VOCABULARY LISTS Top 1000 Vocabulary Words By Vocabulary.com May 19, 2011 DESCRIPTION: The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL. To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list to work with. LIST: 1000 total words 1. consider deem to be 2. minute a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour 3. accord go together 4. evident clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment 5. practice a customary way of operation or behavior 6. intend have in mind as a purpose 7. concern be relevant to 8. commit perform an act, usually with a negative connotation 9. issue an important question that is in dispute and must be settled 10. approach move towards 11. establish set up or found 12. utter without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers 13. conduct manner of acting or controlling yourself 14. engage carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in 15. obtain come into possession of 16. scarce deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand 17. policy a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group 18. straight successive (without a break) 19. stock the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity) 20. apparent clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment 21. property something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone 22. fancy not plain; decorative or ornamented 23. concept an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances 24. court an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business 25. appoint create and charge with a task or function 26. passage the act of passing from one state or place to the next 27. vain characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance 28. instance an occurrence of something 29. coast the shore of a sea or ocean 30. project any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted 31. commission a special group delegated to consider some matter 32. constant unvarying in nature 33. circumstances your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you) 34. constitute form or compose 35. level a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality 36. affect have an effect upon 37. institute an association organized to promote art or science or education 38. render cause to become 39. appeal take a court case to a higher court for review 40. generate bring into existence 41. theory a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena 42. range an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet" 43. campaign a race between candidates for elective office 44. league an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members 45. labor a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages 46. confer have a conference in order to talk something over 47. grant let have 48. dwell think moodily or anxiously about something 49. entertain provide entertainment for 50. contract a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law 51. earnest characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions 52. yield be the cause or source of 53. wander move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment 54. insist be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge 55. knight originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit 56. convince make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something 57. inspire heighten or intensify 58. convention a large formal assembly 59. skill an ability that has been acquired by training 60. harry annoy continually or chronically 61. financial involving financial matters 62. reflect manifest or bring back 63. novel an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story 64. furnish give something useful or necessary to 65. compel force somebody to do something 66. venture any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome 67. territory a region marked off for administrative or other purposes 68. temper a sudden outburst of anger 69. bent fixed in your purpose 70. intimate marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity 71. undertake enter upon an activity or enterprise 72. majority the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part 73. assert state categorically 74. crew the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.) 75. chamber a natural or artificial enclosed space 76. humble low or inferior in station or quality 77. scheme an elaborate and systematic plan of action 78. keen having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions 79. liberal showing or characterized by broad-mindedness 80. despair a state in which all hope is lost or absent 81. tide the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon 82. attitude a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways 83. justify show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for 84. flag emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design 85. merit any admirable quality or attribute 86. manifest clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment 87. notion a vague idea in which some confidence is placed 88. scale an ordered reference standard 89. formal being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress) 90. resource available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed 91. persist continue to exist 92. contempt lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike 93. tour a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area 94. plead appeal or request earnestly 95. weigh have a certain weight 96. mode how something is done or how it happens 97. distinction a discrimination between things as different and distinct 98. inclined (often followed by `to') having a preference, disposition, or tendency 99. attribute attribute or credit to 100. exert put to use 101. oppress come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority 102. contend maintain or assert 103. stake (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something 104. toil work hard 105. perish pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life 106. disposition your usual mood 107. rail a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports 108. cardinal (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes 109. boast show off 110. advocate a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea 111. bestow present 112. allege report or maintain 113. notwithstanding despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession) 114. lofty of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style 115. multitude a large indefinite number 116. steep having a sharp inclination 117. heed pay close attention to; give heed to 118. modest marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself 119. partial being or affecting only a part; not total 120. apt (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward 121. esteem the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded) 122. credible capable of being believed 123. provoke call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses) 124. tread put down or press the foot, place the foot 