as in color, meaning, quality), delicate gradation or shade of difference —In his writing, the poet paid close attention to every ________________________ of meaning in the words he chose. Synonyms: shade, nicety, refinement

Paroxysm

A sudden outburst; a spasm, convulsion —The children greeted the clown with a _________________________ of laughter when he began making his funny faces. Synonyms: fit, seizure

Moratorium

A suspension of activity; an official waiting period; an authorized period of delay --The conference was held to try to negotiate a ___________________ on arms sales to both sides of the conflict. synonyms: postponement, stoppage antonyms: escalation

Grouse

A type of game bird; a compliant —The patient's latest ________________ was that he did not get any dessert with his dinner the night before. To complain, grumble —Those who just stand around and ________________ about their low salaries are not likely to get raises. Synonyms: kvetch, bellyache

Surveillance

A watch kept over a person; careful, close, and disciplined observation —The police kept the suspect under strict __________________ after she was released. Synonyms: observation, monitoring

Foible

A weak point, failing, minor flaw —Backbiting is one human _________________________ not likely to be eradicated. Synonyms: shortcoming, quirk Antonyms: forte, virtue

Maelstrom

A whirlpool of great size and violence; a situation resembling a whirlpool in violence and destruction —Many innocent people caught in the ______________ of the revolution lost their lives and property. synonyms: chaos, turbulence, tumult

Pittance

A woefully meager allowance, wage, or portion —In comparison to the overwhelming need for food and medicine, the shipment was a mere____________________. Synonym: trifle Antonym: fortune

Shibboleth

A word, expression, or custom that distinguishes a particular group of persons from all others; a commonplace saying or truism —By the time Election Day rolls around, most voters are tired of hearing the same old promises and ______________________. Synonyms: password, slogan

acquisitive

Able to get and retain or information; concerned with acquiring wealth or property —In an ________________ society, there is a great deal of emphasis on buying and selling. synonyms: greedy, avaricious, retentive antonyms: altruistic

Imminent

About to happen, threatening --An ___________________ hurricane forced the islanders back to the mainland. synonym: looming antonyms: distant, remote, faraway

Reputed

According to reputation or general belief; having widespread acceptance and good reputation; (part.) alleged —Although he is the __________________ head of a crime syndicate, he has never spent time in jail. Synonyms: putative, reputable Antonyms: proven, corroborated, authenticated

Nostrum

An alleged cure-all; a remedy or scheme of questionable effectiveness --The federal Food and Drug Administration was created in part to keep unsavory characters from peddling ______________ to the public. synonym: elixir

Fiat

An arbitrary order or decree; a command or act of will or consciousness —The ruler instituted several new _____________. Synonyms: dictum, ukase

Mandate

An authoritative command, formal order, authorization —The peacekeepers were sent into the war-torn county under a UN _________________________ to protect civilians. Synonym: directive To issue such an order —The environmental protection agency has ______________________ that all automobiles pass an annual emissions test. Antonyms: forbid, ban, outlaw

Increment

An enlargement, increase, addition —Employees were added to the work force in ____________________ of five to reduce training costs. Synonym: accretion Antonyms: reduction, decrease

Paucity

An inadequate quantity, scarcity, dearth —The senate campaign was aired by a ______________________ original ideas. Synonym: lack Antonyms: glut, plenitude, deluge

Fetish

An object believed to have magical powers; an object of unreasoning devotion or reverence —The rabbit's foot, once a very popular ____________________ seems to have lost its hold on the public imagination. Synonyms: charm, obsession

Talisman

An object that serves as a charm or is believed to confer magical powers, an amulet, fetish —Most people do not believe that rabbit's feet and other ___________________ actually bring good luck.

Affront

An open or intentional insult; a slight —The student felt that being referred to by number rather than by name was an ____________________ to her dignity. Synonym: offense Antonyms: compliment, praise To insult to one's face; to face in defiance, confront —In the nineteenth century, Irish immigrants to the United States were _____________________ by signs reading: No Irish Need Apply. Synonym: offend Antonyms: compliment, praise

Aperture

An opening, gap, hole; orifice —After the earthquake, rain and cold came through the _____________________ in the wall of the damaged house. Antonyms: closure, blockage, occlusion

Seraphic

Angelic, heavenly, celestial —The artist painted the children with __________________ smiles to suggest their innocence. Synonym: cherubic Antonyms: devilish

Blandishment

Anything designed to flatter or coax; sweet talk, apple-polishing --The king was often influenced by subtle ___________________. synonyms: allurement, cajolery antonyms: intimidation

Felicitous

Appropriate, apt, well chosen; married by week-being or good fortune, happy —In view of the high prices for home heating oil, the mild winter was a _____________________ turn of events. Synonyms: fortunate, well-put Antonyms: inappropriate, inept, graceless, unhappy

Suppliant

Asking humbly and earnestly —He made a __________________ address to the parole board. One who makes a request humbly and earnestly, a petitioner, suitor —Stranded isn't eh deserted city of Moscow, Napoleon had to turn to the Czar not as a conqueror but as a _____________________.

Cognizant

Aware, knowledge, informed; having jurisdiction —Police officers must make sure that crime suspects are made _____________________ of their rights before they are questioned. Synonym: acquainted Antonyms: unaware, unconscious, oblivious

Bestial

Beastlike; beastly, brutal; subhuman in intelligence and sensibility —In beating their prisoner, the guards were guilty of a truly, _______________________act. Synonyms: animalistic, loathsome Antonyms: human, clement, virtuous, upright

Mordant

Biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh —The actor was upset by the _________________ criticism of the gossip columnist who seemed out to ruin his reputation. Synonyms: acrimonious, acidulous, sardonic, scathing Antonyms: bland, mild, gentle, soothing

Beatific

Blissful; rendering or making blessed --During the awards ceremony, the gold medal winner had a positively ________________ expression on her face. synonyms: rapturous, ecstatic antonyms: disconsolate, dejected, doleful

Obtuse

Blunt, not coming to a point; sow or dull in understanding; measuring between 90° and 180°; not causing a sharp impression —The lieutenant was too ________________________ to see the danger and led his company right into the hands of the enemy. synonyms: dumb, thick, mild, dull-witted antonyms: perceptive, quick-witted

Onerous

Burdensome; involving hardship or difficulty —Informing patients of bad news is an ___________________________ duty that every doctor has to perform. Synonym: weighty Antonyms: light, easy, undemanding, untaxing

Indubitable

Certain, not to be doubled or denied —You cannot argue with _____________________ truths. Synonyms: unquestionable, indisputable Antonyms: questionable, debatable, dubious

Bucolic

Characteristic of the countryside, rural; relating to shepherds and cowherds, Pastora —The Elizabethans who wrote of shepherd in ideal country settings were imitating the Greek ________________ poets. Synonym: rustic Antonym: metropolitan

Manifest

Clear, evident to the eyes or the mind --It was ___________________ to many nineteenth-century Americans that the nation was destined to extend to the Pacific Ocean. synonym: apparent antonyms: unrevealed, hidden To show plainly, exhibit, evince --When the man began to ________________ signs of hearing loss, he went to a specialist. synonyms: reveal, disclose antonyms: hide, conceal A list of cargo and/or passengers --The passenger _________________ helps investigators find out who is on board a plane.

