SAT reading Flashcards
(124 cards)
1
Q
undermine
A
1. erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation). "the flow of water had undermined pillars supporting the roof" Similar: erode wear away eat away at chip away undercut Opposite: shore up support 2. lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously. "this could undermine years of hard work" Similar: subvert sabotage threaten weaken compromise diminish
2
Q
abrupt
A
sudden and unexpected. "I was surprised by the abrupt change of subject" Similar: sudden immediate instantaneous hurried hasty quick swift rapid speedy precipitate unexpected surprising startling unanticipated unforeseen without warning violent headlong breakneck meteoric Opposite: gradual unhurried 2. brief to the point of rudeness; curt. "you were rather abrupt with that young man" Similar: curt brusque blunt short sharp terse brisk crisp
3
Q
fragile
A
(of an object) easily broken or damaged. "fragile items such as glass and china" Similar: breakable easily broken brittle frangible smashable splintery flimsy weak frail insubstantial delicate dainty fine eggshell Opposite: robust easily destroyed or threatened. "you have a fragile grip on reality" Similar: tenuous easily broken easily destroyed easily threatened vulnerable perilous flimsy shaky rocky risky unreliable suspect nebulous unsound insecure iffy dicey dodgy Opposite: sound durable (of a person) not strong or sturdy; delicate and vulnerable. "a small, fragile old lady" Similar: weak delicate frail debilitated tottery shaky trembly ill
4
Q
Hunch
A
raise (one's shoulders) and bend the top of one's body forward. "Eliot hunched his shoulders against a gust of snow" Similar: arch curve hump bend bow curl crook crouch huddle up curl up hunker down stoop squat scooch Opposite: straighten stretch out noun noun: hunch; plural noun: hunches 1. a feeling or guess based on intuition rather than fact. "I have a hunch that someone is telling lies" Similar: feeling guess suspicion sneaking suspicion impression inkling idea notion fancy presentiment premonition intuition gut feeling feeling in one's bones funny feeling sixth sense 2. a humped position or thing. "the hunch of his back" Similar: protuberance hump lump bump knob protrusion
5
Q
miserable
A
(of a person) wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable. "their happiness made Anne feel even more miserable" Similar: unhappy sad sorrowful dejected depressed downcast downhearted down despondent despairing disconsolate out of sorts desolate bowed down wretched glum gloomy dismal blue melancholy melancholic low-spirited mournful woeful woebegone doleful forlorn crestfallen broken-hearted heartbroken inconsolable luckless grief-stricken down in the mouth down in the dumps Opposite: happy contented 2. pitiably small or inadequate. "all they pay me is a miserable £8,000 a year" Similar: inadequate meagre scanty scant paltry limited restricted
6
Q
bulk
A
1. the mass or size of something large. "residents jump up and down on their rubbish to reduce its bulk" Similar: size volume dimensions measurements proportions mass substance scale magnitude immensity hugeness vastness massiveness bulkiness largeness bigness ampleness amplitude 2. the greater part of something. "the bulk of the traffic had passed" Similar: majority greater quantity/number larger part/number best/better part main part major part most almost all more than half (main) body lion's share predominance preponderance generality Opposite: minority 1. treat (a product) so that its quantity appears greater than it is. "traders were bulking up their flour with chalk" Similar: make bigger make larger expand pad out fill out eke out add to augment increase 2. combine (shares or commodities for sale). "your shares will be bulked with others and sold at the best prices available"
6
Q
exempt
A
free from an obligation or liability imposed on others. "these patients are exempt from all charges" Similar: free from not liable to not subject to exempted spared excepted excused absolved released discharged immune Opposite: liable to subject to verb free (a person or organization) from an obligation or liability imposed on others. "they were exempted from paying the tax" Similar: free from not liable to not subject to exempted spared excepted excused
7
Q
furnished
A
(of accommodation) available to be rented with furniture.
“a full-sized, fully furnished apartment”
8
Q
politic
A
(of an action) seeming sensible and judicious in the circumstances. "I did not think it politic to express my reservations" Similar: wise prudent sensible judicious canny well judged
9
Q
coerce
A
persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats. "he was coerced into giving evidence" Similar: pressure pressurize bring pressure to bear on use pressure on put pressure on constrain lean on press push force compel oblige put under an obligation browbeat brainwash bludgeon bully threaten prevail on work on act on influence intimidate dragoon twist someone's arm strong-arm blackjack bulldoze railroad squeeze put the screws/squeeze on bounce hustle fast-talk Opposite: persuade obtain (something) from someone by using force or threats. "their confessions were allegedly coerced by torture"
10
Q
abolish
A
formally put an end to (a system, practice, or institution). "the tax was abolished in 1977" Similar: put an end to do away with get rid of scrap end stop terminate
11
Q
array
A
display or arrange (things) in a particular way. "the manifesto immediately divided the forces arrayed against him" Similar: arrange assemble draw up group order range place position set out set forth dispose marshal muster lay out display exhibit put on show put on display put on view expose to view unveil present uncover reveal 2. dress someone in (the clothes specified). "they were arrayed in Hungarian national dress" Similar: dress attire clothe robe garb deck deck out drape
12
Q
illuminate
A
make (something) visible or bright by shining light on it; light up. "a flash of lightning illuminated the house" Similar: light light up throw light on cast light upon brighten make brighter shine on flood with light floodlight irradiate illumine Opposite: darken 2. help to clarify or explain. "placing the events of the 1930s in a broader historical context helps to illuminate their significance" Similar: clarify elucidate explain reveal make clear shed light on
13
Q
inherent
A
existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. "any form of mountaineering has its inherent dangers" Similar: intrinsic innate immanent built-in inborn ingrained deep-rooted
14
Q
to perish
A
1. LITERARY die, especially in a violent or sudden way. "a great part of his army perished of hunger and disease" Similar: die lose one's life be killed fall expire meet one's death be lost lay down one's life breathe one's last draw one's last breath pass away go the way of all flesh give up the ghost go to glory meet one's maker go to one's last resting place cross the great divide bite the dust kick the bucket cash in one's chips croak flatline turn up one's toes shuffle off this mortal coil go the way of the dinosaurs conk out buy it snuff it peg out pop one's clogs hop the twig/stick bite the big one buy the farm check out hand in one's dinner pail go bung exit decease depart this life 2. (of rubber, food, etc.) lose its normal qualities; rot or decay. "an abandoned tyre whose rubber had perished" Similar: go bad go off spoil rot go mouldy moulder putrefy
15
Q
slumber
A
sleep. "Sleeping Beauty slumbered in her forest castle" Similar: sleep be asleep doze rest
16
Q
dawn
A
noun noun: dawn; plural noun: dawns 1. the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise. "he set off at dawn" Similar: daybreak break of day crack of dawn sunrise first light daylight first thing in the morning early morning cockcrow sunup dawning peep of day aurora dayspring Opposite: dusk 2. the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one considered favourable. "the dawn of civilization" Similar: beginning start birth inception conception origination genesis emergence advent coming appearance debut arrival dawning rise starting point origin launch institution inauguration opening initiation onset outset unfolding development infancy day one kick-off the word go commencement Opposite: end verb verb: dawn; 3rd person present: dawns; past tense: dawned; past participle: dawned; gerund or present participle: dawning 1. (of a day) begin. "Thursday dawned bright and sunny" Similar: begin open break arrive emerge grow light lighten brighten Opposite: end 2. become evident to the mind; be perceived or understood. "the awful truth was beginning to dawn on him" Similar: occur to come to come to mind spring to mind