125. ascertain establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study 126. fare an agenda of things to do 127. cede give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another 128. perpetual continuing forever or indefinitely 129. decree a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge) 130. contrive make or work out a plan for; devise 131. derived formed or developed from something else; not original 132. elaborate marked by complexity and richness of detail 133. substantial fairly large 134. frontier a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country 135. facile arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth 136. cite make reference to 137. warrant a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts 138. sob weep convulsively 139. rider a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel) 140. dense permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter 141. afflict cause great unhappiness for; distress 142. flourish grow vigorously 143. ordain order by virtue of superior authority; decree 144. pious having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity 145. vex cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations 146. gravity (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface 147. suspended (of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment 148. conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind 149. retort answer back 150. jet an airplane powered by one or more jet engines 151. bolt a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder 152. assent agreement with a statement or proposal to do something 153. purse a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women) 154. plus on the positive side or higher end of a scale 155. sanction formal and explicit approval 156. proceeding (law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked 157. exalt praise, glorify, or honor 158. siege the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack 159. malice feeling a need to see others suffer 160. extravagant unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings 161. wax any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water 162. throng a large gathering of people 163. venerate regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of 164. assail attack someone physically or emotionally 165. sublime inspiring awe 166. exploit use or manipulate to one's advantage 167. exertion use of physical or mental energy; hard work 168. kindle catch fire 169. endow give qualities or abilities to 170. imposed set forth authoritatively as obligatory 171. humiliate cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of 172. suffrage a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment 173. ensue issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end 174. brook a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river) 175. gale a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale 176. muse reflect deeply on a subject 177. satire witty language used to convey insults or scorn 178. intrigue cause to be interested or curious 179. indication something that serves to indicate or suggest 180. dispatch send away towards a designated goal 181. cower crouch or curl up 182. wont an established custom 183. tract an extended area of land 184. canon a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy 185. impel urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate 186. latitude the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself 187. vacate leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily 188. undertaking any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted 189. slay kill intentionally and with premeditation 190. predecessor one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office) 191. delicacy the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance 192. forsake leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch 193. beseech ask for or request earnestly 194. philosophical of or relating to philosophy or philosophers 195. grove a small growth of trees without underbrush 196. frustrate hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of 197. illustrious widely known and esteemed 198. devices an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices' 199. pomp cheap or pretentious or vain display 200. entreat ask for or request earnestly 201. impart transmit (knowledge or skills) 202. propriety correct or appropriate behavior 203. consecrate appoint to a clerical posts 204. proceeds the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property 205. fathom a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth 206. objective undistorted by emotion or personal bias; based on observable phenomena 207. clad wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination 208. partisan a fervent and even militant proponent of something 209. faction a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue 210. contrived showing effects of planning or manipulation 211. venerable impressive by reason of age 212. restrained cool and formal in manner 213. besiege surround so as to force to give up 214. manifestation a clear appearance 215. rebuke censure severely or angrily 216. insurgent in opposition to a civil authority or government 217. rhetoric using language effectively to please or persuade 218. scrupulous having scruples; arising from a sense of right and wrong; principled 219. ratify approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation 220. stump the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled 221. discreet marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint 222. imposing impressive in appearance 223. wistful showing pensive sadness 224. mortify practice self-denial of one's body and appetites 225. ripple a small wave on the surface of a liquid 226. premise a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn 227. subside wear off or die down 228. adverse contrary to your interests or welfare 229. caprice a sudden desire 230. muster gather or bring together 231. comprehensive including all or everything 232. accede yield to another's wish or opinion 233. fervent characterized by intense emotion 234. cohere come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation 235. tribunal an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business 236. austere severely simple 237. recovering returning to health after illness or debility 238. stratum one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock) 239. conscientious characterized by extreme care and great effort 240. arbitrary based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice 241. exasperate exasperate or irritate 242. conjure summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic 243. ominous threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments 244. edifice a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place 245. elude escape, either physically or mentally 246. pervade spread or diffuse through 247. foster promote the growth of 248. admonish admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior 249. repeal cancel officially 250. retiring not arrogant or presuming 251. incidental (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence 252. acquiesce to agree or express agreement 253. slew turn sharply; change direction abruptly 254. usurp seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession 255. sentinel a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event 256. precision the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance 257. depose force to leave (an office) 258. wanton occurring without motivation or provocation 259. odium state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior 260. precept rule of personal conduct 261. deference a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard 262. fray wear away by rubbing 263. candid characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion 264. enduring unceasing 265. impertinent characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality 266. bland lacking taste or flavor or tang 267. insinuate introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner 268. nominal relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name 269. suppliant one praying humbly for something 270. languid lacking spirit or liveliness 271. rave participate in an all-night techno dance party 272. monetary relating to or involving money 273. headlong with the head foremost 274. infallible incapable of failure or error 275. coax influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering 276. explicate make plain and comprehensible 277. gaunt very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold 278. morbid suggesting an unhealthy mental state 279. ranging wandering freely 280. pacify cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of 281. pastoral of or relating to a pastor 282. dogged stubbornly unyielding 283. ebb a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number) 284. aide an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer 285. appease cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of 286. stipulate specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement 287. recourse act of turning to for assistance 288. constrained lacking spontaneity; not natural 289. bate moderate or restrain; lessen the force of 290. aversion a feeling of intense dislike 291. conceit feelings of excessive pride 292. loath unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom 293. rampart an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes 294. extort obtain through intimidation 295. tarry having the characteristics of pitch or tar 296. perpetrate perform an act, usually with a negative connotation 297. decorum propriety in manners and conduct 298. luxuriant marked by complexity and richness of detail 299. cant stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition 300. enjoin issue an injunction 301. avarice reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins) 302. edict a formal or authoritative proclamation 303. disconcert cause to feel embarrassment 304. symmetry (mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane 305. capitulate surrender under agreed conditions 306. arbitrate act between parties with a view to reconciling differences 307. cleave separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument 308. append add to the very end 309. visage the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British) 310. horde a vast multitude 311. parable a short moral story (often with animal characters) 312. chastise censure severely 313. foil enhance by contrast 314. veritable often used as intensifiers 315. grapple come to terms with 316. gentry the most powerful members of a society 317. pall a sudden numbing dread 318. maxim a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits 319. projection a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations 320. prowess a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation 321. dingy thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot 322. semblance an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading 323. tout advertize in strongly positive terms 324. fortitude strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage 325. asunder into parts or pieces 326. rout a disorderly crowd of people 327. staid characterized by dignity and propriety 328. beguile influence by slyness 329. purport have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming 330. deprave corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality 331. bequeath leave or give by will after one's death 332. enigma something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained 333. assiduous marked by care and persistent effort 334. vassal a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord 335. quail flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young; otherwise must be braised 336. outskirts outlying areas (as of a city or town) 337. bulwark an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes 338. swerve turn sharply; change direction abruptly 339. gird prepare oneself for a military confrontation 340. betrothed pledged to be married 341. prospective of or concerned with or related to the future 342. advert a public promotion of some product or service 343. peremptory offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power 344. rudiment the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural) 345. deduce reason by deduction; establish by deduction 346. halting disabled in the feet or legs 347. ignominy a state of dishonor 348. ideology an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation 349. pallid abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress 350. chagrin strong feelings of embarrassment 351. obtrude push to thrust outward 352. audacious invulnerable to fear or intimidation 353. construe make sense of; assign a meaning to 354. ford a shallow area in a stream that can be forded 355. repast the food served and eaten at one time 356. stint subsist on a meager allowance 357. fresco a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster 358. dutiful willingly obedient out of a sense of duty and respect 359. hew make or shape as with an axe 360. parity (obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered 361. affable diffusing warmth and friendliness 362. interminable tiresomely long; seemingly without end 363. pillage steal goods; take as spoils 364. foreboding a feeling of evil to come 365. rend tear or be torn violently 366. livelihood the financial means whereby one lives 367. deign do something that one considers to be below one's dignity 368. capricious changeable 369. stupendous so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe 370. chaff material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds 371. innate not established by conditioning or learning 372. reverie absentminded dreaming while awake 373. wrangle an angry dispute 374. crevice a long narrow depression in a surface 375. ostensible appearing as such but not necessarily so 376. craven lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful 377. vestige an