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PSAT Vocabulary
A-Z most commonly tested words on the PSAT
1110
Writing
10th Grade
07/07/2011

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Term
caucus
Definition
smaller group within an organization; a meeting of such a group
Term
caustic
Definition
biting, sarcastic; able to burn
Term
cede
Definition
to surrender possession of something
Term
censorious
Definition
severely critical
Term
cessation
Definition
temporary or complete halt
Term
chagrin
Definition
shame, embarrassment, humiliation
Term
champion (v.)
Definition
to defend or support
Term
chaotic
Definition
extremely disorderly
Term
charlatan
Definition
quack, fake
Term
chary
Definition
watchful, cautious, extremely shy
Term
chastise
Definition
to punish, discipline, scold
Term
chide
Definition
to scold, express disapproval
Term
chromatic
Definition
relating to color
Term
circuitous
Definition
roundabout
Term
circumference
Definition
boundary or distance around a circle or sphere
Term
circumscribe
Definition
to encircle; set limits on, confine
Term
circumspect
Definition
cautious, wary
Term
citadel
Definition
fortress or stronghold
Term
civil
Definition
polite; relating to citizens
Term
clairvoyant (adj.)
Definition
having ESP, psychic
Term
clamor
Definition
to make a noisy outcry; a noisy outcry
Term
clandestine
Definition
secretive
Term
clemency
Definition
merciful leniency
Term
cloister (v.)
Definition
to confine, seclude
Term
coalesce
Definition
to grow together or cause to unite as one
Term
coddle
Definition
to baby, treat indulgently
Term
coerce
Definition
to compel by force or intimidation
Term
cogent
Definition
logically forceful, compelling, convincing
Term
coherent
Definition
intelligible, lucid, understandable
Term
collateral
Definition
accompanying
Term
colloquial
Definition
characteristic of informal speech
Term
collusion
Definition
collaboration, complicity, conspiracy
Term
commensurate
Definition
proportional
Term
commodious
Definition
roomy, spacious
Term
communicable
Definition
transmittable
Term
communicable
Definition
transmittable
Term
communicable
Definition
transmittable
Term
commute
Definition
to change a penalty to a less severe one
Term
compensate
Definition
to repay or reimburse
Term
complacent
Definition
self-satisfied, smug
Term
complement
Definition
to complete, perfect
Term
compliant
Definition
submissive and yielding
Term
complicity
Definition
knowing partnership in wrongdoing
Term
compunction
Definition
feeling of uneasiness caused by guilt or regret
Term
concave
Definition
curving inward
Term
concede
Definition
to yield, admit
Term
conciliatory
Definition
overcoming distrust or hostility
Term
concur
Definition
to agree
Term
condone
Definition
to pardon or forgive; overlook, justify, or excuse a fault
Term
conduit
Definition
tube, pipe, or similar passage
Term
conflagration
Definition
big, destructive fire
Term
confound
Definition
to baffle, perplex
Term
congeal
Definition
to become thick or solid, as a liquid freezing
Term
conglomerate
Definition
collected group of varied things
Term
congenial
Definition
similar in tastes and habits
Term
conjecture
Definition
speculation, prediction
Term
conscientious
Definition
governed by conscience; careful and thorough
Term
consecrate
Definition
to declare sacred; dedicate to a goal
Term
consensus
Definition
unanimity, agreement of opinion or attitude
Term
consolation
Definition
something providing comfort or solace for a loss or hardship
Term
consolidate
Definition
to combine, incorporate
Term
constrained
Definition
forced, compelled; confined, restrained
Term
construe
Definition
to explain or interpret
Term
contentious
Definition
quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
Term
continence
Definition
self-control, self-restraint
Term
contravene
Definition
to contradict, deny, act contrary to
Term
contrite
Definition
deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
Term
conundrum
Definition
riddle, puzzle or problem with no solution
Term
convalescence
Definition
gradual recovery after an illness
Term
convene
Definition
to meet, come together, assemble
Term
conventional
Definition
typical, customary, commonplace
Term
convex
Definition
curved outward
Term
convoluted
Definition
twisted, complicated, involved
Term
copious
Definition
abundant, plentiful
Term
corroborate
Definition
to confirm, verify
Term
cosmetic (adj.)
Definition
relating to beauty; affecting the surface of something
Term
cosmopolitan
Definition
sophisticated, free from local prejudices
Term
coterie
Definition
small group of persons with a similar purpose
Term
covert
Definition
hidden; secret
Term
covet
Definition
to desire strongly something possessed by another
Term
crass
Definition
crude, unrefined
Term
craven
Definition
cowardly
Term
credence
Definition
acceptance of something as true or real
Term
credulous
Definition
gullible, trusting
Term
creed
Definition
statement of belief or principle
Term
cryptic
Definition
puzzling
Term
cuisine
Definition
characteristic style of cooking
Term
culmination
Definition
climax, final stage
Term
culpable
Definition
guilty, responsible for wrong
Term
cupidity
Definition
greed
Term
curmudgeon
Definition
cranky person
Term
cursory
Definition
hastily done, superficial
Term
curt
Definition
abrupt, blunt
Term
curtail
Definition
to shorten
Term
cynic
Definition
person who distrusts the motives of others
Term
daunt
Definition
to discourage, intimidate
Term
dearth
Definition
lack, scarcity, insufficiency
Term
debase
Definition
to degrade or lower in quality or stature
Term
debilitate
Definition
to weaken, enfeeble
Term
debunk
Definition
to discredit, disprove
Term
deciduous
Definition
falling off or shed seasonally; short-lived, temporary
Term
decorum
Definition
proper behavior, etiquette
Term
decry
Definition
to belittle, openly condemn
Term
deface
Definition
to mar the appearance of, vandalize
Term
defamatory
Definition
slanderous, injurious to the reputation
Term
deferential
Definition
respectful and polite in a submissive way
Term
deflation
Definition
decrease, depreciation
Term
defunct
Definition
no longer existing, extinct
Term
delectable
Definition
appetizing, delicious
Term
delegate (v.)
