Magoosh GRE Basic, Common & Advanced

aberrant

adjective: markedly different from an accepted norm

Synonyms : deviant , deviate

When the financial director started screaming and throwing food at his co-workers, the police had to come in to deal with his aberrant behavior.

aberration

noun: a deviation from what is normal or expected

Synonyms : aberrance , aberrancy , deviance

Aberrations in climate have become the norm: rarely a week goes by without some meteorological phenomenon making headlines.

abjure

verb: formally reject or give up (as a belief)

Synonyms : forswear , recant , resile , retract

While the church believed that Galileo abjured the heliocentric theory under threat of torture, he later wrote a book clearly supporting the theory.

aboveboard

adjective: open and honest

Synonyms : straightforward

The mayor, despite his avuncular face plastered about the city, was hardly aboveboard - some concluded that it was his ingratiating smile that allowed him to engage in corrupt behavior and get away with it.

abrogate

verb: revoke formally

As part of the agreement between the labor union and the company, the workers abrogated their right to strike for four years in exchange for better health insurance.

abstain

verb: choose not to consume or take part in (particularly something enjoyable)

Synonyms : desist , refrain

Considered a health nut, Jessica abstained from anything containing sugar-even chocolate.

abstruse

adjective: difficult to understand; incomprehensible

Synonyms : deep , recondite

Physics textbooks can seem so abstruse to the uninitiated that readers feel as though they are looking at hieroglyphics.

abysmal

adjective: extremely bad

Synonyms : abyssal , unfathomable

Coach Ramsey took his newest player off the field after watching a few painful minutes of her abysmal performance.

access

noun: the ability to go into (when somebody or something must allow you to enter)

Synonyms : accession , admission , admittance , entree

verb: to go into something when allowed to enter

Only students have access to the university library.

There is a large amount of oil under the ice, but we have not be able to access it.

accolade

noun: an award or praise granted as a special honor

Synonyms : award , honor , honour , laurels

Jean Paul-Sartre was not a fan of accolades, and as such, he refused to accept the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964.

acerbic

adjective: harsh in tone

Synonyms : acerb , acid , acrid , bitter , blistering , caustic , sulfurous , sulphurous , virulent , vitriolic

Most movie critics are acerbic towards summer blockbusters, often referring to them as garbage.

acme

noun: the highest point of achievement

Synonyms : elevation , height , meridian , peak , pinnacle , summit , superlative , tiptop , top

The new Cessna airplanes will be the acme of comfort, offering reclining seats and ample legroom.

acrimony

noun: bitterness and ill will

Synonyms : acerbity , bitterness , jaundice , tartness , thorniness

The acrimonious dispute between the president and vice-president sent a clear signal to voters: the health of the current administration was imperiled.

adamant

adjective: refusing to change one's mind

Synonyms : adamantine , inexorable , intransigent

Civil rights icon Rosa Parks will forever be remembered for adamantly refusing to give up her seat on a public bus--even after the bus driver insisted, she remained rooted in place.

adequate

adjective: good enough for what you need

Synonyms : decent , enough

A very light jacket will be adequate for Los Angeles's warm winter.

adjudicate

verb: to serve as a judge in a competition; to arrive at a judgment or conclusion

Synonyms : decide , resolve , settle,judge , try

Only those with the most refined palates were able to adjudicate during the barbeque competition.

admonish

verb: to warn strongly, even to the point of reprimanding

Synonyms : caution , monish

Before the concert began, security personel admonished the crowd not to come up on stage during the performance.

admonitory

adjective: serving to warn; expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective

Synonyms : cautionary , exemplary , monitory , warning

At the assembly, the high school vice-principal gave the students an admonitory speech, warning them of the many risks and dangers of prom night.

advocate

verb: speak, plead, or argue in favor of

Synonyms : preach

While the senator privately approved of gay marriage, he was unwilling to advocate for the cause in a public venue.

noun: a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea

Synonyms : advocator , exponent , proponent

Martin Luther King Jr. was a tireless advocate for the rights of African-Americans in the United States.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

aesthete

noun: one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature

Synonyms : esthete

A true aesthete, Marty would spend hours at the Guggenheim Museum, staring at the same Picasso.

aesthetic

adjective: concerned with the appreciation of beauty

Synonyms : aesthetical , esthetic , esthetical

The director, not known for his aesthetic sensibilities, decided not to use costumes at all, and put on the play in everyday clothing.

noun: a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.

The artist operated according to a peculiar aesthetic, not considering any photograph to be worth publishing unless it contained a marine mammal.

affable

adjective: likeable; easy to talk to

Synonyms : amiable , cordial , genial

For all his surface affability, Marco was remarkably glum when he wasn't around other people.

affluent

adjective: wealthy

The center of the city had sadly become a pit of penury, while, only five miles away, multi-million dollar homes spoke of affluence.

afford

verb: provide with an opportunity

The summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro affords a panoramic view that encompasses both Tanzania and Kenya.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

alacrity

noun: an eager willingness to do something

Synonyms : briskness , smartness

The first three weeks at his new job, Mark worked with such alacrity that upper management knew it would be giving him a promotion.

altruism

noun: the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others

Synonyms : selflessness

Albert Schweitzer spent most of his life doing missionary work as a doctor in Africa, seeking no reward, apparently motivated only by altruism.

amalgam

noun: a mixture of multiple things

The band's music was an amalgam of hip-hop, flamenco and jazz, blending the three styles with surprising results.

ambiguous

adjective: open to more than one interpretation

Synonyms : equivocal

The coach told his team, "Move towards that side of the field"; because he did not point, his directions were ambiguous, and the team had no idea to which side he was referring.

ambivalent

adjective: mixed or conflicting emotions about something

Sam was ambivalent about studying for the exam because doing so ate up a lot of his time, yet he was able to improve his analytical skills.

ameliorate

verb: make something bad better

Synonyms : amend , better , improve , meliorate

"Three Cups of Tea" tells the story of western man who hopes to ameliorate poverty and the lack of education in Afghanistan.

amenable

adjective: easily persuaded

Synonyms : conformable , tractable

Even though she did not like the outdoors, Shirley was generally amenable and so her brother was able to persuade her to go camping.

amiable

adjective: friendly

Synonyms : affable , cordial , genial

Amy's name was very apt: she was so amiable that she was twice voted class president.

amorphous

adjective: shapeless

Synonyms : formless , shapeless , unstructured

His study plan for the GRE was at best amorphous; he would do questions from random pages in any one of seven test prep books.

amply

adverb: more than is adequate

Synonyms : fully

The boat was amply supplied for its year at sea - no man would go hungry or thirst.

amuck

adverb: in a frenzied or uncontrolled state

Synonyms : amok , murderously

Wherever the bowl haircut teen-idol went, his legions of screaming fans ran through the streets amuck, hoping for a glance at his boyish face.

anachronism

noun: something that is inappropriate for the given time period (usually something old).

Synonyms : misdating , mistiming

Dressed in 15th century clothing each day, Edward was a walking anachronism.

analogous

adjective: similar in some respects but otherwise different

Synonyms : correspondent

In many ways, the Internet's transformative effect on society has been analogous to that of the printing press.

anathema

noun: a detested person; the source of somebody's hate

Synonyms : bete noire

Hundreds of years ago, Galileo was anathema to the church; today the church is anathema to some on the left side of the political spectrum.

anemic

adjective: lacking energy and vigor

Synonyms : anaemic

After three straight shows, the lead actress gave an anemic performance the fourth night, barely speaking loudly enough for those in the back rows to hear.

animosity

noun: intense hostility

The governor's animosity toward his rival was only inflamed when the latter spread false lies regarding the governor's first term.

anodyne

noun: something that soothes or relieves pain

Synonyms : analgesic , pain pill , painkiller

Muzak, which is played in department stores, is intended to be an anodyne, but is often so cheesy and over-the-top that customers become irritated.

adjective: inoffensive

Synonyms : analgesic , analgetic

Wilbur enjoyed a spicy Mexican breakfast, but Jill preferred a far more anodyne meal in the mornings.

anomalous

adjective: not normal

According to those who do not believe in climate change, the extreme weather over the last five years is simply anomalous - daily temperatures should return to their old averages, they believe.

anomaly

noun: something that is not normal, standard, or expected

After finding an anomaly in the data, she knew that she would have to conduct her experiment again.

antedate

verb: precede in time

Synonyms : antecede , forego , forgo , precede , predate, foredate

Harry was so unknowledgable that he was unaware the Egyptian pharaohs antedated the American Revolution.

antic

adjective: ludicrously odd

Synonyms : fantastic , fantastical , grotesque

The clown's antic act was too extreme for the youngest children, who left the room in tears.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

antipathy

noun: an intense feeling of dislike or aversion

Synonyms : aversion , distaste

Maria had an antipathy for tour groups, often bolting to the other side of the museum as soon as she saw a chaperone leading a group of wide-eyed tourists.

antiquated

adjective: old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier period in time

Synonyms : antediluvian , archaic

Aunt Betty had antiquated notions about marriage, believing that a man should court a woman for at least a year before receiving a kiss.

antithetical

adjective: sharply contrasted in character or purpose

Synonyms : antithetic

His deep emotional involvement with these ideas is, in fact, antithetical to the disattachment Buddhism preaches.

apathetic

adjective: marked by a lack of interest

Synonyms : indifferent

Mr. Thompson was so talented at teaching math that even normally apathetic students took interest.

apathy

noun: an absence of emotion or enthusiasm

Synonyms : indifference , numbness , spiritlessness

Widespread apathy among voters led to a very small turnout on election day.

apex

noun: the highest point

Synonyms : acme , peak , vertex

The Ivy League is considered the apex of the secondary education system.

aphorism

noun: a short instructive saying about a general truth

Synonyms : apophthegm , apothegm

Nietzsche was known for using aphorisms, sometimes encapsulating a complex philosophical thought in a mere sentence.

aphoristic

adjective: something that is concise and instructive of a general truth or principle

Sometimes I can't stand Nathan because he tries to impress everyone by being aphoristic, but he just states the obvious.

aplomb

noun: great coolness and composure under strain

Synonyms : assuredness , cool , poise , sang-froid

Nancy acted with aplomb during dangerous situations--she once calmly climbed up an oak tree to save a cat.

apocryphal

adjective: being of questionable authenticity

The web is notorious for sandwiching apocryphal stories between actual news.

apogee

noun: the highest point

Synonyms : culmination

The apogee of the Viennese style of music, Mozart's music continues to mesmerize audiences well into the 21st century.

apostate

noun: a person who has abandoned a religious faith or cause

Synonyms : deserter , ratter , recreant , renegade , turncoat

An apostate of the Republican Party, Sheldon has yet to become affiliated with any party and dubs himself an independent.

apothegm

noun: a short, pithy instructive saying

Synonyms : aphorism , apophthegm

Winston Churchill is famous for many apothegms, but this might be his most famous: "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried."

apotheosis

noun: exaltation to divine status; the highest point of development

Synonyms : ideal , nonesuch , nonpareil , nonsuch , paragon , saint,deification , exaltation

As difficult as it is to imagine, the apotheosis of Mark Zuckerberg's career, many believe, is yet to come.

appease

verb: pacify by acceding to the demands of

Synonyms : assuage , conciliate , gentle , gruntle , lenify , mollify , pacify , placate

Neville Chamberlain, the British prime minister during WWII, tried to appease Hitler and in doing so sent a clear message: you can walk all over us.

appreciable

adjective: large enough to be noticed (usu. refers to an amount)

There is an appreciable difference between those who say they can get the job done and those who actually get the job done.

apprehension

noun: fearful expectation

Synonyms : apprehensiveness , dread,misgiving

Test day can be one of pure apprehension, as many students worry about their test scores.

approbatory

adjective: expressing praise or approval

Synonyms : affirmative , approbative , approving , plausive

Although it might not be her best work, Hunter's new novel has received generally approbatory reviews.

appropriate

verb: to give or take something by force

Synonyms : allow , earmark , reserve , set aside,capture , conquer , seize

The government appropriated land that was occupied by squatters, sending them scurrying for another place to live.
verb: to allocate

The committe appropriated the funds to its various members.
This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

appurtenant

adjective: supply added support

Synonyms : accessory , adjunct , adjuvant , ancillary , auxiliary

In hiking Mt. Everest, sherpas are appurtenant, helping climbers both carry gear and navigate treacherous paths.

arbitrary

adjective: based on a random, groundless decision

One of the arbitrary decrees in place during the emperor's rule is that all citizens pay him weekly homage at his palace.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

arcane

adjective: requiring secret or mysterious knowledge

Most college fraternities are known for arcane rituals that those hoping to the join the fraterntiy must learn.

arch

adjective: to be deliberately teasing

Synonyms : condescending , patronising , patronizing

The baroness was arch, making playful asides to the townspeople; yet because they couldn't pick up on her dry humor, they thought her supercilious.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

archaic

adjective: so old as to appear to belong to a different period

Synonyms : antediluvian , antiquated

Hoping to sound intelligent, Mary spoke in archaic English that was right out of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice--needless to say, she didn't have many friends.

arduous

adjective: demanding considerable mental effort and skill; testing powers of endurance

Synonyms : straining , strenuous

In order to deal with the arduous cross-country journey, truck drivers often survive on a string of caffeinated drinks, staying awake for up to 30 hours at a time.

arrant

adjective: complete and wholly (usually modifying a noun with negative connotation)

Synonyms : complete , consummate , double-dyed , everlasting , gross , perfect , pure , sodding , staring , stark , thoroughgoing , unadulterated , utter

An arrant fool, Lawrence surprised nobody when he lost all his money in a pyramid scheme that was every bit as transparent as it was corrupt.

arriviste

noun: a person who has recently reached a position of power; a social climber

Synonyms : nouveau-riche , parvenu , upstart

The city center was aflutter with arrivistes who each tried to outdo one another with their ostentatious sports cars and chic evening dress.

arrogate

verb: seize and control without authority

Synonyms : assume , seize , take over , usurp

Arriving at the small town, the outlaw arrogated the privileges of a lord, asking the frightened citizens to provide food, drink, and entertainment.

artful

adjective: exhibiting artistic skill

Picasso is generally considered the most artful member of the Cubist movement.

adjective: clever in a cunning way

Bernie Madoff's artful Ponzi scheme stole billions of dollars from investors and is considered the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.

artifice

noun: cunning tricks used to deceive others

Synonyms : ruse

The mayoral candidates both spent much of the campaign accusing each other of artifices designed to mislead the voting public.

artless

adjective: without cunning or deceit

Synonyms : uncultivated , uncultured

Despite the president's seemingly artless speeches, he was a skilled and ruthless negotiator.

artlessness

noun: the quality of innocence

Synonyms : ingenuousness , innocence , naturalness

I, personally, found the artlessness of her speech charming.

ascendancy

noun: the state that exists when one person or group has power over another

Synonyms : ascendance , ascendence , ascendency , control , dominance

The ascendancy of the Carlsbad water polo team is clear—they have a decade of championships behind them.

ascetic

adjective: practicing self-denial

Synonyms : ascetical , austere , spartan

His ascetic life is the main reason he inspired so many followers, especially since he gave up wealth and power to live in poverty.

noun: one who practices great self-denial

Synonyms : abstainer

Historically, ascetics like Ghandi are often considered wise men partially because of their restraint.

ascribe

verb: attribute or credit to

Synonyms : assign , attribute , impute

History ascribes The Odyssey and The Iliad to Homer, but scholars now debate whether he was a historical figure or a fictitious name.

askance

adverb: with a look of suspicion or disapproval

The old couple looked askance on the teenagers seated next to them, whispering to each other, "They've got rings through their noses and purple hair!"

asperity

noun: harshness of manner

Synonyms : sharpness

The editor was known for his asperity, often sending severe letters of rejection to amateur writers.

assail

verb: attack in speech or writing

Synonyms : assault , attack , lash out , round , snipe

In the weekly paper, the editor assailed the governor for wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in public projects that quickly failed.

assiduously

adverb: with care and persistence

The top college football program recruits new talent assiduously, only choosing those who were the top in their county.

assuage

verb: make something intense less severe

Her fear that the new college would be filled with unknown faces was assuaged when she recognized her childhood friend standing in line.

atavism

noun: a reappearance of an earlier characteristic; throwback

Synonyms : reversion , throwback

Much of the modern art movement was an atavism to a style of art found only in small villages through Africa and South America.

attenuate

verb: to weaken (in terms of intensity); to taper off/become thinner.

Synonyms : rarefy

Her animosity towards Bob attenuated over the years, and she even went so far as to invite him to her party.

audacious

adjective: willing to be bold in social situations or to take risks

Synonyms : brave , dauntless , fearless , hardy , intrepid , unfearing

As all of the other campers cowered in their tents, Bill, armed only with a flashlight, audaciously tracked down the bear that had raided their food.

audacity

noun: aggressive boldness in social situations

Synonyms : audaciousness , temerity

She surprised her colleagues by having the audacity to publically criticize the findings of an distinguished scientist.

augment

verb: enlarge or increase; improve

Ideally, the restaurant's augmented menu will expand its clientele and increase its profits.

auspicious

adjective: favorable, the opposite of sinister

Despite an auspicious beginning, Mike's road trip became a series of mishaps, and he was soon stranded and penniless, leaning against his wrecked automobile.

austere

adjective: practicing self-denial

Synonyms : ascetic , ascetical , spartan

His lifestyle of revelry and luxurious excess could hardly be called austere.

adjective: unadorned in style or appearance

Late Soviet architecture, although remaining largely austere, moved into experimental territory that employed previously unused shapes and structures.

adjective: harsh in manner of temperament

The principal of my elementary school was a cold, austere woman; I could never understand why she chose to work with children.

autocratic

adjective: characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty

Synonyms : authoritarian , despotic , dictatorial , tyrannic , tyrannical

The last true autocratic country is certainly North Korea; nowhere does a leader exercise the absolute control over all aspects of a people the way that Kim Jong-un does.

adjective: offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power

Synonyms : bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , magisterial , peremptory

The manager was finally fired for his autocratic leadership, which often bordered on rude and offensive.

autonomously

adverb: In an autonomous or self-governing manner.

Many of the factory workers are worried about being replaced by machines and computers that will work completely autonomously.

avarice

noun: greed (one of the seven deadly sins)

Synonyms : avaritia , covetousness , greed , rapacity,avariciousness , covetousness , cupidity

The Spanish conquistadors were known for their avarice, plundering Incan land and stealing Incan gold.

avaricious

adjective: excessively greedy

Synonyms : covetous , grabby , grasping , greedy , prehensile

Since avaricious desire is similar to gluttony or lust--sins of excess-it was listed as one of the seven deadly sins by the Catholic church.

avert

verb: turn away

Afraid to see the aftermath of the car crash, I averted my eyes as we drove by.

verb: ward off or prevent

Synonyms : avoid , debar , deflect , fend off , forefend , forfend , head off , obviate , stave off , ward off

The struggling videogame company put all of its finances into one final, desperate project to avert bankruptcy.

avid

adjective: marked by active interest and enthusiasm

Synonyms : zealous

Martin is an avid birdwatcher, often taking long hikes into remote mountains to see some rare eagle.

badger

verb: to pester

Synonyms : beleaguer , bug , pester , tease

Badgered by his parents to find a job, the 30-year-old loafer instead joined a gang of itinerant musicians.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

baleful

adjective: threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

Synonyms : forbidding , menacing , minacious , minatory , ominous , sinister , threatening

Movies often use storms or rain clouds as a baleful omen of evil events that will soon befall the main character.

balk

verb: refuse to comply

Synonyms : baulk , jib , resist

The students were willing to clean up the broken glass, but when the teacher asked them to mop the entire floor, they balked, citing reasons why they needed to leave.

banal

adjective: repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

Synonyms : commonplace , hackneyed , old-hat , shopworn , stock , threadbare , timeworn , tired , trite , well-worn

The professor used such banal expression that many students in the class either fell asleep from bordeom or stayed awake to complete his sentences and humor friends.

banality

noun: a trite or obvious remark

Synonyms : bromide , cliche , commonplace , platitude

Herbert regarded the minister's remark as a mere banality until Sharon pointed out profound implications to the seemingly obvious words.

banish

verb: expel from a community, residence, or location; drive away

Synonyms : ban , blackball , cast out , ostracise , ostracize , shun

The most difficult part of the fast was banishing thoughts of food.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

base

adjective: the lowest, class were without any moral principles

Synonyms : foot , foundation , fundament , groundwork , substructure , understructure

She was not so base as to begrudge the beggar the unwanted crumbs from her dinner plate.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

bastardization

noun: an act that debases or corrupts

Synonyms : bastardisation

The movie World War Z is a complete bastardization of the book with little more in common than zombies and a title.

beatific

adjective: blissfully happy

Synonyms : angelic , angelical , sainted , saintlike , saintly

Often we imagine all monks to wear the beatific smile of the Buddha, but, like any of us, a monk can have a bad day and not look very happy.

becoming

adjective: appropriate, and matches nicely

Synonyms : comely , comme il faut , decent , decorous , seemly

Her dress was becoming and made her look even more beautiful.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

beg

verb: to evade or dodge (a question)

By assuming that Charlie was headed to college - which he was not - Maggie begged the question when she asked him to which school he was headed in the Fall.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

begrudge

verb: to envy someone for possessing or enjoying something

Synonyms : resent

Sitting all alone in his room, Harvey begrudged the happiness of the other children playing outside his window.
verb: to give reluctantly

We never begrudge money spent on ourselves.

behooves

verb: to be one's duty or obligation

The teacher looked down at the student and said, "It would behoove you to be in class on time and complete your homework, so that you don't repeat freshman English for a third straight year."

belie

verb: to give a false representation to; misrepresent

Synonyms : contradict , negate

The smile on her face belies the pain she must feel after the death of her husband.

belittle

verb: lessen the importance, dignity, or reputation of

Synonyms : diminish,denigrate , derogate , minimize

A good teacher will never belittle his students, but will instead empower them.

bellicose

adjective: warlike; inclined to quarrel

Synonyms : battleful , combative

Known for their bellicose ways, the Spartans were once the most feared people from Peloponnesus to Persia.

belligerent

adjective: characteristic of one eager to fight

Synonyms : aggressive

Tom said that he was arguing the matter purely for philosophical reasons, but his belligerent tone indicated an underlying anger about the issue.

bemoan

verb: express discontent or a strong regret

Synonyms : bewail , deplore , lament

While the CFO carefully explained all the reasons for the cuts in benefits, after the meeting employees bemoaned the cuts as further evidence that management was against them.

benighted

adjective: fallen into a state of ignorance

Synonyms : nighted,dark

Far from being a period of utter benightedness, The Medieval Ages produced some great works of theological speculation.

benign

adjective: kind

I remember my grandfather's face was wrinkled, benign, and calm.

adjective: (medicine) not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive

The tumor located in your ear lobe seems to be benign and should not cause you any trouble.

bereft

adjective: unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love

Synonyms : lovelorn , unbeloved

After 64 years of marriage, William was bereft after the death of his wife.

adjective: sorrowful through loss or deprivation

Synonyms : bereaved , grief-stricken , grieving , mourning , sorrowing

"You are not bereft if you haven't played on your Xbox in the past week," his mother said.

besiege

verb: harass, as with questions or requests; cause to feel distressed or worried

Synonyms : beleaguer , circumvent , hem in , surround

After discovering a priceless artifact in her backyard, Jane was besieged by phone calls, emails, and reporters all trying to buy, hold or see the rare piece of history.

besmirch

verb: damage the good name and reputation of someone

Synonyms : asperse , calumniate , defame , denigrate , slander , smear , smirch , sully

The prince's distasteful choice of words besmirched not only his own name, but the reputation of the entire royal family.

besotted

adjective: strongly affectionate towards

Even though her father did not approve, Juliet became besotted with the young Romeo.

adjective: very drunk

Synonyms : blind drunk , blotto , cockeyed , crocked , fuddled , loaded , pie-eyed , pissed , pixilated , plastered , slopped , sloshed , smashed , soaked , soused , sozzled , squiffy , stiff , tight , wet

Never before have I seen my mom so besotted, and honestly, I hope it's the last time she drinks so much.

betray

verb: to reveal or make known something, usually unintentionally

Synonyms : bewray

With the gold medal at stake, the gymnast awaited his turn, his quivering lip betraying his intense emotions.

bilious

adjective: irritable; always angry

Synonyms : atrabilious , dyspeptic , liverish

Rex was bilious all morning, and his face would only take on a look of contentedness when he'd had his morning cup of coffee.

blatant

adjective: without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious

Synonyms : blazing , conspicuous

Allen was often punished in school for blatantly disrespecting teachers.

bleak

adjective: having a depressing or gloomy outlook

Synonyms : bare , barren , desolate , stark

Unremitting overcast skies tend to lead people to create bleak literature and lugubrious music - compare England's band Radiohead to any band from Southern California.

blinkered

adjective: to have a limited outlook or understanding

In gambling, the addict is easily blinkered by past successes and/or past failures, forgetting that the outcome of any one game is independent of the games that preceded it.

bolster

verb: support and strengthen

The case for the suspect's innocence was bolstered considerably by the fact that neither fingerprints nor DNA were found at the scene.

