Deck 24

Question 1

What does it mean to castigate?

Answer 1

To reprimand or criticize severely; to punish verbally.

Synonyms include reprimand, criticize, condemn, chastise, and rebuke.

Question 2

What is the primary meaning of rehabilitate?

Answer 2

To restore to good health or normal life through medical treatment or therapy.

Secondary meaning: to restore to a former or better condition.

Question 3

Define assuage.

Answer 3

To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense; to relieve or ease.

Secondary meaning: to satisfy (an appetite or desire).

Question 4

What does audacity refer to?

Answer 4

The willingness to take bold risks; daring or impudence.

It can also refer to rude or disrespectful behavior.

Question 5

What is an apologist?

Answer 5

A person who offers an argument or defense in favor of something controversial.

Secondary meaning: a person who defends or justifies a particular policy or action.

Question 6

What does it mean to be scornful?

Answer 6

Expressing contempt or derision; disdainful.

Synonyms include contemptuous, disdainful, dismissive, mocking, and sneering.

Question 7

Define lampoon.

Answer 7

To publicly criticize or ridicule (someone or something) using humor, irony, or sarcasm.

Secondary meaning: a piece of writing, cartoon, or performance that lampoons a person or thing.

Question 8

What is a ploy?

Answer 8

A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one’s own advantage.

Synonyms include strategy, tactic, maneuver, scheme, and ruse.

Question 9

What does unadorned mean?

Answer 9

Plain and simple; without decoration or embellishment.

Secondary meaning: lacking extra features or details.

Question 10

What is meant by interchangeable?

Answer 10

Capable of being used in place of each other; mutually substitutable.

Examples include parts that can be used interchangeably.

Question 11

Define reinterpret.

Answer 11

To interpret or explain in a different or new way.

Synonyms include rethink, reanalyze, reexamine, reevaluate, and reassess.

Question 12

What does extant mean?

Answer 12

Still in existence; surviving.

Examples include ancient manuscripts that are still extant.

Question 13

What is the primary meaning of intransigent?

Answer 13

Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something; stubbornly resistant.

Secondary meaning: stubborn or uncompromising.

Question 14

What does skullduggery refer to?

Answer 14

Dishonest or deceitful behavior, often involving trickery or deception.

Examples include unscrupulous practices in politics.

Question 15

What does irksome mean?

Answer 15

Annoying, irritating, or tedious; causing annoyance.

Synonyms include tiresome, boring, and vexing.

Question 16

What does it mean to skirt something?

Answer 16

To go around or avoid dealing directly with something; to bypass.

Can also refer to a piece of clothing worn by women and girls.

Question 17

Define crescendo.

Answer 17

A gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in a piece of music.

Secondary meaning: a steady increase in force or intensity.

Question 18

What does scathe mean?

Answer 18

To harm or injure, especially with words; to criticize harshly.

Synonyms include harm, injure, damage, and insult.

Question 19

What does it mean to abstain?

Answer 19

To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something, typically alcohol or indulgence in food.

Can also refer to refraining from voting or participating in a decision.

Question 20

Define dichotomy.

Answer 20

A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

Secondary meaning: a dualism or split.

Question 21

What does yield mean?

Answer 21

To produce or provide (a result, profit, or gain).

Can also mean to give way or surrender under pressure.

Question 22

Define engage.

Answer 22

To occupy, attract, or involve someone’s interest or attention.

Can also mean to participate or become involved in an activity.

Question 23

What does acerbic mean?

Answer 23

Sharp and forthright; often used to describe a tone or comment that is harsh and critical.

Secondary meaning: bitter or sour in taste.

Question 24

What does uncontroversial mean?

Answer 24

Not causing disagreement or dispute; not controversial.

Secondary meaning: lacking controversy; accepted without dispute.

Question 25

Define diminutive.

Answer 25

Extremely small in size; tiny. ## Footnote Can also refer to a word or name that is a diminutive form of a larger or longer one.

Question 26

What does elate mean?

Answer 26

To make (someone) ecstatically happy; to fill with great joy or pride. ## Footnote Synonyms include thrill, delight, exhilarate, and excite.

Question 27

What does upbraid mean?

Answer 27

To reprimand or criticize severely; to scold or rebuke. ## Footnote Synonyms include scold, reprimand, chastise, and criticize.

