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 The Oxford Dictionary of

Synonyms
andAntonyms
THIRD EDITION

oxroRD
LTNIVERSITY PRESS
oxr.oRD
IJNIVERSITY ?RESS

Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, ox2 6DP

United Kingdom
Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford'
It furthers the University's obiective of excellence in research, scholarship,
and education by publishing worldwide. OxIord is a registered trade mark of
Oxford Universiry Press in the UK and in certain other countries
O Oxford University Press 1999, 2007, 20I4

The moral rights ofthe author have been asserted

Database right Oxford Universit) Press (maker)

First Edition published in I999

Second Edition published in 2007
Third Edition published in 2014
Impression: B

A1l rights reservecl. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored in

a retrieval systeln, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the
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above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University
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and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer

Published in the United States ofAmerica by Oxford University Press

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Data available
Libraryof Congress Control Number: 2013951374
ISBN978,0-19 870518-5
Printed and bound itr Great Britain by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon CRO4YY
 Contents

Introduction vii
Guide to the dictionary Lx

Labels xi
Abbreviations xiii
The Oxford Dictionary of Synonl,rns and Anton),rns I
Commonly confused words Centre section
Wordfinder Centre section
vii

Introduction

A dictior.rary of synonyms and antonvms contains lists of nords that have a similar
meaning to another lvord. it can help vou to express yourself more clearlv, find a word
that is on the tip ofyour tongue, or avoid repeating a Nord that you have alrearly used. It
can also be avery useful resource for crossu'ord puzzles and other rvord games.
Extra help is provided b1, the boxed Word Links words related in different ways to a
selection of key entries. Under bird, for example, you rvill find the n ords avian (meaning
'relating to birds') and ornithology (meaning'the study ofbirds').
New to this Third Edition are urords such as podcast, staycation, redact, chilled,
coruscating, nemesis, and disruptive (in the sense of innovative').
In addition, there is a useful centre section designed to improve vour knortledge of
the English language even further: a supplement of commonlv confused rvords explains
the crucial differences betlveen similar nords that are often mixed up, and a \vordfinder
section offers more sources of vocabulary in the form of thematic lists-from chemical
elements and clothing to phobias and florvers.
To explore Ianguage further, visit Oxfbrd Dictionaries Online at
uvrltq, letklictionatles.qe!!1. This free site, rvhich is regularly updated, allorvs r,ou
to search our largest dictionarv of current English, as rvell as dictionaries of French,
German, Italian, and Spanish. It also offers fascinating information on usage, grammar,
and writing, a \,Vord of the Dar,, a Ianguage blog, and more.
 Guide to the dictionary

Here is an explanation ofthe main features that you will find in this dictionary

Entryword .......
(known as a :ieiggfiri :, djective 1 brisht, vivid,
headword) vibrant, brilliant, radiant, gaudy, garish,
m u lticolou red,.p.:yth.ed9l.t gi infs ry C.l. . .. .. Example ofuse
Numbered sense
jazty.:.2:o colourful occount:vivid, . .

of the entry word

giJphic, lively, Jnimated, dramatic, '. \{ord closest in
fascinating, interesting, stimulating, meaning to the
scintillating, evocative. entry word
Words meaning .. ...- oPPoSITES drab, dull. (in bold t_vpe)
the opposite ofthe
entry word

Label shorving
the level of
horse noun mount, charger, c-o.b,.ttig,. English in which
Labels showing .. . .. . . hesl,, ggl!,.:!t ll!q1,. tl9.te,.!l!y.;; !,.Amg1 the follorving
bronco;iAustrol/AiZ:moke; informol :: : st nonym is used
the region ofthe
gee-gee.
world in which the
following synonyms WORD LINKS
are used equine relating to horses \\'ord links
equestrian relating to horse riding proIiding extra
yocabulart,
related to the
entrv rvord

ioot;1gr/n,t source, origin, cause, rea-

Different parts . . . . . son, basis, foundation, bottom, seat.
ofspeech ofthe 2 his lrish roots origins. beginnings.
entry word family, birth, heritage.
iO verb:rummage, hunt, search, rifle,
Phrase for n hich . . . .delye,.fp!-eS.e, dig, poke.
synonyms are given tr:root out:eradicate, eliminate, weed
out, de;tioy, wipe out, stamp out, abol-
ish, end, put a stop to.
 Labels

Most of the synonyms in this dictionary are parl of standard English, but some are used
only in certain contexts or types ofr,vriting. These are grouped at the end oftheir sense,
preceded by one of the followir.rg labels, as appropriate:
infurrnal normallv used onlv in speech or informal rvriting or email (e.g. barmy or gawp)
JorrnaL normally used onlv in h'riting, especially in official documents (e.g. dwelling)
dqted no longer used by most people (e.g. navvy)
old use not in ordinary use toda\., though sometimes used to give an old-fashioned effect
1e.g. comely)
historical only use d today to refer to th i ngs t hat are no longer part of nt od ern i ife (e. g. alms)
Iiterary found only or mainlv in u,orks of literature (e.9. plenteous)
technicoL: normally used only in technical language (e.g. occlude)
derogatory meant to conve_y a lorv opinion or to insult someone (e.9. pleb)

Geographical labels
English is spoken throughout the world, and while most of the words used in standard
British English are also used in other varieties, there are some words which are onlv found
in one t],pe of English. If a n-ord has the geographical label Brir. in this dictionar\,, this
means that it is used in standard British English but not in American English, although
it may be found in other varieties such as Australian English. The labels US and N. Amer.,
on the other hand, mean that the tvord is typically American and is not standard in British
English, though it may be found elsewhere.

Subject labels
These are used to shorv that a word or sense is connected \\.ith a particular subject or
specialist activit_v such as illedlcine or Computing.
xilt

Abbreviations used in this dictionary

Austral. Australian

Brit. British

Canad. Canadian

N. Amer. North American

NZ Nerv Zealand

US United States

Trademarks
This dictionary includes some rvords lvhich have, or are asserted to have, proprietary
status as trademarks or otherwise. Their inclusion does not imply that they have
acquired for legal purposes a non-proprietary or general significance, nor any other
.judgement concerning their legal status. In cases where the editorial staff have some
evidence that a word has proprietary status this is indicated in the entry for that word
b1, the label trademark, but no judgement concerning the legal status of such words is
made or implied thereby.
 Aa
abandon verbl he obondoned his freak, oddity, peculiarity, curiosity,
wife desert, leave, turn your back mistake.
on, cast aside, finish with, jilt, throw abhor verb hate, detest, loathe, despise,
over; lnformol walk/run out on, dump, shudder at: formol abominate.
ditch; literory forsal<e. 2 she hod
obondoned pointlng give up, stop,
- oPPoSlTEs love, admire.
have done with; informol pack in, quit; abhorrent odjectlve hateful, detest-
Brif. jack in.3 they obondoned the cor able, loathsome, abominable, repellent,
leave (behind), vacate, dump, quit, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, vile,
evacuate, discard, jettison.4 the porty odious, disgusting, horrible, horrid, hor-
obondoned those policies renounce, rifying, awful, heinous.
relinquish, dispense with, discard, give - oPPoSITES admirable.
up, drop; informolditch, scrap, junk; abide verb 1 (informol) lcon't obide
formol forswear. smoke stand, bear; Brif. informol slick.
- oeRosttrs keep. 2 one memory wil/ obide continue,
a noun uninhibitedness, recl<lessness, remain, survive, Iast, persist, live on.
lacl< of restraint, lack of inhibition.
o abide by comply with, obey,
- oPPoslTEs self-control. observe, follow, keep to, adhere to,
abate verb subside, die down/away/ stick to, go along with, heed, accept.
out, lessen, ease (off), let up, decrease,
abiding odjective enduring, lastin g,
diminish, fade, weaken.
everlasting, perpetual, eternal, unend-
- oPPoslTEs intensify.
ing, permanent.
abbreviate yerb shorten, reduce, cut,
contract, condense, compress, abridge,
ability noun 1 capacity, capability,
power, potential, faculty, facility,
summarize, precis.
wherewithal, means. 2 talent, skill,
- oPPoSITES lengthen, expand.
aptitude, expertise, savoir faire, prow-
abbreviation noun short form, con- ess, accomplishment, competence,
traction, acronym, initialism. pro{iciency, flair, gift, knack, genius;
abdicate verb resign, retire, stand informal know-how.
down, step down, renounce the throne. - OPPoSITES inability.
abdomen noun stomach, belly, gut, able odjective intelligent, clever,
middle; informol tummy, guts. talented, skilful, skilled, expert, accom-
WORD LINKS plished, gifted, proficient, apt, adroit,
adept, capable, competent; informol
abdominal, ventral relating to the
genius.
abdomen
- OPPOSITES incompetent.
abdominal odjective gastric, intestinal,
abnormal odjective unusual, uncom-
stomach, duodenal, visceral, coeliac,
mon, atypical, untypical, unexpected,
ventra l.
unrepresentative, irregular, anomalous,
abduct verb kidnap, carry off, seize, deviant, aberrant, freak, strange, odd,
capture, run awayioffwith, take hos- peculiar, eccentric, bizarre, weird,
tage; informol snatch. unnatural, perverted, twisted, warped;
aberration noun anomaly, deviation, informol f unny, freaky, kinky.
abnormality, irregularity, variation, - oPPostrES normal.
abnormality -+ absent

abnormality noun deformity, defect, o above all most importantly, most of

malformation, oddity, strangeness, all, chiefly, primarily, first and foremost,
irregularity, anomaly, deviation, essentially, in essence, at bottom;
aberration. informol at the end ofthe day, when all
abolish verb put an end to, get rid of, is said and done.
scrap, cancel, end, remove, dissolve, abrasion nounl graze, cut, scrape,
stop, ban; informoldo away with, axe, scratch, gash, laceration. 2 erosion,
ditch. wearing away/down.
abominable odjective loathsome, abrasive odjective 1 rough, coarse,
detestable, hateful, obnoxious, despic- harsh, scratchy, chafing. 2 curt,
able, contemptible, disgusting, revolt- brusque, sharp, harsh, caustic, grating.
ing, repellent, repulsive, repugnant, - OPPOSITES gentle.
abhorrent, reprehensible, atrocious, abridge verb shorten, cut (down),
execrable, foul, vile, wretched, horrible, edit, abbreviate, condense, compress,
awful, dreadful, appalling, nauseating; truncate, prune, summarize, precis.
informol terrible, shocking, Cod-awful; synopsize: (abridged) concise.
Brit. i nfo r mol beastly. - OPPOSITES extend.
- oPPostrES good, admirable. abridgement noun summary, synop-
abort verb the crew oborted the toke-off sis, precis, abstract, outline, r6sum6,
halt, stop, end, call off, abandon, di gest, cut-down version.
discontinue, terminate; informol pttll abroad odverb overseas, out of the
the plug on. country, to/in foreign parts, to/in a
abortion noun termination, foreign country/land.
miscarriage. abrupt odjective 1 sudden, rapid,
abortive odjective unsuccessful, failed, quick, hasty, unexpected, unantici-
vain, inefective, ineffectual, unproduc- pated, unforeseen, precipitate. 2 curt,
tive, futile, useless, unavailing. brusque, blunt, short, rude, sharp,
- OPPOSITES successful. terse, brisk, unceremonious.
abound verb be plentiful, be abundant, - oPPoSITES gradual, gentle.
be numerous, be thick on the ground; abscond verb run away, run off, escape,
informol grow on trees, be two/ten a bolt, flee, make off, take fllght, take off,
Penny. decamp; informol scarper, vamoose, do
about preposition regarding, conceTn- a bunk, do a runner.
inq, referring to, with regard to, with absence noun 1 non-attendance,
respect to, relating to, on, dealing with, absenteeism, truancy, leave, holiday,
on the subject of. vacation, sabbatical. 2 lack, want,
a odverb approximately, roughly, non-existence, unavailability, scarc!ty,
around, in the region of, circa, of the shortage, dearth.
order of, or so, or thereabouts, more - OPPOSITES presence.
or less; Brlt. getting on for; tV. Amer. absent odjective I away, off, out,
informolin the ballparl< of. elsewhere, off duty, on holiday, on
above preposition 1 over, higher (up) leave, playing truant; informol AWOL.
than, on top of, on. 2 superior to, 2 non-existent, lacking. missing.
senior to, over, higher (up) than, 3 distracted, preoccupied, inattentive,
more powerfulthan, in charge of, vague, absorbed, dreamy, faraway,
commanding. blanl<, empty, vacant.
- oPPoSITES below. - oPPostTES present.
a odverb overhead, on/at the top, high o absent yourself stay away, be
up, on high, up above, (up) in the sky. absent, go away, leave, withdraw.
 absent-minded -+ abysmal

absent-minded odjective forgetful, abstinence noun self-denial, self-

distracted, scatterbrained, preoccu- restraint, teetotalism, temperance,
pied, inattentive, vague; informol with a sobriety, abstemiousness.
mind/memory like a sieve. abstract odjective theoretical, con-
absolute odjective 1 obsolute silence I on ceptual, intellectual, metaphysical,
obsolute disgroce complete, total, utter, philosophical, academic.
out-and-out. outright, perfect, pure, - oPPostTES actual, concrete.
thorough, unqualifi ed, unreserved, a noun summary, synopsis, precis,
downright, unmitigated, sheer, unadul- r6sum6, outline, abridgement; N. Amer.
wraP-uP.
terated. 2 obsolute power unlimited,
unrestricted, unrestrained, infi nite, abstruse odjective obscure, arcane,
total, supreme, unconditional. 3 on esoteric, rarefied, recondite, difficult,
obsol ute ruler autocratic, d ictatoria l, hard, cryptic, over/above your head,
all-powerful, omnipotent, supreme. incomprehensible, unfathomable,
- oPPoSlrEs partial, qualified, limited. impenetrable.

absolutely odverb completely, totally, absurd adjective irrational, illogical,

inappropriate, ridiculous, ludicrous,
utterly, perfectly, entirely, wholly,
farcical, comlcal, stupid, idiotic, asinine,
fully, quite, thoroughly, unreservedly,
hare-brained, foolish, silly, pointless,
defi nitely, certainly, unquestionably,
senseless, preposterous; informol crazy,
undoubtedly, without (a) doubt, with'
cocl<eyed; Brit. informol barmy, daft .
out question, in every way/resPect, one
- OPPoSITES sensible.
hundred per cent.
abundance noun plenty, plentifulness,
absorb verb 1 soak up, suck up, draw plethora, profusion, exuberance, riot,
up/in, take up/in, mop up.2 engross, cornucopia, superabundance.
captivate, occupy, preoccupy, engage, - oPPostTEs scarcity.
rivet, grip, hold, immerse, involve,
abundant odjective plentiful, copious,
enthral, spellbind, fascinate. ample, profuse, large, huge, great,
absorbent odjective spongy, sponge- bumper, prolifi c, overfl owing, teeming,
like, porous, permeable. superabu nda nt ; informol galore.
absorbing odjective fascinating, - OPPOSITES scarce.
interesting. captivating. gripping. abuse verb 1 misuse, exploit, take
engrossing, compelling, compulsive, advantage of. 2 mistreat, maltreat,
enthralling, riveting, spellbinding; ill-treat, hurt, harm, beat, molest, inter-
informol unputdowna ble. fere with. 3 insult, be rude to, swear at,
- OPPOSITES boring. shout at, vilify, curse.
a noun 1 misuse, exploitation.
absorption noun 1 soaking up, suck-
2 mistreatment, maltreatment,
ing up.2 involvement, immersion, ill-treatment, molestation. 3 insults,
raptness, preoccupation, captivation, expletives, swear words, swearing,
fascination, enthralment. name-calling, lnvective, vilifi cation,
abstain verb refrain, desist, forbear, cu rses.
give up, renounce, avoid, eschew, abusive odjective 1 insulting, rude,
forgo, go/do without, refuse, decline; offensive. derogatory, delamatory,
informolcut out. slanderous, libellous. 2 violent, brutal,
abstemious o djective moderate, cruel, harsh, oppressive.
restrained, temperate, self-disciplined, - oPPostrES polite.
self-restrained, self-denying, sober, abysmal odjective terrible, dreadful,
austere, ascetic, puritanical, spartan. awful, appalling, frightful, atrocious,
- oPPoSlTEs self-indulgent. disgraceful, deplorable, lamentable;
 abyss + accommodating
iillll::t:rii:r.r informolrotten, pathetic, pitiful, woe- orthodox, agreed, approved, custom-
!,,,,,,,t,,,l,, ful, useless, lousy, dire, poxy, the pits; ary, normal, standard.
Brit. informol chronic, shocl<ing. - OPPOSITES unorthodox.
abyss noun chasm, crevasse, gulf, pit, access noun I o side occess entrance,
void. entry. approach. path, drive, way in.
academic odjective I educational, 2 they were denied occess admission,
scholastic. 2 scholarly, learned, Iiter- admittance, entry.
ary, intellectual, erudite, high-brow, accessible o dje ctive approacha ble,
bookish, studious. 3 theoretical, hypo- attainable, reachable, obtainable, avail-
thetical, notional, speculative, conjec- able, understandable, comprehensible,
tural, irrelevant, beside the point. intelligible; informol get-at-able.
a noun scholar, intellectual, don, pro- accessory noun 1 extra, add-on, addi-
fessor, man/woman of letters, thinker; tion, supplement, attachment, fitment.
informol egghead; Brit. informol boffin. 2 accomplice, abetter, collaborator,
academy noun college, school, univer- co-conspirator, henchman, associate.
sity, institute. accident noun 1 mishap, misadventure,
accelerate rzerb 1 speed up, go faster, disaster, tragedy, catastrophe, calam-
gain momentum, increase speed, pick ity. 2 crash, collision, smash, bump,
up speed, gather speed. 2 hasten, derailment; N. Amer. wreck; informol
quicl<en, speed up, further, advance, smash-up, plle-up; Brit. lnformol shunt.
expedite; informol crank up. 3 chance, fate, fortune, luck, good
lucl<, fl ul<e, coincidence.
- OPPOSITES decelerate, delay.
accent noun 1 pronunciation, accidental odjective 1 chance. coinci-
intonation, enunciation, articulation, dental, unexpected, incidental, fortui-
inflection. 2 emphasis, stress, priority, tous, serendipitous. 2 unintentional,
importance, prominence. unintended, unplanned, inadvertent,
unwitting, unpremeditated.
accentuate verb focus attention on,
- OPPOSITES intentional.
draw attention to, point up, under-
line, underscore, accent, hiqhlight,
acclaim verb praise, applaud, cheer,
commend, approve, welcome, hail,
spotlight, foreground, bring to the fore,
celebrate, eulogize; formol laud.
emphasize, stress.
- OPPOSITES criticize.
accept verb 1 receive, take, get, obtain, o noun praise, applause, tributes, plau-
acquire, pick up. 2 agree to, accede dits, approval, admiration, congratula-
to, consent to. acquiesce in. concur tions, commendation, eulogies.
with, endorse, comply with, go along - OPPOSITES criticism.
with, defer to, put up with, recognize,
ac€limatize verb adjust, adapt, get
acl<nowledge, admit. 3 believe, trust,
used, familiarize yourself, find your
credit, be convinced of, have faith in; feet, get your bearinqs; N. Amer.
informol buy, swallow. acclimate.
- OPPOSITES reject.
accommodate verb 1 refugees were
acceptable odjective satisfactory, ade- occommodoted in ormy comps lodge,
quate, reasonable, fair, good enough, house, put up, blllet, board.2 the
sufficient, tolerable, passable. cottoges occommodote six people hold,
acceptance noun 1 receipt, receiving, tal<e, have room for, sleep, seat.3 we
taking. 2 respect, acl<nowledgement, tried to accommodote her help, assist,
belief, toleration, consent, agreement, oblige, cater for, flt in with, satisfy,
assent. compliance. acquiescence. meet the needs of.
accepted odjective recognized, accommodating o dj ective oblig-
acknowledged, established, traditional, ing, cooperative, helpful, amenable,
 accommodation -+ accustom

hospitable, flexible. your own free will, of your own uo111;6n, ,111i:11!illl

accommodation noun housing, bychoice,willingly,freely,readily.'r:::ii:lrlilllri:

homes, lodging(s), (living) quarters, account noun 1 description, report,
rooms, billet, shelter, a roof over your version, story, statement, explana-
head; informoldigs, pad; formal resi- tion, tale, chronicle, narrative, history,
dence, dwelling, abode. record, log.2 financial record, ledger,
balance sheet, fi nancial statement;
accompaniment noun 1 o musicol
(accounts) books. 3 his background
occomponiment backing, suPPort,
background, soundtrack. 2 wine is o is of no occount importance, import,
good occomponiment to cheese comple- significance, consequence, value.
ment, addition, adjunct, accessory, s account for 1 explain, answer for,
give reasons for, justify. 2 constitute,
companion.
make up, comprise, represent, be
accompany verb 1 escort, go with, responsible for, produce.
travel with, keep someone company,
chaperone, partner, show, see, usher,
accountability noun responsibility,
liability, answerability.
conduct. 2 occur with, go along with
with, go together with, attend, be accountable odjective responsible,
linked with, go hand in hand with. 3 he liable, answerable, to blame.
occompanied the choir on the piono accumulate verb gather, collect,
back, play along with, support. amass, stocl<pile, pile up, build up,
accomplice noun partner in crime. store (up), hoard, lay in/up, increase.
abetter, accessory, collaborator, accrue, run up.
co-conspirator, henchman, associate; - oPPoSlTEs disperse.
lnformol sidekick. accumulation noun mass, build-up,
accomplish verb achieve, succeed in, pile, collection, stocl<, store, stockpile,
realize, attain, manage, bring off, carry hoa rd.
through, execute, effect, perform, accuracy noun correctness. precision.
complete. exactness, fidelity, truth, truthfulness,
accomPlished odjective expert, ski I led,
authenticity, realism.
skilful, masterly, virtuoso, master, accurate adjective 1 correct, precise,
proficient, polished, practised, consum- exact, right, factual, literal, faithful,
mate, talented, gifted, able, capable; true, truthful, on the mark, authentic,
informolmean, nifty, crack, ace. realistic; Brit. informolspot on, bang on;
N. Amer. informolon the money, on the
accomplishment noun 1 achieve-
button. 2 well aimed, on target, unerr-
ment, success, act, deed, exploit,
ing, deadly, true.
effort, feat, coup. 2 talent, skill, qift,
ability. accusation noun allegation, charge,
indictment, impeachment, claim, asser-
accord give, grant, present,
verb 1
tion, imputation.
award, confer on, bestow on. 2 corre-
spond, agree, tally, match, concur, be accuse verb 1 charge, indict, impeach,
in harmony, be in tune. prefer charges against, arraign.
- OPPoSITES disagree, differ. 2 blame, hold responsible, condemn,
a noun 1 a peoce occord pact, treaty, criticize, denounce; informol point the
agreement, settlement, deal, entente, finger at.
protocol. 2 the two sides foiled to reoch accustom verb adapt, adjust, acclima-
occord agreement, consensus, unanim- tize, habituate, familiarize, become
ity, harmony. reconciled, get used to, come to
- OPPOSITES disagreement. terms with, learn to live with; N. Amer.
o of your own accord voluntarily, of acclimate.
 accustomed -+ active

6i!::i1 accustomed adjective customary, acquit verb 1 clear, exonerate, find inno-
;r:ai::'established,habitual,usual,normal, cent, absolve, discharge, free, release;
regular, routine; /iterory wonted. informol let off (the hook). 2 the boys
ache noun pain, twinge, pang, soreness, ocquitted themselves razel/ behave, con-
tenderness, irritation, discomfort, burn- duct yourself, perform, act.
ing, throbbing, cramp. - OPPOSITES convict.
a verb hurt, be sore, be painful, be acrid odjective pungent, bitter, sharp,
tender, burn, be in pain, throb. harsh, stinging, burning.
achieve verb attain, reach, realize, bring acrimonious odjective bitter, angry,
off, pull off, accomplish, carrythrough, Tancorous, harsh, vicious, nasty, bad-
fulfil, complete, succeed in, manage, tempered, ill-natured.
eflect; informol wrap up, swing. act verb 1 take action, take steps, take
achievement noun 1 attainment, reali- measures, move. 2 behave, conduct
zation, accomplishment, fulfilment, yourself, react. 3 /'// oct os /ookout func-
implementation, completion. 2 feat, tion, work, serve, operate. 4 perform,
exploit, triumph, coup, accomplish- play, appear; informoltread the boards.
ment, act, action, deed, effort, work, a noun 1 deed, action, step, move,
handiwork. gesture, feat, exploit. 2 law, decree,
acid odjective 1 sour, acidic, tart, sharp, statute, bill, edict, ruling, order.
vinegary. 2 sharp, sharp-tongued, 3 performance, turn, routine, number,
catty, sarcastic, scathing, cutting, bit- sketch. 4 pretence, show, front,
ing, stinging, caustic; informol bitchy. facade, masquerade, charade, pose;
- OPPOSITES sweet. informol put-on.
acknowledge verb 1 admit, accept, acting o djective temporary, nteri m,
i

grant, agree, own, allow, concede, caretaker, pro tem, provisional, stop-
confess, recognize. 2 greet, salute, gap; N. Amer. informol pinch-hitting.
address, nod to, wave to, say hello to. - oPPOSITES permanent.
3 answer, reply to, respond to. action noun 1 deed, act, undertak-
- OPPOSITES deny, ignore. ing, feat, exploit, behaviour, conduct,
acquaint verb familiarize, make aware activity. 2 measures, steps, initiatives,
of, inform of, advise ol brief; informol activism, campaigning, pressure.
fill in on, clue in on. 3 operation, working, effect, influence,
acquaintance nounl a business process, power. 4 battle, combat,
acquointonce contact, associate, col- hostilities, fighting, conflict, active ser-
league. 2 my ocquointonce with George vice. 5 lawsuit, suit, case, prosecution,
association, relationship. 3 some litigation, proceedings.
ocquointonce with the longuoge famill activate yerb start (up), switch on,
arity with, knowledge of, experience turn on, set going, trigger (off), set off,
of, awareness of, understanding of, energize.
grasp of.
activeodjective 1 busy, lively, dynamic,
acquire verb get, obtain, come by, vigorous, sprightly, spry, mobile;
receive, collect, gain, buy, earn, win, tnformol on the go, full of beans.
come into, secure, pick up, procure; 2 hard-working, industrious, tireless,
informol gelyour hands on, get hold of, energetic, diligent, enthusiastic, keen,
land, bag, score. committed, devoted, zealous. 3 work-
- OPPOSITES lose. ing, operative, functioning, opera-
acquisition noun purchase, addition, tional, in action, in operation, in force;
investment, possession, accession: informol (up and) running.
informol buy. - oPPoSITES inactive.
 activity -+ adherent

activity noun 1 action, bustle, move- lover, devotee, afi cionado; informol
ment, life, hurly-burly; informol toing buff, freak, nut, fanatic.
and froing, comings and goings. 2 pur- addicted o djective dependent,
suit, occupation, hobby, pastime, recre- obsessed, xated, fanatical, passionate,
fi
ation, diversion, venture, undertaking, a slave to; informol hooked.
enterprise, project, scheme. addiction noun dependency, depend-
actor, actress noun performer, player, ence, habit, obsession, infatuation,
thespian, star, starlet; Brit. informol passion, love, mania, enslavement.
luvvy. addictive odjec tive habit-forming, com-
actual odjective real. true, genuine, pulsive; Brit. informal moreish.
authentic, bona fide, confirmed, defi- addition noun 1 adding, inclusion,
nite, hard, concrete; informolreal live. incorporation, introduction. 2 add-on,
- OPPoSITES imaginary. extra, adjunct, appendage, supple-
actually odverb really, in (actual) fact, ment, rider, addendum, postscript,
in point of fact, as a matter of fact, in appendix.
reality, in truth, if truth be told, to tell - OPPOSITES subtraction.
the truth. o in addition see additionally.
acute odjective 1 severe, dire, terrible, additional odjective extra, added,
grave, serious, desperate, urgent, supplementary, further, more, spare,
pressing. 2 excruciating, sharp, severe, other, new, fresh.
stabbing, agonizing, ra< king, searing.
3 quick, astute, shrewd, sharp, keen,
additionally odverb also, in addition,
besides, too, as well, on top (of that),
penetrating, razor-sharp, quick-witted,
furthermore, moreover, into the bar-
agile, nimble, intelligent, canny, dis-
gain, to boot, to say nothing of.
cerning, perceptive.
- oPPoSlrEs mild, dull. address noun t house, flat, apart-
ment, home, location, whereabouts;
adamant odjective unshakeable,
unwavering, unswerving, immovable, formol residence, dwelling, domicile.
2 speech, lecture, talk, presentation,
resolute, resolved, determined, firm,
dissertation, seTmon, oration.
dead set.
o rzerb speak to, talk to, give a talk
adapt verb 1 the policy con be odopted to, lecture, make a speech to, hold
modify, alter, change, adjust, remodel, forth to.
reorganize, customize, tailor ; informol
tweak. 2 he odopts well to new sur-
adept odjective expert, proficient,
roundings adjust, conform, accli matize, accomplished, skilful, practised, mas-
accommodate, get used, get accus- terly, consummate.
tomed, habituate yourself. - OPPOSITES inept.
add verb I attach, append, tack on, join adequate odjective t he hos odequote
on.2 they odded the figures up total, fi no nciol sufticient, enou gh.
resou rces

count (up), recl<on up, tally; Brlt. tot up. 2 on odequote servlce satisfactory,
acceptable, passable, reasonable, toler-
- OPPOSITES subtract.
o add to increase, augment, magnify, able, fair, average, not bad, all right,
amplify, enhance, intensify, heighten, middling; informol OK.
deepen, exacerbate, aggravate, com- - oPPoSITES insufficient, inadequate.
pound, reinforce. add up to amount adhere verb stick, cling, bond, hold.
to, come to, run to, make, total, equal, s adhere to abide by, stick to, hold to,
number. comply with, conform to, foilow, obey,
addict noun 1 abuser; informoljunkie, heed, observe, respect, uphold, fulfil.
druggy, -head, freak; N. Amer. informol adherent noun follower, supporter,
hophead. 2 (informal) enthusiast, fan, upholder, defender, advocate, disciple,
 adjacent + adore
rri:rli:]l:;r devotee, member. exemplary, worthy, deserving, respect-
iirlllii;:rll - oPPoslrES opponent. able, worthwhile, good, sterling, fine,
adjacent odjective adjoining, neigh- excellent.
bouring, next-door, abutting ; formol - oPPOslTEs deplorable.
contiguous. admiration noun respect, approval,
o adjacent to next to, by the side appreciation, (high) regard, esteem,
of, bordering on, beside, alongside, recog nition.
touching. - oPPOSITES scorn.
adjoining odjective connecting, con- admire verb 1 respect, think highly of,
nected, interconnecting, bordering, look up to, have a high opinion of, hold
abutting, attached, adjacent, neigh- in high regard, rate highly, esteem,
bouring, next-door. prize, approve of. 2 adore, love, wor-
adiourn rzerb suspend, break off, dis- ship, be taken with, be attracted to,
continue, interrupt, recess, postpone, idolize, hero-worship; informol carry a
put off/back, defer, delay, hold over. torch for, have a thing about.
adjust verb 1 modify, alter, regulate,
- oPPoSlTEs despise.
tune, fine-tune, balance, tailor, custom- admirer noun fan, devotee, enthusiast,
ize, rearrange, change, reshape; infor- aflcionado, supporter, adherent, fol-
mol tweal<. 2 she odjusted to her new life lower, disciple.
adapt, become accustomed, get used, admission noun 1 confession, acknowl-
accommodate, acclimatize, habituate edgement, acceptance. concession.
yourself, assimilate, come to terms disclosure, divulgence. 2 admittance,
with, fit in with; i\i. Amer. acclimate. entry, entrance, access, entr6e, accept-
adjustable odjective alterable, adapt- ance, initiation.
able, modifiable, variable, convertible, admit verb 1 Poul odmitted thot he wos
multiway, versatile. ongry confess, acl<nowledge, concede,
administer verb 1 manage, direct, grant, accept, allow, own, reveat, dis-
control, operate, regulate, coordinate, close, divulge. 2 he odmitted the offence
ronduct, handle, run. organize. govern, confess (to), plead guilty to, own up
steer. 2 dispense, issue, give out, to.3 let in, accept, receive, initiate,
provide, apply, offer, distribute, deliver, tal<e on.
hand out, deal out, dole out. - OPPOSITES deny.

administration noun 1 management, admittance noun entry, admission,

direction, control, conduct, operation, entrance, access, ent16e.
running, coordination, governance, - oPPoSlTEs exclusion.
supervision, regulation. 2 govern- adolescence noun teenage years,
ment, regime, executive, cabinet, teens, youth, later childhood.
authority, directorate, council, leader- adolescent noun teenager, youth,
ship, management, incumbency, term juvenile; informol teen, teeny-bopper.
of office. o odjective teenage, young, pubescent,
administrative o djective managerial, immature, childish, juvenile, infantile,
executive, operational, organizational, puerile; informol teen.
su pervisory, directorial, governmental, - OPPOSITES mature.
regu latory. adopt verb take on, embrace, take
administrator noun manager, up, espouse, assume, follow, choose,
director, executive, controller, official, endorse, approve.
coordinator. su pervisor. - oPPoSITES abandon.
admirable odjective commendable, adore verb love, be devoted to, dote on,
praiseworthy, laudable, creditable, cherish, treasure, prize, think the world
 adorn -+ advise

of, admire, look up to, revere, worship. - oPPoSITES disadvantageous. ,:il:t:rl'iiai]::i:

