Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word list - A abacus an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves abandon to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly abase To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem abash to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of:disconcert abate to reduce in degree or intensity:MODERATE:to reduce in value or amount abbreviate to make briefer; especially :to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole abdicate to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally aberrant deviating from the usual or natural type:ATYPICAL abet to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose abeyance temporary inactivity:SUSPENSION abhor to regard with extreme repugnance abiding to remain stable or fixed in a state abject cast down in spirit abjure to renounce upon oath abnegate SURRENDER, RELINQUISH abolish To do away with; annul abolitionism principles or measures fostering abolition especially of slavery aboveboard be in a straightforward manner abrasion a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction abridge to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense:CONDENSE abrogate to abolish by authoritative action:ANNUL abscond to depart secretly and hide oneself absolve to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt abstain to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice abstemious marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol abstinent voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods:ABSTENTION abstract having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content abstruse difficult to comprehend:RECONDITE abuse to attack in words:REVILE abysmal immeasurably low or wretched accede to express approval or give consent:give in to a request or demand accelerate to move faster:gain speed accessible capable of being understood or appreciated accessory present in a minor amount and not essential as a constituent accidental occurring unexpectedly or by chance acclimate to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation accolade an expression of praise accommodate to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings) accomplice one associated with another especially in wrongdoing accost to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way accrete ACCUMULATE accumulate to gather or pile up especially little by little:AMASS accuse to charge with a fault or offense:BLAME acerbity Sourness of taste, character, or tone. achromatic designating color perceived to have zero saturation and therefore no hue, such as neutral grays, white, or black acme the highest point or stage acquiesce to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively acquisition the act of acquiring acquit to discharge completely acre A unit of area in the U.S. Customary System, used in land and sea floor measurement acrid sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor:IRRITATING acrimonious caustic , biting , or rancorous especially in feeling, language, or manner acumen mental keenness ad lib without restraint or limit , to speak, sing, or act without a script, saying whatever words come into one's mind adamant unshakable or immovable especially in opposition:UNYIELDING adapt to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification addendum textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end addict to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively addicted be addicted to adherent one that adheres:as a follower of a leader, party, or profession adhesive Tending to adhere; sticky. adjacent having a common endpoint or border also immediately preceding or following adjourn to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place adjunct something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it ad-lib with little or no preparation or forethought admission the act or process of admitting admonish to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner adore to regard with loving admiration and devotion adroit having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations adulate to flatter or admire excessively or slavishly adulterate to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element stickler adumbrate to suggest or disclose partially adversary one that contends with, opposes, or resists:ENEMY advert to turn the mind or attention advertise to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast advocate to plead in favor of aerate to supply (the blood) with oxygen by respiration aerial of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere aesthetic adj. a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty aesthetics The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and expression of beauty affable characterized by ease and friendliness affected assumed artificially or falsely:PRETENDED affection tender attachment:FONDNESS affidavit a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an authorized magistrateor officer affiliate to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch affiliation joining; associating with affinity likeness based on relationship or causal connection afflict a:to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish b:TROUBLE, INJURE affliction n. affluent having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessions agenda a list or outline of things to be considered or done aggrandize to make appear great or greater:praise highly aggravate to make worse, more serious, or more severe:intensify unpleasantly aggregate to collect or gather into a mass or whole aggressive Inclined to behave in a hostile fashion. aggrieve to give pain or trouble to:DISTRESS agonized suffered extreme pain or great anguish. agony intense pain of mind or body:ANGUISH, TORTURE airtight impermeable to air or nearly so alacrity promptness in response:cheerful readiness albino an organism exhibiting deficient pigmentation alchemy a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life alibi an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment align to bring into line or alignment allay to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity:ALLEVIATE allegiance devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause allegory the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations abouthuman existence alleviate RELIEVE, LESSEN alliterate the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables allowance a share or portion allotted or granted allude to make indirect reference; broadly:REFER aloft at or toward the upper rigging. aloof removed or distant either physically or emotionally alphabetical arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet altitude Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea. altruism unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others amalgamate to merge into a single body amass to collect for oneself:ACCUMULATE ambiguous doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness ambivalent continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite) amble to walk slowly or leisurely; stroll ambrosial suggestive of ambrosia; fragrant or delicious ameliorate to make better or more tolerable amenable readily managed; willing to be led amenity something that conduces to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment amiable being friendly, sociable, and congenial amicable characterized by friendly goodwill:PEACEABLE amiss in a faulty way:IMPERFECTLY amorphous having no definite form:SHAPELESS amphibian any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters between fishes and reptiles and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults amplify to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity):INCREASE amplitude the quality or state of being ample:FULLNESS amulet a charm (as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to protect the wearer against evil (as disease or witchcraft) or to aid him anaerobic living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen analgesic insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness analogy a:resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike:SIMILARITY b:comparison based on such resemblance analysis separation of a whole into its component parts anarchist one who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power anathema the denunciation of something as accursed ancestor one from whom a person is descended and who is usually more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent ancillary serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary anecdote a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident anemic lacking force, vitality, or spirit anesthetic lacking awareness or sensitivity anhydrous free from water and especially water of crystallization animation possessing or characterized by life:ALIVE animus a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will annals a record of events arranged in yearly sequence annotate comment; make explanatory notes annoy to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts annul to declare or make legally invalid or void anodyne something that soothes, calms, or comforts anomalous inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected:IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL anonymous not named or identified antagonize to incur or provoke the hostility of antediluvian made, evolved, or developed a long time ago anterior coming before in time or development anthology a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music antic characterized by clownish extravagance or absurdity anticipatory to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to antidote a remedy to counteract the effects of poison antipathy settled aversion or dislike:DISTASTE antiquate To make old or out of date. antiquated existing since or belonging to earlier times:ANCIENT antiseptic opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay; anvil a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped apathy lack of feeling or emotion:IMPASSIVENESS apex the highest or culminating point aphorism a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment:ADAGE apiary a place where bees are kept; especially :a collection of hives or colonies of bees kept for their honey aplomb poise apocalyptic forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world:PROPHETIC apocrypha writings or statements of dubious authenticity apologist one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something apophasis Allusion to something by denying that it will be mentioned, as in I will not bring up my opponent's questionable financial dealings apoplectic greatly agitated apostasy renunciation of a religious faith apostrophe a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case, or the plural of letters or figures apothecary one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes appall to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay apparel to put clothes on:DRESS appeal to make an earnest request appealing having appeal:PLEASING appease to bring to a state of peace or quiet:CALM appellation A name, title, or designation. appetite an inherent craving applause approval publicly expressed applicant one who applies appoint to name officially apposite highly pertinent or appropriate:APT appreciable capable of being perceived or measured apprehension suspicion or fear especially of future evil:FOREBODING apprentice an inexperienced person:NOVICE approbation COMMENDATION, PRAISE appropriate 1. to take or make use of without authority or right 2. especially suitable or compatible:FITTING approval The act of approving approve to have or express a favorable opinion of approximate nearly correct or exact apropos being both relevant and opportune apt unusually fitted or qualified:READY aquatic growing or living in or frequenting water aqueduct a conduit for water aquifer a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel arachnid any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial invertebrates, including the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior bears four pairs of legs but no antennae arbor a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines arboreal of, relating to, or resembling a tree archaic of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time:ANTIQUATED archetype the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies:PROTOTYPE; also :a perfect example archipelago an expanse of water with many scattered islands architect a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction archive a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved arctic bitter cold:FRIGID ardor extreme vigor or energy:INTENSITY arduous hard to accomplish or achieve:DIFFICULT argot an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular group arid excessively dry armory a place where arms and military equipment are stored arrest to make inactive arresting catching the attention:STRIKING, IMPRESSIVE arrhythmic lacking rhythm or regularity arrogance a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims arroyo a brook; a creek ;a water-carved gully or channel arsenal a:an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipmentb:a collection of weapons articulate to give clear and effective utterance to:put into wordsratiocination:thinking:articulation:talking artifacts something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially :an object remaining from a particular period artifice false or insincere behavior artless free from guile or craft:sincerely simple ascendant governing or controlling influence:DOMINATION ascent an upward slope or rising grade:ACCLIVITY ascetic austere in appearance, manner, or attitude aseptic preventing infection askew out of line:AWRY aspect a position facing a particular direction:EXPOSURE asperity roughness of manner or of temper:HARSHNESS aspersion slanderous remark aspirant One who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position. aspiration a strong desire to achieve something high or great assert to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively assess to determine the importance, size, or value of asset the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts assiduous marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application assuage to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses):EASE assume to take to or upon oneself:UNDERTAKE astounding causing astonishment or amazement astute having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity asylum an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors:SANCTUARY asymmetrical not of equal size or similar shape: atone to supply satisfaction for:EXPIATE atrocious extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel:BARBARIC attenuate to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of:WEAKEN attorney A person legally appointed by another to act as his or her agent in the transaction of business, specifically one qualified and licensed to act for plaintiffs and defendants in legal proceedings audacious intrepidly daring:ADVENTUROUS audible heard or capable of being heard augur to foretell especially from omens auspicious affording a favorable auspice:PROPITIOUS austere markedly simple or unadorned authenticity not false or imitation:REAL, ACTUAL authoritative having the weight of authority; dictatorial authority power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior autocracy government in which one person possesses unlimited power avarice excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain:GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY aversion a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from avid characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit avulse to separate, cut, or tear off by avulsion awash covered with water:FLOODED awe an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime awkward lacking dexterity or skill awl a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood) awning a rooflike cover extending over or in front of a place (as over the deck or in front of a door or window) as a shelter awry in a turned or twisted position or direction:ASKEW Word list - B babble to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds backhanded INDIRECT, DEVIOUS; especially:SARCASTIC backset SETBACK badge a device or token especially of membership in a society or group badger to harass or annoy persistently badinage playful repartee:BANTER baffle to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle bait ENTICE, LUREto attack in speech or writing as by derision or insult; to gall or exasperate by repeated wanton attacks baleful deadly or pernicious in influence balk to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle:BLOCK balky refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected ballad a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing ballast Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship or the gondola of a balloon to enhance stability. ballet a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere balm a balsamic resin, especially:one from small tropical evergreen trees balmy having the qualities of balm:SOOTHING bamboozle to deceive by underhanded methods:DUPE, HOODWINK ban to prohibit especially by legal means ban:protect banal lacking originality, freshness, or novelty:TRITE baneful productive of destruction or woe:seriously harmful banish to drive out or remove from a home or place of usual resort or continuance, especially compulsory removal from a country not necessarily one's own banister a handrail with its supporting posts banquet a sumptuous feast; especially :an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for numerous people often in honor of a person barb a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment barbarous mercilessly harsh or cruel bareface Having no covering over the face. barefaced OPEN, UNCONCEALED bargain to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract:HAGGLE baroque characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance barren lacking vegetation, especially useful vegetation barter to trade by exchanging one commodity for another base being of comparatively low value and having relatively inferior properties baseboard a molding covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor bathetic exceptional commonplaceness:TRITENESS bedeck to clothe with finery:DECK bedlam a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion belabor to explain or insist on excessively beleaguer TROUBLE, HARASS belie to show (something) to be false or wrong belittle to speak slightingly of:DISPARAGE bellicose favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars belligerence an aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition bellwether One that serves as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends bemoan to express deep grief or distress over bend to make submissive:SUBDUE,COMPROMISE benediction the invocation of a blessing beneficent doing or producing good; especially :performing acts of kindness and charity benign a:showing kindness and gentleness b:FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME bent a strong inclination or interest:BIAS bequest something bequeathed:LEGACY berate to scold or condemn vehemently and at length beseech to request earnestly:IMPLORE besmirch SULLY, SOIL betray to deliver to an enemy by treachery bibliography a list of writings with time and place of publication (such as the writings of a single author or the works referred to in preparing a document etc.) bibliophile a lover of books especially for qualities of format; also :a book collector bigot a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices bit the jaws of tongs or pincers bland not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating:SOOTHING blandishment something that tends to coax or cajole:ALLUREMENT blase bored with pleasure or dissipation blaspheme to speak of or address with irreverence blast a violent gust of wind blatant completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner:BRAZEN blazon to publish widely:PROCLAIM bleach to remove color or stains from blemish to spoil by a flaw blight a disease or injury of plants resulting in withering, cessation of growth, and death of parts without rotting bliss complete happiness blunder a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness blunt to make less sharp or definite blur to make indistinct and hazy in outline or appearance;obscure blurb A brief publicity notice, as on a book jacket. blurt to utter abruptly and impulsively ? usually used with out bluster to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats boding an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil:PORTENT ,FOREBODING boggle to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples boisterous noisily turbulent:ROWDY bolster a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing bombast pretentious inflated speech or writing bonhomie good-natured easy friendliness bonus something in addition to what is expected or strictly due boo to deride especially by uttering boo boon BENEFIT, FAVOR boor a rude or insensitive person bootless USELESS, UNPROFITABLE bore to make a hole by or as if by boring bottleneck NARROW {bottleneck:indefinite} ?????? bough a branch of a tree; especially :a main branch bound a:to make secure by tying b:to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c:to put under an obligation d:to constrain with legal authority box to fight with the fists:engage in boxing box:fight:debate:argue bracing giving strength, vigor, or freshness bracket an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle brackish REPULSIVE braggadocio a:empty boasting b:arrogant pretension:COCKINESS braid made by intertwining three or more strands braided Produced by or as if by braiding brake to retard or stop by a brake brash done in haste without regard for consequences brassy being shamelessly bold brattish an ill-mannered annoying child bravura marked by an ostentatious display of skill bray to emit (an utterance or a sound) loudly and harshly brazen marked by contemptuous boldness breach to make a breach in breezeway a roofed often open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and garage) or halves of a building brevity shortness or conciseness of expression bribe to induce or influence by or as if by bribery bridle to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle brisk keenly alert:LIVELY bristle to take on an aggressive attitude or appearance (as in response to a slight) brittle easily broken, cracked, or snapped broach to open for the first time bromide a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion browbeat to intimidate by a stern manner or arrogant speech bruit to noise abroad:REPORT buck to refuse assent:BALK bucolic relating to or typical of rural life budge to give way:YIELD buffer to lessen the shock of:CUSHION buffoon a ludicrous figure:CLOWN bulge a protuberant or swollen part or place bully one habitually cruel to others who are weaker bumper a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage bumptious presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive:OBTRUSIVE bungle to act or work clumsily and awkwardly buoy support;uplift buoyant a:capable of floating b:CHEERFUL, GAY burgeon to grow and expand rapidly:FLOURISH burial the act or process of burying burlesque mockery usually by caricature burnish to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous burrow to construct by tunneling busybody an officious or inquisitive person butt to thrust or push head foremost:strike with the head or horns buttress 1. to furnish or shore up with a buttress; also :SUPPORT, STRENGTHEN 2. a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building bygone gone by:PAST; especially:OUTMODED byline a line