abacus |an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves

abandon |to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly

abase |To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem
abash |to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of:disconcert
abate |to reduce in degree or intensity:MODERATE:to reduce in value or amount
abbreviate |to make briefer; especially :to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole
abdicate |to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
aberrant |deviating from the usual or natural type:ATYPICAL
abet |to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose
abeyance |temporary inactivity:SUSPENSION
abhor |to regard with extreme repugnance
abiding |to remain stable or fixed in a state
abject |cast down in spirit
abjure |to renounce upon oath
abnegate |SURRENDER, RELINQUISH
abolish |To do away with; annul
abolitionism |principles or measures fostering abolition especially of slavery
aboveboard |be in a straightforward manner
abrasion |a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
abridge |to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense:CONDENSE
abrogate |to abolish by authoritative action:ANNUL
abscond |to depart secretly and hide oneself
absolve |to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
abstain |to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice
abstemious |marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol
abstinent |voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods:ABSTENTION
abstract |having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content
abstruse |difficult to comprehend:RECONDITE
abuse |to attack in words:REVILE
abysmal |immeasurably low or wretched
accede |to express approval or give consent:give in to a request or demand
accelerate |to move faster:gain speed
accessible |capable of being understood or appreciated
accessory |present in a minor amount and not essential as a constituent
accidental |occurring unexpectedly or by chance
acclimate |to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation
accolade |an expression of praise
accommodate |to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings)
accomplice |one associated with another especially in wrongdoing
accost |to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way
accrete |ACCUMULATE
accumulate |to gather or pile up especially little by little:AMASS
accuse |to charge with a fault or offense:BLAME
acerbity |Sourness of taste, character, or tone.
achromatic |designating color perceived to have zero saturation and therefore no hue, such as neutral grays, white, or black
acme |the highest point or stage
acquiesce |to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
acquisition |the act of acquiring
acquit |to discharge completely
acre |A unit of area in the U.S. Customary System, used in land and sea floor measurement
acrid |sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor:IRRITATING
acrimonious |caustic , biting , or rancorous especially in feeling, language, or manner
acumen |mental keenness
ad lib |without restraint or limit , to speak, sing, or act without a script, saying whatever words come into one's mind
adamant |unshakable or immovable especially in opposition:UNYIELDING
adapt |to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification
addendum |textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end
addict |to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively
addicted |be addicted to
adherent |one that adheres:as a follower of a leader, party, or profession
adhesive |Tending to adhere; sticky.
adjacent |having a common endpoint or border also immediately preceding or following
adjourn |to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place
adjunct |something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
ad-lib |with little or no preparation or forethought
admission |the act or process of admitting
admonish |to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner
adore |to regard with loving admiration and devotion
adroit |having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations
adulate |to flatter or admire excessively or slavishly
adulterate |to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element stickler
adumbrate |to suggest or disclose partially
adversary |one that contends with, opposes, or resists:ENEMY
advert |to turn the mind or attention
advertise |to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast
advocate |to plead in favor of
aerate |to supply (the blood) with oxygen by respiration
aerial |of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere
aesthetic |adj. a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
aesthetics |The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and expression of beauty
affable |characterized by ease and friendliness
affected |assumed artificially or falsely:PRETENDED
affection |tender attachment:FONDNESS
affidavit |a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an authorized magistrateor officer
affiliate |to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch
affiliation |joining; associating with
affinity |likeness based on relationship or causal connection
afflict |a:to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish b:TROUBLE, INJURE
affliction |n.
affluent |having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessions
agenda |a list or outline of things to be considered or done
aggrandize |to make appear great or greater:praise highly
aggravate |to make worse, more serious, or more severe:intensify unpleasantly
aggregate |to collect or gather into a mass or whole
aggressive |Inclined to behave in a hostile fashion.
aggrieve |to give pain or trouble to:DISTRESS
agonized |suffered extreme pain or great anguish.
agony |intense pain of mind or body:ANGUISH, TORTURE
airtight |impermeable to air or nearly so
alacrity |promptness in response:cheerful readiness
albino |an organism exhibiting deficient pigmentation
alchemy |a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the
alibi |an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment
align |to bring into line or alignment
allay |to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity:ALLEVIATE
allegiance |devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
allegory |the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations abouthuman existence
alleviate |RELIEVE, LESSEN
alliterate |the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables
allowance |a share or portion allotted or granted
allude |to make indirect reference; broadly:REFER
aloft |at or toward the upper rigging.
aloof |removed or distant either physically or emotionally
alphabetical |arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
altitude |Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea.
altruism |unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
amalgamate |to merge into a single body
amass |to collect for oneself:ACCUMULATE
ambiguous |doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness
ambivalent |continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
amble |to walk slowly or leisurely; stroll
ambrosial |suggestive of ambrosia; fragrant or delicious
ameliorate |to make better or more tolerable
amenable |readily managed; willing to be led
amenity |something that conduces to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment
amiable |being friendly, sociable, and congenial
amicable |characterized by friendly goodwill:PEACEABLE
amiss |in a faulty way:IMPERFECTLY
amorphous |having no definite form:SHAPELESS
amphibian |any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters betw
amplify |to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity):INCREASE
amplitude |the quality or state of being ample:FULLNESS
amulet |a charm (as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to protect the wearer against evil (as disease or wi
anaerobic |living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen
analgesic |insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness
analogy |a:resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike:SIMILARITY b:comparison based on such resemblance
analysis |separation of a whole into its component parts
anarchist |one who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power
anathema |the denunciation of something as accursed
ancestor |one from whom a person is descended and who is usually more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent
ancillary |serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary
anecdote |a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident
anemic |lacking force, vitality, or spirit
anesthetic |lacking awareness or sensitivity
anhydrous |free from water and especially water of crystallization
animation |possessing or characterized by life:ALIVE
animus |a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
annals |a record of events arranged in yearly sequence
annotate |comment; make explanatory notes
annoy |to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts
annul |to declare or make legally invalid or void
anodyne |something that soothes, calms, or comforts
anomalous |inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected:IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL
anonymous |not named or identified
antagonize |to incur or provoke the hostility of
antediluvian |made, evolved, or developed a long time ago
anterior |coming before in time or development
anthology |a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music
antic |characterized by clownish extravagance or absurdity
anticipatory |to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
antidote |a remedy to counteract the effects of poison
antipathy |settled aversion or dislike:DISTASTE
antiquate |To make old or out of date.
antiquated |existing since or belonging to earlier times:ANCIENT
antiseptic |opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay;
anvil |a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped
apathy |lack of feeling or emotion:IMPASSIVENESS
apex |the highest or culminating point
aphorism |a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment:ADAGE
apiary |a place where bees are kept; especially :a collection of hives or colonies of bees kept for their honey
aplomb |poise
apocalyptic |forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world:PROPHETIC
apocrypha |writings or statements of dubious authenticity
apologist |one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something
apophasis |Allusion to something by denying that it will be mentioned, as in I will not bring up my opponent's questionable financial de
apoplectic |greatly agitated
apostasy |renunciation of a religious faith
apostrophe |a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive case, or the plural of letters or figures
apothecary |one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes
appall |to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay
apparel |to put clothes on:DRESS
appeal |to make an earnest request
appealing |having appeal:PLEASING
appease |to bring to a state of peace or quiet:CALM
appellation |A name, title, or designation.
appetite |an inherent craving
applause |approval publicly expressed
applicant |one who applies
appoint |to name officially
apposite |highly pertinent or appropriate:APT
appreciable |capable of being perceived or measured
apprehension |suspicion or fear especially of future evil:FOREBODING
apprentice |an inexperienced person:NOVICE
approbation |COMMENDATION, PRAISE
appropriate |1. to take or make use of without authority or right 2. especially suitable or compatible:FITTING
approval |The act of approving
approve |to have or express a favorable opinion of
approximate |nearly correct or exact
apropos |being both relevant and opportune
apt |unusually fitted or qualified:READY
aquatic |growing or living in or frequenting water
aqueduct |a conduit for water
aquifer |a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel
arachnid |any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial invertebrates, including the spiders, scorpions, mites, an
arbor |a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines
arboreal |of, relating to, or resembling a tree
archaic |of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time:ANTIQUATED
archetype |the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies:PROTOTYPE; also :a perfect
archipelago |an expanse of water with many scattered islands
architect |a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
archive |a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved
arctic |bitter cold:FRIGID
ardor |extreme vigor or energy:INTENSITY
arduous |hard to accomplish or achieve:DIFFICULT
argot |an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular group
arid |excessively dry
armory |a place where arms and military equipment are stored
arrest |to make inactive
arresting |catching the attention:STRIKING, IMPRESSIVE
arrhythmic |lacking rhythm or regularity
arrogance |a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims
arroyo |a brook; a creek ;a water-carved gully or channel
arsenal |a:an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipmentb:a collection of weapons
articulate |to give clear and effective utterance to:put into wordsratiocination:thinking:articulation:talking
artifacts |something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially :an object remaining from a particular period
artifice |false or insincere behavior
artless |free from guile or craft:sincerely simple
ascendant |governing or controlling influence:DOMINATION
ascent |an upward slope or rising grade:ACCLIVITY
ascetic |austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
aseptic |preventing infection
askew |out of line:AWRY
aspect |a position facing a particular direction:EXPOSURE
asperity |roughness of manner or of temper:HARSHNESS
aspersion |slanderous remark
aspirant |One who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position.
aspiration |a strong desire to achieve something high or great
assert |to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively
assess |to determine the importance, size, or value of
asset |the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate applicable or subject to the payment of debts
assiduous |marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application
assuage |to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses):EASE
assume |to take to or upon oneself:UNDERTAKE
astounding |causing astonishment or amazement
astute |having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity
asylum |an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors:SANCTUARY
asymmetrical |not of equal size or similar shape:
atone |to supply satisfaction for:EXPIATE
atrocious |extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel:BARBARIC
attenuate |to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of:WEAKEN
attorney |A person legally appointed by another to act as his or her agent in the transaction of business, specifically one qualified and lic
audacious |intrepidly daring:ADVENTUROUS
audible |heard or capable of being heard
augur |to foretell especially from omens
auspicious |affording a favorable auspice:PROPITIOUS
austere |markedly simple or unadorned
authenticity |not false or imitation:REAL, ACTUAL
authoritative |having the weight of authority; dictatorial
authority |power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior
autocracy |government in which one person possesses unlimited power
avarice |excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain:GREEDINESS, CUPIDITY
aversion |a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from
avid |characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit
avulse |to separate, cut, or tear off by avulsion
awash |covered with water:FLOODED
awe |an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
awkward |lacking dexterity or skill
awl |a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood)
awning |a rooflike cover extending over or in front of a place (as over the deck or in front of a door or window) as a shelter
awry |in a turned or twisted position or direction:ASKEW
babble |to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds
backhanded |INDIRECT, DEVIOUS; especially:SARCASTIC
backset |SETBACK
badge |a device or token especially of membership in a society or group
badger |to harass or annoy persistently
badinage |playful repartee:BANTER
baffle |to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
bait |ENTICE, LUREto attack in speech or writing as by derision or insult; to gall or exasperate by repeated wanton attacks
baleful |deadly or pernicious in influence
balk |to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle:BLOCK
balky |refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected
ballad |a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing
ballast |Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship or the gondola of a balloon to enhance stability.
ballet |a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story, theme, or atmosphere
balm |a balsamic resin, especially:one from small tropical evergreen trees
balmy |having the qualities of balm:SOOTHING
bamboozle |to deceive by underhanded methods:DUPE, HOODWINK
ban |to prohibit especially by legal means ban:protect
banal |lacking originality, freshness, or novelty:TRITE
baneful |productive of destruction or woe:seriously harmful
banish |to drive out or remove from a home or place of usual resort or continuance, especially compulsory removal from a country not n
banister |a handrail with its supporting posts
banquet |a sumptuous feast; especially :an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for numerous people often in honor of a person
barb |a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment
barbarous |mercilessly harsh or cruel
bareface |Having no covering over the face.
barefaced |OPEN, UNCONCEALED
bargain |to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract:HAGGLE
baroque |characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance
barren |lacking vegetation, especially useful vegetation
barter |to trade by exchanging one commodity for another
base |being of comparatively low value and having relatively inferior properties
baseboard |a molding covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor
bathetic |exceptional commonplaceness:TRITENESS
bedeck |to clothe with finery:DECK
bedlam |a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion
belabor |to explain or insist on excessively
beleaguer |TROUBLE, HARASS
belie |to show (something) to be false or wrong
belittle |to speak slightingly of:DISPARAGE
bellicose |favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars
belligerence |an aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition
bellwether |One that serves as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends
bemoan |to express deep grief or distress over
bend |to make submissive:SUBDUE,COMPROMISE
benediction |the invocation of a blessing
beneficent |doing or producing good; especially :performing acts of kindness and charity
benign |a:showing kindness and gentleness b:FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME
bent |a strong inclination or interest:BIAS
bequest |something bequeathed:LEGACY
berate |to scold or condemn vehemently and at length
beseech |to request earnestly:IMPLORE
besmirch |SULLY, SOIL
betray |to deliver to an enemy by treachery
bibliography |a list of writings with time and place of publication (such as the writings of a single author or the works referred to in prep
bibliophile |a lover of books especially for qualities of format; also :a book collector
bigot |a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices
bit |the jaws of tongs or pincers
bland |not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating:SOOTHING
blandishment |something that tends to coax or cajole:ALLUREMENT
blase |bored with pleasure or dissipation
blaspheme |to speak of or address with irreverence
blast |a violent gust of wind
blatant |completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or offensive manner:BRAZEN
blazon |to publish widely:PROCLAIM
bleach |to remove color or stains from
blemish |to spoil by a flaw
blight |a disease or injury of plants resulting in withering, cessation of growth, and death of parts without rotting
bliss |complete happiness
blunder |a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
blunt |to make less sharp or definite
blur |to make indistinct and hazy in outline or appearance;obscure
blurb |A brief publicity notice, as on a book jacket.
blurt |to utter abruptly and impulsively ? usually used with out
bluster |to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats
boding |an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil:PORTENT ,FOREBODING
boggle |to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples
boisterous |noisily turbulent:ROWDY
bolster |a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or bearing
bombast |pretentious inflated speech or writing
bonhomie |good-natured easy friendliness
bonus |something in addition to what is expected or strictly due
boo |to deride especially by uttering boo
boon |BENEFIT, FAVOR
boor |a rude or insensitive person
bootless |USELESS, UNPROFITABLE
bore |to make a hole by or as if by boring
bottleneck |NARROW {bottleneck:indefinite} ??????
bough |a branch of a tree; especially :a main branch
bound |a:to make secure by tying b:to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c:to put under an obligation d:to constrain with legal
box |to fight with the fists:engage in boxing box:fight:debate:argue
bracing |giving strength, vigor, or freshness
bracket |an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengt
brackish |REPULSIVE
braggadocio |a:empty boasting b:arrogant pretension:COCKINESS
braid |made by intertwining three or more strands
braided |
brake |to retard or stop by a brake
brash |done in haste without regard for consequences
brassy |being shamelessly bold
brattish |an ill-mannered annoying child
bravura |marked by an ostentatious display of skill
bray |to emit (an utterance or a sound) loudly and harshly
brazen |marked by contemptuous boldness
breach |to make a breach in
breezeway |a roofed often open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and garage) or halves of a building
brevity |shortness or conciseness of expression
bribe |to induce or influence by or as if by bribery
bridle |to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle
brisk |keenly alert:LIVELY
bristle |to take on an aggressive attitude or appearance (as in response to a slight)
brittle |easily broken, cracked, or snapped
broach |to open for the first time
bromide |a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion
browbeat |to intimidate by a stern manner or arrogant speech
bruit |to noise abroad:REPORT
buck |to refuse assent:BALK
bucolic |relating to or typical of rural life
budge |to give way:YIELD
buffer |to lessen the shock of:CUSHION
buffoon |a ludicrous figure:CLOWN
bulge |a protuberant or swollen part or place
bully |one habitually cruel to others who are weaker
bumper |a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage
bumptious |presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive:OBTRUSIVE
bungle |to act or work clumsily and awkwardly
buoy |support;uplift
buoyant |a:capable of floating b:CHEERFUL, GAY
burgeon |to grow and expand rapidly:FLOURISH
burial |the act or process of burying
burlesque |mockery usually by caricature
burnish |to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous
burrow |to construct by tunneling
busybody |an officious or inquisitive person
butt |to thrust or push head foremost:strike with the head or horns
buttress |1. to furnish or shore up with a buttress; also :SUPPORT, STRENGTHEN 2. a projecting structure of masonry or wood for su
bygone |gone by:PAST; especially:OUTMODED
byline |a line at the beginning of a news story, magazine article, or book giving the writer's name
cabal |the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united to bring about an overturn or usurpation especially in public affair
cache |hiding place
cacophony |harsh or discordant sound:DISSONANCE
cadet |one in training for a military or naval commission; especially :a student in a service academy
cadge |BEG, SPONGE
caisson |a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a horse-drawn limber
cajole |to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance:COAX
calamity |An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a disaster:
calcify |to make inflexible or unchangeable
calibrate |to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of
calligrapher |one who writes a beautiful
callous |a:feeling no emotion b:feeling no sympathy for others
callow |lacking adult sophistication:IMMATURE
callus |a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark
calorie |the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius th
calumniate |to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
camaraderie |a spirit of friendly good-fellowship
cameo |a:a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer with another contrasting layer serving as backgroundb:A
camouflage |behavior or artifice designed to deceive or hide
candidate |one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award
candor |unreserved, honest, or sincere expression:FORTHRIGHTNESS
cane |A stick used as an aid in walking or carried as an accessory
canon |a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council
canonical |appearing in a biblical canon ; of or relating to or required by canon law
canopy |a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a sacred object:BALDACHIN
cantankerous |difficult or irritating to deal with
canvas |a piece of cloth backed or framed as a surface for a painting
canvass |to seek orders or votes:SOLICIT
canyon |a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it
capitulate |to cease resisting:ACQUIESCE
caprice |a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action
caption |the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what authority it was taken, found, or executed
captivate |to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal
carefree |Free of worries and responsibilities.
careworn |showing the effect of grief or anxiety
caricature |exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics
carnal |fleshly
carouse |to drink liquor deeply or freely
carp |to find fault or complain querulously
cartographer |one that makes maps
cast |the set of actors in a dramatic production; to assign a certain role to (an actor)
castigate |to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism
castigation |severe punishment
catalyze |BRING ABOUT, INSPIRE supervisor:oversight,catalysis:initiate
cataract |WATERFALL; especially:a large one over a precipice
catastrophe |a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin
categorical |ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED
cater |to supply what is required or desired
catholic |COMPREHENSIVE, UNIVERSAL; especially :broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests
caustic |marked by incisive sarcasm
cavalier |A gallant or chivalrous man, especially one serving as escort to a woman of high social position; a gentleman
caveat |a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices
cavern |CAVE; especially:one of large or indefinite extent
cavil |to raise trivial and frivolous objection
cavort |to walk or move in a spirited manner:PRANCE
cede |to yield or grant typically by treaty
celebrity |the state of being celebrated
cement |a binding element or agency:as a substance to make objects adhere to each other
censor |to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable
censorious |marked by or given to censure
censure |to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
census |a count of the population
centrifuge |a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating g
ceramic |of or relating to the manufacture of any product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mine
ceremony |a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
certitude |the state of being or feeling certain
cessation |a temporary or final ceasing (as of action):STOP
chaff |the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