Raiment

Clothing, garments —When the chorus in the Greek traders hears that the King has died, they tear their ______________________ in anguish. Synonyms: apparel, attire

Rife

Common, prevalent, widespread, happening often; full, abounding; plentiful, abundant, replete —Since rumors were _________________, the president announced that the company had been bought out by its major competitor. Antonyms: devoid of, lacking

Plenary

Complete in all aspects or essentials; absolute; attended by all qualified members —Because of its importance, the case was presented at a ____________________ session of the Superior Court. Synonym: unrestricted Antonyms: limited, restricted, incomplete

Consummate

Complete or perfect in the highest degree —Michelagelo's paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican are works of __________________ artistry. Synonyms: masterful To bring to a state of completion or perfection —The lawyers could not __________________ the settlement until the two parties met face to face. Synonyms: clinch, conclude Antonyms: launch, initiate, begin, kick off

Ambient

Completely surrounding, encompassing —The new filtering system is capable of cleaning and deodorizing the ____________________ air.

Overweening

Conceited, presumptuous; excessive, immoderate —It was the __________________ confidence of the candidate that prevented her from acknowledging her weakness. Synonyms: arrogant, unbridled, inflated Antonyms: restrained, understated, meek

Laconic

Concise, using few words —The senator issued a _______________________ statement declaring her innocence after the accusations of fraud were made public. Synonyms: succinct, pithy, compact Antonyms: garrulous, prolix, loquacious

Pecuniary

Consisting of or measured in money; of or related to money —The couple was forced by _______________________ considerations to sell their large home and buy a smaller one. Synonyms: monetary

Pusillanimous

Contemptibly cowardly or mean-spirited —It is often said that bullies, when tested, are the most _________________ people of all. Synonym: lily-livered Antonyms: stouthearted, courageous

Sumptuous

Costly, rich, magnificent —The ___________________ feast honoring the King's birthday was followed by musical entertainment. Synonyms: lavish, munificent, opulent, splendid Antonyms: skimpy, stingy, niggardly, spartan

Murky

Dark and gloomy, obscure; lacking in clarity and precision —Many visitors have claimed to see a mysterious creature in the ____________________ waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. Synonyms: dim, cloudy Antonyms: clear, transparent, lucid, limpid

Abject

Degraded, base, contemptible; cringing, servile; complete and unrelieved —In the American dream, those who work hard an escape lives of _____________________poverty. Synonyms: wretched, miserable, ignoble, sheer, utter Antonyms: noble, exalted

Incendiary

Deliberately setting or causing fires; designed to start fires; tending to stir up strife of rebellion —The arsonist planted an ____________ device in the basement of the store. synonyms: inflammatory, provocative antonyms: soothing, quieting One who deliberately sets fires, arsonist; one who causes strife —The radical ___________________ was sentenced to life imprisonment. synonyms: firebrand antonyms: peacemaker

Delectable

Delightful, highly enjoyable; deliciously flavored, savory —The banquet ended with a truly _________________ desert made of peaches, raspberries, and ice cream. Synonym: scrumptious Antonyms: repugnant, repulsive, distasteful

Progeny

Descendentes, offspring, children, followers, disciples —The Bill of Rights guarantees certain civil rights and protections to use and our __________________. Synonyms: issue, posterity Antonyms: forebears, antecedents

Avid

Desirous of something to the point of greed; intensely eager —Most writers are also ___________ readers who have loved books since childhood. synonyms: keen, enthusiastic, grasping antonyms: reluctant, indifferent, unenthusiastic

Primordial

Developed or created at the very beginning; going back to the most ancient times or earliest stage; fundamental, basic —The _______________________ stages of most civilizations are founded on common needs met by common goals. Synonyms: original, primal

Epicurean

Devoted to the pursuit of pleasure; fond of good food, comfort, and ease; with discriminating tastes —The chef took an ___________________________ delight in presenting the mist delicious dishes to his demanding clientele. Synonyms: sybaritic, discriminating Antonyms: ascetic, self-denying, abstemious A person with discriminating tastes —Even the most fervent ___________________ should not expect fine dining in a poor, war-torn country.

Opprobrium

Disgrace arising from shameful conduct; contempt, reproach --Despite the passage of centuries, ______________________ is still attached to the name of the traitor Benedict Arnold. synonyms: infamy, dishonor, odium antonyms: acclaim, honor, glory, renown

Disarray

Disorder, confusion —The burgled home was in a state of ____________________. Synonyms: disorganization Antonyms: organization, order, tidiness To throw into disorder —If you leave the window open, a breeze may ___________________ the papers on the desktop. Synonyms: disheveled, mess up

Perfunctory

Done in a superficial or halfhearted manner; without interest or enthusiasm —The police made a ______________________ search for the missing handbag, but they really did not expect to find it. Synonyms: slapdash, shallow Antonyms: thorough, assiduous, diligent, meticulous

Furtive

Done slyly or stealthily, sneaky, secret, shifty; stolen —The girl was caught taking a ____________________ glance at the test paper of the student sitting next to her. Synonyms: covert, surreptitious Antonyms: aboveboard, open

Electic

Drawn from different sources —Stanford White developed an __________________ style of architecture that made use of classic and modern elements. Synonyms: selective, synthetic, pick-and-choose Antonyms: uniform, monolithic One whose beliefs are drawn from various sources —The critics accused the composure of being a mere ___________________ with no original style of her own.

Wizened

Dry, shrunken, and wrinkled (often as the result of aging) --The ___________________ old woman walked with the aid of a cane. synonyms: withered, shriveled antonyms: bloated, distended

Moribund

Dying, on the way out —In the age of electronic communication, writing letters by hand seems to be a _______________________ custom. Synonym: obsolescent Antonym: thriving

Mundane

Earthly, worldly, relating to practical and material affairs; concerned with what is ordinary —The painter left all ___________________ concerns to her sister while she single-mindedly pursued her artistic goals. Synonyms: prosaic, humdrum, routine, sublunary Antonyms: heavenly, spiritual, transcendental

Testy

Easily irritated; characterized by impatience and exasperation —The lawyer's _______________________ remarks during cross-examination probably affected her credibility with the jury. Synonyms: irritable, peevish, waspish, petulant Antonyms: imperturbable, unexcitable

Luminous

Emitting or reflecting light, glowing,; illuminating —Walking under that ________________ night sky induced in me weighty thoughts not often pondered. Synonyms: bright, refulgente, lustrous Antonyms: dark, opaque, dim, murky

Tantamount

Equivalent, having the same meaning; value, or effect —The armed invasion of their territory was __________________________ to a declaration of war. Synonym: indistinguishable form

Captious

Excessively ready to find fault; given to petty criticism; intended to trap, confuse, or show-up —She is an invariably _________________ critic. Synonyms: faultfinding, carping Antonym: uncritical