at the beginning of a news story, magazine article, or book giving the writer's name Word list - C cabal the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united to bring about an overturn or usurpation especially in public affairs cache hiding place cacophony harsh or discordant sound:DISSONANCE cadet one in training for a military or naval commission; especially :a student in a service academy cadge BEG, SPONGE caisson a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a horse-drawn limber cajole to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance:COAX calamity An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a disaster: calcify to make inflexible or unchangeable calibrate to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of calligrapher one who writes a beautiful callous a:feeling no emotion b:feeling no sympathy for others callow lacking adult sophistication:IMMATURE callus a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark calorie the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius that is equal to about 4.19 joules calumniate to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about camaraderie a spirit of friendly good-fellowship cameo a:a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer with another contrasting layer serving as backgroundb:A brief but dramatic appearance of a prominent actor, as in a single scene of a motion picture. camouflage behavior or artifice designed to deceive or hide candidate one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award candor unreserved, honest, or sincere expression:FORTHRIGHTNESS cane A stick used as an aid in walking or carried as an accessory canon a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council canonical appearing in a biblical canon ; of or relating to or required by canon law canopy a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a sacred object:BALDACHIN cantankerous difficult or irritating to deal with canvas a piece of cloth backed or framed as a surface for a painting canvass to seek orders or votes:SOLICIT canyon a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it capitulate to cease resisting:ACQUIESCE caprice a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action caption the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what authority it was taken, found, or executed captivate to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal carefree Free of worries and responsibilities. careworn showing the effect of grief or anxiety caricature exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics carnal fleshly carouse to drink liquor deeply or freely carp to find fault or complain querulously cartographer one that makes maps cast the set of actors in a dramatic production; to assign a certain role to (an actor) castigate to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism castigation severe punishment catalyze BRING ABOUT, INSPIRE supervisor:oversight,catalysis:initiate cataract WATERFALL; especially:a large one over a precipice catastrophe a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin categorical ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED cater to supply what is required or desired catholic COMPREHENSIVE, UNIVERSAL; especially :broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests caustic marked by incisive sarcasm cavalier A gallant or chivalrous man, especially one serving as escort to a woman of high social position; a gentleman caveat a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices cavern CAVE; especially:one of large or indefinite extent cavil to raise trivial and frivolous objection cavort to walk or move in a spirited manner:PRANCE cede to yield or grant typically by treaty celebrity the state of being celebrated cement a binding element or agency:as a substance to make objects adhere to each other censor to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable censorious marked by or given to censure censure to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy census a count of the population centrifuge a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects ceramic of or relating to the manufacture of any product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay) by firing at a high temperature ceremony a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention certitude the state of being or feeling certain cessation a temporary or final ceasing (as of action):STOP chaff the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain chagrin disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure chameleon any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability to change the color of the skin champion to act as militant supporter of:UPHOLD, ADVOCATE chaotic a:a state of utter confusion b:a confused mass or mixture charade a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action charlatan one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability:FRAUD, FAKER chary discreetly cautious:as a:hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b:slow to grant, accept, or expend chasm a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth):GORGE check to block the progress of chef a skilled cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant) cherubic innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy chevron a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in the armed forces) chiaroscuro the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities, pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color chic smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner:STYLE chicanery deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry:TRICKERY chide to voice disapproval to:reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner:SCOLD chip a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood or stone) cut, struck, or flaked off choke to check normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea or by poisoning or adulterating available air choleric easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger:hot-tempered chord three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously choreography the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet chorus a body of singers who perform choral compositions chronic always present or encountered; especially :constantly vexing, weakening, or troubling chronicle a usually continuous historical account of events arranged in order of time without analysis or interpretation chronological of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time churlish marked by a lack of civility or graciousness:SURLY cinder small piece of partly burnt coal, wood, etc that is no longer burning but may still be hot cineast a film or movie enthusiast cipher a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning circuitous not being forthright or direct in language or action circumference the perimeter of a circle circumlocutory the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea circumscribe to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible circumspect careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences:PRUDENT circumvent to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem cistern an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (as rainwater) citation an official summons to appear (as before a court) civility COURTESY, POLITENESS clairvoyant unusually perceptive:DISCERNING clamp device for holding things tightly together, usu by means of a screw clandestine marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy:SURREPTITIOUS clarion loud and clear clarity the quality or state of being clear:LUCIDITY clasp a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together claustrophobia abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces cleft a usually V-shaped indented formation:a hollow between ridges or protuberances clement inclined to be merciful:LENIENT cliche a trite phrase or expression clique a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially one held together by common interests, views, or purposes clog something that shackles or impedes:ENCUMBRANCE closed-minded not easily subdued, remedied, or removed closet a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing clot a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood cloture closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting cloudburst a sudden copious rainfall clout PULL, INFLUENCE cloying excessively sweet or sentimental clumsy lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace coagulant something that produces coagulation coalesce to unite into a whole:FUSE coarse not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination coax to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity coda a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure coerce to bring about by force or threat coeval of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration cogent appealing forcibly to the mind or reason:CONVINCING cognizant knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience colander a perforated utensil for washing or draining food collapse to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely collude CONSPIRE, PLOT colonnade a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the base of a roof structure colossal of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the stupendous or incredible coma a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison combustible capable of combustion comely having a pleasing appearance:not homely or plain comity friendly social atmosphere:social harmony commencement 1. the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas 2. an act, instance, or time of beginning commend to mention with approbation:PRAISE commensurate equal in measure or extent:COEXTENSIVE commercial an advertisement broadcast on radio or television commingle mingle together commitment an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date committed OBLIGATE, BIND commodious comfortably or conveniently spacious:ROOMY commonsense sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment commotion an agitated disturbance:TO-DO compendium a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge:ABSTRACT compensate to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect complacency COMPLACENCE; especially :self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies complaisance disposition to please or comply:AFFABILITY compliant ready or disposed to comply:SUBMISSIVE compliment expressing or containing a compliment comply to conform or adapt one's actions to another's wishes, to a rule, or to necessity composed free from agitation:CALM; especially :SELF-POSSESSED compress to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing compromise 1. to come to agreement by mutual concession 2. to cause the impairment of compunction anxiety arising from awareness of guilt concatenate to link together in a series or chain concede to grant as a right or privilege concentrate to bring or direct toward a common center or objective:FOCUS concerted mutually contrived or agreed on concerto a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra with three contrasting movements concession an act of yielding conciliate APPEASE:to cause to subside:ALLAY especially :to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles concise marked by brevity of expression or statement:free from all elaboration and superfluous detail conciseness Expressing much in few words concomitant that which accompanies concord a state of agreement:HARMONY concur to act together to a common end or single effect condemn to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation condescending showing or characterized by condescension:PATRONIZING condign deserved, appropriate condole to express sympathetic sorrow condone to pardon or overlook voluntarily; especially :to treat as if trivial, harmless, or of no importance conducive tending to promote or assist confess to disclose one's faults; specifically :to unburden one's sins or the state of one's conscience to God or to a priest confidant one to whom secrets are entrusted confident characterized by assurance; especially :SELF-RELIANT confine something that restrains confluence a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point conform to be similar or identical; also :to be in agreement or harmony confront to face especially in challenge:OPPOSE congeal to make viscid or curdled:COAGULATE congenial OCIABLE, GENIAL congenial:bonhomie ???:?? 9????: congruent superposable so as to be coincident throughout conjecture inference from defective or presumptive evidence connive to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding connoisseur EXPERT; especially :one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge conquest the act or process of conquering conscientious Thorough and assiduous consensus group solidarity in sentiment and belief conservative tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions:TRADITIONAL conservatory a school specializing in one of the fine arts conserve to keep in a safe or sound state considerable worth consideration:SIGNIFICANT consign to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another; also :to commit especially to a final destination or fate console to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of:COMFORT consolidate to join together into one whole:UNITE consonance harmony or agreement among components conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind conspiracy An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act. constellation the configuration of stars. constitute to appoint to an office, function, or dignity constrained to appoint to an office, function, or dignity constringe to cause to contract; constrict. consult COUNCIL, CONFERENCE; specifically :a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment consummate Complete in every detail; of the highest degree; extremely skilled and accomplished. contagious communicable by contact:CATCHING contaminate to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association contemplate to view or consider with continued attention:meditate on consider contempt the act of despising:the state of mind of one who despises:DISDAIN content feeling or manifesting satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation contentious exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes contingent likely but not certain to happen:POSSIBLE contort to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression contortion contortingor being contorted (esp of the face or body) contradictory involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction contravene to oppose in argument:CONTRADICT contrite grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming contrived ARTIFICIAL, LABORED control an individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a control experiment contumacious stubbornly disobedient:REBELLIOUS conundrum a:a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b:an intricate and difficult problem convalesce to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness convenience something (as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or ease convention usage or custom especially in social matters conventional lacking originality or individuality:TRITE convergent tending to move toward one point or to approach each other:CONVERGING conversant having frequent or familiar association convert to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another convex curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere convey to transfer or deliver to another conviction 1. a strong persuasion or belief 2. the act or process of convicting of a crime especially in a court of law convivial relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company convoke to call together to a meeting convoluted INVOLVED, INTRICATE convulsion an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles coop a cage or small enclosure (as for poultry) copious present in large quantity:taking place on a large scale coquette a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men cord a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic feet cordon a line of persons or objects around a person or place cornucopia an inexhaustible store:ABUNDANCE coronation the act or occasion of crowning; also :accession to the highest office corporeal having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body:as a:not spiritual b:not immaterial or intangible:SUBSTANTIAL corral a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock corroborate to support with evidence or authority:make more certain corrosive tending or having the power to corrode cosmopolitan having worldwide rather than limited or provincial scope or bearing cosset to treat as a pet:PAMPER coterie an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose countenance to extend approval or toleration to:SANCTION counterfeit made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive:FORGED counterpart one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument:DUPLICATE court to seek the affections of; especially :to seek to win a pledge of marriage from courtesy a courteous act or expression coven an assembly or band of usually 13 witches covetous marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions cow to destroy the resolve or courage of cowardice lack of courage or resolution cower to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays cozen cheat; hoodwink; swindle craft skill in planning, making, or executing:DEXTERITY cramp restricted; narrowed crass Word list - D dabble to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest daft SILLY, FOOLISH dally a:to act playfully; especially :to play amorously b:to deal lightly:TOY damp MOISTURE,HUMIDITY, DAMPNESS damper a dulling or deadening influence dandy a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance dank unpleasantly moist or wet dapper neat and trim in appearance dappled marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background daredevil a recklessly bold person dart to move suddenly or rapidly fall dastard a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly daunt to lessen the courage of:COW, SUBDUE dawdle to move lackadaisically deactivate to make inactive or ineffective deaden to impair in vigor or sensation:BLUNT deadpan marked by an impassive matter-of-fact manner, style, or expression dearth an inadequate supply:LACK debark To unload, as from a ship or an airplane. debase to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character debilitate to impair the strength of:ENFEEBLE debonair LIGHTHEARTED, NONCHALANT debris the remains of something broken down or destroyed debunk to expose the sham or falseness of debut a first appearance decadence the process of becoming decadent:the quality or state of being decadent decant to pour out, transfer, or unload as if by pouring decelerate to reduce the speed of:slow down decibel a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain level decipher a:to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity b:to interpret the meaning of decode to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form decorum propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance decrepit wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age dedication a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose default a failure to pay financial debts deference respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also:affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes deficiency an amount that is lacking or inadequate:SHORTAGE defile a narrow passage or gorge definitive serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation defoliate to deprive of leaves especially prematurely deforest the action or process of clearing of forests; also :the state of having been cleared of defraud to deprive of something by deception or fraud deft characterized by facility and skill defuse to make less harmful, potent, or tense defy to challenge to do something considered impossible:DARE dehydrate to remove bound water or hydrogen and oxygen from (a chemical compound) in the proportion in which they form water deify To worship or revere as a god deject to make gloomy deleterious harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way deliberate to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully delicacy the quality or state of being dainty:FINENESS delinquent offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law deliquesce To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from the air. delirium a mental disturbance characterized by confusion, disordered speech, and hallucinations delude to mislead the mind or judgment of:DECEIVE, TRICK deluge adj. an overflowing of the land by water b:a drenching rain delve to make a careful or detailed search for information demagogue a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power demanding requiring much time, effort, or attention:EXACTING demise DIE, DECEASE demography the statistical study of human populations especially with reference to size and density, distribution, and vital statistics demolition the act of demolishing; especially :destruction in war by means of explosives demoralize a:to weaken the morale of:DISCOURAGE, DISPIRIT b:to upset or destroy the normal functioning of c:to throw into disorder demotic Of or relating to the common people; popular demur to take exception:OBJECT denigrate to cast aspersions on:DEFAME denouement the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work denounce to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil dent a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure denude to strip of all covering or surface layers denunciate to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil depart to go away:LEAVE depict to represent by or as if by a picture deplete to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value deplore to feel or express strong disapproval of; condemn. deploy to extend (a military unit) especially in width deportation the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is unlawful or prejudicial depose to testify to under oath or by affidavit deposit to lay down or leave behind by a natural process depravity a corrupt act or practice deprecate BELITTLE, DISPARAGE depreciate to lower the price or estimated value of depress to press down deprivation the state of being deprived:PRIVATION; especially :removal from an office, dignity, or benefice deracinate UPROOT derelict a destitute homeless social misfit:VAGRANT, BUM deride to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule derivative lacking originality:BANAL derogatory expressive of a low opinion:DISPARAGING descendant one deriving directly from a precursor or prototype descent an inclination downward:SLOPE desecrate to violate the sanctity of:PROFANE desert to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return desiccate to preserve (a food) by drying:DEHYDRATE designate appointed to a job (but not yet having officially started it) despair to lose all hope or confidence despicable deserving to be despised:so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation despise to look down on with contempt or aversion despondent feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression dessert a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) served at the end of a meal desultory disappointing in progress or performance:SLUGGISH detach to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage detain to hold or keep in or as if in custody deter to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting detestable arousing or meriting intense dislike:ABOMINABLE detour to send by a circuitous route detract to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something