vocab workout 2 Flashcards
(902 cards)
1
Q
forthright
A
direct and outspoken
2
Q
marquee
A
a canopy projecting over the entrance to a theater, hotel, or other building
3
Q
extricate
A
free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty
4
Q
expend
A
spend or use up (a resource such as money, time, or energy)
5
Q
hedonistic
A
engaged in the pursuit of pleasure, sensually self-indulgent
6
Q
unconscionable
A
not right or reasonable
7
Q
disenchantment
A
a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired
8
Q
upshot
A
the eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events
9
Q
rectitude
A
morally correct behavior or thinking
10
Q
feckless
A
lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible
11
Q
futile
A
pointless
12
Q
untenable
A
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
13
Q
curt
A
rudely brief
14
Q
stasis
A
a period of inactivity or equilibrium
15
Q
transgression
A
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense
16
Q
crux
A
the decisive or most important point at issue
17
Q
irreverent
A
showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
18
Q
zest
A
great enthusiasm and energy
19
Q
draconian
A
(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe
20
Q
charismatic
A
exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others
21
Q
sullen
A
gloomy
22
Q
evasive
A
tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly
23
Q
bout
A
a short period of intense activity of a specified kind
24
Q
ancillary
A
providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization; a person whose work provides necessary support to the primary activities of an organization
25
catatonia
abnormality of movement and behavior arising from a disturbed mental state
26
ostensibly
apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually
27
falter
start to lose strength or momentum
28
sleuth
carry out a careful investigation; a detective
29
compulsory
required by law or a rule; obligatory
30
smattering
a small amount of something
31
dystopian
denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
32
precipitate
cause to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
33
penchant
a strong liking for something or tendency to do something
34
portmanteau
a word blending the sounds and combining the meaning of two others
35
presage
be a sign or warning that something bad will happen
36
disavow
deny any responsibility or support for
37
hapless
unfortunate
38
forthcoming
willing to give information; ready or made available when wanted or needed
39
suborn
bribe or induce someone to commit an unlawful act such as perjury
40
non sequitur
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement
41
spearhead
lead an attack or movement
42
ouster
dismissal from a position
43
impertinent
not showing proper respect, rude; irrelevant
44
degenerate
an immoral or corrupt person
45
wry
expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
46
trifle
a thing of little value or importance
47
insurrection
a violent uprising against an authority or government
48
existential
relating to existence
49
obstinate
stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so
50
measly
contemptibly small or few
51
gratuitous
uncalled for, lacking good reason, unwarranted
52
sedition
conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against authority
53
trove
a store of valuable things
54
vitality
the state of being strong and active
55
trope
a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression
56
incredulous
unable to believe something
57
decadence
moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury
58
illicit
forbidden by law, rules, or custom
59
forbidding
unfriendly in appearance
60
audacious
showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
61
palpable
so intense as to seem almost tangible
62
retribution
punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong act
63
pungent
having a sharply strong taste or smell
64
introspection
the examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes
65
rubric
a statement of purpose or function
66
echo
be reminiscent of or have shared characteristics with
67
proverbial
well known, especially so as to be stereotypical
68
nomenclature
the choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline
69
pundit
an expert in a particular field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public
70
vaunt
boast about or praise something, especially excessively
71
dispossess
deprive someone of land, property, or other possessions
72
stalwart
loyal, reliable, and hardworking
73
savant
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist
74
antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
75
bastardize
change something in such a way as to lower its quality, typically by adding new elements
76
maladaptive
not providing adequate adjustment to the environment or situation
77
paragon
a model of excellence/perfection
78
impotent
lacking in power or influence
79
propulsive
having the quality of pushing forward
80
ballistic
suddenly excited, upset, or angry
81
jarring
incongruous in a striking way; causing a physical shock
82
deference
humble submission and respect
83
alacrity
brisk and cheerful readiness
84
heretic
a person believing in religious heresy; someone whose beliefs or actions are considered wrong by most people because they disagree with beliefs that are generally accepted
85
decry
publicly criticize
86
clout
influence, especially in politics or business
87
consonant
in agreement or harmony with
88
typify
be a representative example of
89
scuttlebutt
rumor, gossip
90
exonerate
absolve someone from blame
91
virtuoso
a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit
92
wasteland
a bleak, unattractive, and unused or neglected urban or industrial area
93
pummel
criticize
94
reproachful
expressing disapproval or disappointment
95
embolden
give someone the confidence to do something or behave in a certain way
96
trailblazing
innovative, pioneering
97
polarizing
to cause people to separate into opposing groups
98
sojourn
a temporary stay
99
mulish
stubborn
100
snub
rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully
101
derision
ridicule; mockery
102
vociferous
vehement or clamorous
103
martyr
a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs
104
congruent
in agreement or harmony
105
stench
a strong and unpleasant smell
106
transfix
cause someone to become motionless with horror, wonder, or astonishment
107
adept
very skilled at something