- OPPOSITES hate. adventure noun 1 exploit. escapade,
adorn verb decorate, embellish, array, undertal<ing, experience, incident.
ornament, bedeck, trim, enhance. 2 excitement, thrills, action, stimula-
- oPPOSITES disfigure. tion, risk, danger.
adriftodiective 1 lost, offcourse, drift- adventurous odjective 1 intrepid,
ing, disorientated, confused, (all) at daring, daredevil, bold, fearless, brave;
sea, rootless, unsettled. 2 (informol) informol gutsy. 2 risky, dangerous,
loose, free, detached, unsecured, perilous, hazardous, exciting.
u nfasten ed. - oPPoSITES cautious, safe.
adult odjective mature, grown-u p, fully adversary noun opponent, rival,
grown, fully developed, of age. enemy, nemesis, antagonist, chal-
- oPPOslTEs immature. lenger, contender, competitor, opposi-
advance verb 1 move forward, press tion, competitio n; literary f oe.
on, push on, attacl<, make progress, - OPPOSITES ally.
make headway, gain ground, forge adverse odjective 1 adverse weother
ahead. 2 the move advonced his coreer unfavourable, inclement, bad, poor,
promote, further, forward, help, aid, untoward, inauspicious, unpropitious.
assist, boost. 3 technology hos odvonced 2 odverse side effects harmful, danger-
progress, develop, evolve, mal<e ous, injurious, detrimental, deleterious,
strides, move forward (in leaps and inimical. 3 on odverse response hostile,
bounds), move on.4 lend, loan, put unfavourable, antagonistic, unfriendly,
up, come up with; Brit. informol sub. negative.
- oPPOSITES retreat. - oPPOslTEs favourable, benefi cial.
a noun 1 progress, (forward) move- adversity noun misfortune, bad luck,
ment, attack. 2 breakthrough, devel- trouble, difficulty, hardship, disaster,
opment, step forward, (quantum) leap. suffering, sorrow, misery, woe, trials
o odjective early, prior. and tribulations.
s in advance beforehand, before,
ahead of time, earlier, previously, in
advertise verb publicize, make public,
announce, broadcast, proclaim, trum-
readi ness.
pet, promote, market; informol push,
advanced odjective 1 state-of-the-art, plug, hype; N. Amer. informol ballyhoo,
modern, sophisticated, up to date, up flack.
to the minute, cutting-edge, new, the
latest, pioneering, innovative, progres- advertisement noun announce-
sive, trendsetting. 2 higher-level, ment, commercial, promotion, blurb,
higher, tertiary. write-up; informolad, push, plug; Brit.
informol advert.
- opPostTES primitlve, elementary.
advantage noun 1 upper hand, edge, advice noun guidance, counselling,
lead, sway, whip hand, superiority, counsel, help, direction, recommenda-
dominance, supremacy. 2 benefit, tions, guidelines, suggestions, hlnts,
value, good/strong point, asset, plus, tips, pointers.
bonus, boon, blessing, virtue, profit, advisable odjective wise, sensible, pru-
good. dent, expedient, politic, in your (best)
- oPPoSITES disadvantage. i nte rests.
advantageous odjective 1 superior. advise verb 1 counsel, give guidance,
dominant, powerful, fortunate, lucky, guide, offer suggestions, give hints/
favourable. 2 beneficial, of benefit, tips/pointers. 2 recommend, advocate,
helpful, of assistance, useful, of value, suggest, urge. 3 inform, notify, give
profitable, in someone's interests. notice, apprise, warn.
 adviser -r age 10

*i3*; adviser noun counsellor, aide, mentor, affirm verb declare, state, assert,
:Xl!:i3 guide, consultant, confidant, confi- proclaim, pronounce, attest, swear,
dante, guru. maintain, avow.
advocate noun champion, upholder, - OPPOSITES deny.
supporter, apologist, backer, promoter, affirmative o dj ective positive, assent-
proponent, campaigner, lobbyist; ing, consenting, approving, favourable.
N. Amer. booster. - OPPOSITES negative.
- OPPOSITES critic. afflict verb trouble, burden, distress,
a verb recommend, champion, beset, harass, worry, oppress, torment,
uphold, support, back, promote, cam- plague, bedevil.
paign for, urge, subscribe to, speak for,
argue for, lobby for. affluent odjective wealthy, rich, pros-
perous, well off, well-to-do, of means;
- oPPOSITES opPose.
informolwell heeled, rolling in it, made
affair noun 1 event, incident, episode, of money, loaded.
case, matter, business.2 business, con-
- OPPOSITES poor.
cern, matter, responsibility, problem;
Brit. informol lookout. 3 (affairs) trans- afford verb 1 pay for, find the money
actions, activities, dealings, undertak- for, run to, stretch to, stand, manage,
ings, ventures, business. 4 relation- spare.2 give, offer, supply, provide,
ship, romance, fling, dalliance, liaison, furnish, yield.
involvement, amour; informol hanky- afrald odjective 1 frightened, scared,
panky; Brit. informol carry-on. terrifi ed, fearful, nervous, petrified,
affect1 verb 1 influence, have an effect inti midated, cowardly, faint-hearted ;

on, have an impact on, act on, change, informolscared stiff, chicken; N. Amer.
alter, modify.2 move, touch, hit informol spooked. 2 reluctant, hesi-
(hard), make an impression on, upset, tant, unwilling, slow, shy. 3l'm ofraid
trouble, distress, disturb, shake (up). I'm /ote sorry.
affect2 verb put on, assume, take on,
- OPPOSITES brave, confident.

adopt, feign. alter preposition following, su bsequent

to, at the end of, in the wake of.
affectation noun pretension, preten-
tiousness, affectedness, artifi ciality, aftermath noun consequences, after-
posturing, airs (and graces); Bdt. effects, results, repercussions, upshot.
informol side. afterwards odverb later, later on, sub-
affection noun fondness, love, liking, sequently, then, next, after this/that, in
soft spot, tenderness, warmth, devo- due course.
tion, caring, attachment, friendship. agaln odverb once more, another time,
affectionate odjective lond, loving, afresh, anew.
adoring, devoted, caring, tender, against preposition opposed to, in
warm, friendly, demonstrative; informol opposition to, hostile to, antagonistic
touchy-feely, lovey-dovey. towards, unsympathetic to, at odds
- oPPosrrEs cold. with, in disagreement with; informol
aftiliate yerb associate, unite, combine, anti.
join (up), join forces, link up, ally, align, age noun 1 old age, maturity, advancing
amalgamate, merge. years, elderliness, seniority, senes-
affinity noun empathy, rapport, cence.2 era, epoch, period, time,
sympathy, accord, harmony, similarity, generation.
relationship, bond, closeness, under- a verb 1 mature, mellow, ripen, soften,
standing; informol chemistry. season, weather. 2 grow old, decline,
- OPPOSITES aversion. wither, fade.
11 agency -+ aide

agency noun business, organization, agree verb 1 concur, see eye to eye, be
company, firm, office, bureau. in sympathy, be as one, be unanimous.
agenda noun programme, schedule, 2 they ogreed to o ceosefre consent,
to-do list, timetable, plan. assent, acquiesce, allow, approve; formol
accede. 3 match (up), correspond, con-
agent noun 1 representative, inter-
form, coincide, fit, tally, be consistent;
mediary, middleman, negotiator,
informol square. 4 decide on, settle,
go-between, proxy, broker. emissary,
arrive at, negotiate, shake hands on.
envoy, spol<esperson, delegate; infor-
mol rep. 2 spy, secret agent, operative, - OPPoSITES disagree.
mole; tV. Amer. informal spook, C-man. agreeable odjectivel on ogreeoble
otmosphere pleasant, pleasin g, enjoy-
aggravate verb 1 worsen, make worse,
able, pleasurable, nice, appealing,
exacerbate, infl ame, compound.
relaxing, friendly, congenial. 2 on ogree.
2 (informol) annoy, antagonize, irritate,
oble mon likeable, amiable, affable,
exasperate, nettle, provoke, get on
pleasant, nice, friendly, good-natured,
someone's nerves; Brit. rub up the
sociable, genial. 3 willing, amenable,
wrong way; informolneedle, hack off,
in agreement.
get someone's goat; Brit. informolwind
up; N. Amer. informol tick off.
- OPPOSITES unpleasant.
- oPPostTES alleviate, improve. agreement noun 1 accord, concur-
rence, consensus, assent, acceptance,
aggregate noun total, sum, grand
consent, acquiescence. 2 contract,
total, combined score.
treaty, pact, concordat, accord,
aggression noun hostility, belliger- settlement, understanding, bargain.
ence, force, violence, attack. 3 correspondence, consistency,
aggressive odjective 1 oggressive compatibility, accord, similarity,
behoviou r violent, conf rontationa l, resemblance, likeness.
antagonistic. combative, pugnacious. - OPPOSITES discord, dissimilarity.
2 oggressive foreign policy warmon- agricultural odjective larm, farming,
gering, warlike, warring, belliger- agrarian, rural, rustic, countryside.
ent, bellicose, hawkish, militaristic, - OPPOSITES urban.
expansionist; informol gung-ho. 3 an
oggressive compoign assertive, forceful,
agriculture noun farming, cultivation,
pushy, vigorous, energetic, dynamic,
husbandry, agribusiness, agronomy.
audacious; informol in-your-face, feisty. WORD LINKS
- oPPostrES peaceable, peaceful. agrarian relating to agricullure
agile odjective 1 nimble, lithe, supple, aid noun 1 with the oid of his colleogues
graceful, flt, acrobatic, sprightly, spry.
assistance, support, help, backing,
2 alert, sharp, acute, shrewd, astute, cooperation, a helping hand.2 humoni
perceptive, quick. torion oid relief, assistance, support,
- OPPOSITES clumsy. subsidy, funding, donations, grants;
agitate verb 1 upset, fluster, ruffle, historico/ alms.
disconcert, unnerve, disquiet, disturb, - oPPoSlTEs hindrance.
distress, unsettle, worry, perturb, o verb help, assist, be of service,
trouble; informol rattle, faze.2 shake, support, encourage, further, boost,
whisk, beat, stir. promote, facilitate.
agonizing adjective excruciating, pain- - oPPOSITES hinder.
ful, acute, searing, severe, harrowing, aide noun assistant, helper, adviser,
tortu rous. supporter, right-hand man/woman,
agony noun suffering, torture, pain, adjutant, deputy, second (in com-
torment, anguish. mand), lieutenant.
 ailing -+ align 12

l:iltiil.iii: ailing odjective 1 ill, sick, unwell, sickly, danger signal, siren, bell, detector,
ii;;::tt::tiii1:i:ri:' poorly, weak, in poor/bad health, Sensor.
infirm.2 failing, weak, poor, fragile, - oPPostrEs calmness, composure.
unstable. o verb frighten, scare, panic, unnerve,
- oPPoslTEs healthy. distress, agitate, upset, disconcert,
ailment noun illness, disease, disorder, shock, disturb; informol rattle, spool<;
affliction, malady, complaint, infirmity; Brit. informolput the wind up.
informolbug, virus. alcoholic odjective intoxicating, strong,
aim verb t point,
he oimed the rifle hard, stiff, fermented, brewed, distilled.
direct, train, sight, line up.2 she oimed a noun drunkard, dipsomanlac, drunk,
ot the torgettake aim, fix on, zero heavy drinker, problem drinker, alcohol-
in on, draw a bead on. 3 this food is abuser; informol lush, alky, dipso, soak,
oimed ot children target, intend, direct, wino', Austrol.f NZ informol hophead.
design, tailor, market, pitch. 4 intend, alert odjective 1 vigilant, watchful,
mean, hope, want, plan, propose. attentive, observant, wide awake, on
o noun objective, object, goal, end, the lookout, on your guard/toes; lnfor-
target, design, desire, intention, intent, mol keeping your eyes open/peeled.
plan, purpose, ambition, aspiration, 2 quick-witted, sharp, bright, quick,
wish, dream, hope. perceptive, on your toes; informol on
aimless odjective purposeless, point- the ball, quicl< on the uptake, all there,
less, directionless, undirected, random. with it.
- OPPOSITES purposeful. - OPPOSITES inattentive.
air noun 1 breeze, draught, wind, gust/ o noun 1 vigilance, watchfulness,
puff of wind; literory zephyr.2 on oir of attentiveness, alertness. 2 warning,
defiance look. appearance. impression. notification, notice, siren, alarm, signal.
aspect, manner, tone, feel, atmos- o verb warn, notify. inform. apprise,
phere, mood. forewarn, put on your guard; informol
a verb 1 express, voice, make public, tip off.
articulate, give vent to, state, declare. alien o djective loreig n, u nfa m i I ia r,
2 ventilate, freshen, unl<nown, peculiar, exotic, strange.
fl":!:gg!_
WORD LINKS ' - oPPoslTEs native, familiar.
i."".'"1 rq.t,nq t!.il a noun 1 foreigner, foreign national,
non-native, immigrant, 6mig16, stran-
airless odjective stuffy, close, muggy, ger. 2 extraterrestrial, Ef; informol
humid, stifl ing. suflocal.ing. oppressive. little green man.
unventilated. alienate verb isolate, distance,
- OPPOSITES airy. estrange, cut off, turn away, drive
airy odjective spacious, u ncluttered, apart, set at variance/odds, drive a
liqht, bright, well ventilated, fresh. wedge between.
- oPPOSITES airless, stuffy. alienation noun isolation. detachment
aisle noun passage, passageway, lane, estrangement, distance, separation.
path, ga ngway, walkway. a,ightodjective burning, ablaze, on fire,
akin odjective similar, related, close, in flames, blazing, lit.
near, comparable, equivalent, con- align verb 1 line up, range, rank,
nected, alike, analogous. straighten, even up, arrange, coordi-
- oPPoSITES unlil(e. nate. 2 he oligned htmself with the work-
alarm noun 1 fear, anxiety, apprehen- ers ally, affiliate, associate, side,.join
sion, distress, agitation, consternation, forces, team up, band together, throw
fright, panic, trepidation. 2 warning, in your lot.
13 alike + almost

alike odjective similar, (much) the allocate verb allot, assign, set aside,
same, analogous, corresPonding, earmark, consign, distribute, appor'
indistinguishable, identical, uniform, tion, share out, dole out, glve out.
interchangeable; tnformol much of a allocation noun 1 allotment, assign-
muchness. ment, distribution, sharing out, doling
- OPPoSITES different. out, giving out. 2 allowance, allotment,
a odverb greot minds think olike consignment, quota, share, ration;
similarly, the same, correspondingly, i nform ol cut; Brit. informol whack.

analogously, identically. allow verb 1 permit, let, enable, author'

- OPPoSITES differently. ize, give leave, license, entitle, consent
aliveodjective 1 active, in existence, to, assent to, acquiesce in, agree to,
functioning, in operation, operative, approve; informol give the go-ahead
on the map. 2 alert, awake, aware, con- to, give the thumbs up to, OK, give
scious, mindful, heedful, sensitive. the green light to; formol accede to.
- OPPoSITES dead, unaware. 2 set aside, allocate, allot, earmark,
allay verb reduce, diminish, decrease, designate, reserve.
lessen, alleviate, assuaqe, ease, relieve, - oPPOsITES prevent, forbid.
soothe, soften, calm. allowance noun 1 allocation, allot-
- OPPOSITES increase, intensifY. ment, quota, share, ration, grant,
allegation noun claim, assertion, limit. 2 payment, contribution, grant,
charge, accusation, contention. handout, subsidy, malntenance.
allege verb claim, assert, accuse, con- all right odjective 1 satisfactory,
tend, state, declare, maintain. acceptable, adequate, passable, reason-
able; informol so-so, Ol(. 2 unhurt,
alleged odjective reported, supposed, uninjured, unharmed, in one piece, safe
so-called, claimed, professed, pur- (and sound), alive and well; informol
ported, ostensible, unProven.
OK. 3 permissible, permitted, allowed,
- OPPOSITES confirmed. acceptable, legal, lawful, authorized,
allegiance noun loyalty, faithfulness, approved, in order; informolOK, legit,
fidelity, obedience, adherence, devo' cool.
tion; histodco/ fealty. - OPPOSTTES unsatisfactorY.
- oPPoSlTEs disloyalty, treachery. a odverb satisfactorily, adeq uately,
alleviate verb ease, relieve, tal<e the fairly well, passably, acceptably, reason-
edge off, deaden, dull, lessen, reduce, ably, well, fine; lnformol OK.
moderate, allay, assuage, soothe, help, allude verb refer, touch on, suggest,
soften. hint, imply, mention (in passing),
- OPPOSITES aggravate. intimate.
alley noun passage, passageway, alley- allusion noun reference, mention, sug-
way, bacl<street, lane, path, pathway, gestion, intimation, hint.
walk. ally noun associate, colleague, friend,
alliance noun association, union, confederate, partner, suPPorter.
league, confederation, federation, - OPPOSITES enemy, opPonent.
syndicate, consortium, cartel, coalition, o verb unite, combine, join (up), join
partnership, relationship, marriage. forces, band together, team up, col-
cooperation. laborate, side, align yourself.
allied o djective associated, u n ited, almost odverb nearly, (just) about,
related, connected, interconnected, practically, virtually, all but, as good
linked, cooperating, in league, affili- as, close to, not quite; informol pretty
ated, combined, coupled, married. nearly/ much/well; /iterory well nigh,
- oPPoslTES unrelated, independent. nigh on.
alone -+ ambition 14

alone odjective & odverb by yourself, on be deor to me forever, for good, for
your own, unaccompanied, solo, single, eveTmore, for ever and ever, until the
isolated, solitary, lonely, deserted, end of time, eternally.
abandoned, friendless; Brit. informol on - OPPOSITES never, seldom.
your tod. amalgamate verb combine, merge,
-OPPOSITES accompanied. unite, join, fuse, blend, meld, mix,
alool odjective distant, detached, incorporate.
unfriendly, remote, unapproachable, - OPPOSITES separate.
reserved, unforthcominq, uncommuni- amass verb gather, collect, assemble,
cativ e: i nformol sta nd-offish. accumulate, stockpile, hoard.
- OPPOSITES friendly. amateur noun non-professional, non-
also odverb too, as well, besides, in addi- specialist, layman, layperson, dilet-
tion, additionally, furthermore, further, tante, dabbler.
moreover, into the bargain, on top (of o odjective non-professional, unpaid,
that), what's more, to boot. non-specialist, lay, unqualified, inexpe-
alter verb change, make/become dif- rienced.
ferent, adjust, adapt, amend, modify, - OPPOSITES professional, expert.
revise, rework, redo, transform; infor-
amateurish odjective incompetent,
mol tweak.
inept, inexpert, unprofessional, ama-
alteration noun change, adjustment, teur, clumsy, crude, second-rate: Brit.
adaptation, modification, amendment, informolbodged.
transformation.
amaze verb astonish, astound, surprise,
alternate verb 1 be interspersed, stun, stagger, nonplus, shock, startle,
follow one another, take turns, take it stop someone in their tracks, leave
in turns, oscillate, see-saw. 2 rotate, open-mouthed, dumbfound; informol
swap, exchange, interchange. bowl over, flabbergast; Brit. informol
o odjective every other, every second, knock for six; (amazed) thunderstruck,
a lternati ng.
at a loss for words, speechless; informol
alternative adjective 1 different, other, gobsmacked.
second, substitute, replacement, amazement noun astonishment,
standby, emergency, reseTVe, backup, surprise, shock, speechlessness, awe,
auxiliary, fallback; N. Amer. alternate. wonder.
2 unorthodox, unconventional,
nonconformist, radical, revolutionary, amazing od]ectiye astonishing, astound.
avant-garde; nformol oftbeat, way-out,
i
ing, surprising, stunning, staggering,
edgy. breathtaking. awesome, awe-inspiring.
o noun (other) option, (other) choice, sensational, remarkable, spectacular,
substitute, replacement. stupendous, phenomenal, extraordi-
nary, incredible, unbelievable; informol
altogether odverb 1 completely,
mind-blowinq ; /lferory wondrous.
totally, entirely, absolutely, wholly,
fully, thoroughly, utterly, perfectly, one ambassador noun envoy, emissary.
hundred per cent, in all respects.2 in representative, diplomat, minister,
all, all told, in total. consul, attach6.
always odverb t he's olwoys /ote every ambiguous odjective vague, unclear,
time, all the time, without fail, consist- ambivalent, double-edged, equivocal,
ently, invariably, regularly, habitually, inconclusive, enigmatic, cryptic.
unfailingly. 2 she's olways comploining - OPPOSITES clear.
continually, continuously, constantly, ambition noun I drive, determination,
forever, all the time, day and night; enterprise, initiative, eagerness, moti-
informol 24-7 .3 the ploce will olwoys vation, a sense of purpose; tnformol
15 ambitious + ancient

get-up-and-go. 2 aspiration, desire, please, charm, tickle; Brit. informal

dream, intention, goal, aim, objective, cracl< up, crease up.2 occupy, engage,
plan. busy, absorb, engross, entertain.
ambitious adjective 1 aspiring, deter- -oPPOSITES bore.
mined, motivated, driven, energetic, amusement noun 1 mirth, merriment,
committed, purposeful, power-hungry; hilarity, glee, deliqht. 2 entertain-
informol go-ahead, go-getting. 2 chal- ment, pleasure, leisure, relaxation,
lenging, exacting, demanding, formi- fun, enjoyment, interest. 3 activity,
dable, difficult, hard, tough. entertainment, diversion, pastime,
ambush verb surprise, waylay, trap, recreation, game, sport.
ensnare, attack, jump on, pounce on; amusing odjective funny, comical,
N. Amer. bushwhack. humorous, light-hearted, jocular, witty,
amend verb revise, alter, change, droll, entertaining, diverting.
modify, adapt, adjust, edit, rewrite, analogy noun similarity, parallel, cor-
redraft , rephrase, reword. respondence, likeness, resemblance,
amends p/urol noun correlation, relation, comparison.
o make amends for make up for, - oPPoSITES dissimilarity.
atone for, pay for, make good. analyse verb examine, inspect, survey,
o make amends to compensate, rec- study, scrutinize, investigate, probe,
ompense, indemnify, make it up to. explore, evaluate, break down.
amenity noun facility, service, analysis noun examination, inspection,
resource, convenience, comfort. study, scrutiny, breakdown, investiga-
amiable odjective friendly, affable, tion, exploration, evaluation.
amicable, cordial, good-natured, nice, analytical, analytic o djective system-
pleasant, agreeable, likeable, genial, atic, logical, scientific, methodical,
good-humoured, companionable. precise, meticulous, rigorous, investiga.
-OPPOSITES unfriendly, disagreeable. tive, enquiring.
amnesty noun pardon. reprieve, anarchy noun lawlessness, disorder,
forgiveness, release, dischar ge; informol chaos, pandemonium, mayhem, riot,
let-off. revolution.
amount noun quantity, number, total, - OPPOSITES order.
aggregate, sum, quota, size, mass, anatomy noun structure, make-up,
weight, volume. composition, constitution, form, body,
tr amount to 1 add up to, come to, physique.
run to; Brit tot up to. 2 constitute, ancestor noun forefather, forebear,
comprise, be tantamount to. predecessor, antecedent, progenitor,
ample odjective 1 enough, sufflcient, parent, grandparent.
adequate, plenty of, more than - oPPoSITES descendant.
enough, abundant, copious, profuse, ancestry noun ancestors, forebears,
lavish, liberal, generous; informal forefathers, progenitors, a ntecedents,
galore. 2 spacious. [ull, capacious. family tree, lineage, genealogy, parent-
roomy, voluminous, loose-fitting, age, blood.
baggy, sloppy.
anCient odjective 1 oncient civilizotions
- oPPoSlTEs insufficient. early, prehistoric, primeval, primordial,
amplify verb 1 make louder, turn up, primitive, bygone. 2 on oncient custom
increase, raise.2 expand, enlarge on, old, age-old, venerable, time-worn,
elaborate on, develop, flesh out. time-honoured, archaic, antique,
amuse verb 1 make someone laugh, obsolete. 3 I feel oncient antiquated,
entertain, delight, divert, cheer (up), antediluvian, geriatric; informol oul of
anecdote J annoyed 16

the ark; Brtt. informol past its/your sell- animate verb enliven, energize, invigor-
by date, superannuated. ate, liven up, inspire, fire, rouse, stir,
- OPPOSITES contemporary, recent. galvanize, stimulate, excite, move,
anecdote noun story, tale, urban myth, revitalize, revive, rejuvenate.
narrative, reminiscence; informol yarn. oodjective living, alive, live, breathing,
senti e nt.
angelic odjective innocent, pure, virtu-
ous, saintly, cherubic, adorable. - oPPoSITES inanimate.
anger noun annoyance, vexation, animated odjective lively, spirited,
energetic, full of life, excited, enthu-
temper, indignation, rage, fury, wrath,
siastic, eager, alive, vigorous, vibrant,
outrage; literory ire.
vivacious, exuberant, ebullient, bouncy,
o verb annoy. irk. vex, enrage. incense,
bubbly, perky; informol bright-eyed and
infuriate, rile, provol<e, outrage.
bushy-tailed, full of beans, bright and
- oPPostrES pacify, placate.
breezy, chirpy, chipper.
angle noun 1 gradient, slope, slant, - oPPoSlTEs lethargic, lifeless.
inclination.2 corner, point, fork, nook,
crook, edge.3 perspective, point of
animosity noun hostility, antipathy,
antagonism, Tancour, enmity, resent-
view, viewpoint, standpoint, position,
ment, hatred, loathing, ill feeling/will,
aspect, slant, direction, approach, tack.
dislike, bad blood, animus.
o verb tilt, slant, twist, swivel, lean,
tip, turn. - oPPoSITES goodwill, friendship.
angry odjective furious, irate, vexed,
annihilate verb destroy, obliterate,
eradicate, wipe out, wipe off the face of
wrathful, irked, enraged, incensed,
the earth; informol rub out, snuff out.
seething, infuriated, in a temper,
fuming, apoplectic, outraged, cross; - OPPOSITES create.
informol(hopping) mad, up in arms, announce verb make public, make
foaming at the mouth, steamed up, in known, report, declare, state, give out,
a paddy; Brit. informolshirty; A/. Amer. publicize, broadcast, publish, advertise,
informol sore. circulate, proclaim, release, disclose,
- oPPosrrES pleased. divulge.
tr get angry lose your temper, go announcement noun 1 statement,
berserk, flare up; informol hit the roof, declaration, proclamation, pronounce-
go through the roof, go up the wall, ment, bulletin, communiqu6; N. Amer.
see red, go off the deep end, fly off the advisory. 2 declaration, notiflcation,
handle, blow your top, blow a fuse/gas- reporting, publishing, broadcasting,
l<et, lose your rag, flip (your lid), have a disclosure.
fit, foam at the mouth, go ballistic; Brit. annoy verb irritate, bother, vex, make
informol qo spare, do your nut. cross, exasperate, irk, anger, antago-
anguish noun agony, pain, torment, nize, nettle, rankle with; Brlf. rub up the
torture. suffering, distress. woe, misery, wrong way; informol aggravate, peeve,
sorrow, heartache. miff, rile, needle, get (to), bug, hack
- oPPoSITES happiness. off, wind up: Brit. informol nark, get on
anima! noun I creature, beast, (liv- someone's wick; A/. Amer. informol tee
ing) thing; (animals) wildlife, fauna. off, ticl( off.
2 the man wos on onimolbeast, brute, - oPPoslTES please.
monster, devil, fiend; informol swine, annoyance noun irritation, exas-
bastard, pig. peration, vexation, indignation, anger,
WORD LINKS
zoological relating to animals
zoology study of animals
17 annoying + anxious

disgruntled, nettled; informol aggra- 2 look forward to, await, long for,
vated, peeved, miffed, riled, hacked can't wait for.
off, hot under the collar, narked, shirty; anticipation noun expectation, expec-
Brit. informalnot best pleased; N. Amer. tancy, prediction, hope, excitement,
informolteed off, ticl(ed off, sore. sus pen se.
annoying odjective irritating, infuriat- anticlimax noun let-down, disappoint-
ing, exasperating, maddening, trying, ment, comedown, non-event, disil'
tiresome, troublesome, irksome, vex- lusionment, bathos; Brif. damp squib;
ing, galling; informol aggravating. informol washout.
annual odjective yearly, once-a-year, antics p/urol noun capers, pranl<s, larl<s,
yearJong, twelve-month. high jinks, skylarking, horseplay, clown-
annually odyerb yearly, once a year, ing; Brit. informolmonkey tricks.
each year, per annum. antidote noun remedy, cure, solution,
annul verb declare invalid, declare countermeasure, corrective.
null and void, nullify, invalidate, void, antipathy noun hostility, antagonism,
repeal, revoke. animosity, aversion, animus, distaste,
anomaly noun oddity, peculiarity, dislike, hatred, abhorrence, loathing.
abnormality, irregularity, inconsistency, - OPPOSITES affinity, liking.
aberration, quirl<. antiquated odjective outdated, out-
anonymous adjective unnamed, name- moded, outworn, behind the times,
less, unidentified, unl<nown, incognito, old, old-fashioned, anachronistic,
unsigned. antediluvian; informol out ofthe ark,
answer noun 1 reply, response, rejoin-
superannuated, clu nl<y.
der, reaction, retort, riposte; informal - OPPOSITES modern.
comeback. 2 solution, remedy, way antique noun collector's item,
out, explanation. museum piece, period piece, antiquity.
- OPPOSITES question. o odjective antiquarian, old, collect-
o verb reply, respond, rejoin, retort, able, vintage, classic.
riposte. - oPPostTEs modern.
o answer for pay for, be punished for, antisocial odjective 1 ontisociol
suffer for, mal<e amends for. behaviou r objectionable, offensive,
answerable odjective accountable, unacceptable, disruptive, rowdy. 2 /'m
responsible, liable. feeling o bit ontisociol unsociable,
unfriendly, uncommunicative, reclusive,
antagonistic odjective hostile,
misanthropic.
opposed, antipathetic, ill-disposed,
resistant, in disagreement; nformol i
- OPPOSITES acceptable, sociable.
a nti. anxiety noun worry, concern, appre-
hension, unease, fear, disquiet, doubts,
antagonize verb provoke, intimidate,
nervousness, nerves, tension, stress,
alienate, anger, annoy, irritate.
angst; i nformol butterfl ies (in you r
- oPPoSlTEs pacify.
stomach), the jitters, collywobbles.
anthem noun hymn, song, chorale,
chant, psalm, canticle.
anxious odjective 1 worried, con-
cerned, apprehensive, fearful, uneasy,
anthology noun collection, selection, disturbed, fretful, agitated, nervous,
compendium, compilation, miscellany, on edge, worked up, jumpy, tense,
treas u ry. distraught; informol uptight, with
anticipate verb 1 expect, foresee, butterflies in your stomach, jittery,
predict, be prepared [or. bargain on. twitchy; N. Amer. informol antsy.2 she
recl<on on; N. Amer. informol figure on. wos onxious for news eager, keen,
apart -+ appetite 18

itching, impatient, desperate. aPParent odjective 1 evident, plain,

- OPPoslTEs unconcerned. obvious, clear, manifest, visible,
apatt odverb discernible, noticeable, perceptible,
tr apart from except for, but for, aside unmistakable, patent. 2 seeming.
from, with the exception of, excepting, ostensible, outward, superfi cial.
excluding, bar, barring, besides, other - oPPostrES unclear, real.
than; i nformol outside of. appeal verb ask, request, call, petition,
apartment noun 1 flat, suite, plead, entreat, beg, implore, beseech.
penthouse; Austro/. home unit. o appeal to attract, interest, fascinate,
2 suite (of rooms), rooms, quarters, please, tempt, lure, draw; informol float
accommodation. someone's boat.
apathetic adjective uninterested, indif- a noun 1 plea, request, petition,
entreaty, cry, call, cri de coeur.
ferent, unenthusiastic, unconcerned,
2 attraction, allure, charm, fascination,
unmoved, uninvolved, unemotional,
magnetism, pull.
lukewarm, half-hearted, unresponsive,
lethargic; informol couldn't-care-less. apPealing o djective attractive, en ga g -

