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254 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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ABANDON
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to give up completely
- abandoned the sinking ship. |
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ABASH
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To lose self-confidence; to confuse, put to shame
– abashed before the assembled dignitaries. Synonyms: fluster, disconcert, discomfit, discompose Antonym: (adj.) self-possessed |
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ABDICATE
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To give up claim to
- abdicated the throne Synonyms: renounce, abandon, relinquish |
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ABET
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To encourage -or support
- treacherously abetted the enemy. Synonyms: spur, incite Antonym: deter |
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ABRIDGE
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To shorten
- abridged his lengthy speech. Synonyms: curtail, diminish, retrench Anthonyms: protract, elongate, amplify |
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ABROGATE
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To abolish or render void
- a treaty abrogated by mutual consent. Synonyms: annul, nullify, rescind, void |
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ABSTEMIOUS
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Moderate in the use of food or drink
- abstemious in his habits. Synonym: temperate |
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ACADEMIC
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Pertaining to school; theoretical academic interests; an academic discussion, with no practical implications.
Synonym: scholastic |
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ACCEDE
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To agree to
-accede to a request. Synonym: assent Antonym: demur |
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ACCELERATE
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To quicken, speed tip
- took an accelerated course in order to graduate early. Synonym: expedite (adj. expeditious) Antonym: retard |
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ACCOLADE
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An award or salute
- a tremendous accolade for a returning hero. Synonyms: tribute, ovation |
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ACCORD
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Agreement or harmony
- in full accord with his view. Synonyms: concord, concurrence Antonyms:dissension, discord |
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ACRIMONIOUS
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Sharp or harsh in language or temper
- stung by the acrimonious remark. Synonyms:caustic, acerb, pungent, tart, mordant, acrid; (noun) asperity Antonyms:suave, affable |
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ACUMEN
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Keenness of mind or insight
- showing exceptional business acumen. Synonyms:perspicacity, discernment, perception Antonym:obtuseness |
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ADMONISH
(noun: ADMONITION) |
To warn or find fault gently
- admonishing the unruly child. Synonyms:chide, caution, reprimand, reprehend, reproach |
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ADVERSARY
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An opponent
- his adversary in a bitter debate. Synonym:antagonist Antonyms:cohort, confederate, ally, accomplice |
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ADVERSITY
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Misfortune
- calm in the face of adversity. Synonyms:affliction, mischance, reverses |
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AESTHETIC
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Pertaining to the beautiful
- interested in aesthetic values rather than in purely practical affairs. |
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AFFABLE
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Sociable, courteous, and agreeable in manner a much admired, affable gentleman.
Synonyms: civil, complaisant, benign, gracious, genial, urbane, cordial Antonyms:curt, brusque, rude, boorish, surly |
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AFFLUENT
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Prosperous, flourishing; copious - a large bequest from an affluent grandfather.
Synonyms:opulent, profuse Antonyms:destitute, impecunious |
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AGGRESSIVE
(noun: AGGRESSION. an unprovoked attack) |
self-assertive; attacking, offensive
- annoyed people by his aggressive attitude; Synonyms:bumptious, officious, obtrusive Antonyms:meek, humble, retiring, diffident |
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ALACRITY
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Eagerness; cheerful promptness
- responded to the flattering offer with alacrity. Synonyms:celerity, briskness, energy, animation Antonyms:apathy, nonchalance, sluggishness, lethargy, phlegmatism |
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ALIENATE
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To estrange
- altenated by his gruff manner. |
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ALLAY
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To calm; to lessen in severity
- at ease now that his fears have been allayed. Synonyms:appease, alleviate, pacify, assuage, abate, mitigate, propitiate, mollify, placate Antonyms:intensify, aggravate |
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ALLUDE
(noun: ALLUSION) |
To refer to indirectly
- alluded quite subtly to his friend's misfortune. Synonyms:insinuate, intimate, imply Antonyms:refer, cite |
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ALLURE
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To tempt by flattery or an attractive offer
- allured by the prospect of a new job. Synonyms:lure, decoy, inveigle, entice, seduce, wheedle, beguile, cajole Antonym:repel |
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AMBIGUOUS
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Uncertain, vague, capable of being inter- in more than one way
- puzzled by the ambiguous statement. Synonyms:hazy, obscure, equivocal, dubious, nebulous Antonyms:explicit, unquestionable |
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AMENABLE
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Obedient; willing to submit
- amenable to the suggestion. Synonyms:tractable, docile, responsive Antonyms:intractable, refractory, recalcitrant |
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AMIABLE
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Good-natured; friendly
- attracted friends by his amiable disposition. Synonym:complaisant |
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ANACHRONISM
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A thing placed or occurring out of its normal time
- A machine gun at the Battle of Yorktown would be an anachronism. |
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ANALOGY
(adj.: ANALOGOUS) |
A relation between two things shown in the resemblance not of the things themselves but of their characteristics
- He indicated points of analogy between the two situations. Synonyms:correspondence, affinity Antonym: anomaly (a deviation from the general rule) |
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ANARCHY
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State of confusion or lawlessness
- a country brought to utter anarchy by civil war. Synonyms: chaos, pandemonium |
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ANIMUS
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A feeling of hatred-felt no animus, even against the enemy.