Plaintive

Expressive of sorrow or woe, melancholy —The recently widowed man spoke of his loneliness in a _______________________ tone of voice. Synonyms: sad, lugubrious Antonyms: cheerful, blithe, joyous, merry

Chary

Extremely cautious, hesitant, or slow (to); reserved, diffident —Since so many funds had been spent with so few results, they were _____________ about appropriating more money. Synonym: skittish Antonyms: heedless, reckless, incautious

Abtruse

Extremely difficult to understand —The physicist tried to explain her __________________ research in the field of quantum mechanics. Synonyms: arcane, recondite, occult Antonyms: simple, straightforward

Inordinate

Far too great, exceeding reasonable limit, excessive —The press showered the popular actor with ________________ praise for what seemed a rather ordinary performance. Synonyms: exorbitant, extravagant Antonyms: reasonable, equitable

Impeccable

Faultless, beyond criticism or blame —We always consulted my grandmother about what to wear because she had _______________________ taste in clothing. Synonyms: flawless, spotless, immaculate Antonyms: grimy, soiled, spotted

Convivial

Festive, sociable, having fun together, genial —Thanksgiving dinner at Grandmother's house is always a ___________________ family gathering. Synonyms: fun-loving, jovial, merry Antonyms: dour, sullen, unsocialable

Febrile

Feverish; pertaining to or marked by fever; frenetic --The journalist wrote with _________________ intensity antonym: leisurely

Flotsam

Floating debris; homeless, impoverished people —After the two ships collided, the survivors clung to various pieces of ___________________ and hoped for rescue. Synonym: floating wreckage

Panegyric

Formal or elaborate praise; a tribute —The speaker delivered a _______________________ in honor of the award -winning author. Synonyms: tribute, encomium, testimonial Antonyms: tirade, philippic

Utopian

Founded upon or involving a visionary view of an ideal world; impractical —A number of American religious groups like the Shakers have built separate communities based on _____________________ schemes. Synonyms: idealistic Antonyms: realistic, pragmatic

Redolent

Fragrant, smelling strongly; tending to arouse memories or create an aura —My grandmother's kitchen was always ________________________ with the smells of baking. Synonyms: evocative, reminiscent, aromatic Antonyms: unevocative, odorless

Frenetic

Frenzied, highly agitated —When a court order was issued, the social services department made a ___________________ search for the missing report. Synonyms: frantic, overwrought Antonyms: calm, controlled, relaxed, leisurely

Fecund

Fruitful in offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive —The remarkably ___________________ mind of Albert Einstein theories that revolutionized the science of physics. Synonyms: fertile, teeming, prolific Antonyms: infertile, barren, unproductive

Fraught

Full of or loaded with; accompanied by —Even with the most advanced equipment, expeditions to the top of Mt. Everest are still __________________ with danger. Synonym: charged with Antonyms: devoid of, lacking, deficient in

Putative

Generally regarded as such; reputed; hypothesized, inferred --Ancient Celtic rituals and ceremonies are the _________________ origins of come of our modern Halloween customs. synonyms: supposed, presumed antonyms: corroborated, confirmed

Benign

Gentle, king; forgiving, understanding; having a favorable or beneficial effect; not malignant —Abraham Lincoln's sensitive stepmother had a ____________________ influence on the lonely boy who had lost his mother. Synonyms: benevolent, salubrious, harmless Antonyms: malevolent, deleterious

Mendacious

Given to lying or deception; untrue —The deputy gave a __________________________ account of his employer's actions on the day of the alleged crime. Synonyms: untruthful, false Antonyms: ceracious

Garish

Glaring; tastelessly showy or overdecorated in a vulgar or offensive way —The storefront was painted in ____________________ colors so that it would attract the attention of passers by. Synonyms: gaudy, flashy, tawdry Antonyms: subdued, muted understated, quiet

Verdant

Green in tint or color; immature in experience or judgement —

Macabre

Grisly, gruesome; horrible, distressing; having death as a subject —The continuing popularity of honor movies suggests that one way to score at the box office is to exploit _____________________ situations. Synonyms: grim, ghoulish

Cacophonous

Harsh-sounding, raucous, discordant, dissonant --The scene opened with ___________________ laughter coming from three witched gathered around a steaming cauldron. antonyms: harmonious, melodious, mellifluous

Vituperative

Harshly abusing, severely scolding —That _________________________ speech in which she blamed others for her own mistakes may have cost her the election. Synonyms: abusive, scurrilous, insulting Antonyms: complimentary, laudatory, flattering

Viscous

Having a gelatinous or gluey quality, lacking in easy movement or fluidity —The varnish left a ____________________ residue not eh wood that was hard to remove Synonyms: sticky, thick Antonyms: water, aqueous

Brackish

Having a salty taste and unpleasant to drink —The shipwrecked passengers adrift on the lifeboat became ill after drinking ______________ water. synonyms: saline antonyms: clear, sweet

Impecunious

Having little or no money —In my present _____________________ state, I️ will not be able to pay for dinner. Synonyms: impoverished, indigent Antonyms: affluent, wealthy, prosperous, rich

Peremptory

Having the nature of a command that leaves no opportunity for debate, denial, or refusal; offensively self-assured, dictatorial; determined, resolute —The board members resented the director's ___________________ tone of voice. Synonym: unconditional, Antonyms: irresolute, mild, unassuming

Jocular

Humorous, jesting, jolly, joking —After receiving the news that she was ahead in the polls, the candidate was in a delightfully ___________________ mood. Synonyms: waggish, facetious, droll Antonyms: solemn, grave, earnest, grim

Irrefutable

Impossible to disprove; beyond argument —The jury felt the prosecution presented it with _________________________ evidence of the defendant's guilt. Synonyms: indisputable, incontrovertible, undeniable Antonyms: disputable, indefensible, untenable

Sacrilege

Improper or disrespectful treatment of something held sacred —The anthropologist was accused of committing a ____________________ when she disturbed a burial ground. Synonyms: desecration, profanation, defilement

Recumbent

In a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting —The tired toddlers were __________________ on the couch after playing all afternoon in the yard. Synonyms: prone, supine, inactive Antonyms: erect, energetic, dynamic

Gambit

In chess; an opening move that involves risk or sacrifice of a minor piece in order to gain a later advantage; any opening move of this type —Asking an interesting stranger about his or her job is a popular party ______________. synonyms: ploy, ruse, maneuver

Irreparable

Incapable or being repaired or rectified —The husband believed that the surgeon did _____________________________ harm to his wife and sued the doctor and the hospital. Synonym: irremediable Antonyms: remediable, fixable, reversible

Inexorable

Inflexible, beyond influence; relentless, unyielding —In the Greek tragedies, nothing could save characters like Oedipus Rex from their _______________________ fates. Synonyms: ineluctable, obdurate Antonyms: avoidable, yielding, pliant

Esoteric

Intended for or understood by only a select few, private, secret —The fraternity developed a set of _________________ rites that had to be performed by anyone seeking membership. Synonyms: cryptic, arcane, recondite Antonyms: accessible, comprehensible, intelligible