Synonyms : bolster up

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

boon

noun: a desirable state

Synonyms : blessing

Modern technology has been a boon to the travel industry.
adjective: very close and convivial

He was a boon companion to many, and will be sadly missed.

boorish

adjective: ill-mannered and coarse or contemptible in behavior or appearance

Synonyms : loutish , neandertal , neanderthal , oafish , swinish

Bukowski was known for being a boorish drunk and alienating close friends and family.

bowdlerize

verb: edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

Synonyms : bowdlerise , castrate , expurgate , shorten

To receive an R rating, the entire movie was bowdlerized because it contained so much violence and grotesque subject matter.

brazen

adjective: unrestrained by convention or propriety

Synonyms : audacious , bald-faced , barefaced , bodacious , brassy , brazen-faced , insolent

Their large "donations" to the local police department gave the drug cartel the brazen confidence to do their business out in the open.

bridle

verb: the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess

Synonyms : check , curb

New curfew laws have bridled people's tendency to go out at night.

verb: anger or take offense

The hostess bridled at the tactless dinner guests who insisted on eating before everybody had gotten their food.

bristle

verb: react in an offended or angry manner

Synonyms : abound , burst

As we discussed the painting, I noticed the artist's wife bristling at our criticisms, ready to defend her husband's work.

broadside

noun: a strong verbal attack

Synonyms : bill , broadsheet , circular , flier , flyer , handbill , throwaway

Political broadsides are usually strongest in the weeks leading up to a national election.

bromide

noun: a trite or obvious remark

Synonyms : banality , cliche , commonplace , platitude

Instead of sharing his umbrella, the cheeky stranger offered Martha the following bromide: "Looks like it's raining."

brook

verb: put up with something or somebody unpleasant

Synonyms : abide , bear , digest , endure , put up , stand , stick out , stomach , suffer , support , tolerate

While she was at the chalkboard, the teacher did not brook any form of talking--even a tiny peep resulted in afternoon detention.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

browbeat

verb: be bossy towards; discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner

Synonyms : ballyrag , boss around , bully , bullyrag , hector , push around , strong-arm

During the interrogation, the suspect was browbeaten into signing a false confession.

brusquely

adverb: in a blunt, direct manner

Synonyms : bluffly , bluntly , flat out , roundly

Not one for social pleasantries, the Chief of Staff would brusquely ask his subordinates anything he wanted, even coffee.

buck

verb: resist

Synonyms : go against

The profits at our firm bucked the general downturn that affected the real estate industry.

bucolic

adjective: relating to the pleasant aspects of the country

Synonyms : peasant , provincial

The noble families of England once owned vast expanses of beautiful, bucolic land.

bumbling

adjective: lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands

Synonyms : bungling , butterfingered , ham-fisted , ham-handed , handless , heavy-handed , left-handed

Within a week of starting, the bumbling new waiter was unceremoniously fired.

burgeon

verb: grow and flourish

China's housing market is burgeoning, but some predict that the growth is merely a bubble and will burst much like the U.S. real estate bubble of 2008.

buttress

verb: make stronger or defensible

China's economy has been buttressed by a global demand for the electronic parts the country manufactures.

byzantine

adjective: intricate and complex

Synonyms : convoluted , involved , knotty , tangled , tortuous

Getting a driver's license is not simply a matter of taking a test; the regulations and procedures are so byzantine that many have found themselves at the mercy of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

cadaverous

adjective: emaciated; gaunt

Synonyms : bony ,haggard , pinched , skeletal , wasted

Some actors take challenging roles in which they have to lose so much weight that they appear cadaverous.

callow

adjective: young and inexperienced

Synonyms : fledgling , unfledged

Both Los Angeles and New York are known for callow out-of-towners hoping to make it big.

calumny

noun: making of a false statement meant to injure a person's reputation

Synonyms : calumniation , defamation , hatchet job , obloquy , aspersion , slander , denigration , traducement

With the presidential primaries well under way, the air is thick with calumny, and the mud already waist-high.

canard

noun: a deliberately misleading fabrication

The public will always be fooled by the media's canards.

candid

adjective: a straightforward and honest look at something

Synonyms : blunt , forthright , frank , free-spoken , outspoken , plainspoken , point-blank , straight-from-the-shoulder

Even with a perfect stranger, Charles was always candid and would rarely hold anything back.

candidness

noun: the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

Synonyms : candor , candour , directness , forthrightness , frankness

Although I was unhappy that the relationship ended, I appreciated her candidness about why she was ready to move on from the relationship.

capacity

noun noun: the amount or volume something can hold ability (especially mental)

The hotel is full to maximum capacity; there are no empty rooms.
Few birds have the capacity to recognize themselves when looking in a mirror; most act as though there is a second bird behind the glass.

capitulate

noun: to surrender (usually under agreed conditions)

Paul, losing 19-0 in a ping-pong match against his nimble friend, basically capitulated when he played the last two points with his eyes closed.

capricious

adjective: determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

Synonyms : impulsive , whimsical

Nearly every month our capricious CEO had a new plan to turn the company around, and none of them worked because we never gave them the time they needed to succeed.

cardinal

adjective: of primary importance; fundamental

Synonyms : central , fundamental , key , primal

Most cultures consider gambling a cardinal sin and thus have outlawed its practice.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

carping

adjective: persistently petty and unjustified criticism

Synonyms : faultfinding

What seemed like incessant nagging and carping about my behavior from my mother turned out to be wise and useful advice that has served me well.

castigate

verb: to reprimand harshly

Synonyms : chasten , chastise , correct , objurgate

Drill sergeants are known to castigate new recruits so mercilessly that the latter often break down during their first week in training.

cataclysm

noun: an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

Synonyms : calamity , catastrophe , disaster , tragedy

The introduction of smallpox was a cataclysm for Native Americans, killing off more than half of their population.

catalyst

noun: something that speeds up an event

Synonyms : accelerator

Rosa Park's refusal to give up her bus seat acted as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, setting into motion historic changes for African-Americans.

catholic

adjective: of broad scope; universal

Jonah's friends said that Jonah's taste in music was eclectic; Jonah was quick to point out that not only was his taste eclectic but it was also catholic: he enjoyed music from countries as far-flung as Mali and Mongolia.

cavalier

adjective: given to haughty disregard of others

Synonyms : high-handed

Percy dismissed the issue with a cavalier wave of his hand.

cede

verb: relinquish possession or control ove

Synonyms : deliver , give up , surrenderr

Eventually, all parents must cede control of their growing childrens' educations and allow their offspring some autonomy.

celerity

noun: speed, rapidity

Synonyms : quickness , rapidity , rapidness , speediness

We aim to respond to customers' questions with celerity and accuracy, with no longer than a 24 hour wait time.

censor

verb: to examine and remove objectionable material

Synonyms : ban

Every fall, high school English teachers are inundated by requests to censor their curriculum by removing The Catcher in the Rye and Scarlet Letter from their reading lists.
noun: an official who censors material

The censor insisted that every reference to drugs should be removed from the manuscript.

censure

verb: to express strong disapproval

Synonyms : animadversion

After being caught in bed with a mistress, the mayor was quickly censured by the city council.

cerebral

adjective: involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct

Synonyms : intellectual

A cerebral analysis of most pop music finds it to be simple and childish, but that ignores the point--the music's effect on the listener.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

chagrin

noun: strong feelings of embarrassment

Synonyms : humiliation , mortification

Much to the timid writer's chagrin, the audience chanted his name until he came back on the stage.

verb: cause to feel shame; hurt the pride o

Synonyms : abase , humble , humiliate , mortifyf

She never cared what others said about her appearance but was chagrined by the smallest comment from her mother.

champion

verb: to fight for a cause

Synonyms : defend

Martin Luther King Jr. championed civil rights fiercely throughout his short life.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

charlatan

noun: a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes

Synonyms : mountebank

You may call him a "motivational speaker," but I call him a charlatan--he doesn't have any idea what he's really talking about.

chary

adjective: cautious, suspiciously reluctant to do something

Synonyms : cagey , cagy

Having received three speeding tickets in the last two months, Jack was chary of driving at all above the speed limit, even on a straight stretch of highway that looked empty for miles ahead.

chastise

verb: to reprimand harshly

Synonyms : castigate , chasten , correct , objurgate

Though chastised for eating the snacks for the party, Lawrence shrugged off his mother's harsh words, and continued to plow through jars of cookies and boxes of donuts.

chastise

verb: to reprimand harshly

Synonyms : castigate , chasten , correct , objurgate

Though chastised for eating the snacks for the party, Lawrence shrugged off his mother's harsh words, and continued to plow through jars of cookies and boxes of donuts.

chauvinism

noun: fanatical patriotism; belief that one's group/cause is superior to all other groups/causes

Synonyms : jingoism , superpatriotism , ultranationalism

Vegetarians argue that man is chauvinistic in his belief that animals do not consciously feel the pain we humans do.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

chauvinist

noun: a person who believes in the superiority of their group

Synonyms : flag-waver , hundred-percenter , jingo , jingoist , patrioteer

The chauvinist lives on both sides of the political spectrum, outright shunning anybody whose ideas are not consistent with his own.

check

verb: to limit (usually modifying the growth of something)

Deserted for six months, the property began to look more like a jungle and less like a residence - weeds grew unchecked in the front yard

noun: the condition of being held back or limited

When government abuses are not kept in check, that government is likely to become autocratic.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

checkered

adjective: one that is marked by disreputable happenings

One by one, the presidential candidates dropped out of the race, their respective checkered pasts - from embezzlement to infidelity - sabotaging their campaigns.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

chimera

noun: something desired or wished for but is only an illusion and impossible to achieve

Many believe that a world free of war is a chimera—a dream that ignores humanity's violent tendencies.

chivalrous

adjective: being attentive to women like an ideal knight

Synonyms : gallant , knightly

Marco's chivalrous ways, like opening doors and pulling out chairs, was much appreciated by his date.

choleric

adjective: prone to outbursts of temper; easily angered

Synonyms : hot-tempered , hotheaded , irascible , quick-tempered , short-tempered

While a brilliant lecturer, Mr. Dawson came across as choleric and unapproachable - very rarely did students come to his office hours.

chortle

verb: to chuckle, laugh merrily

Synonyms : chuckle , laugh softly

Walking past the bar, I could hear happy, chortling people and the blast of horns from a jazz band.

churlish

adjective: lacking manners or refinement

The manager was unnecessarily churlish to his subordinates, rarely deigning to say hello, but always quick with a sartorial jab if someone happened to be wearing anything even slightly mismatching.

circumscribe

verb: restrict or confine

Synonyms : confine , limit

Their tour of South America was circumscribed so that they saw only popular destinations and avoided the dangerous parts of cities.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

circumvent

verb: cleverly find a way out of one's duties or obligations

Synonyms : dodge , duck , elude , evade , fudge , hedge , parry , put off , sidestep , skirt

One way of circumventing the GRE is to apply to a grad school that does not require GRE scores.

clemency

noun: leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

Synonyms : mercifulness , mercy

In the final moments of the trial, during his closing speech, Phillips was nearly begging the judge for clemency.

coalesce

verb: fuse or cause to grow together

Synonyms : blend , combine , commingle , conflate , flux , fuse , immix , meld , merge , mix

Over time, the various tribes coalesced into a single common culture with one universal language.

cogent

adjective: clear and persuasive

Synonyms : telling , weighty

A cogent argument will change the minds of even the most skeptical audience.

cohesive

adjective: well integrated, forming a united whole

A well-written, cohesive essay will keep on topic at all times, never losing sight of the main argument.

collusion

noun: agreement on a secret plot

Synonyms : connivance

Many have argued that Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK's assassin, was in collusion with other criminals; others maintain that Oswald was a lone gunman.

colossal

adjective: so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe

Synonyms : prodigious , stupendous

Few appreciate the colossal scale of the sun: if hollow, it could contain a million Earths.

commendable

adjective: worthy of high praise

Synonyms : applaudable , laudable , praiseworthy

The efforts of the firefighters running into the burning building were commendable.

commensurate

adjective: to be in proportion or corresponding in degree or amount

The convicted felon's life sentence was commensurate to the heinousness of his crime.

complacent

adjective: contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions

Synonyms : self-complacent , self-satisfied

After the water polo team won their sixth championship, they became complacent and didn't even make it to the playoffs the next year.

complaisant

adjective: showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others

Synonyms : obliging

On her first day at the job, Annie was complaisant, fulfilling every request of her new employee and anticipating future requests.

complementary

adjective: enhancing each other's qualities (for two things or more).

Synonyms : complemental , completing

The head waiter was careful to tell the amateur diners that red wine was complementary with beef, each bringing out subtle taste notes in the other.

complicit

adjective: Associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable nature.

While the grand jury cleared the senator of all criminal charges, in the public mind he was still complicit in the corruption.

compound

verb: make more intense, stronger, or more marked

Synonyms : deepen , heighten , intensify

Her headache was compounded by the construction crew outside, which had six jackhammers going at the same time.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

concede

verb: acknowledge defeat

I concede. You win!

verb: admit (to a wrongdoing)

Synonyms : confess , profess

After a long, stern lecture from her father, Olivia conceded to having broken the window.

verb: give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another

Synonyms : cede , grant , yield

The Spanish were forced to concede much of the territory they had previously conquered.

conciliate

verb: to make peace with

Synonyms : appease , assuage , gentle , gruntle , lenify , mollify , pacify , placate

His opponents believed his gesture to be conciliatory, yet as soon as they put down their weapons, he unsheathed a hidden sword.

concomitant

adjective: describing an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another

Synonyms : accompaniment , attendant , co-occurrence

Concomitant with his desire for nature was a desire for the culture and energy of a big city.

conducive

adjective: making a situation or outcome more likely to happen

Studying in a quiet room is conducive to learning; studying in a noisy environment makes learning more difficult.

conflagration

noun: a very intense and uncontrolled fire

Synonyms : inferno

In the summer months, conflagrations are not uncommon in the southwest, do to the heat and lack of rain.

conflate

verb: mix together different elements or concepts

Synonyms : blend , coalesce , combine , commingle , flux , fuse , immix , meld , merge , mix

In her recent book, the author conflates several genres--the detective story, the teen thriller, and the vampire romance--to create a memorable read.

confound

verb: be confusing or perplexing to

Synonyms : bedevil , befuddle , confuse , discombobulate , fox , fuddle , throw

Though Harry loved numbers, he found calculus confounding.

verb: mistake one thing for another

Synonyms : confuse

Americans often confound sweet potatoes with yams, and refer to both vegetables by the same name.

conniving

verb: taking part in immoral and unethical plots

The queen was so conniving that, with the help of the prince, she tried to overthrow the king.

consecrate

verb: to make holy or set apart for a high purpose

Synonyms : bless , hallow , sanctify

At the church of Notre Dame in France, the new High Altar was consecrated in 1182.

conspicuous

adjective: without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
Synonyms : blatant , blazing

American basketball players are always conspicuous when they go abroad-not only are they American, but some are over seven feet tall.

constituent

noun: a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes

The mayor's constituents are no longer happy with her performance and plan to vote for another candidate in the upcoming election.

noun: an abstract part of something

Synonyms : component , element , factor , ingredient

The constituents of the metal alloy are nickel, copper, and tin.

constraint

noun: something that limits or restricts

Synonyms : restraint

We don't have many resources, so we'll have to work with some very tight constraints.

construe

verb: interpreted in a particular way

Synonyms : interpret , see

The author's inability to take a side on the issue was construed by both his opponents and supporters as a sign of weakness.

consummate

adjective: having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

Synonyms : masterful , masterly , virtuoso

Tyler was the consummate musician: he was able to play the guitar, harmonica, and the drum at the same time.

verb: to make perfect and complete in every respect

The restoration of the ancient church was only consummated after a twenty years of labor.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

contemptuous

adjective: scornful, looking down at others with a sneering attitude

Synonyms : disdainful , insulting , scornful

Always on the forefront of fashion, Vanessa looked contemptuously at anyone wearing dated clothing.

contentious

adjective: likely to argue

Synonyms : combative , disputatious , disputative , litigious

Since old grandpa Harry became very contentious during the summer when only reruns were on T.V., the grandkids learned to hide from him at every opportunity.

contingent

noun: a gathering of persons representative of some larger group

A small contingent of those loyal to the king have gathered around the castle to defend it.

adjective: possible but not certain to occur

Whether the former world champions can win again this year is contingent upon none of its star players getting injured.

contrite

adjective: to be remorseful

Synonyms : remorseful , rueful , ruthful

Though he stole his little sister's licorice stick with malevolent glee, Chucky soon became contrite when his sister wouldn't stop crying.

contrition

noun: the feeling of remorse or guilt that comes from doing something bad

Synonyms : attrition , contriteness

Those who show contrition during their prison terms--especially when under review by a parole board--often get shortened sentences.

contrive

verb: to pull off a plan or scheme, usually through skill or trickery

Synonyms : devise , excogitate , forge , formulate , invent

Despite a low GPA, he contrived to get into college, going so far as to write his own glowing letters of recommendation.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

conundrum

noun: a difficult problem

Synonyms : brain-teaser , enigma , riddle

Computers have helped solve some of the mathematical conundrums which have puzzled man for many centuries.

convivial

adjective: describing a lively atmosphere

The wedding reception was convivial; friends who hadn't seen each other for ages drank and ate together before heading to the dance floor.

convoluted

adjective: highly complex or intricate

Synonyms : byzantine , involved , knotty , tangled , tortuous

Instead of solving the math problem in three simple steps, Kumar used a convoluted solution requiring fifteen steps.

copious

adjective: in abundant supply

Synonyms : ample , plenteous , plentiful , rich, voluminous

In midsummer, there are copious popiscle stands at the beach; in the winter, there are none.

cornucopia

noun: an abundant supply of something good

Synonyms : profuseness , profusion , richness

The International Food Expo was a cornucopia of culinary delights: gourmet foods from every continent were under one roof.

corollary

noun: a practical consequence that follows naturally

A corollary of Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the east coast of the U.S., is a push to build higher sea walls to protect against future hurricanes.

corroborate

verb: to confirm or lend support to (usually an idea or claim)

Synonyms : affirm , confirm , substantiate , sustain,bear out , support , underpin

Her claim that frog populations were falling precipitously in Central America was corroborated by locals, who reported that many species of frogs had seemingly vanished overnight.

cosmopolitan

adjective: comprising many cultures; global in reach and outlook

Synonyms : ecumenical , general , oecumenical , universal , world-wide , worldwide

There are few cities in the world as diverse and cosmopolitan as New York.

cosseted

verb: treat with excessive indulgence

The king and queen cosseted the young prince, giving him a prized miniature pony for his fifth birthday.

coterminous

adjective: being of equal extent or scope or duration

Synonyms : coextensive , conterminous

The border of the state is coterminous with geographic limits on travel; the east and north are surrounded by a nearly uncrossable river and the south by a desert.

countermand

verb: a contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command

By the time the colonel countermanded his soldiers not to land in enemy territory, a few helicopters had already touched down amid heavy gunfire.

cow

verb: to intimidate

Synonyms : overawe

Do not be cowed by a 3,000-word vocabulary list: turn that list into a deck of flashcards!

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

craven

adjective: pathetically cowardly

Synonyms : recreant

Though the man could have at least alerted the police, he crouched cravenly in the corner as the old woman was mugged.

credence

noun: belief in something

He placed no credence in psychics, claiming that they offered no special powers beyond the ability to make people part with their money.

creditable

adjective: deserving of praise but not that amazing

Critics agreed the movie was creditable, but few gave it more than three out of five stars.

credulity

noun: tendency to believe readily

Virginia's wide-eyed credulity as a five-year old was replaced by suspicion after she learned that Santa Claus didn't really exist.

crestfallen

adjective: brought low in spirit

Synonyms : chapfallen , chopfallen , deflated

I asked Maria on a date and she refused without a moment's thought; I was crestfallen.

cryptic

adjective: mysterious or vague, usually intentionally

Synonyms : cabalistic , cryptical , kabbalistic , qabalistic , sibylline

Since Sarah did not want her husband to guess the Christmas present she had bought him, she only answered cryptically when he would ask her questions about it.

crystallize

verb: cause to take on a definite and clear shape

Synonyms : crystalise , crystalize , crystallise

Only after fifteen minutes of brainstorming did Samantha's ideas for the essay crystallize.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

culminate

verb: reach the highest or most decisive point

Synonyms : climax

Beethoven's musical genius culminated in the 9th Symphony, which many consider his greatest work.

culpability

noun: a state of guilt

Synonyms : blameworthiness , culpableness

Since John had left his banana peel at the top of the stairwell, he accepted culpability for Martha's broken leg.

cumbersome

adjective: difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight

Synonyms : cumbrous

Only ten years ago, being an avid reader and a traveler meant carrying a cumbersome backpack stuffed with books--these days we need only an e-reader.

cupidity

noun: greed for money

Synonyms : avarice , avariciousness , covetousness

Some believe people that amassing as much wealth as possible is the meaning to life - yet they often realize that cupidity brings anything but happiness.

curmudgeon

noun: a grouchy, surly person

Since Uncle Mike was the family curmudgeon, each Thanksgiving he was plied with copious amounts of wine, in the hope that he would become less grouchy.

dearth

noun: a lack or shortage

Synonyms : famine , shortage,paucity

I am surprised by the dearth of fast food chains; this is America and I assumed they were on every street.

debase

verb: reduce the quality or value of something

Synonyms : adulterate , dilute , load , stretch

The third-rate script so debased the film that not even the flawless acting could save it from being a flop.

debonair

adjective: having a sophisticated charm

Synonyms : debonaire , debonnaire , suave

James Bond is known for his good looks, high tech gadgets, and debonair manner.

debunk

verb: expose as false ideas and claims, especially while ridiculing

Synonyms : expose

Richard Dawkins tries to debunk religious belief, but his ridicule tends to push people away from his points rather than convince them.

decimation

noun: destroying or killing a large part of the population

The decimation after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is incomprehensible.

decorous

adjective: characterized by good taste in manners and conduct

Sally's parties are decorous affairs, and instead of the usual beer and music, there is tea and intellectual conversation.

decorum

noun: propriety in manners and conduct

Synonyms : decorousness

"You will obey the rules of decorum for this courtroom or spend the night in a jail cell," said the judge to the prosecutor.

decry

verb: express strong disapproval of

Synonyms : condemn , excoriate , objurgate , reprobate

The entire audience erupted in shouts and curses, decrying the penalty card issued by the referee.

deferential

adjective: showing respect

Synonyms : deferent , regardful

If you ever have the chance to meet the president, stand up straight and be deferential.

defray

verb: to help pay the cost of, either in part of full

In order for Sean to attend the prestigious college, his generous uncle helped defray the excessive tuition with a monthly donation.

degrade

verb: reduce in worth or character, usually verbally

Synonyms : demean , disgrace , put down , take down

Jesse had mockingly pointed out all of Nancy's faults in front of their friends, publicly degrading the poor girl.

deign

verb: do something that one considers to be below one's dignity

Synonyms : condescend , descend

The master of the house never deigned to answer questions from the servants.

delegate

verb: give an assignment to (a person)

Synonyms : assign , depute , designate

Since the senior manager had to go on many international business trips, she was forced to delegate many of her responsibilities to two lower-level managers.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

deleterious

adjective: harmful to living things

Synonyms : hurtful , injurious

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was deleterious to the fishing industry in the southern states.

deliberate

verb: think about carefully; weigh the pros and cons of an issue

Synonyms : consider , debate , moot , turn over

Emergency situations such as this call for immediate action and leave no room to deliberate over options.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

delineate

verb: describe in detail

After a brief summary of proper swimming technique, the coach delineated the specifics of each stroke, spending 30 minutes alone on the backstroke.

demean

verb: to insult; to cause someone to lose dignity or respect

Synonyms : degrade , disgrace , put down , take down

At first the soccer players bantered back and forth, but as soon as one of the players became demeaning, calling the other's mother a water buffalo, the ref whipped out a red card.

demonstrative

adjective: given to or marked by the open expression of emotion

When Sally told James that she wanted to break up with him, she expected he would react demonstratively, but he quietly nodded his head and left without saying a word.

demur

verb: to object or show reluctance

Wallace disliked the cold, so he demurred when his friends suggested they going skiing in the Alps.

demure

adjective: to be modest and shy

Synonyms : coy , overmodest

The portrait of her in a simple white blouse was sweet and demure.

