POWER VOCABULARRY BUILDER
TOP 100 GMAT Vocabulary Words
aberrant
(adjective)
DEFINITION
deviating from what is normal or desirable, not typical
SYNONYMS
abnormal, anomalous, unusual, atypical
ANTONYMS
normal, common, average
USAGE EXAMPLES
My dog's aberrant behavior led me to worry that he may have been poisoned. (abnormal,
atypical)
His aberrant comments made everyone wonder whether he was drunk. (abnormal,
unusual)
abeyance
(noun)
DEFINITION
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
SYNONYMS
suspension, deferment, pause, quiescence, deferral, postponement, cessation
ANTONYMS
continuance
USAGE EXAMPLES
Since the gas leak in our office building, our work has been in temporary abeyance.
(suspension, pause)
That law has been in abeyance since 1900, but it is likely that it will eventually be
reinstated. (cessation, suspension)
abscond
(verb)
DEFINITION
to escape or run away in secret
SYNONYMS
flee, escape, elope
ANTONYMS
return, stay
USAGE EXAMPLES
Martin was thought to be trustworthy and everyone was shocked when he absconded with
all of the company's profits. (fled)
Jenny was so embarrassed by her blunder, she wished she could abscond from the room,
never to return. (escape, flee)
abysmal
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. very deep or extreme; 2. terrible, appallingly bad, or extremely severe
SYNONYMS
immense, extreme, infinite, bottomless, profound, deep, terrible, horrible, dreadful
ANTONYMS
limited, shallow, wonderful
USAGE EXAMPLES
The children refused to swim in the abysmal waters of the lake. (deep, bottomless)
The student's abysmal ignorance of the topic astounded the professor. (profound, extreme)
amendment
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. a change or improvement in something; 2. the process of changing or improving
something
SYNONYMS
modification, emendation, revision, change, alteration, correction
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
An amendment to the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote by the Congress, as well as
ratification by the states. (modification, addition)
I have amended my notes to reflect current developments in the research of this topic.
(modified, added to)
amiss
(adverb, adjective)
DEFINITION
(adv.) done in an incorrect or inappropriate way; (adj.) incorrect or not as it should be
SYNONYMS
(adv.) incorrectly, wrongly, (adj.) erroneous, astray, askance, wrong, awry, improper
ANTONYMS
(adv.) accurately, properly, (adj.) correct, accurate
USAGE EXAMPLES
Linda knew something was amiss when she discovered a missing report. (wrong, awry)
Due to poor planning and inadequate organization, the project went amiss. (astray)
amortize
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to pay off a debt with gradual installments; 2. to spread out the cost over several
payments or different applications
SYNONYMS
liquidate, pay, reimburse, repay, satisfy, settle
ANTONYMS
renege, breach
USAGE EXAMPLES
He will make additional payments every month in order to amortize the loan. (repay,
settle)
They figured it would take five years to amortize their debt. (pay off, repay, satisfy)
aseptic
(adjective)
DEFINITION
germ-free or designed to protect against infection and germs
SYNONYMS
sterile, sanitary, antiseptic
ANTONYMS
dirty, contagious
USAGE EXAMPLES
I know my dentist's tools are completely aseptic because after they are sterilized, they are
sealed in protective packaging until ready for use. (sterile, sanitary)
An aseptic environment will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. (sanitary)
aspersion
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. a disparaging statement; 2. a slanderous remark and attack on one's character
SYNONYMS
slur, affront, invective, calumny, defamation, vilification, slander
ANTONYMS
praise, compliment
USAGE EXAMPLES
The newspaper was heavily fined for the printed aspersion of the candidate. (defamation,
slander)
Because the aspersions made against John damaged his credibility and his ability to get a
new job, he sued the organization. (defamatory remarks, slurs)
attenuate
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to make thin in size or consistency; 2. to lessen or weaken, especially in strength or
worth
SYNONYMS
weaken, thin, narrow, rarefy, dilute, lessen, diminish
ANTONYMS
thicken, intensify
USAGE EXAMPLES
When chlorine is attenuated by other chemicals, it is not harmful to humans. (diluted)
Everyone hopes the crisis will attenuate over time. (lessen, diminish)
baroque
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. extravagant, complex, flamboyant, and highly ornate; 2. characteristic of a 17th
century style of art, music, and architecture
SYNONYMS
flamboyant, ornate, embellished, florid, extravagant, rococo
ANTONYMS
plain, simple
USAGE EXAMPLES
The wealthy couple decorated their home very elaborately with ornamental rugs and
baroque artwork. (rococo, ornate)
The artist carved chairs ranging in design from simple and classic to complicated and
baroque. (extravagant, flamboyant, ornate)
behoove
(verb)
DEFINITION
to be necessary, advantageous, or appropriate
SYNONYMS
befit, profit, require, oblige, help, benefit
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
It would behoove you to tell me what's wrong, so I can help you sort out the problem.
(befit, help)
It behooves us to provide our employees with the best compensation plan possible.