- oPPoSITES enthusiastic. ing, alluring, enchanting, captivating,

bewitching, fascinating, tempting,
aPerture noun opening, hole, gap, slit, enticing, irresistible, charming; Brit.
slot, vent, crevice, chink, crack; techni-
informol tasty.
col orifice.
appear verb 1 become visible, come
apologefi c odjective sorry, reg ret- into view, materialize, turn up, show
ful, contrite, remorseful, penitent,
up.2 differences were beginning to
repentant. ppeor be revealed, emerge, surface,
o
- OPPOSITES unrepentant. manifest itself, become apparent/evi-
apologize verb say sorry, express dent, come to light, arrive, arise, crop
regret, ask forgiveness, ask for pardon, up, show up.3 they oppeored completely
eat humble pie. devoted seem, look, give the impres-
apology noun regrets, expression of sion of being, come acToss as, strike
regret. someone as.
o apology for travesty of. poor - OPPOSITES vanish.
imitation of, poor substitute for, pale appearance noun t her dishevelled
shadow of; informol excuse for. oppeoronce look, air, aspect, looks,
appal verb horrify, shock, dismay, mien, expression, behaviour. 2 on
distress, outrage, scandalize, disgust, op peo ro nce of respectobi lity impression,
revolt, sicken, nauseate, offend, make air, (outward) show, semblance, illu-
someone's blood run cold. sion, facade, front, pretence.3 occur-
appalling odjective 1 on oppolling crime rence, manifestation, emergence,
horrific, shocking, horrible, terrible, arrival, development, materialization.
awful, dreadful, ghastly, hideous, hor- appease verb placate, conciliate, pacify,
rendous, frightful, atrocious, abomina- mollify, reconcile, win over; informol
ble, outrageous .2 your schoolwork is sweeten.
o ppolling dreadful, terrible, atrocious, - OPPOSITES provoke.
deplorable, hopeless, lamentable; apPendix noun supplement, adden-
informal rotten, crummy, woeful, use- dum, postscript, codicil, coda, epi-
less, lousy, abysmal, dire; Brit. informol Iogue, afterword, tailpiece.
chronic, shocking. appetite noun t hunger, taste, palate,
apparatus noun equipment, gear, kit, stomach. 2 my oppetite for leorning
tackle, mechanism, appliance, device, desire, liking, hunger, thirst, long-
instrument, machine, tool. ing, yearning, passion, enthusiasm,
19 appetizing + apprehension

keenness, ea gerness; i nformol yen. aPPoint yerb nominate, name, des-

aPPetizing o dj ective mouth-watering, ignate, install, commission, engage,
inviting, tempting, tasty, delicious, co-opt, select, choose, elect, vote in.
flavoursome, toothsome, delectable; appointed odjective 1 scheduled,
informol scrumptious, scrummy, arranged, prearranged, specified,
yummy, moreish. agreed, designated, set, allotted, fixed.
applaud verb 1 clap, give a standing 2 furnished, decorated, fitted out,
ovation, put your hands together; infor- supplied.
mol give someone a big hand. 2 praise, appointment noun 1 meeting,
congratulate, commend, salute, wel- engagement, interview, consulta-
come, celebrate, approve of. tion, rendezvous, date, assignation;
- OPPOSITES boo, criticize. lil erary lryst. 2 nomination. naming,
appliance noun device, machine, designation, installation, commission-
instrument, gadget, tool, contraption, ing, engagement, co-option, selection,
apparatus, mechanism, contrivance, election. 3 job, post, position, situa-
labour-saving device; informol gizmo. tion, place, office.
applicable odjective relevant, appropri- appraisal noun assessment, evalua-
ate, pertinent, apposite, material, tion, estimation, judgement, summing-
fitting, suitable, apt. up, consideration.
-OPPOSITES inappropriate, irrelevant.
aPPreciate yerb 1 value, admire,
applicant noun candidate, interviewee, respect, think highly of, think much of,
contender, entrant, claimant, peti. be grateful for, be glad of.2 recognize,
tioner, prospective student/employee, realize, know, be aware of, be con-
job-seeker.
scious of, be sensitive to, understand,
application noun 1 request, appeal, sympathize with. 3 increase, gain,
petition, approach, claim, demand. grow, rise, go up, soar.
2 implementation, use, exercise. - OPPOSITES disparage, depreciate.
employment, execution, enactment.
appreciation noun 1 knowledge,
3 hard work, diligence, industry,
awareness, enjoyment, love, feeling,
effort, commitment, dedication,
discrimination, sensitivity. 2 gratitude,
devotion, perseverance, persistence,
thanks, gratefulness. 3 acknowl-
concentration.
edgement, recognition, realization,
apply verbl 300 people opplied forthe knowledge. awareness, consciousness,
job put in, bid, try, audition, seek,
understanding. 4 review, critique,
solicit, claim, request, ask, petition. criticism, analysis, assessment, evalu-
2 the Act did not opply to Scotlond be ation, judgement; Brit. informol crit.
relevant, pertain, appertain, relate, 5 increase, gain, growth, rise, inflation,
concern, afect, involve, cover, touch, esca latio n.
deal with, have a bearing on. 3 imple-
- OPPOSITES ingratitude, depreciation.
ment, put into practice, introduce.
4 put on, rub in/on, work in, spread, appreciative odjective 1 we ore
smear on, slap on. 5 exert, administer, oppreciotive of your support grateful,
use, exercise, employ, utilize, bring to thankful, obliged, indebted. 2 on oppre-
bear. ciotive o udience admiring, enthusiastic,
o apply yourself work hard, exert approving, complimentary.
yourself, make an effort, be industrious, aPprehension noun 1 anxiety, worry,
show dedication, buckle down, per- unease. nervousness. nerves, misgiv-
severe, persist, concentrate; informol ings, disquiet, concern, trepidation.
put your back into it, knuckle down, 2 arrest, capture, seizure, detention.
get stuck in. - OPPOSITES confidence.
apprehensive + architect 20

apprehensive odiective anxious, authorize, validate, pass, rubber-stamp;

worried, uneasy, nervous, concerned, informol give the go-ahead to, give the
fearful. green light to, give the OK to, give the
- oPPOSITES confident. thumbs-up to.
apPrentice noun trainee, learner, pro- - OPPOSITES refuse.
bationer, novice, beginner, tyro, starter, tr approve of agree with, hold with,
pupil, student; informol rookie; N. Amer. endorse, support, be in favour of,
informol tenderfoot, greenhorn. favour, think well of, like, tal<e kindly to,
admire.
- oPPoslTEs veteran.
approach verb 1 move towards, near, approximate odjective esti mated,
come near, close in on, close with, gain rough, imprecise, inexact, broad, loose;
N. Amer. informol ball park.
on. 2 speak to, talk to, sound out,
make a proposal to, proposition, appeal - oPPostTES precise.
to. 3 tackle, address, manage, set o approximate to roughlY equal,
about, go about, start work on. come near/close to, approach, border
on, verge on, resemble, be similar to.
- OPPOSITES leave.
a noun 1 method, Procedure, tech- approximately odverb roughly, about,
nique, modus operandi, stYle, waY, around, circa, round about, more or
strategy, tactic, system, means, line less, nearly, almost, approaching ;

oI action. 2 proposal, submission. Brlt. getting on for informol pushing ;

application, appeal, plea, request, over- N. Amer. informolin the ballpark of.
ture, proposition. 3 advance, arrival, aptodjective 1 suitable, fitting, appro-
appearance. 4 drivewaY, drive, road, priate, relevant, apposite, felicitous;
path, entry, way. Brit. informalspot on.2 inclined, given,
apProachabl e odiective 1 friendly, likely, liable, prone. 3 clever, quick,
welcoming, pleasant, agreeable, affa- bright, sharp, smart, able, gifted,
ble, sympathetic, congenial. 2 acces- talented; informol genius.
sible, reachable, attainable; informol - oPPoSlTEs inappropriate.
get-at-able. aptitude noun talent, gift, flair, bent,
- oPPostrES aloof, inaccessible. skill, knack, facility, ability, capability,
aPPropriate odiective suitable, proper, potential, capacity, facu lty.
fitting, seemly, apt, right, convenient, arbitrary odjective random, u npredict-
opportune, relevant, apposite. able, capricious, subjective, whimsical,
- OPPOSITES inaPProPriate. wanton, motiveless, irrational, ground-
a verb seize, commandeer, requisition, less, unjustified.
expropriate, usurp, take over, hijack, arbitration noun adjudication,
steal; informol swipe, nab; Brit. informol judgement, mediation, conciliation,
pinch, nick.
intervention.
aPProval noun 1 accePtance, agree- arbitrator noun adjudicator, arbiter,
ment, (onsent. assent. permission, judge, referee, umpire, mediator,
rubber stamp, sanction, blessing, go-between.
endorsement, ratifi cation, authoriza-
tion; informol the go-ahead, the green arc noun curve, arch, bow, curl, cres-
light, the OK, the thumbs up. 2 favour, cent, semicircle, half-moon.
liking, appreciation, admiration, arch noun archway, vault, span.
regard, esteem, respect. a verb curve, arc, bend, bow, crook,
- oPPostTES refusal, disapproval. hunch.
approve verb agree to, accept, con- architect noun designer, planner,
sent to, assent to, give your blessing originator, author, creator, founder,
to, bless, ratify, sanction, endorse, inventor.
 21 architecture + around

architecture noun building, planning, arise yerb 1 mony problems orose come
design, construction. about, happen, occur, come into
archive noun 1 the fomily orchives being, emerge, crop up, come to light,
records, papers, documents, files, become apparent, appear, turn up,
annals, chronicles, history.2 the surface, spring up. 2 injuries orising
Notionol Sound Archiye record office, from defective products result, stem,
registry, repository, museum, library. originate, proceed, follow, ensue, be
a verb file,log, catalogue, document, caused by.
record, register, store. aristocrat noun nobleman, noble-
ardent odjectlve passionate, fervent, woman, lord, lady, peer (of the realm),
zealous, wholehearted, intense, flerce, patrician; informol aristo; Brit informol
enthusiastic, keen, eager, avid, commit toff, nob.
ted, dedicated. - OPPOSITES commoner-
- OPPOSITES apathetic. aristocratic odjective noble, titled,
arduous odjective tough. difficult, hard, upper-class, blue-blooded, high-born,
heavy, laborious, onerous, taxing, patrician; informol upper crust, top
strenuous, back-breaking, demanding, drawer; Brit. informol posh.
challenging, punishing, gruelling; infor- - OPPOSITES common.
mol l<illing; Brit. informol knackering.
- OPPOSITES easy.
arm verb equip, provide, supply, furnish,
issue, fit out.
area noun 1 district, zone, region,
sector, quarter, locality, neighbour- armaments plurol noun arms,
hood; informol neck of the woods; weapons, weaponry, firearms, guns,
Brit. informol manor; iV. Amer. informol ordnance, artillery, munitions, materiel.
turf. 2 the dining oreo space, section, armistice noun truce, ceasefire, peace,
part, place, room, footprint. S specific suspension of hostilities.
oreos of knowledge field, sphere, realm,
armoured o dj ective armour-plated,
domain, sector, province, territory.
steel-plated, ironclad, bulletproof,
arena noun 1 stadium, amphitheatre, bombproof, reinforced, toug hened.
ground, field, ring, rinl<, pitch, court;
N. Amer. bowl, park. 2 scene, sphere,
arms p/urol noun weapons, weaponry,
firearms, guns, ordnance, artillery,
realm, province, domain, forum, terri-
armaments, munitions.
tory, world.
argue verb 1 claim, maintain, insist, army noun 1 armed force, military
contend, assert, hold, reason, allege. force, land force(s), military, soldiery,
2 quarrel, disagree, dispute, row, infantry, militia, troops, soldiers. 2 on
squabble, bicker, have words, cross ormyof tourists crowd, swarm, horde,
swords, fight, wrangle. mob, gang, throng, mass, flock, herd,
pacl<.
argument noun 1 quarrel, disagree-
ment, difference of opinion, squabble, WORD LINKS-
dispute, altercation, fi ght, wrangle; military, martial relating to armies
Brit. row; informolslanging match, tiff,
set-to; Brit informol barney.2 reason- aroma noun smell, odour, fragrance,
ing, justification. explanation, case, scent, perfume, bouquet, nose.
defence, vindication, evidence, Teasons, aromatic o dj ectiv e tragrant, scented,
grounds. perfumed, fragranced.
arid odjective dry, waterless, parched, around preposition 1 surrounding,
scorched, desiccated, desert, barren, enclosing, on all sides of. 2 approxi-
infertile. mately, about, round about, circa,
- OPPOSITES wet, fertile. roughly, more or less, nearly, almost,
 22
arouse -+ ashamed

approaching; Brit. getting on for; arrogant odjective haughty, conceited,

N. Amer. informolin the ballpark of. self-important, cocky, supercilious, con-
arouse verb 1 provoke, trigger, stir descending, full of yourself, overbear-
up, engender, cause, whiP uP, rouse, ing, imperious, proud; informol high
inflame, agitate, incite, galvanize, elec' and mighty, too big for your boots.
trify, stimulate, inspire, fire up. 2 wake - oPPostTES modest.
(up), awaken, bring to/round, rouse. art noun I fine art, design, artwork, aes-
- oeeosttrs allay. thetics. 2 skill, craft, technique, knack,
arrange verb I set out, (put in) order, facility, aptitude, talent, flair, mastery,
lay out, align, position, present, display, expertise.
exhibit, group, sort, organize, tidY. article noun 1 object, thing, item, piece,
2 organize, fix (up), plan, schedule, artefact, device, implement. 2 report,
contrive, determine, agree. 3 he account, story, essay, feature, item,
arronged the piece for o full orchestro piece (of writing), column.3 clause,
adapt, set, score, orchestrate. section, paragraph, point, item.
arrangement noun 1 Positioning, articulate odjective eloquent, fl uent,
presentation, grouping, organization, effective, persuasive, lucid, expressive,
alignment. 2 preparation, plan, provi- silver-ton g ued, clear, coherent.
sion, planning. 3 agreement, deal, - oPPostrEs unintelligible.
understandinq, bargain, settlement, o verb express, voice, vocallze, put in
pact.4 on orrangement of Beethoven's words, communicate, state.
symphonies adaptation, orchestration, artificial odjective 1 synthetic, fake,
scoring, interpretation. imitation, mock, ersatz, man-made,
array noun range, collection, selection, manufactured, plastic, simulated, faux;
assoftment, variety, arrangement, line- informol pretend. 2 insincere, feigned,
up, display, exhibition. false, unnatural, contrived, Put-on,
I verb arrange, assemble, grouP, forced, laboured, hollow; informol
order, range, place, Position, set out, pretend, phoney.
lay out, spread out, display, exhibit. - oPPOSITES natural, genuine.
arrest verb'l detain, apprehend, seize, artistic odjeclive 1 creative. imagina-
capture, take into custody; informal tive, inventive, sensitive, perceptive,
pick up, pull in, collar: Brit. informol discerning. 2 attractive, aesthetic,
nick.2 stop, halt, check, block. curb, beautiful, stylish, ornamental, decora-
prevent, obstruct, stem, slow, inter- tive, graceful, sublle, exPressive.
rupt, delay. ascent noun 1 the oscent of the Mot-
- OPPOSITES release. ferhorn climbing, scaling, conquest.
a noun detention, aPPrehension, 2 the oscent grew steeper slope, incline,
seizure, capture. gradient, hill, climb.
arresting odjective striking, eye-catch- - oPPoSITES descent, droP.
ing, conspicuous, impressive, imposing, ascertain verbfind out, discover, get
spectacular, dramatic, breathtaking, to know, work out, make out, fathom
stunning, awe-insPiring. (out), learn, deduce, divine, establish,
- oPPOslTEs inconsPicuous. determine; informol figure out.
arrival noun coming, aPPearance, ashamed odjective 1 sorrY, shame-
entrance, entry, approach, advent. faced, sheepish, guilty, contrite,
- oPPoSlTEs deParture. remorseful, regretful, apologetic, mor-
arrive verb come, turn uP, get here/ tified, red-faced, repentant, Penitent,
there, make it, apPear; informol show rueful, chagrined. 2 reluctant, loath,
(up), roll in/up, blow in. unwilling, afraid, embarrassed.
- oPPoSlTEs dePart, leave. - oeeosttts proud.
23 ask -+ assistance

ask verb 1 enquire, want to know, rally, group, crowd; informol get-
question, interrogate, quiz.2 they'll ask together. 2 construction, manufac-
o few questions put (forward), pose, ture, building, fabrication, erection.
raise, submit. 3 request, demand, assert verb 1 declare, state, maintain,
seek, solicit, apply, petition, call, contend, argue, claim, insist. 2 you
appeal. should assert your rights insist on, stand
- OPPOSITES ANSWCT. up for, uphold, defend, pressi push for.
asleeP odjective sleeping, napping, assertion noun declaration, conten-
dozing, drowsin g; informal snoozing, Lion, statement, claim, opinion,
dead to the world; humorous in the protestation.
land of Nod.
assertive o djective confi dent, self-
- oPPoSlTEs awake.
confident, bold, decisive, forceful,
asPect noun 1 feature, facet, side, char- insistent, emphatic, determined,
acteristic, particular, detail.2 point of strong-willed, commanding, pushy;
view, position, standpoint, viewpoint, informol feisty.
perspective, angle, slant. 3 his foce hod - OPPOSITES timid.
o sinister ospect appearance, look, air, assess verb evaluate, judge, gauge,
mien, demeanour, expression. rate, estimate, appraise, weigh up,
aspiration noun desire, hope, dream, calculate, value, work out, determine;
wish, longing, yearning, aim, ambition, informol size up.
expectation, goal, target.
asset noun 1 benefit, advantage, bless-
aspire verb ing, good/strong point, strength, forte,
tr aspire to desire, aim for, hope for, virtue, recommendation, attraction,
dream of, long for, yearn for, set your resource. 2 the seizure of oll their ossets
heart on, wish for, want, seek, set your property, resources, estate, holdings,
sights on. funds, valuables, possessions, effects,
asPiring odjective would-be, hopeful, belongings.
budding, potential, prospective; lnfor- - oPPoSITES liability.
mol wannabe. assign verb 1 allocate, give, set, charge
assassin noun murderer, killer, gun- with, entrust with. 2 appoint, promote,
man, execution et informol hit man. delegate, nominate, commission, post,
assassinate verb murder, kill, co-opt; Militory detail. 3 earmark, des-
eliminate, liquidate, execute; N. Amer. ignate, set aside, reserve, appropriate,
terminate; informol hit. allot, allocate.
assault verb attack, hit, strike, beat up; assignation noun rendezvous, date,
informallay into, rough up, do over. appointment, meeting ; literory tryst.
a noun 1 violence, battery; Brit. griev- assignment noun task, job, duty,
ous bodily harm, CBH, actual bodily responsibility, mission, errand, under-
harm, ABH. 2 attack, strike, onslaught, taking, commission.
offensive, charge, push, thrust, raid. assist yerb t help, aid, lend a (helping)
assemble verb 1 gather, collect, get hand to, support, back (up), work with,
toqether, cong regate, convene, meet, cooperate with. 2 the oim wos to osslst
muster, rally, round up, marshal. coshflow facilitate, aid, ease, promote,
2 construct, build, erect, set up, make, boost, speed, benefit, encourage,
manufacture, fabricate, put together, fu rther.
connect. - OPPOSITES hinder.
- oPPoSlTEs disperse, dismantle. assistance noun help, aid, a (helping)
assembly noun I gathering, meeting, hand, support, backing, reinforcement.
congregation, convention, council, - OPPOSITES hindrance.
assistant -+ asylum

assistant noun helPer, aide, dePUtY, assurance noun 1 promise, word (of
lieutenant, second (in command), honour), pledge, vow, oath, undertak-
number two, right-hand man/woman, ing, guarantee, commitment. 2 confi'
PA, auxiliary, attendant, henchman; dence, self-confi dence, self-assurance,
informol sidekick, gofer; Brit informol self-possession, nerve, poise; informol
dogsbody, skivvy. cool. 3 insurance, indemnity, protec-
associate verb 1 link, connect, relate, tion, security, cover.
bracket, identlfy, equate. 2 mix, keep assure verb 1 reassure, convince, sat-
company, mingle, sociallze, go around, isfy, persuade. 2 promise, guarantee,
have dealings; informol hobnob, hang swear, conflrm, certify, vow, give your
out/a rou nd/rou nd. word. 3 ensure, secure, guarantee,
- oPPostrES avoid. seal, clinch; informolsew up.
a noun partner, colleague, co-worker, assured odjective 1 confident, self-
workmate, collaborator, comrade, ally; confldent, self-assured, self-possessed,
informol crony. poised, composed, imperturbable,
associated odiective related, con- u nruffled; informol unfl appable,
nected, linked, similar, corresponding, together. 2 guaranteed, certain, sure,
attendant, accompanying, incidental. secure, retiable, dependable; informol
- oPPoSITES unrelated. sure-fire.
association noun 1 alliance, consor- - OPPOSITES nervous, uncertain.
tium, coalition, union, league, guild, astonish verb amaze, astound, stag-
syndicate, federation, confederation, ger, startle, stun, surprise, confound,
cartel, cooperative, PartnershiP. dumbfound, nonplus, take aback, leave
2 relationship, relation, interrelation, open-mouthed; informol fl abbergast,
connection, interconnection, interde' bowl over; Brit. informolknock for six.
pendence, link, bond.
astonishing odjective amazing,
assorted odjective v arious, m iscel la ne- astounding, staggering, surprising.
ous, mixed, varied, diverse, different,
breathtaking, rema rkable, extraordi-
sundry.
nary, incredible, unbelievable, phenom-
- OPPosITES uniform. enal; informol mind-boggling.
assortment noun varietY, mixture, - OPPoSITES unremarkable.
array, mix, miscellany, selection, med-
ley, melange. ragbag, potPourri.
astound verb amaze, astonish, stag-
ger, surprise, startle, stun, confound,
assume verb 1 presume, suppose, tal<e dumbfound, take aback, leave open-
it (as given), take for granted, tal<e mouthed; informol fl abbergast, bowl
as read, conclude, infer, think, fancy,
over; Brit. informolknock for six.
imagine, surmise, believe, understand,
gather, suspect; t\. Amer. figure. astounding odjective amazing, aston-
2 affect, adopt, put on.3 accePt, ishing, staggering, surprising, breath-
shoulder, bear, undertake, take on/up. taking, remarkable, extraordlnary,
4 seize, take (over), appropriate, wrest, incredible, unbelievable, phenomenal;
usurP. informol mind-boggling.
assumed odjective lalse, fictitious, fake, - oPPoslrES unremarl<able.
bogus, invented, made-up; informol astute odjective shrewd, sharp, acute,
pretend, phoney. quicl<, clever, intelligent, bright, smart,
- OPPOSITES genuine. canny, perceptive, perspicacious ; lnfor-
mol quick on the uptake.
assumPtion noun suPPosition, Pre-
sum ption, inference, conjecture, belief,
- OPPOSITES stupid.
surmise, hypothesis, theory, susplcion, asylum noun refuge, sanctuary, shelter,
g uess. protection, immunlty, a safe haven.
 25 athletic -+ attentive
athletic odjective muscular, fit, strap- strike, blitz, raid, incursion, sortie,
ping, well built, strong, sturdy, power. foray, charge, invasion. 2 criticism,
ful, brawny, burly. censure, condemnation, vilification, dis-
atmosphere noun 1 air, sky; literory paragement; Brit. informolslating. 3 fit,
the heavens, the ether. 2 o reloxed seizure, spasm, convulsion, paroxysm,
otmosphere ambience, spirit, air, bout, episode.
mood, feel, feeling, character, tone, - OPPOSITES defence, praise.
aura, quality, environment, climate; attacker noun assailant, assau lter,
informolvibe. mugger, aggressor, raider, invader.
LrNKS - oPPostTES victim.
iwoRD attain verb achieve, accomplish, reach,
I meteorology study of the atmosphere
obtain, gain, secure, get, win, earn, real-
atrocious odjective 1 wicked, cruel, ize, fulfil; informolclinch, bag, wrap up.
brutal, barbaric, vicious, monstrous, attempt verb try, strive, aim, venture,
vile, inhuman, fiendish. 2 appalling, endeavour, seek, have a go, bid.
awful, dreadful, terrible, miserable;
a nountry, effort, endeavour, venture,
informol abysmal, dire, rotten, lousy; 6id, go; informol crack, shot, stab.
Brit. informol shocking.
- OPPOSITES admirable, superb. attend verbl be present at, sit in
on, take part in, appear at, turn up
atrocity noun 1 o number of otrocities at, visit, go to; informol show u p at.
outrage, horror, violation, abuse, 2 pay attention, listen, be attentive,
crime. 2 scenes of hordship ond otrocity concentrate.
wickedness, cruelty, brutality, barbar. o attend to 1 deal with, see to, look
ity, viciousness, savagery, inhumanity. after, manage, organize, sort out,
attach verb 1 fasten, fix, affix, join, handle, take care of, tackle. 2 care for,
secure, stick, connect, tie, link, couple, look after, minister to, see to, tend,
pin, hitch. 2 they ottoch importonce treat, help.
to research ascribe, assign, attribute, attendance noun 1 presence, appear-
accredit, impute. 3 the medicol officer ance, attention. 2 audience, turnout,
ottached to HQ assign, appoint, allo- house, gate, crowd.
cate, second. - oPPostrEs absence.
- OPPOSITES detach. attendant noun assistant, aide,
attached odjective companion, escort, steward, equerry,
o attached to fond of, devoted to, servant, retainer, valet, maid.
keen on; informolmad about, crazy o odjective accompanying. associ.
about. ated, concomitant, related, connected,
attachment noun 1 bond, closeness, resulting, consequent.
devotion, loyalty, fondness for, love for, attention noun 1 consideration,
affection for, feeling for, sympathy for. contemplation, deliberation, thought,
2 accessory, fitting, extension, add-on. study, observation, mind, investigation,
attack verb 1 assault, beat up, set action. 2 awareness, notice, scrutiny,
upon, mug, charge, pounce on, raid, eye, gaze. 3 medicol ottenfion care,
rush, storm; informollay into, do over, ministrations, treatment, therapy,
worl< over, rough up; Brit. informol duff relief, aid, assistance.
up. 2 criticize, censuTe, condemn, attentive odjective 1 on ottentive pupil
denounce, revile, vilify, impugn, dispar- alert, perceptive, observant, acute,
age; informolknock, slam, lay into; Brif. aware, heedful, focused, studious,
informol slate, slag off, rubbish. diligent, conscientious, earnest. 2 the
- OPPOSITES defend, praise. most ottentive of husbonds considerate,
a noun 1 assault, onslaught, offensive, conscientious, thoughtful, kind, caring,
attic -+ authoritative

solicitous, understanding, sympathetic. august odjective distinguished,

-oPPoSITES inattentive. respected, eminent, venerable, illustri-
attic noun loft, roof space, garret. ous, prestigious, renowned, celebrated,
honoured, acclaimed, esteemed.
attitude noun 1 view, viewpoint, out-
look, perspective, stance, standpoint, aura noun atmosphere, ambience,
position, frame of mind, approach, air, quality, character, mood, feeling;
opinion. 2 on ottitude of proyer posture, informolvi6e.
position, pose, stance. auspicious odjective lavourable, prom-
attract verb 1 appeal to, fascinate, ising, encouraging, fortunate, oppor-
charm, captivate, interest, temPt, tune, timely, advantageous, good.
entice, lure, bewitch, beguile, seduce. - oPPoSITES inauspicious, unfavourable.
2 draw, pull, magnetize. austere odjective 1 severe, stern,
- OPPOSITES repel. strict, harsh, dour, grim, cold, frostY,
attraction noun 1 appeal, attractive- unfriendly. 2 spartan, frugal, ascetic,
ness, pull, desirability, fascination, puritanical, abstemious, strict, simple,
allure, charisma, charm. 2 the town's hard. 3 on oustere building plain,
moi n ottra cti o ns entertainment, activ- simple, basic, functional, unadorned,
ity, diversion, amenity, service. 3 mog- bleak, bare, clinical.
netic ottroction pull, draw, force. - oPPoSITES easy-going, ornate.
- OPPOSITES rePulsion. authentic odjective 1 genuine, real,
attractive odjective 1 good-looking, bona flde, true, legitimate ; informol
beautiful, pretty, handsome, lovelY, pukka, kosher; A ustrol.fNZ informol din'
stunning, striking, desirable, gorgeous, kum. 2 accurate, factual, true, truthful,
prepossessing, fetchin g ; Scottlsh & reliable, trustworthy, honest, faithful.
N. English bonny; infornol drop-dead - OPPoSITEs fal<e, unreliable.
gorgeous, hunky; Brlt. informol ftt; authenticate verb verify, validate,
N. Amer. informol cute; o/d use comely. prove, substantiate, corroborate, con-
2 appealing, inviting, tempting, pleas- firm, support, back up.
ing, interesting. - OPPOSITES disprove.
- oPPOSITES unattractive, uglY. author noun 1 writer, novelist, Poet,
attribute verb ascribe, assign, accredit, playwright, dramatist, columnist,
credit, puL down. chalk up. pin on. reporter, wordsmith; informol scribe,
o noun quality, characteristic, trait, scribbler. 2 creator, originator,
feature, element, aspect, ProPerty, founder, father, architect, desig ner,
sign, hallmark, mark. producer.
audible odjective perceptible, discern- authoritarian odiective strict, auto-
ible, detectable, distinct, clear. cratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyranni-
- oPPoslTES inaudible, faint. cal, domineering, imperious, illiberal,
audience noun 1 spectators, listen' undemocratic; informol bossY.
ers, viewers, onlookers, concertgoers, - OPPOSITES democratic, liberal.
theatregoers, crowd, Public, throng, o noun disciplinarian, autocrat, dicta-
gallery, congregation, turnout. 2 meet- tcr, despot, tyrant.
ing, interview, consultation, confer- - oPPoSITES democrat, liberal.
ence, hearing, recePtion. authoritative odiective 1 reliable,
augment verb increase, add to, supple- dependable, trustworthy, accu rate,
ment, enhance, build up, raise, boost, authentic, valid, definitive, classic.
up, hike up, enlarge, swell, expand, 2 commanding, masterful, assertive,
extend. self-assured, self-confi dent.
- oPPoSlTEs decrease. reduce. - OPPoSITES unreliable.
 27
authority -+ await
authority nou n 1 o rebellion agoinst those informol up for grabs, on tap.
in outhority power, command, control,
;ii1g;*
avalanche noun on ovolonche of enquir-
charge, dominance, jurisdiction, rule;
ies barrage, flood, deluge, torrent,'
informol clout.2 the outhority to onest
wave, onslaught.
d rug troffickers right, authorization,
power, mandate, prerogative, licence. avant-garde o dj ective experimental,
3 they need porliomentory outhority modern, cutting-edge, progressive,
permission, authorization, consent, unorthodox, unconventional : informol
sanction, assent, agreement, approval, edgy, offbeat, way-out.
clearance; informol the go-ahead. 4 (the - oppostTEs conservative, traditional.
authorities) officials, officialdom, gov- avarice noun greed, acquisitiveness,
ernment, administration, establishment, covetousness, materialism.
police; informolthe powers that be. - OPPOSTTES generosity.
5 expert, specialist, professional, master, average noun mean, median, mode,
connoisseur, pundit, doyen(ne), guru. norm, standard. rule, par.
authorize verb 1 they outhorized further O odjective 1 lhe overoge t?mperoture
oction permit, sanction, allow, approve, mean, median. 2 o womon of overoge
consent to, assent to: informol give herght normal, standard, typical, ordi-
the go-ahead to. OK. 2 lhe lroops were nary, common, regular.
outhorized to flre empower, give author- - oppostrEs abnormal, unusual.
ity, mandate, commission, entitle. tr on average normally, usually, ordi-
-OPPoStTES forbid. narily, generally, typically, for the most
authorized o dj ective approved, part, as a rule. by and Iarge, overall, on
sanctioned, accredited, recognized, the whole.
licensed, certifi ed, official, legal, averse odjective opposed, hostile,
legitimate. antagonistic, resistant, disinclined,
- OPPOSTTES unauthorized, unoffi cial. reluctant, loath; lnformol anti.
automatic odjective I mechanized, - OPPOSTTES keen.
powered, mechanical, automated, aversion noun dislike, hatred, loathing,
computerized, electronic, robotic. abhorrence, distaste, antipathy, hostill
2 instinctive, involuntary, uncon- ity, reluctance, disinclination.
scious, reflex, knee-jerk, subconscious, - oPPostTEs liking.
spontaneous, impulsive, unthinking, avert yerb 1 turn aside, turn away, shift,
mechanical; informol gut. 3 inevitable, redirect.2 prevent, avoid, stave off,
unavoidable, inescapable, certain. ward off, head off, forestall.
- oPPoslrES manual, conscious,
deliberate.
avld odjective keen, eager, enthusiastic,
ardent, passionate, zealous, devoted.
autonomous odj ective self-governing, - OPPOSTTES apathetic.
independent, sovereign, free.
- OPPOSTTES dependent.
avoid verb 1 keep away from, steer
clear o[, give a wide berth to. 2 evade,
autonomy noun self-government, dodge, sidestep, escape, run away
self-rule, home rule, self-determination,
f ront: inlormolduck. wriggle out of,
independence, sovereignty, freedom. get out of. 3 book eorly to ovoid disop-
- OPPOSTTES dependence.
pointm? nt prevent, preclude, stave
auxiliary odjective additional, sup- oft, [orestall. head off, ward off. 4 ovoid
plementary, extra, reserve, backup, o/coho/ refrain from, abstain from,
emergency, fallback, second. desist from, steer clear of, eschew.
available odyecfiye obtainable, accessible, - OPPOSTTES confront, face.
to/at hand, to be had, on sale, untaken, await yerb 1 wait for. expect, look for-
unsold, free, vacant, unoccupied; ward to, anticipate. 2 be in store for,
awake -+ axle

lie ahead of, be waiting for, be round crummy, pathetic, rotten, woeful,
the corner. lousy, appalling, abysmal, dismal, dire;
awake verb wake up, wake, awaken, Brit. informol ru bbish. 3 I feel owful
wal<en, stir, come to, come round, ill, unwell, sicl<, nauseous, off colour,
rouse, call. poorly; Brlt. informol grotty, ropy;
o odjective 1 sleepless, wide awake, Austro l. I NZ i nformol crook.
restless, insomniac. 2 too few ore owoke - oPPoSITES delightful, excellent, well.
to the dongers aware of, conscious of, awfully odverb 1 (informol) on owfully
mindful of, alert to. nice mon very, extremely, really,
- oPPoslTES asleep, oblivious. immensely, exceedingly, thoroughly,
awaken verb 1 see awake (verb). dreadfully, terrifi cally, terribly, excep-
2 arouse, kindle, bring out, trigger, stir tional ly, remarl<ably, extraordina rily;
up, stimulate, revive. N. English right; infornol seriously;
Brit. informoljolly, dead, well; A/. Amer
award verb give, grant, accord, confer
informol real, mighty; informol, doted
on, bestow on, present to, decorate
frightfully. 2 we ployed owfully terribly,
with.
dreadfully, atrociously, appallingly;
a noun 1 prize, trophy, medal, decora-
informol abysmally, diabolica ly.
I
tion, reward; informolgong. 2 grant,
scholarship, endowment; Brlt. bursary. awkward odjective 1 difficult, tricky,
cumbersome, unwieldy; Brit. informol
aware odjective 1 she is owore of the don-
fiddly. 2 unreasonable, uncoopera-
gers conscious of, mindful of, informed
tive, unhelpful, difficult, obstructive,
about, acquainted with, familiar with,
contrary, perverse, obstinate, stubborn;
alive to, alert to; informol wise to, in the
Brit. tnformol bloody-minded, bolshie;
know about. 2 environmentolly owore
N. Amer. informolbalky. 3 on owkward
sensitive, enlightened, knowledgeable,
(well) informed: informal clued up; Brit. tlme inconvenient, inappropriate,
informol switched-on.
inopportune, difficult. 4 he put her in
on owkword posllion embarrassing.
- OPPOSITES ignorant.
uncomfortable, unenviable, delicate,
awareness noun consciousness, tricky, problematic, troublesome,
recognition, realization, perception, humiliating, compromising ; informol
understanding, grasp, appreciation, sticky. 5 she felt owkword uncomfort-
l<nowledge, familia rity.
able, uneasy, tense, nervous, edgy,
away adverb elsewhere, abroad, gone, self-conscious, embarrassed. 6 hls
off, out, absent, on holiday, on vacation. owkword movements clumsy, u n gain ly,
awe noun wonder, wonderment, admi- uncoordinated, graceless, inelegant,
ration, reveTence, respect, fear, dread. gauche, gawky, stiff, unskilful, inept,
awesome odjective breathtaking, awe- blundering; informol ham-fi sted, cack-
inspiring, magnifi cent, amazing, stun- handed; Brit. informolall (fingers and)
ning, staggering, imposing, formidable, thumbs.
intimidating; tnformol mind-boggling, - oPPoStTEs easy. amenable. (onveni-
mind-blowing, brilliant. ent, graceful.
- OPPOSITES unimpressive. axe noun hatchet, chopper, cleaver;
awful cdjectlve 1 the ploce smells owful historicol battleaxe.
disgusting, terrible, dreadful, ghastly, a verb 1 cancel, withdraw, drop, scrap,
horrible, vile, foul, revolting, repulsive, cut, discontinue, end; lnformol ditch,
repugnant, sickening, nauseating ; infor- dump, pull the plug on. 2 dismiss,
mol gross; Brit. informolbeastly. 2 on mal<e redundant, lay off, get rid of;
owful book dreadful, terrible, fright- informolsacl<, flre.
ful, atrocious, lamentable; informol axle noun shaft, spindle, rod.
 babble -+ backward