108
fret
be visibly worried or anxious
109
domineering
asserting one’s will over another in an arrogant way
110
aphorism
a concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. often handed down by tradition
111
fervent
displaying a passionate intensity
112
debase
degrade
113
sheepish
showing embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence
114
squabble
a noisy quarrel over something trivial
115
nefarious
wicked or criminal
116
unsanctioned
lacking effective or authoritative approval or consent
117
stealth
cautious action or movement
118
crass
lacking sensitivity or intelligence
119
amble
walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace
120
phalanx
a body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation
121
slate
criticize severely
122
unmitigated
absolute
123
eclectic
deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
124
vile
extremely unpleasant
125
deep-six
destroy or dispose of something irretrievably
126
quintessential
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
127
unflappable
having or showing calmness in a crisis
128
affront
an action or remark that causes outrage
129
prose
talk tediously; written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure
130
eminent
famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession
131
vile
extremely unpleasant
132
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
133
tepid
only slightly warm; showing little enthusiasm
134
eviscerate
deprive something of its essential content
135
conciliate
placate, pacify
136
bristle
be covered with or abundant in
137
unequivocal
leaving no doubt, unambiguous
138
fledgling
a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped
139
vilify
speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
140
braggadocio
boastful or arrogant behavior
141
fluke
an unlikely chance or occurrence
142
collateral
additional but subordinate; secondary
143
miscreant
a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law
144
retronym
a new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish it from the meaning that has emerged through progress or technological development
145
harrowing
acutely distressing
146
mouthpiece
one that expresses or interprets another’s views
147
disinformation
false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive
148
teeter
be unable to decide between different courses; waver
149
self-abasing
belittling or degrading oneself
150
foment
instigate or stir up
151
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered
152
grandstand
act or speak in a way intended to attract attention and to influence the opinion of people who are watching
153
palatial
relating to a palace
154
trivialize
make something seem less important, significant, or complex than it actually is
155
tasteless
lacking in aesthetic judgment
156
unwieldy
difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight
157
putative
generally considered or reputed to be
158
ravishing
delightful; entrancing
159
ricochet
rebound one or more times off a surface
160
expressly
explicitly; clearly
161
détente
the relaxation of strained relations
162
insensate
lacking sense or awareness; lacking sympathy
163
despotism
the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way
164
backpedal
reverse one’s previous action or opinion
165
materially
substantially; considerably
166
power grab
to obtain control over something in an opportunistic way
167
cultivate
try to acquire (a quality, sentiment, or skill)
168
amiss
not quite right; inappropriate or out of place
169
astute
showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn it to one’s own advantage
170
deracinate
uproot someone from their natural geographical, social, or cultural environment
171
pendency
the state, condition, or period of being pending or awaiting settlement
172
fortify
strengthen with defensive works so as to protect it against attack
173
posterity
all future generations of people
174
primitive
relating to an early stage in the evolutionary development of something
175
lucid
bright; expressed clearly
176
vitriol
cruel criticism
177
haughty
arrogantly superior and disdainful
178
abrogate
repeal or do away with; evade a responsibility
179
sneer
smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner
180
genial
friendly and cheerful
181
tactical
constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end
182
equivocate
use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
183
furtive
secretive
184
disillusionment
a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be
185
shrewd
showing sharp powers of judgment
186
high-minded
having strong moral principles
187
undue
unwarranted or inappropriate because excessive or disproportionate
188
surrogate
a substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office
189
austere
severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
190
accompaniment
something that is supplementary to or complements something else, typically food
191
practical
concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
192
crucible
a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new
193
portend
be a sign or warning that something momentous is likely to happen
194
deride
ridicule
195
gainfully
in a way that serves to increase wealth or resources
196
virtuous
having or showing high moral standards
197
dispositional
relating to a natural tendency toward a particular condition or action
198
escapade
an act involving excitement, daring, or adventure
199
unnerve
make someone lose courage or confidence
200
cunning
having skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion
201
reticent
not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily
202
coax
gently and persistently persuade someone to do something
203
contrition
feeling remorseful and penitent
204
sparing
economical
205
gravitas
dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner
206
proviso
a condition attached to an agreement
207
mollify
appease the anger or anxiety of someone
208
eschew
deliberately avoid using
209
bon vivant
a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle
210
unwavering
steady, resolute
211
exemplar
a person or thing serving as a typical example
212
grisly
causing horror or disgust
213
discordant
disagreeing
214
flounder
struggle or stagger helplessly
215
rancid
smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale
216
unassuming
not pretentious or arrogant; modest
217
sanctimonious
