Vocabulary Word List: 1,383 Words with Definitions

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A (110)

abate v. /əbˈeɪt/: Make less active or intense.
aberrant adj. /æbˈɛɹənt/: Markedly different from an accepted norm.
“Aberrant behavior.”
abeyance n. /əbˈeɪəns/: Temporary cessation or suspension.
abjure v.: Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure.
“She abjured her beliefs.”
aboveboard adj. /əbˈʌvbˌɔɹd/: Without concealment or deception; honest.
“Their business was open and aboveboard.”
abrogate v. /ˈæbɹəgˌeɪt/: Revoke formally.
abscond v. /æbskˈɑnd/: Run away.
abstemious adj.: Sparing in consumption of especially food and drink.
abstruse adj. /əbstɹˈus/: Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge.
“The professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them.”
accolade n. /ˈækəlˌeɪd/: A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction.
acerbic adj. /əsˈɛɹbɪk/: Sour or bitter in taste.
acrimonious adj. /ˌækɹəmˈoʊniəs/: Marked by strong resentment or cynicism.
“An acrimonious dispute.”
acrimony n. /ˈækɹɪmˌoʊni/: A rough and bitter manner.
acumen n. /əkjˈumən/: Shrewdness shown by keen insight.
adamant adj. /ˈædəmənt/: Impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason.
adjure v.: Ask for or request earnestly.
admonish v. /ædmˈɑnɪʃ/: Warn strongly; put on guard.
adroit adj. /ədɹˈɔɪt/: Quick or skillful or adept in action or thought.
“An exceptionally adroit pianist.”
adulation n. /ˌædʒəlˈeɪʃən/: Servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise.
adulterate v. /ədˈʌltɚˌeɪt/: Corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones.
“Adulterate liquor.”
adulting n.: Activities typically associated with adulthood, such as paying bills and managing responsibilities.
adumbrate v.: Describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of.
aesthetic adj. /ɛsθˈɛtɪk/: Relating to or dealing with the subject of aesthetics.
“Aesthetic values.”
affable adj. /ˈæfəbəl/: Diffusing warmth and friendliness.
“An affable smile.”
aggrandize v. /əgɹˈændˌaɪz/: Add details to.
alacrity n. /əlˈækɹəti/: Liveliness and eagerness.
“He accepted with alacrity.”
alchemy n. /ˈælkəmi/: A pseudoscientific forerunner of chemistry in medieval times.
allay v. /əlˈeɪ/: Lessen the intensity of or calm.
alloy n. /ˈælˌɔɪ/: A mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten.
“Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.”
altruism n. /ˈæltɹuˌɪzəm/: The quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
amalgamate v. /əmˈælgəmˌeɪt/: To bring or combine together or with something else.
ambiguous adj. /æmbˈɪgjuəs/: Open to two or more interpretations.
ameliorate v. /əmˈiljɚˌeɪt/: To make better.
amenable adj. /əmˈɛnəbəl/: Disposed or willing to comply.
“Someone amenable to persuasion.”
amiable adj. /ˈeɪmiəbəl/: Disposed to please.
amorphous adj. /əmˈɔɹfəs/: Having no definite form or distinct shape.
“Amorphous clouds of insects.”
anachronism n. /ənˈækɹənˌɪzəm/: Something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred.
anachronistic adj. /ənˌækɹənˈɪstɪk/: Chronologically misplaced.
“English public schools are anachronistic.”
anathema n. /ənˈæθəmə/: A detested person.
“He is an anathema to me.”
anemic adj. /ənˈimɪk/: Lacking vigor or energy.
“An anemic attempt to hit the baseball.”
animosity n. /ˌænəmˈɑsəti/: A feeling of ill will arousing active hostility.
anodyne n.: A medicine used to relieve pain.
anomaly n. /ənˈɑməli/: Deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule.
antagonize v. /æntˈægənˌaɪz/: Provoke the hostility of.
“Don't antagonize your boss.”
antedate v.: Be earlier in time; go back further.
antediluvian adj.: So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period.
“A ramshackle antediluvian tenement.”
antic adj. /ˈæntɪk/: Ludicrously odd.
“Hamlet's assumed antic disposition.”
antipathy n. /æntˈɪpəθi/: A feeling of intense dislike.
antithesis n. /æntˈɪθəsəs/: Exact opposite.
“His theory is the antithesis of mine.”
antithetical adj. /ˌæntəθˈɛtɪkəl/: Sharply contrasted in character or purpose.
“Practices entirely antithetical to her professed beliefs.”
apathy n. /ˈæpəθi/: An absence of emotion or enthusiasm.
aphoristic adj.: Containing aphorisms or maxims.
aplomb n. /əplˈɑm/: Great coolness and composure under strain.
apocryphal adj. /əpˈɑkɹəfəl/: Being of questionable authenticity.
apogee n. /ˈæpədʒˌi/: A final climactic stage.
apostate n. /əpˈɔsteɪt/: A disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
apothegm n.: A short pithy instructive saying.
apotheosis n. /əpˌɑθiˈoʊsəs/: Model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal.
appease v. /əpˈiz/: Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of.
apposite adj.: Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence.
“The successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images.”
appreciable adj. /əpɹˈiʃəbəl/: Enough to be estimated or measured.
“Appreciable amounts of noxious wastes are dumped into the harbor.”
apprehend v. /ˌæpɹɪhˈɛnd/: Get the meaning of something.
apprise v. /əpɹˈaɪz/: Inform (somebody) of something.
approbation n. /ˌæpɹəbˈeɪʃən/: Official approval.
appropriate v. /əpɹˈoʊpɹiət/: Take possession of by force, as after an invasion.
appurtenant adj.: Furnishing added support.
arabesque n.: Position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose.
arbiter n. /ˈɑɹbɪtɚ/: Someone with the power to settle matters at will.
“She was the final arbiter on all matters of fashion.”
arcane adj. /ˌɑɹkˈeɪn/: Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge.
“The arcane science of dowsing.”
arch v. /ˈɑɹtʃ/: Form an arch or curve.
archaic adj. /ɑɹkˈeɪɪk/: So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period.
“Archaic laws.”
ardent adj. /ˈɑɹdənt/: Characterized by intense emotion.
“Ardent love.”
arduous adj. /ˈɑɹdʒuəs/: Characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion.
arrant adj. /ˈæɹənt/: Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers.
“An arrant fool.”
arrest v. /ɚˈɛst/: Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of.
“Arrest the downward trend.”
arriviste n.: A person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class.
arrogate v. /ˈæɹoʊgˌeɪt/: Demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to.
articulate adj. /ɑɹtˈɪkjəlˌeɪt/: Expressing yourself easily or characterized by clear expressive language.
“Articulate speech.”
artifice n. /ˈɑɹtəfɪs/: A deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture).
artless adj.: Characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious.
ascertain v. /ˌæsɚtˈeɪn/: Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort.
ascetic adj. /əsˈɛtɪk/: Pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline.
“Ascetic practices.”
askance adv. /əskˈæns/: With suspicion or disapproval.
“He looked askance at the offer.”
asperity n. /əspˈɛɹɪti/: Something hard to endure.
“The asperity of northern winters.”
aspersion n. /əspˈɝʒən/: A disparaging remark.
“In the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion.”
assail v. /əsˈeɪl/: Attack someone physically or emotionally.
“Nightmares assailed him regularly.”
assay n. /ˈæsi/: An appraisal of the state of affairs.
“They made an assay of the contents.”
asseverate v.: State categorically.
assiduous adj. /əsˈɪdwəs/: Marked by care and persistent effort.
“Her assiduous attempts to learn French.”
assuage v. /əswˈeɪdʒ/: Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of.
astringent adj. /əstɹˈɪndʒənt/: Sour or bitter in taste.
astute adj. /əstˈut/: Marked by practical hardheaded intelligence.
“An astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease.”
atavism n. /ˈætəvɪzəm/: A reappearance of an earlier characteristic.
atone v. /ətˈoʊn/: Make amends for.
atrophy n. /ˈætɹəfi/: A decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse.
attenuate v. /ətˈɛnjuˌeɪt/: Weaken the consistency of (a chemical substance).
audacious adj. /ɑdˈeɪʃəs/: Invulnerable to fear or intimidation.
“Audacious explorers.”
audacity n. /ɑdˈæsəti/: Fearless daring.
augury n.: An event that is experienced as indicating important things to come.
“He hoped it was an augury.”
august adj. /ˈɑgəst/: Profoundly honored.
auspices n. /ˈɔspɪsɪz/: Kindly endorsement and guidance.
“The tournament was held under the auspices of the city council.”
auspicious adj. /ɑspˈɪʃəs/: Auguring favorable circumstances and good luck.
“An auspicious beginning for the campaign.”
austere adj. /ɔstˈɪɹ/: Severely simple.
autonomous adj. /ɔtˈɑnəməs/: Not controlled by outside forces.
avarice n. /ˈævɚəs/: Reprehensible acquisitiveness.
avaricious adj.: Immoderately desirous of acquiring e.g. wealth.
“They are avaricious and will do anything for money.”
aver v. /ˈeɪvɚ/: Report or maintain.
aversion n. /əvˈɝʒən/: A feeling of intense dislike.
axiom n. /ˈæksiəm/: A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits.
axiomatic adj. /ˌæksiəmˈætɪk/: Evident without proof or argument.
“An axiomatic truth.”

B (56)

badger v. /bˈædʒɚ/: Annoy persistently.
baleful adj. /bˈeɪlfəl/: Deadly or sinister.
“The Florida eagles have a fierce baleful look.”
balk v. /bˈɔk/: Refuse to comply.
banal adj. /bənˈɑl/: Repeated too often.
banish v. /bˈænɪʃ/: Expel from a community or group.
barren adj. /bˈæɹən/: Not bearing offspring.
“A barren woman.”
base adj. /bˈeɪs/: Not adhering to ethical or moral principles.
“Base and unpatriotic motives.”
beatific adj.: Experiencing or bestowing celestial joy.
“Beatific peace.”
beatify v. /biˈætəfˌaɪ/: Declare (a dead person) to be blessed; the first step of achieving sainthood.
beg v. /bˈɛg/: Call upon in supplication; entreat.
“I beg you to stop!”
beguile v. /bɪgˈaɪl/: Influence by slyness.
behemoth n. /bəhˈiməθ/: Someone or something that is abnormally large and powerful.
behoove v. /bɪhˈuv/: Be appropriate or necessary.
“It behooves us to reflect on this matter.”
beleaguer v. /bɪlˈigɚ/: Annoy persistently.
belie v. /bɪlˈaɪ/: Be in contradiction with.
belittle v. /bɪlˈɪtəl/: Cause to seem less serious.
“Don't belittle his influence.”
bellicose adj. /bˈɛləkˌoʊs/: Having or showing a ready disposition to fight.
“Bellicose young officers.”
belligerent adj. /bəlˈɪdʒɚənt/: Characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight.
“A belligerent tone.”
benevolent adj. /bənˈɛvələnt/: Intending or showing kindness.
“A benevolent society.”
benighted adj. /bɪnˈaɪtɪd/: Overtaken by night or darkness.
“Benighted (or nighted) travelers hurrying toward home.”
benign adj. /bɪnˈaɪn/: Not dangerous to health.
benignant adj.: Pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence.
bent n. /bˈɛnt/: A relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way.
bereft adj. /bɚˈɛft/: Sorrowful through loss or deprivation.
“Bereft of hope.”
beset v. /bɪsˈɛt/: Annoy continually or chronically.
besmirch v.: Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone.
besotted adj.: Very drunk.
bespoke adj.: Made or done in a way adjusted to the needs of a specific person or group; custom-made.
bikeshedding n.: Futile expenditure of time and energy in discussion of marginal technical issues, while more important matters go unaddressed.
bilious adj. /bˈɪliəs/: Relating to or containing bile.
biohacking n.: A set of practices that aims to alter, optimize, or extend biological systems, especially the human body, using techniques drawn from biology, engineering, and technology.
blatant adj. /blˈeɪtənt/: Without any attempt at concealment.
“Blatant disregard of the law.”
boisterous adj. /bˈɔɪstɚəs/: Noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline.
“A boisterous crowd.”
bolster v. /bˈoʊlstɚ/: Support and strengthen.
“Bolster morale.”
bombast n. /bˈɑmbæst/: Pompous or pretentious talk or writing.
bombastic adj. /bɑmbˈæstɪk/: Ostentatiously lofty in style.
boor n. /bˈʊɹ/: A crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement.
boorish adj. /bˈʊɹɪʃ/: Ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance.
“Was boorish and insensitive.”
bourgeois adj. /bʊɹʒwˈɑ/: Being of the property-owning class and exploitive of the working class.
bowdlerize v.: Edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate.
“Bowdlerize a novel.”
brazen adj. /bɹˈeɪzən/: Unrestrained by convention or propriety.
“Brazen arrogance.”
brevity n. /bɹˈɛvəti/: The use of brief expressions.
bridle v. /bɹˈaɪdəl/: Anger or take offense.
“She bridled at his suggestion to elope.”
bristle n. /bɹˈɪsəl/: A stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic.
broach v. /bɹˈoʊtʃ/: Bring up a topic for discussion.
bromance n.: A close but non-sexual relationship between two or more men.
bromide n. /bɹˈoʊmˌaɪd/: Any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs.
brook v. /bɹˈʊk/: Put up with something or somebody unpleasant.
browbeat v. /bɹˈaʊbˌit/: Be bossy towards.
buck v. /bˈʌk/: To strive with determination.
“John is bucking for a promotion.”
bucolic adj. /bjukˈɑlɪk/: (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic.
“A pleasant bucolic scene.”
buoyant adj. /bˈɔɪənt/: Tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas.
“Buoyant balloons.”
burgeon v. /bˈɝdʒən/: Grow and flourish.
“The burgeoning administration.”
burnish n. /bˈɝnɪʃ/: The property of being smooth and shiny.
buttress n. /bˈʌtɹəs/: A support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building.
byzantine adj. /bˈɪzəntˌaɪn/: Highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious.