chagrin |disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
chameleon |any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeba
champion |to act as militant supporter of:UPHOLD, ADVOCATE
chaotic |a:a state of utter confusion b:a confused mass or mixture
charade |a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action
charlatan |one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability:FRAUD, FAKER
chary |discreetly cautious:as a:hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks b:slow to grant, accept, or expend
chasm |a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth):GORGE
check |to block the progress of
chef |a skilled cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant)
cherubic |innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy
chevron |a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in th
chiaroscuro |the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities, pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color
chic |smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner:STYLE
chicanery |deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry:TRICKERY
chide |to voice disapproval to:reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner:SCOLD
chip |a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood or stone) cut, struck, or flaked off
choke |to check normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea or by poisoning or adulterating available air
choleric |easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger:hot-tempered
chord |three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously
choreography |the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet
chorus |a body of singers who perform choral compositions
chronic |always present or encountered; especially :constantly vexing, weakening, or troubling
chronicle |a usually continuous historical account of events arranged in order of time without analysis or interpretation
chronological |of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time
churlish |marked by a lack of civility or graciousness:SURLY
cinder |
cineast |a film or movie enthusiast
cipher |a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning
circuitous |not being forthright or direct in language or action
circumference |the perimeter of a circle
circumlocutory |the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
circumscribe |to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible
circumspect |careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences:PRUDENT
circumvent |to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem
cistern |an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (as rainwater)
citation |an official summons to appear (as before a court)
civility |COURTESY, POLITENESS
clairvoyant |unusually perceptive:DISCERNING
clamp |
clandestine |marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy:SURREPTITIOUS
clarion |loud and clear
clarity |the quality or state of being clear:LUCIDITY
clasp |a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
claustrophobia |abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
cleft |a usually V-shaped indented formation:a hollow between ridges or protuberances
clement |inclined to be merciful:LENIENT
cliche |a trite phrase or expression
clique |a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
clog |something that shackles or impedes:ENCUMBRANCE
closed-minded |not easily subdued, remedied, or removed
closet |a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
clot |a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
cloture |closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
cloudburst |a sudden copious rainfall
clout |PULL, INFLUENCE
cloying |excessively sweet or sentimental
clumsy |lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
coagulant |something that produces coagulation
coalesce |to unite into a whole:FUSE
coarse |not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination
coax |to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity
coda |a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure
coerce |to bring about by force or threat
coeval |of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration
cogent |appealing forcibly to the mind or reason:CONVINCING
cognizant |knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience
colander |a perforated utensil for washing or draining food
collapse |to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely
collude |CONSPIRE, PLOT
colonnade |a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the base of a roof structure
colossal |of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the stupendous or incredible
coma |a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison
combustible |capable of combustion
comely |having a pleasing appearance:not homely or plain
comity |friendly social atmosphere:social harmony
commencement |1. the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas 2. an act, instance, or time of beginning
commend |to mention with approbation:PRAISE
commensurate |equal in measure or extent:COEXTENSIVE
commercial |an advertisement broadcast on radio or television
commingle |mingle together
commitment |an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date
committed |OBLIGATE, BIND
commodious |comfortably or conveniently spacious:ROOMY
commonsense |sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
commotion |an agitated disturbance:TO-DO
compendium |a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge:ABSTRACT
compensate |to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect
complacency |COMPLACENCE; especially :self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies
complaisance |disposition to please or comply:AFFABILITY
compliant |ready or disposed to comply:SUBMISSIVE
compliment |expressing or containing a compliment
comply |to conform or adapt one's actions to another's wishes, to a rule, or to necessity
composed |free from agitation:CALM; especially :SELF-POSSESSED
compress |to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
compromise |1. to come to agreement by mutual concession 2. to cause the impairment of
compunction |anxiety arising from awareness of guilt
concatenate |to link together in a series or chain
concede |to grant as a right or privilege
concentrate |to bring or direct toward a common center or objective:FOCUS
concerted |mutually contrived or agreed on
concerto |a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra with three contrasting movements
concession |an act of yielding
conciliate |APPEASE:to cause to subside:ALLAY especially :to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of princip
concise |marked by brevity of expression or statement:free from all elaboration and superfluous detail
conciseness |
concomitant |that which accompanies
concord |a state of agreement:HARMONY
concur |to act together to a common end or single effect
condemn |to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation
condescending |showing or characterized by condescension:PATRONIZING
condign |deserved, appropriate
condole |to express sympathetic sorrow
condone |to pardon or overlook voluntarily; especially :to treat as if trivial, harmless, or of no importance
conducive |tending to promote or assist
confess |to disclose one's faults; specifically :to unburden one's sins or the state of one's conscience to God or to a priest
confidant |one to whom secrets are entrusted
confident |characterized by assurance; especially :SELF-RELIANT
confine |something that restrains
confluence |a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point
conform |to be similar or identical; also :to be in agreement or harmony
confront |to face especially in challenge:OPPOSE
congeal |to make viscid or curdled:COAGULATE
congenial |OCIABLE, GENIAL congenial:bonhomie ???:?? 9????:
congruent |superposable so as to be coincident throughout
conjecture |inference from defective or presumptive evidence
connive |to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
connoisseur |EXPERT; especially :one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critica
conquest |the act or process of conquering
conscientious |Thorough and assiduous
consensus |group solidarity in sentiment and belief
conservative |tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions:TRADITIONAL
conservatory |a school specializing in one of the fine arts
conserve |to keep in a safe or sound state
considerable |worth consideration:SIGNIFICANT
consign |to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another; also :to commit especially to a final destination or fate
console |to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of:COMFORT
consolidat |
consolidate |to join together into one whole:UNITE
consonance |harmony or agreement among components
conspicuous |obvious to the eye or mind
conspiracy |An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act.
constellation |the configuration of stars.
constitute |to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constrained |to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constringe |to cause to contract; constrict.
consult |COUNCIL, CONFERENCE; specifically :a deliberation between physicians on a case or its treatment
consummate |Complete in every detail; of the highest degree; extremely skilled and accomplished.
contagious |communicable by contact:CATCHING
contaminate |to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association
contemplate |to view or consider with continued attention:meditate on consider
contempt |the act of despising:the state of mind of one who despises:DISDAIN
content |feeling or manifesting satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation
contentious |exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes
contingent |likely but not certain to happen:POSSIBLE
contort |to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression
contortion |
contradictory |involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction
contravene |to oppose in argument:CONTRADICT
contrite |grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming
contrived |ARTIFICIAL, LABORED
control |an individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a control experiment
contumacious |stubbornly disobedient:REBELLIOUS
conundrum |a:a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b:an intricate and difficult problem
convalesce |to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness
convenience |something (as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or ease
convention |usage or custom especially in social matters
conventional |lacking originality or individuality:TRITE
convergent |tending to move toward one point or to approach each other:CONVERGING
conversant |having frequent or familiar association
convert |to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another
convex |curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere
convey |to transfer or deliver to another
conviction |1. a strong persuasion or belief 2. the act or process of convicting of a crime especially in a court of law
convivial |relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company
convoke |to call together to a meeting
convoluted |INVOLVED, INTRICATE
convulsion |an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
coop |a cage or small enclosure (as for poultry)
copious |present in large quantity:taking place on a large scale
coquette |a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention and admiration of men
cord |a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic feet
cordon |a line of persons or objects around a person or place
cornucopia |an inexhaustible store:ABUNDANCE
coronation |the act or occasion of crowning; also :accession to the highest office
corporeal |having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body:as a:not spiritual b:not immaterial or intangible:SUBSTANTIAL
corral |a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock
corroborate |to support with evidence or authority:make more certain
corrosive |tending or having the power to corrode
cosmopolitan |having worldwide rather than limited or provincial scope or bearing
cosset |to treat as a pet:PAMPER
coterie |an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose
countenance |to extend approval or toleration to:SANCTION
counterfeit |made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive:FORGED
counterpart |one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument:DUPLICATE
court |to seek the affections of; especially :to seek to win a pledge of marriage from
courtesy |a courteous act or expression
coven |an assembly or band of usually 13 witches
covetous |marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions
cow |to destroy the resolve or courage of
cowardice |lack of courage or resolution
cower |to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays
cozen |cheat; hoodwink; swindle
craft |skill in planning, making, or executing:DEXTERITY
cramp |restricted; narrowed
crass |having or indicating such grossness of mind as precludes delicacy and discrimination
craven |lacking the least bit of courage:contemptibly fainthearted
craving |an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing
credence |acceptance as true or valid; belief
credulous |ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence
creek |a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a river
creep |to move slowly,quietly and carefully, esp so as not to attract attention
crescendo |a gradual increase; specifically :a gradual increase in volume of a musical passage
crest |the top of a wave
crestfallen |feeling shame or humiliation:DEJECTED
criterion |a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based
crockery |EARTHENWARE
cronyism |partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualif
croon |to sing or speak in a gentle murmuring manner; especially :to sing in a soft intimate manner adapted to amplifying systems
crouch |to bend or bow servilely:CRINGE
crown |to place a crown or wreath on the head of; specifically :to invest with regal dignity and power
crucial |important or essential as resolving acrisis:DECISIVE
crude |marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or vulgarity
crutch |a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking
crux |an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome
cryptic |having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning:MYSTERIOUS
cuisine |manner of preparing food:style of cooking; also:the food prepared
culpable |meriting condemnation or blame especially as wrong or harmful
cultivated |REFINED, EDUCATED
cumbersome |unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk
cunning |characterized by wiliness and trickery
curator |one that has the care and superintendence of something; especially:one in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit
curmudgeon |a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
curriculum |A group of related courses, often in a special field of study:
cursory |rapidly and often superficially performed or produced:HASTY
curt |sparing of words:TERSE
curtail |to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part
cyclone |a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure, and often brings heavy rain
cynical |having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic; especially :contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives
dabble |to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
daft |SILLY, FOOLISH
dally |a:to act playfully; especially :to play amorously b:to deal lightly:TOY
damp |MOISTURE,HUMIDITY, DAMPNESS
damper |a dulling or deadening influence
dandy |a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
dank |unpleasantly moist or wet
dapper |neat and trim in appearance
dappled |marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background
daredevil |a recklessly bold person
dart |to move suddenly or rapidly fall
dastard |a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly
daunt |to lessen the courage of:COW, SUBDUE
dawdle |to move lackadaisically
deactivate |to make inactive or ineffective
deaden |to impair in vigor or sensation:BLUNT
deadpan |marked by an impassive matter-of-fact manner, style, or expression
dearth |an inadequate supply:LACK
debark |To unload, as from a ship or an airplane.
debase |to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character
debilitate |to impair the strength of:ENFEEBLE
debonair |LIGHTHEARTED, NONCHALANT
debris |the remains of something broken down or destroyed
debunk |to expose the sham or falseness of
debut |a first appearance
decadence |the process of becoming decadent:the quality or state of being decadent
decant |to pour out, transfer, or unload as if by pouring
decelerate |to reduce the speed of:slow down
decibel |a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 fo
decipher |a:to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity b:to interpret the meaning of
decode |to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form
decorum |propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
decrepit |wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age
dedication |a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose
default |a failure to pay financial debts
deference |respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also:affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes
deficiency |an amount that is lacking or inadequate:SHORTAGE
defile |a narrow passage or gorge
definitive |serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation
defoliate |to deprive of leaves especially prematurely
deforest |the action or process of clearing of forests; also :the state of having been cleared of
defraud |to deprive of something by deception or fraud
deft |characterized by facility and skill
defuse |to make less harmful, potent, or tense
defy |to challenge to do something considered impossible:DARE
dehydrate |to remove bound water or hydrogen and oxygen from (a chemical compound) in the proportion in which they form water
deify |To worship or revere as a god
deject |to make gloomy
deleterious |harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
deliberate |to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
delicacy |the quality or state of being dainty:FINENESS
delinquent |offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
deliquesce |To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from the air.
delirium |a mental disturbance characterized by confusion, disordered speech, and hallucinations
delude |to mislead the mind or judgment of:DECEIVE, TRICK
deluge |adj. an overflowing of the land by water b:a drenching rain
delve |to make a careful or detailed search for information
demagogue |a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
demanding |requiring much time, effort, or attention:EXACTING
demise |DIE, DECEASE
demography |the statistical study of human populations especially with reference to size and density, distribution, and vital statistics
demolition |the act of demolishing; especially :destruction in war by means of explosives
demoralize |a:to weaken the morale of:DISCOURAGE, DISPIRIT b:to upset or destroy the normal functioning of c:to throw into disord
demotic |Of or relating to the common people; popular
demur |to take exception:OBJECT
denigrate |to cast aspersions on:DEFAME
denouement |the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
denounce |to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil
dent |a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure
denude |to strip of all covering or surface layers
denunciate |to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil
depart |to go away:LEAVE
depict |to represent by or as if by a picture
deplete |to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
deplore |to feel or express strong disapproval of; condemn.
deploy |to extend (a military unit) especially in width
deportation |the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is unlawful or prejudicial
depose |to testify to under oath or by affidavit
deposit |to lay down or leave behind by a natural process
depravity |a corrupt act or practice
deprecate |BELITTLE, DISPARAGE
depreciate |to lower the price or estimated value of
depress |to press down
deprivation |the state of being deprived:PRIVATION; especially :removal from an office, dignity, or benefice
deracinate |UPROOT
derelict |a destitute homeless social misfit:VAGRANT, BUM
deride |to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule
derivative |lacking originality:BANAL
derogatory |expressive of a low opinion:DISPARAGING
descendant |one deriving directly from a precursor or prototype
descent |an inclination downward:SLOPE
desecrate |to violate the sanctity of:PROFANE
desert |to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return
desiccate |to preserve (a food) by drying:DEHYDRATE
designate |
despair |to lose all hope or confidence
despicable |deserving to be despised:so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation
despise |to look down on with contempt or aversion
despondent |feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression
dessert |a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) served at the end of a meal
desultory |disappointing in progress or performance:SLUGGISH
detach |to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
detain |to hold or keep in or as if in custody
deter |to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting
detestable |arousing or meriting intense dislike:ABOMINABLE
detour |to send by a circuitous route
detract |to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something
detritus |a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away
deviation |noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior
devise |to form in the mind by new combinations or application of and ideas or principles
devolve |deputize; pass to others
devoted |devote:to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause, enterprise, or activity
devout |devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises
dew |moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night
dexterous |mentally adroit and skillful:CLEVER
diabolic |of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil:DEVILIS
diabolize |
diagnose |to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms
diaphanous |characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through
diatribe |a bitter and abusive speech or writing
didactic |designed or intended to teach
die |any of various tools or devices for imparting a desired shape, form, or finish to a material or for impressing an object or material
diehard |strongly or fanatically determined or devoted
diffident |hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
diffuse |being at once verbose and ill-organized
digit |A human finger or toe.
dignity |quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
digress |to turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument
dilapidate |to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin
dilate |to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent:DISTEND, WIDEN
dilatory |characterized by procrastination:TARDY
dilettante |a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge:DABBLER
diligent |characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort:PAINSTAKING
dilute |to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture
dimension |
diminish |to make or become smaller ,less, or less important
din |a loud continued noise; especially :a welter of discordant sounds
dingus |an ornamental attachment or decoration:DOODAD
dingy |SHABBY, SQUALID
diocesan |a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese
diplomatic |of or engaged in diplomacy; tactful or suave
dire |DISMAL, OPPRESSIVE
dirge |a song or hymn of grief or lamentation; especially :one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites
disabuse |to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
disaffected |discontented and resentful especially against authority REBELLIOUS
disagreeable |causing discomfort:UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE
disarm |to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile
disarray |(n.) (state of) disorder
disavow |to deny responsibility for:REPUDIATE
discard |to get rid of especially as useless or unpleasant
discernible |
discerning |showing insight and understanding:DISCRIMINATING
discharge |to dismiss from employment
disciple |one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another
discipline |a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
disclaim |to renounce a legal claim to
discography |a descriptive list of phonograph records by category, composer, performer, or date of release
discombobulate |to confuse or disconcert
discomfit |to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment:DISCONCERT
discommode |to cause inconvenience to:TROUBLE
discompose |to destroy the composure of
disconcert |to throw into confusion
discord |lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas)
discourse |formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject
discredit |to deprive of good repute:DISGRACE
discrepancy |Divergence or disagreement, as between facts or claims; difference.
discrete |(adj.) separate; individually distinct; composed of distinct parts
discretion |the quality of being discreet:CIRCUMSPECTION; especially :cautious reserve in speech frivolous
discretionary |left to discretion:exercised at one's own discretion
discriminate |to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of
discursive |moving from topic to topic without order:RAMBLING
disdain |a feeling of contempt for what is beneath one:SCORN
disembody |
disengage |to release from something that engages or involves
disentangle |(v.) to free from confusion
disgorge |to discharge by the throat and mouth:VOMIT
disgruntle |to make ill-humored or discontented , usually used as a participial adjective
disguise |to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity
disgust |marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful:REPUGNANCE
dishevel |to throw into disorder or disarray
disinclination |a preference for avoiding something:slight aversion
disinfect |to free from infection especially by destroying harmful microorganisms
disinterested |free from selfish motive or interest:UNBIASED
disjunctive |marked by breaks or disunity
dismantle |to take to pieces; also :to destroy the integrity or functioning of
disparage |to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison):speak slightingly about
disparate |containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements
dispassionate |not influenced by strong feeling; especially :not affected by personal or emotional involvement
dispatch |promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission
disposal |systematic destruction; especially :destruction or transformation of garbage
disquiet |to take away the peace or tranquillity of:DISTURB, ALARM
disregard |
disrupt |to throw into disorder
dissect |to analyze and interpret minutely
dissemble |to put on a false appearance:conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense
disseminate |to spread abroad as though sowing seed
dissension |DISAGREEMENT; especially:partisan and contentious quarreling
dissent |to withhold assent
dissertation |an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically :one submitted for a doctorate
dissipate |dispel; squander
dissociate |to separate from association or union with another
dissolute |lacking restraint; especially :marked by indulgence in things
dissolve |to cause to pass into solution to separate into component parts:DISINTEGRATE
dissonance |lack of agreement; especially :inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs
dissuade |to advise (a person) against something
distention |the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or abnormally
distillation |the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation
distinction |the quality or state of being distinguishable
distinguished |marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence
distort |to twist out of the true meaning or proportion
distract |to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
distraught |agitated with doubt or mental conflict
distress |great pain/cause discomfort