making a show of being morally superior to other people
218
backfire
to have a result opposite to what was planned
219
conjecture
an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; form an opinion about something on the basis of incomplete information
220
recant
say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief
221
postulate
suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
222
buoy
keep someone or something afloat
223
adage
a short statement expressing a general truth
224
constituent
a component part of something
225
chattel
an item of property other than real estate
226
tenuous
very weak or slight
227
bereft
lacking something; sad and lonely, especially through someone’s death or departure
228
charitable
relating to the assistance of those in need; apt to judge others leniently or favorably
229
denigrate
criticize unfairly; disparage
230
underscore
to stress; emphasize
231
meddling
intrusive or unwarranted interference
232
elitist
considered superior by others or by themselves, an in intellect, talent, power, wealth, or position in society
233
expound
present an idea or theory in detail
234
pleonasm
the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning, either as a fault of style or for emphasis (e.g., “see with one’s eyes”)
235
scoundrel
a dishonest or unscrupulous person
236
shoddy
badly made or done
237
devolve
transfer or delegate to a lower power
238
triage
assign degrees of urgency to
239
beacon
a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration
240
creditable
deserving public acknowledgment and praise but not necessarily outstanding or successful
241
scores
a large number or amount of people or things
242
stochastic
randomly determined
243
infirm
not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness
244
pugnacious
eager to argue
245
embolism
obstruction of an artery
246
downplay
make something appear less important than it really is
247
cloistered
sheltered
248
bile
anger; irritability
249
shepherd
guide or direct in a particular direction
250
hedge
limit or qualify by conditions or exceptions
251
extol
praise enthusiastically
252
indigent
poor; needy
253
beholden
owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service
254
desolate
deserted of people and in a state of dismal emptiness
255
visceral
relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; relating to the internal organs of the body
256
dignified
having a composed manner that is worthy of respect
257
impudent
not showing due respect for another person
258
conservatory
a college for the study of classical music or other arts
259
perilous
full of danger or risk
260
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
261
ineptitude
lack of skill or ability
262
cathartic
providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions
263
distal
situated away from the center of the body
264
nascent
having recently come into existence
265
castigate
reprimand someone severely
266
flout
openly disregard
267
faction
a small organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics
268
facile
appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue
269
effusive
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
270
gambit
a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage
271
censure
express severe disapproval of, especially in a formal statement
272
indulgent
having a tendency to be overly generous to or lenient with someone
273
contemptible
deserving contempt; despicable
274
scrawl
write something in a hurried, careless way
275
postscript
an additional statement or action that provides further information
276
bandit
a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area
277
levity
humor, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
278
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
279
gloat
contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness
280
tutelage
protection of or authority over someone
281
ponderous
slow and clumsy because of great weight
282
accord
grant someone power, status, or recognition
283
lackluster
lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspiring
284
withering
intended to make someone feel mortified or humiliated
285
sumptuous
splendid and expensive-looking
286
repose
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility
287
incivility
rude or unsociable speech or behavior
288
punctuate
occur at intervals throughout (a continuing event or a place)
289
hibernal
characteristic of or occurring in winter
290
grift
engage in small-scale swindling
291
delineate
describe or portray something precisely
292
simulacrum
a representation of someone or something
293
blistering
expressed with great vehemence; extremely fast, forceful, or impressive
294
opportunist
a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans
295
contrarian
opposing popular opinion
296
declamatory
vehement or impassioned in expression
297
zenith
the time at which something is most powerful or successful
298
iconoclasm
the action of attacking cherished beliefs and institutions or established values
299
inoculate
to introduce a microorganism into; vaccinate
300
reckoning
a view, opinion, or judgment
301
writhe
make squirming movements or contortions of the body
302
bigotry
unreasonable attachment to an opinion, belief, or faction; in particular, prejudice against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group
303
decree
an official order issued by a legal authority
304
proliferate
increase rapidly in number
305
implore
beg someone earnestly to do something
306
oblique
not stated directly
307
well-nigh
almost
308
exodus
a mass departure of people
309
lenity
kindness
310
platitude
a remark, especially one with moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful
311
vexatious
causing annoyance
312
unmask
expose the true character of
313
trumpet
proclaim widely
314
goings-on
events or behavior, especially of an unusual or suspect nature
315
per se
by itself; intrinsically
316
exegesis
critical explanation or interpretation of a text
317
rash
displaying a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action
318
churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way
319
trace
find or discover by investigation
320
priggish
self-righteously superior
321
extirpate
root out and destroy completely
322
barter
exchange goods or services for other goods or services without using money
323
parrot
repeat mechanically
324
shifty
appearing deceitful or evasive
325
insulate
