The SmarterWay
Compiled by: Deenesh Silwal
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
abase
v. [to hurt the pride of] humiliate; humble; debase; degrade;
demean
Analogy:
abase : prestige :: damp : ardor
abase : status :: shorten : length
abase : strength :: curtail : duration
abash
v. [to make someone feel embarrassed] embarrass; disconcert;
discomfit; rattle; faze
embolden
Analogy:
unabashed : embarrassment :: unheralded : announcement
abate ®
v. [to lessen in amount, degree or intensity] diminish; subside;
slack; slake
augment; intensify;
promote
Related Words:
wane: v. a gradual decrease in importance, intensity, power,
etc., esp. from a peak state
ebb: v. to weaken or lessen; decline (esp. a fluctuating force)
Analogy:
abate : tax :: alleviate : distress
abate : tax :: alleviate : intensity
abate : force :: fade : loudness
abbreviate
v. [to make shorter, esp. to shorten a word or phrase by leaving
out or substituting letters] shorten; condense; contract; curtail;
abridge; reduce
extend; protract
Analogy: abbreviation : sentence :: synopsis : narrative
abdicate
v. [to give up formally, a high office, throne or authority]
relinquish; renounce
assume; usurp
Analogy: abdicate : throne :: recant : belief
aberrant ®
adj. [deviating from what is normal or typical] deviant;
anomalous; atypical; abnormal
normal
Analogy: aberrant : standard :: digressive : topic
abeyance ®
n. [temporary suspension of an activity or function] suspension
Related Words:
dormancy: n. a state of inactivity (continuing from the
immediate past); quiescence
latency: n. the state of being not yet active (never active so far)
abominable
1.
2.
adj. [nasty and disgusting] vile; loathsome; odious;
offensive; nauseating; execrable
adj. [very bad] atrocious; awful; dreadful
aboriginal
adj. [composed of people inhabiting a region from the beginning]
indigenous; autochthonous; native; primitive
abscond ®
v. [to run away and hide (to escape the law)] flee; decamp;
escape
Analogy: abscond : leave :: steal : take
continuance
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [moderate in eating and drinking] abstinent; temperate;
continent; sober
gluttonous; indulgent
Word
abstemious ®
Analogy:
abstemious : indulge :: austere : decorate
abstemious : gorge :: reticent :: talk
abuse
1.
2.
3.
v. [to attack with insulting or bad language] revile; vilify;
berate; malign
v. [to treat badly] maltreat; mistreat
n. [wrong usage] misuse; perversion
Analogy:
diatribe : abuse :: burlesque : mockery
invective : abusive :: polemic : disputatious
abut
v. [be adjacent to; border upon] adjoin; march
abyss
n. [a bottomless pit; anything too deep for measurement]
chasm; crevasse
accessory
1.
2.
n. [extra or additional object, one that is useful but not
essential] auxiliary; ancillary; adjutant; appurtenance;
supplement; subsidiary
n. [one who helps another person in committing a crime]
accomplice; abettor
acclivity
n. [an upward slope] ascent; grade; upgrade; climb
declivity
accolade
n. [anything done or given as a sign of great respect or approval]
award; honor; laurels; kudos; distinction
castigation; denunciation;
denigration; reproof;
disapprobation
accommodate
1.
2.
1.
2.
discommode
derange; confuse
1.
sweetness; saccharin
3.
4.
v. [to help someone or to provide a service] help; aid; oblige
v. [to bring into harmony; make compatible with] reconcile;
conciliate; harmonize; conform
v. [to make fit for] adjust; adapt
v. [to provide lodging] lodge; quarter; house; entertain
Analogy: accommodate : supply :: obliterate : remove
accomplice
n. [a person who knowingly joins another in carrying out an
unlawful act] accessory; confederate
accord
1.
2.
3.
accost
n. [mutual agreement between two states or parties]
concord; compact; covenant; pact; treaty
v. [to be in agreement] agree; concur; concord; correspond
v. [to grant] bestow; concede
v. [to approach and speak first to a person, often intrusively]
address; greet; hail; confront
Analogy: accost : approach :: importune : request
acerbity
1.
n. [a sharp sour taste] acidity; astringency; tartness
2.
n. [harshness of temper, words, etc.] acrimony; asperity;
irritability
acidulous
1.
2.
adj. [slightly acidic] piquant
adj. [somewhat sarcastic] satirical; ironical; mocking
acknowledge
1.
2.
3.
v. [to admit or declare to be true] admit; concede; confess
v. [to recognize and answer (a greeting, etc.)]
v. [to recognize the authority of] recognize; endorse; certify
acme
n. [the highest point or stage] apex; apogee; climax; elevation;
peak; pinnacle; summit; vertex; zenith
Analogy:
acme : mountain :: crest : wave
acme : surpass :: impossible : execute
nadir
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [keenness or discrimination in dealing with practical matters]
keenness; astuteness; discernment; discrimination;
perspicacity; shrewdness; sagacity
obtuseness
Word
acumen
Analogy: acumen : shrewd :: alacrity : prompt
acute
1.
2.
adage:
adj. [having a keen or quick mind] astute; clever;
penetrating; incisive
adj. [of short duration, but severe, said of diseases]
1.
2.
chronic
1.
detach
n. [a short traditional saying based on experience that is
accepted as truth] proverb; truism
Related Words:
epigram: n. a concise, witty saying with a clever twist in thought
addendum
n. [something added or to be added, esp. a supplement to a
book] appendix; supplement
Related Words:
codicil: n. an addition to a will
rider: n. an addition or amendment to a document, esp. to a
contract or a legislative bill
Analogy: addendum : document :: postscript : letter
addle
1.
2.
v. [to become confused] muddle, confuse
v. [to become rotten, as of eggs]
adhere
1.
2.
v. [stick to firmly] bind; bond; cleave; cling; cohere
v. [be devoted to (a cause, a leader, etc,); remain faithful]
adjure
v. [to ask for or request in a serious manner] beg; beseech;
entreat; appeal
admonish ®
v. [to warn or scold in a gentle manner] reprove; chide;
reproach
Related words:
counsel: v. to give advice to; to instruct gently; advise
Analogy:
admonishment : castigation :: peccadillo : sin
admonish : denounce :: punish : pillory
admonish : warning :: apprise : information
adroit
adj. [quick or skillful in physical or mental activities] dexterous;
adept; deft; clever; ingenious
ungainly; ham-handed
Analogy: adroit : ungainly :: loquacious : succinct
adulterated ®
adj. [corrupted or made impure by addition of inferior
substances] debased; doctored; spoilt; diluted; polluted
Analogy:
adulterate : pure :: embellish : austere
adulterate : pristine :: demanding : satisfactory
adverse
1.
2.
adj. [unfavorable] unpropitious; inopportune
adj. [not compatible; opposed] hostile; antagonistic;
inimical; conflicting
advert
v. [to call attention to] refer; allude; mention
advocate
v. [to speak or write in support of] support; promote;
recommend; urge; defend; uphold; vindicate
Analogy: exponent : advocate :: pedant : instruct
aegis
1.
2.
n. [a protection] shield; defense
n. [sponsorship] endorsement; auspices; patronage
purified; genuine;
cleansed; unalloyed;
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [appreciative of art and beauty and showing good taste]
artistic; pleasing
philistine
Word
aesthetic ®
Analogy:
aesthetics : beauty :: epistemology : knowledge
aesthetic : art :: gourmet : food
affable
adj. [pleasant and easy to approach] friendly; amiable; cordial;
genial; sociable
affront
n. [an open or intentional insult] indignity; offense. Also v.
aggrandize
1.
2.
v. [to praise highly] exalt; acclaim; applaud; glorify
v. [to make appear greater or larger by adding details]
enlarge; augment; embellish
aggregate ®
1.
n. [a group of distinct items taken together] agglomeration;
conglomeration; aggregation; combination; conjunction
v. [to gather into a mass or whole; to total] accumulate;
gather; hoard
adj. [gathered into, or considered as, a whole] collective
2.
3.
aghast
adj. [feeling great horror or shock] horrified; terrified; shocked;
dismayed; appalled
alacrity ®
n. [liveliness and eagerness] promptitude; promptness;
dispatch; expedition; alertness
testy; irascible
1.
isolated units
2.
disperse; disintegrate
sluggishness; hesitance;
reluctance; dilatoriness
Analogy:
alacrity : apathetic :: temerity : timid
alacrity : procrastinate :: husbandry : dissipate
alcove
n. [a small room that opens into a larger room] nook; niche;
recess
alimentary
adj. [providing nourishment] nourishing; nutritious; sustaining;
succulent
allegiance
n. [loyalty or devotion, as to a cause, person, institution, etc.]
loyalty; devotion; dedication; fealty; fidelity
Analogy:
renegade : allegiance :: apostate : faith
partisan : allegiance :: pundit : authoritativeness
allegory
n. [a story in which people, things, and occurrences have a
hidden meaning, used to teach morals] fable; parable
alleviate ®
v. [to make (pain) easier to bear; to reduce] relieve; assuage;
palliate; mitigate; lighten
exacerbate; worsen;
increase; intensify
Analogy:
alleviate : strength :: dampen : ardor
alleviate : intensity :: console : grief
alloy
1.
2.
3.
n. [a mixture of two or more metals] amalgam; admixture
v. [to mix metals, esp. making a metal less pure by mixing
with a less valuable metal] amalgamate; combine;
compound; adulterate
v. [to reduce in value or quality by mixing with something
inferior] debase; devalue; adulterate
allure
v. [to tempt with something desirable] entice; lure; attract;
bewitch; enchant; fascinate
altercation
n. [a noisy quarrel; an angry argument] fracas; quarrel;
wrangle; dispute
amalgamate ®
1.
2.
v. [to join together into one; unite] intermix; commix; admix;
mix; mingle
v. [to mix metals] alloy; compound; adulterate
isolate; separate;
disintegration
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
amass
v. [to gather or collect] accumulate; gather; garner; hoard;
collect; compile
dissipate; separate
ambience ®
n. [a particular environment or its atmosphere] milieu
Word
Related Words:
miasma : n. an unhealthy atmosphere
(miasma is a type of ambience)
ambiguous ®
adj. [having two or more possible meanings] equivocal;
elliptical
clear
Analogy:
ambiguous : understand :: blatant : ignore
ambiguous : clarity :: mendacious : truth
equivocation : ambiguous :: oxymoron : incongruous
ambivalence ®
v. [simultaneous mixed feelings, as love and hate] vacillation;
ameliorate ®
v. [to make or get better] improve; amend
exacerbate; aggravate
Analogy: ameliorate : improve :: admonish : caution
amicable
adj. [characterized by friendship and good will] genial; friendly;
peaceable
amnesty
n. [a pardon, esp. for political offences against a government]
pardon; reprieve; clemency
amok
adv. [wildly; without self-control and behaving violently] berserk;
frenziedly
amphitheatre
n. [a round or oval stadium with tiers of seats] coliseum; arena
ample
1.
2.
amplify
1.
2.
amulet
adj. [enough or more than enough] abundant; adequate;
plentiful; sufficient
adj. [large in size, extent, etc.] spacious; capacious; roomy;
extensive
v. [to make larger; greater, or stronger] magnify; augment;
expand
v. [to increase the volume of]
n. [a piece of jewellery worn as it is thought to be a protection
against evil] charm; talisman
Analogy: amulet : evil :: helmet : injury
anachronism ®
n. [anything that is or seems to be out of its proper time in
history] misdate
analgesic
adj. [capable of relieving pain] anodyne; anaesthetic
Analogy:
analgesic : pain :: anaesthetic : sensation
analgesic :: deaden :: tonic : invigorate
analogous ®
adj. [similar or comparable in some respects, but dissimilar in
some other respects] correspondent
Related Words:
homologous: adj. similar in most respects
anarchy ®
n. [disorder or absence of government] lawlessness; turmoil;
chaos; political nihilism
Related Words:
nihilism: n. theory which advocates destruction of existing
social, political and economic institutions
ancestry
inimical; hostile; unfriendly
n. [family origin or descent; line of descent] lineage; genealogy;
heritage; parentage; pedigree
1.
decrease; simplify
2.
mute
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
anguish
n. [great mental distress, as from worry, grief or pain] torment;
torture; agony; wretchedness
animus
n. [a feeling of strong ill will or hatred] animosity; antipathy;
antagonism; hostility; rancor
anneal
v. [to toughen steel or glass by a process of gradually heating
and cooling] temper; toughen
annotate
v. [to add explanatory notes or critical comments to] comment;
gloss
friendly
Analogy: annotate : commentary :: gloss : definition
anomalous ®
adj. [deviating from the general rule] abnormal; irregular;
atypical; aberrant; exceptional; deviant
typical; normal
Analogy: anomaly : paradigmatic :: blemish : flawless
antagonize
v. [to provoke the dislike of; make an enemy of; to oppose]
alienate; counteract
placate; propitiate; mollify
Analogy: choleric : antagonize :: cowardly : intimidate
anthem
n. [a song of praise or devotion, as to one’s country or school]
hymn; paean
antipathy ®
n. [a feeling of intense dislike] aversion; abhorrence; hostility;
distaste
affinity; affection;
fondness; proclivity;
antithesis
n. [the exact opposite] contrast; converse; reverse
similarity
apathy ®
n. [lack of emotion or interest] indifference; impassivity;
stolidity; phlegm; unconcern; nonchalance; insouciance
vehement
Analogy: fervour : apathetic :: ennui : enthusiastic
aphorism
n. [a concise saying expressing a philosophical or scientific
truth] maxim; apothegm; axiom; proverb
Analogy:
aphorism : pithiness :: caricature : exaggeration
aphrosim : diffusive :: euphemism : offensive
aplomb
n. [self-confidence when under strain] poise; self-assurance;
self-possession; self-assuredness; composure
confusion; trepidation
apologist
n. [a person who writes or speaks in defense of a policy or
institution] justifier; vindicator
critic; detractor
Related Words:
advocate: n. one who pleads for a cause or puts forward an
idea; advocator; exponent; proponent (apologist is a
type of advocate)
Analogy: apologist : defend :: anarchist : rebel
appease ®
1.
2.
appellation
v. [to calm] pacify; soothe; conciliate; propitiate; placate;
mollify; allay
v. [to satisfy] allay; assuage; relieve
n. [a name or title that identifies a person or thing] designation;
denomination; epithet
Analogy: appellation : designate :: foreword : introductory
appraise
v. [to estimate the value or the quality of] assess; estimate;
evaluate; measure; value
1.
2.
vex; gall; rile; roil;
agitate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
2.
1.
2.
complain
3.
v. [to be thankful] thank; be obliged
v. [to be fully aware of] comprehend; apprehend;
understand; recognize
v. [to increase in value]
3.
depreciate
apprehend
1.
2.
3.
v. [to take into custody] arrest; collar; nab; seize
v. [to understand] comprehend; perceive; grasp
v. [to anticipate with anxiety] dread
1.
set free
apprise ®
v. [to give information or make aware of] notify; inform; advise
approbation ®
n. [official approval or recognition] approval; sanction; consent;
endorsement; esteem; praise; commendation
Word
appreciate
disapprobation;
execration; condemnation
Analogy:
praise : approbation :: demur : objection
approbation : reprehensible :: censure : blameless
appropriate ®
1.
2.
3.
adj. [suitable or proper] fit; apposite; pertinent; apt; meet
v. [to set aside or to allot] allocate; assign; reserve;
apportion; earmark
v. [to take away without permission or with force] seize;
usurp; capture; conquer; commandeer; confiscate;
expropriate
apropos
adj. [appropriate to the situation] apt; opportune; pertinent
arable
adj. [suitable for producing crops] cultivable; tillable; fertile
arbiter
n. [someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue]
judge; referee; arbitrator; umpire
arduous ®
adj. [hard or laborious to accomplish] difficult; onerous;
strenuous; toilsome; effortful; gruelling
arid
1.
2.
1.
inappropriate
malapropos; inopportune;
untimely; irrelevant;
facile; effortless
adj. [excessively dry; lacking enough water for things to
grow] dry; parched; sere; sear; scorched; withered
adj. [not interesting; lifeless] dull; desiccate
Analogy: desert : arid :: marsh : sodden
aristocracy
n. [a privileged ruling class] nobility; gentry
people; peasantry;
proletariat
aromatic
adj. [having a strong distinctive smell, usually a sweet smell]
fragrant; redolent
putrid
Related Words:
pungent: having a sharp or spicy or offensive smell;
odoriferous
arrogance
n. [a feeling of superiority or excessive self-importance] pride;
haughtiness; hauteur; disdain; hubris; contemptuousness;
imperiousness; overbearingness; superciliousness
humility; modesty;
shyness
Analogy:
arrogance : defer :: lassitude : stir
meek : arrogance :: mean : prodigality
artless ®
adj. [simple and natural; without cunning or deceit] ingenuous;
naïve; guileless; unsophisticated
Analogy:
artless : guile :: impeccable : blemish
artlessness : guile :: dabbler : dedication
ascetic ®
adj. [practicing great self-denial] severe; austere; spartan;
rigorous
Analogy: ascetic : self-indulgence :: glutton : overindulgence
cunning; sly; guileful;
artful; sophisticated;
urbanity; duplicity;
disingenuous
indulgent; voluptuary;
sybaritic; epicurean;
sumptuous
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
ascribe
v. [attribute or credit to] attribute; assign; impute
askance
adv. [with a sideways or indirect glance] distrustfully; obliquely
askew
adv. [turned or twisted to one side] awry; crooked;
assail
v. [to attack someone or something physically, emotionally or
verbally] attack; assault; beset; plague
assiduous ®
adj. [marked by care and persistent effort] diligent; sedulous;
industrious; busy; hard-working
straight; aligned
lazy; careless; slipshod;
remiss; derelict
Analogy: assiduous : careless :: probity : dishonest
assuage ®
1.
2.
3.
v. [to lessen pain or distress] alleviate; mitigate; soothe;
relieve
v. [to satisfy] appease; surfeit
v. [to calm] pacify; mollify
1.
2.
3.
aggravate; exacerbate
intensify
incite; gall; inflame
Analogy: assuage : sorrow :: dampen : ardour
assurance
1.
2.
3.
n.[a guarantee] promise; pledge; insurance
n.[the state of being assured] confidence; certainty;
certitude; conviction
n.[belief in one’s own abilities] self-confidence; self-reliance;
audacity
astronomical
adj. [extremely large or extensive] enormous; gigantic; galactic;
colossal; immense
asylum
n. [a place where one is safe and secure] shelter; refuge;
sanctuary
atavism
n. [the reappearance in an individual of some characteristic
found in a distant ancestor but not in nearer ancestors]
reversion; throwback
atrocity
n. [a cruel deed] crime; offense; outrage; abomination
attenuate ®
v. [to make or become thin; weaken in value or strength]
weaken; enervate; rarefy; fade; enfeeble; debilitate
thicken; intensify
Analogy:
attenuate : thickness :: enervate : vitality
attenuate : force :: simplify : complexity
audacious ®
1.
2.
adj. [daring or fearless] brave; bold; dauntless; intrepid
adj. [shamelessly or foolishly bold] impudent; brazen;
barefaced; presumptuous; insolent; venturesome;
adventurous
1.
2.
timid
circumspect
Analogy:
audacious : trepidation :: laconic : volubility
audacious : caution :: inedible : food
audit
n. [an examination of accounts to verify their correctness]
scrutiny; inspection; review
augur
1.
2.
v. [to foretell or prophesy from omens or signs] predict;
bode; forebode; forecast; foreshadow; foretell;
prognosticate; presage. Also n.
v. [to be an omen of] presage
Analogy: augur : prediction :: pundit : opinion
aureole
1.
2.
n. [the outermost region of sun’s atmosphere] corona
n. [a radiance encircling the head of a saint, as in religious
paintings] aura; halo
auspicious
adj. [favoring success or giving signs of future success]
propitious; favorable
ominous; unfavorable;
untoward
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
austere ®
2.
adj. [severely simple, moral or strict] ascetic; spartan;
stark; severe
adj. [appearing stern or severe] stern
2.
lavish; indulgent;
baroque; sybaritic
lax
Analogy:
austere : decorate :: abstemious : indulge
austere : design :: laconic : speech
authoritarian
adj. [enforcing unquestioning obedience to authority, as that of a
dictator] dictatorial; tyrannical; autocratic; despotic;
overbearing
autonomous ®
adj. [having self-government] independent; sovereign; selfsufficient; self-reliant
dependent
avarice
n. [highly excessive desire for wealth or gain] cupidity;
covetousness; greed; rapacity. Adj. avaricious
altruism; generosity
Analogy:
avarice: money :: glutton : food
avaricious : satisfy :: stoic : perturb
avenge
v. [to take revenge for and injury or a perceived wrong] retaliate;
requite; revenge
aver ®
v. [to declare to be true] affirm; assert; avow; swear; verify
gainsay; deny
avid
1.
2.
1.
adj. [eager and enthusiastic] eager; zealous
adj. [having an intense desire] greedy
loath; reluctant
Analogy: avid : enthusiasm :: revere : respect
babble
v. [to utter meaningless sounds, as a baby does] prattle; prate;
gabble; jabber
express succinctly
Analogy: babble : sense :: parrot : originality
bacchanalian
adj. [pertaining to riotously drunken merrymaking] carousing
baleful
adj. [harmful or threatening harm or evil] deadly; ominous;
injurious; noxious; sinister; baneful; menacing; minatory;
pestilential
beneficent
balk
1.
v. [to stop and stubbornly refuse to move or act] demur;
resist
v. [to obstruct] hinder; thwart
1.
move ahead willingly
n. [anything that heals or soothes, esp. the mind or its
moods] solace; consolation; relief; assuagement
n. [any sweet – smelling oil extracted from trees used for
healing or during ceremonies] ointment; unction, unguent;
salve
1.
irritant; piquant
2.
balm
1.
2.
Analogy: balm : irritation :: antidote : poisoning
banal ®
adj. [dull because of overuse; lacking in originality] trite;
hackneyed; commonplace; insipid; vapid; jejune
bask
v. [take pleasure in a warm or pleasant atmosphere] luxuriate;
sunbathe
bastion
n. [any strongly defended place; fortress] stronghold; citadel;
castle
bauble
n. [a showy but worthless item] trinket; trifle; knickknack
bawdy
adj. [indecent or humorously vulgar] ribald; scurrilous;
indecent; obscene
beatific
1.
2.
begrudge
v. [to be envious of] grudge; resent
adj. [full of joy or bliss] blissful; joyful; rapturous
adj. [holy or blessed, like a saint] angelic; saintly
arresting; fresh; original;
novel
1.
impish
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
beguile
1.
2.
v. [to mislead by cheating] deceive; cheat; delude;
hoodwink
v. [to pass time pleasantly; while away]
behemoth
n. [a person or thing that is very large and powerful] colossus;
giant; monster
belated
adj. [after the expected time] delayed; tardy; overdue
on time
beleaguer
1.
2.
v. [to annoy persistently] harass; badger; pester, tease
v. [to surround (with troops, etc.) so as to force to give up]
besiege; circumvent; surround
1.
mollify; sooth; delight
belie ®
1.
v. [to contradict; show to be false] contradict; negate;
repudiate; gainsay
v. [to mislead] misrepresent; disguise
1.
affirm; confirm
2.
benediction
n. [a blessing] benison
curse; anathema;
malediction
beneficent ®
adj. [doing or producing good] benevolent; benign; salutary;
gracious
maleficent; baleful
Analogy: beneficent : harm :: tenacious : yield
bequest
n. [a gift of personal property by will] inheritance; legacy
bereavement
n. [state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one]
mourning; deprivation; affliction
bestow
v. [to give as a gift] present; offer; bequeath
betoken
v. [to indicate by signs] bode; forecast; foretell; foreshadow;
augur; portend; predict; presage; prognosticate
betray
1.
2.
v. [to help the enemy of (one’s country, cause, etc.); be a
traitor to]
v. [to reveal unknowingly or unwillingly] divulge; disclose
1.
adhere; support
Analogy: betray : trust :: transgress : rules
bigot
n. [a narrow minded and prejudiced person who is intolerant of
any opinions differing from his own, esp. in religious or political
matters] fanatic; dogmatist; doctrinaire; chauvinist
Analogy:
bigot : tolerance :: turncoat : constancy
bigot : dedication :: rage :: anger
billowing
adj. [characterized by great swelling waves] surging
bivouac
n. [temporary living quarters built for the soldiers] encampment;
cantonment
blanch
v. [to make white; to take the color out of] bleach; whiten
darken
blandishment
n. [something that tends to coax, cajole, or flatter] cajolery;
flattery; palaver; adulation
criticism; threat
Analogy:
blandishment : coax :: medal : honor
blandishment : coax :: threat : intimidate
blasé
adj. [having indulged in so much pleasure as to be bored with it]
satiated; unconcerned; nonchalant
Analogy: zealot : blasé :: miser : munificent
blasphemy
1.
2.
n. [contemptuous speech or writing concerning God or
anything held as divine] sacrilege; irreverence; impiety;
profanity; desecration
n. [any comment or action held as disrespectful] disrespect
1.
piety; reverence
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
adj. [completely obvious or conspicuous] obtrusive; glaring
1.
2.
adj. [disagreeably loud] clamorous; boisterous;
vociferous
Word
blatant
subtle; unobtrusive;
inconspicuous
Analogy:
blatant : ignore :: ambiguous : understand
blatant : arresting :: odious : disgusting
blighted
adj. [suffering from a disease] spoilt; withered
blithe
adj. [happy and light-hearted] gay; cheerful; jaunty
bloated
adj. [swollen, as with water or air] distended; puffed; swollen;
turgid; tumid
bluff
1.
2.