C (108)

cabal n. /kəbˈɑl/: A clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue.
cachinnate v.: Laugh loudly and in an unrestrained way.
cacophony n. /kækˈɑfəni/: A loud harsh or strident noise.
cadaverous adj.: Very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold.
cadence n. /kˈeɪdəns/: A recurrent rhythmical series.
cajole v. /kədʒˈoʊl/: Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering.
callous adj. /kˈæləs/: Emotionally hardened.
“A callous indifference to suffering.”
callow adj. /kˈæloʊ/: Young and inexperienced.
calumniate v.: Charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone.
calumny n. /kˈæləmni/: A false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions.
candid adj. /kˈændəd/: Characterized by directness in manner or speech.
candor n. /kˈændɚ/: Ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty.
canon n. /kˈænən/: A rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy.
“The neoclassical canon.”
canonical adj. /kənˈɑnəkəl/: Conforming to orthodox or recognized rules.
capitulate v. /kəpˈɪtʃulɪt/: Surrender under agreed conditions.
capricious adj. /kəpɹˈɪʃəs/: Changeable.
“A capricious summer breeze.”
captious adj.: Tending to find and call attention to faults.
“A captious pedant.”
cardinal adj. /kˈɑɹdənəl/: Serving as an essential component.
“A cardinal rule.”
carping n. /kˈɑɹpɪŋ/: Persistent petty and unjustified criticism.
castigate v. /kˈæstəgˌeɪt/: Censure severely.
castigation n.: A severe scolding.
catalyst n. /kˈætələst/: A substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
catfish v. /kˈætfˌɪʃ/: To create and operate a fake online profile to deceive someone.
catholic adj. /kˈæθlɪk/: Free from provincial prejudices or attachments.
“Catholic in one's tastes.”
caustic adj. /kˈɑstɪk/: Harsh or corrosive in tone.
“Caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics.”
cavalier adj. /kˌævəlˈɪɹ/: Given to haughty disregard of others.
cavil n.: An evasion of the point of an argument by raising irrelevant distinctions or objections.
celerity n. /səlˈɛɹəti/: A rate that is rapid.
censor n. /sˈɛnsɚ/: Someone who censures or condemns.
censure n. /sˈɛnʃɚ/: Harsh criticism or disapproval.
chagrin n. /ʃəgɹˈɪn/: Strong feelings of embarrassment.
charlatan n. /ʃˈɑɹlətən/: A flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes.
chary adj. /tʃˈɑɹi/: Characterized by great caution and wariness.
“Chary of the risks involved.”
chasten v. /tʃˈeɪsən/: Censure severely.
chastise v. /tʃæstˈaɪz/: Censure severely.
“She chastised him for his insensitive remarks.”
chauvinist n. /ʃˈoʊvənəst/: A person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind.
chicanery n. /ʃɪkˈeɪnɚi/: The use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them).
chillax v.: To relax and calm down; to be laid back.
chimera n. /tʃɪmˈɛɹə/: (Greek mythology) fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head and a goat's body and a serpent's tail; daughter of Typhon.
choleric adj. /kˈɑlɚɪk/: Easily moved to anger.
churlish adj. /tʃˈɝlɪʃ/: Rude and boorish.
circuitous adj. /sɚkjˈuɪtəs/: Marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct.
“The explanation was circuitous and puzzling.”
circumscribe v. /sˌɝkəmskɹˈaɪb/: Draw a line around.
circumspect adj. /sˈɝkəmspˌɛkt/: Heedful of potential consequences.
“Circumspect actions.”
circumvent v. /sˌɝkəmvˈɛnt/: Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues).
clairvoyant adj. /klɛɹvˈɔɪənt/: Perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses.
clandestine adj. /klændˈɛstɪn/: Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods.
“Clandestine intelligence operations.”
clickbait n.: Website content that is aimed at generating advertising revenue, especially at the expense of quality or accuracy, relying on sensationalist headlines.
coalesce v. /kˌoʊəlˈɛs/: Mix together different elements.
coda n. /kˈoʊdə/: The closing section of a musical composition.
cogent adj. /kˈoʊdʒənt/: Powerfully persuasive.
“A cogent argument.”
cogitate v. /kˌɑdʒɪtˌeɪt/: Consider carefully and deeply.
coherent adj. /koʊhˈɪɹənt/: Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts.
“A coherent argument.”
commensurate adj. /kəmˈɛnsɚət/: Corresponding in size or degree or extent.
“Pay should be commensurate with the time worked.”
complacent adj. /kəmplˈeɪsənt/: Contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions.
“He had become complacent after years of success.”
complaisance n.: A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others.
complaisant adj. /kəmplˈeɪsənt/: Showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others.
“To close one's eyes like a complaisant husband whose wife has taken a lover.”
comportment n. /kəmpˈɔɹtmənt/: Dignified manner or conduct.
conciliate v.: Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of.
conciliatory adj. /kənsˈɪlˌiətˌɔɹi/: Making or willing to make concessions.
concomitant n. /kˌɑnkˈɑmətənt/: An event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another.
concur v. /kənkˈɝ/: Be in accord.
condescend v. /kˌɑndɪsˈɛnd/: Do something that one considers to be below one's dignity.
conflagration n. /kˌɑnfləgɹˈeɪʃən/: A very intense and uncontrolled fire.
conflate v. /kənflˈeɪt/: Mix together different elements.
confound v. /kɑnfˈaʊnd/: Be confusing or perplexing to.
conjecture n. /kəndʒˈɛktʃɚ/: A hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence).
“He dismissed it as mere conjecture.”
connive v. /kənˈaɪv/: Encourage or assent to illegally or criminally.
connoisseur n. /kˌɑnəsˈɝ/: An expert able to appreciate a field.
consecrate v. /kˈɑnsəkɹˌeɪt/: Appoint to a clerical post.
consequential adj. /kˌɑnsəkwˈɛntʃəl/: Having important issues or results.
“The year's only really consequential legislation.”
consternation n. /kˌɑnstɚnˈeɪʃən/: Fear resulting from the awareness of danger.
consummate v. /kˈɑnsəmət/: Fulfill sexually.
“Consummate a marriage.”
contentious adj. /kəntˈɛnʃəs/: Inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits.
“A style described as abrasive and contentious.”
contiguous adj. /kəntˈɪgjuəs/: Very close or connected in space or time.
“Contiguous events.”
contrite adj. /kəntɹˈaɪt/: Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.
contrition n. /kəntɹˈɪʃən/: Sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation.
contrive v. /kəntɹˈaɪv/: Make or work out a plan for; devise.
contumacious adj.: Wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient.
conundrum n. /kənˈʌndɹəm/: A difficult problem.
convention n. /kənvˈɛnʃən/: Something regarded as a normative example.
“The convention of not naming the main character.”
convivial adj. /kənvˈɪviəl/: Occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company.
“A convivial atmosphere at the reunion.”
convoluted adj. /kˈɑnvəlˌutəd/: Rolled longitudinally upon itself.
copious adj. /kˈoʊpiəs/: Large in number or quantity (especially of discourse).
“She took copious notes.”
cordial adj. /kˈɔɹdʒəl/: Diffusing warmth and friendliness.
“Cordial relations.”
corrigible adj. /kˈɔɹədʒəbəl/: Capable of being corrected or set right.
“A corrigible defect.”
corroborate v. /kɚˈɑbɚˌeɪt/: Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts.
cosplay n.: The art or practice of costuming oneself as a usually fictional character.
cosset v. /kˈɑsət/: Treat with excessive indulgence.
coterminous adj.: Being of equal extent or scope or duration.
countenance n. /kˈaʊntənəns/: The appearance conveyed by a person's face.
“A pleasant countenance.”
countermand n.: A contrary command cancelling or reversing a previous command.
cozen v.: Be false to; be dishonest with.
craven adj. /kɹˈeɪvən/: Lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful.
creditable adj. /kɹˈɛdətəbəl/: Worthy of often limited commendation.
“The student's effort on the essay--though not outstanding--was creditable.”
credulous adj. /kɹˈɛdʒələs/: Disposed to believe on little evidence.
“The gimmick would convince none but the most credulous.”
crestfallen adj. /kɹˈɛstfˌɔlən/: Brought low in spirit.
cringe adj. /kɹˈɪndʒ/: Inducing awkwardness or secondhand embarrassment; uncool.
crowdfund v.: To fund a project by having many individuals pool their money together, usually via the Internet.
crowdsource v.: To delegate a task to a large, diffuse group, typically via the Internet.
cryptic adj. /kɹˈɪptɪk/: Of an obscure nature.
culpable adj. /kˈʌlpəbəl/: Deserving blame or censure as being wrong or evil or injurious.
“Culpable negligence.”
cupidity n. /kjupˈɪdɪti/: Extreme greed for material wealth.
curate v. /kjˈʊɹət/: To apply selectivity and taste to a collection, such as fashion items or web pages.
curmudgeon n. /kɚmˈʌdʒɪn/: A crusty irascible cantankerous old person full of stubborn ideas.
cursory adj. /kˈɝsɚi/: Hasty and without attention to detail.
cynical adj. /sˈɪnɪkəl/: Believing the worst of human nature and motives.
cynicism n. /sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/: A cynical feeling of distrust.

D (101)

damp n. /dˈæmp/: A slight wetness.
daunt v. /dˈɔnt/: Cause to lose courage.
daunting adj. /dˈɔntɪŋ/: Discouraging through fear.
dearth n. /dˈɝθ/: An acute insufficiency.
debacle n. /dəbˈɑkəl/: A sudden and violent collapse.
debase v. /dəbˈeɪs/: Corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality.
debonair adj. /dˌɛbənˈɛɹ/: Having a sophisticated charm.
“A debonair gentleman.”
decadent adj. /dˈɛkədənt/: Marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay.
“A decadent life of excessive money and no sense of responsibility.”
decorous adj. /dˈɛkɚəs/: Characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct.
“The tete-a-tete was decorous in the extreme.”
decorum n. /dɪkˈɔɹəm/: Propriety in manners and conduct.
decry v. /dɪkɹˈaɪ/: Express strong disapproval of.
deepfake n.: A convincingly realistic but fake image, video, or audio created with the use of artificial intelligence.
deference n. /dˈɛfɚəns/: A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard.
“His deference to her wishes was very flattering.”
defray v. /dɪfɹˈeɪ/: Bear the expenses of.
deft adj. /dˈɛft/: Skillful in physical movements.
“A deft waiter.”
defunct adj. /dɪfˈʌŋkt/: No longer in force or use.
“A defunct law.”
deleterious adj. /dˌɛlətˈɪɹiəs/: Harmful to living things.
“Deleterious chemical additives.”
delineate v. /dɪlˈɪniˌeɪt/: Show the form or outline of.
demagogue n. /dˈɛməgˌɑg/: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices.
demean v. /dɪmˈin/: Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally.
demonstrative adj. /dɪmˈɑnstɹətɪv/: Given to or marked by the open expression of emotion.
“An affectionate and demonstrative family.”
demur v. /dɪmˈɝ/: Take exception to.
demure adj. /dɪmjˈʊɹ/: Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way.
denigrate v. /dˈɛnəgɹˌeɪt/: Cause to seem less serious; play down.
denizen n. /dˈɛnəzən/: A person who inhabits a particular place.
denouement n. /dˌeɪnˌumˈɑn/: The outcome of a complex sequence of events.
denounce v. /dɪnˈaʊns/: Speak out against.
“He denounced the Nazis.”
deplatform v.: To prevent someone from using a platform to express their opinion.
deplete v. /dɪplˈit/: Use up (resources or materials).
deplore v. /dɪplˈɔɹ/: Express strong disapproval of.
“We deplore the government's treatment of political prisoners.”
deposition n. /dˌɛpəzˈɪʃən/: The act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office.
deprave v. /dipɹˈeɪv/: Corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality.
deprecate v. /dˈɛpɹəkˌeɪt/: Express strong disapproval of; deplore.
deride v. /dɪɹˈaɪd/: Treat or speak of with contempt.
“He derided his student's attempt to solve the biggest problem in mathematics.”
derision n. /dɚˈɪʒən/: Contemptuous laughter.
derisive adj. /dɚˈɪsɪv/: Abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule.
“Derisive laughter.”
derivative adj. /dɚˈɪvətɪv/: Resulting from or employing derivation.
“A derivative process.”
derogative adj.: Expressive of low opinion.
descry v.: Catch sight of.
desecrate v. /dɛzəkɹˈeɪt/: Violate the sacred character of a place or language.
“Desecrate a cemetery.”
desiccate v. /dˈɛsəkeɪt/: To remove water or moisture from.
desideratum n.: Something desired as a necessity.
despondent adj. /dɪspˈɑndənt/: Without or almost without hope.
“Despondent about his failure.”
despot n. /dˈɛspət/: A cruel and oppressive dictator.
desuetude n.: A state of inactivity or disuse.
desultory adj. /dˈɛsəltˌɔɹi/: Marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another.
“Desultory thoughts.”
deter v. /dɪtˈɝ/: Try to prevent.
detraction n.: A petty disparagement.
devious adj. /dˈiviəs/: Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way.
“Used devious means to achieve success.”
diaphanous adj. /daɪˈæfənɪs/: So thin as to transmit light.
“A hat with a diaphanous veil.”
diatribe n. /dˈaɪətɹˌaɪb/: Thunderous verbal attack.
dichotomy n. /daɪkˈɑtəmi/: Being twofold.
didactic adj. /daɪdˈæktɪk/: Instructive (especially excessively).
diffident adj.: Showing modest reserve.
“She was diffident when offering a comment on the professor's lecture.”
digress v. /daɪgɹˈɛs/: Lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking.
“Don't digress when you give a lecture.”
dilatory adj. /dˈɪlətˌɔɹi/: Wasting time.
dilettante n.: An amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge.
diligent adj. /dˈɪlɪdʒənt/: Quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness.
“A diligent (or patient) worker.”
din n. /dˈɪn/: A loud harsh or strident noise.
dirge n. /dˈɝdʒ/: A song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person.
disabuse v. /dɪsəbjˈus/: Free somebody (from an erroneous belief).
disaffected adj. /dˌɪsəfˈɛktɪd/: Discontented as toward authority.
discern v. /dɪsˈɝn/: Detect with the senses.
discomfit v.: Cause to lose one's composure.
discomposure n.: Anxious embarrassment.
discordant adj. /dɪskˈɔɹdənt/: Not in agreement or harmony.
“Views discordant with present-day ideas.”
discreet adj. /dɪskɹˈit/: Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint.
“His trusted discreet aide.”
discretion n. /dɪskɹˈɛʃən/: Freedom to act or judge on one's own.
discursive adj. /dɪskˈɝsɪv/: Proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument rather than intuition.
disdain n. /dɪsdˈeɪn/: Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike.
disenfranchise v. /dɪsɪnfɹˈæntʃˌaɪz/: Deprive of voting rights.
disinterested adj. /dɪsˈɪntɹɪstɪd/: Unaffected by self-interest.
disparage v. /dɪspˈɛɹɪdʒ/: Express a negative opinion of.
“She disparaged her student's efforts.”
disparate adj. /dˈɪspɚɪt/: Fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind.
“Such disparate attractions as grand opera and game fishing.”
dispatch v. /dɪspˈætʃ/: Send away towards a designated goal.
dispel v. /dɪspˈɛl/: Force to go away.
“Dispel doubts.”
dispensation n. /dˌɪspənsˈeɪʃən/: An exemption from some rule or obligation.
dissemble v. /dɪsˈɛmbəl/: Make believe with the intent to deceive.
disseminate v. /dɪsˈɛmənˌeɪt/: Cause to become widely known.
dissent n. /dɪsˈɛnt/: A difference of opinion.
dissolution n. /dˌɪsəlˈuʃən/: Separation into component parts.
dissonance n. /dˈɪsənəns/: A conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters.
distention n.: The state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions.
divulge v. /dɪvˈʌldʒ/: Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret.
docile adj. /dˈɑsəl/: Willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed.
“The docile masses of an enslaved nation.”
doggerel n. /dˈɑgɚəl/: A comic verse of irregular measure.
“He had heard some silly doggerel that kept running through his mind.”
dogmatic adj. /dɑgmˈætɪk/: Characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles.
doleful adj. /dˈoʊlfəl/: Filled with or evoking sadness.
“The child's doleful expression.”
doomscroll v.: To continually read Internet news about catastrophic events.
dormant adj. /dˈɔɹmənt/: In a condition of biological rest or suspended animation.
“Dormant buds.”
dote v. /dˈoʊt/: Shower with love.
dour adj. /dˈaʊɚ/: Stubbornly unyielding.
“Dour determination.”
dovetail v. /dˈʌvtˌeɪl/: Fit together tightly, as if by means of a dovetail.
downvote v.: To vote against something, reducing a cumulative tally of its popularity.
dross n. /dɹˈɔs/: Worthless or dangerous material that should be removed.
dubious adj. /dˈubiəs/: Fraught with uncertainty or doubt.
“Dubious about agreeing to go.”
dulcet adj. /dˈʌlsət/: Extremely pleasant in a gentle way.
“The most dulcet swimming on the most beautiful and remote beaches.”
dupe n. /dˈup/: A person who is tricked or swindled.
duplicity n. /duplˈɪsɪti/: A fraudulent or duplicitous representation.
dwindle v. /dwˈɪndəl/: Become smaller or lose substance.
“Her savings dwindled down.”
dynamo n. /dˈaɪnəmˌoʊ/: Generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature.