district |
ditch |a long narrow excavation dug in the earth
ditty |an especially simple and unaffected song
diurnal |of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime
diver |
diverge |to move or extend in different directions from a common point:draw apart
divert |to turn from one course or use to another:DEFLECT
divestiture |the act of divesting
divulge |to make known (as a confidence or secret)
doctrine |a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief:DOGMA
dodder |to progress feebly and unsteadily
doff |to remove (an article of wear) from the body
dogged |marked by stubborn determination
doggerel |loosely styled and irregular in measure especially for burlesque or comic effect; also:marked by triviality or inferiority
doggo |in hiding
dogma |something held as an established opinion;especially:a definite authoritative tenet
doldrums |state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
dolorous |causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief
dolt |a stupid person
domicile |a dwelling place:place of residence:HOME
domination |supremacy or preeminence over another
don |to put on (an article of clothing)
donor |one that gives, donates, or presents something
doodle |an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch
dour |STERN, HARSH
downpour |a pouring or streaming downward; especially:a heavy rain
doyen |a:the senior member of a body or group b:a person considered to be knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experi
doze |to fall into a light sleep
draconian |CRUEL; also:SEVERE
drain |to exhaust physically or emotionally
drawl |to utter in a slow lengthened tone
dreary |having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest:GLOOMY, DISMAL
drench |to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)
drivel |to utter in an infantile or imbecilic way
drizzle |a fine misty rain
droll |having a humorous, whimsical, or odd quality
drone |to speak in a monotonous tone:
droplet |a tiny drop (as of a liquid)
drudgery |dull, irksome, and fatiguing work:uninspiring or menial labor
dubious |questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality
dulcet |pleasing to the ear
dull |lacking brilliance or luster
dullard |a stupid or unimaginative person
dune |a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dupe |one that is easily deceived or cheated:FOOL
dwelling |a shelter (as a house) in which people live
dyspeptic |INDIGESTION
eaglet |a young eagle
earnest |characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
earplug |device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as to keep out water or deaden sound)
earshot |the range within which the unaided voice may be heard
earsplitting |distressingly loud or shrill
easel |An upright frame for supporting something, such as an artist's canvas
eavesdrop |to listen secretly to the private conversation of others
ebb |recede; lessen
ebullience |the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings:EXUBERANCE
eccentric |deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways
echelon |an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps
eclat |brilliant or conspicuous success
eclectic |selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
eclipse |a falling into obscurity or decline; also :the state of being eclipsed
ecstasy |a state of overwhelming emotion; especially :rapturous delight
ecstatic |feeling great rapture or delight
ecumenical |worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
eddy |circular or spiral movement (e.g. of wind)
edifice |BUILDING; especially :a large or massive structure
efface |to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous
effervesce |to show liveliness or exhilaration
effete |having lost character, vitality, or strength
effluvia |a by-product especially in the form of waste
effulgent |radiant splendor:BRILLIANCE
effusive |characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava
egalitarian |a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges
egocentric |concerned with the individual rather than society
elaborate |marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness
elastic |capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape:FLEXIBLE
elated |marked by high spirits:EXULTANT
eleemosynary |of, relating to, or supported by charity
elegant |of a high grade or quality:SPLENDID
elegy |a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead
elephantine |having enormous size or strength:MASSIVE
elevate |to raise in rank or status:EXALT
elf |a small lively creature; also :a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
elicit |to draw forth or bring out
elitism |leadership or rule by an elite
ellipse |a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
ellipsis |the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatical
elliptical |of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
elongate |to extend the length of
elucidate |to give a clarifying explanation
emaciate |to cause to lose f unaffectlesh so as to become very thin
emanate |to come out from a source
emancipate |to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially :to free from bondage
embargo |a legal prohibition on commerce
embark |to make a start
embarrass |to place in doubt, perplexity, or difficulties
embed |to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
embezzle |to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use
embolden |to instill with boldness or courage
embrace |close encircling with the arms and pressure to the bosom especially as a sign of affection:HUG
emigrate |to leave one's place of residence or country to live elsewhere
eminence |one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty:as a person of high rank or attainments
emphasis |special consideration of or stress or insistence on something
emulate |strive to equal or excel
enact |to establish by legal and authoritative act; specifically:to make (as a bill) into law
enamel |a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth
enclosure |something that encloses
encomium |glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise;
encompass |1. to form a circle about:ENCLOSE obsolete :to go completely around 2. to form a circle about:ENCLOSE
encounter |to come upon face-to-face
encumber |to impede or hamper the function or activity of:HINDER
encyclopedia |a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledg
endorse |to approve openly especially:to express support or approval of publicly and definitely
enduring |LASTING, DURABLE
enervate |to lessen the vitality or strength of
enfeeble |to make feeble:deprive of strength
enfranchise |to endow with a franchise:as to admit to the privileges of a citizen and especially to the right of suffrage
engender |to cause to exist or to develop:PRODUCE
engross |to take or engage the whole attention of:occupy completely
enigmatic |of, relating to, or resembling an enigma:MYSTERIOUS
enlighten |to furnish knowledge to:INSTRUCT
enmity |positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
ennoble |to make noble:ELEVATE
ennui |a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction:BOREDOM
enrapture |to fill with delight
ensconce |settle comfortably
enslave |to reduce to or as if to slavery:SUBJUGATE
ensue |to take place afterward or as a result
entangle |to wrap or twist together:INTERWEAVE
enthusiasm |strong excitement of feeling:ARDOR
entice |to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire:TEMPT
entrance |to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture
entrap |to catch in or as if in a trap
entreaty |an act of entreating:PLEA
entry |a descriptive record (as in a card catalog or an index)
enumerate |to specify one after another:LIST
enunciate |a:to make a definite or systematic statement of b:ANNOUNCE, PROCLAIM
envision |to picture to oneself
ephemeral |lasting a very short time
epic |extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope
epicure |one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine
epigram |a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn o
epilogue |a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work; the final scene of a play that comments on or summarizes th
episode |An incident or story in a literary work, separable from yet growing out of it.
epistemology |the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity
epitomize |to serve as the typical or ideal example of
equable |marked by lack of noticeable, unpleasant, or extreme variation or inequality
equipoise |a state of equilibrium
equity |justice according to natural law or right; specifically :freedom from bias or favoritism
equivocal |subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse
erect |1. characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture 2. SET UP, ESTABLISH
erode |to diminish or destroy by degrees
errant |traveling or given to traveling
erratic |having no fixed course:WANDERING
erudite |possessing or displaying erudition:LEARNED
escalate |to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope
eschew |to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds:SHUN
esoteric |designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone
espouse |to take up and support as a cause:become attached to
esteem |to set a high value on:regard highly and prize accordingly
estimable |worthy of esteem
estrange |to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness:ALIENAT
etch |a chemical agent used in etching
eternal |a:continued without intermission:PERPETUAL b:seemingly endless
ethereal |a:lacking material substance:IMMATERIAL, INTANGIBLE b:marked by unusual delicacy or refinement
ethics |the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
eulogize |to speak or write in high praise of:EXTOL
euphemism |the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant
euphonious |pleasing to the ear
euphoria |a feeling of well-being or elation
evacuate |a:to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area b:to withdraw from military occupation of c:VACATE
evade |to avoid answering directly:turn aside
evanescent |tending to vanish like vapor
evasive |tending or intended to evade:EQUIVOCAL
everlasting |lasting or enduring through all time:ETERNAL
evict |to force out:EXPEL
evoke |to call forth or up
ewe |the female of the sheep especially when mature; also :the female of various related animals
exacerbate |to make more violent, bitter, or severe
exacting |tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands
exaggerate |to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal:OVEREMPHASIZE
exalt |to elevate by praise or in estimation:GLORIFY
exasperate |a:to excite the anger of:ENRAGE b:to cause irritation or annoyance to
excavate |find by digging in the ground ; remove the inner part or the core of
exceptional |deviating from the norm
excerpt |to select (a passage) for quoting:EXTRACT
exclamation |a sharp or sudden utterance
excoriate |to censure scathingly
excrete |to separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from the blood or tissues or from the active protoplasm
excruciate |to subject to intense mental distress
exculpate |to clear from alleged fault or guilt
exculpatory |
excursive |constituting a digression:characterized by digression
execrate |to declare to be evil or detestable:DENOUNCE
execute |to carry out fully:put completely into effect
exemplary |serving as a pattern
exempt |free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subjectexempt:liability:pardon:penalty
exert |to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect
exhaust |to consume entirely:USE UP
exhilarate |to make cheerful
exhortation |language intended to incite and encourage
exodus |a mass departure:EMIGRATION
exonerate |to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
exorbitant |exceeding in intensity, quality, amount, or size the customary or appropriate limits
exotic |introduced from another country:not native to the place where found
expansive |characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk:OPEN
expedite |to accelerate the process or progress of:speed up
expedition |efficient promptness:SPEED
expiation |the act of making atonement
explicit |fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity:leaving no question as to meaning or intent
exponent |one that expounds or interprets
expurgate |to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous; especially :to expunge objectionable parts from before pub
exquisite |marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution
extant |currently or actually existing
extemporize |to do something extemporaneously:IMPROVISE; especially :to speak extemporaneously
extenuate |to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses:MITIGATE
exterminate |to get rid of completely usually by killing off
extinct |no longer existing
extinguish |to cause to cease burning:QUENCH
extol |to praise highly:GLORIFY
extort |to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power:WRING
extraneous |a:not forming an essential or vital part b:having no relevance
extravagant |a:spending much more than necessary b:PROFUSE, LAVISH
extricate |to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty
extrinsic |not forming an essential or inherent part of a thing; extraneous.
extrovert |a gregarious and unreserved person
exuberant |joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic
exude |to undergo diffusion
exultant |filled with or expressing great joy or triumph:JUBILANT
fabricate |CONSTRUCT, MANUFACTURE; specifically :to construct from diverse and usually standardized parts
facetious |joking or jesting often inappropriately:WAGGISH
facilitate |to make easier:help bring about
faction |a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking:CLIQUE
fade |to change gradually in loudness, strength, or visibility
fail-safe |incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure
faint |lacking strength or vigor:performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly
fainthearted |lacking courage or resolution:TIMID
fallacy |a:a false or mistaken idea b:erroneous character:ERRONEOUSNESS
falsehood |absence of truth or accuracy
falter |a:to hesitate in purpose or action:WAVER b:to lose drive or effectiveness
fantasy |imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque characters
farce |ridiculous or empty show
fascinate |to be irresistibly attractive
fast |1. in a firm or fixed manner 2. the act to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods
fasten |to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing
fastidious |showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care
fathom |to penetrate and come to understand
fatigue |weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress
fatuous |complacently or inanely foolish:SILLY
fawn |to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
faze |to disturb the composure of:DISCONCERT, DAUNT
feckless |WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
fecund |fruitful in offspring or vegetation:PROLIFIC
feeble |markedly lacking in strength
fender |a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or pedestrians in case of collision
feral |not domesticated or cultivated:WILD
fertilize |to make fertile
fervid |marked by often extreme fervor
fervor |intensity of feeling or expression
fetid |having a heavy offensive smell
fetter |to restrain from motion, action, or progress
fiasco |a complete failure
fictitious |of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction:IMAGINARY
fidelity |the quality or state of being faithful
figurative |representing by a figure or resemblance:EMBLEMATIC
figurine |a small carved or molded figure
filibuster |the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly
filigree |ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design
filly |a young female horse usually of less than four years
filter |a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid is passed to separate out matter in suspension
finch |any of numerous songbirds (especially families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Emberizidae) having a short stout usually conical bi
finesse |skillful handling of a situation:adroit maneuvering
finicky |extremely or excessively nice, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards
flaccid |not firm or stiff; also :lacking normal or youthful firmness
flagging |LANGUID, WEAK
flamboyant |marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior
flange |a projecting edge of cloth used for decoration on clothing
flannel |outer garments of flannel; especially:men's trousers
flatter |to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
flaw |a defect in physical structure or form
flax |any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs; especially:a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with b
fledge |to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity
flexible |capable of being flexed:PLIANT
flinch |to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain:WINCE; also :to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort
flint |a massive hard quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
flippancy |unbecoming levity or pertness especially in respect to grave or sacred matters
flirt |to behave amorously without serious intent
flit |to move about rapidly and nimbly.
flock |a group of birds or mammals assembled or herded togetherto gather or move in a flock
florid |flowery; ruddy
flounder |to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
flourish |to grow luxuriantly:THRIVE
flout |to treat with contemptuous disregard:SCORN
fluctuate |to shift back and forth uncertainly
fluent |a:ready or facile in speechb:effortlessly smooth and rapid:POLISHED
flush |to pour liquid over or through; especially:to cleanse or wash out with or as if with a rush of liquid
fluster |to put into a state of agitated confusion:UPSET
fluvial |of, relating to, or living in a stream or river
foible |a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior:WEAKNESS
foil |a thin piece of material (as metal) put under an inferior or paste stone to add color or brilliance
foliage |the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants
folly |a foolish act or idea
foment |to promote the growth or development of:ROUSE, INCITE
fondness |tender affection
foolhardy |foolishly adventurous and bold:RASH
footloose |having no ties:free to move about
forbears |
ford |A shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle
forebear |
forestry |the management of growing timber
foreword |prefatory comments (as for a book) especially when written by someone other than the author
forgery |an act of forging; especially:the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (as a check)
forgo |do without ; lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
formidable |causing fear, dread, or apprehension
forthright |free from ambiguity or evasiveness:going straight to the point
fortify |to make strong:as to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to
foster |to promote the growth or development of:ENCOURAGE
founder |1. to become submerged:SINK 2. one that founds or establishes
fracture |RUPTURE, TEAR
fragile |a:easily broken or destroyedb:constitutionally delicate:lacking in physical vigor
fraudulent |characterized by, based on, or done by fraud:DECEITFUL
freelancer |a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer
freewheel |to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly
frenzy |a violent mental or emotional agitation
frequent |to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually
fresco |the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments
fret |an agitation of mind:IRRITATION
friable |easily crumbled or pulverized
friction |the rubbing of one body against another
frieze |a heavy durable coarse wool and shoddy fabric with a rough surface
frigid |
frivolous |intensely cold
frothy |gaily frivolous or light in content or treatment:INSUBSTANTIAL
frowsy |
frowzy |having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance
frugal |characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources
frustrate |a:to balk or defeat in an endeavorb:to induce feelings of discouragement in
full-bodied |imparting to the palate the general impression of substantial weight and rich texture
fulminate |to send forth censures or invectives
fungi |any of a major group (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing organisms usually classified as plants that lack chloro
furnace |an enclosed structure in which heat is produced
furor |A general commotion; public disorder or uproar.
furtive |done by stealth:SURREPTITIOUS
fury |intense, disordered, and often destructive rage
fussy |Calling for or requiring great attention to sometimes trivial details
fusty |saturated with dust and stale odors:MUSTY
futility |the quality or state of being futile:USELESSNESS
gab |to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner:CHATTER
gadfly |a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
gaffe |a social or diplomatic blunder
gainsay |to declare to be untrue or invalid
gait |a manner of walking or moving on foot
galaxy |an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things
gall |to fret and wear away by friction:CHAFE
gallant |Possessing a brave or chivalrous spirit.
galvanize |to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock
gamble |to stake something on a contingency:take a chance
gangling |loosely and awkwardly built:LANKY
garble |to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning
gargantuan |of immense size, volume, or capacity; gigantic
garish |clothed in vivid colors
garment |an article of clothing
garner |a:GRANARY b:a grain bin
garrulous |given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity:pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
gash |a deep long cut in flesh
gasification |conversion into gas; especially:conversion of coal into natural gas
gauche |lacking social experience or grace; also:not tactful:CRUDE
gaudy |ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
gauge |a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system
gear |a toothed wheel
genealogy |an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or from older forms
generality |the quality or state of being general
genial |marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness
genteel |free from vulgarity or rudeness:POLITE
genuine |ACTUAL, TRUE
germane |being at once relevant and appropriate:FITTING
gesture |a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude
ghastly |intensely unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable
gibe |to deride or tease with taunting words
giddy |lightheartedly silly:FRIVOLOUS
ginger |a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and sometimes medicinally
glacier |a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface
glade |an open space surrounded by woods
glance |a quick or cursory look
glaze |to give a smooth glossy surface to
glib |marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitful
glimmer |a:to shine faintly or unsteadily b:to give off a subdued unsteady reflection
glisten |to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or polished surface
glitch |a usually minor malfunction
gloat |express evil satisfaction; view malevolently
gloomy |low in spirits:MELANCHOLY
glorify |to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration
gloss |a brief explanation (as in the margin or between the lines of a text) of a difficult or obscure word or expression
glossary |a collection of textual glosses or of specialized terms with their meanings
glossy |having a surface luster or brightness
glut |an excessive quantity:OVERSUPPLY
glutinous |having the quality of glue:GUMMY
glutton |one given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking
goad |something that urges or stimulates into action:SPUR
gobble |to swallow or eat greedily
goggle |to stare with wide or protuberant eyes
goldbrick |to shirk duty or responsibility
gorge |to eat greedily or to repletion
gossamer |something light, delicate, or insubstantial
gourmet |a connoisseur of food and drink; broadly :CONNOISSEUR
grandeur |the quality or state of being grand:MAGNIFICENCE
grandiloquent |be of a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language
grandiose |characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration
grandstand |to play or act so as to impress onlookers
grant |to bestow or transfer formally specifically :to give the possession or title of by a deed
gratify |to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to
grating |noisily,rasping,harsh
gratis |free
gratuitous |not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration
grave |having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor
green |a:deficient in training, knowledge, or experience b:deficient in sophistication and savoir faire:NAIVE c:not fully qualified for or
gregarious |tending to associate with others of one's kind:SOCIAL
grievous |causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow
grimace |a facial expression usually of disgust or disapproval
grin |to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter; broadly :SMILE
gripe |to complain with grumbling
grisly |inspiring horror or intense fear
groove |a long narrow channel or depression
grotesque |FANCIFUL, BIZARRE
grotto |A small cave or cavern
grove |a planting of fruit or nut trees
grovel |to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or abasement
grumble |to mutter in discontent
guarantee |to engage for the existence, permanence, or nature of:undertake to do or secure
guffaw |a loud or boisterous burst of laughter
guile |deceitful cunning:DUPLICITY
guilt |feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy:SELF-REPROACH
gullible |easily duped or cheated
gully |a trench which was orig. worn in the earth by running water and through which water often runs after rains
gum |any of numerous colloidal polysaccharide substances of plant origin that are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying and are s
gush |a sudden outpouring
gust |a sudden brief rush of wind
guzzle |to drink especially liquor greedily, continually, or habitually
habitable |capable of being lived in:suitable for habitation
hack |a writer who aims solely for commercial success
hackneyed |lacking in freshness or originality
hairbreadth |
halcyon |CALM, PEACEFUL
hale |free from defect, disease, or infirmity:SOUND; also :retaining exceptional health and vigor
half-baked |a:lacking adequate planning or forethought b:lacking in judgment, intelligence, or common sense
hallow |to make holy or set apart for holy use
hallucination |perception of objects with no reality usually arising from disorder of the nervous system or in response to drugs (as LSD)
halting |marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness
ham-handed |lacking dexterity or grace:HEAVY-HANDED
hamper |to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles:IMPEDE
hamstring |to make ineffective or powerless:CRIPPLE
handle |to act, behave, or feel in a certain way when handled or directed
hangdog |SAD, DEJECTED
hankering |to have a strong or persistent desire:YEARN
haphazard |marked by lack of plan, order, or direction
hapless |having no luck:UNFORTUNATE
harangue |to address in a ranting way
harass |to annoy persistently
harbinger |one that presages or foreshadows what is to come
harbor |to give shelter or refuge to
hard-bitten |seasoned or steeled by difficult experience:TOUGH
hardheaded |STUBBORN, WILLFUL
harebrained |FOOLISH
harmonious |marked by accord in sentiment or action
harness |UTILIZE
harp |a plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an arched or angled neck that may be supported by a post, and strings of g
harrow |break up ground after plowing; torture
harry |to make a pillaging or destructive raid on:ASSAULT
harsh |a:causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction:IRRITATING b:physically discomforting:PAINFUL
hasten |to move or act quickly
hasty |done or made in a hurry
haunt |to visit often:FREQUENT
hauteur |ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS
haven |harbour, safety place
havoc |great confusion and disorder
headlong |Impetuous; rash.
hearken |to give respectful attention
heart |to give heart to:CHEER:HEARTEN
hearten |to give heart to
heartrending |causing intense sorrow or distress