3.
blurt
v. [to say suddenly, without thinking ahead] ejaculate; exclaim
grave
v. [to deceive or seek to deceive] mislead; feign
adj. [rough and frank, but good-natured] outspoken
n. [a high, steep cliff] cliff; precipice; steep
Analogy: blurt : utter :: flit : move
bolster ®
v. [to support or strengthen] prop; reinforce; sustain; buttress
thwart; undermine
Analogy: bolster : strength :: whet : sharpness
bolt
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
n. [a bar used for locking a door, gate, etc]
n. [a roll of cloth or paper of a definite length]
v. [to lock a door]
v. [to move or jump suddenly]
v. [to swallow food in a hurried manner] gulp down
bombastic ®
adj. [using high-sounding but meaningless language] pompous;
grandiloquent; declamatory; orotund; tumid; turgid; fustian;
flowery; florid; ostentatious; euphuistic. n. bombast
understated
Analogy:
bombast : pompous :: tirade : critical
pompous : bombast :: nonsensical : drivel
bumptious : bombast :: exaggerated : hyperbole
boorish ®
adj. [ill-mannered and coarse in behavior] rude; loutish; oafish;
churlish; surly. n. boor
suave
Analogy:
insensitive : boorish :: mischievous : impish
boor : sensitive :: simpleton : sagacity
bountiful
1.
2.
adj. [producing in abundance] plentiful; abundant; lavish
adj. [giving freely] generous; munificent; liberal;
openhanded
bourgeois
adj. [middle-class, characterized as conventional and
materialistic]
bowdlerize
v. [to remove passages or parts considered offensive (from a
book, play, etc.)] edit; expurgate
brackish
adj. [somewhat salty, of water] saline; briny
brag
v. [boast; exaggerate about oneself] boast; bluster; gloat;
swagger
brandish
v. [to wave or exhibit (a knife, gun, etc.) in a threatening manner]
flourish; wave, wield, display
brawny
adj. [strong and powerfully built] powerful; muscular; sturdy;
sinewy
sweetish
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
n. [a breaking of a contract or promise] violation; infraction;
infringement; transgression. Also v.
n. [an opening or fissure in a dam, dike, etc.] gap; rupture
1.
2.
solder
v. [to have hair or fur stand up stiffly as in fear, anger or
irritation] ruffle; uprise
n. [short stiff hair, of an animal or plant]
1.
cower
1.
close off
Word
breach
2.
bristle
1.
2.
Analogy: bristle : anger :: vacillate : unresolution
broach
1.
2.
v. [to start a discussion] suggest; introduce; initiate
v. [to make a hole in so as to let out liquid] pierce; puncture;
tap
brook
1.
2.
n. [a small stream] rivulet; creek; stream
v. [to put up with something or someone unpleasant]
endure; tolerate; bear
browbeat
v. [to frighten with threats, looks or behaviour] bully; hector;
intimidate; cow
Analogy: bully : browbeat :: instigator : incite
browse
1.
2.
v. [to examine casually] surf
v. [to graze on] pasture
bucolic
adj. [relating to or typical of rural life; simple and peaceful] rural;
rustic; pastoral; idyllic; sylvan
urban; sophisticated
Analogy: bucolic : city :: palatial : hovel
buffet
1.
2.
buffoonery
n. [acting like a clown or buffoon] clowning; frivolity; jesting;
prank
buoyant
1.
2.
n. [a meal at which guests serve themselves]
v. [to hit with the hand or fist repeatedly] strike; batter;
pound
adj. [characterized by cheerfulness and liveliness] jaunty;
jovial; resilient; merry; chirpy; perky
adj. [tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas] floating;
weightless
1.
2.
aggrieved; leaden;
hangdog
sinking
Analogy:
buoyant : float :: heavy : drop
buoyant : submerge :: rigid : bend
burgeon ®
v. [to grow or expand rapidly] flourish; proliferate; thrive
burlesque
n. [any writing or play that imitates another’s style in a humorous
way] parody; travesty; caricature; lampoon; mockery; mime;
mimicry; imitation; spoof. Also v. and adj.
wither; subdue
Analogy:
burlesque : mockery :: diatribe : abuse
burlesque : play :: doggerel : verse
burnish ®
v. [to make shiny by rubbing] polish; furbish; glaze; buff; shine
dull
Analogy: burnish : lustrous :: numb : insensible
buttress ®
1.
2.
v. [to support or reinforce] prop; bolster; sustain
n. [a support of stone or brick that supports the wall of a
building] brace; bolster; bulwark
Analogy:
buttress: strength :: vaccination : immure
buttress : wall :: strut : wing
1.
challenge; contravene
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
cabal
n. [a small group of persons secretly united, seeking power
through plots, schemes or conspiracies] junta; faction
Analogy:
cabal : association :: plot : plan
cabal : conspirator :: cast : actor
cacophonous ®
adj. [having an unpleasant sound] discordant; dissonant;
raucous; jarring
dulcet; euphonious;
mellifluous
Analogy:
cacophonous : sound :: malodorous : smell
cacophony : voice :: gaucherie : skill
cadaverous
adj. [very thin like a corpse especially from disease or hunger]
emaciated; gaunt; haggard; wasted
obese
Related Words:
cadaver: a deadbody; corpse
cadence
n. [any rhythmic flow of sound] rhythm, meter
cajole
v. [to persuade or influence someone with flattery and insincere
talk] coax; wheedle; inveigle; palaver; blarney
Analogy: blandishment : cajole :: obstacle : impede
calamity
n. [an event resulting in great loss, sorrow, and misfortune]
disaster; cataclysm, catastrophe, tragedy
calculated
adj. [carefully planned or thought out in advance] deliberate;
measured; intended; premeditated
caliber
n. [the quality or ability of someone or something] ability, quality;
worth
callous
adj. [feeling no emotion or feeling no sympathy for others]
hardened; unfeeling; obdurate; indurate; stubborn; hardhearted;
stonyhearted; heartless; unsympathetic
sympathetic; concerned;
compassionate
Analogy: callous : impassive :: dupe : duplicity
callow
adj. [young and inexperienced; lacking feathers] immature;
puerile; green; unfledged; unseasoned
experienced; mature;
sophisticated
Analogy: callow : maturity :: frank : secretiveness
calumny
n. [a false and abusive statement meant to hurt a person’s
reputation] slander; aspersion; denigration; defamation
candor
n. [the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and
speech] candidness; forthrightness; frankness; veracity
Analogy:
candor : subterfuge :: brash : deliberate
candor : palter :: budge : diehard
canny
1.
2.
cant
1.
2.
adj. [careful and clever in one’s actions and dealings]
shrewd; skillful
adj. [careful with money] thrifty; frugal
n. [insincere or meaningless talk, usually about religion or
morals] hypocrisy; sham; humbug
n. [a characteristic language of a particular group] argot;
jargon; lingo; patois; slang; vernacular
artifice; mendacity
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
canter
n. [a smooth, easy pace like a moderate gallop] lope
Related Words:
trot: n. a gait of a horse faster than a walk and slower than a
canter
gallop: n. the fastest gait of a horse consisting of leaping strides
with all the four feet of the ground at one time
capricious ®
adj. [tending to change abruptly and without reason] inconstant;
fickle; erratic; mercurial; whimsical; impulsive; freakish. n.
caprice
steadfast; pertinacious
Analogy:
capricious : deliberate :: insubordinate : submissive
caprice : whimsical :: insight : discerning
caption
1.
2.
n. [a title, as of an article] heading
n. [brief description, as under an illustration] legend
carafe
n. [a glass bottle with a stopper, for serving water or wine]
decanter
carapace
n. [the horny, protective covering over the back of certain
animals such as the turtle, crab, etc.] shell
cardinal
adj. [of main importance] principal; chief; central; fundamental;
primal
careen
v. [move sideways or in an unsteady way, as of a ship or a
vehicle which is out of control] sway; tilt; wobble; lurch
caricature
n. [a picture or imitation of a person, literary style, etc. in which
certain features are exaggerated for comic effect] burlesque;
exaggeration; parody; travesty
Analogy: caricature : exaggeration :: aphorism : pithiness
carnage
n. [the brutal and excessive killing of many people, esp. in a
battle] massacre; slaughter; butchery; gore
carnal
adj. [pertaining to the body or bodily pleasures] bodily; sensual
carp
v. [to complain or find fault in a petty or nagging way] cavil; nag;
chicane; quibble. N. carping
spiritual
Analogy:
complain : carp :: drink : guzzle
caviler : carping :: libertine : licentious
castigation ®
n. [a severe verbal scolding or punishment] chastisement;
upbraiding
Analogy:
castigation : reproof :: loathing : dislike
admonishment : castigation :: peccadillo : sin
catalyst ®
1.
2.
n. [a substance that brings about or accelerates a chemical
reaction] enzyme; reactant
n. [a person or thing that acts as a stimulus] spur; impetus;
incentive; instigator
catapult
1.
2.
n. [a sling] slingshot
n. [an ancient military device for hurling stones, spears, etc.]
trebuchet
cataract
1.
n. [an eye disease in which the natural lens of the eye is
clouded, causing partial or total blindness]
n. [a large waterfall]
2.
Related Words:
cascade: n. a small waterfall or series of small waterfalls
accolade; flattery
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
categorical
adj. [without qualifications or conditions] unqualified;
unconditional; unequivocal; flat; absolute; explicit;
unambiguous
qualified; conditional
cathartic
n. [a medicine for stimulating the evacuation of the bowels]
purgative; laxative
Word
Related Words:
emetic: a medicine or substance that causes vomitting
caustic ®
1.
2.
adj. [sarcastic in tone] biting; bitter; sarcastic; sardonic;
stringent; sharp; stinging; scathing; mordant; acerbic;
acrid; virulent; vitriolic
adj. [capable of destroying or eating away by chemical
action] corrosive; erosive; vitriolic
1.
palliating; genial;
smooth; kind
Analogy:
barb : caustic :: pan : harsh
caustic : burn :: solvent : dissolve
celerity
n. [speed in acting or moving] rapidity; alacrity; speed;
quickness
delay
celibate
1.
2.
1.
cerebration
n. [the process of thinking] thought
ceremonious
adj. [marked by conventional usages or formality] conventional;
formal; punctilious; polite
champion
v. [to fight for] defend; support; advocate; promote; endorse
charlatan
n. [a person who pretends to have the knowledge or skill that he
or she does not possess] quack; pretender; fraud; mountebank
n. [an unmarried person who vows to remain unmarried]
n. [a person who abstains from sexual intercourse]
continent; abstinent
married
disparage; impugn;
oppose
Analogy:
charlatan : deceive :: juggernaut : crush
charlatan : deceive :: mentor : guide
chase
v. [decorate a metal surface by cutting grooves or indenting]
chassis
n. [the part of a vehicle that includes the frame, the engine, the
wheels, transmission system, etc, but not the body] framework;
undercarriage
cherubic
adj. [having a sweet, innocent nature befitting an angel] angelic;
seraphic; sweet
somber
chicanery ®
n. [the use of clever but tricky talk or action to deceive someone]
guile; wile; trickery; deception; sophistry; shenanigan
forthrightness
Analogy:
chicanery : clever :: tactlessness : truthful
gullible : chicanery :: servile : domination
chivalrous
adj. [having the noble qualities attributed to a knight such as
bravery, courtesy, honor, etc] gallant; brave; intrepid; valiant;
courteous; honorable; noble
chortle
v. [to laugh quietly or with restraint] chuckle
chronic
1.
2.
adj. [continuing for a long time or recurring often, said of a
disease]
adj. [having a habit of long standing] habitual; inveterate;
confirmed
boorish; cowardly
1.
sporadic
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [not being straightforward in speech or action] roundabout;
devious; meandering; oblique
direct
Word
circuitous
Analogy: circuitous : directness :: irresolute : decision
circumlocution
n. [an indirect or roundabout way of expressing something]
periphrasis; redundancy; rambling; verbosity
circumscribe
1.
2.
v. [to draw a line around] encircle; encompass
v. [to limit] restrict; confine; bound
civil
1.
adj. [pertaining to the citizens or their government] public;
civic; civilian
adj. [polite; not rude] courteous; cordial
2.
clairvoyant
1.
2.
n. [someone who foretells future] fortune-teller; oracle;
soothsayer
adj. [having a keen insight] perceptive; penetrating
clamber
v. [to climb awkwardly or with effort, esp. by using hands as well
as feet] mount; scale; scramble
clandestine
adj. [kept secret or hidden, esp. for some illegal purpose] secret;
surreptitious; furtive; undercover; underhanded
overt
Analogy: clandestine : secrecy :: harmony : congruity
clangor
n. [a loud ringing sound] clank; racket
cleft
n. [a split or opening in something] fissure; crack; crevice; gap
Analogy: cleft : chasm :: cut : gash
clemency
1.
2.
n. [leniency and compassion shown towards an offender]
leniency; mercy; compassion
n. [mildness, as of weather] mildness; calm; balminess
clientele
n. [the entire body of customers of a business] clients;
patronage
clique
n. [a small, exclusive group of persons held together by common
interests] coterie; circle; cabal; junta; faction
1.
mercilessness
Analogy: clique : intimates :: flock : sheep
cloister
n. [a place of religious seclusion] monastery; convent;
hermitage; retreat
cloying
1.
2.
3.
adj. [excessively sweet] saccharine
adj. [excessively sentimental] maudlin; mawkish
adj. [distasteful because of excess] satiated; surfeited
Analogy:
cloying : sweet :: garrulous : talkative
cloying : sweet :: loquacious : talkative
coagulate ®
v. [to cause a liquid to become a soft semisolid mass] clot;
curdle; congeal; thicken. N. coagulant [that which causes
coagulation]
dissipate; liquefy; dissolve
Analogy:
coagulant : congeal :: astringent : pucker
coagulant : thicken :: solvent :: dissolve
coalesce
v. [to unite or merge into a single body or mass] blend; combine;
fuse
coalition
n. [a temporary alliance of parties, nations, etc. for a specific
purpose] alliance; union; confederacy; league; partnership
polarize; disaggregate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [the closing section of a musical composition] finale
overture
Word
coda ®
Analogy: coda : sonata :: epilogue : play
coddle
v. [to treat with excessive care and tenderness] pamper; indulge
coerce
1.
2.
v. [to force to do something, as by threats] compel; impel;
constrain; pressure
v. [to hold back by force, esp. by legal authority] restrict;
constrain; curb
Analogy: extort : coerce :: wheedle : cajole
coeval
adj. [of the same age or period] contemporary;
contemporaneous
Analogy: coeval : age :: congruent : dimension
cog
n. [tooth on the rim of a gear wheel] tooth; sprocket
cogent ®
1.
2.
adj. [having the power to influence or convince] convincing;
compelling; persuasive; forceful; potent
adj. [relevant] apt; apposite; pertinent; fitting
1.
unconvincing
2.
fatuous
Analogy: cogent : convince :: repugnant : repel
cogitate
v. [to think carefully and deeply about] ponder; ruminate; muse;
contemplate
cognate
1.
2.
3.
cognizance
adj. [related by blood; having the same ancestor]
consanguine; kin
adj. [having a similar nature or quality] analogous; akin
adj. [having the same ancestral language]
n. [knowledge, esp. that which is gained through observation]
awareness; perception
ignorance; obliviousness
Analogy: incognizance : knowledgeable :: penury : wealthy
coiffure
n. [hair style] hairdo
coin
1.
2.
coincidence
n. [a chance occurrence of two or more events at the same time]
accident; chance
collaborate
1.
2.
collage
n. [a work of art made by pasting bits of objects such as
newspaper, photograph, cloth, etc. on a board] montage
collateral
n. [a security pledged for the repayment of a loan] security;
guarantee; deposit; insurance; warrant
collation
1.
2.
v. [to make money by stamping metal] mint; stamp; issue
v. [to invent a word, etc.] invent; fabricate; neologize
v. [to work together on a common enterprise] cooperate
v. [to cooperate with an enemy] collude
n. [a light meal] snack
n. [assembling in proper logical or numerical order]
Related Words:
repast: a meal; feast; banquet
colloquial
adj. [pertaining to conversational or informal speech]
conversational; informal; vernacular; casual; idiomatic
collusion
n. [a secret agreement for an illegal purpose] conspiracy;
connivance; complicity; intrigue; plot
comely
adj. [pleasing to look at] attractive; fair; beautiful; handsome;
pulchritudinous; pretty
comestible
n. [any substance that can be used as food] eatable; edible;
victuals; viand
polished
unattractive
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
comeuppance
n. [punishment which was deserved] retribution; deserts
commemorate
v. [to honor the memory of, as in a ceremony] honor;
memorialize; remember. adj. commemorative
commensurate ®
adj. [equal in size or degree or extent] coextensive;
proportionate; equivalent
commiserate
v. [to feel or show sympathy or compassion for] condole;
console; empathize; sympathize
commodious
adj. [having plenty of space or room] spacious; roomy;
capacious; convenient
preponderant
cramped; constricted;
constringed; limited;
incommodious
Analogy: taut : commodious :: extraordinary : purlieu
compendium ®
n. [a brief summary containing the essential information of a
larger work] abridgement; abstract; essence; digest
Analogy: compendium : summary :: anthology : collection
compensatory
adj. [serving to make up for or atone] countervailing; offsetting
compilation
1.
2.
complaisant ®
n. [a collection of plays, essays or other literary works]
anthology; collection
n. [listing of statistical information in a tabular or book form]
adj. [cheerfully willing to do favors for others] obliging;
accommodating
obdurate; obstinate;
churlish
Analogy: complaisant : intractable :: adept : maladroit
complementary
adj. [acting as something that completes a whole] completing;
consummating; perfecting
compliant ®
adj. [willing to carry out the orders of others without protest]
obedient; pliant; acquiescent; submissive
adamant; defiant
Analogy: compliant : servile :: trusting : gullible
component
n. [an element] ingredient; segment
comport
v. [behave in a specified manner] conduct
compress
1.
2.
v. [to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing]
condense; compact; squeeze
n. [a pad of folded cloth, medicated or moistened and
pressed against a part of body to stop bleeding or swelling
or to reduce fever] bandage; dressing
1.
distend; expand;
stretch
Analogy: compress : size :: constrict : diameter
compute
v. [to make a mathematical calculation] calculate; figure; reckon
concave
adj. [curving inward] hollow; cavernous
concentric
adj. [having a common center] homocentric
conception
1.
2.
3.
convex
n. [formation of a thought or idea] comprehension;
conceptualization
n. [a thought or idea] notion; impression; representation
n. [the beginning of some process]
concerted
adj. [mutually agreed on; done together] combined; cooperative;
mutual; united
conciliatory ®
adj. [willing to make concessions so as to reconcile] flexible;
mollifying; reconciling; placatory; propitiatory; pacifying;
appeasing
Analogy: sop : conciliatory :: subsidy : supportive
disputatious; querulous;
polemical; belligerent;
bellicose; contentious
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
concoct
1.
2.
condescend
1.
2.
condone ®
v. [to prepare by combining various ingredients] formulate;
compound; brew
v. [to make up or invent] devise; plan; scheme
v. [to voluntarily lower oneself; to graciously do something
regarded as below one’s dignity] deign
v. [to act in a proud manner towards others] patronize
v. [to forgive or to overlook an offense; to be lenient with]
pardon; excuse
denounce; exact; decry
Analogy: condone : mercy :: vacillate : irresolution
conducive
adj. [tending to assist] encouraging; helpful; contributory;
favorable; promoting
Analogy: conducive : foment :: tonic : invigorate
confidant
n. [a close, trusted friend, to whom one confides private matters
or secrets] intimate
conflagration
n. [a large, uncontrolled fire which causes great destruction]
inferno; blaze
confluence
1.
2.
confound ®
1.
2.
n. [a flowing together, esp. of two or more streams or rivers]
convergence; conflux
n. [a coming together of people] crowd; concourse;
assembly; gathering; horde; throng
1.
divergence
v. [to make feel confused] confuse; bedevil; befuddle;
fuddle; bewilder; discombobulate; perplex; frustrate
v. [to mix up indiscriminately] jumble; mix up; commingle
congenial
adj. [having the same tastes and temperament; friendly]
compatible; suitable; sympathetic; kindred
conjugal
adj. [pertaining to marriage or married persons] marital;
matrimonial; nuptial; connubial
connoisseur ®
n. [an person who has expert knowledge of a field, esp. fine arts]
aesthete; cognoscenti
dour
Related Words:
dilettante: n. a person who engages in an art or science without
any serious intentions and who pretends to have
knowledge
Analogy: connoisseur : art :: gourmet : cuisine
connotation
n. [suggested or implied meaning of a word, phrase, etc.]
implication; intention; undertone
consanguinity
n. [relationship by descent from a common ancestor; blood
relationship] kinship; lineage
conscript
v. [to recruit into armed forces as a compulsory service or by
force] enlist; draft; enrol. Also N.
consecrate
1.
2.
v. [to dedicate to God] hallow; sanctify; anoint
v. [to devote entirely to a specific person, cause, etc.]
dedicate; commit; devote
consolidation
1.
2.
n. [a union or merger] unification; integration; alliance
n. [the process of becoming stronger or firmer]
strengthening; stabilization
consort
1.
n. [a wife or husband, usually of ruling king or queen]
spouse; companion; mate; partner
v. [to keep company with] associate; affiliate
v. [to be in agreement] harmonize; concur; concord; accord
2.
3.
consternation
n. [fear resulting from the awareness of danger] alarm; dismay
1.
desecrate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
constraint
1.
2.
n. [compulsion] coercion; force
n. [repression of natural feelings or behaviour] shyness;
bashfulness; restraint
consummate
adj. [complete and perfect in every respect] complete; perfect;
supreme; utter
amateurish
contagious
adj. [spread by direct or indirect contact, said of diseases]
communicable; contractable; transmittable
incommunicable
Analogy: cold : contagion :: sprain : injure
contaminate
v. [to make impure, infected or corrupt] defile; pollute; taint
disinfect; be pristine
Analogy: quarantine : contamination :: safeguard : accident
contempt
n. [the attitude of one who looks down on someone or
something as being low, mean or unworthy] scorn; disdain;
slight
deference, esteem
Analogy:
pariah : contempt :: paragon : admire
contempt : scoff :: gratitude : thankful
despicable : contempt :: reprehensible : censure
contention ®
1.
2.
contentious ®
adj. [showing a willingness to argue or quarrel] quarrelsome;
disputatious; argumentative; belligerent; bellicose;
pugnacious
n. [a dispute] strife; conflict; controversy; competition
n. [an assertion supported by an argument] explanation;
deposition
conciliatory
Analogy: contentious : argue :: meddlesome : pry
context
n. [the parts of sentence, paragraph, etc that precede and follow
the sentence quoted and help in determining its exact meaning]
connection
contiguous
adj. [having a common boundary or edge] adjacent; abutting;
adjoining; bordering
Analogy: contiguous : abut :: simultaneous : coincide
contortions
n. [twistings] distortions; deformities; bendings
contraband
1.
2.
contrite ®
n. [unlawful or prohibited trade] smuggling; trafficking;
piracy
n. [illegal or smuggled goods]
adj. [feeling pain or sorrow for one’s sins or offences] repentant;
regretful; remorseful; rueful; penitent; apologetic;
compunctious
Analogy: apologize : contrite :: compliment : impressed
contrivance
1.
2.
contrived
1.
2.
n. [an ingenious plan intended to deceive] stratagem;
scheme; artifice; ruse
n. [a device useful for a particular job] appliance;
contraption; gadget
adj. [obviously planned in advance] premeditated;
designed; schemed
adj. [not natural or spontaneous] artificial; forced; labored
Analogy: contrived : design :: extemporaneous : spontaneous
conundrum ®
n. [a difficult problem] puzzle; riddle; enigma
convene
v. [to meet together for a common purpose] assemble;
congregate; convoke; gather; meet
impenitent
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
convention
1.
2.
3.
4.
n. [a social or moral custom] practice; protocol
n. [an established practice regarded as a standardized
example] canon, precept
n. [a formal meeting, often periodical, as of political, social,
professional or religious group] assembly; conference
n. [an international agreement]
Analogy: indiscretion : convention :: overdose : prescription
converge ®
v. [to come together; to move towards each other or towards the
same point] meet; focalize; concentrate
convert
1.
2.
3.
diverge
n. [one who adopts a different religion or belief] proselyte
v. [to change from one form to another] transform; change;
transmute
v. [to cause to change as from one religion, doctrine or
course of action to another] turn; regenerate; proselytize
Analogy:
convert : belief :: veer : direction
proselytize : convert :: grandstand : impress
conveyance
n. [something that serves as a means of transportation] vehicle;
transport
convoluted ®
adj. [highly involved] intricate; complicated; knotty;
labyrinthine; tortuous
Analogy: convoluted : complexity :: transient : evanescence
coquette
n. [a girl or woman who, without any sincere affection, merely
tries to get men’s attention and admiration] flirt; tease; vamp
cornice
n. [a horizontal molding at the corner between the ceiling and
the top of a wall]
cornucopia
n. [an overflowing fullness] abundance; plenty; plenitude;
profusion; richness
pittance; dearth
corrugated
adj.[shaped into alternating parallel grooves and ridges]
grooved; ridged; fluted
smooth
countenance
1.
2.
n. [the human face] face; visage; physiognomy
v. [to approve or tolerate] tolerate; permit; sanction;
endorse
1.
2.