protect something by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound
326
recompense
make amends to someone for loss or harm suffered; compensate
327
encapsulate
express the essential features of something succinctly
328
wrangling
engagement in a long, complicated dispute or argument
329
peruse
read something, typically in a thorough way
330
milk-toast
lacking in boldness or vigor
331
impetus
the force that makes something happen; the force or energy with which a body moves
332
unwittingly
unintentionally
333
extrapolate
extend the application of to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue
334
moralize
comment on issues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority; reform the character of
335
fatuous
silly and pointless
336
metastasize
(of a cancer) spread to other sites in the body
337
annex
add as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a document
338
unbidden
without having been commanded or invited
339
prowl
move around restlessly or stealthily, especially in search of prey
340
stupor
a state of near-unconsciousness
341
segue
move without interruption from one topic, song, etc. to another
342
ardent
enthusiastic or passionate
343
dilettante
a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
344
nullify
make legally null and void; invalidate
345
culpable
deserving blame
346
wallow
indulge in an unrestrained way
347
mystify
utterly bewilder or perplex
348
sly
having a cunning, deceitful nature
349
derogate
detract from
350
solace
comfort in a time of distress
351
unseemly
not proper or appropriate
352
unnerving
causing one to lose courage or confidence
353
colloquy
a conversation
354
nebulous
unclear, vague, or ill-defined
355
hasty
done with excessive urgency; hurried
356
laconic
using very few words
357
blasé
unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before
358
disclaim
refuse to acknowledge
359
voluble
talking fluently, readily, or incessantly
360
betray
unintentionally reveal; be evidence of
361
ravaged
severely damaged
362
confound
cause surprise or confusion in (someone), esp. by acting against their expectations
363
avant-garde
new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts
364
evangelical
according to the teaching of Christianity
365
batter
censure, criticize, or defeat severely
366
bungle
carry out a task clumsily or incompetently
367
abyss
a profound difference between people; a deep bottomless chasm
368
expedient
convenient and practical although possibly improper
369
pernicious
having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual way
370
deface
spoil the appearance of
371
malleable
easily influenced; pliable
372
herculean
requiring great strength or effort
373
stalwart
loyal, reliable, hardworking
374
exhibitionist
a person who behaves in an extravagant way
375
happenstance
coincidence
376
apprehension
fear that something bad will happen
377
unsavory
disagreeable and unpleasant because morally disreputable
378
petulance
the quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered
379
hokey
mawkishly sentimental
380
laden
heavily loaded or weighed down
381
garish
obtrusively bright and showy; lurid
382
legion
great in number
383
vigilante
a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate
384
sly
having a cunning or deceitful nature
385
lecherous
showing excessive sexual desire
386
subsume
include or absorb something in something else
387
blight
a thing that spoils or damages something
388
patronizing
apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority
389
denounce
publicly declare to be wrong or evil
390
unmoored
insecure, confused, or lacking contact with reality
391
oust
drive out or expel someone from a position or place
392
nullity
an act or thing that is legally void; a thing of no importance or worth
393
rehash
put old ideas or material into a new form without significant change or improvement
394
staid
sedate, respectable, and unadventurous
395
sub rosa
done in secret
396
denizen
an inhabitant or frequenter of a particular place
397
dogmatic
inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
398
insurgent
a rebel or revolutionary
399
plunder
steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder
400
tireless
showing great effort or energy
401
emeritus
having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor
402
unsuspecting
not aware of the presence of danger
403
infallible
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
404
calibrate
adjust to take external factors into account or to allow comparison with other data
405
flex
put a skill to use
406
fastidious
very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; very concerned about cleanliness
407
asinine
extremely foolish
408
siege
a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside
409
indignity
circumstances that cause one to feel shame
410
entrancing
capable of attracting and holding interest
411
empathic
showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
412
combative
eager to fight
413
unveil
show or announce publicly for the first time
414
arbitrary
based on random choice or person whim, rather than any reason
415
preeminent
surpassing all others
416
suggestible
easily swayed
417
consternation
feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
418
self-contained
quiet and independent
419
nativism
the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants
420
virulent
bitterly hostile
421
inanity
a nonsensical remark or action
422
incinerate
destroy by burning
423
jubilee
a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity
424
upheaval
a violent change to something
425
peremptory
insisting on immediate attention or obedience
426
invidious
likely to arouse anger in others
427
barren
too poor to produce vegetation; bleak and lifeless
428
rote
a mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned
429
wrench
a feeling of distress caused by one’s own or another’s departure
430
contort
twist or bend out of normal shape
431
invective
insulting, abusive
432
harness
control and make use of natural resources
433
fervor
intense and passionate feeling
434
entrap
trick or deceive someone, especially by inducing them to commit a crime to secure their prosecution
435
soft-pedal
refrain from emphasizing the more unpleasant aspects of something
436
mirage
something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so
437
touchstone
a standard by which something is judged
438
dissension
disagreement
439
parting
done when leaving someone
440
evergreen