Question 28

Define exploit.

Answer 28

To make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). ## Footnote Can also mean to use (a situation or person) in an unfair or selfish way.

Question 29

What does banter refer to?

Answer 29

Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks; light-hearted teasing or joking. ## Footnote Can also mean to engage in banter.

Question 30

What is a mask?

Answer 30

A covering for all or part of the face, typically worn for disguise, protection, or as part of a costume. ## Footnote Secondary meaning: to conceal or hide one's emotions, feelings, or true self.

Question 31

What does it mean to restrain?

Answer 31

To hold back; to prevent someone from doing something. ## Footnote Can refer to physical restraint or emotional control.

Question 32

What does it mean to mask one's emotions?

Answer 32

To hide one's emotions, feelings, or true self. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'She tried to mask her disappointment with a smile.'

Question 33

What is a synonym for the term 'mask'?

Answer 33

* Disguise * Costume * Face covering * Veil * Visor ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Conceal, Hide, Disguise, Camouflage, Pretend.

Question 34

What is the primary meaning of 'manacle'?

Answer 34

A metal band, chain, or shackle used to fasten someone's hands or ankles; handcuffs or restraints. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The criminal was placed in manacles and led away by the police.'

Question 35

What is a synonym for 'manacle'?

Answer 35

* Handcuffs * Shackles * Chains * Restraints * Cuffs ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Restrain, Confine, Restrict, Shackle, Impede.

Question 36

Define 'complacent'.

Answer 36

Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements; overly content. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'His complacent attitude prevented him from striving for greater success.'

Question 37

What is a synonym for 'complacent'?

Answer 37

* Self-satisfied * Smug * Content * Conceited * Pleased ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Self-congratulatory, Contented, Self-content, Self-assured, Self-admiring.

Question 38

What does 'forsake' mean?

Answer 38

To abandon or leave behind; to renounce or give up. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'He vowed never to forsake his family in their time of need.'

Question 39

What is a synonym for 'forsake'?

Answer 39

* Abandon * Desert * Leave * Renounce * Relinquish ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Abjure, Repudiate, Reject, Denounce.

Question 40

What does 'nullify' mean?

Answer 40

To make legally null and void; to invalidate or cancel out. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The court's decision nullified the contract due to a breach of terms.'

Question 41

What is a synonym for 'nullify'?

Answer 41

* Invalidate * Cancel * Void * Annul * Revoke ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Negate, Neutralize, Counteract, Invalidate, Counter.

Question 42

What does it mean to 'cow' someone?

Answer 42

To intimidate or frighten with threats or violence; to subdue or cower. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The gang tried to cow him into joining their illegal activities through threats.'

Question 43

What is a synonym for 'cow'?

Answer 43

* Intimidate * Frighten * Bully * Overawe * Terrify ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Bully, Harass, Intimidate, Domineer, Overbear.

Question 44

Define 'steadfast'.

Answer 44

Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering; loyal and faithful. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'She remained steadfast in her support for the cause despite the challenges.'

Question 45

What is a synonym for 'steadfast'?

Answer 45

* Unwavering * Loyal * Faithful * Devoted * Dedicated ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Fixed, Unchanging, Constant, Stable, Unfluctuating.

Question 46

What does 'ardent' mean?

Answer 46

Enthusiastic or passionate; showing intense feelings or fervor. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'Her ardent support for the team was evident in her cheering.'

Question 47

What is a synonym for 'ardent'?

Answer 47

* Enthusiastic * Passionate * Fervent * Zealous * Eager ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Fiery, Glowing, Red-hot, Heated, Radiant.

Question 48

What does 'verbose' mean?

Answer 48

Using more words than necessary; wordy or long-winded. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'His verbose explanation made it difficult to understand the main point.'

Question 49

What is a synonym for 'verbose'?

Answer 49

* Wordy * Long-winded * Prolix * Loquacious * Garrulous ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Windy, Prolix, Talkative, Repetitive, Rambling.

Question 50

What is the primary meaning of 'anachronism'?

Answer 50

A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than the one in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The antique typewriter on her desk was an anachronism in the digital age.'

Question 51

What is a synonym for 'anachronism'?

Answer 51

* Relic * Fossil * Antique * Dinosaur * Relict ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Chronological error, Misplacement, Misdating, Out-of-date, Outmoded.