17
Q
drowsy
A
sleepy and lethargic; half asleep. "the wine had made her drowsy" Similar: sleepy half asleep dozy dozing heavy heavy-eyed yawning nodding groggy somnolent ready for bed tired weary fatigued exhausted lethargic sluggish torpid lifeless listless languid languorous comatose dazed drugged snoozy dopey yawny dead beat all in done in dog-tired knackered slumberous Opposite: wakeful alert causing sleepiness. "the drowsy heat of the meadows" Similar: soporific sleep-inducing sleepy somniferous narcotic sedative calmative tranquillizing lulling soothing dreamy somnific Opposite: invigorating (of a place) peaceful and quiet. "a drowsy suburb called Surrey Hills"
18
Q
endeavor
A
verb: endeavor try hard to do or achieve something. "he is endeavouring to help the Third World" Similar: try attempt venture undertake aspire aim seek set out strive struggle labour toil work hard try hard exert oneself apply oneself do one's best do one's utmost give one's all be at pains work at try one's hand at slog away give something a whirl have a go at have a shot at have a stab at give something one's best shot do one's damnedest go all out bend over backwards break one's neck bust a gut move heaven and earth essay noun noun: endeavor an attempt to achieve a goal. "an endeavour to reduce serious injury" Similar: attempt try bid effort trial venture go crack shot
19
Q
fable
A
a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral. "the fable of the sick lion and the wary fox" Similar: moral tale parable apologue allegory bestia
19
Q
superfluous
A
unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. "the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous information" Similar: surplus redundant unneeded not required excess extra spare
20
Q
inevitable
A
certain to happen; unavoidable. "war was inevitable" Similar: unavoidable inescapable bound to happen sure to happen inexorable unpreventable assured certain for sure sure fated predestined predetermined preordained ineluctable necessary compulsory required obligatory mandatory prescribed ineludible Opposite: avoidable uncertain noun noun: inevitable a situation that is unavoidable. "by the morning he had accepted the inevitable"
21
Q
affronted
A
offend the modesty or values of. "she was affronted by his familiarity" Similar: insult offend outrage mortify provoke slight hurt pique
22
Q
peculiar
A
different to what is normal or expected; strange. "he gave her some very peculiar looks" Similar: strange unusual odd funny curious bizarre weird uncanny queer unexpected unfamiliar abnormal atypical anomalous untypical different out of the ordinary out of the way exceptional rare extraordinary remarkable puzzling mystifying mysterious perplexing baffling unaccountable incongruous uncommon irregular singular deviant aberrant freak freakish suspicious dubious questionable eerie unnatural unco outré fishy creepy spooky rum bizarro backasswards eccentric idiosyncratic unconventional outlandish offbeat quirky quaint droll zany off-centre wacky freaky kooky screwy kinky oddball cranky off the wall wacko dilly Opposite: normal ordinary 2. particular; special. "any attempt to explicate the theme is bound to run into peculiar difficulties" Similar: distinctive characteristic distinct different individual individualistic
23
binds
```
verb
3rd person present: binds
1.
tie or fasten (something) tightly together.
"they bound her hands and feet"
Similar:
tie
tie up
fasten (together)
hold together
secure
make fast
attach
rope
strap
lash
truss
tether
hitch
chain
fetter
pinion
shackle
hobble
moor
Opposite:
untie
release
2.
stick together or cause to stick together in a single mass.
"mix the flour with the coconut and enough egg white to bind them"
Similar:
stick
cohere
3.
cause (people) to feel united.
"it's music that has bound us together"
Similar:
unite
join
bond
knit together
draw together
yoke together
Opposite:
separate
4.
impose a legal or contractual obligation on.
"a party who signs a document will normally be bound by its terms"
5.
fix together and enclose (the pages of a book) in a cover.
"a small, fat volume, bound in red morocco"
6.
trim (the edge of a piece of material) with a decorative strip.
"a frill with the edges bound in a contrasting colour"
Similar:
trim
hem
edge
border
fringe
rim
band
finish
purfle
7.
LOGIC
(of a quantifier) be applied to (a given variable) so that the variable falls within its scope. For example, in an expression of the form ‘For every x, if x is a dog, x is an animal’, the universal quantifier is binding the variable x.
8.
LINGUISTICS
(of a rule or set of grammatical conditions) determine the relationship between (coreferential noun phrases).
noun
a problematical situation.
"he is in a bind that gets worse with every passing minute"
Similar:
predicament
awkward situation
quandary
dilemma
plight
```
24
to oppose
```
disagree with and attempt to prevent, especially by argument.
"a majority of the electorate opposed EC membership"
actively resist (a person or system).
"a workers' movement opposed the regime"
Similar:
be against
object to
be hostile to
be anti
be in opposition to
disagree with
dislike
disapprove of
resist
take a stand against
put up a fight against
stand up to
take on
fight
withstand
defy
set one's face against
go against
counter
cross
confront
challenge
contend with
attack
counterattack
combat
fly in the face of
take issue with
contradict
dispute
rebut
argue with/against
quarrel with
gainsay
controvert
Opposite:
support
defend
promote
compete with (someone).
"a candidate to oppose the leader in the presidential contest"
```
25
ray
```
each of the lines in which light (and heat) may seem to stream from the sun or any luminous body, or pass through a small opening.
"a ray of sunlight came through the window"
Similar:
beam
shaft
streak
bar
pencil
finger
stream
gleam
```
26
wrest
```
forcibly pull (something) from a person's grasp.
"Leila tried to wrest her arm from his hold"
Similar:
wrench
snatch
seize
grab
take by force
remove by force
```
27
alienated
1.
experiencing or inducing feelings of isolation or estrangement.
"an alienated, angst-ridden twenty-two-year-old"
2.
(of property) transferred to the ownership of another person or group.
"restoration of alienated lands to their former owners"
28
revival
```
1.
an improvement in the condition, strength, or fortunes of someone or something.
"a revival in the fortunes of the party"
Similar:
improvement
rallying
picking up
betterment
amelioration
turn for the better
advance
rally
upturn
upswing
comeback
resurgence
renewal
Opposite:
downturn
2.
an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again.
"cross-country skiing is enjoying a revival"
Similar:
comeback
bringing back
re-establishment
reintroduction
restoration
```
29
drudgery
```
hard menial or dull work.
"domestic drudgery"
Similar:
hard work
menial work
donkey work
toil
toiling
labour
```
30
diverge
```
1.
(of a road, route, or line) separate from another route and go in a different direction.
"the flight path diverged from the original flight plan"
Similar:
separate
part
disunite
fork
branch off
divide
subdivide
```
31
disdain
```
noun
noun: disdain; plural noun: disdains
the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.
"her upper lip curled in disdain"
Similar:
contempt
scorn
scornfulness
contemptuousness
derision
disrespect
disparagement
condescension
superciliousness
hauteur
haughtiness
arrogance
lordliness
snobbishness
aloofness
indifference
dismissiveness
distaste
dislike
disgust
despite
contumely
Opposite:
admiration
respect
verb
verb: disdain; 3rd person present: disdains; past tense: disdained; past participle: disdained; gerund or present participle: disdaining
consider to be unworthy of one's consideration.
