Term
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Definition
Albino animals may display too great an anomaly in their coloring to attract normally colored mates
Related Words:
Anomolous: Deviating from what is normal
Words with Similar Meanings:
Aberrance aberration abnormality
Deviance Deviation Irregularity
Preternaturalness |
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Term
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Definition
To use expressions of double meaning in order to mislead
When faced with criticism of his policies, the politician equivocated and left all parties thinking that he agreed with them.
Related Words:
Equivocal; undecided; trying to deceive
Equivocation: the act or state of equivocating
Words with Similar Meanings:
Ambiguous Evasive Waffling |
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Term
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Definition
clear and easily understood
The explanations were written in a simple and lucid manner so that students were immediately able to apply what they learned.
Related Words:
Lucidity: clarity
Lucent: glowing with light
Words with Similar Meanings:
Clear Coherent Explicit
Intelligible limpid |
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Term
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Definition
To throw violently or bring about abruptly; lacking deliberation
Upon learning that the couple married after knowing each other only two months, friends and family members expected such a precipitate marriage to end in divorce.
Related Words:
Precipitous: Very Steep
Precipice: A steep cliff
Precipitation: weather phenomena, like rain or snow, that fall from the sky
Words with Similar Meanings:
Abrupt hasty headlong
Hurried ill-considered impetuous
impulsive prompt rash
reckless sudden |
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Term
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Definition
TO MAKE SOMETHING UNPLEASANT LESS SEVERE
Like many people, Philip Larken used alcohol to assuage his sense of meaninglessness and dispair
Words with Similar Meanings:
Allay alleviate appease
comfort conciliate ease
lighten mitigate mollify
pacify palliate placate
propitate relieve soothe
sweeten |
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Term
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Definition
Learned, scholarly, bookish
The annual meeting of philosophy professors was a gathering of the most erudite, well-published individuals in the field.
Related Words:
erudition: Extensive Knowledge or learning
Words with Similar Meanings:
Scholastic learned Wise |
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Term
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Definition
impossible to see through; preventing the passage of light
The heavy buildup of dirt and grime on the windows almost made them opaque
Related Words:
Opacity: the quality of being obscure and indecipherable
Words with Similar Meanings:
Obscure |
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Term
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Definition
LAVISH, wasteful
The prodigal son quickly used all of his inheritance on a lavish lifestyle devoted to pleasure
Related Words:
Prodigality; excessive or reckless spending
Words with similar meanings:
extravagent lavish profligate
spendthrift wasteful |
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Term
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Definition
a puzzle; a mystery
Speaking in riddles and dress in old robes, the artist gained a reputation as something of an enigma
Words with Similar Meanings:
Conundrum Perplexity |
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Term
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Definition
intensely emotional; feverish
The fans of Maria Callas were particularly fervid, doing anything to catch a glimpse of the great opera singer.
Related Words:
Fervent: Enthusiastic
Fervor: Passion
Words with Similar Meanings:
Burning impassioned passionette
vehement zealous |
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Term
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Definition
To soothe or pacify
The burglar tried to placate the snarling dog by saying, "Nice Doggy," and offering it a treat
Related Words:
Placid: tolerant, calm
Implacable: unable to be made peaceful
Words with Similar Meanings:
Appease Conciliate Mollify |
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Term
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Definition
passion, excitement
She brought her typical zeal to the project, sparking enthusiasm in the other team members.
Related Words:
Zealot: a fanatic
Words with Similar Meanings:
Ardency Fervor Fire
Passion |
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Term
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Definition
to choose not to do something
during lent, practicing Catholics abstain from eating meat
Words with Similar Meanings:
forbear refrain withhold |
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Term
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Definition
fearleass and daring
"And you, your majesty, may kiss my bum!" replied the audacious peasant.
Related Words:
audacity: the quality of being audacious
Words with Similar Meanings:
adventuresome agressive assertive bold brave courageous
daring dauntless doughty
feareless gallant game
heroic intrepid mettlesome
plucky stout stouthearted
unafraid undaunted valiant
valorous venturesome venturous |
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Term
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Definition
Of a similar kind
The class was fairly homogeneous, since almost all of the students were senior journalism majors.
Related Words:
Homogenized: thoroughly mixed together
Words with Similar Meanings:
Consistent Standardized Uniform
Unvarying
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Term
|
Definition
LASTING A short time
The lieves of mayflies seem ephemeral to us, since the flies' average life span is a matter of hours.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Evanescent Fleeting Momentary
Transient |
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Term
|
Definition
using few words
She was a laconic poet who built her reputation on using words as sparingly as possible
Words with Similar Meanings:
Concise curt pithy
terse taciturn |
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Term
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Definition
to soften, to lessen
A judge may mitigate a sentence if she decides that a person committed a crime out of need.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Allay Alleviate assuage
Ease Lighten Moderate
Mollify Palliate Temper |
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Term
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Definition
To sway physically; to be indecisive
The customer held up the line as he vacillated between ordering chocolate chip or rocky road ice cream
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dither Falter Fluctuate
Oscillate Waver |
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Term
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Definition
to make impure
Related Words
Unadulterated: Pure
Words with Similar Meanings:
Doctor |
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Term
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Definition
chaging one's mind quickly and often
Queen Elizabeth I was quite capricious; her courtiers could never be sure which of their numbbers would catch her fancy.