denigrate

verb: charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

Synonyms : asperse , besmirch , calumniate , defame , slander , smear , smirch , sully

Count Rumford denigrated the new theory of heat, demonstrating that it was wholly inadequate to explain the observations.

denote

verb: be a sign or indication of; have as a meaning

Synonyms : refer

Even if the text is not visible, the red octagon denotes "stop" to all motorists in America.

denouement

noun: the final resolution of the many strands of a literary or dramatic work; the outcome of a complex sequence of events

At the denouement of the movie, all questions were answered, and the true identity of the robber was revealed.

derelict

adjective: (of a person) not doing one's duties

Synonyms : delinquent , neglectful , remiss

The teacher was derelict in her duties because she hadn't graded a single student paper in three weeks.

noun: (of a building) abandoned

At one time the waterfront factories were busy and productive, but now they stand derelict and will be torn down.

deride

verb: treat or speak of with contempt

The nun derided the students for trying to sneak insects and worms into the classroom.

derisive

adjective: abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

Synonyms : gibelike , jeering , mocking , taunting

I was surprised by her derisive tone; usually, she is sweet, soft spoken, and congenial.

derivative

adjective: (or a creative product, e.g. music, writing, etc.) not original but drawing on the work of another person

Because the movies were utterly derivative of other popular movies, they did well at the box office.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

derive

verb: come from; be connected by a relationship of blood, for example

Synonyms : come , descend

Many words in the English language are derived from Latin, including the word "derive."

verb: reason by deduction; establish by deduction

Synonyms : deduce , deduct , infer

From the multiple set of footprints in the living room, the investigator derived an important clue: Sheila was not alone in the room at the time of the murder.

derogative

adjective: expressed as worthless or in negative terms

Synonyms : derogatory , disparaging

Never before have we seen a debate between two political candidates that was so derogative and filthy.

desecrate

verb: to willfully violate or destroy a sacred place

Synonyms : outrage , profane , violate

After desecrating the pharaoh's tomb, the archaeologist soon fell victim to a horrible illness.

desiccated

adjective: uninteresting, lacking vitality

Synonyms : arid , desiccate

Few novelists over 80 are able to produce anything more than desiccated works-boring shadows of former books.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

desideratum

noun: something desired as a necessity

The desideratum of the environmental group is that motorists should rely on carpooling.

despite

preposition: even with (when an event is surprising because of some difficulty)

We enjoyed our vacation despite the rain.

despot

noun: a cruel and oppressive dictator

Synonyms : autocrat , tyrant

The Emperor Claudius was regarded as a fair-minded leader; his successor, Nero, was an absolute despot.

destitute

adjective: poor enough to need help from others

Synonyms : impoverished , indigent , necessitous , needy , poverty-stricken

Jean Valjean, is at first destitute, but through the grace of a priest, he makes something of his life.

adjective: completely wanting or lacking (usually "destitute of")

Synonyms : barren , devoid , free , innocent

Now that the mine is closed, the town is destitute of any economic activity.

deter

verb: turn away from by persuasion

Synonyms : dissuade

His mother tried to deter him from joining the army, but he was too intoxicated with the idea of war to listen.

verb: try to prevent; show opposition to

Synonyms : discourage

The government's primary job should involve deterring paths to war, not finding ways to start them.

detrimental

adjective: (sometimes followed by "to") causing harm or injury

Synonyms : damaging , prejudicial , prejudicious

Many know that smoking is detrimental to your health, but processed sugar in large quantities is equally bad.

devolve

verb: pass on or delegate to another

Synonyms : degenerate , deteriorate , drop

The company was full of managers known for devolving tasks to lower management, but never doing much work themselves.
verb: grow worse (usually "devolve into")

The dialogue between the two academics devolved into a downright bitter argument.

diabolical

adjective: to be extremely wicked like the devil

Synonyms : demonic , diabolic , fiendish , hellish , infernal , satanic , unholy,devilish , diabolic , mephistophelean , mephistophelian

The conspirators, willing to dispatch anyone who stood in their way, hatched a diabolical plan to take over the city.

diatribe

noun: a strong verbal attack against a person or institution

Synonyms : fulmination

Steve's mom launched into a diatribe during the PTA meeting, contending that the school was little more than a daycare in which students stare at the wall and teachers stare at the chalkboard.

dictatorial

adjective: expecting unquestioning obedience; characteristic of an absolute ruler

Synonyms : authoritarian , overbearing,authoritarian , autocratic , despotic , tyrannic , tyrannical

The coach was dictatorial in his approach: no players could ever argue or question his approach.

didactic

adjective: instructive (especially excessively)

Synonyms : didactical

Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Illyich is a didactic novel, instructing the reader on how to live a good life.

differentiate

verb: be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait (sometimes in positive sense)

Synonyms : distinguish , mark

Mozart's long melodic lines differentiate his compositions from other works of late 18th century music.

verb: evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

Synonyms : specialise , specialize , speciate

Animals on Madagascar differentiated from other similar animal species due to many years of isolation on the island.

diffident

adjective: showing modest reserve; lacking self-confidence

Synonyms : shy , timid , unsure

As a young girl she was diffident and reserved, but now as an adult, she is confident and assertive.

dilapidated

adjective: in terrible condition

Synonyms : bedraggled , broken-down , derelict , ramshackle , tatterdemalion , tumble-down

The main house has been restored but the gazebo is still dilapidated and unuseable.

dilatory

adjective: wasting time

Synonyms : laggard , pokey , poky

Lawyers use dilatory tactics so that it takes years before the case is actually decided.

dilettante

noun: an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

Synonyms : dabbler , sciolist,dilettanteish , dilettantish , sciolistic

Fred has no formal medical training; while he likes to claim authority on medical issues, he is little more than a dilettante

diligent

adjective: characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks

Synonyms : persevering

Michael was a diligent gardener, never leaving a leaf on the ground and regularly watering each plant.

diminutive

noun: to indicate smallness

He prefers to be called a diminutive of his name: "Bill" instead of "John William."

adjective: very small

Synonyms : bantam , flyspeck , lilliputian , midget , petite , tiny

When he put on his father's suit and shoes, his appearance was that of a diminutive youth.

disabuse

verb: to persuade somebody that his/her belief is not valid

As a child, I was quickly disabused of the notion that Santa Claus was a rotund benefactor of infinite largess - one night I saw my mother diligently wrapping presents and storing them under our Christmas tree.

disaffected

adjective: discontented as toward authority

Synonyms : ill-affected , malcontent , rebellious

After watching his superior take rations from the soliders, he quickly became disaffected and rebeled.

discord

noun: lack of agreement or harmony

Synonyms : strife

Despite all their talented players, the team was filled with discord--some players refused to talk to others--and lost most of their games.

discreet

adjective: careful to protect one's speech or actions in order to avoid offense or gain an advantage

The professor thought that he was discreet, subtly wiping the stain off of his shirt, but as soon as he stepped off the podium a member of the audience pointed out the large ketchup stain.

discrete

adjective: constituting a separate entity or part

Synonyms : distinct

What was once known as Czechoslovakia has since split into two discrete, independent nations.

discriminate

verb: recognize or perceive the difference

Synonyms : know apart,separate

Sarah couldn't discriminate between a good wine and a bad wine, so she avoided wine tastings.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

discursive

adjective: (of e.g. speech and writing) tending to depart from the main point

Synonyms : digressive , excursive , rambling

Many readers find it tough to read Moby Dick since the author is discursive, often cutting the action short to spend 20 pages on the history of a whale.

disenfranchise

verb: deprive of voting rights

Synonyms : disfranchise

The U.S. Constitution disenfranchised women until 1920 when they were given the right to vote.

disheartened

adjective: made less hopeful or enthusiastic

Synonyms : demoralised , demoralized , discouraged

After the visiting team scored nine times, the home team's fans were disheartened, some leaving the game early.

disingenuous

adjective: not straightforward; giving a false appearance of frankness

Synonyms : artful

Many adults think that they can lie to children, but kids are smart and know when people are disingenuous.

disinterested

adjective: unbiased; neutral

The potential juror knew the defendant, and therefore could not serve on the jury, which must consist only of disinterested members.

disparate

adjective: two things are fundamentally different

With the advent of machines capable of looking inside the brain, fields as disparate as religion and biology have been brought together by scientists trying to understand what happens in the brain when people have a religious experience.

dispassionate

adjective: unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice

Synonyms : cold-eyed

A good scientist should be dispassionate, focusing purely on what the evidence says, without personal attachment.

dispatch

noun: the property of being prompt and efficient

Synonyms : despatch , expedition , expeditiousness

She finished her thesis with dispatch, amazing her advisors who couldn't believe she hadn't written 60 scholarly pages so quickly.

verb: dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently

As soon as the angry peasants stormed the castle, they caught the king and swiftly dispatched him.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

dispensation

noun: an exemption from a rule or obligation

Since her father is a billionaire, she is given dispensation from many of the school's policies.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

dissemble

verb: conceal one's true motives, usually through deceit

Synonyms : affect , feign , pretend , sham

To get close to the senator, the assassin dissembled his intentions, convincing many people that he was a reporter for a well-known newspaper.

disseminate

verb: cause to become widely known

Synonyms : broadcast , circularise , circularize , circulate , diffuse , disperse , distribute , pass around , propagate , spread

Before the effects of anaethesia were disseminated, patients had to experience the full pain of a surgery.

dissipate

verb: squander or spend money frivolously

Synonyms : fool , fool away , fritter , fritter away , frivol away , shoot

The recent graduates dissipated their earnings on trips to Las Vegas and cruises in Mexico.

verb: to disperse or scatter

Synonyms : break up , dispel , disperse , scatter,spread out

Kathleen's perfume was overwhelming in the cramped apartment, but once we stepped outside the smell dissipated and we could breathe once again.

dissolution

noun: a living full of debauchery and indulgence in sensual pleasure

Synonyms : dissipation , licentiousness , looseness , profligacy

Many Roman emperors were known for their dissolution, indulging in unspeakable desires of the flesh.

docile

adjective: easily handled or managed; willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed

Synonyms : gentle

Barnyard animals are considerably more docile than the wild animals.

dog

verb: to pursue relentlessly; to hound

Synonyms : chase , chase after , give chase , go after , tag , tail , track , trail

Throughout his life, he was dogged by insecurities that inhibited personal growth.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

dogmatic

adjective: highly opinionated, not accepting that your belief may not be correct

Bryan is dogmatic in his belief that the earth is flat, claiming that all pictures of a spherical earth are computer generated.

doleful

adjective: filled with or evoking sadness

Synonyms : mournful

No event is more doleful than the passing of my mother; she was a shining star in my life, and it brings me great sadness to think that she is now gone.

dolorous

adjective: showing sorrow

Synonyms : dolourous , lachrymose , tearful , weeping

Chopin's ballades are filled with sharp changes in moods--a dolorous melody can give way to a lighthearted tempo.

doughty

adjective: brave; bold; courageous

I enjoy films in which a doughty group comes together to battle a force of evil.

dovetail

verb: fit together tightly, as if by means of a interlocking joint

Synonyms : dovetail joint

Although Darwin's evolution and Mendel's genetics were developed in isolation from one another, they dovetail very well.

dupe

verb: to trick or swindle

Synonyms : befool , cod , fool , gull , put on , put one across , put one over , slang , take in

Once again a get-rich-fast Internet scheme had duped Harold into submitting a $5,000 check to a sham operation.

noun: a person who is easily tricked or swindled

Synonyms : victim

The charlatan mistook the crowd for a bunch of dupes, but the crowd was quickly on to him and decried his bald-faced attempt to bilk them.

duplicity

noun: deceitfulness, pretending to want one thing but interested in something else

Synonyms : fraudulence

A life of espionage is one of duplicity: an agent must pretend to be a totally different person than who she or he actually is.

duress

noun: compulsory force or threat

The witness said he signed the contract under duress and argued that the court should cancel the agreement.

ebullient

adjective: joyously unrestrained

Synonyms : exuberant , high-spirited

Can you blame him for his ebullient mood? He just graduated from medical school.

eccentric

adjective: highly unconventional or unusual (usually describes a person)

Synonyms : eccentric person , flake , geek , oddball

Mozart was well-known for his eccentricities, often speaking words backward to confuse those around him.

eclectic

adjective: comprised of a variety of styles

Joey was known for his eclectic tastes in music, one moment dancing to disco the next "air conducting" along to Beethoven's 9th symphony.

economical

adjective: avoiding waste, efficient

Synonyms : frugal , scotch , sparing , stinting

Journalists favor an economical style of writing, in which no unnecessary words are used and every sentence is as short as possible.

edifying

adjective: enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement

Synonyms : enlightening

I recently read an article in the Times about whether good literature is edifying or not; specifically, does reading more make a person more moral.

effervescent

adjective: marked by high spirits or excitement

Synonyms : bubbling , frothy , scintillating , sparkly

After the sales result, the manager was in an effervescent mood, letting several employees leave work early that day.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

efficacious

adjective: producing the intended result

Synonyms : effective , effectual

Since Maggie's cough syrup, which had expired five years back, was no longer efficacious, she coughed through the night.

effrontery

noun: audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to

Synonyms : assumption , presumption , presumptuousness

The skateboarders acted with effrontery, skating through the church grounds and spray-painting signs warning trespassers.

egotist

noun: a conceited and self-centered person

Synonyms : egoist , swellhead

An egotist, Natasha had few friends because of her inability to talk about anything except her dream of becoming the next American Idol.

egregious

adjective: standing out in negative way; shockingly bad

Synonyms : crying , flagrant , glaring , gross , rank

The dictator's abuse of human rights was so egregious that many world leaders demanded that he be tried in an international court for genocide.

eke

verb: To live off meager resources, to scrape by

Stranded in a cabin over the winter, Terry was able to eke out an existence on canned food.

elaborate

adjective: marked by complexity and richness of detail

Synonyms : luxuriant

Thomas, on returning from Morocco, replaced his dirty gray carpet with an elaborate one he'd brought back with him.

verb: explain in more detail

Synonyms : dilate , enlarge , expand , expatiate , exposit , expound , flesh out , lucubrate

Most high school physics teachers find themselves elaborating the same point over and over again, since many concepts confuse students.

elegiac

adjective: expressing sorrow

Few can listen to the elegiac opening bars of the Moonlight sonata without feeling the urge to cry.

elicit

verb: call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

Synonyms : arouse , enkindle , evoke , fire , kindle , provoke , raise

Just smiling-even if you are depressed--can elicit feelings of pleasure and happiness.

elucidate

verb: make clearer and easier to understand

Synonyms : clear , clear up , crystalise , crystalize , crystallise , crystallize , enlighten , illuminate , shed light on , sort out , straighten out

Youtube is great place to learn just about anything-an expert elucidates finer points so that even a complete novice can learn.

elude

verb: escape understanding

Synonyms : bilk , evade

Even a basic understanding of physics can elude most high schools students.

elusive

adjective: difficult to capture or difficult to remember

Synonyms : baffling , knotty , problematic , problematical , tough

Many first time skydivers say that describing the act of falling from the sky is elusive.

embellish

verb: make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.; make more beautiful

Synonyms : adorn , beautify , decorate , grace , ornament , fancify , prettify

McCartney would write relatively straightforward lyrics, and Lennon would embellish them with puns and poetic images.

embroiled

adjective: involved in argument or contention

Synonyms : entangled

These days we are never short of a D.C. politician embroiled in scandal—a welcome phenomenon for those who, having barely finished feasting on the sordid details of one imbroglio, can sink their teeth into a fresh one.

embryonic

adjective: in an early stage of development

Synonyms : embryotic, embryologic , embryonal

The Board of Directors is hoping to launch a new product soon, but planning for the Z7 is in an embryonic stages.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

eminent

adjective: standing above others in quality or position

Synonyms : lofty , soaring , towering

Shakespeare is an eminent author in the English language, but I find his writing uninteresting and melodramatic.

empathetic

adjective: showing understanding and ready comprehension of other peoples' states and emotions

Synonyms : empathic

Most discrimination and hatred is based on a lack of empathetic awareness of people that have the same aspirations and fears.

empiricism

noun: any method that derives knowledge from experience, used in experimental science as a way to gain insight and knowledge

Synonyms : empiricist philosophy , sensationalism

Empiricism does not always lead to knowledge; an experience or experiment may raise more questions than it answers.

emulate

verb: strive to equal or match, especially by imitating; compete with successfully

To really become fluent in a new language, emulate the speech patterns and intonation of people who speak the language.

enamor

verb: attraction or feeling of love

Synonyms : becharm , beguile , bewitch , captivate , capture , catch , charm , enamour , enchant , entrance , fascinate , trance

She is completely enamored with Justin Bieber, and goes to all his concerts on the East coast.

encumber

verb: hold back

Synonyms : constrain , cumber , restrain

The costume encumbered all my movements and caused me to sweat profusely.

endemic

adjective: native; originating where it is found

Synonyms : autochthonal , autochthonic , autochthonous , indigenous

Irish cuisine makes great use of potatoes, but ironically, the potato is not endemic to Ireland.

enervate

verb: to sap energy from

Synonyms : faze , unnerve , unsettle

John preferred to avoid equatorial countries; the intense sun would always leave him enervated after he'd spent the day sightseeing.

engender

verb: give rise to

Synonyms : beget , bring forth , father , generate , get , mother , sire

The restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles were so severe that they engendered deep hatred and resentment in the German people.

enjoin

verb: give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority

Synonyms : order , say , tell

The government agency enjoined the chemical company to clean up the hazardous dump it had created over the years.

enmity

noun: a state of deep-seated ill-will

Synonyms : antagonism , hostility

Charles rude remark toward Sarah yesterday was due to his illness, not due to any real enmity toward Sarah.

enormity

noun: an act of extreme wickedness

Synonyms : outrageousness

The enormity of Pol Pot's regime is hard to capture in words--within months hundreds of thousands of Cambodians lost their lives.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

enthrall

verb: hold spellbound

Synonyms : delight , enchant , enrapture , enthral , ravish , transport

She was so enthralled by the movie that she never heard people screaming, "Fire! Fire!" in the neighboring theater.

entice

verb: get someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises

Synonyms : lure , tempt

Harold enticed his wife, Maude, to go on a vacation to Hawaii, with promises of luaus on the beach and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets.

entrenched

adjective: fixed firmly or securely

By the time we reach 60-years old, most of our habits are so entrenched that it is difficult for us to change.

enumerate

verb: determine the number or amount of

Synonyms : count , number , numerate

The survey enumerates the number of happy workers and the number of unhappy workers.

verb: specify individually, one by one

Synonyms : itemise , itemize , recite

I sat and listened as she enumerated all of the things she did not like about the past three months.

ephemeral

adjective: lasting a very short time

Synonyms : fugacious , passing , short-lived , transient , transitory

The lifespan of a mayfly is ephemeral, lasting from a few hours to a couple of days.

epigram

noun: a witty saying

Synonyms : quip

My favorite epigram from Mark Twain is "A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way."

epiphany

noun: a sudden revelation or moment of insight

Gary one day had an epiphany that he was a people person; he prompty quit his factory job and began working as a salesman.

eponym

noun: the name derived from a person (real or imaginary); the person for whom something is named

Alexandria, Egypt is an eponym because it is named after Alexander the Great.

equitable

adjective: fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience

Synonyms : just

The equitable distribution of ice cream to a group of 5 year olds will ensure little to no fighting - at least until the ice cream is gone.

equivocal

adjective: confusing or ambiguous

The findings of the study were equivocal - the two researchers had different opinions on what the results signified.

equivocate

verb: to speak vaguely, usually with the intention to mislead or deceive

Synonyms : beat around the bush , palter , prevaricate , tergiversate

After Sharon brought the car home an hour after her curfew, she equivocated when her parents pointedly asked her where she had been.

eradicate

verb: to completely destroy

Synonyms : exterminate , extirpate , root out , uproot, annihilate , carry off , decimate , eliminate , extinguish , wipe out

I tried eradicating the mosquitos in my apartment with a rolled up newspaper, but there were too many of them.

err

verb: to make an error

Synonyms : mistake , slip

He erred in thinking that "indigent" and "indignant" were synonyms.

errant

adjective: to be wandering; not sticking to a circumscribed path

Unlike his peers, who spent their hours studying in the library, Matthew preferred errant walks through the university campus.

erratic

adjective: unpredictable; strange and unconventional

Synonyms : fickle , mercurial , quicksilver

It came as no surprise to pundits that the President's attempt at re-election floundered; even during his term, support for his policies was erratic, with an approval rating jumping anywhere from 30 to 60 percent.

ersatz

adjective: not real or genuine; phony

Synonyms : substitute

The car dealer's ersatz laughter was immediately followed by a price quote, one that Shelley found highly inflated.

erudite

adjective: having or showing profound knowledge

Synonyms : learned

Before the Internet, the library was typically were you would find erudite readers.

eschew

verb: avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

Synonyms : shun

Politicians are the masters of eschewing morals; academics are the masters of eschewing clarity.

esoteric

adjective: confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle

Map collecting is an esoteric hobby to most, but to geography geeks it is a highly enjoyable pasttime.

espouse

verb: to adopt or support an idea or cause

Synonyms : adopt , embrace , sweep up

As a college student, Charlie espoused Marxism, growing his beard out and railing against the evils of the free-market.

estimable

adjective: deserving of esteem and respect

Synonyms : good , honorable , respectable

After serving thirty years, in which he selflessly served the community, Judge Harper was one of the more estimable people in town.

ethereal

adjective: characterized by lightness and insubstantiality

Synonyms : aerial , aeriform , aery , airy

Because she dances with an ethereal style, ballet critics have called her Madame Butterfly.

euphoria

noun: a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation

Synonyms : euphory

The euphoria of winning her first gold medal in the 100 meter dash overwhelmed Shelly-Ann Fraser and she wept tears of immense joy.

evanescent

adjective: tending to vanish like vapor

The storm flashed into existence above us and lasted only a short time - an evanescent turbulence of wind and cloud.

evasive

adjective: avoiding or escaping from difficulty or danger or commitment

His responses were clearly evasive; he obviously did not want to take on any responsibility or any new work.

adjective: deliberately vague or ambiguous

Every time I call the bank, I receive the same evasive answers about our mortgage and never get a clear response.

evenhanded

adjective: without partiality

Teachers often have trouble being evenhanded to all of their varied students.

exacerbate

verb: make worse

Synonyms : aggravate , exasperate , worsen

Her sleeplessness exacerbated her cold--when she woke up the next day, her sinuses were completely blocked.

exacting

adjective: requiring and demanding accuracy

Synonyms : exigent,stern , strict

Though his childhood piano teacher was so exacting, Max is thankful now, as a professional pianist.

exalt

verb: praise or glorify

Synonyms : extol , glorify , laud , proclaim

The teenagers exalted the rock star, covering their bedrooms with posters of him.

exasperate

verb: to irritate intensely

Synonyms : aggravate , exacerbate , exacerbate , worsen, incense , infuriate

As a child, I exasperated my mother with strings of never-ending questions.

excoriate

verb: to criticize very harshly

Synonyms : condemn , decry , objurgate , reprobate

Entrusted with the prototype to his company's latest smartphone, Larry, during a late night karaoke bout, let the prototype slip into the hands of a rival company - the next day Larry was excoriated, and then fired.

excruciating

adjective: extremely painful

Synonyms : agonising , agonizing , harrowing , torturesome , torturing , torturous

After the boulder rolled a couple of feet, pinning my friend's arm, he experienced excruciating pain.

execrate

verb: to curse and hiss at

Synonyms : accurse , anathematise , anathematize , anathemise , anathemize , comminate

Though the new sitcom did decently in the ratings, Nelson railed against the show, saying that it was nothing more than an execrable pastiche of tired cliché's and canned laughter.

exegesis

noun: critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text

The Bible is fertile ground for exegesis - over the past five centuries there have been as many interpretations as there are pages in the Old Testament.

exemplar

noun: something to be imitated

Synonyms : example , good example , model

Lena's homework is on the wall because it is an exemplar of clean, neat, and thoughtful work.

exemplify

verb: be characteristic of

Synonyms : represent

Lincoln exemplified the best of not only America, but also the potential greatness that exists within each person.

verb: clarify by giving an example of

Synonyms : illustrate , instance

Please present some case studies that exemplify the results that you claim in your paper.

exhort

verb: to strongly urge on; encourage

Synonyms : barrack , cheer , inspire , pep up , root on , urge , urge on

Nelson's parents exhorted him to study medicine, urging him to choose a respectable profession; intransigent, Nelson left home to become a graffiti artist.

exiguity

noun: the quality of being meager

Synonyms : leanness , meagerness , meagreness , poorness , scantiness , scantness

After two months at sea, the exiguity of the ship's supplies forced them to search for fresh water and food.

exonerate

verb: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges

Synonyms : acquit , assoil , clear , discharge , exculpate

The document clearly indicated that Nick was out of the state at the time of the crime, and so served to exonerate him of any charges.

exorbitant

adjective: greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

Synonyms : extortionate , outrageous , steep , unconscionable , usurious

Shelley made one exorbitant purchase after another, buying new clothes and taking vacations even though she earned a limited salary.

expansive

adjective: communicative, and prone to talking in a sociable manner

Synonyms : talkative

After a few sips of cognac, the octogenarian shed his irascible demeanor and became expansive, speaking fondly of the "good old days".