"he disdained his patients as an inferior rabble"
Similar:
scorn
deride
pour scorn on
regard with contempt
show contempt for
```
32
deploy
```
1.
move (troops or equipment) into position for military action.
"forces were deployed at strategic locations"
Similar:
position
station
post
place
install
locate
situate
site
establish
base
garrison
distribute
arrange
range
dispose
redistribute
spread out
extend
put into position
plant
park
posit
Opposite:
concentrate
2.
bring into effective action.
"small states can often deploy resources more freely"
Similar:
use
utilize
employ
make use of
avail oneself of
turn to account
```
33
commemorate
recall and show respect for (someone or something).
"a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the war dead"
mark or celebrate (an event or person) by doing or producing something.
"the victory was commemorated in songs"
Similar:
celebrate
pay tribute to
pay homage to
honour
salute
toast
34
memoir
```
1.
a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge.
"in 1924 she published a short memoir of her husband"
Similar:
account
historical account
history
record
chronicle
annal(s)
commentary
narrative
story
report
portrayal
depiction
sketch
portrait
life
life story
profile
biography
autobiography
memories
recollections
personal recollections
reminiscences
experiences
journal
diary
log
weblog
blog
vlog
moblog
2.
an essay on a learned subject.
"an important memoir on Carboniferous crustacea"
```
35
retrospective
```
looking back on or dealing with past events or situations.
"our survey was retrospective"
Similar:
backdated
retroactive
ex post facto
backward-looking
```
36
harvest
```
the process or period of gathering in crops.
"farmers work longer hours during the harvest"
Similar:
gathering in of the crops
harvesting
harvest time
harvest home
reaping
picking
collecting
garnering
ingathering
gleaning
culling
verb
verb: harvest; 3rd person present: harvests; past tense: harvested; past participle: harvested; gerund or present participle: harvesting
gather (a crop) as a harvest.
"after harvesting, most of the crop is stored in large buildings"
Similar:
gather in
gather
bring in
take in
reap
pick
collect
garner
```
37
absence
```
the state of being away from a place or person.
"the letter had arrived during his absence"
Similar:
non-attendance
non-appearance
absenteeism
truancy
playing truant
truanting
leave
vacation
sabbatical
holiday
skiving
bunking off
playing hooky
goofing off
ditching
playing the wag
wagging
Opposite:
presence
attendance
an occasion or period of being away from a place or person.
plural noun: absences
"repeated absences from school"
the non-existence or lack of.
"she found his total absence of facial expression disconcerting"
Similar:
lack
want
non-existence
unavailability
deficiency
deprivation
```
38
sorcerer
```
a person who claims or is believed to have magic powers; a wizard.
Similar:
wizard
witch
(black) magician
warlock
diviner
occultist
```
39
contemporary
```
1.
living or occurring at the same time.
"the event was recorded by a contemporary historian"
2.
belonging to or occurring in the present.
"the tension and complexities of our contemporary society"
Similar:
modern
present-day
present
current
present-time
immediate
extant
up to date
up to the minute
fashionable
latest
recent
ultra-modern
newfangled
modish
voguish
in vogue
à la mode
bang up to date
with it
Opposite:
old-fashioned
out of date
noun
noun: contemporary; plural noun: contemporaries
a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.
"he was a contemporary of Darwin"
Similar:
peer
fellow
compeer
coeval
```
40
shallow
```
of little depth.
"serve the noodles in a shallow bowl"
2.
not exhibiting, requiring, or capable of serious thought.
"a shallow analysis of contemporary society"
Similar:
superficial
facile
glib
simplistic
oversimplified
schematic
```
41
Undergo
```
experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous).
"he underwent a life-saving brain operation"
Similar:
go through
experience
engage in
undertake
live through
face
```
42
penetrate
```
1.
go into or through (something), especially with force or effort.
"the shrapnel had penetrated his head"
Similar:
pierce
puncture
make a hole in
perforate
stab
prick
probe
gore
spike
stick
impale
transfix
bore (through)
drill (through)
lance
2.
gain access to (an organization, place, or system), especially when this is difficult to do.
"M15 had been penetrated by Russian intelligence"
Similar:
infiltrate
slip into
sneak into
creep into
insinuate oneself into
```
43
arouse
```
evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response).
"something about the man aroused the guard's suspicions"
Similar:
cause
induce
prompt
set off
trigger
stir up
inspire
call forth
call/bring into being
draw forth
bring out
excite
evoke
pique
whet
stir
engender
generate
kindle
fire
touch off
spark off
provoke
foster
whip up
sow the seeds of
enkindle
Opposite:
allay
2.
awaken (someone) from sleep.
"she had been aroused from deep slumber"
Similar:
wake
wake up
waken
awaken
bring to
bring around
rouse
```
44
satirize
```
deride and criticize by means of satire.
"the movie satirized the notion of national superiority"
Similar:
mock
ridicule
hold up to ridicule
deride
make fun of
poke fun
```
45
baffle
```
totally bewilder or perplex.
"an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone"
Similar:
perplex
puzzle
bewilder
mystify
bemuse
confuse
confound
nonplus
disconcert
throw
set someone thinking
flummox
discombobulate
faze
stump
beat
fox
be all Greek to
floor
fog
buffalo
wilder
gravel
maze
cause to be at a stand
pose
obfuscate
puzzling
bewildering
perplexing
mystifying
bemusing
confusing
unclear
difficult/hard to understand
beyond one
above one's head
mysterious
enigmatic
obscure
abstruse
unfathomable
inexplicable
incomprehensible
impenetrable
cryptic
opaque
wildering
Opposite:
enlighten
clear
comprehensible
2.
restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.).
"to baffle the noise further, I pad the gunwales"
Similar:
thwart
frustrate
foil
balk
check
block
hinder
obstruct
```
46
span
```
the full extent of something from end to end; the amount of space that something covers.
"a warehouse with a clear span of 28 feet"
Similar:
(full) extent
length
width
reach
stretch
spread
distance
compass
range
2.
the length of time for which something lasts.
"a short concentration span"
Similar:
period
space
time
duration
stretch
course
interval
season
term
verb
verb: span; 3rd person present: spans; past tense: spanned; past participle: spanned; gerund or present participle: spanning
1.
(of a bridge, arch, etc.) extend from side to side of.
"the stream was spanned by a narrow bridge"
Similar:
bridge
cross
traverse
pass over
arch over
vault over
2.
extend across (a period of time or a range of subjects).
"their interests span almost all the conventional disciplines"
Similar:
extend over
last
stretch across
spread over
cover
range over
```
47
bitter
```
1.
having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.
"raw berries have an intensely bitter flavour"
Similar:
sharp
acid
acidic
pungent
acrid
tart
sour
biting
harsh
unsweetened
vinegary
acetous
acerb
acerbic
Opposite:
sweet
2.
feeling or showing anger, hurt, or resentment because of bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment.