indication that something has been present 378. plumb measure the depth of something 379. reticent temperamentally disinclined to talk 380. propensity an inclination to do something 381. chide censure severely or angrily 382. espouse choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans 383. raiment especially fine or decorative clothing 384. intrepid invulnerable to fear or intimidation 385. seemly according with custom or propriety 386. allay lessen the intensity of or calm 387. fitful occurring in spells and often abruptly 388. erode become ground down or deteriorate 389. unaffected undergoing no change when acted upon 390. canto the highest part (usually the melody) in a piece of choral music 391. docile willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed 392. patronize assume sponsorship of 393. teem be teeming, be abuzz 394. estrange remove from customary environment or associations 395. spat a quarrel about petty points 396. warble sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below 397. mien dignified manner or conduct 398. sate fill to satisfaction 399. constituency the body of voters who elect a representative for their area 400. patrician a person of refined upbringing and manners 401. parry impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball) 402. practitioner someone who practices a learned profession 403. ravel disentangle 404. infest invade in great numbers 405. actuate put in motion or move to act 406. surly inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace 407. convalesce get over an illness or shock 408. demoralize corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality 409. devolve pass on or delegate to another 410. alacrity liveliness and eagerness 411. waive do without or cease to hold or adhere to 412. unwonted out of the ordinary 413. seethe be noisy with activity 414. scrutinize to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail 415. diffident showing modest reserve 416. execrate find repugnant 417. implacable incapable of being placated 418. pique tightly woven fabric with raised cords 419. mite a slight but appreciable amount 420. encumber hold back 421. uncouth lacking refinement or cultivation or taste 422. petulant easily irritated or annoyed 423. expiate make amends for 424. cavalier a gallant or courtly gentleman 425. banter light teasing repartee 426. bluster blow hard; be gusty, as of wind 427. debase corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality 428. retainer a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone 429. subjugate put down by force or intimidation 430. extol praise, glorify, or honor 431. fraught marked by distress 432. august of or befitting a lord 433. fissure a long narrow depression in a surface 434. knoll a small natural hill 435. callous emotionally hardened 436. inculcate teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions 437. nettle any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus Urtica or family Urticaceae) 438. blanch turn pale, as if in fear 439. inscrutable of an obscure nature 440. tenacious good at remembering 441. thrall the state of being under the control of another person 442. exigency a pressing or urgent situation 443. disconsolate sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled 444. impetus a force that moves something along 445. imposition the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo) 446. auspices kindly endorsement and guidance 447. sonorous full and loud and deep 448. exploitation the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful 449. bane something causing misery or death 450. dint interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of' 451. ignominious (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame 452. amicable characterized by friendship and good will 453. onset the beginning or early stages 454. conservatory the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts 455. zenith the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected 456. voluble marked by a ready flow of speech 457. yeoman officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch 458. levity feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness 459. rapt feeling great rapture or delight 460. sultry characterized by oppressive heat and humidity 461. pinion a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack 462. axiom a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits 463. descry catch sight of 464. retinue the group following and attending to some important person 465. functionary a worker who holds or is invested with an office 466. imbibe take in, also metaphorically 467. diversified having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety 468. maraud raid and rove in search of booty 469. grudging of especially an attitude 470. partiality a predisposition to like something 471. philology the humanistic study of language and literature 472. wry humorously sarcastic or mocking 473. caucus a closed political meeting 474. permeate spread or diffuse through 475. propitious presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success 476. salient having a quality that thrusts itself into attention 477. propitiate make peace with 478. excise a tax that is measured by the amount of business done (not on property or income from real estate) 479. betoken be a signal for or a symptom of 480. palatable acceptable to the taste or mind 481. upbraid express criticism towards 482. renegade someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw 483. hoary showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair 484. pedantic marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects 485. coy affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way 486. troth a mutual promise to marry 487. encroachment any entry into an area not previously occupied 488. belie be in contradiction with 489. armada a large fleet 490. succor assistance in time of difficulty 491. imperturbable not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure 492. irresolute uncertain how to act or proceed 493. knack a special way of doing something 494. unseemly not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society 495. accentuate to stress, single out as important 496. divulge make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret 497. brawn possessing muscular strength 498. burnish polish and make shiny 499. palpitate cause to throb or beat rapidly 500. promiscuous not selective of a single class or person 501. dissemble make believe with the intent to deceive 502. flotilla a United States Navy fleet consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships 503. invective abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will 504. hermitage the abode of a hermit 505. despoil steal goods; take as spoils 506. sully place under suspicion or cast doubt upon 507. malevolent wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred 508. irksome so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness 509. prattle speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly 510. subaltern