E (95)

earnest adj. /ˈɝnɪst/: Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions.
“Both sides were deeply in earnest, even passionate.”
earworm n.: A tune that keeps replaying in one's head, especially if unwanted.
ebullience n. /ɪbˈʊljəns/: Overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval.
ebullient adj. /ɪbˈʌljənt/: Joyously unrestrained.
eccentric adj. /ɪksˈɛntɹɪk/: Conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual.
“Famed for his eccentric spelling.”
ecclesiastical adj. /ɪklˌiziˈæstɪkəl/: Of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church).
eclectic adj. /ɪklˈɛktɪk/: Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas.
ecoanxiety n.: Anxiety about damage to the ecosystem, especially as caused by climate change.
edify v. /ˈɛdəfˌaɪ/: Make understand.
edifying adj. /ˈɛdəfˌaɪɪŋ/: Enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement.
“The paintings in the church served an edifying purpose even for those who could not read.”
effervescent adj. /ˌɛfɚvˈɛsənt/: Marked by high spirits or excitement.
“His fertile effervescent mind.”
effluvium n.: A foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste).
effrontery n. /ɪfɹˈʌntɚi/: Audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to.
effulgent adj.: Radiating or as if radiating light.
“The effulgent daffodils.”
effusive adj. /ˈɛfjusɪv/: Uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm.
egregious adj. /ɪgɹˈidʒəs/: Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible.
“An egregious lie.”
egress n. /ɪgɹˈɛs/: The act of coming (or going) out; becoming apparent.
elegiac adj.: Resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy.
“An elegiac poem on a friend's death.”
elegy n. /ˈɛlədʒi/: A mournful poem; a lament for the dead.
elicit v. /ɪlˈɪsɪt/: Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses).
eloquent adj. /ˈɛləkwənt/: Expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively.
elucidate v. /ɪlˈusədˌeɪt/: Make clear and (more) comprehensible.
elude v. /ɪlˈud/: Escape, either physically or mentally.
“The thief eluded the police.”
embellish v. /ɪmbˈɛlɪʃ/: Make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
embryonic adj. /ˌɛmbɹiˈɑnɪk/: Of an organism prior to birth or hatching.
“In the embryonic stage.”
emollient n.: Toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin.
emphatic adj. /ɛmfˈætɪk/: Forceful and definite in expression or action.
“The document contained a particularly emphatic guarantee of religious liberty.”
empirical adj. /ˌɛmpˈɪɹɪkəl/: Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory.
“An empirical basis for an ethical theory.”
emulate v. /ˈɛmjəlˌeɪt/: Strive to equal or match, especially by imitating.
“He is emulating the skating skills of his older sister.”
encomium n.: A formal expression of praise.
encroach v. /ɪnkɹˈoʊtʃ/: Advance beyond the usual limit.
endemic adj. /ɛndˈɛmɪk/: Native to or confined to a certain region.
“The islands have a number of interesting endemic species.”
enervate v.: Weaken mentally or morally.
engender v. /ɛndʒˈɛndɚ/: Call forth.
enigma n. /ɪnˈɪgmə/: Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained.
enigmatic adj. /ˌɛnɪgmˈætɪk/: Not clear to the understanding.
“I didn't grasp the meaning of that enigmatic comment until much later.”
enjoin v. /ɛndʒˈɔɪn/: Issue an injunction.
enmity n. /ˈɛnməti/: A state of deep-seated ill-will.
ennui n. /ɛnˈui/: The feeling of being bored by something tedious.
enormity n. /ɪnˈɔɹməti/: The quality of being outrageous.
ephemeral adj. /ɪfˈɛmɚəl/: Lasting a very short time.
“The ephemeral joys of childhood.”
epicure n. /ˈɛpɪkjˌʊɹ/: A person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink).
epigram n. /ˈɛpəgɹˌæm/: A witty saying.
epiphany n. /ɪpˈɪfəni/: A divine manifestation.
episodic adj. /ˌɛpəsˈɑdɪk/: Of writing or narration; divided into or composed of episodes.
“The book is episodic and the incidents don't always hang together.”
epithet n. /ˈɛpəθˌɛt/: A defamatory or abusive word or phrase.
epitome n. /ɪpˈɪtəmi/: A standard or typical example.
equanimity n. /ˌikwənˈɪmɪti/: Steadiness of mind under stress.
“He accepted their problems with composure and she with equanimity.”
equitable adj. /ˈɛkwətəbəl/: Fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience.
“Equitable treatment of all citizens.”
equivocal adj. /ɪkwˈɪvəkəl/: Open to two or more interpretations.
“An equivocal statement.”
equivocate v. /ɪkwˈɪvəkˌeɪt/: Be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.
errant adj. /ˈɛɹənt/: Straying from the right course or from accepted standards.
“Errant youngsters.”
ersatz adj. /ˈɛɹsˌɑts/: Artificial and inferior.
“Ersatz coffee.”
erudite adj. /ˈɛɹədˌaɪt/: Having or showing profound knowledge.
“An erudite professor.”
eschew v. /ɛstʃˈu/: Avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of.
esoteric adj. /ˌɛsətˈɛɹɪk/: Confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle.
“A compilation of esoteric philosophical theories.”
espouse v. /ɪspˈaʊz/: Choose and follow.
“The candidate espouses Republican ideals.”
essay v. /ɛsˈeɪ/: Make an effort or attempt.
“The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps.”
estimable adj. /ˈɛstəməbəl/: Deserving of respect or high regard.
ethereal adj. /ɪθˈɪɹiəl/: Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality.
“Physical rather than ethereal forms.”
etiolated adj.: (especially of plants) developed without chlorophyll by being deprived of light.
“Etiolated celery.”
eulogy n. /jˈulədʒi/: A formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently.
euphemism n. /jˈufəmˌɪzəm/: An inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh.
euphoria n. /jufˈɔɹiə/: A feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation.
evanescent adj. /ˌɛvənˈɛsənt/: Tending to vanish like vapor.
“Evanescent beauty.”
evince v. /ɪvˈɪns/: Give expression to.
exacerbate v. /ɪgzˈæsɚbˌeɪt/: Make worse.
exact v. /ɪgzˈækt/: Claim as due or just.
exalt v. /ɪgzˈɔlt/: Praise, glorify, or honor.
exalted adj. /ɪgzˈɔltɪd/: Of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style.
exasperate v. /ɪgzˈæspɚˌeɪt/: Make furious.
exasperation n. /ˌɛksˌæspɚˈeɪʃən/: An exasperated feeling of annoyance.
excoriate v. /ɛkskˈɔɹiˌeɪt/: Express strong disapproval of.
exculpate v. /ˌɛkskˈʌlpeɪt/: Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges.
execrate v.: Curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment.
exegesis n.: An explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible).
exemplar n. /ɪgzˈɛmplɑɹ/: Something to be imitated.
“An exemplar of success.”
exemplary adj. /ɪgzˈɛmplɚi/: Worthy of imitation.
“Exemplary behavior.”
exhort v. /ɪgzˈɔɹt/: Spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts.
exigent adj. /ˈɛksɪdʒənt/: Demanding attention.
exiguity n.: The quality of being meager.
exonerate v. /ɪgzˈɑnɚˌeɪt/: Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges.
expansive adj. /ɪkspˈænsɪv/: Able or tending to expand or characterized by expansion.
“Expansive materials.”
expatiate v.: Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing.
expedient adj. /ɪkspˈidiənt/: Serving to promote your interest.
“Was merciful only when mercy was expedient.”
expedite v. /ˈɛkspɪdˌaɪt/: Speed up the progress of.
“This should expedite the process.”
expiate v. /ˈɛkspiˌeɪt/: Make amends for.
“Expiate one's sins.”
expurgate v.: Edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate.
extant adj. /ˈɛkstənt/: Still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost.
extemporaneous adj.: With little or no preparation or forethought.
“An extemporaneous piano recital.”
extenuating adj. /ɪkstˈɛnjuˌeɪtɪŋ/: Partially excusing or justifying.
“Extenuating circumstances.”
extirpate v. /ˈɛkstɚpˌeɪt/: Destroy completely, as if down to the roots.
extol v. /ɪkstˈoʊl/: Praise, glorify, or honor.
“Extol the virtues of one's children.”
extraneous adj. /ɛkstɹˈeɪniəs/: Not pertinent to the matter under consideration.
“An issue extraneous to the debate.”
exuberant adj. /ɪgzˈubɚənt/: Joyously unrestrained.

F (60)

fabricate v. /fˈæbɹəkˌeɪt/: Make up something artificial or untrue.
facepalm n.: A gesture of bringing one or both palms to the face, expressing exasperation, embarrassment, or disbelief.
facetious adj. /fəsˈiʃəs/: Cleverly amusing in tone.
“Facetious remarks.”
facile adj. /fˈæsəl/: Superficially impressive, but lacking depth and attention to the true complexities of a subject.
factious adj.: Dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion).
factitious adj. /fæktˈɪʃəs/: Not produced by natural forces.
“Brokers created a factitious demand for stocks.”
fallacious adj. /fəlˈeɪʃəs/: Containing or based on a fallacy.
“Fallacious reasoning.”
fallacy n. /fˈæləsi/: A misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning.
fallow adj. /fˈælˌoʊ/: Left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season.
“Fallow farmland.”
fastidious adj. /fæstˈɪdiəs/: Giving careful attention to detail.
fatuous adj. /fˈætʃəwəs/: Extremely silly or stupid.
fawn v. /fˈɔn/: Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering.
feckless adj. /fˈɛklɪs/: Not fit to assume responsibility.
fecund adj.: Capable of producing offspring or vegetation.
feign v. /fˈeɪn/: Make believe with the intent to deceive.
“He feigned that he was ill.”
felicitous adj. /fɪlˈɪsətəs/: Exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style.
“A felicitous speaker.”
fell v. /fˈɛl/: Cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow.
ferret n. /fˈɛɹət/: Musteline mammal of prairie regions of United States; nearly extinct.
fervent adj. /fˈɝvənt/: Characterized by intense emotion.
“A fervent desire to change society.”
fete v. /fˈeɪt/: Have a celebration.
“They were feting the patriarch of the family.”
fetid adj. /fˈɛtəd/: Offensively malodorous.
fetter n. /fˈɛtɚ/: A shackle for the ankles or feet.
fickle adj. /fˈɪkəl/: Marked by erratic changeableness in affections or attachments.
“Fickle friends.”
filibuster n. /fˈɪləbˌʌstɚ/: A legislator who gives long speeches in an effort to delay or obstruct legislation that he (or she) opposes.
filigree n. /fˈɪləgɹˌi/: Delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire).
finagle v. /fˈɪnəgəl/: Achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods.
firebrand n. /fˈaɪɚbɹˌænd/: Someone who deliberately foments trouble.
flag v. /flˈæg/: Become less intense.
flagrant adj. /flˈeɪgɹənt/: Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible.
“Flagrant violation of human rights.”
fledgling n. /flˈɛdʒlɪŋ/: Any new participant in some activity.
fleece v. /flˈis/: Rip off; ask an unreasonable price.
flexitarian n.: One who is usually or primarily vegetarian, but not strictly so.
flippant adj. /flˈɪpənt/: Showing inappropriate levity.
florid adj. /flˈɔɹəd/: Elaborately or excessively ornamented.
“The senator's florid speech.”
flourish v. /flˈɝɪʃ/: Grow vigorously.
flout v. /flˈaʊt/: Treat with contemptuous disregard.
“Flout the rules.”
flummox v. /fləmˈɔks/: Be a mystery or bewildering to.
flush v. /flˈʌʃ/: Turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame.
foible n. /fˈɔɪbəl/: A behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual.
foment v. /fˈoʊmɛnt/: Try to stir up public opinion.
forbearance n. /fɔɹbˈɛɹəns/: Good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence.
ford n. /fˈɔɹd/: The act of crossing a stream or river by wading or in a car or on a horse.
forestall v. /fɔɹstˈɔl/: Keep from happening or arising; make impossible.
forlorn adj. /fɚlˈɔɹn/: Marked by or showing hopelessness.
“The last forlorn attempt.”
formidable adj. /fˈɔɹmədəbəl/: Extremely impressive in strength or excellence.
“A formidable opponent.”
forsake v. /fɔɹsˈeɪk/: Leave someone who needs or counts on you.
forswear v. /fɔɹswˈɛɹ/: Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure.
forthcoming adj. /fˈɔɹθkˈʌmɪŋ/: At ease in talking to others.
forthright adj. /fˈɔɹθɹˈaɪt/: Characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion.
“Forthright criticism.”
fortuitous adj. /fɔɹtˈuɪtəs/: Having no cause or apparent cause.
“Fortuitous encounters--strange accidents of fortune.”
founder v. /fˈaʊndɚ/: Fail utterly; collapse.
“The project foundered.”
fracas n. /fɹˈeɪkəs/: Noisy quarrel.
fractious adj. /fɹˈækʃəs/: Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
“A fractious animal that would not submit to the harness.”
fraught adj. /fɹˈɔt/: Marked by distress.
“A fraught mother-daughter relationship.”
frenemy n.: Someone who has traits of both an enemy and a friend; a rival disguised as a friend.
frieze n. /fɹˈiz/: An architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice.
frivolous adj. /fɹˈɪvələs/: Not serious in content or attitude or behavior.
“A frivolous novel.”
frugal adj. /fɹˈugəl/: Avoiding waste.
“A frugal farmer.”
fulminate v. /fˈʊlmənˌeɪt/: Criticize severely.
“He fulminated against the Republicans' plan to cut Medicare.”
furtive adj. /fˈɝtɪv/: Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy.