"I don't feel jealous or bitter"
Similar:
resentful
embittered
aggrieved
dissatisfied
disgruntled
```
48
audacious
```
showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
"a series of audacious takeovers"
Similar:
bold
daring
fearless
intrepid
brave
unafraid
unflinching
courageous
valiant
valorous
heroic
dashing
plucky
daredevil
devil-may-care
death-or-glory
reckless
wild
madcap
adventurous
venturesome
enterprising
dynamic
spirited
mettlesome
game
gutsy
spunky
ballsy
have-a-go
go-ahead
venturous
temerarious
Opposite:
timid
2.
showing an impudent lack of respect.
"he made an audacious remark"
Similar:
impudent
impertinent
insolent
presumptuous
forward
cheeky
```
49
Infelicitous
```
unfortunate; inappropriate.
"his illustration is singularly infelicitous"
Similar:
unfortunate
regrettable
unsuitable
inappropriate
inapposite
inapt
```
50
indigenous
```
originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
"the indigenous peoples of Siberia"
Similar:
native
aboriginal
local
original
earliest
first
initial
ancient
```
51
ephemeral
```
lasting for a very short time.
"fashions are ephemeral: new ones regularly drive out the old"
Similar:
transitory
transient
fleeting
passing
short-lived
momentary
```
52
corroborate
```
confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).
"the witness had corroborated the boy's account of the attack"
Similar:
confirm
verify
endorse
ratify
authenticate
validate
certify
```
53
implicit
```
1.
suggested though not directly expressed.
"comments seen as implicit criticism of the policies"
Similar:
implied
indirect
inferred
understood
hinted
suggested
deducible
unspoken
unexpressed
undeclared
unstated
unsaid
tacit
unacknowledged
silent
taken for granted
taken as read
assumed
inherent
latent
underlying
inbuilt
incorporated
fundamental
Opposite:
explicit
direct
2.
always to be found in; essentially connected with.
"the values implicit in the school ethos"
3.
with no qualification or question; absolute.
"an implicit faith in God"
Similar:
absolute
complete
entire
total
wholehearted
perfect
sheer
```
54
lucid
```
1.
expressed clearly; easy to understand.
"a lucid account"
Similar:
intelligible
comprehensible
understandable
cogent
coherent
communicative
articulate
eloquent
clear
clear-cut
crystal clear
transparent
plain
simple
direct
vivid
sharp
straightforward
perspicuous
unambiguous
graphic
explicit
joined-up
Opposite:
confusing
unclear
ambiguous
showing or having the ability to think clearly, especially in intervals between periods of confusion or insanity.
"he has a few lucid moments every now and then"
Similar:
rational
sane
in one's right mind
of sound mind
able to think clearly
normal
balanced
well balanced
sensible
clear-headed
right-minded
sober
compos mentis
all there
with all one's marbles
Opposite:
muddled
PSYCHOLOGY
(of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously.
2.
LITERARY
bright or luminous.
"birds dipped their wings in the lucid flow of air"
Similar:
bright
shining
gleaming
luminous
radiant
brilliant
glowing
```
55
prodigal
```
spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
"prodigal habits die hard"
Similar:
wasteful
extravagant
spendthrift
improvident
imprudent
immoderate
profligate
thriftless
excessive
intemperate
irresponsible
self-indulgent
reckless
wanton
Opposite:
thrifty
economical
parsimonious
2.
having or giving something on a lavish scale.
"the dessert was prodigal with whipped cream"
Similar:
generous
lavish
liberal
unstinting
unsparing
bountiful
```
56
feign
```
pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).
"she feigned nervousness"
Similar:
simulate
fake
sham
affect
```
57
specious
superficially plausible, but actually wrong.
"a specious argument"
misleading in appearance, especially misleadingly attractive.
"the music trade gives Golden Oldies a specious appearance of novelty"
Similar:
plausible but wrong
seemingly correct
misleading
deceptive
false
58
arbitrary
```
1.
based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
"an arbitrary decision"
Similar:
capricious
whimsical
random
chance
erratic
unpredictable
inconsistent
wild
hit-or-miss
haphazard
casual
unmotivated
motiveless
unreasoned
unreasonable
unsupported
irrational
illogical
groundless
unjustifiable
unjustified
wanton
discretionary
personal
subjective
discretional
Opposite:
rational
reasoned
2.
(of power or a ruling body) unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority.
"a country under arbitrary government"
Similar:
despotic
tyrannical
tyrannous
peremptory
summary
autocratic
```
59
intrepid
```
fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).
"our intrepid reporter"
Similar:
fearless
unafraid
undaunted
dauntless
undismayed
unalarmed
```
60
potent
```
1.
having great power, influence, or effect.
"thrones were potent symbols of authority"
Similar:
powerful
strong
vigorous
mighty
formidable
influential
commanding
dominant
forceful
dynamic
redoubtable
overpowering
overwhelming
puissant
convincing
cogent
compelling
persuasive
effective
effectual
eloquent
impressive
telling
sound
well founded
valid
weighty
authoritative
irresistible
efficacious
intoxicating
heady
hard
stiff
spiritous
Opposite:
weak
impotent
2.
(of a male) able to achieve an erection or to reach an orgasm.
```
61
sturdy
```
(of a person or their body) strongly and solidly built.
"he had a sturdy, muscular physique"
Similar:
strapping
well built
well made
muscular
athletic
strong
hefty
brawny
powerfully built
powerful
solidly built
solid
burly
stocky
thickset
rugged
substantial
robust
vigorous
tough
hardy
mighty
lusty
Herculean
fit
able-bodied
healthy
in good health
hale and hearty
hearty
hale
in good shape
in good condition
sound
sound in body and limb
husky
beefy
meaty
chunky
fit as a fiddle
ripped
shredded
buff
jacked
stalwart
thewy
stark
Opposite:
puny
frail
strong enough to withstand rough work or treatment.
"the bike is sturdy enough to cope with bumpy tracks"
Similar:
robust
strong
strongly made
well built
well made
solid
substantial
stout
sound
serviceable
stable
tough
resilient
durable
long-lasting
built to last
hard-wearing
imperishable
indestructible
resistant
staunch
Opposite:
weak
ramshackle
showing confidence and determination.
"the townspeople have a sturdy independence"
Similar:
vigorous
strong
stalwart
firm
determined
resolute
```
62
antagonism
```
active hostility or opposition.
"the antagonism between them"
Similar:
hostility
friction
enmity
antipathy
animus
opposition
dissension
```
63
antipathy
```
a deep-seated feeling of aversion.
"his fundamental antipathy to capitalism"
Similar:
hostility
antagonism
animosity
aversion
animus
opposition
```
64
dogma
```
a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
"the dogmas of faith"
Similar:
teaching
belief
conviction
tenet
principle
ethic
precept
```
65
pertinent
```
relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite.
"she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions"
Similar:
relevant
to the point
apposite
appropriate
suitable
fitting
fit
```
66
trivial
```
of little value or importance.
"huge fines were imposed for trivial offences"
Similar:
unimportant
insignificant
inconsequential
minor
of no/little account
```
67
to man
```
(of personnel) work at, run, or operate (a place or piece of equipment) or defend (a fortification).
"the helpline is manned by trained staff"
Similar:
staff
crew
occupy
people
operate
work
use
utilize
```
68
cordless
adjective
adjective: cordless
(of an electrical appliance or phone) working without connection to a mains supply or central unit.
noun
noun: cordless; plural noun: cordlesses
a cordless phone.