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

expound

verb: add details or explanation; clarify the meaning; state in depth

Synonyms : dilate , elaborate , enlarge , expand , expatiate , exposit , flesh out , lucubrate

The CEO refused to expound on the decision to merge our department with another one, and so I quit.

expunge

verb: to eliminate completely

Synonyms : excise , scratch , strike

When I turned 18, all of the shoplifting and jaywalking charges were expunged from my criminal record.

expurgate

verb: to remove objectionable material

Synonyms : bowdlerise , bowdlerize , castrate , shorten

The censor expurgated every reference to sex and drugs, converting the rapper's raunchy flow into a series of bleeps.

extant

adjective: still in existence (usually refers to documents).

Despite many bookstores closing, experts predict that some form of book dealing will still be extant generations from now.

extenuating

adjective: making less guilty or more forgivable

The jury was hardly moved by the man's plea that his loneliness was an extenuating factor in his crime of dognapping a prized pooch.

extrapolate

verb: draw from specific cases for more general cases

Synonyms : generalise , generalize , infer

By extrapolating from the data on the past three months, we can predict a 5% increase in traffic to our website.

facetious

adjective: cleverly amusing in tone

Synonyms : bantering , tongue-in-cheek

Facetious behavior will not be tolerated during sex eduation class; it's time for all of you to treat these matters like mature adults.

facile

adjective: arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth

Many news shows provide facile explanations to complex politics, so I prefer to read the in-depth reporting of The New York Times.

factious

adjective: produced by, or characterized by internal dissension

Synonyms : dissentious , divisive

The controversial bill proved factious, as dissension even within parties resulted

factitious

adjective: artificial; not natural

The defendant's story was largely factitious and did not accord with eyewitness testimonies

fallacious

adjective: of a belief that is based on faulty reasoning

Synonyms : unsound,Synonyms,
deceitful , fraudulent

The widespread belief that Eskimos have forty different words for snow is fallacious, based on one false report.

fastidious

adjective: overly concerned with details; fussy

Synonyms : exacting

Whitney is fastidious about her shoes, arranging them on a shelf in a specific order, each pair evenly spaced.

fawn

verb: try to gain favor by extreme flattery

Synonyms : bootlick , kotow , kowtow , suck up , toady , truckle

The media fawned over the handsome new CEO, praising his impeccable sense of style instead of asking more pointed questions.

feckless

adjective: lazy and irresponsible

Synonyms : inept

Two years after graduation, Charlie still lived with his parents and had no job, becoming more feckless with each passing day.

fecund

adjective: intellectually productive

Synonyms : fertile , prolific

The artist had entered a fecund period, producing three masterpieces in the span of two months.

fell

adjective: terribly evil

Synonyms : barbarous , brutal , cruel , roughshod , savage , vicious

For fans of the Harry Potter series, the fell Lord Voldemort, who terrorized poor Harry for seven lengthy installments, has finally been vanquished by the forces of good - unless, that is, JK Rowling decides to come out of retirement.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

ferret

verb: to search for something persistently

Synonyms : ferret out

Ever the resourceful lexicographer, Fenton was able to ferret out the word origin of highly obscure words.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

fete

verb: to celebrate a person

Synonyms : celebrate

After World War II, war heroes were feted at first but quickly forgotten.

fickle

adjective: liable to sudden unpredictable change, esp. in affections or attachments

Synonyms : erratic , mercurial , quicksilver

She was so fickle in her politics, it was hard to pinpoint her beliefs; one week she would embrace a side, and the next week she would denounce it.

finagle

verb: achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods

Synonyms : manage , wangle

Steven was able to finagle one of the last seats on the train by convincing the conductor that his torn stub was actually a valid ticket.

firebrand

noun: someone who deliberately creates trouble

Synonyms : inciter , instigant , instigator , provoker

Freddie is a firebrand: every time he walks into the office, he winds up at the center of heated argument.

flag

verb: droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness; become less intense

Synonyms : droop , sag , swag

After the three crushing defeats in the last three games, the team's enthusiasm began to flag.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

fledgling

adjective: young and inexperienced; describing any new participant in some activity

Synonyms : callow , unfledged,entrant , fledgeling , freshman , neophyte , newbie , newcomer , starter,

Murray has years of experience in family practice, but he is just a fledgling in surgery.

fleece

verb: to deceive

Synonyms : gazump , hook , overcharge , pluck , plume , rob , soak , surcharge

Many people have been fleeced by Internet scams and never received their money back.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

flippant

adjective: showing inappropriate levity

Synonyms : light-minded

Although Sam was trying to honor Mark's sense of humor, many found it quite flippant that he wore a comic nose and glasses mask to Mark's funeral.

flounder

verb: behave awkwardly; have difficulties

Synonyms : stagger

Sylvia has excelled at advanced calculus, but ironically, when she has deal with taxes, she flounders.

flummox

verb: be a mystery or bewildering to

Synonyms : amaze , baffle , beat , bewilder , dumbfound , get , gravel , mystify , nonplus , perplex , pose , puzzle , stick , stupefy , vex

Mary's behavior completely flummoxes me: I never have any idea what her motivations might be.

flush

adjective: to be in abundance

Synonyms : bloom , blossom , efflorescence , flower , heyday , peak , prime

The exam's passage is flush with difficult words, words that you may have learned only yesterday.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

flux

noun: a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event)

Ever since Elvira resigned as the head of marketing, everything about our sales strategy has been in a state of flux.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

foible

noun: a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

Synonyms : idiosyncrasy , mannerism

When their new roommate sat staring at an oak tree for an hour, Marcia thought it indicated a mental problem, but Jeff assured her it was a harmless foible.

foment

verb: try to stir up public opinion

Synonyms : agitate , stir up

After having his pay cut, Phil spread vicious rumors about his boss, hoping to foment a general feeling of discontent.

foolhardy

adjective: marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

Synonyms : heady , rash , reckless

The police regularly face dangerous situations, so for a police officer not to wear his bullet-proof vest is foolhardy.

forlorn

adjective: marked by or showing hopelessness

After her third pet dog died, Marcia was simply forlorn: this time even the possibility of buying a new dog no longer held any joy.

forthcoming

adjective: available when required or as promised

Synonyms : approaching , coming , upcoming

The President announced that the senators were about to reach a compromise, and that he was eager to read the forthcoming details of the bill.

adjective: at ease in talking to others

Synonyms : extroverted , outgoing

As a husband, Larry was not forthcoming: if Jill didn't demand to know details, Larry would never share them with her.

forthright

adjective: characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

Synonyms : blunt , candid , frank , free-spoken , outspoken , plainspoken , point-blank , straight-from-the-shoulder

I did not expect the insurance agent to give us any straight answers, but I was pleasantly surprised by how forthright he was.

fortuitous

adjective: occurring by happy chance; having no cause or apparent cause
Synonyms : causeless, uncaused, تصادفي

While the real objects are vastly different sizes in space, the sun and the moon seem to have the same fortuitous size in the sky.

fractious

adjective: irritable and is likely to cause disruption

Synonyms : cranky , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , peevish , pettish , petulant , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy

We rarely invite my fractious Uncle over for dinner; he always complains about the food, and usually launches into a tirade on some touchy subject.

frivolous

adjective: not serious in content or attitude or behavior

Compared to Juliet's passionate concern for human rights, Jake's non-stop concern about football seems somewhat frivolous.

frugal

adjective: not spending much money (but spending wisely)

Synonyms : economical , scotch , sparing , stinting

Monte was no miser, but was simply frugal, wisely spending the little that he earned.

frustrate

verb: hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of

Synonyms : baffle , bilk , cross , foil , queer , scotch , spoil , thwart,

I thought I would finish writing the paper by lunchtime, but a number of urgent interruptions served to frustrate my plan.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

furtive

adjective: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

Synonyms : sneak , sneaky , stealthy , surreptitious

While at work, George and his boss Regina felt the need to be as furtive as possible about their romantic relationship.

futile

adjective: producing no result or effect; unproductive of success

Synonyms : ineffectual , otiose , unavailing,bootless , fruitless , sleeveless , vain

I thought I could repair the car myself, but after two days of work with no success, I have to admit that my efforts were futile.

gaffe

noun: a socially awkward or tactless act

Synonyms : faux pas , gaucherie , slip , solecism

In a famous gaffe, Vice President Quayle attempted to correct the spelling of a grade school student, only to find that the child was correct.

gainsay

verb: deny or contradict; speak against or oppose

Synonyms : challenge , dispute

I can't gainsay a single piece of evidence James has presented, but I still don't trust his conclusion.

gall

noun: the trait of being rude and impertinent

Synonyms : cheekiness , crust , freshness , impertinence , impudence , insolence

Even though Carly was only recently hired, she had the gall to question her boss's judgment in front of the office.

noun: feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

Synonyms : bitterness , rancor , rancour , resentment

In an act of gall, Leah sent compromising photos of her ex-boyfriend to all his co-workers and professional contacts.

galvanize

verb: to excite or inspire (someone) to action

Synonyms : galvanise , startle

At mile 23 of his first marathon, Kyle had all but given up, until he noticed his friends and family holding a banner that read, "Go Kyle"; galvanized, he broke into a gallop, finishing the last three miles in less than 20 minutes.

gambit

noun: a maneuver or risk in a game or conversation, designed to secure an advantage

Synonyms : ploy , stratagem

Randy played a gambit, telling his boss that he would leave at the end of the week if he didn't get a raise.

garrulous

adjective: full of trivial conversation

Synonyms : chatty , gabby , loquacious , talkative , talky

Lynne was garrulous: once, she had a fifteen minute conversation with a stranger before she realized the woman didn't speak English.

gauche

adjective: lacking social polish

Synonyms : graceless , unpolished

Sylvester says the most gauche things, such as telling a girl he liked that she was much prettier when she wore makeup.

genial

adjective: agreeable, conducive to comfort

Synonyms : kind

Betty is a genial young woman: everyone she meets is put at ease by her elegance and grace.

genteel

adjective: marked by refinement in taste and manners

Synonyms : civilised , civilized , cultivated , cultured , polite

A live string quartet would provide a more genteel air to the wedding than would a folk singer.

germane

adjective: relevant and appropriate

The professor wanted to tell the jury in detail about his new book, but the lawyer said it wasn't germane to the charges in the cases.

gerrymander

verb: to manipulate voting districts in order to favor a particular political party

Years ago, savvy politicians had gerrymandered the city center to ensure their re-election.

glean

verb: collect information bit by bit

Synonyms : harvest , reap

Herb has given us no formal statement about his background, but from various hints, I have gleaned that he grew up in difficult circumstances

glib

adjective: (of a person) speaking with ease but without sincerity

Synonyms : pat , slick

I have found that the more glib the salesman, the worse the product.

glut

noun: an excessive supply

Synonyms : oversupply , surfeit

The Internet offers such a glut of news related stories that many find it difficult to know which story to read first.

verb: supply with an excess of

Synonyms : flood , oversupply

In the middle of economic crises, hiring managers find their inboxes glutted with resumes.

goad

verb: urge on with unpleasant comments

Synonyms : prick,needle

Doug did not want to enter the race, but Jim, through a steady stream of taunts, goaded him into signing up for it.

gossamer

adjective: characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy

Synonyms : ethereal

The gossamer wings of a butterfly, which allow it to fly, are also a curse, so delicate that they are often damaged.

graft

noun: corruption, usually through bribery

In countries with rampant graft, getting a driver's license can require no more than paying an official.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

grandiloquent

adjective: puffed up with vanity

Synonyms : overblown , pompous , pontifical , portentous

The dictator was known for his grandiloquent speeches, puffing his chest out and using big, important-sounding words.

gregarious

adjective: to be likely to socialize with others

Often we think that great leaders are those who are gregarious, always in the middle of a large group of people; yet, as Mahatma Gandhi and many others have shown us, leaders can also be introverted.

grovel

verb: show submission or fear

Synonyms : cower , crawl , creep , cringe , fawn

Every time Susan comes to the office, Frank grovels as if she were about to fire.

guffaw

verb: laugh boisterously

Synonyms : laugh loudly

Whenever the jester fell to the ground in mock pain, the king guffawed, exposing his yellow, fang-like teeth.

guileless

adjective: free of deceit

Synonyms : transparent

At first I thought my niece was guileless, but I then found myself buying her ice cream every time we passed a shop.

gumption

noun: resourcefulness and determination

Synonyms : backbone , grit , guts , moxie , sand

Wallace Stegner lamented the lack of gumption in the U.S. during the sixties, claiming that no young person knew the value of work.

hackneyed

adjective: lacking significance through having been overused

Synonyms : banal , commonplace , old-hat , shopworn , stock , threadbare , timeworn , tired , trite , well-worn

Cheryl rolled her eyes when she heard the lecturer's hackneyed advice to "be true to yourself."

hagiographic

adjective: excessively flattering toward someone's life or work

Most accounts of Tiger Woods life were hagiographic, until, that is, his affairs made headlines.

hail

verb: enthusiastically acclaim or celebrate something

Synonyms : herald

Many college superstar athletes are hailed as the next big thing, but then flop at the professional level.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

halcyon

adjective: idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity; marked by peace and prosperity

Synonyms : golden , prosperous

The first decade after WWI was a halcyon period in America with new-found wealth and rapidly improving technology.

hamper

verb: prevent the progress or free movement of

Synonyms : cramp , halter , strangle

As the rain water began to collect in pools on the highway, it began to hamper the flow of traffic.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

hamstrung

verb: made ineffective or powerless

The FBI has made so many restrictions on the local police that they are absolutely hamstrung, unable to accomplish anything.

haphazard

adjective: marked by great carelessness; dependent upon or characterized by chance

Synonyms : slapdash , slipshod , sloppy, hit-or-miss

Many golf courses are designed with great care, but the greens on the county golf course seem entirely haphazard.

harangue

noun: a long pompous speech; a tirade

Synonyms : rant , ranting

Dinner at Billy's was more a punishment than a reward, since anyone who sat at the dinner table would have to listen to Billy's father's interminable harangues against the government.

verb: to deliver a long pompous speech or tirade

Tired of his parents haranguing him about his laziness and lack of initiative, Tyler finally moved out of home at the age of thirty-five.

harried

adjective: troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

Synonyms : annoyed , harassed , pestered , vexed

With a team of new hires to train, Martha was constantly harried with little questions and could not focus on her projects.

haughty

adjective: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
Synonyms : disdainful , imperious , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , supercilious , swaggering
The haughty manager didn't believe that any of his subordinates could ever have an insight as brilliant his own.

hauteur

noun: overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors

Synonyms : arrogance , haughtiness , high-handedness , lordliness

As soon as she won the lottery, Alice begin displaying a hauteur to her friends, calling them dirty-clothed peasants behind their backs.

hector

verb: to bully or intimidate

Synonyms : ballyrag , boss around , browbeat , bully , bullyrag , push around , strong-arm

The boss's hectoring manner put off many employees, some of whom quit as soon as they found new jobs.

hedge

verb: to limit or qualify a statement; to avoid making a direct statement

Synonyms : circumvent , dodge , duck , elude , evade , fudge , parry , put off , sidestep , skirt

When asked why he had decided to buy millions of shares at the very moment the tech companies stock soared, the CEO hedged, mentioning something vague about gut instinct.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

hegemony

adjective: dominance over a certain area

Until the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1587, Spain had hegemony over the seas, controlling waters stretching as far as the Americas.

heretic

noun: a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion)

Synonyms : misbeliever , religious outcast

Though everybody at the gym told Mikey to do cardio before weights, Mikey was a heretic and always did the reverse.

heyday

noun: the pinnacle or top of a time period or career

Synonyms : bloom , blossom , efflorescence , flower , flush , peak , prime

During the heyday of Prohibition, bootlegging had become such a lucrative business that many who had been opposed to the 18th Amendment began to fear it would be repealed.

histrionic

adjective: to be overly theatrical

Synonyms : melodramatic

Though she received a B- on the test, she had such a histrionic outburst that one would have thought that she'd been handed a death sentence.

hoary

adjective: ancient

Synonyms : rusty

Most workout gurus are young, fit people, whereas most yoga gurus are hoary men with long white beards.

hobble

verb: to hold back the progress of something

Synonyms : gimp , hitch , limp

Bad weather has hobbled rescue efforts, making it difficult for crews to find bodies in the wreckage.

hodgepodge

noun: a confusing mixture or jumble

Synonyms : farrago , gallimaufry , hotchpotch , melange , mingle-mangle , mishmash , oddments , odds and ends , omnium-gatherum , ragbag

Those in attendance represented a hodgepodge of the city's denizens: chimney sweepers could be seen sitting elbow to elbow with stockbrokers.

hoodwink

verb: to deceive or trick someone

Synonyms : bamboozle , lead by the nose , play false , pull the wool over someone's eyes , snow

Someone tried to hoodwink Marty with an email telling him that his uncle had just passed away, and to collect the inheritance he should send his credit card information.

hound

verb: to pursue relentlessly

Synonyms : hunt , trace

An implacable foe of corruption, Eliot Ness hounded out graft in all forms - he even helped nab Al Capone.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

hubris

noun: overbearing pride or presumption

Bill Clinton was criticized for his hubris, since he believed he could get away with anything once in the White House.

humdrum

adjective: dull and lacking excitement

Synonyms : commonplace , prosaic , unglamorous , unglamourous,monotonous

Having grown up in a humdrum suburb, Jacob relished life in New York City after moving.

iconoclast

noun: somebody who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

Lady Gaga, in challenging what it means to be clothed, is an iconoclast for wearing a "meat dress" to a prominent awards show.

iconoclastic

adjective: defying tradition or convention

Jackson Pollack was an iconoclastic artist, totally breaking with tradition by splashing paint on a blank canvas.

idiosyncrasy

noun: a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

Synonyms : foible , mannerism

Peggy's numerous idiosyncrasies include wearing mismatched shoes, laughing loudly to herself, and owning a pet aardvark.

ignoble

adjective: dishonorable

Synonyms : ungentle , untitled

In the 1920s, the World Series was rigged--an ignoble act which baseball took decades to recover from.

ignominious

adjective: (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame

Synonyms : black , disgraceful , inglorious , opprobrious , shameful

Since the politician preached ethics and morality, his texting of revealing photographs was ignominious, bringing shame on both himself and his party.

illicit

adjective: contrary to or forbidden by law

Synonyms : illegitimate , outlaw , outlawed , unlawful

Though Al Capone was engaged in many illicit activities, he was finally arrested for income tax evasion, a relatively minor offense.

illustrious

adjective: widely known and esteemed; having or conferring glory

Synonyms : celebrated , famed , famous , far-famed , notable , noted , renowned

Einstein was possibly the most illustrious scientist in recent history.

imbibe

verb: to drink or absorb as if drinking

Synonyms : absorb , draw , soak up , sop up , suck , suck up , take in , take up

Plato imbibed Socrates' teachings to such an extent that he was able to write volumes of work that he directly attributed, sometimes word for word, to Socrates.

imbroglio

noun: a confusing and potentially embarrassing situation

Synonyms : embroilment

The chef cook-off featured one gourmand who had the unfortunate distinction of mixing the wrong broths, creating an imbroglio that diners would not soon forget.

immaterial

adjective: not relevant

Synonyms : extraneous , impertinent , orthogonal, incorporeal

The judge found the defendant's comments immaterial to the trial, and summarily dismissed him from the witness stand.

immure

verb: to enclose, usually in walls

Synonyms : gaol , imprison , incarcerate , jail , jug , lag , put away , put behind bars , remand

The modern supermarket experience makes many feel claustrophobic, as they are immured in walls upon walls of products.

immutable

adjective: not able to be changed

Synonyms : changeless

Taxes are one of the immutable laws of the land, so there is no use arguing about paying them.

impartial

adjective: free from undue bias or preconceived opinions

Synonyms : unprejudiced

The judge was not impartial since he had been bribed by the witness's family.

impeccable

adjective: without fault or error

Synonyms : faultless , immaculate

He was impeccably dressed in the latest fashion without a single crease or stain.

impecunious

adjective: lacking money; poor

Synonyms : hard up , in straitened circumstances , penniless , penurious , pinched

In extremely trying times, even the moderately wealthy, after a few turns of ill-fortune, can become impecunious.

impede

verb: be a hindrance or obstacle to

Synonyms : hinder,block , close up , jam , obstruct , obturate , occlude

Since the police sergeant had to train the pair of new hires, progress in his own case was impeded.

impending

adjective: close in time; about to occur

Synonyms : at hand , close at hand , imminent , impendent

The impending doom of our world has been a discussed and debated for 2000 years - maybe even longer.

imperil

transitive verb. to put at risk; endanger; synonyms: endanger, hazard, jeopardize

imperious

adjective: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

Synonyms : disdainful , haughty , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , supercilious , swaggering

Children are imperious with each other before they learn that earning someone's respect is better than demanding.

impermeable

adjective: does not allow fluids to pass through

The sand bags placed on the river formed an impermeable barrier, protecting the town from flooding.

impertinent

adjective: being disrespectful; improperly forward or bold

Synonyms : fresh , impudent , overbold , sassy , saucy , smart , wise

Dexter, distraught over losing his pet dachshund, Madeline, found the police officer's questions impertinent - after all, he thought, did she have to pry into such details as to what Madeline's favorite snack was?