a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain 511. welt a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions 512. wreak cause to happen or to occur as a consequence 513. tenable based on sound reasoning or evidence 514. inimitable defying imitation; matchless 515. depredation an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding 516. amalgamate to bring or combine together or with something else 517. immutable not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature 518. proxy a person authorized to act for another 519. dote be foolish or senile due to old age 520. reactionary extremely conservative 521. rationalism (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge is acquired by reason without resort to experience 522. endue give qualities or abilities to 523. discriminating showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste 524. brooch a decorative pin worn by women 525. pert characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality 526. disembark go ashore 527. aria an elaborate song for solo voice 528. trappings (usually plural) accessory wearing apparel 529. abet assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing 530. clandestine conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods 531. distend become wider 532. glib marked by lack of intellectual depth 533. pucker to gather something into small wrinkles or folds 534. rejoinder a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) 535. spangle adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing 536. blighted affected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity 537. nicety conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety 538. aggrieve infringe on the rights of 539. vestment gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy 540. urbane showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience 541. defray bear the expenses of 542. spectral of or relating to a spectrum 543. munificent very generous 544. dictum an authoritative declaration 545. fad an interest followed with exaggerated zeal 546. scabbard a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet 547. adulterate corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones 548. beleaguer annoy persistently 549. gripe complain 550. remission an abatement in intensity or degree (as in the manifestations of a disease) 551. exorbitant greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation 552. invocation a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service 553. cajole influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering 554. inclusive including much or everything; and especially including stated limits 555. interdict an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district 556. abase cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of 557. obviate do away with 558. hurtle move with or as if with a rushing sound 559. unanimity everyone being of one mind 560. mettle the courage to carry on 561. interpolate estimate the value of 562. surreptitious marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed 563. dissimulate hide (feelings) from other people 564. ruse a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture) 565. specious plausible but false 566. revulsion intense aversion 567. hale exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health 568. palliate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of 569. obtuse of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees 570. querulous habitually complaining 571. vagary an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.) 572. incipient only partly in existence; imperfectly formed 573. obdurate stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing 574. grovel show submission or fear 575. refractory not responding to treatment 576. dregs sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid 577. ascendancy the state that exists when one person or group has power over another 578. supercilious having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy 579. pundit someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field 580. commiserate to feel or express sympathy or compassion 581. alcove a small recess opening off a larger room 582. assay an appraisal of the state of affairs 583. parochial relating to or supported by or located in a parish 584. conjugal of or relating to marriage or to the relationship between a wife and husband 585. abjure formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure 586. frieze an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice 587. ornate marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details 588. inflammatory characterized or caused by inflammation 589. machination a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends 590. mendicant practicing beggary 591. meander to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course 592. bullion a mass of precious metal 593. diffidence lack of self-confidence 594. makeshift done or made using whatever is available 595. husbandry the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock 596. podium a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it 597. dearth an acute insufficiency 598. granary a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed 599. whet make keen or more acute 600. imposture pretending to be another person 601. diadem an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty 602. fallow left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season 603. hubbub loud confused noise from many sources 604. dispassionate unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice 605. harrowing extremely painful 606. askance with suspicion or disapproval 607. lancet an acutely pointed Gothic arch, like a lance 608. rankle gnaw into; make resentful or angry 609. ramify have or develop complicating consequences 610. gainsay take exception to 611. polity the form of government of a social organization 612. credence the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true 613. indemnify secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for 614. ingratiate gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts 615. declivity a downward slope or bend 616. importunate expressing earnest entreaty 617. passe out of fashion 618. whittle cut small bits or pare shavings from 619. repine express discontent 620. flay strip the skin off 621. larder a supply of food especially for a household 622. threadbare repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse 623. grisly shockingly repellent; inspiring horror 624. untoward not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society 625. idiosyncrasy a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual 626. quip a witty saying 627. blatant without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious 628. stanch stop the flow of a liquid 629. incongruity the quality of disagreeing; being unsuitable and inappropriate 630. perfidious tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans 631. platitude a trite or obvious remark 632. revelry unrestrained