"I keep the cordless with me at all times"
69
Testimony
```
a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.
"the testimony of an eyewitness"
Similar:
evidence
sworn statement
attestation
affidavit
statement
declaration
assertion
affirmation
avowal
protestation
allegation
submission
claim
deposition
asseveration
evidence or proof of something.
"his blackened finger was testimony to the fact that he had played in pain"
Similar:
testament
proof
evidence
attestation
witness
confirmation
```
70
dispirit
```
cause (someone) to lose enthusiasm or hope.
"the army was dispirited by the uncomfortable winter conditions"
Similar:
dishearten
discourage
demoralize
cast down
make dejected
```
71
expansive
```
1.
covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; extensive.
"expansive beaches"
Similar:
extensive
sweeping
rolling
spacious
wide-ranging
broad
wide
all-embracing
comprehensive
thorough
inclusive
cross-disciplinary
interdisciplinary
multidisciplinary
Opposite:
limited
restricted
2.
(of a person or their manner) relaxed and genially frank and communicative.
"he was in an expansive mood"
Similar:
communicative
forthcoming
sociable
friendly
outgoing
unreserved
uninhibited
open
affable
amiable
genial
chatty
talkative
conversational
garrulous
loquacious
voluble
effusive
demonstrative
extrovert
extroverted
discursive
talky
Opposite:
uncommunicative
reserved
taciturn
3.
tending towards economic or political expansion.
"expansive domestic economic policies"
```
72
burdensome
```
difficult to carry out or fulfil; taxing.
"the burdensome responsibilities of professional life"
Similar:
onerous
oppressive
troublesome
weighty
worrisome
vexatious
```
73
Loyalty
```
the quality of being loyal.
"his extreme loyalty to the Crown"
a strong feeling of support or allegiance.
plural noun: loyalties
"rows with in-laws are distressing because they cause divided loyalties"
Similar:
allegiance
faithfulness
fidelity
obedience
fealty
adherence
```
73
meadow
```
a piece of grassland, especially one used for hay.
"a meadow ready for cutting"
Similar:
field
pasture
paddock
water meadow
pastureland
grassland
lea
```
74
perennial
```
1.
lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
"his perennial distrust of the media"
Similar:
everlasting
perpetual
eternal
continuing
unending
never-ending
endless
undying
ceaseless
abiding
enduring
lasting
persisting
permanent
constant
continual
unfailing
unchanging
never-changing
apparently permanently engaged in a specified role or way of life.
"he's a perennial student"
2.
(of a plant) living for several years.
"cow parsley is perennial"
3.
(of a stream or spring) flowing throughout the year.
"spring streams rise from perennial springs"
```
75
exploit
```
verb
verb: exploit; 3rd person present: exploits; past tense: exploited; past participle: exploited; gerund or present participle: exploiting
/ɪkˈsplɔɪt,ɛkˈsplɔɪt/
1.
make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource).
"500 companies sprang up to exploit this new technology"
Similar:
utilize
make use of
put to use
use
use to good advantage
turn/put to good use
make the most of
capitalize on
benefit from
turn to account
draw on
profit from/by
make capital out of
cash in on
milk
2.
make use of (a situation) in a way considered unfair or underhand.
"the company was exploiting a legal loophole"
benefit unfairly from the work of (someone), typically by overworking or underpaying them.
"these workers are at particular risk of being exploited in the workplace"
Similar:
take advantage of
make use of
abuse
impose on
prey on
play on
misuse
ill-treat
bleed
suck dry
squeeze
wring
enslave
treat unfairly
withhold rights from
manipulate
cheat
swindle
fleece
victimize
live off the backs of
walk (all) over
take for a ride
put one over on
cash in on
rip off
Opposite:
treat fairly
noun
noun: exploit; plural noun: exploits
/ˈɛksplɔɪt/
1.
a bold or daring feat.
"despite a series of colourful exploits, his agents obtained little intelligence of value"
Similar:
feat
deed
act
adventure
stunt
escapade
manoeuvre
enterprise
undertaking
move
achievement
accomplishment
attainment
triumph
handiwork
lark
caper
2.
a software tool designed to take advantage of a flaw in a computer system, typically for malicious purposes such as installing malware.
"if someone you don't know tweets you a link, it's either spam, an exploit, or probably both"
```
76
persist
```
continue in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
"the minority of drivers who persist in drinking"
Similar:
persevere
continue
carry on
go on
keep at it
keep on
keep going
keep it up
not give up
be persistent
be determined
see/follow something through
show determination
press on/ahead
plod on
plough on
stay with something
not take no for an answer
be tenacious
be pertinacious
insist
be patient
be diligent
stand one's ground
stand fast/firm
hold on
hold out
go the distance
stay the course
grind away
struggle on
hammer away
stop at nothing
leave no stone unturned
plug away
peg away
stick at it
soldier on
hang on
stick to one's guns
stick it out
hang in there
bash on
Opposite:
abandon
stop
continue to exist; be prolonged.
"if the symptoms persist for more than a few days, then contact your doctor"
Similar:
continue
hold
carry on
last
keep on
keep up
remain
```
77
hysteria
```
.
exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement.
"the anti-Semitic hysteria of the 1890s"
Similar:
frenzy
wildness
feverishness
irrationality
hysterics
loss of control
```
78
grossly
1.
in a very obvious and unacceptable manner; flagrantly.
"you have grossly insulted a member of the community"
2.
extremely; excessively.
"the economic benefits have been grossly exaggerated"
3.
in a disgusting or coarse manner; vulgarly.
"do you have one cookie, or grossly eat the whole package?"
79
exaggerated
```
regarded or represented as larger, better, or worse than in reality.
"an exaggerated account of his adventures"
Similar:
overstated
overemphasized
inflated
magnified
amplified
aggrandized
excessive
hyperbolic
over-elaborate
overdone
overripe
overplayed
overdramatized
theatrical
dramatic
actorly
highly coloured
extravagant
melodramatic
sensational
sensationalist
sensationalistic
over the top
OTT
tall
Opposite:
understated
enlarged or altered beyond normal proportions.
"comic book characters are drawn with exaggerated features so you will remember them"
verb
past tense: exaggerated; past participle: exaggerated
represent (something) as being larger, better, or worse than it really is.
"he was apt to exaggerate any aches and pains"
Similar:
overstate
overemphasize
overstress
overestimate
overvalue
```
80
distortion
```
1.
the action of distorting or the state of being distorted.
"the virus causes distortion of the leaves"
Similar:
warp
twist
contortion
bend
buckle
deformation
deformity
curve
curvature
malformation
disfigurement
crookedness
gnarl
knot
```
```
a distorted form or part.
"a distortion in the eye's shape or structure"
2.
the action of giving a misleading account or impression.
"we're fed up with the media's continuing distortion of our issues"
Similar:
misrepresentation
perversion
twisting
falsification
misreporting
misstatement
manipulation
garbling
travesty
slant
bias
skew
colouring
prejudice
imbalance
spin
tampering
tinkering
doctoring
alteration
change
3.
change in the form of an electrical signal or sound wave during processing.