Definition
to give powers to another
Term
deleterious
Definition
harmful, destructive, detrimental
Term
deluge
Definition
flood
Term
demagogue
Definition
leader, rabble-rouser, usually using appeals to emotion or prejudice
Term
demean
Definition
to degrade, humiliate, humble
Term
demographics
Definition
data relating to study of human population
Term
demote
Definition
to reduce to a lower grade or rank
Term
demur
Definition
to express doubts or objections
Term
denigrate
Definition
to slur someone's reputation
Term
deplete
Definition
to use up, exhaust
Term
deplore
Definition
express or feel disapproval of; regret strongly
Term
deploy
Definition
to spread out strategically over an area
Term
depravity
Definition
sinfulness, moral corruption
Term
deprecate
Definition
to belittle, disparage
Term
depreciate
Definition
to lose value gradually
Term
deride
Definition
to mock, ridicule, make fun of
Term
derivative
Definition
copied or adapted; not original
Term
desiccate
Definition
to dry completely, dehydrate
Term
desist
Definition
to stop doing something
Term
despondent
Definition
feeling discouraged and dejected
Term
despot
Definition
tyrannical ruler
Term
desultory
Definition
at random, rambling, unmethodical
Term
deter
Definition
to discourage; prevent from happening
Term
deviate
Definition
to stray, wander
Term
dexterous
Definition
skilled physically or mentally
Term
dialect
Definition
regional style of speaking
Term
diaphanous
Definition
allowing light to show through; delicate
Term
diatribe
Definition
bitter verbal attack
Term
dictum
Definition
authoritative statement; popular saying
Term
didactic
Definition
excessively instructive
Term
diffidence
Definition
shyness, lack of confidence
Term
diffuse
Definition
widely spread out
Term
digress
Definition
to turn aside; to stray from the main point
Term
dilapidated
Definition
in disrepair, run down, neglected
Term
dilate
Definition
to enlarge, swell, extend
Term
dilatory
Definition
slow, tending to delay
Term
diplomacy
Definition
discretion, tact
Term
dirge
Definition
funeral hymn
Term
disarray
Definition
clutter, disorder
Term
disburse
Definition
to pay out
Term
discern
Definition
to perceive something obscure
Term
disconcerting
Definition
bewildering, perplexing, slightly disturbing
Term
discordant
Definition
harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
Term
discredit
Definition
to dishonor or displace
Term
discrepancy
Definition
difference between
Term
disdain
Definition
to regard with scorn and contempt
Term
disgorge
Definition
to vomit, dischare violently
Term
disheveled
Definition
untidy, disarranged, unkempt
Term
disparage
Definition
to belittle, speak disrespectfully about
Term
disparate
Definition
dissimilar, different in kind
Term
dispassionate
Definition
free from emotion; impartial, unbiased
Term
dispel
Definition
to drive out or scatter
Term
dispense
Definition
to distribute, administer
Term
disperse
Definition
to break up, scatter
Term
dispirit
Definition
to dishearten, make dejected
Term
disrepute
Definition
disgrace, dishonor
Term
dissemble
Definition
to pretend, disguise one's motives
Term
disseminate
Definition
to spread far and wide
Term
dissipate
Definition
to scatter; to pursue pleasure to excess
Term
dissuade
Definition
to persuade someone to alter original intentions
Term
distraught
Definition
very worried and distressed
Term
dither
Definition
to move or act confusedly or without clear purpose
Term
diurnal
Definition
daily
Term
divine (v.)
Definition
to fortell or know by inspiration
Term
divisive
Definition
creating disunity or conflict
Term
docile
Definition
tame, willing to be taught
Term
doctrinaire
Definition
riidly devoted to theories
Term
dogmatic
Definition
rigidly fixed in opinion, opinionated
Term
doleful
Definition
sad, mournful
Term
dormant
Definition
at rest, inactive, in suspended animation
Term
doting
Definition
excessively fond, loving to excess
Term
dour
Definition
sullen and gloomy; stern and severe
Term
drivel
Definition
stupid talk; slobber
Term
droll
Definition
amusing in a wry, subtle way
Term
dulcet
Definition
pleasant sounding, soothing to the ear
Term
dupe
Definition
to deceive, trick; a fool or pawn
Term
duplicity
Definition
deception, dishonesty, double-dealing
Term
dyspeptic
Definition
suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable
Term
ebb
Definition
to fade away, recede
Term
ebullient
Definition
exhilarated, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
Term
eclectic
Definition
selecting from various sources
Term
ecstatic
Definition
joyful
Term
edict
Definition
law, command, official public order
Term
edifice
Definition
building
Term
edify
Definition
to instruct morally and spiritually
Term
efface
Definition
to erase or make illegible
Term
effervescent
Definition
bubbly, lively
Term
effigy
Definition
stuffed doll; likeness of a person
Term
effrontery
Definition
impudent boldness; audacity
Term
effulgent
Definition
brilliantly shining
Term
effusive
Definition
expressing emotion without restraint
Term
egocentric
Definition
acting as if things are centered around oneself
Term
egregious
Definition
conspicuously bad
Term
elation
Definition
exhilaration, joy
Term
elegy
Definition
mournful poem
Term
elicit
Definition
to draw out, provoke
Term
eloquence
Definition
fluent and effective speech
Term
emaciated
Definition
skinny, scrawny, gaunt, especially from hunger
Term
emancipate
Definition
to set free, liberate
Term
embellish
Definition
to ornament; make attractive with decoration or details; add details to a statement
Term
embezzle
Definition
to steal money in violation of a trust
Term
eminent
Definition
celebrated, distinguished; outstanding, towering
Term
emollient
Definition
having sooting qualities, especially for skin
Term
empathy
Definition
identification with another's feelings
Term
emulate
Definition
to copy, imitate
Term
endemic
Definition
belonging to a particular area, inherent
Term
enervate
Definition
to weaken, sap strength from
Term
engender
Definition
to produce, cause, bring about
Term
enigmatic
Definition
puzzling, inexplicable
Term
enjoin
Definition
to urge, order, command; forbid or prohibit, as by judicial order
Term
enmity
Definition
hostility, antagonism, ill-will
Term
ennui
Definition
boredom, lack of interest and energy
Term
enormity
Definition
state of being gigantic or terrible
Term
ensconce
Definition
to settle comfortable into a place
Term
enthrall
Definition
to captivate, enchant, enslave
Term
entreat
Definition
to plead, beg
Term
enunciate
Definition
to pronounce clearly
Term
ephemeral
Definition
momentary, transient, fleeting
Term
epicure
Definition
person with refined taste in food and wine
Term
epigram
Definition
short, witty saying or poem
Term
epilogue
Definition
concluding section of a literary work
Term
epitome
Definition
representative of an entire group; summary
Term
equanimity
Definition
calmness, composure
Term
equine
Definition
relating to horses
Term
equivocal
Definition
ambiguous, open to more than one interpretation
Term
equivocate
Definition
to use vague or ambiguous language intentially
Term
eradicate
Definition
to erase or wipe out
Term
errant
Definition
straying, mistaken, roving
Term
erudite
Definition
learned, scholarly
Term
eschew
Definition
to abstain from, avoid
Term
esoteric
Definition
understood by only a learned few
Term
espouse
Definition
to support or advocate; to marry
Term
estrange
Definition
to alienate, keep at a distance
Term
ethereal
Definition
not earthly, spiritual, delicate
Term
eulogy
Definition
high praise, often in a public speech
Term
euphemism
Definition
use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
Term
euphony
Definition
pleasant, harmonious sound
Term
euphoria
Definition
feeling of well-being or happiness
Term
evade
Definition
to avoid, dodge
Term
evanescent
Definition
momentary, transitory, short-lived
Term
evict
Definition
to put out or force out
Term
exacerbate
Definition
to aggravate, intensify the bad qualities
Term
exasperation
Definition
irritation
Term
excerpt (n.)
Definition
selection from a book or play
Term
excruciating
Definition
agonizing, intensely painful
Term
exculpate
Definition
to clear of blame or fault, vindicate
Term
execrable
Definition
utterly detestable, abhorrent
Term
exhilaration
Definition
state of being energetic or filled with happiness
Term
exhort
Definition
to urge or incite by strong appeals
Term
exonerate
Definition
to clear of blame, absolve
Term
exorbitant
Definition
extravagant, greater than reaonable
Term
expedient (adj.)
Definition
convenient, efficient, practical
Term
expiate
Definition
to atone for, make amends for
Term
eplicit
Definition
clearly defined, specific; forthright in expression
Term
exponent
Definition
one who champions or advocates
Term
expound
Definition
to elaborate; to expand or increase
Term
expunge
Definition
to erase, eliminate completely
Term
expurgate
Definition
to censor
Term
extemporaneous
Definition
unrehearsed, on the spur of the moment
Term
extenuate
Definition
to lessen the seriousness, strength, or effect of
Term
extol
Definition
to praise
Term
extricate
Definition
to free from, disentangle
Term
extrinsic
Definition
not inherent or essential, coming from without
Term
exuberant
Definition
lively, happy, and full of good spirits
Term
exude
Definition
to give off, ooze
Term
exult
Definition
to rejoice
Term
fabricate
Definition
to make or devise; construct
Term
facade
Definition
face, front; mask, superficial appearance
Term
facile
Definition
very easy
Term
fallacious
Definition
wrong, unsound, illogical
Term
fallow
Definition
uncultivated, unused
Term
fanaticism
Definition
extreme devotion to a cause
Term
farcical
Definition
absurd, ludicrous
Term
fastidious
Definition
careful with details
Term
fathom (v.)