(benefits, profits)
bungler
(noun)
DEFINITION
someone who makes errors because of incompetence, foolishness, clumsiness, or lack of
care
SYNONYMS
blunderer, fool, fumbler
ANTONYMS
expert
USAGE EXAMPLES
My new assistant has turned out to be a real bungler--he can't even make coffee without
burning it! (fool)
I turned out to be a real bungler as a waitress, dropping what seemed like a dozen plates a
week. (fool, blunderer)
burgeon
(verb)
DEFINITION
to grow and flourish
SYNONYMS
grow, thrive, rise, blossom, bloom, develop, flourish, sprout, proliferate, swell, increase
ANTONYMS
diminish, decrease, shrink
USAGE EXAMPLES
The buds I planted last fall will burgeon into beautiful flowers come spring. (blossom,
sprout, grow)
The once burgeoning high-tech stocks have been flat for over six months. (flourishing,
rising)
burlesque
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) to mock through caricature or grotesque or comical imitation, especially to make fun
of something serious; (n.) theatrical entertainment that is comical and often satirical in
nature
SYNONYMS
(v.) caricature, mock, ridicule, satirize, (n.) parody, spoof
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
This author burlesques all sorts of surprising issues, from war to depression. (parodies,
satirizes, mocks)
The funniest skits on Saturday Night Live use burlesque to make fun of political figures
and celebrities. (parody, mockery)
carte blanche
(noun)
DEFINITION
free rein or complete decision-making control
SYNONYMS
authority, control, power, freedom, sanction
ANTONYMS
restriction
USAGE EXAMPLES
As a sign of his confidence in her, Melanie's boss gave her carte blanche to handle the
project however she saw fit. (freedom, authority)
The architects were thrilled to find out that they had been given carte blanche to design
the structure exactly as they wished. (authority, freedom)
charisma
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. magnetic personality and personal magic of leadership, which some possess naturally;
2. enthusiasm and interest in people
SYNONYMS
magnetism, charm, fascination, lure, appeal, presence
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
High-level politicians very often have great charisma. (magnetism, lure, charm)
The new CEO has such charisma that employee morale, and subsequently sales, have
significantly improved. (presence, magnetism)
chary
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. characterized by cautious hesitance and vigilance; 2. afraid of risks and sparing in
action
SYNONYMS
constrained, cautious, hesitant, particular, guarded
ANTONYMS
careless, negligent, reckless, unconcerned, imprudent, cavalier
USAGE EXAMPLES
The chary investor spent much time deliberating over his stock purchases. (cautious,
particular)
The chary job hunter missed an excellent networking opportunity when she waited too
long to approach her target. (constrained, guarded)
chortle
(noun, verb)
DEFINITION
(n.) a quiet laugh or chuckle; (v.) to laugh quietly, often with restraint
SYNONYMS
cackle, chuckle, snicker, giggle, snort
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
He accidentally chortled a bit to himself during the board meeting, then feigned a cough.
(chuckle, snicker)
I let out a chortle when I was looking for my glasses and then found them on my head.
(chuckle, giggle)
churlishness
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. crude or rude behavior; 2. the state of being unfriendly and difficult to work with
SYNONYMS
acerbity, belligerence, irascibility, rancor, surliness, rudeness
ANTONYMS
civility, kindness, suavity, sweetness
USAGE EXAMPLES
John's churlishness and generally negative demeanor was related to his recent string of
bad luck. (acerbity, irascibility, bitterness)
The churlish teen used to be such a pleasure, but now she's always cranky. (surly, acerbic)
cloture
(noun)
DEFINITION
a method of quickly closing debate and calling for an immediate vote on the matter at
hand in U.S. parliamentary procedure
SYNONYMS
closure, gag law, gag rule
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The cloture rule is the only conventional way to end an attempt to delay Senate action.
(closure, gag-rule)
The U.S. Senate has an official record of cloture motions on their web site. (closure, gaglaw)
coda
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. concluding section of a musical piece that has dramatic energy and is distinct from the
main structure; 2. extra text in a literary work or speech that gives additional information
SYNONYMS
finale, conclusion, postlude, summation
ANTONYMS
foreword, prelude, prologue, introduction
USAGE EXAMPLES
The musician was frustrated and unable to complete a coda for the end of his
composition. (finale, conclusion)
The autobiography contained a coda summarizing the state of the author when he wrote
the book. (postlude, conclusion)
codify
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to organize and reduce a body of law, rules, or principles into a code or system; 2. to
arrange in a systematic collection
SYNONYMS
systematize, catalogue, categorize, classify
ANTONYMS
disorganize, declassify
USAGE EXAMPLES
An important aspect of Roman law was its system of codification. (classification,
cataloging)
Most modern civilizations codify their laws as they come into existence.(systematize,
categorize)
cogitate
(verb)
DEFINITION
to engage in deep thought, to ponder and reflect upon, or to turn over in one's mind
SYNONYMS
contemplate, reflect, meditate, ruminate, muse, brainstorm, mull
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
Some people find it helpful to write their thoughts on paper as they cogitate ideas.
(ruminate, brainstorm)
Julie never changed her mind once she spent time cogitating the pros and cons of a
decision. (contemplating, musing)
commiserate
(verb)
DEFINITION
to feel and show sympathy or share sadness
SYNONYMS
sympathize, pity
ANTONYMS
rejoice
USAGE EXAMPLES
Will you join me for a cup of coffee and commiserate with me over all the work we have
to do this week? (sympathize)
Our support group meets each month to commiserate over problems we have at work.