Bb
babble verb prattle, rattle on, gabble, wono Lrrvxs
chatter, jabber, twitter, burble, blather; dorsal, lumbar relating to the back
informol yatter, blabber, jaw, gas, shoot
your mouth off: Brit. informolwitter,
rabbit, chunter, natter, waffle. backbone noun 1 spine, spinal
baby noun infant, newborn, child; column, vertebral column, vertebrae.
Scottish & tV. English bairn; technicol
2 mainstay, cornerstone, foundation.
neonate; informol sprog, tot, bundle of 3 strength of character, strength of
joy', literory babe. will, firmness, resolution, resolve, grit,
o odjective miniature, mini, little, toy, determination, fortitude, mettle, spirit.
pocket, fun-size, midget, dwarf; 5cot- backer noun 1 sponsor, investor, under-
tish wee; N. Amer. vest-pocket; informol writer, fi nancier, patron, benefactor;
teeny, teensy, tiddly, bite-sized; Brit. informol anqel. 2 supporter, defender,
informoltitchy. advocate, promoter; N. Amer. booster.
babyish odjective childish, infantile, backfire verb rebound, boomerang,
juvenile, puerile, immature. come back, fail: informol blow up in
- OPPOSITES mature. someone's face.
back noun 1 spine, backbone, spinal background noun 1 backdrop, back-
column, vertebral column. 2 rear, cloth. surrounding(s), setting, scene,
end, rear end, tail end; Noutico/ stern. framework. 2 social circumstances,
3 reverse, other side, underside; infor- family circumstances, environment,
mol flip side. class. culture. tradition. 3 experi-
- OPPOSITES front. ence, record, history, past, training,
o verb 1 sponsor, finance, fund, education.
subsidize, underwrite; informol pick up - oPPOslTEs foreground.
the bill for. 2 support, endorse, sanc- backing noun 1 support, endorsement,
tion, approve of, give your blessing to, approval, blessing, assistance, aid,
smile on, favour, advocate, promote, help. 2 sponsorship, finance, funding,
champion; informol throw your weight subsidy, patronage.
behind. 3 bet on, gamble on, stake
backlash noun adverse reaction,
money on.4 reverse, draw back, step
counterblast, repercussion, comeback,
back, pull back, retreat, withdraw.
retaliation, reprisal.
- oPPostrES oppose, advance.
o odjective 1 rear, rearmost, hind, hind backup noun help, support, assistance,
most, posterior. 2 past, old, previous, aid, reserve, reinforcements.
earlier. o odjective reserve, spare, substitute,
- OPPoSITES front, future. replacement, standby, fallback, emer-
o back down give in, concede defeat, gency.
surrender, yield, submit, climb down. backward odjective 1 rearward,
back out of renege on, withdraw towards the rear, behind you, reveTse.
from, pull out of, fail to honour. back 2 retrograde, regressive, for the
up 1 substantiate, corroborate, con- worse, in the wrong direction, down-
firm, support, bear out, endorse, lend hill, negative. 3 underdeveloped,
weight to. 2 support, stand by, side undeveloped, primitive. 4 hesitant,
with, take someone's part. reticent, reluctant, shy, diffident, timid,
backwards -+ balance

self-effacing, unassertive. disapprovingly. 3 naughtily, disobedi-

- oPPoslTES forward, advanced. ently, wilfully, mischievously. 4 cruelly,
backwards odverb towards the rear, wickedly, unkindly, harshly, shamefully,
rearwards, behind you. unfairly, unjustly, wrongly. 5 unfavour-
- OPPoSITES forwards. ably, unsuccessfully, adversely, unfor-
tunately. 6 severely, seriously, gravely,
bad odjective 1 bod workmonship unsat- acutely, critically.
isfactory, substandard, poor, inferior, opposttrs well.
-
second-rate, second-class, inadequate,
deficient, imperfect, defective, faulty, bad-tempered odjective irritable, iras-

shoddy, negligent, disgraceful, awful, cible, tetchy, testy, grumpy, grouchy,

crotchety, in a (bad) mood, cantan-
terrible, appalling, dreadful, frightful,
kerous, curmud geonly, ill-tempered,
atrocious, abysmal; informol crummy,
ill-humoured, peevish, cross, fractious,
rotten, pathetic, useless, woeful, lousy,
petulant, pettish, crabby, quarrelsome,
diabolical; Brit. informol drff, rubbish.
dyspeptic; informol snappish, on a short
2 the olcohol hod o bod effect harmful,
fuse; Brit informol shity, stroppy, ratty;
damaging, detrimental, injurious, hurt-
N. Amer. informol cranky, ornery.
ful, destructive, deleterious, inimical.
3 the bod guys wicked, evil, sinful,
- oPPoSlTEs good-humoured, affable.
criminal, immoral, corrupt, villainous; baffle verb puzzle, perplex, bewilder,
informol crooked, bent. 4 you bod girl! mystify, confuse; informol fl u mmox,
naughty, badly behaved, disobedi- stump, beat, fox.
ent, wayward, wilful, defiant, unruiy, bag noun suitcase, case, valise, holdall,
undisciplined. 5 bod news unpleasant, grip, rucksack, haversack, satchel,
disagreeable, unwelcome, unfavour- handbag.
able, unfortunate, grim, distressing, a verb 1 catch, land, capture, trap, net,
gloomy. 6 o bod time to orrive unfa- snare. 2 get, secure. obtain, acquire.
vourable, inauspicious, unpropitious, pick up, win, achieve; informcl land,
inopportune, unfortunate, disadvanta- net.
geous, inappropriate, unsuitable. 7 o baggage noun luggage, suitcases,
bod occident serious, severe, g rave, cases, bags, belongings.
critical, acute. 8 the meot's bod rotten, baggy odjective loose, roomy, gener-
off, decayed, putrid, rancid, curdled, ously cut, sloppy, voluminous, full.
sour, mouldy. 9 o bod knee injured, - OPPOSITES tight.
wounded, diseased; nformol gammy :
i
bail noun surety, security, indemnity,
Brit. informal knackered; Austrol.lNZ bond, guarantee, pledge.
informal crook. o bail out 1 eject, parachute to safety.
- oPPoSlTEs good, beneficial, virtuous, 2 rescue, save, relieve, finance, help
favourable. (out), aid.
badge noun 1 brooch, pin, emblem, bait noun enticement, lure, decoy,
crest, insignia; N. Amer. button. 2 o snare, trap, inducement, siren, carrot,
bodge of success sign, symbol, indica- attraction; informol come-on.
tion, signal, mark, hallmark, trademark. a verb taunt, tease, goad, pick on,
badger verb pester, harass, hound, torment, persecute, harass; informol
harry, nag, bother, go on at; informol needle; Brit. informol wind up.
hassle, bug. balance noun 1 stability, equilibrium,
badly odverb 1 poorly, unsatisfacto- steadiness, footing. 2 fairness, justice,
rily, inadequately, incorrectly, faultily, impartiality, parity, equity, evenness,
defectively, shoddily, amateurishly, uniformity, comparability. 3 remain-
carelessly, incompetently, inex- der, outstanding amount, rest, residue,
pertly. 2 unfavourably, ill, critically, difference.
31 bald -; bar
- oPPOSTTES instability, bias. explosion. 2 blow, bump, knock, hit,
a verb 1 steady, stabilize, poise, level. smack, crack, thump; informol bash,
2 counterbalance, balance out, offset, whacl<-
counteract, compensate for, make up a verb t hit, stril(e, beat, thump, ham-
for. 3 correspond, agree, tally, match mer, knock, rap, pound, thud, punch,
up, coincide.4 weigh (up), compare, bump, smack, crack, slap, slam; lnfor-
evaluate, consider, assess. rnol bash, whack, clobber, clout, wal-
bald odjective t hairless, smooth, lop. 2 crash, boom, pound, explode,
shaven, depilated. 2 plain, simple, detonate, burst, blow up.
direct, blunt, unadorned, unvarnished, banish verb 1 exile, expel, deport, eject,
unembellished, stark; informol upfront. repatriate, transport, extradite, evict,
- OPPOSITES hairy. throw out, exclude, shut out, ban.
2 dispel, dismiss, disperse, scatter,
ball noun sphere, globe, orb, globule,
dissipate, drive away, chase away,
spheroid.
shut out.
ballot noun vote, poll, election, referen-
dum, show of hands, plebiscite.
bankl noun 1 edge, shore, side,
embankment, levee. margin, verge.
ban verb prohibit, forbid, veto, pro- brink. 2 slope, rise, incline, gradient,
scribe, outlaw make illegal, bar, debar, ramp, mound, pile, heap, ridge, hillock,
prevent, exclude, banish. knoll, bar, shoal, mass, drift. 3 array,
- oPPostrES permit, admit. row, line, tier, group, series.
o noun prohibition, embargo, veto, a verb 1 pile up, heap up, stack up,
boycott, ba1 proscription, moratorium, amass. 2 tilt, lean, tip, slant, incline,
injunction. angle, list, camber, pitch.
banal odjective unoriginal, unimagi- bank2 noun store, reserve, stock, stock-
native, uninspired, trite, hackneyed, pile, supply, pool, fund, cache, hoard,
clich6d, platitudinous, commonplace, deposit.
stereotyped, overused, stale, boring, o verb deposit, pay in, save.
dull, obvious, predictable, tired, pedes- bankrupt odjective insolvent, rulned;
trian; informolcorny, old hat. Brit in administration, in receivership;
- oPPostrES original. informolbust, broke, belly up, wiped
bandl noun 1 loop, wristband, head- out.
band, ring, hoop, circlet, belt, sash, - oPPoSITES solvent.
girdle, strap, strip, tape, circle. 2 stripe, banner noun 1 placard, sign, poster,
strip, line, belt, bar, streak, border, notice. 2 flag, standard, ensign.
swathe. colou(s), pennant, pennon, banderole.
band2 noun 1 gang, group, mob, pack, banquet noun feast, dinner; lnformol
troop, troupe, company, set, party, spread, blowout: Brit. informol nosh-up,
crew, body, team; lnformol bunch. slap-up meal.
2 pop group, ensemble, group, orches- banter noun repartee, witty conversa-
tra; informol combo. tion, raillery, wordplay, cut and thrust,
bandage noun dressing. covering, badinage, persiflage.
plaster, compress, gauze, lint. o verb joke, )est; informol josh, wise-
a verb bind, dress, cover, strap (up). crack.
bandit noun robber, thief, raider, mug- baptize verb 1 christen.2theywere
ger, pirate, outlaw, hijacker, looter, boptized into the church admit, initiate,
marauder, gangster; literory brigand; enrol, recruit. 3 name, call, dub.
historicol rustlel highwayma n, footpad. bar noun 1 rod, stick, pole, batten,
bang noun 1 crash, crack, thud, thump, shaft, rail, spar, strut, crosspiece, beam.
bump, boom, blast, clap, report, 2 block, slab, cake, tablet, wedge,
barbarian -; base 32

ingot. 3 counter, table, buffet. 4 inn, barkl verb 1 woof, yap.2 shout, snap,
tavern, hostelry;Brit. pub, public house; bawl, yell, roar, bellow, thunder; infor-
Brit. informollocal, boozer. 5 obstacle, mol holler.
impediment, hindrance, obstruction, - OPPOSITES whisper.
block, hurdle, barrier. bark2 noun rind, skin, peel. covering.
- OPPOSITES Aid.
barracks p/urol noun garrison, camp,
a verb 1 bolt. lock, fasten, secure,
encampment, depot, billet, quarters,
block, barricade, obstruct. 2 prohibit,
fort, cantonment.
debar, preclude, forbid, ban, exclude,
obstruct, prevent, hinder, block, stop. barrage noun 1 bombardment,
gunfire, shelling, salvo, volley, fusillade;
barbarian noun savage, heathen,
historicol broadside. 2 deluge, stream,
brute, beast, philistine, boor, yahoo,
storm, torrent, onslaught, flood, spate,
oaf, lout, vandal; Brit. informolyob.
tide, avalanche, hail, blaze. 3 dam, bar-
barbaric odjective I cruel, brutal, rier, weir, dyke, embankment, wall.
barbarous. brul.ish, savage, vicious,
barrel noun cask, keg, butt, vat, tun,
wicked, ruthless, vile, inhuman.
2 uncultured, uncivilized, barbarian,
philistine, boorish, loutish; Brit. infor-
mol yobbish.
m
drum, hogshead, fi rl<in.

icooper person who makes barrels _-

- oPPoSITES civilized. barren odjective unproductive, nferti le,
i

bareodjective 1 naked, unclothed, unfruitful, sterile, arid, desert, waste,

undressed, uncovered, stripped, with lifeless, empty.
nothing on, nude; informcl without - oPPoSITES fertile.
a stitch on, in the altogether; Brit.
barricade noun barrier, roadblock,
informol starkers; Scottish informal
blockade, obstacle, obstruction.
in the scud; N. Amer. informolbuck
naked. 2 empty, unfurnished, clear,
a verb seal up, close up, block off, shut
off/up, defend, protect, fortify, occupy.
undecorated, unadorned, bleak,
austere. 3 basic, essential, bare-bones, barrier noun 1 fence, railing, barricade,
fundamental, plain, straightforward, hurdle, bar, blockade, roadblock.2 o
simple, unembellished, pure, stark, borrier to internotionol trode obstacle,
bald, cold, hard. obstruction, hurdle, stumbling block,
- OPPoSITES dressed. bar, impediment, hindrance, curb.
barely odverb hardly, scarcely, only just, barter verb 1 swap, trade, exchange,
narrowly, by the skin of your teeth, by sell.2 haggle, bargain, negotiate, deal.
a hair's breadth; informol by a whisker; basel noun 1 foundation, bottom, foot,
Brit. informolat a push. support, stand, pedestal, plinth, rest.
bargain noun 1 agreement, arrange- 2 basis, foundation, bedrock, starting
ment, understanding, deal, contract, point, source, origin, root(s), core, key
pact. 2 good value; informol good buy, component. 3 headquarters, camp,
cheap buy, snip, steal, giveaway. site, station, settlement, post, centre.
I
verb haqgle, negotiate, discuss - OPPOSITES top.
terms, deal, barter. a verb 1 found, build, construct, form,
o bargain forfon expect, anticipate, ground; (be based on) derive from,
be prepared for, allow for, plan for, spring from, stem from, depend on.
reckon with, envisage, foresee, predict, 2 locate, situate, position, install, sta-
count on, reckon on; N. Amer. informol tion, site.
figure on. into the bargain in addi- base2 odjective sordid, ignoble, low,
tion, as well, also, moreover, besides, mean, immoral, unscrupulous,
on top, to boot, for good measure. unprincipled, dishonest, dishonourable,
33 bashful -+ be
shameful, shabby, contemptible, batch noun group, quantity, lot, bunch,
despicable. cluster, raft, set, collection, bundle,
- oPPoSITES noble. pacl<, consignment, shipment.
bashful odjective shy, reserved, dif- bathe verb 1 swim, take a dip.
fident, inhibited, retiring, reticent, 2 clean, wash, rinse, wet, soak, steep.
reluctant, shrinking, self-effacing, unas- 3 envelop, cover, flood, fill, wash,
sertive, timid, nervous, self-conscious. pervade, suffuse.
- OPPOSITES bold, confident.
baton noun stick, rod, staff, wand,
basic odjective 1 fundamental, truncheon, club, mace.
essential, bare-bones, vital, primary, batter verb beat up, hit repeatedly,
principal, cardinal, elementary, pummel, pound, rain blows on, buffet,
intrinsic, central, pivotal, critical, belabour, thrash; informol knock about/
key, focal. 2 plain, simple, unsophis-
around, lay into, do over.
ticated, straightforward, adequate,
spartan, stark, severe, austere, limited, battle noun 7 he wos killed in the bottle
meagre, rudimentary, patchy, sl<etchy, fight, engagement, armed conflict,
minimal, crude, makeshift informol clash, struggle, skirmish, fray, war,
bog-standard. campaign, crusade, warfare, combat,
- OPPOSITES unimportant, luxurious. action, hostilitie s; informol scrap,
dogfight, shoot-out. 2 a legol bottle
basically odverb fundamentally,
conflict, clash, struggle, disagreement,
essentially, first and foremost, primar-
argument, dispute, tussle.
ily, at heart, at bottom, intrinsically,
o verb fight, combat, contend with,
inherently, principally, chiefly, above all,
resist, withstand, stand up to, confront,
mostly, mainly, on the whole, by and
war, feud, struggle, strive, work.
large: informol at the end of the day.
battlefield noun battleground, fl eld
basics p/urol noun fundamentals,
of battle, field of operations, combat
essentials, fi rst principles, foundations,
zone, lines, front, theatre ofwar.
preliminaries, groundwork, essence,
basis, core; informol nitty-gritty, brass bawdy odjective ribald, indecent, ris.
tacks, nuts and bolts, ABC. qu6, racy, earthy, rude, suggestive, titil-
iating, naughty, improper, indelicate,
basin noun bowl, dish, pan, container,
vulgar, crude, smutty; informal raunchy.
receptacle, vessel.
basis noun 1 the bosis of his method
bawl verb 1 shout, yell, roar, bellow,
screech, scream, shriek, bark, thunder;
foundation, support, base, reason-
lnformol yammer, holler. 2 cry, sob,
ing, rationale, defence, reason,
weep, wail, whine, howl; Scotttsh infor.
grounds, justification. 2 the bosis of
mol greet.
discussion starting point, base, point
of departure, beginning. premise. - OPPOSITES whisper.
fundamental point/principle, corner- bayl noun cove, inlet, gulf, sound, bight,
stone, core, heart. 3 on o port-time bosis basin, lord.
footing, condition, status, position, bay2 noun alcove, recess, niche, nool<,
arranqement. opening, inglenook.
bask verb 1 laze, lie, lounge, relax, bazaar noun I market, marketplace,
sprawl, loll, luxuriate. 2 revel, wallow, souk, mart. 2 fete, fair, fund-raiser;
take pleasure, enjoy, relish, Bdt. jumble sale, bring-and-buy sale,
ifltotlj car boot sale; tV. Amer. rummage sale,
bass odjective low, deep, resonant, tag sale.
sonorous, rumbling. booming. be verb l exist, live, be alive, breathe,
resounding. be extant. 2 occur, happen, take place,
- oPPoSITES high. come about, arise, fall; /iterory come to
beach -+ beat

pass, befall, betlde.3 be situated, be cope, manage, get by, muddle through.
located, be found, be present, be set, bear with be patient with, make allow'
be positioned, be placed, be installed, ances for, tolerate, put up with, endure.
sit, lie.
beach noun sands, seaside, seashore,
coast; /iterory strand, littoral.
m.--
bea12 noun

ursine relating to bears

o verb land, ground, strand, run
ashore. bearable odjective tolerable, endurable,
beached adjective stranded, run supportable, sustainable.
aground, ashore, marooned, high and bearer noun I carrier, porter.
dry, stuck. 2 bringer, messenger, agent, conveyor,
- oPPostrES afloat. emissary.
beacon noun signal, light, fire, danger bearing noun 1 posture, stance,
signal, bonfi re, lighthouse. carriage, gait, demeanour, manner,
bead noun 1 ball, pellet, pill, globule, mien, air, aspect, attitude, style; Brlt.
sphere, spheroid, orb, round; (beads) deportment. 2 this hos no bearing on
necklace, rosary, chaplet. 2 beods the motter relevance, pertinence, con-
ofsweotdroplet, drop, drip, blob, nection, relation, relationship, import,
pearl, doi. significance, application. 3 direction,
beaker noun cup, tumbler, glass, mug, orientation, course, trajectory, heading,
drinking vessel. tack, path. 4 I lost my beorings orienta-
tion, sense of direction, whereabouts,
beam noun 1 plank, timber, ioist, rafter, location, position.
lintel, spar, girder, support.2 ray, shaft,
stream, streak, pencil, flash, gleam,
- OPPOSITES irrelevance.

glint.3 grin, smile. beast noun 1 creature, animal; N. Amer.

- OPPOSITES frown. informol critter. 2 monster, brute,

a verb 1 broadcast, transmit, relay, savage. barbarian, animal. swine. ogre,
disseminate, direct, send, aim. 2 shine, fiend, sadist, demon, devil.
radiate, glare, gleam.3 grin, smile. beat verb t hit, strike, batter, thump,
- OPPOSITES frown. bang, hammer, punch, knock, thrash,
bearl verb 1 carry, bring, transport, pound, pummel, slap, rain blows on,
move, convey, take, fetch; informal assault; informol wallop, belt, bash,
tote.2 display, be marked with, show, whack, clout, clobber. 2 throb, pulse,
carry, exhibit. 3 withstand, support, pulsate, pump, palpitate, pound,
sustain, stand, take, carry, hold up, thump, thud, hammer, drum. 3 flap,
cope with, handle.4 harbour, foster, flutter, thrash, wave, vibrate. 4 whisk,
entertain, cherish, nurse. 5 I con't beor mix, blend, whip. 5 defeat, conquer,
sportendure, tolerate, put up with, vanquish, trounce, rout, overpower,
stand, abide, countenance, stomach; overcome; informal lick, thrash, whip;
informol hack, swallow; Brit. informol US informal own. 6 exceed, surpass,
stick, wear; formol brook. 6 give birth better, improve on, eclipse, transcend,
to, bring forth, deliver, have, produce, top, trump, cap.
spawn. T produce, yield, give, provide, a noun 1 rhythm, pulse, metre, time,
supply. measure, cadence, stress, accent.
o bear fruit yield results, succeed, be 2 pounding, banging, thumping, thud-
effective, be profitable, work; informol ding, hammering, crashing. 3 pulse,
pay off, do the trick. bear out confirm, pulsation, vibration, throb, palpitation,
corroborate, substantiate, endorse, reverberatlon, pounding, thump, thud,
vindicate, give credence to, support, hammering, drumming. 4 circuit,
justify, prove. bear up remain cheerful, round, route, path.
35 beautiful -+ begin

o beat off repel, fight off, fend off, becoming odjective flattering, fetch-
stave off, repulse, drive awayi back, ing, attractive, pretty, elegant, hand-
push back. beat up assault, attack, some, well chosen, stylish, fashionable,
mug; informol knock about/around, do tasteful.
over, work over, rough up: Brit. informal bed noun 1 couch, berth, billet, cot;
duff up. informol the sack. 2 o flower bed patch,
beautiful odjective attractive, pretty, plot, border, strip.3 base, foundation,
handsome, good-looking, fetching, footing, support, basis.
lovely, charming, graceful, elegant, o verb embed, set, fix, insert, inlay,
appealing, winsome, ravishing, gor- implant, bury, plant.
geous, stunning, glamorous; Scottish & tr go to bed retire; informol hit the
N. English bonny; informal tasty, knock- sacl<, hit the hay, turn in.
out, drop-dead gorgeous; Brit. informol bedraggled odjective dishevelled,
smashing; N. Amer lnformol cute, foxy; disordered, untidy, unkempt, tousled;
Austrol.lNZ informol beaut, spunky; o/d tV. Amer. informol mussed.
use comely. - OPPOSITES neat.
- OPPoSITES ugly. before preposition 1 prior to. previ-
beautify adorn, embellish,
verb ous to, earlier than, preparatory to, in
enhance, decorate, ornament, prettify, advance of, ahead of, pre-. 2 in front
glamorize; informoldo up, tart up. of, in the presence of.3 in preference
to, rather than, sooner than.
beauty noun I attractiveness, pretti- - oPPOSITES after.
ness, good looks, loveliness, appeal,
a odverb previously, before now/then,
winsomeness, charm, grace, elegance,
until now/then, up to nowithen, earlier,
exquisiteness, glamour; /lterory pu lch ri- formerly, hitherto, in the past.
tude.2 belle, vision, goddess, picture,
- oPPoSlTEs afterwards, later.
Venus; informol babe, looker, lovely,
stunner, knockout, bombshell, bit of
beforehand odverbin advance, in
readiness, ahead of time, before,
all right.
before now/then, earlier (on), previ-
- oPPostrES ugliness.
ously, already, sooner.
because conjunction since, as, seeing - oPPoSITES afterwards.
that, in view of the fact that, in that. beg verb 1 ask for money, seek charity;
o because of on account of, as a result informol sponge, cadge, sc.ounge,
of, as a consequence of, owing to, due bum.2webeggedfor mercy plead for,
to, thanks to, by virtue of; formol by request, ask for, appeal for, call for, sue
reason of. for, solicit, seel<. 3 he begged her not to
beckon verb 1 gesture, signa!, wave, go implore, entreat, plead with, appeal
gesticulate, motion. 2 entice, invite, to, pray to, call on, petition; literory
tempt, lure, charm, attract, draw, call. beseech.
become verb 1 she became rich grow, beggar noun tramp, vagrant, vaga-
get, turn, come to be, get to be.2 he bond, mendicant; N. Amer. hobo;
became o tyrontturn into, change into, informol scrounger, sponger, cadger,
be transformed into, be converted freeloader; Brit. informol dosser
into.3 he become Foreign Secretory N. Amer. informal bum: Austral.lNZ
be appointed, be assigned as, be informol bagman.
nominated, be elected. 4 suit, flatter, begin verb 1 start, commence, set
look good on, set off; informol do about, go about, embark on, launch
something for. into, get down to, take up, initiate,
o become of happen to, be the fate set in motion, get going, get off the
of, be the lot ol overtake. ground, lead off, institute, inaugurate,
beginner -+ belligerent 36

open; informol get cracking on, kick being noun 1 existence, living, life, real-
off.2 appear, arise, become apparent, ity, lifeblood, vital force. 2 soul, spirit,
spring up, crop up, turn up, come into nature, essence, psyche, heart, bosom,
existence, originate, start, commence, breast. 3 creature, life form, organism.
develop. living thing, individual, person, human.
- oPPoSITES finish, end. belated adjective late, overdue, behind-
beginner noun novice, learner, starter, hand, delayed, tardy, unpunctual.
(raw) recruit, newcomer, tyro, fresher, - oeeosttts early.
probationer, apprentice, trainee: beleaguered odjective 1 besieged,
N. Amer. informol rookie, new l<id (on blockaded, surrounded, encircled,
the blocl<), tenderfoot, greenhorn. hemmed in, under attacl<. 2 troubled,
- OPPOSITES expert, veteran. harassed, hard-pressed, in difflculties,
beginning noun 1 start, commence- under pressure, in a tight corner; lnfor-
ment, creation, birth, inception, mol up against it.
conception, origination. origin, genesis, belief noun 1 opinion, view, conviction,
germ, emergence, rise, dawn, launch, judgement, thinking, idea, theory,
onset, outset, day one; informol kick- thought, feelinq. 2 faith, trust, reliance,
off. 2 opening, start, commencement, confldence, credence. 3 ideology, prin-
fi rst part, introduction, preamble. ciple, ethic, tenet, doctrine, teaching,
- oPPoslTES end, conclusion. dogma, creed, credo.
begrudge verb envy, resent, grudge, - oPPOslrES disbelief, doubt.
be jealous of, be envious of, mind, believe verb 1 I don't believe you trust,
object to. have confidence ln, consider honest,
behalf noun consider truthful.2 do you believe thot
o on behalf of 1 representing, as a storyT accept, be convinced by, give
representative of, as a spokesperson credence to, credit, trust, put confi-
for, for, in the name of, in place of, on dence in; informolswallow, buy, go for.
the authority of. 2 in the interests of, 3 think, be ofthe opinion that, have an
in support of, for, for the benefit of, for idea that, imagine, assume, presume,
the good of, for the sake of. tal<e it, understand, gather; informol
behave verb 1 she behoved bodly act, recl<on, figure.
conduct yourself, acquit yourself. 2 the - OPPOSITES doubt.
children behoved themselves act cor- o believe in have faith in, trust ln,
rectly, be good, be well behaved, mind have every confidence in, ciing to, set
your manners; informol mind your Ps (great) store by, value, be convinced
and Qs. by, be persuaded by; lnformol swear
- oPPoSlTEs misbehave. by, rate.
behaviour noun conduct, actions, believer noun disciple, follower, sup-
manners, ways, deportment, bearing, porter, adherent, devotee, upholder,
etiquette. worshipper.
behind preposition 1 at the back of, at - oPPoSITES infidel, sceptic.
the rear of, beyond, on the far side of; belittle verb disparage, denigrate,
N. Amer. in back of. 2 after, following, run down, deprecate, play dou,,n,
at the back/rear of, hard on the heels trivialize, minimize; informol do down,
of, in the wal<e of. 3 responsible for, pooh-pooh.
at the bottom of, the cause of, the per- belligerent t
odjective hostile,
petrator of, the organizer of, to blame aggressive, threatening, antagonis-
for, guilty of. 4 supporting, backing, tic, pugnacious, bellicose, truculent,
for, on the side of, in agreement with: confrontational, contentious, militant,
informol rooting for. combative, argumentative; nformol
i
37 bellow -+ benevolent

spoiling for a fight; Brit. informol bend verb 1 curve, crool<, flex, angle,
stroppy, bolshie; N. Amer. informol hook, bow, arch, buckle, warp, contort,
scrappy. 2 the belligerent stotes war- distort. deform, twist. 2 turn. curve,
ring, combatant, fi ghting, battling. change
incline, swing, veer, fork, rilr,tli::,ii
- oPPOSITES peaceable. course, curl, loop.3 stoop, bow,
bellow verb roar, shout, bawl, thunder, crouch, hunch, lean down/over.
boom, bark, yell, shriek, howl, scream; - OPPOSITES straighten.
informol holler. a noun curve, turn, corner, kink, angle,
- oPPoSlTEs whisper. arc, twist.
belly noun stomach, abdomen, paunch, beneath preposition 1 under, under-
middle, midriff, girth; informol tummy, neath, below, at the foot ol at the bot-
gut, insides. tom of, lower than. 2 inferior to, below,
lower than, subordinate to. 3 unworthy
belong verb 1 be owned by, be the
of, unbecoming to, degrading to.
property of, be held by, be in the hands
of. 2 be a member of, be in, be affili-
- oPPoSITES above.
a odverb underneath, below, further
ated to, be allied to, be associated with.
down, lower down.
3 be part of, be attached to, go with.
4 fit in, be suited to; informalgo, click.
- OPPoSITES above.
benefactor noun patron, supporter,
belongings plurol noun possessions,
backer, sponsor, donor, contributor,
effects, worldly goods, chattels, prop-
subscriber; informol angel.
erty;informal gear, tackle, kit, things,
stuff, bits and pieces; Brit. informol benefi cial adjective advantageous,
clobber. favourable, helpful, useful, of assis-
tance, valuable, salutary, worthwhile,
beloved odjective darling, dear, pre-
fruitful, productive, profitable, reward-
cious, adored, cherished, treasured,
ing, gainful.
prized, valued, idolized.
- oPPoslTES disadvantageous.
o noun sweetheart, love, darling, dear-
est, lover, girlfriend, boyfriend; informol beneficiary noun recipient, payee,
steady, baby, angel, honey, pet. heir, heiress, inheritor.
below preposition 1 beneath, under, benefit noun 1 good, sake, welfare,
underneath, lower than. 2 less than, well-being, advantage, comfort, ease,
lower than, under, not as much as, convenience, help, aid, assistance, ser-
smaller than. 3 inferior to, subordinate vice.2 advantage, profit, plus point,
to, under, beneath. boon, blessing, reward; informol perk.
- OPPOSITES above, over. 3 social security payment, welfare,
charity; informol the dole.
belt noun 1 sash, glrdle, band, strap,
- OPPoslTEs detriment, disadvantage.
cummerbund. 2 region, strip, stretch,
a verb t help, be advantageous to, be
zone, area, district, sector, territory.
beneficial to, profit, do good to, be of
bemused odjective bewildered, service to, serve, be useful to, be help-
confused, puzzled, perplexed, baff1ed, ful to. aid. assist.2 profit, gain. reap
mystifi ed, nonplussed, dumbfounded, reward, make the most of, exploit, turn
at sea, at a loss; informol flummoxed, to your advantage, put to good use.
bamboozled, fazed. - oPPoSITES disadvantage, harm.
bench noun 1 seat, form, pew, stall, set- benevolent odjective kind, kindly,
tle. 2 workbench, worktop, counter. l<ind-hea rted, good-natured, compas-
benchmark noun standard, point sionate, caring, altruistic, humanitar-
of reference, guide, guideline, norm, ian, philanthropic, beneficent, well
touchstone, yardstick, barometer, meaning, benign.
model, gauge, criterion, specification. - opposrrrs unkind.
benign -+ betray