hedge |a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
hedonic |of, relating to, or characterized by pleasure
heinous |hatefully or shockingly evil:ABOMINABLE
heirloom |something of special value handed on from one generation to another
helmet |any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact
hem |a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down
herald |to give notice of:ANNOUNCE
herbicide |an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
hereditary |characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
heresy |an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
heretical |of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards:UNORTHODOX
hermit |one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious reasons:RECLUSE
herpetologist |one that a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians
hesitance |the quality or state of being hesitant:as a:INDECISION b:RELUCTANCE
heterodox |Not in agreement with accepted beliefs, especially in church doctrine or dogma
hidebound |having an inflexible or ultraconservative character
hideous |offensive to the senses and especially to sight:exceedingly ugly
hie |to go quickly:HASTEN
hierarchy |the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing
hieroglyph |a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
hike |to rise up; especially :to work upward out of place
hilarity |high spirits that may be carried to the point of boisterous conviviality or merriment
hint |a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something:CLUE
histrionic |of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater
hive |a place swarming with activity
hoard |to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneself
hoary |extremely old:ANCIENT
hoax |an act intended to deceive or trick
hodgepodge |a heterogeneous mixture:JUMBLE
homage |expression of high regard:RESPECT
homely |Not attractive or good-looking
homily |a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme
homogenize |to blend (diverse elements) into a uniform mixture
hone |to make more acute, intense, or effective:WHET
honorarium |a payment for a service (as making a speech) on which custom or propriety forbids a
horn |a wind instrument used in a jazz band; especially :TRUMPET
hortative |giving exhortation:ADVISORY
horticulture |the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants
hospitable |liking to give hospitality
hovel |a small, wretched, and often dirty house:HUT
hub |the central part of a circular object (as a wheel or propeller)
hubris |exaggerated pride or self-confidencehubristic
humanitarian |a person promoting human welfare and social reform:PHILANTHROPIST
humble |ranking low in a hierarchy or scale:INSIGNIFICANT, UNPRETENTIOUS
humor |to soothe or content by indulgence
hurdle |to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition
hurricane |a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (118 kilometers) per hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, t
husbandry |the control or judicious use of resources:CONSERVATION
husk |a usually dry or membranous outer covering (as a pod or hull or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits; also :one of
husky |hoarse with or as if with emotion
hybrid |something heterogeneous in origin or composition:COMPOSITE
hymn |a song of praise or joy
hyperbole |extravagant exaggeration
hypercritical |meticulously or excessively critical??:hypocritical9adj.???:
hypnotic |tending to produce sleep:SOPORIFIC
hypocritical |characterized by hypocrisy; also :being a hypocrite
ichthyologist |one that study a branch of zoology that deals with fishes
idiosyncratic |a peculiarity of constitution or temperament:an individualizingcharacteristic or quality
idolatrize |admires intensely and often blindly
ignite |to set afire; also :KINDLE
ignominy |deep personal humiliation and disgrace
ignorant |destitute of knowledge or education also lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified
ignore |to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded
illegible |Undecipherable.
illiteracy |the quality or state of being illiterate; especially :inability to read or write
illuminati |persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened
illumination |one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in decorative lighting
illusory |based on or producing illusion:DECEPTIVE
illustrate |to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
imbibe |to absorb or take in as if by drinking
imbroglio |a violently confused or bitterly complicated altercation:EMBROILMENT
imitation |the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of a transcendent idea
immaculate |having no stain or blemish:PURE
immanent |remaining or operating within a domain of reality or realm of discourse:INHERENT; specifically :having existence or effect
immaterial |of no substantial consequence:UNIMPORTANT
immemorial |extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition
imminent |ready to take place; especially :hanging threateningly over one's head
immune |not susceptible or responsive; especially :having a high degree of resistance to a disease
immure |to enclose within or as if within walls b:IMPRISON
immutable |not capable of or susceptible to change
imp |a mischievous child:URCHIN
impair |to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material respect
impassive |unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion
impeccable |
impecunious |having very little or no money usually habitually:PENNILESS
impede |to interfere with or slow the progress of
impend |to be about to occur
impenetrable |incapable of being penetrated or pierced or incapable of being comprehended:INSCRUTABLE
impenitent |not feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
imperative |expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation
imperial |of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor ;of superior or unusual size or excellence
imperious |marked by arrogant assurance:DOMINEERING
impertinent |given to or characterized by insolent rudeness
imperturbable |marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness:SERENE
impervious |not allowing entrance or passage:IMPENETRABLE also not capable of being damaged or harmed
impetuosity |Rashness.
impetuous |marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
impiety |the quality or state of being impious:IRREVERENCE
implacable |not placable:not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated
implement |CARRY OUT, ACCOMPLISH; especially:to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures
implicate |to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference:IMPLY
implode |to collapse inward as if from external pressure; also:to become greatly reduced as if from collapsing
importune |beg earnestly
imposing |impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
impostor |one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
impotent |not potent:lacking in power, strength, or vigor:HELPLESS
impromptu |composed or uttered without previous preparation:EXTEMPORANEOUS
improvident |not provident:not foreseeing and providing for the future
improvised |to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
imprudent |not prudent:lacking discretion
impudent |marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others:INSOLENT
impugn |to assail by words or arguments:oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity
impuissance |WEAKNESS, POWERLESSNESS
impute |to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly imputable:nettle
inadvertent |not focusing the mind on a matter: INATTENTIVE
inalienable |incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred
inane |lacking significance, meaning, or point: SILLY
inanimate |not animated or lively:DULL
inaugurate |to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
incandescent |strikingly bright, radiant, or clear
incantation |singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula
incarnate |invested with bodily and especially human nature and form
incendiary |of, relating to, or involving a deliberate burning of property
incense |to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
inception |an act, process, or instance of beginning:COMMENCEMENT
incessant |continuing or following without interruption:UNCEASING
inch |to move by small degrees:progress slowly
inchoate |being only partly in existence or operation; especially :imperfectly formed or formulated:FORMLESS
incinerate |to cause to burn to ashes
incipient |beginning to come into being or to become apparent
incisive |impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation)
incite |to move to action:stir up:spur on:urge on
inclement |lacking mildness:as severe in temper or action:UNMERCIFUL
incogitant |THOUGHTLESS, INCONSIDERATE
incongruent |not superposable so as to be coincident throughout,not congruent
inconsequential of no significance:UNIMPORTANT
incontrovertible not open to question:INDISPUTABLE
incorrigible |incapable of being corrected or amended UNALTERABLE, INVETERATE
incriminate |to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or fault
inculcate |to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
inculpate |INCRIMINATE
incursion |a hostile entrance into a territory:RAID
indefatigable |incapable of being fatigued:UNTIRING
indelible |UNFORGETTABLE, MEMORABLE
indemnity |security against hurt, loss, or damage
indict |to charge with a crime by the finding or presentment of a jury (as a grand jury) in due form of law
indifferent |marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something:APATHETIC
indigenous |having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment
indigent |suffering from indigence:IMPOVERISHED
indispensability absolutely necessary:ESSENTIAL
indoctrinate |to instruct especially in fundamentals or rudiments:TEACH
indolent |averse to activity, effort, or movement:habitually lazy
inducement |a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions
indulgent |indulging or characterized by indulgence; especially:LENIENT
indurate |to make hard
ineffable |incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE
ineluctable |not to be avoided, changed, or resisted:INEVITABLE
inept |generally incompetent:BUNGLING
ineptitude |
inert |deficient in active properties; especially:lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action
inestimable |Above price.
inevitable |incapable of being avoided or evaded
inexorable |not to be persuaded or moved by entreaty:RELENTLESS
infamy |evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal
infatuate |to cause to be foolish:deprive of sound judgment
infelicitous |not appropriate in application or expression
infer |GUESS, SURMISE
inferno |a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell
infiltrate |to pass (troops, for example) surreptitiously into enemy-held territory
infinite |immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive: INEXHAUSTIBLE
infirm |of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially:feeble from age
inflame |to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling
influx |a coming in
infuriate |To make furious; enrage
infuse |INSPIRE, ANIMATE
ingenious |marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution
ingenuous |showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness
ingrained |to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution
ingratiating |capable of winning favor:PLEASING
inherent |involved in the constitution or essential character of something:belonging by nature or habit:INTRINSIC
inimical |a:having the disposition of an enemy:HOSTILEb:reflecting or indicating hostility:UNFRIENDLY
inimitable |not capable of being imitated: MATCHLESS
iniquity |gross injustice:WICKEDNESS
initial |placed at the beginning:FIRST
inkling |a slight knowledge or vague notion
innocent |free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of evil:BLAMELESS
innocuous |not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility:INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID
innovation |the introduction of something new
inquiry |examination into facts or principles:RESEARCH
insatiable |incapable of being satisfied:QUENCHLESS
insipid |lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge:DULL, FLAT
insolent |exhibiting boldness or effrontery:IMPUDENT
insouciant |lighthearted unconcern:NONCHALANCE
inspired |outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration
instate |to set or establish in a rank or office:INSTALL
instigate |to goad or urge forward:PROVOKE
instill |to impart gradually
institute |to originate and get established:ORGANIZE
insubordinate |disobedient to authority
insular |characteristic of an isolated people; especially:being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
insularity |narrow-mindedness/isolated
insulate |to place in a detached situation:ISOLATE; especially:to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to p
insurgent |a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government; especially:a rebel not recognized as a belligerent
intangible |not tangible:IMPALPABLE
integral |essential to completeness:CONSTITUENT
integrity |the quality or state of being complete or undivided:COMPLETENESS
intelligible |capable of being understood or comprehended
intemperate |not temperate especially:given to excessive use of intoxicating liquors
intensify |to make intense or more intensive:STRENGTHEN
inter |to deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb
intercede |to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling differences:MEDIATE
interdict |to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
interim |an intervening time:INTERVAL
interlock |to become locked together or interconnected
interlope |one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity
interminable |having or seeming to have no end; especially:wearisomely protracted
intermittent |coming and going at intervals:not continuous
interrogate |to question formally and systematically:probe
intervene |to interfere usually by force or threat of force in another nation's internal affairs especially to compel or prevent an action
intimate |1. to make known especially publicly or formally:ANNOUNCE 2. a friend or confidant marked by very close association, con
intimidate |to make timid or fearful:FRIGHTEN; especially:to compel or deter by or as if by threats
intransigent |refusing to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude:UNCOMPROMISING
intrepid |characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance
intricacy |the quality or state of being intricate
intrigue |to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of
intrinsic |belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing
intuition |The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; immediate cognition.
inure |to accustom to accept something undesirable
invective |of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse
inveigh |to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently:RAIL
inveigle |to win over by wiles:ENTICE
inventory |an itemized list of current assets:as a catalog of the property of an individual or estate
investigate |to make a systematic examination; especially:to conduct an official inquiry
inveterate |firmly established by long persistence
invidious |tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
invigorate |to give life and energy to:ANIMATE; also:STIMULATE
invincible |Incapable of being overcome or defeated; unconquerable.
inviolate |not violated or profaned; especially :PURE
invoice |a consignment of merchandise
invoke |to put into effect or operation:IMPLEMENT
invulnerable |incapable of being wounded, injured, or harmed
irascible |marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger
irate |arising from anger
iridescence |a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fis
irk |to make weary, irritated, or bored
ironclad |so firm or secure as to be unbreakable:as a:BINDING
irony |a pretense of ignorance and of willingness to learn from another assumed in order to make the other's false conceptions conspicuo
irradicable |impossible to eradicate : DEEP-ROOTED
irreducible |impossible to transform into or restore to a desired or simpler condition
irrelevant |not relevant:INAPPLICABLE
irresolute |uncertain how to act or proceed:VACILLATING
irreverent |lacking proper respect or seriousness; also :SATIRIC
irritate |to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in:ANNOY
issue |1. the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available 2. a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties
isthmus |a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas
itinerant |wandering; traveling
jabber |to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or unintelligibly
jaded |fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED
jam |fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED
jape |to make mocking fun of
jar |to make a harsh or discordant sound
jargon |The specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group.
jaundice |a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility
jaunty |sprightly in manner or appearance:LIVELY
jazz |American music developed especially from ragtime and blues and characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic en
jealous |having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness
jealousy |
jejune |devoid of significance or interest:DULL
jest |an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor
jettison |to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : DISCARD
jibe |to be in accord: AGREE
jingoist |extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy
jitter |to be nervous or act in a nervous way
jocund |marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness
jog |a movement, pace, or instance of jogging (as for exercise)
joke |something said or done to provoke laughter; especially :a brief oral narrative with a climactic humorous twist
jolt |to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
jot |to write briefly or hurriedly:set down in the form of a note
jovial |markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality
jubilant |EXULTANT
judicious |having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment:DISCREET
juggernaut |a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path
jumble |to mix into a confused or disordered mass
justify |to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable
juxtapose |to place side by side
kangaroo |any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, lar
ken |the range of vision
kindle |to stir up:AROUSE
kindred |of a similar nature or character:LIKE
kink |a short tight twist or curl caused by a doubling or winding of something upon itself
knack |a clever trick or stratagem
knave |a tricky deceitful fellow
knead |to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
knit |to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles
knotty |marked by or full of knots; especially :so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution
kudos |fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement:PRESTIGE
labile |readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change or breakdown:UNSTABLE
labored |lacking ease of expression
labyrinth |something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or character:INTRICACY, PERPLEXITY
laconic |using or involving the use of a minimum of words:concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
lacrimose |
lambaste |to attack verbally:CENSURE
lamentable |expressing grief:MOURNFUL
lampoon |a harsh satire usually directed against an individual
landfill |a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying land
landlord |the owner of property (as land, houses, or apartments) that is leased or rented to another
landslide |the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or artificial fill on a slope; also :the mass that moves down
lane |
languid |drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion:WEAK
languish |to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated
languor |listless indolence or inertia
lank |not well filled out:SLENDER, THIN
lapse |a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention
larder |a place where food is stored:PANTRY
largesse |liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also :something so given
lariat |a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazin
lash |to bind with or as if with a line
lassitude |a condition of weariness or debility:FATIGUE
latent |present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, or active
lathe |
latitude |Freedom from normal restraints, limitations, or regulations.
laudatory |of, relating to, or expressing praise
lavish |expended or produced in abundance
leaven |to raise (as bread) with a leaven
lectern |a stand used to support a book in a convenient position for a standing reader; especially :one from which scripture lessons are re
leer |to cast a sidelong glance
leery |Suspicious or distrustful; wary
legacy |something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
legend |an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart
legible |capable of being read or deciphered:PLAIN
legion |MANY, NUMEROUS
lenient |exerting a soothing or easing influence:relieving pain or stress
lethal |gravely damaging or destructive:DEVASTATING
lethargy |the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent
levee |an embankment for preventing flooding
levelheaded |having sound judgment:SENSIBLE
leverage |positional advantage; power to act effectively:
levity |excessive or unseemly frivolity
lexicographer |an author or editor of a dictionary
liability |something for which one is liable; especially :pecuniary obligation
liaison |a close bond or connection:INTERRELATIONSHIP
liberal |marked by generosity:OPENHANDED
libertine |a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality; specifically :one leading a dissolute life
liberty |an action going beyond normal limits:as a:a breach of etiquette or propriety:FAMILIARITY
libretto |the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater
licentious |lacking legal or moral restraints; especially :disregarding sexual restraints
lien |a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or duty ordinarily arising by operation of law
liken |compare
limber |capable of being shaped:FLEXIBLE
limerick |a light or humorous verse form of 5 chiefly anapestic verses of which lines 1, 2, and 5 are of 3 feet and lines 3 and 4 are of 2 f
limousine |a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that sometimes has a glass partition separating the driver's seat from the passe
limp |lacking firm texture, substance, or structure
limpid |marked by transparency:PELLUCID
linen |cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
linger |tarry;saunter; to be slow to act:procrastinate
linoleum |a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or woo
lint |fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric
lip |
lissome |NIMBLE
list |a deviation from the vertical:TILT; also :the extent of such a deviation
listless |characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit:LANGUID
lithe |characterized by easy flexibility and grace
livid |lead-colored; black and blue; enraged
loath |unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking:RELUCTANT
loathe |To dislike (someone or something) greatly; abhor.
lode |an ore deposit
lofty |elevated in status:SUPERIOR
loll |to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner:LOUNGE
loophole |a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation
lopsided |lacking in balance, symmetry, or proportion:disproportionately heavy on one side
loquacious |given to fluent or excessive talk:GARRULOUS
lottery |a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance
lounge |to act or move idly or lazily:LOAF
loutish |resembling or befitting a lout
loyal |unswerving in allegiance:as faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government
lubricate |to make smooth or slippery
lucid |clear to the understanding:INTELLIGIBLE
ludicrous |meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish
lug |to carry laboriously
lugubrious |MOURNFUL; especially :exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful
lull |to cause to sleep or rest:SOOTHE
lullaby |a soothing refrain; specifically :a song to quiet children or lull them to sleep
lumen |a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle by a uniform point source of one candle intensity
luminary |a person of prominence or brilliant achievement
lurk |to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose
lush |growing vigorously especially with luxuriant foliage
lustrous |reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous
luxurious |marked by or given to self-indulgence
lyric |the words of a song
lyrics |
maelstrom |a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius
magnificent |Grand or noble in thought or deed; exalted.
maladroit |lacking adroitness:INEPT
malaise |uneasiness; distress
malcontent |dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs:DISCONTENTED
malicious |given to, marked by, or arising from malice
malign |having or showing intense often vicious ill will:MALEVOLENT
malinger |to pretend incapacity (as illness) so as to avoid duty or work
malleable |capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences
malodor |an offensive odor
mandatory |containing or constituting a command:OBLIGATORY
mangle |to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude
mangy |having many worn or bare spots:SEEDY, SHABBY
mania |excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm
manifest |1. a list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a vehicle (as a ship or plane) 2. easily understood or recognized by the mind:O
manipulate |to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage
mansion |a large imposing residence
manumit |to release from slavery
manuscript |a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from a printed copy; also :a document submitted for pub
mar |To impair the soundness, perfection, or integrity of; spoil
marsh |a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (as grasses or cattails)
marsupial |any of an order of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop
martinet |a strict disciplinarian
marvel |something that causes wonder or astonishment
masquerade |to assume the appearance of something one is not
masticate |to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for swallowing:CHEW
mathematical |
matriculate |to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university
mattress |a fabric case filled with resilient material (as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used eith
maudlin |weakly and effusively sentimental
maven |one who is experienced or knowledgeable:EXPERT
maverick |an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party
mawkish |sickly or puerilely sentimental m
meager |deficient in quality or quantity
mean |PENURIOUS, STINGY
meander |to wind or turn in its course
measly |contemptibly small
measured |marked by due proportion
mechanical |Performed or performing in an impersonal or machinelike manner; automatic
meddle |to interest oneself in what is not one's concern:interfere without right or propriety
media |a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria
mediate |to interpose between parties in order to reconcile them
mediocre |of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance:ORDINARY, SO-SO
meditate |to engage in contemplation or reflection
medley |a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces
meet |precisely adapted to a particular situation, need, or circumstance:very proper
meliorism |The belief that society has an innate tendency toward improvement and that this tendency may be furthered through conscio
mellifluous |having a smooth rich flow
melody |a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds:TUNEFULNESS
membrane |a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin
menace |to make a show of intention to harm
mend |to put into good shape or working order again:patch up:REPAIR
mendacious |given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolutetruth
mentor |a trusted counselor or guide:TUTOR, COACH
mercenary |one that serves merely for wages; especially :a soldier hired into foreign service