detritus a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away deviation noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior devise to form in the mind by new combinations or application of and ideas or principles devolve deputize; pass to others devoted devote:to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity devout devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises dew moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night dexterous mentally adroit and skillful:CLEVER diabolic of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil:DEVILIS diabolize To represent as diabolical diagnose to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms diaphanous characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through diatribe a bitter and abusive speech or writing didactic designed or intended to teach die any of various tools or devices for imparting a desired shape, form, or finish to a material or for impressing an object or material diehard strongly or fanatically determined or devoted diffident hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence diffuse being at once verbose and ill-organized digit A human finger or toe. dignity quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed digress to turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument dilapidate to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin dilate to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent:DISTEND, WIDEN dilatory characterized by procrastination:TARDY dilettante a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge:DABBLER diligent characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort:PAINSTAKING dilute to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture dimension measurement of any sort diminish to make or become smaller ,less, or less important din a loud continued noise; especially :a welter of discordant sounds dingus an ornamental attachment or decoration:DOODAD dingy SHABBY, SQUALID diocesan a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese diplomatic of or engaged in diplomacy; tactful or suave dire DISMAL, OPPRESSIVE dirge a song or hymn of grief or lamentation; especially :one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites disabuse to free from error, fallacy, or misconception disaffected discontented and resentful especially against authority REBELLIOUS disagreeable causing discomfort:UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE disarm to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile disarray (n.) (state of) disorder disavow to deny responsibility for:REPUDIATE discard to get rid of especially as useless or unpleasant discernible distinguishable; perceivable discerning showing insight and understanding:DISCRIMINATING discharge to dismiss from employment disciple one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another discipline a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity disclaim to renounce a legal claim to discography a descriptive list of phonograph records by category, composer, performer, or date of release discombobulate to confuse or disconcert discomfit to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment:DISCONCERT discommode to cause inconvenience to:TROUBLE discompose to destroy the composure of disconcert to throw into confusion discord lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas) discourse formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject discredit to deprive of good repute:DISGRACE discrepancy Divergence or disagreement, as between facts or claims; difference. discrete (adj.) separate; individually distinct; composed of distinct parts discretion the quality of being discreet:CIRCUMSPECTION; especially :cautious reserve in speech frivolous discretionary left to discretion:exercised at one's own discretion discriminate to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of discursive moving from topic to topic without order:RAMBLING disdain a feeling of contempt for what is beneath one:SCORN disembody To free (the soul or spirit) from the body disengage to release from something that engages or involves disentangle (v.) to free from confusion disgorge to discharge by the throat and mouth:VOMIT disgruntle to make ill-humored or discontented , usually used as a participial adjective disguise to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity disgust marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful:REPUGNANCE dishevel to throw into disorder or disarray disinclination a preference for avoiding something:slight aversion disinfect to free from infection especially by destroying harmful microorganisms disinterested free from selfish motive or interest:UNBIASED disjunctive marked by breaks or disunity dismantle to take to pieces; also :to destroy the integrity or functioning of disparage to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison):speak slightingly about disparate containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements dispassionate not influenced by strong feeling; especially :not affected by personal or emotional involvement dispatch promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission disposal systematic destruction; especially :destruction or transformation of garbage disquiet to take away the peace or tranquillity of:DISTURB, ALARM disregard pay no attention to treat (sth) as of no importance; ignore disrupt to throw into disorder dissect to analyze and interpret minutely dissemble to put on a false appearance:conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense disseminate to spread abroad as though sowing seed dissension DISAGREEMENT; especially:partisan and contentious quarreling dissent to withhold assent dissertation an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically :one submitted for a doctorate dissipate dispel; squander dissociate to separate from association or union with another dissolute lacking restraint; especially :marked by indulgence in things dissolve to cause to pass into solution to separate into component parts:DISINTEGRATE dissonance lack of agreement; especially :inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs dissuade to advise (a person) against something distention the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or abnormally distillation the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation distinction the quality or state of being distinguishable distinguished marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence distort to twist out of the true meaning or proportion distract to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time distraught agitated with doubt or mental conflict distress great pain/cause discomfort district ditch a long narrow excavation dug in the earth ditty an especially simple and unaffected song diurnal of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime diver part of a country or town having a particular quality diverge to move or extend in different directions from a common point:draw apart divert to turn from one course or use to another:DEFLECT divestiture the act of divesting divulge to make known (as a confidence or secret) doctrine a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief:DOGMA dodder to progress feebly and unsteadily doff to remove (an article of wear) from the body dogged marked by stubborn determination doggerel loosely styled and irregular in measure especially for burlesque or comic effect; also:marked by triviality or inferiority doggo in hiding dogma something held as an established opinion;especially:a definite authoritative tenet doldrums state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump dolorous causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief dolt a stupid person domicile a dwelling place:place of residence:HOME domination supremacy or preeminence over another don to put on (an article of clothing) donor one that gives, donates, or presents something doodle an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch dour STERN, HARSH downpour a pouring or streaming downward; especially:a heavy rain doyen a:the senior member of a body or group b:a person considered to be knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor doze to fall into a light sleep draconian CRUEL; also:SEVERE drain to exhaust physically or emotionally drawl to utter in a slow lengthened tone dreary having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest:GLOOMY, DISMAL drench to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid) drivel to utter in an infantile or imbecilic way drizzle a fine misty rain droll having a humorous, whimsical, or odd quality drone to speak in a monotonous tone: droplet a tiny drop (as of a liquid) drudgery dull, irksome, and fatiguing work:uninspiring or menial labor dubious questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality dulcet pleasing to the ear dull lacking brilliance or luster dullard a stupid or unimaginative person dune a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind dupe one that is easily deceived or cheated:FOOL dwelling a shelter (as a house) in which people live dyspeptic INDIGESTION Word list - E eaglet a young eagle earnest characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind earplug device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound) earshot the range within which the unaided voice may be heard earsplitting distressingly loud or shrill easel An upright frame for supporting something, such as an artist's canvas eavesdrop to listen secretly to the private conversation of others ebb recede; lessen ebullience the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings:EXUBERANCE eccentric deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways echelon an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps eclat brilliant or conspicuous success eclectic selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles eclipse a falling into obscurity or decline; also :the state of being eclipsed ecstasy a state of overwhelming emotion; especially :rapturous delight ecstatic feeling great rapture or delight ecumenical worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g. of wind) edifice BUILDING; especially :a large or massive structure efface to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous effervesce to show liveliness or exhilaration effete having lost character, vitality, or strength effluvia a by-product especially in the form of waste effulgent radiant splendor:BRILLIANCE effusive characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava egalitarian a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges egocentric concerned with the individual rather than society elaborate marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness elastic capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape:FLEXIBLE elated marked by high spirits:EXULTANT eleemosynary of, relating to, or supported by charity elegant of a high grade or quality:SPLENDID elegy a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead elephantine having enormous size or strength:MASSIVE elevate to raise in rank or status:EXALT elf a small lively creature; also :a usually lively mischievous or malicious person elicit to draw forth or bring out elitism leadership or rule by an elite ellipse a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it ellipsis the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete elliptical of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style) elongate to extend the length of elucidate to give a clarifying explanation emaciate to cause to lose f unaffectlesh so as to become very thin emanate to come out from a source emancipate to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially :to free from bondage embargo a legal prohibition on commerce embark to make a start embarrass to place in doubt, perplexity, or difficulties embed to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix embezzle to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use embolden to instill with boldness or courage embrace close encircling with the arms and pressure to the bosom especially as a sign of affection:HUG emigrate to leave one's place of residence or country to live elsewhere eminence one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty:as a person of high rank or attainments emphasis special consideration of or stress or insistence on something emulate strive to equal or excel enact to establish by legal and authoritative act; specifically:to make (as a bill) into law enamel a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth enclosure something that encloses encomium glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; encompass 1. to form a circle about:ENCLOSE obsolete :to go completely around 2. to form a circle about:ENCLOSE encounter to come upon face-to-face encumber to impede or hamper the function or activity of:HINDER a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats encyclopedia comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject endorse to approve openly especially:to express support or approval of publicly and definitely enduring LASTING, DURABLE enervate to lessen the vitality or strength of enfeeble to make feeble:deprive of strength enfranchise to endow with a franchise:as to admit to the privileges of a citizen and especially to the right of suffrage engender to cause to exist or to develop:PRODUCE engross to take or engage the whole attention of:occupy completely enigmatic of, relating to, or resembling an enigma:MYSTERIOUS enlighten to furnish knowledge to:INSTRUCT enmity positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will ennoble to make noble:ELEVATE ennui a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction:BOREDOM enrapture to fill with delight ensconce settle comfortably enslave to reduce to or as if to slavery:SUBJUGATE ensue to take place afterward or as a result entangle to wrap or twist together:INTERWEAVE enthusiasm strong excitement of feeling:ARDOR entice to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire:TEMPT entrance to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture entrap to catch in or as if in a trap entreaty an act of entreating:PLEA entry a descriptive record (as in a card catalog or an index) enumerate to specify one after another:LIST enunciate a:to make a definite or systematic statement of b:ANNOUNCE, PROCLAIM envision to picture to oneself ephemeral lasting a very short time epic extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope epicure one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine epigram a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought epilogue a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work; the final scene of a play that comments on or summarizes the main action; the concluding section of a musical composition:CODA episode An incident or story in a literary work, separable from yet growing out of it. epistemology the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity epitomize to serve as the typical or ideal example of equable marked by lack of noticeable, unpleasant, or extreme variation or inequality equipoise a state of equilibrium equity justice according to natural law or right; specifically :freedom from bias or favoritism equivocal subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse erect 1. characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture 2. SET UP, ESTABLISH erode to diminish or destroy by degrees errant traveling or given to traveling erratic having no fixed course:WANDERING erudite possessing or displaying erudition:LEARNED escalate to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope eschew to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds:SHUN esoteric designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone espouse to take up and support as a cause:become attached to esteem to set a high value on:regard highly and prize accordingly estimable worthy of esteem estrange to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness:ALIENATE etch a chemical agent used in etching eternal a:continued without intermission:PERPETUAL b:seemingly endless ethereal a:lacking material substance:IMMATERIAL, INTANGIBLE b:marked by unusual delicacy or refinement ethics the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation eulogize to speak or write in high praise of:EXTOL euphemism the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant euphonious pleasing to the ear euphoria a feeling of well-being or elation evacuate a:to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area b:to withdraw from military occupation of c:VACATE evade to avoid answering directly:turn aside evanescent tending to vanish like vapor evasive tending or intended to evade:EQUIVOCAL everlasting lasting or enduring through all time:ETERNAL evict to force out:EXPEL evoke to call forth or up ewe the female of the sheep especially when mature; also :the female of various related animals exacerbate to make more violent, bitter, or severe exacting tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands exaggerate to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal:OVEREMPHASIZE exalt to elevate by praise or in estimation:GLORIFY exasperate a:to excite the anger of:ENRAGE b:to cause irritation or annoyance to excavate find by digging in the ground ; remove the inner part or the core of exceptional deviating from the norm excerpt to select (a passage) for quoting:EXTRACT exclamation a sharp or sudden utterance excoriate to censure scathingly excrete to separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from the blood or tissues or from the active protoplasm excruciate to subject to intense mental distress exculpate to clear from alleged fault or guilt exculpatory Acting or tending to exculpate excursive constituting a digression:characterized by digression execrate to declare to be evil or detestable:DENOUNCE execute to carry out fully:put completely into effect exemplary serving as a pattern exempt free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subjectexempt:liability:pardon:penalty exert to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect exhaust to consume entirely:USE UP exhilarate to make cheerful exhortation language intended to incite and encourage exodus a mass departure:EMIGRATION exonerate to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship exorbitant exceeding in intensity, quality, amount, or size the customary or appropriate limits exotic introduced from another country:not native to the place where found expansive characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk:OPEN expedite to accelerate the process or progress of:speed up expedition efficient promptness:SPEED expiation the act of making atonement explicit fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity:leaving no question as to meaning or intent exponent one that expounds or interprets expurgate to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous; especially :to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation exquisite marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution extant currently or actually existing extemporize to do something extemporaneously:IMPROVISE; especially :to speak extemporaneously extenuate to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses:MITIGATE exterminate to get rid of completely usually by killing off extinct no longer existing extinguish to cause to cease burning:QUENCH extol to praise highly:GLORIFY extort to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power:WRING extraneous a:not forming an essential or vital part b:having no relevance extravagant a:spending much more than necessary b:PROFUSE, LAVISH extricate to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty extrinsic not forming an essential or inherent part of a thing; extraneous. extrovert a gregarious and unreserved person exuberant joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic exude to undergo diffusion exultant filled with or expressing great joy or triumph:JUBILANT Word list - F fabricate CONSTRUCT, MANUFACTURE; specifically :to construct from diverse and usually standardized parts facetious joking or jesting often inappropriately:WAGGISH facilitate to make easier:help bring about faction a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or selfseeking:CLIQUE fade to change gradually in loudness, strength, or visibility fail-safe incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure faint lacking strength or vigor:performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly fainthearted lacking courage or resolution:TIMID fallacy a:a false or mistaken idea b:erroneous character:ERRONEOUSNESS falsehood absence of truth or accuracy falter a:to hesitate in purpose or action:WAVER b:to lose drive or effectiveness fantasy imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque characters farce ridiculous or empty show fascinate to be irresistibly attractive fast 1. in a firm or fixed manner 2. the act to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods fasten to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing fastidious showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care fathom to penetrate and come to understand fatigue weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress fatuous complacently or inanely foolish:SILLY fawn to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner faze to disturb the composure of:DISCONCERT, DAUNT feckless WEAK, INEFFECTIVE fecund fruitful in offspring or vegetation:PROLIFIC feeble markedly lacking in strength fender a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision feral not domesticated or cultivated:WILD fertilize to make fertile fervid marked by often extreme fervor fervor intensity of feeling or expression fetid having a heavy offensive smell fetter to restrain from motion, action, or progress fiasco a complete failure fictitious of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction:IMAGINARY fidelity the quality or state of being faithful figurative representing by a figure or resemblance:EMBLEMATIC figurine a small carved or molded figure filibuster the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly filigree ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design filly a young female horse usually of less than four years filter a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension finch any of numerous songbirds (especially families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Emberizidae) having a short stout usually conical bill adapted for crushing seeds finesse skillful handling of a situation:adroit maneuvering finicky extremely or excessively nice, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards flaccid not firm or stiff; also :lacking normal or youthful firmness flagging LANGUID, WEAK flamboyant marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior flange a projecting edge of cloth used for decoration on clothing flannel outer garments of flannel; especially:men's trousers flatter to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest flaw a defect in physical structure or form flax any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs; especially:a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed fledge to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity flexible capable of being flexed:PLIANT flinch to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain:WINCE; also :to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort flint a massive hard quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel flippancy unbecoming levity or pertness especially in respect to grave or sacred matters flirt to behave amorously without serious intent flit to move about rapidly and nimbly. flock a group of birds or mammals assembled or herded togetherto gather