```
81
assert
```
state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
"the company asserts that the cuts will not affect development"
Similar:
declare
maintain
contend
argue
state
claim
propound
submit
posit
postulate
adduce
move
advocate
venture
volunteer
aver
proclaim
announce
pronounce
attest
affirm
protest
profess
swear
insist
avow
opine
asseverate
cause others to recognize (one's authority or a right) by confident and forceful behaviour.
"the good librarian is able to assert authority when required"
Similar:
insist on
stand up for
uphold
defend
contend
establish
press/push for
stress
behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner.
"it was time to assert himself"
Similar:
behave confidently
speak confidently
be assertive
put oneself forward
```
82
scholars
```
a specialist in a particular branch of study, especially the humanities.
"a Hebrew scholar"
Similar:
academic
intellectual
learned person
professor
man of letters
```
83
swamp
```
overwhelm or flood with water.
"a huge wave swamped the canoes"
Similar:
flood
inundate
deluge
wash out
soak
drench
saturate
immerse
(of a boat) become overwhelmed with water and sink.
"the life boat somehow did not swamp, but made it to shore"
overwhelm with an excessive amount of something; inundate.
"the country was swamped with goods from abroad"
Similar:
overwhelm
inundate
flood
deluge
engulf
snow under
bury
```
84
discredit
```
harm the good reputation of.
"his remarks were taken out of context in an effort to discredit him"
Similar:
disgrace
dishonour
bring into disrepute
damage someone's reputation
blacken someone's name
destroy someone's credibility
drag through the mud/mire
put/show in a bad light
reflect badly on
compromise
give someone a bad name
bring into disfavour
stigmatize
detract from
disparage
denigrate
devalue
diminish
demean
belittle
defame
slander
cast aspersions on
malign
vilify
calumniate
smear
tarnish
besmirch
soil
slur
do a hatchet job on
smirch
besmear
Opposite:
do credit to
cause (an idea or account) to seem false or unreliable.
"his explanation for the phenomenon was soon discredited"
Similar:
disprove
prove false
prove wrong
invalidate
explode
give the lie to
refute
reject
deny
challenge
dispute
raise doubts about
shake one's faith in
debunk
shoot full of holes
shoot down (in flames)
blow sky-high
blow out of the water
controvert
confute
negative
Opposite:
prove
confirm
noun
noun: discredit
loss or lack of reputation or respect.
"his actions were such that they brought discredit on his profession"
Similar:
dishonour
disrepute
ill repute
loss of reputation
loss of respect
disgrace
shame
humiliation
ignominy
infamy
notoriety
censure
blame
reproach
odium
opprobrium
stigma
harm
damage
scandal
disesteem
Opposite:
honour
glory
a person or thing that is a source of disgrace.
plural noun: discredits
"the ships were a discredit to the country"
Similar:
disgrace
source of disgrace
source of shame
reproach
```
85
emerging
```
1.
move out of or away from something and become visible.
"black ravens emerged from the fog"
Similar:
come out
appear
come into view
become visible
make an appearance
turn up
spring up
come up
surface
crop up
pop up
materialize
manifest oneself
arise
proceed
issue
come forth
emanate
Opposite:
disappear
(of an insect or other invertebrate) break out from an egg, cocoon, or pupal case.
"the larvae pupate among the roots of trees to emerge as the adults"
2.
become apparent or prominent.
"United have emerged as the bookies' clear favourite"
Similar:
become known
become apparent
become evident
be revealed
come to light
come out
transpire
come to the fore
enter the picture
unfold
turn out
prove to be the case
become common knowledge
get around
(of facts) become known.
"reports of a deadlock emerged during preliminary discussions"
3.
recover from or survive a difficult situation.
"the economy has started to emerge from recession"
```
86
scarce
```
(especially of food, money, or some other resource) insufficient for the demand.
"as raw materials became scarce, synthetics were developed"
Similar:
in short supply
short
scant
scanty
meagre
sparse
hard to find
hard to come by
not enough
too little
insufficient
deficient
inadequate
lacking
wanting
at a premium
like gold dust
not to be had
scarcer than hen's teeth
paltry
negligible
thin
exiguous
Opposite:
plentiful
abundant
occurring in small numbers or quantities; rare.
"the freshwater shrimp becomes scarce in soft water"
Similar:
rare
few and far between
thin on the ground
seldom seen/found
```
87
validity
```
the quality of being logically or factually sound; soundness or cogency.
"one might question the validity of our data"
Similar:
soundness
reasonableness
rationality
logic
justifiability
defensibility
sustainability
plausibility
viability
bona fides
effectiveness
cogency
power
credibility
believability
force
strength
weight
foundation
substance
substantiality
authority
reliability
Opposite:
invalidity
the state of being legally or officially binding or acceptable.
"return travel must be within the validity of the ticket"
Similar:
legal acceptability
authenticity
correctness
bona fides
genuineness
```
88
contend
```
1.
struggle to surmount (a difficulty).
"she had to contend with his uncertain temper"
Similar:
cope with
face
grapple with
deal with
take on
pit oneself against
resist
withstand
compete with others in a struggle to achieve (something).
"factions within the government were contending for the succession to the presidency"
Similar:
compete
challenge
vie
contest
strive
struggle
tussle
grapple
wrestle
scuffle
squabble
skirmish
battle
combat
fight
war
wage war
join battle
cross swords
lock horns
go head to head
oppose
clash
2.
assert something as a position in an argument.
"he contends that the judge was wrong"
Similar:
assert
maintain
hold
claim
argue
profess
affirm
aver
```
89
outward
```
1.
of, on, or from the outside.
"outward pressure"
relating to the external appearance of something rather than its true nature.
"an outward display of friendliness"
Similar:
external
outer
outside
outermost
exterior
extrinsic
surface
superficial
visible
observable
noticeable
perceptible
discernible
seeming
apparent
ostensible
evident
obvious
Opposite:
inward
inner
internal
ARCHAIC
outer.
"the outward physical body"
2.
going out or away from a place.
```
90
dilute
```
verb: dilute; 3rd person present: dilutes; past tense: diluted; past participle: diluted; gerund or present participle: diluting
make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it.
"bleach can be diluted with cold water"
Similar:
make weaker
weaken
thin out
thin
make thinner
water down
add water to
mix
doctor
lace
adulterate
cut
Opposite:
concentrate
make (something) weaker in force, content, or value by modification or the addition of other elements.
"the reforms have been diluted"
Similar:
diminish
reduce
decrease
lessen
attenuate
make weaker
weaken
mitigate
temper
quell
allay
assuage
alleviate
palliate
moderate
modify
tone down
quieten
quiet
lenify
Opposite:
intensify
reduce the value of (a shareholding) by issuing more shares in a company without increasing the values of its assets.
adjective
adjective: dilute
/ˈdʌɪl(j)uːt/
(of a liquid) made thinner or weaker by having had water or another solvent added to it.
Similar:
weak
diluted
thin
thinned out
watered down
watery
adulterated
cut
CHEMISTRY
(of a solution) having a relatively low concentration of solute.
"a dilute solution of potassium permanganate"
(of colour or light) weak or low in concentration.
```
91
sail
```
noun
noun: sail; plural noun: sails
1.
a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship or other vessel.
"all the sails were unfurled"
Similar:
canvas
2.
a wind-catching apparatus attached to the arm of a windmill.