mercurial |characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood
merited |deserved, be worthy of or entitled or liable to
mesh |to cause (as gears) to engage
mesmerism |hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism; broadly :HYPNOTISM
messy |marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt:UNTIDY
metaphor |a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to sugges
meteoric |resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
meteorology |a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting
meticulous |marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details
metrical |of, relating to, or composed in meter
mettle |courage; spirit
miff |a trivial quarrel
migratory |WANDERING, ROVING
mill |a building provided with machinery for grinding grain into flour
mime |to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words
minaret |a tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin
minatory |having a menacing quality:THREATENING
mince |to walk with short steps in a prim affected manner
mingle |to bring or mix together or with something else usually without fundamental loss of identity:INTERMIX
minion |a servile dependent, follower, or underling
mint |1. to make (as coins) out of metal:COIN 2. a vast sum or amount
minuscule |very small
minutia |a minute or minor detail
miracle |an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
mirage |something illusory and unattainable
mire |to cause to stick fast in or as if in mire
mirth |gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter
misanthrope |a person who hates or distrusts mankind
misbehave |to behave badly
mischievous |able or tending to cause annoyance, trouble, or minor injury
miscreant |one who behaves criminally or viciously
misdemeanor |a crime less serious than a felony
miser |a mean grasping person; especially :one who is extremely stingy with money
misfortune |a distressing or unfortunate incident or event
misgiving |a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event
mishap |an unfortunate accident
misnomer |a name wrongly or unsuitably applied to a person or an object
misrepresent |to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to deceive or be unfair
mite |any of numerous small acarid arachnids that often infest animals, plants, and stored foods and include important disease vectors
mitigate |to make less severe or painful:ALLEVIATE
mnemonics |a technique of improving the memory
mobility |capable of moving or being moved:MOVABLE
mockery |a subject of laughter, derision, or sport
moderate |to lessen the intensity or extremeness of
modicum |a small portion:a limited quantity
molar |A tooth with a broad crown used to grind food, located behind the premolars.
molding |a decorative plane or curved strip used for ornamentation or finishing
mollify |to soothe in temper or disposition:APPEASE
mollycoddle |a pampered or effeminate man or boy
molt |the act or process of sheding hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodically; specifically :ECDYSIS
momentous |IMPORTANT, CONSEQUENTIAL
momentum |a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body
monochromatic |having or consisting of one color or hue
monocle |an eyeglass for one eye
monopolize |to get a monopoly of:assume complete possession or control of
monotone |having the property either of never increasing or of never decreasing as the values of the independent variable or the subscrip
montage |the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to illustrate an association of ideas
morass |something that traps, confuses, or impedes
moratorium |a suspension of an ongoing or planned activity
morbid |abnormally susceptible to or characterized by gloomy or unwholesome feelings
mordant |biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style:INCISIVE
moribund |being in the state of dying:approaching death
morose |having a sullen and gloomy disposition
morsel |
mortar |a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle
mosque |a building used for public worship by Muslims
mosquito |any of a family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to punctur
motile |exhibiting or capable of movement
motivate |to provide with a motive:IMPEL
motley |variegated in colorcomposed of diverse often incongruous elements
mottle |to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
mournful |causing sorrow or melancholy:GLOOMY
movement |a distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic structure, and themes and forming part of an extended mu
muddy |lacking in clarity or brightness:CLOUDY, DULL
muffle |to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
mulish |unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate
mumble |to utter with a low inarticulate voice
mundane |characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary:COMMONPLACE
municipality |a primarily urban political unit having corporate status and usually powers of self-government
munificent |characterized by great liberality or generosity miser:munificent:zealot:blase ?>M:???:???:?????9????????:
mural |a mural work of art (as a painting)
murky |characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke
murmur |a low indistinct but often continuous sound
mute |to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
myopic |a lack of foresight or discernment:a narrow view of something
myriad |having innumerable aspects or elements
nadir |the lowest point
nag |to irritate by constant scolding or urging
naive |deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; especially :CREDULOUS
narcissism |love of or sexual desire for one's own body
nascent |coming or having recently come into existence
natty |trimly neat and tidy:SMART
nauseate |to feel disgust
naysayer |one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something
nebulous |INDISTINCT, VAGUE
needy |being in want:POVERTY-STRICKEN
nefarious |flagrantly wicked or impious:EVIL
negotiate |to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter
neophyte |a new convert:PROSELYTE
nepotism |favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship
nerve |to give strength or courage to:supply with physical or moral force
nettle |to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger imputable:nettle ????,????,????:?>
neutralize |to counteract the activity or effect of:make ineffective
nibble |to eat or chew in small bits
nip |to take liquor in nips:TIPPLE
nitpicking |minute and usually unjustified criticism
nocturnal |of, relating to, or occurring in the night
noisome |offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell
nomad |a member of a people who have no fixed residence but move from place to place usually seasonally and within a well-defined t
nominal |TRIFLING, INSIGNIFICANT
nonchalant |having an air of easy unconcern or indifference
nondescript |lacking distinctive or interesting qualities:DULL, DRAB
nonentity |a person of little consequence or significance
nonflammable |not flammable; specifically :not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if ignited
nonplus |a state of bafflement or perplexity:QUANDARY
nonsense |words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas
notch |to cut or make a notch in
notwithstanding |
novelty |something new or unusual
noxious |physically harmful or destructive to living beings
nuance |a subtle distinction or variation
nucleate |to form into a nucleus:CLUSTER
nudge |to touch or push gently; especially :to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow
nurture |to supply with nourishment EDUCATE
oafish |a stupid person:BOOB
oasis |a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert)
obdurate |resistant to persuasion or softening influences
obedient |submissive to the restraint or command of authority:willing to obey
obeisance |1. a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW 2. a movement of the body made in token of respec
obfuscate |to make obscure
obituary |a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account
obligatory |binding in law or conscience
oblige |to do a favor for
obliging |willing to do favors:ACCOMMODATING
oblique |not straightforward:INDIRECT; also :OBSCURE
obliterate |to remove from existence:destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of
oblivious |lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention
obloquy |Abusively detractive language or utterance; calumny
obscure |not clearly seen or easily distinguished:FAINT
obsequious |marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
observatory |a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy);
obsess |to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of
obsolete |of a kind or style no longer current
obstacle |something that impedes progress or achievement
obstinate |adj. perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
obstreperous |marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness:CLAMOROUS
obstruct |to hinder from passage, action, or operation
obtuse |lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect
obviate |to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action)
occlude |to close up or block off:OBSTRUCT
occult |not easily apprehended or understood:ABSTRUSE, MYSTERIOUS
occurrence |something that occurs
ode |a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying length of line, and complexity of stanza forms
odious |exciting or deserving hatred or repugnance
offbeat |eccentric, unconventional
offend |to cause dislike, anger, or vexation
offhand |without premeditation or preparation:EXTEMPORE
officious |volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor needed:MEDDLESOME
offish |somewhat cold and reserved:STANDOFFISH
ominous |being or exhibiting an omen : PORTENTOUS; especially : foreboding or foreshowing evil : INAUSPICIOUS
omniscient |having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight
opaque |exhibiting opacity:blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light
opera |a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes; specifi
opine |to express opinions
opportune |suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence
oppose |to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast
oppression |unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power
opprobrious |expressive of opprobrium:SCURRILOUS
optimization |an act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effe
opulent |amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation
oracle |a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak
oration |an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner
orchestra |a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music
orient |get one's bearings; adjust
original |not secondary, derivative, or imitative
ornithology |a branch of zoology dealing with birds
orthodoxy |the quality or state of being conforming to established doctrine especially in religion
oscillate |to swing backward and forward like a pendulum
ossify |to become hardened or conventional and opposed to change
ossilate |
ostentatious |marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display
ostracism |exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance
oust |to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity
outgoing |openly friendly and responsive:EXTROVERTED
outmaneuver |to maneuver with better effect than; outwit
outmoded |no longer acceptable, current, or usable
outwit |to get the better of by superior cleverness:OUTSMART
overbearing |harshly and haughtily arrogant
overdose |too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent)
overexposure |to expose excessively; especially:to expose (as film) to excessive radiation (as light)
overlap |to occupy the same area in part:lap over
oversee |INSPECT, EXAMINE
overt |open to view:MANIFEST
overture |something introductory:PRELUDE
overwhelm |to make helpless, as with greater force or deep emotion; overcome; crush; overpower
overwrought |extremely excited:AGITATED
oxymoron |a combination of contradictory or incongruous words
pachyderm |any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals (as an elephant, a rhinoceros, or a pig) most of which have a thick skin
pacify |to allay the anger or agitation of:SOOTHE
pack |a group of often predatory animals of the same kind
pact |COMPACT; especially:an international treaty
padding |material with which something is padded
paean |a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph; broadly
painstaking |taking pains:expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort
palatable |agreeable to the palate or taste
palatial |of, relating to, or being a palace
palette |a particular range, quality, or use of color
pall |to lose in interest or attraction
palliate |to reduce the violence of (a disease)
pallid |Having an abnormally pale or wan complexion
pallor |(n.) lack of facial color
palmy |marked by prosperity
palpable |easily perceived by the senses; audible, recognizable, perceptible, noticeable, etc.
palter |to act insincerely or deceitfully
paltry |practically worthless; trifling; insignificant; contemptible; petty
pan |to criticize unfavorably, as in reviewing
panache |dash or flamboyance in style and action
Pandemonium |Wild uproar or noise
pander |to act as a pander; especially:to provide gratification for others' desires
panegyric |a eulogistic oration or writing; also:formal or elaborate praise
panorama |comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions
panoramic |an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction
pantechnicon |a furniture van
pantry |a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order
parable |EXAMPLE; specifically:a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle
paradigm |EXAMPLE, PATTERN; especially :an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype
paradise |a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight
paradox |a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true
paragon |a model of excellence or perfection
parallel |extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant, and not meeting
paramount |superior to all others
paranoia |a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
paraphrase |to make a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form
parch |to dry or shrivel with cold
pariah |a member of a low caste of southern India
parity |the quality or state of being equal or equivalent
parlance |manner or mode of speech
parochial |restricted to a small area or scope; narrow; limited; provincial
parody |a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule; a poor or w
paroxysm |a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST
parquetry |inlaid woodwork in geometric forms, usually of contrasting woods, used esp. in flooring
parrot |to repeat by rote
parry |to evade especially by an adroit answer
parse |to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe them grammatically
parsimony |a tendency to be over-careful in spending; unreasonable economy; stinginess
partial |inclined to favor one party more than the other:BIASED
partiality |inclination; bias
particularize |to state in detail
partisan |a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially:one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance
passionate |capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling
pastiche |a literary, artistic, musical, or architectural work that imitates the style of previous work;
patent |readily visible or intelligible:OBVIOUS
pathology |something abnormal,deviation from propriety or from an assumed normal state of something nonliving or nonmaterial
patina |a superficial covering or exterior
patrician |a person of high birth:ARISTOCRAT
patriot |one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests
patronize |to be kind or helpful to, but in a haughty or snobbish way, as if dealing with an inferior
paucity |smallness of number:FEWNESS
paunchy |having an enlarged, swollen, or protruding abdomen
pauper |a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity; specifically :one who receives aid from funds designated fo
pebble |a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of water
peccadillo |a slight offense
peck |
pedagogue |TEACHER, SCHOOLMASTER; especially :a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher
pedant |one who makes a show of knowledge
pedestrian |COMMONPLACE, UNIMAGINATIVE
peep |to utter the slightest sound
peerless |MATCHLESS, INCOMPARABLE
peeve |to make peevish or resentful:ANNOY
pejorative |having negative connotations; especially :tending to disparage or belittle:DEPRECIATORY
pelf |Wealth or riches, especially when dishonestly acquired
pellucid |easy to understand
pen |a female swan
penalty |the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public of
penchant |a strong and continued inclination; broadly :LIKING
penetrate |to enter by overcoming resistance:PIERCE
penitent |feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses:REPENTANT
pensive |musingly or dreamily thoughtful
penury |a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially :severe poverty
perceptible |capable of being perceived especially by the senses
peremptory |characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance
perfervid |marked by overwrought or exaggerated emotion : excessively fervent
perfidy |the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal:TREACHERY
perforate |to make a hole through; especially :to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation
perfunctorily |lacking in interest or enthusiasm
perimeter |the boundary of a closed plane figure
peripatetic |moving or traveling from place to place:ITINERANT
peripheral |of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
perjury |the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised und
permanence |the quality or state of being permanent:DURABILITY
permeable |capable of being permeated:PENETRABLE; especially :having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass throug
pernicious |highly injurious or destructive:DEADLY
perpetual |continuing forever:EVERLASTING
persecute |to come to mind continually; obsess:
persevere |to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
persiflage |to provide with an incentive; move to action; impel
personable |pleasant or amiable in person:ATTRACTIVE
perspective |an optical glass (as a telescope)
perspicacious |of acute mental vision or discernment:KEEN
perspicuity |plain to the understanding especially because of clarity and precision of presentation
pertinacious |stubbornly unyielding or tenacious
pertinent |having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand
perturb |to disturb greatly in mind:DISQUIET
peruse |to examine or consider with attention and in detail:STUDY
pervade |to become diffused throughout every part of suffuse
pessimism |an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome
pesticide |an agent used to destroy pests
pestle |a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar
petition |to make a request to:SOLICIT
petrography |the description and systematic classification of rocks
petty |having secondary rank or importance : MINOR, SUBORDINATE
petulance |the quality or state of being petulant:PEEVISHNESS
phenomenal |EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE
philanthropic |of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy:HUMANITARIAN
Philistine |a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values
philosophical |
phlegmatic |having or showing a slow and stolid temperament
photorespiration |
piddling |TRIVIAL, PALTRY
piebald |of different colors; especially : spotted or blotched with black and white
pigment |a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue;
pilfer |STEAL; especially :to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again
pillar |a firm upright support for a superstructure:POST
pillory |to expose to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn
pilot |one employed to steer a ship:HELMSMAN
pine |to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable
pinnacle |an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight es
pinpoint |to locate or aim with great precision
piquant |agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially :SPICY
pithy |having substance and point:tersely cogent
pitiless |devoid of pity:MERCILESS
pittance |a small portion, amount, or allowance; also :a meager wage or remuneration
pixel |
placate |to soothe or mollify especially by concessions:APPEASE
placebo |an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug)
plagiarize |to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own:use (another's production) without crediting the source
plangent |having a loud reverberating sound
plantation |a usually large group of plants and especially trees under cultivation
plateau |a region of little or no change in a graphic representation
platitude |a banal, trite, or stale remark
platonic |purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
plaudit |An expression of applause.
plausible |superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious
playoff |
pleat |FOLD; especially :to arrange in pleats
plethora |EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY; also :PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE
pliable |a. supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b. Easily influenced, persuaded, or swayed; tractable.
pliant |easily influenced:YIELDING
plight |to put or give in pledge:ENGAGE
plodding |working laboriously and monotonously:DRUDGE
plot |1. a secret plan for accomplishing a usually evil or unlawful end:INTRIGUE 2. the plan or main story of a literary work
pluck |1. to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick 2. courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds:dogged reso
plumage |the feathers of a bird
plumb |to measure the depth of with a plumb
plummet |to drop sharply and abruptly
plump |having a full rounded usually pleasing form a plump woman
plurality |A majority.
polarize |to break up into opposing factions or groupings
polemic |the art or practice of disputation or controversy
polish |
polished |highly developed, finished, or refined PERFECT
politic |characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing
pollster |one that conducts a poll or compiles data obtained by a poll
Pollyanna |
pompous |having or exhibiting self-importance:ARROGANT
ponderable |significant enough to be worth considering:APPRECIABLE
ponderous |of very great weight
pontificate |to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way
porcelain |a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin,
pore |a minute opening especially in an animal or plant; especially :one by which matter passes through a membrane
porous |capable of being penetrated
portentous |eliciting amazement or wonder:PRODIGIOUS
portrait |PICTURE; especially :a pictorial representation (as a painting) of a person usually showing the face
poseur |a person who pretends to be what he or she is not:an affected or insincere person
posit |to assume or affirm the existence of:POSTULATE
posterity |the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
postscript |a note or series of notes appended to a completed letter, article, or book
postulate |to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary:depend upon or start from the postulate of
posture |to assume an artificial or pretended attitude:ATTITUDINIZE
pot |an enclosed framework of wire, wood, or wicker for catching fish or lobsters
potable |suitable for drinking
potboiler |a literary or artistic work of poor quality, producedquickly for profit
potentate |RULER, SOVEREIGN; broadly:one who wields great power or sway
potentiate |to make effective or active or more effective or more active; also:to augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically
pout |to show displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen expression
prairie |a large area of level or rolling land in the Mississippi valley that in its natural uncultivated state usually has deep fertile soil, a co
prate |to talk long and idly:CHATTER
preach |to deliver a sermon
precarious |characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
precedent |prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance
precipice |a very steep or overhanging place; dangerous position:CLIFF
precipitate |to bring about especially abruptly
precipitation |something precipitated:as a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow
precipitous |very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall
preclude |To make impossible, as by action taken in advance; prevent
precursor |one that precedes and indicates the approach of another
predecessor |one that precedes; especially:a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
preeminent |having paramount rank, dignity, or importance:OUTSTANDING
preempt |to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority:take precedence over
preen |to dress or smooth (oneself) up:PRIMP
preface |the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
pregnant |abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness:INVENTIVE
prejudice |an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
preliminary |coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else
premeditated |characterized by fully conscious willful intent and a measure of forethought and planning
preponderant |having superior weight, force, or influence
prepossessing |tending to create a favorable impression:ATTRACTIVE
preposterous |contrary to nature, reason, or common sense:ABSURD
presage |FORETELL, PREDICT
prescience |foreknowledge of events:a:divine omniscience b:human anticipation of the course of events:FORESIGHT
prescription |a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specifically:one for the preparation and use of a medicine
presentiment |a feeling that something will or is about to happen:PREMONITION
preservative |something that preserves or has the power of preserving; specifically:an additive used to protect against decay, discolorati
prestige |standing or estimation in the eyes of people:weight or credit in general opinion
presumptuous |overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy):taking liberties
pretense |an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
prevail |to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority:TRIUMPH
prevalent |generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored:WIDESPREAD
prevaricate |to deviate from the truth:EQUIVOCATE
prime |the earliest stage
primordial |existing in or persisting from the beginning
primp |to dress, adorn, or arrange in a careful or finicky manner
principal |most important, consequential, or influential:CHIEF
prissy |being prim and precise:FINICKY
pristine |not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization):PURE
privation |the state of being deprived; especially : lack of what is needed for existence
privilege |a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor:PREROGATIVE; especially :such a right or immunity a
probe |to make a searching exploratory investigation
probity |adherence to the highest principles and ideals:UPRIGHTNESS
proclivity |A natural propensity or inclination; predisposition
procrastinate |to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done
procure |to get possession of:obtain by particular care and effort
prod |to incite to action:STIR
prodigal |characterized by wasteful expenditure:LAVISH
prodigy |an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event
profane |to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt:DESECRATE
proffer |to present for acceptance:TENDER, OFFER
proficient |having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning
profligate |wildly extravagant:PRODIGAL
profusion |great quantity:lavish display or supply
proliferate |to increase in number as if by proliferating:MULTIPLY
prolix |marked by or using an excess of words
prolong |to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
prominent |readily noticeable:CONSPICUOUS
promote |to contribute to the growth or prosperity of:FURTHER
propagate |to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area:EXTEND
propensity |an often intense natural inclination or preference
prophetic |foretelling events:PREDICTIVE
propitiate |to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of:APPEASE, CONCILIATE