Related Words:
Caprice: Whim, sudden fancy
Words with Similar Meanings:
Arbitrary Chance changeable
erratic fickle inconstant
mercurial random whimsical
willful |
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Term
|
Definition
To dry off thoroughly
After a few weeks of lying on the desert's basking soands, the cow's carcass became completely desicated.
Related Words:
Dessicant; something that removes water from another substance
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dry Parch Dehydrate |
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Term
|
Definition
easily deceived
The con man pretended to be a bank officer so as to fool gullible bank customers into giving him their account information.
Related Words
Gull: a person who is easily tricked
Words with Similar Meanings:
Credulous Exploitable Naive |
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Term
|
Definition
TO give praise to; to glorify
Parades and fireworks were staged to laud the success of the rebels
Related Words:
laudable: worth of praise
Laudatory: expressing praise
Words with Similar Meanings:
Acclaim applaud commend
compliment exalt extol
hail praise |
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Term
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Definition
Practical as opposed to idealistic
While day-dreaming gamblers think they can get rich by frequenting casinos, pragmatic gamblers realize that the odds are heavily stacked against them.
Related Words:
Pragmatism: A practical approach to problem solving
Words with Similar Meanings:
Realistic Rational |
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Term
|
Definition
Easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive
His volatile personality made it difficult to predict his reaction to anything.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Capricious Erratic Fickle
Inconsistent Inconstant Mercurial
Temperamental |
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Term
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Definition
lack of interest or emotion
The apathy of voters is so great that less than half the people who are eligible to vote actually bother to do so.
Words with Similar Meanings:
coolness disinterest disregard
impassivity indifference insensibility
lassitute lethargy listlessness
phlegm solidity unconcern
unresponsiveness |
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Term
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Definition
to provide supporting evidence
Fingerprints corroborated the witness's testimony that he saw the defendent in the victim's apartment
Words with Similar Meanings:
Authenticate back bear out
buttress confirm substantuate
Validate verify |
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Term
|
Definition
to pruduce, cause, or bring about
his fear and hatred of clowns was engendered when he witnessed the death of his father at the hands of a clown
Words with Similar Meanings:
Beget Generate procreate
Proliferate Reproduce spawn |
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Term
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Definition
SOMEONE who shows off learning
the graduate instructor's tedious and excessive commentary on the subject soon gained her a reputation as a pedant.
Related Words:
Pedantic: Making an excessive display of learning |
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Term
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Definition
Talkative
She was naturally loquacious, which was a problem in situations in which listening was more important than talking.
Related Words:
Eloquence: powerful, convincing speaking
Loquacity: the quality of being loquacious
Words with Similar Meanings:
Effusive Garrulous Verbose |
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Term
|
Definition
correct behavior; obedience to rules and customs
The aristrocracy maintained a high level of propriety, adhering to even the most minor social rules.
Related Words:
Appropriate: suitable for a particular occasion or place
Words with Similar Meanings:
Decency Decorum Modesty
Seemliness |
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Term
|
Definition
to speak in favor of
The vegetarian advocated for a diet containing no meat
Related words
advocacy; active support for
Words with Similar Meanings:
back champion support |
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Term
|
Definition
HARSH, JARRING NOISE
the junior high orchestra created an almost unbearable cacophony as they tried to tune their instruments
Words with Similar Meanings:
discord chaos disharmony
noise clamor din
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Term
|
Definition
to reduce in strength
The guerrillas hoped that a series of surprise attacks would enervate the regular army.
Related Words:
Unnerve: to deprive of strength or courage
Words with Similar Meanings:
Debilitate Enfeeble Sap
Weaken |
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Term
|
Definition
Showing innocence or childlike simplicity
She was so ingenuous that her friends feared that her innocence and trustfulness would be exploited when she visited the big city.
Related Words:
Ingénue: a naive girl or young women
Disingenuous: give a false impression of innocense
Words with Similar Meanings:
Artless guiless innocent
naive simple unaffected |
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Term
|
Definition
A person who dislikes others
The character Scrooge in a Christmas Carol is such a misanthrope that even the sight of children singing makes him angry.
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Term
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Definition
A Contradiction or dilemma
It is a paradox that those most in need of medical attention are often those lease able to obtain it.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Incongruity Ambiguity |
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Term
|
Definition
to respect deeply
In a traditional Confucian society, the young venerate their elders, deferring to the elders' wisdom and experience.
Related Words:
Venerable: Old, Worthy of respect
Words with Similar Meanings:
Adore honor idolize
Revere |
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Term
|
Definition
extreme dislike
The antipathy between the French and the English regularly erupted into open warfare
Words with Similar Meanings:
Animosity Animus antagonism
Aversion Enmity Hostility
Repellence |
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Term
|
Definition
to speak of or treat with contempt; to mock
The akward child was often derided by his "cooler" peers.