3.
a voyage or excursion in a ship, especially a sailing ship or boat.
"they went for a sail"
4.
NAUTICAL
the conning tower of a submarine.
5.
SOUTH AFRICAN
a canvas sheet or tarpaulin.
"the sail covering the load of crates broke loose from the truck"
verb
verb: sail; 3rd person present: sails; past tense: sailed; past participle: sailed; gerund or present participle: sailing
1.
travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation.
"Ian took us out sailing on the lake"
Similar:
yacht
boat
go sailing
crew
helm
skipper a boat
2.
move smoothly and rapidly or in a stately or confident manner.
"the ball sailed inside the right-hand post"
```
92
undertake
verb: undertake; 3rd person present: undertakes; past tense: undertook; gerund or present participle: undertaking; past participle: undertaken
commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); take on.
"a firm of builders undertook the construction work"
Similar:
tackle
take on
take on oneself
take up
accept
shoulder
handle
93
undergo
verb: undergo; 3rd person present: undergoes; past tense: underwent; gerund or present participle: undergoing; past participle: undergone
experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous).
"he underwent a life-saving brain operation"
Similar:
go through
experience
engage in
undertake
live through
face
94
unfounded
```
having no foundation or basis in fact.
"her fear that she had cancer was unfounded"
Similar:
groundless
baseless
unsubstantiated
unproven
unsupported
```
95
somber
```
dark or dull in colour or tone.
"the night skies were sombre and starless"
Similar:
dark
dark-coloured
dull
dull-coloured
drab
dingy
shady
restrained
subdued
sober
funereal
severe
austere
Opposite:
bright
2.
having or conveying a feeling of deep seriousness and sadness.
"he looked at her with a sombre expression"
Similar:
solemn
earnest
serious
grave
sober
unsmiling
poker-faced
```
96
perched
```
(of a bird) alight or rest on something.
"a herring gull perched on the rails"
Similar:
roost
sit
rest
alight
settle
land
come to rest
(of a person) sit on something high or narrow.
"Eve perched on the side of the armchair"
(of a building) be situated above or on the edge of something.
"the fortress is perched on a crag in the mountains"
Similar:
be located
be situated
be positioned
be sited
stand
set or balance someone or something on.
"Peter perched a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles on his nose"
Similar:
put
place
set
rest
balance
```
97
rueful
```
expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a wry or humorous way.
"she gave a rueful grin"
Similar:
sorrowful
regretful
apologetic
sorry
remorseful
shamefaced
```
98
stratagem
```
a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.
"a series of devious stratagems"
Similar:
plan
scheme
tactic
manoeuvre
move
course/line of action
ploy
```
99
to gaze
```
look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
"he could only gaze at her in astonishment"
Similar:
stare
look fixedly
look vacantly
look
take a good look
gape
```
100
moodily
in a way that shows you become angry or unhappy easily: The girl stared moodily out of the window.
101
veracity
```
conformity to facts; accuracy.
"officials expressed doubts concerning the veracity of the story"
Similar:
truthfulness
truth
accuracy
accurateness
correctness
exactness
precision
preciseness
realism
authenticity
faithfulness
fidelity
reputability
honesty
sincerity
trustworthiness
reliability
dependability
scrupulousness
ethics
morality
righteousness
virtuousness
decency
goodness
probity
Opposite:
falsity
habitual truthfulness.
"voters should be concerned about his veracity and character"
```
102
Ratify
```
sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.
"both countries were due to ratify the treaty by the end of the year"
Similar:
confirm
approve
sanction
endorse
agree to
accept
consent to
```
103
suffice
```
be enough or adequate.
"a quick look should suffice"
Similar:
be enough
be sufficient
be adequate
do
serve
meet requirements
```
104
Possession
```
the state of having, owning, or controlling something.
"she had taken possession of the sofa"
Similar:
ownership
proprietorship
control
hands
keeping
care
custody
charge
hold
title
guardianship
seize
appropriate
impound
expropriate
sequestrate
sequester
confiscate
take
get
acquire
obtain
secure
procure
possess oneself of
get hold of
get one's hands on
help oneself to
occupy
conquer
capture
commandeer
requisition
distrain
attach
disseize
poind
get one's mitts on
```
```
LAW
visible power or control over something, as distinct from lawful ownership; holding or occupancy as distinct from ownership.
"the landlord wishes to gain possession of the accommodation"
Similar:
occupancy
tenure
occupation
holding
tenancy
INFORMAL
the state of possessing an illegal drug.
"they're charged with possession"
(in soccer, rugby, and other ball games) temporary control of the ball by a player or team.
"the ball hit a defender and Brown's quick reaction put him in possession"
2.
something that is owned or possessed.
"I had no money or possessions"
Similar:
asset
thing
article
item owned
chattel
belongings
things
property
worldly goods
goods
personal effects
effects
stuff
assets
accoutrements
paraphernalia
impedimenta
bits and pieces
luggage
baggage
bags and baggage
chattels
movables
valuables
goods and chattels
gear
junk
traps
clobber
trek
dunnage
vulgar slangshit
crap
a territory or country controlled or governed by another.
"France's former colonial possessions"
Similar:
colony
dependency
territory
holding
dominion
protectorate
3.
the state of being controlled by a demon or spirit.
"they said prayers to protect the people inside the hall from demonic possession"
the state of being completely dominated by an idea or emotion.
"fear took possession of my soul"
```
105
doctrine
```
a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.
"the doctrine of predestination"
Similar:
creed
credo
dogma
belief
set of beliefs
code of belief
```
106
assemble
```
1.
(of people) gather together in one place for a common purpose.
"a crowd had assembled outside the gates"
Similar:
come together
get together
gather
collect
meet
muster
rally
congregate
convene
flock together
foregather
Opposite:
disperse
cause (people or things) to gather together for a common purpose.
"he assembled the surviving members of the group for a tour"
Similar:
bring together
get together
call together
gather
collect
round up
marshal
muster
summon
rally
convene
accumulate
mass
amass
convoke
Opposite:
disperse
ENTOMOLOGY
(of male moths) gather for mating in response to a pheromone released by a female.
noun: assembling
"the males assemble and hang by their front legs within a yard or two of the female"
2.
fit together the separate component parts of (a machine or other object).
"my new machine is being assembled and my old one dismantled"
Similar:
construct
build
fabricate
manufacture
erect
set up
join up
fit together
put together
piece together
connect
join
unite
patch up
sew (up)
Opposite:
dismantle
3.
COMPUTING
translate (a program) from a higher-level programming language into machine code.
"assemble the program and produce a file suitable to input to the simulator"
```
106
infallible
```
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.
"doctors are not infallible"
Similar:
unerring
error-free
unfailing
faultless
flawless
impeccable
perfect
true
uncanny
precise
accurate
meticulous
scrupulous
spot on
on the money
never failing; always effective.
"infallible cures"
Similar:
unfailing
never failing
always effective
guaranteed
dependable
```
107
despotic
having unlimited power over other people, and often using it unfairly and cruelly:
a despotic government/regime
A handful of corrupt and despotic leaders make the decisions.
108
confounded
used for emphasis, especially to express anger or annoyance.
| "he was a confounded nuisance"
109
apparent
```
clearly visible or understood; obvious.