Synonyms: enmity, rancor, malevolence, animosity Antonym: amity |
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ANNALS
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Historical records
- in the annals of literature. |
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ANONYMOUS
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Of unknown authorship
- an anonymous publication. |
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ANTHOLOGY
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A collection of choice literary works
– an anthology of modern poetry. |
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ANTITHESIS
(adj.: ANTITHETICAL) |
Contrast; the direct opposite
- His selfish attitude seemed to me the antithesis o patriotism. |
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APATHY
(adj.: APATHETIC) |
Lack of feeling, emotion, or interest
- attributed his failure to apathy, rather than lack of ability. Synonyms: torpor, lethargy, sluggishness, listlessness, languor, lassitude, dispassion; (verb) languish Antonyms:zeal, animation |
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APPREHENSIVE
(verb: APPREHEND) |
Fearful
- Being unprepared, John is apprehensive of the examination. |
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APPRISE
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To inform
- apprisedhis lieutenants of the new situation. |
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APPROBATION
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Approval; praise
-a plan that met with hearty approbation. Synonyms:sanction, commendation Synonyms:sanction, commendation Antonym:disapprobation |
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APT
(noun: APTITUDE, APTNESS) |
(1) Likely; inclined or disposed - apt to succeed.
Synonym: prone (2) Fit, suitable - an apt remark. Synonyms: appropriate, felicitous (3) Skillful, expert - apt at woodcarving. Synonyms: deft, dextrous, adept. Antonym: inept |
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ARBITER
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A person who has authority to decide matters in dispute
- a fair decision rendered by the arbiter. Synonyms: mediator, arbitrator |
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ARCHETYPE
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An original pattern - copies reproduced from the archetype.
Synonym: prototype Antonyms: Stereotype, facsimile, replica |
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ARID
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Dry; barren
- the arid desert land. Synonyms. jejune, parched Antonyms: arable, fertile |
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ARISTOCRACY
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Government by the best people; a privileged class
- special privileges enjoyed by the aristocracy. Synonym: oligarchy Antonym: democracy |
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ARMISTICE
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A temporary suspension of hostilities.
- The armistice halted the war. Synonym: truce |
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ARTFUL
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Sly; crafty
- attained his mean objective by artful measures. Synonyms: cunning, wily, adroit, ingenious, guileful Antonyms: guileless, ingenuous, artless |
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ARTICULATE (verb)
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To speak clearly or distinctly
- articulated slowly so that he could not be misunderstood. (adj.): Capable of speech; distinct, clear – an articulate man, always ready to give his views. |
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ASCETIC
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Rigorously self-denying
- pursued the ascetic life of a monk. Synonyms: austere, abstinent Antonyms: wanton, self-indulgent |
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ASKANCE
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With distrust
- looked askance at the forged signature. |
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ASSEVERATE
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To declare positively; to confirm
- asseverated his views with conviction. Synonyms:assert, avouch, aver, avow, allege Antonyms:gainsay, controvert, recant, rescind, abjure, disavow |
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ASSIDUOUS
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Industrious
- an assiduous worker, toiling long hours. Synonyms:sedulous, attentive, diligent, indefatigable Antonyms:indolent, slothful |
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ASYLUM
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A place offering shelter and retreat
- found asylum from persecution. Synonyms:sanctuary, refuge |
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ATHEIST
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One who denies that God exists
- The atheist declared, "There is no God." Synonyms:infidel, agnostic, skeptic |
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ATTRIBUTE
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(verb): Assign
-attributed his success to bard work. Synonym: ascribe (noun): An inherent quality -Generosity was his outstanding attribute. |
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AUGMENT
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To increase or enlarge
- an army augmented by numerous enlistments. Synonyms: enhance, amplify Antonyms: abate, curtail |
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AUSPICIOUS
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Indicating a happy outcome
- The prospect for this project appears auspicious. Synonyms:propitious, fortunate Antonyms:ominous, foreboding |
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AUTHENTIC
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Genuine
-proved to be an authentic document. Synonyms:veritable, bona fide Antonyms;apocryphal, counterfeit, spurious, bogus |
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AUTOCRATIC
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Despotic
- feared by the masses as an autocratic ruler. Synonym:tyrannical Antonym:benevolent |
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AVARICE
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Excessive greed
- a fortune accumulated by avarice and miserliness. Synonyms:covetousness, cupidity, avidity Antonym:magnanimity |
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AWRY
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Unsymmetrical; not straight
- the picture, hanging awry on the wall. Synonym:askew |
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BANAL