merrymaking 633. delve turn up, loosen, or remove earth 634. extenuate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of 635. polemic a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology) 636. enrapture hold spellbound 637. virtuoso someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field 638. glower look at with a fixed gaze 639. mundane found in the ordinary course of events 640. fatuous devoid of intelligence 641. incorrigible impervious to correction by punishment 642. postulate maintain or assert 643. gist the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work 644. vociferous conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry 645. purvey supply with provisions 646. baleful deadly or sinister 647. gibe an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect 648. dyspeptic suffering from dyspepsia 649. prude a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum 650. luminary a celebrity who is an inspiration to others 651. amenable disposed or willing to comply 652. willful done by design 653. overbearing expecting unquestioning obedience 654. dais a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it 655. automate make automatic or control or operate automatically 656. enervate weaken mentally or morally 657. wheedle influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering 658. gusto vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment 659. bouillon a clear seasoned broth 660. omniscient infinitely wise 661. apostate a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc. 662. carrion the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food 663. emolument compensation received by virtue of holding an office or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees) 664. ungainly lacking grace in movement or posture 665. impiety unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god 666. decadence the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities 667. homily a sermon on a moral or religious topic 668. avocation an auxiliary activity 669. circumvent surround so as to force to give up 670. syllogism deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises 671. collation a light informal meal 672. haggle wrangle (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc.) 673. waylay wait in hiding to attack 674. savant someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field 675. cohort a company of companions or supporters 676. unction excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm 677. adjure ask for or request earnestly 678. acrimony a rough and bitter manner 679. clarion a medieval brass instrument with a clear shrill tone 680. turbid (of liquids) clouded as with sediment 681. cupidity extreme greed for material wealth 682. disaffected discontented as toward authority 683. preternatural surpassing the ordinary or normal 684. eschew avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of 685. expatiate add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing 686. didactic instructive (especially excessively) 687. sinuous curved or curving in and out 688. rancor a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will 689. puissant powerful 690. homespun of textiles; having a rough surface 691. embroil force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action 692. pathological of or relating to the practice of pathology 693. resonant characterized by resonance 694. libretto the words of an opera or musical play 695. flail an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing 696. bandy have legs that curve outward at the knees 697. gratis without payment 698. upshot a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon 699. aphorism a short pithy instructive saying 700. redoubtable inspiring fear 701. corpulent excessively fat 702. benighted overtaken by night or darkness 703. sententious abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing 704. cabal a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue 705. paraphernalia equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc. 706. vitiate corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality 707. adulation servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise 708. quaff to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught 709. unassuming not arrogant or presuming 710. libertine a dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained 711. maul split (wood) with a maul and wedges 712. adage a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people 713. expostulation the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest 714. tawdry tastelessly showy 715. trite repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse 716. hireling a person who works only for money 717. ensconce fix firmly 718. egregious conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible 719. cogent powerfully persuasive 720. incisive having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions 721. errant straying from the right course or from accepted standards 722. sedulous marked by care and persistent effort 723. incandescent emitting light as a result of being heated 724. derelict worn and broken down by hard use 725. entomology the branch of zoology that studies insects 726. execrable of very poor quality or condition 727. sluice conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate 728. moot of no legal significance (as having been previously decided) 729. evanescent tending to vanish like vapor 730. vat a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids 731. dapper marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners 732. asperity something hard to endure 733. flair a natural talent 734. mote (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything 735. circumspect heedful of potential consequences 736. inimical not friendly 737. apropos at an opportune time 738. gruel a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal) 739. gentility elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression 740. disapprobation an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable 741. cameo engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring) 742. gouge an impression in a surface (as made by a blow) 743. oratorio a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text 744. inclement (of weather or climate) severe 745. scintilla a tiny or scarcely detectable amount 746. confluence a place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers) 747. squalor sordid dirtiness 748. stricture abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway 749. emblazon decorate with colors 750. augury an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come 751. abut lie adjacent to another or share a boundary 752. banal repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse 753. congeal become gelatinous 754. pilfer make off with belongings of others 755. malcontent a person who is discontented or disgusted 756. sublimate direct energy or urges into useful activities 757. eugenic pertaining to or causing improvement in the offspring produced 758. lineament a