(adj) not pertinent to the matter under consideration

Synonyms : extraneous , immaterial , orthogonal

impervious

adjective: not admitting of passage or capable of being affected

Synonyms : imperviable

I am not impervious to your insults; they cause me great pain.

impetuous

adjective: characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation

Synonyms : brainish , hotheaded , impulsive , madcap , tearaway

Herbert is rarely impetuous, but on the spur of the moment, he spent thousands of dollars on a motorcycle today.

implacable

adjective: incapable of making less angry or hostile

Win or lose, the coach was always implacable, never giving the athletes an easy practice or a break.

implausible

adjective: describing a statement that is not believable

Synonyms : farfetched

The teacher found it implausible that the student was late to school because he had been kidnapped by outlaws on horseback.

implicate

verb: convey a meaning; imply

Synonyms : entail

By saying that some of the guests were uncomfortable, the manager implicated to the hotel staff that it needed to be more dilligent.

verb: to indicate in wrongdoing, usually a crime

The crime boss was implicated for a long list of crimes, ranging from murder to disturbing the peace.

imponderable

adjective: impossible to estimate or figure out

According to many lawmakers, the huge variety of factors affecting society make devising an efficient healthcare system an imponderable task.

importuned

verb: beg persistently and urgently

After weeks of importuning the star to meet for a five-minute interview, the journalist finally got what she wanted.

impregnable

adjective: immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

Synonyms : inviolable , secure , strong , unassailable , unattackable

As a child, Amy would build pillow castles and pretend they were impregnable fotresses.

improvident

adjective: not given careful consideration

Synonyms : ill-considered , ill-judged , shortsighted

Marty was improvident, never putting money aside for the future but spending it on decorating the interior of his home.

imprudent

adjective: not wise

Hitler, like Napoleon, made the imprudent move of invading Russia in winter, suffering even more casualties than Napoleon had.

impudent

adjective: improperly forward or bold

Synonyms : fresh , impertinent , overbold , sassy , saucy , smart , wise

In an impudent move, the defendant spoke out of order to say terribly insulting things to the judge.

impugn

verb: attack as false or wrong

Though many initially tried to impugn Darwin's theory, in scientific circles today, the is idea taken as truth.

impute

verb: attribute (responsibility or fault) to something

Synonyms : ascribe , assign , attribute

He imputed his subpar performance on the test to a combination of stress and poor sleep.

inadvertent

adjective: happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally

Synonyms : accidental

Although Prohibition was rooted in noble ideals, the inadvertent and costly consequences of making alcohol illegal in the U.S. led its the repeal.

inanity

noun: total lack of meaning or ideas

Synonyms : mindlessness , pointlessness , senselessness , vacuity

Bill's poem was nothing more than a list of impressive sounding words, so there was no point in trying to take meaning from the inanity.

inarticulate

adjective: without or deprived of the use of speech or words

Synonyms : unarticulate

Although a brilliant economist, Professor Black was completely inarticulate, a terrible lecturer.

incense

verb: make furious

Synonyms : exasperate , infuriate

When Herb bought football tickets for a game on the day of their wedding anniversary, Jill was incensed.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

incessant

adjective: uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

Synonyms : ceaseless , constant , never-ending , perpetual , unceasing , unremitting

I don't mind small children in brief doses, but I think the incessant exposure that their parents have to them would quickly wear me down.

inchoate

adjective: only partly in existence; imperfectly formed

Synonyms : incipient

Inchoate ideas about the relation of humans to other animals had been discussed since the Middle Ages but the modern theory really began with Darwin.

incisive

adjective: having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

Synonyms : acute , discriminating , keen , knifelike , penetrating , penetrative , piercing , sharp

The lawyer had an incisive mind, able in a flash to dissect a hopelessly tangled issue and isolate the essential laws at play.

inclement

adjective: (of weather) unpleasant, stormy

After a week of inclement weather, we finally are able to go outside and enjoy the sun.

adjective: used of persons or behavior; showing no mercy

Marcus Aurelius, though a fair man, was inclement to Christians during his reign, persecuting them violently.

incongruous

adjective: lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness

The vast economic inequality of modern society is incongruous with America's ideals.

incontrovertible

adjective: necessarily or demonstrably true; impossible to deny or disprove

Synonyms : demonstrable,irrefutable , positive

Unless you can provide incontrovertible evidence, I will remain skeptical.

incorrigible

adjective: impervious to correction by punishment

Tom Sawyer seems like an incorrigible youth until Huck Finn enters the novel; even Sawyer can't match his fierce individual spirit.

incumbent

adjective: necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility

Middle managers at times make important decisions, but real responsibility for the financial well-being of the corporation is ultimately incumbent on the CEO.

indecorous

adjective: not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

Synonyms : indecent , unbecoming , uncomely , unseemly , untoward

Eating with elbows on the table is considered indecorous in refined circles.

indict

verb: to formally charge or accuse of wrong-doing

The bankrobber was indicted on several major charges, including possession of a firearm.

indifference

noun: the trait of seeming not to care

Synonyms : apathy , numbness , spiritlessness, emotionlessness , impassiveness , impassivity , phlegm , stolidity , unemotionality

In an effort to fight indifference, the president of the college introduced a new, stricter grading system.

indigenous

adjective: originating in a certain area

Synonyms : autochthonal , autochthonic , autochthonous , endemic

The plants and animals indigenous to Australia are notably different from those indigenous to the U.S - one look at a duckbill platypus and you know you're not dealing with an opossum.

indigent

adjective: poor; having very little

Synonyms : destitute , impoverished , necessitous , needy , poverty-stricken

In the so-called Third World, many are indigent and only a privileged few have the resources to enjoy material luxuries.

noun: a poor or needy person

The indigents, huddled under the overpass, tried to start a small bonfire in the hope of staying warm.

indignant

adjective: feeling anger over a perceived injustice

Synonyms : incensed , outraged , umbrageous

When the cyclist swerved into traffic, it forced the driver to brake and elicited an indignant shout of "Hey, punk, watch where you're going!"

industrious

adjective: characterized by hard work and perseverance

Synonyms : hardworking , tireless , untiring

Pete was an industrious student, completing every assignment thoroughly and on time.

ineffable

adjective: too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description

Synonyms : unnameable , unspeakable , unutterable,indefinable , indescribable , unspeakable , untellable

While art critics can occasionally pinpoint a work's greatness, much of why a piece captures our imaginations is completely ineffable.

ineluctable

adjective: impossible to avoid or evade:

Synonyms : inescapable , unavoidable

For those who smoke cigarettes for years, a major health crisis brought on by smoking is ineluctable.

inequity

noun: injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards

Synonyms : unfairness

After decades of racial inequity, the "separate but equal" doctrine was successfully overturned.

inexorable

adjective: impossible to stop or prevent

Synonyms : adamant , adamantine , intransigent

The rise of the computer was an inexorable shift in technology and culture.

infelicitous

adjective: inappropriate

Synonyms:defective

During the executive meeting, the marketing director continued to make infelicitous comments about the CEO's gambling habit.

inflammable

adjective: extremely controversial, incendiary

It only takes one person to leave an inflammable comment on an Internet thread for that thread to blow up into pages upon pages of reader indignation.

ingenuity

noun: the power of creative imagination

Synonyms : cleverness , ingeniousness , inventiveness

Daedalus was famous for his ingenuity; he was able to fashion his son Icarus with a pair of wings, using wax to hold them together.

ingenuous

adjective: to be naïve and innocent

Synonyms : innocent

Two-years in Manhattan had changed Jenna from an ingenuous girl from the suburbs to a jaded urbanite, unlikely to fall for any ruse, regardless of how elaborate.

ingratiate

verb: gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts

Even though Tom didn't like his new boss, he decided to ingratiate himself to her in order to advance his career.

inimical

adjective: hostile (usually describes conditions or environments)

Synonyms : unfriendly

Venus, with a surface temperature that would turn rubber to liquid, is inimical to any form of life.

inimitable

adjective: defying imitation; matchless

Mozart's music follows a clear pattern that, anyone could imitate, but his music gives an overall sense of effortlessness that is inimitable.

inkling

noun: a slight suggestion or vague understanding

Synonyms : glimmer , glimmering , intimation

Lynne speaks four Romance languages, but she doesn't have an inkling about how East Asian languages are structured.

innocuous

adjective: harmless and doesn't produce any ill effects

Synonyms : innocent

Everyone found Nancy's banter innocuous - except for Mike, who felt like she was intentionally picking on him.

inscrutable

adjective: not easily understood; unfathomable

Synonyms : cryptic , cryptical , deep , mysterious , mystifying

His speech was so dense and confusing that many in the audience found it inscrutable.

insidious

adjective: working in a subtle but destructive way

Synonyms : pernicious , subtle

Plaque is insidious: we cannot see it, but each day it eats away at our enamel, causing cavities and other dental problems.

insipid

adjective: dull and uninteresting

Synonyms : bland , flat , flavorless , flavourless , savorless , savourless , vapid

The movie director was known for hiring beautiful actors in order to deflect attention away from the insipid scripts he would typically use.

insolent

adjective: rude and arrogant

Lilian could not help herself from being insolent, commenting that the Queen's shoes were showing too much toe.

insolvent

adjective: unable to pay one's bills; bankrupt

With credit card bills skyrocketing, a shockingly large number of Americans are truly insolvent.

insouciance

noun: lack of concern

Synonyms : carefreeness , lightheartedness , lightsomeness

Surprisingly, Hank had become a high-powered CEO; his high school friends remembered him as "Hanky Panky", who shrugged off each failed class with insouciance.

insufferable

adjective: intolerable, difficult to endure

Synonyms : impossible , unacceptable , unsufferable

Chester always tried to find some area in which he excelled above others; unsurprisingly, his co-workers found him insufferable and chose to exclude him from daily luncheons out.

intermittent

adjective: stopping and starting at irregular intervals

The intermittent thunder continued and the night was punctuated by cracks of lightning - a surreal sleepless night.

internecine

adjective: (of conflict) within a group or organization

The guerilla group, which had become so powerful as to own the state police, was finally destroyed by an internecine conflict.

intimate

verb: to suggest something subtly

Synonyms : adumbrate , insinuate

At first Manfred's teachers intimated to his parents that he was not suited to skip a grade; when his parents protested, teachers explicitly told them that, notwithstanding the boy's precocity, he was simply too immature to jump to the 6th grade.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

intimation

noun: an indirect suggestion

Synonyms : breath , hint

At first the hostess tried intimation, praising the benefits of cutlery; when Cecil continued eating with his hands, the hostess told him to use a fork at dinner.

intransigent

adjective: unwilling to change one's beliefs or course of action

Synonyms : adamant , adamantine , inexorable

Despite many calls for mercy, the judge remained intransigent, citing strict legal precedence.

intrepid

adjective: fearless

Synonyms : audacious , brave , dauntless , fearless , hardy , unfearing

Captain Ahab was an intrepid captain whose reckless and fearless style ultimate leads to his downfall.

inundate

verb: to flood or overwhelm

Synonyms : deluge , submerge, flood , swamp

The newsroom was inundated with false reports that only made it more difficult for the newscasters to provide an objective account of the bank robbery.

inure

verb: to make accustomed to something unpleasant

Synonyms : harden , indurate

Three years of Manhattan living has inured her to the sound of wailing sirens; she could probably sleep through the apocalypse.

invective

noun: abusive or denunciatory language

Synonyms : vitriol , vituperation

The Internet has unleashed the invectives in many of us; many people post stinging criticism on the comments section underneath newspaper articles or YouTube videos.

inveterate

adjective: habitual

Synonyms : chronic

He is an inveterate smoker and has told his family and friends that there is no way he will ever quit.

invidious

adjective: likely to cause resentment

At a time when many others in the office were about to be laid off, many considered Cheryl's fine clothes that day an invidious display.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

inviolable

adjective: never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored

Synonyms : impregnable , secure , strong , unassailable , unattackable

To many the grass at Wimbledon is inviolable and only greater tennis players are able to enjoy a game there.

inviolate

adjective: must be kept sacred

Synonyms : inviolable , sacrosanct

While the literary critic subjected most of the classics to the harshest reviews, he regarded Cervantes as inviolate, and had nothing but praise for him.

involved

adjective: complicated, and difficult to comprehend

Synonyms : byzantine , convoluted , knotty , tangled , tortuous

The physics lecture became so involved that the undergraduate's eyes glazed over.

irascible

adjective: quickly aroused to anger

Synonyms : choleric , hot-tempered , hotheaded , quick-tempered , short-tempered

If Arthur's dog is not fed adequately, he becames highly irascible, even growling at his own shadow.

irk

verb: irritate or vex

Synonyms : gall

My little sister has a way of irking and annoying me like no other person.

irrefutable

adjective: impossible to deny or disprove

Synonyms : incontrovertible , positive

The existence of life on earth is irrefutable; the existence of intelligent life on earth is still hotly debated.

irresolute

adjective: uncertain how to act or proceed

He stood irresolute at the split in the trail, not sure which route would lead back to the camp.

irrevocable

adjective: incapable of being retracted or revoked

Synonyms : irrevokable

Once you enter your plea to the court, it is irrevocable so think carefully about what you will say.

itinerant

adjective: traveling from place to place to work

Synonyms : gipsy , gypsy

Doctors used to be itinerant, traveling between patients' homes.

jargon

noun: a characteristic language of a particular group

Synonyms : argot , cant , lingo , patois , slang , vernacular

To those with little training in medicine, the jargon of doctors can be very difficult to understand.

jaundice

adjective: to be biased against due to envy or prejudice

Shelly was jaundiced towards Olivia; though the two had once been best friends, Olivia had become class president, prom queen, and, to make matters worse, the girlfriend of the one boy Shelly liked.

jejune

adjective: dull; lacking flavor

Synonyms : insubstantial,insipid

Although many top chefs have secured culinary foam's popularity in haute cuisine, Waters criticizes it for being jejune and unfilling.

adjective: immature; childish

Synonyms : adolescent , juvenile , puerile

Her boss further cemented his reuptation for being jejune after throwing a fit when the water cooler wasn't refilled.

jingoism

noun: fanatical patriotism

Synonyms : chauvinism , superpatriotism , ultranationalism

North Korea maintains intense control over its population through a combination of jingoism and cult of personality.

jingoist

noun: a person who thinks that their country should be at war

Synonyms : chauvinist , flag-waver , hundred-percenter , jingo , patrioteer

In the days leading up to war, a nation typically breaks up into the two opposing camps: doves, who do their best to avoid war, and jingoists, who are only too eager to wave national flags from their vehicles and vehemently denounce those who do not do the same.

jocular

adjective: characterized by jokes and good humor

Synonyms : jesting , jocose , joking

My uncle was always in a jocular mood at family gatherings, messing up people's hair and telling knock-knock jokes to anyone who would listen.

jovial

adjective: full of or showing high-spirited merriment, i.e. happiness
Synonyms : gay , jocund , jolly , merry , mirthful
The political candidate and his supporters were jovial once it was clear that she had won.

jubilant

adjective: full of high-spirited delight because of triumph or success

Synonyms : exultant , exulting , prideful , rejoicing , triumphal , triumphant,elated , gleeful , joyful

My hardwork paid off, and I was jubilant to receive a perfect score on the GRE.

juggernaut

noun: a force that cannot be stopped

Synonyms : steamroller

Napoleon was considered a juggernaut until he decided to invade Russia in winter; after which, his once indomitable army was decimated by cold and famine.

junta

noun: an aggressive takeover by a group (usually military)

As dangerous of a threat as North Korea is, some analysts believe that were a junta suddenly to gain power, it could be even more unpredictable and bellicose than the current leadership

juxtapose

verb: place side by side

The appeal of her paintings comes from a classical style which is juxtaposed with modern themes.

kowtow

verb: to bow or act in a subservient manner

Synonyms : bootlick , fawn , kotow , suck up , toady , truckle

Paul kowtowed to his boss so often the boss herself became nauseated by his sycophancy.

label

noun: a name or phrase given to a group of things to identify them (often negative)

verb: to give a label to something

Synonyms : mark , tag

The meaning of the label ""punk"" has changed greatly in the last 30 years.

Children are often unkind and label others who look different as outsiders.

laborious

adjective: characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

Synonyms : arduous , backbreaking , grueling , gruelling , hard , heavy , operose , punishing , toilsome

The most laborious job I've had was working 20 hours a day as a fisherman in King Salmon, Alaska.

lacerate

verb: deeply hurt the feelings of; distress

The teacher was fired for lacerating a student who wrote a poor essay.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

lachrymose

adjective: showing sorrow

Synonyms : dolorous , dolourous , tearful , weeping

Lachrymose and depressed, Alexei Alexandrovich walked two miles home in the rain after learning that his wife was having an affair.

laconic

adjective: one who says very few words

Synonyms : crisp , curt , terse

While Martha always swooned over the hunky, laconic types in romantic comedies, her boyfriends inevitably were very talkative - and not very hunky.

lambast

verb: criticize severely or angrily

Synonyms : bawl out , berate , call down , call on the carpet , chew out , chew up , chide , dress down , have words , jaw , lambaste , lecture , rag , rebuke , remonstrate , reprimand , reproof , scold , take to task , trounce

Showing no patience, the manager utterly lambasted the sales team that lost the big account.

lampoon

verb: ridicule with satire

Synonyms : satirise , satirize

Mark Twain understood that lampooning a bad idea with humor was the most effective criticism.

languid

adjective: not inclined towards physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed

Synonyms : dreamy , lackadaisical , languorous

As the sun beat down and the temperature climbed higher, we spent a languid week lying around the house.

languish

verb: become feeble

Synonyms : fade

Stranded in the wilderness for four days, the hiker languished, eating protein bars and nuts.

largess

noun: extreme generosity and giving

Synonyms : largesse , magnanimity , munificence , openhandedness

Uncle Frank was known for his largess, so his nephew was sad when he did not receive a present for his birthday.

lascivious

adjective: lecherous; sexually perverted

Synonyms : lewd , libidinous , lustful

Lolita is a challenging novel for many, not necessarily because of the elevated prose style but because of the depravity of the main character, Humbert Humbert, who, as an old, lascivious man, falls in love with a girl.

laudable

adjective: worthy of high praise

Synonyms : applaudable , commendable , praiseworthy

To say that Gandhi's actions were laudable is the greatest understatement; he overthrew an empire without violence.

leery

adjective: openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

Synonyms : mistrustful , suspicious , untrusting , wary

Without checking his references and talking to previous employers, I am leery of hiring the candidate.

lethargic

adjective: lacking energy

Synonyms : unenrgetic

Nothing can make a person more lethargic than a big turkey dinner.

limpid

adjective: clarity in terms of expression

Synonyms : crystal clear , crystalline , lucid , pellucid , transparent,perspicuous

Her limpid prose made even the most recondite subjects accessible to all.

lionize

verb: assign great social importance to

Synonyms : celebrate , lionise

Students in the U.S. learn to lionize Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington because they are the founding fathers of the nation.

litany

noun: any long and tedious account of something

Mr. Rogers spoke to a Senate committee and did not give a litany of reasons to keep funding the program, but instead, appealed to the basic human decency of all present.

loath

adjective: unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom (usually followed by 'to')

Synonyms : loth , reluctant, antipathetic , antipathetical , averse , indisposed

I was loath to leave the concert before my favorite band finished playing.

lucid

adjective: (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable

Synonyms : crystal clear , limpid , luculent , pellucid , perspicuous

Though Walters writes about physics and time travel, his writing is always lucid, so readers with little scientific training can understand difficult concepts.

lugubrious

adjective: excessively mournful

At the funeral, lugubrious songs filled the small church.

macabre

adjective: suggesting the horror of death and decay; gruesome

Synonyms : ghastly , grim , grisly ,sick

Edgar Allen Poe was considered the master of the macabre; his stories vividly describe the moment leading up to - and often those moments after - a grisly death.

machinate

verb: engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together

Synonyms : cabal , complot , conjure , conspire

The rebels met at night in an abandoned barn to machinate.

magisterial

adjective: offensively self-assured or given to exercising unwarranted power

Synonyms : autocratic , bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , peremptory

Though she was only a third grade teacher, Ms. Martinet was magisterial in dealing with her class, lording over them like a queen.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

magnanimous

adjective: noble and generous in spirit, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful, رحب الصدر
Synonyms : greathearted
He was a great sportsman: in defeat he was complementary and in victory he was magnanimous.

maintain

verb: to assert

Synonyms : defend

The scientist maintained that the extinction of dinosaurs was most likely brought about by a drastic change in climate.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

maladroit

adjective: clumsy
Syn: bumbling, gauche, unskillful
As a child she was quite maladroit, but as an adult, she has become an adept dancer.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

malady

noun: a disease or sickness

Synonyms : illness , sickness , unwellness

The town was struck by a malady throughout the winter that left most people sick in bed for two weeks.

malapropism

noun: the confusion of a word with another word that sounds similar

Synonyms : malaprop

Whenever I looked glum, my mother would offer to share "an amusing antidote" with me - an endearing malapropism of "anecdote" that never failed to cheer me up.

malevolent

adjective: wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred

Synonyms : evil , malefic , malign

Villians are known for their malevolent nature, oftentimes inflicting cruetly on others just for enjoyment.

malfeasance

adjective: misconduct or wrongdoing (especially by a public official)

Not even the mayor's trademark pearly-toothed grin could save him from charges of malfeasance: while in power, he'd been running an illegal gambling rink in the room behind his office.

malingerer

noun: someone shirking their duty by pretending to be sick or incapacitated

Synonyms : shammer , skulker

At one time, our country was full of hardworking respectful people, but now it seems that everyone is a malingerer with little inclination to work.

malleable

adjective: capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out

Synonyms : ductile , pliable , pliant , tensile , tractile

The clay became malleable and easy to work with after a little water was added.

adjective: easily influenced

Synonyms : ductile

My little brother is so malleable that I can convince him to sneak cookies from the cupboard for me.

malodorous

adjective: having an unpleasant smell

Synonyms : ill-smelling , malodourous , stinky , unpleasant-smelling

Some thermally active fountains spew sulfur fumes--the air around them is sometimes so malodorous that many have to plug their noses.

martial

adjective: suggesting war or military life

Synonyms : warlike,soldierlike , soldierly , warriorlike

Americans tend to remember Abraham Lincoln as kindly and wise, not at all martial, despite the fact that he was involved in the fiercest war America has even fought.

martinet

noun: a strict disciplinarian

Synonyms : disciplinarian , moralist

The job seemed perfect to Rebecca, until she found out that her boss was a total martinet; after each project the boss would come by to scrutinize - and inevitably criticize - every little detail of the work Rebecca had done.

maudlin

adjective: overly emotional and sad

Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , mawkish , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , sentimental , slushy , soppy , soupy

Just as those who were alive during the 70's are mortified that they once cavorted about in bellbottoms, many who lived during the 80's are now aghast at the maudlin pop songs they used to enjoy - really, just what exactly is a total eclipse of the heart?

maunder

verb: wander aimlessly

Max liked to maunder down by the seaside and pick up whatever sea shells he would stumble upon.

verb: speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

Synonyms : blab , blabber , chatter , clack , gabble , gibber , palaver , piffle , prate , prattle , tattle , tittle-tattle , twaddle

After drinking two espressos each, the animated couple would maunder loudly, annoying the other patrons in the coffee shop.

maverick

noun: someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action

Synonyms : rebel

Officer Kelly was a maverick, rarely following police protocols or adopting the conventions for speech common among his fellow officers.

mawkish

adjective: overly sentimental to the point that it is disgusting

Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , maudlin , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , sentimental , slushy , soppy , soupy

The film was incredibly mawkish, introducing highly likeable characters only to have them succumb to a devastating illnesses by the end of the movie.

maxim

noun: a short saying expressing a general truth

Synonyms : axiom

Johnson initially suggests that the secret to business can be summarized in a single maxim but then requires a 300-page book to explain exactly what he means.

meander

verb: to wander aimlessly

Synonyms : thread , wander , weave , wind

A casual observer might have thought that Peter was meandering through the city, but that day he was actually seeking out those places where he and his long lost love had once visited.

melancholy

noun: a deep, long-lasting sadness

Hamlet is a figure of tremendous melancholy: he doesn't have a truly cheerful scene throughout the entire play.

melee

noun: a wild, confusing fight or struggle

Synonyms : battle royal , scrimmage

After enduring daily taunts about my name, I became enraged and pummeled the schoolyard bully and his sycophantic friends in a brutal melee.

mellifluous

adjective: smooth and sweet-sounding

Synonyms : dulcet , honeyed , mellisonant , sweet

Chelsea's grandmother thought Franz Schubert's music to be the most mellifluous ever written; Chelsea demurred, and to her grandmother's chagrin, would blast Rihanna on the home stereo speakers.

mendacity

noun: the tendency to be untruthful.
I can forgive her for her mendacity but only because she is a child and is seeing what she can get away with.

mendicant

noun: a pauper who lives by begging

Synonyms : beggar

Tolstoy was an aristocrat, but he strove to understand the Christianity of the Russian peasants by wandering among them as a mendicant.

mercurial

adjective: (of a person) prone to unexpected and unpredictable changes in mood

Synonyms : erratic , fickle , quicksilver

The fact that Ella's moods were as mercurial as the weather was problematic for her relationships - it didn't help that she lived in Chicago.

mesmerize

verb: to spellbind or enthrall

Synonyms : bewitch , magnetise , magnetize , mesmerise

The plot and the characters were so well developed that many viewers were mesmerized, unable to move their eyes from the screen for even a single second.

meteoric

adjective: like a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience

The early spectacular successes propelled the pitcher to meteoric stardom, but a terribly injury tragically cut short his career.

meticulous

adjective: marked by extreme care in treatment of details

The Japanese noodle maker was meticulous in making his noodles and would never let another person take over the task.

mettlesome

adjective: filled with courage or valor

Synonyms : game , gamey , gamy , gritty , spirited , spunky

For its raid on the Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Seal Team Six has become, for many Americans, the embodiment of mettle.

misanthrope

noun: a hater of mankind

Synonyms : misanthropist

Kevin is such a misanthrope that he refused to attend the Christmas party, claiming that everyone's happiness was "fake" and "annoying."

misattribute

verb: To erroneously attribute; to falsely ascribe; used especially of authorship.

I made a mistake; I misattributed "Crime and Punishment" to Leo Tolstoy when it was actually written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

misconstrue

verb: interpret in the wrong way

Synonyms : be amiss , misapprehend , misconceive , misinterpret , misunderstand

The politician never trusted journalists because he though that they misconstrue his words and misrepresent his positions.

miscreant

noun: a person who breaks the law

Synonyms : reprobate

"Come back you miscreant!" yelled the woman who just had her purse stolen.

miser

noun: a person who doesn't like to spend money (because they are greedy)

Monte was no miser, but was simply frugal, wisely spending the little that he earned.

misogynist

noun: a person who dislikes women in particular

Synonyms : woman hater

Many have accused Hemingway of being a quiet misogynist, but recently unearthed letters argue against this belief.

mitigate

verb: make less severe or harsh

Synonyms : extenuate , palliate

I can only spend so much time mitigating your disagreements with your wife, and at certain point, you need to do it on your own.
verb: lessen the severity of an offense

If it weren't for the mitigating circumstances, he would have certainly lost his job.

modicum

noun: a small or moderate or token amount

If my sister had even a modicum of sense, she wouldn't be engaged to that barbarian.

mollify

verb: to make someone angry less angry; placate

Synonyms : season , temper

In the morning, Harriat was unable to mollify Harry, if he happened to become angry, unless he had his cup of coffee.

moment

noun: significant and important value

Synonyms : consequence , import

Despite the initial hullabaloo, the play was of no great moment in Hampton's writing career, and within a few years the public quickly forgot his foray into theater arts.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

moot

adjective: open to argument or debate; undecidable in a meaningless or irrelevant way

Synonyms : arguable , debatable , disputable

Since the Board just terminated Steve as the CEO, what the finance committe might have thought of his proposed marketing plan for next year is now a moot point.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

mordant

adjective: biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style

Synonyms : caustic , corrosive , erosive , vitriolic,black , grim

While Phil frequently made mordant remarks about company policy overall, he always was considerably gentler in discussing any person in particular.

moribund

adjective: being on the point of death; declining rapidly losing all momentum in progress

Synonyms : stagnant

Whether you like it or not, jazz as a genre is moribund at best, possibly already dead.

morose

adjective: ill-tempered and not inclined to talk; gloomy

Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , saturnine , sour , sullen

After Stanley found out he was no longer able to go on vacation with his friends, he sat in his room morosely.

morph

verb: To undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion.