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Lacking in freshness, originality, or vigor
- bored by his banal remarks. Synonyms:commonplace, hackneyed, prosaic, trite, stereotyped, vapid Antonyms:racy, original, vivid |
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BANEFUL
(noun: BANE: poison; source of harm) |
Destructive, poisonous
- a baneful effect, causing serious injury. Synonyms: deleterious, pernicious, virulent, noxious, toxic Antonym:beneficent |
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BANTER
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Good-natured teasing or ridicule
-The two wits I exchanged banter, to the amusement of the audience. Synonyms:raillery, chaff |
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BATON
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A stick or staff
- The conductor wielded his baton gracefully. |
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BELIE
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To give a false idea of
- His gracious manner belled his. evil purpose. Synonym:misrepresent |
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BELLICOSE
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Inclined to quarrel; warlike
- His bellicose attitude often got John into fights. Synonyms: pugnacious, contentious, disputatious Antonyms: pacific, conciliatory |
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BELLIGERENT
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Engaged in war
- two belligerent nations warring fiercely. |
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BENEVOLENT
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Kindly; charitable
- like a benevolent monarch, bestowing many favors. Synonyms: benign, benignant, gracious, magnanimous Antonyms: malevolent, malignant |
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BEREAVE
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To deprive or leave desolate by loss
- a widow just bereaved of her husband. |
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BESMIRCH
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To soil or dirty
- besmirched his opponent's good name with vile epithets. Synonyms: stilly, defile, smirch, bespatter |
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BIASED
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Prejudiced
- misled by a biased point of view. Synonyms:bigoted, arbitrary, partial, partisan Antonyms:disinterested, equitable |
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BIBLIOPHILE
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A lover of books
- The bibliophile fingered the old book fondly. Antonym: bibliophobe |
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BIZARRE
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Queer; unusual in appearance
- bizarre clothes, outlandish in the extreme. Synonyms:odd, fantastic, grotesque, eccentric |
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BLAND
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Gentle; polite; agreeable
- a bland diet, without irritating foods. Synonyms: mild, suave (affable or persuasive in manner), soothing, non-irritating Antonyms: piquant, tart, racy, caustic, acrid, pungent |
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BLANDISHMENT
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A flattering speech or act
- attracted people by his blandishments. |
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BLEMISH
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(verb): To scar or spoil
- Bad associates blemished his character (noun): A disfigurement, defect - a character without a blemish. |
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BLIGHT
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To ruin or decay
- the rotting wheat-, blighted by incessant rain. Synonyms:wither, blast |
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BLITHE
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Gay and light-hearted in spirit or mood
- spread cheer with her blithe spirit. Synonyms: jocund, merry, joyous Antonyms: dejected, forlorn, abject |
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BOG
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A swamp
- sank into the spongy bog. Synonyms: morass, fen, quagmire, mire |
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BOMBASTIC
(noun: BOMBAST) |
High-sounding; pretentious in language
- a bombastic speech, inflated with meaningless high-flown words. Synonyms: ranting, pompous, fustian |
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BOORISH
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Unrefined in speech or manners
- exhibited the boorish manners of a backwoodsman. Synonyms:churlish, uncouth. uncultured, crass Antonym: suave |
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BUCOLIC
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Pertaining to the country
- a bucolic poem de- the joys of the shepherd. Synonyms:pastoral, rustic, rural |
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BUFFOON
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A clown
- acting like a buffoon, full of ludicrous tricks. Synonym: harlequin |
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BULWARK
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1)An embankment used as a fortification
- a lofty bulwark for defense. Synonym: rampart 2)A person, idea, or object serving as a protection - acted as a bulwark in the fight against crime. |
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BUMPTIOUS
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Obnoxiously conceited or self-assertive
- a bumptious monitor, puffed up with his own importance, Synonyms: aggressive, arrogant, contumelious, overbearing |
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CABAL
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A small group of persons engaged in plotting
- a cabal of prominent persons united to overthrow the government. Synonyms: junto, faction |
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CACOPHONOUS
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Unharmonious sounding
- a cacophonous blare of trumpets, noisy and discordant. Synonyms: dissonant, discordant, blatant, strident, raucous Antonyms: mellifluous, euphonious, dulcet |
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CADAVEROUS
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Corpselike; hence, haggard, pale
-His face appeared cadaverous from long imprisonment. Synonyms: ghastly, gaunt, pallid (noun: pallor), wan, ashen Antonyms: rubicund, florid |
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CALLOUS
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Unfeeling or insensitive
- made callous by long suffering. Synonyms: insensible, obdurate |
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CALUMNIATE