benign odjective 1 kindly, kind, urarm- overcome, out of your mind, frantic,
hearted, good-natured, friendly, genial, desperate, distracted, at your wits' end,
tender-hearted, gentle, sympathetic, frenzied, hysterical.
compassionate, caring, well disposed, besides preposition in addition to,
benevolent. 2 mild, temperate, gentle, as well as, over and above, on top of,
balmy, soft, pleasant, favourable, apart from, other than, aside from,
healthy. 3 (Medicine) harmless, non- not counting, excluding, leaving aside;
malignant. non-cancerous. N. Amer. informoloutside of.
- OPPOSITES unkind, malignant. besiege verb 1 lay siege to, beleaguer,
bentodjective 1 twisted, crooked, blockade.2 surround, mob, harass,
warped, contorted, deformed, mis- pester, badger.3 overwhelm, bom-
shapen, out of shape, bowed, arched, bard, inundate, deluge, flood, swamp,
curved, angled, hooked, kinked; snow under.
tV. Amer. informolpretzeled. 2 cor-
best odjective finest, premier, greatest,
rupt, dishonest, fraudulent, criminal,
top, foremost, leading, pre-eminent,
untrustworthy.
supreme, superlative, unrivalled,
- oPPOSTTES straight.
second to none, without equal,
a noun inclination, leaning, tendency,
unsurpassed, unparalleled, unbeatable,
talent, gift, flair, aptitude, facility, skill.
optimum, ultimate, incomparable,
tr bent on intent on, determined on,
record-breaking', informol star, number-
set on, insistent on, resolved on.
one, a cut above the rest, top-drawer.
bequeath verb leave, will, hand down,
o noun only the best wil/ do finest,
pass on, entrust, make over, grant, choicest, top. cream, choice. prime.
transfer, give, bestow on, confer on. elite, crdme de la crdme, flower, jewel
bequest noun legacy, estate, inherit- in the crown; informol tops, pick of the
ance, endowment, settlement. bunch.
bereavement noun death in the fam- - OPPOSITES worst.
ily, loss, passing (away), demise; formol bestow verb confer on, grant, accord,
decease. afford, endow with, present, award,
berserk odjective mad, crazy, insane. give, donate, entrust with, vouchsafe.
out of your mind, hysterical, frenzied, bet verb I wager, gamble, stake, risk,
crazed, demented, maniacal, manic, venture, hazard, chance; Brit. informal
frantic, raving, wild, out of control, punt, have a flutter. 2 (informol) be
amok, on the rampage; informal off certain, be sure, be convinced, be
your head, off the deep end, ape, confident, expect, predict, guess.
bananas, bonkers; Brit. informol spare; l
a noun wager, gamble, stake, ante;
N. Amer. informol postal. Brit. informalpunt, flutter. 2 (infornal)
berth noun 1 bunk, bed, cot, couch, your best bet is to go eorly option,
hammock.2 mooring, dock, pier, choice, alternative, course of actlon,
jetty, quay. plan.
overb dock, moor, land, tie up, make betray verb 1 be disloyal to, be unfaith-
fast. ful to, break faith with, play someone
beseech verb implore, beg, entreat, false, inform on/against. give away,
plead with, appeal Lo, call on, impor- denounce, sell out, stab in the back;
tune, pray to, ask, petition. informolsplit on, rat on, stitch up, do
beside preposition alongside, by/ the dirty on, sell down the river; Bdf.
at the side of, next to, parallel to, informol grass on, shop, sneak on;
abreast of, adjacent to, next door to, N. Amer. informolrat out, drop a/the
neighbouring. dime on, finger; Austrol.f NZ informol
o beside yourself distraught, dob in, point the bone at. 2 reveal,
 betrayal -+ bill

disclose, divulge, tell, give away, leak, bias noun prejudice, partiality, favourit-
bring out into the open. ism, partisanship, unfairness, one-
betrayal noun disloyalty, treachery, sidedness, discrimination, leaning,
bad faith, breach offaith, breach of tendency, inclination.
trust, faithlessness, duplicity, decep- - oPPoSlTEs impartiality.
tion, double-dealing, stab in the back, o verb prejudice, influence, colour,
double-cross, sell-out. sway, predispose, distort, skew, slant.
- OPPoslTEs loyalty. biased adjective prejudiced, partial,
better odjectlve 1 superior, finer, of partisan, one-sided, bigoted, discrimi-
higher quality, preferable; informol a natory, distorted, warped, twisted,
cut above, streets ahead, head and s kewed.
shoulders above, ahead of the pack/ - OPPOSITES impartial.
field. 2 healthier, fitter, stronger, bidverb offer, put up, tender, proffer,
well again, cured, healed, recovered, propose.
recovering, on the road to recovery, on a noun 1 offer, tender, proposal.
the mend. 2 attempt, effort, endeavour, try;
- oPPOSITES worse, inferior. informol crack, qo, shot, stab.
o verb 1 surpass, improve on, beat, bidding noun command, order, direc-
exceed, top, cap, trump, eclipse. tion, instruction, decree, injunction,
2 improve, ameliorate, raise, advance, demand, beck and call.
further, lift, upgrade, enhance.
bigodjective 1 large, sizeable, sub-
- OPPOSITES woTsen.
stantial, considerable, great, huge,
between prepositton 1 in the middle
immense, enormous, extensive,
of, with one on either side, among; colossal, massive, mammoth, vast,
o/d use betwixt. 2 connecting, linking,
gigantic. cosmic, giant, spacious:
joining, uniting, allying.
informol jumbo, whopping, thumping,
beware verb watch out, look out, mind bumper, mega; Brlt. informol whack-
out, be alert, be on your guard, keep ing, ginormous; formol commodious.
your eyes openi peeled, keep an eye 2 well built, sturdy, brawny, burly,
out, take care, be careful, be cautious, broad-shouldered, muscular, bulky,
watch your step, guard against. hulking, strapping, hefty, tall, huge, fat,
bewilder verb baffle, mystify, bemuse, stout; informol hunky, beefy.3 elder,
perplex, puzzle, confuse; informol flum- older, grown-up, adult, mature, grown.
mox, faze, stump, beat. 4 important. significant, major,
bewildered odjective baffled, mysti- momentous, weighty, far-reaching,
fied, bemused, perplexed, puzzled, key, vital, crucial. 5 thot wos big of you
confused, nonplussed, at sea, at a generous, kind. kindly. caring. compas-
loss, disorientated; inlorrnol fl u m- sionate, loving.
moxed, bamboozled; N. Amer. informol - oPPostrES small, minor.
discombobulated. bigoted odjective prejudiced, biased,
bewitch verb captivate, enchant, partial, one-sided, sectarian, discrinri-
entrance, enrapture, charm, beguile, natory, opinionated, dogmatic, intoler-
delight, fascinate, enthral, cast a ant, narrow-minded, blinkered, illiberal.
spell on. - OPPoSITES open-minded.
beyond preposition 1 on the far side bill noun 1 invoice, account, state-
of, on the other side of, further away ment, list of charges; humorous the
than, behind, past, after. 2 later than, damage; N. Amer. checl<; informol
past, after. 3 greater than, more tab. 2 draft law, proposal, measure.
than, exceeding, in excess of, above, 3 programme, line-up; iV. Amer:
upwards of. playbill. 4 (N. Aner.) banknote, note;
billow -+ black 40

USinformol greenback. 5 poster, shred, crumb, grain, speck, spot, drop,

advertisement, notice, announcement, pinch, dash, morsel, mouthful, bite,
flyer, leaflet, handbill; informol ad',Brit. sample, iota, jot, whit, atom, particle,
informol advert. trace, touch, suggestion, hint, tinge;
a verb 1 invoice, charge, debit. informolsmidgen, tad.
2 advertise, announce, schedule, bite verb 1 chew, sink your teeth into,
programme, timetable; tV. Amer: slate. munch, crunch, champ. 2 grip, hold,
3 he wos billed os the new Sean Connery get a purchase.3 take effect, work,
describe, call, style, label, dub, pro- act, have results.
mote, talk up; lnformol hype. a noun 1chew, munch, nibble, gnaw,
billow verb 1 puff out, balloon (out), nip, snap. 2 mouthful, piece, bit,
swell, fill (out).2 swirl, spiral, roll, morsel, snack. 3 piquancy, pungency,
undulate, eddy. pour, flow. spiciness, tang, zes| informol kick,
bind verb 1 tie up, fasten together, punch, zing.
secure, mal<e fast, attach, rope, lash, biting odjectiye 1 vicious, harsh, cruel,
tether. 2 bandage, dress, cover, wrap, savage, cutting, sharp, bitter, scathing,
strap up, tape up. 3 trim, hem, edge, caustic, acerbic, acid, acrimonious.
border, fringe. spiteful, venomous, vitriolic; informol
- oPPostrES untie. bitchy, catty. 2 freezing, icy, arctic,
binding adjective irrevocable, unal- bitter, piercing, penetrating, raw.
terable, inescapable, unbreakable, - oPPOSTTES mild.
contractual, compulsory, obligatory, b-tter odjective 1 sharp, acid, acrid, tart,
rnandatory, incumbent. sour, vinegary. 2 acrimonious, hostile,
binge noun (informol) bout, spell, fling, angry. rancorous, spiteful, vicious,
spree, orgy, drinking bout; informol vitriolic, savage, ferocious, nasty. 3 o
bender, session; Scottish informol skite; bitter womon resentful, embittered,
N. Amer. informol jag. aggrieved, spiteful, jaundiced, sullen,
bird noun fowl, chick, fledgling, nestling. sour. 4 freezing, icy, arctic, biting,
piercing, penetrating, raw.
WORD LINKS
- oPPoSITES sweet, mild.
avian relatinq Lo birds
bizarre adjective strange, peculiar, odd,
ornithology study of birds
[unny, [antastic. extraordinary, c urious.
birth noun 1 childbirth, delivery, outlandish, eccentric, unconventional,
nativity. 2 beginning(s), emergence, unorthodox, weird, outr6, surreal; lnfor-
genesis, dawn, dawning, rise, start. rnol wacky, oddball, way out, freaky;
3 ancestry, lineage, blood, descent, N. Amer. informol wacko.
parentage. family, extraction. origin, - oPPoSITES normal.
stock. black odjective 1 dark, pitch-black,
- oPPoSITES death, end. coal-black, jet-black, ebony, inky, sable.
o give birth to have, bear, produce, 2 o block doy tragic, dark, disastrous,
be delivered of, bring into the world; calamitous, catastrophic, cataclysmic,
informol drop. fateful. 3 o block mood miserable.
wono ltrurs unhappy, sad, wretched, heartbroken,
antenatal before birth grief-stricl<en, sorrowful, anguished,
post-natal after birth desolate, despairing, disconsolate,
downcast, dejected, gloomy; informol
obstetrics branch of medicine con-
blue. 4 macabre, cynical, unhealthy,
cerned with birth
ghoulish, weird, morbid, gruesome;
bit noun piece, portion, section, part, informol sick.
chunk, lump, hunl<, fragment, scrap, oPPosrrES white, bright.
41 blacklist -+ blemish

o black out faint, lose consciousness, blasphemous odjective sacrilegious,

out, swoon.
pass profane, irreligious, irreverent, impious,
blacklist verb boycott, ostracize, avoid, ungodly, godless.
embargo, ignore, refuse to employ. - OPPOSITES reverent.
blackmail noun extortion, demand' blasphemy noun profanity, sacrilege,
ing money with menaces, threats, irreligion, irreverence, taking the Lord's
intimidation. name in vain, impiety, desecration.
o verb 1 extort money from, threaten, - OPPOSITES reverence.
hold to ransom, intimidate. 2 coerce, blast noun 1 explosion, detonation, dis-
pressure, force, dragoon; informol Iean charge, burst.2 gust, rush, gale, squall,
on, twist someone's aTm. flurry. 3 the shrill blost of the trumpets
blare, wail, roar, screech, shriek, hoot,
blame verb t hold responsible, hold
honk, beep.
accountable, condemn, accuse, fi nd/
a verb 1 blow up, bomb, blow (to
consider guilty. 2 they blome youth pieces), dynamite, explode, fire, shoot,
crime on unemployment attribute to,
blaze, let fly, discharge. 2 blare, boom,
ascribe to, impute to, lay at the door of, roar, thunder, bellow, shriel<, screech.
put down to informol pin.
- oPPostrES absolve.
blatant odjective flagrant, gla ring,
obvious, undisguised, open, overt,
a noun responsibility, guilt, account-
outright, nal<ed, shameless, barefaced,
ability, liability, culpability, fault.
unashamed, brazen.
blameless odjective innocent, uilt-
g
- oPPoSlTEs discreet, inconspicuous.
less, above reproach, irreproachable,
blaze noun 1 fire, flames, conflagration,
unimpeachable, in the clear, exemplary,
inferno, holocaust. 2 o blaze of light
impeccable, unblemished; informal
glare, flash, burst, flare, streak, radi-
squeaky clean.
ance, brilliance, beam, glitter.
- oPPoSlrEs guilty. a verb 1 burn, be alight, be on fire, be
bland odjective 1 uninteresting, dull, in flames. 2 shine, flash, flare, glare,
boring, tedious, monotonous, ordinary, gleam, glitter, glisten. 3 fire, shoot,
run-of-the-mill, drab, dreary, unexcit- blast, let fly.
ing, lacklustre, flat, stale, trite.2 taste- bleach verb turn white, whiten, turn
less, flavourless, plain, insipid, weal<, pale, blanch, lighten. [ade.
watery, thin. wishy-washy. - OPPOSITES darken.
- OPPOSITES interesting, tangy.
bleakodjective 1 bare, exposed, deso-
blank odjective 1 empty, unmarl<ed, late, stark, desert, lunar, open, empty,
unused, clear, free, bare, clean, plain. windswept. 2 unpromising, unfa'
2 expressionless, deadpan, wooden, vourable, dim, gloomy, black, grim,
stony, impassive, inscrutable, glazed, discouraqinq, disheartening, depress-
fixed, lifeless. ing, dismal.
- oPPoslTEs expressive. - oPPoSlTEs lush, promising.
a noun space, gap, void. bleary odjective blurry, u nfocused,
blanket noun o blonket of cloud cover- fogged, clouded, misty, watery,
ing, layer, coating, carpet, cloal<, rheumy.
mantle, veil, pall, shroud. - oPPOSITES clear.
a verb cover, coat, carpet, cloak, blemish noun imperfection, flaw,
shroud, swathe, envelop. defect, fault, discoloration, stain, scar,
blas6 odjective indifferent, uncon- marl<, spot.
cerned, casual, nonchalant, offhand, o verb mar, spoil, impair, disfigure,
uninterested, unimpressed, unmoved, deface, marl<, stain, scar, blight, tarnish,
uncaring; informol laid-back. - OPPOSITES enhance.
blend -+ bloodshed 42

blend verb 1 mix, mingle, combine, blindly adverb 1 impetuously, impul-

merge, fuse, amalgamate, stir, whisk, sively, recklessly, heedlessly. 2 uncriti-
fold in. 2 harmonize, go (well), fit (in), cally, unquestioningly, unthinkingly,
be in tune, be compatible, coordinate, mindlessly, indiscriminately.
match, complement, suit. bliss noun joy, happiness, pleasure,
a noun mixture, mix, melange, delight, ecstasy, elation, rapture,
combination, synthesis, compound, euphoria, seventh heaven.
amalgam, fusion, alloy.
- OPPOSITES misery.
bless verb 1 consecrate, sanctify,
blitz noun bombing, air raid, air strike,
dedicate to Cod, mal<e holy: formol
bombardment, barrage, attack, assault.
hallow.2 endow, bestow, furnish, give,
favour, confer on. 3 sanction, consent bloated odjective swollen, distended,
to, endorse, agree to, approve, back, bulging, puffed out, inflated, dilated.
support; informol give the green light blob noun drop, droplet, globule, bead,
to, OK. bubble, spot, dab, blotch, blot, dot,
- OPPOSITES curse, oppose. smudge; informol splodge.
blessed odjective holy, sacred, hal- bloc noun group, alliance, coalition, fed-
lowed, consecrated, sanctifi ed, eration, confederation. league, union.
ordained, canonized, beatifi ed. axis, association.
- oPPoslTES cursed.
block noun 1 chunk, hunk, lump,
blessing noun 1 benediction, dedica- wedge, cube, brick, ingot, slab, piece.
tion, consecration, grace, invocation, 2 building, complex, structure,
intercession. 2 sanction, endorsement, development. 3 obstacle, bar, barrier,
approval, consent, assent, agreement, impediment, hindrance, check, hurdle.
backing, support; informol the green
o verb 1 clog, stop up, choke, plug,
light, OK. 3 advantage, godsend, bung up, obstruct, gum up, dam
boon, benefit, help, bonus, plus, stroke up, congest, jam. 2 hinder, hamper,
of luck, windfall. obstruct, impede, inhibit, halt, stop,
- OPPOSITES condemnation. bar, check, prevent, fend off, hold off,
blight noun I pototo b/ight disease, can- repel.
ker, infestation, fungus, mildew, mould. - OPPOSITES clear, aid.
2 the blight of oircroft noise curse, o block out keep out, exclude, stop,
scourge, aflliction, plague, menace. mis- conceal, blot out, blank out, obliterate.
fortune, bane, trouble, nuisance, pest.
blockage noun obstruction, stoppage,
a verb ruin, wreck, spoil, mar, frustrate, blocl<, jam, congestion, bottleneck.
disrupt, undo, scotch, destroy, shatter,
devastate, demolish; informol mess up, blonde, blond odjective fair, light, yel-
foul up, put paid to, put the kibosh on, low, flaxen, golden.
stymie; Brit informol scupper. - OPPOSITES dark.
blind odjective 1 sightless, unsighted, blood noun 1 lifeblood, gore, vitai fluid.
visually impaired, unseeing. 2 uncriti- 2 ancestry, lineage, descent, parent-
cal, unreasoned, unthinking, unques' age, family, birth. extraction, origin,
tioning, mindless, undiscerning, stock.
indiscriminate. 3 blind to the reolities of LrNKS
the situotion unaware of, oblivious to, lwoRD
haematology branch of medicine
ignorant of, unmindful of, heedless of, concerned with blood
insensible to, indifferent to.
a noun screen, shade, sunshade, cur- bloodshed noun slaughter, massacTe,
tain, awning, canopy, louvre, jalousie, killing, wounding, carnage, butchery,
s h utter. bloodletting, bloodbath.
43 bloodthirsty -+ blush

bloodthirsty o djective murderous, template, pattern, example, guide,

homicidal, violent, vicious, barbarous, prototype, pilot.
barbaric, savage, brutal, cut-throat. bluffl noun trick, deception, fraud, ruse,
bloody odjective 1 bloodstained, blood- preten(e, sham, fake, hoax. charade;
soaked, gory, bleeding. 2 vicious, informol put-on.
ferocious, savage, fierce, brutal, cruel, o verb pretend, sham, fake, feign, lie,
murderous, gory. deceive, delude, mislead, trick, fool,
bloom verb 1 flower, blossom, open, hoodwink, dupe, hoax; informol con,
mature. 2 flourish, thrive, prosper, pro- kid, have on.
gress, burgeon; informalbe in the pink. blufr 2 o dj ective plain-spoken, stra ig ht-
- oPPOSITES wither, decline. forward, blunt, direct, no-nonsense,
blossom noun flower, bloom, bud. frank, open, candid, forthright,
a verb 1 bloom, flower, open, mature. unequivocal; informol upfront.
2 develop, grow, mature, progress, - OPPOSITES guarded.
evolve, burgeon, flourish, thrive, pros- blunder noun mistake, error, gaffe, slip,
per, bloom. oversight, faux pas; informcl slip-up,
- OPPoslTEs wither, decline. boo-boo; Brit. informol clanger, boob,
blot noun 1 patch, dab, smudge, blotch, howler; N. Amer. informol blooper.
mark, dot, spot; Brif. informol splodge. a verb 1 make a mistake, err, miscal-
2 blemish, taint, stain, blight, flaw, culate, bungle, trip up; informol slip up,
fault. 3 o blot on the londscope eyesore, screw up, blow it, goof; Brit. informol
monstrosity, carbuncle, mess; informol boob. 2 stumble, lurch, stagger, floun-
sight. der, grope.
o blot out 1 conceal, hide, obscure,
blunt odjective 1 o blunt knife dull, worn.
exclude, obliterate, shadow, eclipse.
2 o brood leof with o blunt tip rounded,
2 erase, blank out, wipe out, eradicate.
flat, stubby. 3 straightforward, frank,
blowl verb 1 gust, puff, flurry, blast, plain-spoken, candid, direct, bluff,
roar, bluster, rush, storm. 2 sweep, forthright, unequivocal, brusque,
carry, toss, drive, push, force, drift, flut- abrupt, curt, bald, brutal, harsh, stark;
ter, waft, float, glide, whirl. 3 he b/ew informol u pfront.
the trumpetsound, blast, toot, play, - oPPoSITES sharp, subtle.
pipe, trumpet. o verb dull, deaden, dampen, numb,
o blow out extinguish, put out, snuff, take the edge off, weaken, allay, dimin-
douse, quench, smother. blow up ish, lessen.
1 explode, detonate, go off, ignite, - oPPoslTES intensify.
erupt, bomb, blast, destroy. 2 inflate,
pump up, fill up, puff up, swell, expand, blur verb cloud, fog, obscure, dim, make
hazy, make fuzzy, soften, dull, numb,
distend.
deaden, mute.
blow2 noun 1 stroke, knock, bang,
hit, punch, thump, smack, crack, rap; blurred adjective indistinct, f uzzy, iazy,
informol whack, bash, clout, wallop. misty, foggy, clouded, cloudy, faint,
2 upset, disaster, setback, misfortune, unclear, vague, indefinite, unfocused.
disappointment, calamity, catastro- - oPPoSITES sharp, clear.
phe, thunderbolt, bombshell, shock, blurt verb
surprise, jolt. o blurt out burst out with, exclaim,
blue odjective azure, cobalt, sapphire, call out, divulge, disclose, reveal,
navy, indigo. sky-blue. ultramarine, betray, let slip, give away; lnformol blab,
aquamarine, turquoise, cyan. let on, spill the beans.
blueprint noun plan, design, dia- blush verb redden, go pink, go red,
gram, drawing, sl<etch, layout, model, flush, colour, burn up.
blustery -+ bomb

o noun flush, rosiness, redness, pink- bog noun marsh, swamp, mire, quag-
ness, bloom, high colour, glow. mire, morass, slough, fen, wetland.
blustery odjective stormy, gusty, o bog down mire, stick, entangle,
blowy, windy, squally, wild. ensnare, embroil, hamper, hinder,
- opposttts calm. impede, obstruct, swamp, overwhelm.
board noun 1 plank, beam, panel, slat, bogus odjective fake, spurious, false,
batten, timber. 2 committee, council, fraudulent, sham, counterfeit, forged,
panel. direcl.orate, commission. feig ned ; informol phoney, pretend.
a verb 1 get on, go aboard, enter, - OPPOSITES genuine.
mount, ascend, embark, catch. boill verb simmer, bubble, stew, seethe,
2 lodge, live, reside, stay, be housed; froth, foam.
N. Amer. room; informol put up. boi12 noun swelling, spot, pimple,
boast verb 1 brag, crow, swagger, blister, gathering, pustule, carbuncle,
swanl<, show off, blow your own trum- a bscess.
pet, sing your own praises; informol talk
boisterous odjective lively, animated,
big, lay it on thick; Austrol.lNZ informol
exuberant, spirited, noisy, loud, rowdy,
skite. 2 the hotel boosls o fine restouront
unruly, wild, uproarious, unrestrained,
have, possess, own, enjoy, pride your-
uninhibited, uncontrolled, rough, disor-
self/itself on, offer.
derly, riotous; informal rumbustious.
a noun 1 brag, exaggeration, over-
statement; informol swank; Austrol.f NZ
- OPPOSITES restrained"

informolsl<ite. 2 pride, joy, pride and boldodjective 1 daring, intrepid, brave,

joy, apple of someone's eye, wonder, courageous, valiant, valorous, fear-
delight. less, dauntless, audacious, daredevil,
boastful odjective bragging, swagger-
adventurous, heroic, plucky; informol
gutsy, spunky.2 striking, vivid, bright,
ing, bumptious, swollen-headed, puffed
up, full of yourself, cocky, conceited, strong, eye-catching, prominent,
arroganU informol swanky, big-headed. gaudy, lurid, garish.
- oPPoSITES modest. - oPPoSITES timid, faint.

bob verb move up and down, bounce, bolster verb strengthen, reinforce,
toss, skip, dance, wobble, jiggle, joggle, boost, fortify, support, prop up, buoy
jolt, jerk. up, shore up, buttress, maintain, help,
augment, increase.
bodily odjective physical, corporeal,
corporal, mortal, material, tangible, bolt noun 1 the bolt on the door bar,
concrete, real, actual, incarnate. lock, catch, latch, fastener. 2 nuts ond
- OPPOSITES spiritual, mental. bolts pin. rivet, peg, screw.
o odverb lorcelully, forcibly, violently, a verb t he bolted the door lock, bar,
completely, entirely. latch, fasten, secure. 2 the lid wos bolted
down pin, rivet, peg, screw, fasten,
body noun 1 figure, frame, form,
physique, anatomy, skeleton. 2 torso, fix. 3 dash, dart, run, sprint, hurtle,
rush, fly, shoot; informol tear, scoot,
trunk. 3 corpse, carcass, skeleton,
remains; informol stiff; Medicine leg it. 4 gobble, gulp, wolf, guzzle,
cadaver. 4 main part, core, heart, hub. devour; informol demolish, polish off,
5 association, organization, assembly, shovel down; N. Amer. informol scarf ,

delegation, committee, executive, com- snarf.

pany, society, corporation, group. bomb noun explosive, incendiary
(device), missile, projectile.
[wono rrruxs
o verb blow up, blast, shell, blitz,
corporal, corporeal relating to the
strafe, pound, bombard, attack,
body
assault, destroy, demolish.
45 bombard -+ bore

bombard verb 1 shell, pound, blitz, - OPPOSITES slump.

strafe, bomb, batter, blast, pelt. a verb 1 roar, rumble, thunder, crash,
2 swamp, inundate, flood, deluge, roll, clap, explode, bang, resound,
snow under, overwhelm. blare. echo, resonate, reverberate.
bombardment noun assault, attack, 2 shout, yell, bellow, roar, thunder,
bombing, shelling, strafing, blitz, air bawl; informalholler. 3 flourish, thrive,
raid, cannonade, fusillade, barrage, prosper, burgeon, progress, improve,
broadside. pick up, expand.
bonanza noun windfall, godsend, boorish odjective coarse, uncouth,
blessing, bonus, stroke of luck; informol rude, vulgar, uncivilized, unrefined,
jackpot. oafish, ignorant, uncultured, philistine,
rough, thuggish, loutish, Neanderthal;
bond noun 1 friendship, relationship, Brit. informal yobbish; Austro/. informol
fellowship, partnership, association,
ocker.
affiliation, alliance, attachment, tie,
- oPPOSITES refined.
connection, link. 2 promise, pledge,
vow, oath, word (of honour), guaran- boost verb increase, raise, escalate,
tee, assurance, agreement, contract, improve, strengthen, inflate, push up,
pact, deal. promote, advance, foster, stimulate,
o verb join, fasten, fix, afflx, attach, encourage, facilitate, help, assist, aid;
secure. bind, stick, fuse. informolhike, bump up.
bonus noun 1 advantage, plus, benefit,
- oPPOSITES decrease.
a noun 1 o boost to your morole uplift,
extra, boon, blessing, godsend, stroke
lift, spur, encouragement, help, inspira-
of luck, attraction. 2 gratuity, hand-
tion, stimulus, fillip; informolshot in the
out, gift, present, reward, prize. incen'
arm. 2 o boost in so/es increase, expan-
tive; informol perk, sweetener.
sion, upturn, upsurge, rise, escalation,
- OPPoslTEs disadvantage. improvement, advance, growth, boom;
bony adjective skinny, thin, lean, gaunt, informol hike.
scrawny, spare, skin and bone, skeletal, - oPP0SITES decrease.
emaciated, underweight.
boot verb kick, punt, tap, propel, drive,
- OPPOSITES plump. knocl<.
book noun 1 volume, tome, publica- booth noun 1 stall, stand, kiosk.2 o
tion, title, novel, treatise, manual. phonebooth cubicle, l<iosk, box, com-
2 notepad, notebook, pad, exercise partment, enclosure, cabin.
book, logbook, ledger, journal, diary;
Brlf. jotter, pocketbook; N. Amer. booty noun loot, plunder, haul, spoils,
scratch pad. ill-gotten gains, pickings; informol swag.
a verb reserve, prearrange, order; border noun 1 edge, margin, perimeter,
informol bag. circumference, periphery, rim, fringe,
o book in register, check in, enrol. verge, sides. 2 frontier, boundary,
tWoRD borderline, perimeter.
LrrrrKs
a verb 1 surround, enclose, encircle,
ibibliography list of books edge, fringe, bound, flank.2 edge,
booklet noun pamphlet, brochure, fringe, hem, trim, pipe, finish. 3 adjoin,
leaflet, tract; N. Amer. folder, mailer. abut, be next to, be adjacent to, touch.
boom noun 1 roar, rumble, thunder, u border on verge on, approach,
crashing, drumming, pounding, come close to, be comparable to,
echoing, resonance, reverberation. approximate to, be tantamount to.
2 increase, growth, advance, boost, borer verb drill, pierce, perforate, punc.
escalation, improvement, upsurge, ture, punch, tunnel, burrow, mine, dig,
upturn. qouge, sinl<.
bore -+ bound

bore2 verb weary, pall on, tire, fatigue, mither; tV. Amer. informol ride.2 don't
send to sleep, leave cold; informol bother obout me mind, care, worry,
turn off. concern yourself, trouble yourself.
- OPPOSITES interest. 3 something wqs bothering him worry,
a noun tedious person/thing, tire. trouble, concern, perturb, disturb,
some person/thing, bother, nuisance. disquiet; informol rattle.
pest. annoyance, trial, thorn in your a noun 1 trouble, effort, exertion,
flesh/side; informol drag, pain (in the inconvenience, fuss, pains; informol
neck), headache, hassle. hassle.2 nuisance, pest, palaver,
rigmarole, job, trial, bind, bore, drag,
boredom noun tedium, ennui, apathy,
inconvenience, trouble; informol hassle,
weariness, dullness, monotony, repeti-
headache, pain (in the neck). 3 o spot of
tiveness, fl atness, dreariness.
bother in the public bor disorder, fight-
- OPPOSITES interest, excitement.
ing, trouble, disturbance, commotion,
boring odjective tedious, dull, dreary, uproar; informal hoo-ha, aggro, argy-
monotonous, repetitive, uneventful, bargy, kerfuffle.
unimaginative, characterless, feature-
less, colourless, lifeless, uninteresting,
bottle noun flask, carafe, decanter,
pitcher, flagon, magnum, demijohn,
unexciting, lacklustre, humdrum,
phial.
mind-numbing. soul-destroying,
o bottle up suppress, repress, restrain,
wearisome, tiresome; nformol deadly ;
i
hold in, smother, contain, conceal,
Brit. informol samey; N. Amer. informol
hide; informolkeep a lid on.
dullsville.
- OPPOSITES interesting, exciting. bottom noun 1 foot, lowest part, base,
foundation. 2 underside, underneath,
borrow verb 1 loan, lease, hire; informol
undersurface, underbelly. 3 floor, bed,
cadge, scrounge, bum, touch someone
depths. 4 farthest point, extremity,
for; N. Amer.informol mooch: Austrol.lNZ
far end. 5 (Brit.) buttocks, rear (end),
informolbludge.2 adopt, take on,
rump, seat, derridre; informol behind,
acquire, embrace, copy, imitate.
backside; Brit. informol bum, jacksie;
- OPPOSITES lend.
N. Amer. informolbutt, fanny; humorous
boss (informol) noun head, chief, princi- posterior.
pal, director, president, chief executive, - OPPOSITES top, surface.
chair, manager, supervisor, foreman, o odjective lowest, last, bottommost.
overseer, controller, employer, ownel - OPPOSITES top.
proprietor; Brit. informol gaffer, gover.
bounce verb 1 rebound, spring back,
nor; Al. Amer. informol head honcho.
ricochet; N. Amer. carom. 2 bound,
a verb order around, dictate to, bully, leap, jump, spring, bob, hop, skip,
push around/about, call the shots, lay
gambol, trip, prance.
down the law; informolbulldoze, walk
a noun 1 springiness, resilience, elas-
all over, railroad.
ticity, give. 2 vitality, vigour, energy,
bossy odiecrive (informol) domineer- vivacity, liveliness, animation, sparkle,
ing. pushy, overbearing, imperious, verve, spirit; informol get-up-and-go,
officious, high-handed, authoritarian, pep, zing.
dictatorial, autocratic; informol high boundr odjective 1 tied, restrained,
and mighty. fixed, fastened, secured. 2 certain,
- oPPostTES submissive. sure, very likely, destined. 3 bound by
bother verb 1 no one bothered her the Officiol Secrets Act constrained,
disturb, trouble, inconvenience, obliged, compelled, required,
pester, badger, harass, molest, plague; obligated.
informol hassle, bug; N. English informol - OPPOSITES free.
47 bound -+ brain

bound2 verb leap, jump, spring, vault, chucl<, sling, bung.