The earnestness of the daytime talk shows of the 1970's has morphed into something far more sensational and vulgar: today guests actually standup and threaten to take swings at one another.

mulct

verb: to defraud or swindle

Synonyms : bunco , con , defraud , diddle , gip , goldbrick , gyp , hornswoggle , nobble , rook , scam , short-change , swindle , victimize

The so-called magical diet cure simply ended up mulcting Maria out of hundreds of dollars, but did nothing for her weight.

mundane

adjective: repetitive and boring; not spiritual

Nancy found doing dishes a thorougly mundane task, although Peter found a kind of Zen pleasure in the chore.

adjective: relating to the ordinary world

Synonyms : terrene

Though we think of the pope as someone always dealing in holy matters, he is also concerned with mundane events, such as deciding when to set his alarm each morning.

munificent

adjective: very generous

Synonyms : lavish , overgenerous , too-generous , unsparing , unstinted , unstinting

Uncle Charley was known for his munificence, giving all seven of his nephews lavish Christmas presents each year.

muted

adjective: softened, subdued

Synonyms : hushed , quiet , subdued

Helen preferred muted earth colors, such as green and brown, to the bright pinks and red her sister liked.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

myopic

adjective: lacking foresight or imagination

Synonyms : short , shortsighted , unforesightful

The company ultimately went out of business because the myopic managers couldn't predict the changes in their industry.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

myriad

noun: a large indefinite number

Synonyms : countless , infinite , innumerable , innumerous , multitudinous , numberless , uncounted , unnumberable , unnumbered , unnumerable

There are a myriad of internet sites hawking pills that claim to boost energy for hours on end.

nadir

noun: the lowest point

Synonyms : low-water mark

For many pop music fans, the rap and alternative-rock dominated 90s were the nadir of musical expression.

negligible

adjective: so small as to be meaningless; insignificant

Synonyms : paltry , trifling

The GRE tests cumulative knowledge, so if you cram the night before it is, at best, likely to only have a negligible impact on your score.

nettlesome

adjective: causing irritation or annoyance

Synonyms : annoying , bothersome , galling , irritating , pesky , pestering , pestiferous , plaguey , plaguy , teasing , vexatious , vexing

Maria found her coworker's cell phone nettlesome, because every few minutes it would buzz to life with another text message.

noisome

adjective: having an extremely bad smell

Synonyms : fetid , foetid , foul , foul-smelling , funky , ill-scented , smelly , stinking

Each August, when the winds moved in a south easterly direction, the garbage dump would spread noisome vapors through the small town.

nonchalant

adjective: coming across as uninterested or unconcerned; overly casual

Synonyms : casual , insouciant

The twenty-somethings at the coffee shop always irked Sheldon, especially the way in which they acted nonchalantly towards everything, not even caring when Sheldon once spilled his mocha on them.

nonplussed

verb: unsure how to act or respond

Shirley was totally nonplussed when the angry motorist cut her off and then stuck his finger out the window.

nuance

noun: a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

Synonyms : nicety , refinement , shade , subtlety

Because of the nuances involved in this case, I hired an outside consultant to advice us and help.

obdurate

adjective: stubbornly persistent in changing an opinion or action

Synonyms : cussed , obstinate , unrepentant

No number of pleas and bribes would get him to change his obdurate attitude.

objurgate

verb: express strong disapproval of

Synonyms : condemn , decry , excoriate , reprobate

The manager spent an hour objurgating the employee in the hopes that he would not make these mistakes again.

obliging

adjective: showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others

Synonyms : complaisant

Even after all his success, I found him to be accommodating and obliging, sharing with me his "secret tips" on how to gain wealth and make friends.

oblique

adjective: not straightforward; indirect

Synonyms : devious

Herbert never explicitly revealed anything negative about Tom's past, but at times he would obliquely suggest that Tom was not as innocent as he seemed.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

obscure

verb: make unclear

Synonyms : becloud , befog , cloud , fog , haze over , mist , obnubilate

On the Smith's drive through the Grand Canyon, Mr. Smith's big head obscured much of Mrs. Robinson's view, so that she only saw momentary patches of red rock.

adjective: known by only a few

Synonyms : unknown , unsung

Many of the biggest movie stars were once obscure actors who got only bit roles in long forgotten films.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

obsequious

adjective: attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner; attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery

Synonyms : bootlicking , fawning , sycophantic , toadyish

The obsequious waiter did not give the couple a moment's peace all through the meal, constantly returning to their table to refill their water glasses and to tell them what a handsome pair they made.

obstinate

adjective: resistant to guidance or discipline; stubbornly persistent

Synonyms : cussed , obdurate , unrepentant, contrary , perverse , wayward

The coach suggested improvements Sarah might make on the balance beam, but she remained obstinate, unwilling to modify any of the habits that made her successful in the past.

obstreperous

adjective: noisily and stubbornly defiant; willfully difficult to control

Synonyms : casual , insouciant

When the teacher asked the obstreperous student simply to bus his tray, the student threw the entire tray on the floor, shouted an epithet, and walked out.

obtain

adjective: be valid, applicable, or true

Synonyms : hold , prevail

The custom of waiting your turn in line does not obtain in some countries, in which many people try to rush to front of the line at the same time.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

obtuse

adjective: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; lacking in insight or discernment

Synonyms : dense , dim , dull , dumb , slow

Jackson was the most obtuse member of the team: the manager's subtle ironies were always lost on him.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

officious

adjective: intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

Synonyms : busy , busybodied , interfering , meddlesome , meddling

The professor had trouble concentrating on her new theorem, because her officious secretary would barge in frequently reminding her of some trivial detail involving departmental paperwork.

opaque

adjective: not clearly understood or expressed

Synonyms : unintelligible

The meaning of the professor's new research was opaque to most people, so no one asked any questions.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

opulence

noun: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living

Synonyms : luxuriousness , luxury , sumptuousness

Russian oligarchs are famous for their opulence, living in fancy homes and dining on expensive cavier.

ornate

adjective: marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details

Synonyms : flowery

The ornate Victorian and Edwardian homes spread throughout San Francisco are my favorite part of the city.

ossify

verb: make rigid and set into a conventional pattern

Synonyms : petrify , rigidify

Even as a young man, Bob had some bias against poor people, but during his years in social services, his bad opinions ossified into unshiftable views.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

ostentatious

adjective: intended to attract notice and impress others; tawdry or vulgar
Synonyms : pretentious, متباه
Matt wanted to buy stone lions for front of the house, but Cynthia convinced him that such a display would be too ostentatious for a modest house in an unassuming neighborhood.

ostracize

verb: exclude from a community or group

Synonyms : ban , banish , blackball , cast out , ostracise , shun

Later in his life, Leo Tolstoy was ostracized from the Russian Orthodox Church for his writings that contradicted church doctrine.

overweening

adjective: arrogant; presumptuous

Synonyms : excessive , extravagant , exuberant,uppity

Mark was so convinced of his basketball skills that in his overweening pride he could not fathom that his name was not on the varsity list; he walked up to the basketball coach and told her she had forgotten to add his name.

palatable

adjective: acceptable to the taste or mind

Synonyms : toothsome

MIkey didn't partake much in his friends' conversations, but found their presence palatable.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

palaver

verb: speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

Synonyms : blab , blabber , chatter , clack , gabble , gibber , maunder , piffle , prate , prattle , tattle , tittle-tattle , twaddle

During the rain delay, many who had come to see the game palavered, probably hoping that idle chatter would make the time go by faster.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

palimpsest

noun: something that has been changed numerous times but on which traces of former iterations can still be seen

The downtown was a palimpsest of the city's checkered past: a new Starbucks had opened up next to an abandoned, shuttered building, and a freshly asphalted road was inches away from a pothole large enough to swallow a small dog.

panacea

noun: hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; a universal solution

Synonyms : catholicon , cure-all , nostrum

While the company credit card has made most large purchases easier, it is no panacea: some smaller basic transactions still must be conducted in cash.

panache

noun: distinctive and stylish elegance

Synonyms : dash , elan , flair , style

Jim, with his typical panache, came to the wedding reception with a top hat, a cane, and a long cape covered in sequins.

panegyric

noun: a formal expression of praise

Synonyms : encomium , eulogy , paean , pean

Dave asked Andrew to do just a simple toast, but Andrew launched into a full panegyric, enumerating a complete list of Dave's achievements and admirable qualities.

paradoxical

adjective: seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true

Synonyms : self-contradictory

That light could be both a particle and a wave seems paradoxical, but nonetheless, it is true.

paragon

noun: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal

Synonyms : apotheosis , ideal , nonesuch , nonpareil , nonsuch , saint

Even with the rise of Kobe Bryant, many still believe that Michael Jordon is the paragon for basketball players.

noun: an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept

Synonyms : beau ideal , idol , perfection

Some say that Athens was the paragon of democracy, but these people often forget that slaves and women were still not allowed to vote.

pariah

noun: an outcast

Synonyms : castaway , ishmael

The once eminent scientist, upon being found guilty of faking his data, has become a pariah in the research community.

parochial

adjective: narrowly restricted in scope or outlook

Synonyms : insular

Jasmine was sad to admit it, but her fledgling relationship with Jacob did not work out because his culinary tastes were simply too parochial; "After all," she quipped on her blog, "he considered Chef Boyardee ethnic food."

parsimonious

adjective: extremely frugal; miserly

Synonyms : penurious

Katie is so parsimonious that she only buys a pair of socks if all of her other socks have holes in them.

parvenu

noun: a person who has suddenly become wealthy, but not socially accepted as part of a higher class

Synonyms : arriviste , nouveau-riche , upstart

The theater was full of parvenus who each thought that they were surrounded by true aristocrats.

pastoral

adjective: relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense

Synonyms : arcadian , bucolic

Those who imagine America's countryside as a pastoral region are often disappointed to learn that much of rural U.S. is filled with cornfields extending as far as the eye can see.

patent

adjective: glaringly obvious

Synonyms : apparent , evident , manifest , plain , unmistakable

Since the book had been through no fewer than six proof runs, the staff was shocked to see such a patent spelling mistake remaining, right in the middle of the front cover!

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

patronize

verb: treat condescendingly

Synonyms : condescend , patronise

She says she genuinely wanted to help me, but instead she patronized me, constantly pointing out how I was inferior to her.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

paucity

noun: a lack of something

Synonyms : dearth

There is a paucity of jobs hiring today that require menial skills, since most jobs have either been automated or outsourced.

pecuniary

adjective: relating to or involving money

Synonyms : monetary

The defendent was found guilty and had to serve a period of community service as well as pay pecuniary damages to the client.

pedantic

adjective: marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects

Synonyms : academic , donnish

Professor Thompson was regarded as an expert in his field, but his lectures were utterly pedantic, focused on rigorous details of the most trivial conventions in the field.

pedestrian

adjective: lacking imagination

Synonyms : earthbound , prosaic , prosy

While Nan was always engaged in philosophical speculation, her brother was occupied with far more pedestrian concerns: how to earn a salary and run a household.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

peevish

adjective: easily irritated or annoyed

Synonyms : cranky , fractious , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , pettish , petulant , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy

Our office manager is peevish, so the rest of us tip-toe around him, hoping not to set off another one of his fits.

pejorative

adjective: expressing disapproval (usu. refers to a term)

Synonyms : dislogistic , dyslogistic

Most psychologists object to the pejorative term "shrink", believing that they expand the human mind, not limit it.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

pellucid

adjective: transparently clear; easily understandable

Synonyms : crystal clear , limpid , lucid , luculent , perspicuous

The professor had a remarkable ability make even the most difficult concepts seem pellucid.

penurious

adjective: lacking money; poor

Synonyms : hard up , impecunious , in straitened circumstances , penniless , pinched

Truly penurious, Mary had nothing more than a jar full of pennies.

adjective: miserly

Synonyms : parsimonious

Warren Buffett, famous multi-billionaire, still drives a cheap sedan, not because he is penurious, but because luxury cars are gaudy and impractical.

perceive

verb: to be aware of, to sense or feel

Synonyms : comprehend

If hunters are skilled, the animals will not perceive their presence.

percipient

adjective: highly perceptive

Synonyms : clear

Even the most percipient editor will make an occasional error when proofreading.

peremptory

adjective: bossy and domineering

Synonyms : autocratic , bossy , dominating , high-and-mighty , magisterial

My sister used to peremptorily tell me to do the dishes, a chore I would either do perfunctorily or avoid doing altogether.

perennial

adjective: lasting an indefinitely long time; eternal; everlasting

Even at the old-timers games, Stan Musial would get the loudest cheer: he was a perennial favorite of the fans there.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

perfidy

noun: an act of deliberate betrayal; a breach of a trust

Synonyms : betrayal , treachery , treason,perfidiousness , treachery

The lowest circles in Dante's Inferno were for those who had practiced perfidy, and among these, the very lowest was for those, such as Judas, who had been treacherous to one of their benefactors.

perfunctory

adjective: done routinely and with little interest or care

Synonyms : casual , cursory , passing

The short film examines modern perfunctory cleaning rituals such as washing dishes, doing laundry and tooth-brushing.

peripatetic

adjective: traveling by foot

Synonyms : wayfaring

Jim always preferred a peripatetic approach to discovering a city: he felt that he could see so many more details while walking.

pernicious

adjective: exceedingly harmful; working or spreading in a hidden and injurious way

Synonyms : baneful , deadly , pestilent,insidious , subtle

The most successful viruses are pernicious: an infected person may feel perfectly healthy for several months while incubating and spreading the virus.

perpetuate

verb: cause to continue

If you do not let him do things for himself, you are merely perpetuating bad habits that will be even harder to break in the future.

perquisite

noun: a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)

Synonyms : exclusive right , prerogative , privilege

Even as the dishwasher at the French restaurant, Josh quickly learned that he had the perquisite of being able to eat terrific food for half the price diners would pay.

perspicacious

adjective: acutely insightful and wise

Synonyms : sagacious , sapient

Many modern observers regard Eisenhower as perspicacious, particularly in his accurate prediction of the growth of the military.

pertinent

adjective: having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand

Synonyms : apposite , apt

While the salaries of the players might draw attention in the media, such monetary figures are not pertinent to the question of who plays the best on the field.

perturb

verb: disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed

Synonyms : cark , disorder , disquiet , distract , trouble , unhinge

Now that Henry is recovering from a major illnesses, he no longer lets the little trivialities, such as late mail, perturb him.

peruse

verb: to read very carefully

Instead of perusing important documents, people all too often rush to the bottom of the page and plaster their signatures at the bottom.

petulant

adjective: easily irritated or annoyed

Synonyms : cranky , fractious , irritable , nettlesome , peckish , peevish , pettish , scratchy , techy , testy , tetchy

When Ed first met Ruth, he didn't realize she was so petulant, but now that they are three months into their relationship, Ed feels a day doesn't go by in which she isn't whining about some minor issue.

phantasmagorical

adjective: illusive; unreal

Synonyms : phantasmagoric , surreal , surrealistic

Those suffering from malaria fall into a feverish sleep, their world a whirligig of phantasmagoria; if they recover, they are unsure of what actually took place and what was simply a product of their febrile imaginations.

philistine

adjective: smug and ignorant towards artistic and cultural values

Synonyms : anti-intellectual

Jane considered Al completely philistine, because he talked almost exclusive about video games; she was entirely unaware of how well read he really was.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

phlegmatic

adjective: showing little emotion

Synonyms : phlegmatical

Arnold is truly noble, remaining reserved until an issue of significance arises, but Walter is simply phlegmatic: he doesn't have the energy or inclination to care about anything.

picayune

adjective: trifling or petty (a person)

Synonyms : fiddling , footling , lilliputian , little , niggling , petty , piddling , piffling , trivial

English teachers are notorious for being picayune; however, the English language is so nuanced and sophisticated that often such teachers are not being contrary but are only adhering to the rules.

pillory

verb: ridicule or expose to public scorn

Synonyms : gibbet

After the candidate confessed, the press of the opposing party took the opportunity to pillory him, printing editorials with the most blatantly exaggerated accusations.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

pine

verb: to yearn for

Synonyms : ache , languish , yearn , yen

Standing forlornly by the window, she pined for her lost love.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

pinnacle

noun: the highest point

Synonyms : acme , elevation , height , meridian , peak , summit , superlative , tiptop , top

At its pinnacle, the Roman Empire extended across most of the landmass of Eurasia, a feat not paralleled to the rise of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th century.

piquant

adjective: having an agreeably pungent taste

Synonyms : savory , savoury , spicy , zesty

The chef, with a mere flick of the salt shaker, turned the bland tomato soup into a piquant meal.

pith

noun: the most essential part of something

Synonyms : center , centre , core , essence , gist , heart , heart and soul , inwardness , kernel , marrow , meat , nitty-gritty , nub , substance , sum

When Cynthia hears a speaker presenting a complex argument, she is always able to discard the irrelevant details and extract the pith of what the speaker is trying to convey.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

pithy

adjective: concise and full of meaning

Synonyms : sententious

I enjoy reading the Daodejing for its pithy and insightful prose; it always gives me something to think about.

pittance

noun: a small amount (of money)

Vinny's uncle beamed smugly about how he'd offered his nephew fifty dollars for his Harvard tuition; even twice the amount would have been a mere pittance.

placate

verb: cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of

Synonyms : appease , assuage , conciliate , gentle , gruntle , lenify , mollify , pacify

I was able to placate the angry mob of students by promising to bring cookies on Monday.

placid

adjective: not easily irritated

Synonyms : equable , even-tempered , good-tempered

Doug is normally placid, so we were all shocked to see him yelling at the television when the Mets lost the game.

platitude

noun: a trite or obvious remark

Synonyms : banality , bromide , cliche , commonplace

The professor argued that many statements regarded as wise in previous times, such as the Golden Rule, are now regarded as mere platitudes.

plodding

adjective: (of movement) slow and laborious

Synonyms : leaden

Charlie may seem to run at a plodding pace, but he is an ultramarathoner, meaning he runs distances of up to 100 miles, and can run for ten hours at a stretch.

ploy

noun: a clever plan to turn a situation to one's advantage

Synonyms : gambit,stratagem

Dennis arranged an elaborate ploy, involving 14 different people lying for him in different situations, so that it could appear that he was meeting Mary completely by chance at the wedding reception.

plucky

adjective: marked by courage and determination

Synonyms : gutsy,feisty , spunky

Some scouts initially doubted Pedroia because of his short stature, but he is a plucky player, surprising everyone with his boundless energy and fierce determination.

poignant

adjective: emotionally touching

Synonyms : affecting , touching

After the Montagues and Capulets discover the dead bodies of Romeo and Juliet, in the play's most poignant moment, the two griefstricken familes agree to end their feud once and for all.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

polemic

noun: a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.

The professor launched into a polemic, claiming that Freudian theory was a pack of lies that absolutely destroyed European literary theory.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

Pollyannaish

adjective: extremely optimistic

Synonyms : cheerful , upbeat

Even in the midst of a lousy sales quarter, Debbie remained Pollyannaish, never losing her shrill voice and wide smile, even when prospective customers hung up on her.

ponderous

adjective: weighed-down; moving slowly

Synonyms : heavy , lumbering

Laden with 20 kilograms of college text books, the freshman moved ponderously across the campus.

pontificate

verb: talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner

The vice-president would often pontificate about economic theory, as if no one else in the room were qualified to speak on the topic.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

portentous

adjective: ominously prophetic

Synonyms : fateful , foreboding

When the captain and more than half the officers were sick on the very first night of the voyage, many of the passengers felt this was portentous, but the rest of the voyage continued without any problems.

posit

verb: assume as fact

Synonyms : postulate

Initially, Einstein posited a repulsive force to balance Gravity, but then rejected that idea as a blunder.

powwow

noun: an informal meeting or discussion

Before the team takes the field, the coach always calls for a powwow so that he can make sure all the players are mentally in the right place.

pragmatic

adjective: guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory

Synonyms : hard-nosed , hardheaded , practical

Rather than make a philosophical appeal to the Congressmen, the Speaker decided to take a far more pragmatic approach, making small side-deals that would add votes to his bill.

precarious

adjective: fraught with danger

Synonyms : parlous , perilous , touch-and-go

People smoke to relax and forget their cares, but ironically, in terms of health risks, smoking is far more precarious than either mountain-climbing or skydiving.

precedent

noun: an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time

Synonyms : case in point

The principal explained that even though one student had done modelling work outside of school, the outfits that student wore in those photographs in no way established a precedent for what could be worn at school dances.

precipitate

adjective: hasty or rash

Synonyms : hasty , overhasty , precipitant , precipitous

Instead of conducting a thorough investigation after the city hall break-in, the governor acted precipitately, accusing his staff of aiding and abetting the criminals.

verb: to cause to happen

The government's mishandling the hurricane's aftermath precipitated a widespread outbreak of looting and other criminal activity.