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To accuse falsely or maliciously in order to injure another's reputation; slander
- calumniated his political opponent by spreading false rumors. Synonyms: asperse, vilify, defame, scandalize |
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CANDID (noun: CANDOR)
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Frank, outspoken
- impartial a candid reply that could hardly be more forthright. Synonyms: artless, ingenuous, unbiased Antonyms: guileful, evasive |
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CANTANKEROUS
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Ill-natured; quarrelsome
– showed a cantankerous and sullen disposition. Synonyms:petulant, peevish, contentious, pugnacious, testy, choleric, fretful Antonyms:amiable, affable, equable |
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CAPRICIOUS
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Inclined, through some whim or fancy change the mind, purpose, or actions suddenly
- a capricious person, undependable in mood or temper. Synonyms:fickle, fitful, changeable, erratic, inconstant, crotchety, whimsical, mercurial Antonyms:steadfast, constant, even-tempered |
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CAPTIOUS
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Quick to find fault about trifles
- a captious critic pouncing on slight laws. Synonyms:hypercritical, carping, carviling, censorious |
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CARICATURE
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A picture or other description of a person which exaggerates ludicrously one or more of his distinctive features
- not a realistic portrait but a malicious caricature. |
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CASTIGATE
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To punish or criticize severely
- castigated for using improper language. Synonyms:reprove, upbraid, reprehend, censure, reprimand, chasten Antonyms:commend, eulogize, laud |
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CELESTIAL
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Pertaining to the sky; heavenly
- a celestial pageant of bright stars. Synonyms:ethereal; (noun) firmament |
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CHAUVINIST
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An extreme patriot
-a chauvinist with most pride in his country. Synonym:jingoist |
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CHICANERY
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Trickery, deception
- practised chicanery all his shady dealings. Synonyms:duplicity, craft, stratagem, wile, subterfuge |
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CHRONIC
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Continuing a long time; habitual
-a. chronic complaint, persisting for years. Synonyms:persistent, unremitting, inveterate, incessant, constant Antonyms:intermittent, sporadic, infrequent |
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CIRCUMSPECT
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Cautious
- looked about him circumspectly. Synonyms:prudent, vigilant, discreet, wary Antonyms:rash, indiscreet, reckless, precipitate, foothardy, temerarious, headstrong |
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CIRCUMVENT
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To gain an advantage by the use of trick to evade by the use of deception; to go around
- circumvented the law by evasive practices. Synonyms:thwart, balk, outwit, delude |
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CIVIL
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Of or having to do with citizens or the state
- We I civil duties as well as civil liberties. Polite, courteous - answered in a civil fashion. Synonyms: respectful, gracious |
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CLAMOROUS
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Loud and noisy
- a clamorous outburst the crowd outside. Synonyms: vociferous, obstreperous, blatant, raucous, strident Antonyms: muted, quiet |
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CLANDESTINE
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Secret; stealthy
- a clandestine meeting known only to a few. Synonyms: furtive, covert, surreptitious Antonyms: overt, manifest, above-board |
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CLEMENT
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Merciful; gentle
- a clement judge who tempered justice with leniency. Synonyms: compassionate, forbearing Antonyms: relentless, ruthless |
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COALITION (verb: COALESCE)
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Alliance; merging of various units into one unit
- three parties forming a coalition to rule the country. Synonyms: amalgamation, consolidation, fusion |
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COERCION
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Compelling a person by physical force or other means to do something against his will
- rendered his services without the slightest coercion. Synonyms: constraint, restraint, impelling |
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COGENT
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Having the force to compel, usually by appealing to reason
- persuaded by cogent arguments. Synonym: persuasive |
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COLLUSION
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Working together secretly for an evil purpose
- acted in collusion to overthrow the government. Synonyms: collaboration, conspiracy, conniving, machination |
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COMMODIOUS
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Roomy
- a commodious apartment. Synonyms: spacious, capacious, ample |
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COMPATIBLE
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Harmonious; able
- to get along together parted company because they were not compatible. Synonyms: congruous, consistent Antonyms: incongruous, discordant, incompatible |
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COMPENDIUM
(adj.: COMPENDIOUS) |
A brief summary of the main ideas of a larger work
- a compendium of chemistry in a slim volume. Synonyms: synopsis, digest, precis, abstract, epitome |
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COMPENSATION
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Payment for services
- just compensation for his labor. Synonyms: stipend, remuneration, recompense, emolument |
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COMPLACENT
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Self-satisfied