propitious |favorably disposed:BENEVOLENT
proposal |an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
prosaic |DULL, UNIMAGINATIVE,EVERYDAY, ORDINARY
proscribe |to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful:PROHIBIT
prosecution |the act or process of prosecuting; specifically:the institution and continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pur
proselytize |to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause
prospect |to search for or explore (a region) for mineral deposits or oil.
prosperous |enjoying vigorous and healthy growth:FLOURISHING
prostrate |stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission; also:lying flat
protean |displaying great diversity or variety:VERSATILE
protest |to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)
protocol |a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence
protract |to prolong in time or space:CONTINUE
protuberant |thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded mass:PROMINENT
provident |FRUGAL, SAVING
providential |Happening as if through divine intervention; opportune.
provincial |limited in outlook:NARROW
provisional |serving for the time being:TEMPORARY
provisory |containing or subject to a proviso:CONDITIONAL
provoke |to call forth (as a feeling or action):EVOKE
prowess |distinguished bravery; especially:military valor and skill
prowl |to move about or wander stealthily in or as if in search of prey
prude |a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum; especially :a woman who shows or affects extreme m
prudent |marked by circumspection:DISCREET
prudish |marked by prudery:PRIGGISH
prune |a plum dried or capable of drying without fermentation
pry |to look closely or inquisitively; also:to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry
psychology |the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity
pucker |to contract into folds or wrinkles
puckish |IMPISH, WHIMSICAL
puerile |CHILDISH, SILLY
puissance |Power; might
pulchritude |physical comeliness
pullet |a young hen; specifically:a hen of the domestic chicken less than a year old
pulverize |to reduce (as by crushing, beating, or grinding) to very small particles:ATOMIZE
pun |a joke using words with similar sounds or two different meanings:
punch |the sentence, statement, or phrase (as in a joke) that makes the point
punctilious |marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions
pundit |one who gives opinions in an authoritative manner:PANDIT, CRITIC
pungent |causing a sharp or irritating sensation; especially:ACRID
puny |slight or inferior in power, size, or importance:WEAK
purgatory |an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification; spec.:a place or state of punishment wherein according to Roman
purity |the quality or state of being pure
purlieu |a frequently visited place:HAUNT
purloin |to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust
pursue |to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, or defeat
purvey |to supply (as provisions) usually as a matter of business
pusillanimous |lacking courage and resolution:marked by contemptible timidity
quaff |to drink (a beverage) deeply
quail |to recoil in dread or terror:COWER
quaint |unusual or different in character or appearance:ODD
qualified |limited or modified in some way
quandary |a state of perplexity or doubt
quarantine |to isolate from normal relations or communication
quarry |1. one that is sought or pursued:PREY 2. an open excavation usually for obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone
quash |to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely
quell |to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity
quench |to cool (as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water)
querulous |habitually complaining
queue |a waiting line especially of persons or vehicles
quibble |to evade the point of an argument by caviling about words
quiescent |marked by inactivity or repose:tranquilly at rest
quip |a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
quixotic |foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially :marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chiva
quota |a proportional part or share; especially :the share or proportion assigned to each in a division or to each member of a body
quotidian |COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY
rabble |a disorganized or disorderly crowd of people:MOB
rabid |extremely violent:FURIOUS
racketeer |one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation
raconteur |a person who excels in telling anecdotes
racy |having a strongly marked quality:PIQUANT
raffish |marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness
raffle |a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances
rafter |any of the parallel beams that support a roof
rage |violent and uncontrolled anger
ragged |torn or worn to tatters
ragtime |rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment
rail |to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language
raisin |a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by artificial heat
rakish |of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : DISSOLUTE
ramble |to move aimlessly from place to place
rambunctious |marked by uncontrollable exuberance:UNRULY
rampart |a protective barrier:BULWARK
ramshackle |appearing ready to collapse:RICKETY
rancid |offensive in odor or flavor:RANK
rancor |bitter deep-seated ill will
range |a series of mountains
ranger |the keeper of a British royal park or forest
rank |offensive in odor or flavor; especially :RANCID
rankle |to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
rant |to scold vehemently
rapacious |excessively grasping or covetous
rapport |RELATION; especially :relation marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity
rapprochement |establishment of or state of having cordial relations
rapscallion |RASCAL, NE'ER-DO-WELL
rapt |wholly absorbed: ENGROSSED
rash |marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution
raspy |HARSH, GRATING
ratify |to approve and sanction formally:CONFIRM
ratiocination |the process of exact thinking:REASONING
ration |a food allowance for one day
rationalize |to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
raucous |disagreeably harsh or strident:HOARSE
rave |an extravagantly favorable criticism
ravel |to separate or undo the texture of:UNRAVEL
ravenous |very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification
raze |to destroy to the ground:DEMOLISH
reactant |a substance that enters into and is altered in the course of a chemical reaction
reactionary |relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially :ultraconservative in politics
ream |a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets
reap |to gather by reaping:HARVEST
reaper |one who harvests grain
reassure |to restore to confidence
rebellow |
rebuff |to reject or criticize sharply:SNUB
rebus |a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllable
recalcitrant |obstinately defiant of authority or restraint
recant |to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly:RENOUNCE
recapitulate |to repeat the principal points or stages of : SUMMARIZE
recessive |producing little or no phenotypic effect when occurring in heterozygous condition with a contrasting allele
recidivism |a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially :relapse into criminal behavior
reciprocate |to move forward and backward alternately
reckless |marked by lack of proper caution:careless of consequences
recluse |a person who leads a secluded or solitary life
recoil |to fall back under pressure
reconcile |to make consistent or congruous
recondite |difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend:DEEP
reconnaissance |a preliminary survey to gain information; especially :an exploratory military survey of enemy territory
reconnoiter |To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying, or geological purposes.
reconstitute |to constitute again or anew; especially :to restore to a former condition by adding water
rectify |to correct by removing errors:ADJUST
rectitude |moral integrity:RIGHTEOUSNESS
recuperate |to regain a former state or condition; especially :to recover health or strength
redolent |exuding fragrance:AROMATIC
redoubtable |ILLUSTRIOUS, EMINENT; broadly :worthy of respect
redress |to set right:REMEDY
redundant |exceeding what is necessary or normal:SUPERFLUOUS
reedy |
reel |a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound
refinery |a building and equipment for refining or processing (as oil or sugar)
reflective |marked by reflection:THOUGHTFUL, DELIBERATIVE
refractory |resisting control or authority:STUBBORN, UNMANAGEABLE
refresh |to restore strength and animation to:REVIVE
refugee |one that flees; especially :a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution
refulgent |a radiant or resplendent quality or state:BRILLIANCE
refute |to prove wrong by argument or evidence:show to be false or erroneous
regard |a feeling of respect and affection:ESTEEM
regenerate |restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state
regime |a government in power
regimen |a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient
regress |to tend to approach or revert to a mean
regression |A going back; a withdrawing or returning; (opposite of progression)
rehabilitate |to restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good management, or solvency)
rehabilitation |
rehearsal |a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance
reign |royal authority:SOVEREIGNTY
rein |to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins
reiterate |to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect
rejoice |to feel joy or great delight
relapse |to slip or fall back into a former worse state
release |to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude
relentless |showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace:UNRELENTING
relevant |having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand
religion |a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
relinquish |to give over possession or control of:YIELD
relish |characteristic flavor; especially :pleasing or zestful flavor
reluctant |Unwilling; disinclined:
remiss |showing neglect or inattention:LAX
remnant |a usually small part, member, or trace remaining
remodel |to alter the structure of:REMAKE
remonstrance |an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance; especially :a document formally stating such points
remorse |a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs:SELF-REPROACH
remunerate |to pay an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense:RECOMPENSE
rend |to split or tear apart or in pieces by violence
renounce |to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration
renovate |to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
repartee |a succession or interchange of clever retorts:amusing and usually light sparring with words
repatriate |to restore or return to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship
repeal |to rescind or annul by authoritative act; especially :to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
repel |to drive back:REPULSE
repertoire |the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for performance
replete |fully or abundantly provided or filled
reportage |the act or process of reporting news
repose |to take a rest
reprehensible |worthy of or deserving reprehension:CULPABLE
repressed |characterized by restraint
reprieve |to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
reprimand |to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of authority
reprisal |the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
reproach |an expression of rebuke or disapproval
reprobate |1. to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil 2. A morally unprincipled person.
reproof |criticism for a fault:REBUKE
reprove |to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent
reptile |Any of various cold-blooded, usually egg-laying vertebrates of the class Reptilia, such as a snake, lizard, crocodile, turtle, or din
repudiate |to refuse to accept; especially :to reject as unauthorized or as having no binding force
repugnant |exciting distaste or aversion;inconsistent.
repulse |to drive or beat back:REPEL
rescind |to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority:REPEAL
resentment |a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury
reserved |restrained in words and actions
resign |to give up one's office or position:QUIT
resilience |the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress
resin |a sticky substance found in some plants
resolute |marked by firm determination:RESOLVED
resonant |(adj.) resounding; re-echoing
resourceful |able to meet situations:capable of devising ways and means
respire |BREATHE; specifically :to inhale and exhale air successively
respite |A usually short interval of rest or relief.
resplendent |shining brilliantly:characterized by a glowing splendor
responsive |quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically: SENSITIVE
restive |marked by impatience:FIDGETY
restless |marked by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest
restore |to put or bring back into existence or use
restrain |to limit, restrict, or keep under control
resurgence |a rising again into life, activity, or prominence:RENASCENCE
resuscitate |to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness; also :REVITALIZE
retainer |a person attached or owing service to a household; especially :SERVANT
retaliate |to repay (as an injury) in kind
retard |to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment:IMPEDE
reticent |restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance
retinue |a group of retainers or attendants
retort |to pay or hurl back:RETURN
retouch |to alter (as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable appearance
retract |TAKE BACK, WITHDRAW
retreat |the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position
retrench |to cut out:EXCISE
retrieve |recover; find and bring in
retrograde |going backward; degenerating
retrospective |affecting things past:RETROACTIVE
revelry |noisy partying or merrymaking
revenge |to inflict injury in return for
revere |to show devoted deferential honor to:regard as worthy of great honor
revise |to make a new, amended, improved, or up-to-date version of
revive |to return to consciousness or life:become active or flourishing again
revoke |to annul by recalling or taking back:RESCIND
revue |a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances
rewarding |yielding or likely to yield a reward:VALUABLE, SATISFYING
ribald |CRUDE, OFFENSIVE
rickety |lacking stability or firmness:SHAKY
rider |a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object
ridicule |the act of exposing to laughter:DERISION, MOCKERY
rife |copiously supplied:ABOUNDING
riffraff |
rift |BREACH, ESTRANGEMENT
rigid |inflexibly set in opinioncircular:asymmetrical::protean:rigid
rigmarole |a set of confused and meaningless statements ; a long and complicated and confusing procedure
rile |to make agitated and angry:UPSET
riot |to indulge in revelry or wantonness
risible |arousing or provoking laughter; especially :LAUGHABLE
rite |a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony
rival |one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess
rive |to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces:REND
riveting |having the power to fix the attention : ENGROSSING, FASCINATING
rivulet |a small stream
robust |having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health
rodent |any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (as a mouse, a squirrel, or a beaver) that have in both jaws a si
roil |to stir up:DISTURB, DISORDER
roister |to engage in noisy revelry:CAROUSE
roster |a roll or list of personnel
rostrum |a stage for public speaking
rosy |characterized by or tending to promote optimism
rouse |to stir up:EXCITE
rubicund |having a healthy reddish color
rudimentary |Being in the earliest stages of development; incipient.
rue |to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for
ruffian |a brutal person:BULLY
ruffle |a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
ruminate |to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly ruminate:decidemuseful ;ruminative ;lamentable ;plaintive
rumple |FOLD, WRINKLE
run |an unbroken course of performances or showings,to be presented or performed for a continuous period of time
rupture |breach of peace or concord; specifically :open hostility or war between nations
ruse |a crafty stratagem; a subterfuge.
rustic |of, relating to, or suitable for the country:RURAL
rustle |
sabbatical |of or relating to the break or change from a normal routine
sabotage |
saccharine |overly or sickishly sweet
sacrifice |an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially :the killing of a victim on an altar
sacrilege |a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred beca
saddle |to place (an onerous responsibility) on a person or group
safeguard |a technical contrivance to prevent accident
sagacious |of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment:DISCERNING
salient |standing out conspicuously:PROMINENT; especially :of notable significance
salmon |a large anadromous salmonid fish (Salmo salar) of the No. Atlantic noted as a game and food fish
salubrious |favorable to or promoting health or well-being
salutary |producing a beneficial effect:REMEDIAL
salutation |an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or ceremony
salvage |to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
salve |an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
salvo |a simultaneous discharge of two or more guns in military action or as a salute
sanctify |to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use:CONSECRATE
sanctimonious |affecting piousness:hypocritically devout; also :indicative of affected piousness
sanction |to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
sanctuary |a place of refuge and protection
sand |to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (as sandpaper)
sanguine |CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC
sanitation |the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of sanitary conditions
sap |to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of
sapient |possessing or expressing great sagacity
sapling |a young tree; specifically:one not over four inches in diameter at breast height
sarcastic |given to the use of sarcasm:CAUSTIC
sartorial |of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly :of or relating to clothes
satiated |to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully or to excess
satire |a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
saturated |full of moisture:made thoroughly wet
saturnine |of a gloomy or surly disposition
saunter |to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner:STROLL
savanna |A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions.
savory |pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective seasoning
savvy |practical know-how
scale |a.an instrument or machine for weighing b.an estimate of the amount of sound lumber in logs or standing timber
scalpel |a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery
scan |to read or mark so as to show metrical structure
scanty |limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent
scarce |deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful or abundant
scare |to frighten especially suddenly:ALARM
scathing |bitterly severe
schism |a separation or division into factionsschism:consensus::interruption:continuity
scintillating |brilliantly lively, stimulating, or witty
scion |DESCENDANT, CHILD
scission |a division or split in a group or union:schism
scissor |a cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed
scoff |to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scooter |child's foot-operated vehicle consisting of a narrow footboard mounted between two wheels tandem with an upright steering ha
scorch |to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat:PARCH
score |the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation
scorn |to treat with scorn:reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy
scour |to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing
scowl |to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
scrap |discard;to abandon as no longer of enough worth to retain
scrappy |quarrelsome;having an aggressive and determined spirit
scrawl |to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly
screw |a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rota
scribble |to write hastily or carelessly without regard to legibility or form
script |the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast; specifically :the one used in production or performance
scrupulous |having moral integrity:acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper
scrutable |capable of being deciphered:COMPREHENSIBLE
scrutiny |a searching study, inquiry, or inspection:EXAMINATION
scuff |to scratch, gouge, or wear away the surface of
sculptor |an artist who makes sculptures
scurrilous |using or given to coarse language
scurvy |disgustingly mean or contemptible:DESPICABLE
scutter |to move with a clattering, scurrying sound
scythe |an implement used for mowing (as grass) and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle
secluded |Removed or remote from others; solitary
secrete |to form and give off (a secretion)
sedate |to dose with sedatives
sedentary |not migratory:SETTLED
seduce |to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty
sedulous |involving or accomplished with careful perseverance
seemly |conventionally proper:DECOROUS
seminal |containing or contributing the seeds of later development
seminary |A school, especially a theological school for the training of priests, ministers, or rabbis
sensation |a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) due to immediate bodily stimulation often as distinguished from awareness
sensitive |highly responsive or susceptible
sentinel |SENTRY:GUARD, WATCH; especially :a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (as a gate)
sepulchral |suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre:FUNEREAL, MORTUARY
sequela |A secondary consequence or result
sequester |to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration
seraph |one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God
sere |being dried and withered
serendipity |the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for
serenity |the quality or state of being shining bright and steady
serfdom |a member of a servile feudal class bound to the soil and subject to the will of his lord
sermon |a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service
serpentine |Of or resembling a serpent, as in form or movement; sinuousserpentine:directness::??
serrate |notched or toothed on the edge; specifically having marginal teeth pointing forward or toward the apex
serried |crowded or pressed together:COMPACT
servile |meanly or cravenly submissive:ABJECT
severe |rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement:STRINGENT, RESTRICTIVE
shackle |to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps:IMPEDE
shadow |to follow especially secretly:TRAIL
shaft |arrow or spear/smth long and narrow
shale |a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is compos
sham |an imitation or counterfeit purporting to be genuine
shard |fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where pottery-making peoples have lived
shelter |to constitute or provide a shelter for:PROTECT
shiftless |lacking in ambition or incentive:LAZY
shirk |to evade the performance of an obligation
shopworn |stale from excessive use or familiarity
shrewd |marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen
shrink |to recoil instinctively
shrug |to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty
shun |to avoid deliberately and especially habitually
shunt |to switch (as a train) from one track to another
shuttle |to cause to move or travel back and forth frequently
sidereal |of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations:ASTRAL
signal |distinguished from the ordinary
simpleton |a person lacking in common sense
simulate |to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive:IMITATE
sin |an offense against religious or moral law
sincere |free of dissimulation:HONEST
sinecure |an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income
sinew |solid resilient strength:POWER
singe |to burn superficially or lightly:SCORCH; especially :to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a fla
singular |distinguished by superiority:EXCEPTIONAL
sinister |singularly evil or productive of evil
sinuous |of a serpentine or wavy form:WINDING
sip |to drink in small quantities
siren |One of a group of sea nymphs who by their sweet singing lured mariners to destruction on the rocks surrounding their island.
skeptic |a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles
sketchy |wanting in completeness, clearness, or substance:SLIGHT, SUPERFICIAL
skimpy |deficient in supply or execution especially through skimping:SCANTY
skirt |to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy
skit |a brief burlesque or comic sketch included in a dramatic performance (as a revue)
skittish |easily frightened:RESTIVE
slake |SATISFY, QUENCH
slant |to present so as to conform to a particular bias or appeal to a certain audience
slate |a list of candidates for nomination or election
slew |a large number
slight |1. to treat with disdain or indifference 2. small of its kind or in amount:SCANTY, MEAGER
slink |to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame):STEAL
slippery |causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall
slipshod |wearing loose shoes or slippers
sloppy |wet so as to spatter easily:SLUSHY
sloth |disinclination to action or labor:INDOLENCE
slouch |to walk, stand, or sit with a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly stooping of the head and shoulders or excessive relaxati
sloven |untidy especially in personal appearance:slovenly
sluggard |an habitually lazy person
sluggish |averse to activity or exertion:INDOLENT; also :TORPID
slumber |to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state
slur |an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo:ASPERSION
sly |lacking in straightforwardness and candor:DISSEMBLING
smarmy |Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest; unctuous
smart |1. stylish or elegant in dress or appearance 2. a smarting pain; especially :a stinging local pain
smattering |superficial piecemeal knowledge
smirk |to smile in an affected or smug manner:SIMPER
smother |to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air
smug |highly self-satisfied
smuggle |to convey or introduce surreptitiously
snare |to capture by or as if by use of a snare
snarl |to cause to become knotted and intertwined:TANGLE To growl viciously while baring the teeth
sneer |to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
snob |one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or taste
snub |to treat with contempt or neglect
soak |to lie immersed in liquid (as water):become saturated by or as if by immersion
sober |marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor
sodden |heavy with or as if with moisture or water
solace |alleviation of grief or anxiety
solder |to unite or make whole by solder
solemn |marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety
solicitous |full of concern or fears:APPREHENSIVE
solidify |to make solid, compact, or hard
solitude |the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION
solvent |able to pay all legal debts
somber |of a dismal or depressing character:MELANCHOLY
somnolence |the quality or state of being drowsy:SLEEPINESS
sonata |an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements in contrasting forms and keys
sonnet |a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of fourteen lines that are typically five-foot iambics rhyming according to a prescr
soothe |to please by or as if by attention or concern:PLACATE,RELIEVE, ALLEVIATE
sop |a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or gesture