1.
n. [a thing which, when added to another, completes it]
complement; partner
n. [a person or thing having the same function or properties
as another] analogue; equivalent
counterpart
2.
couple
v. [to join together] unite; connect; link
cower
v. [to shrink or crouch especially from fear or from someone’s
anger, threats or blows] cringe; flinch; grovel; quail
condemn; admonish;
disapprove
bristle
Analogy: fear : cower :: anger : rant
coy
adj. [shy] modest; bashful; demure
bold
cozen
v. [to cheat by means of a petty trick] swindle; beguile; deceive;
hoodwink
treat honestly
Analogy: credulous : cozen :: tractable : control
crabbed
adj. [highly irritable] peevish; petulant; grouchy; grumpy;
cantankerous; crabby; fussy
sweet-tempered
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [lacking the least bit of courage; very cowardly]
pusillanimous; recreant; fainthearted
intrepid; brave
Word
craven ®
Analogy:
craven : hero :: parsimonious : spendthrift
craven : confront :: honest : deceive
crestfallen
adj. [dejected] discouraged; disheartened; dispirited;
depressed; downcast
criterion
n. [standard against which other things are measured] measure;
base; benchmark; touchstone; yardstick; paradigm
cryptic
adj. [having a hidden or ambiguous meaning and puzzling
terseness] mysterious; baffling; enigmatic; inscrutable;
impenetrable; mystic; hidden
exultant; elated
candid
Analogy: cipher : cryptic :: précis : concise
cubicle
n. [a small room or compartment for sleeping or study] cell;
compartment
cull
1.
2.
cumbersome
adj. [hard to handle because of size, weight or many parts]
unwieldy
dabble
1.
v. [to work with in a non-serious manner] smatter
2.
v. [to play in water, as with the hands] paddle
v. [to pick out; reject] winnow; sift
v. [to select and gather (as fruits from forest)] collect; glean
1.
dedicate; devote;
specialize
1.
frowzy; slovenly;
unkempt
Analogy: dabbler : dedication :: martinet : leniency
dapper
1.
2.
adj. [neat and trim in dress or appearance] natty; rakish;
spruce
adj. [neat in appearance and quick in movements, of small
men] spry
Related Words:
foppish: paying excessive attention to dress or appearance
Analogy: slovenly : dapper :: indulgent : abstinent
daunt ®
v. [cause to lose courage or enthusiasm] frighten; pall; appall;
scare; dismay; horrify; dishearten
embolden; hearten
Analogy: dauntless : intimidate :: irrepressible : restrain
dearth
n. [a severe scarcity, esp. of food] shortage; scantiness;
deficiency; paucity
plethora; superfluity; spate;
cornucopia
debacle
1.
n. [a total collapse or defeat] downfall; collapse; fiasco;
rout
n. [a complete disaster] catastrophe
1.
complete success
adj. [elegant and gracious] urbane; suave; dapper
adj. [cheerful and carefree in manner] jaunty; sprightly;
buoyant
1.
awkward
2.
debonair
1.
2.
debris
n. [the remains of something that has been broken up or
destroyed] rubble; detritus; ruins; wreckage
Analogy: debris : destroy :: ash : burn
debunk
v. [to expose while ridiculing the false or exaggerated claims,
ideas, etc.] expose; deflate; disparage; ridicule
debutante
n. [a girl or young woman making a formal entrance into society]
decadence
n. [a state or period of decline, as in morals, art, etc.]
deterioration; degeneration; decay; decline
unexpose
wholesomeness
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
v. [to reduce the speed of] retard
accelerate
Word
decelerate
Analogy:
decelerate : speed :: attenuate : force
decelerate : speed :: retrench : expense
deciduous
1.
2.
adj. [falling off, as of leaves, milk teeth, antlers, etc.]
adj. [short-lived] temporary
decipher
v. [to translate a coded message into ordinary, understandable
language] decode; decrypt; unravel
encipher; misunderstand;
misconstrue
Related Words:
cipher: n. secret code
Analogy: legible : decipher :: lucid : understood
decomposition
1.
2.
n. [the organic phenomenon of decaying] decay; rot
n. [the chemical separation of a substance into two or more
different substances] disintegration; dissolution
decorum ®
n. [propriety or correctness in manners and conduct] decency;
dignity; decorousness; etiquette; propriety; seemliness
impropriety; indecorum;
unseemliness
Analogy: gaffe : decorum :: miscalculation : judgement
decrepit
adj. [broken down or worn out by old age, illness, or prolonged
use] feeble; frail; infirm; weak
youthful; sturdy; robust;
hale
default ®
1.
1.
payment
2.
discharge
1.
impudence; effrontery
2.
contempt
2.
n. [failure to pay one’s financial debts] delinquency;
nonremittal; nonpayment
n. [failure to appear in court or to do one’s duty] dereliction;
omission; oversight; negligence
Analogy: default : pay :: yield : resist
deference ®
1.
2.
n. [courteous regard for people’s feelings] respect;
homage; veneration
n. [a tendency to yield to the will of others] compliance;
yielding; obeisance; submission
Analogy:
deference : authority :: emulation : exemplar
deferential : obsequious :: sentimental : maudlin
defer : arrogance :: stir : lassitude
deft
adj. [quick and skillful in physical movements, esp. of hands]
dexterous; adroit; adept; agile; nimble
defunct
adj. [no longer in use; no longer living] inactive; dead; extinct
delineate ®
v. [to draw, to describe or to sketch the outline of] describe;
specify; depict; portray; picture; limn
delirium
n. [a temporary state of mental disturbance characterized by
confusion, disordered speech, and hallucinations] madness;
frenzy; hallucination; hysteria
delusion
1.
2.
n. [a false belief or opinion] misconception;
misapprehension
n. [deception by creating illusory or unreal ideas] illusion;
hallucination; phantasm
Analogy: delusion : thought :: hallucination : perception
demagogue
n. [a person who appeals to the passions and prejudices of his
audience to gain power] agitator; rabble-rouser
demoniac
n. [inhumanly cruel or wicked, like a demon] devilish; fiendish;
diabolical; infernal
maladroit; ham-handed;
inept
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
denigrate ®
v. [to attack the good name and reputation of someone on false
grounds] defame; asperse; besmirch; calumniate; slander;
smear; sully
exalt; honor; lionize
denizen
n. [a person who inhabits or frequents a particular place]
inhabitant; native; resident; citizen; dweller
denotation
1.
Word
2.
depose
1.
2.
n. [the most direct or specific meaning of a word] meaning;
definition
n. [the act of distinguishing by name] designation
v. [to remove from office or a position of power] oust;
dethrone; impeach
v. [to state or testify under oath] swear; testify; vouch. N.
deposition
1.
2.
perjure
depredation
n. [the act of robbing or destroying] plundering; pillaging;
robbery; destruction
restoration
deranged
adj. [mad] insane; demented; crazy
sane
deride ®
v. [to treat or speak of with contempt; to make fun of] ridicule;
scoff; jeer; mock; taunt
venerate; praise; laud
derivative ®
n. [lacking originality] banal; derived; derivational; secondary
precursory; original
derogatory
adj. [expressing a low opinion] belittling; disparaging;
derogative; depreciatory; deprecatory; denigrating; disdainful
praising
descry
v. [catch sight of] discern; espy
desiccate ®
1.
2.
3.
v. [to preserve (a food) by drying] dehydrate
v. [to dry completely] parch; sear; exsiccate; drain
adj. [lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless] dull; arid
1.
2.
3.
inundate; drench
juicy
Analogy:
desiccate : moisture :: detoxify : poison
desiccated : dehydration :: abraded : friction
desolate
1.
2.
adj. [uninhabited] deserted; abandoned; forsaken
adj. [crushed by grief] gloomy; forlorn; melancholy;
dolorous; downcast
desperado
n. [a dangerous, bold criminal] outlaw; ruffian
despoil
v. [to deprive of something valuable by force] rob; plunder;
pillage; maraud; ransack; ravage
desultory ®
n. [jumping from one thing to another in an aimless way] erratic;
random; haphazard
systematic; assiduous;
diligent
Analogy: desultory : plan :: languid : energy
deterrent ®
n. [something that interferes with or delays an action]
hindrance; impediment; handicap; balk
detonation
n. [a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear
reaction] explosion; blast
detrimental
adj. [causing harm or injury] damaging; deleterious;
pernicious; prejudicial
devolve
v. [to pass on to others, duties, powers, etc.] delegate; deputize
diatribe ®
n. [a bitter and abusive verbal attack] tirade; harangue;
fulmination; jeremiad; philippic
Analogy:
diatribe : abuse :: burlesque : mockery
diatribe : discourse :: lullaby : song
dichotomy ®
n. [a division into two opposed parts or groups] duality
praise
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
diffidence ®
n. [hesitation due to lack of self-confidence] shyness; reserve;
timidity; timorousness
temerity; boldness;
brazenness
diffuse ®
1.
1.
Word
2.
adj.[using more words than are needed] wordy; verbose;
discursive; prolix
adj. [widely spread out] dispersed; diluted; distributed. Also
v.
succinct; terse; pithy;
concise
Analogy: aphorism : diffuse :: euphemism : offensive
digression ®
n. [deviation from the main point in talking or writing] deviation;
diversion; divergence; excursus; parenthesis; wandering
Analogy: digression : excursive :: reiteration : redundant
dinghy
n. [a small boat, often carried on a ship]
Related Words:
galley: n. a long, low, crescent shaped, single-decked ship
propelled by oars
galleon: n. a large sailing ship with three or more masts
diorama
n. [a three-dimensional scene depicting figures from nature]
panorama
dirge ®
n. [a funeral song or a song of mourning] lament; elegy;
requiem; march; coronach; threnody
paean
disabuse ®
v. [to free somebody from false ideas] clarify; undeceive
deceive; mislead
Analogy: disabuse : fallacy :: cure : disease
disband
v. [to break up or dismiss an association or organization]
dissolve; disperse
rally
discerning ®
adj. [having keen understanding and good judgement]
discriminating; perceptive; wise; shrewd; judicious
myopic
Analogy:
insight : discerning :: deadpan : impassive
perspicacious : discerning :: ravishing : attractive
disconsolate
adj. [sad beyond comforting] inconsolable; dejected;
despondent; melancholy
joyous
discordant ®
1.
1.
accordant
1.
concordance;
convergence
2.
adj. [lacking in agreement, in opinions or actions]
disagreeing; dissenting; incompatible; incongruent
n. [lacking in harmony] dissonant; cacophonous;
inharmonious; grating
Analogy: discordant : sound :: anachronistic : time
discount
v. [to set aside as inaccurate or irrelevant] disregard; dismiss;
disbelieve; ignore
discredit ®
1.
2.
v. [to damage the reputation of] defame; disgrace; dishonor
v. [to cause to be doubted or disbelieved] distrust; question
Analogy: aspersion : discredit :: panegyric : praise
discrepancy ®
1.
2.
discrete ®
n. [lack of consistency] variance; divergence; contrariety;
disparity; disagreement
n. [an error] miscalculation
adj. [made up of distinct entities or parts; discontinuous] distinct;
varied; diverse
Related Words:
discreet, though sounding similar has a totally different
meaning of being careful in one’s speech and actions.
Analogy: discrete : overlap :: infinite : exhaust
continuous
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
disheveled
adj. [disarranged and untidy] rumpled; tousled; untidy; unkempt
tidy
disinclination
n. [a preference for avoiding something] reluctance;
unwillingness; dislike
proclivity; leaning
Word
Analogy: aversion : disinclination :: adulation : admiration
disingenuous ®
adj. [not straightforward; insincere] artful; uncandid; deceitful
naïve; ingenuous
disinterested ®
adj. [free from selfish motive or interest] unbiased; impartial
prejudiced; factional
disjointed ®
1.
1.
orderly
2.
connected
1.
retain; admit
2.
hire; employ; engage
2.
adj. [disorderly] incoherent; disorganized; garbled;
scattered; rambling
adj. [separated] divided; dismembered; dislocated
dislodge
v. [to remove forcibly from a position or place] eject; expel; oust;
displace
dismiss ®
1.
2.
disparage ®
v. [cause or allow a person to leave] eject; expel; discard;
dispatch
v. [to remove an employee] discharge; lay off; terminate;
cashier; sack; oust
v. [to express a negative opinion of] belittle; denigrate;
derogate; deprecate; depreciate; decry; minimize; pan
flatter; eulogize; adulate;
aggrandize; extol; revere
Analogy: disparage : ignore :: scorn : reject
disparate ®
adj. [made up of fundamentally different or distinct elements]
different; dissimilar; diverse; various
dispel
v. [to scatter and drive away] scatter; disperse; dissipate
dissemble ®
1.
2.
similar; analogous; alike
v. [to pretend; to act hypocritically] feign; sham;
dissimulate; simulate; pose
v. [to put on a false appearance so as to conceal facts,
intentions or feelings] disguise; camouflage; mask; cloak
Analogy:
dissemble : honesty :: snub : politeness
dissemble : information :: masquerade : feeling
disseminate ®
v. [cause to become widely spread, as through sowing seeds by
scattering] spread; circulate; diffuse; disperse; distribute;
propagate; broadcast
nucleate; garner
Analogy: disseminate : information :: foment : discontentment
dissertation
n. [a formal and lengthy discourse on some subject, esp. one
based on original research] thesis; treatise; discourse
dissolution ®
1.
2.
3.
4.
n. [excessive and unmoral indulgence in sensual pleasures]
dissipation; licentiousness; profligacy. adj. dissolute
n. [separation into component parts] disintegration
n. [termination of a meeting] adjournment
n. [death] demise; extinction
Analogy: libertine : dissolute :: wag : humorous
dissonance ®
1.
2.
dissuade
n. [lack of agreement, between opinions or actions]
disagreement; disaccord; dissension; incongruity
n. [disagreeable sounds] discordance; cacophony; discord;
disharmony; jangle
v. [to persuade or advice a person not to take a course of action]
deter; disincline; discourage
Analogy:
remonstrance : dissuade :: reprehension : censure
resolute : dissuade :: obstreperous : control
1.
accord
2.
concord; harmony
exhort; abet
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
adj. [far apart or far away in space or time] remote,
removed; yonder
adj. [cold in manner] aloof; reserved; withdrawn
1.
proximate
v. [to expand or to become swollen, as if from internal
pressure] swell; inflate
v. [to become wider] dilate
1.
diminish
1.
disrepute
Word
distant
2.
distend ®
1.
2.
distill ®
v. [to remove impurities from a liquid and to increase its
concentration by boiling it and condensing its vapours] purify;
refine; concentrate; condense; sublimate; extract
Analogy: distill : pure :: liquefy : fluid
distinction
1.
2.
n. [high status or importance owing to marked superiority]
eminence; prominence; honor; excellence
n. [the act or quality of noticing differences] differentiation;
discrimination; discretion; discernment
Analogy:
nuance : distinction :: hint : suggestion
nicety : distinction :: spoof : parody
distraught
adj. [extremely troubled and anxious, esp. to the point of
madness] distracted; harassed; agitated; tormented;
overwrought
composed
Analogy: troubled : distraught :: covetous : rapacious
diurnal
1.
2.
adj. [happening or done in the daytime]
adj. [occurring each day] daily
diva
n. [a leading woman singer, esp. in an opera] prima donna
diverge ®
1.
2.
v. [to be or become different] differ; deviate; conflict
v. [to extend in different directions from a common point]
radiate; separate
1.
nocturnal
1.
2.
converge
1.
invest
Analogy: diverge : apart :: traverse : across
divest ®
1.
2.
v. [to deprive of status or authority] dispossess; strip
v. [to take away possessions(clothing, equipment, etc.) from
someone] denude; strip; disrobe
doctrine
1.
n. [a statement outlining a position or belief] tenet; principle;
proposition, precept
n. [teachings of a religion, political party, branch of
knowledge, etc.] belief; dogma; creed
2.
Analogy:
doctrine : heretical :: course : errant
doctrine : heterodoxy :: spontaneous : studied
document ®
1.
2.
doddering
adj. [shaky; old and feeble] tottering; trembling; decrepit
doggerel
n. [a loosely styled and irregular poetry, esp. for comic or
satirical effect] jingle
v. [to provide written evidence] substantiate; corroborate
n. [anything printed or written that contains information or is
used to prove something] certificate
Analogy:
doggerel : verse :: burlesque : play
doggerel : poem :: sketch : draw
dogmatic ®
adj. [characterized by arrogant assertion of unproved principles]
opinionated; arbitrary; doctrinal
eclectic; heretic
don
v. [to put clothing on one’s body] clothe; wear
doff
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
dormant ®
1.
2.
adj. [sleeping] torpid; somnolent; lethargic
adj. [not active but capable of becoming active] inactive;
abeyant; quiescent; inoperative; latent
1.
2.
alert
active; extinct
dotage
1.
2.
n. [weakened intellect as a result of old age] senility
n. [excessive affection on someone or something]
infatuation
dour
1.
adj. [very sad] sullen; morose; gloomy; glum; glowering;
saturnine
adj. [stubbornly unyielding] dogged; pertinacious;
tenacious
1.
jocund; genial
Word
2.
Analogy: dour : geniality :: bumptious : humbleness
douse
1.
2.
3.
dowdy
adj. [not neat or stylish in dress or appearance] untidy; shabby;
slovenly; frowzy; unkempt
dregs
1.
2.
drone
1.
2.
3.
4.
v. [to plunge into a liquid] dip; souse
v. [to pour liquid over] drench; dowse; soak
v. [to put out a fire, esp. by pouring water over it] extinguish
n. [the particles of solid matter that settle at the bottom in a
liquid] sediment; slag
n. [something worthless or unimportant] scum, refuse
n. [an idle person who lives by the work of others] idler;
loafer; parasite
n. [a male bee]
v. [to talk endlessly in a dull, monotonous way]
v. [to make a continuous buzzing sound, like a bee] hum;
buzz
Analogy: drone : monotonous :: stammer : halting
dross
n. [waste matter] garbage; rubbish; waste
drudgery
n. [work that is hard, dull, or tiring] grind; labor; toil; travail
dulcet
adj. [pleasing to the ear] melodious; mellifluous; euphonious;
harmonious; sweet
dupe ®
1.
2.
cacophonous
n. [a person who is easily fooled or tricked] victim; butt;
chump
v. [to fool or deceive] trick; hoodwink; cheat
Analogy:
dupe : duplicity :: callous : impassive
trusting : dupe :: reverent : idolater
duplicity
n. [deception by pretending to have one set of intentions while
acting under the influence of another] double-dealing; deceit;
hypocrisy
dyspeptic
adj. [irritable as if suffering from indigestion] bilious; morose;
grouchy; ill-tempered; splenetic
earshot
n. [the range within which unaided voice may be heard]
genial
Analogy: earshot : hear :: ken : see
earthy
adj. [coarse; unrefined] crude; vulgar
ebullient ®
adj. [overflowing with enthusiasm] exuberant; effervescent;
vivacious
languorous; languid;
lackadaisical
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
eccentric
adj. [deviating from the accepted usage or conduct, esp. in odd,
unconventional ways] unconventional; idiosyncratic; odd; queer;
quaint; bizarre; crotchety
Analogy:
eccentric : unconventional :: hero : admirable
eccentric : conventional :: doyen : uninitiated
eclectic ®
adj. [selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas]
discriminating; selective
eclipse
1.
2.
3.
dogmatic; uniform
n. [the partial or total obscuring of one celestial body by
another] occultation
v. [to cause an eclipse of; darken] obscure
v. [to exceed in importance or brilliance] overshadow;
outshine; surpass; out weigh; outstrip
Analogy: eclipse : prestige :: enfeeble : vigor
edict
n. [an official public proclamation or command issued by
authority] decree; order; proclamation
edify
v. [to educate morally or spiritually] enlighten
eerie
adj. [so strange as to cause a feeling of fear] weird; mysterious
efface
1.
2.
v. [to rub out, as from a surface] erase; wipe out; obliterate
v. [to make oneself inconspicuous]
1.
emboss; blazon
Analogy: blazon : efface :: alliterate : remove
effectual
1.
2.
adj. [capable of producing a desired effect] effective;
efficient; efficacious; qualified
adj. [legally valid] authoritative; binding
effeminate
adj. [having the qualities generally attributed to women, such as
weakness, timidity, delicateness, etc.] feminine; unmanly;
emasculate
efficacy ®
n. [power to produce a desired effect or result] potency;
efficaciousness; effectiveness
effrontery ®
n. [unashamed boldness] temerity; impudence; audacity;
presumption
effusion
n. [an unrestrained expression of emotion in speaking or writing]
outpouring; outburst; gush; volubility
egoism
n. [concerned only with oneself and one’s interests] selfishness;
vanity; egocentricity; egotism
egregious
adj. [conspicuously or outstandingly bad] flagrant; glaring;
gross; rank; outrageous
egress
n. [a way out] exit; doorway
ejaculation
n. [a sudden emphatic utterance expressing emotion]
exclamation; interjection; outburst
elaborate
1.
2.
3.
adj. [developed with care and in minute detail] detailed
adj. [marked by complexity, fullness of detail and
ornateness] luxuriant
v. [to add more details] expand; enlarge; expatiate; exposit;
expound; dilate
virile; masculine; manly
deference; shyness
entrance; entree
1.
2.
abstract
Analogy: elaborate : sketchy :: equivocate : directness
elated
adj. [marked by high spirits and pride] exultant; exhilarated;
ecstatic; gleeful; jubilant; overjoyed
Analogy: elaborate : sketchy :: equivocate : directness
crestfallen
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
elegy ®
n. [a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation, esp., for
the dead] lament; dirge; requiem; mournful poem
Analogy:
elegy : sorrow :: hymn : praise
elegy : sorrow :: satire : ridicule
elicit ®
v. [to draw out a fact (through careful questioning, discussion
etc.)] extract; evoke; educe; extort
ellipsis
n. [omission of a word or words that are obviously understood,
but that must be supplied to make the a construction
grammatically complete]
stifle
Analogy: ellipsis : sentence :: apostrophes : word
eloquence
n. [powerful and effective speech] fluency; articulateness;
persuasiveness
elucidate
v. [to make clear, esp. something difficult to understand] explain;
clarify; enlighten; illuminate
obfuscate; garble; obscure
Analogy: elucidate : clarity :: abet : encouragement
elusive
1.
2.
adj. [hard to grasp or understand] mysterious; baffling;
imponderable
adj. [tending to escape] evasive; slippery; sly
elysian
adj. [pertaining to paradise; causing happiness] happy; blissful;
delightful; paradisiacal
emanate
v. [to come out from a source] emit; exude; radiate; spring
embark
1.
2.
3.
v. [to take passengers or cargo aboard a ship, aircraft, etc.]
board
v. [to begin a journey] sail. N. embarkation
v. [to begin a business or enterprise]
1.
disembark
Analogy:
disembark : ship :: dismount : horse
embarkation : journey :: debut : career
embed
v. [to fix in firmly or deeply] plant; implant; ingrain; install; lodge
extract
embellish ®
1.
1.
disfigure
1.
spurn
2.
abjure; renounce;
eschew
2.
v. [make more beautiful] adorn; array; decorate; ornament;
deck; garnish; grace; beautify
v. [to improve a story by adding fictitious details] dramatize;
exaggerate; lard
embezzlement
n. [illegal appropriation of money entrusted to one’s care] fraud;
misappropriation; stealing
emboss
v. [to decorate with a design which is raised above the surface]
raise; boss; stamp
embrace
1.
2.
3.
v. [to clasp in the arms, usually as an expression of
affection or desire] hug; enfold; squeeze
v. [to accept readily, an ideology, opportunity, etc.] adopt;
avail; espouse
v. [to include in scope] contain; comprise; cover;
encompass
Analogy: embrace : affection :: shrug : indifference
emend
v. [to make corrections or improvements in (a text)] amend;
revise n. emendation
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
eminent
2.
adj. [rising above other things or places] high; tall; lofty;
elevated; soaring; towering
adj. [standing high in comparison to others in character,
achievement, rank or reputation] distinguished; renowned;
exalted; celebrated; prominent
2.
notorious; ignoble
Analogy: luminary : eminent :: maven : experienced
emissary
n. [an agent sent on a specific mission] messenger; envoy;
delegate; representative; intermediary; plenipotentiary
emollient
adj. [having a soothing or softening effect to the skin]
irritating
empirical ®
adj. [based on experiment or experience] practical;
experimental; observational
theoretical
emulate ®
v. [to try to equal or surpass, often by copying or imitating] rival;
imitate; compete
Analogy: emulate : exemplary :: obviate : unnecessary
endemic ®
adj. [native to or constantly present in a particular area (a plant,
animal or disease)] native; indigenous
pandemic
enduring
1.
1.
2.
adj. [lasting; permanent] durable; abiding; imperishable v.
endure
adj. [patiently bearing continual wrongs or troubles] v.
endure
transitory
Analogy:
ephemeral : enduring :: inanimate : living
transitory : endure :: immutable : change
enervate ®
v. [to weaken physically, mentally or morally] debilitate;
devitalize; enfeeble; emasculate
invigorate; fortify;
strengthen
Analogy:
enervate : vitality :: debase : value
enervate : strength :: dispirit : morale
enervation : vigor :: eclipse : prestige
enfranchise
1.
2.
v. [to empower, esp. give the right to vote]
v. [to free from slavery, bondage, etc.] emancipate;
manumit; release
1.
2.
disenfranchise
enfetter; subjugate
Related Words:
franchise: n. right to vote or other rights granted by authority;
suffrage
suffragist: n. a person who advocates extension of voting rights
to women
Analogy: enfranchise : vote :: license : practice
engage
1.
2.
3.
4.
v. [to attract] captivate; bewitch; engross; absorb. Adj.
engaging
v. [to hire] employ; contract; retain
v. [to bind oneself by a promise, esp. a promise of marriage]
pledge; betroth; affiance
v. [to enter into a conflict with] confront; assault
1.
2.
3.
disengage
Related Words:
engagement: n. a mutual promise to marry; betrothal; troth
engender ®
v. [to cause to exist or to produce] generate; beget; father;
induce; incite
enhance ®
v. [to increase or to make better] intensify; heighten; strengthen;
augment; elevate
enjoin
1.