(share sadness, pity each other)
conglomeration
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. an odd accumulation or mass of varied things put together; 2. the act of mixing or
coming together
SYNONYMS
accumulation, aggregate, hodgepodge, medley, composite, corporation
ANTONYMS
separation
USAGE EXAMPLES
Some radio stations boast their independence from media conglomerates. (corporations)
The San Diego Comic Convention features a conglomeration of artistry, toys, and works
of fiction. (medley, hodgepodge)
consummation
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. the act of bringing something to completion; 2. completing a marriage in the legal
sense, through sexual intercourse
SYNONYMS
fulfillment, completion, conclusion, actualization, culmination, realization, attainment,
fruition
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The consummation of a lifetime of his charitable contributions was a library built in his
honor. (fulfillment, culmination)
The tireless scientist felt that a cure for cancer would be the consummation of a lifetime
of research. (fruition, fulfillment)
coy
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. pretending to be reserved or modest, usually in a teasing manner; 2. reluctant to make a
definite commitment; 3. shy or reserved
SYNONYMS
coquettish, arch, evasive, shy, skittish, timid, bashful
ANTONYMS
bold, brazen, shameless, pushy
USAGE EXAMPLES
Julie really wants to date Don; she is just being coy in not saying yes immediately.
(coquettish)
We can't get the client to commit to the contract; they think they will gain an advantage
by being coy. (evasive)
curmudgeon
(noun)
DEFINITION
a bad-tempered, disagreeable, or stubborn person
SYNONYMS
grouch, grump, crackpot, boor, jerk
ANTONYMS
sweetheart
USAGE EXAMPLES
Professor Jones's assertion that words like "email" are incorrect English and should be
eliminated from the language earned him a reputation as a curmudgeon. (grouch,
crackpot)
John is a bit of a curmudgeon; he doesn't like to try new things, and when forced to, he
complains. (grump)
derogatory
(adjective)
DEFINITION
expressing a low opinion or negative criticism of something
SYNONYMS
disparaging, belittling, damaging, defamatory, depreciative, unfavorable, injurious,
uncomplimentary
ANTONYMS
complimentary, flattering, appreciative
USAGE EXAMPLES
The atmosphere around the office grew chilly after Edward heard his coworkers making
derogatory remarks about his hairstyle. (uncomplimentary, belittling)
The critic's derogatory review made it clear that she had enjoyed almost nothing about
the play. (unfavorable, disparaging)
dichotomy
(noun)
DEFINITION
a separation of different or contradictory things
SYNONYMS
contradiction, bifurcation, division
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The company's financial statements presented a unique dichotomy; the company had an
increase in income, but a decrease in revenue. (contradiction)
There was both an increase in unemployment and an increase in consumer confidence,
creating an interesting economic dichotomy. (contradiction)
dint
(noun)
DEFINITION
a force or power
SYNONYMS
force, power, effort
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
By dint of hard work and constant studying, James passed his college entrance exams
with flying colors. (power, effort)
She got what she wanted by dint of pleading and threatening. (way, force, means)
disarray
(noun)
DEFINITION
a state of disorganization, untidiness, or confusion
SYNONYMS
disorder, chaos, turmoil, clutter, confusion, discomposure, disharmony, unruliness,
indiscipline
ANTONYMS
tidiness, order
USAGE EXAMPLES
The manager left suddenly for a new job, leaving her various projects in disarray.
(confusion, chaos)
Jimmy's room is in a constant state of disarray, although his mom makes him clean it
every week. (messiness, disorder)
disentangle
(verb)
DEFINITION
to untangle, free, or clarify by separating
SYNONYMS
extricate, untangle, free, separate, simplify, clarify
ANTONYMS
tangle, entangle, confuse, complicate, join
USAGE EXAMPLES
Since she had been pacing while on the phone, she had to spend several minutes
disentangling the cord from her table and chairs. (untangling, extricating)
You have had so many problems with her lately, I think it is time for you to disentangle
yourself from that relationship. (free, remove)
economical
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. frugal or thrifty; 2. working efficiently, without waste, or with a surplus
SYNONYMS
frugal, thrifty, provident, sparing, efficient, inexpensive, reasonable
ANTONYMS
wasteful, generous
USAGE EXAMPLES
The spending committee recommended the less elaborate plan because it was more
economical. (efficient, reasonable)
By making more economical decisions, you should be able to save more money. (frugal,
thrifty)
ellipsis
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. the leaving out of words in a sentence, especially when their presence or meaning is
easily implied; 2. marks, usually three dots (.) that indicate the intentional omission of
words from a sentence or text
SYNONYMS
omission
ANTONYMS
addition
USAGE EXAMPLES
My professor warned us against using too many ellipses in our papers because it might
seem like we were manipulating our sources rather than using them correctly. ( ... ,
omissions)
There is an ellipsis in the sentence "I have four cats and my best friends has two,"
because "cats" is left off after the word "two." (omission)
embarkation
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. beginning of something new; 2. boarding onto an aircraft or ship
SYNONYMS
beginning, boarding, entry
ANTONYMS
exit, end
USAGE EXAMPLES
Let us begin the embarkation of our journey with a prayer. (beginning, departure)
Kirstin decided, after years of working in sales, that she was ready to embark on a new
career as a massage therapist. (begin, start)
eon
(noun)
DEFINITION
an immeasurable unit of time
SYNONYMS
age, era
ANTONYMS
interval
USAGE EXAMPLES
The event that formed this canyon must have happened eons ago. (ages)
No one can imagine what life might be like on earth--if earth still exists--eons from now.