retaining freshness and interest
441
annal
chronological record
442
unorthodox
not conforming to rules, traditions, or modes of conduct
443
trepidation
a feeling of fear about something that may happen
444
ascribe
attribute something to (a cause)
445
mea culpa
an acknowledgment of one’s fault or error
446
pretense
an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
447
idolatry
extreme admiration for something or someone
448
pontificate
express one’s opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic
449
addlepated
confused, mixed up
450
exaltation
a state of extreme happiness
451
perverse
corrupt, improper
452
entourage
a group of people surrounding an important person
453
compunction
a feeling of guilt
454
embroil
involve someone deeply in an argument
455
effectively
actually but not officially or explicitly
456
serendipitous
occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
457
impasse
a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
458
recalcitrant
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
459
propound
put forward (an idea, theory, or point of view) for consideration by others
460
upturn
an improvement or upward trend, especially in economic conditions or someone’s fortunes
461
emphatic
expressing something forcibly and clearly
462
legerity
physical or mental quickness
463
squander
waste in a reckless manner
464
inequitable
unfair; unjust
465
faineant
lazy, idle
466
paradigm
a typical example of something
467
incontrovertible
not able to be denied or disputed
468
partition
divide into parts
469
affectedly
in a way that is artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress
470
atone
to make amends
471
spurn
to reject with disdain or contempt
472
phonetic
relating to speech sounds
473
penitent
showing regret for having done wrong
474
pogrom
an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group
475
shellshock
a state of severe shock
476
affable
friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to
477
portent
a sign that something, especially something momentous, is likely to happen
478
wield
have and be able to use power and influence
479
feign
pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury
480
hawker
a person who travels around selling goods, typically advertising them by shouting
481
weary
cause to become tired
482
cognizable
perceptible; clearly identifiable
483
supernumerary
present in excess of the normal or requisite number
484
wrongheaded
showing bad judgment
485
veracious
speaking or representing the truth
486
self-deprecating
modest about or critical of oneself, especially humorously so
487
tact
a keen sense of what to do or say to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense; sensitivity in dealing with difficult issues
488
obliquely
indirectly
489
impart
make information known
490
hone
refine or perfect something over a period of time
491
malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
492
quibble
raise objections about a trivial matter
493
insidious
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
494
thankless
(of a job) difficult or unpleasant
495
purview
the scope of the influence or concerns of something
496
dignify
make something seem worthy and impressive
497
decadent
reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
498
insensibility
unconsciousness
499
sacrosanct
regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with
500
fruition
the point at which a plan or project is realized
501
stupendous
extremely impressive
502
incumbent
the holder of an office; necessary for someone as a responsibility
503
heresy
belief contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine
504
talisman
a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group
505
spout
express one’s views in a lengthy, declamatory, and unreflecting way
506
uninhibited
expressing one’s feelings or thoughts without restraint
507
guffaw
a loud and boisterous laugh
508
veracity
accuracy
509
self-revelation
disclosure of one’s character or motives, especially inadvertently
510
liminal
occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a threshold
511
pragmatist
a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals
512
inimical
tending to obstruct or harm
513
overhaul
a thorough examination of a system with changes made if necessary
514
indisposed
slightly unwell; averse, unwilling
515
inertia
a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged
516
judicious
done with good judgment
517
trailblazer
a pioneer; an innovator
518
motley
incongruously varied in appearance or character
519
cavort
apply oneself enthusiastically to sexual or disreputable pursuits
520
foothold
a secure position from which further progress may be made
521
brusque
abrupt or offhand in speech or manner
522
edict
an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority
523
sedate
calm, dignified, unhurried
524
indecent
obscene
525
swindle
use deception to deprive someone of money or possessions
526
brunt
the worst part or chief impact of a specified thing; the principal force, shock, or stress
527
capitulate
surrender
528
permissiveness
excessive freedom of behavior
529
innocuous
not harmful or offensive
530
myopic
lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight
531
pithy
concise and forcefully expressive
532
progeny
offspring
533
diffident
modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
534
connote
imply or suggest an idea or feeling in addition to the primary meaning
535
crapshoot
a risky or uncertain matter
536
excoriate
criticize severely
537
historicity
historical authenticity
538
vigor
physical strength and good health
539
carnage
the killing of a large number of people
540
frenetic
fast and energetic in a wild and uncontrolled way
541
glib
fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow
542
sinister
giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen
543
impinge
have an effect on, especially a negative one
544
avarice
extreme greed for wealth
545
compound
intensify the negative aspects of
546
requiem
an act of remembrance
547
posture
behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead
548
unruffled
not agitated or disturbed; calm
549
piety
the quality of being religious
550
ordure
excrement; something regarded as abhorrent
551
espouse
adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life
552
efface
make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous
553
eclipse
obscure the light from or to
554
colorable