Related Words:
Derision: mockery and taunts
Derisive; in a mocking manner
Words with Similar Meanings:
Gibe Jeer Mock
Ridicule Scoff Sneer
Taunt |
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Term
|
Definition
Speech in praise of someone
His best friend gave the Eulogy, outlining his many achievement and talents.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Commend Extol Laud |
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Term
|
Definition
acting in an indifferent or slow, sluggish manner
The clerk was so lethargic that, even when the store was slow, he always had a long line in front of him.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Apathetic Languid Lackadaisical
Listless Torpid |
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Term
|
Definition
Hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion
The president was completely obdurate on the issue, and no amount of persuasion would change his mind
Words with Similar Meanings:
Inflexible intransigent Recalcitrant
Tenacious Unyielding |
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Term
|
Definition
CHarity; a desire or effort to promote goodness
New York's Metropolitan Museum owes much of its collection to the philanthropy of private collectors who willed their estates in the museum.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Humanitarianism Altruism |
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Term
|
Definition
to fluctuate between choices
If you waver too long before making a decision about which testing site to register for, you may not get your first choice.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dither Falter Fluctuate
Oscillate Vacillate |
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Term
|
Definition
to support, to prop up
The presence of giant footprints bolstered the argument that Sasquatch was in the area
Words with Similar Meanings:
brace buttresss prop
support sustain underpin
uphold |
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Term
|
Definition
A harsh and disagreeable combination, often of sounds
Cognitive dissonance is the inner conflict produced when the long-standing beliefs are contradicted by new evidence
Words with Similar Meanings:
Clash Contention Discord
Dissension Dissent Dissidence
Friction Strife |
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Term
|
Definition
tending to talk a lot
The garrulous parakeet distracted its owner with its continuous talking..
Words with Similar Meanings:
Effusive Loquacious |
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Term
|
Definition
capable of being shaped
Gold is the most malleable of precious metals; it can easily be formed into almost any shape.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Adaptable Ductile Plastic
Pliable Pliant
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Term
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Definition
Excessive showiness
The ostentation of the Sun king's court is evident in the lavish decoration and luxuriousness of his palace at Versailles.
Related Words:
Ostensible: apparant
Words with Similar Meanings:
Conspicuousness Flashiness Pretentousness |
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Term
|
Definition
TO lie or deviate from the truth
Rather than admit that he had overslept again, the employee prevaricated and claimed that heavey traffic had prevented him from arriving on time.
Words with similar meanings:
Equivocate Lie Perjure |
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Term
|
Definition
To leave Secretly
The patron ABSCONDED fromt he restaurant without paying the bill by sneaking out the back door.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Flee Decamp Escape |
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Term
|
Definition
to reduce in amount, degree, or severity
As the huricane's force abated, the winds dropped and the sea became calm
Words with Similar Meanings:
ebb lapse let up
moderate relent slacken
subside wane |
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Term
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Definition
an extremely deep hole
the submarine dove into the abyss to chart the previousely unseen depths.
Related Words:
Abyssal: pertaining to great depth
Abyssmal: extremely bad
Words with Similar Meanings:
chasm void |
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Term
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Definition
concerning the appreciation of beauty
Followers of the aesthetic movement regraded the pursuit of beauty as the only true purpose of art.
Related Words:
Aesthete: someone unusally sensitive to beauty
aestheticism: concern with beauty
Words with Similar Meanings:
Artistic tasteful |
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Term
|
Definition
to increase in power, influence, and reputation
The supervisor sought to Aggrandize himlsef by claiming that the achievements of his staff were actually his own
Words with Similar Meanings:
amplify apotheosize augment
dignify elevate enlarge
ennoble exalt glorify
magnify swell uplift
wax |
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Term
|
Definition
to make more bearable
Taking aspirin helps to alleviate a headache
Words with Similar Meanings:
allay assuage comfort
ease lessen lighten
mitigage palliate relieve |
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Term
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Definition
to combine; to mix together
Giant Industries amalgamated with Mega products to form giant-mega products incorporated.
Related Words:
Amalagam: a mixture, especially of two metals
Words with Similar Meanings:
admix blend combine
commingle commix compound
fuse intermingle intermix
merge mingle mix
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Term
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Definition
doubtful or uncertain; able to be interpreted several ways
Related Words: Ambiguity: the quality of being ambiguous
Words with Similar Meanings:
cloudy doubtful dubious
equivocal nebulous indeterminate
obscure unclear vague |
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Term
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Definition
to make better; to improve
the doctor was able to ameliorate the patient's suffering using painkillers.
Words with Similar Meanings:
amend better improve
pacify upgrade |
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Term
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Definition
Something out of place in time
The aged hippie used anachronistice phrases like "groovy" and "far out" that had not been popular for years
Words with Similar Meanings:
Archaism incongruity |
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Term
|
Definition
similar or alike in some way; equivalent to
Related Words:
Analogy: A similarity between things that are otherwise dissimilar
Analogue: something that is similar in some way to something else
Words with Similar Meanings:
alike comparable corresponding
equivalent homogeneous parallel
similar |
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Term
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Definition
TO ANNOY OR PROVOKE TO ANGER
The child discovered that he could antagonize the cat by pulling its tail.
Related Words:
Antagonistic: Tending to provoke conflict
Antagonistic: Someone who fights another
Words with Similar Meanings:
Clash conflict incite
irritate oppose pester
provoke vex |
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Term
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Definition
to judge a dispute between two opposing parties
Since the couple could not come to agreement, a judge was forced to arbitrate their diverse proceedings.