Complicity

Involvement in wrongdoing; the state of being an accomplice —If you know a crime is going to be committed but do nothing to prevent it, you may be accused of ____________________. Synonyms: connivance, collusion Antonyms: noninvolvement, innocence

Nascent

Just beginning to exist or develop; having just come into existence —Recent public opinion polls registered ____________________ opposition to the proposed tax increase. Synonyms: incipient, embryonic Antonyms: dying, moribund, senescent

Perspicacity

Keenness in observing and understanding —The bird watcher scans the surrounding trees and fields with the same __________________________ as a hawk looking for prey. Synonyms: acumen, discernment Antonyms: dullness, obtuseness

Feckless

Lacking in spirit and strength; ineffective, weak; irresponsible, unreliable —Although a _____________________ youth, he eventually matured into a hard-working and responsible citizen. Synonyms: feeble, incompetent, ineffectual Antonyms: competent, capable, effective

Lackadaisical

Lacking in spirit or interest, halfhearted —The team's performance in the late innings was _____________________ Because they were so far ahead. Synonyms: indolent, indifferent, lax Antonyms: energetic, vigorous, wholehearted

Verbiage

Language that is too wordy or inflated in proportion to the sense or content, wordiness; a manner of expression —The contract was full of meaningless ____________________ that seemed designed to confuse the lay person. Synonyms: prolixity, diction, jargon

Emphemeral

Laying only a short time, short-lived —Only the greases or writers and artists achieve anything other than __________________________ popularity. Synonyms: transient, evanescent, transitory Antonyms: durable, long-lasting, permanent, perpetual

Badinage

Light and playful conversation —I enjoy the delightful ___________________between stars like Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in 1940's movies. Synonyms: banter, persiflage, repartee Antonyms: sermon

Ethereal

Light, airy, delicate; highly refined; suggesting what is heavenly (rather than earthbound) --The Renaissance painter Fracked Angelico captured the _________________ beauty of angels in his frescoes. synonyms: heavenly, celestial, gossamer antonyms: infernal, hellish, thick, heavy

Flaccid

Limp, not firm; lacking vigor or effectiveness —Because the injured bodybuilder had not worked out for weeks, his muscles grew _________________. Synonyms: soft, flabby Antonyms: hard, solid

Gregarious

Living together in a herd or group; sociable, seeking the company of others —I️ would expect the recreation director of a cruise ship to be a ____________________________ person. Synonyms: outgoing, extroverted Antonyms: aloof, introverted, reclusive

Detritus

Loose bits and pieces of material resulting from disintegration or wearing away; fragments that result from any destruction —Pieces of people's homes, furniture, and toys could be seen in the ____________________ of the landslide. Synonyms: wreckage, ruins, rubble

Hapless

Marked by a persistent absence of good luck —Once again, my younger brother has become the ______________________ victim of a silly practical joke. Synonyms: unlucky, ill-starred, unfortunate Antonyms: lucky, charmed, fortunate

Depraved

Marked by evil and corruption, devoid of moral principles —Oscar WIlde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a _____________________ man whose portrait reveals his wickedness. Synonyms: perverted, degenerate, vicious, corrupt Antonyms: moral, virtuous, upright, uncorrupted

Obsequious

Marked by slavish attentiveness; excessively submissive, often for purely self-interested reasons —Jane Austen ridiculed characters who were ____________________ to the aristocracy but condescending to their social inferiors. Synonyms: facing, servile, sycophantic, mealymouthed Antonyms: assertive, bumptious, candid, frank, independent

Illusory

Misleading, deceptive; lacking in or not based on reality —Police state tactics provide an ___________________ sense of security in an unjust society. Synonyms: specious, spurious, imaginary Antonyms: actual, real, factual, objective

Innate

Natural, inborn, inherent; built-in --Musical excellence often comes from _____________ ability. synonym: congenital antonyms: learned, acquired, extrinsic, accidental

Propinquity

Nearness in place or time; kinship —The _____________________ of the two cities has created a greater metropolitan area that in effect is one city. Synonym: similarity Antonyms: remoteness, distance

Myopic

Nearsighted; lacking a broad, realistic view of a situation; lacking foresight or discernment —The _______________foreign policy of the last administration has led to serious problems with our allies Synonym: shortsighted Antonym: farsighted

Indigent

Needy, impoverished —The number of homeless and ___________________________ persons has increased since the economy took a downturn. Synonyms: penniless, poverty-stricken, destitute Antonyms: affluent, prosperous

Defunct

No longer in existence or functioning, dead —I️ could find no forwarding address or phone number for the ______________________ organization. Synonyms: extinct, nonexistent Antonym: alive

Impertuable

Not easily excited; emotionally steady —The witness remained ______________________ throughout the grueling cross-examination. Synonyms: unflappable, unexcitable, serene, unruffled Antonym: excitable

Incongruous

Not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible --Abraham Lincoln, the backwoods lawyer, and Mary Todd, the socialite, seemed an _______________ couple. synonym: discordant antonyms: compatible, harmonious, consistent

Visionary

Not practical, lacking in realism; having the nature of a fantasy or dream --Ideas that once were considered __________________ often become widely accepted over time. synonyms: utopian, idealistic, impractical antonyms: practical One given to far-fetched ideas; a dreamer or seer characterized by vision or foresight --The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., was a ___________________ whose dreams inspired the American civil rights movement.

Unremitting

Not stopping, maintained steadily, never letting up, relentless —The social laws in Edith Wharton's novels are _______________________. Synonyms: incessant, unrelenting Antonyms: desultory, intermittent

Improvident

Not thrifty; failing to plan ahead —Some people are so _________________________ that despite high incomes they struggle to make ends meet. Synonyms: prodigal, spendthrift, extravagant Antonyms: frugal, economical, cautious

Unwonted

Not usual or expected; not in character —The listless student answered with _______________________ spirit when the subject of military tactics was raised. Synonyms: unusual, uncommon, unexpected, atypical Antonyms: usual, customary, typical

Incumbent

Obligatory, required —Voting on Election Day is a duty __________________ on all Americans who value a democratic government. Synonyms: mandatory, necessary Antonyms: optional, unnecessary One who holds a specific office at the time spoken of —The ________________________ has the advantage when standing for reelection but does not have a guarantee of victory.

Sporadic

Occurring at irregular intervals, having not set plan or order —The soldiers heard ________________________ gunfire from the other side of the river. Synonyms: intermittent, spasmodic Antonyms: steady, continuous, uninterrupted

Saturnine

Of a gloomy or surly disposition; cold or sluggish in mood —Ebenezer Scrooge, of Dickens's A Christmas Carol, has a decidedly ______________________ temperament. Synonym: morose Antonyms: cheerful, vivacious

Picayune

Of little value or importance, paltry, measly; concerned with trifling matters, small-minded —A supervisor who fusses about every _____________________________ fault of the workers will lower morale and productivity. Synonyms: piddling, trifling Antonyms: important, significant, huge, gigantic

Echelon

One of a series of grades in an organization or field of activity; an organized military unit; a steplike formation or arrangement —Although the civil servant began in the lower _______________________ of government service, he rose quickly through the ranks. Synonym: rank

Agnostic

One who believes that nothing can be known about God; a skeptic —Although he was a confirmed _________________, he supported the rights of others to practice their religion. Synonyms: doubter Antonyms: believer Without faith, skeptical —Her _______________ tendencies made it difficult for her to subscribe to any set of religious beliefs.