Question 52

What does 'surrogate' mean?

Answer 52

A substitute or replacement, especially a person appointed to act in the place of another. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'She served as a surrogate for her sister and carried the baby to term.'

Question 53

What is a synonym for 'surrogate'?

Answer 53

* Substitute * Replacement * Stand-in * Proxy * Deputy ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Gestational, Reproductive, Substituted, Alternative, Replacement.

Question 54

Define 'befuddled'.

Answer 54

To confuse or make someone unable to think clearly; to bewilder. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The complex instructions left him completely befuddled.'

Question 55

What is a synonym for 'befuddled'?

Answer 55

* Confuse * Bewilder * Perplex * Puzzle * Mystify ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Confused, Disoriented, Dazed, Muddled, Addled.

Question 56

What does 'intrepid' mean?

Answer 56

Fearless and adventurous; brave and determined. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted jungle.'

Question 57

What is a synonym for 'intrepid'?

Answer 57

* Fearless * Brave * Bold * Courageous * Adventurous ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Courageous, Valiant, Resolute, Undaunted, Heroic.

Question 58

What does it mean to conspire?

Answer 58

To secretly plan with others to do something unlawful or harmful; to plot. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The criminals conspired to rob the bank under the cover of darkness.'

Question 59

What is a synonym for 'conspire'?

Answer 59

* Plot * Scheme * Machinate * Collude * Connive ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Collaborate, Work together, Combine, Cooperate, Join forces.

Question 60

Define 'tantalizing'.

Answer 60

Arousing desire or interest but keeping it out of reach; tempting. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room.'

Question 61

What is a synonym for 'tantalizing'?

Answer 61

* Tempting * Alluring * Seductive * Enticing * Attractive ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Tormenting, Teasing, Provocative, Beguiling, Provoking.

Question 62

What does 'hackneyed' mean?

Answer 62

(Of a phrase or idea) Lacking originality or freshness; overused and clichéd. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The writer's use of hackneyed expressions made the story less engaging.'

Question 63

What is a synonym for 'hackneyed'?

Answer 63

* Clichéd * Trite * Stereotyped * Banal * Overused ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Worn out, Commonplace, Stale, Unoriginal, Platitudinous.

Question 64

What is the primary meaning of 'mercenary'?

Answer 64

A person primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics or principles; a hired soldier. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The mercenary was willing to take any job for the right price, regardless of morality.'

Question 65

What is a synonym for 'mercenary'?

Answer 65

* Money-grubber * Hireling * Soldier of fortune * Profiteer * Contractor ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Greedy, Self-interested, Avaricious, Materialistic, Opportunistic.

Question 66

Define 'condescending'.

Answer 66

Having an attitude of superiority; patronizing or looking down on others. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'Her condescending tone made it clear that she thought she was better than everyone else.'

Question 67

What is a synonym for 'condescending'?

Answer 67

* Patronizing * Superior * Haughty * Snobbish * Contemptuous ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Patronizing, Dismissive, Superior, Arrogant, Contemptuous.

Question 68

What does 'raillery' mean?

Answer 68

Good-humored teasing or ridicule; playful and light-hearted banter. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The friends engaged in raillery, poking fun at each other's quirks.'

Question 69

What is a synonym for 'raillery'?

Answer 69

* Teasing * Ridicule * Mockery * Banter * Jest ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Mockery, Teasing, Ridicule, Banter, Jest.

Question 70

What does 'lambaste' mean?

Answer 70

To criticize or reprimand harshly; to scold or berate severely. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'He lambasted the government's handling of the crisis during the press conference.'

Question 71

What is a synonym for 'lambaste'?

Answer 71

* Criticize * Reprimand * Berate * Scold * Rebuke ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Beat, Whip, Thrash, Flog, Pummel.

Question 72

What does 'escalate' mean?

Answer 72

To increase in intensity, scope, or severity; to become more serious or severe. ## Footnote Contextual Usage: 'The conflict between the two nations continued to escalate, leading to a full-scale war.'

Question 73

What is a synonym for 'escalate'?

Answer 73

* Intensify * Increase * Heighten * Aggravate * Worsen ## Footnote Synonyms for secondary context: Provoke, Aggravate, Heighten, Increase, Intensify.