Related Words:
Arbitration: A process by which a conflict is relsolved
Abritrator: A jduge
Words with Similar Meanings:
Adjudge adjudicate decide
determine judge moderate
referee rule |
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Term
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Definition
ancient, old-fashioned
Related Words:
Archaism: an outdated word or phrase
Words with Similar Meanings:
ancient antediluvian antique
bygone dated dowdy
fusty obsolulete old-fashioned
outdated outmoded passe
prehistoric stale superannuated
superseded vintage |
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Term
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Definition
intense and passionette feeling
Bishop's ardor for landacape was evident when he passionately described the beauty of the scenic Hudson valley
Related Words:
Ardent: expressing ardor; passionate
Words with Similar Meanings:
Devotion enthusiasm fervency
fervidity fervidness fervor
fire passion zeal
zealousness |
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Term
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Definition
ABLE to speak clearly and expressively
She is such an articulate defender of labor that unions are among her strongest supporters.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Eloquent expressive fluent
lucid silver-tongued smooth-spoken |
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Term
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Definition
To reduce in force or degree; to weaken
The Bill of Rights attentuated the traditional power of government to change laws at will.
Words with Similar Meanings:
debilitate devitalize dilute
enervate enfeeble rarefy
sap thin undermine
undo unnerve water
weaken |
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Term
|
Definition
severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
the lack of decoration make Zen temples seem austere to the untrained eye
Related Words:
Austerity: Severity, especially poverty
Words with Similar Meanings:
bleak dour grim
hard harsh severe |
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Term
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Definition
predictable, cliched, boring
He used banal phrases like "have a nice day' or "another day, another dollar."
Related Words:
Banality: the quality of being banal
Words with Similar Meanings:
Bland bromidic cliched
commonplace fatuous hackneyed
innocuous insipid jejune
musty platitudinous prosaic
quotidian shopworn stale
stereotypic threadbare timeworn
tired trite vapid
worn-out |
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Term
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Definition
pompous in speech and manner
Mussolini's speeches were mostly bombastic; his boasting outrageous claims had no basis in fact
Related Words:
Bombast: pompous speech or writing
Words with Similar Meanings:
bloated declamatory fustian
grandiloquent grandiose high-flown
magniloquent orotund pretentious
rhetorical self-important |
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Term
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Definition
IMPARTIAL, HONEST IN SPEECH
The observation of the childcan be charming because they are candid and unpretentious
Words with Similar Meanings:
Direct forthright frank
honest open sincere
straight straightforward undisguised |
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Term
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Definition
to punish or criticize harshly
American are amazed at how harshly the authorities in singapore castigage perpetratators of what would be considered minor crimes in America
Words with Similar Meanings:
Admonish chastise chide
rebuke reprimand reprorach
reprove scold tax
upbraid |
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Term
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Definition
SOMETHING THAT BRINGS ABOUT A CHANGE IN SOMETHING ELSE
THE IMPOSITION OF HARSH TAXES WAS THE CATALYST THAT FINALLY BROUGHT ON THE REVOLUTION
Related Words:
Catalyze: To bring about a change in something else |
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Term
|
Definition
biting in wit
Dorothy Parker gained her reputation for Caustic wit from her cutting, yet clever, insults
Words with Similar Meanings:
Acerbic biting mordant
trenchant |
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Term
|
Definition
Great disorder or confusion
Related Words;
chaotic: jumbled, confused
Words with Similar Meanings:
clutter confusion disarrangement
disarray disorder disorderliness
disorganization jumble mess
muddle scramble snarl
topsy-turviness turmoil |
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Term
|
Definition
SOMEONE prejudiced in favor of a group to which he or she belongs
The attitute that men are inherently superior to women and therefore must be obeeyed is common amongle male Chauvinists.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Partisan |
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Term
|
Definition
Deception by means of craft or guile
Dishonest used car salesman often use Chicanry to sell their beat up old cards.
Words with Similar Meanings:
artifice conniving craftiness
deception deviousness misrepresentation
Pettifoggery shadiness sneakiness
sophistry subterfuge underhandiness |
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Term
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Definition
Convincing and well reasoned
Swayed by the cogent argument of the defense, the jury had no choice but to acquit the defendent
Related Words:
Cogitate: to think deeply
Words with Similar Meanings:
Convincing persuasive solid
sound telling valid |
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Term
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Definition
to overlook, pardon, or disregard
Some theorists believe that feailing to prosecute minor crimes is the same as condonking an air of lawlessness
Words with Similar Meanings:
exculpate excuse pardon
remit |
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Term
|
Definition
intricate and complicated
Although many people bought a Brief History of Time, few could follow in its convuluted ideas and theories
Words with Similar Meanings:
Byzantine Complex Elaborate
Intricate knotty labrynthine
perplexing tangled |
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Term
|
Definition
too trusting; gullible
Although some 4-year-olds believe in the Easter bunny, only the most credulous 9-year-olds believe in him.
Related Words:
Credulity: the quality of being credulous
Words with Similar Meanings:
Naive susceptible trusting |
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Term
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Definition
steadily incrfeasing volume or force
The crescendo of tension became unbearable as Evel Knievel prepared to jump his motorcycle over the school buses. |
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Term
|
Definition
appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety
The countess complained that the vulgar peasants lacked the decorum appropriate for a visit to the palace.
Related Words:
Decorous: conforming to acceptable standards
Words with Similar Meanings:
Correctnesss decency etiquette
manners mores propriety
seemliness |
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Term
|
Definition
respect, courtesy
The respectful young law clerk treated the Supreme Court justice wihtthe utmost deference.