apparently correct or justified
555
lowly
low in status or importance; humble
556
divest
deprive someone of power, rights, or possessions
557
contemptuous
showing contempt
558
specious
superficially plausible, but actually wrong
559
underwhelming
fail to impress or make a positive impact on; disappoint
560
reverent
showing deep and solemn respect
561
unabated
without any reduction in intensity or strength
562
pejorative
expressing contempt or disapproval
563
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
564
gumption
shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness
565
surreptitious
kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
566
assuage
make an unpleasant feeling less intense
567
dissonant
lacking harmony
568
duress
the act of using force, false imprisonment, coercion, threats, or psychological pressure to compel someone to act contrary to their wishes or interests
569
deferential
showing deference; respectful
570
inept
having no skill
571
archetype
a very typical example of a person or thing
572
irresolute
uncertain; showing hesitancy
573
vis a vis
with regard to
574
auspices
with the help and support of (e.g., the donation was made under the auspices of the local historical society)
575
squalor
the state of being extremely dirty or unpleasant
576
remonstrate
make a forcefully reproachful protest
577
cadence
inflection of the voice
578
budding
beginning and showing signs of promise in a particular career or field
579
unbecoming
not flattering, not appropriate
580
imperious
assuming power or authority without justification
581
salvo
a sudden, vigorous, or aggressive act or series of acts
582
odious
deserving hatred
583
harbor
shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person); keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly
584
predicate
base something on
585
perennial
lasting for a long time
586
unbridled
uncontrolled
587
perma
permanent or permanently
588
prelude
an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important
589
scattershot
denoting something that is broad but random and haphazard in its range
590
sordid
dirty; arousing moral distaste
591
in vain
without success or a result
592
unvarnished
plain and straightforward
593
beget
give rise to
594
restitution
the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner
595
pervade
(of an influence, feeling, or quality) be present throughout
596
uncouple
to release the link between
597
heuristic
enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves
598
solemn
formal and dignified; serious; characterized by deep sincerity
599
muzzle
prevent a person from expressing their opinions freely
600
apt
appropriate in the circumstances; having a tendency to do something
601
degenerative
tending to deteriorate
602
portentous
done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress
603
weighty
of great seriousness and importance
604
implicate
show someone to be involved in a crime; imply
605
lest
to avoid the risk of
606
recidivism
the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
607
resounding
unmistakable
608
frivolous
not having any serious purpose or value
609
rigmarole
bothersome nonsense
610
busk
perform music or other entertainment in the street or another public place for monetary donations
611
satirist
a writer of satire
612
swanky
very expensive and fashionable
613
salacious
having or conveying undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters
614
disarming
having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility, especially through charm
615
unfettered
unrestrained or uninhibited
616
miff
annoy
617
pariah
an outcast
618
abashed
feeling uneasy and self-conscious
619
duplicitous
deceitful
620
cavalcade
a formal procession of people walking on horseback or riding in vehicles
621
smear
damage the reputation of someone by making false accusations
622
dispel
make (a doubt, feeling, or belief) disappear
623
surly
bad-tempered and unfriendly
624
disreputable
not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
625
inapt
not suitable in the circumstances
626
malignant
malevolent (showing a wish to do evil to others)
627
grim
forbidding or uninviting
628
inure
accustom someone to something, especially something unpleasant
629
brash
self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way
630
conflate
combine into one
631
subserve
help to further or promote
632
ardor
enthusiasm or passion
633
epitomize
be a perfect example of
634
onerous
involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome
635
intrepid
brave
636
expropriate
take away property from its owner
637
prissy
excessively respectable; prim and proper
638
corollary
a proposition that follows from one already provided
639
posit
assume as a fact; put forward as a basis or argument
640
mishap
an unlucky accident
641
eminently
very
642
overshadow
appear much more prominent or important than
643
accost
approach someone boldly or aggressively
644
provocateur
agitator
645
evaluative
involving judging the quality, importance, amount, or value of something
646
remiss
lacking care or attention to duty; negligent
647
caliber
the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability
648
vapid
offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
649
novice
a person inexperienced in a field or situation
650
651
evince
reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling)
652
foreboding
a feeling that something bad will happen; implying that something bad will happen
653
indolent
lazy
654
extrajudicial
not legally authorized; (of a settlement, statement, or confession) not made in court
655
boast
talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities
656
resonant
deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring
657
callous
having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
658
elicit
evoke or draw out
659
dichotomy
a division or contrast between two things that are entirely different
660
jubilant
feeling great happiness and triumph
661
flagrant
obviously offensive
662
sanctuary
a place of refuge or safety
663
tacit
understood or implied without being stated
664
categorical
unambiguously explicit and direct
665
avail
help or benefit
666
protracted
lasting for a long time or longer than expected
667
discord
disagreement between people
668
voluptuous
characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure
669
insolent
showing an arrogant lack of respect
670
chasm
a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.