Definition
to measure the depth of, gauge
Term
fatuous
Definition
stupid; foolishly self-satisfied
Term
fawn (v.)
Definition
to flatter excessively, seek the favor of
Term
faze
Definition
to bother, upset, or disconcert
Term
feckless
Definition
ineffective, careless, irresponsible
Term
feign
Definition
to pretend, give a false impression; to invent falsely
Term
felicitous
Definition
suitable, appropriate; well-spoken
Term
fell (v.)
Definition
to chop, cut down
Term
fervid
Definition
passionate, intense, zealous
Term
fetid
Definition
foul-smelling, putrid
Term
fiasco
Definition
disaster, utter failure
Term
fidelity
Definition
loyalty
Term
finicky
Definition
fussy, difficult to please
Term
flaccid
Definition
limp, flabby, weak
Term
flagrant
Definition
outrageous, shameless
Term
flamboyant
Definition
flashy, garish; exciting, dazzling
Term
flaunt
Definition
to show off
Term
flora
Definition
plants
Term
florid
Definition
gaudy, extremely ornate; ruddy, flushed
Term
flounder
Definition
to falter, waver; to muddle, struggle
Term
flout
Definition
to treat contemptuously, scorn
Term
fluctuate
Definition
to alternate, waver
Term
foible
Definition
minor weakness or character flaw
Term
foil (v.
Definition
to defeat, frustrate
Term
foment
Definition
to arouse or incite
Term
ford (v.)
Definition
to cross a body of water at a shallow place
Term
foreboding
Definition
dark sense of evil to come
Term
forestall
Definition
to prevent, delay; anticipate
Term
forethought
Definition
anticipation
Term
forgo
Definition
to go without, refrain from
Term
forlorn
Definition
dreary, deserted; unhappy; hopeless, despairing
Term
forswear
Definition
to repudiate, renounce, disclaim, reject
Term
forte
Definition
strong point, something a person does well
Term
fortuitous
Definition
happening by luck, fortunate
Term
foster
Definition
to nourish, cultivate, promote
Term
founder (v.)
Definition
to fall helplessly; sink; fail
Term
fracas
Definition
noisy dispute
Term
fractious
Definition
unruly, rebellious
Term
fraudulent
Definition
deceitful, dishonest, unethical
Term
fraught
Definition
full of, accompanied by
Term
frenetic
Definition
wildly frantic, frenzied, hectic
Term
fulsome
Definition
sickeningly excessive; repulsive
Term
funereal
Definition
mournful, appropriate to a funeral
Term
furtive
Definition
secret, stealthy
Term
gargantuan
Definition
giant, tremendous
Term
garner
Definition
to gather and store
Term
garrulous
Definition
very talkative
Term
gaunt
Definition
thin and bony
Term
genre
Definition
type, class, category
Term
germinate
Definition
to begin to grow (as with a seed or idea)
Term
gestation
Definition
growth process from conception to birth
Term
gibe
Definition
to make heckling, taunting remarks
Term
girth
Definition
distance around something
Term
glib
Definition
fluent in an insincere manner; offhand, casual
Term
gluttony
Definition
eating and drinking to excess
Term
goad
Definition
to prod or urge
Term
grandiloquence
Definition
pompous talk, fancy but meaningless language
Term
grandiose
Definition
magnificent and imposing; exaggerated and pretentious
Term
gratis
Definition
free, costing nothing
Term
gratuitous
Definition
free, voluntary; unnecessary and unjustified
Term
gregarious
Definition
outgoing, sociable
Term
grievous
Definition
causing grief or sorrow; serious and distressing
Term
grimace
Definition
facial expression showing pain or disgust
Term
grovel
Definition
to humble oneself in a demeaning way
Term
guile
Definition
trickery, deception
Term
gullible
Definition
easily deceived
Term
gustatory
Definition
relating to sense of taste
Term
habitat
Definition
dwelling place
Term
hackneyed
Definition
worn out by overuse
Term
hapless
Definition
unfortunate, having bad luck
Term
harbinger
Definition
precursor, sign of something to come
Term
hardy
Definition
robust, vigorous
Term
haughty
Definition
arrogant and condescending
Term
hedonism
Definition
pursuit of pleasure as a goal
Term
hegemony
Definition
leadership, domination, usually by a country
Term
heinous
Definition
shocking, wicked, terrible
Term
hemorrhage
Definition
heavy bleeding; to bleed heavily
Term
heterogeneous
Definition
composed of unlike parts, different, diverse
Term
hew
Definition
to cut with an ax
Term
hiatus
Definition
break, interruption, vacation
Term
homage
Definition
public honor and respect
Term
homogeneous
Definition
composed of identical parts
Term
hone
Definition
to sharpen
Term
husband (v.)
Definition
to farm; manage carefully and thriftily
Term
hutch
Definition
pen or coop for animals; shack, shanty
Term
hygienic
Definition
clean, sanitary
Term
hyperbole
Definition
puposeful exaggeration for effect
Term
hypochondria
Definition
unfounded belief that one is often ill
Term
hypocrite
Definition
person claiming beliefs or virtues he or she doesn't really possess
Term
hypothesis
Definition
assumption subject to proof
Term
iconoclast
Definition
one who attacks traditional beliefs
Term
idealism
Definition
pursuit of noble goals
Term
idiosyncrasy
Definition
peculiarity of temperament, eccentricity
Term
ignominious
Definition
disgraceful and dishonorable
Term
illicit
Definition
illegal, improper
Term
illusory
Definition
unreal, deceptive
Term
illustrious
Definition
famous, renowned
Term
immaculate
Definition
spotless; free from error
Term
immerse
Definition
to bathe, dip; to engross, preoccupy
Term
immune
Definition
exempt; protected from harm or disease; unresponsive to
Term
immutable
Definition
unchangeable, invariable
Term
impair
Definition
to damage, injure
Term
impasse
Definition
blocked path, dilemma with no solution
Term
impasse
Definition
blocked path, dilemma with no solution
Term
impassive
Definition
showing no emotion
Term
impeach
Definition
to charge with misdeeds in public office; accuse
Term
impeccable
Definition
flawless, without flaw
Term
impecunious
Definition
poor, having no money
Term
impediment
Definition
barrier, obstacle; speech disorder
Term
imperious
Definition
arrogantly self-assured, domineering, overbearing
Term
impertinent
Definition
rude
Term
impervious
Definition
impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
Term
impetuous
Definition
quick to act without thinking
Term
implacable
Definition
inflexible, incapable of being affected
Term
implicate
Definition
to involve in a crime, incriminate
Term
implicit
Definition
implied, not directly expressed
Term
importune
Definition
to ask repeatedly, beg
Term
impotent
Definition
powerless, ineffective, lacking strength
Term
impoverish
Definition
to make poor or bankrupt
Term
imprecation
Definition
curse
Term
impregnable
Definition
totally safe from attack, able to resist defeat
Term
impudent
Definition
arrogant, audacious
Term
impugn
Definition
to call into question, attack verbally
Term
inane
Definition
foolish, silly, lacking significance
Term
inaugurate
Definition
to begin or start officially; to induct into office
Term
incandescent
Definition
shining brightly
Term
incarcerate
Definition
to put in jail; to confine
Term
incendiary
Definition
combustible, flammable, burning easily
Term
incense (v.)