(ages)
ferment
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) 1. to stir up, disrupt, or agitate; 2. to evolve or change; (n.) 1. the process of
fermentation or change; 2. a state of change or confusion brought about by change
SYNONYMS
(v.) agitate, disrupt, fluster, alarm, upset, disquiet, inflame, develop, change; (n.) change,
development, confusion
ANTONYMS
(v.) pacify, placate, sooth
USAGE EXAMPLES
The downtown area has seen a great creative ferment recently, with the opening of
several new galleries. (change, development)
The resignation of our Mayor has left the city in a state of political ferment. (confusion)
figment
(noun)
DEFINITION
a purely imaginary thing, existing as a flight of imagination or fabrication
SYNONYMS
chimera, creation, fabrication, illusion, fancy
ANTONYMS
reality
USAGE EXAMPLES
The traveler rubbed his eyes, unsure if the distant campfire was merely a figment of his
imagination. (fabrication, illusion)
Some movies temporarily portray figments of character's imaginations as reality. (fancy,
creation)
fret
(verb)
DEFINITION
to be anxious or disturbed about something--to worry
SYNONYMS
agonize, worry, chafe, stew, mope, brood
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
Don't fret because worrying won't help anything. (worry, stew)
Guitar players generally get calluses on their fingers from moving their fingers up and
down the frets of the fingerboard. (raised bars for finger placement)
froward
(adjective)
DEFINITION
stubbornly and habitually contrary and disobedient
SYNONYMS
stubborn, antagonistic, disobedient, obstinate, pigheaded, balky, clashing, discordant
ANTONYMS
accommodating, complaisant, concordant
USAGE EXAMPLES
Having been spoiled by his wealthy parents his entire life, he was the most froward child
imaginable. (disobedient, obstinate)
The prisoner's appeals were denied due to his froward attitude. (antagonistic, pigheaded)
gaffe
(noun)
DEFINITION
a social mistake or tactless act
SYNONYMS
blunder, slip, faux pas
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
His silly remark was just a gaffe, not intended to hurt anyone's feelings. (faux pas,
blunder)
Miss Manners attempts to help people avoid social gaffes. (slips, tactless acts)
garbled
(adjective)
DEFINITION
unclear, confusing, or misleading
SYNONYMS
confusing, misleading, unclear, disconnected, illogical, incoherent, muddled, scrambled,
mangled
ANTONYMS
clear, understandable, comprehensible, coherent
USAGE EXAMPLES
The email message he left me was so garbled that I couldn't understand what he wanted
me to do. (confusing, muddled)
My professor said that my paper had no clear point, and if there was one, it was too
garbled to understand. (disconnected, muddled, incoherent)
gauche
(adjective)
DEFINITION
lacking manners and proper social behavior
SYNONYMS
unsophisticated, uncouth, tactless, awkward, graceless, ill-mannered, uncultured, boorish
ANTONYMS
sophisticated, polite, cultured, civilized
USAGE EXAMPLES
His gauche manners at the party can be explained by the fact that he had several cocktails
before he arrived. (uncouth, ill-mannered)
Rules of etiquette are important at that country club, and gauche behavior is not tolerated.
(unsophisticated, uncultured, boorish)
gauntlet
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. a challenge issued; 2. a long glove that extends up the forearm; 3. a form of
punishment; 4. any trial, difficulty, or obstacle
SYNONYMS
challenge, glove, obstacle, trial, tribulation, criticism
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The manager told his employees that their competitor had thrown down the gauntlet with
its latest product release and his team must rise to the occasion. (challenge)
He knew that in order to be elected he would have to run the gauntlet of his opponents'
criticism. (obstacle, trial)
gerrymander
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) to manipulate the division of an electoral district in order to give a certain party or
candidate an advantage; (n.) the manipulation of political districts
SYNONYMS
(v.) manipulate, divide, (n.) manipulation, division
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
If we gerrymander the districts in this state, we may win the election but we will lose our
integrity; therefore, I am against the idea. (manipulate)
The interest group pressured the politician into gerrymandering the voting districts.