671
distill
extract the essential meaning of
672
ubiquitous
present everywhere
673
impecunious
having little or no money
674
acrimonious
(of speech or a debate) angry and bitter
675
passel
a large group of people or things of indeterminate number
676
formidable
inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable
677
besiege
crowd around oppressively; be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints
678
globe-trot
travel widely
679
underpinning
a set of ideas, motives, or devices that justify or form the basis for something
680
misfeasance
a transgression, especially the wrongful exercise of lawful authority
681
craven
contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly
682
undertone
an underlying quality or feeling
683
precipitous
dangerously high or steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration
684
slothful
lazy
685
absquatulate
leave abruptly
686
flippant
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
687
resourceful
having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
688
indignant
showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
689
ignoble
not honorable in character or purpose
690
incendiary
designed to cause fires
691
granular
highly detailed
692
stifle
suffocate; restrain a reaction or stop oneself from acting on an emotion
693
ineffable
too great or extreme to be described in words
694
mar
impair the appearance of, disfigure
695
beleaguered
in a very difficult situation
696
transient
lasting only for a short time
697
inscrutable
impossible to understand or interpret
698
maroon
leave someone trapped and isolated in an inaccessible place, especially an island
699
uncanny
strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way
700
unhinged
mentally unbalanced
701
immiseration
economic impoverishment
702
hurl
utter abuse vehemently
703
simmering
be in a state of suppressed anger or excitement
704
jurist
an expert in or writer on law
705
accentuate
make more noticeable or prominent
706
abdicate
fail to fulfill or undertake; renounce one’s throne
707
sweeping
wide in range or effect
708
employ
make use of
709
extrinsic
coming or operating from outside
710
rapacious
aggressively greedy
711
cull
obtain from a variety of sources
712
far-reaching
having important and widely applicable effects or implications
713
foremost
most prominent in rank, importance, or position
714
disciple
a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher
715
defile
sully, mar, or spoil
716
conundrum
a confusing and difficult problem or question
717
canonical
conforming to a general rule
718
doggedly
in a manner that shows tenacity and grim persistence
719
persecute
subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment
720
inviolability
the quality of being safe from assault, trespass, or violation
721
heady
having a strong or exhilarating effect
722
countervail
offset the effect of something by countering it with something of equal force
723
temperate
showing self-restraint
724
rubber stamp
approve automatically without proper consideration
725
spectacle
a visually striking performance or display
726
strong-arm
to force someone to do something
727
coup
a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from government
728
candor
the quality of being open and honest in expression
729
ventilation
public discussion or examination of an opinion, issue, or complaint
730
malign
speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner
731
panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
732
retort
say something in response to a remark or accusation, typically in a sharp, angry, or incisive manner
733
aver
assert to be the case
734
vitriolic
filled with bitter criticism or malice
735
urbane
courteous and refined in manner
736
ingratiate
bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering them
737
truculent
easily annoyed and always ready to argue
738
vista
a pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening; a mental view over a stretch of time or series of events
739
trivial
of little importance
740
cascade
pour downward rapidly and in large quantities
741
gnaw
cause persistent and wearing distress
742
unreflecting
not engaging in reflection or thought
743
centerpiece
an item, issue, etc. intended to be a focus of attention
744
delinquent
showing a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime
745
prerogative
a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class
746
impute
to attribute
747
makeshift
serving as a temporary substitute
748
formidable
causing fear, dread, or apprehension
749
temperament
a person’s nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior
750
proverb
a short saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice
751
handily
in a skillful manner; easily
752
twilight
a period of obscurity, ambiguity, or gradual decline
753
resourcefulness
the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
754
mounting (adj.)