2.
v. [to urge with authority] command; order; enforce
v. [to prohibit, esp. by a law] forbid
diminish; mitigate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [the feeling of being bored by something tiresome] boredom;
tedium; doldrums
excitement; enthusiasm;
exuberance
Word
ennui
Analogy: ennui : enthusiastic :: fervor : apathetic
entail
v. [to require as a necessary consequence] require; necessitate;
involve
enterprise
1.
2.
n. [a challenging or important project] undertaking; venture;
endeavor
n. [a willingness to take risks] initiative; boldness; pluck
entrée
1.
2.
n. [a way in] entrance
n. [a dish served as the main course of a meal]
enumerate
1.
2.
v. [to specify one by one, as in a list] list; identify; itemize
v. [to determine the number of] count; numerate
ephemeral ®
adj. [lasting only one day; short-lived] transient; evanescent;
fleeting; fugacious; passing
permanent; endure;
perpetual; eternal
Analogy:
ephemeral : transience :: convoluted : complexity
ephemeral : endure :: inert : react
ephemeral : longevity :: grandiose : humility
epic
1.
2.
n. [long narrative poem about the deeds of a traditional
hero] saga; legend
adj. [extending beyond the ordinary in size or scope] heroic;
grand; grandiose; majestic; monumental
episodic
adj. [divided into episodes which are often loosely connected]
rambling; discursive
epitome
1.
2.
equable
1.
2.
2.
modest
1.
stormy
n. [a perfect example] embodiment; exemplar;
quintessence; archetype
n. [a brief summary] abstract; précis; abridgement
adj. [not easily irritated or upset] tranquil; serene; calm;
even
adj. [not varying or changing much] steady; uniform
equanimity ®
n. [calmness of mind or temper under stress] composure;
serenity
equilibrium
1.
2.
1.
agitation
n. [a state of balance between opposing forces] equipoise;
stability; steadiness
n. [mental or emotional balance] equanimity; composure;
poise; calm
equitable
adj. [characterized by fairness or justness] fair; impartial; just;
even-handed
equivocate ®
v. [be deliberately unclear in order to deceive, mislead, etc.]
prevaricate; palter; waffle. Adj. equivocal. N. equivocation
Analogy: equivocate : deceive :: grandstand : impress
erode
1.
2.
v. [to eat into; to wear away] disintegrate; corrode;
consume
v. [to cause to deteriorate or decay gradually] gnaw; grind
down. N. erosion
Analogy:
erode : destruction :: accrete : growth
gully : erosion :: downpour : flooding
errant
1.
2.
adj. [wandering, esp. in search of adventure] itinerant;
roving; rambling
adj. [capable of committing an error] erring; fallible
Analogy: errant : course :: amorphous : shape
1.
2.
deposit
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [having or showing a wide knowledge] learned; scholarly;
scholastic
ignorant; unlettered
Word
erudite ®
Analogy: erudite : fathom :: oblivious : neglect
escapade
n. [a wild adventure] adventure; prank; exploit
eschew
v. [to deliberately stay away from or avoid something] shun;
avoid; abstain from
welcome; greet; embrace
esoteric ®
adj. [designed for or understood by only a chosen few]
recondite; abstruse; arcane; mystical; occult
patent; generally known
eugenic
adj. [pertaining to improvement of the race]
dysgenic
eulogy ®
n. [a formal expression of praise, esp. of a person who has died
recently] tribute; encomium; paean; panegyric; commendation
denunciation
euphemism ®
n. [a milder and socially acceptable expression that is
substituted for one that is considered offensive]
Analogy: euphemism : offense :: equivocation : truth
evince
v. [to show clearly] manifest; reveal; display; show
evocative
adj. [tending to bring to mind (memories, emotions, etc.)]
reminiscent; redolent; suggestive
exacerbate ®
v. [to make more intense, bitter, or severe (a disease, pain, etc.)]
aggravate; embitter
alleviate; assuage; palliate;
ameliorate; mollify
exalt
1.
1.
humble
2.
pillory; denigrate
2.
v. [to raise in rank, dignity, power, wealth, etc.] ennoble;
promote; magnify
v. [to praise] glorify; commend; extol; laud
exasperate
v. [to irritate or annoy very much; make angry] vex
excerpt
n. [a passage selected from a book, composition, etc] extract;
selection. Also v.
conceal
mollify; placate
Analogy: summary : excerpt :: aside : digression
exchequer
n. [the funds of a government, institution, or individual] treasury;
bursary
excise
v. [to remove (a tumor, organ, etc.) by cutting out] amputate
exclaim
v. [to utter loudly, often with surprise, joy, anger or horror]
outcry; ejaculate
excoriate
1.
2.
exculpate ®
v. [to condemn strongly] denounce; flay; criticize; censure;
castigate; lambaste; pan; scathe
v. [to strip or rub off the skin] abrade; chafe
v. [to free from blame; declare innocent] acquit; exonerate;
vindicate; discharge; absolve
soothe; praise; extol; flatter
inculpate; accuse
Analogy:
exculpatory : absolve :: motivational : stir
alibi : exculpatory :: warning : admonitory
execrate
1.
2.
v. [to curse or declare to be evil] revile; denounce;
anathematize; imprecate. N. execration
v. [to dislike intensely; hate] detest; loathe; abhor;
abominate; despise
Related Words:
imprecation: n. a curse
anthema: n. a solemn religious curse; a thing or person
regarded as a curse
exemplify
v. [to serve as an example of] illustrate; epitomize; represent
1.
acclaim; laud
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
exempt
adj. [not bound by a rule, obligation, etc. applying to others]
privileged; absolved; excused; immune
Analogy: exempt : liability :: pardon : penalty
exertion
n. [use of physical or mental energies; hard work] effort;
struggle; endeavour; strain; travail
exhort
v. [to urge strongly on by advice, warning, etc.] urge; admonish;
entreat. N. exhortation
dissuade
Related Words:
exhortatory: adj. urging or encouraging strongly; hortatory
Analogy: exhortation : motivate :: obloquy : discredit
exigency ®
n. [an urgent situation that requires immediate attention]
emergency; contingency
expansive
1.
2.
3.
expedite
adj. [friendly and open and willing to talk] gregarious;
communicative
adj. [widely extended] broad; widespread; comprehensive;
extensive; inclusive
adj. [being able to expand] expandable
v. [speed up the progress of, by doing quickly and efficiently]
facilitate; promote; hasten. Adj. expeditious
1.
2.
malicious; reserved;
diffident
limited
procrastinate; retard
Analogy: expedite : process :: accelerate : pace
expenditure
n. [the amount of money, time, etc. spent] outgo; outlay;
investment; disbursement
explicit
adj. [precisely and clearly expressed and leaving nothing
implied; readily observable] exact; express; definite; precise;
specific; unambiguous; categorical
exploit
1.
2.
n. [a brilliant achievement or a bold deed] deed; venture;
escapade; feat
v. [to make use of, sometimes unjustly and for selfish ends]
utilize; employ; overwork
expostulation
n. [the act of expressing opposition to something]
remonstrance; objection; protest
exposure
1.
2.
obscure; abstruse;
immanent
n. [the condition of being exposed to the elements such as
sun, winds, snow, etc.] vulnerability; susceptibility
n. [the act of revealing something] disclosure; uncovering;
unmasking; baring; publication
extant
adj. [still in existence] surviving; existing; existent; living
missing; extinct; lost;
destroyed
extemporaneous
adj. [done or spoken without any preparation] impromptu;
spontaneous; extempore; improvised; offhand;
unpremeditated
premeditated; studied;
prepared; rehearsed
extenuate
v. [to lessen or try to lessen the seriousness of (an offense, etc.)
by giving excuses] mitigate; palliate; diminish
Analogy: extenuate : seriousness :: moderate : intensity
extirpate
v. [destroy completely, as if by pulling out the roots] exterminate;
eradicate; annihilate; abolish; uproot
implant
extraneous
1.
1.
pertinent; apposite
2.
intuitive
3.
essential
2.
3.
adj. [not relevant to the matter under consideration]
irrelevant; impertinent; inappropriate; incidental
adj. [coming from outside] external; extrinsic; foreign; alien;
exotic
adj. [not essential] unnecessary
Analogy: extraneous : essence :: achromatic : hue
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
extrapolation ®
n. [estimation of something unknown from known facts and
observations] projection; conjecture
extricate
v. [to set free or release from a entanglement or difficulty]
disentangle; untangle; disencumber; disengage; liberate
exult
v. [to feel or express great happiness or joy] rejoice; jubilate;
triumph; delight
fabricate
1.
2.
v. [to build or construct] manufacture; erect
v. [to make a story, lie, etc. ] lie; misrepresent; prevaricate;
contrive
Analogy:
fabricate : authentic :: discompose : pacific
fabricate : ingenuous :: discompose : placid
facetious ®
adj. [humorous, often inappropriately] witty; bantering; jocose;
jocular; flippant; quizzical
earnest; lugubrious
Analogy: facetious : speech :: antic : behavior
facilitate ®
v. [to make easier] promote; expedite; aid
faculty
1.
2.
fallacious ®
impede; hamper; obstruct;
thwart
n. [the power or ability to perform an action] aptitude;
ability; talent; forte
n. [the body of teachers and administrators at a school or
college] staff; instructors
adj. [erroneous or misleading] deceitful; deceptive; erroneous;
fraudulent
valid; cogent; veracious
Analogy: disabuse : fallacy :: cure : disease
fancied
adj. [formed by the imagination] imaginary; fabricated; fictional;
fictitious
fancier
n. [a person with a special interest and knowledge of something,
esp. of breeding of plants or animals] enthusiast
fanfare
n. [a showy outward display, usually by sounding trumpets]
parade; demonstration
farce
1.
2.
n. [a comedy characterized by broadly humorous and highly
unlikely situations] travesty; burlesque
n. [something totally ridiculous, as a pretense] mockery;
pretense; sham; travesty
Analogy: farce : performance :: limerick : poem
fathom
1.
2.
3.
v. [to understand thoroughly] comprehend; penetrate
v. [to measure the depth of] plumb; gauge; sound
n. [a length of six feet, unit of measure for the depth of
water]
Analogy:
erudite : fathom :: oblivious : neglect
recondite : fathom :: tenacious : eradicate
fatuous ®
adj. [complacently foolish] silly; inane; vacuous; asinine; idiotic;
imbecilic; insensate; witless
Related Words:
imbecile: adj. very foolish or stupid. Also n.
fauna
n. [all the animal life in a particular region]
Related Words:
flora: all the plant life in a particular region
astute; sensible; cogent
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery]
obsequious; bootlicking; toadyish; sycophantic; adulatory.
v. fawn
arrogant
Word
fawning ®
Analogy:
sycophant : fawn :: malcontent : complain
obsequious : fawn :: compliant : yield
febrile
adj. [suffering from a high temperature] feverish
felicitous ®
1.
2.
adj. [used or expressed in a way suitable to the occasion]
appropriate; apt
adj. [characterized by happiness or good fortune] n. felicity
1.
2.
miserable
adj. [cruel, fierce, or terrible] vicious; barbarous; ruthless
v. [to cut know; to knock down] chop down; mow down;
strike down
1.
propitious
fell
1.
2.
felon
n. [a person guilty of a major crime] criminal; convict;
malefactor; outlaw
feral
adj. [wild and menacing] savage; untamed; bestial; ferocious
cultivated; domesticated
fervor ®
n. [feelings of great warmth and intensity] ardor; zeal;
fervidness; enthusiasm; gusto
indifference;
uninterestedness
fester
1.
2.
festive
adj. [merry, joyful] gay; joyous; celebratory
fete
v. [to honor someone with a party or celebration] honor; regale
figurative
adj. [not in its original, usual, or literal sense] metaphorical;
symbolic
figurine
n. [a small carved or molded figure] statuette
v. [to form pus] putrefy; rot
v. [to cause irritation or resentment] rankle; embitter; gall
literal
Analogy: figurine : statue :: twig : branch
filch
v. [to steal, usually small or petty items] pilfer; pinch; purloin; rob
filial
adj. [of, suitable to, or due from a daughter or son] dutiful;
respectful; affectionate
filing
n. [a small piece, usually wood or metal, scraped of with a file]
finicky
adj. [too particular about details] fussy; fastidious; squeamish;
dainty
Analogy: meticulous : finicky :: humorous : wry
firebrand
n. [a person who stirs up or incites others to revolt] incendiary;
instigator; provoker; trouble maker; rabble-rouser
flaccid
adj. [not firm or stiff; hanging in loose folds or wrinkles] flabby;
limp; feeble
turgid; taut; firm
flag ®
1.
1.
wax; thrive
1.
subdued; restrained
2.
v. [to lose strength or become less intense] wane; slacken;
languish; dwindle
v. [to signal as with a flag, esp. to signal to stop] wave; hail
flail
1.
2.
v. [to separate grain from husk by beating with a stick]
v. [to beat hard or give a thrashing to] thrash; whip; beat ;
strike
flamboyant
1.
adj. [elaborately or excessively decorated] showy; florid;
ostentatious
adj. [richly and brilliantly colorful] flashy; resplendent
2.
Analogy: flamboyant : reserved : furtive : open
fledgling ®
adj. [young and inexperienced] unfledged. Also N.
experienced
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
fleece
1.
2.
n. [the wool covering of a sheep or similar animal] fur; coat
v. [to steal from someone by fraud or deception] cheat;
deceive; swindle
flout ®
v. [to treat with contemptuous disregard; to laugh or scoff at]
scoff; sneer; jeer; gibe
Analogy: flout : disregard :: taunt : challenge
fluster
v. [to become nervous or confused] discompose; rattle; agitate
foible
n. [a small weakness, fault, or shortcoming in character or
behaviour] fault; weakness; failing; oddity
be calm
Analogy:
foible : failing :: squabble : dispute
foible : flaw :: miff : quarrel
foil
1.
2.
3.
n. [a very thin sheet of metal]
n. [a person or thing which serves as a contrast to another]
contrast; complement
v. [prevent from being successful] thwart; frustrate;
impede; balk; circumvent
Analogy: foil : metal :: veneer : wood
foment ®
v. [to stir up public opinion, esp. to create trouble] incite;
instigate; provoke
quell; quash; defuse;
inhibit; squelch; impede;
placate; thwart; allay
Analogy: foment : discontentment :: disseminate : information
forestall ®
v. [to prevent or hinder by taking action in advance] pre-empt;
thwart; avert
forfeit
v. [to lose or give up the right over something because of some
error, offense, or crime committed] forgo; waive; relinquish
forge
v. [to form or shape a metal with blows from a hammer or a
machine after heating] hammer; fashion
forgo
v. [to give up; to do without] relinquish; sacrifice; foreswear;
waive; abstain
claim
Analogy: forgo : disuse :: forget : oblivion
formidable
1.
adj. [causing fear or dread] fearful; intimidating;
redoubtable; unnerving
adj. [hard to deal with or overcome] challenging; arduous;
onerous; overwhelming
adj. [extremely impressive in strength or excellence]
imposing; awesome; redoubtable
1.
1.
2.
v. [to bring up with care] rear; nourish; nurse
v. [to help the growth or development of] encourage;
nurture; cultivate; stimulate
1.
2.
1.
n. [a person who establishes an organisation] patron; father;
architect; author; originator
v. [to fail completely] collapse
v. [to fill with water and sink] submerge
2.
3.
foster
founder
2.
3.
frantic
adj. [excessively agitated; wild with anger, worry or other
emotion] frenetic; frenzied; delirious; excited; hysterical
fraught
adj. [filled with] abounding; pregnant; laden
freebooter
n. [someone who plunders or loots, esp. a pirate] pirate;
buccaneer; plunderer; pillager; marauder
reassuring; genial;
comforting
scotch; stymie; stifle;
thwart
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
friction
1.
2.
n. [the rubbing of one body against another] abrasion;
attrition; scraping
n. [a disagreement or clash in opinion] discord; dissension;
clash; conflict; animosity
Analogy:
abraded : friction :: vaporized : heat
abraded : friction :: desiccated : dehydration
frigid
1.
2.
adj. [cold in manner indicating unfriendliness] inhibited;
chilly; unresponsive
adj. [extremely cold in temperature] freezing; frosty; gelid;
glacial
Analogy: frigid : cool :: soaking : wet
frolicsome
adj. [full of merriness and high spirits] jaunty; merry; playful;
sportive
frugality ®
n. [the quality of being economical and avoiding waste] thrift;
economy; husbandry; prudence
extravagancy; prodigality;
lavishness
Analogy:
parsimonious : frugality :: obsequious : attentiveness
frugal : penurious :: firm : obdurate
fulsome
adj. [disgusting because of excessiveness or insincerity] buttery;
oily; unctuous; effusive
furtive
adj. [done in a quiet, cautious and secret manner, as if to avoid
being observed] stealthy; sneaky; surreptitious; skulking;
lurking
open; forthright; brassy
Analogy: furtive : openness :: flamboyant : reserve
futile ®
adj. [producing no result or effect] bootless; fruitless;
ineffectual; otiose; vain; unavailing
efficacious; effective;
fruitful
Analogy: bootless : futile :: interesting : intriguing
gaffe
n. [a social or diplomatic mistake or error] blunder; faux pas;
indiscretion
Related Words:
gaucherie: n. a socially awkward or tactless act; slip; solecism
Analogy:
gaffe : decorum :: miscalculation : judgement
gaffe : tactless :: exploit : heroic
gainsay ®
1.
2.
v. [to deny] disclaim; refute; repudiate
v. [to contradict] dispute; controvert; disagree; impugn
1.
2.
affirm
galvanize
1.
v. [to stimulate into action as if by electric shock] excite;
rouse; stir; startle; spur
v. [to coat a metal with zinc, as in electroplating]
electroplate
1.
restrain; lull
2.
Analogy: galvanize : stimulate :: irrigate : flush
gambit
1.
2.
gape
1.
2.
n. [an opening in chess in which a pawn or minor piece is
sacrificed to gain a positional advantage]
n. [any manoeuvre by which one seeks to gain an
advantage] ploy; stratagem
v. [to stare with the mouth wide open, as in wonder or
surprise] gawk
v. [to open or be wide open] yawn; split; crack
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [of great size, volume or capacity] enormous; elephantine;
gigantic; mammoth; titanic; huge; immense; prodigious
minute
Word
gargantuan
Analogy: gargantuan : large :: excruciating : painful
garrulous ®
adj. [talking too much, esp. about unimportant things] talkative;
loquacious; gabby; chatty
taciturn; laconic; silent
Related Words:
voluble: adj. talking much and easily; characterized by a great
flow of words
Analogy:
garrulous : talkative :: cloying : sweet
garrulous : words :: prodigal : money
gauche
adj. [lacking social grace] awkward; coarse; uncouth; clumsy;
inept; tactless; unpolished
tactful; graceful; polished
Analogy: gauche : skill :: cacophonous : voice
gaudy
adj. [bright and showy, bur lacking in good taste] showy; flashy;
brassy; garish; meretricious; tacky; tawdry
generality
n. [a general statement or idea that is often vague or
inadequate] abstraction; generalisation; universality
particularity
Related Words:
ecumenical: adj. worldwide; universal
abstract: adj. not easy to understand; abstruse
Analogy: ecumenical : generality :: entire : integrity
genuflect
1.
2.
germinal
1.
2.
v. [to bend the knee, as in worship or as a mark of respect]
kneel
v. [to act in a submissive manner] fawn; kowtow; cringe
adj. [containing seeds for later developments] creative;
original; seminal; embryonic
adj. [of or pertaining to germs]
germinate
v. [to sprout or cause to sprout] sprout; shoot; pullulate
glean
1.
2.
glib
v. [to gather, as of crops, grain, etc. left by reapers] harvest;
reap; cull
v. [to discover or learn bit by bit] gather
adj. [marked by ease and fluency in speaking, often to the point
of being insincere and deceitful] facile; slick; superficial;
smooth-tongued
Analogy:
fluent : glib :: humorous : wry
glib : profundity :: maladroit : skill
glimmer
v. [to give out a faint, flickering light] gleam; glint; flicker;
shimmer
Related Words:
coruscate: v. to give off flashes of light; glitter; sparkle
gloat
v. [to feel or express triumphant and evil satisfaction at another’s
misfortune]
Analogy: gloat : smug :: primp : vain
labored; taciturn
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
gloss
1.
2.
n. [a brief explanatory note of a difficult or obscure word
inserted between the lines of a text] annotation;
commentary; footnote; glossary; rubric
n. [the state or property of being smooth and shiny] gleam;
polish; shimmer; burnish. Also v.
Analogy:
gloss : explanation :: blurb : notice
gloss : definition :: annotate : commentary
gloss over
v. [treat hurriedly or avoid dealing with properly; explain away]
whitewash; smooth over
glossy
adj. [having a smooth, shiny surface] shiny; silken; slick;
lustrous
Analogy: varnish : glossy :: sand : smooth
glutton
n. [a person who eats greedily and excessively] gourmand
gourmet
Related Words:
epicure: n. a person who enjoys and has a discriminating taste
for good food and wine; gourmet:
Analogy: glutton : overindulge :: ascetic : self denial
gnarled
adj. [twisted] contorted; knotted
goad ®
v. [to urge or stimulate into action] nettle; needle; prick; spur;
prod; provoke
curb; check; restrain
Analogy:
gadfly : goad :: humorist : amuse
goad : enticement :: command : entreaty
gory
adj. [covered with blood; characterized by much bloodshed]
bloody; sanguinary
gouge ®
1.
2.
grandiloquent ®
adj. [using lofty, extravagant, colourful or pompous words and
expressions] pompous; bombastic; histrionic; turgid; tumid;
declamatory; magniloquent; rhetorical
v. [to make a groove, hole, etc; to scoop out] scoop; chisel
v. [to obtain by illegally or immorally, esp. by overcharging]
extort; wring; swindle; chisel
secretive
Analogy: grandiloquent : speak :: gaudy : apparel
graphic
gratify
1.
1.
obscure; ambiguous;
abstract
2.
adj. [described in a realistic manner] vivid; explicit; pictorial;
picturesque
adj. [written, drawn, or engraved]
1.
v. [to make happy or satisfied] satisfy
1.
aggrieve; displease;
irk
2.
v. [yield to; to give in, as to a pleasure] indulge; pander;
humor; delight
Analogy: gratify : desire :: slake : thirsty
gratuity
n. [a gift of money to a waitress, porter, etc. for a service
rendered or favor done] tip; baksheesh; reward; recompense
stipend
gravity
1.
1.
2.
n. [the state or condition that is serious and solemn]
seriousness; solemnity; graveness; soberness
n. [force of attraction between all masses in the universe,
esp. the attraction of the earth’s mass for bodies near its
surface] gravitation
Analogy: frivolous : gravity :: brash : indiscretion
levity; flippancy
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [tending to associate with others of one’s kind] sociable;
social; extroverted
aloof; antisocial
Word
gregarious ®
Analogy: recluse : gregarious :: poseur : sincerity
grievance
n. [cause for complaint or protest] resentment; grudge
grievous
1.
2.
3.
adj. [causing grief or sorrow or suffering] distressing;
disquieting; severe
adj. [showing or expressing grief or sorrow] mournful;
pathetic; tragic
adj. [shockingly brutal or cruel] atrocious; heinous;
monstrous; villainous; flagrant
1.
joyous
2.
3.
slight
Analogy: grievous : solace :: angry : pacification
grisly
adj. [causing horror or intense fear] ghastly; gruesome;
macabre; horrible; terrible
pleasant
Analogy: grisly : flinch :: droll : laugh
groom
1.
2.
3.
n. [a person who is employed in a stable to take care of the
horses] hostler; ostler; stableman
n. [a man who is about to be married] bridegroom
v. [to give a neat appearance to] dress; curry
grouse
v. [to complain] grumble; gripe; holler; squawk; fuss
gruff
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
tousle; dishevel
adj. [rough or rude in manner or speech] blunt; brusque;
rough; crusty
adj. [harsh sounding as if from shouting, illness, or emotion]
hoarse; husky
guileless ®
adj. [straight-forward; frank] honest; candid; artless
gullible ®
adj. [easily cheated or tricked] trustful; innocent; fleeceable;
green; naïve; credulous
incredulous
Analogy:
trusting : gullible :: compliant : servile
gullible : chicanery :: servile : domination
believe : gullible :: discern : acute
guy
n. [a rope or chain attached to something to support or steady it]
cable; truss
hapless
adj. [having no luck] luckless; unfortunate; pitiable; wretched
fortunate
Related Words:
hap: n. luck
harangue ®
1.
2.
n. [a loud, aggressive, or scolding speech] rant; tirade
v. [to speak in a loud, aggressive or pompous manner] rant;
rave
harbor
1.
2.
v. [to give shelter or refuge to] shelter; secure
v. [to hold in one’s mind, as of thoughts or feelings]
entertain; cherish
n. [a place of refuge] refuge; retreat; sanctuary; haven
n. [a place where ships can take on or discharge cargo]
port; anchorage
3.
4.
haunt
1.
2.
3.
n. [a frequently visited place] hangout; resort; retreat. Also
v.
v. [come to one’s mind constantly and repeatedly] obsess;
torment; beset; stalk
v. [visit a place, as a spirit or ghost]
Analogy:
haunt : familiar :: harass : irritating
haunt : remember :: persecute : injure
1.
evict
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
havoc
n. [great destruction and devastation] mayhem; plunder
heresy
n. [an opinion which is contrary to the beliefs held by the church]
dissidence; nonconformity; heterodoxy; unorthodoxy
dogma
Analogy: recantation : heresy :: apostasy : faith
hiatus
n. [any gap or interruption, as in time or continuity] interval;
respite; reprieve; suspension
hibernate
v. [sleep throughout the winter, as of certain animals(bears)]
estivate
Related Words:
estivate (also aestivate): v. sleep during summer, as of certain
animals (snails)
hovel
n. [a small, miserable, and often dirty house] shack; shanty
Analogy: palatial : hovel :: bucolic : city
hover
1.