This word has other definitions but these are the most important ones to study

precipitous

adjective: done with very great haste and without due deliberation

Synonyms : hasty , overhasty , precipitant , precipitate

He was expecting a precipitous rise in the value of a "hot" tech stock, so he was disappointed when it only inched up a dollar or two each day.

preclude

verb: keep from happening or arising; make impossible

Synonyms : forbid , foreclose , forestall , prevent

The manager specified that all other gates be locked, to preclude the possibility of persons without tickets entering the arena undetected.

precocious

adjective: characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)

Though only seven years old, she was a precocious chess prodigy, able to beat players twice her age.

predilection

noun: a strong liking

Synonyms : penchant , preference , taste

Monte had a predilection for the fine things in life: Cuban cigars, 200 dollar bottles of wine, and trips to the French Riviera.

preempt

verb: take the place of or have precedence over

Synonyms : displace

A governmental warning about an imminent terrorist attack would preempt ordinary network programming on television.

preemptive

adjective: done before someone else can do it

Just as Martha was about to take the only cookie left on the table, Noah preemptively swiped it.

prescience

noun: the power to foresee the future
Synonyms : prevision, علم الغيب

Baxter's warnings about investing in technology stocks seemed like an act of prescience after the whole market declined significantly.

presentiment

noun: a feeling of evil to come

Synonyms : boding , foreboding , premonition

On the night that Lincoln would be fatally shot, his wife had a presentiment about going to Ford's Theater, but Lincoln persuaded her that everything would be fine.

presumption

noun: an assumption that is taken for granted

Synonyms : given , precondition

When Mr. Baker found out the family car was gone, he acted under the presumption that his rebellious son had taken the car, calling his son's phone and yelling at him; only later did Mr. Baker realize that Mrs. Baker had simply gone out to get her nails done.

noun: audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to

The new neighbor quickly gained a reputation for her presumption; she had invited herself to several neighbors' homes, often stopping over at inopportune times and asking for a drink.

presumptuous

adjective: excessively forward

Synonyms : assuming , assumptive

Many felt that Barney was presumptuous in moving into the large office before the management even made any official announcement of his promotion

prevail

verb: be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current:

During the labor negotiations, an air of hostility prevailed in the office.

verb: prove superior

Before the cricket match, Australia was heavily favored, but India prevailed

prevaricate

verb: to speak in an evasive way

Synonyms : beat around the bush , equivocate , palter , tergiversate

The cynic quipped, "There is not much variance in politicians; they all seem to prevaricate".

primacy

noun: the state of being first in importance

The primacy of Apple Computers is not guaranteed, as seen in the recent lawsuits and weak growth.

pristine

adjective: Unspoiled, untouched (usu. of nature)

The glacial lake was pristine and we filled our canteens to drink deeply.

adjective: Immaculately clean and unused

Drill sergeants are known for demanding pristine cabinets, uniforms, and beds, and often make new recruits clean and clean and clean until they meet the expected high standards.

probity

noun: integrity, strong moral principles

The ideal politician would have the probity to lead, but reality gravely falls short of the ideal of morally upright leaders.

prodigal

adjective: rashly or wastefully extravagant

Synonyms : extravagant , profligate , spendthrift

Successful professional athletes who do not fall prey to prodigality seem to be the exception - most live decadent lives.

prodigious

adjective: so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe

Synonyms : colossal , stupendous

After the relatively small homerun totals in the "dead ball" era, Babe Ruth's homerun totals were truly prodigious: every year, he set a new all-time record.

profligate

adjective: spending resources recklessly or wastefully

Synonyms : extravagant , prodigal , spendthrift

The composer Wagner, while living on a limited salary, was so profligate as to line all the walls of his apartment with pure silk.
noun: someone who spends resources recklessly or wastefully
Most lottery winners go from being conservative, frugal types to outright profligates who blow millions on fast cars, lavish homes, and giant yachts.

profuse

adjective: plentiful; pouring out in abundance

Synonyms : exuberant , lush , luxuriant , riotous

During mile 20 of the Hawaii Marathon, Dwayne was sweating so profusely that he stopped to take off his shirt, and ran the remaining six miles wearing nothing more than skimpy shorts.

profusion

noun: the property of being extremely abundant

Synonyms : cornucopia , profuseness , richness

When Maria reported that she had been visited by Jesus Christ and had proof, a profusion of reporters and journalists descended on the town.

prognostication

noun: a statement made about the future

Synonyms : forecasting , foretelling , prediction

When the Senator was asked about where the negotiations would lead, he said that any guess he could make would be an unreliable prognostication.

prolific

adjective: intellectually productive

Synonyms : fecund , fertile

Schubert was the most prolific composer, producing hundreds of hours of music before he died at the age of 31.

prolixity

noun: boring verbosity

Synonyms : long-windedness , prolixness , windiness , wordiness

I loved my grandfather dearly, but his prolixity would put me to sleep, regardless of the topic.

promulgate

verb: state or announce

Synonyms : exclaim , proclaim

The President wanted to promulgate the success of the treaty negotiations, but he had to wait until Congress formally approved the agreement.

propitiate

verb: to placate or appease

The two sons, plying their angry father with cheesy neckties for Christmas, were hardly able to propitiate him - the father already had a drawer full of ones he had never worn before or ever planned to.

propitious

adjective: presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success

The child's heartbeat is still weak, but I am seeing many propitious signs and I think that she may be healing.

proponent

noun: a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea

Synonyms : advocate , advocator , exponent

Ironically, the leading proponent of Flat-Earth Theory flies all over the world in an effort to win more adherents.

prosaic

adjective: dull and lacking imagination

Synonyms : earthbound , pedestrian , prosy,commonplace , humdrum , unglamorous , unglamourous

Unlike the talented artists in his workshop, Paul had no such bent for the visual medium, so when it was time for him to make a stained glass painting, he ended up with a prosaic mosaic.

proscribe

verb: command against

Synonyms : disallow , forbid , interdict , nix , prohibit , veto

My doctor proscribes that I not eat donuts with chocolate sauce and hamburger patties for breakfast.

proselytize

verb: convert to another religion, philosophy, or perspective

Synonyms : proselytise

Lisa loves her Mac but says little about it; by contrast, Jake will proselytize, interrogating anyone with an Android about why she didn't purchase an iPhone.

protean

adjective: readily taking on different roles; versatile

Peter Sellers was truly a protean actor - in Doctor Strangelove he played three very different roles: a jingoist general, a sedate President and a deranged scientist.

provident

adjective: careful in regard to your own interests; providing carefully for the future

In a move that hardly could be described as provident, Bert spend his entire savings on a luxurious cruise, knowing that other bills would come due a couple months later.

provincial

adjective: characteristic of the a limited perspective; not fashionable or sophisticated

Maggie's enthusiasm about her high school teams seemed provincial to her college classmates, all of whom were following a nationally ranked college team.

provisional

adjective: under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon

Synonyms : probationary , provisionary , tentative

Until the corporate office hands down a definitive decision on use of the extra offices, we will share their use in a provisional arrangement.

puerile

adjective: of or characteristic of a child; displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity

Synonyms : adolescent , jejune , juvenile

Helen enjoyed blowing soap bubbles, but Jim regarded this as puerile, totally unworthy of a woman with a Ph.D.

pugnacious

adjective: eager to fight or argue; verbally combative

The comedian told one flat joke after another, and when the audience started booing, he pugnaciously spat back at them, "Hey, you think this is easy - why don't you buffoons give it a shot?"

puissant

adjective: powerful

Over the years of service, and quite to his surprise, he became a puissant advisor to the community.

punctilious

adjective: marked by precise accordance with details

Synonyms : meticulous

The colonel was so punctilious about enforcing regulations that men feel compelled to polish even the soles of their shoes.

pundit

noun: someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field

Synonyms : initiate , learned person , savant

Steven Pinker's credentials are unquestioned as a pundit; he has taught at MIT and Stanford, teaches at Harvard, and has published a number of influential books on cognition, language, and psychology.

pyrrhic

adjective: describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that the victory is not worthwhile

George W. Bush's win in the 2000 election was in many ways a pyrrhic victory: the circumstances of his win alienated half of the U.S. population.

quail

verb: draw back, as with fear or pain

Synonyms : cringe , flinch , funk , recoil , shrink , squinch , wince

Craig always claimed to be a fearless outdoorsman, but when the thunderstorm engulfed the valley, he quailed at the thought of leaving the safety of his cabin.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

qualify

verb: to be eligible for a role, status, or benefit by meeting specific requirements

Synonyms : measure up

If James had made more than $50,000 last year, then he wouldn't have qualified for the low-income scholarship.

verb: to make less severe; to limit (a statement)

Synonyms : restrict

Chris qualified his love for San Francisco, adding that he didn't like the weather as much as the weather in Los Angeles.

qualm

noun: uneasiness about the fitness of an action

Synonyms : misgiving , scruple

While he could articulate no clear reason why Harkner's plan would fail, he neverless felt qualms about committing any resources to it.

quandary

noun: state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options

Synonyms : dilemma

Steve certainly is in a quandary: if he doesn't call Elaine, she will blame him for everything, but if he does call her, the evidence of where he currently is could cost him his job.

querulous

adjective: habitually complaining

Synonyms : fretful , whiney , whiny

The querulous old woman was begining to wear down even the happier members of the staff with her ceaseless complaining.

quip

noun: a witty saying or remark

Synonyms : epigram,crack , sally , wisecrack

In one of the most famous quips about classical music, Mark Twain said: "Wagner's music is better than it sounds."

verb: to make a witty remark, to say in jest

Synonyms : gag

When a old English teacher criticized Churchill for ending a sentence with a preposition, he quipped, "This is the kind of criticism up with which we will not put!"

quisling

noun: a traitor

Synonyms : collaborationist , collaborator

History looks unfavorably upon quislings; indeed they are accorded about the same fondness as Nero—he who watched his city burn down while playing the violin.

quixotic

adjective: wildly idealistic; impractical

Synonyms : romantic , wild-eyed

For every thousand startups with quixotic plans to be the next big name in e-commerce, only a handful ever become profitable.

quotidian

adjective: found in the ordinary course of events

Synonyms : everyday , mundane , routine , unremarkable , workaday

Phil gets so involved thinking about Aristotle's arguments that he totally forgets quotidian concerns, such as exercising and eating regularly.

raconteur

noun: a person skilled in telling anecdotes

Synonyms : anecdotist

Jude is entertaining, but he is no raconteur: beyond the handful of amusing stories he has memorized, he has absolutely no spontaneous story-telling ability.

raffish

adjective: marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness

Synonyms : devil-may-care , rakish

The men found him raffish, but the women adored his smart clothes and casual attitude.

raft

noun: a large number of something

Synonyms : batch , deal , flock , good deal , great deal , hatful , heap , lot , mass , mess , mickle , mint , mountain , muckle , passel , peck , pile , plenty , pot , quite a little , sight , slew , spate , stack , tidy sum , wad

Despite a raft of city ordinances passed by an overzealous council, noise pollution continued unabated in the megalopolis.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

raillery

noun: light teasing

Synonyms : backchat , banter , give-and-take

The new recruit was not bothered by the raillery, finding most of it light-hearted and good-natured.

rakish

adjective: marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness

Synonyms : devil-may-care , raffish

As soon as he arrived in the city, the rakish young man bought some drugs and headed straight for the seedy parts of town.

rankle

verb: gnaw into; make resentful or angry

Synonyms : eat into , fret , grate

His constant whistling would rankle her, sometimes causing her to leave in a huff.

rapprochement

noun: the reestablishing of cordial relations

Synonyms : reconciliation

Although Ann hoped that her mother and her aunt would have a rapprochement, each one's bitter accusations against the other made any reconciliation unlikely.

rarefied

verb: make more subtle or refined

Jack's vulgar jokes were not so successful in the rarefied environment of college professors.

rash

adjective: marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; imprudently incurring risk

Synonyms : foolhardy , heady , reckless

Although Bruce was able to make the delivery in time with a nightime motorcycle ride in the rain, Susan criticized his actions as rash.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

ravenous

adjective: extremely hungry; devouring or craving food in great quantities

Synonyms : esurient , famished , sharp-set , starved,edacious , esurient , rapacious , ravening , voracious , wolfish

John didn't eat much at all during the week he had the flu, so now that he is regaining his health, it's not surprising that he has a ravenous appetite.

rebuke

verb: criticize severely or angrily; censure

Synonyms : bawl out , berate , call down , call on the carpet , chew out , chew up , chide , dress down , have words , jaw , lambast , lambaste , lecture , rag , remonstrate , reprimand , reproof , scold , take to task , trounce

The police chief rebuked the two officers whose irresponsible decisions almost led to the deaths of seven innocent by-standers.

recapitulation

noun: a summary (think of recap)

Synonyms : recap , review

Every point of the professors lesson was so clear that the students felt his concluding recapitulation was not necessary.

reconcile

verb: make (one thing) compatible with (another), وفق بين
Synonyms : accommodate , conciliate
Peggy was unable to reconcile her kind friend Jane with the cruel and merciless character Jane played on television.

recondite

adjective: difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge

Synonyms : abstruse , deep

I found Ulysses recondite and never finished the book, waiting instead to read it with someone else so we could penetrate its meaning together.

recrimination

noun: mutual accusations

The two brothers sat and cried, pointing fingers and making elaborate recriminations of the other's guilt

recrudesce

verb: to break out or happen again

Synonyms : break , develop, erupt

After years of gamblers anonymous, Tony thought he'd broken his compulsive slot machine playing, but it took only one trip to the Atlantic City for a full recrudescence--he lost $5k on the one armed bandit.

redoubtable

adjective: inspiring fear or awe

Synonyms : formidable , unnerving

On television basketball players don't look that tall, but when you stand in front of a seven-foot tall NBA player, he is truly redoubtable.

redress

noun: an act of making something right

Synonyms : remediation , remedy

Barry forgot his wife's birthday two years in a row, and was only able to redress his oversight by surprising his wife with a trip to Tahiti.

refractory

adjective: stubbornly resistant to authority or control

Synonyms : fractious , recalcitrant

Used to studious high school students, Martha was unprepared for the refractory Kindgergarteners who neither sat still nor listened to a single word she said.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

refute

verb: prove to be false or incorrect

Synonyms : controvert , rebut

No one could refute his theories or propositions, and that is why he was esteemed by all his colleagues in the philosophy department.

register

verb: to put your name or other information in a list for something

verb: to identify and show on a tool for measuring

Synonyms : read , record , show

If you'd like to buy a meal plan, you can register at the student affairs office.

The bomb was so strong that far away weather balloons registered the heat.

relegate

verb: assign to a lower position

Synonyms : break , bump , demote , kick downstairs

When Dexter was unable to fulfill his basic duties, instead of firing him, the boss relegated him to kitchen cleanup.

relevant

adjective: closely connected to the topic and therefore important

I think Professor McGarry can give you some relevant books to help you write that essay.

remiss

adjective: to be negligent in one's duty

Synonyms : delinquent , derelict , neglectful

Remiss in his duty to keep the school functioning efficiently, the principal was relieved of his position after only three months.

remonstrate

verb: to make objections while pleading

Synonyms : bawl out , berate , call down , call on the carpet , chew out , chew up , chide , dress down , have words , jaw , lambast , lambaste , lecture , rag , rebuke , reprimand , reproof , scold , take to task , trounce

The mothers of the kidnapped victims remonstrated to the rogue government to release their children, claiming that the detention violated human rights.

renege

verb: fail to fulfill a promise or obligation

Synonyms : go back on , renege on , renegue on

We will no longer work with that vendor since it has reneged on nearly every agreement.

replete

adjective: completely stocked or furnished with something

Only weeks after the hurricane made landfall, the local supermarket shelves were replete with goods, so quick was the disaster relief response.

reprisal

noun: a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime

The Old Testament doctrine of an eye for an eye is not the kind of retaliation practiced in war; rather, an arm, a leg, and both ears are the reprisal for the smallest scratch.

reproach

verb: to express criticism towards

Synonyms : upbraid

At first, Sarah was going to yell at the boy, but she didn't want to reproach him for telling the truth about the situation.

reprobate

noun: a person who is disapproved of

Synonyms : miscreant

Those old reprobates drinking all day down by the river-they are not going to amount to much.

repudiate

verb: reject as untrue or unfounded

Many in the public believed the rumors of a UFO crash outside town, so the chief of police did everything he could to repudiate the rumors.

rescind

verb: cancel officially

Synonyms : annul , countermand , lift , overturn , repeal , reverse , revoke , vacate

The man's driver's license was rescinded after his tenth car accident, which meant he would never be allowed to legally drive again.

reservation

noun: an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly

Synonyms : arriere pensee , mental reservation

I was initially excited by the idea of a trip to Washington, D.C. but now that I have read about the high crime statistics there, I have some reservations.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

resignation

noun: the acceptance of something unpleasant that can't be avoided

Synonyms : surrender

Since Jack could not think of a convincing reason why he had to miss the seminar, he attended it with a sense of resignation.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

resolve

verb: reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation

Synonyms : conclude

After much thought, Ted resolved not to travel abroad this summer because he didn't have much money in his bank account.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

resource

noun: some saved material that can be used for a purpose (especially money, anything used to make energy such as oil, or information sources such as books)

Many of the richest countries have surprisingly few natural resources and must buy oil or gas from other countries.

Never forget to make use of the library during your studies; it's full of great resources.

respite

noun: a pause from doing something (as work)

Synonyms : break , recess , time out,
relief , rest , rest period

Every afternoon, the small company has a respite in which workers play foosball or board games.

restive

adjective: restless

Synonyms : edgy , high-strung , highly strung , jittery , jumpy , nervy , overstrung , uptight

The crowd grew restive as the comedian's opening jokes fell flat.

resurgent

adjective: rising again as to new life and vigor

Synonyms : renascent

The team sank to fourth place in June, but is now resurgent and about to win the division.

reticent

adjective: reluctant to draw attention to yourself; temperamentally disinclined to talk

Synonyms : untalkative, retiring , self-effacing

When asked about her father, Helen lost her outward enthusiasm and became rather reticent.

retiring

adjective: to be shy, and to be inclined to retract from company

Synonyms : reticent , self-effacing

Nelson was always the first to leave soirees - rather than mill about with "fashionable" folk, he was retiring, and preferred the solitude of his garret.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

retract

verb: pull inward or towards a center; formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure

Synonyms : draw in,abjure , forswear , recant , resile

Email is wonderfully efficient, but once something awkward or damaging has been sent, there is no way to retract it.

reverent

adjective: feeling or showing profound respect or veneration

Synonyms : godly , worshipful

The professor could speak objectively about the other composers, but he always lectured about Brahms with a particularly reverent air, unable to offer a single criticism of his compositions.

ribald

adjective: humorously vulgar

Synonyms : bawdy , off-color

The speaker was famous for his ribald humor, but the high school principal asked him to keep the talk G-rated when he spoke to the student body.

rile

verb: cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations

Synonyms : annoy , bother , chafe , devil , get at , get to , gravel , irritate , nark , nettle , rag , vex

Dan is usually calm and balanced, but it takes only one intense glare from Sabrina to rile him.

robust

adjective: sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction

Chris preferred bland and mild beers, but Bhavin preferred a beer with more robust flavor.

row

noun: an angry dispute

Synonyms : dustup , quarrel , run-in , words , wrangle

The Prime Minister looked very foolish after his row with the foreign dignitary was caught on video and posted on youtube.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

rudimentary

adjective: being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or principles

Synonyms : fundamental , underlying

I would love to be able to present a fully polished proposal to the board, but right now, our plans for the product are still in the most rudimentary stages.

rustic

adjective: characteristic of rural life; awkwardly simple and provincial

Synonyms : countrified , countryfied,bumpkinly , hick , unsophisticated

The vacation cabin had no electricity and no indoor plumbing, but despite these inconveniences, Nigel adored its rustic charm.

sagacious

adjective: having good judgement and acute insight

Synonyms : perspicacious , sapient

Steve Jobs is surely one of the most sagacious CEOs, making Apple the most recognizable and valuable companies in the world.

sanctimonious

adjective: making a show of being pious; holier-than-thou

Synonyms : holier-than-thou , pharisaic , pharisaical , pietistic , pietistical , self-righteous

Even during the quiet sanctity of evening prayer, she held her chin high, a sanctimonious sneer forming on her face as she eyed those who were attending church for the first time.

sanction

verb: give authority or permission to

Synonyms :approve , o.k. , okay

The authorities have sanctioned the use of the wilderness reserve for public use; many expect to see hikers an campers enjoying the park in the coming months.

noun: a legal penalty for a forbidden action

International sanctions have been placed on certain shipping lanes that were thought to be involved in human trafficking.

sangfroid

noun: calmness or poise in difficult situations

The hostage negotiator exhibited a sangfroid that oftentimes was more menacing than the sword at his throat, or the gun at his head.

sanguine

adjective: cheerful; optimistic

Synonyms : florid , rubicund , ruddy

With the prospect of having to learn 3,000 words during the course of the summer, Paul was anything but sanguine.

sardonic

adjective: disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking

A stand-up comedian walks a fine line when making jokes about members of the audience; such fun and joking can quickly become sardonic and cutting.

sartorial

adjective: related to fashion or clothes

Monte was astute at navigating the world of finance; sartorially, however, he was found wanting - he typically would attempt to complement his beige tie with a gray suit and white pants.

saturnine

adjective: morose or gloomy

Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , morose , sour , sullen

Deprived of sunlight, humans become saturnine; that's why in very northerly territories people are encouraged to sit under an extremely powerful lamp, lest they become morose.

savvy

noun: a perceptive understanding

Synonyms : apprehension , discernment , understanding

Although a great CEO, he did not have the political savvy to win the election.

verb: get the meaning of something

Synonyms : apprehend , compass , comprehend , dig , get the picture , grasp , grok

The student savvies the meaning of astrophysics with little effort.
adjective: well-informed or perceptive

With his savvy business partner, the company was able to turn a profit within a year.

schadenfreude

noun: joy from watching the suffering of others

From his warm apartment window, Stanley reveled in schadenfreude as he laughed at the figures below, huddled together in the arctic chill.

scintillating

adjective: describes someone who is brilliant and lively

Synonyms : aglitter , coruscant , fulgid , glinting , glistering , glittering , glittery , scintillant , sparkly, bubbling , effervescent , frothy

Richard Feynman was renowned for his scintillating lectures—the arcana of quantum physics was made lucid as he wrote animatedly on the chalkboard.

screed

noun: an abusive rant (often tedious)

Joey had difficulty hanging out with his former best friend Perry, who, during his entire cup of coffee, enumerated all of the government's deficiencies--only to break ranks and launch into some screed against big business.

scrupulous

adjective: characterized by extreme care and great effort

Synonyms : conscientious , painstaking

Because of his scrupulous nature, Mary put him in charge of numbering and cataloging the entire collection of rare stamps.
adjective: having a sense of right and wrong; principled
Everyone trusted what he said and followed his example because he was scrupulous and honest.

sedulous

adjective: done diligently and carefully

Synonyms : assiduous

An avid numismatist, Harold sedulously amassed a collection of coins from over 100 countries - an endeavor that took over fifteen years, and to five continents.

self-effacing

adjective: reluctant to draw attention to yourself

Synonyms : reticent , retiring

The most admirable teachers and respected leaders are those who are self-effacing, directing attention and praise to their students and workers.

semblance

noun: an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading

Synonyms : color , colour , gloss

While the banker maintained a semblance of respectability in public, those who knew him well were familiar with his many crimes.

sententious

adjective: to be moralizing, usually in a pompous sense

The old man, casting his nose up in the air at the group of adolescents, intoned sententiously, "Youth is wasted on the young."

sentimental

adjective: effusively or insincerely emotional, especially in art, music, and literature

Synonyms : bathetic , drippy , hokey , kitschy , maudlin , mawkish , mushy , schmaltzy , schmalzy , slushy , soppy , soupy

I don't like romanticism for the same reason I don't like melodramatic acting and soap operas - overly sentimental.

serendipity

noun: the instance in which an accidental, fortunate discovery is made

By pure serendipity, Sarah discovered, at a flea market in Peoria, a matching earring to replace the one that fell down the storm drain back home.

serene

adjective: calm and peaceful

Synonyms : tranquil , unagitated

I'd never seen him so serene; usually, he was a knot of stress and anxiety from hours of trading on the stock exchange.

simulacrum

noun: a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)

Synonyms : effigy , image

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center showcases a simulacrum of all the present and approved buildings in the city of Shanghai.

noun: a bad imitation

The early days of computer graphics made real people into a simulacrum that now seems comical.

sinecure

noun: an office that involves minimal duties

The position of Research Director is a sinecure: the job entails almost no responsibilities, nor does the person in that position have to answer to anyone.

slapdash

adjective: carelessly and hastily put together

Synonyms : haphazard , slipshod , sloppy

The office building had been constructed in a slapdash manner, so it did not surprise officials when, during a small earthquake, a large crack emerged on the façade of the building.

smattering

noun: a slight or superficial understanding of a subject; a small amount of something

Synonyms : handful

I know only a smattering of German, but Helen is able to read German newspapers and converse with natives.

smug

adjective: marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction

Synonyms : self-satisfied

When Phil was dating the model, he had a smug attitude that annoyed his buddies.

snide

adjective: expressive of contempt; derogatory or mocking in an indirect way

Synonyms : sneering , supercilious

The chairman interpreted Taylor's question about promotions as a snide remark, but in all innocence Taylor was trying to figure out the company's process.

snub

verb: refuse to acknowledge; reject outright and bluntly

Synonyms :cut , disregard , ignore, rebuff , repel

Wheeler was completely qualified for the committee, but the board snubbed him, choosing an obviously lesser qualified candidate instead.

solecism

noun: a socially awkward or tactless act

Synonyms : faux pas , gaffe , gaucherie , slip

Mother Anna was always on guard against any solecism from her children and scolded them immediately if any of them talked out of place in public.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

solicitous

adjective: showing hovering attentiveness

Our neighbors are constantly knocking on our door to make sure we are ok, and I don't know how to ask them to stop being so solicitous about our health.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

solicitude

noun: a feeling of excessive concern

Synonyms : solicitousness

I walked to his house in the rain to make sure he had enough to eat while he was sick, but he seemed not to appreciate my solicitude.

soporific

adjective: inducing mental lethargy; sleep inducing

Synonyms : hypnagogic , hypnogogic , somniferous , somnific , soporiferous,narcotic

Although the professor is brilliant, his bland monotone gives his lectures a soporific effect.

sordid

adjective: involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; foul and run-down and repulsive

Synonyms : seamy , seedy , sleazy , squalid,flyblown

The nightly news simply announced that the senator had had an affair, but the tabloid published all the sordid details of the interaction.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

spartan

adjective: unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; practicing great self-denial

Synonyms : severe

After losing everything in a fire, Tim decided to live in spartan conditions, sleeping on the floor and owning as little furniture as a possible.

specious

adjective: based on pretense; deceptively pleasing, حسن المظهر
Synonyms : gilded , meretricious
Almost every image on TV is specious and not to be trusted.

adjective: plausible but false, مزيف
Synonyms : spurious
He made a career out of specious arguments and fictional lab results, but lost his job and reputation when his lies were exposed by an article in The New York Times.

spendthrift

noun: one who spends money extravagantly

Synonyms : scattergood , spend-all , spender

Taking weekly trips to Vegas, Megan was a spendthrift whose excesses eventually caught up to her.

splenetic

adjective: very irritable

Synonyms : bristly , prickly , waspish

Ever since the car accident, Frank has been unable to walk without a cane, and so he has become splenetic and unpleasant to be around.

sporadic

adjective: recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances

The signals were at first sporadic, but now we detect a clear, consistent pattern of electromagnetic radiation eminating from deep space.