or move in a flock florid flowery; ruddy flounder to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually flourish to grow luxuriantly:THRIVE flout to treat with contemptuous disregard:SCORN fluctuate to shift back and forth uncertainly fluent a:ready or facile in speechb:effortlessly smooth and rapid:POLISHED flush to pour liquid over or through; especially:to cleanse or wash out with or as if with a rush of liquid fluster to put into a state of agitated confusion:UPSET fluvial of, relating to, or living in a stream or river foible a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior:WEAKNESS foil a thin piece of material (as metal) put under an inferior or paste stone to add color or brilliance foliage the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants folly a foolish act or idea foment to promote the growth or development of:ROUSE, INCITE fondness tender affection foolhardy foolishly adventurous and bold:RASH footloose having no ties:free to move about forbears To refrain from; resist ford A shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle forebear person from whom one is descended; ancestor ; forestry the management of growing timber foreword prefatory comments (as for a book) especially when written by someone other than the author forgery an act of forging; especially:the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (as a check) forgo do without ; lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime formidable causing fear, dread, or apprehension forthright free from ambiguity or evasiveness:going straight to the point fortify to make strong:as to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to foster to promote the growth or development of:ENCOURAGE founder 1. to become submerged:SINK 2. one that founds or establishes fracture RUPTURE, TEAR fragile a:easily broken or destroyedb:constitutionally delicate:lacking in physical vigor fraudulent characterized by, based on, or done by fraud:DECEITFUL freelancer a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer freewheel to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly frenzy a violent mental or emotional agitation frequent to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually fresco the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments fret an agitation of mind:IRRITATION friable easily crumbled or pulverized friction the rubbing of one body against another frieze a heavy durable coarse wool and shoddy fabric with a rough surface frigid intensely cold; cold in manner frivolous intensely cold frothy gaily frivolous or light in content or treatment:INSUBSTANTIAL frowsy [ frowzy: ] untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby frowzy having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance frugal characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources frustrate a:to balk or defeat in an endeavorb:to induce feelings of discouragement in full-bodied imparting to the palate the general impression of substantial weight and rich texture fulminate to send forth censures or invectives fungi any of a major group (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing organisms usually classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts furnace an enclosed structure in which heat is produced furor A general commotion; public disorder or uproar. furtive done by stealth:SURREPTITIOUS fury intense, disordered, and often destructive rage fussy Calling for or requiring great attention to sometimes trivial details fusty saturated with dust and stale odors:MUSTY futility the quality or state of being futile:USELESSNESS Word list - G gab to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner:CHATTER gadfly a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism gaffe a social or diplomatic blunder gainsay to declare to be untrue or invalid gait a manner of walking or moving on foot galaxy an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things gall to fret and wear away by friction:CHAFE gallant Possessing a brave or chivalrous spirit. galvanize to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock gamble to stake something on a contingency:take a chance gangling loosely and awkwardly built:LANKY garble to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning gargantuan of immense size, volume, or capacity; gigantic garish clothed in vivid colors garment an article of clothing garner a:GRANARY b:a grain bin garrulous given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity:pointlessly or annoyingly talkative gash a deep long cut in flesh gasification conversion into gas; especially:conversion of coal into natural gas gauche lacking social experience or grace; also:not tactful:CRUDE gaudy ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented gauge a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system gear a toothed wheel genealogy an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms generality the quality or state of being general genial marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness genteel free from vulgarity or rudeness:POLITE genuine ACTUAL, TRUE germane being at once relevant and appropriate:FITTING gesture a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude ghastly intensely unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable gibe to deride or tease with taunting words giddy lightheartedly silly:FRIVOLOUS ginger a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and sometimes medicinally glacier a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface glade an open space surrounded by woods glance a quick or cursory look glaze to give a smooth glossy surface to glib marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitful glimmer a:to shine faintly or unsteadily b:to give off a subdued unsteady reflection glisten to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or polished surface glitch a usually minor malfunction gloat express evil satisfaction; view malevolently gloomy low in spirits:MELANCHOLY glorify to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration gloss a brief explanation (as in the margin or between the lines of a text) of a difficult or obscure word or expression glossary a collection of textual glosses or of specialized terms with their meanings glossy having a surface luster or brightness glut an excessive quantity:OVERSUPPLY glutinous having the quality of glue:GUMMY glutton one given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking goad something that urges or stimulates into action:SPUR gobble to swallow or eat greedily goggle to stare with wide or protuberant eyes goldbrick to shirk duty or responsibility gorge to eat greedily or to repletion gossamer something light, delicate, or insubstantial gourmet a connoisseur of food and drink; broadly :CONNOISSEUR grandeur the quality or state of being grand:MAGNIFICENCE grandiloquent be of a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language grandiose characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration grandstand to play or act so as to impress onlookers grant to bestow or transfer formally specifically :to give the possession or title of by a deed gratify to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to grating noisily,rasping,harsh gratis free gratuitous not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration grave having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor green a:deficient in training, knowledge, or experience b:deficient in sophistication and savoir faire:NAIVE c:not fully qualified for or experienced in a particular function gregarious tending to associate with others of one's kind:SOCIAL grievous causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow grimace a facial expression usually of disgust or disapproval grin to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter; broadly :SMILE gripe to complain with grumbling grisly inspiring horror or intense fear groove a long narrow channel or depression grotesque FANCIFUL, BIZARRE grotto A small cave or cavern grove a planting of fruit or nut trees grovel to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or abasement grumble to mutter in discontent guarantee to engage for the existence, permanence, or nature of:undertake to do or secure guffaw a loud or boisterous burst of laughter guile deceitful cunning:DUPLICITY guilt feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy:SELF-REPROACH gullible easily duped or cheated gully a trench which was orig. worn in the earth by running water and through which water often runs after rains gum any of numerous colloidal polysaccharide substances of plant origin that are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying and are salts of complex organic acids gush a sudden outpouring gust a sudden brief rush of wind guzzle to drink especially liquor greedily, continually, or habitually Word list - H habitable capable of being lived in:suitable for habitation hack a writer who aims solely for commercial success hackneyed lacking in freshness or originality hairbreadth Extremely close halcyon CALM, PEACEFUL hale free from defect, disease, or infirmity:SOUND; also :retaining exceptional health and vigor half-baked a:lacking adequate planning or forethought b:lacking in judgment, intelligence, or common sense hallow to make holy or set apart for holy use hallucination perception of objects with no reality usually arising from disorder of the nervous system or in response to drugs (as LSD) halting marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness ham-handed lacking dexterity or grace:HEAVY-HANDED hamper to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles:IMPEDE hamstring to make ineffective or powerless:CRIPPLE handle to act, behave, or feel in a certain way when handled or directed hangdog SAD, DEJECTED hankering to have a strong or persistent desire:YEARN haphazard marked by lack of plan, order, or direction hapless having no luck:UNFORTUNATE harangue to address in a ranting way harass to annoy persistently harbinger one that presages or foreshadows what is to come harbor to give shelter or refuge to hard-bitten seasoned or steeled by difficult experience:TOUGH hardheaded STUBBORN, WILLFUL harebrained FOOLISH harmonious marked by accord in sentiment or action harness UTILIZE harp a plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an arched or angled neck that may be supported by a post, and strings of graded length that are perpendicular to the soundboard harrow break up ground after plowing; torture harry to make a pillaging or destructive raid on:ASSAULT harsh a:causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction:IRRITATING b:physically discomforting:PAINFUL hasten to move or act quickly hasty done or made in a hurry haunt to visit often:FREQUENT hauteur ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS haven harbour, safety place havoc great confusion and disorder headlong Impetuous; rash. hearken to give respectful attention heart to give heart to:CHEER:HEARTEN hearten to give heart to heartrending causing intense sorrow or distress hedge a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss) hedonic of, relating to, or characterized by pleasure heinous hatefully or shockingly evil:ABOMINABLE heirloom something of special value handed on from one generation to another helmet any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact hem a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down herald to give notice of:ANNOUNCE herbicide an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth hereditary characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors heresy an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma heretical of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards:UNORTHODOX hermit one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious reasons:RECLUSE herpetologist one that a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians hesitance the quality or state of being hesitant:as a:INDECISION b:RELUCTANCE heterodox Not in agreement with accepted beliefs, especially in church doctrine or dogma hidebound having an inflexible or ultraconservative character hideous offensive to the senses and especially to sight:exceedingly ugly hie to go quickly:HASTEN hierarchy the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing hieroglyph a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing hike to rise up; especially :to work upward out of place hilarity high spirits that may be carried to the point of boisterous conviviality or merriment hint a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something:CLUE histrionic of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater hive a place swarming with activity hoard to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneself hoary extremely old:ANCIENT hoax an act intended to deceive or trick hodgepodge a heterogeneous mixture:JUMBLE homage expression of high regard:RESPECT homely Not attractive or good-looking homily a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme homogenize to blend (diverse elements) into a uniform mixture hone to make more acute, intense, or effective:WHET honorarium a payment for a service (as making a speech) on which custom or propriety forbids a horn a wind instrument used in a jazz band; especially :TRUMPET hortative giving exhortation:ADVISORY horticulture the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants hospitable liking to give hospitality hovel a small, wretched, and often dirty house:HUT hub the central part of a circular object (as a wheel or propeller) hubris exaggerated pride or self-confidencehubristic humanitarian a person promoting human welfare and social reform:PHILANTHROPIST humble ranking low in a hierarchy or scale:INSIGNIFICANT, UNPRETENTIOUS humor to soothe or content by indulgence hurdle to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition hurricane a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (118 kilometers) per hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes husbandry the control or judicious use of resources:CONSERVATION husk a usually dry or membranous outer covering (as a pod or hull or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits; also :one of the constituent parts husky hoarse with or as if with emotion hybrid something heterogeneous in origin or composition:COMPOSITE hymn a song of praise or joy hyperbole extravagant exaggeration hypercritical meticulously or excessively critical??:hypocritical9adj.???: hypnotic tending to produce sleep:SOPORIFIC hypocritical characterized by hypocrisy; also :being a hypocrite Word list - I ichthyologist one that study a branch of zoology that deals with fishes idiosyncratic a peculiarity of constitution or temperament:an individualizingcharacteristic or quality idolatrize admires intensely and often blindly ignite to set afire; also :KINDLE ignominy deep personal humiliation and disgrace ignorant destitute of knowledge or education also lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified ignore to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded illegible Undecipherable. illiteracy the quality or state of being illiterate; especially :inability to read or write illuminati persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened illumination one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting illusory based on or producing illusion:DECEPTIVE illustrate to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate imbibe to absorb or take in as if by drinking imbroglio a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation:EMBROILMENT imitation the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea immaculate having no stain or blemish:PURE immanent remaining or operating within a domain of reality or realm of discourse:INHERENT; specifically :having existence or effect only within the mind or consciousness immaterial of no substantial consequence:UNIMPORTANT immemorial extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition imminent ready to take place; especially :hanging threateningly over one's head immune not susceptible or responsive; especially :having a high degree of resistance to a disease immure to enclose within or as if within walls b:IMPRISON immutable not capable of or susceptible to change imp a mischievous child:URCHIN impair to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material respect impassive unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion impeccable faultless impecunious having very little or no money usually habitually:PENNILESS impede to interfere with or slow the progress of impend to be about to occur impenetrable incapable of being penetrated or pierced or incapable of being comprehended:INSCRUTABLE impenitent not feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses imperative expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation imperial of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor ;of superior or unusual size or excellence imperious marked by arrogant assurance:DOMINEERING impertinent given to or characterized by insolent rudeness imperturbable marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness:SERENE impervious not allowing entrance or passage:IMPENETRABLE also not capable of being damaged or harmed impetuosity Rashness. impetuous marked by impulsive vehemence or passion impiety the quality or state of being impious:IRREVERENCE implacable not placable:not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated implement CARRY OUT, ACCOMPLISH; especially:to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures implicate to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference:IMPLY implode to collapse inward as if from external pressure; also:to become greatly reduced as if from collapsing importune beg earnestly imposing impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur impostor one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception impotent not potent:lacking in power, strength, or vigor:HELPLESS impromptu composed or uttered without previous preparation:EXTEMPORANEOUS improvident not provident:not foreseeing and providing for the future improvised to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously imprudent not prudent:lacking discretion impudent marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others:INSOLENT impugn to assail by words or arguments:oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity impuissance WEAKNESS, POWERLESSNESS impute to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly imputable:nettle inadvertent not focusing the mind on a matter: INATTENTIVE inalienable incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred inane lacking significance, meaning, or point: SILLY inanimate not animated or lively:DULL inaugurate to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies incandescent strikingly bright, radiant, or clear incantation singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula incarnate invested with bodily and especially human nature and form incendiary of, relating to, or involving a deliberate burning of property incense to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of inception an act, process, or instance of beginning:COMMENCEMENT incessant continuing or following without interruption:UNCEASING inch to move by small degrees:progress slowly inchoate being only partly in existence or operation; especially :imperfectly formed or formulated:FORMLESS incinerate to cause to burn to ashes incipient beginning to come into being or to become apparent incisive impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation) incite to move to action:stir up:spur on:urge on inclement lacking mildness:as severe in temper or action:UNMERCIFUL incogitant THOUGHTLESS, INCONSIDERATE incongruent not superposable so as to be coincident throughout,not congruent inconsequential of no significance:UNIMPORTANT incontrovertible not open to question:INDISPUTABLE incorrigible incapable of being corrected or amended UNALTERABLE, INVETERATE incriminate to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or fault inculcate to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions inculpate INCRIMINATE incursion a hostile entrance into a territory:RAID indefatigable incapable of being fatigued:UNTIRING indelible UNFORGETTABLE, MEMORABLE indemnity security against hurt, loss, or damage indict to charge with a crime by the finding or presentment of a jury (as a grand jury) in due form of law indifferent marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something:APATHETIC indigenous having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment indigent suffering from indigence:IMPOVERISHED indispensability absolutely necessary:ESSENTIAL indoctrinate to instruct especially in fundamentals or rudiments:TEACH indolent averse to activity, effort, or movement:habitually lazy inducement a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions indulgent indulging or characterized by indulgence; especially:LENIENT indurate to make hard ineffable incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE ineluctable not to be avoided, changed, or resisted:INEVITABLE inept generally incompetent:BUNGLING ineptitude quality of being inept inert deficient in active properties; especially:lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action inestimable Above price. inevitable incapable of being avoided or evaded inexorable not to be persuaded or moved by entreaty:RELENTLESS infamy evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal infatuate to cause to be foolish:deprive of sound judgment infelicitous not appropriate in application or expression infer GUESS, SURMISE inferno a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell infiltrate to pass (troops, for example) surreptitiously into enemy-held territory infinite immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive: INEXHAUSTIBLE infirm of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially:feeble from age inflame to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling influx a coming in infuriate To make furious; enrage infuse INSPIRE, ANIMATE ingenious marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution ingenuous showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness ingrained to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution ingratiating capable of winning favor:PLEASING inherent involved in the constitution or essential character of something:belonging by nature or habit:INTRINSIC inimical a:having the disposition of an enemy:HOSTILEb:reflecting or indicating hostility:UNFRIENDLY inimitable not capable of being imitated: MATCHLESS iniquity gross injustice:WICKEDNESS initial placed at the beginning:FIRST inkling a slight knowledge or vague notion innocent free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of evil:BLAMELESS innocuous not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility:INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID innovation the introduction of something new inquiry examination into facts or principles:RESEARCH insatiable incapable of being satisfied:QUENCHLESS insipid lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge:DULL, FLAT insolent exhibiting boldness or effrontery:IMPUDENT insouciant lighthearted unconcern:NONCHALANCE inspired outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration instate to set or establish in a rank or office:INSTALL instigate to goad or urge forward:PROVOKE instill to impart gradually institute to originate and get established:ORGANIZE insubordinate disobedient to authority insular characteristic of an isolated people; especially:being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint insularity narrow-mindedness/isolated insulate to place in a detached situation:ISOLATE; especially:to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound insurgent a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government; especially:a rebel not recognized as a belligerent intangible not tangible:IMPALPABLE integral essential to completeness:CONSTITUENT integrity the quality or state of being complete or undivided:COMPLETENESS intelligible capable of being understood or comprehended intemperate not temperate especially:given to excessive use of intoxicating liquors intensify to make intense or more intensive:STRENGTHEN inter to deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb intercede to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences:MEDIATE interdict to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner interim an intervening time:INTERVAL interlock to become locked together or interconnected interlope one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity interminable having or seeming to have no end; especially:wearisomely protracted intermittent coming and going at intervals:not continuous interrogate to question formally and systematically:probe intervene to interfere usually by force or threat of force in another nation's internal affairs especially to compel or prevent an action intimate 1. to make known especially publicly or formally:ANNOUNCE 2. a friend or confidant marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity intimidate to make timid or fearful:FRIGHTEN; especially:to compel or deter by or as if by threats intransigent refusing to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude:UNCOMPROMISING intrepid characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance intricacy the quality or state of being intricate intrigue to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of intrinsic belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing intuition The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; immediate cognition. inure to accustom to accept something undesirable invective of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse inveigh to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently:RAIL inveigle to win over by wiles:ENTICE inventory an itemized list of current assets:as a catalog of the property of an individual or estate investigate to make a systematic examination; especially:to conduct an official inquiry inveterate firmly established by long persistence invidious tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy invigorate to give life and energy to:ANIMATE; also:STIMULATE invincible Incapable of being overcome or defeated; unconquerable. inviolate not violated or profaned; especially :PURE invoice a consignment of merchandise invoke to put into effect or operation:IMPLEMENT invulnerable incapable of being wounded, injured, or harmed irascible marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger irate arising from anger iridescence a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes irk to make weary, irritated, or bored ironclad so firm or secure as to be unbreakable:as a:BINDING irony a pretense of ignorance and of willingness to learn from another assumed in order to make the other's false conceptions conspicuous by adroit questioning irradicable impossible to eradicate : DEEP-ROOTED irreducible impossible to transform into or restore to a desired or simpler condition irrelevant not relevant:INAPPLICABLE irresolute uncertain how to act or proceed:VACILLATING irreverent lacking proper respect or seriousness; also :SATIRIC irritate to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in:ANNOY issue 1. the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available 2. a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties isthmus a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas itinerant wandering; traveling Word list - J jabber to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or unintelligibly jaded fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED jam fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED jape to make mocking fun of jar to make a harsh or discordant sound jargon The specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group. jaundice a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility jaunty sprightly in manner or appearance:LIVELY jazz American music developed especially from ragtime and blues and characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, varying degrees of improvisation, and often deliberate distortions of pitch and timbre jealous having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness jealousy being jealous jejune devoid of significance or interest:DULL jest an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor jettison to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : DISCARD jibe to be in accord: AGREE jingoist extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy jitter to be nervous or act in a nervous way jocund marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness jog a movement, pace, or instance of jogging (as for exercise) joke something said or done to provoke laughter; especially :a brief oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist jolt to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion jot to write briefly or hurriedly:set down in the form of a note jovial markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality jubilant EXULTANT judicious having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment:DISCREET juggernaut a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path jumble to mix into a confused or disordered mass justify to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable juxtapose to place side by side Word list - K any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind kangaroo legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small foreleg ken the range of vision kindle to stir up:AROUSE kindred of a similar nature or character:LIKE kink a short tight twist or curl caused by a doubling or winding of something upon itself knack a clever trick or stratagem knave a tricky deceitful fellow knead to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands knit to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles knotty marked by or full of knots; especially :so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution kudos fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement:PRESTIGE Word list - L labile readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown:UNSTABLE labored lacking ease of expression labyrinth something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character:INTRICACY, PERPLEXITY laconic using or involving the use of a minimum of words:concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious lacrimose lambaste to attack verbally:CENSURE lamentable expressing grief:MOURNFUL lampoon a harsh satire usually directed against an individual landfill a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying land landlord the owner of property (as land, houses, or apartments) that is leased or rented to another landslide the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope; also :the mass that moves down lane narrow country road or track, usu between hedges or banks languid drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion:WEAK languish to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated languor listless indolence or inertia lank not well filled out:SLENDER, THIN lapse a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention larder a place where food is stored:PANTRY largesse liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also :something so given lariat a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazing animals:LASSO lash to bind with or as if with a line lassitude a condition of weariness or debility:FATIGUE latent present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, or active lathe machine that shapes pieces of wood, metal, etc by holding and turning them against a fixed cutting tool latitude Freedom from normal restraints, limitations, or regulations. laudatory of, relating to, or expressing praise lavish expended or produced in abundance leaven to raise (as bread) with a leaven lectern a stand used to support a book in a convenient position for a standing reader; especially :one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service leer to cast a sidelong glance leery Suspicious or distrustful; wary legacy something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past legend an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart legible capable of being read or deciphered:PLAIN legion MANY, NUMEROUS lenient exerting a soothing or easing influence:relieving pain or stress lethal gravely damaging or destructive:DEVASTATING lethargy the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent levee an embankment for preventing flooding levelheaded having sound judgment:SENSIBLE leverage positional advantage; power to act effectively: levity excessive or unseemly frivolity lexicographer an author or editor of a dictionary liability something for which one is liable; especially :pecuniary obligation liaison a close bond or connection:INTERRELATIONSHIP liberal marked by generosity:OPENHANDED libertine a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality; specifically :one leading a dissolute life liberty an action going beyond normal limits:as a:a breach of etiquette or propriety:FAMILIARITY libretto the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater licentious lacking legal or moral restraints; especially :disregarding sexual restraints lien a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law liken compare limber capable of being shaped:FLEXIBLE limerick a light or humorous verse form of 5 chiefly anapestic verses of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of 3 feet and lines 3 and 4 are of 2 feet with a rhyme scheme of aabba limousine a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that sometimes has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment limp lacking firm texture, substance, or structure limpid marked by transparency:PELLUCID linen cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster linger tarry;saunter; to be slow to act:procrastinate linoleum a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usually pigments lint fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric lip either of the fleshy edges of the opening of the mouth lissome NIMBLE list a deviation from the vertical:TILT; also :the extent of such a deviation listless characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit:LANGUID lithe characterized by easy flexibility and grace livid lead-colored; black and blue; enraged loath unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking:RELUCTANT loathe To dislike (someone or something) greatly; abhor. lode an ore deposit lofty elevated in status:SUPERIOR loll to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner:LOUNGE loophole a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation lopsided lacking in balance, symmetry, or proportion:disproportionately heavy on one side loquacious given to fluent or excessive talk:GARRULOUS lottery a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance lounge to act or move idly or lazily:LOAF loutish resembling or befitting a lout loyal unswerving in allegiance:as faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government lubricate to make smooth or slippery lucid clear to the understanding:INTELLIGIBLE ludicrous meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish lug to carry laboriously lugubrious MOURNFUL; especially :exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful lull to cause to sleep or rest:SOOTHE lullaby a soothing refrain; specifically :a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep lumen a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle by a uniform point source of one candle intensity luminary a person of prominence or brilliant achievement lurk to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose lush growing vigorously especially with luxuriant foliage lustrous reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous luxurious marked by or given to self-indulgence lyric the words of a song lyrics Expressing deep personal emotion or observations Word list - M maelstrom a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius magnificent Grand or noble in thought or deed; exalted. maladroit lacking adroitness:INEPT malaise uneasiness; distress malcontent dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs:DISCONTENTED malicious given to, marked by, or arising from malice malign having or showing intense often vicious ill will:MALEVOLENT malinger to pretend incapacity (as illness) so as to avoid duty or work malleable capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences malodor an offensive odor mandatory containing or constituting a command:OBLIGATORY mangle to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude mangy having many worn or bare spots:SEEDY, SHABBY mania excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm manifest 1. a list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a vehicle (as a ship or plane) 2. easily understood or recognized by the mind:OBVIOUS manipulate to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage mansion a large imposing residence manumit to release from slavery manuscript a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from a printed copy; also :a document submitted for publication mar To impair the soundness, perfection, or integrity of; spoil marsh a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (as grasses or cattails) marsupial any of an order of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the martinet a strict disciplinarian marvel something that causes wonder or astonishment masquerade to assume the appearance of something one is not masticate to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for swallowing:CHEW mathematical of mathematics matriculate to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university mattress a fabric case filled with resilient material (as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bedstead maudlin weakly and effusively sentimental maven one who is experienced or knowledgeable:EXPERT maverick an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party mawkish sickly or puerilely sentimental m meager deficient in quality or quantity mean PENURIOUS, STINGY meander to wind or turn in its course measly contemptibly small measured marked by due proportion mechanical Performed or performing in an impersonal or machinelike manner; automatic meddle to interest oneself in what is not one's concern:interfere without right or propriety media a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria mediate to interpose between parties in order to reconcile them mediocre of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance:ORDINARY, SO-SO meditate to engage in contemplation or reflection medley a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces meet precisely adapted to a particular situation, need, or circumstance:very proper meliorism The belief that society has an innate tendency toward improvement and that this tendency may be furthered through conscious human effort. mellifluous having a smooth rich flow melody a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds:TUNEFULNESS membrane a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin menace to make a show of intention to harm mend to put into good shape or working order again:patch up:REPAIR mendacious given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolutetruth mentor a trusted counselor or guide:TUTOR, COACH mercenary one that serves merely for wages; especially :a soldier hired into foreign service mercurial characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood merited deserved, be worthy of or entitled or liable to mesh to cause (as gears) to engage mesmerism hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism; broadly :HYPNOTISM messy marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt:UNTIDY metaphor a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly :figurative language meteoric resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance meteorology a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting meticulous marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details metrical of, relating to, or composed in meter mettle courage; spirit miff a trivial quarrel migratory WANDERING, ROVING mill a building provided with machinery for grinding grain into flour mime to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words minaret a tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin minatory having a menacing quality:THREATENING mince to walk with short steps in a prim affected manner mingle to bring or mix together or with something else usually without fundamental loss of identity:INTERMIX minion a servile dependent, follower, or underling mint 1. to make (as coins) out of metal:COIN 2. a vast sum or amount minuscule very small minutia a minute or minor detail miracle an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment mirage something illusory and unattainable mire to cause to stick fast in or as if in mire mirth gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter misanthrope a person who hates or distrusts mankind misbehave to behave badly mischievous able or tending to cause annoyance, trouble, or minor injury miscreant one who behaves criminally or viciously misdemeanor a crime less serious than a felony miser a mean grasping person; especially :one who is extremely stingy with money misfortune a distressing or unfortunate incident or event misgiving a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event mishap an unfortunate accident misnomer a name wrongly or unsuitably applied to a person or an object misrepresent to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to deceive or be unfair mite any of numerous small acarid arachnids that often infest animals, plants, and stored foods and include important disease vectors mitigate to make less severe or painful:ALLEVIATE mnemonics a technique of improving the memory mobility capable of moving or being moved:MOVABLE mockery a subject of laughter, derision, or sport moderate to lessen the intensity or extremeness of modicum a small portion:a limited quantity molar A tooth with a broad crown used to grind food, located behind the premolars. molding a decorative plane or curved strip used for ornamentation or finishing mollify to soothe in temper or disposition:APPEASE mollycoddle a pampered or effeminate man or boy molt the act or process of sheding hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodically; specifically :ECDYSIS momentous IMPORTANT, CONSEQUENTIAL momentum a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity monochromatic having or consisting of one color or hue monocle an eyeglass for one eye monopolize to get a monopoly of:assume complete possession or control of monotone having the property either of never increasing or of never decreasing as the values of the independent variable or the subscripts of the terms increase :MONOTONIC montage the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas morass something that traps, confuses, or impedes moratorium a suspension of an ongoing or planned activity morbid abnormally susceptible to or characterized by gloomy or unwholesome feelings mordant biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style:INCISIVE moribund being in the state of dying:approaching death morose having a sullen and gloomy disposition morsel morsel small amount or piece of sth, esp food mortar a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle mosque a building used for public worship by Muslims mosquito any of a family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of animals and to suck their blood and that are in some cases vectors of serious diseases motile exhibiting or capable of movement motivate to provide with a motive:IMPEL motley variegated in colorcomposed of diverse often incongruous elements mottle to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained mournful causing sorrow or melancholy:GLOOMY movement a distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic structure, and themes and forming part of an extended musical composition muddy lacking in clarity or brightness:CLOUDY, DULL muffle to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound mulish unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate mumble to utter with a low inarticulate voice mundane characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary:COMMONPLACE municipality a primarily urban political unit having corporate status and usually powers of self-government munificent characterized by great liberality or generosity miser:munificent=zealot:blase munificence ◆ stinginess mural a mural work of art (as a painting) murky characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke murmur a low indistinct but often continuous sound mute to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of myopic a lack of foresight or discernment:a narrow view of something myriad having innumerable aspects or elements Word list - N nadir the lowest point nag to irritate by constant scolding or urging naive deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; especially :CREDULOUS narcissism love of or sexual desire for one's own body nascent coming or having recently come into existence natty trimly neat and tidy:SMART nauseate to feel disgust naysayer one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something nebulous INDISTINCT, VAGUE needy being in want:POVERTY-STRICKEN nefarious flagrantly wicked or impious:EVIL negotiate to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter neophyte a new convert:PROSELYTE nepotism favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship nerve to give strength or courage to:supply with physical or moral force nettle to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger imputable:nettle neutralize to counteract the activity or effect of:make ineffective nibble to eat or chew in small bits nip to take liquor in nips:TIPPLE nitpicking minute and usually unjustified criticism nocturnal of, relating to, or occurring in the night noisome offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell nomad a member of a people who have no fixed residence but move from place to place usually seasonally and within a well-defined territory nominal TRIFLING, INSIGNIFICANT nonchalant having an air of easy unconcern or indifference nondescript lacking distinctive or interesting qualities:DULL, DRAB nonentity a person of little consequence or significance nonflammable not flammable; specifically :not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited nonplus a state of bafflement or perplexity:QUANDARY nonsense words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas notch to cut or make a notch in notwithstanding prep (can also follow the n to which it refers ) without being affected by (sth); in spite of novelty something new or unusual noxious physically harmful or destructive to living beings nuance a subtle distinction or variation nucleate to form into a nucleus:CLUSTER nudge to touch or push gently; especially :to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow nurture to supply with nourishment EDUCATE Word list - O oafish a stupid person:BOOB oasis a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert) obdurate resistant to persuasion or softening influences obedient submissive to the restraint or command of authority:willing to obey obeisance 1. a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW 2. a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW obfuscate to make obscure obituary