Definition
to infuriate, enrage
Term
inception
Definition
beginning
Term
incessant
Definition
continuous, never ceasing
Term
inchoate
Definition
imperfectly formed or formulated
Term
incipient
Definition
beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage
Term
incisive
Definition
perceptive, penetrating
Term
incognito
Definition
in disguise, concealing one's identity
Term
incontrovertible
Definition
unquestionable, beyond dispute
Term
incorrigible
Definition
incapable of being corrected
Term
incredulous
Definition
skeptical, doubtful
Term
inculcate
Definition
to teach, impress in the mind
Term
indefatigable
Definition
never tired
Term
indelible
Definition
permanent, not erasable
Term
indigenous
Definition
native, occurring naturally in an area
Term
indigent
Definition
very poor
Term
indignant
Definition
angry, incensed, offended
Term
indolent
Definition
habitually lazy, idle
Term
indomitable
Definition
fearless, unconquerable
Term
indubitable
Definition
unquestionable
Term
induce
Definition
to persuade; bring about
Term
inept
Definition
clumsy, awkward
Term
inert
Definition
unable to move, tending to inactivity
Term
inevitable
Definition
certain, unavoidable
Term
inexorable
Definition
inflexible, unyielding
Term
infamy
Definition
reputation for bad deeds
Term
infer
Definition
to conclude, deduce
Term
infinitesimal
Definition
extremely tiny
Term
infirmity
Definition
disease, ailment
Term
ingenious
Definition
original, clever, inventive
Term
ingenuous
Definition
straightforward, open; naive and unsophisticated
Term
ingrate
Definition
ungrateful person
Term
ingratiate
Definition
to bring oneself puposely into another's good graces
Term
inhibit
Definition
to hold back, prevent, restrain
Term
inimical
Definition
hostile, unfriendly
Term
injunction
Definition
command, order
Term
innate
Definition
natural, inborn
Term
innocuous
Definition
harmless; inoffensive
Term
innovate
Definition
to invent, modernize, revolutionize
Term
innuendo
Definition
indirect and subtle criticism, insinuation
Term
insatiable
Definition
never satisfied
Term
inscrutable
Definition
impossible to understand fully
Term
insidious
Definition
sly, treacherous, devious
Term
insinuate
Definition
to suggest, say indirectly, imply
Term
insipid
Definition
bland, lacking flavor; lacking excitement
Term
insolent
Definition
insulting and arrogant
Term
instigate
Definition
to incite, urge, agitate
Term
insular
Definition
isolated, detached
Term
insurgent (adj.)
Definition
rebellious, insubordinate
Term
insurrection
Definition
rebellion
Term
integral
Definition
central, indispensable
Term
integrity
Definition
decency, honesty; wholeness
Term
intemperate
Definition
not moderate
Term
inter
Definition
to bury
Term
interloper
Definition
trespasser; meddler in others' affairs
Term
intermittent
Definition
starting and stopping
Term
interrogate
Definition
to question formally
Term
intimation
Definition
clue, suggestiong
Term
intractable
Definition
not easily managed
Term
intransigent
Definition
uncompromising, refusing to be reconciled
Term
intrepid
Definition
fearless
Term
intrinsic
Definition
inherent, internal
Term
introspective
Definition
contemplating one's own thoughts and feelings
Term
introvert
Definition
someone given to self-analysis
Term
inundate
Definition
to cover with water; overwhelm
Term
inure
Definition
to harden; accustom; become used to
Term
invective
Definition
verbal abuse
Term
inveterate
Definition
confirmed, long-standing, deeply rooted
Term
invidious
Definition
envious; obnoxious
Term
iota
Definition
very tiny amount
Term
irascible
Definition
easily angered
Term
iridescent
Definition
showing many colors
Term
itinerant
Definition
wandering from place to place, unsettled
Term
intinerary
Definition
route of a traveler's journey
Term
jaded
Definition
tired by excess or overuse; slightly cynical
Term
jargon
Definition
nonsensical talk; specialized language
Term
jettison
Definition
to cast off, throw cargo overboard
Term
jingoism
Definition
belligerent support of one's country
Term
jocular
Definition
jovial, playful, humorous
Term
juncture
Definition
point where two things are joined
Term
kernel
Definition
innermost, essential part; seed grain, often in a shell
Term
kinetic
Definition
relating to motion; characterized by movement
Term
knell
Definition
sound of a funeral bell
Term
kudos
Definition
fame, glory, honor
Term
labyrinth
Definition
maze
Term
lachrymose
Definition
tearful
Term
lackadaisical
Definition
idle, lazy; apathetic, indifferent
Term
laconic
Definition
using few words
Term
laggard
Definition
dawdler, loafer, lazy person
Term
lament (v.)
Definition
to deplore, grieve
Term
lampoon
Definition
to attack with satire, mock harshly
Term
languid
Definition
lacking energy, indifferent, slow
Term
larder
Definition
place where food is stored
Term
largess
Definition
generosity; gift
Term
lassitude
Definition
lethargy, sluggishness
Term
latent
Definition
present but hidden; potential
Term
laudable
Definition
deserving of praise
Term
laxity
Definition
carelessness
Term
legerdemain
Definition
trickery
Term
legible
Definition
readable
Term
lenient
Definition
easygoing, permissive
Term
lethargy
Definition
indifferent inactivity
Term
levitate
Definition
to rise in the air or cause to rise
Term
levity
Definition
humor, frivolity, gaiety
Term
lexicon
Definition
dictionary, list of words
Term
liberal
Definition
tolerant, broad-minded; generous, lavish
Term
libertine
Definition
one without moral restraint
Term
licentious
Definition
immoral; unrestrained by society
Term
limpid
Definition
clear, transparent
Term
lionize
Definition
to treat as a celebrity
Term
lissome
Definition
easily flexed, limber, agile
Term
listless
Definition
lacking energy and enthusiasm
Term
literate
Definition
able to read and write; well-read and educated
Term
lithe
Definition
moving and bending with ease; graceful
Term
livid
Definition
discolored from a bruise; reddened with anger
Term
loiter
Definition
to stand around idly
Term
loquacious
Definition
talkative
Term
lucid
Definition
clear and easily understood
Term
ludicrous
Definition
laughable, ridiculous
Term
lugubrious
Definition
sorrowful, mournful; dismal
Term
lumber (v.)