2.
3.
v. [to be undecided about something] vacillate; waver
v. [to be suspended in the air, as against gravity] levitate
v. [to linger or wait close by, esp. in an overprotective or
anxious way] linger
humble
1.
adj. [marked by meekness and modesty; not proud] meek;
modest; unassuming; retiring
2.
adj. [low in condition, rank or position] lowly; unpretentious;
modest
v. [to lower in pride or in condition, rank or position] abase;
mortify; humiliate
3.
1.
supercilious; proud;
haughty; conceited;
overweening;
bumptious
Analogy: humble : bumptious :: genial : dour
hummock
n. [a small natural hill or a raised area of land] hillock; hammock;
knoll; mound
hurtle
1.
2.
hyperbole ®
n. [exaggeration for effect and not meant to be taken literally
(Ex: He is as strong as an ox)] overstatement; embellishment;
embroidery
vale; valley
v. [to dash against with great force] crash; collide
v. [to move forcefully and swiftly] rush; lunge; plunge; thrust
understatement
Analogy: exaggerated : hyperbole :: nonsensical : drivel
hypothetical
adj. [assumed] suppositious; supposed; imagined
iconoclastic ®
1.
2.
idolatry ®
1.
2.
ignite
1.
2.
adj. [attacking accepted ideas and beliefs] nonconforming;
irreverent; dissident; unorthodox
adj. [opposing use of images or idols in religion]
n. [excessive or extreme devotion to a person or thing]
veneration; adulation
n. [worship of idols]
v. [to set fire to; cause to burn] light; kindle; enkindle;
inflame
v. [to arouse the feelings of passions of] excite; incite;
kindle; inspire; animate; inflame
illicit
adj. [not allowed by law, custom, rule, etc.] illegitimate; unlawful;
outlawed; prohibited; unauthorized
imbue
1.
2.
3.
v. [to fill with moisture] saturate; soak
v. [to fill with color or dye] hue; tinge
v. [to fill or inspire, with principles, ideas, emotions, etc.]
permeate; pervade; diffuse
1.
extinguish
licit; legitimate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
imminent
adj. [likely to happen without delay] impending; looming;
forthcoming; proximate
immunity
1.
2.
n. [exemption from something burdensome] freedom;
privilege; license
n. [resistance to or protection against a particular disease]
resistance
1.
2.
susceptibility
immure
v. [to lock up or confine, in or as in a jail] imprison; incarcerate;
confine; constrain; jail; gaol
liberate; release
immutable ®
adj. [not capable of or susceptible to change] changeless;
unalterable
variable
Analogy:
immutable : altered :: implacable : propitiated
immutable : change :: transitory : endure
impair ®
1.
2.
impale
v. [to pierce or to fix in place with a sharp or pointed object]
pierce; spike; stake; stab
impasse
n. [a situation in which no progress can be made] deadlock;
stalemate; standstill
impassive ®
adj. [not showing emotion; not easily excited] stolid; stoic;
phlegmatic; callous; deadpan; apathetic; insensate
v. [to damage or injure] spoil; vitiate; mar
v. [to weaken] undermine; diminish; sap
emotional; fervid;
demonstrative
Analogy:
impassive : perturb :: voracious : satisfy
deadpan : impassive :: drawl : slow
impeccable
1.
2.
adj. [without fault or error] faultless; immaculate; flawless;
irreproachable
adj. [not capable of sin or wrongdoing] virtuous
1.
faulty
Analogy:
impeccable : blemish :: artless : guile
impeccable : flaw :: restive : calmness
impecunious
adj. [having very little or no money] penniless; penurious;
pinched; insolvent; indigent; destitute
prosperous; affluent;
lavish; wealthy
Analogy:
impecunious : money :: foolish : discretion
pelf : impecunious :: experience : green
impede ®
v. [to obstruct or to delay] hinder; thwart; block; deter; occlude
facilitate; promote
Analogy: obstacle : impede :: blandishment : cajole
imperative
1.
2.
adj. [absolutely necessary and urgent] crucial; compelling
adj. [having the nature of power or authority] commanding;
authoritative; dominant
Analogy: imperative : order :: interrogative : question
imperial
1.
2.
adj. [dignified, like an emperor] regal; royal; majestic;
august; purple
adj. [concerning an emperor or empress] sovereign;
hegemonic; august
Analogy: imperial : significant :: spartan : austere
imperil
v. [to put in danger] endanger; jeopardize; menace; threaten;
expose; hazard; peril
impermeable ®
adj. [not allowing the passage of fluids] impervious
permeable; porous
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
obeisant
2.
pertinent; apposite
Word
impertinent
2.
adj. [not showing proper respect or manners] impudent;
insolent; pert; saucy
adj. [not pertinent; having no connection to the matter under
consideration] irrelevant; inapplicable; inappropriate
Analogy:
impertinent : propriety :: gratuitous : justification
impertinent : propriety :: impetuous : patience
impertinent : propriety :: perturb : serenity
imperturbable ®
adj. [not easily excited or upset; calm] serene; unflappable;
composed; unruffled; unflustered
hysteric; restive; testy;
volatile
impervious ®
1.
penetrable
2.
adj. [not admitting of passage through] impermeable;
imperviable; hermetic; impassable
adj. [not affected by] unmoved; impassive; invulnerable
Analogy:
impervious : penetrate :: ineluctable : avoid
impervious : friable :: nonflammable : combustible
impervious : damaged :: indefensible : excused
impetuous
1.
2.
adj. [acting or done suddenly with little thought] rash;
impulsive; hasty; precipitate; foolhardy
adj. [marked by great force or violence] furious; rushing. Ex.
(impetuous winds)
1.
deliberate
2.
unobtrusive
Analogy:
impetuous : hesitance :: parsimonious : profligacy
impetuous : patience :: restive : calmness
implacable ®
adj. [not capable of being appeased] inexorable; relentless;
unyielding; unrelenting; grim
placable; flexible;
compliant
Analogy:
implacable : compromise :: honest : swindle
implacable : propitiated :: immutable : altered
implausible
adj. [having a quality that causes disbelief] farfetched;
improbable; inconceivable; unreasonable
implicit ®
1.
2.
implode ®
adj. [implied though not directly expressed] tacit; implied;
inherent; unstated
adj. [being without doubt or reservation] unquestioning;
absolute
v. [burst inward; collapse inward as if from external pressure]
1.
explicit
2.
restricted; qualified
explode
Analogy: collapse : implode :: divide : sunder
importune
v. [to beg persistently and urgently] implore; press; insist. Adj.
importunate
Related Words:
entreat: v. ask for or request earnestly; beseech
Analogy: importune : request :: accost : approach
impregnable
adj. [impossible to capture or enter by use of force]
invulnerable; inviolable; unassailable; unconquerable; secure
improvident
1.
2.
adj. [not saving for future needs; wasteful] spendthrift;
extravagant; prodigal; thriftless
adj. [careless, lacking foresight] imprudent; short-sighted
improvise
v. [to compose and perform on the spur of the moment without
any preparation] extemporise
inadvertently ®
1.
2.
adj. [carelessly] negligently; heedlessly; recklessly
adj. [unintentionally] unwittingly; involuntarily
1.
thrifty
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
inalienable
adj. [that which cannot be taken away or transferred] inviolable;
non-transferable
Analogy: inalienable : surrendered :: implacable : propitiated
incapacitate
v. [to make unfit to perform a certain action] disable; hinder;
undermine
incarnation
n. [an act of assuming a human body] embodiment;
manifestation; personification; avatar
incendiary
1.
2.
3.
4.
n. [a person who wilfully destroys property by setting fire to
it] arsonist; pyromaniac
n. [a person who wilfully stirs up trouble or rebellion]
insurgent; instigator
adj. [stirring up trouble or rebellion] inflammatory;
provocative; subversive; seditious
adj. [capable of catching fire spontaneously] combustible;
flammable
Analogy: incendiary : ignite :: insurgent : rebel
incessant
adj. [continuing or being repeated without stopping or in a way
that seems endless] ceaseless; endless; continual; perpetual;
interminable; unremitting
interrupted
inchoate ®
adj. [just begun; being only partly in existence] incipient;
nascent; rudimentary; preliminary
explicit
Analogy: inchoate : realised :: immature : developed
incongruity ®
n. [the quality of disagreeing or being unsuitable] discrepancy;
inappropriateness; incompatibility
inconsequential ®
adj. [of no significance; unimportant] trivial; immaterial;
insignificant; petty
crucial; consequential
Analogy: inconsequential : trifle :: apocalyptic : prophecy
incontrovertible
adj. [that which cannot be questioned] indisputable;
irrefutable; unquestionable; authentic
Analogy:
incontrovertible : disputed :: matchless : equalled
incontrovertible : disputed :: untenable : defended
incorporate ®
v. [to combine or join with something already formed] embody;
include
incorporeal
1.
2.
adj. [without a material body] bodiless; spiritual; ethereal;
insubstantial; immaterial
adj. [of spirits or angels] angelic; celestial
1.
corporeal; mortal;
material
incredulity
n. [doubt about the truth of something] disbelief; scepticism
gullibility
incriminate
v. [to accuse of a crime] accuse; blame; charge; implicate
exonerate
Related Words:
indict: v. accuse formally of a crime on the basis of positive
legal evidence
arraign: v. call before a court of law to hear and answer charges
inculcate
v. [to teach and impress upon the mind by frequent repetitions or
admonitions] instill; implant; infuse
indefatigable
adj. [incapable of being tired out] inexhaustible; tireless;
unflagging; untiring; unwearying
exhausted
indelible
adj. [that which cannot be erased, removed or washed away]
permanent; lasting; enduring; ingrained; inerasable
erasable
Analogy: indelible : forget : astounding : expect
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
indemnify
1.
2.
v. [to protect against future loss, damage or liability] insure;
assure
v. [to repay for loss or damage] compensate; recompense;
reimburse; remit
indentation
n. [the formation of a dent or slight hollow in a surface] dent;
notch; groove; deep recess
indeterminate ®
adj. [not precisely determined or established] vague; indefinite;
uncertain; ambiguous
indicative
adj. [giving an indication or suggestion] suggestive; signifying;
implying; connotative
indigence ®
n. [poverty] want; need; destitution
determinate
Analogy: indigence : wealth :: redundance :: indispensability
indignation
n. [anger that is a reaction to injustice] ingratitude; pique;
resentment; outrage
indolent ®
adj. [disliking or avoiding work] lazy; slothful; otiose; idle;
truant; lethargic; sluggish
Analogy: indolent : shirk :: miserly : hoard
indomitable
adj. [not easily discouraged or conquered] unconquerable;
unsubduable; unyielding; dauntless
induct
1.
2.
3.
inductive
v. [to place ceremoniously or formally in an office or
position] invest
v. [to bring in new people formally into a society or
organization] initiate
v. [to enrol in armed forces] draft; conscript; enlist
adj. [proceeding from the particular facts to a general
conclusion]
deductive
Related Words:
deductive: adj. drawing inferences from general principles
indulgent
adj. [inclined to indulge; kind or lenient] permissive; tolerant; lax;
lenient
abstemious; ascetic;
spartan
Analogy: abstemious : indulgent :: austere : decorated
inebriated
adj. [drunk; excited by a chemical substance such as alcohol]
intoxicated; tipsy
ineffable
1.
2.
adj. [incapable of being expressed in speech] indescribable;
indefinable; unspeakable; unutterable
adj. [too sacred to be spoken] unutterable; unnameable
Analogy: ineffable : description :: irradicable : obliterate
ineluctable
adj. [impossible to avoid or escape] inevitable; inescapable;
certain; unavoidable
easily avoided
Analogy:
ineluctable : avoid :: impervious : penetrate
ineluctable : chance :: serendipitous : effort
inert ®
1.
2.
adj. [tending to be physically or mentally inactive; dull]
torpid; sluggish
adj. [having inertia, i.e., without power to move or resist
motion]
Analogy: inert : react :: persistence : vacillate
inestimable
adj. [beyond calculation or measure; too valuable to be properly
measured] immeasurable; invaluable; priceless; precious
active; dynamic
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
inexorable
2.
adj. [that cannot be me influenced by persuasion or
entreaty] implacable; inflexible; obdurate; relentless;
unappeasable; unrelenting; unyielding
adj. [that cannot be altered or diverted from a course]
adamantine; intransigent. Ex. (inexorable fate)
relenting
Analogy: inexorable : dissuasion :: indomitable : conquest
infernal
adj. [pertaining to hell, expressive of extreme evil or cruelty]
hellish; devilish; fiendish; demonic; diabolic; satanic
supernal; divine; ethereal
infinitesimal
adj. [too small to be measured; infinitely small] microscopic;
minute; minuscule
prodigious; immense
ingenuous ®
1.
2.
1.
2.
disingenuous
cunning; sly; affected
1.
extrinsic; superficial;
incidental
adj. [frank and open] candid; straightforward
adj. [simple and natural, lacking sophistication] artless;
naïve; unsophisticated
Analogy:
ingenuous : fabricate :: placid : discompose
disingenuous : deceive :: pernicious : injure
inherent ®
1.
2.
innocuous ®
adj. [existing as an essential characteristic] intrinsic; inbuilt;
integral; elemental
adj. [present at birth] innate; inborn; congenital
adj. [unlikely to harm or injure; unlikely to be controversial or
offensive] harmless; inoffensive; bland
injurious; noxious
Analogy: placebo : innocuous :: venom : toxic
inordinate
adj. [beyond normal limits] immoderate; excessive; unrestrained;
undue
Related Words:
exorbitant: adj. going beyond what is reasonable, just or usual;
extravagant; excessive
inquisitive
1.
2.
v. [asking questions to seek information] curious;
questioning; quizzical; speculative; investigative. n.
inquisitor
v. [asking more questions than is necessary or proper]
prying; intrusive; meddlesome
1.
indifferent; aloof;
unconcerned
1.
piquant; savory;
flavorful
exciting; fascinating
Related Words:
Inquisitor: n. an official whose work is examining, or making an
inquisition; investigator; interrogator
insensible ®
1.
2.
insinuate ®
1.
2.
adj.[indifferent to or unaware of] impassive; unaffected;
apathetic
adj. [unconscious or incapable of physical sensation]
unaware; numb
v. [to make an indirect hint] imply; intimate; suggest
v. [to introduce or insert oneself in a subtle manner] infuse;
instill; ingratiate
Related Words:
implication: n. something implied, from which an inference may
be drawn; inkling; insinuation; innuendo
insipid ®
1.
2.
adj. [lacking in taste or flavor] bland; flat; vapid; savorless;
flavorless
adj. [not interesting or exciting] dull; vapid; banal; lifeless
2.
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [disobedience of authority] defiance; rebelliousness;
recalcitrance; contumacy; insurgency; insurrection; mutiny;
sedition
tractability
Word
insubordination
Related words:
insubordinate: adj. not submitting to authority; disobedient
contumacious
insurgent: adj. rising up against established authority;
rebellious; insurrectionary:
insularity ®
n. [characteristic of islanders, esp. when regarded as narrowminded, illiberal or unsophisticated] insulation; narrowmindedness
insuperable
adj. [that which cannot be overcome or crossed over]
insurmountable; unconquerable; impassable; overwhelming
integrate
1.
2.
cosmopolitanness
v. [to make into a whole or complete by adding or bringing
together parts] unify; combine; incorporate; mix; blend
v. [to open a place to members of all races and ethnic
groups] desegregate
intelligentsia
n. [the educated and intellectual elite of the society(often used
derogatorily)] intellectuals; literati
inter
v. [to put a dead body into a grave or tomb] bury; tomb; entomb;
inhume
disinter; exhume;
unearth
Analogy: inter : burial :: obliterate : removal
interloper
n. [a person who intrudes on the privacy or property of others
without permission] intruder; trespasser; encroacher; meddler
Related Words:
interlope: v. to intrude or meddle in other’s affairs; intrude
intervene
v. [to come or be in between, usually so as to hinder or halt an
action] interfere; interpose; intercede; mediate
intractable ®
adj. [difficult to manage or mould; unyielding] inflexible;
stubborn; obstinate; recalcitrant; unmanageable; monolithic
amenable
intransigence ®
n. [stubbornly refusing to compromise] intractability; inflexibility
pliancy; docility; yielding
Analogy:
intransigent : yield :: ephemeral : abide
intransigent : acquiesce :: deferential : offend
intuition
n. [the direct knowing or learning of something without the
conscious use of reasoning] insight; premonition; sixth sense
ratiocination; reasoning
inundate ®
v. [to flood; to overwhelm with a great amount of anything]
deluge; submerge; engulf; swamp; flood
desiccate; drain
inured ®
adj. [accustomed to something difficult or painful] hardened;
habituated
inexperienced
Analogy: inured : tolerance :: addicted : dependency
invective ®
n. [a strong and abusive verbal attack characterised by
criticisms, blames and insults] denunciation; vituperation;
condemnation; harangue; tirade
flattery
Analogy: invective : abusive :: polemic : disputatious
inveigh
v. [to complain or protest bitterly] rant; rail; reproach
inverse
adj. [opposite] reversed; converse; transposed
laud
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
iota
n. [a very small quantity] grain; jot; particle; scintilla; shred;
tittle; whit
Related Words:
mote: n. a speck of dust or other tiny particle; speck
irascible ®
adj. [easily angered; quick-tempered] irritable; peevish; cranky;
choleric; testy; touchy
affable; placid
Analogy: irascible : placate :: insensate : conscious
irate
adj. [feeling or showing extreme anger] enraged; furious;
incensed; ireful; wrathful
Analogy: gush : effusive :: rage : irate
iridescent
adj. [shining with all the colors of the rainbow] opalescent;
lustrous; polychromatic
irksome
adj. [so lacking in interest or annoying so as to cause mental
weariness] tiresome; tedious; wearisome; deadening
irony
1.
2.
irresolute ®
n. [humorous speech or writing which is intended to convey
a meaning that is direct opposite of its literal sense]
sarcasm, satire, wit
n. [contrast between what is expected or desired and
reality] incongruity; paradox
adj. [uncertain how to act or proceed] indecisive; vacillating;
faltering; hesitant; wobbly
Analogy: irresolute : decision :: circuitous : directness
itinerary ®
n. [a detailed outline for a proposed journey]
Related Words:
agenda : a detailed outline of things to be done (as at a
meeting)
jargon
1.
2.
3.
n. [characteristic language of a particular group] argot;
cant; lingo; patois; slang; vernacular
n. [specialized technical terminology of a particular subject]
n. [incoherent, trite or pretentious speech] gibberish;
bombast
Analogy: jargon : profession :: vernacular : place
jaunt
n. [a short journey taken for pleasure] excursion; junket; outing;
sashay
jocund
adj. [cheerful; full of merriment] jolly; jovial; gay; merry;
mirthful; hilarious
jostle
v. [to make one’s way by bumping, pushing or shoving, as in a
crowd] shove; nudge
kernel
1.
2.
knead
n. [the central or most important part of something] core;
essence; pith; marrow; gist; heart
n. [a single whole grain or seed, as of a cereal]
v. [to mix and work into a pliable mass by pressing and
squeezing, usually with the hands, as of dough, clay, etc.]
squeeze, shape, ply, manipulate, massage
Analogy: knead : malleable :: penetrate : permeable
adamant; determined
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
labyrinth
1.
2.
n. [complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to
get lost] maze. Adj. labyrinthine
n. [any structure, arrangement or character which is
extremely complex or perplexing] intricacy; complexity
Analogy:
labyrinthine : simplicity :: jejune : interest
labyrinthine : direct :: ribald : seemly
laconic ®
adj. [brief and to the point] terse; crisp; curt; concise;
uncommunicative
voluble; verbose;
garrulous; lengthy
Analogy:
voluble : laconic :: dexterous : inept
laconic : volubility :: audacious : trepidation
laity
n. [all people who are not members of the priesthood] laymen
lancet
n. [a small, two-edged surgical knife used for making incisions or
punctures] lance
lap
1.
2.
clergy
v. [to drink a liquid by dipping and taking up with the tongue
in the manner of a dog]
v. [to strike gently with a light splashing sound, said of
waves]
larceny
n. [the act of taking away someone else’s belongings without
consent and with the intention of permanently depriving the
owner of them] burglary; thievery; theft; robbery
larder
n. [place where food supplies of a house are kept] pantry
Analogy:
larder : food :: wardrobe : clothes
larder : provisions :: vault : valuables
lascivious
adj. [filled with lust] lecherous; lewd; libidinous; licentious;
lubricious; lustful; salacious; incontinent; prurient
lassitude ®
n. [a state or feeling of being tired or lack of interest] languor;
lethargy; sluggishness; torpidity; listlessness; fatigue; stupor
Analogy: lassitude : stir :: arrogance : defer
vivaciousness; vim;
sprightliness; verve;
animation; vitality;
ebullience; exuberance
latent ®
adj. [existing but invisible or inactive] potential; dormant;
quiescent; abeyant; passive
obvious; manifest; evident;
active; operative
laud ®
v. [praise or honor] exalt; extol; eulogize; flatter; commend;
glorify; proclaim; acclaim
malign; inveigh; deride;
defame
Analogy: laud : homage :: counsel : advise
leeway
1.
2.
lethargic ®
n. [a permissible difference allowing freedom to move within
specified limits] allowance; margin; tolerance; latitude
n. [margin of time, money, etc.]
adj. [abnormally dull or inactive] sluggish; inert; drowsy;
listless; languid; languorous
Analogy: lethargic : energy :: craven : courage
levee ®
1.
2.
n. [a barrier built to prevent flooding by a river or to keep out
the sea] embankment; dike; dyke; dam
n. [formal reception]
Analogy:
levee : flood :: rampart : invasion
levee : river :: cordon : crowd
energetic; animated;
vigorous
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [an inappropriate lack of seriousness; excessive frivolity]
flippancy; jocosity; gaiety; merriness
solemnity; gravity
Word
levity ®
Analogy: sullen : levity :: lethargic : dynamic
levy
1.
2.
v. [to impose or collect, as of a tax, fine, etc.] impose; tax
v. [to enlist troops for military service] recruit; conscript;
draft
liability
1.
n. [the state of being legally bound or responsible,
especially to pay money to another party] indebtedness
n. [the quality of being something that holds you back]
burden; encumbrance
2.
1.
impunity
2.
asset
adj. [clear and bright; easily understandable] lucid; distinct;
perspicuous
adj. [transmitting light] transparent; lucid; luculent;
pellucid
1.
turbid; murky;
nebulous
v. [to continue to stay, esp. through a reluctance to leave]
tarry; loiter; lounge
v. [to be unnecessarily slow in moving or doing something]
loiter; dawdle; saunter
1.
Analogy: exempt : liability :: pardon : penalty
liaison
1.
2.
n. [a person who acts a communication channel between
groups] contact
n. [a secretive or illicit love affair] affair; amour
Related Words:
paramour: n. lover; person with whom one shares an illicit
relationship
limbo
n. [place between heaven and hell where certain souls are kept]
purgatory
limpid
1.
2.
linger
1.
2.
2.
hasten
lissome
adj. [gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease] flexible;
agile; lithe; limber; supple; svelte
litotes
n. [understatement for effect or emphasis] understatement
loath
adj. [unwilling to do something] averse; disinclined; reluctant
eager; avid
lofty
1.
2.
1.
2.
adj. [very high] elevated; towering; soaring
adj. [of high moral or intellectual value] elevated; exalted;
idealistic; noble
log ®
n. [a written record of a voyage or a journey] diary; journal
loquacious ®
adj. [very talkative] garrulous; talkative; voluble; gabby
ungainly; solid
ignominious; mean
reticent; taciturn; laconic
Analogy:
loquacious : succinct :: adroit : ungainly
loquacious : talkative :: flatter : praise
loquacious : word :: profligate : money
lout
n. [a clumsy stupid person] oaf; dolt; rustic; bumpkin; yokel
low
1.
2.
v. [to make the characteristic sound of a cow] moo
adj. [meanness in character] mean; base; coarse;
contemptible; despicable; scurvy; vile
lucid ®
1.
adj. [clear to the understanding] limpid; perspicuous;
comprehensible; apprehensible
adj. [transmitting light] transparent; limpid; pellucid
2.
Analogy:
lucid : understand :: prominent : notice
comprehensible : lucid :: audible : stentorian
1.
obfuscated
2.
opaque
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [producing wealth or a good profit] profitable; remunerative;
fruitful; gainful
unprofitable
Word
lucrative
Related Words:
lucre: n. money or wealth
ludicrous
adj. [so absurd or ridiculous as to provoke laughter] absurd;
preposterous; farcical; ridiculous
Analogy: ludicrous : buffoon :: inexperience : neophyte
lull
1.
2.
luminary
n. [temporary interval of lessened activity or calm, as in a
stormy, noisy night] quiet; hiatus
v. [to make or become quiet or less intense] calm, pacify;
quieten
1.
2.
galvanize; revive;
startle
n. [a person of prominence or brilliant achievement] celebrity;
notable; notability
Analogy: luminary : eminence :: maven : experience
luminous ®
1.
2.
luscious
1.
2.
maelstrom
1.
2.
adj. [emitting light; bright] radiant; luminescent; glowing;
brilliant; effulgent; refulgent; incandescent; lustrous
adj. [immediately understood] lucid; understandable; clear
adj. [highly pleasing to the sense of taste or smell] delicious;
delectable; palatable; toothsome
adj. [having a strong sexual appeal] voluptuous; sensual;
erotic
n. [a powerful circular current of water] whirlpool; vortex
n. [a disordered and confusing condition] disturbance;
commotion; turmoil
Analogy: maelstrom : turbulent :: mirage : illusory
magnanimity ®
n. [extreme kindness or generosity] largess; munificence;
benevolence; altruism
magnate
n. [a very important or influential person in any sphere of activity,
esp. in a large business] baron; tycoon; mogul
malcontent
1.