Necromancer

One who claims to reveal or influence the future through magic, especially communication with the dead; in general, a magician or wizard —When the stock market began to tumble, some desperate investors resorted to ________________________ for financial advice. Synonyms: sorcerer, conjurer

Charlatan

One who feigns knowledge or ability; a pretender, impostor, or quack —The reporter exposed the real estate agent as a ____________________ who routinely deceived her customers. Synonym: mountebank

Pariah

One who is rejected by a social group or organization --In most of the world today, those who are suffering from he disease of leprosy are no longer treated as _______________. synonyms: untouchable, persona non grata

Moot

Open to discussion and debate, unresolved —The class agreed that the question of whether Jefferson should have retaliated sooner against the Barbary pirates was a ____________________ point. Synonyms: debatable, questionable Antonyms: undebatable, indisputable, self-evident To bring up for discussion —The committee members decided to ____________________ the issue to the full Congress at the earliest opportunity. Synonyms: broach A hypothetical law case argued by students —The law student prepared for the _____________________.

Mutable

Open to or capable of change, fickle —Most people would agree that one's principles and moral values should bot be as ______________________ as fashion. Synonyms: changeable, variable Antonyms: changeless, steadfast, constant

Overt

Open, not hidden, expressed or revealed in a way that is easily recognized —In order for Congress to declare war, the President must demonstrate an ________________threat. Synonyms: clear, obvious, manifest, patent Antonyms: clandestine, covert, concealed

Ebullient

Overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement; boiling, bubbling —After a string of very favorable reviews, the dance company was in an _________________ mood for weeks. Synonyms: exhilarated, elated Antonyms: gloomy, morose, sullen, apathetic, blasé

Histrionic

Pertaining to acts and their techniques; theatrical, artificial; melodramatic —Upon receiving his award, the young actor gave a _______________ speech. synonyms: affected, stagy antonyms: muted, untheatrical, subdued

Aesthetic

Pertaining to beauty; sensitive or responsive to beauty —Since the structure had no practical purpose, keeping it in place could only be justified on ______________________ grounds. Synonym: artistic

Sylvan

Pertaining to or characteristic of forests; living or located in a forest; wooded, woody —Once upon a time, Hansel and Gretel walked down a ____________________ path, leaving only bread crumbs. Synonym: arcadian

Omnipresent

Present in all places at all times —They believed in an _____________________________ deity that existed in all things. Synonyms: ubiquitous, ever-present

Ubiquitous

Present or existing everywhere —The ____________________ eye of the TV camera threatens to rob citizens of any sense of privacy. Synonyms: pervasive, universal Antonyms: restricted, limited, rare, scarce

Substantiate

Real having a solid basis; considerable in number or amount; meaningful and on topic —The candidate dismissed the silly questions but took the time to answer the most ________________ ones. Synonyms: firm, substantial, meaty Antonyms: imaginary, unreal, meaningless

Sophistry

Reasoning that seems plausible but is actually unsound; a fallacy —The couple was beguiled into buying a bigger house than they needed by the clever _________________ of the broker. Synonym: specious reasoning

Penitent

Regretful for one's sins or mistakes —The their was sincerely ____________________________. Synonyms: remorseful, regretful, punished Antonyms: remorseless One who is sorry for wrong doing —In the Middle Ages, ______________________________ often confessed their sins publicly and were publicly punished.

Contrite

Regretful for some misdeed or sin; plagued by a sense of guilt; thoroughly penitent --The convicted felon had the look of someone who was truly _____________________ and ready to pay for his crimes. synonyms: remorseful, rueful antonyms: unapologetic, impenitent

Restive

Restless, hard to manage, balky —The ___________________ horse had not been taken out of the stable for five days. Synonyms: uneasy, recalcitrant Antonyms: serene, unruffled, docile

Ghoulish

Revolting in an unnatural or morbid way; suggestive of someone who robs graces or otherwise preys on the dead --The ___________________ practice of grave robbing is motivated by the desire to find and sell valuables. synonyms: barbarous, monstrous

Ludicrous

Ridiculous, laughable, absurd —Her comment was so _________________ that we finally understood that she was joking. Synonyms: risible, preposterous Antonyms: heartrending, poignant, pathetic

Asperity

Roughness, severity; bitterness or tartness —The ________________________ of the drama critic's statements undermined the young actor's confidence. Synonym: rigor, harshness Antonyms: mildness, blandness, softness, lenience

Inviolable

Sacred; of such a character that it must not be broken, injured, or profaned —Safeguarding the retirement income of millions of Americans is an ______________________ trust of the federal government. Synonym: unassailable Antonyms: vulnerable, assailable

Collusion

Secret agreement or cooperation —Years later, it was discovered that senior members of the company had been in _________________________ with the enemy. Synonyms: conspiracy, plot, connivance

Ignominy

Shame and disgrace —He went from glory to ____________________. Synonyms: humiliation, disrepute, odium Antonyms: honor, acclaim

Effrontery

Shameless boldness, impudence —After having been suspended for disrespectful behavior, the student had the _________________________ to talk back to his teacher again. Synonyms: chutzpah, nerve, impertinence, cheek Antonyms: shyness, diffidence, timidity

Acuity

Sharpness (particularly of the mind or senses) —The _____________ of most people's hearing diminishes as they grow older. Synonym: acuteness Antonyms: dullness, obtuseness

Refulgent

Shining, radiant resplendent —The swift-flowing stream beside our house was ______________________ in the morning light. Synonym: splendid Antonyms: dim, dark, obscure, dingy, dull

Inane

Silly, empty of meaning or value —The politician made an __________________ reply to the interviewer's probing question. Synonyms: idiotic, moronic, fatuous Antonyms: sensible, meaningful, profound

Minutiae

Small or trivial details, trifling matters --Because the researcher was too concerned with ___________________, she was unlikely to make an original discovery. synonym: trifles antonym: essentials

Derelict

Someone or something that is abandoned or neglected Synonyms: vagrant Left abandoned; neglectful of duty —The family complained about the unsightly collection of _____________________ cars in its neighbor's driveway. Synonyms: delinquent Antonyms: punctilious, conscientious, scrupulous

Piquant

Stimulating to taste or mind; spicy, pungent; appealingly provocative —The chef was an expert in making those ______________________ dishes that are characteristic of South Indian cooking. Synonyms: zestful, tangy Antonyms: bland, insipid, tasteless, mild

Intermittent

Stopping and beginning again, sporadic —She had ___________________ back pains for a week. Synonyms: fitful, spasmodic, random Antonyms: uninterrupted

Devious

Straying or wandering from straight or direct course; done or acting in a shifty or underhanded way —The interrogator used _______________ methods to try to get the suspect to incriminate himself. synonyms: roundabout, indirect, tricky, sly, artful antonyms: direct, straightforward, open, aboveboard