- looked on his own performance with a complacent smile. Synonym: smug |
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COMPUNCTION
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Regret for wrongdoing
- displayed slight compunction for his misdeed. Synonyms: contrition, penitence, atonement, remorse, qualm |
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CONCEDE
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To yield; to admit as true; to grant
- conceded victory to a superior force. Synonyms: acquiesce, capitulate |
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CONDIGN
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Well-deserved (applied chiefly to punishment)
- received condign punishment for his crime. |
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CONDOLE
(noun: CONDOLENCE) |
To express sympathy with another in sorrow, pain, or misfortune
- condoled with each other in their grief. Synonyms: commiserate, show compassion, solace |
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CONDONE
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To forgive or overlook (an offense)
- condoned the deed, in view of the offender's age. Synonyms: extenuate, palliate, mitigate, gloss |
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CONFEDERATE
(noun)(adj.) |
(noun): A person allied with others for a special purpose (frequently a bad one)
- joined his confederate in secret enterprise. Synonyms: collaborator, accomplice (adj.): United or allied in a conspiracy - two confederate groups hurrying to their rendezvous. |
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CONGENIAL
(2 answer) |
(1) Possessing similar interests and tastes; able to get on well with others
- congenial people with similar backgrounds. Synonym: compatible (2) Agreeable - congenial to his taste. |
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CONJECTURE
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To guess
- Without facts, we can only conjecture about his guilt. Synonyms: surmise, presume |
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CONSECRATE
(2 answer) |
(1) To set apart as sacred
- consecrate the battlefield with a monument to the dead heroes. Synonyms: hallow, sanctify Antonym: desecrate (2) To devote or dedicate to some aim - consecrated his life to teaching. |
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CONSENSUS
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General agreement
- The consensus of the committee was that no action should be taken. Synonym: accord |
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CONSTERNATION
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Amazement; lack of courage caused by fearful prospect
- The threat struck deep consternation into John. Synonyms: dismay, bewilderment |
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CONSTRUE
(noun: CONSTRUCTION) |
To interpret, explain the sense of, or analyze
- construed the statement to his own advantage. |
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CONSUMMATE
(adj.)(verb) |
(adj.): Perfect or highly accomplished
- achieved with consummate skill. Antonyms: botched. bungled, inept (verb): To complete, bring to perfection - consummated the deal without delay. |
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CONTEMPTUOUS
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Expressive of contempt (an emotion involving anger and disgust)
- cast a contemptuous look at his subordinate. Synonyms: supercilious, scornful, disdainful, contumelious |
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CONVIVIAL
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Festive; gay
- a convivial party. Synonyms: jovial, jocund, mirthful Antonyms: lugubrious, dolorous, mirthless |
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COPIOUS
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Plentiful
- shed copious tears at the bad news. Synonyms. profuse, bountiful, abundant Antonyms: meager, scant |
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CORPULENT
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Fat
- corpulent due to excessive eating. Synonyms: obese, portly Antonyms: gaunt, lank, emaciated, peaked |
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COSMOPOLITAN
(noun)(adj.) |
(noun):One who is at home in all countries
- A cosmopolitan can feel at ease anywhere in the world. (adj.): Free from local prejudices - a world-wide traveler, cosmopolitan in tastes and attitudes. Synonyms: Catholic Antonyms: parochial, provincial |
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COTERIE
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A group of people joined by common interests
- a coterie of select friend. Synonym: clique |
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COUNTENANCE
(noun)(verb) |
(noun): A face
- His countenance expressed his complete disgust. Synonym: visage (verb): To approve - refused to countenance disrespectful conduct. Synonym: sanction |
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CRASS
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Coarse and stupid
- displayed crass ignorance. Synonym: gross |
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CRAVEN
(noun)(adj.) |
(noun): Coward
- the deed of a craven, motivated by fear. Synonym. Poltroon (adj.): Cowardly - a craven act which shocked the world. Synonyms: pusillanimous, dastardly. Antonyms: stalwart, intrepid, valiant, stout-hearted |
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CREDENCE
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Trust or belief
- gave little credence to the rumor. Synonym: conviction Antonym: skepticism |
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CREDIBLE
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Worthy of belief
- a credible story, true to life. Antonym: incredible |
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CREDITABLE
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Deserving or reflecting Credit or honor
- applauded for his creditable performance. Synonyms: praiseworthy, meritorious, commendable Antonyms: discreditable, infamous, opprobrious, ignominious |
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CREDULOUS
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Inclined to believe anything; easily imposed upon
- a credulous fool whom anyone can dupe. Synonym: gullible Antonyms: incredulous, skeptical |
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CRINGE
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To shrink in fear
- cringing before superior force. Synonyms, cower, flinch, fawn, truckle, wince |
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CRUCIAL
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Decisive or critical; difficult
- the crucial event that decided the outcome. |