a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account obligatory binding in law or conscience oblige to do a favor for obliging willing to do favors:ACCOMMODATING oblique not straightforward:INDIRECT; also :OBSCURE obliterate to remove from existence:destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of oblivious lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention obloquy Abusively detractive language or utterance; calumny obscure not clearly seen or easily distinguished:FAINT obsequious marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness observatory a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy); obsess to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of obsolete of a kind or style no longer current obstacle something that impedes progress or achievement obstinate adj. perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion obstreperous marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness:CLAMOROUS obstruct to hinder from passage, action, or operation obtuse lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect obviate to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action) occlude to close up or block off:OBSTRUCT occult not easily apprehended or understood:ABSTRUSE, MYSTERIOUS occurrence something that occurs ode a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying length of line, and complexity of stanza forms odious exciting or deserving hatred or repugnance offbeat eccentric, unconventional offend to cause dislike, anger, or vexation offhand without premeditation or preparation:EXTEMPORE officious volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor needed:MEDDLESOME offish somewhat cold and reserved:STANDOFFISH ominous being or exhibiting an omen : PORTENTOUS; especially : foreboding or foreshowing evil : INAUSPICIOUS omniscient having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight opaque exhibiting opacity:blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light opera a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes; specifically :GRAND OPERA opine to express opinions opportune suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence oppose to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast oppression unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power opprobrious expressive of opprobrium:SCURRILOUS optimization an act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible; opulent amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation oracle a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak oration an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner orchestra a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music orient get one's bearings; adjust original not secondary, derivative, or imitative ornithology a branch of zoology dealing with birds orthodoxy the quality or state of being conforming to established doctrine especially in religion oscillate to swing backward and forward like a pendulum ossify to become hardened or conventional and opposed to change ossilate ostentatious marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display ostracism exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance oust to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity outgoing openly friendly and responsive:EXTROVERTED outmaneuver to maneuver with better effect than; outwit outmoded no longer acceptable, current, or usable outwit to get the better of by superior cleverness:OUTSMART overbearing harshly and haughtily arrogant overdose too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent) overexposure to expose excessively; especially:to expose (as film) to excessive radiation (as light) overlap to occupy the same area in part:lap over oversee INSPECT, EXAMINE overt open to view:MANIFEST overture something introductory:PRELUDE overwhelm to make helpless, as with greater force or deep emotion; overcome; crush; overpower overwrought extremely excited:AGITATED oxymoron a combination of contradictory or incongruous words Word list - P pachyderm any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals (as an elephant, a rhinoceros, or a pig) most of which have a thick skin pacify to allay the anger or agitation of:SOOTHE pack a group of often predatory animals of the same kind pact COMPACT; especially:an international treaty padding material with which something is padded paean a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph; broadly painstaking taking pains:expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort palatable agreeable to the palate or taste palatial of, relating to, or being a palace palette a particular range, quality, or use of color pall to lose in interest or attraction palliate to reduce the violence of (a disease) pallid Having an abnormally pale or wan complexion pallor (n.) lack of facial color palmy marked by prosperity palpable easily perceived by the senses; audible, recognizable, perceptible, noticeable, etc. palter to act insincerely or deceitfully paltry practically worthless; trifling; insignificant; contemptible; petty pan to criticize unfavorably, as in reviewing panache dash or flamboyance in style and action Pandemonium Wild uproar or noise pander to act as a pander; especially:to provide gratification for others' desires panegyric a eulogistic oration or writing; also:formal or elaborate praise panorama comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions panoramic an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction pantechnicon a furniture van pantry a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order parable EXAMPLE; specifically:a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle paradigm EXAMPLE, PATTERN; especially :an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype paradise a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight paradox a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true paragon a model of excellence or perfection parallel extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant, and not meeting paramount superior to all others paranoia a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others paraphrase to make a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form parch to dry or shrivel with cold pariah a member of a low caste of southern India parity the quality or state of being equal or equivalent parlance manner or mode of speech parochial restricted to a small area or scope; narrow; limited; provincial parody a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule; a poor or weak imitation paroxysm a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST parquetry inlaid woodwork in geometric forms, usually of contrasting woods, used esp. in flooring parrot to repeat by rote parry to evade especially by an adroit answer parse to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe them grammatically parsimony a tendency to be over-careful in spending; unreasonable economy; stinginess partial inclined to favor one party more than the other:BIASED partiality inclination; bias particularize to state in detail partisan a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially:one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance passionate capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling pastiche a literary, artistic, musical, or architectural work that imitates the style of previous work; patent readily visible or intelligible:OBVIOUS pathology something abnormal,deviation from propriety or from an assumed normal state of something nonliving or nonmaterial patina a superficial covering or exterior patrician a person of high birth:ARISTOCRAT patriot one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests patronize to be kind or helpful to, but in a haughty or snobbish way, as if dealing with an inferior paucity smallness of number:FEWNESS paunchy having an enlarged, swollen, or protruding abdomen pauper a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity; specifically :one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor pebble a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of water peccadillo a slight offense peck (try to) strike (sth) with the beak pedagogue TEACHER, SCHOOLMASTER; especially :a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher pedant one who makes a show of knowledge pedestrian COMMONPLACE, UNIMAGINATIVE peep to utter the slightest sound peerless MATCHLESS, INCOMPARABLE peeve to make peevish or resentful:ANNOY pejorative having negative connotations; especially :tending to disparage or belittle:DEPRECIATORY pelf Wealth or riches, especially when dishonestly acquired pellucid easy to understand pen a female swan penalty the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense penchant a strong and continued inclination; broadly :LIKING penetrate to enter by overcoming resistance:PIERCE penitent feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses:REPENTANT pensive musingly or dreamily thoughtful penury a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially :severe poverty perceptible capable of being perceived especially by the senses peremptory characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance perfervid marked by overwrought or exaggerated emotion : excessively fervent perfidy the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal:TREACHERY perforate to make a hole through; especially :to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation perfunctorily lacking in interest or enthusiasm perimeter the boundary of a closed plane figure peripatetic moving or traveling from place to place:ITINERANT peripheral of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part perjury the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath:false swearing perjury:deposition permanence the quality or state of being permanent:DURABILITY permeable capable of being permeated:PENETRABLE; especially :having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through pernicious highly injurious or destructive:DEADLY perpetual continuing forever:EVERLASTING persecute to come to mind continually; obsess: persevere to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement persiflage to provide with an incentive; move to action; impel personable pleasant or amiable in person:ATTRACTIVE perspective an optical glass (as a telescope) perspicacious of acute mental vision or discernment:KEEN perspicuity plain to the understanding especially because of clarity and precision of presentation pertinacious stubbornly unyielding or tenacious pertinent having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand perturb to disturb greatly in mind:DISQUIET peruse to examine or consider with attention and in detail:STUDY pervade to become diffused throughout every part of suffuse pessimism an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome pesticide an agent used to destroy pests pestle a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar petition to make a request to:SOLICIT petrography the description and systematic classification of rocks petty having secondary rank or importance : MINOR, SUBORDINATE petulance the quality or state of being petulant:PEEVISHNESS phenomenal EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE philanthropic of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy:HUMANITARIAN Philistine a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values philosophical of or according to philosophy phlegmatic having or showing a slow and stolid temperament photorespiration Oxidation of carbohydrates in plants with the release of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis piddling TRIVIAL, PALTRY piebald of different colors; especially : spotted or blotched with black and white pigment a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue; pilfer STEAL; especially :to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again pillar a firm upright support for a superstructure:POST pillory to expose to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn pilot one employed to steer a ship:HELMSMAN pine to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable pinnacle an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress pinpoint to locate or aim with great precision piquant agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially :SPICY pithy having substance and point:tersely cogent pitiless devoid of pity:MERCILESS pittance a small portion, amount, or allowance; also :a meager wage or remuneration pixel The smallest image-forming unit of a video display placate to soothe or mollify especially by concessions:APPEASE placebo an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug) plagiarize to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own:use (another's production) without crediting the source plangent having a loud reverberating sound plantation a usually large group of plants and especially trees under cultivation plateau a region of little or no change in a graphic representation platitude a banal, trite, or stale remark platonic purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire plaudit An expression of applause. plausible superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious playoff A final game or series of games played to break a tie pleat FOLD; especially :to arrange in pleats plethora EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY; also :PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE pliable a. supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b. Easily influenced, persuaded, or swayed; tractable. pliant easily influenced:YIELDING plight to put or give in pledge:ENGAGE plodding working laboriously and monotonously:DRUDGE plot 1. a secret plan for accomplishing a usually evil or unlawful end:INTRIGUE 2. the plan or main story of a literary work pluck 1. to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick 2. courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds:dogged resolution plumage the feathers of a bird plumb to measure the depth of with a plumb plummet to drop sharply and abruptly plump having a full rounded usually pleasing form a plump woman plurality A majority. polarize to break up into opposing factions or groupings polemic the art or practice of disputation or controversy polish of Poland or the Poles polished highly developed, finished, or refined PERFECT politic characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing pollster one that conducts a poll or compiles data obtained by a poll Pollyanna A person regarded as being foolishly or blindly optimistic pompous having or exhibiting self-importance:ARROGANT ponderable significant enough to be worth considering:APPRECIABLE ponderous of very great weight pontificate to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way porcelain a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and is fired at high temperatures pore a minute opening especially in an animal or plant; especially :one by which matter passes through a membrane porous capable of being penetrated portentous eliciting amazement or wonder:PRODIGIOUS portrait PICTURE; especially :a pictorial representation (as a painting) of a person usually showing the face poseur a person who pretends to be what he or she is not:an affected or insincere person posit to assume or affirm the existence of:POSTULATE posterity the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation postscript a note or series of notes appended to a completed letter, article, or book postulate to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary:depend upon or start from the postulate of posture to assume an artificial or pretended attitude:ATTITUDINIZE pot an enclosed framework of wire, wood, or wicker for catching fish or lobsters potable suitable for drinking potboiler a literary or artistic work of poor quality, producedquickly for profit potentate RULER, SOVEREIGN; broadly:one who wields great power or sway potentiate to make effective or active or more effective or more active; also:to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically pout to show displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen expression prairie a large area of level or rolling land in the Mississippi valley that in its natural uncultivated state usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall coarse grasses, and few trees prate to talk long and idly:CHATTER preach to deliver a sermon precarious characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger precedent prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance precipice a very steep or overhanging place; dangerous position:CLIFF precipitate to bring about especially abruptly precipitation something precipitated:as a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow precipitous very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall preclude To make impossible, as by action taken in advance; prevent precursor one that precedes and indicates the approach of another predecessor one that precedes; especially:a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded preeminent having paramount rank, dignity, or importance:OUTSTANDING preempt to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority:take precedence over preen to dress or smooth (oneself) up:PRIMP preface the introductory remarks of a speaker or author pregnant abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness:INVENTIVE prejudice an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. preliminary coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else premeditated characterized by fully conscious willful intent and a measure of forethought and planning preponderant having superior weight, force, or influence prepossessing tending to create a favorable impression:ATTRACTIVE preposterous contrary to nature, reason, or common sense:ABSURD presage FORETELL, PREDICT prescience foreknowledge of events:a:divine omniscience b:human anticipation of the course of events:FORESIGHT prescription a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specifically:one for the preparation and use of a medicine presentiment a feeling that something will or is about to happen:PREMONITION preservative something that preserves or has the power of preserving; specifically:an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage prestige standing or estimation in the eyes of people:weight or credit in general opinion presumptuous overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy):taking liberties pretense an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality prevail to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority:TRIUMPH prevalent generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored:WIDESPREAD prevaricate to deviate from the truth:EQUIVOCATE prime the earliest stage primordial existing in or persisting from the beginning primp to dress, adorn, or arrange in a careful or finicky manner principal most important, consequential, or influential:CHIEF prissy being prim and precise:FINICKY pristine not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization):PURE privation the state of being deprived; especially : lack of what is needed for existence privilege a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor:PREROGATIVE; especially :such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office probe to make a searching exploratory investigation probity adherence to the highest principles and ideals:UPRIGHTNESS proclivity A natural propensity or inclination; predisposition procrastinate to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done procure to get possession of:obtain by particular care and effort prod to incite to action:STIR prodigal characterized by wasteful expenditure:LAVISH prodigy an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event profane to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt:DESECRATE proffer to present for acceptance:TENDER, OFFER proficient having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning profligate wildly extravagant:PRODIGAL profusion great quantity:lavish display or supply proliferate to increase in number as if by proliferating:MULTIPLY prolix marked by or using an excess of words prolong to lengthen in extent, scope, or range prominent readily noticeable:CONSPICUOUS promote to contribute to the growth or prosperity of:FURTHER propagate to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area:EXTEND propensity an often intense natural inclination or preference prophetic foretelling events:PREDICTIVE propitiate to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of:APPEASE, CONCILIATE propitious favorably disposed:BENEVOLENT proposal an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration prosaic DULL, UNIMAGINATIVE,EVERYDAY, ORDINARY proscribe to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful:PROHIBIT prosecution the act or process of prosecuting; specifically:the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment proselytize to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause prospect to search for or explore (a region) for mineral deposits or oil. prosperous enjoying vigorous and healthy growth:FLOURISHING prostrate stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission; also:lying flat protean displaying great diversity or variety:VERSATILE protest to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note) protocol a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence protract to prolong in time or space:CONTINUE protuberant thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded mass:PROMINENT provident FRUGAL, SAVING providential Happening as if through divine intervention; opportune. provincial limited in outlook:NARROW provisional serving for the time being:TEMPORARY provisory containing or subject to a proviso:CONDITIONAL Word list - Q quaff to drink (a beverage) deeply quail to recoil in dread or terror:COWER quaint unusual or different in character or appearance:ODD qualified limited or modified in some way quandary a state of perplexity or doubt quarantine to isolate from normal relations or communication quarry 1. one that is sought or pursued:PREY 2. an open excavation usually for obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone quash to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely quell to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity quench to cool (as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water) querulous habitually complaining queue a waiting line especially of persons or vehicles quibble to evade the point of an argument by caviling about words quiescent marked by inactivity or repose:tranquilly at rest quip a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment quixotic foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially :marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action quota a proportional part or share; especially :the share or proportion assigned to each in a division or to each member of a body quotidian COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY Word list - R rabble a disorganized or disorderly crowd of people:MOB rabid extremely violent:FURIOUS racketeer one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation raconteur a person who excels in telling anecdotes racy having a strongly marked quality:PIQUANT raffish marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness raffle a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances rafter any of the parallel beams that support a roof rage violent and uncontrolled anger ragged torn or worn to tatters ragtime rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment rail to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language raisin a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat rakish of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : DISSOLUTE ramble to move aimlessly from place to place