bounce, hop, skip, dance, prance, bowl2 noun dish, basin, pot, crock, ves-
gambol, gallop. sel, receptacle.
bound3 verb 1 limit, restrict, confine, boxl noun 1 carton, pack, packet,
circumscribe, demarcate, delimit. case, crate, chest, coffer, casket.2 o
2 enclose, surround, encircle, circle, telephone box booth, kiosk, cubicle,
border, close in/off, hem in. compartment, cabin, hut.
boundary noun 1 border, frontier, o verb pack, package, parcel, encase,
borderline, partition, dividing line. 2 the bundle, crate.
boundory of his estote limits, confines, boxz verb fight, spar, battle, brawl;
bounds, margins, edges, fringes, bor- informal scrap.
der, periphery, perimeter.
boxer noun fighter, pugilist, prize-
boundless adjective limitless, untold, fighter; informol bruiser, scrapper.
immeasurable, abundant, inexhaust-
boy noun lad, youth, young man, strip-
ible, endless, infinite, interminable,
ling; Scottish & N. Englrsh laddie.
unfailing, ceaseless, everlasting.
- oPPoSlTEs limited. boycott verb shun, snub, spurn, avoid,
ostracize, blacklist, blackball, reject,
bouquet noun 1 posy, nosegay, spray,
veto, send to Coventry.
corsage, buttonhole, garland, wreath,
arangement. 2 aroma, nose, smell, o noun ban, veto, embargo, prohibi-
fragrance, perfume, scent, odour.
tion, moratorium, sanction, restriction,
avoidance, rejection.
bourgeois odjective middle-class,
conservative, conformist, conventional,
boyfriend noun lover, sweetheart,
propertied, provincial, suburban, beloved, darling, partner; informol fella,
small-town. fancy man; N. Amer. informolsqueeze;
doted beau; literory swain.
- OPPoSITES proletarian.
bout noun 1 spell, period, stretch, stint, brace noun prop, strut, stay, support,
session, burst, flurry, spurt. 2 attack, bracket.
fit, spasm. 3 contest, fight, match, a verb 1 support, shore up, prop up,
round, competition, meeting. encoun- hold up, buttress, reinforce. 2 steady,
ter; Brit. clash. secure, stabilize, poise, fix. 3 broce
yo u rself fo r diso p poi ntment prepa re,
bowl verb 1 incline your head, bend,
get ready, gear up, nerve, steel, fortify;
stoop, bob, curtsy, kneel, genuflect.
informol psych yourself up.
2 the mast bowed in the wind bend,
buckle, curve, flex.3 the government bracing odjective invigorating, refresh-
bowed to foreign pressure give in, ing, stimulating, energizing, exhilarat-
submit, yield, surrender, succumb, ing, restorative, rejuvenating.
ca pitu late. bracket noun 1 support, prop, stay,
o noun nod, bob, obeisance, curtsy, batten, rest, mounting, rack, frame.
genuflection, salaam. 2 group, category, grade, classifica-
bow2 noun prow, front, stem, nose, tion, division.
head. bragverb boast, crow, swagger, swanl<,
bowels p/urol noun 1 intestines, show off, blow your own trumpet, sing
entrails, viscera, innards, digestive your own praises; informol talk big.
system; Medicine gut; informol guts, brain noun intelligence, intellect, brain-
insides. 2 interior, inside, core, belly, power, cleverness. wit(s), reasoning,
depths, recesse s; informol innards. wisdom, judgement, understanding,
bowll verb throw, pitch, hurl, toss, sense; informol nous, grey matter;
lob, fling, roll, launch, Wopel; informol N. Amer. informol smarts.
brake + break

ffioRD LrtrKS brawny odjective strong, muscular,

cerebral relatinq to the brain muscly, well built, powerful, strapping,
burly, sturdy; informol beefy, hulking.
brake noun curb, check, restraint, con- - OPPOSITES puny, weal<.
straint, control, limit.
brazen odjective bold, shameless, un-
a verb slow (down), decelerate, ashamed, unrepentant, unabashed, defi-
reduce speed. ant, impudent, impertinent, cheeky,
- OPPOSITES accelerate.
barefaced, blatant, fl agrant.
branch noun 1 bough, limb, arm, breach noun 1 contravention,
offshoot, twig. 2 division, subdivision, violation, infringement, infraction,
section, subsection, department, unit, transgression. 2 break, rupture, split,
sector, wing, office, bureau, agency, crack, fracture, opening, gap, hole, fis-
subsidiary. sure. 3 rift, severance, estrangement,
a verb 1fork, divide, split, bifurcate. parting, parting of the ways, split,
2 norrow poths branched off the rood falling-out, schism.
diverge, split off, fan out, radiate. a verb 1 break (through), burst,
brand noun 1 make, line, label, marque, rupture. 2 contravene, break, violate,
trade name, trademark, proprietary infringe, defy, disobey, flout.
name. 2 type, kind, sort, variety, class, breadth noun 1 width, broadness,
category, genre, style, ill<; iV. Amer thickness, span, diameter. 2 range,
stripe. extent, scope, depth, reach, compass,
averb 1mark, stamp, burn, sear. sca le.
2 stigmatize, characterize, label, mark break verb 1 shatter, smash, crack,
out, denounce, discredit, vilify. snap, fracture, fragment, splinter, split,
brandish verb flourish, wave, shake, burst; informol bust. 2 stop working,
wield, swing, swish. breal< down, give out, go wrong, mal-
function, crash;informol go kaput, conk
brash odjectlve 1 self-assertive, pushy, out; Brit. informolpack up. 3 violate,
cocky, self-confident, arrogant, bold, contravene, infringe, breach, defy,
audacious, brazen. 2 garish, gaudy, flout, disobey. 4 the fllm broke box-office
loud, fl amboyant, showy, tasteless; records beat, surpass, exceed, better,
lnformol flashy, tacky. cap, top, outdo, outstrlp.5 he tried to
- OPPOSITES meek. breok the news gently reveal, disclose,
brave odjective courageous, intrepid, divulge, impart, tell, announce, release.
bold, plucky, heroic, fearless, darlng, - OPPOSITES repair, obey.
audacious, dauntless, valiant, valorous, a noun 1 interval, interruption,
doughty, indomitable, stout-hearted; gap, disruption, stoppage, cessation,
informol game, gutsy. halt, stop. 2 rest, respite, recess,
- oPPostrES cowardly. pa use, intermis sion; informol breather,
a verb endure, put up with, bear, with- time out. 3 gap, opening, space, hole,
stand, weather, suffer, face, confront, breach, chink, crack, fracture, flssure,
defy. tear, split.
o break down 1 stop working, give
bravery noun courage, boldness, hero-
out, go wrong, malfunction, crash;
ism, intrepidlty, nerve, daring, fearless-
informol go kaput, conk out; Brit. infor-
ness, audacity, pluck, valour; informol
rnol pack up. 2 faii, collapse, founder,
guts; Brlt. informol bottle.
fall through.3 burst into tears, lose
brawl noun fight, skirmish, scuffle, control, be overcome, go to pieces;
tussle, fray, melee, fracas, fisticuffs; informol crack up, lose it.4 analyse, cat-
informol scrap, set-to; Brit. informol egorize, classify. sort, itemize, organize,
punch-up. divide, separate, split. break off 1 snap
49 breakdown -+ bridge

off, pull off, sever, detach.2 end, 3 cause, produce, bring about, give rise
terminate, stop, cease, call a halt to, to, occasion, arouse, stir up, generate,
suspend, discontinue; informol pull the foster.
plug on. break out 1 escape, abscond, a noun 1 o breed of cow variety, stocl<,
flee, get free. 2 flare up, start suddenly, strain, race, species. 2 o new breed of
erupt, burst out. break up 1 end, fin- journolisttype, l<ind, sort, variety, class,
ish, stop, terminate, adjourn; N. Amer. genre, generation.
recess. 2 disperse, scatter, disband, breeding noun (good) manners, gen-
part company.3 split up, separate, part tility, refinement, cultivation, polish,
(company), divorce. urbanity; informol class.
breakdown noun 1 failure, collapse, breeze noun gentle wind, puff of air,
disintegration, foundering. 2 nervous gust, draught; literory zephyr.
breakdown, collapse. 3 malfunction, breezy adjective 1 windy, fresh, brisl<,
failure, crash. 4 analysis, itemization,
blowy, blustery, gusty. 2 jaunty,
classifi cation, examination, investiga-
cheerful, cheery, brisl<, carefree, easy,
tion, explanation. casual, relaxed, informal, light-hearted,
break-in noun burglary, robbery, theft, upbeat.
raid, breaking and entering; informol brevity noun conciseness, concision,
smash-and-gra b. succinctness. pithiness, incisiveness,
breakthrough noun advance, shortness, compactness.
development, step forward, success, brew verb 1 ferment, make, prepare,
improvement, discovery, innovation, infuse; Brit. informol mash. 2 develop,
revolution, quantum leap. loom, be imminent, be on the horlzon,
- OPPOSITES setback. offing' be just around the
breast noun chest, bosom, bust; lnfor- [,'l"tl"
mol boobs, knockers. a noun t home brew beer, ale. 2 o hot
reviving brew drink, beverage, infusion.
breath noun inhalation, exhala-
tion, gulp of air, puff, gasp; Medicine 3 mixture, mix, blend, combination,
respiration. amalgam, cocl<tail.
bribe verb buy off, pay off, suborn;
breathe verb 1 inhale, exhale, respire,
informol grease someone's palm, keep
draw breath, puff, pant, blow, gasp,
someone sweet, square; Brit. informal
wheeze; Medicine inspire. expire.
nobble.
2 whisper, murmuT, purr, sigh.
o noun inducement; lnformol bung,
WORD LII'IK5 pay-off, kickback, sweet-
[respiratory
relatin g to breathin g !::ln.ro",
breathless odjective 1 out of breath, bribery noun corruption; N. Amer.
panting, puffing, gasping, wheezing, payola; i nformol pal m-g reasin g, graft ,

winded; informol out of puff. 2 eager, hush money.

agog, open-mouthed, excited, on the WORD LINKS
edge of your seat, on tenterhooks. venal susceptible to bribery
breathtaking adjective spectacular, bridge noun 1 viaduct, flyover, over-
magnificent, awe-inspiring, awesome, pass, aqueduct. 2 link, connection,
astonishing, amazing, stunning, thrill- bond, tie.
ing; informol sensational, out of this o verb span, cross (over), extend
world. across, traverse, arch over, straddle.
breed verb 1 reproduce, produce WORD LINKS
offspring, procreate, multiply, mate.
pontine relating to bridges
2 bring up, rear, raise, nurture.
brief -+ bristle 50

brlef odjective 1 concise, succinct, short, brilliant odjective 1 bright, shining,

pithy, compact, thumbnail, potted, sparkling, blazing, coruscating, daz-
condensed, to the point, terse, sum- zling, vivid, intense, glaring, luminous,
mary.2 short, flying, fleeting, hasty, radiant. 2 clever, bright, intelligent,
hurried, quick, cursory, perfunctory, smart, able, talented, gifted, skil-
temporary, shortlived, ephemeral, lul, astul.el informol brainy, genius.
transient, transitory. 3 her brilliont coreer superb, glorious,
- OPPOSITES long. illustrious. successful. impressive,
a noun 1 my brief is to reorgonize the remarkable, exceptional, excellent,
prqect instructions, directions, direc- outstanding, distinguished.
tive, remit, mandate. 2 o borrister's brief - oPPoSITES dim, stupid, undistin-
case, summary, argument, contention, guished.
dossier. brim noun 1 peak, visor, shield. 2 rim,
a verb inform, tell, update, notify, lip, brinl<, edge.
advise, prepare, prime, instruct; infor- overbbe full (up), overflow, run oveT,
mol fill in, put in the picture. well over.
briefly odverb 1 concisely, succinctly, bring verb 1 fetch, carry, bear, take,
tersely. 2 momentarily, temporarily, convey, transport, shift. 2 escort,
fleetingly. 3 briefly, the plot is os follows conduct, guide, lead, usher. 3 cause,
in short, to cut a long story short, produce, create, bring about, generate,
a word, in a nutshell, in precipitate, occasion, provoke, lead to,
IrOJl".t;]r give rise to, result in.
briels plurol noun underpants, pants, o bring in introduce, launch, inau-
knickers, bikini briefs; rV. Amer. shorts; gurate, initiate, institute. bring off
informol panties; Brit. informol kecks. achieve, accomplish, bring about,
brigade noun squad, team, group, succeed in, pull off, carry off, manage.
band, party, crew, force, outfit. bring out launch, establish, begin,
bt ghtodjective 1 shining, brilliant, start, found, set up, market, publish,
dazzling, glaring, sparkling, flashing, issue. bring up 1 rear, raise, nurture,
glittering, gleaming, glistening, corus- look after. 2 mention, raise, broach,
cating, shimmering, radiant, glowing, introduce, air, suggest.
luminous, shiny, glossy, lustrous. brink noun 1 edge, verge. margin. rim,
2 sunny, cloudless, clear, fair, fine. lip, border, boundary. 2 on the brink of
3 bright colours vivid, brilliant, intense, worverge, threshold, point, edge.
strong, vibrant, bold, gaudy, lurid, gar- briskadjective 1 quick, rapid, fast,
ish. 4 clever, intelligent, quick-witted, swift, speedy, hurried, energetic,
smart, canny, astute, perceptive, ingen- lively ; nformol nippy. 2 no-nonsense,
i

ious; informol brainy, genius. businesslike, decisive, brusque, abrupt,

- OPPOSITES dull, cloudy, dark, stupid. short, sharp, curt, blunt, terse; informol
brighten verb 1 illuminate, light up, snappy.
lighten. 2 cheer up, perk up, liven up, - oPPoSlTEs leisurely.
rally, feel heartened; informol buck up. bristle noun t hair, whisker; (bristles)
brilliance noun 1 brightness, vividness, stubble, five o'clock shadow. 2 spine,
intensity, sparkle, glitter, blaze, lumi- prickle, quill, barb.
nosity, radiance. 2 genius, intelligence, a verb 1 rise, stand up, stand on end.
talent, ability, prowess, skill, exper- 2 take offence, bridle, take umbrage,
tise, aptitude, flair, wisdom, intellect. be offended. 3 be crowded, be full,
3 splendour, magnificence, grandeul be packed, bejammed, be covered,
resplendence, glory. overflow; informolbe thick, be chock-
- oPPoslTES dullness, stupidity. full.
51 brittle -+ brush

brittle odjective breakable, fragile, devastated, inconsolable, miserable,

crisp, crumbly, delicate. wretched, forlorn, heavy-hearted,
- OPPOSITES flexible. woeful.
broach verb bring up, raise, introduce, - oPPostrES overjoyed.
mention, touch on, air. broker noun dealer, agent, middleman,
broad adjective 1 wide, extensive, intermediary, mediator, factol liaison,
vast. immense, great, spacious, expan- stockbroker.
sive, sizeable, sweeping. 2 compre- O verb arrange, organize, orchestrate,
hensive, inclusive, extensive, wide, work out, settle, clinch, negotiate,
all-embracing, unlimited. 3 o brood mediate.
out/ine general, non-specifi c, rough, brood noun offspring, young, family,
approximate, basic, Ioose, vague. litter, clutch, progeny.
- oPPostTES narrow, limited. o verb think, ponder, contemplate,
broadcast verb 1 transmit, relay, air, meditate, ruminate, muse, worry, dwell
beam, show, televise, screen, tel- on, fret, agonize.
ecast, videocast, podcast. 2 report, brook noun stream, rill; N. tnglish beck;
announce, publicize, advertise, make Scottish & tV. English burn; iV. Amer. &
public, proclaim, spread, circulate, Austrol.fNZ creek.
promulgate.
brotherly o djective lr aternal, f rien d ly,
O noun transmission, programme,
comradely, affectionate, amicable,
show, telecast, videocast, podcast,
kind, devoted, loyal.
production.
brow noun 1 forehead, temple. 2 sum-
broaden verb t her smile broadened
mit, peak, top, crest, crown, head,
widen, expand, stretch (out), spread.
pinnacle, apex.
2 the government tried to brooden its
politicol bose expand, enlarge, extend, browbeat verb bully, intimidate, force,
widen, swell, increase, add to, develop. coerce, compel, dragoon, bludgeon,
- OPPOSITES narrow, restrict. pressure, pressurize, tyrannize, terror-
ize; informol bulldoze, railroad.
broad-minde d o djective liber al,
tolerant, freethinking, indulgent, brown odjective t hazel, chestnut,
progressive, permissive, unshockable, chocolate. coffee. brunette, sepia.
unprejudiced, unbiased. mahogany, tan, caf6 au lait, cara-
- oPPoSITES intolerant. mel.2 tanned, suntanned, bronzed,
brochure noun booklet, prospectus, swarthy.
catalogue, pamphlet, leaflet, circular, o verb grill, toast, singe, sear, barbe-
mailshot; N. Amer folder. cue, saut6.

broken odjective 1 smashed, shat- browse verb look through, scan, skim,
tered, fragmented, splintered, crushed, glance, peruse, thumb, leaf, flick, dlp
snapped, in bits, in pieces, cracked, into.
split, fractured; informol in smither- bruise noun contusion, bump, swelling,
eens.2 faulty, damaged, defective, not lump, mark, injury, vuelt.
working, malfunctioning, out of order, a verb contuse, injure, mark, discolour,
broken down, down; informol kaput, make black and blue, blemish, damage,
bust, acting up: Brit. informol knack- spoil.
ered. 3 interrupted, disturbed, fitful, brushl noun 1 broom, sweeper, besom,
disrupted, discontinuous, intermittent. whisk. 2 clean, sweep, wipe, dust. 3 o
4 halting, hesitating, disjointed, falter- brush with the /ow encounter, clash,
ing, imperfect. confrontation, confl ict, altercation,
broken-hearted odjective heart- incident; informol run-in, to-do; Brit.
broken, grief-stricken, desolate, informal spot of bother.
 brush -+ bulge

averbl sweep, clean, buff, polish, buff2 noun (informol) enthusiast,

scrub. 2 groom, comb, neaten, tidy, fan, devotee, lover, admirer, expert,
!i!irllti,:;, smooth, arrange. 3 his /ips brushed aficionado, authority; informol f reak,
i*,,,,,1:,,l hercheektouch, stroke, caress, skim, nut, addict.
sweep, graze, contact, kiss. buffer noun cushion, bulwark, shield,
o brush aside disregard, ignore, barrier, guard, safeguard.
dismiss, shrug off, wave aside, reject,
spurn, laugh off, mal<e light of; informol buffet1 noun 1 cold table, self-service
pooh-pooh. brush up (on) revise, meal, smorgasbord. 2 cafe, cafeteria,
read up, go over, improve, polish up, snack bar, canteen, restaurant.
enhance, hone, perfect; informol bone buffet2 verb batter, pound, lash, strike,
up on; Brlt. informolswot up (on). hit, beat.
brush2 noun undergrowth, scrub, bug noun 1 (informol) illness, disease,
brushwood, shrubs, bushes; N. Amer. sicl<ness, disorder, upset, ailment, infec-
underbrush, chaparral. tion, virus; Brit. informollurgy. 2 insect,
brusque odjective curt, abrupt, blunt, minibeast; informol creepy-crawly,
short, sharp, brisk, peremptory, gruff, beastie. 3 listening device, hidden
discourteous, impolite, rude. microphone, wire, wiretap, tap. 4 fault,
- OPPoSITES polite. error, defect, flaw, virus; informol glitch,
brutal odjective savage, violent, cruel, gremlin.
vicious, ferocious, barbaric, wicked, a verb eavesdrop on, spy on, tap,
murderous, bloodthirsty, cold-blooded, monitor.
callous, ruthless, heartless, merciless, build verb construct, erect, put up,
sadistic, inhuman. assemble, make, create, fashion,
-oPPostrES gentle. model, shape.
bubbly odjective 1 fizzy, sparl<ling, effer- - oPPoSITES demolish, dismantle.
vescent, gassy, aerated, carbonated, o noun physique, frame, body, figure,
frothy, foamy. 2 vivacious, animated, form, shape, stature, proportions;
ebullient, lively, high-spirited, bouncy, informol vital statistics.
merry, happy, cheerful, sunny; informol u build up 1 increase, grow, mount
chirpy. up, intensify, strengthen. 2 boost,
- oPPoSITES still. strengthen, increase, improve, aug-
buckle noun clasp, clip, catch, hasp, ment, raise, enhance, swell. 3 accumu-
fastener. late, amass, collect, gather.
averbl fasten, do up, hook, secure, building noun structure, construc-
clasp, clip. 2 bend, warp, twist, distort, tion, edifice. pile, property. premises.
contort, deform, crumple, collapse, esta blishment.
give way.
WORD LINKS
budding odjective promising, up-and- architectural relating to building
coming, rising, in the making, aspiring,
future, fl edgling, developing. build-up noun increase, growth,
budge verb 1 move, shift, stir, go.2 per- expansion, enlargement, escalation,
suade, convince, influence, sway, bend. accumulation, development.
budget noun 1 financial plan, forecast. bulbous odjective bulging, round, fat,
2 the defence budget allowance, alloca- rotund, swollen, distended, bloated.
tion, quota, funds, resources, capital. bulge noun swelling, bump, lump,
a verb allocate, allot, allow, earmark, hump, protrusion, protuberance.
designate, set aside. a verb swell, stick out, pro.lect,
buffl verb polish, burnish, shine, protrude, stand out, puff out, balloon
smooth, rub. (out), fill out, distend.
53 bulk -+ burglary

bulk noun 1 size, volume, dimensions, gate, collect, amass, group, crowd.
proportions, mass, scale. 2 majority, bundle noun collection, roll, clump,
mass, generality, main part, lion's wad, parcel, sheaf, bale, pile, stack, *li:SX;
share, preponderance. heap, mass, bunch: in/ormol load,
bulky odjective unwieldy, cumbersome, wodge.
unmanageable, awkward, ponderous, a verb 1tie, parcel, wrap, swathe, roll,
outsize, oversized ; informol hulking. fold, bind, pack. 2 he wos bundled into o
bullet noun ball, shot, pellet; informol von push, shove, thrust, throw, propel,
slug; (bullets) lead. jostle, manhandle.
bulletin noun 1 report, dispatch, story, bungle verb mishandle. mismanage,
newsfl ash, statement, announcement, mess up, spoil, ruin; informol blow,
message, communication, commu- botch, fluff, make a hash of, screw
niqu6. 2 newsletter, news-sheet, up: Brit. informal make a pig's ear of;
proceedings. newspaper, magazine, N. Amer. informolgoof up.
gazette, review. bungling odjective incompetent, blun-
bully noun persecutor, oppressor, dering, amateurish, inept, unskilful,
tyrant, tormentor, intimidator, bully clumsy, awkward, bumbling; informol
boy, thug, attack dog. ham-fi sted, cack-handed.
a verb 1 the others bully him persecute, buoy noun float, marker, beacon.
oppress, tyrannize, browbeat, intimi- buoyant odjective 1 floating, float-
date, dominate, terrorize; informol push able.2 cheerful, cheery, happy,
around/about. 2 she wos bullied into light-hearted, carefree, joyful, bu bbly,
helping coerce, pressure, press, push, bouncy, sunny, upbeat.
prod, browbeat, dragoon, strong-arm; - OPPOSITES gloomy.
informol bulldoze, railroad, lean on.
burden noun responsibility, onus,
bump noun 1 jolt,
crash, smash, smack, obligation, duty, liability, trouble, care,
cracl<, bang, thud, thump, clang, problem, difficulty, worry, strain.
knock, clunk, boom; informol whack, o verb oppress, trouble, worry, weigh
wallop. 2 swelling, lump, bulge, injury, down, overload, encumber, saddle, tax,
contusion, hump, knob. afflict.
a verb t hit, crash into, smash into, bureau noun 1 desk, writing table,
slam into, bang, knocl<, run into,
secretaire. 2 department, agency,
plough into, ram, collide with, strike;
office, division, branch, section, station,
N. Amer. impact. 2 bounce, jolt, jerk,
u nit.
rattle, shake.
bureaucracy noun 1 red tape, rules
bumper odjective exceptional, large,
and regulations, protocol, officlaldom,
abundant, rich, bountiful, good,
paperwork. 2 civil service, govern-
plentiful, record, successf ul; nformol
i
ment, administration, establishment,
whopping.
system, powers that be, authorities.
- oPPOSITES meagre.
bureaucrat noun official, administra-
bumpy odjective 1 uneven, rough, tor, civil servant, minister, functionary,
rutted, pitted, potholed, lumpy,
mandarin; derogotory apparatchik.
rocky.2 bouncy, rough, uncomfort-
able, jolting, lurching. jerky, jarring. burgeon verb grow, increase, rocket,
bone-shaking. mushroom, expand, escalate, swell,
- OPPOSITES smooth. boom, flourish, thrive, prosper.
bunch noun 1 bouquet, posy, nosegay, burglar noun housebreaker, thief,
spray, wreath, garland. 2 cluster, intruder, robber, raider, looter.
clump, knot, group, bundle. burglary noun housebreaking, break-
a verb cluster, huddle, gather, congre- ing and entering, break-in, theft, raid,
burgle -+ busy

stealing, robbery, larceny, looting; - oPPostrEs exhume.

informol smash-and-grab; N. Amer. bush noun 1 shrub, thicket; (bushes)
informol heist. undergrowth, shrubbery. 2 the bush
burgle verb rob,loot, steal from, raid. wilds, wilderness, backwoods; N. Amer.
burial noun funeral, interment, com- backcountry; Au stral.l NZ outback, back-
mittal, inhumation, entombment, blocks; rV. Amer. informol boondocl<s.
obsequies, exequies. bushy odjectlve thick, shaggy, curly,
- OPPoSITES exhumation. fuzzy, bristly, flufly, woolly.
burly adjective strapping, well built, business noun 1 work, occupation,
strong, muscular, muscly, hefty, sturdy, profession, careel employment, job,
brawny; informal hunky, beefy. position. 2 trade, commerce, dealing,
- oPPOSITES puny. traffic, dealings, transactions, negotia-
burn verb 1 be on fire, be alight, tions. 3 firm, company, concern, enter-
blaze, go up (in smoke), be in flames, prise, venture, organization, operation,
smoulder, glow. 2 set fire to, set undertaking; informoloutfit. 4 it's none
alight, set light to, kindle, ignite, touch of your business concern, affair, respon-
off, incinerate, cremate; informol torch. sibility, duty. 5 on odd business affair,
3 scorch, singe, sear, char, blacken, matter, case, circumstance, situation,
brand. event, incident.
burning odjective 1 on fire, blazing, businesslike o djective professional,
flaming, fiery, glowing, red-hot, smoul- efficient, organized, slick, methodical,
dering. 2 o burning desire intense, pas- systematic, orderly, structured, disci-
sionate, deep-seated, profound, strong, plined, practical, pragmatic.
ardent, fervent, urgent, fierce, consum- businessman, businesswoman
ing.3 burning issues important, crucial, noun executive, entrepreneur,
critical, vital, essential, pivotal, urgent, industrialist, merchant, dealer, trader,
pressing, compelling. manufacturer, tycoon, employer, bro-
burrow noun warren, tunnel, hole, ker, buyer, seller, tradesman, retailer,
dugout, lair, set, den, earth. supplier.
a verb tunnel, dig, excavate, mine, bust noun 1 bosom, breasts, chest;
bore, channel. informol boobs, knockers.2 sculp-
burst verb 1 one bolloon burst split ture, carving, effigy, statue, head and
(open), rupture, break, tear. 2 o shell shoulders.
burst explode, blow up, detonate, bustle verb rush, dash, hurry, scurry,
go off.3 smoke burstthrough the hole scuttle, scamper, scramble; informol
gush, erupt, surge, rush, stream, flow, scoot, beetle, buzz.
pour, spurt, jet. 4 he burst into the room o noun activity, action, liveliness,
charge, plunge, barge, plough, hurtle, excitement, tumult, commotion, hub-
career, rush, dash, tear. bub, hurly-burly, whirl; lnformol toing
a noun 1 rupture, puncture, breach, and froing.
split, blowout. 2 explosion, detona- bustling adjective busy, crowded,
tion, blast, eruption, bang. 3 o burst of swarming, teeming, humming, buzz-
gunfirevolley, salvo, barrage, hail, rain. ing, hectic, lively.
4 o burst of octivity outbreak, eruption, busy adjective 1 l'm very busy hard at
flare-up, blaze, attack, fit, rush, storm,
work, involved, rushed off your feet,
surge, spurt.
hard-pressed, pushed; informol on
bury verb 1 inter, lay to rest, entomb. the go, hard at it; Brlt. informol on the
2 hide, conceal, cover, enfold, sink. hop. 2 /'m sorry, she's busy unavail-
3 the bullet buried itself in the wood able, engaged, occupied, absorbed,
embed, sink, implant, submerge, lodge. engrossed, immersed, preoccupied,
55 but -+ bystander

working; informoltied up.3 o busy informol behind, bacl<side Brit. informol

doy hectic, active, lively, full, eventful, bum; t!. Amer. informolbutt, fanny;
energetic, tiring. humorous posterior.
- oPPOSITES idle, free, quiet. buttress verb strengthen, shore up,
o verb occupy, involve, engage, reinforce, fortify, support, bolster,
concern, absorb, engross, immerse. underpin, cement, uphold, defend,
distract.
back up.
but conjunction t however, neverthe- buy verb purchase, acquire, obtain, get,
less, nonetheless, even so, yet, still.
pick up, snap up, invest in; informol get
2 whereas, conversely.
hold of, score.
o preposition except (for), apart from,
other than, besides, aside from, with
- OPPOSITES sell.

the exception of, bar. o noun (informol) purchase, deal,

o but for except for, if it were not for, bargain, investment, acquisition.
notwithstanding, barring. buyer noun purchaser, customer,
buttl verb ram, headbutt, bump, poke, consumer, shopper, investor; (buyers)
prod, push, shove, thrust. clientele, market.
tr butt in interrupt, intrude, break in, buzznoun hum, murmur, drone, whirr.
cut in, interfere, put your oar in; infor- bypass noun ring road, detour, diver-
mol poke your nose in; Brit. informol sion, alternative route; Brit. relief road.
chip in. o verb 1 go round, go past, make a
butt2 noun target, victim, object, dupe, detour round, avoid.2 ignore, side-
laughing stock. step, avoid, evade, escape, elude, skirt,
butt3 noun 1 stock, end, handle, hilt, dodge, circumvent, get round, go over
haft. 2 stub, end, stump; informol f ag the head of, pass over; informol short-
end, dog end. circuit, duck.
buttocks p/urol noun bottom, rear bystander noun onlooker, passer-by,
(end), rump, seat, derridre, cheeks; observer, spectator, eyewitness.
cab + call