Related Words;
defer: to delay; to show someone deference
Deferent: courteous and respectful
Words with Similar Meanings:
courtesy honor homage
obeisance respect reverence
veneration |
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Term
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Definition
AN abusive, condemnatory speech
The trucker bellowed a diatribe at the driver who had cut him off.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Fulmination Harangue Invective
Jeremiad Malediction Obloquy
Tirade |
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Term
|
Definition
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected
Diane had a desultory academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in 3 years.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Aimless Disconnected Erratic
Haphhazard Indiscriminate Objectless
Purposeless Random Stray
Unconsidered Unplanned |
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Term
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Definition
Lacking self-confidence
Steve's diffident manner during the job interview stemmed from his nervous nature and lack of experience in the field
Words with Similar Meanings:
Backward Bashful Coy
Demure Modest Retiring
Self-effacing shy timid |
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Term
|
Definition
intended to delay
The congressman used dilatory measures to delay the passage on the bill
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dragging Flagging Laggard
Lagging Slow Slow-footed
Slow-Going Slow-Paced Tardy |
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Term
|
Definition
To make larger; to expand
When you enter a darkened room, the pupils of your eyes dilate to let in the sunlight
Words with Similar Meanings:
Amplify Develop Elaborate
Enlarge Expand Expatiate |
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Term
|
Definition
Someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
Words with Similar Meanings:
Amateur Dabbler Superficial
Tryo |
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Term
|
Definition
A funeral hymn or mournful speech
Melville wrote the poe A DIRGE for james McPherson for the funeral of a Union general who was killed in 1864.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Elegy Lament |
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Term
|
Definition
To set right; to free from error
Galileo's observations disabused scholars of the notion that the sun revolved around the Earth
Words with Similar Meanings:
Correct Undeceive |
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Term
|
Definition
To perceive; to recognize
it is easy to discern the difference between butter and butter-flavored toppings
Related Words:
Discernment: Taste and cultivation
Words with Similar Meanings:
Catch Descry Detect
Differentiate Discriminate distinguish
Espy Glimpse Know
Separate spot Spy
Tell |
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Term
|
Definition
Fundamentally different; entirely unlike
Although the twins appear to be identifcal physically their personalities are disparate.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Different dissimilar Divergent
diverse variant Various |
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Term
|
Definition
TO present a false appearance; to disguise one's real intentions or character
The villain could dissemble to the police no longer-he admitted the deed and tore up the floor to reveal the body of the old man.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Act Affect Assume
Camouflage Cloak Counterfeit
COver Up Disguise Dissimulate
Fake Feign mask
Masquerade Pose pretend
Put On Sham Simulate |
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Term
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Definition
A firmly held opinion, often a religious belief
Linus' central dogma was the children who believed in the Great Pumpkin would be rewarded
Words with Similar Meanings:
Creed Doctrine Teaching
Tenet |
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Term
|
Definition
Dictatorial in one's opinions
The dictator was dogmatic- he and only he, was right
Words with Similar Meanings:
Authoritarian Bossy Dictatorial
Doctrinaire Domineering Imperious
Magisterial Masterful Overbearing
Peremptory |
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Term
|
Definition
To deceive; a person who is easily deceived
Bugs bunny was able to dupe Elmer Fudd by dressing up as a lady rabbit
Words with Similar Meanings:
Beguile Betray bluff
Cozen Deceive Delude
Fool Hoodwink Humbug
Mislead Take In Trick |
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Term
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Definition
Selecting from or made up from a variety of sources
Budapest's architecture is an eclectic mix of eastern and western styles.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Selective Catholic Broad |
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Term
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Definition
Effectiveness
The efficay of penicillin was unsurpassed when it was first introduced; the drug completely eliminated almost all bacterial infections for which it was adminstrated
Related Words:
Efficacious: effective, productive
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dynamism Effectiveness Efficiency
Force Power Productiveness
Proficiency Strength Vigor |
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Term
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Definition
A sorrowful poem or speech
Although Thomas Gray's elegy written in a country churchyard is about death and loss, it urges its readers to endure this life, and to trust in spirituality
Related Words:
Elegiac: Like an elegy; mournful
Words with Similar Meanings:
Dirge Lament |
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Term
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Definition
Persuasive and moving, especially in speech
The Gettysburg Address is moving not only because of its lofty sentiments but also because of it eloquent words
Words with Similar Meanings:
Articulate Expressive Fluent
Meaningful Significant Smooth-Spoken |
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Term
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Definition
TO copy; to try to equal or excel
The graduate student sought to emulate his professor in every way, copying not only how she taught, but also how she conducted herself outside of class
Words with Similar Meanings:
Ape Imitate Simulate
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Term
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Definition
to count, list, or itemize
Moses returned fromt he mountain with tablets on which the commandments were enumerated
Words with Similar Meanings:
Catalog Index tabulate |
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Term
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Definition
wandering and undpredictable
The plot seemed predictable until it suddenly took a series of erratic turns that surprised the audience
Related Words:
Errant: straying, mistaken, roving
Words with Similar Meanings:
Capricious Inconstant Irresolute
Whimsical |
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Term
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Definition
Known or understood by only a few
Only a handful of experts are knowledgable about the esoteric world of particle physics
Words with Similar Meanings:
Abstruse Arcane obscure |
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Term
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Definition
Admirable
Related WOrds:
Esteem: high regard
Words with Similar Meanings:
Admirable Commendable Creditable
Honorable laudable Meritorious
Praiseworthy respectable Venerable
Worthy |
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Term
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Definition
use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
The funeral director preferred to use the Euphemism "sleeping" instead of the word "dead"
Words with Similar Meanings:
Circumlocution Whitewash |
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Term
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Definition
TO MAKE WORSE
It is unwise to take aspirin to try to relieve heartburn; instead of providing relief, the drug will only exacerbate the problem.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Annoy Aggravate Intensify
Irritate Provoke |
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Term
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Definition
to clear from blame; prove innocent
The adversarial legal system is intended to convict those who are guilty and to exculpate those who are innocent
Words with Similar Meanings:
Absolve Acquit Clear
Exonerate Vindicate |
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Term
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Definition
Urgent; requiring immediate action
The patient was losing blood so rapidly that it was exigent to stop the source of the bleeding
Words with Similar Meanings:
Critical imperative needed
urgent |
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Term
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Definition
TO clear of blame
the fugitive was exonerated when another criminal confessed to committing the crime
Words with Similar Meanings:
Absolve Acquit Clear
Exculpate Vindicate |
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Term
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Definition
Clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression
The owners of the hosue left a list of explicit instructions detailing their house-sitters' duties, including a schedule for watering the house plants.