G (31)

gaffe n. /gˈæf/: A socially awkward or tactless act.
gainsay v. /gˈeɪnsˌeɪ/: Take exception to.
gambol n.: Gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement.
garner v. /gˈɑɹnɚ/: Acquire or deserve by one's efforts or actions.
garrulous adj. /gˈɛɹələs/: Full of trivial conversation.
gaslight v. /gˈæslaɪt/: To manipulate someone such that they doubt their own memory, perceptions of reality, or sanity, typically for malevolent reasons.
gauche adj. /gˈoʊʃ/: Lacking social polish.
“Too gauche to leave the room when the conversation became intimate.”
genial adj. /dʒˈinjəl/: Diffusing warmth and friendliness.
“A genial host.”
germane adj. /dʒɚmˈeɪn/: Relevant and appropriate.
“He asks questions that are germane and central to the issue.”
ghost v. /gˈoʊst/: To stop communicating with someone on social media, through text messages, etc., without explanation, especially as a way of ending a relationship.
glamping n.: Any of various luxury forms of camping.
glean v. /glˈin/: Gather, as of natural products.
glib adj. /glˈɪb/: Marked by lack of intellectual depth.
“Glib generalizations.”
gloat v. /glˈoʊt/: Dwell on with satisfaction.
glut v. /glˈʌt/: Overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself.
goad n. /gˈoʊd/: A pointed instrument that is used to prod into a state of motion.
gossamer adj. /gˈɑsəmɚ/: Characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy.
“Gossamer shading through his playing.”
graft n. /gɹˈæft/: The practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage.
grandiloquence n.: High-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation.
grandiloquent adj. /gɹændˈɪləkwənt/: Puffed up with vanity.
gratuitous adj. /gɹətˈuətəs/: Without cause.
“A gratuitous insult.”
greenwashing n.: The practice of presenting oneself or one's organization as more environmentally friendly than is actually the case, in order to disguise or divert attention from environmentally damaging practices.
gregarious adj. /gɹəgˈɛɹiəs/: Tending to form a group with others of the same species.
grievance n. /gɹˈivəns/: A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation.
grim adj. /gɹˈɪm/: Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty.
“Grim determination.”
grouse v. /gɹˈaʊs/: Complain.
grovel v. /gɹˈɑvəl/: Show submission or fear.
guile n. /gˈaɪl/: Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception.
guileless adj. /gˈaɪlləs/: Free of deceit.
gullible adj. /gˈʌləbəl/: Naive and easily deceived or tricked.
“At that early age she had been gullible and in love.”
gumption n. /gˈʌmpʃən/: Sound practical judgment.

H (34)

hackathon n.: An event where programmers and others meet for collaborative software development, usually over several days.
hackneyed adj. /hˈæknid/: Repeated too often.
hagiography n. /hˌægiˈɑgɹəfi/: A biography that idealizes or idolizes the person (especially a person who is a saint).
halcyon adj. /hˈælsiən/: Idyllically calm and peaceful.
hallowed adj. /hˈæloʊd/: Worthy of religious veneration.
“Jerusalem's hallowed soil.”
hamper v. /hˈæmpɚ/: Prevent the progress or free movement of.
“He was hampered in his efforts by the bad weather.”
hamstring v. /hˈæmstɹˌɪŋ/: Make ineffective or powerless.
hangry adj.: Hungry and angry, especially when the anger is induced by the hunger.
haphazard adj. /hæphˈæzɚd/: Dependent upon or characterized by chance.
“A haphazard plan of action.”
hapless adj. /hˈæpləs/: Deserving or inciting pity.
harangue v. /hɚˈæŋ/: Deliver a harangue to; address forcefully.
harbinger n. /hˈɑɹbɪndʒɚ/: Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone.
harrow v. /hˈæɹoʊ/: Draw a harrow over (land).
haughty adj. /hˈɔti/: Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy.
“Haughty aristocrats.”
hauteur n.: Overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors.
hector v. /hˈɛktɚ/: Be bossy towards.
hedonism n. /hˈidənˌɪzəm/: The pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle.
hedonist n.: Someone motivated by desires for sensual pleasures.
hegemony n. /hidʒˈɛməni/: The dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others.
“The hegemony of a single member state is not incompatible with a genuine confederation.”
heretical adj. /hɚˈɛtɪkəl/: Characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards.
hermetic adj.: Completely sealed; completely airtight.
heterodox adj. /hˌɛtɚədˌɑks/: Characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards.
heyday n. /hˈeɪdˌeɪ/: The period of greatest prosperity or productivity.
hinder v. /hˈɪndɚ/: Be a hindrance or obstacle to.
histrionic adj. /hˌɪstɹiˈɑnɪk/: Characteristic of acting or a stage performance.
hoary adj. /hˈɔɹi/: Showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair.
hobble v. /hˈɑbəl/: Walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury.
“The old woman hobbles down to the store every day.”
hodgepodge n. /hˈɑdʒpˌɑdʒ/: A motley assortment of things.
homily n. /hˈɑməli/: A sermon on a moral or religious topic.
hone v. /hˈoʊn/: To sharpen, as with a hone.
hound v. /hˈaʊnd/: Pursue or chase relentlessly.
“The detectives hounded the suspect until they found him.”
hubris n. /hjˈubɹəs/: Overbearing pride or presumption.
humblebrag n.: An ostensibly self-deprecating statement made to show off.
hyperbole n. /haɪpˈɝbəlˌi/: Extravagant exaggeration.

I (100)

iconoclast n. /ˌaɪkˈɑnəklˌæst/: A destroyer of images used in religious worship.
iconoclastic adj. /ˌaɪkənəklˈæstɪk/: Characterized by attack on established beliefs or institutions.
idiosyncrasy n. /ɪdioʊsˈɪnkɹəsˌi/: A behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual.
idiosyncratic adj. /ɪdioʊsɪnkɹˈætɪk/: Peculiar to the individual.
“We all have our own idiosyncratic gestures.”
idolatrous adj. /aɪdˈɑlətɹəs/: Relating to or practicing idolatry.
“Idolatrous worship.”
idyll n. /ˈaɪdəl/: A short poem descriptive of rural or pastoral life.
idyllic adj. /aɪdˈɪlɪk/: Excellent and delightful in all respects.
“An idyllic spot for a picnic.”
ignobility n.: The quality of being ignoble.
ignoble adj. /ɪgnˈoʊbəl/: Completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose.
ignominious adj. /ˌɪgnəmˈɪniəs/: Deserving or bringing disgrace or shame.
illicit adj. /ɪlˈɪsət/: Contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention.
“An illicit association with his secretary.”
illustrious adj. /ɪlˈʌstɹiəs/: Widely known and esteemed.
“An illustrious judge.”
imbibe v. /ɪmbˈaɪb/: Take in, also metaphorically.
imbroglio n. /ɪmbɹˈoʊljoʊ/: An intricate and confusing interpersonal or political situation.
immaculate adj. /ɪmˈækjulɪt/: Completely neat and clean.
“The apartment was immaculate.”
imminent adj. /ˈɪmənənt/: Close in time.
immure v.: Lock up or confine, in or as in a jail.
immutable adj. /ɪmjˈutəbəl/: Not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature.
impair v. /ɪmpˈɛɹ/: Make worse or less effective.
“His vision was impaired.”
impasse n. /ɪmpˈæs/: A situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible.
“Reached an impasse on the negotiations.”
impassive adj. /ɪmpˈæsɪv/: Having or revealing little emotion or sensibility.
impeach v. /ɪmpˈitʃ/: Challenge the honesty or veracity of.
“The lawyers tried to impeach the credibility of the witnesses.”
impecunious adj.: Not having enough money to pay for necessities.
impede v. /ɪmpˈid/: Be a hindrance or obstacle to.
“She is impeding the progress of our project.”
imperative n. /ɪmpˈɛɹətɪv/: Some duty that is essential and urgent.
imperious adj. /ɪmpˈɪɹiəs/: Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy.
impertinent adj. /ɪmpˈɝtənənt/: Improperly forward or bold; impudent.
imperturbable adj.: Not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure.
“Hitherto imperturbable, he now showed signs of alarm.”
impervious adj. /ɪmpˈɝviəs/: Not admitting of passage or capable of being affected.
“A material impervious to water.”
impetuous adj. /ɪmpˈɛtʃwəs/: Characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation.
implacable adj. /ɪmplˈækəbəl/: Incapable of being placated.
“An implacable enemy.”
implicit adj. /ɪmplˈɪsət/: Implied though not directly expressed.
importune v.: Beg persistently and urgently.
“I importune you to help them.”
impudent adj.: Marked by casual disrespect.
“The student was kept in for impudent behavior.”
impugn v. /ɪmpjˈun/: Attack as false or wrong.
impunity n. /ɪmpjˈunɪti/: Exemption from punishment or loss.
impute v. /ɪmpjˈut/: Attribute or credit to.
“People impute great cleverness to cats.”
inane adj. /ɪnˈeɪn/: Extremely silly or stupid.
incense v. /ɪnsˈɛns/: Make furious.
inchoate adj.: Only partly in existence; imperfectly formed.
“A vague inchoate idea.”
incipient adj. /ɪnsˈɪpiənt/: Only partly in existence; imperfectly formed.
“Incipient civil disorder.”
incisive adj. /ɪnsˈaɪsɪv/: Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions.
“Incisive comments.”
incite v. /ɪnsˈaɪt/: Provoke or stir up.
“Incite a riot.”
inclement adj. /ɪnklˈɛmənt/: (of weather or climate) severe.
incongruous adj. /ɪŋkˈɔŋɹuəs/: Lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness.
“A plan incongruous with reason.”
incontrovertible adj. /ɪŋkˌɑntɹoʊvˈɝtɪbəl/: Impossible to deny or disprove.
“Incontrovertible proof of the defendant's innocence.”
incorrigible adj. /ɪnkˈɑɹədʒəbəl/: Impervious to correction by punishment.
inculcate v. /ˈɪŋkəlkˌeɪt/: Teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions.
“Inculcate values into the young generation.”
incumbent n. /ɪnkˈʌmbənt/: The official who holds an office.
indefatigable adj. /ˌɪndɪfˈætɪgəbəl/: Showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality.
“An indefatigable advocate of equal rights.”
indict v. /ɪndˈaɪt/: Accuse formally of a crime.
indifferent adj. /ɪndˈɪfɹənt/: Marked by a lack of interest.
“The universe is neither hostile nor friendly; it is simply indifferent.”
indigence n.: A state of extreme poverty or destitution.
“Their indigence appalled him.”
indigent adj. /ˈɪndɪdʒənt/: Poor enough to need help from others.
indolent adj. /ˈɪndələnt/: Disinclined to work or exertion.
“An indolent hanger-on.”
ineffable adj. /ɪnˈɛfəbəl/: Defying expression or description.
“Ineffable ecstasy.”
ineluctable adj.: Impossible to avoid or evade.
inept adj. /ɪnˈɛpt/: Not elegant or graceful in expression.
“If the rumor is true, can anything be more inept than to repeat it now?”
ineptitude n. /ɪnˈɛptɪtˌud/: Unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training.
inert adj. /ɪnˈɝt/: Unable to move or resist motion.
inexorable adj. /ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl/: Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty.
“Russia's final hour, it seemed, approached with inexorable certainty.”
infamous adj. /ˈɪnfəməs/: Known widely and usually unfavorably.
“The infamous Benedict Arnold.”
infelicitous adj.: Not appropriate in application; defective.
“An infelicitous remark.”
influencer n.: A person who is able to influence consumption, lifestyle, or political preferences of an online audience by creating or engaging with social media content.
ingenuous adj. /ɪndʒˈɛnjuəs/: Characterized by an inability to mask your feelings.
ingratiate v. /ɪŋgɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪt/: Gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts.
inherent adj. /ɪnhˈɪɹənt/: Existing as an essential constituent or characteristic.
inimical adj. /ɪnˈɪmɪkəl/: Not friendly.
“An inimical critic.”
inimitable adj. /ɪnˈɪmətəbəl/: Defying imitation; matchless.
“An inimitable style.”
iniquity n. /ɪnˈɪkwɪti/: Absence of moral or spiritual values.
inkling n. /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/: A slight suggestion or vague understanding.
“He had no inkling what was about to happen.”
innate adj. /ɪnˈeɪt/: Not established by conditioning or learning.
innocuous adj. /ɪnˈɑkjuəs/: Not injurious to physical or mental health.
inscrutable adj. /ɪnskɹˈutəbəl/: Of an obscure nature.
insensible adj. /ɪnsˈɛnsəbəl/: Incapable of physical sensation.
“Insensible to pain.”
insidious adj. /ɪnsˈɪdiəs/: Beguiling but harmful.
“Insidious pleasures.”
insinuate v. /ɪnsˈɪnjueɪt/: Introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner.
“He insinuated himself into the conversation of the people at the nearby table.”
insipid adj.: Lacking taste or flavor or tang.
“Insipid hospital food.”
insolent adj. /ˈɪnsələnt/: Marked by casual disrespect.
insolvent adj. /ɪnsˈɑlvənt/: Unable to meet or discharge financial obligations.
“An insolvent person.”
insouciance n. /ɪnsˈusiəns/: The cheerful feeling you have when nothing is troubling you.
insouciant adj. /ɪnsˈusjənt/: Marked by blithe unconcern.
“An utterly insouciant financial policy.”
instigate v. /ˈɪnstəgˌeɪt/: Provoke or stir up.
insular adj. /ˈɪnsəlɚ/: Narrowly restricted in outlook or scope.
“Insular attitudes toward foreigners.”
interdict v. /ˈɪntɚdˌɪkt/: Command against.
internecine adj. /ɪntˈɝnəsˌin/: (of conflict) within a group or organization.
“An internecine feud among proxy holders.”
intimate adj. /ˈɪntəmət/: Marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.
intractable adj. /ɪntɹˈæktəbəl/: Not tractable.
intransigent adj. /ɪntɹˈænsədʒənt/: Impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason.
intrepid adj. /ɪntɹˈɛpəd/: Invulnerable to fear or intimidation.
“Intrepid pioneers.”
inundate v. /ˈɪnəndˌeɪt/: Fill quickly beyond capacity.
“The basement was inundated after the storm.”
inured adj. /ɪnjˈʊɹd/: Made tough by habitual exposure.
invective n. /ɪnvˈɛktɪv/: Abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will.
inveigle v.: Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering.
inveterate adj. /ɪnvˈɛtɚət/: Habitual.
invidious adj. /ɪnvˈɪdiəs/: Containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice.
“Invidious comparisons.”
involved adj. /ɪnvˈɑlvd/: Connected by participation or association or use.
“We accomplished nothing, simply because of the large number of people involved.”
irascible adj. /ɪɹˈæsɪbəl/: Quickly aroused to anger.
irk v. /ˈɝk/: Irritate or vex.
itinerant adj. /aɪtˈɪnɚənt/: Traveling from place to place to work.
“Itinerant labor.”