rambunctious marked by uncontrollable exuberance:UNRULY rampart a protective barrier:BULWARK ramshackle appearing ready to collapse:RICKETY rancid offensive in odor or flavor:RANK rancor bitter deep-seated ill will range a series of mountains ranger the keeper of a British royal park or forest rank offensive in odor or flavor; especially :RANCID rankle to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness rant to scold vehemently rapacious excessively grasping or covetous rapport RELATION; especially :relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity rapprochement establishment of or state of having cordial relations rapscallion RASCAL, NE'ER-DO-WELL rapt wholly absorbed: ENGROSSED rash marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution raspy HARSH, GRATING ratify to approve and sanction formally:CONFIRM ratiocination the process of exact thinking:REASONING ration a food allowance for one day rationalize to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct raucous disagreeably harsh or strident:HOARSE rave an extravagantly favorable criticism ravel to separate or undo the texture of:UNRAVEL ravenous very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification raze to destroy to the ground:DEMOLISH reactant a substance that enters into and is altered in the course of a chemical reaction reactionary relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially :ultraconservative in politics ream a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets reap to gather by reaping:HARVEST reaper one who harvests grain reassure to restore to confidence rebellow rebuff to reject or criticize sharply:SNUB rebus a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound; also :a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols recalcitrant obstinately defiant of authority or restraint recant to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly:RENOUNCE recapitulate to repeat the principal points or stages of : SUMMARIZE recessive producing little or no phenotypic effect when occurring in heterozygous condition with a contrasting allele recidivism a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially :relapse into criminal behavior reciprocate to move forward and backward alternately reckless marked by lack of proper caution:careless of consequences recluse a person who leads a secluded or solitary life recoil to fall back under pressure reconcile to make consistent or congruous recondite difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend:DEEP reconnaissance a preliminary survey to gain information; especially :an exploratory military survey of enemy territory reconnoiter To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying, or geological purposes. reconstitute to constitute again or anew; especially :to restore to a former condition by adding water rectify to correct by removing errors:ADJUST rectitude moral integrity:RIGHTEOUSNESS recuperate to regain a former state or condition; especially :to recover health or strength redolent exuding fragrance:AROMATIC redoubtable ILLUSTRIOUS, EMINENT; broadly :worthy of respect redress to set right:REMEDY redundant exceeding what is necessary or normal:SUPERFLUOUS reedy having many reeds reel a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound refinery a building and equipment for refining or processing (as oil or sugar) reflective marked by reflection:THOUGHTFUL, DELIBERATIVE refractory resisting control or authority:STUBBORN, UNMANAGEABLE refresh to restore strength and animation to:REVIVE refugee one that flees; especially :a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution refulgent a radiant or resplendent quality or state:BRILLIANCE refute to prove wrong by argument or evidence:show to be false or erroneous regard a feeling of respect and affection:ESTEEM regenerate restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state regime a government in power regimen a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient regress to tend to approach or revert to a mean regression A going back; a withdrawing or returning; (opposite of progression) rehabilitate to restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good management, or solvency) rehabilitation rehabilitating or being rehabilitated rehearsal a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance reign royal authority:SOVEREIGNTY rein to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins reiterate to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect rejoice to feel joy or great delight relapse to slip or fall back into a former worse state release to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude relentless showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace:UNRELENTING relevant having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand religion a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith relinquish to give over possession or control of:YIELD relish characteristic flavor; especially :pleasing or zestful flavor reluctant Unwilling; disinclined: remiss showing neglect or inattention:LAX remnant a usually small part, member, or trace remaining remodel to alter the structure of:REMAKE remonstrance an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance; especially :a document formally stating such points remorse a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs:SELFREPROACH remunerate to pay an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense:RECOMPENSE rend to split or tear apart or in pieces by violence renounce to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration renovate to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding) repartee a succession or interchange of clever retorts:amusing and usually light sparring with words repatriate to restore or return to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship repeal to rescind or annul by authoritative act; especially :to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment repel to drive back:REPULSE repertoire the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for performance replete fully or abundantly provided or filled reportage the act or process of reporting news repose to take a rest reprehensible worthy of or deserving reprehension:CULPABLE repressed characterized by restraint reprieve to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner) reprimand to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority reprisal the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered reproach an expression of rebuke or disapproval reprobate 1. to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil 2. A morally unprincipled person. reproof criticism for a fault:REBUKE reprove to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent reptile Any of various cold-blooded, usually egg-laying vertebrates of the class Reptilia, such as a snake, lizard, crocodile, turtle, or dinosaur, having an external covering of scales or horny plates and breathing by means of lungs. repudiate to refuse to accept; especially :to reject as unauthorized or as having no binding force repugnant exciting distaste or aversion;inconsistent. repulse to drive or beat back:REPEL rescind to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority:REPEAL resentment a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury reserved restrained in words and actions resign to give up one's office or position:QUIT resilience the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress resin a sticky substance found in some plants resolute marked by firm determination:RESOLVED resonant (adj.) resounding; re-echoing resourceful able to meet situations:capable of devising ways and means respire BREATHE; specifically :to inhale and exhale air successively respite A usually short interval of rest or relief. resplendent shining brilliantly:characterized by a glowing splendor responsive quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically: SENSITIVE restive marked by impatience:FIDGETY restless marked by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest restore to put or bring back into existence or use restrain to limit, restrict, or keep under control resurgence a rising again into life, activity, or prominence:RENASCENCE resuscitate to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness; also :REVITALIZE retainer a person attached or owing service to a household; especially :SERVANT retaliate to repay (as an injury) in kind retard to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment:IMPEDE reticent restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance retinue a group of retainers or attendants retort to pay or hurl back:RETURN retouch to alter (as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable appearance retract TAKE BACK, WITHDRAW retreat the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position retrench to cut out:EXCISE retrieve recover; find and bring in retrograde going backward; degenerating retrospective affecting things past:RETROACTIVE revelry noisy partying or merrymaking revenge to inflict injury in return for revere to show devoted deferential honor to:regard as worthy of great honor revise to make a new, amended, improved, or up-to-date version of revive to return to consciousness or life:become active or flourishing again revoke to annul by recalling or taking back:RESCIND revue a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances rewarding yielding or likely to yield a reward:VALUABLE, SATISFYING ribald CRUDE, OFFENSIVE rickety lacking stability or firmness:SHAKY rider a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object ridicule the act of exposing to laughter:DERISION, MOCKERY rife copiously supplied:ABOUNDING riffraff People regarded as disreputable or worthless rift BREACH, ESTRANGEMENT rigid inflexibly set in opinioncircular:asymmetrical::protean:rigid rigmarole a set of confused and meaningless statements ; a long and complicated and confusing procedure rile to make agitated and angry:UPSET riot to indulge in revelry or wantonness risible arousing or provoking laughter; especially :LAUGHABLE rite a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony rival one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess rive to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces:REND riveting having the power to fix the attention : ENGROSSING, FASCINATING rivulet a small stream robust having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health rodent any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (as a mouse, a squirrel, or a beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge roil to stir up:DISTURB, DISORDER roister to engage in noisy revelry:CAROUSE roster a roll or list of personnel rostrum a stage for public speaking rosy characterized by or tending to promote optimism rouse to stir up:EXCITE rubicund having a healthy reddish color rudimentary Being in the earliest stages of development; incipient. rue to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for ruffian a brutal person:BULLY ruffle a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge ruminate to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly ruminate:decidemuseful ;ruminative ;lamentable ;plaintive rumple FOLD, WRINKLE run an unbroken course of performances or showings,to be presented or performed for a continuous period of time rupture breach of peace or concord; specifically :open hostility or war between nations ruse a crafty stratagem; a subterfuge. rustic of, relating to, or suitable for the country:RURAL rustle make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together Word list - S sabbatical of or relating to the break or change from a normal routine sabotage damage done secretly to prevent an enemy, a competitor, etc succeeding, esp by destroying his weapons or equipment and spoiling his plans saccharine overly or sickishly sweet sacrifice an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially :the killing of a victim on an altar sacrilege a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated to God saddle to place (an onerous responsibility) on a person or group safeguard a technical contrivance to prevent accident sagacious of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment:DISCERNING salient standing out conspicuously:PROMINENT; especially :of notable significance salmon a large anadromous salmonid fish (Salmo salar) of the No. Atlantic noted as a game and food fish salubrious favorable to or promoting health or well-being salutary producing a beneficial effect:REMEDIAL salutation an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony salvage to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin salve an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores salvo a simultaneous discharge of two or more guns in military action or as a salute sanctify to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use:CONSECRATE sanctimonious affecting piousness:hypocritically devout; also :indicative of affected piousness sanction to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to sanctuary a place of refuge and protection sand to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (as sandpaper) sanguine CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC sanitation the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions sap to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of sapient possessing or expressing great sagacity sapling a young tree; specifically:one not over four inches in diameter at breast height sarcastic given to the use of sarcasm:CAUSTIC sartorial of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly :of or relating to clothes satiated to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully or to excess satire a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn saturated full of moisture:made thoroughly wet saturnine of a gloomy or surly disposition saunter to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner:STROLL savanna A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions. savory pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective seasoning savvy practical know-how scale a.an instrument or machine for weighing b.an estimate of the amount of sound lumber in logs or standing timber scalpel a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery scan to read or mark so as to show metrical structure scanty limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent scarce deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful or abundant scare to frighten especially suddenly:ALARM scathing bitterly severe schism a separation or division into factionsschism:consensus::interruption:continuity scintillating brilliantly lively, stimulating, or witty scion DESCENDANT, CHILD scission a division or split in a group or union:schism scissor a cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed scoff to show contempt by derisive acts or language scooter child's foot-operated vehicle consisting of a narrow footboard mounted between two wheels tandem with an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel scorch to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat:PARCH score the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation scorn to treat with scorn:reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy scour to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing scowl to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure scrap discard;to abandon as no longer of enough worth to retain scrappy quarrelsome;having an aggressive and determined spirit scrawl to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly screw a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rotating scribble to write hastily or carelessly without regard to legibility or form script the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast; specifically :the one used in production or performance scrupulous having moral integrity:acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper scrutable capable of being deciphered:COMPREHENSIBLE scrutiny a searching study, inquiry, or inspection:EXAMINATION scuff to scratch, gouge, or wear away the surface of sculptor an artist who makes sculptures scurrilous using or given to coarse language scurvy disgustingly mean or contemptible:DESPICABLE scutter to move with a clattering, scurrying sound scythe an implement used for mowing (as grass) and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle secluded Removed or remote from others; solitary secrete to form and give off (a secretion) sedate to dose with sedatives sedentary not migratory:SETTLED seduce to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty sedulous involving or accomplished with careful perseverance seemly conventionally proper:DECOROUS seminal containing or contributing the seeds of later development seminary A school, especially a theological school for the training of priests, ministers, or rabbis sensation a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) due to immediate bodily stimulation often as distinguished from awareness of the sensitive highly responsive or susceptible sentinel SENTRY:GUARD, WATCH; especially :a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (as a gate) sepulchral suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre:FUNEREAL, MORTUARY sequela A secondary consequence or result sequester to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration seraph one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God sere being dried and withered serendipity the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for serenity the quality or state of being shining bright and steady serfdom a member of a servile feudal class bound to the soil and subject to the will of his lord sermon a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service serpentine Of or resembling a serpent, as in form or movement; sinuousserpentine:directness::?? serrate notched or toothed on the edge; specifically having marginal teeth pointing forward or toward the apex serried crowded or pressed together:COMPACT servile meanly or cravenly submissive:ABJECT severe rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement:STRINGENT, RESTRICTIVE shackle to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps:IMPEDE shadow to follow especially secretly:TRAIL shaft arrow or spear/smth long and narrow shale a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition sham an imitation or counterfeit purporting to be genuine shard fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where pottery-making peoples have lived shelter to constitute or provide a shelter for:PROTECT shiftless lacking in ambition or incentive:LAZY shirk to evade the performance of an obligation shopworn stale from excessive use or familiarity shrewd marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen shrink to recoil instinctively shrug to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty shun to avoid deliberately and especially habitually shunt to switch (as a train) from one track to another shuttle to cause to move or travel back and forth frequently sidereal of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations:ASTRAL signal distinguished from the ordinary simpleton a person lacking in common sense simulate to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive:IMITATE sin an offense against religious or moral law sincere free of dissimulation:HONEST sinecure an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income sinew solid resilient strength:POWER singe to burn superficially or lightly:SCORCH; especially :to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame singular distinguished by superiority:EXCEPTIONAL sinister singularly evil or productive of evil sinuous of a serpentine or wavy form:WINDING sip to drink in small quantities siren One of a group of sea nymphs who by their sweet singing lured mariners to destruction on the rocks surrounding their island. skeptic a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles sketchy wanting in completeness, clearness, or substance:SLIGHT, SUPERFICIAL skimpy deficient in supply or execution especially through skimping:SCANTY skirt to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy skit a brief burlesque or comic sketch included in a dramatic performance (as a revue) skittish easily frightened:RESTIVE slake SATISFY, QUENCH slant to present so as to conform to a particular bias or appeal to a certain audience slate a list of candidates for nomination or election slew a large number slight 1. to treat with disdain or indifference 2. small of its kind or in amount:SCANTY, MEAGER slink to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame):STEAL slippery causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall slipshod wearing loose shoes or slippers sloppy wet so as to spatter easily:SLUSHY sloth disinclination to action or labor:INDOLENCE slouch to walk, stand, or sit with a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders or excessive relaxation of body muscles:DROOP sloven untidy especially in personal appearance:slovenly sluggard an habitually lazy person sluggish averse to activity or exertion:INDOLENT; also :TORPID slumber to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state slur an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo:ASPERSION sly lacking in straightforwardness and candor:DISSEMBLING smarmy Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest; unctuous smart 1. stylish or elegant in dress or appearance 2. a smarting pain; especially :a stinging local pain smattering superficial piecemeal knowledge smirk to smile in an affected or smug manner:SIMPER smother to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air smug highly self-satisfied smuggle to convey or introduce surreptitiously snare to capture by or as if by use of a snare snarl to cause to become knotted and intertwined:TANGLE To growl viciously while baring the teeth sneer to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt snob one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste snub to treat with contempt or neglect soak to lie immersed in liquid (as water):become saturated by or as if by immersion sober marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor sodden heavy with or as if with moisture or water solace alleviation of grief or anxiety solder to unite or make whole by solder solemn marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety solicitous full of concern or fears:APPREHENSIVE solidify to make solid, compact, or hard solitude the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION solvent able to pay all legal debts somber of a dismal or depressing character:MELANCHOLY somnolence the quality or state of being drowsy:SLEEPINESS sonata an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys sonnet a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of fourteen lines that are typically five-foot iambics rhyming according to a prescribed scheme; also :a poem in this pattern soothe to please by or as if by attention or concern:PLACATE,RELIEVE, ALLEVIATE sop a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or gesture sophism an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid; especially :such an argument used to deceive sophistication the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned; especially :CULTIVATION, URBANITY sophomoric conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature soporific tending to dull awareness or alertness sordid marked by baseness or grossness:VILE sound SOLID, FIRM; also :STABLE sparse of few and scattered elements; especially :not thickly grown or settled Spartan marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort spat a brief petty quarrel or angry outburst spate a large number or amount specialize To pursue a special activity, occupation, or field of study