Related Words:
Explicable: Capable of being explained
Explicate; to give a detailed explanation
Words with Similar Meanings:
Candid Frank Straightforward
Unequivocal |
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Term
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Definition
acting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion
Words with Similar Meanings:
Extremest Fiery Frenzied
Zealous |
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Term
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Definition
To grovel
The understudy fawned over the director in hopes of being cast in the part on a permanent basis.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Bootlick Grovel toady
Pander |
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Term
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Definition
excessively decorated or emebellished
The palace had been decorated in an excessively florid style; every surface had been carved and gilded.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Baroque Elaborate Flamboyent
Ornate Ostentatious Rococo |
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Term
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Definition
To arouse or incite
The protesters tried to foment feeling against the war through their speeches and demonstrations
Words with Similar Meanings:
Agitate Impassion Inflame
Instigate Kindle |
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Term
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Definition
A TENDENCY to be thrifty or cheap
Scrooge mcDuck's frugality was so great that he accumulated enough wealth to fill a giant storehouse with money.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Economical Parsimony Prudence
Sparing |
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Term
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Definition
outgoing, sociable
She was so gregarious that when she found herself alone she felt quite sad.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Affable Congenial Communicative
Sociable |
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Term
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Definition
Deceit or trickery
Since he was not fast enough to catch the roadrunner on foot, the coyote resorted to guile in an effort to trap his enemy.
Related Words:
Guileless: innocent, without trickery
Words with Similar Meanings:
artifice chicanry connvery
duplicity |
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Term
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Definition
one who opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions
The lack of regard for traditional beliefs soon established him as an iconoclast.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Maverick nonconformist rebel
revolutionary |
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Term
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Definition
NOT capable of being disturbed
The counselor had so much experience dealing with distraught children that she seemed imperturbable, even when faced with the wildest tantrums.
Related Words:
Perturb: To disturb greatly
Words with Similar Meanings:
Composed Dispassionate Impassive
serene Stoical |
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Term
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Definition
impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
A good raincoat will be impervious to moisture
Words with Similar Meanings:
Resistant Impregnable |
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Term
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Definition
Quick to act without thinking
It is not good for an investment broker to be impetuous, since much thought should be given to all the possible options.
Related Words
Impetus: impulsive
Words with Similar Meanings:
impulsive precipitate rash
reckless spontaneous |
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Term
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Definition
Unable to be calmed down or made peacful
His rage at the betrayal was so great that he remained implacable for weeks.
Related Words:
Placate: to make peaceful
Words with Similar Meanings:
Inexorable intransigent Irreconciable
Relentless remorseless unforgiving
Unrelenting |
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Term
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Definition
NOT fully formed; disorganized
The ideas expressed in Nietzche's mature work also appear in an inchoate form in his earliest writing.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Amorphous incoherent incomplete
unorganized
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Term
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Definition
HOSTILE, unfriendly
Even though a cease-fire had been in place for months, the two sides were still inimical to each other.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Adverse antagonistic dissident
recalcitrant |
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Term
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Definition
harmless
Some snakes are poisonous, but most species are innocuous and pose no danger to humans.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Benign harmless inoffensive |
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Term
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Definition
Lacking interest or flavor
The critic claimed that the painting was insipid, containing no interesting qualities at all.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Banal Bland Dull
Stale Vapid |
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Term
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Definition
To overwhelm; to cover with water
The tidal wave inundated Atlantis, which was lost beneath the water
Words with Similar Meanings:
Deluge drown Engulf
Flood Submerge |
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Term
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Definition
uncompromising; refusing to be reconciled
The professor was intransigent o the deadline, insisting that everyone turn the assignment in the at the same time.