J (11)

jaded adj. /dʒˈeɪdəd/: Exhausted.
jaundiced adj. /dʒˈɔndɪst/: Showing or affected by prejudice or envy or distaste.
“Looked with a jaundiced eye on the growth of regimentation.”
jejune adj.: Lacking in nutritive value.
“The jejune diets of the very poor.”
jeopardize v. /dʒˈɛpɚdˌaɪz/: Pose a threat to.
jettison v. /dʒˈɛtɪsən/: Throw away, of something encumbering.
jibe n. /dʒˈaɪb/: An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.
jocular adj. /dʒˈɑkjəlɚ/: Characterized by jokes and good humor.
jubilant adj. /dʒˈubələnt/: Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success.
judicious adj. /dʒudˈɪʃəs/: Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters.
“Judicious use of one's money.”
juxtapose v. /dʒˌʌkstəpˈoʊz/: Place side by side.
“The fauvists juxtaposed strong colors.”
juxtaposition n. /dʒˌʌkstəpəzˈɪʃən/: The act of positioning close together (or side by side).
“It is the result of the juxtaposition of contrasting colors.”

K (6)

kaleidoscopic adj.: Continually shifting or rapidly changing.
keen adj. /kˈin/: Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions.
kindle v. /kˈɪndəl/: Catch fire.
“The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles.”
kinetic adj. /kənˈɛtɪk/: Relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces associated therewith.
“Kinetic energy.”
knack n. /nˈæk/: A special way of doing something.
“He had a special knack for getting into trouble.”
kowtow v. /kˈaʊtˈaʊ/: Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering.
“He is always kowtowing to his boss.”

L (43)

labyrinthine adj. /lˌæbɚˈɪnθˌin/: Resembling a labyrinth in form or complexity.
“A labyrinthine network of tortuous footpaths.”
lachrymose adj.: Showing sorrow.
lackluster adj. /lˈæklˌʌstɚ/: Lacking brilliance or vitality.
“A dull lackluster life.”
laconic adj. /lɑkˈɑnɪk/: Brief and to the point.
lambast v.: Censure severely or angrily.
lambaste v. /lˌæmbˈæst/: Censure severely or angrily.
lambent adj.: Softly bright or radiant.
“Lambent tongues of flame.”
lament v. /ləmˈɛnt/: Express grief verbally.
“We lamented the death of the child.”
lampoon v. /læmpˈun/: Ridicule with satire.
languid adj. /lˈæŋgwəd/: Lacking spirit or liveliness.
“A languid mood.”
languish v. /lˈæŋgwɪʃ/: Lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief.
largess n. /lˈɑɹdʒəs/: A gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously.
lascivious adj. /ləsˈɪviəs/: Driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires.
lassitude n.: A state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness).
latent adj. /lˈeɪtənt/: Potentially existing but not presently evident or realized.
“A latent fingerprint.”
laud v. /lˈɔd/: Praise, glorify, or honor.
laudable adj. /lˈɔdəbəl/: Worthy of high praise.
“Laudable motives of improving housing conditions.”
lavish adj. /lˈævɪʃ/: Very generous.
“Distributed gifts with a lavish hand.”
leery adj. /lˈɪɹi/: Openly distrustful and unwilling to confide.
lenient adj. /lˈiniənt/: Not strict.
“Lenient rules.”
lethargic adj. /ləθˈɑɹdʒɪk/: Deficient in alertness or activity.
“Bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights.”
levity n. /lˈɛvɪti/: Feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness.
libertine n. /lˈɪbɚtˌin/: A dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained.
limn v.: Trace the shape of.
limpid adj.: Clear and bright.
“Limpid blue eyes.”
lissome adj.: Moving and bending with ease.
list v. /lˈɪst/: Tilt to one side.
“The ship listed to starboard.”
listless adj. /lˈɪstləs/: Lacking zest or vivacity.
“He was listless and bored.”
litany n. /lˈɪtəni/: Any long and tedious address or recital.
“The patient recited a litany of complaints.”
lithe adj. /lˈaɪð/: Moving and bending with ease.
loathe v. /lˈoʊð/: Find repugnant.
“I loathe that man.”
locavore n.: One who tries to eat only locally grown or produced food.
lofty adj. /lˈɔfti/: Of high moral or intellectual value.
“A noble and lofty concept.”
loquacious adj. /loʊkwˈeɪʃəs/: Full of trivial conversation.
lubricious adj.: Having a smooth or slippery quality.
“The skin of cephalopods is thin and lubricious.”
lucid adj. /lˈusəd/: Transparently clear.
lucrative adj. /lˈukɹətɪv/: Producing a sizeable profit.
lugubrious adj. /lugjˈubɹiəs/: Excessively mournful.
lull n. /lˈʌl/: A pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished.
lumber v. /lˈʌmbɚ/: Move heavily or clumsily.
“The heavy man lumbered across the room.”
luminous adj. /lˈumənəs/: Softly bright or radiant.
“A sky luminous with stars.”
lurid adj. /lˈʊɹəd/: Horrible in fierceness or savagery.
“Lurid crimes.”
luster n. /lˈʌstɚ/: A quality that outshines the usual.

M (57)

machinate v.: Arrange by systematic planning and united effort.
“Machinate a plot.”
maculate v.: Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically.
magisterial adj. /mˌædʒɪstˈiɹiəl/: Used of a person's appearance or behavior; befitting an eminent person.
“She reigned in magisterial beauty.”
magnanimity n.: Liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit.
magnanimous adj. /mægnˈænəməs/: Noble and generous in spirit.
“A magnanimous conqueror.”
maladjusted adj. /mˌælədʒˈʌstɪd/: Poorly adjusted to demands and stresses of daily living.
“A maladjusted child.”
malaise n. /mælˈeɪz/: Physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression).
malapropism n.: The unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar.
malevolent adj. /məlˈɛvələnt/: Wishing or appearing to wish evil to others.
malfeasance n. /mˌælfˈizəns/: Wrongful conduct by a public official.
malicious adj. /məlˈɪʃəs/: Having the nature of or resulting from malice.
“Malicious gossip.”
malinger v.: Avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill.
malleable adj. /mˈæliəbəl/: Easily influenced.
malodorous adj.: Having an unpleasant smell.
mansplain v.: To explain something condescendingly to a listener, presuming they have no relevant knowledge, especially when the explainer is a man and the listener is a woman.
martial adj. /mˈɑɹʃəl/: (of persons) befitting a warrior.
martinet n.: Someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms.
maudlin adj. /mˈɔdlɪn/: Effusively or insincerely emotional.
“Maudlin expressions of sympathy.”
maunder v.: Wander aimlessly.
maverick adj. /mˈævɚɪk/: Independent in behavior or thought.
“Maverick politicians.”
mawkish adj. /mˈɔkɪʃ/: Effusively or insincerely emotional.
meager adj. /mˈigɚ/: Deficient in amount or quality or extent.
“Meager resources.”
meander v. /miˈændɚ/: To move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course.
“The path meanders through the vineyards.”
meddle v. /mˈɛdəl/: Intrude in other people's affairs or business.
mediocre adj. /mˌidiˈoʊkɚ/: Moderate to inferior in quality.
“They improved the quality from mediocre to above average.”
meet adj. /mˈit/: Being precisely fitting and right.
“It is only meet that she should be seated first.”
mellifluous adj.: Pleasing to the ear.
meme n.: Media, usually humorous, that is copied and circulated online with slight adaptations.
mendacious adj. /mɛndˈeɪʃəs/: Given to lying.
“A mendacious child.”
mendacity n. /mɛndˈæsɪti/: The tendency to be untruthful.
mendicant n.: A male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms.
mercurial adj. /mɚkjˈʊɹiəl/: Liable to sudden unpredictable change.
“Mercurial twists of temperament.”
meretricious adj.: Like or relating to a prostitute.
“Meretricious relationships.”
meticulous adj. /mətˈɪkjələs/: Marked by precise accordance with details.
“Meticulous research.”
mettle n. /mˈɛtəl/: The courage to carry on.
mettlesome adj.: Having a proud and unbroken spirit.
microaggression n.: A small-scale verbal or physical interaction between people of different races, cultures, beliefs, or genders that may have no malicious intent, but is a manifestation of ingrained prejudice.
milk v. /mˈɪlk/: Exploit as much as possible.
“I am milking this for all it's worth.”
minatory adj.: Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments.
mince v. /mˈɪns/: Make less severe or harsh.
misanthrope n. /mˈɪsənθɹˌoʊp/: Someone who dislikes people in general.
misogynist n. /mˈɪzədʒɪnɪst/: A misanthrope who dislikes women in particular.
mitigate v. /mˈɪtəgˌeɪt/: Lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of.
mocktail n.: A nonalcoholic cocktail.
modicum n. /mˈɑdɪkəm/: A small or moderate or token amount.
mollify v. /mˈɑləfˌaɪ/: Cause to be more favorably inclined.
moment n. /mˈoʊmənt/: Having important effects or influence.
“Virtue is of more moment than security.”
mordant adj. /mˈɔɹdənt/: Harshly ironic or sinister.
“Fun ranging from slapstick clowning ... to savage mordant wit.”
moribund adj. /mˈɔɹəbənd/: Not growing or changing.
morose adj. /mɚˈoʊs/: Showing a brooding ill humor.
mortify v. /mˈɔɹtɪfˌaɪ/: Cause to feel shame.
mulct n. /mˈʌlkt/: Money extracted as a penalty.
mundane adj. /məndˈeɪn/: Found in the ordinary course of events.
munificence n.: Liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit.
munificent adj.: Very generous.
“A munificent gift.”
muse v. /mjˈuz/: Reflect deeply on a subject.
myopic adj. /maɪˈɑpɪk/: Unable to see distant objects clearly.

N (24)

nadir n. /nˈeɪdɚ/: An extreme state of adversity.
nascent adj. /nˈeɪsənt/: Being born or beginning.
“The nascent chicks.”
natty adj. /nˈæti/: Marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners.
nebulous adj. /nˈɛbjələs/: Lacking definite form or limits.
nefarious adj. /nəfˈɛɹiəs/: Extremely wicked.
“Nefarious schemes.”
negligent adj. /nˈɛglədʒənt/: Characterized by neglect and undue lack of concern.
“Negligent parents.”
nemesis n. /nˈɛməsɪs/: Something causing misery or downfall.
neologism n.: A newly invented word or phrase.
neophyte n. /nˈiəfˌaɪt/: Any new participant in some activity.
nettlesome adj. /nˈɛtəlsəm/: Causing irritation or annoyance.
“Nettlesome paperwork.”
nexus n. /nˈɛksəs/: The means of connection between things linked in series.
niche n. /nˈɪtʃ/: A position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it.
“He found his niche in the academic world.”
nihilism n. /nˈaɪəlˌɪzəm/: A revolutionary doctrine that advocates destruction of the social system for its own sake.
noisome adj.: Causing or able to cause nausea.
nominal adj. /nˈɑmənəl/: Existing in name only.
“The nominal (or titular) head of his party.”
nomophobia n.: The fear of being without a functioning mobile phone.
nonchalant adj. /nˌɑnʃəlˈɑnt/: Marked by blithe unconcern.
“Drove his car with nonchalant abandon.”
nonplussed adj. /nɑnplˈʌst/: Filled with bewilderment.
nostalgia n. /nɔstˈældʒə/: Longing for something past.
nostrum n.: Hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists.
noxious adj. /nˈɑkʃəs/: Injurious to physical or mental health.
“Noxious chemical wastes.”
nuance n. /nˈuɑns/: A subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude.
“Without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor.”
nugatory adj.: Of no real value.
“A nugatory law.”
nullify v. /nˈʌləfˌaɪ/: Declare invalid.

O (33)

obdurate adj. /ˈɑbdɚət/: Stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing.
obfuscate v. /ˈɑbfəskˌeɪt/: Make obscure or unclear.
objurgate v.: Express strong disapproval of.
oblique adj. /əblˈik/: Slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled.
“The oblique rays of the winter sun.”
obliterate v. /əblˈɪtɚˌeɪt/: Mark for deletion, rub off, or erase.
oblivious adj. /əblˈɪviəs/: Lacking conscious awareness of.
“Oblivious of the mounting pressures for political reform.”
obloquy n.: State of disgrace resulting from public abuse.
obscure adj. /əbskjˈʊɹ/: Not clearly expressed or understood.
obsequious adj. /əbsˈikwiəs/: Attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery.
obstinate adj. /ˈɑbstənət/: Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield.
obstreperous adj. /əbstɹˈɛpɚəs/: Noisily and stubbornly defiant.
“Obstreperous boys.”
obtain v. /əbtˈeɪn/: Come into possession of.
“How did you obtain the visa?”
obtuse adj. /ɑbtˈus/: Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity.
obviate v. /ˈɑbviˌeɪt/: Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening.
occlude v.: Block passage through.
occult n. /əkˈʌlt/: Supernatural forces and events and beings collectively.
odious adj. /ˈoʊdiəs/: Unequivocally detestable.
officious adj.: Intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner.
“Bustling about self-importantly making an officious nuisance of himself.”
ombudsman n. /ˈɑmbədzmən/: A government appointee who investigates complaints by private persons against the government.
ominous adj. /ˈɑmənəs/: Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments.
“Ominous rumblings of discontent.”
omniscient adj. /ɑmnˈɪʃənt/: Infinitely wise.
onerous adj. /ˈoʊnɚəs/: Not easily borne.
opaque adj. /oʊpˈeɪk/: Not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy.
opprobrium n. /əpɹˈoʊbɹiəm/: State of disgrace resulting from public abuse.
opulent adj. /ˈɑpjələnt/: Ostentatiously rich and superior in quality.
oscillate v. /ˈɑsəlˌeɪt/: Be undecided about something.
“He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement.”
oscillation n. /ˌɑsəlˈeɪʃən/: A regular periodic variation in value about a mean.
ossified adj. /ˈɑsəfˌaɪd/: Set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs.
“An ossified bureaucratic system.”
ossify v. /ˈɑsəfˌaɪ/: Make rigid and set into a conventional pattern.
ostensible adj. /ɑstˈɛnsəbəl/: Appearing as such but not necessarily so.
“The ostensible truth of their theories.”
ostentatious adj. /ˌɑstəntˈeɪʃəs/: Intended to attract notice and impress others.
“An ostentatious sable coat.”
ostracize v. /ˈɔstɹəsˌaɪz/: Expel from a community or group.
overweening adj.: Unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings.
“Overweening ambition.”