Fatuous

Stupid or foolish in a self-satisfied way —In order to discredit the candidate, the columnist quoted some of his more, _____________________ self-serving remarks. Synonyms: silly, vapid, inane, doltish, vacuous Antonyms: intelligent, perceptive, bright

Celerity

Swiftness, rapidity of motion or action —Although the heavy snowfall was not expected, the highway department responded with surprising ________________. synonyms: promptness, speed antonyms: slowness, sluggishness, dilatoriness

Pejorative

Tending to make worse; expressing disapproval or disparagement derogatory, belittling —The lawyer was accused of making a ___________________ remark when referring to the defendant's background. Antonyms: complimentary, ameliorative

Amenity

That which is pleasant or agreeable; attractive features, customs, etc. —When I backpack, there are certain basic _________________________, such as hot meals and a dry tent, that I will not go without. Antonyms: unpleasantness, disagreeableness

Indictment

The act of accusing; a formal accusation —The grand jury delivered the __________________. Synonyms: charge, accusation

Peregrination

The act of traveling; an excursion, especially on foot or to a foreign country —After returning from my _____________________ throughout South America, I wrote a book about my experiences. Synonyms: journey, wandering, odyssey

Cynosure

The center of attraction, or interest; something that serves to guide or direct --For over a century, the Statue of Liberty had been the _________________ for millions of immigrants entering New York Harbor. synonym: focus

Facade

The front or face of a building; a surface appearance (as opposed to what may lie behind) --After years of neglect, the sooty _______________ or the structure is finally getting a much needed cleaning. synonyms: exterior, surface, mask antonym: interior

Nadir

The lowest point —At the __________________ of his popularity, the prime minister decided to resign his office and call for new elections. Synonyms: rock bottom Antonyms: pinnacle, zenith

Rudiments

The parts of any subject or discipline that are learned first, the earliest stages of anything —At a very young age, the girl learned the ____________________ of chess from her father, a professional player. Synonyms: basics, fundamentals

Efficacy

The power to produce a desired result --The pharmaceutical company has done extensive research to prove the __________________ of the new drug. synonyms: effectiveness, potency, reliability antonym: impotence

Propriety

The state of being proper, appropriateness; (pl.) standards of what is proper or socially acceptable —The social worker questioned the _________________________ of the police's request to see confidential records. Synonyms: fitness, correctness Antonyms: unseemliness, inappropriateness

Equity

The state or quality of being just, fair, or impartial; fair and equal treatment; something that is fair; the money value of a property above and beyond any mortgage or other claim —Prompted by considerations of ____________________, the father decided to divide his estate equally among his children. Synonyms: justice, fairness, impartiality Antonyms: unfairness, bias, prejudice

Atrophy

The wasting away of a body organ or tissue; any progressive decline or failure —The _____________________________ of the downtown business district began when two huge malls opened. Synonyms: degeneration, deterioration Antonyms: growth To wast away —The patient's muscles have __________________. Synonyms: wither Antonyms: mature

Arrant

Thoroughgoing, out-and-out; shameless, blatant —In Shakespeare's tragedy the audience sees clearly that lago is an _____________________ scoundrel, but Othello is blind to this treachery. Synonyms: egregious, unmitigated

Desiccated

Thoroughly dried our; divested of spirit or vitality; arid and uninteresting --The cornfield was ______________________ by the scorching sun after the long, hot summer without rain. synonyms: dehydrated, shriveled antonyms: sodden, waterlogged, drenched

Garner

To acquire as the result of effort; to gather and store away, as for future use —Over the years, the writer was able to ________________ some wisdom that she passed on to others in her books. Synonyms: collect, accumulate, accrue Antonyms: scatter, squander, waste, dissipate

Accost

To approach and speak to first; to confront in a challenging or aggressive way —The nobleman was ___________________ by beggars on his way to the castle. Synonyms: buttonhole, approach Antonyms: avoid, shun

Allege

To assert without proof or confirmation —The newspaper tabloid ___________________ that the movie star and the director were having creative differences. Synonym: contend Antonym: prove

Languish

To become weak, feeble, or dull; to droop' to be depressed or dispirited; to suffer neglect —Without the constitutional guarantee of a speedy trial, the accused could _______________________ in jail for years. Synonyms: flag, fade, pine

Engender

To bring into existence, give rise to, produce; to come into existence, assume form --The university has made an appealing video in order to __________________ student interest in studying abroad. synonyms: generate, cause, form antonyms: stop, order

Allay

To calm or pacify, set to rest; to lessen or relieve —The politician made a speech in order to __________________________ his constituents' fears. Synonyms: reduce, alleviate, moderate Antonyms: aggravate, exacerbate, intensify

Countermand

To cancel or reverse one order of command with another that is contrary to the first —Today's. Directive clearly ___________________________ all previous instructions on how to exit the building in case of fire. Synonyms: recall, revoke Antonyms: reaffirm, reassert

Slough

To cast off, discard; to get rid of something objectionable or unnecessary; to plod through as if through mud —At New Year's time, many people resolve to ________________________ off bad habits and live better. Synonyms: shed, slog Antonyms: take on, acquire, assume A mire; a state of depression —The advancing line of tanks became bogged down in a _____________________.

Jettison

To cast overboard, get rid of as unnecessary or burdensome —The captain ordered the crew to ________________ the ballast so the ship could move more quickly through the water. Synonyms: cast off, discard, dump, junk Antonyms: conserve, retain, hold on to, keep

arrogate

To claim or take without right —The ambitious noblemen will put the young king under house arrest and ____________ royal privileges to themselves. synonyms: expropriate, commandeer antonyms: renounce, abdicate, abandon

Decry

To condemn, express strong disapproval; to officially depreciate —Every arm of government and every educational institution should _______________________ bigotry in all its forms. Synonyms: denounce, censure, devalue Antonyms: tout, commend, extol, laud, praise

Embellish

To decorate, adorn, touch up; to improve by adding details —The best storytellers ________________ their tales in way that help readers visualize the setting. Synonym: garnish Antonyms: strip, mar, disfigure

Gainsay

To deny, contradict, controvert; to dispute, oppose --Some wished to _________________ the conclusions of the United States Supreme Court in the matter of 2000 presidential election. antonyms: confirm, corroborate, support, admit

Dissemble

To disguise or conceal, deliberately give a false impression —The young man was unable to ____________________ his feelings and admitted to having committed the crime. Synonyms: dissimulation, mask, feign

Evince

To display clearly, to make evident, to provoke —The crowd did not __________________ any signs of panic but moved in an orderly fashion to the nearest exists. Synonyms: exhibit, manifest, occasion

Forgo

To do without, abstain from, give up —One of the best, if not the easiest, ways to lose weight is to _________________________ dessert. Synonyms: refrain from, renounce Antonyms: indulge in, partake of

Reconnoiter

To engage in reconnaissance; to make a preliminary inspection —Infantry officers often ask for volunteers to _________________________ the terrain ahead before ordering their soldiers to advance. Synonym: scout

Deprecate

To express mild disapproval; to belittle —The administration ____________________ such foolish practices as the hazing of new students. Synonyms: deplore, frown upon Antonyms: smile on, approve

Cavil

To find fault in a petty way, carp —I️ suggest you do not ____________________ over small things but instead focus on what is important. Synonym: nitpick A trivial objection or criticism —Despite a few ________________________ I️ might make, I️ still find her to be an excellent poet.