Cc
cab noun taxi, taxi cab; Brit. minicab, up, tally, total; Brit. tot up.2 intend,
hackney carriage; iV. Amer. hacl<. mean, design.
cabin noun 1 berth, stateroom, com- calculated odjective deliberate,
partment.2 hut, log cabin, shanty, premeditated, planned, pre-planned,
shack, chalet; Scottish bothy; tV. Amer. preconceived, intentional, intended.
cabana. -OPPOSITES unintentional.
cabinet noun cupboard, bureau, chest calculating odJective cunning,
of drawers. crafty, wily, sly, scheming, devious,
cable noun 'l o thick coble moored the disingenuous.
shlp rope, cord, line, guy; tVoutico/ haw- calculation noun 1 computation,
ser.2 electric cobles wire, lead, cord, reckoning, adding up, counting up,
power line; Brit. flex. worl<ing out; Brit. totting up. 2 assess-
cache noun hoard, store, stockpile, ment, judgement, forecast, projection,
stock, supply, Teserve, arsenal; informol prediction.
stash. calendar noun schedule, diary, pro-
cadence noun rhythm, tempo, metre, gramme, timetable, agenda.
beat, pulse, intonation, modulation, lilt.
calibre noun 1 quality, standard, level,
cafe noun snack bar, cafeteria, coffee merit, distinction, stature, excellence,
bar/shop, tea room/shop, bistro, bras- ability, expertise, talent, capability.
serie; N. Amer. diner, lunchroom. 2 bore, diameter, gauge.
cafeteria noun self-service restaurant, call verb 1 cry, cry out, shout, yell, sing
canteen, cafe, buffet, refectory, mess out, exclaim, shriel<, scream, roar;
hall. informol holler. 2 wake (up), awaken,
cage noun enclosure, pen, pound, coop, rouse; Brit. informol knock up. 3 phone,
hutch, birdcage, aviary. telephone, give someone a call; Brlt.
a verb confine, shut in/up, pen, coop ring (up), give someone a ring; informol
up, enclose. call up, give someone abuzz; Brit. infor-
cagey o djective (i nfo rmo I ) secretive, mol give someone a bell. 4 summon,
guarded, tight-lipped, reticent, evasive; send for, order. 5 pay a visit to, visit,
informolplaying your cards close to call/drop/look in on, drop/stop by, pop
your chest. into, nip over to. 6 convene, summon,
cajole verb persuade, wheedle, coax, assemble. 7 name, christen, baptize,
talk into, prevail on; informol sweet- designate, style, term, dub. 8 describe
talk, soft-soap. as, regard as, look on as, thinl< of as,
consider to be.
cake noun 1 bun, pastry, gateau, slice.
a noun 1 cry, shout, yell, exclama-
2 bar, tablet, biock, slab, lump, wedge. tion, shriek, scTeam, roar; informol
a verb boots coked with mud coat, holler. 2 the coll of the born owl cry,
encrust, plaster, cover.
song. 3 phone call, telephone call;
calamity noun disaster, catastrophe, Brit. ting; informolbuzz: Brit. informol
tragedy, cataclysm, accident, misfor- bell.4 appeal, plea, request. 5 there's
tune, misadventure. no coll for thot kind of longuoge need,
calculate verb 1 compute, work out, necessity, reason, justification, excuse.
reckon, figure, add up/together, count 5 there's no coll for expensive wine
57 calling -+ cap
demand, desire, market. 7 attraction, camPaign noun 1 Nopoleon s Russlon
appeal, lure, allure, pull, draw. compoign operation(s), manoeuvre(s),
o call for 1 require, need, necessitate, offensive, attack, war, battle, crusade.
make necessary, demand, be grounds 2 the compoign to reduce vehicle emis-
for, justify, warrant. 2 ask for, request, sions effort, drive, push, struggle, move- r.iiittj:l:lili
seek, apply for, appeal for, demand, ment, crusade, operation, strategy.
insist on, order. call off cancel, aban- o verb fight, battle, push, press, strive,
don, scrap, drop, axe; informol scrub; struggle, lobby, agitate.
N. Amer. informolredline. call up enlist,
cancel yerb 1 call off, abandon, scrap,
recruit, conscriptl U5 draft. drop, axe; informol scrub; N. Amer. infor-
calling noun profession, occupation, rnol redline. 2 annul, invalidate, declare
job, vocation, career, m6tier, work, line null and void, void, revoke, rescind,
of work, employment, trade, craft. retract, withdraw.
callous odjective heartless, unfeeling, o cancel out neutralize, negate, nul-
uncaring, cold, cold-hearted, hard, lify, wipe out, balance (out), make up
hardbitten, as hard as nails, hard- for. compensate for. offset.
hearted, insensitive, unsympathetic. cancer noun (malignant) growth,
- OPPOSITES l<ind, compassionate. tu mour, malignancy; technicol carci-
ca|m odjective 1 relaxed, composed, noma, saTcoma.
self-possessed, serene, tranquil, WORD LINKS
unruffled, unperturbed, unfl ustered,
carcinogenic causinq cancer
untroubled, unexcitable, level-headed,
unemotional, phlegmatic, imperturb- oncology branch of medicine con
able; informol u nfl a ppable, laid-back, cerned with cancer
chilled. 2 windless, still, quiet, tranquil, candid adjective lr ank, forthrig ht,
smooth. direct, blunt, outspoken, plain-spoken,
- oPPostTEs excited, nervous, stormy. open, honest, truthful, sincere; informol
t
a noun his usuol colm deserted him upfront; N. Amer. informol on the up
composure, coolness, calmness, self- and up.
possession, sangfroid, serenity, tran- - OPPOSITES guarded.
quillity; lnfornol cool, unfl appability.
candidate noun applicant, contender,
2 colm prevailed tranquillity, stillness, competitor, entrant, claimant, nomi-
quiet, peace.
nee, interviewee, examinee, possible;
o calm down 1 soothe, pacify, Brit. informol runner.
placate, mollify; Erit quieten (down).
2 compose yourself, regain your com- canny odjective shrewd, astute, smart,
posure, control yourself, pull yourself sharp, discerning, discriminating, per-
together, simmer down, cool down/ ceptive. clever, judiciorts. wise.
off, take it easy; Brit. quieten down; - OPPOSITES foolish.
informolget a grip, keep your shirt on; canopy noun awning, shade, sunshade,
N. Amer. informol decompress. cove ri n g.
camouflage noun disguise, mask, canvass verb 1 campaign, electioneer.
screen, cover, cloak, front, facade, 2 poll, question, survey, interview,
blind, concealment, subterfuge. co nsu lt.
o verb disguise, hide, conceal, mask, canyon noun ravine, gorge, gully,
screen, cover (up). chasm, abyss, gulf; iV. Amer. gulch,
camp noun 1 campsite, encampment, coulee.
camping ground, bivouac, base, settle- cap noun 1 lid, top, stopper, cork, bung;
ment. 2 faction, wing, group, lobby, N. Amer. stopple. 2 limit, ceiling, curb,
caucus, bloc. check.
capability -+ care

a verb 1 top, crown, cover, coat, tip. captain noun 1 the ship's coptoin cotn'
2 limit, restrict, curb, control, peg. mander, master; informol skipper.
capability noun ability, capacity, 2theteom ccptoin leader, head, chief;
power, potential, competence, apti- informol boss, skipper.
tude, faculty, skill, talent, fla,r; informol caption noun title, heading, Iegend,
know-how. description.
- OPPoSITES inability. captivate verb enthral, charm,
capable odjective able, competent, enchant, bewitch, fascinate, beguile,
effective, profi cient, accomplished, entrance, dellght, attract, allure.
experienced, skilful, talented, gifted; - OPPOSITES bore.
informol useful. captive noun prisoner, convict,
- oPPoSlTEs incapable, incompetent. detainee, hostage, prisoner of war,
capacity noun 1 volume, slze, dimen- internee.
sions, measurements, proportions. o adjective confi ned, caged, incarcer-
2 ability, capability, power, potential, ated, locked up, jailed, imprisoned,
competence, aptitude, faculty, skill, interned, detained.
talent, flair. 3 role, function, position, - OPPOSITES free.
post, job, office. captivity noun imprisonment, incar-
caPel noun cloak, mantle, shawl, pon- ceration, confi nement, detention,
cho, pashmina. internment.
cape2 noun headland, promontory, - OPPOSITES freedom.
point, head, horn, mull, peninsula. capture verb 1 catch, apprehend, seize,
Gapital noun money, finance(s), funds, arrest, take prisoner, take into custody,
cash, wherewithal, means, assets, detain. 2 occupy, invade, conquer,
wealth, resources, deep pockets. seize, take.
capitalism noun private enterprise, - oPPostrES release, liberate.
a noun arrest, apprehension, deten-
free enterprise, the free market, private
tion, seizure.
ownership.
- OPPOSITES communism. car noun 1 motor, motor car, automo-
bile; informolwheels; iV. Amer. informol
capitalize verb
auto. 2 carriage, coach; Brit. saloon.
o capitalize on take advantage of,
profit from, make the most of, exploit, carcass noun corpse, dead body,
develop; lnformol cash in on. remains; Medicine cadaver; informol
stiff.
capitulate verb surrender, give in,
yield, concede defeat, give up (the care noun 1 safe keeping, supervision.
struggle), submit, lay down your arms, custody, charge, protection, respon-
throw in the towel/sponge. sibility, guardianship. 2 discretion,
caution, sensitivity, thought, regard,
- OPPOSITES resist.
consideration. 3 worry, anxiety, trou-
capricious odjective fickle, volatile, ble, concern, stress, pressure, strain.
unpredictable, temperamental, mercu-
- oPPoSITES neglect, carelessness.
rial, impulsive, changeable, unreliable,
a verb be concerned, worry (yourself),
erratic, wayward, whimsical, fl ighty. trouble/concern yourself, bother, mind,
- oPPoslTES consistent. be interested; informolgive a damn/
capsize verb overturn, turn over, turn hoot.
upside down, upend, flip/tip over, keel o care for 1 love, be fond of, be
over, turn turtle. devoted to, treasure, adore, dote on,
capsule noun 1 pill, tablet, lozenge, think the world of, worship. 2 look
pastille; informol tab. 2 module, craft, after, take care of, tend, attend to,
probe. minister to, nurse.
59 career -+ case

career noun Profession, occuPa- carnage noun slaughter, massacre,

tion, vocation, calling, life's work, murder, butchery, bloodbath, bloodlet-
employment. ting, holocaust.
a yerb hurtle, rush, shoot, race, speed, carnival noun festival, fiesta, fete, fait
charge, hare, fly; informol belt, tear; gala, Mardi Cras.
Brit. informol bucket.
canp verb complain, find fault, quibble,
carefree odjective unworried, untrou- grumble, grouse, whine; informol nit-
bled, blithe, nonchalant, happy-go- pick, gripe, moan, bitch, whinge.
lucky, free and easy, easy-going, Carpenter noun woodworker, joiner,
relaxedl nformol laid-back.
i
cabinetmaker; Brit. informol chippy.
- OPPOSITES troubled. Carriage noun 1 o roilwoy corrioge
carefu! odjective 1 be coreful on the stoirs coach, car; Brit. saloon. 2 a horse ond
cautious, alert, attentive, watchful, corrioge wagon, coach. 3 posture,
vigilant, wary, on your guard, circum- bearing, gait; Brit. deportment.
spect. 2 coreful with money prudent,
carry verb 1 convey, transfer, trans-
thrifty, economical, sparing, frugal. port, move, take, bring, bear, fetch;
3 coreful considerotion of the focts informol cart, hump, lug. 2 transmit,
attentive, conscientious, painstaking, conduct, relay, communicate, convey,
meticulous, diligent, assiduous, scrupu- beam, send.3 approve, pass, accept,
lous, methodical. endorse, ratify.4 be audible, travel,
- oPPostTES careless. reach, be heard.
careless odjective 1 coreless motorists tr carry on continue, keep (on), go on,
inattentive, negligent, heedless, irre- persist in; informol stick with/at. carry
sponsible, impetuous, reckless. 2 core- out 1 conduct, perform, execute,
/ess work shoddy, slapdash, slipshod, implement. 2 keep, honour, fulfil,
scrappy, slovenly, sloppy, negligent, lax, observe, abide by, comply with, adhere
slack, disorganized, hasty, hurried.3 o to, stick to.
coreless remork thoughtless, insensi- carton noun box, package, cardboard
tive, indiscreet, unguarded, incautious, box, case, container, pack, packet.
inadvertent.
cartoon noun 1 animation, animated
- oppostrts careful. film, comic strip, graphic novel.
caress verb stroke, touch, fondle, brush, 2 caricature, parody, lampoon, satire;
feel, skim. infornol take-off, send-up.
caretaker noun janitor, attenda nt, cartridge noun cassette. magazine.
porter, custodian, concierge; N. Amer. canister, case, container.
superintendent. carve yerb 1 sculpt, cut, hew, whit.
o odjective temporary, acting, provi- tle, chisel, shape, fashion.2 engrave,
sional, substitute, interim, stand-in, incise, score, cut. 3 slice, cut up, chop.
fill-in, stopgap; N. Amer. informol pinch- tr carve up divide, break up, partition,
hitting. apportion, subdivide, split up, share
cargo noun freight, load, haul, consign- o ut.
ment, delivery, shipment, goods, Cascade noun waterfall, cataract, falls,
merchandise. rapids, white water, flood, torrent.
cariCature noun cartoon, parody, O verb pour, gush, surge, spill, stream,
satire, lampoon, burlesque; informol flow, issue, spurt, jet.
send-up, take-off. casel noun 1 o classic cose of overreoction
a yerb parody, satirize, lampoon, make instance, example, occurrence, occa-
fun of, mock, ridicule; informolsend up, sion, demonstration, illustration. 2 is
take off. thot the coseT situation, position, state
case -+ catchy

of affairs, circumstances, conditions, cosuol meeting chance, accidental,

facts; Brit. state of play; informol score. unplanned, unintended, unexPected,
3 assignment, job, project, investiga' unforeseen. 6 o cosual otmosPhere
tion, exercise. 4 he lost his cose lawsuit, relaxed. friendly, in[ormal, easy-going,
legal action, trial, legal proceedings, free and easy; informollaid-back.
litigation. 5 the cose ogoinst onimol test- - oPPOSITES serious, deliberate, formal.
lng argument, defence, justifi cation, casualty noun victim, sufferer, fatality,
vindication, exposition. thesis. death, loss, wounded person, injured
case2 noun 1 container, box, canis- perso n.
ter, holder. 2 casing, cover, sheath, Gat noun feline, tomcat, tom, l(itten;
envelope, sleeve, jacket, shell. 3 (Brit.) informol pussy (cat), puss, l<itty; Brit.
suitcase, travel baq, valise; (cases) lug- informol moggie, mog.
gage, baggage. 4 cabinet, cuPboard.
i-wono Lrxxs
cash noun 1 moneY, currencY, bank feline relating to cats
notes, coins, change; Ai. Amer. bills;
informol dough, loot; Brit. informol catalogue noun directory, register,
dosh, brass; N. Amer. informol dinero. index, list, listlng, record, schedule,
2 finance, money, resources, funds, archive, inventory.
assets, means, wherewithal. o verb classify, categorize, index, list,
cashier noun clerk, teller, banl<er, treas- archive, record, itemize.
urer, bursar, purser. catastroPhe noun disaster, calam-
cask noun barrel, keg, butt, tun, vat, ity, cataclysm, ruin, tragedY, fiasco,
drum, hogshead; historlco/ flrki n. debacle.
cast verb 1 throw, toss, fling, Pitch, catch verb 1 seize, grab, snatch, grasp,
hurl, lob; informol chuck, sling, bung. grip, clutch, intercePt. trap, receive,
2 direct, shoot, throw, fling, send. get. 2 capture, apprehend, seize,
3 register, record, enter, file. 4 emit, arrest, take prisoner, traP, snare, net;
give off, throw, send out, radiate. informolnab, collar; Brit. informal nick.
5 mould, fashion, form, shaPe, forge. 3 become trapped, become entan-
a noun 1 mould, die, matrix, shaPe, gled, snag, jam, wedge, lodge, get
casting, model. 2 actors, performers, stucl<. 4 discover, find, come across,
players, company, trouPe, dramatis stumble on, chance on, surprise. 5 con-
personae, characters. tract, go/come down with, be taken ill
caste noun class. ranl<, level, order, with, develop, pick up, succumb to.
stratum, echelon, status. - oPPoSlTEs drop, release.
a noun t haul, net, bag, Yield. 2 latch,
castle noun fortress, fort, stronghold,
lock, fastener, clasp, hasP.3 snag,
fortifi cation, keep, citadel, Palace,
disadvantage, drawback, stumbling
chateau, tower.
block, hitch, complication, problem,
casual odiective 1 o cosual ottitude trap, tricl<.
unconcerned, uncaring, indifferent, u catch on (informol)l become
lacl<adaisical, nonchalant, offhand, fl ip- popular, take off, boom, flourish, thrive.
pant, easy-going, free and easy, blithe, 2 understand, comprehend, learn, see
carefree, devil-may-care; informol laid- the light; informolcotton on, latch on.
bacl<. 2 o cosuol remark olThand, spon-
taneous, unthinking, unconsidered,
catching odjective (informol) infectious,
impromptu, throwawaY, unguarded; contagious, communicable; doled
informol off-the-cuff. 3 o cosuol glonce infective.
cursory, perfunctory, superfi cial, pass- catchy odjective memorable, u nforget-
lng, fleeting. 4 cosuol worktemporary, table, haunting, appealing, popular.
freelance, irregular, occasional. 5 o - oPPoslTES forgettable.
61 categorical + celebrity
categorical adj ective unqualifi ed, cautious odjective careful, attentive,
unconditional, unequivocal, absolute, alert, judicious, circumspect, prudent,
explicit, unambiguous, defi nite, direct, tentative, guarded.
emphatic, positive, out-and-out. - oPPOSITES reckless.
category noun class, classifi cation, Gave noun cavern, grotto, pothole,
group, grouping, bracket, heading, set,
type, sort, kind, grade, order, rank.
---_::]::-
chamber, gallery, hollow.
WORD LINKS
cater verb speleology, potholing exploration
tr cater for 1 provide (food) for, feed, of caves
serve, cook for. 2 o resort cotering for spelunkinq (N. Amer.)
older holidoymokers serve, provide for, ,t
meet the needs/wants of, accommo- cavity noun space, chamber, hollow,
date. 3 we coter for oll tostes take into hole, pocket, gap, crater, pit.
account, take into consideration, allow cease verb stop, come/bring to an
for, consider, bear in mind, make provi- end, come/bring to a halt, end, halt,
sion for, have regard for. conclude, terminate, finish, wind up,
cattle p/urol noun cows, oxen, herd, discontinue, suspend, break off.
livestocl<. - OPPOSITES start, continue.

WORD LINKS ceaseless odje ctive continual, con sta nt,

continuous, incessant, unending,
bovine relating to cattle
endless, never-ending, interminable,
cause noun 1 the cause of the fire non-stop, unremitting, relentless, unre-
source, root, origin, beginning(s), lenting, sustained, persistent, eternal,
starting point, originator, author, perpetual.
creator, agent. 2 there is no couse for - OPPOSITES intermittent.
o/orm reason, grounds, justifi cation, celebrate verb 1 commemorate,
call. need, necessity. occasion, excuse. observe, mark, keep, honour, remem-
3 roising money for good ccuses prin- ber. 2 enjoy yourself, make merry,
ciple, ideal, belief, conviction, object, have fun, have a good time, have a
aim, objective, purpose, charity. party; Nr. Amer. step out', informol party,
o verb bring about, give rise to, lead whoop it up, have a ball. 3 perform,
to, result in, create, produce, generate, observe, officiaLe at, preside at.
engender, spawn, bring on, precipitate, celebrated o djective acclaimed,
prompt, provoke, trigger, make hap- admired, highly rated, esteemed,
pen, induce, inspire, promote, foster. exalted, vaunted, eminent, great,
caustic odjective 1 corrosive, acid, distinguished, prestigious, illustrious,
burning. 2 sarcastic, cutting, biting, nota ble.
mordant, sharp, scathing, sardonic, - OPPOSITES unsunq.
scornful, trenchant, acerbic, vitriolic. celebration noun 1 commemoration,
caution noun 1 care, attention, alert- observance, marking, keeping. 2 mer-
ness, circumspection, discretion, rymaking, jollification, revelry, revels,
prudence. 2 warning, admonishment, festivities; informol partying. 3 party,
injunction, reprimand, rebuke; lnformol function, gathering, festivities, festival,
telling-off, dressing-down; Brit. informol fete, carnival, jamboree; informol do,
ticking-off. bash, rave; Brit. informol rave-up.4 per-
o verb 1 odvisers coutioned ogainst tox formance, observance, officiation,
increoses advise, warn, counsel, urge. solemnization.
2 he wos coutioned by the police warn, celebrity noun 1 fame, prominence,
admonish, reprimand; informol tell off; renown, stardom, popularity, dis-
Brit. informol tick off. tinction, prestige, stature, repute,
celestial -+ cessation 62

reputation. 2 famous person, VlP, centre noun middle, nucleus, heart,

personality, big name, household core, hub.
name, star, superstar; informol celeb, - OPPOSITES edge.
megastar. o verb the story centres on a doctor
- OPPOSITES obscurity. focus, concentrate, pivot, revolve, be
celestial adjective 1 (in) space, heav- based.
enly, astronomical, extraterrestrial, ceremonial adjective fotmal, official,
stellar, planetary. 2 heavenly, holy, state, public, ritual, ritualistic, stately,
saintly, divine, godly, godlike, ethereal, solemn-
angelic. - OPPOSITES informal.
celibate odjective unmarried, single, ceremony noun 1 rite, ritual, obser-
chaste, pure, virginal. vance, service, event, function.
cell noun 1 room, cubicle, chamber, 2 pomp, protocol, formality, for-
dungeon, compartment, lock-up. malities, niceties, decorum, etiquette,
2 unit, squad, detachment, group. pageantry, ceremonial.
cellar noun basement, vault, crypt. certain odjective 1 l'm certoin he's guilty
sure, confi dent, positive, convinced,
cement noun adhesive, glue, fixative, in no doubt, satisfied. 2 itis certoin
gum, paste.
thot more chonges ore in the offing
Cemetery noun graveyard, churchya rd, unquestionable, sure, defi nite, beyond
burial ground, necropolis, garden of question, indubitable, undeniable,
remembrance, mass grave; Scottish indisputable. 3 they ore certoin to win
kirkyard. sure, bound, destined. 4 certoin defeot
censor verb cut, edit, expurgate, redact, inevitable, assured, unavoidable, ines-
sanitize, clean up, ban, delete. capable, inexorable. 5 fhere is no certoin
cure reliable, dependable, foolproof,
Censorious odjective critical, overcriti-
guaranteed, sure, infallible; informol
cal, hypercritical, disapproving. con-
sure-fire.
demnatory, judgemental, moralistic,
fault-fi nding, reproachfu l. - oPPoslrES doubtful, unlikely, possible.
Gertainly odverb defi nitely, surely,
censure verb condemn, criticize, attack,
assuredly, unquestionably, beyond/
reprimand, rebuke, admonish, upbraid,
without question, undoubtedly,
reproach.
without doubt, indubitably, undeniably,
- OPPOSITES defend, praise.
irrefutably, indisputably.
o noun condemnation, criticism,
attack, reprimand, rebuke, admonish- certainty noun 1 confidence, suTeness,
ment, reproof, disapproval, reproach. conviction, assurance. 2 inevitability,
- OPPOSITES approval, praise. foregone conclusion; i nformol sure
thing; Brit. informol (dead) cert.
central odjective 1 o central position
middle, centre, halfway, midway, mid. - oPPoSITES doubt, possibility.
2 centrol London inner, innermost, certificate noun guarantee, document,
middle, mid.3 main, chief, principal, authorization, authentication, accredi-
primary, foremost, key, crucial, vital, tation, credentials, testimonial.
essential, basic, fundamental, core; certify verbl verily, guarantee, attest,
informol number-one. validate, confirm, endorse. 2 accredit,
- OPPOSITES side, outer. recognize, license, authorize, approve.
centralize yerb concentrate, consoli- cessation noun end, termination, halt,
date, amalgamate, condense, unify, finish, stoppage, conclusion, winding
focus. up, pause, suspension.
- oPPOSITES devolve. - OPPOSITES start, resumption.
 chain -+ character

chain noun 1 fetters, shackles, irons, evolve. 2 exchange, substitute, swap,

manacles, handcuffs; informol cuff s, switch, replace, alternate.
bracelets. 2 series, succession, string, a noun 1 alteration, modiflcation,
sequence, train, course. variation, revision, amendment, adjust-
a verb secure, fasten, tie, tether, hitch, ment, adaptation, metamorphosis,
restrain, shackle, fetter, manacle, transformation, evolution. 2 replace-
handcuff. ment, exchange, substitution, swap,
chairman, chairwoman noun chair, switch.
chairperson, president, chief executive, changeable odjective variable, vary-
leader, masterof ceremonies, MC. ing, changing, fl uctuating, irregular,
challenge noun 1 dare, provocation, erratic, inconsistent, unstable, unset-
offer. 2 problem, difficult task, test, tled. inconstant, fickle, capricious,
tria L temperamental, volatile, mercurial,
unpredictable.
a verb 1 question, dispute, take issue
with, call into question, protest against, -OPPOSITES constant-
oppose.2 dare, defy, invite, throw channel noun 1 strait(s), sound,
down the gauntlet to. 3 test, tax, narrows, passage. 2 duct, gutter,
strain, make demands on, stretch. conduit, trough, sluice, draln. 3 means,
medium, instrument, mechanism,
challenging odjective demanding,
agency, vehicle, route, avenue.
testing, taxing, exacting, hard, difficult,
O verb convey, transmit, conduct,
stimulating.
direct, relay, pass on, transfer.
- OPPOSITES easy.
chamPion noun 1 winner, title-holder, chant noun shout, cry, call, slogan,
gold medallist, prizewinner; informol chorus, refrain.
champ, number one. 2 advocate, pro- o verb shout, chorus, repeat, call.
ponent, promoter, supporter, defender, chaos noun disorder, disorganization,
upholder, backer; tV. Amer booster. confusion, mayhem, bedlam, pan-
a verb advocate, promote, defend, demonium, havoc, turmoil, anarchy,
uphold, support, espouse, stand up for, lawlessness; Brit. a shambles ; informol
campaign for, lobby for, fight for. all hell broken loose; Brit. informal an
- oPPOSITES oppose. omnishambles.
chance noun 1 possibility, prospect, - OPPOSITES order.
probability, likelihood, risk, threat, chaotic odjective disorderly, disorga n-
danger. 2 I gove her o chonce to onswer ized, in confusion, in turmoil, topsy-
opportunity, opening. occasion, turvy, anarchic, lawless; Brit. informol
window; N. Amer & Austrol.lNZ show; shambolic.
Brit. informollook-in. 3 he took on owful chap noun (Brlt.) man, boy, individual,
chonce risk, gamble, leap in the dark. character; lnformol fellow, guy, geezer;
4 coincidence, accident, fate, destiny, Brit. informol bloke, lad; N. Amer. infor-
providence, happenstance, good for- mol dude, hombre.
tune, luck, fluke. chapter noun 1 section, part, division,
- oPPos|TES certainty. topic, stage, episode.2 period, phase,
o odjective accidental, fortuitous, page, stage, epoch, era.
fluky, coincidental. Gharacter noun 1 personality, nature,
o by chance by accident, fortuitously, quality, disposition, temperament,
accidentally, coincidentally, uninten- mentality, make-up, spirit, identity,
tionally, inadvertently. tone, feel. 2 integrity, honour, moral
change verb 1 alter, makeibecome dif- strength/fi bre, strength, backbone,
ferent, adjust, adapt, amend, modify, resolve, grit, wlll power; informol guts;
revise, vary, transform, metamorphose, Brit. informol bottle. 3 reputation,
characteristic -+ chase

(good) name, standing, position, sta- publicspirited, humanitarian, non-

tus.4 eccentric, oddity, crank, original, profit-making. 2 magnanimous, gener-
individualist, madcap, nonconform- ous, liberal, tolerant, sympathetic,
ist; informol oddball. 5 person, man, understanding, lenient, indulgent,
woman, soul, creature, individual, forgiving.
customer; informol cool<ie; Brit. informol - OPPOSITES commercial, mean.
bod, guy. 6 letter, figure, symbol, charity noun 1 voluntary organiza-
mark, device, sign, hieroglyph. tion, charitable institution, fund, trust,
characteristic noun attribute, feature, foundation. 2 aid, financial assistance,
quality, property, trait, aspect, idiosyn- welfare, reliei donations, handouts,
crasy, peculiarity, quirk. gifts, largesse; historicolalms. 3 phi-
e odjective typical, usual, normal, lanthropy, humanitarianism, altruism,
distinctive, representative, particular, publicspiritedness, social conscience,
special, peculiar, idiosyncratic. benevolence. 4 goodwill. compassion.
- oPPoSlTEs abnormal. consideration, concern, kindness, sym-
characterize verb 1 distinguish, mark, pathy, indulgence, tolerance, leniency.
typify, set apart. 2 portray, depict, charm noun 1 appeal, attraction,
present, represent, describe, catego- fascination, beauty, loveliness, allure,
rize, class, brand. seductiveness, magnetism, charisma;
charade noun pretence, act, masquer- informolpulling power. 2 spell, incanta-
ade, show, facade, pantomime, farce, tion, formula; N. Amer. mojo, hex.
travesty, mockery, parody. 3 talisman, trinket, amulet, mascot,
charge verb 1 ask, demand, bill, invoice. fetish.
2 accuse, indict, arraign, prosecute, l
a verb delight, please, win (over),
try, put on trial; lV. Arner. impeach. attract, captivate, lure, fascinate,
3 entrust, burden, encumber, saddle, enchant, beguile. 2 coax, cajole, whee-
tax. 4 attack, storm, assault, assail, dle; informol sweet-talk, soft-soa p.
descend on; informollay into, tear charming odjective delightful, pleasing,
into. 5 rush, storm, stampede, push, endearing, lovely, adorable, appealing,
plough, launch yourself, go headlong; attractive, good-looking, alluring, win-
informol steam; N. Amer. informol ba rrel. ning, fetching, captivating, enchanting,
6 charge your g/osses/ fill (up), top up, entrancing.
load (up), arm. chart noun graph, table, diagram, plan,
a noun 1 fee, payment, price, rate, map; Computing graphic.
tariff, fare, levy.2 accusation, allega- a verb 1 plot, tabulate, graph, record,
tion, indictment, arraignment; N. Amer. register, represent. 2 follow, trace,
impeachment. 3 attack, assault, offen- outline, describe, detail, record,
sive, onslaught, drive, push. 4 the child document.
wos in her charge care, protection, safe
charter noun 1 o Royol chorter author-
keeping, control, custody, hands.
ity, authorization, sanction, dispensa-
charisma noun charm, presence, (force tion, permit, licence, warrant .2 the IJN
of) personality, strength of character, Chorter constitution, code, princi ples.
(animal) magnetism, appeal, allure. a verb hire, lease, rent, book.
charismatic odjective charming. mag- chase verb 1 pursue, run after, follow,
netic, compelling, inspiring, captivat- hunt, track, trail; informol tail.2 she
ing, mesmerizing, appealing, alluring, chosed owoythe dogs drive, send, scare;
glamorous. informolsend pacl<ing. 3 she chosed
charitable odjective 1 philanthropic, owoy oll thoughts ofhim dispel, banish,
generous, open-handed, giving, munifi- dismiss, drive away, shut out, put out
cent, benevolent, altruistic, unselfish, of your mind.
65 chat -+ cherish

a noun pursuit, hunt, trail. 2 control, restraint, constraint, curb,

chat noun talk, conversation, gossip: limitation.
informol jaw, gas, confab; Brit. informol o check in register, bool< in, report.
natter, chinwag : Austrol. i nformol check out pay the bill, settle up, leave.
convo. cheek noun impudence, impertinence,
o verb talk, gossip; informol gas, jaw, insolence, rudeness, disrespect; infor-
chew the rag/fat; Brit. informol natter, mol brass neck, lip, mouth, chutzpah;
have a chinwag ; N. Amer. informol shoot Brit. informolbackchat; N. Amer. infor-
the breeze/bull. mol sass, back talk.
Ghatter verb prattle, chat, gossip, cheeky odjective impudent, imper-
jabber, babble; informal yatter: Brit. tinent, insolent, rude, disrespectful;
informol natter, chunter, rabbit on. nformol brass-necked, lippy, mouthy,
i

o noun prattle, chat, gossip, patter, fresh; N. Amer. informol sassy, nervy.
jabber, babble; informol chit-chat, yat- - oPPoSITES respectful, polite.
tering; Brif. informol nattering, chunter- cheer verb 1 applaud, hail, salute, shout
ing, rabbiting on. for, clap, put your hands together for,
chatty odJective talkative. comm u ni- bring the house down; informol holler
cative, eflusive, gossipy, loquacious, for, give someone a big hand; N. Amer.
voluble; informol mouthy, gabby. informol ballyhoo. 2 please, raise/lift
-OPPOSITES taciturn. someone's spirits, brighten, buoy up,
cheap odjective 1 inexpensive, low- hearten, gladden, perk up, encourage;
priced, low-cost, economical, competi- informol buck up"
tive, affordable, reasonable, budget, - OPPOSITES boo, depress.
economy, bargain, cut-price, reduced, o noun hurrah, hurray, whoop, bravo,
discounted; informol dirt cheap. shout; (cheers) acclaim, applause,
2 poor-quality, second-rate, substand- ovation.
ard, inferior, vulgar, shoddy, trashy, - OPPOSITES boo.
tawdry; informol tacky; Brit. informal tr cheer up perk up, brighten up,
naff. 3 despicable, contemptible, rally, revive, bounce bacl<, take heart;
immoral, unscrupulous, unprincipled, informol buck up.
cynical. cheerful odjective t happy, jolly, merry,
- OPPOSITES expensive. bright, sunny, joyful, in good/high spir'
cheat verb swindle, defraud, deceive,
its, buoyant, cheery, animated, smiling,
good-hu moure d; informol chipper,
tricl<, dupe, hoodwink, double-cross,
gull; informol rip off, diddle, con, pull a chirpy, full of beans. 2 pleasant, attrac-
fast one on; A/. Amer. informol sucl<er. tive, agreeable, bright, sunny, friendly,
welcoming.
a noun swindler, fraudster, confldence
tricl<ster, double-dealer, double-crosser, - OPPOSITES sad, gloomy.
fraud, fake, charlatan; informal con cheerless o djective gloomy, d rea ry,
a rtist. dull, dismal, bleak, drab, sombre, darl<,
check verb 1 examine, inspect, look dim, dingy, funereal, austere, starl<,
at/over, scrutinize, study, investigate, unwelcoming, uninviting, depressing.
probe, lool< into, enquire into; informol chemist noun pharmacist, dispenser;
check out, give something a/the once- N. Amer. druggist; o/d use apothecary.
over. 2 make sure, confirm, verify. cherish verb 1 adore, love, dote on, be
3 halt, stop, arrest, bar, obstruct, foll, devoted to, revere, think the world of,
thwart, curb, blocl<. care for, look after, protect, keep safe.
a noun 1 examination, inspection, 2 treasure, prize, hold dear. 3 harbour,
scrutiny, perusal, study, investigation, entertain, nurse, cling to. foster.
test, check-up; nformol once-oveT.
i - OPPOSITES hate.
chest -+ choice

chest noun 1 breast, upper body, torso, - OPPOSITES mature.

trunk, front. 2 box, case, casket, crate, childlike odjective youthful, innocent,
trunl<, coffer, strongbox. unsophisticated, naive, trusting, art-
woRD L|NKS l
less, unaffected, uninhibited, natural,
pectoral, thoracic relating l"o the sponta neou s.

thest - OPPOSITES adult.