sophism |an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid; especially :such an argument used to deceive
sophistication |the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or disillusioned; especially :CULTIVATION, URBANITY
sophomoric |conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature
soporific |tending to dull awareness or alertness
sordid |marked by baseness or grossness:VILE
sound |SOLID, FIRM; also :STABLE
sparse |of few and scattered elements; especially :not thickly grown or settled
Spartan |marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort
spat |a brief petty quarrel or angry outburst
spate |a large number or amount
specialize |
specious |having a false look of truth or genuineness:SOPHISTIC
speck |a very small amount:BIT
spectator |one who looks on or watches
spectrum |a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component w
speculate |to meditate on or ponder a subject:REFLECT
spendthrift |a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
spent |drained of energy or effectiveness:EXHAUSTED
spindly |of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
spine |
spineless |
spiny |abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances:THORNY
spire |a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower
spleen |feelings of anger or ill will often suppressed
splint |material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a broken arm)
spoil |to pamper excessively:CODDLE
spoke |any of the small radiating bars inserted in the hub of a wheel to support the rim
spontaneous |arising from a momentary impulse
spoof |A gentle satirical imitation; a light parody.
sporadic |occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances
sprain |a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
sprightly |marked by a gay lightness and vivacity:SPIRITED
spur |to incite to action or accelerated growth or development:STIMULATE
spurious |outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities:FALSE
spurn |to reject with disdain or contempt:SCORN
squabble |a noisy altercation or quarrel usually over trifles
squalid |marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty
squall |a short-lived commotion
squander |to spend extravagantly or foolishly:DISSIPATE
squelch |to completely suppress:QUELL
squint |looking or tending to look obliquely or askance (as with envy or disdain)
stagnant |not advancing or developing
staid |marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint: SOBER, GRAVE
stalemate |a drawn contest:DEADLOCK
stalk |to pursue by tracking stealthily
stalwart |marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit
stamina |strength; staying power
stammer |to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking:HALT
stanza |a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme:STROPH
stark |rigid in or as if in death
startle |to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
static |characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression
stature |natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
status |relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige; especially :high prestige
steadfast |firmly fixed in place:IMMOVABLE
stealth |the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly
steep |to saturate with or subject thoroughly to
stench |to emit a strong offensive odor:STINK
stentorian |extremely loud
sterile |free from living organisms and especially microorganisms
stickler |one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of something
stiff |lacking in suppleness or responsiveness
stifle |to withhold from circulation or expression:REPRESS
stigma |a mark of shame or discredit:STAIN
stilted |POMPOUS, LOFTY
stingy |not generous or liberal:sparing or scant in giving or spending
stint |to be sparing or frugal
stipple |to engrave by means of dots and flicks
stipulate |To lay down as a condition of an agreement; require by contract.
stipulation |
stock |a store or supply accumulated; especially :the inventory of goods of a merchant or manufacturer
stockade |an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes
stodgy |BORING, DULL
stoic |not affected by or showing passion or feeling; especially :firmly restraining response to pain or distress
stolid |having or expressing little or no sensibility:UNEMOTIONAL
stouthearted |having a stout heart or spirit:STUBBORN
straggle |to wander from the direct course or way:ROVE, STRAY
strait |a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water b:a situation of perplexity or distress
stratify |to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata
stray |to wander accidentally from a fixed or chosen route
strength |degree of potency of effect or of concentration
striate |to mark with striations or striae
stricture |an adverse criticism:CENSURE
stride |to move with or as if with long steps
strident |characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound
strike |To form by stamping, printing, or punching:
stringent |marked by rigor, strictness, or severity especially with regard to rule or standard
strip |to remove clothing, covering, or surface matter from
strut |1. to walk with a pompous and affected air 2. a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length
stubborn |unreasonably or perversely unyielding:MULISH
studio |the working place of a painter, sculptor, or photographer
stultify |to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on
stun |to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow:DAZE
stunt |to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
sturdy |marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor
stygian |extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
stylus |an instrument for writing, marking, or incising
stymie |to present an obstacle to:stand in the way of
subdue |to conquer and bring into subjection:VANQUISH
subject |one that is placed under authority or control
subjugate |to bring under control and governance as a subject:CONQUER
sublime |lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner
submerge |to put under water
submissive |submitting to others
subordinate |placed in or occupying a lower class, rank, or position:INFERIOR
subpoena |a writ commanding a person designated in it to appear in court under a penalty for failure
subside |to tend downward:DESCEND; especially :to flatten out so as to form a depression
subsidiary |furnishing aid or support:AUXILIARY
subsidy |a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public
substantial |IMPORTANT, ESSENTIAL
substantiate |verify; support
subterfuge |deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade
subtle |difficult to understand or perceive:OBSCURE
subvert |to overturn or overthrow from the foundation:RUIN
succinct |marked by compact precise expression without wasted words
succor |to go to the aid of:RELIEVE
suffuse |to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light:FLUSH, FILL
suite |RETINUE; especially :the personal staff accompanying a ruler, diplomat, or dignitary on official business
sulk |To be sullenly aloof or withdrawn, as in silent resentment or protest
sullen |Gloomy or somber in tone, color, or portent
summary |an abstract, abridgment, or compendium especially of a preceding discourse
summit |TOP, APEX; especially :the highest point:PEAK
summon |to command by service of a summons to appear in court
sumptuous |extremely costly, rich, luxurious, or magnificent
sunder |to break apart or in two:separate by or as if by violence or by intervening time or space
supercilious |coolly and patronizingly haughty
superficial |of or relating to a surface
superfluous |exceeding what is sufficient or necessary:EXTRA
supine |exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially :mentally or morally slack
supple |easy and fluent without stiffness or awkwardness
supplement |something that completes or makes an addition
supplicate |to make a humble entreaty; especially :to pray to God
suppress |to put down by authority or force:SUBDUE
surfeit |an overabundant supply:EXCESS
surgeon |a medical specialist who practices surgery
surrender |to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand
surreptitious |done, made, or acquired by stealth:CLANDESTINE
surrogate |to put in the place of another:to appoint as successor, deputy, or substitute for oneself
suspend |to cause to stop temporarily
suspicion |a state of mental uneasiness and uncertainty:DOUBT
suture |to unite, close, or secure with sutures
svelte |SLENDER, LITHE
swagger |to conduct oneself in an arrogant or superciliously pompous manner; especially :to walk with an air of overbearing
swamp |a wetland often partially or intermittently covered with water; especially :one dominated by woody vegetation
sway |to fluctuate or veer between one point, position, or opinion and another
swear |to use profane or obscene language:CURSE
sweltering |oppressively hot
swerve |to turn aside abruptly from a straight line or course:DEVIATE
swill |to drink great drafts of:GUZZLE
swindle |to obtain money or property by fraud or deceit
swing |something that swings freely from or on a support; especially :a seat suspended by a rope or chains for swinging to and fro on fo
sybarite |VOLUPTUARY, SENSUALIST
sycophant |a servile self-seeking flatterer
syllabus |Outline of a subject, course, lecture, or treatise.
syllogism |a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion
symbioses |
sympathetic |given to, marked by, or arising from sympathy, compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions
symphony |a symphony orchestra concert
synergic |working together:COOPERATING
synopsis |a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise):ABSTRACT
synthesis |the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
tacit |expressed or carried on without words or speech
taciturn |temperamentally disinclined to talk
tackle |an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage for hoisting and pulling
tactile |perceptible by touch:TANGIBLE
tactless |marked by lack of a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
tag |a cardboard, plastic, or metal marker used for identification or classification
taint |to contaminate morally:CORRUPT
talisman |charm
tame |lacking spirit, zest, interest, or the capacity to excite:INSIPID
tamper |to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse
tangent |diverging from an original purpose of course:IRRELEVANT
tangible |capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch:PALPABLE
tangy |having or suggestive of a tang
tantalize |to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach
tantamount |equivalent in value, significance, or effect
tantrum |a fit of bad temper
taper |progressively narrowed toward one end
tapestry |a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial de
tardy |delayed beyond the expected or proper time:late
tarnish |something that tarnishes; especially a film of chemically altered material on the surface of a metal (as silver)
tarpaulin |a piece of material (as durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects or areas
tasty |strikingly attractive or interesting
tatty |rather worn, frayed, or dilapidated:SHABBY
taunt |to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner:jeer at
taut |having no give or slack:tightly drawn
tawdry |cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality; also :IGNOBLE
taxing |onerous, wearing
teal |
tear |to move or act with violence, haste, or force
tease |to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity without intending to satisfy it
tedious |tiresome because of length or dullness:boring
teeter |to move unsteadily:wobble
telling |carrying great weight and producing a marked effect:effective, expressive
temerity |unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition:rashness, recklessness
temperate |marked by moderation
tempestuous |of, relating to, or resembling a tempest
temporize |avoid committing oneself; gain time
tenable |capable of being held, maintained, or defended:defensible, reasonable
tenacious |persistent in maintaining or adhering to something valued or habitual
tendentious |marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view:biased
tender |offer; extend
tendinous |consisting of tendons:sinewy
tepid |moderately warm, lukewarm
terminus |either end of a transportation line or travel route; also :the station, town, or city at such a place:terminal
terror |a state of intense fear
testator |a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force
testimony |a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized publ
testy |easily annoyed:irritable
tether |to fasten or restrain by
theatrical |marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
theology |the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world
therapeutic |of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods
thorny |full of difficulties or controversial points:ticklish
threadbare |exhausted of interest or freshness
thrive |to grow vigorously:flourish
throng |to crowd together in great numbers
thwart |to oppose successfully:defeat the hopes or aspirations of
ticklish |touchy, oversensitive
tidy |neat and orderly in appearance or habits:well ordered and cared for
tiff |a petty quarrel
tightfisted |reluctant to part with money
tile |
timeworn |hackneyed, stale
timid |lacking in courage or self-confidence
timorous |of a timid disposition:fearful
tinge |to color with a slight shade or stain:tint
tinker |to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner:fiddle
tint |a variation of a color produced by adding white to it and characterized by a low saturation with relatively high lightness
tirade |a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly censorious language
toady |one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors:SYCOPHANT
tolerance |sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
tong |a secret society or fraternal organization especially of Chinese in the U.S. formerly notorious for gang warfare
tonic |increasing or restoring physical or mental tone:refreshing
tonsorial |of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber
topsy-turvy |being in utter confusion or disorder
torpid |sluggish in functioning or acting
torpor |a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility:extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function
torrential |caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrid |giving off intense heat:scorching
tortuous |marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns:winding
tourniquet |a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood flow
tractable |capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled:docile
trait |a distinguishing quality (as of personal character): peculiarity
transcend |to rise above or go beyond the limits of , to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of:overcome
transfigure |to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to:transform outwardly and usually for the better
transgress |to go beyond limits set or prescribed by:violate
transient |passing especially quickly into and out of existence: transitory
transitory |tending to pass away:not persistent
translucent |permitting the passage of light:clear, transparent
transparent |easily detected or seen through:obvious
travail |painful labor
traverse |to go or travel across or over
travesty |a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation
treacherous |characterized by or manifesting treachery:perfidious
treasurer |an officer entrusted with the receipt, care, and disbursement of funds
treaty |an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation
tremendous |notable by reason of extreme size, power, greatness, orexcellence
tremulous |such as is or might be caused by nervousness or shakiness
trenchant |vigorously effective and articulate
trepidation |timorous uncertain agitation:apprehension
trespass |to enter unlawfully upon the land of another
tribute |a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection; also :the tax levied f
trickle |to issue or fall in drops
trite |hackneyed or boring from much use:not fresh or original
triumph |a victory or conquest by or as if by military force
trivial |of little worth or importance
trophy |something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial
troupe |a company or group, especially of touring actors, singers, or dancers
truant |adj. ???,???,??? one who shirks duty; especially :one who stays out of school without permission
truculent |feeling or displaying ferocity:cruel, savage
trudge |to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously
truncate |to shorten by or as if by cutting off
truss |A rigid framework, as of wooden beams or metal bars, designed to support a structure, such as a roof.
tumult |disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices:commotion
turbid |deficient in clarity or purity:foul, muddy
turbulent |causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
turgid |excessively embellished in style or language:bombastic, pompous
turmoil |a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion
turncoat |one who switches to an opposing side or party; specifically :traitor
turret |a little tower; specifically :an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure
tutor |a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another
typo |an error (as of spelling) in typed or typeset material
ugly |offensive to the sight:HIDEOUS
unavailing |not availing:FUTILE, USELESS
uncanny |seeming to have a supernatural character or origin:EERIE, MYSTERIOUS
uncouth |awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior
unctuous |smooth and greasy in texture or appearance
underdog |a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
undermine |to weaken or ruin by degrees
underscore |line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
unexceptionable not open to objection or criticism:beyond reproach: UNIMPEACHABLE
unexceptional |not out of the ordinary:COMMONPLACE
unflappable |marked by assurance and self-control
ungainly |lacking in smoothness or dexterity:CLUMSY
unimpeachable |not impeachable:not to be called in question:not liable to accusation:IRREPROACHABLE, BLAMELESS
unkempt |deficient in order or neatness
unlettered |lacking facility in reading and writing and ignorant of the knowledge to be gained from books
unpalatable |
unpretentious |free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation:MODEST
unrequited |not requited:not reciprocated or returned in kind
unruly |not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed presumptuous : unruly
untenable |not able to be defended
untold |too great or numerous to count:INCALCULABLE, VAST
untoward |not favorable:ADVERSE, UNPROPITIOUS
untutored |
unwitting |not knowing:UNAWARE
unwonted |not accustomed by experience
upbraid |to reproach severely:scold vehemently
uphold |to support against an opponent
uproar |a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance
upset |to trouble mentally or emotionally:disturb the poise of
urbane |notably polite or finished in manner:POLISHED
urge |to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly
usurp |to take the place of by or as if by force:SUPPLANT
utter |to give public expression to:express in words
vaccinate |to inoculate (a person) with cowpox virus in order to produce immunity to smallpox
vacillate |to sway through lack of equilibrium:FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE
vacuous |marked by lack of ideas or intelligence:STUPID, INANE
vagary |an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
vagrant |one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support
vague |not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely
valediction |an act of bidding farewell
valiant |possessing or acting with bravery or boldness:COURAGEOUS
valid |logically correct
vanquish |to defeat in a conflict or contest
vapid |lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force:FLAT, DULL
vaporize |to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
variance |the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant: DIFFERENCE, VARIATION
varnish |to apply varnish to
vault |a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
vaunt |to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments:BRAG
veer |to change direction or course
vehement |marked by forceful energy:POWERFUL
venal |capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration:PURCHASABLE; especially :open to corrupt inf
vendor |one that sell especially as a hawker or peddler
veneer |a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an inferior wood
venerate |to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
vengeful |serving to gain vengeance
venial |of a kind that can be remitted:FORGIVABLE, PARDONABLE; also :meriting no particular censure or notice:EXCUSABLE
venom |poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly
ventilate |to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly:EXPOSE
veracious |TRUTHFUL, HONEST
verbatim |being in or following the exact words:WORD-FOR-WORD
verbose |containing more words than necessary:WORDY
verdant |green with growing plants
verdict |the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial
verify |to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of
vernacular |The standard native language of a country or locality
versatile |having many uses or applications
versed |acquainted through study or experience; knowledgeable or skilled
versemonger |
vertigo |a disordered state in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily
verve |the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance:VIVACITY
vessel |a tube or canal (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated
vestigial |a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed in comparison to one more fully developed in an
veteran |an old soldier of long service
veto |an authoritative prohibition:INTERDICTION
vex |to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to
viable |capable of living; especially :capable of surviving outside the mother's womb without artificial support
vibrant |oscillating or pulsating rapidly
vicarious |performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another:SUBSTITUTIONAR
vicious |having the nature or quality of vice or immorality:DEPRAVED
vicissitude |
victimize |to subject to deception or fraud:CHEAT
vigilant |alertly watchful especially to avoid danger
vignette |a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)
vigor |active bodily or mental strength or force
vilify |to utter slanderous and abusive statements against:DEFAME
vim |robust energy and enthusiasm
vindicate |to free from allegation or blame
vindictive |disposed to seek revenge:VENGEFUL
violate |to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of; specifically :RAPE
virility |the quality or state of being virile:a:MANHOOD b:manly vigor:MASCULINITY
virtuoso |an experimenter or investigator especially in the arts and sciences:SAVANT
virtuous |morally excellent:RIGHTEOUS
virulent |marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course
viscous |having a glutinous consistency:VISCID
visionary |incapable of being realized or achieved:UTOPIAN
vista |a distant view through or along an avenue or opening:PROSPECT
vitality |capacity to live and develop; also :physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed
vitiate |to make faulty or defective:IMPAIR
vitrify |to convert into glass or a glassy substance by heat and fusion
vitriolic |bitterly scathing; caustic
vituperative |uttering or given to censure:containing or characterized by verbal abuse
vivacious |lively in temper, conduct, or spirit:SPRIGHTLY
vivid |having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness:LIVELY
vociferous |marked by or given to vehement insistent outcry
vogue |popular acceptation or favor:POPULARITY
volatile |characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change
volition |an act of making a choice or decision; also :a choice or decision made
voluble |characterized by ready or rapid speech:GLIB, FLUENT
voluminous |having or marked by great volume or bulk:LARGE also :FULL
voluptuous |given to or spent in enjoyments of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications
vomit |an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the mouth; also :the disgorged matter
voracious |excessively eager:INSATIABLE
votary |a devout or zealous worshiper
vouch |to summon into court to warrant or defend a title
vulgar |lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste:COARSE
waffle |to talk or write foolishly:BLATHER
wag |WIT, JOKER
wan |suggestive of poor health:SICKLY, PALLID
wane |to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence
want |grave and extreme poverty that deprives one of the necessities of life
wanton |playfully mean or cruel:MISCHIEVOUS
wardrobe |a room or closet where clothes are kept:CLOTHESPRESS
warmonger |one who urges or attempts to stir up war:JINGO
warp |to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape; especially :to twist or bend out of a plane
warrant |to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate)
wary |marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in detecting and escaping danger
wastrel |one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently:PROFLIGATE
waterproof |impervious to water; especially :covered or treated with a material
watershed |a crucial dividing point, line, or factor:TURNING POINT
wax |1. to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing or stiffening 2. to increase in phase or intensity ,used chiefly of the moon, other sa
waylay |to lie in wait for or attack from ambush
weld |to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together or by hammering or compressing with or without pre
welter |to be in turmoil
wheedle |to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
whet |to make keen or more acute:EXCITE, STIMULATE
whiff |a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray
whimsical |resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially :lightly fanciful
wholesome |promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit
wicked |morally very bad:EVIL
wily |full of wiles:CRAFTY
wince |to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain):FLINCH
windbag |an exhaustively talkative person
windy |VERBOSE, BOMBASTIC
winnow |to remove (as chaff) by a current of air
winsome |generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence
wit |mental capability and resourcefulness:INGENUITY
witch |one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially :a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often w
withdraw |to remove (money) from a place of deposit;to become socially or emotionally detached
wither |to become dry and sapless; especially :to shrivel from or as if from loss of bodily moisture
withhold |to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing
wizen |to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality
wobble |to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or unsteadily and clumsily from side to side TREMBLE, QU
woo |to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with:COURT
wordsmith |a person who works with words; especially :a skillful writer
worldly |of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs
worship |extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
wrangler |a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses; broadly :COWBOY
wretched |(adj.) miserable or unhappy; causing distress
writ |a formal written document; specifically :a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarc
wry |cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous also having a bent or twisted shape or condition
yawn |to open the mouth wide usually as an involuntary reaction to fatigue or boredom
yield |to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another:hand over possession of
yoke |to join as if by a yoke
zeal |eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something:FERVOR
zest |keen enjoyment:RELISH, GUSTO
zigzag |one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course; also :something having the form or character of such a seri
zone |to arrange in or mark off into zones; specifically :to partition (a city, borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved fo
g some foods:ABSTENTION
al grays, white, or black