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CRYPTIC
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Containing hidden meaning
- a cryptic message, difficult to decipher. Synonyms: occult, enigmatic Antonyms: palpable, manifest |
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CULPABLE
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Deserving blame or censure
- removed from office for culpable negligence. Synonyms: censurable, reprehensible |
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CUMBROUS
|
Burdensome and clumsy
- a cumbrous knapsack, impeding his march. Synonyms: cumbersome, unwieldy, bulk |
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CURB
|
To control, check, or restrain
- forcibly curbed the people's protest. Synonyms: repress, subdue |
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CURSORY
|
Hurried; hence, superficial
- Time permitted only a cursory examination. Antonyms: painstaking, meticulous |
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CURT
|
Rudely abrupt
- offended by the curt response. Synonyms: blunt, brusque, bluff Antonyms: affable, civil |
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CYNICAL
|
Sneeringly distrustful of the good motives or conduct of others
- belittled the hero with a cynical remark. Synonyms: sarcastic, surly |
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DEARTH
|
Scarcity
- a dearth of news, brought about by censorship. Antonyms: plethora, abundance |
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DEFERENCE
|
Submitting to the wishes or judgment of another
- yielded out of deference to the old man. Synonyms: respect, complaisance, veneration Antonym: recalcitrance |
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DEITY
|
A god
-The sun was a deity to ancient peoples. Synonym: divinity |
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DELECTABLE
|
Very pleasing
- a delectable meal, tastefully prepared. |
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DELETE
|
To erase or cancel, take out or remove
- deletedan offensive phrase. Synonyms: expunge, censor, efface, eradicate |
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DELINEATE
|
To sketch or portray
- striking features, delineated by a master artist. |
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DELINQUENT
(noun)(adj.) |
(noun): An offender
- found to be a delinquent by the court. (adj.): Failing to fulfill an obligation - too many people who are delinquent in meeting their civic duties. Synonym: derelict |
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DELUGE
|
A great flood; downpour
- a spring deluge which caused the river to overflow. |
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DEMAGOGUE
|
A leader who tries to stir the passions of people for his own purposes
- the mob roused by an unprincipled demagogue. |
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DEMEANOR
|
Behavior; bearing
- carrying himself with a proud demeanor. Synonyms: deportment, mien |
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DEMURE
|
Affectedly or falsely modest or prim
- serious demure as a Victorian maiden. Synonyms: sedate, staid, decorous, prudish, coy Antonyms: immodest, frivolous |
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DENOUNCE
(noun: DENUNCIATION) |
To speak against
- denounced by the press as a traitor. Synonyms: stigmatize, censure, reprehend, castigate Antonyms: laud, eulogize |
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DEPLETE
|
To empty or to use up
- depleted the public treasury by vast building programs. Synonyms: exhaust, drain Antonyms: replenish; (adj.) replete |
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DEPLORE
|
To express sorrow or grief over
- a lamentable situation deplored by all parties. Synonyms: lament, decry, grieve |
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DEPRAVED
|
Of low morals; corrupt
- a depraved mind, devising evil. Synonyms: debased, wicked, vicious, perverted |
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DEPRECATE
|
To plead or argue against a certain course of action
- deprecated the proposal severely. Synonyms: remonstrate, protest, decry, expostulate Antonym: sanction |
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DEPRECIATE
|
To belittle or speak slightingly of
- depreciated John's acting ability. Synonyms: disparage, derogate (adj. derogatory) Antonyms: enhance, magnify, extol, laud, eulogize |
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DEVASTATION
|
Widespread ruin
- the city left in utter devastation by war. Synonyms: destruction, desolation |
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DEVIOUS
(2 answer) |
(1) Winding; indirect
- took a devious, rather than the direct way home. Synonym: circuitous (2) Straying from the right course - used devious means to attain his wicked ends. Synonyms: crooked, erring |
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DEVOID
|
Lacking in; not possessing
- a speech devoid of even a trace of ill-will. Synonym: destitute Antonyms: abounding, prevalent |
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DEVOUT
|
Devoted to religious observances
- devout in his regularity of attendance at worship. Synonyms: pious, religious Antonym: impious |
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DICTUM
|
Art authoritative statement; a saying
- an imperial dictum demanding instant compliance. |
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DIDACTIC
|
Designed to teach, imparting a lesson
- a poem with a didactic purpose. Synonym: pedagogical |
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DIFFIDENT
|
Lacking in self-confidence
- too diffident to lead a group. Synonyms: shy, timid, reserved, reticent, retiring Antonyms: forward, aggressive |
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DILEMMA
|
A situation calling for a choice between two equally difficult alternatives; hence, a difficult or perplexing situation
- faced with a dilemma defying solution. Synonyms:predicament, quandary, plight |
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DILETTANTE
|
One who dabbles in the fine arts for amusement only and without concentrated study
- a doctor by profession, a dilettante in art. Synonyms:amateur, connoisseur |
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DISCONCERT
|
To confuse; to embarrass
- disconcerted by his suspicious stare. Synonyms:perturb, discomfit, discompose, abash, disquiet, fluster |
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DISCONSOLATE
|
Depressed; without hope or possibility of consolation
- made disconsolate by abject poverty. Synonyms:inconsolable, dejected Antonyms:blithesome, carefree |
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DISCOURSE
|
To converse or talk; to discuss
- discoursed at length on the rise of political parties. |