Presage

To foreshadow or point to a future event; to predict —The skirmishes at the border ____________________ a war. Synonyms: augur, foretell A warning or indication of the future —The fall in stock prices and retail sales may be a _____________________ of hard times to come.

Discomfit

To frustrate, thwart, or defeat; to confuse, perplex, or embarrass —The general tried to ________________________ his enemies by repeatedly beginning an advance and then pulling back. Synonyms: nonplus,foil

Glean

To gather bit by bit; to gather small quantities of grain left in a field by the reapers —By means of painstaking investigation, the detectives will eventually _____________________ the truth. Synonyms: cull, pick up

Winnow

To get rid of something unwanted, delete; to shift through to obtain what is desirable; to remove the chaff from the wheat by blowing air on it; to blow on, fan —Spelling and grammar software programs are designed to help writers ______________________ inaccuracies from their documents. Synonyms: sift, strain, filter, sort

Consign

To give over to another's care, charge, or control; to entrust, deliver; to set apart for a special use --The ship's captain ____________________ many duties to her trusted first mate. synonyms: remit, convey

Subsist

To have existence; to remain alive, manage to make a living or maintain life; to persist or continue —Peasants in nineteenth-century Ireland were able to _________________ almost exclusively on potatoes. Synonyms: last, sustain

Mesmerize

To hypnotize, entrance; to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch --The magician was able to _____________________ the audience with his fast-moving hands and distracting chatter.

Incarcerate

To imprison, confine, jail —They will ________________________ the convicted felon at the state penitentiary. Synonym: intern Antonyms: liberate, free

Portend

To indicate beforehand that something is about to happen; to give advance warning of —In Shakespeare's plays, disturbances in the heavens usually ______________________ disaster or troubl in human affairs. Synonyms: bode, foretell, suggest

Interpolate

To insert between other parts or things; to present as an addition or correction —At the director's request, the screenwriter ___________________________ some new lines into the script. Synonyms: interpose, introduce

Decimate

To kill or destroy a large part of —Again and again, Napoleon was able to ______________________ the armies of his enemies and lead his men to further victories Synonym: devastate

Exacerbate

To make more violent, severe, bitter, or painful —Shouting and name-calling are sure to ______________________ any quarrel. Synonyms: intensify, worsen Antonyms: alleviate, mitigate, ameliorate

Burnish

To make smooth or glossy by rubbing, polish —The hotel manager ordered the waiters to _____________________ all the brass candlesticks before the formal banquet. Synonyms: shine, buff Antonyms: dull, abrade Glass, brightness, luster —The ___________________ on the metal frame had faded with age and neglect.

Requite

To make suitable repayment, as for a kindness, service, or favor; to make retaliation, as for an injury or wrong; to reciprocate —We made sure to _________________________ the neighbors for looking after our house while we were away. Synonyms: reimburse, avenge

Attenuate

To make thin or slender; to weaken or lessen in force, intensity, or value —After making sure the wound was clean, the doctor took steps to _______________________ the victim's pain. Synonyms: thin out, dilute, water down Antonyms: thicken, strengthen, bolster

Undulate

To move in waves or with a wavelike motion; to have a wavelike appearance or form —The baseball fans began to __________________ as they cheered, so that they appeared to move in a wave. Synonyms: fluctuate, rise and fall

Demur

To object or take exception to —The rank and file will _______________ if they are not consulted regularly by the union leadership. Synonyms: protest, object to Antonyms: assent to, consent to, accept, agree to An objection —The speech in favor of the proposal was drowned out by a chorus of __________________ from the senate floor. Synonyms: protest, object to Antonyms: assent to, consent to, accept, agree to

Conciliate

To overcome the distrust of, win over; to appease, pacify; to reconcile, make consistent —Because of the weakness of our army, we had to try to _____________________ the enemy. Synonyms: mollify, propitiate Antonyms: antagonize, alienate, estrange

Delineate

To portray, sketch, or describe in accurate and vivid detail; to represent pictorially —The architects will __________________ the main features of their plan at the next client meeting. Synonyms: picture, render

Promulgate

To proclaim or issue officially; to make known far and wide —The School Board _____________________ a new approach to education that emphasized phonics. Synonym: announce Antonyms: withdraw, retract, abrogate, nullify

Exhume

To remove from a grave; to bring light —Suspecting foul play, the coroner issued an order to _________________ the body immediately. Synonyms: disinter, unearth, uncover Antonyms: bury, inter

Abrogate

To repeal, cancel, declare null and void —Often with no legal or moral grounds, the U.S. government would __________________ treaties made with Native Americans. Synonyms: annul, revoke Antonyms; renew, ratify

Hallow

To set apart as holy or sacred, sanctify, consecrate; to honor greatly, revere —In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln ______________ the battlefield on which he Union soldiers fought and died. Synonyms: venerate, bless Antonyms: defile, profane

Sequester

To set apart, separate for a special purpose; to takes possession of and hold in custody —The parties agreed to ____________________ the disputed funds pending a decision by the court. Synonyms: segregate, isolate, closet

Calumniate

To slander; to accuse falsely and maliciously —Not only did the artist's enemy seek to discredit her while she was alive but tried to _____________________ her memory as well. Synonyms: defame, libel Antonyms: falter, whitewash, praise

Rebuff

To snub; to repel, drive away —The old man _____________________ his neighbors by refusing all offers of friendship. Synonyms: repulse, reject Antonyms: accept, welcome A curt rejection, a check —Her ____________________ of my invitation was quite rude.

Saturate

To soak thoroughly, fill to capacity; to satisfy fully —A sponge that is _____________________ with water swells up but does not drip. Synonyms: drench, flood, imbue Antonym: drain

Oscillate

To swing back and forth with a steady rhythm; to fluctuate or waver —The terrified narrator is Poe's story "The Pit and the Pendulum" watches the dreaded instrument ____________________ as it slowing moves toward him. Synonym: vibrate

Vacillate

To swing indecisively from one idea or course of action to another; to waver weakly in mind or will —Someone who ____________________ in a crisis should not be in a position of leadership. Synonyms: fluctuate, oscillate Antonym: persevere

Espouse

To take up and support; to become attached to, adopt; to marry —To appeal to the large number of dissatisfied voters, the candidate ______________________ a strong program of reform. Synonyms: embrace, wed Antonyms: repudiate, disavow, renounce

Raze

To tear down, destroy completely; to cute or scrape off or out —The town ____________________ the old schoolhouse to make room for a larger, more modern school complex. Synonyms: pull down, demolish, shave off Antonyms: build, construct, raise, erect

Deign

To think it appropriate or suitable to one's dignity to do something; to condescend --The enlisted men were surprised that the four-star general _______________ to speak to them in the camp. synonym: deem