(dividing, manipulating)
gloat
(verb)
DEFINITION
to be smug or self-satisfied or to gain satisfaction from success, good fortune, or the
failings of others
SYNONYMS
boast, brag, crow, revel, vaunt
ANTONYMS
downplay
USAGE EXAMPLES
The division champions gloated over their victory so much that all of the other teams
resented them for years to come. (boasted, reveled)
The rivals were known to gloat over one another's misfortunes. (revel, vaunt)
homeostasis
(noun)
DEFINITION
a state of equilibrium reached and maintained by a metabolic process in the body or by an
individual or social group
SYNONYMS
equilibrium, balance, stability
ANTONYMS
imbalance, instability
USAGE EXAMPLES
Even when exposed to heat or cold, mammals are able to maintain a relatively stable
body temperature through homeostasis. (equilibrium)
The bodies of reptiles are not naturally able to retain temperature homeostasis, which is
why one often sees lizards lounging in the sun to get warm. (balance, stability)
hone
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to refine, intensify, or improve something over time; 2. to use a whetstone to sharpen a
knife or blade
SYNONYMS
sharpen, refine, perfect, whet
ANTONYMS
dull
USAGE EXAMPLES
Olympic swimmers spend hours working to hone their technique to perfection. (refine)
The metal worker spends time honing steel into sharp blades suitable for fine quality
knives. (sharpening, whetting)
hubris
(noun)
DEFINITION
excessive arrogance, over-confidence, and pride
SYNONYMS
pride, arrogance, self-confidence, over-confidence, ambition
ANTONYMS
humility
USAGE EXAMPLES
It was the young CEO's hubris which led to the eventual rebellion of his workers and
failure of his company. (pride, over-confidence, ambition)
The hubris he demostrates is totally unwarranted because he's not nearly as intelligent or
important as he seems to believe. (arrogance, excessive pride)
idyll
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. a period of happiness, tranquility, and romance; 2. a rural or pastoral scene of
peacefulness and charm; 3. a piece of art, music, or prose depicting such a pastoral or
rural scene
SYNONYMS
romantic interlude, pastoral scene, tranquility, peace
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
Plato's Phaedrus is a conversation that takes place in an idyllic scene where the
participants are free to lay back or walk barefoot. (rural, peaceful, happy, rustic)
The poem is an idyll about the simple joys of life in rural France. (pastoral poem)
inculcate
(verb)
DEFINITION
to teach or fix something in someone's mind through forceful repetition
SYNONYMS
drill, instill, impart, impress, imbue, condition, brainwash, indoctrinate, ingrain, influence
ANTONYMS
confuse
USAGE EXAMPLES
I inculcated obedience into my dog through consistent, positive reinforcement. (instilled,
ingrained)
The country tried to inculcate a sense of patriotism in its citizens by having them recite
pledges and display flags. (indoctrinate, impart)
incursion
(noun)
DEFINITION
hostile invasion of a territory
SYNONYMS
invasion, intrusion, attack, raid, infiltration, violation, encroachment
ANTONYMS
protection, defense, exit
USAGE EXAMPLES
The military's plan called for a quick and unexpected incursion into the neighboring
country. (attack, invasion)
I didn't appreciate the incursion of my neighbor's wet and muddy dog into my family
room. (encroachment, invasion)
indecipherable
(adjective)
DEFINITION
impossible to understand, read, or decipher
SYNONYMS
unclear, illegible, unreadable, puzzling, baffling, unintelligible, incomprehensible
ANTONYMS
legible, clear, known, obvious, coherent
USAGE EXAMPLES
The doctor's terrible hand writing made his perscriptions almost indecipherable. (illegible,
unreadable)
Her handwriting is usually so bad it's indecipherable. (illegible, unreadable)
indubitably
(adverb)
DEFINITION
characterized by being so apparent it cannot be doubted
SYNONYMS
unquestionably, positively, definitely, clearly, unequivocally, unmistakably, surely
ANTONYMS
doubtfully, questionably, vaguely
USAGE EXAMPLES
As her legs began to itch, it became indubitably apparent that she had stumbled into a
patch of poison ivy. (clearly)
He noticed the difference right away; his friend had indubitably lost about 100 pounds.
(unmistakably)
insubordinate
(noun, adjective)
DEFINITION
(n.) a person who does not submit to authority or follow orders; (adj.) not submitting to
authority
SYNONYMS
(adj.) defiant, disobedient, disorderly, rebellious, antagonistic, insurgent
ANTONYMS
(adj.) subordinate, complaisant, harmonious, agreeable
USAGE EXAMPLES
Because she never followed her captain's orders, she was considered an insubordinate.
(insurgent)
When his boss told him to file the report, the man decided to be insubordinate and not
follow the order. (defiant, disobedient)
irreproachable
(adjective)
DEFINITION
without fault and not subject to blame
SYNONYMS
faultless, exemplary, impeccable, blameless, innocent
ANTONYMS
flawed, imperfect, blamed
USAGE EXAMPLES
The boy's behavior was irreproachable throughout dinner, so he was allowed to stay up
past his bed time. (impeccable, examplary)
He was given an award for his irreproachable sense of honor and duty. (exemplary)
kinship
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. relationship among people through blood, adoption, or marriage; 2. relationship
through similarity
SYNONYMS
relationship, affiliation, connection, bond, ancestry, fellowship
ANTONYMS
distance (relational)
USAGE EXAMPLES
The men's kinship in their business has caused them to become friends outside of work.
(relationship, affiliation)
Children seem to have a natural kinship with animals. (connection)
loiter
(verb )
DEFINITION
1. to stand around or hang out in an area, without a reason for being there; 2. to move
unnecessarily slowly
SYNONYMS
dawdle, loaf, idle, lurk, dally, linger
ANTONYMS
hurry, rush
USAGE EXAMPLES
The police officer asked the teenagers not to loiter outside the grocery store. (linger, hang
out)
We spent most of the summer loitering about, not doing much. (dawdling, idling)
malinger
(verb)
DEFINITION
to feign illness in order to avoid obligations, especially work
SYNONYMS
duck, dodge, loaf, slack, act, pretend
ANTONYMS
oblige
USAGE EXAMPLES
I was just malingering when I called in sick; really, I was at the beach. (slacking, faking
illness)
Senior ditch day is a tradition at many high schools, during which time graduating
students opt to malinger rather than attend class, all on the same day. (loaf, dodge, feign
illness)
mimicry
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. imitation of others; 2. the imitation by a living thing of something else, usually as a
form of protection
SYNONYMS
imitation, resemblance, impersonation, mockery, caricature, parody
ANTONYMS
differentiation
USAGE EXAMPLES
The late night talk show host is known for his impressive mimicry of famous people.