Definition
to move slowly and awkwardly
Term
luminous
Definition
bright, brilliant, glowing
Term
lurid
Definition
harshly shocking, sensational; glowing
Term
luxuriance
Definition
elegance, lavishness
Term
lyrical
Definition
suitable for poetry and song; expressing feeling
Term
maelstrom
Definition
whirlpool; turmoil; agitated state of mind
Term
magnanimous
Definition
generous, noble in spirit
Term
magnate
Definition
powerful or influential person
Term
malady
Definition
illness
Term
malapropism
Definition
humorous misuse of a word
Term
malcontent
Definition
discontented person, one who holds a grudge
Term
malefactor
Definition
evil-doer; culprit
Term
malevolent
Definition
ill-willed; causing evil or harm to others
Term
malice
Definition
animosity, spite, hatred
Term
malinger
Definition
to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
Term
mandatory
Definition
necessary, required
Term
mannered
Definition
artificial or stilted in character
Term
mar
Definition
to damage, deface; spoil
Term
maritime
Definition
relating to the sea or sailing
Term
martial
Definition
warlike, pertaining to the military
Term
martinet
Definition
strict disciplinarian, one who rigidly follows rules
Term
martyr
Definition
person dying for his or her beliefs
Term
maudlin
Definition
overly sentimental
Term
mawkish
Definition
sickeningly sentimental
Term
medieval
Definition
relating to the Middle Ages (about a.d. 500-1500)
Term
melancholy
Definition
sadness, depression
Term
menagerie
Definition
various animals kept together for exhibition
Term
mendacious
Definition
dishonest
Term
mendicant
Definition
beggar
Term
mentor
Definition
experienced teacher and wise adviser
Term
mercurial
Definition
quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
Term
meretricious
Definition
gaudy, falsely attractive
Term
meritorious
Definition
deserving reward or praise
Term
metamorphosis
Definition
cahnge, transformation
Term
metaphor
Definition
figure of speech comparing two different things
Term
meticulous
Definition
extremely careful, fastidious, painstaking
Term
mettle
Definition
courageousness; endurance
Term
militate
Definition
to operate against, work against
Term
misanthrope
Definition
person who hates human beings
Term
misconstrue
Definition
to misunderstand, fail to discover
Term
miserliness
Definition
extreme stinginess
Term
misnomer
Definition
an incorrect name or designation
Term
missive
Definition
note or letter
Term
mitigate
Definition
to soften, or make milder
Term
mnemonic
Definition
relating to memory; designed to assisst memory
Term
mollify
Definition
to calm or make less severe
Term
molt (v.)
Definition
to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically
Term
monastic
Definition
extremely plain or secluded (as in a monastery)
Term
monologue
Definition
dramatic speech performed by one actor
Term
montage
Definition
composite picture
Term
moot
Definition
debatable; purely academic, deprived of practical significance
Term
morbid
Definition
gruesome; relating to disease; abnormally gloomy
Term
moribund
Definition
dying, decaying
Term
morose
Definition
gloomy, sullen, or surly
Term
morsel
Definition
small bit of food
Term
mote
Definition
qsmall particle, speck
Term
motely
Definition
many colored; composed of diverse parts
Term
mottle
Definition
to mark with spots
Term
mundane
Definition
worldly; commonplace
Term
munificent
Definition
generous
Term
mutability
Definition
changeability
Term
myriad
Definition
immense number; multitude
Term
nadir
Definition
lowest point
Term
nascent
Definition
starting to develop, coming into existance
Term
nebulous
Definition
vague, cloudy
Term
neophyte
Definition
novice, beginner
Term
nettle (v.)
Definition
to irritate
Term
niche
Definition
recess in a wall; best position for something
Term
nihilism
Definition
belief that existence and all traditional values are meaningless
Term
nocturnal
Definition
pertaining to night; active at night
Term
noisome
Definition
stinking, putrid
Term
nomadic
Definition
moving from place to place
Term
nominal
Definition
existing in name only; negligible
Term
notoriety
Definition
unfavorable fame
Term
novice
Definition
apprentice, beginner
Term
novitiate
Definition
state of being a beginner or novice
Term
noxious
Definition
harmful, unwholesome
Term
nuance
Definition
shade of meaning
Term
nullify
Definition
to make legally invalid; to counteract the effect of
Term
obdurate
Definition
stubborn
Term
obfuscate
Definition
to confuse, obscure
Term
oblique
Definition
indirect, evasive; misleading, devious
Term
oblivious
Definition
unaware, inattentive
Term
obsequious
Definition
overly submissive, brownnosing
Term
obsolete
Definition
no longer in use
Term
obstinate
Definition
stubborn
Term
obstreperous
Definition
troublesome, boisterous, unruly
Term
obviate
Definition
to make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
Term
occlude
Definition
to shut, block
Term
odious
Definition
hateful, contemptible
Term
officious
Definition
too helpful, meddlesome
Term
ominous
Definition
menacing, threatening, indicating misfortune
Term
omniscient
Definition
having infinite knowledge, all-seeing
Term
onerous
Definition
burdensome
Term
opaque
Definition
impervious to light; difficult to understand
Term
opine
Definition
to express an opinion
Term
opportune
Definition
appropriate, fitting
Term
opprobrious
Definition
disgraceful, contemptuous
Term
opulence
Definition
wealth
Term
oration
Definition
lecture, formal speech
Term
oscillate
Definition
to move back and forth
Term
ossify
Definition
to turn to bone; to become rigid
Term
ostentatious
Definition
showy
Term
ostracism
Definition
exclusion, temporary banishment
Term
ouster
Definition
expulsion, ejection
Term
overwrought
Definition
agitated, overdone
Term
pacify
Definition
to restore calm, bring peace
Term
palatial
Definition
like a palace, magnificent
Term
palaver
Definition
idle talk
Term
pall (n.)
Definition
covering that darkens or obscures; coffin
Term
pall (v.)
Definition
to lose strenght or interest
Term
palliate
Definition
to make less serious, ease
Term
pallid
Definition
lacking color or liveliness
Term
palpable
Definition
obvious, real, tangible
Term
paltry
Definition
pitifully small or worthless
Term
panacea
Definition
cure-all
Term
panache
Definition
flamboyance, verve
Term
pandemic
Definition
spread over a whole area or country
Term
panegyric
Definition
elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
Term
panorama
Definition
broad view; comprehensive picture
Term
paradigm
Definition
ideal example, model
Term
paradox
Definition
contradiction, incongruity; dilemma, puzzle
Term
paragon
Definition
model of excellence or perfection
Term
paramount
Definition
supreme, dominant, primary
Term
paraphrase
Definition
to reword, usually in simpler terms
Term
parasite
Definition
person or animal that lives at another's expense
Term
parch
Definition
to dry or shrivel
Term
pariah
Definition
outcast
Term
parity
Definition
equality
Term
parochial
Definition
of limited scope or outlook, provincial
Term
parody
Definition
humorous imitation
Term
parry
Definition
to ward off or deflect
Term
parsimony
Definition
stinginess
Term
partisan
Definition
strong supporter; biased in favor of
Term
pastiche
Definition
piece of literature or music imitating other works
Term
pathos
Definition
pity, compassion
Term
patrician
Definition
aristocrat
Term
patronize
Definition
to condescend to, disparage; to buy from
Term
paucity
Definition
scarcity, lack
Term
pauper
Definition
very poor person
Term
pedagogue
Definition
teacher
Term
pedant
Definition
boring academic, nit-picker
Term
pedestrian (adj.)
Definition
commonplace
Term
peer (n.)
Definition
contemporary, equal, match
Term
peerless
Definition
unequaled
Term
penchant
Definition
inclination
Term
pensive
Definition
thoughtful
Term
penury
Definition
extreme poverty
Term
perennial
Definition
present throughout the years; persistent
Term
perfidious
Definition
faithless, disloyal, untrustworthy
Term
perfunctory
Definition
done in a routine way; indifferent
Term
peripatetic
Definition
moving from place to place
Term
perjure
Definition
to tell a lie under oath
Term
permeable
Definition
penetrable
Term
pernicious
Definition
very harmful
Term
perpetual
Definition
endless, lasting
Term
pertinent
Definition
applicable, appropriate
Term
perusal
Definition
close examination
Term
pestilence
Definition
epidemic, plague
Term
petulance
Definition
rudeness, peevishness
Term
phalanx
Definition
massed group of soldiers, people, or things
Term
philanderer
Definition
pursuer of casual love affairs
Term
philanthropy
Definition
love of humanity; generosity to worthy causes
Term
philistine
Definition
narrow-minded person, someone lacking appreciation for art or culture
Term
phlegmatic
Definition
calm in temperament; sluggish
Term
phlegmatic
Definition
calm in temperament; sluggish
Term
phobia
Definition
exaggerated, illogical fear
Term
piety
Definition
devoutness
Term
pilfer
Definition
to steal
Term
pinnacle
Definition
peak, highest point of development
Term
pique (n.)