P (153)

pacify v. /pˈæsəfˌaɪ/: Cause to be more favorably inclined.
paean n. /pˈiən/: A formal expression of praise.
palatable adj. /pˈælətəbəl/: Acceptable to the taste or mind.
“Palatable food.”
palaver n.: Flattery intended to persuade.
palimpsest n.: A manuscript (usually written on papyrus or parchment) on which more than one text has been written with the earlier writing incompletely erased and still visible.
palliate v.: Lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of.
pallid adj. /pˈæləd/: Abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress.
“The pallid face of the invalid.”
palpable adj. /pˈælpəbəl/: Capable of being perceived.
“A barely palpable dust.”
paltry adj. /pˈɔltɹi/: Not worth considering.
“He considered the prize too paltry for the lives it must cost.”
panacea n. /pˌænəsˈiə/: A hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases.
panegyric n.: A formal expression of praise.
paradigm n. /pˈɛɹədˌaɪm/: A standard or typical example of something.
paradox n. /pˈɛɹədˌɑks/: A statement that contradicts itself.
paragon n. /pˈɛɹəgˌɑn/: An ideal instance.
pariah n. /pɚˈaɪə/: A person who is rejected (from society or home).
parlous adj.: Fraught with danger.
“A parlous journey on stormy seas.”
parochial adj. /pɚˈoʊkiəl/: Relating to or supported by or located in a parish.
“Parochial schools.”
parody n. /pˈɛɹədi/: A composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way.
parsimonious adj. /pˌɑɹsəmˈoʊniəs/: Excessively unwilling to spend.
“Parsimonious thrift relieved by few generous impulses.”
partisan n. /pˈɑɹtəzən/: A fervent and even militant proponent of something.
parvenu n.: A person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class.
pastoral adj. /pˈæstɚəl/: Of or relating to a pastor.
“Pastoral work.”
paucity n. /pˈɔsəti/: An insufficient quantity or number.
peccadillo n.: A petty misdeed.
pecuniary adj. /pɛkjˈuniˌɛɹi/: Relating to or involving money.
“He received thanks but no pecuniary compensation for his services.”
pedagogy n. /pˈɛdəgˌoʊdʒi/: The principles and methods of instruction.
pedantic adj. /pədˈæntɪk/: Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects.
pedestrian adj. /pədˈɛstɹiən/: Lacking wit or imagination.
“A pedestrian movie plot.”
peevish adj. /pˈivɪʃ/: Easily irritated or annoyed.
pejorative adj. /pədʒˈɔɹətɪv/: Expressing disapproval.
pellucid adj.: Transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity.
“A pellucid brook.”
penchant n. /pˈɛntʃənt/: A strong liking.
“The Irish have a penchant for blarney.”
penitent adj. /pˈɛnɪtɪnt/: Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds.
penumbra n. /pɪnˈʌmbɹə/: A fringe region of partial shadow around an umbra.
penurious adj. /pˌɛnjˈuɹiəs/: Not having enough money to pay for necessities.
penury n. /pˈɛnjʊɹi/: A state of extreme poverty or destitution.
percipient adj. /pɚsˈɪpiənt/: Characterized by ease and quickness in perceiving.
“A percipient author.”
peremptory adj. /pɚˈɛmptɚi/: Offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power.
“A swaggering peremptory manner.”
perennial adj. /pɚˈɛniəl/: Lasting three seasons or more.
“The common buttercup is a popular perennial plant.”
perfidious adj.: Tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans.
“The perfidious Judas.”
perfidy n. /pˈɝfɪdi/: Betrayal of a trust.
perfunctory adj. /pɚfˈʌŋktɚi/: Hasty and without attention to detail.
perigee n.: Periapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is nearest to the Earth.
peripatetic adj. /pˌɛɹəpətˈɛtɪk/: Traveling especially on foot.
“Peripatetic country preachers.”
permeate v. /pˈɝmiˌeɪt/: Spread or diffuse through.
“An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration.”
pernicious adj. /pɚnˈɪʃəs/: Exceedingly harmful.
peroration n.: A flowery and highly rhetorical oration.
perpetual adj. /pɚpˈɛtʃuəl/: Continuing forever or indefinitely.
“Hell's perpetual fires.”
perplex v. /pɚplˈɛks/: Be a mystery or bewildering to.
perquisite n. /pˈɝkwəzɪt/: An incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right).
personable adj. /pˈɝsənəbəl/: (of persons) pleasant in appearance and personality.
perspicacious adj. /pɚspəkˈeɪʃəs/: Acutely insightful and wise.
“Much too perspicacious to be taken in by such a spurious argument.”
pertinent adj. /pˈɝtɪnɪnt/: Having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand.
“A list of articles pertinent to the discussion.”
peruse v. /pɚˈuz/: Examine or consider with attention and in detail.
“Please peruse this report at your leisure.”
pervade v. /pɚvˈeɪd/: Spread or diffuse through.
pervasive adj. /pɚvˈeɪsɪv/: Spreading or spread throughout.
“The pervasive odor of garlic.”
petulant adj. /pˈɛtʃələnt/: Easily irritated or annoyed.
phantasmagorical adj.: Characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtapositions.
philanthropic adj. /fˌɪlənθɹˈɑpɪk/: Generous in assistance to the poor.
“Philanthropic contributions.”
philistine n. /fˈɪləstˌin/: A person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits.
phishing n.: The malicious act of maintaining a false website or sending a false e-mail with the intent of masquerading as a trustworthy entity in order to acquire sensitive information.
phlegmatic adj. /flɛgmˈætɪk/: Showing little emotion.
“A phlegmatic...and certainly undemonstrative man.”
photobomb v.: To unexpectedly appear in a photograph, especially so as to ruin the picture.
picayune adj. /pˌɪkijˈun/: (informal) small and of little importance.
“Giving a police officer a free meal may be against the law, but it seems to be a picayune infraction.”
pied adj. /pˈaɪd/: Having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly.
“Pied daisies.”
pillory v. /pˈɪlɚi/: Expose to ridicule or public scorn.
pine v. /pˈaɪn/: Have a desire for something or someone who is not present.
“I am pining for my lover.”
pious adj. /pˈaɪəs/: Having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity.
“Pious readings.”
piquant adj. /pˈikənt/: Having an agreeably pungent taste.
pique n. /pˈik/: A sudden outburst of anger or resentment.
pirate n. /pˈaɪɹət/: Someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own.
pith n. /pˈɪθ/: The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience.
pithy adj. /pˈɪθi/: Concise and full of meaning.
placate v. /plˈeɪkeɪt/: Cause to be more favorably inclined.
placid adj. /plˈæsəd/: (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves.
“A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay.”
plangent adj.: Loud and resounding.
“Plangent bells.”
plastic adj. /plˈæstɪk/: Capable of being influenced or formed.
“The plastic minds of children.”
platitude n. /plˈætɪtˌud/: A trite or obvious remark.
plausible adj. /plˈɔzəbəl/: Apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing.
plethora n. /plˈɛθɚə/: Extreme excess.
pliable adj. /plˈaɪəbəl/: Susceptible to being led or directed.
pluck n. /plˈʌk/: The trait of showing courage and determination in spite of possible loss or injury.
plummet v. /plˈʌmət/: Drop sharply.
“The stock market plummeted.”
poignant adj. /pˈɔɪnjənt/: Arousing affect.
“Poignant grief cannot endure forever.”
poised adj. /pˈɔɪzd/: Marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action.
“A gull in poised flight.”
polemic adj. /pəlˈɛmɪk/: Of or involving dispute or controversy.
polemical adj. /pəlˈɛməkəl/: Of or involving dispute or controversy.
pollyannaish adj.: Pleasantly (even unrealistically) optimistic.
ponderous adj. /pˈɑndɚəs/: Slow and laborious because of weight.
“Ponderous prehistoric beasts.”
pontificate v. /pɑntˈɪfəkˌeɪt/: Talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner.
“The new professor always pontificates.”
portend v. /pɔɹtˈɛnd/: Indicate by signs.
portentous adj. /pɔɹtˈɛntəs/: Of momentous or ominous significance.
posthumous adj. /pˈɑstʃʊməs/: Occurring or coming into existence after a person's death.
“A posthumous award.”
potent adj. /pˈoʊtənt/: Having great influence.
pragmatic adj. /pɹægmˈætɪk/: Concerned with practical matters.
“A matter-of-fact (or pragmatic) approach to the problem.”
prattle v. /pɹˈætəl/: Speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly.
precarious adj. /pɹikˈɛɹiəs/: Affording no ease or reassurance.
“A precarious truce.”
precipitate v. /pɹɪsˈɪpɪtˌeɪt/: Bring about abruptly.
“The crisis precipitated by Russia's revolution.”
preclude v. /pɹɪklˈud/: Keep from happening or arising.
precocious adj. /pɹɪkˈoʊʃəs/: Characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude).
“A precocious child.”
precocity n.: Intelligence achieved far ahead of normal developmental schedules.
precursor n. /pɹikˈɝsɚ/: A substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction).
predicament n. /pɹɪdˈɪkəmənt/: A situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one.
“Finds himself in a most awkward predicament.”
predilection n. /pɹˌɛdəlˈɛkʃən/: A predisposition in favor of something.
“A predilection for expensive cars.”
preen v. /pɹˈin/: Clean with one's bill.
“The birds preened.”
premonition n. /pɹɛmənˈɪʃən/: A feeling of evil to come.
prepper n.: Someone who actively prepares for emergencies by having useful things on hand, such as extra water, food, medicine, and fuel; a survivalist.
prerogative n. /pɹɪɹˈɑgətɪv/: A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right).
“Suffrage was the prerogative of white adult males.”
prescience n. /pɹˈiʃiəns/: The power to foresee the future.
prescient adj. /pɹˈɛsiənt/: Perceiving the significance of events before they occur.
presentiment n.: A feeling of evil to come.
“The lawyer had a presentiment that the judge would dismiss the case.”
presumptuous adj. /pɹɪzˈʌmptʃəwəs/: Excessively forward.
“The duchess would not put up with presumptuous servants.”
pretentious adj. /pɹitˈɛnʃəs/: Making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction.
“A pretentious country house.”
prevaricate v. /pɹəvˈɛɹəkeɪt/: Be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.
pristine adj. /pɹˈɪstin/: Completely free from dirt or contamination.
“Pristine mountain snow.”
prize v. /pɹˈaɪz/: Regard highly; think much of.
“We prize his creativity.”
probity n. /pɹˈoʊbəti/: Complete and confirmed integrity.
proclivity n. /pɹoʊklˈɪvəti/: A natural inclination.
“He has a proclivity for exaggeration.”
prodigal n. /pɹˈɑdɪgəl/: A recklessly extravagant consumer.
prodigious adj. /pɹədˈɪdʒəs/: So great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe.
“A prodigious storm.”
profane adj. /pɹoʊfˈeɪn/: Not concerned with or devoted to religion.
“Sacred and profane music.”
proffer v. /pɹˈɑfɚ/: Present for acceptance or rejection.
profligate adj. /pɹˈɔflɪgˌeɪt/: Recklessly wasteful.
profound adj. /pɹoʊfˈaʊnd/: Of the greatest intensity.
“A profound silence.”
profuse adj. /pɹəfjˈus/: Produced or growing in extreme abundance.
prognostication n. /pɹɑgnˌɑstəkˈeɪʃən/: A sign of something about to happen.
proliferate v. /pɹoʊlˈɪfɚˌeɪt/: Cause to grow or increase rapidly.
“We must not proliferate nuclear arms.”
prolific adj. /pɹoʊlˈɪfɪk/: Intellectually productive.
“A prolific writer.”
prolix adj.: Tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length.
“Editing a prolix manuscript.”
promulgate v. /pɹoʊmˈʌlgeɪt/: State or announce.
propensity n. /pɹəpˈɛnsɪti/: An inclination to do something.
propitiate v.: Make peace with.
propitious adj. /pɹəpˈɪʃəs/: Presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success.
“Propitious omens.”
prosaic adj. /pɹoʊzˈeɪɪk/: Not fanciful or imaginative.
“A prosaic and unimaginative essay.”
proscribe v. /pɹoʊskɹˈaɪb/: Command against.
protean adj. /pɹoʊtˈiən/: Taking on different forms.
“Eyes...of that baffling protean grey which is never twice the same.”
protracted adj. /pɹoʊtɹˈæktɪd/: Relatively long in duration.
provident adj. /pɹˈɑvɪdənt/: Providing carefully for the future.
“Wild squirrels are provident.”
providential adj. /pɹˌɑvədˈɛntʃəl/: Peculiarly fortunate or appropriate.
provincial adj. /pɹəvˈɪnʃəl/: Characteristic of the provinces or their people.
“Deeply provincial and conformist.”
prowess n. /pɹˈaʊəs/: A superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation.
prudent adj. /pɹˈudənt/: Careful and sensible.
prurient adj. /pɹˈʊɹiənt/: Characterized by lust.
“Prurient literature.”
puerile adj. /pjuɹˈil/: Of or characteristic of a child.
“Puerile breathing.”
pugnacious adj. /pəgnˈæʃɪs/: Tough and callous by virtue of experience.
puissance n.: Power to influence or coerce.
“The puissance of the labor vote.”
puissant adj.: Powerful.
punctilious adj. /pəŋktˈɪliəs/: Marked by precise accordance with details.
“Punctilious in his attention to rules of etiquette.”
pundit n. /pˈʌndət/: Someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field.
pungent adj. /pˈʌndʒənt/: Strong and sharp.
“The pungent taste of radishes.”
purport n. /pˈɝpˌɔɹt/: The intended meaning of a communication.
pusillanimous adj. /pjusəlˈænəməs/: Lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful.
putrefy v.: Become putrid; decay with an offensive smell.

Q (17)

quaff v.: To swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught.
quagmire n. /kwˈægmˌaɪɚ/: A soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot.
quail v. /kwˈeɪl/: Draw back, as with fear or pain.
quaint adj. /kwˈeɪnt/: Strange in an interesting or pleasing way.
“Quaint dialect words.”
qualify v. /kwˈɑləfˌaɪ/: Prove capable or fit; meet requirements.
qualm n.: Uneasiness about the fitness of an action.
quandary n. /kwˈɑndɚi/: A situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one.
quash v. /kwˈɔʃ/: Put down by force or intimidation.
quell v. /kwˈɛl/: Suppress or crush completely.
querulous adj. /kwˈɛɹələs/: Habitually complaining.
query v. /kwˈiɹi/: Pose a question.
quiescence n.: A state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction.
quiescent adj. /kwaɪˈɛsənt/: Not active or activated.
“The quiescent level of centimeter wave-length solar radiation.”
quintessential adj. /kwˌɪntɪsˈɛnʃəl/: Representing the perfect example of a class or quality.
quisling n. /kwˈɪzlɪŋ/: Someone who collaborates with an enemy occupying force.
quixotic adj. /kwɪksˈɑtɪk/: Not sensible about practical matters.
quotidian adj.: Found in the ordinary course of events.