characteristic property that defines the apparent individual nature of something 759. firebrand a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning 760. fiasco a sudden and violent collapse 761. foolhardy marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences 762. retrench tighten one's belt; use resources carefully 763. ulterior lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed) 764. equable not varying 765. inured made tough by habitual exposure 766. invidious containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice 767. unmitigated not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier 768. concomitant following or accompanying as a consequence 769. cozen be false to; be dishonest with 770. phlegmatic showing little emotion 771. dormer a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window 772. pontifical proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles 773. disport occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion 774. apologist a person who argues to defend or justify some policy or institution 775. abeyance temporary cessation or suspension 776. enclave an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct from the foreign territory that surrounds it 777. improvident not provident; not providing for the future 778. disquisition an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion 779. categorical relating to or included in a category or categories 780. placate cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of 781. redolent serving to bring to mind 782. felicitous exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style 783. gusty blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts 784. natty marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners 785. pacifist someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes 786. buxom (of a woman's body) having a large bosom and pleasing curves 787. heyday the period of greatest prosperity or productivity 788. herculean displaying superhuman strength or power 789. burgeon grow and flourish 790. crone an ugly evil-looking old woman 791. prognosticate make a prediction about; tell in advance 792. lout an awkward stupid person 793. simper smile affectedly or derisively 794. iniquitous characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin 795. rile cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations 796. sentient endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness 797. garish tastelessly showy 798. readjustment the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances) 799. erstwhile belonging to some prior time 800. aquiline curved down like an eagle's beak 801. bilious relating to or containing bile 802. vilify spread negative information about 803. nuance a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude 804. gawk look with amazement; look stupidly 805. refectory a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery) 806. palatial relating to or being a palace 807. mincing affectedly dainty or refined 808. trenchant having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect 809. emboss raise in a relief 810. proletarian belonging to or characteristic of the proletariat 811. careen walk as if unable to control one's movements 812. debacle a sudden and violent collapse 813. sycophant a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage 814. crabbed annoyed and irritable 815. archetype something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies 816. cryptic of an obscure nature 817. penchant a strong liking 818. bauble a mock scepter carried by a court jester 819. mountebank a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes 820. fawning attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery 821. hummock a small natural hill 822. apotheosis model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal 823. discretionary having or using the ability to act or decide according to your own discretion or judgment 824. pithy concise and full of meaning 825. comport behave well or properly 826. checkered patterned with alternating squares of color 827. ambrosia a mixture of nectar and pollen prepared by worker bees and fed to larvae 828. factious dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion) 829. disgorge cause or allow (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over 830. filch make off with belongings of others 831. wraith a mental representation of some haunting experience 832. demonstrable necessarily or demonstrably true 833. pertinacious stubbornly unyielding 834. emend make improvements or corrections to 835. laggard someone who takes more time than necessary; someone who lags behind 836. waffle pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness 837. loquacious full of trivial conversation 838. venial warranting only temporal punishment 839. peon a laborer who is obliged to do menial work 840. effulgence the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light 841. lode a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks 842. fanfare a gaudy outward display 843. dilettante an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge 844. pusillanimous lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful 845. ingrained (used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held 846. quagmire a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot 847. reprobation rejection by God; the state of being condemned to eternal misery in Hell 848. mannered having unnatural mannerisms 849. squeamish excessively fastidious and easily disgusted 850. proclivity a natural inclination 851. miserly (used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity 852. vapid lacking taste or flavor or tang 853. mercurial liable to sudden unpredictable change 854. perspicuous (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable 855. nonplus be a mystery or bewildering to 856. enamor attract; cause to be enamored 857. hackneyed repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse 858. spate (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent 859. pedagogue someone who educates young people 860. acme the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development 861. masticate grind and knead 862. sinecure a benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached 863. indite produce a literary work 864. emetic a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting 865. temporize draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time 866. unimpeachable beyond doubt or reproach 867. genesis a coming into being 868. mordant harshly ironic or sinister 869. smattering a small number or amount 870. suavity the quality of being bland and gracious or ingratiating in manner 871. stentorian used of the voice 872. junket dessert made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet 873. appurtenance equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc. 874. nostrum hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists 875. immure lock up or confine, in or as in a jail 876. astringent sour or bitter in taste 877. unfaltering marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable 878. tutelage teaching pupils individually (usually by a tutor hired privately) 879. testator a person who makes a will 880. elysian relating to the Elysian Fields 881. fulminate criticize severely 882. fractious stubbornly resistant to authority or control 883. pummel strike, usually with the fist 884. manumit free from slavery or servitude 885. unexceptionable completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach 886. triumvirate a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority 887. sybarite a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses 888. jibe an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect 889. magisterial of or relating to a magistrate 890. roseate of something having a dusty purplish pink color 891. obloquy state of disgrace resulting from public abuse 892. hoodwink influence by slyness 893. striate marked with stria or striations 894. arrogate demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to 895. rarefied having low density 896. chary characterized by great caution and wariness 897. credo any system of principles or beliefs 898. superannuated too old to be useful 899. impolitic not politic 900. aspersion a disparaging remark 901. abysmal very great; limitless 902. poignancy a state of deeply felt distress or sorrow 903. stilted artificially formal 904. effete marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay 905. provender food for domestic livestock 906. endemic of or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality 907. jocund full of or showing high-spirited merriment 908. procedural of or relating to procedure 909. rakish marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners 910. skittish unpredictably excitable (especially of horses) 911. peroration a flowery and highly rhetorical oration 912. nonentity the state of not existing 913. abstemious sparing in consumption of especially food and drink 914. viscid having the sticky properties of an adhesive 915. doggerel a comic verse of irregular measure 916. sleight adroitness in using the hands 917. rubric an authoritative rule of conduct or procedure 918. plenitude a full supply 919. rebus a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words 920. wizened lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness 921. whorl a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals) 922. fracas noisy quarrel 923. iconoclast a destroyer of images used in religious worship 924. saturnine bitter or scornful 925. madrigal an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form 926. discursive proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument rather than intuition 927. zealot a fervent and even militant proponent of something 928. moribund not growing or changing; without force or vitality 929. modicum a small or moderate or token amount 930. connotation what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression 931. adventitious associated by chance and not an integral part 932. recondite difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge 933. zephyr a slight wind (usually refreshing) 934. countermand cancel officially 935. captious tending to find and call attention to faults 936. cognate related in nature 937. forebear a person from whom you are descended 938. cadaverous very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold 939. foist to force onto another 940. dotage mental infirmity as a consequence of old age; sometimes shown by foolish infatuations 941. nexus the means of connection between things linked in series 942. choleric easily moved to anger 943. garble make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story 944. bucolic (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic 945. denouement the outcome of a complex sequence of events 946. animus a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility 947. overweening unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings 948. tyro someone new to a field or activity 949. preen clean with one's bill 950. largesse a gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously 951. retentive good at remembering 952. unconscionable lacking a conscience 953. badinage frivolous banter 954. insensate devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation 955. sherbet a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar, but also containing milk or eggwhite or gelatin 956. beatific experiencing or bestowing celestial joy 957. bemuse cause to be confused emotionally 958. microcosm a miniature model of something 959. factitious not produced by natural forces 960. gestate have the idea for 961. traduce speak unfavorably about 962. sextant a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees 963. coiffure the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair) 964. malleable easily influenced 965. rococo having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation 966. fructify become productive or fruitful 967. nihilist someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief 968. ellipsis omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences 969. accolade a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction 970. codicil a supplement to a will; a testamentary instrument intended to alter an already executed will 971. roil be agitated 972. grandiloquent lofty in style 973. inconsequential lacking worth or importance 974. effervescence the process of bubbling as gas escapes 975. stultify prove to be of unsound mind or demonstrate someone's incompetence 976. tureen large deep serving dish with a cover; for serving soups and stews 977. pellucid transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity 978. euphony any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds 979. apocryphal being of questionable authenticity 980. veracious habitually speaking the truth 981. pendulous having branches or flower heads that bend downward 982. exegesis an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible) 983. effluvium a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste) 984. apposite being of striking appropriateness and pertinence 985. viscous having a relatively high resistance to flow 986. misanthrope someone who dislikes people in general 987. vintner someone who sells wine 988. halcyon idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity 989. anthropomorphic suggesting human characteristics for animals or inanimate things 990. turgid ostentatiously lofty in style 991. malaise physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression) 992. polemical of or involving dispute or controversy 993. gadfly a persistently annoying person 994. atavism a reappearance of an earlier characteristic 995. contusion an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration 996. parsimonious excessively unwilling to spend 997. dulcet extremely pleasant in a gentle way 998. reprise repeat an earlier theme of a composition 999. anodyne capable of relieving pain 1000. bemused deeply absorbed in thought Copyright © 2011 Vocabulary.com All Rights Reserved.