2.
3.
economy; parsimony;
selfishness
adj.[dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs]
discontented; disaffected; rebellious
n. [complainer] grouch; griper; grumbler; killjoy; faultfinder
n. [rebel] maverick; reactionary; nonconformist
Analogy:
malcontent : complain :: dilatory : procrastinate
malcontent : complain :: sycophant : fawn
malign
1.
2.
v. [to speak ill of somebody] defame; slander; traduce;
misrepresent
adj. [evil or harmful or exerting an evil influence] malicious;
malefic; malevolent; malignant
Analogy: malign : ill will :: diligent : effort
malingerer ®
n. [one who acts ill to avoid work] shirker
Analogy:
malingerer : shirk :: miser : hoard
malinger : duty :: camouflage : detection
1.
laud; extol; eulogize;
praise
2.
benign
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1. adj. [that can be hammered into shapes without breaking]
pliable; pliant; ductile; tensile; plastic
2. adj. [easily influenced] tractable
1.
Word
malleable ®
brittle; petrified;
calcific
Related Words:
brittle: adj. easily broken or shattered beacuase hard and
inflexible
Analogy:
malleable : shape :: irresolute : opinion
malleable : knead :: permeable : penetrate
malodorous
adj. [having a bad odor] stinking; rancid; noisome
fragrant
manifest
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
4.
adj. [clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses]
evident; patent; plain; obvious
v. [show clearly] reveal; exhibit; evince; disclose; display
v. [to provide evidence for] attest; certify; demonstrate;
substantiate
n. [itemized list of a ship’s cargo; a list of cargo and
passengers on an airplane] invoice
latent; occult; obscure
obscure
Analogy:
manifest : discernible :: stentorian : audible
manifest : perceive :: brittle : break
manifest : cargo :: repertoire : performance
manifest : discernible :: savory : palatable
manipulate
1.
2.
3.
v. [to work or operate with hands, esp. with skill] handle
v. [to manage or control shrewdly often in an unfair manner]
v. [to falsify figures or to manipulate prices for one’s own
benefit ] fudge; falsify; misrepresent; rig; wangle
Analogy: dexterous : manipulate :: prescient : predict
marked
1.
2.
marshal
1.
2.
masochist
adj. [easily noticeable] obvious; distinct; conspicuous;
pronounced
adj. [singled out to be watched for as an object of suspicion
or for revenge]
v. [to arrange (troops, ideas, etc.) in logical order] array,
organize; order; dispose
v. [to make ready for action or use] mobilize; summon
n. [one who obtain pleasure by inflicting pain on oneself]
sadist
Related Words:
sadist: n. one who obtains pleasure by inflicting pain on others
masquerade
n. [a pretension of being someone that you are not] imposture
Analogy: masquerade : feeling :: dissemble : information
masticate
v. [to grind or crush food with teeth in preparation for swallowing]
chew; chomp; crunch; munch; ruminate
Analogy: tooth : masticate :: lung : respire
materialism
n. [a desire for wealth and material possessions with little
interest in ethical or spiritual matters] philistinism
maudlin
adj. [sentimental In a demonstrative(tearful) or silly way]
mawkish; mushy; bathetic; slushy
Analogy:
maudlin : sentimental :: obsequious : deferential
maudlin : sentiment :: pedantic : scholarship
mausoleum
n. [a large burial chamber, esp. one that is above ground] crypt;
tomb; sepulcher; memorial
jovial
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [person who exhibits great independence in thought and
action] rebel; dissenter; nonconformist; unorthodox
conformist; orthodox
Word
maverick ®
Analogy: maverick : group :: dissenter : orthodox
meditation
n. [deep and continued thought] reflection; contemplation;
speculation
medley
1.
2.
n. [a mixture of things] conglomeration
n. [a musical composition made up of tunes or passages
from various works] assortment; potpourri; miscellany
Analogy: medley : songs :: montage : images
melancholy
adj. [expressing sorrow; sad and depressed] gloomy; dispirited;
funereal; lugubrious; mournful; plaintive; sepulchral
melee
n. [a noisy confused fight] scuffle; brawl; rumpus; scrimmage
memento
n. [a reminder of a place or a past event] souvenir; token; relic
mendacious ®
adj. [lying habitually] untruthful; dishonest; knavish
veracious; honest; candor
Analogy: mendacious : truth :: ambiguous : clarity
mercenary
adj. [motivated solely by a desire for money or other gain]
mercantile; venal; greedy
metamorphosis ®
n. [a marked change in form, substance, character of condition]
transformation; modification; evolution
meticulous ®
adj. [extremely or excessively careful about details] scrupulous;
painstaking; fastidious; picky; punctilious; conscientious
remiss; careless;
negligent; lax
Analogy:
carefulness : meticulous :: firmness : obdurate
meticulous : finicky :: fluent : glib
misadventure
n. [an instance of bad luck] mischance; mishap; accident
misanthrope ®
n. [a person who hates or distrusts all people] misanthropist;
cynic
Related Words:
misogynist: n. one who hates all women (usually a man)
misandry: n. hatred of men
Analogy:
misanthrope : humane :: ascetic : voluptuary
hospitable : misanthrope :: genteel : churl
miscreant
n. [an evil person] villain; wretch; knave; rascal; rogue;
scoundrel; reprobate
law-abider; gentleman;
saint
Analogy:
miscreant : despicable :: paragon : admirable
miscreant : criminal :: visionary : delusion
misgivings
n. [doubts] apprehensions; qualms; reservations
mite
n. [a very small creature or object; a very small sum of money or
a coin of very small value]
Analogy: mite : creature :: speck : amount
mitigate ®
v. [to make less severe or painful] relieve; alleviate; assuage;
moderate
exacerbate; intensify
Analogy: mitigate : severe :: qualify : general
mobile
adj. [moving or capable of moving readily; not fixed] portable;
transportable; motile; ambulatory
sessile
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
mode
1.
2.
n. [a way of doing something] manner, style
n. [current or latest fashion or style] fashion; vogue;
convention; rage. adj. modish
modulate
1.
v. [to vary, usually to lower degree, the pitch, intensity, etc.
of the voice] inflect; temper
v. [to adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of something]
regulate
v. [to change from one key to another in music]
2.
3.
mollify ®
1. v. [to quieten someone who is angry] soothe; appease;
assuage; placate; pacify
2. v. [to lessen (pain, suffering, etc.)] alleviate; ameliorate;
diminish
1. nettle; provoke; irritate;
vex; antagonize; harry;
pique; harrow; rankle
2. intensify; exacerbate
Analogy:
mollification : soothe :: indemnity : secure
mollify : anger :: hearten : dejection
molt
v. [to shed or cast off hair, skin or feathers, of animals] slough;
shed
molten
adj. [melted or liquefied by heat] melted; fused; liquefied
monetary
adj. [pertaining to money] pecuniary; fiscal; financial
monumental
adj. [huge or imposing in size or bulk] enormous; massive;
monolithic
moribund
1.
2.
adj. [dying or at the point of death] expiring
adj. [not growing or changing] stagnant
fledge
1.
2.
living; viable; nascent
robust
Analogy: moribund : dead :: tangible :: definite
morose ®
adj. [having a sad and irritable disposition] sullen; saturnine;
glum; glowering; dour; sulky; moody
mortician
n. [one who manages funerals] undertaker
mosaic
1.
2.
n. [a picture or design made by inlaying small bits of colored
stone, glass or tile in mortar] parquetry
adj. [decorated with small bits of colored glass or stone
fitted together] tessellated
motif
n. [the main element or idea that is repeated in a literary or
artistic work] theme
motley
1.
2.
jocose; jocund; cheerful;
sanguine
adj. [having many colours or patches of color]
multicoloured; piebald; pied; varicolored
adj. [composed of many different or clashing elements]
heterogeneous; mixed; assorted
motto
n. [a favourite saying or phrase of a sect or political group]
slogan; shibboleth
muggy
adj. [hot and damp (weather)] steamy; sticky; humid; sultry
mundane ®
1. adj. [ordinary] commonplace; quotidian
2. adj. [worldly, not spiritual] temporal; secular; earthly
mural
n. [a large painting directly painted on a wall]
Related Words:
fresco: n. method of painting on the wet plaster of a wall or
ceiling using watercolor paints
Analogy: mural : wall :: petroglyph : rock
1.
colorless
2.
homogeneous;
unique
1. extraordinary; weird
2. spiritual; unearthly
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
limpid; pellucid; clear
1.
discerning; prescient
2.
far-sighted
Word
murky
2.
3.
adj. [heavy and obscure with smoke, fog, etc] overcast;
misty, turbid
adj. [not clearly understood or expressed] vague;
indeterminate; obscure
adj. [dark and gloomy] bleak; dingy; dismal
muster
v. [to gather or bring together] gather; assemble; marshal;
summon
musty
1.
2.
adj. [having a stale smell or taste, as an unused room, food
etc.] moldy; putrid; rank; rancid
adj. [stale with age; no longer in use] antiquated; worn-out;
trite; fusty; antediluvian
muted
adj. [in a softened tone] hushed; muffled; quiet; silent; subdued
mutilate
1.
2.
myopic
1.
2.
naivety
v. [to damage or cut off a limb or other important part]
maim, dismember, disfigure, mangle
v. [to damage or destroy by removing an essential part or
parts] mar, deface
adj. [lacking foresight] short-sighted; unforesightful;
headlong
adj. [inability to see distant objects properly] short-sighted
n. [the quality of being unsuspecting; lacking sophistication]
simplicity; artlessness; ingenuousness
worldliness; sophistication
Analogy: guile : naivety :: tardy : promptness
narrative
1.
2.
natation
adj. [related to telling of a story] fictional; descriptive;
recounted
n. [a story] account; anecdote; narration; tale
n. [the act or art of swimming]
Related Words:
natatorium: n. swimming pool
nautical
adj. [relating to sailors, ships or navigation] maritime; marine;
naval
nebulous
1.
adj. [unclear] vague; indistinct; obscure; hazy
2.
adj. [cloudy] hazy
necromancy
n. [the practice of claiming to foretell the future by allegedly
communicating with the dead] black magic; sorcery; wizardry;
witchcraft
nefarious
adj. [extremely wicked] villainous; iniquitous; treacherous
1.
clear; distinct; limpid;
pellucid; unambiguous
exemplary; virtuous;
angelic; benign
Analogy: nefarious : wickedness :: generous : liberality
negate ®
1.
2.
v. [to contradict] belie; refute
v. [to render ineffective or to prove false] repeal; retract;
invalidate
nemesis
n. [an opponent seeking revenge] enemy; rival; adversary;
antagonist; detractor
neophyte ®
n. [beginner in some activity] novice; entrant; fledgling;
freshman
Related Words: amateur; dilettante; tyro, apprentice, rookie
Analogy:
inexperience : neophyte :: irresponsibility : wastrel
inexperience : neophyte :: ludicrous : buffoon
1.
2.
affirm
veteran
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
nepotism
n. [favoritism shown to relatives by those in power, as by giving
them jobs]
Related Words:
cronyism: n. favoritism shown to friends by those in power, as by
giving them jobs
Analogy:
nepotism : relative :: cronyism : friend
nepotism : kinship :: jingoist : nationality
nib
1.
2.
n. [the beak of a bird] bill; pecker
n. [the point of a pen] penpoint; tip
niggardly
adj. [in a stingy or cheap manner] grudging; miserly; stingy;
scrimy; parsimonious
nip
1.
2.
3.
lavish; generously;
prodigal
v. [to stop the growth of something] snip; clip
v. [to take a bite] nibble; munch
v. [to have a painful effect on because of cold] freeze
Analogy: nip : eat :: jot : write
nirvana
1.
2.
noisome
1.
2.
n. [the heavenly state of perfect bliss that exists beyond the
cycle of reincarnation (in Hinduism and Buddhism)] Elysium
n. [any place of complete bliss and peace] heaven; paradise
adj. [having a bad smell] malodorous; rancid; foetid; fetid;
putrid; nauseous
adj. [injurious to health] baneful; harmful; pernicious;
unwholesome; noxious; insalubrious; unsalutary
1.
fragrant
2.
beneficial; healthy
Analogy: noisome : smell :: cacophonous : sound
nomadic
adj. [tending to travel and change settlements frequently]
itinerant; roving; roaming; wandering; migrant; migratory;
peregrine; peripatetic; vagrant; vagabond
Related Words:
wanderlust: n. a very strong urge to wander or travel
nomenclature
n. [a system of names used in specific branch of learning or
activity] terminology; taxonomy
nominal
1.
2.
adj. [very small compared to expectations] insignificant;
slight; trifling; token
adj. [in name only, not in reality] titular; stated; formal;
ostensible; purported
1.
2.
real; genuine
Analogy: nominal : significance :: disjunctive : unity
noncommittal
adj. [not committing to any point of view or course of action]
neutral; reserved; wary; cautious
nondescript
adj. [so lacking in distinct or individual characteristics as to be
dull and uninteresting] plain; dull; uninteresting
nonplus
v. [to confuse or perplex] dumbfound; perplex; amaze; baffle;
bewilder
remarkable; striking;
conspicuous
Analogy: nonplus : perplexity :: infuriate : rage
nostalgia
n. [a feeling of longing for the past or bygone things] yearning;
sentimentality; homesickness; wistfulness
nostrum
1.
2.
notorious
adj. [having an exceedingly bad reputation] infamous. n.
notoriety
n. [hypothetical remedy for all diseases] panacea; elixir
n. [a medicine whose efficiency is questionable] quack
medicine
angelic; eminent;
renowned
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
nourishment
n. [something that nourishes the body] food; nutrition; nutriment;
alimentation; provender; sustenance; victuals
nuance
n. [a slight or delicate variation in meaning, opinion, color, etc.]
subtlety; refinement; shade; distinction; nicety
patent difference
Analogy: nuance : distinction :: hint : suggestion
obdurate ®
adj. [resistant to persuasion or softening influences] stubborn;
inflexible; unyielding; obstinate; cussed
pliable; complaisant;
yielding; tender
Analogy:
obdurate : firm :: penurious : frugal
obdurate : firm :: frenetic : energetic
penitent : obdurate :: skeptic : credulous
obfuscate
v. [to make obscure or unclear] obscure; muddle; confuse
clarify; demystify; elucidate
Analogy:
obfuscate : perplexed :: intimidate : cowardice
obfuscate : clarity :: equivocate : truth
objective
1.
2.
3.
adj. [existing outside the mind, real or actual as opposed to
existence in thought] actual; external; material; extrinsic;
scientific; corporeal; bodily; physical
adj. [without partiality] impartial; fair; detached; unbiased
n. [the goal intended to be attained] goal; aim; aspiration;
target
1.
subjective;
introspective
2.
biased; partial
Related Words :
subjective: adj. that which exists in the mind; imagined
obligatory
adj. [morally or legally binding] mandatory; required; essential;
compulsory; incumbent
optional; elective;
discretionary
Analogy: elected : obliged :: parsimonious : prodigal
oblique
1.
adj. [not straight to the point; not straightforward] indirect;
circuitous; obscure
adj. [slanting or inclined in direction – neither parallel nor
perpendicular]
1.
direct
1.
n. [total forgetfulness] blankness; obliviousness; amnesia
1.
2.
n. [the state of being disregarded or forgotten] nothingness;
obscurity; limbo; nullity; void
2.
remembrance;
recollection
existence
2.
oblivion
obsequious ®
adj. [too eager to obey or serve] fawning; toadyish; bootlicking;
sycophantic; servile; subservient
insulting; haughty;
supercilious; imperious
Analogy:
obsequious : fawn :: compliant : yield
obsequious : sycophant :: libertine : dissolute
obsequious : deferential :: maudlin : sentimental
obsequious : attentiveness :: parsimonious : frugality
obsolete
adj. [no longer in use or valid or fashionable] old; outdated;
archaic; antiquated; outmoded; passé; superannuated
obtuse
1.
2.
adj. [slow to learn or understand; dull] stupid; insensible
adj. [not sharp or pointed] blunt
1.
shrewd; insightful
Analogy:
obtuse : keen :: parsimonious : liberal
obtuse : keen :: restive : calmness
obviate ®
v. [to prevent the occurrence of or to make unnecessary]
preclude; forestall; avert; stave off; ward off
Analogy: obviate : unnecessary :: emulate : exemplary
necessitate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
occlude ®
v. [to close or block a passage] obstruct; impede; curb; choke;
jam; clog
unobstructed
officious ®
adj. [eager to offer unwanted advice or services] interfering;
meddlesome
Word
Analogy:
officious : attentive :: snobbish : refined
officious : meddle :: disaffected : rebel
officious : obliging :: visionary : idealistic
omnipresent
adj. [being present everywhere at all times] ubiquitous; infinite
limited
onerous ®
adj. [involving great effort; laborious] burdensome; taxing;
exacting; oppressive; arduous; toilsome; gruelling; strenuous
easy; trifling
opaque
1.
1.
2.
adj.[not letting light pass through] nontransparent; nubilous;
impervious
adj.[not clearly understood or expressed] unintelligible;
vague; obscure; nebulous
clear; transparent;
translucent; pellucid
Analogy:
opaque : translucence :: slack : tension
opaque : light :: impermeable : fluid
ophidian
n. [limbless scaly elongate reptile] snake; serpent
opprobrium ®
n. [extreme dishonour or humiliation; insult] infamy; ignominy;
stigma; disrepute; obloquy
commendation
Analogy: opprobrious : blameless :: craven : dauntless
opulence
n. [extreme wealth] luxury; sumptuousness; affluence;
abundance; plenitude; grandeur
oratorio
n. [a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a
religious text] cantata
orient
1.
2.
n. [the east; countries of Asia]
v. [to set or arrange in a particular position especially in
relation to the points of the compass]
poverty; penury
1.
Occident
Analogy: compass : orient :: adhesive : bind
ornate
adj. [having excessive decoration] baroque; rococo; showy;
flamboyant; flowery; embellished
oscillate ®
1.
2.
ossify
1.
2.
simple
v. [to be undecided about something] vacillate; waver;
hover
v. [to swing regularly back and forth] vibrate; sway
v. [to settle rigidly into a practice, custom, idea, etc.] petrify;
rigidify; fossilize
v. [to become or cause to become hard and bony] petrify;
fossilize. adj. osseous
1.
2.
make pliant
Analogy: ossify : flexibility :: depreciate : value
ostentatious ®
adj. [intended to attract notice and impress others] showy;
pretentious; pompous; flaunty; splashy
ostracize
1.
2.
v. [expel from a community or group] ban; banish; cast out;
shun
v. [avoid speaking to or dealing with] boycott
unpretentious; modest;
artless
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
overture
1.
2.
n. [a piece of music that serves as an introduction to an
opera or other large musical work] prelude
n. [a preliminary proposal designed to find out the reaction
of others] approach; advance; feeler; offer
Analogy:
overture : symphony :: preface : book
overture : introductory :: veto : prohibitive
ovoid
adj. [egg-shaped] elliptical; oval
palatial
adj. [large and highly decorated; like a palace] magnificent;
regal; stately
humble
Analogy: palatial : hovel :: bucolic : city
palpable
paltry
1.
adj. [that can be touched or felt] tangible; manifest; evident
2.
adj. [that can be easily perceived by the senses] perceptible
adj. [practically worthless; contemptibly small in amount] trifling;
piddling; measly; negligible
1.
impalpable;
intangible
significant; important;
munificent
Analogy: paltry : covet :: despicable : admire
paragon ®
n. [a model of excellence or perfection] ideal; apotheosis;
nonpareil; paradigm
wastrel; travesty
Analogy:
paragon : excellent :: hoax : fraudulent
paragon : admire :: pariah : contempt
parallelism
1.
2.
n. [the state of being parallel]
n. [close resemblance] correspondence; similarity; affinity;
likeness
paramount
adj. [having superior power and influence] predominant;
preponderant; ascendant; eminent; overriding; supreme
ancillary; lowliest
Analogy: important : paramount :: painful : agonizing
paraphrase
v. [to express the meaning of a passage in one’s own words]
rephrase; restate; reword; summarize
Analogy: paraphrase : verbatim :: approximate : precise
parasite
1.
2.
n. [a plant or animal that lives on another]
n. [a person who lives at the expense of another without
making any useful contribution in return] toady; sycophant;
sponge; freeloader
parlance
n. [a style or manner of speaking that is natural to native
speakers of a language] idiom
Analogy: parlance : speak :: gait : walk
partiality
1.
2.
partisan ®
1.
2.
n. [a tendency to favor one group or view or opinion over
alternatives] bias; discrimination; partisanship; prejudice
n. [a particular fondness or liking for something] preference;
predisposition; predilection
adj. [blindly or unreasonably devoted to a cause or party]
one-sided; factional; fanatic; fanatical; rabid; tendentious
n. [a firm and even militant supporter of a party, person or
cause] follower; adherent; fanatic; zealot
Analogy: allegiance : partisan :: authoritativeness : pundit
1.
host
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
2.
1.
2.
Word
pathological ®
adj. [pertaining to diseases] diseased; morbid
adj. [compulsive] Ex: a pathological liar
normal
Analogy: pathological : disease :: stimulating : arouse
paucity ®
n. [an insufficient quantity or number] dearth; scarcity;
scantiness
pauper
n. [a person who is very poor] mendicant
peccadillo
n. [a minor or petty sin; slight fault] mistake
slew; plethora; profusion;
abundance
Related Words:
misdemeanor: n. a small crime the penalty for which is usually
a fine or imprisonment for a short time
felony: n. a major crime such as murder, arson, rape, etc.
peccadillo < misdemeanour < felony
Analogy:
peccadillo : sin :: glitch : flaw
peccadillo : sin :: admonishment : castigation
peccadillo : offense :: mishap : accident
pedantic ®
adj. [giving unnecessary importance to trivial points of learning
and showing off bookish knowledge lacking in judgement]
academic; donnish
penchant ®
n. [a strong liking or fondness] inclination; propensity; affinity;
predilection; preference; bent; disposition
pendulous
adj. [hanging freely or loosely] suspended; swinging; swaying;
dangling
penitent
adj. [truly sorry for the wrongs committed and willing to make
amends for them] repentant; contrite; remorseful; regretful
aversion; dislike
impenitent; unremorseful;
unrepentant
Analogy: penitent : obdurate :: skeptic : credulous
penury ®
n. [a state of extreme poverty or lack of resources] poverty;
destitution; indigence
affluence; lavishness;
largesse
Analogy: penury : wealthy :: incognizance : knowledgeable
perdition
1.
2.
n. [complete loss] ruin; destruction
n. [hell] inferno
1.
salvation
perennial ®
adj. [lasting an indefinitely long time; active throughout the whole
year] enduring; sustained; recurrent
minute
perfidious ®
adj. [tending to be unfaithful and deceitful] treacherous; punic;
faithless; insidious
faithful; trustworthy
Analogy: perfidious : loyalty :: exorbitant : moderation
perforate
v. [to make a hole or holes by punching or boring, as for ease of
separation] pierce; penetrate
Analogy: perforate : hole :: pleat : fold
perfunctory ®
adj. [done as formality, without care, interest or attention to
detail] cursory; casual; superficial; careless
thorough
peripheral
1.
1.
2.
adj. [on or near an edge or constituting an outer area] outer;
external; circumferential; marginal; fringe
adj. [only slight connected with what is essential or
important] incidental
central
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [allowing (especially liquids) to pass through] pervious;
penetrable; perforable; porous
waterproof; hermetic
Word
permeable ®
Analogy:
opacity : light :: impermeability : fluid
permeable : penetrate :: malleable : knead
perspicacious
adj. [having keen judgement or understanding] perceptive;
shrewd; sagacious; sapient
undiscerning
Analogy: perspicacious : dupe :: rectitude : corruption
pervasive ®
adj. [spread or tending to spread throughout] permeating;
pervading
pessimistic
adj. [viewing life negatively and expecting the worst to happen]
hopeless; cynical
pestilence
1.
2.
pestle
optimistic; sanguine
n. [any disease of epidemic proportions with high death
rate] plague
n. [anything regarded as being dangerous or having an evil
influence]
n. [a tool, usually club-shaped, used to grind or pound
substances in a hard bowl or mortar] grinder; pulverizer;
pounder; muller
Analogy:
pestle : mash :: awl : pierce
pestle : mortar :: hammer : anvil
pestle : grinding :: scissor : cutting
pharisaical
adj. [excessively or hypocritically pious] pharisaic;
sanctimonious; self-righteous
philanthropist
n. [a person, usually a wealthy one, who makes charitable
donations intended to increase human well-being] altruist;
benefactor; humanitarian
Analogy: philanthropist : endow :: prevaricator : mislead
philistine
n. [a person who is guided by material gain and is not interested
in intellectual pursuits or in artistic values]
aesthete
phlegmatic ®
adj. [showing little emotion; hard to rouse to action] apathetic;
impassive; stolid; stoic
spirited; vivacious;
sprightly; lively; effusive
Analogy:
phlegmatic : stolid :: peripatetic : itinerant
phlegmatic : arouse :: indefatigable : tire
piety ®
n. [devotion to the service of God] piousness; reverence;
devoutness; religiousness
impiety
pillory
1.
2.