Definition
fleeting feeling of hurt pride
Term
pithy
Definition
profound, substantial; concise, succinct, to the point
Term
placate
Definition
to soothe or pacify
Term
placid
Definition
calm
Term
plagiarist
Definition
one who steals words or ideas
Term
plaintiff
Definition
injured person in a lawsuit
Term
platitude
Definition
stale, oversued expression
Term
plentitude
Definition
abundance, plenty
Term
plethora
Definition
excess, overabundance
Term
pliant
Definition
pliable, yielding
Term
plucky
Definition
courageous, spunky
Term
plummet
Definition
to fall, plunge
Term
ply (v.)
Definition
to use diligently; to engage; to join together
Term
poignant
Definition
emotionally moving
Term
polemic
Definition
controversy, argument; verbal attack
Term
polyglot
Definition
speaker of many languages
Term
pontificate
Definition
to speak in a pretentious manner
Term
pore (v.)
Definition
to study closely or meditatively
Term
porous
Definition
full of holes, permeable to liquids
Term
portent
Definition
omen
Term
posterity
Definition
future generations; all of a person's descendants
Term
potable
Definition
drinkable
Term
pragmatic
Definition
practical; moved by facts rather than abstract ideals
Term
prattle (n.)
Definition
meaningless, foolish talk
Term
precarious
Definition
uncertain
Term
precipice
Definition
edge, steep overhang
Term
precipitous
Definition
hasty, quickly, with too little caution
Term
preclude
Definition
to rule out
Term
precocious
Definition
unusually advanced at an early age
Term
precursor
Definition
forerunner, predecessor
Term
predilection
Definition
preference, liking
Term
preface (n.)
Definition
introduction to a book; introductory remarks to a speech
Term
premeditate
Definition
to consider, plan beforehand
Term
prepossessing
Definition
attractive, engaging, appealing
Term
preposterous
Definition
absurd, illogical
Term
presage
Definition
to foretell, indicate in advance
Term
prescient
Definition
having foresight
Term
presumptuous
Definition
rude, improperly bold
Term
pretext
Definition
excuse, pretended reason
Term
prevalent
Definition
widespread
Term
prevaricate
Definition
to lie, evade the truth
Term
pristine
Definition
untouched, uncorrupted
Term
privation
Definition
lack of usual necessities or comforts
Term
probity
Definition
honesty, high-mindedness
Term
proclivity
Definition
tendency, inclination
Term
procrastinator
Definition
one who continually and unjustifiably postpones
Term
prodigal (adj.)
Definition
wasteful, extravagant, lavish
Term
prodigious
Definition
vast, enormous, extraordinary
Term
proficient
Definition
expert, skilled in a certain subject
Term
profuse
Definition
lavish, extravagant
Term
progenitor
Definition
originator, forefather, ancestor in a direct line
Term
progeny
Definition
offspring, children
Term
prognosis
Definition
prediction of disease outcome; any prediction
Term
prolific
Definition
productive
Term
prologue
Definition
introductory section of a literary work or play
Term
promontory
Definition
piece of land or rock higher than its surroundings
Term
promulgate
Definition
to make known publicly
Term
propensity
Definition
inclination, tendency
Term
propitious
Definition
favorable, advantageous
Term
proponent
Definition
advocate, defender, supporter
Term
prosaic
Definition
relating to prose; dull, commonplace
Term
proscribe
Definition
to condemn; to forbid, outlaw
Term
prostrate
Definition
lying face downward, lying flat on ground
Term
protagonist
Definition
main character in a play or story, hero
Term
protean
Definition
readily assuming different forms or characters
Term
protocol
Definition
ceremony and manners observed by diplomats
Term
provincial
Definition
rustic, unsophisticated, limited in scope
Term
prowess
Definition
bravery, skill
Term
proximity
Definition
nearness
Term
prudent
Definition
careful, cautious
Term
pry
Definition
to intrude into; force open
Term
pseudonym
Definition
pen name; fictitious or borrowed name
Term
puerile
Definition
childish, immature, silly
Term
pugnacious
Definition
quarrelsome, eager and ready to fight
Term
pulchritude
Definition
beauty
Term
punctilious
Definition
carefuly in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
Term
pungent
Definition
strong or sharp in smell or taste
Term
punitive
Definition
having to do with punishment
Term
purge
Definition
to cleanse or free from impurities
Term
quagmire
Definition
marsh; difficult situation
Term
quandary
Definition
dilemma, difficulty
Term
quarantine
Definition
isolation perious - originally of 40 days - to prevent spread of disease
Term
quell
Definition
to crush or subdue
Term
querulous
Definition
inclined to complain, irritable
Term
quibble
Definition
to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
Term
quiescence
Definition
inactivity, stillness
Term
quintessence
Definition
most typical example; concentrated essence
Term
quixotic
Definition
overly idealistic, impractical
Term
quotidian
Definition
occurring daily; commonplace
Term
raconteur
Definition
witty, skillful storyteller
Term
rail (v.)
Definition
to scold with bitter or abusive language
Term
ramble
Definition
to roam, wander; to babble, digress
Term
ramification
Definition
an implication, outgrowth, or consequence
Term
rancor
Definition
bitter hatred
Term
rant
Definition
to harangue, rave, forcefully scold
Term
rapport
Definition
relationship of trust and respect
Term
rapt
Definition
deeply absorbed
Term
rarefy
Definition
to make thinner, purer, or more refined
Term
rash (adj.)
Definition
careless, hasty, reckless
Term
raucous
Definition
harsh sounding; boisterous
Term
ravage
Definition
to destroy, devastate
Term
ravenous
Definition
extremely hungry
Term
raze
Definition
to tear down, demolish
Term
reactionary
Definition
marked by extreme conservatism, expecially in politics
Term
rebuff (n.)
Definition
blunt rejection
Term
rebuke
Definition
to reprimand, scold
Term
rebut
Definition
to refute by evidence or argument
Term
recalcitrant
Definition
resisting authority or control
Term
recant
Definition
to retract a statement, opinion, etcetera
Term
reclusive
Definition
shut off from the world
Term
recondite
Definition
relating to obscure learning; known to only a few
Term
recount
Definition
to describe facts or events
Term
redress
Definition
relief from wrong or injury
Term
redundancy
Definition
unnecessary repetition
Term
refract
Definition
to deflect sound or light
Term
refuge
Definition
escape, shelter
Term
regimen
Definition
government rule; systematic plan
Term
rejoinder
Definition
response
Term
relinquish
Definition
to renounce or surrender something
Term
relish (v.)