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DISCRETE
|
Separate
- two discrete issues, totally unrelated. |
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DISCURSIVE
|
Rambling from one subject to another
- a discursive letter, covering many topics. Synonyms:desultory, digressive |
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DISPARITY
(adj.: DISPARATE) |
Inequality; difference in image, quantity, character, or rank
- great disparity between promise and performance. |
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DISPASSIONATE
|
Free from feeling or partiality
- coldly dispassionate as the chairman of the meeting Synonyms:palm, impartial Antonym:partial |
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DISPATCH
(verb)(noun) |
(verb): To do speedily; to send off
- dispatched with remarkable promptness. Synonym: expedite (noun): A speedy performance; the sending off of something - done with all possible dispatch. Synonyms: celerity, alacrity |
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DISPEL
|
To drive away; to scatter
- dispelled a doubt that had lingered. Synonyms:dissipate, disperse, diffuse |
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DISSENT
(noun: DISSENSION) |
To disagree; to differ in opinion
- He dissented violently, rejecting compromise. |
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DISSOLUTE
|
Living loosely; unrestrained in conduct or morals
- his life wasted by dissolute conduct. Synonyms:debauched, dissipated, profligate |
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DISTRAUGHT
|
Mentally distressed; distracted
- distraught by trials and tribulations. Synonym: harassed |
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DIVERSE
(verb: DIVERSIFY; noun: DIVISIBILITY) |
Varied; different
- two diverse characters; one candid, the other insincere. Synonym: multifarious |
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DIVERTING
|
Entertaining
- a diverting one of the most amusing I've ever seen. |
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DIVULGE
|
To make public or reveal
- refused to divulge his source of information. Synonyms: disclose, impart |
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DOGMATIC
|
Positive in expressing an opinion; asserting an opinion as though it were an undisputed fact
- spoken dogmatically, as if the speaker considered himself infallible. Synonyms: overbearing, opinionated, peremptory, dictatorial |
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DOLOROUS
|
Sorrowful; mournful
- a dolorous song full of sorrow for past joys. Synonyms: doleful, lugubrious, grievous Antonyms: jocund, blithe, mirthful |
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DYNAMIC
|
Forceful
- possessed dynamic energy, tireless and powerful. Synonym: energetic Antonyms: static, inert, dormant, torpid, sluggish, quiescent |
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ECCLESIASTIC
(adj.)(noun) |
(adj.): Pertaining to the clergy or the church
- recognized as an authority in ecclesiastic matters. Antonyms: secular, lay (noun): A clergyman - an ecclesiastic of liberal views. |
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EDICT
|
A public command or proclamation issued by an authority
- proclaimed by royal edict. Synonym: decree |
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EDIFY
|
To instruct or uplift, particularly in morals or religion
- a story that edifiesthe reader, as well as entertains him |
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EFFETE
|
No longer productive; hence, lacking in or, worn out
- powerful in ancient days, now an effete civilization. |
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EGOTISTIC
|
Conceited
- an egotisticperson, flourishing on praise. Synonyms: egocentric, vain Antonym: altruistic |
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EGREGIOUS
|
Outstandingly bad
- an egregious mistake with serious implications. |
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EJACULATE
|
To exclaim or utter suddenly
- ejaculateda cry of horror. |
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ELICIT
|
To draw out
- elicitedno response from the audience. Synonyms: evoke, extract, extort |
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ELUCIDATE
|
To make clear; to explain
- elucidatedhis theory so that even a schoolboy could understand it. Synonym: clarify |
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EMISSARY
|
A person sent on an errand or mission
- delegated his emissary to conclude a pact. |
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ENGENDER
|
To cause, produce, or stir up
- an act that engenderedgood will. |
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ENNUI
|
Boredom; weariness of mind
- fell asleep at the meeting from sheer ennui. |
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ENSUE
|
To follow or result
- Silence ensuedwhen the leader arose to speak. |
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ENTREAT
|
To beg earnestly
- entreatedthe judge to show mercy. Synonyms: solicit, supplicate, beseech, implore, importune; (adj.) importunate, mendicant, suppliant |
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EPHEMERAL
|
Very short-lived
- an ephemeraljoy, lasting but a day. Synonyms: fleeting, transitory, transient, evanescent Antonym: eternal |
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EPICUREAN
(noun)(adj.) |
(noun): A person devoted to luxurious living and pleasure
- an epicurean, seeking to enjoy every meal. (adj.): Pleasure-loving - His entire existence demonstrated his epicureantastes. |
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EPIGRAM
|
A brief pointed saying
- a speech full of original epigrams. Synonyms: maxim proverb, adage |
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EPITAPH
|
A tombstone inscription
- an epitaphengraved on marble. |
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EPITHET
|
A phrase that describes a quality (good or bad) in a person or thing
- "Glaring" error is a commonly used epithet. Synonyms: characterization , appellation |
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EQUANIMITY
(adj.: EQUABLE) |
Evenness of temper or mind
- suffered his cruel fate with equanimity. Synonyms: serenity, composure, imperturbability, aplomb |
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ERR
(noun: ERRATUM) |
To be mistaken or go astray
- To err is human, to forgive divine. Synonyms: stray, blunder |
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ERRATIC
|
Irresponsible, eccentric
- lacking a fixed purpose erratic behavior, reflecting his queer ideas. |
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ERUDITE
|
Learned
- an erudite person, an editor of many books. Synonyms: scholarly , knowing |