1.
v. [subject or expose to harsh criticism or ridicule] crucify
v. [to punish by placing in a wooden frame with holes for
neck and hands]
exalt; venerate
Analogy: punish : pillory :: admonish : denounce
pinion
v. [to bind the arms of] confine; restrain; shackle; fetter. Also
N.
pivotal
adj. [of so great importance that others depend on it] crucial;
critical; central; fundamental; focal; polar
placate ®
v. [to stop from being angry, esp. by concessions] appease;
pacify; mollify; assuage; conciliate
Analogy:
irascible : placate :: insensate : conscious
implacable : propitiated :: inalienable : surrendered
peeve; antagonize; rile;
gall; foment; vex;
exasperate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
plasticity ®
adj. [capable of being shaped or molded under pressure without
breaking] flexibility; pliancy; malleability
rigidity
platitude ®
n. [a trite or obvious remark, esp. one uttered as if it were new]
cliché; commonplace; banality; bromide
Word
Analogy: platitude : banal :: equivocation : ambiguous
plebeian
adj. [one of the common people] ordinary; coarse; vulgar
patrician
plethora ®
n. [extreme excess] overabundance; superfluity; surfeit; surplus
paucity; scantiness;
dearth; scarcity
plight
1.
2.
pluck
1.
2.
3.
plumb
1.
2.
3.
n. [a dangerous, unpleasant, or difficult situation]
predicament; quandary; dilemma; impasse
v. [to promise] pledge
n. [showing courage and determination in spite of severe
odds] bravery; fortitude; guts; mettle; valor
v. [pull off or out] pick
v. [to pull out the feathers or hair from]
1.
cowardice;
cravenness
v. [to examine thoroughly in order to understand] fathom;
solve; understand
v. [to measure the depth of something] fathom
adj. [exactly vertical] erect; perpendicular
1.
examine cursorily
Analogy:
plumb : depth :: assess : value
plumb : depth :: gauge : pressure
plummet ®
v. [to drop sharply or abruptly] nosedive; plunge; fall
rise sharply
Analogy: fall : plummet :: move : dart
podiatrist
n. [a doctor who specializes in treating foot diseases or
disorders] chiropodist
podium
n. [a platform raised above its surrounding level] dais; pulpit;
rostrum
polar
1.
2.
3.
adj. [extremely cold] frozen; freezing; frigid; gelid; glacial
adj. [characterized by opposing extremes] diametrical
adj. [of great importance] pivotal
politic
1.
adj. [having practical wisdom in dealing with or managing
affairs] prudent; shrewd; sagacious; judicious; diplomatic
adj. [characterized by a skill and trickery in achieving one’s
purpose without regard to consequences for others]
expedient; smooth; suave; crafty
2.
1.
unsophisticated;
injudicious; impolitic
Analogy: politic : offend :: aloof : associate
pore
1.
2.
v. [to read, study or think over very carefully] ponder;
ruminate; concentrate; focus; scrutinize
n. [a minute opening, esp. in plant leaves or skin, one by
which matter passes through a membrane] opening; orifice
Analogy: pore : membrane :: door : room
porous ®
adj. [full of pores, through which liquids, gases or light may pass]
pervious; permeable
Analogy: porous : penetrate :: fragile : break
portent
n. [a sign of something about to happen] augury; omen
portly
adj. [fat] stout; corpulent
posterity
n. [all of a person’s descendants] progeny; descendants
nonporous; impenetrable;
impermeable
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
post-mortem
1.
2.
postulate
1.
2.
n. [an examination of a dead body to ascertain the cause of
death] autopsy
n. [any examination of discussion of an event after it has
occurred]
v. [to assume without proof to be true, especially as a basis
for argument] posit; presume; hypothesize; predicate
n. [an assumption] assumption; premise; axiom
1.
verify; prove
Analogy: postulate : presumptive :: platitude : banal
potentate
n. [a person having great power] monarch; ruler; sovereign;
dictator
subject
Analogy: potentate : power :: virtuoso : skill
pragmatic ®
adj. [guided by practical experience and observation rather than
theory] realistic; practical; hard-headed
preamble ®
n. [an introduction, esp. to a statute or constitution usually
explaining its purpose] preface; prelude
Related Words:
prologue: n. an introduction to a play, poem, etc.
prefatory: adj. serving as a preface; introductory
precarious ®
1.
2.
adj. [filled with danger] perilous; parlous; shaky; unsteady;
hazardous
adj. [uncertain; dependent on circumstances] insecure;
dubious; ambiguous; equivocal
1.
secure; stable; safe
Analogy: precarious : stable :: immutable : vary
precipitate ®
adj. [done very hastily or rashly] abrupt; headlong; impetuous.
Also v.
retard; dilatory
precipitous
1.
2.
1.
2.
precocious
adj. [developed to a point beyond that which is normal for the
age] gifted; advanced; mature
retarded
precursor ®
1.
n. [one that precedes and indicates the approach of
something or someone] forerunner; harbinger; herald;
vanguard
n. [a former occupant, in a job or position] predecessor;
antecedent; forebear; ancestor
1.
derivative
2.
successor
v. [to dress or groom oneself with elaborate care] primp;
plume; spruce; trim
v. [to congratulate oneself for an achievement] pride
v. [to clean one’s feathers, of birds] plume
1.
ruffle
2.
preen
1.
2.
3.
adj. [having very steep precipices or cliffs] abrupt; steep
adj. [done with great haste, without due thought]
precipitate; precipitant; hasty; headlong; impetuous
Analogy:
dandy : preen :: miser : hoard
raffish : preen :: ingenuous : dissemble
premonitory
adj. [serving as a warning for future misfortune] threatening;
portentous; precursory; prophetic; ominous; apocalyptic
presumptuous ®
adj. [too bold and taking too many liberties] arrogant; insolent;
brash; overconfident; overweening; audacious; uppish
Analogy: presumption : propriety :: transgression : morality
preternatural
adj. [beyond what is normal or expected from nature]
supernatural; abnormal; transcendental
gently sloping
well-planned
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
prevail
2.
v. [to be victorious; triumph over something or someone]
triumph; conquer; overcome; surmount; dominate;
predominate; preponderate
v. [to produce the desired effect] succeed
prevalent
adj. [widely existing, accepted, occurring or practiced at the
present time] prevailing; widespread; current; predominant
prevaricate ®
v. [to lie or be deliberately unclear in order to mislead]
equivocate; falsify; distort; palter
yield
unusual; absent
Analogy:
prevaricate : deceive :: filibuster : delay
prevarication : truth :: equivocation : clarity
prey
1.
2.
n. [the target of a hunt or exploitation] victim; quarry
v. [to hunt or kill other animals for food] predate; raven
pristine ®
adj. [not spoilt; spotlessly clean and unused] primitive; primary;
immaculate; unpolluted; unsullied; untarnished
cultivated; contaminated;
corrupted; tainted; squalid
Analogy:
adulterate : pristine :: dismantle : unity
pristine : decay :: stable : fluctuation
privation
n. [a state of being deprived of what is needed for existence;
extreme poverty] destitution; deprivation; penury; indigence;
want
privilege
n. [a right or advantage or benefit enjoyed only by a particular
person or group] perquisite; prerogative
probity ®
adj. [perfect integrity in one’s dealings] fidelity; uprightness;
rectitude; righteousness
unscrupulousness;
shiftiness; corruptibility;
turpitude
problematic ®
1.
1.
2.
procrastinate
adj. [uncertain; open to doubt or debate] problematical;
debatable; doubtful
adj. [hard to comprehend or solve] problematical; knotty;
baffling
v. [to postpone something needlessly and habitually] defer;
dally; delay
repletion
certain; sure
2.
expedite
Analogy:
procrastinate : alacrity :: dissipate : husbandry
dilatory : procrastinate :: malcontent : complain
prodigal ®
1.
2.
adj. [extremely wasteful] extravagant; profligate;
spendthrift; squandering. Also n.
adj. [very generous] lavish; munificent; unsparing;
unstinted
1.
2.
frugal; husbandry;
thrifty
niggardly;
parsimonious
Related Words:
wastrel: n. a person who wastes, esp. a spendthrift
Analogy:
prodigal : spend :: faultfinding : criticize
spendthrift : prodigal :: miser : parsimonious
profane
1.
2.
3.
v. [to use vulgar speech towards sacred things or put them
to improper use] desecrate; debase; defile; violate; commit
sacrilege
adj. [not connected with religion or religious matters]
secular; worldly; temporal
adj. [showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things]
impious; irreverent; irreligious; sacrilegious
Analogy: profane : inviolable :: penetrate : impermeable
1.
sanctify
2.
3.
inviolate
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
2.
1.
2.
Word
profound ®
3.
4.
adj. [of great depth] fathomless; bottomless
adj. [marked by great intellectual depth] learned; erudite;
scholarly; recondite; abstruse
adj. [deeply touched] heartfelt; intense
adj. [complete] fundamental; thoroughgoing
superficial; shallow;
flighty
progenitor
n. [an ancestor in the direct line] forefather; forebear;
primogenitor; antecedent; begetter
prohibitive ®
adj. [tending to discourage (to prevent purchase because of high
prices)] restrictive; restraining; preventing
proliferate ®
v. [to increase in numbers or to grow rapidly] multiply;
propagate; prosper; thrive
decrease in mount;
become barren
prolong
v. [to lengthen in time or space] protract; elongate; extend
truncate
prominent
1.
1.
eclipsed
2.
3.
inconspicuous
depressed; sunken
2.
3.
adj. [widely and favourably known] notable; eminent; preeminent; renowned; distinguished; leading
adj. [readily noticeable] conspicuous; striking; outstanding
adj. [sticking out] projecting; protuberant; salient;
conspicuous
descendent
Analogy: prominent : notice :: lucid : understand
promiscuous
1.
2.
adj. [having different items mixed together without sorting or
discrimination] jumbled; mixed; diverse
adj. [unrestrained in sexual behavior] wanton; licentious;
libertine; incontinent
promontory
n. [a natural elevation, esp. one that juts out into the sea]
foreland; headland
depression
promulgate
v. [to publish or make known officially] proclaim; publish;
publicize; declare
prone
1.
2.
propensity ®
n. [a natural tendency] inclination; bent; disposition; leaning;
penchant; predilection; predisposition; proclivity
aversion
propitiate ®
[to gain or regain the good will of; to make peace with] appease;
conciliate; atone for; pacify; mollify; placate; assuage;
reconcile
incense; antagonize
adj. [lying face downward] prostrate
adj. [having an inclination (to), esp. bad things] inclined;
predisposed
Analogy:
implacable : propitiate :: ineluctable : avoid
implacable : propitiated :: inalienable : surrendered
propriety ®
1.
2.
n. [correct or appropriate behaviour] decorum; decency;
correctitude; properness
n. [the quality of being suitable or proper] suitability;
aptness; fitness; accordance; consonance
prosaic
adj. [dull and unimaginative; ordinary] commonplace; mundane;
trite; pedestrian; prosy; humdrum
romantic; imaginative;
extraordinary; ingenious;
preternatural; exceptional
proscribe ®
v. [to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful] forbid; prohibit;
interdict; disallow; banish; outlaw
permit; sanction
protrude
v. [to stick out or bulge outward] extrude; project
provincial
adj. [limited in outlook; narrow – minded; unsophisticated]
insular; parochial
Analogy: provincial : cosmopolitan :: bigot : tolerant
cosmopolitan; ecumenical;
sophisticated
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
provision
1.
2.
3.
n. [a measure undertaken in advance to meet some future
need] arrangement; preparation; procurement
n. [a stock of food and other supplies gathered for future
requirements] emergency; reserve
n. [a specified condition] proviso; stipulation; prerequisite;
terms
provisional
adj. [temporary; not final] tentative; interim; passing; transient
proximity
n. [the property of being close or near in space, time, etc.]
nearness; closeness; contiguity; adjacency; vicinity
proxy
n. [a person who is authorized to act for another] agent;
delegate; deputy; substitute; surrogate; representative
prude
n. [a person who is excessively modest or proper in behaviour,
dress or speech] puritan
permanent; definitive
Analogy: prude : proper :: fanatic : devoted
prudent
1.
2.
adj. [cautious and careful in conduct; not rash]
circumspect; provident
adj. [marked by sound judgement in practical matters]
discerning; discreet; judicious
1.
careless; heedless;
temerarious
1.
bland
Analogy: foresight : prudent :: caprice : whimsical
prune
1.
2.
v. [to remove unwanted or unnecessary things] cut;
rationalize
n. [a dried plum]
Analogy: prune : plum :: raisin : grape
pry
1.
2.
v. [to search or inquire in a meddlesome way] snoop; nose;
poke
v. [to move with a lever to raise or open something] lever;
prise; lift
Analogy: pry : watch :: connive : cooperate
pseudonym
n. [a fictitious name, esp. one assumed by an author] pen name;
anonym; alias
pulsate
v. [to beat rhythmically, as the heart] throb; quiver; vibrate
pundit
n. [a person who has or professes to have great learning]
savant; intellectual
Analogy:
pundit : opinion :: augur : prediction
authoritativeness : pundit :: allegiance : partisan
pungent ®
1.
2.
adj. [having a sharp sensation of taste and smell] acrid;
tart; peppery; piquant; spicy
adj. [capable of wounding (the mind)] barbed; biting;
mordacious; nipping
punitive
adj. [serving as a punishment or penalty] penal; disciplinary;
vindictive
rewarding
puny
adj. [inferior in strength, size or importance] weak; feeble; slight;
diminutive; lilliputian
enormous
Analogy: puny : weak :: measly : contemptible
purchase
n. [a firm hold or footing] foothold; leverage; grip
purge
1.
2.
3.
n. [the act of cleansing or ridding of impurities or other
undesirable elements] cleansing; clarification; expurgation
v. [to free from a blame or a charge]
v. [to purify] cleanse; clarify
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
purse
v. [to contract into wrinkles or folds] pucker; wrinkle; rumple
quagmire
1.
2.
qualified ®
1.
2.
n. [a soft, wet ground that sinks under the foot] swamp;
marsh; mire; bog
n. [a difficult problem or situation] dilemma; quandary;
morass
adj. [meeting the proper standards or requirements]
competent; eligible, able
adj. [limited or restricted] conditional
1.
inept
2.
categorical; absolute
Analogy: qualify : general :: mitigate : severe
quibble ®
1.
2.
n. [evasion of the main point by raising petty or irrelevant
objections] cavil; equivocation; quiddity. Also v.
v. [to argue over petty things] bicker; squabble; wrangle;
niggle
Analogy:
quibbler : cavil :: encomiast : eulogize
quibble : cavil :: faultfinding : criticize
quiescent ®
adj. [being quiet or still or inactive] latent; dormant; calm
quirk
1.
2.
n. [habit or action peculiar to somebody] eccentricity;
peculiarity; idiosyncrasy; oddity; mannerism
n. [a sudden turn or twist] vagary; caprice; whim
quiver
1.
2.
ramify
v. [to divide into two or more branches] branch; fork
rampant
adj. [spreading unchecked] widespread; rife; raging;
uncontrolled
rapacious
1.
2.
3.
tumultuous; restless;
rambunctious
n. [a case for holding arrows]
v. [to shake with fast, unsteady movements] shiver; quake;
tremble; shudder
restrained; mild
adj. [taking by force] plundering; pillaging
adj. [eating up food in great quantities; excessively greedy]
voracious; ravenous; ravening; grasping; avaricious;
insatiable
adj. [living by preying on other animals] predatory;
carnivorous; vulturous
Analogy:
covetous : rapacious :: troubled : distraught
covetous : rapacity :: enthusiasm : mania
rarefied ®
1.
2.
rationale
n. [an explanation of the fundamental reasons for something]
basis; grounds; justification; motive
ravel
1.
2.
reactionary
adj. [having low density] thin; tenuous
adj. [of high moral or intellectual value] sublimated;
exalted; idealistic; lofty; refined
v. [to separate the parts of, esp. of threads; to make clear]
untwist; unweave; unravel; untangle; disentangle
v. [to complicate] entangle
n. [an extreme conservative, who opposes change or advocates
backward or retrogressive policies In politics] ultraconservative.
Also adj.
Analogy:
reactionary : innovation :: contumacious : authority
reactionary : change :: recalcitrant : authority
reactionary : change :: recluse : society
1.
knit
votary
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [refusing to obey authority or guidance] refractory;
stubborn; rebellious; mutinous; unmanageable; intractable
tractable; yielding
Word
recalcitrant ®
Analogy:
recalcitrant : obey :: incongruent : conform
recalcitrant : stubbornness :: impudence : brazenness
recalcitrant : authority :: reactionary : change
recant ®
v. [to formally withdraw or renounce a previously held belief]
abjure; forswear; resile; retract
reaffirm; acknowledge;
maintain; proclaim
Analogy: recantation : error :: confession : crime
recapitulate
v. [to repeat briefly the principal points of, as in an outline]
summarize
Analogy: recapitulation : lengthy :: pertinacity : changeable
receptive
adj. [open to ideas, suggestions or change] amenable;
perceptive; responsive
recluse ®
1.
2.
n. [one who lives in solitude] hermit; solitary
adj.[living in seclusion, apart from the society] reclusive;
withdrawn
1.
2.
social
Analogy:
recluse : gregariousness :: poseur : sincerity
recluse : crowd :: shirk : duty
recluse : crowd :: claustrophobic : enclosure
recondite ®
adj. [difficult for one of ordinary mind to understand] abstruse;
deep; esoteric; profound
patent; self-evident; easily
understood
Analogy: recondite : fathom :: tenacious : eradicate
recourse
n. [something or someone turned to for help when in trouble]
refuge; resort
rectitude
1.
2.
n. [conduct according to moral principles] uprightness;
integrity
n. [correctness of judgement] righteousness; justness;
fairness; equity
1.
2.
inequity
Analogy:
rectitude : transgress :: keen : obtuse
rectitude : corruption :: perspicacious : dupe
recumbent
adj. [lying down in a position of comfort or rest] reclining; supine
recuperate
v. [to get back, or to recover (from a financial loss or ill health)]
improve; recoup
refractory ®
adj. [resisting authority or control] stubborn; recalcitrant;
fractious; obstinate; headstrong; wilful; unyielding
obedient; responsive
Analogy: pertinacity : refractory :: inexperience : green
refrain
1.
2.
v. [to hold back; not do something] forbear; abstain; desist
n. [a phrase or verse that is repeated at intervals in a song
or poem] chorus; theme
refurbish
v. [to make brighter and fresher again] renovate; renew
refute ®
v. [to prove (a person or an argument) to be wrong, by
argument, evidence or proof] disprove; confute; controvert;
rebut
1.
act; indulge
affirm; verify; support;
uphold
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
2.
1.
Word
rehabilitate
v. [to put back in a good condition] restore
v. [to restore the rank, privilege, property or reputation
which one has lost] reinstate
destroy
Analogy:
rehabilitation : convalesce :: recidivism : relapse
rehabilitate : person :: restoration : building
rejoinder
n. [a quick reply to a question or remark] retort; riposte;
response
relapse
n. [the act of slipping or falling back into a former worse state,
esp. after improvement] reversion; recidivism; regression
Analogy:
recidivism : relapse :: rehabilitation : convalesce
recidivist : relapse :: sycophant : flatter
relegate ®
1.
2.
3.
relevant
adj. [being important to the subject under consideration]
pertinent; applicable; germane; apt; appropriate; apposite
v. [assign to a lower position] demote
v. [expel] banish; bar; exile
v. [refer to another person for decision or judgement]
transfer; submit
impertinent; immaterial
Analogy:
relevant : crucial :: perceptible : obvious
relevance : immaterial :: circuitous : directness
remission
1.
2.
3.
n. [a temporary lessening or disappearance of the
symptoms of a disease] relief; subsidence
n. [the cancellation of or release from a debt, penalty, etc.]
n. [the act of forgiving formally, as of sins or crimes] pardon;
forgiveness; absolution
remnant
n. [a usually small part, quantity, number of persons, or things
that remain] remainder; balance; remains; residue
rend
v. [to tear, split or pull apart with violence] rip; rive; sever;
sunder. N. rent
unite; mend; repair
Analogy: rend : tear :: rush : hurry
rendition
n. [a translation or interpretation of a piece of music, a role, etc.]
interpretation; translation; version
renege
v. [to go back on a promise; failure to honor an agreement]
reparable
adj. [that can be repaired or rectified] remediable; rectifiable;
mendable
repel
1.
2.
3.
v. [to drive of force back] repulse; rebuff
v. [to cause dislike or distaste in] nauseate; revolt; disgust
v. [to reject outright] dismiss; spurn; snub; rebuff
carry out faithfully
1.
2.
fall; retreat
enchant; entrance
1.
devoid
Analogy: repellent : attract :: ephemeral : endure
repercussion
1.
2.
n. [an indirect consequence of some action] reverberation
n. [a movement back or reflection from an impact] rebound;
recoil; backlash; reverberation
replete
1.
adj. [well-filled or plentifully provided] complete; filled;
abundant; brimming
adj. [having consumed enough or more than enough food or
drink] gorged; sated; satiated; surfeited
2.
replicate
v. [to reproduce or make an exact copy of] repeat; duplicate;
copy
reprimand
v. [criticize severely] rebuke; berate; censure; lambaste;
reproof; upbraid. Also N.
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
reproach ®
1.
2.
v. [to blame someone for a fault so as to make him feel
ashamed] reprove; chide; condemn
n. [shame or disgrace] ignominy
Related words:
irreproachable: adj. above reproach; without any blame
culpable and impeachable which mean deserving blame are
antonyms of irreproachable
Analogy: irreproachable : blame :: irresponsible : restraint
reprobate ®
n. [a morally unprincipled person] miscreant; wretch; pervert;
degenerate
Analogy: reprobate : misbehave :: sycophant : fawn
repudiate ®
1.
2.
3.
repugnance
n. [extreme dislike] revulsion; disgust; loathing; deep aversion
[to cast off or disown] renounce; disinherit
[to refuse to accept or pay] demur; decline
[to deny any knowledge or validity of] retract; repeal;
revoke
1.
2.
uphold; espouse
accept
love; affinity
Analogy:
odious : repugnance :: menacing : fear
repugnant : repel :: cogent : convince
reputed
adj. [know as or regarded as] supposed; alleged; putative;
presumed; purported
rescind ®
v. [to repeal or cancel (a law, order, etc.)] revoke; repeal;
abolish; abrogate; annul; countermand
reserve
1.
2.
3.
4.
resolution ®
institute; enact; establish
n.[formality and correctness in manner] modesty
n. [the trait of being uncommunicative] reticence; loquacity
n. [keeping one’s thoughts, feelings, etc. to oneself] selfrestraint
v. [set aside for future use or emergency]
n. [determination] resolve; resoluteness; perseverance;
tenacity; fortitude. Adj. resolute
vacillation
Analogy:
resolute : dissuade :: obstreperous : control
resolute : sway :: indubitable : questioned
resolve ®
n. [determination] resolution; determination; resoluteness. also
v.
vacillation
resonant
adj. [resounding] reverberating; sonorous; booming
muffled
Analogy: resonant : sound :: full-bodied : flavor
respiration
n. [a single complete cycle of breathing and out] breathing
Related Words:
inhalation: n. the act of drawing air into the lungs
exhalation: n. the act of expelling air from the lungs; expiration
restive
1.
2.
adj. [nervous or impatient because of pressure or restraint]
fidgety; jittery; nervy; uptight
adj. [hard to control; stubborn] unruly; refractory; balky
(restive horses)
Analogy:
restive : calm :: piddling :considerable
restive : calmness :: incogitant : thoughtfulness
restive : calmness :: impetuous : patience
1.
imperturbable; calm;
contented
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
resuscitate
v. [to revive; to bring back to life someone apparently dead or
unconscious, as by artificial respiration, etc.] revive; revitalize;
reanimate
reticent ®
adj. [not inclined to speak or communicate] reserved;
restrained; taciturn
loquacious; vociferous;
voluble; effusive; talkative
Analogy: reticent : talk :: abstemious : gorge
retribution
1.
2.
n. [the act of taking revenge] vengeance; retaliation;
requital; reprisal
n. [punishment for evil done or reward for good done]
compensation
retroactive
adj. [taking effect on a past date (a law, imposition of a tax, etc.)]
retrograde
1.
2.
v. [to go, or appear to go, backward] regress; retrogress;
recede; retreat. Also adj.
v. [to become worse] degenerate; deteriorate. Also adj.
retrospective
adj. [looking back on the past or past events] reflective; pensive
reverend
1.
2.
1.
progress
prospective; anticipatory
adj. [worthy of respect] venerated; honored; revered;
sublime
n. [a priest in the Christian Church] priest; clergyman;
minister
reverent ®
adj. [showing great respect or devotion] venerating; worshipful;
deferential; adoring; pious; solemn
rickety
adj. [being shaky because of weakness or defect] shaky; fragile;
wobbly; unsteady
irreverent
Analogy: furniture : rickety :: cloth : ragged
rout
1.
2.
n. [a disorderly crowd of people] mob; rabble; commotion
n. [a crushing defeat]
rue
v. [to feel remorse or repentance for (a sin, fault, etc.)] lament;
bemoan
satisfaction
Analogy: remorse : rue :: longing : pine
rustle
1.
2.
v. [to make a dry crackling sound] crackle
v. [to steal cattle (or horses or livestock) from a farm]
Analogy: rustle : cattle :: plagiarize : ideas
ruthless
adj. [without pity or mercy] pitiless; merciless; remorseless; cruel
sacrosanct
adj. [very sacred or holy] hallowed; inviolable
sage ®
n. [a very wise person respected for his wisdom, experience and
judgement] philosopher
sallow
adj. [having a sickly, pale yellow coloring about the skin;
unhealthy looking] pallid; wan
ruddy
salubrious ®
adj. [favourable to or promoting health] healthy; wholesome;
sanitary; beneficial
Analogy: salubrious : health :: instructive : comprehension
deleterious; virulent;
noxious; unwholesome;
noisome; baneful; morbid;
miasmic
1.