(imitation, parody)
Children love to annoy one another with mimicry. (imitation)
minatory
(adjective)
DEFINITION
posing a threat or menace
SYNONYMS
threatening, menacing, foreboding, ominous, perilous
ANTONYMS
benign, auspicious
USAGE EXAMPLES
The travelers considered the gathering clouds to be a minatory sign. (threatening,
ominous)
He made a minatory suggestion that someone might get hurt if they didn't cooperate in
the scheme. (menacing, threatening)
molten
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. melted or turned from solid to liquid form by heat; 2. glowing from intense heat; 3.
formed and shaped with heat
SYNONYMS
melted, liquefied, molded, forged, glowing, radiant, heated
ANTONYMS
frozen
USAGE EXAMPLES
This mountain was once an active volcano that spewed molten lava every few years, but
it is now dormant. (glowing, melted)
The specialty shop shapes molten silver into shapes of flowers and animals. (molded,
forged)
motility
(noun)
DEFINITION
ability to move independently
SYNONYMS
mobility, movement, motion, progress
ANTONYMS
immobility, stillness
USAGE EXAMPLES
Infertility can occur if a male's sperm have low motility. (mobility)
The amazing thing about vines is that they have motility. (mobility, independent movement)
nascent
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. newly coming into existence; 2. beginning to develop
SYNONYMS
new, primary, initial, developing, evolving, growing, budding, incipient
ANTONYMS
old, dying
USAGE EXAMPLES
The nascent community outreach program was already beginning to garner results. (new,
developing)
The nascent industry is sure to boom, so I would buy in now. (budding, new)
neologism
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. a recently invented word; 2. the practice of coming up with or coining new words
SYNONYMS
new word, coined word
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The teacher circled the word "horrification" on the student's paper and wrote
"neologism?" with a question mark. (coined word)
Merriam Webster's website suggested "chillaxin" as a possible neologism combining the
words "chilling" and "relaxing." (new word)
opprobrious
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. expressing harsh criticism or scorn; 2. shameful and worthy of contempt
SYNONYMS
critical, scornful, derogatory, abusive, insulting, contemptible, offensive, scurrilous,
infamous, disgraceful, shameful
ANTONYMS
appreciative, complimentary, proud, worthy, reputable, honorable
USAGE EXAMPLES
The CEO had opprobrious words for his sales department after another weak month.
(harsh, critical, derogatory)
It was an opprobrious title to be named "Worst Player" on the team. (shameful)
palindrome
(noun)
DEFINITION
a word, phrase, or number that reads the same, whether read forwards or backwards
SYNONYMS
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
She amused herself by thinking up palindromes like "dump mud" and "straw warts."
(phrases that are the same read backward as forward)
Her telephone number, 123-4321, was easy to remember because it formed a palindrome.
(number that's the same backward as forward)
perdition
(noun)
DEFINITION
in many religions, the state of everlasting suffering or punishment--hell or damnation
SYNONYMS
hell, damnation, abyss, agony, anguish, punishment, suffering, torment
ANTONYMS
heaven, utopia, bliss
USAGE EXAMPLES
The priest believed the man's drinking habits were sending him on the road to perdition.
(suffering, damnation)
The pastor preached about eternal life and the flames of perdition. (hell)
petty
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. small in significance, consequence, importance, or amount; 2. narrow in outlook-childish
SYNONYMS
small, inconsequent, trivial, frivolous, negligible, measly, minor, immature, childish
ANTONYMS
significant, meaningful, sufficient, mature
USAGE EXAMPLES
The company has petty cash on hand for smaller purchases like lunch and other
incidentals. (small, insignificant)
His petty comment about the ugliness of my dress actually hurt my feelings. (trivial,
immature)
plaintive
(adjective)
DEFINITION
showing or expressing sadness--sorrowful
SYNONYMS
melancholy, sorrowful, woeful, pitiful, pathetic, mournful
ANTONYMS
cheerful, glad, happy
USAGE EXAMPLES
The plaintive plaintiff cried throughout the trial. (mournful, woeful)
The plaintive song put everyone in a somber mood. (melancholy)
platonic
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. free from physical desire (as in love); 2. referring to Plato and his philosophies
SYNONYMS
non-physical, intellectual, spiritual, wholesome, pure, non-lustful
ANTONYMS
amorous, sensual
USAGE EXAMPLES
Although Mark and Susie spent a lot of time together, their relationship was strictly
platonic. (wholesome, nonphysical)
The philosophy professor liked to teach Platonic principles to her students. (of Plato)
propinquity
(noun)
DEFINITION
closeness in proximity, nature, relationship, time or place
SYNONYMS
closeness, nearness, connection, proximity, vicinity, neighborhood, kinship, similarity
ANTONYMS
distance, uniqueness
USAGE EXAMPLES
The geographical propinquity of the two countries made trade between them natural.
(proximity, closeness)
The couple broke up because of a lack of propinquity. (connection, emotional closeness)
proselytize
(verb)
DEFINITION
to convert or try to convert someone to a different religion
SYNONYMS
convert, convince, indoctrinate, influence, persuade, change, proselyte
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The missionary tried to proselytize people to her religion. (convert)
The cult members tried to proselytize the young, college student. (influence, convince)
proverbial
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. relating to or used in a proverb; 2. widely known and spoken of
SYNONYMS
spoken of, widely known, familiar
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
The proverbial key to success in the service industry is to remember that time is money.
(widely known, commonly referred to)
His proverbial bad temper is feared by his family. (widely known, familiar)
quaff
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) to gulp down a drink in a hearty, spirited manner; (n.) a hearty draft or drink
SYNONYMS
(v.) drink, gulp, guzzle, swig, swallow, (n.) ale, beverage, draft
ANTONYMS
(v.) sip
USAGE EXAMPLES
I was so thirsty when I got back from my jog that I quaffed a whole pitcher of iced tea.