Inure

To toughen, harden; to render used to something by long subjection or exposure —The Inuit have become _____________________ to the hardships of the long Article winters through years of experience. Synonyms: accustom, acclimate

Importune

To trouble with demands; to beg for insistently —My bankrupt uncle _____________________ my father for a loan. Synonyms: implore, dun, tax

Enervate

To weaken or lessen the mental, moral, of physical vigor of; enfeebled, hamstring —Unfortunately, the great musician's mind was ____________________ by disease in the last decade of her life. Synonyms: impair, cripple, paralyze Antonyms: invigorate, strengthen, buttress

Recant

To withdraw a statement or belief to which one has previously been committed, renounce, retract —On the stand, the defendant ___________________________ the guilty admissions she had made in her confession to the police. Synonyms: repudiate, disavow Antonym: reassert

Chicanery

Trickery, deceptive practices or tactics, double-dealing --The accountants used legal ______________________ to cover up the company's shaky financial position. antonym: fair dealing

Party

Trifling, insignificant; mean despicable; inferior, trashy —The billionaire was so greedy that he contributed only a ________________________ sum of money to charity each year. Synonyms: measly, meager, piddling, trivial Antonyms: gigantic, immense

Loath

Unwilling, reluctant, disinclined --My hard-working grandfather was _____________ to retire. synonyms: averse, indisposed antonyms: eager, inclined

Rectitude

Uprightness, righteousness; correctness —The mayor is a person of unquestionable _______________________. Synonyms: probity, integrity Antonyms: iniquity, heinousness

Exigency

Urgency, pressure;urgent demand, pressing need; an emergency —He emphasized the _________________ of the situation by requesting the immediate dispatch of rescue teams. Synonyms: requirement, crisis

Distraught

Very much agitated or upset as a result of emotion or mental conflict —The workforce became ___________________ in the wake of the 1929 stock market crash. Synonym: distracted Antonyms: calm, collected

Pertinacious

Very persistent; holding firmly to a course of action or a ser of beliefs; hard to get rid of, refusing to be put off or denied —The defense attorney was as ___________________________ as a bulldog in his cross-examination of the witness. Synonyms: stubborn, determined

Decorous

Well behaved, dignified, socially proper --On formal occasions, participants are expected to behave in a ____________________ manner. synonyms: seemly, becoming, tasteful antonyms: unbecoming, improper, tasteless

Nefarious

Wicked, depraved, devoid of moral standards —Brutus and Cassius hatched a ____________________ plot to assassinate Julius Caesar on the steps of the Roman Senate. Synonyms: iniquitous, reprehensible Antonyms: virtuous, honorable, praiseworthy, meritorious

Iniquity

Wickedness, sin; a grossly immoral act —English Puritans looked upon the court that surrounded King Charles I as a den of _____________________. Synonyms: evil, crime Antonyms: probity, rectitude, uprightness

Askance

With suspicion, distrust, or disapproval —The English teacher looked _______________________ at the suggestion that students read compendiums of Dickens's novels. Synonyms: distrustfully, suspiciously

Summarily

Without delay or formality; briefly, concisely —As soon as there was evidence of criminal wrongdoing, the official was _________________ ousted from his post. Synonyms: promptly, peremptorily

encomium

a formal expression of praise, a lavish tribute —On Veterans Day, the President delivered a heartfelt ______________ to those who died for their country. synonyms: panegyric, euology antonyms: condemnation, castigation, criticism

reconnaissance

a survey made for military purposes; any kind or preliminary inspection or examination —The field officer requires a thorough ____________ before ordering any troop movements. synonym: exploration

Credence

belief, mental acceptance —The government and the public failed to give __________________ to the reports of an impending water shortage. Synonyms: credit, trust, confidence Antonyms: disbelief, skepticism, incredulity

tenable

capable of being held or defended —The researchers put forth a _____________ theory, but their conclusions would be reviewed carefully by others. synonyms: defensible, justifiable, maintainable antonyms: indefensible, unjustifiable

largesse

generosity in giving; lavish or bountiful contributions —The university was the fortunate beneficiary of the _____________ of many of its graduates. synonyms: liberality, bounty antonyms: stinginess, miserliness, niggardliness

taciturn

habitually silent or quiet, inclined to talk very little —Woodrow Wilson has the reputation of having a dour and _____________ personality. synonyms: tight-lipped, uncommunicative, laconic antonyms: garrulous, loquacious, prolix, verbose

banal

hackneyed, trite, commonplace —The new play's __________ dialogue made it seem more like a soap opera than a serious drama. synonyms: stale, insipid antonyms: fresh original, new

coherent

holding or sticking together; making a logical whole; comprehensible, meaningful —The physics teacher gave a surprisingly ____________ description of quantum mechanics. synonyms: connected, unified, consistent, cohesive antonyms: muddled, chaotic, disjointed

invidious

offensive, hateful; tending to cause bitterness and resentment —Bosses should avoid making ________________ comparisons between their employees. synonyms: malicious, spiteful, prejudicial, pejorative antonyms: flattering, ameliorative

intransigent

refusing to compromise, irreconcilable —Little will get accomplished if the legislators of both parties maintain their ______________ attitudes. synonyms: uncompromising, unyielding, obdurate antonyms: lukewarm, halfhearted, yielding

germane

relevant, appropriate, apropos, fitting —Bringing up examples from the past is not ______________ to the present discussion. synonym: pertinent antonyms: irrelevant, extraneous, inappropriate

insatiable

so great or demanding as not to be satisfied —People with an ____________ appetite for gossip often do not have compelling stories of their own. synonyms: unquenchable, ravenous

carping

tending to find fault, especially in a petty, nasty, or hairsplitting way —The trainee resigned after a week rather than put up with the ______________ complaints of the sales manager. synonyms: nit-picking, caviling antonyms: approving, uncritical petty, nagging criticism —Most artists choose to ignore the _______________ of critics and simply go on with their work.

eschew

to avoid, shun, keep away from —The young athletes promised the cash that they would train vigorously and _____________ bad habits. synonyms: abstain from, steer clear of, forgo antonyms: embrace, adopt

congeal

to change from liquid to solid, thicken; to make inflexible or rigid —If you do not wash you dishes right away, the food on them will ______________. synonyms: harden, jell, solidify antonyms: liquefy

substantiate

to establish by evidence, prove; to give concrete of substantial form to —The prospector was unable to _______________ his claim to the land where the gold was found. synonyms: confirm, validate, authenticate antonyms: refute, disprove, invalidate

emulate

to imitate with the intent of equaling or surpassing the model —Most beginning writers try to ______________ a great writer and later develop their own individual styles. synonyms: copy, mimic, rival, match, measure up to

Cavort

to romp or prance around exuberantly; to make merry —The actors in the musical _______________ on stage. Synonyms: gambol

temporize

to stall or act evasively in order to gain time, avoid a confrontation, or postpone a decision; to compromise —For most of Shakespeare's great tragedy, the protagonist Hamlet chooses to _________________ rather and act. synonyms: dillydally, procrastinate

belabor

to work on excessively; to thrash soundly —His tendency to ______________ the small points often made him miss the big picture. synonym: overwork