Words with Similar Meanings:
implacable inexorable irreconcilable
Obdurate obstinate remorseless
rigid unbending unrelenting
unyielding
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Term
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Definition
easily made angry
Related Words:
Irate: angry
Words with Similar Meanings:
Cantankerous Irritable ornery
Testy |
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Term
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Definition
to express sorrow; to grieve
The children continued to lament the death of the goldfish weeks after its demise
Words with Similar Meanings:
Bewail Deplore Grieve
Mourn |
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Term
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Definition
To give unsparingly; extremely generous or extravagant
She lavished the puppy with so many treats that it soon became overweight and spoiled
Words with Similar Meanings:
Bestow Confer Exuberant
Extravagent Opulent Profuse
Prodigal Luxuriant superabundant |
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Term
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Definition
bright, brilliant, glowing
The park was bathed in luminous sunshine which warmed the bodies and the souls of the visitors
Related Words:
Illuminate: to shine light on
Luminary: an inspiring person
Words with Similar Meanings:
Incandescent lucent lustrous
Radiant Resplendent |
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Term
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Definition
To evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
A common way to avoid the draft was by malingering-pretending to be mentally or physically ill as to avoid being taken by the Army.
Related Words:
Linger: to be slow in leaving
Words with Similar Meanings:
Shirk Slack |
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Term
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Definition
A figure of speech comparing two different things; a symbol
Related Words:
Metaphorical: standing as a symbol for something else
Words with Similar Meanings:
Analogy Comparison |
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Term
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Definition
Extremely careful about details
To find all the clues at the crime scene, the investigators meticulously examined every inch of the area.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Conscientious Precise Scrupulous |
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Term
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Definition
To calm or make less severe
Their argument was so intense that it was difficult to believe any compromise would mollify them.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Appease Assuage Conciliate
Pacify |
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Term
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Definition
Lack of variation
The monotony of the sound of the dripping faucet almost drove the research assistant crazy.
Related Words:
Monotone: a sound that is made at the same tone or pitch
Words with Similar Meanings:
Drone Tedium |
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Term
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Definition
lacking sophistication or experience
Having never traveled before, the hillbillies were more naive than the people they met in Beverly Hills.
Related Words:
Naivete: the state of being naive
Words with Similar Meanings:
Artless Credulous Guileless
Ingenuous Simple Unaffected |
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Term
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Definition
Overly submissive and eager to please
The obsequious new associate made sure to compliment her supervisor's tie and agree with him on every issue.
Related Words:
Obeisance: A physical show of respect or submission, such as a bow
Words with Similar Meanings:
Compliant Deferential Servile
Supservient |
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Term
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Definition
stubborn, unyielding
The obstinate child could not be made to eat any food that he disliked.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Intransigent Mulish Persistent
Pertinacious Stubborn Tenacious |
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Term
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Definition
To prevent; to make unnecessary
Words with Similar Meanings:
Forestall Preclude Prohibit |
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Term
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Definition
to stop up; to prevent the passage of
A shadow is thrown across the Earth's surface during a solar eclipse, when the light from the sun is occluded by the moon.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Barricade Block CLose
Obstruct |
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Term
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Definition
troublesome and oppresive; burdensome
The assignment was so extensive and difficult to manage that it proved onerous to the team in charge of it.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Arduous Backbreaking burdensome
Cumbersome Difficult exacting
Formidable Hard Laborous
Oppresive Rigorous Taxing
Trying |
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Term
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Definition
PUBLIC disgrace
After the scheme to embezzle the elderly was made public, the treasurer resigned in utter opprobium
Words with Similar Meanings:
Discredit Disgrace Dishonor
Disrepute ignominy infamy
obloquy shame |
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Term
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Definition
Model of excellence or perfection
She is the paragon of what a judge should be: honest, intelligent, hardworking, and just
Words with Similar Meanings:
Apotheosis Ideal Quintessence
standard |
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Term
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Definition
Willing to betray one's trust
The actress's perfidious comparison revealed all of her intimate secrets to the gossip columnist
Related Words:
Perfidy: deceit, treachery
Words with Similar Meanings:
Disloyal Faithless Treacherous
Traitorous |
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Term
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Definition
Done in a routine way; indifferent
The machinelike bank teller processed the transaction and gave the waiting customer a perfunctory smile.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Apathetic Automatic Mechanical |
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Term
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Definition
TO penetrate
This miraculous new cleaning fluid is able to permeate stains and dissolve them in minutes
Related Words:
Impermeable; unable to be permeated
Words with Similar Meanings:
Imbue Infuse Suffuse |
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Term
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Definition
Able to be molded, altered, or bent
The new material was very plastic and could be formed into products of vastly different shape
Words with Similar Meanings:
Adaptable Ductile Malleable
Pliant |
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Term
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Definition
EXCESS
Assuming that more was better, the defendant offered the judge a plethora of excuses.
Words with similar Meanings:
Glut Overabundance Superfluity
Surfeit |
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Term
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Definition
FRESH and clean; uncorrupted
Since converted measures had been taken to prevent looting, the archaeological site was still pristine when researchers arrived.
Words with similar meanings:
innocent undamaged |
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Term
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Definition
To increase in number quickly
although he only kept two guinea pigs initially, they proliferated to such an extent that he soon had dozens
Related Words:
Prolific: very productive or highly able to reproduce rapidly
Words with similar meanings:
Breed Multiply Procreate
Propagate Reproduce Spawn |
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Term
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Definition
To conciliate; to appease
The management propitiated the irate union by agreeing to raise wages for its members.
Related Words:
Propitious: advantageous, favorable
Words With Similar Meanings:
appease conciliate mollify
pacify placate |
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Term
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Definition
wisdom, caution, or restraint
The college student exhibited prudence by obtaining practical experience along with her studies, which greatly strengthened her resume.