Definition
to enjoy greatly
Term
remuneration
Definition
pay or reward for work, trouble, etcetera
Term
renascent
Definition
reborn, coming into being again
Term
renegade
Definition
traitor, person abandoning a cause
Term
renege
Definition
to go back on one's word
Term
renown
Definition
fame, widespread acclaim
Term
repast
Definition
meal or mealtime
Term
repeal
Definition
to revoke or formally withdraw (often a law)
Term
repentant
Definition
apologetic, guilty, remorseful
Term
replete
Definition
abundantly supplied
Term
repose
Definition
relaxation, leisure
Term
reprehensible
Definition
blameworthy, disreputable
Term
reproach
Definition
to find fault with; blame
Term
reprobate
Definition
morally unprincipled person
Term
reprove
Definition
to criticize or correct
Term
requite
Definition
to return or repay
Term
rescind
Definition
to repeal, cancel
Term
residue
Definition
remainder, leftover, remnant
Term
resilient
Definition
able to recover quickly after illness or bad luck; able to bounce back to shape
Term
resolute
Definition
determined, with a clear purpose
Term
respite
Definition
interval of relief
Term
resplendent
Definition
splendid, brilliant
Term
restive
Definition
impatient, uneasy, restless
Term
reticent
Definition
not speaking freely; reserved
Term
retort (n.)
Definition
cutting response
Term
retrospective
Definition
review of the past
Term
revelry
Definition
boisterous festivity
Term
revere
Definition
to worship, regard with awe
Term
revert
Definition
to backslide, regress
Term
revile
Definition
to criticize with harsh language, verbally abuse
Term
rhetoric
Definition
persuasive use of language
Term
ribald
Definition
humorous in a vulgar way
Term
riddle (v.)
Definition
to make many holes in; permeate
Term
rife
Definition
widepread, prevalent; abundant
Term
risque
Definition
bordering on being inappropriate or indecent
Term
robust
Definition
strong and healthy; hardy
Term
rostrum
Definition
stage for public speaking
Term
rotund
Definition
round in shape; fat
Term
rue
Definition
to regret
Term
ruminate
Definition
to contemplate, reflect upon
Term
rustic
Definition
rural
Term
saccharine
Definition
excessively sweet or sentimental
Term
sagacious
Definition
shrewd
Term
salient
Definition
prominent or conspicuous
Term
sallow
Definition
sickly yellow in color
Term
salubrious
Definition
healthful
Term
salutation
Definition
greeting
Term
sanction (n>)
Definition
permission, support; lay; penalty
Term
sanctuary
Definition
haven, retreat
Term
sanguine
Definition
ruddy; cheerfully optimistic
Term
sardonic
Definition
cynical, scornfully mocking
Term
satiate
Definition
to satisfy
Term
saunter
Definition
to amble; walk in a leisurely manner
Term
savant
Definition
learned person
Term
savory
Definition
agreeable in taste or smell
Term
scale (v.)
Definition
to climb to the top of
Term
scintilla
Definition
trace amount
Term
scintillate
Definition
to sparkle, flash
Term
scoff
Definition
to deride, ridicule
Term
score (n.)
Definition
notation for a musical composition
Term
score (v.)
Definition
to make a notch or scratch
Term
scrupulous
Definition
restrained; honest; careful and precise
Term
scrutiny
Definition
careful observation
Term
scurrilous
Definition
vulgar, low, indecent
Term
secular
Definition
not specifically pertaining to religion
Term
sedentary
Definition
inactive, stationary; sluggish
Term
seminal
Definition
relating to the beginning or seeds of something
Term
senescent
Definition
aging, growing old
Term
sentinent
Definition
awared, conscious, able to percieve
Term
sequester
Definition
to remove or set apart; put into seclusion
Term
seraphic
Definition
angelic, pure, sublime
Term
serpentine
Definition
serpentlike; twisting, winding
Term
servile
Definition
submissive, obedient
Term
shard
Definition
piece of broken glass or pottery
Term
shirk
Definition
to avoid a task due to laziness or fear
Term
simper
Definition
to smirk, smile foolishly
Term
sinecure
Definition
well-paying job or office that requires little or no work
Term
singe
Definition
to burn slightly, scorch
Term
sinuous
Definition
winding; intricate, complex
Term
skeptical
Definition
doubtful, questioning
Term
skulk
Definition
to move in a stealthy or cautious manner; sneak
Term
slight
Definition
to treat as unimportant; insult
Term
sloth
Definition
sluggishness, laziness
Term
slough
Definition
to discard or shed
Term
slovenly
Definition
untidy, messy
Term
sobriety
Definition
seriousness
Term
sodden
Definition
thoroughtly soaked, saturated
Term
sojourn
Definition
visit, stay
Term
solace
Definition
comfort in distress, consolation
Term
solicitous
Definition
concerned, attentive; eager
Term
soliloquy
Definition
literary or dramatic speech by one character, not addressed to others
Term
soluble
Definition
capable of being solved or dissolved
Term
somber
Definition
dark and gloomy; melancholy, dismal
Term
somnolent
Definition
drowsy, sleepy; inducing sleep
Term
sonorous
Definition
producing a full, rich sound
Term
sophistry
Definition
deceptive reasoning or argumentation
Term
sophomoric
Definition
immature and overconfident
Term
soporific
Definition
sleepy or tending to cause sleep
Term
sordid
Definition
filthy; contemptible and corrupt
Term
sovereign
Definition
having supreme power
Term
spartan
Definition
austere, severe, grave; simple, bare
Term
spontaneous
Definition
on the spur of the moemnt, impulsive
Term
sporadic
Definition
infrequent, irregular
Term
spurious
Definition
lacking authenticity; counterfeit, false
Term
spurn
Definition
to reject or refuse contemptuously; scorn
Term
squalid
Definition
filthy; morally repulsive
Term
squander
Definition
to waste
Term
staccato
Definition
marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
Term
staid
Definition
self-restrained to the point of dullness
Term
stand (n.)
Definition
group of trees
Term
stark
Definition
bare, empty, vacant
Term
stifle
Definition
to smother or suffocate; suppress
Term
stipend
Definition
allowance; fixed amount of money paid regularly
Term
stockade
Definition
enclosed area forming defensive wall
Term
stoic
Definition
indifferent to or unaffected by emotions
Term
stolid
Definition
having or showing little emotion
Term
strident
Definition
loud, harsh, unpleasantly noisy
Term
stringent
Definition
imposing severe, rigorous standards
Term
stupefy
Definition
to dull the senses of; stun, astonish
Term
stymie
Definition
to block or thwart
Term
suave
Definition
smoothly gracious or polite; blandly ingratiating
Term
subjugate
Definition
to conquer, subdue; enslave
Term
sublime
Definition
awe-inspiring; of high spiritual or moral value
Term
subliminal
Definition
subconscious; imperceptible
Term
subterfuge
Definition
trick or tactic used to avoid something
Term
subterranean
Definition
hidden, secret; underground
Term
subtle
Definition
hard to detect or describe; perceptive
Term
subvert
Definition
to undermine or corrupt
Term
succinct
Definition
terse, brief, concise
Term
succulent
Definition
juicy; fully of vitality or freshness
Term
suffragist
Definition
one who advocates extended voting rights
Term
sullen
Definition
brooding, gloomy
Term
sully
Definition
to soil, stain, tarnish, taint
Term
supercilious
Definition
arrogant, haughty, overbearing, condescending
Term
superficial
Definition
hasty; shallow and phony
Term
superfluous
Definition
extra, more than necessary
Term
supersede
Definition
to take the place of; replace
Term
supersede
Definition
to take the place of; replace
Term
supplicant
Definition
one who asks humbly and earnestly
Term
surfeit
Definition
excessive amount
Term
surly
Definition
rude and bad-tempered
Term
surmise
Definition
to make an educated guess
Term
surmount
Definition
to conquer, overcome
Term
surreptitious
Definition
characterized by secrecy
Term
susceptible
Definition
vulnerable, unprotected
Term
sybarite
Definition
person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Term
sycophant
Definition
self-serving flatterer, yes-man
Term
syllabus
Definition
outline of a course
Term
symbiosis
Definition
cooperation, mutual helpfulness
Term
synopsis
Definition
plot summary
Term
synthesis
Definition
blend, combination
Term
tacit
Definition
silently understood or implied
Term
taciturn
Definition
uncommunicative, not inclined to speak much
Term
tactile
Definition
relating to the sense of touch
Term
taint
Definition
to spoil or infect; to stain honor
Term
talon
Definition
claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey
Term
tang
Definition
sharp flavor or odor
Term
tangential
Definition
digressing, diverting
Term
tangible
Definition
able to sensed, perceptible, measurable
Term
tawdry
Definition
gaudy, cheap, showy
Term
temperance
Definition
restraint, self-control, moderation
Term
tempered
Definition
moderated, restrained
Term
tempestuous
Definition
stormy, raging, furious
Term
tenable
Definition
defensible, reasonable
Term
tenacious
Definition
stubborn, holding firm
Term
tenet
Definition
belief, doctrine
Term
tenuous
Definition
weak, insubstantial
Term
tepid
Definition
lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
Term
terse
Definition
concise, brief, free of extra words
Term
testament
Definition
statement of belief; will
Term
tether
Definition
to bind, tie
Term
theocracy
Definition
government by priests representing a god
Term
thesaurus
Definition
book of synonyms and antonyms
Term
timorous
Definition
timid, shy, full of apprehension
Term
tirade
Definition
long, violent speech; verbal assault
Term
toady
Definition
flatterer, hanger-on, yes-man
Term
tome
Definition
book, usually large and academic
Term
torpid
Definition
lethargic; unable to move; dormant
Term
tortuous
Definition
having many twists and turns; highly complex
Term
toxin
Definition
poison
Term
tractable
Definition
obedient, yielding
Term
transcend
Definition
to rise above, go beyond
Term
transient (adj.)