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ESOTERIC
|
Understood by only a select few
- an esoteric subject, discussed only by scholars. Synonyms: abstruse, recondite |
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EXCEPTIONABLE
|
Objectionable
- exceptionable behavior, universally criticized. Synonyms: questionable, reprehensible, censurable Antonym: laudable |
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EXCULPATE
|
To free from blame
- exculpated by a jury. Synonyms: vindicate, exonerate, absolve, acquit Antonyms: arraign, indict, inculpate |
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EXEMPLARY
(noun: EXEMPLAR) |
Serving as a model; commendable
- exemplary conduct approved by all. Synonyms: illustrative, typical; praiseworthy, laudable |
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EXODUS
|
Departure, emigration
- the pathetic exodus of refugees from their homeland. |
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EXOTIC
|
Strange and foreign
- an exotic costume imported from Asia. |
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EXPATIATE
|
To speak or write at great length
- He expatiated on the subject for two hours. Synonym: dilate |
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EXPATRIATE
(verb)(noun) |
(verb): To banish or exile; to withdraw from one's country
- expatriated for treachery to his country. (noun): An expatriated person - expatriates who left the United States to live in Paris. |
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EXPEDIENT
(adj.)(noun) |
(adj.): Convenient in helping to attain some purpose
- found it expedient to maintain silence at that moment. Synonyms: opportune, seasonable (noun): A means to accomplish something - tried all expedients to achieve a quick result. |
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EXPLOIT
(verb)(noun) |
(verb): To use for one's selfish purpose
– refugees exploited by unscrupulous employers. (noun): A brilliant deed - lauded for his exploits in science. Synonym: feat |
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EXPOUND
(noun: EXPOSITION) |
To set forth in detail; to explain
- expounded his theory in a learned article. |
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EXPURGATE
|
To purify (usually a piece of writing) of offensive material
- expurgate all obscenities before the book could be sold. Synonyms: purge, delete |
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EXTEMPORANEOUS
|
Done or spoken on the spur of the moment or without preparation
- an extemporaneous speech. Synonyms: impromptu, offhand |
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EXTINCT
|
No longer existing or active
- the extinct dinosaur, alive only in history. Synonym: defunct Antonym: extant |
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EXTIRPATE
|
To root out, destroy totally
- extirpated the cause of trouble. Synonyms: eradicate, exterminate, efface, obliterate |
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EXTRANEOUS
|
Not essential; foreign; irrelevant
- excluded material extraneous to the subject. Synonyms: extrinsic, adventitious Antonyms: germane, intrinsic, inherent, relevant, pertinent |
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EXULTATION
|
Great rejoicing
- received the good news with exultation. Synonym: jubilation |
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FACADE
|
Front or face, especially of a building
- a facade of marble. |
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FACETIOUS
|
Given to joking or inappropriate gaiety; said in fun
- brightened the evening with his facetious remarks. Synonyms: jocose, droll, flippant, frivolous Antonyms: solemn, grave, saturnine |
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FALLACIOUS
(noun: FALLACY) |
Unsound; misleading; deceptive
- led astray by fallacious reasoning and plans. |
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|
FALLIBLE
|
Liable to make mistakes or be deceived
- Being human, Tom was naturally fallible. Antonyms: infallible, unerring |
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FATHOM
|
To penetrate and understand
- difficult to fathom his mysterious actions. |
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FATUOUS
|
Foolish; silly
- a fatuous suggestion that struck us as stupid. Synonyms: inane, vacuous, puerile Antonyms: judicious, sagacious, sage |
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FEALTY
|
Faithfulness
- The soldiers were pledged to fealty to their ruler. Synonyms: allegiance, constancy, fidelity Antonyms: disloyalty; infidelity, treachery |
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|
FEASIBLE
|
Workable
- a feasible plan, proved practical by - previous experience. Antonym: impracticable |
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|
FEIGN
(noun: FEINT) |
To pretend
- He feigned to be angry, but we saw through his pretense. Synonyms: dissemble, sham, dissimulate, affect |
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FELICITY
(adj.: FELICITOUS) (2 answer) |
(1) A state of happiness
- promoted felicity in the nation. Synonym: bliss (2) A high ability - lie has a felicity of language, mastery of the well-chosen phrase. |
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|
FERVID
|
Spirited; ardent
- a fervid debater, full of emotion. Synonyms: perfervid, impassioned, zealous, fervent, vehement |
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|
FESTOON
(noun)(verb) |
(noun): A garland of flowers, leaves, etc. hung between two points
- the room bright with festoons of Thanksgiving decorations. (verb): To hang with festoons - a room festooned with spring flowers. |
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|
FETISH.
(2 answer) |
(1) Something that is believed to have magical powers
- savages worshipping the fetish in a ceremonial dance. Synonym: charm, talisman, amulet (2) An object of unreasoning devotion and worship – Photography, begun as a hobby, became a fetish. |
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|
FIASCO
|
A ludicrous and complete failure
- all his glorious plans ending in a fiasco. Synonym: debacle |
|
|
FICTITIOUS
|
Unreal; made-up
- used a fictitious name to avoid being recognized. Synonym: fabricated |
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|
FLACCID
|
Lacking firmness
- muscles grown flaccid after the illness. Synonyms: flabby, limp |
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|
FLAGRANT
|
Outstandingly bad
- condemned for his flagrant abuse of power. Synonyms: glaring, scandalous, notorious, conspicuous, gross |
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|
FLAMBOYANT
|
Elaborately showy
- written in a flamboyant, style, full of highly decorative imagery. Synonyms: florid, ornate, resplendent, embellished, garish, gaudy, gorgeous, rococo Antonym: somber |