(guzzled)
The wine may have been cheap, but it was also a flavorful quaff. (beverage)
quirk
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. an odd habit or mannerism; 2. an unsuspected twist in an event
SYNONYMS
oddity, habit, mannerism, idiosyncrasy, irregularity, peculiarity, twist, whim
ANTONYMS
regularity, sameness
USAGE EXAMPLES
Her car had a quirk; in order to hear the radio, the headlights had to be off. (oddity)
She hated her boyfriend's quirk of wearing socks with sandals. (habit)
rant
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) to speak in a loud, uncontrolled, and angry way; (n.) a speech that is long, angry, and
often confusing
SYNONYMS
(v.) rage, harangue, declaim, yell, roar, rail, rave, (n.) tirade, attack, lecture
ANTONYMS
(v.) whisper, placate
USAGE EXAMPLES
The angry protesters continued to rant about their issue. (yell, rage, roar)
No one listened to the teacher's rant about the importance of paying attention. (lecture,
tirade)
rationalize
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to defend or make excuses for something; 2. apply reason or logic to something
SYNONYMS
justify, excuse, reason, think, clarify, explain, intellectualize
ANTONYMS
complicate, puzzle, confuse
USAGE EXAMPLES
She didn't understand how anyone could rationalize such an extravagant purchase.
(justify)
She tried to get her children to use logical problem solving when rationalizing answers to
math questions. (reasoning, thinking through)
recondite
(adjective)
DEFINITION
very difficult, and generally only understood by experts
SYNONYMS
academic, difficult, involved, profound, abstruse, cryptic, obscure, esoteric, mystical,
secret
ANTONYMS
simple, easy, clear, open
USAGE EXAMPLES
The students struggled through the recondite material. (difficult, abstruse)
Quantum mechanic theory is a recondite subject for the average person. (abstruse, cryptic)
recusant
(noun, adjective)
DEFINITION
(n.) a person who refuses to accept or conform to established authority or standards of
conduct; (adj.) refusing to obey authority
SYNONYMS
(n.) non-conformist, insurgent, rebel, (adj.) insurgent, rebellious, lawless, defiant,
dissentient, disobedient
ANTONYMS
law-abiding
USAGE EXAMPLES
The recusant student refused to take finals along with the rest of the students. (defiant)
The recusant priest established a new wing of the church, based on his and his followers'
unwillingness to accept certain time-honored policies. (dissentient, disobedient)
riveting
(adjective)
DEFINITION
arousing and holding the attention of
SYNONYMS
fascinating, enthralling, spellbinding, captivating
ANTONYMS
boring, dull, uninteresting, common
USAGE EXAMPLES
I found the movie riveting and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. (enthralling,
captivating)
I was riveted to the television as news of the events unfolded. (held, fixed)
saturnine
(adjective)
DEFINITION
gloomy, bitter, and overly serious
SYNONYMS
irritable, crabby, surly, sullen, grouchy, harsh, gruff
ANTONYMS
happy, pleasant, sweet
USAGE EXAMPLES
The high school students were in a saturnine mood after they got caught skipping class.
(surly, sullen)
We knew he was in a seriously bad mood by his saturnine behavior. (irritable, gruff)
savant
(noun)
DEFINITION
a smart or scholarly person
SYNONYMS
authority, expert, specialist, genius, professor, scholar, educator, whiz
ANTONYMS
dummy
USAGE EXAMPLES
My tutor was a math savant who could solve all of my calculus problems. (expert,
specialist)
The child had learning disabilities in school but was a savant when it came to music.
(genius, whiz)
shoddy
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. poorly constructed; 2. showing little consideration or integrity
SYNONYMS
cheap, inferior, junky, shabby, trashy, unrespectable, sleazy
ANTONYMS
well-made, expensive
USAGE EXAMPLES
The new roof leaked because it was poorly constructed from shoddy materials. (cheap,
junky)
It was a pretty shoddily written novel; it seemed to be thrown together very quickly and
without much editing. (poorly, shabbily)
sodden
(adjective)
DEFINITION
thoroughly and completely wet
SYNONYMS
wet, drenched, soaked, saturated, doused, sopped, steeped
ANTONYMS
dry, parched, arid
USAGE EXAMPLES
The baseball game was cancelled because of the rain; the field was simply too sodden for
play. (drenched)
After the flood, residents had to clean up their sodden homes and belongings. (soaked,
drenched)
spendthrift
(noun, adjective)
DEFINITION
1. someone who is wasteful with money; 2. wasteful in spending
SYNONYMS
(n.) spender, high-roller, squanderer, waster, (adj.) wasteful, careless, prodigal, profligate,
improvident
ANTONYMS
restrained, moderate, prudent, frugal
USAGE EXAMPLES
She was a spendthrift who went shopping everyday and always bought expensive,
designer clothes. (spender, waster, squanderer)
The spendthrift politician spent his entire campaign budget long before the election.
