Word List #1
9/16-9/27
adulation
(n.) extreme admiration or praise
SYNONYMS: applause, commendation
ANTONYMS: abuse, criticism
The rugby player enjoyed the
adulation of his fans.
clairvoyance
(n.) an ability to communicate with dead people, to
predict future events, or to know about things that
you did not actually see happen or hear about
SYNONYMS: premonition, discernment
ANTONYMS: ignorance, stupidity
I don’t believe in clairvoyance, but I can’t explain how
he knew those things about my grandmother.
conformist
(n.) a person who conforms, especially
unquestioningly, to the usual practices or
standards of a group, society, etc.
SYNONYMS: emulator, follower
ANTONYMS: individualist, nonconformist
Most teenagers are conformists because they
experience a great deal of peer pressure.
deleterious
(adj.) damaging or harmful, often in a
subtle or unexpected way
SYNONYMS: destructive, hurtful
ANTONYMS: helpful, assisting
The drug has no deleterious effects on
patients.
demagogue
(n.) a leader who makes use of popular
prejudices and false claims and promises in
order to gain power
SYNONYMS: agitator, fanatic
ANTONYMS: peacemaker, reconciler
That politician is just a demagogue who preys
upon people’s fears and prejudices.
ephemeral
(adj.) lasting a very short time
SYNONYMS: fleeting, transitory
ANTONYMS: enduring, permanent
Autumnal colors are always to be
treasured, all the more so because they
are so ephemeral.
fortuitous
(adj.) happening by chance; fortunate,
lucky
SYNONYMS: random, serendipitous
ANTONYMS: calculated, deliberate
You could not have arrived at a more
fortuitous time.
hackneyed
(adj.) lacking in freshness or originality;
used too often
SYNONYMS: corny, stale
ANTONYMS: fresh, original
It’s hackneyed, but true—the more you
save, the more you earn.
intrepid
(adj.) feeling no fear; bold or brave
SYNONYMS: courageous, heroic
ANTONYMS: afraid, cowardly
He was an intrepid explorer who probed
parts of the rain forest never previously
attempted.
mundane
(adj.) dull, ordinary, commonplace
SYNONYMS: normal, humdrum
ANTONYMS: exciting, unusual
They lead a pretty mundane life.
nonchalant
(adj.) relaxed and calm in a way that shows
that you do not care or are not worried
about anything
SYNONYMS: apathetic, dispassionate
ANTONYMS: caring, emotional
He was surprisingly nonchalant about
winning the award.
ostentatious
(adj.) displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a
way that is meant to attract attention,
admiration, or envy
SYNONYMS: flamboyant, gaudy
ANTONYMS: moderate, tasteful
Her boss wears an ostentatious diamond ring
on his little finger.
precocious
(adj.) exhibiting mature qualities at an
unusually early age
SYNONYMS: cocky, bright
ANTONYMS: stupid, unintelligent
A precocious musician, he was giving
concerts when he was seven.
querulous
(adj.) complaining in an annoyed way;
habitually whining
SYNONYMS: bearish, irritable
ANTONYMS: cheerful, easy-going
Their car trips were frequently spoiled by a
couple of querulous passengers in the back.
rancor
(n.) an angry feeling or hatred or dislike for
someone who has treated you unfairly
SYNONYMS: animosity, grudge
ANTONYMS: friendliness, kindness
She answered her accusers calmly and
without rancor.
revere
(v.) to offer honor or respect to someone
SYNONYMS: adore, admire
ANTONYMS: denounce, despise
Michael Jordan is highly revered for his
many achievements.
scrutinize
(v.) to examine closely and critically
SYNONYMS: analyze, dissect
ANTONYMS: ignore, overlook
I closely scrutinized my opponent’s every
move.
spurious
(adj.) not genuine, sincere, or authentic;
based on false ideas or bad reasoning
SYNONYMS: bogus, phony
ANTONYMS: genuine, true
It was a spurious Picasso painting that
wouldn’t have fooled an art expert for a
second.
surreptitious
(adj.) done, made, or acquired in a secret way
SYNONYMS: covert, hush-hush
ANTONYMS: honest, public
He bought the engagement ring in a
surreptitious manner, so that his girlfriend
would be surprised at his proposal.
tenacious
(adj.) persistent in seeking something valued
or desired
SYNONYMS: relentless, stubborn
ANTONYMS: unreliable, weak
A tenacious coach, she adheres to her
grueling practice schedule no matter what.