spurious

adjective: plausible but false

Synonyms : specious

When listening to a politician speak, it is hard to distinguish the spurious claims from the authentic ones.

spurn

verb: reject with contempt

Synonyms : disdain , freeze off , pooh-pooh , reject , scorn , turn down

She spurned all his flattery and proposals, and so he walked off embarrassed and sad.

squander

verb: spend thoughtlessly; waste time, money, or an opportunity

Synonyms : blow , waste,consume , ware

Fearing his money would be squandered by his family, he gave all of it to charity when he died.

squelch

verb: suppress or crush completely

Synonyms : quell , quench

After the dictator consolidated his power, he took steps to squelch all criticism, often arresting any journalist who said anything that could be interpreted as negative about his regime.

staid

adjective: characterized by dignity and propriety

Synonyms : sedate

Frank came from a staid environment, so he was shocked that his college roommate sold narcotics.

stalwart

adjective: dependable; inured to fatigue or hardships

Synonyms : stout,hardy ,sturdy

Despite all the criticism directed at the President during this scandal, Lisa has remained his stalwart supporter.

start

verb: to suddenly move in a particular direction

All alone in the mansion, Henrietta started when she heard a sound.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

staunch

adjective: firm and dependable especially in loyalty

Synonyms : steadfast , unswerving

No longer a staunch supporter of the movement, Todd now will openly question whether its goals are worthwhile.

steadfast

adjective: marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

Synonyms : firm , steady , stiff , unbendable , unfaltering , unshakable , unwavering

A good captain needs to be steadfast, continuing to hold the wheel and stay the course even during the most violent storm.

stem

verb: to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something

To stem the tide of applications, the prestigious Ivy requires that each applicant score at least 330 on the Revised GRE.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

stipend

noun: a regular allowance (of money)

He was hoping for a monthly allowance loan from the government, but after no such stipend was forthcoming he realized he would have to seek other means of paying for his college tuition.

stolid

adjective: having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

Synonyms : impassive

Elephants may appear stolid to casual observers, but they actually have passionate emotional lives.

stringent

adjective: demanding strict attention to rules and procedures

Synonyms : rigorous , tight

Most of the students disliked the teacher because of his stringent homework policy, but many students would later thank him for demanding so much from them.

stultify

verb: cause one, through routine, to lose energy and enthusiasm

Synonyms : cripple

As an undergraduate Mark felt stultified by classes outside his area of study; only in grad school, in which he could focus solely on literary analysis, did he regain his scholarly edge.

stymie

verb: hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of

Synonyms : block , blockade , embarrass , hinder , obstruct , stymy

The engineers found their plans stymied at every turn and were ultimately able to make almost no progress on the project.

subsume

verb: contain or include

The rogue wave quickly subsumed the pier and boardwalk, destroying everything in its path.

verb: consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle

Synonyms : colligate

Don Quixote of La Mancha subsumes all other modern novels, demonstrating modern literary devices and predating even the idea of a postmodern, metanarrative.

subterfuge

noun: something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity

Synonyms : blind

Finally deciding to abandon all subterfuge, Arthur revealed to Cindy everything about his secret affair over the past two years.

subversive

adjective: in opposition to a civil authority or government

Synonyms : insurgent , seditious

The ruling political party has begun a campaign to shut down subversive websites that it deems as a threat to "national safety."

sullen

adjective: showing a brooding ill humor

Synonyms : dark , dour , glowering , glum , moody , morose , saturnine , sour

Herbert took board games too seriously, often appearing sullen after losing.

summit

noun: the peak or highest point

Synonyms : acme , elevation , height , meridian , peak , pinnacle , superlative , tiptop , top, crest , crown

After hiking for two days, the climbers finally reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

noun: a meeting of high-level leaders

Since climate change policy has been mired in congressional fighting, this summit should help set the goals for president's next term.

supercilious

adjective: haughty and disdainful; looking down on others

Synonyms : disdainful , haughty , imperious , lordly , overbearing , prideful , sniffy , swaggering

Nelly felt the Quiz Bowl director acted superciliously towards the underclassmen; really, she fumed, must he act so preternaturally omniscient each time he intones some obscure fact - as though everybody knows that Mt. Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America.

superfluous

adjective: serving no useful purpose

Synonyms : otiose , pointless , purposeless , senseless , wasted

How can we hope to stay open if we don't eliminate all superfluous spending, like catered meetings and free acupucture Tuesday?

adjective: more than is needed, desired, or required

Synonyms : excess , extra , redundant , spare , supererogatory , supernumerary , surplus

The third paragraph in your essay is superfluous and can be deleted.

supplant

verb: take the place or move into the position of

Synonyms : replace , supercede , supersede , supervene upon

For many, a cell phone has supplanted a traditional phone; in fact, most 20-somethings don't even have a traditional phone anymore.

surfeit

noun: an excessive amount of something

Synonyms : excess , overabundance

There was no such thing as a surfeit of shopping for Nancy--she could stay at the outlet stores from opening to closing time.

surly

adjective: inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace

Synonyms : ugly

Every morning, Bhavin was a surly unhappy person, but once he ate breakfast, he became loving, laughing, and a joy to be around.

surreptitious

adjective: stealthy, taking pains not to be caught or detected

Synonyms : furtive , sneak , sneaky , stealthy

Since his mom was a light sleeper, Timmy had to tiptoe surreptitiously through the entire house, careful to not make the floors creak, until he at last was able to enjoy his plunder: a box of chocolate chip cookies.

sybarite

noun: a person who indulges in luxury

Synonyms : voluptuary

Despite the fact that he'd maxed out fifteen credit cards, Max was still a sybarite at heart: when the police found him, he was at a $1,000 an hour spa in Manhattan, getting a facial treatment.

sycophant

noun: a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage

Synonyms : ass-kisser , crawler , lackey , toady

The CEO was unaware of the damaging consequences of his choices, largely because he surrounded himself with sycophants who would never dare criticize him.

taciturn

adjective: habitually reserved and uncommunicative

While the CEO enthusiastically shares his plans and agenda with all who will listen, the CFO is far more taciturn, rarely revealing his perspective.

tact

noun: consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense

Synonyms : tactfulness

In a tremendous display of tact, Shelly was able to maintain a strong friendship with Marcia, even though Marcia's husband, Frank, confessed to finding Shelley more attractive than Marcia.

tantamount

adjective: being essentially equal to something

Synonyms : equivalent

In many situations, remaining silent is tantamount to admitting guilt, so speak to prove your innocence.

tarnish

verb: make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

Synonyms : defile , maculate , stain , sully

Pete Rose was one of the best baseball players of his generation, but his involvement with gambling on baseball games has tarnished his image in the eyes of many.

tawdry

adjective: tastelessly showy; cheap and shoddy

Synonyms : brassy , cheap , flash , flashy , garish , gaudy , gimcrack , loud , meretricious , tacky , tatty , trashy,cheapjack , shoddy

Carol expected to find New York City magical, the way so many movies had portrayed it, but she was surprised how often tawdry displays took the place of genuine elegance.

taxing

adjective: use to the limit; exhaust

Synonyms : burdensome , onerous

The hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney was so taxing that I could barely speak or stand up.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

telling

adjective: significant and revealing of another factor

Her unbecoming dress was very telling when it came to her sense of fashion.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

telltale

adjective: revealing

The many telltale signs of chronic smoking include yellow teeth, and a persistent, hacking cough.

temerity

noun: fearless daring

Synonyms : audaciousness , audacity

No child has the temerity to go in the rundown house at the end of the street and see if it is haunted.

temperance

noun: the trait of avoiding excesses

Synonyms : moderation,sobriety

Welles wasn't known for his temperance--he usually ate enough for two and drank enough for three.

tempered

adjective: moderated in effect

Synonyms : hardened , toughened , treated

The wide-eyed optimism of her youth was now tempered after she had worked many years in the criminal justice system.

tempestuous

adjective: as if driven by turbulent or conflicting emotions; highly energetic and wildly changing or fluctuating

Synonyms : angry , furious , raging , wild

Chuck and Kathy had always been stable and agreeable people on their own, but when they got involved, it was a tempestuous relationship.

tenacious

adjective: stubbornly unyielding

Synonyms : dogged , dour , persistent , pertinacious , unyielding

Even the most tenacious advocates for gun ownership must admit some of the dangers that firearms present.

tendentious

adjective: likely to lean towards a controversial view

Synonyms : tendencious

Because political mudslinging has become a staple of the 24-hour media cycle, most of us, despite protestations to the contrary, are tendentious on many of today's pressing issues.

tender

verb: offer up something formally

Synonyms : bid

The government was loath to tender more money in the fear that it might set off inflation.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

thoroughgoing

adjective: very thorough; complete

Synonyms : exhaustive , thorough

As a thoroughgoing bibliophile, one who had turned his house into a veritable library, he shocked his friends when he bought a Kindle.

thrifty

adjective: spending money wisely

Synonyms : careful

He was economical, spending his money thriftily and on items considered essential.

thwart

verb: hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of

Synonyms : baffle , bilk , cross , foil , frustrate , queer , scotch , spoil

I wanted to spend a week in New York this autumn, but the high costs of travel and lodging thwarted my plans.

timorous

adjective: timid by nature or revealing fear and nervousness

Synonyms : fearful , trepid

Since this was her first time debating on stage and before an audience, Di's voice was timorous and quiet for the first 10 minutes.

tirade

noun: an angry speech

Synonyms : broadside , philippic

In terms of political change, a tirade oftentimes does little more than make the person speaking red in the face.

torpor

noun: inactivity resulting from lethargy and lack of vigor or energy

Synonyms : listlessness , torpidity , torpidness

After work, I was expecting my colleagues to be enthusiastic about the outing, but I found them in a state of complete torpor.

tortuous

adjective: marked by repeated turns and bends; not straightforward

Synonyms : twisting , twisty , voluminous , winding

Because the logic behind McMahon's side of the debate was so tortuous, his audience came out either completely confused or, worse, feeling they'd been tricked.

tout

verb: advertize in strongly positive terms; show off

Synonyms : blow , bluster , boast , brag , gas , gasconade , shoot a line , swash , vaunt

At the conference, the CEO touted the extraordinary success of his company's Research & Development division.

tractable

adjective: readily reacting to suggestions and influences; easily managed (controlled or taught or molded)

Synonyms : amenable,manipulable

Compared to middle school students, who have an untamed wildness about them, high school students are somewhat more tractable.

transient

adjective: lasting a very short time

Synonyms : ephemeral , fugacious , passing , short-lived , transitory

The unpredictable and transient nature of deja vu makes it a very difficult phenomenon to study properly.

transitory

adjective: lasting a very short time

Synonyms : ephemeral , fugacious , passing , short-lived , transient

If we lived forever and life was not transitory, do you think we would appreciate life less or more?

transmute

verb: change or alter in form, appearance, or nature

Synonyms : metamorphose , transform,transubstantiate

One of the goals of alchemy was to find the substance or process that would transmute lead into gold.

travail

noun: use of physical or mental energy; hard work; agony or anguish

Synonyms : effort , elbow grease , exertion , sweat

While they experienced nothing but travails in refinishing the kitchen, they completed the master bedroom in less than a weekend.

travesty

noun: an absurd presentation of something; a mockery

Synonyms : farce , farce comedy,burlesque , charade , lampoon , mockery , parody , pasquinade , put-on , sendup , spoof , takeoff

What I expected to be an intelligent, nuanced historical documentary turned out to be a poorly-produced travesty of the form.

treacherous

adjective: tending to betray

Synonyms : perfidious , punic

Even though Jesse James was an outlaw, his killer, Robert Ford, is remembered more for his treacherous actions than for eliminating a criminal and murder.

adjective: dangerously unstable and unpredictable

Synonyms : unreliable

The bridge built from twine and vine is treacherous to walk across, and so I think I will stay put right here.

trenchant

adjective: characterized by or full of force and vigor; having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect

Synonyms : hard-hitting,searching

Jill presented a rather superficial treatment of sales in Asia, but her trenchant analysis of sales in Europe inspired a number of insights into how to proceed in that market.

tribulation

noun: something, especially an event, that causes difficulty and suffering

Synonyms : trial , visitation

As of 2013, nearly 1.5 million Syrians have fled their country hoping to escape the tribulations of a civil war tearing their country to pieces.

trite

adjective: repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

Synonyms : banal , commonplace , hackneyed , old-hat , shopworn , stock , threadbare , timeworn , tired , well-worn

Many style guides recommend not using idioms in writing because these trite expressions are uninteresting and show a lack of imagination on the part of the writer.

truculence

noun: defiant aggressiveness

Synonyms : truculency

When the boss confronted Aaron about his earlier remarks, Aaron responded with utter truculence, simply throwing a glass of water in the boss' face and walking away.

truculent

adjective: having a fierce, savage nature

Standing in line for six hours, she became progressively truculent, yelling at DMV employees and elbowing other people waiting in line.

truncate

verb: reduce the length of something
Synonym: abridge
The soccer game was truncated when the monsoon rain began to fall.

tumult

noun: a state of chaos, noise and confusion

Synonyms : garboil , tumultuousness , uproar,commotion , din , ruckus , ruction , rumpus

Riots broke out just in front of our apartment building, and the tumult continued late into the night.

turgid

adjective: (of language) pompous and tedious

Synonyms : bombastic , declamatory , large , orotund , tumid

The amount of GRE vocabulary he used increased with his years--by the time he was 60, his novels were so turgid that even his diehard fans refused to read them.

turpitude

noun: depravity; a depraved act

During his reign, Caligula indulged in unspeakable sexual practices, so it not surprising that he will forever be remembered for his turpitude.

tyro

noun: someone new to a field or activity

Synonyms : beginner , initiate , novice , tiro

All great writers, athletes, and artists were tyros at one time—unknown, clumsy, and unskilled with much to learn.

umbrage

noun: a feeling of anger caused by being offended

Synonyms : offence , offense

Since he was so in love with her, he took umbrage at her comments, even though she had only meant to gently tease him.

unassailable

adjective: immune to attack; without flaws

Synonyms : impregnable , inviolable , secure , strong , unattackable,bulletproof , unshakable , watertight

Professor Williams is so self-assured as to seem arrogant, presenting each and every opinion as an unassailable fact.

uncanny

adjective: suggesting the operation of supernatural influences; surpassing the ordinary or normal

Synonyms : eldritch , unearthly , weird,preternatural

Reggie has an uncanny ability to connect with animals: feral cats will readily approach him, and sometimes even wild birds will land on his finger.

uncompromising

adjective: not making concessions

Synonyms : inflexible , sturdy

The relationship between Bart and Hilda ultimately failed because they were both so uncompromising, never wanting to change their opinions.

unconscionable

adjective: unreasonable; unscrupulous; excessive

Synonyms : exorbitant , extortionate , outrageous , steep , usurious

The lawyer's demands were so unconscionable that rather than pay an exorbitant sum or submit himself to any other inconveniences, the defendant decided to find a new lawyer.

undermine

adjective: to weaken (usually paired with an abstract term)

The student undermined the teacher's authority by questioning the teacher's judgment on numerous occasions.

underscore

verb: give extra weight to (a communication)

Synonyms : emphasise , emphasize , underline

While the hiking instructor agreed that carrying a first aid kit could be a good idea under certain circumstances, he underscored the importance of carrying enough water.

underwrite

verb: to support financially

Synonyms : subvent , subvention

The latest symphony broadcast was made possible with underwriting from the Carnegie Endowment.

unequivocal

adjective: admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion

Synonyms : unambiguous , univocal

The President's first statement on the subject was vague and open to competing interpretations, so when he spoke to Congress about the same subject later, he was cafeful to make his position completely unequivocal.

unflappable

adjective: not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure

Synonyms : imperturbable

The house shook and the ground quaked, but my dad was unflappable and comforted the family.

unforthcoming

adjective: uncooperative, not willing to give up information

The teacher demanded to know who broke the window while he was out of the room, but the students understandably were unforthcoming.

unimpeachable

adjective: free of guilt; not subject to blame; beyond doubt or reproach

Synonyms : blameless , inculpable , irreproachable

After his long and unimpeachable service to the company, Sharat felt that a gold watch was a slap in the face rather than an honor.

unnerve

verb: to make nervous or upset

Synonyms : enervate , faze , unsettle

At one time unnerved by math problems, she began avidly "Magoosh-ing", and soon became adept at even combinations and permutations questions.

unprecedented

adjective: having never been done or known before; novel

When America first created its national parks, the idea of setting aside the most beautiful land in a country was unprecedented in the history of mankind.

unprepossessing

adjective: creating an unfavorable or neutral first impression

Synonyms : unpresentable

World leaders coming to meet Gandhi would expect a towering sage, and often would be surprised by the unprepossessing little man dressed only in a loincloth and shawl.

unpropitious

adjective: (of a circumstance) with little chance of success

With only a bottle of water and a sandwich, the hikers faced an unpropitious task: ascending a huge mountain that took most two days to climb.

unruly

adjective: (of persons) noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline; unwilling to submit to authority

Synonyms : boisterous , rambunctious , robustious , rumbustious,disobedient

Walk in to any preschool and I am sure that you will find an unruly and chaotic scene - unless it's nap time.

unscrupulous

adjective: without scruples or principles

In the courtroom, the lawyer was unscrupulous, using every manner of deceit and manipulation to secure a victory for himself.

unseemly

adjective: not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

Synonyms : indecent , indecorous , unbecoming , uncomely , untoward

He acted in an unseemly manner, insulting the hostess and then speaking ill of her deceased husband.

unstinting

adjective: very generous

Synonyms : lavish , munificent , overgenerous , too-generous , unsparing , unstinted

Helen is unstinting with her time, often spending hours at the house of a sick friend.

untenable

adjective: (of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified

Synonyms : indefensible

With the combination of Kepler's brilliant theories and Galileo's telescopic observations, the old geocentric theory became untenable to most of the educated people in Europe.

untoward

adjective: unfavorable; inconvenient

Synonyms : indecent , indecorous , unbecoming , uncomely , unseemly,adverse , inauspicious

Some professors find teaching untoward as having to prepare for lectures and conduct office hours prevents them from focusing on their research.

untrammeled

adjective: not confined or limited

Synonyms : untrammelled

The whole notion of living untrammeled inspired the American Revolution and was enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

unviable

adjective: not able to work, survive, or succeed (also spelled inviable).

The plan was obviously unviable considering that it lead to complete environmental destruction in the river valley.

upbraid

verb: to reproach; to scold

Bob took a risk walking into the "Students Barbershop" - in the end he had to upbraid the apparently drunk barber for giving him an uneven bowl cut.

urbane

adjective: showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience

Synonyms : polished , refined , svelte

Because of his service as an intelligence officer and his refined tastes, W. Somerset Maugham became the inspiration for the urbane and sophistcate spy James Bond.

vacillate

verb: be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

Synonyms : hover , oscillate , vibrate,fluctuate , waver

Some students vacillate between schools when deciding which to attend, while others focus only on one school.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

vacuous

adjective: devoid of intelligence, matter, or significance

Synonyms : asinine , fatuous , inane , mindless,empty , hollow

To the journalist's pointed question, the senator gave a vacuous response, mixing a few of his overall campaign slogans with platitudes and completely avoiding the controversial subject of the question.

vanquish

verb: come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

Synonyms : beat , beat out , crush , shell , trounce

For years, Argentina would dominate in World Cup qualifying matches, only to be vanquished by one of the European countries during the late stages of the tournament.

variance

noun: the quality of being different

The cynic quipped, "There is not much variance in politicians; they all seem to lie".

vaunted

adjective: highly or widely praised or boasted about

For years, they had heard of New York City's vaunted skyline, and when they finally saw it, the spectacular cityscape did not disappoint them in the least.

vehement

adjective: marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions

Synonyms : fierce , tearing , trigger-happy , violent

While the other employees responded to the bad news in a measured way, Andrew responded in a vehement manner, tipping over his desk and shouting at the top of his lungs.

venality

noun: the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption

Even some of the most sacred sporting events are not immune to venality, as many of the officials have received substantial bribes to make biased calls.

veneer

noun: covering consisting of a thin superficial layer that hides the underlying substance

Mark Twain referred to the Victorian Period in America as the "Gilded Age", implying the ample moral corruption that lay beneath a mere veneer of respectability

venerate

verb: to respect deeply

Synonyms : fear , revere , reverence

The professor, despite his sleep-inducing lectures, was venerated amongst his colleagues, publishing more papers yearly than all of his peers combined.

venial

adjective: easily excused or forgiven; pardonable

Synonyms : excusable , forgivable

His traffic violations ran the gamut from the venial to the egregious - on one occasion he simply did not come to a complete stop; another time he tried to escape across state lines at speeds in excess of 140 mph.

veracious

adjective: truthful

Synonyms : right

While we elect our leaders in the hope that every word they speak will be veracious, history has shown that such a hope is naive.

verisimilitude

noun: the appearance of truth

All bad novels are bad for numerous reasons; all good novels are good for their verisimilitude of reality, placing the readers in a world that resembles the one they know.

veritable

adjective: truthfully, without a doubt

Synonyms : authentic , bona fide , unquestionable

Frank is a veritable life-saver - last year, on two different occasions, he revived people using CPR.

vicarious

adjective: felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another

The advent of twitter is a celebrity stalker's dream, as he or she can - through hundreds of intimate "tweets" - vicariously live the life of a famous person.

vicissitude

noun: change in one's circumstances, usually for the worse

Even great rulers have their vicissitudes - massive kingdoms have diminished overnight, and once beloved kings have faced the scorn of angry masses.

vie

verb: compete for something

Synonyms : compete , contend

While the other teams in the division actively vie for the championship, this team seems content simply to go through the motions of playing.

vilify

verb: spread negative information about

Synonyms : rail , revile , vituperate

Todd was noble after the divorce, choosing to say only complimentary things about Barbara, but Barbara did not hesitate to vilify Todd.

vindicate

verb: to clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting arguments or proof

Synonyms : justify

Even seven Tour de France wins cannot vindicate Lance Armstrong in the eyes of the public--that the athlete used performance enhancing drugs invalidates all those wins.

vindictive

adjective: to have a very strong desire for revenge

Though the other girl had only lightly poked fun of Vanessa's choice in attire, Vanessa was so vindictive that she waited for an entire semester to get the perfect revenge.

virago

noun: an ill-tempered or violent woman

Synonyms : amazon

Poor Billy was the victim of the virago's invective - she railed at him for a good 30-minutes about how he is the scum of the earth for speaking loudly on his cellphone in public.

vitriol

noun: abusive or venomous language used to express blame or bitter deep-seated ill will

Synonyms : invective , vituperation

His vitriol spewed forth from a deep-seated racism that consumed his whole life.

vitriolic

adjective: harsh or corrosive in tone

Synonyms : acerb , acerbic , acid , acrid , bitter , blistering , caustic , sulfurous , sulphurous , virulent

While the teacher was more moderate in her criticism of the other student's papers, she was vitriolic toward Peter's paper, casting every flaw in the harshest light.

vituperate

adjective: to criticize harshly; to berate

Synonyms : rail , revile , vilify

Jason had dealt with disciplinarians before, but nothing prepared him for the first week of boot camp, as drill sergeants vituperated him for petty oversights such as forgetting to double knot the laces on his boots.

vociferous

adjective: conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

Synonyms : blatant , clamant , clamorous , strident

In giving Marcia a particular vociferous response, Paul caused people at every other table in the restaurant to turn around an look at them angrily.

volubility

noun: the quality of talking or writing easily and continuously

Synonyms : articulateness , fluency

The professor's volubility knows no bounds; he could talk through a hurricane and elaborate a point from one St. Patrick's Day to the next.

voracious

adjective: very hungry; approaching an activity with gusto

Synonyms : edacious , esurient , rapacious , ravening , ravenous , wolfish

Steven was a voracious reader, sometimes finishing two novels in the same day.

wanting

adjective: lacking

Synonyms : deficient , lacking

She did not think her vocabulary was wanting, yet there were so many words that inevitably she found a few she didn't know.

wanton

adjective: without check or limitation; showing no moral restraints to one's anger, desire, or appetites

Synonyms : easy , light , loose , promiscuous , sluttish

Due to wanton behavior and crude language, the drunk man was thrown out of the bar and asked to never return.&@`
wax

whimsical

adjective: determined by impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

Synonyms : capricious , impulsive

Adults look to kids and envy their whimsical nature at times, wishing that they could act without reason and play without limitation.

winsome

adjective: charming in a childlike or naive way

She was winsome by nature, and many people were drawn to this free and playful spirit.

zeitgeist

noun: spirit of the times

Each decade has its own zeitgeist - the 1990's was a prosperous time in which the promise of the American Dream never seemed more palpable.

zenith

noun: the highest point; culmination

At the zenith of his artistic career, Elvis was outselling any other artist on the charts.&@