Definition
temporary, short-lived, fleeting
Term
transitory
Definition
short-lived, existing only briefly
Term
translucent
Definition
partially transparent
Term
travesty
Definition
parody, exaggerated imitation, caricature
Term
tremulous
Definition
trembling, quivering; fearful, timid
Term
trenchant
Definition
acute, sharp, incisive; forceful, effective
Term
trepidation
Definition
fear and anxiety
Term
trifling
Definition
of slight worth, trivial, insignificant
Term
trite
Definition
shallow, superficial
Term
troupe
Definition
group of actors
Term
truncate
Definition
to cut off, shorten by cutting
Term
tundra
Definition
treeless plain found in arctic or subarctic regions
Term
turgid
Definition
swollen, bloated
Term
turpitude
Definition
inherent vileness, foulness, depravity
Term
tyro
Definition
beginner, novice
Term
ubiquitous
Definition
being everywhere simultaneously
Term
umbrage
Definition
offense, resentment
Term
unadulterated
Definition
absolutely pure
Term
unanimity
Definition
state of total agreement or unity
Term
unconscionable
Definition
unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust
Term
unctuous
Definition
greasy, oily; smug and falsely earnest
Term
undulating
Definition
moving in waves
Term
unequivocal
Definition
absolute, certain
Term
uniform (adj.)
Definition
consistent and unchanging; identical
Term
unimpeachable
Definition
beyond question
Term
unscrupulous
Definition
dishonest
Term
upbraid
Definition
to scold sharply
Term
uproarious
Definition
loud and forceful
Term
urbane
Definition
courteous, refined, suave
Term
usurp
Definition
to seize by force
Term
usury
Definition
practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
Term
utopia
Definition
perfect place
Term
vacillate
Definition
to waver, show indecision
Term
vagrant
Definition
person with no home and no means of support
Term
vanquish
Definition
to conquer, defeat
Term
vapid
Definition
tasteless, dull
Term
variegated
Definition
varied; marked with different colors
Term
vaunted
Definition
boasted about, bragged about
Term
vehement
Definition
strong, urgent
Term
vendetta
Definition
prolonged feud marked by bitter hostility
Term
venerable
Definition
respected because of age
Term
vent (v.)
Definition
to express, say out loud
Term
veracity
Definition
accuracy, truth
Term
verbatim
Definition
word for word
Term
verbose
Definition
wordy
Term
verity
Definition
truthfulness; belief viewed as true and enduring
Term
vermin
Definition
small creatures offensive to humans
Term
vernacular
Definition
everyday language used by ordinary people; specialized language of a profession
Term
vernal
Definition
related to spring
Term
versatile
Definition
adaptable, all-purpose
Term
vestige
Definition
trace, remnant
Term
vex
Definition
to irritate, annoy; confuse, puzzle
Term
viable
Definition
workable, able to succeed or grow
Term
vicarious
Definition
enjoyed through imagined participation in another's experience
Term
vie
Definition
to compete, contend
Term
vigilant
Definition
attentive, watchful
Term
vilify
Definition
to slander, defame
Term
vim
Definition
energy, enthusiasm
Term
vindicate
Definition
to clear of blame; support a claim
Term
vindictive
Definition
spiteful, vengeful, unforgiving
Term
virtuoso
Definition
someone with masterly skill; expert musician
Term
virulent
Definition
extremely poisonous; malignant; hateful
Term
viscous
Definition
thick, syrupy, and sticky
Term
vitriolic
Definition
burning, caustic; sharp, bitter
Term
vituperate
Definition
to abuse verbally
Term
vivacious
Definition
lively, spirited
Term
vociferous
Definition
loud, vocal, and noisy
Term
volition
Definition
free choice, free will; act of choosing
Term
voluble
Definition
speaking much and easily, talkative; glib
Term
voracious
Definition
having a great appetite
Term
vulnerable
Definition
defenseless, unprotected; innocent, naive
Term
waive
Definition
to refrain from enforcing a rule; to give up a legal right
Term
wan
Definition
sickly pale
Term
wanton
Definition
undisciplined, unrestrained, reckless
Term
wary
Definition
careful, cautious
Term
whet
Definition
to sharpen, stimulate
Term
whimsical
Definition
playful or fanciful idea
Term
writ
Definition
written document, usually in law
Term
wry
Definition
amusing, ironic
Term
xenophobia
Definition
fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
Term
yoke (v.)
Definition
to join together
Term
zenith
Definition
highest point, summit
Term
zephyr
Definition
gentle breeze
Term
zoologist
Definition
scientist who studies animals
Term
abandon (n.)
Definition
total lack of inhibition
Term
abase
Definition
to humble; disgrace
Term
abate
Definition
decrease, reduce
Term
abdicate
Definition
to give up a position, right, or power
Term
aberration
Definition
something different from the usual
Term
abet
Definition
to aid; act as accomplice
Term
abhor
Definition
to loathe, detest
Term
abject
Definition
miserable, pitiful
Term
abolitionist
Definition
one who opposes the practice of slavery
Term
abortive
Definition
interrupted while incomplete
Term
abridge
Definition
to condense, shorten
Term
abrogate
Definition
to put an end to, abolish by authority
Term
abscond
Definition
to depart secretly
Term
absolve
Definition
to forgive, free from blame
Term
abstain
Definition
to choose not to do something
Term
accolade
Definition
praise, distinction
Term
accrue
Definition
to accumulate, grow by additions
Term
acerbic
Definition
bitter, sharp in taste or temper
Term
acme
Definition
highest point; summit
Term
acquiesce
Definition
to agree; comply quietly
Term
acrid
Definition
harsh, bitter
Term
acrimony
Definition
bitterness, animosity
Term
acuity
Definition
sharpness
Term
acumen
Definition
sharpness of insight
Term
adage
Definition
old saying or proverb
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