e into one's mind

element stickler

creation and appreciation of beauty

orized magistrateor officer

ion of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life

ons abouthuman existence

intermediate in many characters between fishes and reptiles and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults

wearer against evil (as disease or witchcraft) or to aid him

arison based on such resemblance

ent than a grandparent

 opponent's questionable financial dealings

lural of letters or figures

uding the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior bears four pairs of legs but
copies:PROTOTYPE; also :a perfect example

mptuous claims

ction of weapons

ing from a particular period

payment of debts
ess, specifically one qualified and licensed to act for plaintiffs and defendants in legal proceedings

r by the sacred or sublime

or window) as a shelter

repeated wanton attacks

pulsory removal from a country not necessarily one's own

ple often in honor of a person

uthor or the works referred to in preparing a document etc.)

ithout rotting

n obligation d:to constrain with legal authority

o support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle

s of a building

structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building

usurpation especially in public affairs

gram of water one degree Celsius that is equal to about 4.19 joules

sting layer serving as backgroundb:A brief but dramatic appearance of a prominent actor, as in a single scene of a motion picture.

ound, or executed
osition; a gentleman

moving moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects

e essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay) by firing at a high temperature

le tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability to change the color of the skin

he wearer's rank and service (as in the armed forces)

ht and shade without regard to color
adulterating available air

sis or interpretation

oints as possible

rests, views, or purposes

tate or activity

, or time of beginning

al dangers or deficiencies
ions usually at the sacrifice of principles

ut reservation

to God or to a priest

art and is competent to act as a critical judge

to a final destination or fate

in a court of law
aterial or intangible:SUBSTANTIAL

office without regard to their qualifications

adapted to amplifying systems
eum, zoo, or other place of exhibit

ten brings heavy rain

of human nature and motives
ast perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain level

other's wishes

portion in which they form water

o gain power

y, distribution, and vital statistics

functioning of c:to throw into disorder

r impressing an object or material
one's actions and one's beliefs

lief:DOGMA

ked by triviality or inferiority

uely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor

er or deaden sound)
one in the rear like a series of steps

hts and privileges

ompletely through it
to make a construction grammatically complete
cle about:ENCLOSE

vely a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject

e right of suffrage
often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
y that comments on or summarizes the main action; the concluding section of a musical composition:CODA

ce to its limits and validity

affection, or friendliness:ALIENATE

cy or refinement

uggest something unpleasant

y occupation of c:VACATE
lity:pardon:penalty

ion as to meaning or intent

e objectionable parts from before publication or presentation

andardized parts

ssible source of failure

case of collision
legislative assembly

ate out matter in suspension

aving a short stout usually conical bill adapted for crushing seeds

rect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed

ily in anticipation of discomfort

on an animal or in a vehicle

ument (as a check)

y classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
word or expression

y especially in language

e:NAIVE c:not fully qualified for or experienced in a particular function

REPROACH

uns after rains

moist but harden on drying and are salts of complex organic acids

tem or in response to drugs (as LSD)

supported by a post, and strings of graded length that are perpendicular to the soundboard
ng:PAINFUL

essional standing
s especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves into temperate latitudes

various seeds and fruits; also :one of the constituent parts

ecifically :having existence or effect only within the mind or consciousness

size or excellence

ual fulfillment by concrete measures

FORMLESS

articular region or environment

bit:INTRINSIC
cial viewpoint

by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

ebel not recognized as a belligerent

y to compel or prevent an action

marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
 from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view changes

he other's false conceptions conspicuous by adroit questioning

ute between two or more parties

e syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, varying degrees of improvisation, and often deliberate distortions of pitch and timbre
 humorous twist

djacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small foreleg

y to defy solution

CACY, PERPLEXITY

h to build up low-lying land

e; also :the mass that moves down

 or without the noose to tether grazing animals:LASSO

e from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

sing by operation of law

of 3 feet and lines 3 and 4 are of 2 feet with a rhyme scheme of aabba
rating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment
seed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usually pigments

urce of one candle intensity

derstood or recognized by the mind:OBVIOUS

; also :a document submitted for publication

d related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to

angement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or on a bedstead

cy may be furthered through conscious human effort.

 is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly :figurative language

her and weather forecasting

o prayer is cried by the muezzin

y:INTERMIX
d include important disease vectors

cally :ECDYSIS

at is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity

e independent variable or the subscripts of the terms increase :MONOTONIC

s in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of animals and to suck their blood and that are in some cases vectors of serious diseases

and forming part of an extended musical composition

??:?????9????????:

g fog or smoke

asonally and within a well-defined territory

 t of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW

s in astronomy);

or persuasion

mplexity of stanza forms

vil : INAUSPICIOUS

stral overtures and interludes; specifically :GRAND OPERA

n) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible;

ulsion of necessity
most of which have a thick skin

religious principle

ness and distrustfulness of others

mic effect or in ridicule; a poor or weak imitation

diced, and unreasoning allegiance

thing nonliving or nonmaterial

eceives aid from funds designated for the poor

e commission of a crime or public offense

on to do what has been promised under oath:false swearing perjury:deposition

permit liquids or gases to pass through

or discouragement

he worst possible outcome

Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress

acy of another substance (as a drug)

on) without crediting the source

ded, or swayed; tractable.

in story of a literary work

or continue against odds:dogged resolution
re that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and is fired at high temperatures
ough a membrane

y of (as a drug) synergistically

state usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall coarse grasses, and few trees

e to which another has succeeded

n of the facts.

vents:FORESIGHT
ation and use of a medicine

to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

especially :such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office

on, or branch of learning

inal suit involving the process of pursuing formal charges against an offender to final judgment

man who shows or affects extreme modesty

shment wherein according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God's grace may make satisfaction for past sins and so become fit

stone, slate, or limestone

omantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action

n or to each member of a body
emble the intended words or syllables in sound; also :a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols
 contrasting allele
into criminal behavior

y of enemy territory

er or persecution

e and maintain the health of a patient

nt formally stating such points

amage or loss suffered

snake, lizard, crocodile, turtle, or dinosaur, having an external covering of scales or horny plates and breathing by means of lungs.

g, insult, or injury
specially by compressive stress

ngs, and dances

 a beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge

uminative ;lamentable ;plaintive

s period of time

of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated to God

s or standing timber

edges to be opened and closed

ls tandem with an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel

ed to be inserted into material by rotating

tion or performance

an angle to a long handle

ften as distinguished from awareness of the

r laminated structure, and is composed of minerals essentially unaltered since deposition

ples have lived

usually by passing rapidly over a flame

e rocks surrounding their island.

d and shoulders or excessive relaxation of body muscles:DROOP
rms and keys
mbics rhyming according to a prescribed scheme; also :a poem in this pattern

used to deceive
lly :CULTIVATION, URBANITY

ugh a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order

pattern of meter and rhyme:STROPHE
rplexity or distress

the direction of its length

vantageous to the public

 cial business

with an air of overbearing

y woody vegetation

chains for swinging to and fro on for pleasure

d a conclusion

ity to others' emotions

th others or avoid offense

lly keeping it out of reach

acterized by complicated pictorial designs

a metal (as silver)

place:terminal

gation by a lawyer or authorized public official

God's relation to the world

h relatively high lightness

for gang warfare

s or stagnation of function
cts of:overcome
usually for the better

ce of protection; also :the tax levied for such a payment

s:commotion
HABLE, BLAMELESS

or visible means of support

ABLE; especially :open to corrupt influence and especially bribery:MERCENARY

r censure or notice:EXCUSABLE
ansmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging

n to one more fully developed in an earlier stage of the individual, in a past generation, or in closely related forms

tage of another:SUBSTITUTIONARY
gorged matter
y ,used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets

g or compressing with or without previous heating

ing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar:SORCERESS

sily from side to side TREMBLE, QUAVER

al in the name of the English monarch

g the form or character of such a series
y ordinance into sections reserved for different purposes (as residence or business
definitely prolonging life
anterior bears four pairs of legs but no antennae
motion picture.
es moves into temperate latitudes
rtions of pitch and timbre
alancing, and rather small foreleg
which covers the teats and serves to carry the
gurative language
ors of serious diseases
action for past sins and so become fit for heave
y means of lungs.