ACT Power Plus
Vocabulary
Lesson Nine
machination – (n.) an evil design or plan
Once again, the superhero foiled the machinations
of the evil scientist.
Synonyms
• scheme
• plot
pejorative – (adj.) having a negative effect;
insulting
Lenny resigned after overhearing his coworkers’
pejorative remarks.
Synonyms
• disparaging
• derogatory
Antonyms
• complimentary
harbinger – (n.) an omen or sign
To many, the black cat is a harbinger of bad luck.
Synonyms
• warning
• portent
nubile – (adj.) suitable for marriage in age and
physical development, referring to a female
In six years, she grew from a skinny twelve-yearold to a nubile young woman.
sapient – (adj.) wise; full of knowledge
Everyone sought advice from the sapient monk
who lived on the mountain.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• sagacious
• fatuous
• inane
chimerical – (adj.) imaginary; fantastic
Little Tina had a chimerical notion that rabbits
lived in trees.
Synonyms
• absurd
• illusionary
Antonyms
• practical
masochist – (n.) one who enjoys his or her
own pain and suffering
Sue accused her friend of being a masochist
because he refused to go to the doctor despite his
broken toes.
finesse – (n.) diplomacy; tact; artful
management
The diplomat had the finesse to deal with the
troublesome nation.
Synonyms
• skill
• cunning
Antonyms
• tactlessness
heterogeneous – (adj.) different; dissimilar
The platoon was a heterogeneous group of young
men from various backgrounds.
Synonyms
• diverse
• varied
Antonyms
• homogeneous
• similar
eclectic – (adj.) choosing from various sources
The eclectic furnishings were from different
nations and historical periods.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• selective
• narrow
grandiose – (adj.) impressive; showy;
magnificent
The young couple could not afford the grandiose
home, so they found a smaller house.
Synonyms
Antonyms
• stately
• imposing
• humble
raiment – (n.) clothing; garments
The royal raiment of the princess is copied by the
fashion industry for the department-store market.
Synonyms
• overbearing
• arrogant
• masterful
Antonyms
• servile
• submissive
blanch – (v.) to whiten; to make pale
Sue’s face blanched when she saw the charred
remains of her house.
hybrid – (n.) anything of mixed origin
The hybrid roses had the best traits of two
different species.
idiosyncrasy – (n.) a peculiar personality trait
Hiding money in tin cans was only one of the old
man’s idiosyncrasies.
Synonyms
• eccentricity
• quirk