R (73)

raconteur n. /ɹˌækɑntˈuɹ/: A person skilled in telling anecdotes.
raffish adj. /ɹˈæfɪʃ/: Marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners.
rail v. /ɹˈeɪl/: Complain bitterly.
raillery n.: Light teasing repartee.
rakish adj. /ɹˈeɪkɪʃ/: Marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners.
rampant adj. /ɹˈæmpənt/: Unrestrained and violent.
“Rampant aggression.”
rancor n. /ɹˈæŋkɚ/: A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will.
rancorous adj. /ɹˈæŋkɚəs/: Showing deep-seated resentment.
rankle v. /ɹˈæŋkəl/: Gnaw into; make resentful or angry.
“The injustice rankled her.”
rapacious adj. /ɹəpˈæʃɪs/: Living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey.
“The rapacious wolf.”
rapprochement n. /ɹˌæpɹˌoʊʃmˈɑn/: The reestablishing of cordial relations.
rarefy v. /ɹˈɛɹəfaɪ/: Lessen the density or solidity of.
raucous adj. /ɹˈɔkəs/: Unpleasantly loud and harsh.
ravage v. /ɹˈævɪdʒ/: Make a pillaging or destructive raid on (a place), as in wartimes.
rebuff n. /ɹɪbˈʌf/: A deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval).
rebuke v. /ɹibjˈuk/: Censure severely or angrily.
recalcitrant adj. /ɹɪkˈælsɪtɹənt/: Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
recant v. /ɹikˈænt/: Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure.
recapitulation n.: A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion.
reclusive adj. /ɹɪklˈusɪv/: Withdrawn from society.
reconcile v. /ɹˈɛkənsˌaɪl/: Make (one thing) compatible with (another).
recondite adj. /ɹˈɛkəndˌaɪt/: Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge.
“Some recondite problem in historiography.”
reconnoiter v. /ɹˌikənˈɔɪtɚ/: Explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody.
recrimination n. /ɹɪkɹˌɪmɪnˈeɪʃən/: Mutual accusations.
recrudesce v.: Become raw or open.
“Such boils tend to recrudesce.”
rectify v. /ɹˈɛktəfˌaɪ/: Set straight or right.
“Rectify the inequities in salaries.”
redolence n.: A pleasingly sweet olfactory property.
redoubtable adj. /ɹədˈaʊtəbəl/: Inspiring fear.
redress n. /ɹɪdɹˈɛs/: A sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury.
refractory adj. /ɹəfɹˈæktɚi/: Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.
“A refractory child.”
refulgent adj.: Radiating or as if radiating light.
“A refulgent sunset.”
refute v. /ɹɪfjˈut/: Overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof.
“The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments.”
regale v.: Provide with choice or abundant food or drink.
rejuvenate v. /ɹɪdʒˈuvənˌeɪt/: Make younger or more youthful.
“The contact with his grandchildren rejuvenated him.”
relegate v. /ɹˈɛləgˌeɪt/: Refer to another person for decision or judgment.
“She likes to relegate difficult questions to her colleagues.”
relentless adj. /ɹɪlˈɛntlɪs/: Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty.
“Relentless persecution.”
relinquish v. /ɹɪlˈɪŋkwɪʃ/: Part with a possession or right.
“I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest.”
remonstrate v.: Argue in protest or opposition.
renege v. /ɹɪnˈɪg/: Fail to fulfill a promise or obligation.
renounce v. /ɹɪnˈaʊns/: Turn away from.
rent n. /ɹˈɛnt/: An opening made forcibly as by pulling apart.
repartee n. /ɹˌɛpɚtˈi/: Adroitness and cleverness in reply.
replete v. /ɹiplˈit/: Fill to satisfaction.
reprehensible adj. /ɹˌɛpɹɪhˈɛnsəbəl/: Bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure.
“Adultery is as reprehensible for a husband as for a wife.”
reprimand v. /ɹˈɛpɹəmˌænd/: Rebuke formally.
reprisal n. /ɹipɹˈaɪzəl/: A retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime.
reproach n. /ɹipɹˈoʊtʃ/: A mild rebuke or criticism.
“Words of reproach.”
reprove v.: Take to task.
repudiate v. /ɹipjˈudiˌeɪt/: Cast off.
“The parents repudiated their son.”
repugnant adj. /ɹɪpˈʌgnənt/: Offensive to the mind.
“Morally repugnant customs.”
requisite n. /ɹˈɛkwəzət/: Anything indispensable.
rescind v. /ɹɪsˈɪnd/: Cancel officially.
resilience n. /ɹɪzˈɪliəns/: An occurrence of rebounding or springing back.
resolute adj. /ɹˈɛzəlˌut/: Firm in purpose or belief.
“Stood resolute against the enemy.”
respite n. /ɹˈɛspɪt/: A (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort.
restive adj. /ɹˈɛstɪv/: Being in a tense state.
retaliate v. /ɹɪtˈæliˌeɪt/: Take revenge for a perceived wrong.
reticent adj. /ɹˈɛtɪsənt/: Temperamentally disinclined to talk.
retiring adj. /ɹɪtˈaɪɹɪŋ/: Reluctant to draw attention to yourself.
revel v. /ɹˈɛvəl/: Take delight in.
revere v. /ɹɪvˈɪɹ/: Love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess.
reverent adj. /ɹˈɛvɚənt/: Feeling or showing profound respect or veneration.
“Maintained a reverent silence.”
reverie n. /ɹˈɛvɚi/: Absentminded dreaming while awake.
rewilding n.: The act of restoring a natural area to its former wild state, especially by repopulating it with animals that have been extirpated.
rhetoric n. /ɹˈɛtɚɪk/: Using language effectively to please or persuade.
ribald n. /ɹˈaɪbɑld/: A ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language.
rife adj. /ɹˈaɪf/: Most frequent or common.
rile v. /ɹˈaɪl/: Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations.
risible adj.: Arousing or provoking laughter.
“Risible courtroom antics.”
robust adj. /ɹoʊbˈʌst/: Sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction.
“A robust body.”
rue v. /ɹˈu/: Feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about.
ruminate v. /ɹˈumɪnˌeɪt/: Reflect deeply on a subject.
rustic adj. /ɹˈʌstɪk/: Characteristic of rural life.
“Rustic awkwardness.”

S (122)

sagacious adj.: Acutely insightful and wise.
“Observant and thoughtful, he was given to asking sagacious questions.”
sage n. /sˈeɪdʒ/: A mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom.
salacious adj. /səlˈeɪʃəs/: Characterized by lust.
“A salacious rooster of a little man.”
salient adj. /sˈeɪliənt/: Having a quality that thrusts itself into attention.
“Salient traits.”
salubrious adj.: Promoting health; healthful.
salutary adj. /sˈæljətˌɛɹi/: Tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health.
“The salutary influence of pure air.”
sanctimonious adj. /sˌæŋktəmˈoʊniəs/: Excessively or hypocritically pious.
“A sickening sanctimonious smile.”
sanction v. /sˈæŋkʃən/: Give authority or permission to.
sanguine adj. /sˈæŋgwɪn/: Confidently optimistic and cheerful.
sap v. /sˈæp/: Deplete.
sardonic adj. /sɑɹdˈɑnɪk/: Disdainfully or ironically humorous.
sartorial adj. /sɑɹtˈɔɹiəl/: Of or relating to a tailor or to tailoring.
satire n. /sˈætˌaɪɚ/: Witty language used to convey insults or scorn.
saturnine adj.: Bitter or scornful.
saunter n. /sˈɔntɚ/: A careless leisurely gait.
“He walked with a kind of saunter as if he hadn't a care in the world.”
schism n. /skˈɪzəm/: Division of a group into opposing factions.
“Another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy.”
scintillating adj.: Brilliantly clever.
“Scintillating wit.”
scoff v. /skˈɔf/: Laugh at with contempt and derision.
screed n. /skɹˈid/: A long monotonous harangue.
scrupulous adj. /skɹˈupjələs/: Having scruples.
scrutinize v. /skɹˈutənˌaɪz/: To look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail.
“He scrutinized his likeness in the mirror.”
scurvy n.: A condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
sedentary adj. /sˈɛdəntˌɛɹi/: Requiring sitting or little activity.
“Forced by illness to lead a sedentary life.”
sedulous adj.: Marked by care and persistent effort.
“Sedulous pursuit of legal and moral principles.”
seethe v. /sˈið/: Be in an agitated emotional state.
“The customer was seething with anger.”
selfie n.: A photographic self-portrait, especially one taken manually with a small camera or mobile phone.
seminal adj. /sˈɛmənəl/: Containing seeds of later development.
“Seminal ideas of one discipline can influence the growth of another.”
senescence n. /sənˈɛsəns/: The organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age.
sententious adj.: Abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing.
sequester v. /sɪkwˈɛstɚ/: Keep away from others.
“He sequestered himself in his study to write a book.”
serendipitous adj. /sˌɛɹəndˈɪpɪtəs/: Lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries.
serendipity n. /sˌɛɹəndˈɪpɪti/: Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries.
serene adj. /sɚˈin/: Not agitated.
servile adj. /sˈɝvəl/: Submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior.
“Spoke in a servile tone.”
shackle v. /ʃˈækəl/: Bind the arms of.
shard n. /ʃˈɑɹd/: A broken piece of a brittle artifact.
sharenting n.: The practice of parents documenting their child's upbringing on social media, typically by posting photographs, anecdotes, etc.
shirk v. /ʃˈɝk/: Avoid (one's assigned duties).
“The derelict soldier shirked his duties.”
sidereal adj.: Of or relating to the stars or constellations.
“Sidereal bodies.”
simulacrum n.: An insubstantial or vague semblance.
sinecure n.: A benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached.
singular adj. /sˈɪŋgjəlɚ/: Unusual or striking.
“Such poise is singular in one so young.”
sinister adj. /sˈɪnɪstɚ/: Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments.
“Sinister storm clouds.”
sinuous adj. /sˈɪnwəs/: Curved or curving in and out.
skulduggery n. /skəldˈʌgɚi/: Verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way.
slake v.: Satisfy (thirst).
slander n. /slˈændɚ/: Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another.
sluggish adj. /slˈʌgɪʃ/: Moving slowly.
“A sluggish stream.”
smattering n. /smˈætɚɪŋ/: A small number or amount.
snub v. /snˈʌb/: Refuse to acknowledge.
sodden adj. /sˈɑdən/: Wet through and through; thoroughly wet.
“The speaker's sodden collar.”
solecism n.: A socially awkward or tactless act.
solicitous adj. /səlˈɪsətəs/: Full of anxiety and concern.
“Solicitous parents.”
solitude n. /sˈɑlətˌud/: A state of social isolation.
solvent adj. /sˈɑlvənt/: Capable of meeting financial obligations.
somber adj. /sˈɑmbɚ/: Lacking brightness or color.
“Children in somber brown clothes.”
sonorous adj. /sˈɑnɚəs/: Full and loud and deep.
“A herald chosen for his sonorous voice.”
sophistry n.: A deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone.
soporific n.: A drug that induces sleep.
sordid adj. /sˈɔɹdəd/: Morally degraded.
sovereign adj. /sˈɑvɹən/: Not controlled by outside forces.
“A sovereign state.”
sparse adj. /spˈɑɹs/: Not dense.
“Trees were sparse.”
spartan adj. /spˈɑɹtən/: Practicing great self-denial.
specious adj. /spˈiʃəs/: Plausible but false.
“A specious claim.”
spendthrift n. /spˈɛndθɹˌɪft/: Someone who spends money prodigally.
splenetic adj.: Of or relating to the spleen.
spoiler n. /spˈɔɪlɚ/: A comment that discloses the ending or some key surprise or twist in a story.
sporadic adj. /spɚˈædɪk/: Recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances.
“A city subjected to sporadic bombing raids.”
spurious adj. /spjˈʊɹiəs/: Ostensibly valid, but not actually valid.
spurn v. /spˈɝn/: Reject with contempt.
“She spurned his advances.”
squalid adj. /skwˈɑləd/: Morally degraded.
squander v. /skwˈɑndɚ/: Spend thoughtlessly; throw away.
“You squandered the opportunity to get and advanced degree.”
staid adj. /stˈeɪd/: Characterized by dignity and propriety.
stalwart adj. /stˈɔlwɚt/: Having rugged physical strength.
“Proud of her tall stalwart son.”
stan v. /stˈæn/: To act as an obsessive, devoted fan of someone or something.
stand n. /stˈænd/: A mental position from which things are viewed.
stark adj. /stˈɑɹk/: Devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment.
“Facing the stark reality of the deadline.”
static adj. /stˈætɪk/: Not in physical motion.
staunch adj. /stˈɔntʃ/: Firm and dependable especially in loyalty.
“A staunch defender of free speech.”
staycation n.: A vacation spent at or close to home rather than traveling abroad.
steadfast adj. /stˈɛdfˌæst/: Marked by firm determination or resolution.
“Steadfast resolve.”
stealthy adj. /stˈɛlθi/: Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy.
“Stealthy footsteps.”
steep adj. /stˈip/: Having a sharp inclination.
“The steep attic stairs.”
stentorian adj.: Used of the voice.
stigma n. /stˈɪgmə/: A symbol of disgrace or infamy.
stipend n. /stˈaɪpənd/: A sum of money allotted on a regular basis.
stipulate v. /stˈɪpjəlˌeɪt/: Specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement.
“The will stipulates that she can live in the house for the rest of her life.”
stoic adj. /stˈoʊɪk/: Seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain.
stolid adj. /stˈɑləd/: Having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited.
strident adj. /stɹˈaɪdənt/: Being sharply insistent on being heard.
“Strident demands.”
strife n. /stɹˈaɪf/: Lack of agreement or harmony.
stringent adj. /stɹˈɪndʒənt/: Demanding strict attention to rules and procedures.
“Stringent safety measures.”
strut n. /stɹˈʌt/: A proud stiff pompous gait.
stultify v. /stˈʌltəfˌaɪ/: Prove to be of unsound mind or demonstrate someone's incompetence.
“Nobody is legally allowed to stultify himself.”
stupefy v.: Make dull or stupid or muddle with drunkenness or infatuation.
stupor n. /stˈupɚ/: Marginal consciousness.
“Someone stole his wallet while he was in a drunken stupor.”
stygian adj. /stˈɪdʒiən/: Hellish.
stymie v. /stˈaɪmi/: Hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of.
suave adj. /swˈɑv/: Having a sophisticated charm.
subjugate v. /sˈʌbdʒəgˌeɪt/: Put down by force or intimidation.
“The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land.”
sublime adj. /səblˈaɪm/: Inspiring awe.
“The sublime beauty of the night.”
subpoena v. /səpˈinə/: Serve or summon with a subpoena.
“The witness and her records were subpoenaed.”
subterfuge n. /sˈʌbtɚfjˌudʒ/: Something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity.
“He wasn't sick--it was just a subterfuge.”
subtle adj. /sˈʌtəl/: Difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze.
“His whole attitude had undergone a subtle change.”
succinct adj. /səksˈɪŋkt/: Briefly giving the gist of something.
“Succinct comparisons.”
succumb v. /səkˈʌm/: Consent reluctantly.
sully v. /sˈʌli/: Place under suspicion or cast doubt upon.
“Sully someone's reputation.”
summit n. /sˈʌmət/: The highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development.
“The summit of his ambition.”
superannuation n.: A monthly payment made to someone who is retired from work.
supercilious adj. /sˌupɚsˈɪliəs/: Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy.
superficial adj. /sˌupɚfˈɪʃəl/: Concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious.
“Superficial similarities.”
superfluous adj. /sˈupɚflwˌʌs/: Serving no useful purpose.
supersede v. /sˌupɚsˈid/: Take the place or move into the position of.
supplant v. /səplˈænt/: Take the place or move into the position of.
“The computer has supplanted the slide rule.”
surfeit v. /sˈɝfət/: Indulge one's appetite to satiety.
surly adj. /sˈɝli/: Inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace.
“A surly waiter.”
surmise v. /sɚmˈaɪz/: Infer from incomplete evidence.
surpass v. /sɚpˈæs/: Be or do something to a greater degree.
surreptitious adj. /sˌɝəptˈɪʃəs/: Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy.
sybarite n.: A person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses.
sycophant n.: A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage.
synthesis n. /sˈɪnθəsəs/: The combination of ideas into a complex whole.

