antics
(n. pl.) ridiculous and
unpredictable behavior
or actions
synonyms: pranks, shenanigans
The antics of the
chimpanzees amused the
crowds at the zoo.
avowed
(adj.) declared openly
and without shame,
acknowledged
synonyms - admitted, sworn
antonyms - unacknowledged, undisclosed
The governor was an avowed supporter of
the plan to aid public libraries throughout
the state.
banter
(v.) to exchange playful remarks,
tease (n.) talk that is playful and
teasing
synonyms - joking, raillery
antonym - serious talk
There is nothing my friends and I enjoy more
than to banter good-naturedly for hours.
Casual banter helps to pass the time during
a long journey.
bountiful
(adj.) giving freely, generous;
plentiful, abundantly
synonyms - liberal, abundant, copious
antonyms - scarce, scanty, in short supply
On Thanksgiving Day,
people all over America
celebrate the bountiful gifts
of nature.
congested
(adj.) overcrowded, filled or
occupied to excess
synonyms - jammed, packed, choked
antonyms - uncluttered, unimpeded
The doctor grew very concerned with the
patient's lungs became congested with fluid.
detriment
(n.) harm or loss; injury, damage; a disadvantage; a cause
of harm, injury, loss, or damage
synonyms - hindrance, liability
antonyms - advantage, help, plus
The home team survived a six-game
losing streak with almost no detriment
to its standing in the league.
durable
(adj.) durable, not easily worn
out or destroyed; lasting for a
long time
(n.) consumer goods used
repeatedly over a series of
years
synonyms - long-lasting, enduring
antonyms - fragile, perishable, fleeting
Denim is a very durable kind of fabric.
Most people own household durables such as
furniture and appliances.
enterprising
(adj.) energetic, willing and able to start
something new; showing boldness and
imagination
synonyms - vigorous, ambitious, aggressive, audacious
antonyms - lazy, indolent, timid, diffident
An enterprising young person may turn a
hobby into a way of earning money for college.
frugal
(adj.) economical, avoiding waste and luxury; scanty,
poor, meager
synonyms - thrifty, skimpy
antonyms - wasteful, improvident, lavish,
extravagant
At home, we usually prepare frugal but nourishing
and delicious meals.
gingerly
(adj., adv.) with extreme care or caution
synonyms - cautiously, warily, circumspectly
antonyms - firmly, confidently, aggressively
Pedestrians made their way gingerly along the slippery, snow-covered streets.
Difficult and demanding customers should be handled in a gingerly and courteous
manner.
glut
(v.) to provide more than is
needed or wanted; to feed or fill
to the point of overstuffing; (n.) an
oversupply
synonyms - (v.) flood, inundate; (n.) surplus, plethora
antonyms - (n.) shortage, scarcity, dearth, paucity
Hollywood studios glut theatres with big-budget actions movies during
the summer season.
When there is a glut of gasoline on the market, prices at the pump
may drop dramatically.
incognito
(adj., adv.) in a disguised state, under an assumed name
or identity; (n.) the state of being disguised; a person in
disguise
antonym - undisguised
Just before the battle of Agincourt,Shakespeare's King Henry V prowls
through the camp incognito.
In a way, makeup artists are practitioners of the fine
art of incognito.
invalidate
(v.) to make valueless, take
away all force or effect
synonyms - cancel, annul, disapprove, discredit
antonyms - support, confirm, back up, legalize
Lawyers will try to invalidate the contract.
legendary
(adj.) described in well-known stories; existing in
old stories (legends) rather than in real life
synonyms - mythical, fabulous, famous, celebrated
Alex was one of the legendary Greek heroes who fought before
the walls of Troy.
maim
(v.) to cripple, disable, injure, mar, disfigure, mutilate
Each year, falls maim thousands of people,
some of them for life.
minimize
(v.) to make as small as possible, make the least
of; to make smaller than before
synonyms - belittle, downplay, underrate
antonyms - magnify, enlarge, exaggerate
Whenever you are in a car, you should
wear your seatbelt to minimize the
risk of injury in an accident.
oblique
(adj.) slanting or slopping; not straight forward or direct
synonyms - diagonal, indirect
antonyms - direct, straight to the point
The boxer's oblique blow left his opponent unscathed.
veer
(v.) to change direction or course suddenly; to turn
aside, shift, swerve
The huge storm finally veered out to sea, leaving much
destruction in its wake.
venerate
(v.) to regard with reverence, look up
to with great respect
synonyms - worship, revere, idolize
antonyms - despise, detest, ridicule, deride
In a number of religions, it is customary for people to
venerate saints and martyrs to the faith.
wanton
(adj.) reckless; heartless, unjustifiable, loose in morals;
(n.) a spoiled, pampered person; one with low morals
Angelica Rugrats
synonyms - rash, malicious, spiteful, unprovoked
antonyms - justified, morally strict, responsible
The main character in the popular miniseries was
a charming but heartless wanton.