1.
salvage
2.
v. [to save from ruin or destruction] salve; rescue; redeem;
relieve
v. [to collect discarded material or waste] scavenge
merciful; compassionate
abandon
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
sanction ®
2.
v. [approve; authorize] ratify; confirm; countenance;
endorse. Also n.
n. [a mechanism for enforcing social obedience either by
penalties or rewards] command; writ; embargo; injunction;
penalty
proscribe; dismiss
Analogy: sanction : approve :: indict : accuse
sanguine
1.
2.
adj. [having a reddish complexion; healthy looking] ruddy;
rubicund
adj. [cheerful and confident] optimistic; hopeful;
enthusiastic
sartor
n. [a person whose occupation is making and altering garments]
tailor; seamster
satiate ®
v. [having had enough or more than enough] sate; surfeit;
binge; cloy; gorge; glut; gourmandize. N. satiety
saturate ®
v. [to fill completely] infuse; impregnate; soak; drench; steep
savor ®
1.
2.
1.
2.
pessimistic; morose;
despondent
devoid
v. [take pleasure in a taste or odor] relish; enjoy
v. [to have a distinctive taste or smell or quality]
Analogy: savory : taste :: mellifluous : sound
scale
1.
2.
3.
n. [an instrument for measuring weight] balance
n. [a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific
scheme (music)] range
v. [to climb] ascend; mount; surmount
Analogy:
scale : weight :: yardstick : length
color : spectrum :: tone : scale
scanty
adj. [insufficient; not enough] meagre; scarce; scant; sparse;
inadequate
plentiful; ample; profuse;
myriad; plethora;
abundant; considerable
Analogy:
scanty : meager :: unpleasureable : repugnant
score
n. [a written or printed copy of a musical composition showing
the music for all parts and instruments at once]
Analogy:
conductor : score :: director : script
notes : score :: symbols : rebus
score : music :: script : drama
scuttle
1.
2.
v. [to cause a ship to sink by opening or making holes in its
hull] submerge; destroy
v. [to move about in a hurried manner] scurry; scamper;
scramble
seamy
adj. [unpleasant; morally degraded] sordid; squalid; seedy;
sleazy; disagreeable
seasoned
1.
2.
secession
n. [to separate formally from an alliance or federation]
withdrawal
secrete ®
1.
2.
adj. [experienced] veteran; mature; established
adj. [spicy] flavored
v. [to hide away or cache] conceal; cache; seclude
v. [to form and release bodily fluids] perspire; discharge;
swelter; ooze; exude
absorb; divulge
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
flighty
2.
roil
1.
include
1.
2.
superior
Word
sedate
2.
adj. [calm, quiet or composed, esp., serious and
unemotional] staid; decorous; serene
v. [cause to be calm or quite as by administering sedatives]
tranquilize
Analogy: sedate : pacify :: disinfect : sterilize
sentinel
n. [a person employed to watch over a passageway or building
to prevent unauthorized entries or departures] sentry; lookout;
watchman
Analogy: sentinel : watchful :: epicure : discriminating
sequester
1.
2.
3.
v. [to set apart from others] isolate; separate
v. [to take over by authority, often temporarily] seize;
confiscate; appropriate; expropriate; attach; impound
v. [to keep away from others] seclude; withdraw
Analogy: sequester : seclusion :: endanger : jeopardy
serrated
adj. [having notched edges like the teeth of a saw] jagged; sawtoothed
shard ®
n. [a broken piece, esp. of pottery] fragment
Analogy:
shard : pottery : morsel : food
shard : pottery :: fragment : bone
shaving
n. [a thin slice that has been shaved from something, esp. of
wood or metal] sliver; paring
sheaf
n. [a collection of several things tied together for carrying or
storing, as of papers] bundle; package; collection
shirk
v. [to avoid or neglect one’s assigned duties] evade; elude;
malinger. Also n.
Analogy:
duty : shirk :: question : parry
shirk : malinger :: hoard : miser
shoddy
1.
2.
adj. [fake] counterfeit; sham; phony
adj. [made of any cheap, inferior material] tawdry; flimsy;
sleazy
sibylline
adj. [phophetic; predicting the future] oracular
sidereal
adj. [of or relating to the stars] astral; stellar
Analogy:
sidereal : stars :: arboreal : trees
star : sidereal :: emotion : affective
skeptic ®
n. [one who habitually doubts generally accepted beliefs]
doubter
Related Words:
cynic: n. one who doubts the motives of others
atheist: n. one who doubts and denies the existence of God
heathen, pagan: n. a person who doubts your God and doesn’t
follow your religion (anyone who is not a Jew,
Christian or Muslim is regarded so by some
people of these religions)
infidel: n. a person who does not believe in a your God, e.g.
among Muslims, a non – Muslim
Analogy: skeptic : credulous :: penitent : obdurate
votary
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
slake
v. [satisfy (thirst, desire, etc.)] quench
Analogy: slake : thirst :: gratify : desire
slew
n. [a large number or amount] heap; mass; plenty; scad; spate;
stack
paucity
sloth
1.
1.
2.
n. [a disinclination to work or exert oneself] laziness;
lethargy; indolence; torpidity
n. [a slow moving tree dwelling mammal of South and
Central America]
industry
Analogy: slothful : assiduity :: rakish : restraint
slovenly
adj. [careless in appearance, habits, work, etc.] slipshod;
frowzy
methodical; tidy; natty;
dapper
Analogy: slovenly : dapper :: indulgent : abstain
slur
1.
2.
smirk
v. [to speak in an insulting manner] disparage; belittle;
discredit; slander; asperse
v. [to speak indistinctly] blur; mumble; garble
v. [to smile in a conceited, knowing or self-satisfied manner]
grin; leer; simper
Analogy: smirk : smugness :: sneer : derision
smug
adj. [excessively complacent or self-satisfied with one’s
achievements, morality, etc.] complacent; conceited;
vainglorious; self-righteous
modest; retiring; reserved
Analogy: gloat : smug :: primp : vain
snicker
n. [a disrespectful, half stifled laugh] giggle; snigger
snivel
1.
2.
solicitous ®
adj. [full of anxiety, concern and attention] concerned; tender;
devoted
unconcerned; inattentive
sophisticated
1.
1.
2.
v. [to have mucus running from the nose] snuffle
v. [to complain in a tearful manner] whine; whimper; gripe
adj. [having or appealing to those having worldly knowledge
and refinement] refined
adj. [highly complex, refined or developed] advanced;
complicated; involved
2.
naïve; callow;
provincial; bucolic
loutish
Analogy: ingénue : sophistication :: cynic :: trustfulness
sophomoric
adj. [overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and
immature] immature; inexperienced; reckless
mature
soporific ®
adj. [causing sleep or marked by sleepiness] somnolent;
somniferous; drowsy; hypnotic
stimulant; provocative;
exhilarating; invigorating
Analogy: soporific : sleep :: vaccinating : immunity
spangle
n. [a small piece of shiny metal used to decorate clothing]
sequin
spasmodic
adj. [occurring in spells and often in an abrupt manner] fitful;
intermittent; irregular
spat
n. [a brief, petty quarrel or dispute] squabble; quarrel;
altercation; bickering
specious ®
adj. [seeming to be sound, logical, etc. without actually being so]
plausible; beguiling; deceptive; ostensible
Analogy: specious : authenticity :: incredulous : believability
spectre
n. [a ghost] apparition; phantom
valid; veritable
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
spectrum ®
1.
2.
n. [a coloured band formed when a beam of white light is
dispersed (as by passage through a prism)]
n. [a broad range of connected ideas or events] range;
gamut
Analogy: color : spectrum :: tone : scale
sporadic ®
adj. [happening from time to time in an occasional unpredictable
manner] infrequent; occasional
frequent; regular; chronic;
continual
spurious
1.
1.
genuine; authentic
1.
2.
legato
2.
adj. [not true or genuine; false] counterfeit; deceptive;
apocryphal; artificial; bogus
adj. [plausible but false, as an argument] specious
squalor
n. [dirtiness] squalidness; sordidness; filthiness; wretchedness
squat
adj. [short and thick] stocky
staccato
1.
2.
adj. [made up of abrupt, distinct elements or sounds]
adj. [having distinct breaks between successive tones (in
music)]
staunch
1.
2.
adj. [firm and dependable] loyal; steadfast; unswerving
v. [to stop the flow of a liquid, as of blood from a wound]
stanch; stem; halt
stentorian
adj. [very loud, of voice] blaring; booming; sonorous;
resounding
faint
Analogy:
audible : stentorian :: discernible : obvious
audible : stentorian :: comprehensible : lucid
stereotype
n. [a conventional and oversimplified concept or image, often
reflecting prejudice] convention; notion
original
stifle
1.
2.
1.
elicit; foster; foment
stigma ®
n. [a mark of shame or disgrace] reproach; brand; stain
stint ®
1.
1.
lavish; squander
2.
stipple
v. [to hold back or restrain] suppress; repress; inhibit
v. [to kill by cutting of air supply] suffocate; smother; choke;
asphyxiate
v. [to be thrifty by setting limits on quantity] skimp; scrimp;
economize
n. [an assigned task or quantity of work] assignment;
consignment; task
v. [to paint or draw in small points or dots] dapple; speckle
Analogy: stipple : dot :: striate : band
stipulate ®
v. [to state or put forward as a necessary condition in an
agreement] condition; qualify; specify
stodgy
adj. [dull and uninteresting and conventional] stuffy; boring;
tedious
Analogy: stodgy : conservative :: mawkish : sentimental
stolid ®
adj. [having or showing little or no emotion] impassive;
unexcitable; apathetic; phlegmatic
Analogy: phlegmatic : stolid :: peripatetic : itinerant
stratified
adj. [arranged in a sequence of grades or layers or strata]
layered; graded
exciting
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
striated ®
adj. [marked with thin, parallel lines or narrow grooves] striped;
grooved; banded
Analogy:
striated : groove :: dappled : spot
striated : grooved :: stranded : braided
strut ®
1.
2.
n. [pompous walk] prance; swagger. Also v.
n. [a supporting bar designed to resist pressure in the
direction of its length] beam
Analogy:
strut : walk :: pontificate : speak
strut : wing :: buttress : wall
stultify
1.
2.
subordinate
1.
2.
3.
4.
subpoena ®
v. [to make someone appear foolish, stupid, etc] mock;
ridicule
v. [to make useless or worthless] stifle; cripple; stagnate
1.
enlighten
2.
stir; excite; animate
n. [someone subject to the authority or control of another]
subaltern; assistant; aide; underling
adj. [inferior to or place below another in rank, power,
importance, etc] secondary; inferior; subaltern
adj. [submissive to the authority of another] subservient
v. [to make obedient] control; subdue
1.
2.
principal; superior;
excellent
n. [a written legal order issued by court authority directing a
person to appear in court as a witness] summons; warrant
Analogy: subpoena : command :: lien : claim
subsequent
adj. [coming after in time, place or order] succeeding;
consequent; ensuing; following
antecedent
subside ®
v. [to become less active, intense, etc.; to sink to a lower level]
abate; recede; dwindle; sink; wane
promote
substantiate ®
v. [to show to be true by giving evidence] verify; affirm; confirm;
support; corroborate
controvert; disapprove
substantive
1.
2.
adj. [being the essence of something] essential;
substantial
adj. [existing independently] real; tangible
subsume
v. [to include something with a larger class, group, etc.] include;
comprise; encompass
subterfuge
n. [any plan, action, or trick used to hide one’s true objective or
motives] artifice; deception; device; chicanery; fraud; trickery
forthrightness
Analogy:
candor : subterfuge :: brash : deliberate
subterfuge : deceive :: decanter : pour
succinct
adj. [clearly and briefly stated] pithy; terse; concise
prolix; verbose; diffuse
Analogy: loquacious : succinct :: adroit : ungainly
succour
v. [to help someone in the time of their need or distress] help;
aid; assist; succor; comfort
suffuse
v. [to spread over or throughout in the manner of a fluid or light]
Analogy: tint : suffuse :: damp : quench
superfluous
adj. [being more than is needed or useful] supererogatory;
supernumerary; surplus; redundant; extra
Analogy:
redundant : superfluity :: pertinent : relevance
terseness : superfluous :: parsimonious : expenditure
integral
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
supersede ®
v. [take the place of; make useless or obsolete] outmode;
replace; succeed; supplant
supplicant
adj. [requesting humbly and earnestly] imploring; beseeching;
suppliant. Also N. v. supplicate
Analogy: supplicant : beseeching :: coquette : flirtatious
supposition ®
n. [a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete
evidence] conjecture; surmise; hypothesis; guess
swathe
v. [to wrap around] bandage; envelop; enclose
swill
v. [to drink greedily or in large quantity, esp. alcoholic drinks]
guzzle; gulp; quaff
sip
Analogy: swill : sip :: gobble : nibble
sybarite
n. [a person who is attached to luxury and pleasures of the
senses] voluptuary; sensualist; epicurean; hedonist
ascetic
synthesis
n. [the combination of parts, elements, ideas into a complex
whole] combination; integration
analysis
synthetic
1.
2.
tacit ®
adj. [not expressed directly, but understood] implied; implicit;
unspoken
adj. [not real or genuine] counterfeit; artificial
adj. [man-made] manufactured
expressly stated; explicit
Analogy: tacit : infer :: encode : decode
tactful
adj. [showing a sense of what is right and showing skill in
dealing with others] urbane; suave; politic; diplomatic
gauche; uncivil; tactless
tangential ®
adj. [only slightly connected; not central] digressing; digressive;
diverging; divergent; irrelevant; peripheral
relevant; central
tantalize
v. [to tease or harass by promising something desirable and
then withholding it] torment; taunt; entice; bait
satiate; assuage; alleviate
tenuous ®
1.
1.
2.
adj. [having little substance] gossamer; slight;
insubstantial
adj. [thin] slender; slim
1.
2.
adj. [moderately warm] lukewarm
adj. [lacking enthusiasm] half-hearted
1.
2.
1.
n. [part that forms the end] terminus; extremity; limit. Also
adj.
n. [either one end of the transport route, as for a airplane,
bus or train] terminus
adj. [causing or ending in or approaching death] mortal;
incurable
tepid
terminal
2.
3.
Analogy: terminal : trip :: epilogue : story
tickle
1.
2.
v. [to stimulate by a light touch] titillate; caress
v. [to excite mentally or emotionally] stimulate; delight;
amuse
tightwad
n. [a stingy or miserly person] miser; niggard; scrimp; skinflint;
cheapskate
tirade ®
n. [long and forceful speech of denunciation] harangue;
diatribe; invective; declamation
Analogy: tirade : anger :: burlesque : mockery
substantial
ardent; ebullient;
perfervid; vehement
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
Word
tithe
n. [tenth part of one’s income paid as a tax for the support of
religious institutions]
Related Words:
tribute: n. a payment by one ruler or nation to another in
acknowledgement of submission or as the price of
protection
torpor ®
1.
2.
n. [a state of mental or motor inactivity with partial loss of
sensation] sluggishness; stupor; lassitude; lethargy;
torpidity
n. [dullness or indifference] apathy; laziness
torque
n. [a twisting force causing rotation] torsion
tortuous ®
1.
2.
adj. [not straightforward] devious; deceitful; tricky
adj. [marked by repeated turns and bends] winding;
sinuous; serpentine; twisting
tout
1.
2.
v. [to praise or recommend highly] puff; advertise; promote
n. [a person who harasses others to buy something or to
use his service]
tract
1.
2.
n. [an extended area of land] expanse; parcel; plot; region
n. [pamphlet promoting an opinion or an issue, esp. one on
a religious or political subject] pamphlet; brochure
tractable ®
adj. [easily managed, controlled, taught or molded] docile;
compliant; obedient; amenable; responsive
1.
2.
zeal; animation;
ebullience; ardor;
vivacity
alertness
1.
direct
intractable; obstinate;
intransigent; pertinacious
recalcitrant; froward
Analogy:
tractable : control :: testy : annoy
tractable : lead :: subtle : overlook
tranquil
1.
2.
adj. [calm; free from emotional disturbance or agitation]
serene; placid; composed; unruffled; peaceful. N.
tranquillity
adj. [quiet or motionless, as of nature, weather, etc.] steady;
calm; serene; temperate
1.
agitated; hysterical;
perturbed
Related Words:
quietude: n. state of being quiet; calmness
transcribe
1.
2.
transgression ®
v. [to make a written or typewritten copy (of a speech or
shorthand notes)] copy; reprint
v. [to rewrite in a different script] transliterate
n. [violation of a law or a duty or moral principle] trespass;
infraction; misbehaviour
Analogy:
transgression : morality :: presumption : propriety
transgress : rule :: trespass : boundary
transition
n. [the act of passing from one stage, form, or place to another]
passage; passing; transformation; flux
transport
n. [a strong emotion, esp. of joy or delight] rapture; ecstasy;
bliss
trenchant
1.
2.
3.
tribulation
n. [great distress or suffering] affliction; ordeal; trial
trough
1.
2.
adj. [having a sharp cutting edge] incisive; cutting
adj. [having a sharp intellect] incisive; keen; penetrating
adj. [full of force and vigor] effective
n. [a long, narrow, open container for feeding farm animals]
manger
n. [a lowest point, as in a wave or economic cycle] dip;
nadir
stability; constancy;
durability
1.
2.
obtuse
dull
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
n. [aggressiveness] belligerence; pugnacity; ferocity
docility; gentleness
Word
truculence ®
Analogy: truculent : gentleness :: unregenerate : remorse
tryst
n. [an appointment to meet at a specified time and location, esp.
a secret one and between lovers] meeting; rendezvous
tumult
1.
2.
3.
n. [noisy commotion, as of a crowd] uproar; hubbub
n. [confusion] disturbance; turbulence
n. [great mental disturbance] agitation; turmoil
1.
2.
3.
quietude; quiescence
tranquillity
repose; serenity
Related Words:
pandemonium: n. a state of extreme confusion or disorder;
bedlam
Analogy: tumultuous : bedlam :: active : hive
turncoat
n. [a person who switches over to the opposite side or party]
traitor; renegade; apostate; defector
Analogy:
turncoat : constancy :: bigot : tolerance
turncoat : consistency :: simpleton : sagacity
turpitude
n. [a corrupt or degenerate act or practice] depravity; baseness;
vileness
tutelary
adj. [providing protective supervision] protective; guardian;
custodial
ultimate
1.
2.
adj. [being the last element of a series or process] final;
conclusive; terminal
adj.[beyond which further analysis or division is not
possible] fundamental; primary; elemental
probity
1.
incipient
umbrage
n. [a feeling of resentment or anger at being slighted or
offended] offense; displeasure; pique
unbridled
adj. [not restrained or controlled] unrestrained; unchecked;
ungoverned; wild
restrained
unexceptionable
1.
2.
1.
2.
adj. [being without flaw or fault] irreproachable
adj. [completely acceptable, not open to exception or
criticism] unimpeachable
unilateral
adj. [occurring on or involving one side only] one-sided;
unipartite
unobtrusive
adj. [not conspicuous or undesirably noticeable] inconspicuous;
discreet
unprepossessing
adj. [unattractive] unappealing; unimpressive
unrequited
adj. [not reciprocated or returned in kind] unreciprocated;
unanswered; unrecompensed
utopia
n. [an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal]
paradise; wonderland
vacillate ®
1.
2.
v. [to be undecided about something] hesitate; dither; falter
v. [to move or sway to and fro] totter; stagger; waver
Analogy:
persistence : vacillate :: inertia : react
vacillate : uncertainty :: apologize : contrite
vassal
n. [a tenant-farmer, one who gave total allegiance to a feudal
lord in return for protection and the right to cultivate land] serf;
subordinate; servant
exceptionable
reciprocal; bilateral;
multilateral
1.
2.
resolve
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
apathetic; languid
2.
calm; lull; tepid
Word
vehement
2.
venerate ®
adj. [characterized by intense feeling or strong passion]
fervent; fervid; impassioned; passionate; fierce; violent
adj. [characterized by great force or energy] violent;
impetuous
v. [to regard with feelings of deep respect] revere; reverence;
adore
pillory; derision; contempt;
disdain; despise; scorn
Analogy:
insolently : veneration :: perfunctorily : inspiration
venerable : reverence :: despicable : scorn
venial
adj. [that may be forgiven, excused or overlooked] excusable;
exculpable; forgivable; pardonable; trivial
unforgivable; serious
Analogy: venial : excuse :: pellucid : understand
vent
1.
2.
ventral
n. [a small hole or opening for the escape of gas or air]
ventilator; vent hole
v. [to give expression or utterance to (strong feelings or
opinions)] ventilate
adj. [of, on, near, or toward the belly (the front of humans and
apes and the lower surface of other animals)] abdominal
dorsal
Related Words:
dorsal : adj. of, on, or near the back
veracious ®
1.
2.
adj. [habitually speaking the truth] honest; frank;
trustworthy; veridical
adj. [accurate] true; valid; genuine
1.
mendacious
2.
fallacious
verbose ®
adj. [using of containing too many words] wordy; prolix; longwinded; tedious; redundant; tautological
compendious; laconic;
sententious; succinct;
terse; concise; precise;
taciturn
verity
n. [the quality of being true or in conformity to fact] truth;
verisimilitude; actuality
falsehood
versatile
1.
2.
adj. [having many skills (of persons)] many-sided;
multifaceted; adaptable; dexterous; varied; adroit;
ingenious; accomplished
adj. [having many uses or functions]
verve
1.
2.
n. [bubbling enthusiasm] spirit; liveliness
n. [characterized by high energy] vigor
vestige
n. [a mark or sign that something has once existed but has since
disappeared] trace; remains
viable ®
1.
2.
adj. [having a reasonable chance of succeeding; practical]
feasible; workable; practicable
adj. [capable of maintaining life] e.g. viable seeds.
1.
lassitude; listlessness
1.
2.
moribund
lethargy; languor;
sluggishness
weakness; effeminacy
Analogy: viable : live :: elastic : expand
vigor
virago
1.
n. [active bodily or mental strength] vitality
1.
2.
n. [energy, force, or intensity] vim; power; virility
2.
1.
n. [a noisy or quarrelsome woman] shrew; termagant;
vixen
n. [a large, strong, and aggressive woman] amazon
2.
Related Words:
crone: n. an ugly evil-looking old woman; hag
virtuoso
n. [a person displaying great technical skill in some fine art, esp.
music] maven; adept; genius; wizard
Analogy: virtuoso : skill :: potentate : power
beginner
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
adj. [morally excellent] upright; chaste; righteous
nefarious; base
Word
virtuous
Analogy: depravity : virtuous :: doldrums : energetic
viscous ®
adj. [thick and sticky, like a glue] viscid; gluey; glutinous;
sticky; adhesive
vitreous
adj. [of or like glass] glassy; translucent
vituperative ®
adj. [marked by severe and abusive criticism] scathing; insulting;
censorious; scurrilous; opprobrious
complimentary; adulatory
volatile ®
1.
1.
stable
2.
3.
constant
imperturbable
2.
3.
adj. [characterized by rapid or unexpected changes]
unstable; unpredictable; explosive
adj. [evaporating easily] vaporific
adj. [fickle; tending to vary often and widely] capricious;
whimsical; frivolous
Analogy: volatile : constant :: craven : heroic
volley
1.
2.
wag
1.
2.
n. [rapid simultaneous discharge of a number of firearms or
other weapons] fusillade; salvo; burst
n. [a burst of words] broadside; barrage
n. [a comical or humorous person] joker; comedian; comic;
jester; wit
v. [to move from side to side, as fingers or tails] waggle
Analogy: wag : humorous :: dolt : stupid
warranted ®
adj. [justified] authorized; certified; secured; guaranteed
gratuitous; unwarranted
wary ®
adj. [marked by keen caution and discretion] circumspect;
chary; leery; cautious; careful; suspicious
remiss; unwary
Analogy:
wary : duped :: vigilant : waylaid
wary: gulled :: exacting : satisfied
welt
n. [a raised mark on the skin as by the blow or lash of a whip]
blister; weal
welter ®
1.
2.
3.
4.
whet
whimsical ®
1.
2.
n. [a confusion] turmoil; chaos; muddle; commotion;
uproar
v. [to roll about, as a pig in mud] wallow
v. [to be completely involved] e.g. to welter in work
v. [to be soaked in, e.g. to welter in blood]
1.
orderliness
v. [to make keen or more acute] stimulate
v. [to sharpen by rubbing or grinding (the edge of a knife or
tool)] hone
1.
2.
blunt
adj. [given to odd and fanciful ideas] capricious; impulsive;
arbitrary; fanciful
Analogy:
caprice : whimsical :: insight : discerning
caprice : whimsical :: effulgence : resplendent
whimsical : behavior :: mercurial : mood
windfall
n. [a sudden unexpected piece of good fortune] boon
winnow
1.
2.
v. [to blow the chaff from the grain by a forced current of air]
sift; sieve
v. [to separate the good from the bad] extract
witticism
n. [a clever or humorous remark] quirk; quibble; jest
wont
n. [an usual practice] habit; manner; custom
wrench
v. [to twist or pull suddenly and violently] wring; wrest; sprain;
strain
Meaning(s), Synonyms, Related Words, Analogy
Antonym(s)
1.
1.
Word
yield
2.
3.
v. [to surrender to the physical control of another] give up;
capitulate; succumb; relent; defer; resign; abdicate;
relinquish; cede
v. [to produce, esp. as a result of cultivation or as a return
on investment] return; furnish; generate; accrue. Also N.
v. [to give or concede, to another’s view or position] grant;
accede; comply; assent
Analogy:
intransigent : yield :: ephemeral : abide
yield : resist :: default : pay
adamant : yield :: cautious : gamble
zany
adj. [like a clown; comical in manner] clownish; crazy;
ludicrous; wacky
zealot ®
n. [a person who is excessively and even militantly devoted to a
cause] fanatic; partisan; bigot
Analogy:
fervor : zealot :: improvidence : spendthrift
devoted : zealous :: careful : fastidious
stand; withstand;
resist
2.
3.
prevail