(wasteful, careless)
subsume
(verb)
DEFINITION
to incorporate something into a larger group
SYNONYMS
include, incorporate, embody, involve, enclose, contain, consume, combine
ANTONYMS
exclude, bar, close out
USAGE EXAMPLES
Smaller companies are frequently subsumed into large conglomerates. (combined,
incorporated)
The new computer program is likely to subsume its predecessor. (contain, include,
incorporate)
swathe
(verb, noun)
DEFINITION
(v.) 1. to wrap or bandage something; 2. to constrict something; (n.) a bandage or binding
SYNONYMS
(v.) bandage, bind, cover, dress, wrap, envelop, constrict, swaddle
ANTONYMS
(v.) unwrap, uncover, bare
USAGE EXAMPLES
The new mother had to learn how to dress, burp, diaper, and swathe her baby. (wrap,
swaddle)
The colorful wraps that swathed the models at the fashion show would probably look
ridiculous anywhere but on the runway. (dressed, covered, enveloped)
syllogism
(noun)
DEFINITION
a form of logic where a conclusion is drawn from two premises
SYNONYMS
logic, reasoning, connection, deduction, inference, rationale, good sense
ANTONYMS
random guess
USAGE EXAMPLES
Mike took the administrative job based on a simple syllogism -- he needed insurance; the
administrative job offered him insurance, so he took it. (logic, reasoning)
On sunny days, Mary rides her bike to work. Today, it is sunny. Based on this syllogism,
we know that Mary rode her bike to work today. (deduction, connection)
synthetic
(adjective)
DEFINITION
made from artificial substances, not naturally made
SYNONYMS
artificial, man-made, fabricated, manufactured, unnatural, mock
ANTONYMS
natural, organic, real
USAGE EXAMPLES
I thought the sweater was made of wool, but it was actually made from synthetic fibers.
(artificial, man-made, unnatural)
Jane will not use synthetic sweeteners because she does not believe they are safe.
(artificial, unnatural, manufactured)
tarry
(verb, adjective)
DEFINITION
(v.) 1. to stay someplace longer than necessary; 2. to wait or hesitate; (adj.) like tar
SYNONYMS
(v.) delay, hang around, linger, loiter, procrastinate, stall, wait, (adj.) tar-like
ANTONYMS
(v.) hurry, rush
USAGE EXAMPLES
We can't tarry around campus all day; we need to go home and get started on the project.
(loiter, hang around, wait)
Don't tarry too long, or you'll miss the bus. (delay, wait)
temperament
(noun)
DEFINITION
a person's usual mood or disposition
SYNONYMS
disposition, attitude, character, mood, outlook, personality, temper
ANTONYMS
USAGE EXAMPLES
I am looking for a dog that likes children and has a sweet temperament. (personality,
disposition, character)
My usually patient temperament was put to the test when I was stuck in an elevator for
hours. (attitude, disposition)
turbid
(adjective)
DEFINITION
1. clouded because of sediment, especially said of water; 2. confused
SYNONYMS
muddy, blurred, hazy, mucky, unclear, swampy, muddled, confused
ANTONYMS
clear, clean, transparent, translucent
USAGE EXAMPLES
I still enjoyed the snorkeling trip, even though the water was too turbid to see many fish.
(muddy, blurred, mucky)
Many turbid thoughts raced through his head, keeping him awake most of the night.
(muddled, confused)
unequivocal
(adjective)
DEFINITION
clear and definite, allowing no doubt or confusion
SYNONYMS
definite, absolute, positive, certain, clear, indisputable, unambiguous, unquestionable,
categorical
ANTONYMS
ambiguous, questionable, uncertain
USAGE EXAMPLES
My mother's message was clear and unequivocal; my sister and I were to stop fighting
immediately. (unquestionable, definite, unambiguous)
When delegating tasks and giving out orders, it is important to use unequivocal terms so
that no one is confused. (unquestionable, unambiguous)
unfeigned
(adjective)
DEFINITION
genuine and sincere, not pretended
SYNONYMS
genuine, sincere, heartfelt, true, real, trustworthy, earnest
ANTONYMS
pretended, artificial, fake, feigned
USAGE EXAMPLES
When Bob proposed to Jane, her unfeigned surprise was priceless. (genuine, sincere, real)
His apology seemed unfeigned and sincere.(heartfelt, real)
unwonted
(adjective)
DEFINITION
rare and unusual
SYNONYMS
unusual, weird, incredible, odd, uncommon, unique, rare
ANTONYMS
common, ordinary, usual
USAGE EXAMPLES
The bright fuchsia pants were an unwonted and unwanted gift from my grandmother.
(unusual, weird, odd)
The man's politeness in giving up his bus seat to a stranger seemed unwonted in today's
society. (rare, uncommon, unusual)
upshot
(noun)
DEFINITION
the final result of something
SYNONYMS
result, consequence, conclusion, completion, ending, finish, outcome, effect
ANTONYMS
beginning
USAGE EXAMPLES
A new study states that the city does not have an adequate number of hospitals to
accommodate its residents. The upshot of the study is that the city needs two additional
hospitals. (result, conclusion, outcome)
The upshot of the report is that the company will have to let 500 employees go in order to
maintain a profit. (outcome, conclusion, result)
welter
(noun, verb)
DEFINITION
(n.) a large, confused, or disorderly group of things; (v.) 1. to roll about--wallow; 2. to be
immersed in something, like a liquid
SYNONYMS
(n.) commotion, confusion, turmoil, jumble, excitement, fuss, (v.) roll, wallow, soak,
bask
ANTONYMS
(n.) calm, order
USAGE EXAMPLES
My paper somehow got lost in the welter of stuff on my desk. (confusion, jumble)
I did not want Josh to welter in sorrow over his unemployment, so I took him out to
dinner. (roll, wallow, soak)