"for no apparent reason she laughed"
Similar:
evident
plain
obvious
clear
manifest
visible
discernible
perceptible
perceivable
noticeable
detectable
recognizable
observable
unmistakable
crystal clear
as clear as crystal
transparent
palpable
patent
distinct
pronounced
marked
striking
conspicuous
overt
blatant
as plain as a pikestaff
staring someone in the face
writ large
written all over someone
as plain as day
beyond (a) doubt
beyond question
self-evident
indisputable
standing/sticking out a mile
Opposite:
unclear
obscure
2.
seeming real or true, but not necessarily so.
"his apparent lack of concern"
Similar:
seeming
ostensible
outward
superficial
surface
supposed
```
109
unanimity
```
agreement by all people involved; consensus.
"there is almost complete unanimity on this issue"
Similar:
agreement
accord
harmony
concord
unity
union
solidarity
```
110
procure
```
obtain (something), especially with care or effort.
"food procured for the rebels"
Similar:
obtain
acquire
get
find
come by
secure
pick up
get possession of
buy
purchase
get hold of
get one's hands on
get one's mitts on
obtain (someone) as a prostitute for another person.
"he haunted railway stations to procure young girls for immoral purposes"
Similar:
be a pimp
be pimping
ponce
hustle
```
111
posterity
```
all future generations of people.
"the victims' names are recorded for posterity"
Similar:
future generations
succeeding generations
those who come after us
```
112
cynical
believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
"he was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun"
doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile.
"most residents are cynical about efforts to clean mobsters out of their city"
Similar:
sceptical
doubtful
distrustful
suspicious
disbelieving
113
splendid
```
magnificent; very impressive.
"a splendid view of Windsor Castle"
Similar:
magnificent
sumptuous
grand
impressive
imposing
superb
spectacular
resplendent
opulent
luxurious
palatial
deluxe
rich
fine
costly
expensive
lavish
ornate
gorgeous
glorious
dazzling
elegant
handsome
beautiful
stately
majestic
kingly
princely
regal
noble
proud
plush
plushy
posh
swanky
ritzy
splendiferous
swish
swank
brave
splendacious
splendorous
magnolious
palatian
distinguished
glittering
illustrious
remarkable
outstanding
exceptional
celebrated
renowned
famous
notable
noted
eminent
lofty
venerable
exemplary
Opposite:
modest
unimpressive
ordinary
undistinguished
```
114
equanimity
calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.
| "she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity"
115
sleuth
person who investigates crimes; a detective.
| "they make MI5 look like a bunch of amateur sleuths"
116
baffle
```
1.
totally bewilder or perplex.
"an unexplained occurrence that baffled everyone"
Similar:
perplex
puzzle
bewilder
mystify
bemuse
confuse
confound
nonplus
disconcert
throw
set someone thinking
flummox
discombobulate
faze
stump
beat
fox
be all Greek to
floor
fog
buffalo
wilder
gravel
maze
cause to be at a stand
pose
obfuscate
puzzling
bewildering
perplexing
mystifying
bemusing
confusing
unclear
difficult/hard to understand
beyond one
above one's head
mysterious
enigmatic
obscure
abstruse
unfathomable
inexplicable
incomprehensible
impenetrable
cryptic
opaque
wildering
Opposite:
enlighten
clear
comprehensible
2.
restrain or regulate (a fluid, sound, etc.).
"to baffle the noise further, I pad the gunwales"
Similar:
thwart
frustrate
foil
balk
check
block
hinder
obstruct
```
117
sting
```
a small sharp-pointed organ at the end of the abdomen of bees, wasps, ants, and scorpions, capable of inflicting a painful or dangerous wound by injecting poison.
any of a number of minute hairs or other organs of plants, jellyfishes, etc., which inject a poisonous or irritating fluid when touched.
"a nettle-like plant with no sting"
a wound from a sting.
"a wasp or bee sting"
Similar:
prick
wound
injury
bite
nip
puncture
a sharp tingling or burning pain or sensation.
"she felt the sharp sting of tears behind her eyelids"
Similar:
smarting
smart
stinging
tingling
tingle
pricking
pain
soreness
hurt
irritation
a hurtful quality or effect.
"I recalled the sting of his betrayal"
Similar:
heartache
heartbreak
agony
torture
torment
hurt
pain
anguish
distress
desolation
misery
sharpness
severity
bite
edge
pointedness
asperity
pungency
mordancy
acerbity
acidity
tartness
sarcasm
acrimony
malice
spite
venom
causticity
mordacity
2.
INFORMAL
a carefully planned operation, typically one involving deception.
"five blackmailers were jailed last week after they were snared in a police sting"
Similar:
swindle
fraud
piece of deception
trickery
cheat
bit of sharp practice
rip-off
con
con trick
diddle
fiddle
bunco
verb
verb: sting; 3rd person present: stings; past tense: stung; past participle: stung; gerund or present participle: stinging
1.
wound or pierce with a sting.
"he was stung by a jellyfish"
Similar:
prick
wound
injure
hurt
bite
nip
penetrate
poison
urticate
feel or cause to feel a sharp tingling or burning pain or sensation.
"her eyes stung as if she might cry again"
Similar:
smart
tingle
burn
be painful
hurt
be irritated
be sore
ache
(typically of something said) hurt or upset (someone).
"stung by her mockery, Frank hung his head"
Similar:
upset
wound
distress
make miserable
cut to the quick
sear
grieve
hurt
pain
torment
mortify
provoke someone to do (something) by causing annoyance or offence.
"he was stung into action by an article in the paper"
Similar:
provoke
goad
incite
spur
prick
prod
rouse
stir up
drive
move
motivate
galvanize
stimulate
Opposite:
deter
2.
INFORMAL
swindle or exorbitantly overcharge (someone).
"I had to buy some boxer shorts at the last minute and got stung for £42.50!"
```
118
seize
```
take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
"she jumped up and seized his arm"
Similar:
grab
grasp
snatch
seize hold of
grab hold of
take hold of
lay hold of
lay (one's) hands on
get one's hands on
take a grip of
grip
clutch
take
pluck
Opposite:
let go of
take forcible possession of.
"army rebels seized an air force base"
Similar:
capture
take
overrun
annex
occupy
take possession of
conquer
take over
subjugate
subject
colonize
Opposite:
relinquish
retreat from
liberate
(of the police or another authority) take possession of (something) by warrant or legal right.
"police have seized 726 lb of cocaine"
Similar:
confiscate
impound
commandeer
requisition
appropriate
expropriate
take possession of
sequester
sequestrate
take away
take over
take
distrain
attach
disseize
poind
Opposite:
release
2.
take (an opportunity) eagerly and decisively.
"he seized his chance to attack as Carr hesitated"
3.
(of a feeling or pain) affect (someone) suddenly or acutely.
"he was seized by the most dreadful fear"
4.
strongly appeal to or attract (the imagination or attention).
"the story of the king's escape seized the public imagination"
```
119
dazzle
```
extremely bright, especially so as to blind the eyes temporarily.
"the sunlight was dazzling"
Similar:
extremely bright
blinding
glaring
brilliant
gleaming
shining
```
verb
gerund or present participle: dazzling
(of a bright light) blind (a person or their eyes) temporarily.
"she was dazzled by the headlights"