increasing, often in a manner that causes anxiety
755
orthodox
conforming to what is generally accepted as right or true
756
remission
a diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery
757
balk
hesitate to accept something
758
restive
unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom
759
intimate
imply or hint at
760
repository
a place where things are stored
761
unceremoniously
roughly or abruptly
762
eternal
existing forever
763
foregone
past
764
volition
the power of using one’s will
765
diminutive
extremely small
766
sensationalize –
(especially of a newspaper) present information about something in a way that provokes public interest and excitement at the expense of accuracy
767
tenable
able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
768
sinewy
lean and muscular
769
skittish
playfully frivolous or unpredictable
770
scruple
a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality of a course of action
771
exemplary
serving as a desirable model
772
bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
773
despondent
in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
774
dovetail
to fit together closely or neatly
775
sandbag
deceive
776
ungainly
(of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy
777
pliable
easily bent, flexible; easily influenced
778
overture
an introduction to something more substantial
779
dox
search for and publish private or identifying information about an individual on the Internet, typically with malicious intent
780
transgress
go beyond the bounds of
781
clandestine
kept secret, especially because illicit
782
abridge
curtail (a right or privilege)
783
duly
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; as might be expected or predicted
784
empirical
based on or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
785
adroit
clever or skillful
786
drab
lacking brightness or interest
787
sublimate
divert or modify an instinctual impulse into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity
788
magnate
a wealthy and influential person, especially in business
789
undercut
offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor
790
pragmatic
dealing with things realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
791
unflinching
not showing fear or hesitation in the face of danger or difficulty
792
equipoise
balances of forces or interests
793
bravado
a bold manner intended to impress
794
precipitous
done suddenly and without careful consideration
795
disenfranchise
deprive someone of a right or privilege
796
supplant
supersede and replace
797
emanate
issue or spread out from a source
798
spate
a large number of similar things or events happening in quick succession
799
terse
abrupt
800
incisive
intelligently analytical and clear-thinking
801
belie
fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); fail to give a true impression of
802
mirth
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
803
haphazard
lacking any obvious principle of organization
804
harebrained
rash; ill-judged
805
bohemian
a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts
806
showcase
display
807
enclave
a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it
808
desecrate
treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect
809
propagate
spread and promote widely
810
humility
humbleness
811
fortuitous
happening by accident rather than design
812
ingenuity
the quality of being clever, original, inventive
813
gripe
complain about something in a persistent, irritating way
814
quibble
a slight objection or criticism about a trivial matter
815
slated
planned or scheduled
816
promulgate
promote or make widely known
817
armchair
lacking direct experience
818
magisterial
having or showing great authority
819
bane
a cause of great distress or annoyance
820
galvanize
shock or excite into taking action
821
escapism
the tendency to seek distraction from unpleasant realities, esp. by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy
822
elegy
a poem of serious reflection
823
injurious
likely to cause damage
824
veiled
expressed in an indirect way
825
foist
to force someone to accept or deal with something they do not want
826
expeditious
done with speed and efficiency
827
sanguine
optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
828
inflame
provoke or intensify (strong feelings, especially anger) in someone
829
primordial
existing at the beginning of time; basic and fundamental
830
gush
speak with effusiveness or exaggerated enthusiasm
831
perfunctory
carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection
832
sully
damage the integrity of
833
lurid
very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect; presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms, especially giving explicit details of crimes of sexual matters
834
pawn
a person used by others for their own purposes
835
euphemism
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant
836
shirk
avoid or neglect a duty
837
usury
the illegal practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest
838
unscrupulous
having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
839
proxy
a figure that can be used to represent the value of something
840
guarantor
a person, organization, or thing that guarantees something
841
protégé
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person
842
reparation
the making of amends for a wrong one has done
843
conscientious
wishing to do what is right, esp. to do one’s work well and thoroughly
844
prowess
expertise in a particular activity or field
845
steel
mentally prepare oneself to do or face something difficult
846
sanctity
the quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly
847
exhort
strongly encourage one to do something
848
mendacity
untruthfulness
849
fulsome
flattering to an excessive degree; generous or abundant
850
appropriation
the action of taking something for one’s own use typically without the owner’s permission
851
unyielding
(of a person) unlikely to be swayed; (of a structure) not giving way to pressure
852
zinger
a striking remark
853
stringency
strictness
854
caustic
sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
855
deleterious
causing harm or damage
856
dynamism
characterized by vigorous activity and progress
857
bemoan
express discontent over something
858
intransigent
unwilling to change one’s views
859
enigma
a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
860
spite
a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone
861
purgatory
having the quality of cleansing or purifying
862
amiable
having a pleasant manner
863
insignia
a badge or distinguishing mark of military rank, office, or membership of an organization; an official emblem
864
imprimatur
a person’s acceptance that something is of a good standard
865
wholesome
promoting moral well-being; suggestive of good health
866
crystallize
make or become definite or clear
867
assail
violently attack
868
indemnify
compensate someone for harm or loss
869
supersede
take the place of; supplant
870
waffle
fail to make up one’s mind
871
brazen
bold and without shame
872
conviviality
the quality of being friendly and lively; friendliness
873
valiant
showing courage
874
ambivalent
having mixed feelings
875
hyperbole
exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally
876
languish
grow weak or feeble
877
untoward
unexpected and inappropriate
878
benighted
in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
879
dissonance
a clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements
880
inapposite
out of place
881
demur
to raise doubts, show reluctance
882
skirmish
an episode of unpremeditated fighting
883
grit
courage and resolve; strength of character
884
streamline
make more efficient by employing faster or simpler working methods
885
specter
something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence
886
conviction
a firmly held belief
887
mendacious
lying
888
artifice
clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others
889
aspirate
inhale
890
dislodge
knock or force out of position; remove from a position of power
891
corpulent
fat
892
lifeline
a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation
893
co-opt
adopt an idea or policy for one’s own use
894
hubris
excessive pride or self-confidence
895
inchoate
just begun and so not fully formed or developed
896
incipient
in an initial stage
897
venerable
accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character
898
screed
a long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious
899
vigil
a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep
900
torpedo
to destroy, reject
901
latent
(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed
902
