ACT Power Plus
Vocabulary
Lesson Ten
idolatry – (n.) excessive or blind adoration;
worship of an object
The priest accused them of idolatry for worshipping a
statue.
adulterate – (v.) to make impure; to contaminate
The fumes from the automobiles adulterate the air.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• taint
• corrupt
• refine
• refined
emanate – (v.) to come forth; to send forth
She tried to control her anger, but harsh words began
to emanate from her lips.
Synonyms
• rise
• emerge
garish – (adj.) tastelessly gaudy
The gypsy costumes were too garish for my taste.
Synonyms
• showy
• glaring
• flashy
Antonyms
• sedate
• conservative
immutable – (adj.) unchangeable; fixed
The laws of nature are immutable.
Synonyms
• enduring
Antonyms
• flexible
• changeable
diadem – (n.) a crown
Peter referred to his wife’s blonde hair as her
golden diadem.
bucolic – (adj.) pertaining to the countryside;
rural; rustic
The bucolic setting of the old inn made it a popular
retreat from the city.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• pastoral
• urban
redolent – (adj.) having a pleasant odor; suggestive
or evocative
The new fabric softener is advertised as being redolent
or a spring day.
Synonyms
• aromatic
Antonyms
• acrid
impecunious – (adj.) without money; penniless
Though impecunious, the man was too proud to ask for
help.
Synonyms
• destitute
• indigent
Antonyms
• affluent
• prosperous
sedition – (n.) rebellion or resistance against the
government
The revels were charged with sedition when they
protested the new dictator.
Synonyms
• treachery
• disloyalty
defile – (v.) to pollute; to corrupt
The oil spill defiled the entire bay.
gratuitous – (adj.) unnecessary or uncalled for
He always gave gratuitous advice whether someone
wanted it or not.
onus – (n.) a burden; a responsibility
When father died, Jake had the onus of running the
farm.
Synonyms
• obligation
impious – (adj.) disrespectful toward God
Some consider laughing in church to be impious
behavior.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• irreligious
• profane
• pious
• devout
caveat – (n.) a warning
John had so much confidence in his ability that he did
not heed the old caveat about swimming alone. His
funeral will be held on Friday.
Synonyms
• admonition
• caution