T (48)

table v. /tˈeɪbəl/: Hold back to a later time.
tacit adj. /tˈæsɪt/: Implied by or inferred from actions or statements.
“A tacit agreement.”
taciturn adj. /tˈæsɪtˌɝn/: Habitually reserved and uncommunicative.
tangential adj. /tændʒˈɛntʃəl/: Of superficial relevance if any.
“A tangential remark.”
tantamount adj. /tˈæntəmˌaʊnt/: Being essentially equal to something.
“His statement was tantamount to an admission of guilt.”
tarnish v. /tˈɑɹnɪʃ/: Make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air.
“The silver was tarnished by the long exposure to the air.”
tawdry adj. /tˈɔdɹi/: Tastelessly showy.
“Tawdry ornaments.”
tedious adj. /tˈidiəs/: So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness.
temerity n. /təmˈɛɹəti/: Fearless daring.
temperate adj. /tˈɛmpɹət/: Free from extremes.
“A temperate region.”
tenable adj. /tˈɛnəbəl/: Based on sound reasoning or evidence.
tenacious adj. /tənˈeɪʃəs/: Stubbornly unyielding; holding firmly to a course or belief.
tenacity n. /tənˈæsɪti/: Persistent determination.
tendentious adj. /tˌɛndˈɛnʃəs/: Having or marked by a strong tendency especially a controversial one.
“A tendentious account of recent elections.”
tender adj. /tˈɛndɚ/: Given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality.
“A tender heart.”
tenet n. /tˈɛnət/: A religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof.
tenuous adj. /tˈɛnjəwəs/: Having thin consistency.
“A tenuous fluid.”
tepid adj. /tˈɛpɪd/: Moderately warm.
“Tepid bath water.”
terse adj. /tˈɝs/: Brief and to the point.
thwart v. /θwˈɔɹt/: Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of.
timorous adj. /tˈɪmɚəs/: Timid by nature or revealing timidity.
“Timorous little mouse.”
tirade n. /taɪɹˈeɪd/: A speech of violent denunciation.
toady n.: A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage.
torpid adj. /tˈɔɹpəd/: Slow and apathetic.
“A mind grown torpid in old age.”
torpor n. /tˈɔɹpɚ/: A state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility.
“He fell into a deep torpor.”
torque n. /tˈɔɹk/: A twisting force.
tortuous adj. /tˈɔɹtʃəwəs/: Highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious.
tout n. /tˈaʊt/: Someone who buys tickets to an event in order to resell them at a profit.
tractable adj. /tɹˈæktəbəl/: Easily managed (controlled or taught or molded).
tranquil adj. /tɹˈæŋkwəl/: Not agitated; calm and untroubled.
transgress v. /tɹænzgɹˈɛs/: Act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises.
transient adj. /tɹˈænʒənt/: Lasting a very short time.
“Youth's transient beauty.”
transitory adj. /tɹˈænzətˌɔɹi/: Lasting a very short time.
“Love is transitory but it is eternal.”
travail n. /tɹəvˈeɪl/: Concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child.
travesty n. /tɹˈævəsti/: A comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations.
treacherous adj. /tɹˈɛtʃɚəs/: Dangerously unstable and unpredictable.
“Treacherous winding roads.”
tremulous adj. /tɹˈɛmjələs/: Quivering as from weakness or fear.
“Spoke timidly in a tremulous voice.”
trenchant adj. /tɹˈɛntʃənt/: Having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect.
“Trenchant criticism.”
trepidation n. /tɹˌɛpɪdˈeɪʃən/: A feeling of alarm or dread.
trite adj. /tɹˈaɪt/: Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse.
“His remarks were trite and commonplace.”
troll n. /tɹˈoʊl/: A person who posts inflammatory or insincere statements online in an attempt to lure others into combative argument, for personal entertainment or to manipulate perception.
truculent adj. /tɹˈʌkjələnt/: Defiantly aggressive.
“A truculent speech against the new government.”
truncate v. /tɹˈʌŋkˌeɪt/: Make shorter as if by cutting off.
“Truncate a word.”
turbulent adj. /tˈɝbjələnt/: Characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination.
“A turbulent and unruly childhood.”
turgid adj. /tˈɝdʒɪd/: Ostentatiously lofty in style.
turmoil n. /tˈɝmˌɔɪl/: A violent disturbance.
turpitude n. /tˈɝpɪtˌud/: A corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice.
“The various turpitudes of modern society.”
tyro n.: Someone new to a field or activity.

U (27)

ubiquitous adj. /jubˈɪkwɪtəs/: Being present everywhere at once.
ubiquity n. /jubˈɪkwɪti/: The state of being everywhere at once (or seeming to be everywhere at once).
umbrage n. /ˈʌmbɹɪdʒ/: A feeling of anger caused by being offended.
unassuming adj. /ˌʌnəsˈumɪŋ/: Not arrogant or presuming.
“Unassuming to a fault, skeptical about the value of his work.”
unctuous adj. /ˈʌŋtʃwəs/: Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech.
“The unctuous Uriah Heep.”
underwrite v. /ˈʌndɚɹˌaɪt/: Guarantee financial support of.
undulate v. /ˈʌndʒəlˌeɪt/: Stir up (water) so as to form ripples.
unequivocal adj. /ˌʌnɪkwˈɪvəkəl/: Admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding.
unfeigned adj.: Not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed.
“Her interest in people was unfeigned.”
unflappable adj. /ənflˈæpəbəl/: Not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure.
“Unflappable in a crisis.”
unfollow v.: To cease to subscribe to a feed of another user's activity.
unfriend v.: To remove someone from one's list of friends on a social networking website.
unkempt adj. /ənkˈɛmpt/: Not neatly combed.
“Wild unkempt hair.”
unnerve v. /ənˈɝv/: Disturb the composure of.
unprepossessing adj.: Creating an unfavorable or neutral first impression.
unravel v. /ənɹˈævəl/: Become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of.
“Unravel the thread.”
unruly adj. /ənɹˈuli/: Noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline.
“An unruly class.”
unstinting adj. /ənstˈɪntɪŋ/: Very generous.
“Called for unstinting aid to Britain.”
untenable adj. /əntˈɛnəbəl/: Incapable of being defended or justified.
untoward adj. /əntuˈɔɹd/: Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society.
“Moved to curb their untoward ribaldry.”
untrammeled adj. /əntɹˈæməld/: Not confined or limited.
unwitting adj. /ənwˈɪtɪŋ/: Not done with purpose or intent.
“An unwitting mistake may be overlooked.”
upbraid v. /ˈʌpbɹˌeɪd/: Express criticism towards.
upcycle v.: To convert waste materials into new materials or products of higher quality and greater functionality.
upvote v.: To vote for something, increasing a cumulative tally of its popularity.
urbane adj. /ɚbˈeɪn/: Showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience.
“Maintained an urbane tone in his letters.”
usurp v. /jˌusˈɝp/: Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force.

V (47)

vacillate v. /vˈæsəlˌeɪt/: Be undecided about something.
vacuous adj. /vˈækjuəs/: Devoid of intelligence.
vagary n. /vˈeɪgɚi/: An unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.).
vagrant adj. /vˈeɪgɹənt/: Continually changing especially as from one abode or occupation to another.
“Vagrant hippies of the sixties.”
valid adj. /vˈæləd/: Well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force.
“A valid inference.”
vanquish v. /vˈæŋkwɪʃ/: Come out better in a competition, race, or conflict.
vape v.: To inhale the vapor produced by a non-combustible cigarette, most commonly an electronic cigarette.
vapid adj. /vˈæpɪd/: Lacking taste or flavor or tang.
“Vapid beer.”
variegated adj. /vˈɛɹɪgeɪtəd/: Having a variety of colors.
vaunt n.: Extravagant self-praise.
vehement adj. /vˈiəmənt/: Marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions.
“Vehement dislike.”
venal adj. /vˈinəl/: Capable of being corrupted.
“A venal police officer.”
venerable adj. /vˈɛnɚəbəl/: Impressive by reason of age.
“A venerable sage with white hair and beard.”
venerate v. /vˈɛnɚˌeɪt/: Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of.
“We venerate genius.”
venial adj.: Warranting only temporal punishment.
“Venial sin.”
veracity n. /vɚˈæsɪti/: Unwillingness to tell lies.
verbose adj.: Using or containing too many words.
“Verbose and ineffective instructional methods.”
verdant adj. /vˈɝdənt/: Characterized by abundance of verdure.
verisimilitude n. /vˌɛɹəsəmˈɪlətˌud/: The appearance of truth.
vestige n. /vˈɛstɪdʒ/: An indication that something has been present.
vestigial adj. /vəstˈɪdʒiəl/: Not fully developed in mature animals.
vex v. /vˈɛks/: Cause annoyance in.
vexation n.: Anger produced by some annoying irritation.
vicarious adj. /vaɪkˈɛɹiəs/: Experienced at secondhand.
“Read about mountain climbing and felt vicarious excitement.”
vicissitude n. /vˌɪsˈɪsɪtud/: A variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something.
“The project was subject to the usual vicissitudes of exploratory research.”
vie v. /vˈaɪ/: Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others.
vigilant adj. /vˈɪdʒələnt/: Carefully observant or attentive.
vilify v. /vˈɪlɪfˌaɪ/: Spread negative information about.
vindicate v. /vˈɪndəkeɪt/: Show to be right by providing justification or proof.
“Vindicate a claim.”
vindictive adj. /vɪndˈɪktɪv/: Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge.
“More vindictive than jealous love.”
virago n. /vˈɪɹəgoʊ/: A noisy or scolding or domineering woman.
viral adj. /vˈaɪɹəl/: Circulated rapidly and widely from one user to another, especially via the Internet.
virtuoso adj. /vɚtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/: Having or revealing supreme mastery or skill.
“A virtuoso performance.”
virulent adj. /vˈɪɹələnt/: Extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom.
“A virulent insect bite.”
visceral adj. /vˈɪsɚəl/: Relating to or affecting the viscera.
“Visceral bleeding.”
viscous adj. /vˈɪskəs/: Having a relatively high resistance to flow.
vitiate v.: Corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality.
vitriolic adj. /vˌɪtɹiˈɑlɪk/: Harsh or corrosive in tone.
“A vitriolic critique.”
vituperate v.: Spread negative information about.
vituperative adj. /vˌaɪtˈupɚətɪv/: Marked by harshly abusive criticism.
“Her vituperative railing.”
vivacious adj. /vəvˈeɪʃəs/: Vigorous and animated.
“A charming and vivacious hostess.”
vivid adj. /vˈɪvəd/: Evoking lifelike images within the mind.
“A vivid description.”
vociferous adj. /voʊsˈɪfɚəs/: Conspicuously and offensively loud.
volatile adj. /vˈɑlətəl/: Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures.
“Volatile oils.”
voluble adj. /vˈɑljəbəl/: Marked by a ready flow of speech.
“She is an extremely voluble young woman who engages in soliloquies not conversations.”
voluminous adj. /vəlˈumənəs/: Large in volume or bulk.
“A voluminous skirt.”
voracious adj. /vɔɹˈeɪʃəs/: Excessively greedy and grasping.
“Paying taxes to voracious governments.”

W (19)

waffle v. /wˈɑfəl/: Pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness.
waft v. /wˈɑft/: Be driven or carried along, as by the air.
“Sounds wafted into the room.”
wag v. /wˈæg/: Move from side to side.
wanderlust n. /wˈɑndɚlˌʌst/: Very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.
wane v. /wˈeɪn/: Grow smaller.
“Interest in the project waned.”
wanton adj. /wˈɔntən/: Occurring without motivation or provocation.
wary adj. /wˈɛɹi/: Marked by keen caution and watchful prudence.
“They were wary in their movements.”
waver v. /wˈeɪvɚ/: Pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness.
welter n. /wˈɛltɚ/: A confused multitude of things.
wend v. /wˈɛnd/: Direct one's course or way.
“Wend your way through the crowds.”
wheedle v.: Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering.
whimsical adj. /wˈɪmzɪkəl/: Determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason.
“The victim of whimsical persecutions.”
wily adj. /wˈaɪli/: Marked by skill in deception.
“A wily old attorney.”
winsome adj. /wˈɪnsəm/: Charming in a childlike or naive way.
wistful adj. /wˈɪstfəl/: Showing pensive sadness.
“The sensitive and wistful response of a poet to the gentler phases of beauty.”
wither v. /wˈɪðɚ/: Lose freshness, vigor, or vitality.
wont n. /wˈoʊnt/: An established custom.
wrath n. /ɹˈæθ/: Intense anger (usually on an epic scale).
wry adj. /ɹˈaɪ/: Humorously sarcastic or mocking.
“With a wry Scottish wit.”

Y (1)

yearn v. /jˈɝn/: Desire strongly or persistently.

Z (7)

zeal n. /zˈil/: A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause).
“He felt a kind of religious zeal.”
zealot n. /zˈɛlət/: A fervent and even militant proponent of something.
zealous adj. /zˈɛləs/: Marked by active interest and enthusiasm.
zeitgeist n. /tsˈaɪtgˌaɪst/: The spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation.
zenith n. /zˈinəθ/: The point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected.
zephyr n. /zˈɛfɚ/: A slight wind (usually refreshing).
zestful adj. /zˈɛstfəl/: Marked by spirited enjoyment.

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What is in the set and what is not

These are 1,383 entries: 642 adjectives, 386 nouns, 354 verbs and 1 adverb. One sense per word, chosen deliberately rather than taken as whichever came first. Definitions are the source dictionary's own wording, not rewritten, so nothing here is an AI paraphrase of a definition.

The 1,383-word list