specious having a false look of truth or genuineness:SOPHISTIC speck a very small amount:BIT spectator one who looks on or watches spectrum a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order speculate to meditate on or ponder a subject:REFLECT spendthrift a person who spends improvidently or wastefully spent drained of energy or effectiveness:EXHAUSTED spindly of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness spine row of bones along the back of humans and some animals; backbone spineless having no spine; invertebrate spiny abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances:THORNY spire a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower spleen feelings of anger or ill will often suppressed splint material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a broken arm) spoil to pamper excessively:CODDLE spoke any of the small radiating bars inserted in the hub of a wheel to support the rim spontaneous arising from a momentary impulse spoof A gentle satirical imitation; a light parody. sporadic occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances sprain a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments sprightly marked by a gay lightness and vivacity:SPIRITED spur to incite to action or accelerated growth or development:STIMULATE spurious outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities:FALSE spurn to reject with disdain or contempt:SCORN squabble a noisy altercation or quarrel usually over trifles squalid marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty squall a short-lived commotion squander to spend extravagantly or foolishly:DISSIPATE squelch to completely suppress:QUELL squint looking or tending to look obliquely or askance (as with envy or disdain) stagnant not advancing or developing staid marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint: SOBER, GRAVE stalemate a drawn contest:DEADLOCK stalk to pursue by tracking stealthily stalwart marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit stamina strength; staying power stammer to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking:HALT stanza a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme:STROPHE stark rigid in or as if in death startle to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously static characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression stature natural height (as of a person) in an upright position status relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige; especially :high prestige steadfast firmly fixed in place:IMMOVABLE stealth the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly steep to saturate with or subject thoroughly to stench to emit a strong offensive odor:STINK stentorian extremely loud sterile free from living organisms and especially microorganisms stickler one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something stiff lacking in suppleness or responsiveness stifle to withhold from circulation or expression:REPRESS stigma a mark of shame or discredit:STAIN stilted POMPOUS, LOFTY stingy not generous or liberal:sparing or scant in giving or spending stint to be sparing or frugal stipple to engrave by means of dots and flicks stipulate To lay down as a condition of an agreement; require by contract. stipulation action of stipulating stock a store or supply accumulated; especially :the inventory of goods of a merchant or manufacturer stockade an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes stodgy BORING, DULL stoic not affected by or showing passion or feeling; especially :firmly restraining response to pain or distress stolid having or expressing little or no sensibility:UNEMOTIONAL stouthearted having a stout heart or spirit:STUBBORN straggle to wander from the direct course or way:ROVE, STRAY strait a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water b:a situation of perplexity or distress stratify to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata stray to wander accidentally from a fixed or chosen route strength degree of potency of effect or of concentration striate to mark with striations or striae stricture an adverse criticism:CENSURE stride to move with or as if with long steps strident characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound strike To form by stamping, printing, or punching: stringent marked by rigor, strictness, or severity especially with regard to rule or standard strip to remove clothing, covering, or surface matter from strut 1. to walk with a pompous and affected air 2. a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length stubborn unreasonably or perversely unyielding:MULISH studio the working place of a painter, sculptor, or photographer stultify to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on stun to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow:DAZE stunt to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of sturdy marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor stygian extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding stylus an instrument for writing, marking, or incising Word list - T tacit expressed or carried on without words or speech taciturn temperamentally disinclined to talk tackle an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage for hoisting and pulling tactile perceptible by touch:TANGIBLE tactless marked by lack of a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense tag a cardboard, plastic, or metal marker used for identification or classification taint to contaminate morally:CORRUPT talisman charm tame lacking spirit, zest, interest, or the capacity to excite:INSIPID tamper to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse tangent diverging from an original purpose of course:IRRELEVANT tangible capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch:PALPABLE tangy having or suggestive of a tang tantalize to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach tantamount equivalent in value, significance, or effect tantrum a fit of bad temper taper progressively narrowed toward one end tapestry a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs tardy delayed beyond the expected or proper time:late tarnish something that tarnishes; especially a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (as silver) tarpaulin a piece of material (as durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects or areas tasty strikingly attractive or interesting tatty rather worn, frayed, or dilapidated:SHABBY taunt to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner:jeer at taut having no give or slack:tightly drawn tawdry cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality; also :IGNOBLE taxing onerous, wearing teal small wild duck living near rivers or lakes tear to move or act with violence, haste, or force tease to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity without intending to satisfy it tedious tiresome because of length or dullness:boring teeter to move unsteadily:wobble telling carrying great weight and producing a marked effect:effective, expressive temerity unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition:rashness, recklessness temperate marked by moderation tempestuous of, relating to, or resembling a tempest temporize avoid committing oneself; gain time tenable capable of being held, maintained, or defended:defensible, reasonable tenacious persistent in maintaining or adhering to something valued or habitual tendentious marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view:biased tender offer; extend tendinous consisting of tendons:sinewy tepid moderately warm, lukewarm terminus either end of a transportation line or travel route; also :the station, town, or city at such a place:terminal terror a state of intense fear testator a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force testimony a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official testy easily annoyed:irritable tether to fasten or restrain by theatrical marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion theology the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world therapeutic of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods thorny full of difficulties or controversial points:ticklish threadbare exhausted of interest or freshness thrive to grow vigorously:flourish throng to crowd together in great numbers thwart to oppose successfully:defeat the hopes or aspirations of ticklish touchy, oversensitive tidy neat and orderly in appearance or habits:well ordered and cared for tiff a petty quarrel tightfisted reluctant to part with money tile slab of baked clay or other material used in rows for covering roofs, walls, floors, etc timeworn hackneyed, stale timid lacking in courage or self-confidence timorous of a timid disposition:fearful tinge to color with a slight shade or stain:tint tinker to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner:fiddle tint a variation of a color produced by adding white to it and characterized by a low saturation with relatively high lightness tirade a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language toady one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors:SYCOPHANT tolerance sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own tong a secret society or fraternal organization especially of Chinese in the U.S. formerly notorious for gang warfare tonic increasing or restoring physical or mental tone:refreshing tonsorial of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber topsy-turvy being in utter confusion or disorder torpid sluggish in functioning or acting torpor a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility:extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function torrential caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams torrid giving off intense heat:scorching tortuous marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns:winding tourniquet a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow tractable capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled:docile trait a distinguishing quality (as of personal character): peculiarity transcend to rise above or go beyond the limits of , to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of:overcome transfigure to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to:transform outwardly and usually for the better transgress to go beyond limits set or prescribed by:violate transient passing especially quickly into and out of existence: transitory transitory tending to pass away:not persistent translucent permitting the passage of light:clear, transparent transparent easily detected or seen through:obvious travail painful labor traverse to go or travel across or over travesty a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation treacherous characterized by or manifesting treachery:perfidious treasurer an officer entrusted with the receipt, care, and disbursement of funds treaty an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation tremendous notable by reason of extreme size, power, greatness, orexcellence tremulous such as is or might be caused by nervousness or shakiness trenchant vigorously effective and articulate trepidation timorous uncertain agitation:apprehension trespass to enter unlawfully upon the land of another tribute a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection; also :the tax levied for such a payment trickle to issue or fall in drops trite hackneyed or boring from much use:not fresh or original triumph a victory or conquest by or as if by military force trivial of little worth or importance trophy something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial troupe a company or group, especially of touring actors, singers, or dancers truant Idle, lazy, or neglectful. one who shirks duty; especially :one who stays out of school without permission truculent feeling or displaying ferocity:cruel, savage trudge to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously truncate to shorten by or as if by cutting off truss A rigid framework, as of wooden beams or metal bars, designed to support a structure, such as a roof. tumult disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices:commotion turbid deficient in clarity or purity:foul, muddy turbulent causing unrest, violence, or disturbance turgid excessively embellished in style or language:bombastic, pompous turmoil a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion turncoat one who switches to an opposing side or party; specifically :traitor turret a little tower; specifically :an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure tutor a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another typo an error (as of spelling) in typed or typeset material Word list - U ugly offensive to the sight:HIDEOUS unavailing not availing:FUTILE, USELESS uncanny seeming to have a supernatural character or origin:EERIE, MYSTERIOUS uncouth awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior unctuous smooth and greasy in texture or appearance underdog a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest undermine to weaken or ruin by degrees underscore line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize unexceptionable not open to objection or criticism:beyond reproach: UNIMPEACHABLE unexceptional not out of the ordinary:COMMONPLACE unflappable marked by assurance and self-control ungainly lacking in smoothness or dexterity:CLUMSY unimpeachable not impeachable:not to be called in question:not liable to accusation:IRREPROACHABLE, BLAMELESS unkempt deficient in order or neatness unlettered lacking facility in reading and writing and ignorant of the knowledge to be gained from books unpalatable not palatable unpretentious free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation:MODEST unrequited not requited:not reciprocated or returned in kind unruly not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed presumptuous : unruly untenable not able to be defended untold too great or numerous to count:INCALCULABLE, VAST untoward not favorable:ADVERSE, UNPROPITIOUS untutored untaught or untrained unwitting not knowing:UNAWARE unwonted not accustomed by experience upbraid to reproach severely:scold vehemently uphold to support against an opponent uproar a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance upset to trouble mentally or emotionally:disturb the poise of urbane notably polite or finished in manner:POLISHED urge to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly usurp to take the place of by or as if by force:SUPPLANT utter to give public expression to:express in words vaccinate to inoculate (a person) with cowpox virus in order to produce immunity to smallpox Word list - V vacillate to sway through lack of equilibrium:FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE vacuous marked by lack of ideas or intelligence:STUPID, INANE vagary an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion vagrant one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support vague not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely valediction an act of bidding farewell valiant possessing or acting with bravery or boldness:COURAGEOUS valid logically correct vanquish to defeat in a conflict or contest vapid lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force:FLAT, DULL vaporize to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor variance the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant: DIFFERENCE, VARIATION varnish to apply varnish to vault a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables vaunt to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments:BRAG veer to change direction or course vehement marked by forceful energy:POWERFUL venal capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration:PURCHASABLE; especially :open to corrupt influence and especially bribery:MERCENARY vendor one that sell especially as a hawker or peddler veneer a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood venerate to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference vengeful serving to gain vengeance venial of a kind that can be remitted:FORGIVABLE, PARDONABLE; also :meriting no particular censure or notice:EXCUSABLE venom poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging ventilate to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly:EXPOSE veracious TRUTHFUL, HONEST verbatim being in or following the exact words:WORD-FOR-WORD verbose containing more words than necessary:WORDY verdant green with growing plants verdict the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial verify to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of vernacular The standard native language of a country or locality versatile having many uses or applications versed acquainted through study or experience; knowledgeable or skilled versemonger vertigo a disordered state in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily verve the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance:VIVACITY vessel a tube or canal (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated vestigial a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed in comparison to one more fully developed in an earlier stage of the individual, in a past generation, or in closely related forms veteran an old soldier of long service veto an authoritative prohibition:INTERDICTION vex to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to viable capable of living; especially :capable of surviving outside the mother's womb without artificial support vibrant oscillating or pulsating rapidly vicarious performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another:SUBSTITUTIONARY vicious having the nature or quality of vice or immorality:DEPRAVED vicissitude change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune victimize to subject to deception or fraud:CHEAT vigilant alertly watchful especially to avoid danger vignette a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie) vigor active bodily or mental strength or force vilify to utter slanderous and abusive statements against:DEFAME vim robust energy and enthusiasm vindicate to free from allegation or blame vindictive disposed to seek revenge:VENGEFUL violate to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of; specifically :RAPE virility the quality or state of being virile:a:MANHOOD b:manly vigor:MASCULINITY virtuoso an experimenter or investigator especially in the arts and sciences:SAVANT virtuous morally excellent:RIGHTEOUS virulent marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course viscous having a glutinous consistency:VISCID visionary incapable of being realized or achieved:UTOPIAN vista a distant view through or along an avenue or opening:PROSPECT vitality capacity to live and develop; also :physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed vitiate to make faulty or defective:IMPAIR vitrify to convert into glass or a glassy substance by heat and fusion vitriolic bitterly scathing; caustic vituperative uttering or given to censure:containing or characterized by verbal abuse vivacious lively in temper, conduct, or spirit:SPRIGHTLY vivid having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness:LIVELY vociferous marked by or given to vehement insistent outcry vogue popular acceptation or favor:POPULARITY volatile characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change volition an act of making a choice or decision; also :a choice or decision made voluble characterized by ready or rapid speech:GLIB, FLUENT voluminous having or marked by great volume or bulk:LARGE also :FULL voluptuous given to or spent in enjoyments of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications vomit an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth; also :the disgorged matter voracious excessively eager:INSATIABLE votary a devout or zealous worshiper vouch to summon into court to warrant or defend a title vulgar lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste:COARSE Word list - W waffle to talk or write foolishly:BLATHER wag WIT, JOKER wan suggestive of poor health:SICKLY, PALLID wane to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence want grave and extreme poverty that deprives one of the necessities of life wanton playfully mean or cruel:MISCHIEVOUS wardrobe a room or closet where clothes are kept:CLOTHESPRESS warmonger one who urges or attempts to stir up war:JINGO warp to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape; especially :to twist or bend out of a plane warrant to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) wary marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in detecting and escaping danger wastrel one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently:PROFLIGATE waterproof impervious to water; especially :covered or treated with a material watershed a crucial dividing point, line, or factor:TURNING POINT wax 1. to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing or stiffening 2. to increase in phase or intensity ,used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets waylay to lie in wait for or attack from ambush weld to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together or by hammering or compressing with or without previous heating welter to be in turmoil wheedle to influence or entice by soft words or flattery whet to make keen or more acute:EXCITE, STIMULATE whiff a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray whimsical resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially :lightly fanciful wholesome promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit wicked morally very bad:EVIL wily full of wiles:CRAFTY wince to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain):FLINCH windbag an exhaustively talkative person windy VERBOSE, BOMBASTIC winnow to remove (as chaff) by a current of air winsome generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence wit mental capability and resourcefulness:INGENUITY witch one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially :a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar:SORCERESS withdraw to remove (money) from a place of deposit;to become socially or emotionally detached wither to become dry and sapless; especially :to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture withhold to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing wizen to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality wobble to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side TREMBLE, QUAVER woo to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with:COURT wordsmith a person who works with words; especially :a skillful writer worldly of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs worship extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem wrangler a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses; broadly :COWBOY wretched (adj.) miserable or unhappy; causing distress writ a formal written document; specifically :a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch wry cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous also having a bent or twisted shape or condition Word list - Y yawn to open the mouth wide usually as an involuntary reaction to fatigue or boredom yield to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another:hand over possession of yoke to join as if by a yoke Word list - Z zeal eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something:FERVOR zest keen enjoyment:RELISH, GUSTO zigzag one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course; also :something having the form or character of such a series zone to arrange in or mark off into zones; specifically :to partition (a city, borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved for different purposes (as residence or business

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