Related Words:
Prude: someone who is excessively concerned with propriety
Prudish: prissy and puritanical
Words with Similar Meanings:
astuteness circumspection discretion
Frugality judiciousness providence
Thrift |
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Term
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Definition
Sharp and irritating to the senses
The smoke from the burning tires was extremely pungent.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Acrid Caustic Piquant
poignant Stinging |
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Term
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Definition
motionless
Many animals are quiescent over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to conserve energy.
Related Words:
Quiescence; state of rest or inactivity
Words with Similar Meanings:
Latent dormant |
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Term
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Definition
to make thinner or sparser
Since the atmosphere rarefies as altitudes increase, the air at the top of very tall mountains is too thin to breathe.
Related Words:
Rarefaction: the process of making something less dense
Words with Similar Meanings:
Attentuate Thin |
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Term
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Definition
to reject the validity of
The old woman's claim that she was russian royalty was repudiated when dNA tests showed she was of no relation to them.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Deny Disavow disclaim
disown Renounce |
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Term
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Definition
Silent, reserved
Physically small and reticent in her speech, joan Didion often went unnoticed by those upon whom she was reporting.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Cool Introverted Laconic
Standofish Taciturn Undemonstrative |
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Term
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Definition
Effective writing or speaking
Lincoln's talent for rhetoric was evident in his beautifully expressed Gettysburg Address.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Eloquence Oratory |
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Term
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Definition
to satisfy fully or overindulge
His desire for power was so great that nothing less than complete control of the country could satiate it.
Related Words:
Sate: to fully satisfy or overindulge
Insatiable: incapable of being satisfied
Words with Similar Meanings:
Cloy Glut Gorge
Surfeit |
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Term
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Definition
Causing sleep or lethargy
The movie proved to be soporific that soon loud snores were heard throughout the theater.
Related Words:
Supor: Deep sleep
Words with Similar Meanings:
Hypnotic Narcotic Slumberous
Somnolent |
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Term
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Definition
Deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious
The student's specicious excuse for being late sounded legitimate, but was proved otherwise when his teacher called his home.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Illusory Ostensible Plausible
Spurious Sophistical |
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Term
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Definition
A mark of shame or discredit
In the Scarlet Letter, Hester Pyrnne was required to wear the letter "a" on her clothes as a public stigma for her adultery.
Related Words:
Stigmatize: To disgrace; to label with negative terms or reputation
Words with Similar Meanings:
Blemish Blot Opprobrium
Stain Taint |
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Term
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Definition
Unemotional; lacking sensitivity
The prisoner appeared stolid and unaffected by the judge's harsh sentence
Words with Similar Meanings:
Apathetic Impassive Indifferent
Phlegmatic Stoical Unconcerned |
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Term
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Definition
Lofty or grand
The music was so sublime that it transformed the rude surroundings into a special place
Related Words:
Sublimate: to elevate or convert into something of higher worth.
Subliminal: Existing outside conscious awareness
Words with Similar Meanings:
August Exalted Glorious
Grand Magnificent Majestic
Noble Regal Resplendent
Superb |
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Term
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Definition
Done without using words
Although not a word had been said, everyone in the the room knew that a tacit agreement had been made about which course of action to take.
Related Words:
Taciturn: silent, not talkative
Words with Similar Meanings:
Implicit Implied Undeclared
Unsaid Unuttered |
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Term
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Definition
Silent, not talkative
The clerk's taciturn nature earned him the nickname "Silent Bob"
Related Words:
Tacit: Done without using words
Words with Similar Meanings:
Laconic Reticent |
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Term
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Definition
Long, harsh speech or verbal attack
Observers were shocked at the manager's tirade over such a minor mistake
Words with Similar Meanings:
Diatribe Fulmination Harangue
Obloquy Revilement |
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Term
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Definition
Extreme mental and physical sluggishness
After surgery, the patient experienced torpor until the anesthesia wore off.
Related Words:
Torpid: Sluggish, lacking movement
Words with Similar Meanings:
Apathy Languor |
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Term
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Definition
Temporary, lasting a brief time.
The reporter lived a transitory life, staying in one place only long enough to cover the current story.
Related Words:
Transit: To pass through; to change or make a transition
transient: passing quickly in and out of existence; one who stays a short time.
Words with Similar Meanings:
Ephemeral Evanescent Fleeting
Impermanent Momentary |
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Term
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Definition
Filled with truth and accuracy
She had a reputation for veracity, so everyone trusted her description of events.
Related Words:
Veracity: truth
Veracious: Truthful, accurate
Words with Similar Meanings:
Candor Exactitude Fidelity
Probity |
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Term
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Definition
WORDY
The professor's answer was so verbose that his students forgot what the original question had been.
Related Words:
Verbalize: to put into words
Verbatim: to quote using the exact words, word for word
Verbiage: lots of words that are usually superfluous
Words with Similar Meanings:
Long-winded loquacious prolix
superfluous |
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Term
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Definition
To annoy
The old man who loved his peace and quiet was vexed by his neighbor's loud music
Related Words:
Vexation: a feeling of irritation
Words with Similar Meanings:
Annoy Bother chafe
Exasperate Irk Nettle
Peeve Provoke |
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Term
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Definition
acting in a fanciful or capricious manner; unpredictable
Related Words:
Whim: a fancy or sudden notion
Words with Similar Meanings:
Capricious Erratic Frivolous
Flippant |
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