.h:* r"rb;;;lr .h.,p, .h".tr - chil! noun 1 coldness, chilliness, cool-
ness, nip. 2 cold, dose of flu, fever.
crunch, gnaw, bite, masticate. 3 shiver, frisson.
chic odjective stylish, smart, elegant, - OPPOSITES warmth.
sophisticated, fashionable; informol a verb scare, frighten, petrify, terrify,
trendy; Bdt. informolswish; N. Amer. alarm, make someone's blood run
informol kicky, tony. cold; informol scare the pants off; Brit.
- oPPoslTES unfashionable. informalput the wind up.
chief noun 1 o Highlond chief leader, - OPPOSITES Warm.
chieftain, head, ruler, master, com- o adjective cold, chilly, cool, fiesh, win-
mander. 2 the chief of the centrol bonk try, frosty, icy, arctic, bitter, freezing;
head, chief executive, chief executive informol nippy; Brif. informol parky.
officer, CEO, president, chairman, chair- chilly odjective 1 cold, cool, crlsp, fresh,
woman, principal, governor, director, wintry, frosty, icy; informol nippy; Brif.
manager; informol boss, (head) hon- informol parky. 2 unfriendly, unwel-
cho; Brit. informol gaffer, guv'nor. coming, cold, cool, f rosty: informol
oodjective t head, leading, principal, stand-offish.
premier, highest, supreme, arch. - OPPOSITES warm.
2 main, principal, primary, prime, first, china noun crockery, dishes, plates,
cardinal, central, key, crucial, essential; cups and saucers, tableware, porcelain,
informol number-one. dinnerware, dinner service, tea service.
-OPPOSITES subordinate, minor.
chink noun gap, crack, space, hole,
chiefly odverb mainly, in the main, aperture, fissure, cranny, cleft, split, slit.
primarily, principally, predominantly,
chip noun 1 fragment, sliver, splinter,
mostly, for the most part, usually, shaving, shard, flake. 2 nick, crack,
typically, commonly, generally, on the scratch. 3 counter, token; N. Amer
whole, largely. check.
child noun youngster, baby, infant, tod- o verb 1 nick, crack, scratch. 2 chip off
dler, minor, juvenile, junior, descend- the old plaster cut, hack, chisel, carve,
ant; Scottish & N. tnglrsh bairn informol hew, whittle.
kid, kiddie, nippel tiny, tot; derogotory chivalrous odje ctive gallant, g entl e-
brat. manly, honourable, respectful, consid-
WORD LINKS erate, courteous, polite, gracious, well
paediatrics branch of medicine mannered.
concerned with children - OPPOSITES rude.
L
choice noun 1 freedom of choice selec-
childbirth noun labour, delivery, birth-
tion, choosing, picking, pick, prefer-
ing; o/d use confinement.
ence, decision, say, vote. 2 you hove no
childhood noun youth, early years/life, other choice option, alternative, course
infancy, babyhood, boyhood, girlhood, ofaction. 3 on extensive choice range,
minority. variety, selection, assortment.
- oPPosrrEs adulthood. o odjective superior, first-class, first-
childish adjective immature, babyish, rate, prime, premier, grade A, best,
infantile, juvenile, puerile, silly. finest, select, quality, top, top-quality,
67 choke -+ circle

high-grade, prize; informol A1, top- chuck verb (informol)1 throw, toss,
notch. fling, hurl, pitch, cast, lob:informol
- oPPOSITES inferior. sling, bung. 2 throw away, throw out,
choke verb I gag, retch, cough, fight discard, dispose of, get rid of, dump,
for breath. 2 suffocate, asphyxiate, bin, jettison; informol ditch, junk;
smother, stifle, strangle, throttle; infor- N. Amer. informol trash. 3 give up,
rnol strangulate. 3 clog (up), bung up, leave, resign f rom; informolquit, pack
stop up, block, obstruct. in; Brit. informol jack in. 4 jilt, finish
choose verb 1 select, pick (out), opt with, break off with, leave; informol
for, plump for, settle on, prefer, decide dump, ditch, give someone the elbow;
on, fix on, elect, adopt. 2 wish, want, Brit. tnformol give someone the push.
desire, please, like. chuckle verb laugh, chortle, giggle,
choosy odJective (informol) lussy, titter, snigger.
fi nicky, fastidious, over-particular, hard chum noun (informol) friend, compan-
to please; informol picky, pernickety; ion, playmate, classmate, schoolmate,
N. Amer. informol persnickety. workmate; informol pal, crony; Brif.
chop verb cut (up), cube, dice, hew, informol mate; N. Amer. informol buddy.
split, fell; i\i. Amer. hash. - OPPOSITES enemy.
o chop off cut off, sever, lop, shear. chunk noun lump, hunk, wedge, block,
choppy odjective rough, turbulent, slab, square, nugget, brick, cube; lnfor-
heavy, heaving, stormy, tempestuous, mol wodge; N. Amer. informal gob.
squally.
churlish odjective rude, ill-mannered,
- OPPOSITES calm. discourteous, ungracious, impolite,
chore noun task, job, duty, errand, Inconsiderate, surly, sullen.
burden; informol hassle. -oPPoslTES polite.
christen verb 1 she wos christened Soro
churn verb disturb, stir up, agitate,
baptize, name, give the name of, call. beat.
2 o group christened 'The Mogic Circle'
call, name, dub, style, term, label, cinema noun 1 the movies, the
nickname. pictures, multiplex; informol the flicks.
2 British cinemo films, film, movies,
chronic odjective 1 o chronic illness
pictures, motion pictures.
persistent, long-standin g, long-term,
incurable. 2 chronic economic problems circa p re positi on approxi mately,

constant, continuing, persistent, long- (round) about, around, in the region

lasting, severe, serious, acute, grave, of, roughly, something like, or so, or
dire. 3 o chronic lior inveterate, hard- thereabouts, more oT less; informol as
ened, dyed-in-the-wool, incorrigible, near as dammit; N. Amer. informol tn
compulsive; informol pathological. the ballpark of.
- OPPOSITES acute, temporary. -OPPOSITES exactly.
chronicle noun record, account, circle noun 1 ring, band, hoop, circlet,
history, annals, archive(s), log, diary, halo, disc.2 group, set, crowd, band,
journal. company, clique, coterie, club, society;
a yerb record, write down, set down, informol qang, bunch.
document, report. a verb 1 seogulls circled obove wheel,
chubby odjective plump, tubby, flabby, revolve, rotate, whirl, spiral. 2 sote/-
rotund, portly, chunky; Brit. infor- lites circling the eorth go round, travel
mol podgy; N. Amer. informol zaftig, round, circumnavigate, orbit. 3 the
corn-fed. obbey wos circled by o wol/ surround,
- oPPostrES skinny. encircle, ring, enclose.
circuit -+ clarity

circuit noun 1 two circuits of the trock enlightenment, culture, refi nement,
lap, turn, round, circle. 2 (Brit.) a racing sophistication. 2 culture, society,
clrcuit track, racetrack, course, route, nation, people.
stadium. civilize verb enlighten, improve,
circuitous odjective roundabout, indi- educate, instruct, refi ne, cultivate,
rect, winding, meandering, twisting, socialize.
tortuous. civilized odjective 1 civilized society
- oPPoSITES direct. advanced, developed, sophisticated,
circular odjective round, ring-shaped. enlightened, educated, cultured,
a noun leaflet, pamphlet, handbill, cultivated. 2 civilized behovlour polite,
fl yer, advertisement, notice. courteous, well mannered, civil,
circulate verb I spread, communicate, refined, polished.
disseminate, mal<e l<nown, mal<e - OPPOSITES unsophisticated, rude.
public, broadcast, publicize, dlstribute. claim verb 1 assert, declare, profess,
2 socialize, mingle, mix, wander, stroll. protest, maintain, insist, contend,
circumspect odjective cautious, wary, allege. 2 request, ask for, apply for,
careful, chary, guarded, on your guard; demand.
informol cagey. a noun 1 assertion, declaration,
- OPPOSITES unguarded. profession, protestation, insistence,
contention, allegation. 2 application,
circumstances plurol noun situation,
request, demand.
conditions, state of affairs, position,
the lie ofthe land, (turn of) events, fac- clamour noun noise, din, racket,
tors, facts, background, environment, rumpus, uproar, shouting, commotion,
context. hubbub; Brlt. row; informol hullabaloo.
cite verb quote, mention, refer to, allude clamp verb fasten, secure, fix, attach,
to, instance, specify, name. clench, grip, hold, press, clasp, screw,
bolt.
citizen noun 1 o British citizen subject,
national, passport holder. 2 the citizens clan noun family, house, dynasty, tribe.
of Edinburgh inhabitant, resident, clandestine odjecfive secret, covert,
native, townsman, townswoman, furtive, surreptitious, stealthy, cloak-
taxpayer; formol denizen. and-dagger, underhand ; Milito ry black
city noun town, municipality, metropo- informol hush-hush.
lis, conurbation, urban area; Scoftlsh clap verb applaud, give someone a
burgh; informolbig smoke; N. Amer. round of applause, put your hands
informol burg. together; informol give someone a (big)
WORD LINKS hand; tV. Amer. informolgive it up.
urban, civic. metropolitan relating a noun 1 round of applause, hand-
clap; informol hand. 2 crack, peal,
to cities
crash, bang, boom.
civlc o djective mu nicipal, city, clarify verb make clear, shed/throw
town, urban, metropolitan, public, light on, illuminate, elucidate, explain,
community. interpret, spell out, clear up.
civil odjective 1 secular, non-religious, - OPPOSITES confuse.
lay. 2 non-military, civilian. 3 polite, clarity noun 1 the clority of hrs erplono-
courteous, well mannered, gentle- tion lucidity, precision, coherence,
manly, chivalrous. ladylikc. transparency, simplicity. 2 the clority
- oPPOslTEs religious, military, rude. of the imoge sharpness, clearness,
civilization noun t human devel- crispness, definition. 3 the clority of
opment, advancement, progress, the woter transparency, clearness,
 clash -+ clear

limpidity, translucence. condition, proviso, rider.

clash noun 1 fight, battle, confronta- claw noun talon, nail, pincer.
tion, skirmish, engagement, encounter, a verb scratch, lacerate, tear, rip,
conflict. 2 argument, altercation, scrape, dig into.
confrontation, quarrel, disagreement, clean odjective 1 washed, scrubbed,
dispute; informol run-in, slanging cleansed, cleaned, laundered, spotless,
match. 3 crash, clang, bang, clatter, unstained, unsullied, unblemished,
clangour. immaculate, pristine, disinfected,
a verb 1 fight, battle, confront, skir- sterilized, sterile, aseptic, decontami-
mish, contend, come to blows. 2 disa- nated. 2 blank, empty, clear, plain,
gree, differ, wrangle, dispute, cross unused, new, pristine, fresh, unmarked.
swords, lock horns, be at loggerheads. 3 pure, clear, fresh, unpolluted,
3 conflict, coincide, overlaP. 4 bang, uncontaminated.
strike, clang, crash. - oPPoSlTEs dirty, polluted.
clasp verb grasp, grip, clutch, hold, a verb wash, cleanse, wipe, sponge,
squeeze, seize, grab, embrace, hug. scrub, mop, rinse, scour, swab, sham-
a noun 1 fastener, catch, cliP, Pin, poo, launder, dry-clean.
buckle. 2 grasp, grip, squeeze, - oPPOSITES dirty.
embrace, hug. cleanse verb 1 clean (up), wash, bathe,
class noun 1 kind, sort, type, variety, rinse, disinfect. 2 cleonsing the environ'
genre, category, grade, rating, clas- ment of troces of leod rid, clea r, free,
sification. 2 group, grouping, ranl<, purify, purge.
stratum, level, echelon, status, caste. clear odjective 1 understandable, com-
o verb classify, categorize, group, prehensible, intelligible, plain, uncom-
grade, order, rate, bracket, designate, plicateci, explicit, lucid, coherent,
label, rank. simple, straightforward, unambiguous,
classic odjective 1 definitive, authorita- clear-cut. 2 obvious, evident, plain,
tive, outstandin g, fi rst-rate, fi rst-class, sure, definite, unmistakable, manifest,
best. finest, excellenL, superior. mas' indisputable, unambiguous, patent,
terly. 2 typical, archetypal, quintes' incontrovertible, visible, conspicuous,
sential, model, rePresentative, perfect, overt, blatant, glaring. 3 transParent,
prime, textbool<. 3 timeless, tradi' limpid, translucent, crystal clear, pel-
tional, simple, elegant, understated. lucid. 4 bright, cloudless, unclouded,
a noun definitive example, model, blue, sunny, starry. 5 unobstructed,
epitome, paradigm, exemplar, master- passable, open, unrestricted,
piece, master work. u n hi ndered.

classifi cation noun categorization, - oPPOSITES incoherent, vague, cioudy.

classifying, grouping, grading, ranking, a verb 1 disappear, go away, stoP,
organization, sorting, codifi cation. die away, fade, wear off, lift, settle,
evaporate, dissipate, decrease, lessen,
classify verb categorize, group, grade, shift.2 unblock, unstop, clean out.
rank, order, orqanize, sort, type, codify, 3 evacuate, vacate, empty, leave.
bracket. 4 remove, strip, take away, carry away,
classy odjective (informol) stylish, high- tidy away/up. 5 go over, pass over, sail
class, superior, exclusive, chic, elegant, over, jump (over), vault (over), leap
smart, sophisticated; Brit. upmarket; (over).6 acquit, declare innocent, find
N. Amer. high-toned; informol posh, not guilty, absolve, exonerate; informol
ritzy, plush, swanky; Brit. informol let off (the hook).
swish. o clear up 1 tidy (up), put in order,
clause noun section, paragraph, straighten up, clean up, fix.2 solve,
article, passage, subsection, chapter, resolve, straighten out, find an/the
clearance -+ clip

answer to, get to the bottom of, wavelength; informalhit it off. 4 go

explain; informol crack, figure out, down well, prove popular, be a hit,
suss out. succeed, resonate, work, take off.
clearance noun 1 removal, clearing, client noun customer, buyer, purchaser,
demolition. 2 authorization, permis- shopper, patient, patron; Brit. informol
sion, consent, approval, leave, sanction, PUnter.
licence, dispensation; informol the cliff noun precipice, rock face, crag,
go-ahead. 3 space, room (to spare), bluff, ridge, escarpment, scar, scarp.
headroom, margin, leeway.
climate noun 1 (weather) conditions,
clear-cut odjective definite, distinct, weather. 2 atmosphere, mood, spirit,
precise, specific, explicit, unambiguous, ethos, feeling, ambience, environment.
unequivocal, black and white.
climax noun peak, pinnacle, height,
- OPPOSITES vague.
high point, top, zenith, culmination.
clearly odverb 1 intelligibly, plainly, dis- - OPPOSITES anticlimax, nadir.
tinctly, comprehensibly, legibly, audi-
climb verb 1 ascend, mount, scale,
bly. 2 obviously, evidently, patently,
scramble up, clamber up, shin up,
unquestionably, undoubtedly, without
conquer. 2 rise, ascend, go up, gain
doubt, plainly, undeniably.
height, soar, rocket.3 the rood climbs
cleft noun split, crack, fissure, crevice. steep/y slope (upwards), rise, go uphill,
clench verb grip, grasp, grab, clutch, incline.
clasp, clamp, hold tightly, seire, - OPPOSITES descend.
squeeze. tr climb down back down, retreat,
clergyman, clergywoman noun give in, backtrack, eat your words, eat
priest, cleric, minister, preachel chap- humble pie, do a U-turn, row back;
lain, padre, father, pastor, vicar, rector, N. Amer. informol eat crow.
parson, curate; Scottish kirkman. clinch verb t he clinched the deol secure,
clerical adjective 1 office, desk, settle, conclude, close, confirm, seal,
administrative, secretarial, white-collar. finalize, wrap up; lnformol sew up.
2 ecclesiastical, church, priestly, reli- 2 these findings clinched the motter set-
gious, spiritual, holy. tle, decide, determine, resolve.
clever odjective 1 intelligent, bright, cling verb stick, adhere, hold.
smart, astute, quick-witted, shrewd, o cling (on) to hold on, clutch, grip,
talented, gifted, capable, able, compe- grasp, clasp, hang on, embrace, hug.
tent; informol brainy, genius. 2 o clever clinical odjective 1 detached, imper-
scheme ingenious, canny. cunning, sonal, dispassionate, indifferent, unin-
crafty, artful, slick, neat. 3 she wos volved, distant, remote, aloof, cold.
clever with her honds skilful, dexter- 2 plain, stark, austere, spartan, bleak,
ous, adroit, adept, deft, nimble, handy, bare, functional, basic, institutional.
skilled, talented, gifted. - oPPostTES emotional.
- OPPOSITES stupid. clipl noun fastener, clasp, hasp, catch,
clich6 noun platitude, hackneyed hook, bucl<le, lock.
phrase, commonplace, banality, truism, a verb fasten, attach, flx. join, pin,
stock phrase; informol old chestnut. staple, tack.
dickverb 1 clack, snicl<, snap, clink. cllp2 verb 1 trim, prune, cut. snip, crop,
2 become clear, fall into place, make shear, lop.2 hit, strike, graze, glance
sense, dawn on someone, registel get off, nudge, scrape.
through, sink in.3 take to each other, a noun 1 extract, excerpt, snippet,
get along, be compatible, be like- fragment, trailer. 2 trim, cut, crop,
minded, see eye to eye, be on the same ha rcut.
i
71 clique -+ clumsy

clique noun coterie, set, circle, ring, in- clothe verb dress, attire, robe, garb,
crowd, group, gang, fraternity. costume, swathe, deck (out), turn out,
cloak noun 1 cape, robe, wrap, mantle. fit out, rig (out); informol get up.
2 o clook of secrecy cover, veil, mantle, clothes p/urol noun clothing, garments,
shroud, screen, blanket. attire, garb, dress, wear. costume, :

a verb conceal, hide, cover, veil, wardrobe; informol gear, togs; Brit.
shroud, masl<, obscure, cloud, envelop, informol clobbe r; N. Amer. informol
swathe, surround. threads; formol apparel.
clog verb block, obstruct, congest, jam, WORD LINKS
choke, bung up, plug, stop up. sartorial relal.inq to clothes
closel odjective 1 near, nearby, clothier, couturier. tailor person
adjacent, neighbouring, adjoining, who sells or makes clothes
abutting, at hand. 2 neck and neck, L

even, nip and tuck.3 intimate, clothing noun see clothes.

dear, bosom, close-knit, inseparable, cloud noun o cloud of exhoust smoke
devoted, faithful, special, firm. 4 o mass, billow, mantle, blanket, pall.
close resemblonce noticeable, marked, a verb confuse, muddle, obscure.
distinct, pronounced, strong. 5 careful, cloudy odjectlve 1 overcast, dark, grey,
detailed, thorough, minute, search- black, leaden, murky, gloomy, sunless,
ing, painslaking, meticulous, rigorous. starless. 2 murky, muddy, milky, dirty,
6 humid, muggy, stuffy, airless, heavy, turbid.
sticky, sultry, stifl ing.
- oPPoSITES clear, sunny.
- oPPoslTEs far, distant.
clown noun 1 joker, comedian, comic,
close2 verb 1 she closed the door shut, wag, wit, jester. 2 fool, idiot, buffoon,
pull to, push to, slam. 2 close the
dolt, ignoramus; informol moron, ass,
hole block, stop up, plug, seal, bung
numbskull, halfwit, fathead; Brit. infor-
up, clog up, choke, obstruct.3 end,
mol prat, berk. twit. twerp.
conclude, finish, terminate, wind
up. 4 shut down, close down, cease clubl noun 1 society, association,
production, cease trading, be wound group, circle. league. guild, union.
up, go out of business; informol fold, 2 nightclub, bar; informoi disco.
go to the wall, go bust. 5 clinch, settle, 3 team, squad, side.
secure, seal, confirm, pull off, conclude, club2 noun stick, cudgel, truncheon,
fi nalize; informol wrap up. bludgeon, baton, mace, bat; N. Amer.
- OPPOSITES open, start. blackjack, nightstick; Brit. informol
a noun end, flnish, conclusion. cosh.
- OPPOSITES beginninq. o verb hit, beat, strike, cudgel, bludg-
closet noun cupboard, wardrobe, eon, batter; informal clout, clobber;
cabinet, locker. Brit. informol cosh.
o odjective secret, covert, private, sur- clue noun hint, indication, sign, signal,
reptitious, clandestine. pointer. lead, tip, evidence.
O verb shut away, sequester, seclude, clump noun 1 o clump of frees cluster,
cloister, confi ne, isolate. thicket, group, bunch. 2 o clump of
clot noun lump, clump, mass, thrombo- eorth lump, clod, mass, chunk.
sis; informol glob; Brit. informol 9o6. clumsy odjective 1 awkward, uncoor-
o verb coagulate, set, congeal, thicken, dinated, ungainly, graceless, lum-
solidify. bering, inelegant, inept, unskilful,
cloth noun 1 fabric, material, textile(s), accident-prone, all fingers and thumbs;
stuff. 2 rag, wipe, duster, flannel; i nformol cack-handed, ham-fi sted, but-
Austro/. washer. terfi n gered ; N. Amer. i nformol ldutzy.
cluster -, cold 72

2 unwieldy, cumbersome, bulky, coax verb persuade, wheedle, cajole,

awkward. get round, inveigle, manoeuvre;
- oPPoSlTEs graceful. informol sweet-talk, soft-soap, twist
cluster noun bunch, clump, mass, knot, S0meone's arm.
group, clutch, huddle, crowd. cocky odjective arrogant, conceited,
o verb congregate, gather, collect, overconfi dent, swol len-headed, self-
group, assemble, huddle, crowd. important, full of yourself, egotistical,
presumptuous, boastful; informol too
clutch verb grip, grasp, clasp, cling to,
hang on to, clench, hold, grab, snatch. big for your boots.
- OPPOSITES modest.
clutter noun disorder, chaos, mess,
code noun 1 cipher. 2 convention, eti-
disarray, untidiness, confusion, litter,
quette, protocol, ethic. 3 law(s), rules,
rubbish, junk.
regulations, constitution, system.
a verb litter,
mess up, be strewn,
be scattered, cover, bury. coerce verb pressure, press, push, con-
strain, force, compel, oblige, browbeat,
coachl noun 1 a journey by cooch bus; bully, threaten, intimidate, dragoon,
doted omnibus, charabanc. 2 a roilwoy twist someone's arm; informol railroad,
cooch carriage, wagon; N. Amer. car. steamroller, lean on.
coach2 noun instructor, trainer, teacher, cogent odjective convincing, persua-
tutor, mentor, guru. sive, compelling, strong, forceful,
a verb instruct, teach, tutor, school, powerful, potent, effective, sound,
educate, drill, train. telling, coherent, clear, lucid, logical,
coagulate verb congeal, clot, thicken, well argued.
solidify, harden, set, dry. coherent odjective logical, reasoned,
coalition noun alliance, union, rational, sound, cogent, consistent,
partnership, bloc, federation, league, clear, lucid, articulate, intelligible.
association, confederation, consortium, - oPPosrrES muddled.
syndicate, amalgamation, merger. coilverb wind, loop, twist, curl, spiral,
coarse adjective 1 rough, scratchy, twine, wrap.
prickly, wiry, harsh. 2 coorse monners coin verb invent, create, make up, con
uncouth, oaflsh, loutish, boorish, rude, ceive, originate, think up, dream up.
impolite, ill-mannered, vulgar, com- IWORD LINKS
mon, rough. 3 o coorse remork vulgar, numismatic relating to roin:
crude, rude, off colour, lewd, smutty,
indelicate. coincide yerb 1 occur simultaneously,
- oPPostrES soft, refined, polite. happen together, co-occur, coexist.
2 tally, correspond, agree, accord,
coast noun shore, coastline, seashore,
match up, be compatible, dovetail,
seaboard, shoreline, seaside; /iterory
mesh; informol square.
stra nd.
- OPPOSITES differ.
a verb freewheel, cruise, taxi, drift,
glide, sail. coincidence noun accident, chance,
providence, happenstance, fate, luck,
wono Lrrrrxs fortune, fluke.
littoral relating to . .9,.tt or rglg!l
coincidental odjective accidental,
coat noun 1 fur, hair, wool, fleece, hide, chance, fluky, random, fortuitous,
pelt, skin.2 layer, covering, coating, unintentional, unplanned.
skin, fllm, deposit. cold odjective 1 chilly, chill, cool, freez-
a verb cover, surface, plate, spread, ing, icy, wintry, frosty, raw, bitter;
daub, smear, plaster, cake. informol nippy; Brlf. informol parky.
73 collaborate -+ combat

2 unfriendly, inhospitable, unwelcom- pooled, united, allied, cooperative,

ing, cool, frigid, frosty, distant, formal, collaborative.
stiff. - OPPOSITES individual.
- oPPos|TES hot, warm. collide verb crash, hit, strike, run into,
collaborate verb 1 cooperate, join bump into.
forces, worl< together, combine, pool collision noun crash, accident, smash:
resources, club together. 2 fraternize, N. Amer. wrecl<; informol pile-up; Brif.
conspire, collude, cooperate, consort. informolshunt, prang.
collaborator noun 1 co-worker, colloquial odjective informal, conver-
partner, associate, colleague, confeder- sational, everyday, familiar, popular,
ate, assistant. 2 sympathizer, traitor, casual, idiomatic, slangy, vernacular.
quisling, flfth columnist.
- oPPoSITES formal.
collapse verbl cave in, fall in, subside, colonize verb settle (in), people, popu-
fall down, give (way), crumple, crum- late, occupy, take over, invade.
ble, disintegrate. 2 faint, pass out,
black out, lose consciousness. 3 go
colony noun territory, dependency,
protectorate, satellite, settlement,
to pieces, breal< down, be overcome;
informolcracl< up. 4 fail, break down,
outpost, province.
fall through, fold, founder; informol colossal odjective huge. massive, enor-
flop, fizzle out, flatline. mous, gigantic, giant, mammoth, vast,
a noun 1 cave-in, disintegration. cosmic, immense, monumental, moun-
2 breakdown, failure. tainous; informal monster, whopping,
colleague noun co-worker, fel- humongous: Brit. informol ginormous.
low worker, worl<mate, teammate, - OPPOSITES tiny.
associate, partner, collaborator, ally, colour noun t hue, shade, tint, tone,
confed e rate. coloration. 2 paint, pigment, colour-
collect verb t he collected up the rubbish ant, dye, stain.
gather, accumulate, assemble, amass, a verb 1 tint, dye, stain, tinge. 2 influ-
stockpile, pile up, heap up, store (up), ence, affect, taint, warp, sl<ew, distort.
hoard, save. 2 o crowd soon collected WORD LII\IKS
gather, assemble, meet, muster, con- chromatic relating to colour
gregate, convene, converge. 3 fetch,
pick up, go/come and get, call for, colourful odjective 1 bright, vivid,
meet. vibrant, brilliant, radiant, gaudy, garish,
- OPPoslTEs distribute, disperse. multicoloured, psychedelic; informol
jazzy.2 o colourful occount vivid,
collected odjective calm, cool, self-
possessed, self-controlled, composed,
graphic, lively, animated, dramatic,
poised, serene, tranquil, relaxed; fascinating, interesting, stimulating,
informol laid-back. scintillating, evocative.
- oPPostrES excited. - oPPoSITES drab, dull.
collection noun t hoard, pile, heap, column noun I pillar, post, support,
stocl<, store, stocl<pile, accumulation, upright, pier, pile. 2 article, piece,
reseTve, supply, bank, pool, fund; feature.3 line. file, queue, procession,
informolstash. 2 group, crowd, body, convoy: informol crocodile.
gathering, l<not, cluster. 3 anthology, comb verb 1 groom, brush, untangle,
selection, compendium, compilation, smooth, straighten, neaten, tidy,
miscellany, treasury. 4 appeal; informol arrange. 2 search, scour, explore,
whip-round. sweep.
collective odjective common, shared, combat noun battle, fighting, action,
joint, combined, mutual, communal, hostilities, confl ict, war, warfare.
combative -+ commander 74

a verb fight, battle, tackle, attack, - OPPOSITES discomfort.

counter, resist. o verb console, support, Teassure,
combative o djective ag gressive. soothe, calm, cheer, hearten.
pugnacious, antagonistic, quarrelsome, - OPPOSITES distress, depress.
argumentative, hostile, truculent, bel- comfortable odjective 1 affluent, pros-
ligerent; informolspoiling for a fight. perous, well-to-do, pleasant, luxurious,
- oPPoSITES conciliatory. opulent. 2 cosy, snug, warm, pleasant,
combination noun mixture, mix, a greeable, homely; informol comf y.

blend, fusion, amalgamation, amal- 3 loose, loose-fitting, roomy, casual;

gam, merger, marriage, synthesis. informol comfy.
combine verb 1 mix, blend, fuse, comforting odjective soothing, reassuT-
amalgamate, integrate, merge, marry. ing, calming, heartening, cheering.
2 unite, collaborate, join forces, get - OPPOSITES upsetting.
toqethel team up. comic odjective humorous, funny, a m us-
come yerb 1 come ond listen approach, ing, hilarious, comical, zany, witty,
advance, draw close/closer, dravr near/ droll.
nearer. 2 they come /ost nrght arrive, - OPPOSITES serious.
get here/there, mal<e it, appear, turn o noun comedian, comedienne, funny
up, materialize; informol show (up), man/woman, humorist, wit, joker.
roll up. 3 they come to o streom reach,
arrive at, get to, come across, run comica! odjective 1 funny, humorous,
across, happen on, chance on, come droll, witty, comic, amusing, entertain-
upon, stumble on, end up at informol ing; informolwacky. 2 absurd, silly,
wind up at. 4 she comes from Belgium ridiculous, laughable, ludicrous, prepos-
be from, be a native of, hail from, live terous, foolish; informol crazy.
in, reside in.5 happen, occur, take - OPPOSITES serious.
place, come about, fall, crop up. coming o dj ective lorthcomin g, i m m i-
- OPPOSITES go, leave. nent, impending, approaching.
rl come about happen, occur, take a noun approach, advance, advent,
place, transpire, fall, arise. come arrival, appearance, emergence.
across meet, run into, run across, command verb 1 order, tell, direct,
come upon, chance on, stumble on, instruct, call on, require, charge, enjoin,
happen on, discover, encounter, find;
ordain; o/d use bid. 2 be in charge of,
informolbump into. come on progress,
be in command of, head, lead, control,
develop, shape up, take shape, come
direct, manage, supervise, oversee;
along, turn out, improve.
informolhead up.
comeback noun return, recovery, resur- a noun 1 order, instruction, direction,
gence, rally, upturn; Brit. fightback. directive, injunction, decree, edict,
comedian noun 1 comic, comedienne, dictate, mandate, commandment, fi at.
funny man/woman, humorist, stand- 2 he hod 160 men under his commond
up; /V. Amer. tummler. 2 joker, wit, authority, control, charge, power,
wag, comic, clown; informol laugh, direction, dominion, guidance, leader-
hoot. ship, rule, government, management,
comedy noun humour, fun, hilarity, supervision, jurisdiction. 3 knowledge,
funny side, laughs, jokes. mastery, grasp, comprehension, under-
- oPPoslTEs tragedy. standing.
comfort noun 1 ease, repose, luxury, Commander noun leader, head, chief,
prosperity. 2 consolation, condolence, overseer, director, controller; informol
sympathy, commiseration, support, boss, skippel head honcho; Brit. infor-
reassurance, cheer. mol gaffer, guv'nor.
75 commanding -+ commotion

commanding odjective dominant, commission noun 1 percentage,

controlling, superior, powerful, advan- share, premium, fee, bonus, royalty;
tageous, favourable. informal cut, rake-off, slice; Brit. infor-
commemorate verb celebrate, mol whack. 2 contract, engagement,
assignment, booking, job. 3 commit- 5;:#X
remember, recognize, acknowledge,
tee, board, council, panel, body. : "' ;..
observe, mark, pay tribute to, pay
homage to, honour, salute. o verb 1 engage, contract, book,
employ, hire, recruit, take on, retain,
commence verb begin, inaugurate, appoint. 2 order, place an order for,
start, initiate, launch into, open, get pay for.
the ball rolling, get going, get under
way, get off the ground, set about,
Commit verb 1 carry out, do, perpe-
embark on informolkick off. trate, engage in, execute, accomplish,
be responsible for; informol pull off.
- oPPostrES conclude.
2 entrust, consign, assign, deliver,
commend verb 1 praise, compliment, hand over.3 consign, send, confine.
congratulate, applaud, salute, honour,
sing the praises of, pay tribute to.
commitment noun 1 responsibility,
obligation, duty, liability, engagement,
2 recommend, endorse, vouch for,
tie. 2 dedication, devotion, allegiance,
speak for, support, back.
loyalty.3 promise, vow, pledge,
- OPPOSITES criticize.
undertaking.
Gommendable ective admirable,
o dj
praiseworthy, creditable, laudable,
committed o djective devoted,
dedicated, motivated, driven, staunch,
meritorious, exemplary, honourable,
loyal, faithful, devout, firm, steadfast,
respectable.
unwavering, passionate, ardent, sworn.
- oPPostrES reprehensible.
- oPPostTES apathetic.
comment noun 1 remark, observa-
common adjective 1 o common occur-
tion, statement, pronouncement,
judgement, refl ection, opinion. view.
rence frequent, regular, everyday, nor-
mal, usual, ordinary, familiar, standard,
2 discussion, debate, interest. 3 note,
commonplace, average, unexceptional,
annotation, commentary, footnote,
typical. 2 o common belief widespread,
gloss, explanation.
general. universal, popular. main-
o verb remark, observe, say, state, stream, prevalent, rife, established,
note, point out, mention, interject;
conventional, accepted. 3 collective,
formol opine. communal, shared, community, public,
commentary noun 1 narration, popular, general. 4 uncouth, vulgar,
description, report, review, voice-over. coarse, rough, uncivilized, unsophis-
2 explanation, elucidation, interpre- ticated, unreflned, inferior, plebeian;
tation, analysis, assessment, review, informol plebby.
criticism, notes, comments. - oPPostrEs unusual, rare.
commentatot noun 1 reporter, narra- commonplace odjective see normal
tor, journalist, newscaster. 2 analyst, (sense 1 ).
pundit, critic, columnist, leader-writer, common sense noun good sense,
opinion-former, monitor, observer. native wit, good judgement, level-
commerce noun trade, trading, headedness, prudence, wisdom; lnfor-
business, dealing, buying and selling, mol horse sense, nous; Brit. informol
traftic, traffickinq. common; N. Amer. informol smarts.
Commercial odjective 1 trade, trading, - oPPoSITES stupidity.
business, mercantile, sales. 2 profit- commotion noun disturbance, uproa r,
making, materialistic, mercena ry. disorder, confusion, rumpus, fuss,
communal + compensate t6

furore, hue and cry, stir, storm, chaos, consortium, syndicate; informol outfi t.
havoc, pandemonium. 2 companionship, fellowship, society,
communal odjective 1 o communal presence. 3 unit, section, detachment,
kitchen shared, joint, common, public, corps, squad, platoon.
general. 2 they form on o communol bosis comparable odjective 1 similar, close,
collective, cooperative, community. near, approximate, equivalent, propor-
- oPPostrES private, individual. tionate. 2 nobody is comporable with
communicate verb 1 liaise, be in him equal to, as good as, in the same
touch, be in contact, have dealings, league as, on a level with, a match for.
tall<, speak, interface.2 convey, tell, - OPPOSITES incomparable.
relay, transmit, impart, pass on, report, comPare verb I contrast, balance, set
recount, relate. 3 transmit, spread, against, weigh up.2 liken, equate,
transfer, pass on. classwith, bracket with. 3 be as good
Communication noun 1 contact, as, be comparable to, bear comparison
dealings, relations, connection, cor- with, be the equal of, match up to, be
respondence, dialogue, conversation. on a parwith, be in the same league as,
2 message, statement, announcement, come close to, rival.
report, dispatch, bulletin, disclosure, comparison noun resemblance, llke-
communiqu6, letter, correspondence. ness, similarity, correspondence.
communicative a djective lorthcom- compartment noun bay, locker,
ing, expansive, expressive, unreserved, recess, alcove, cell, cubicle, pod,
vocal, outgoing, frank, open, candid, pigeonhole, cubbyhole.
talkative, chatty. comPaSS noun scope, range, extent,
communist noun & odjective collectiv- reach, span, breadth, ambit, limits,
ist, Bolshevik, Marxist, Maoist, Soviet; parameters, bounds.
informol, derogolory red, Commie. comPassion noun sympathy, em pathy,
community noun society, population, understanding, fellow feeling, pity,
populace, people, public, residents, care, conceTn, sensitivity, kindness.
inhabitants, citizens. - oPPoSlTEs indifference, cruelty.
compactl odjective 1 dense, tightly comPassionate a djective sym pathetic,
packed, compressed, thick, tight, firm, understanding, pitying, caring. sensi-
solid. 2 neat, small, handy, portable, tive, warm, loving, kind.
fun-size. 3 concise, succinct, con- - OPPOSITES unsympal.hel.ic. uncar;ng.
densed, brief, pithy, to the point, short compatible adjective well matched,
and sweet; informol snappy. (well) suited, like-minded, in tune, in
- OPPOSITES loose, bull<y, lengthy. harmony, in keeping, consistent, conso-
a verb compress, condense, pack nant; informol on the same wavelength.
down, tamp (down), flatten. compel yerb force, pressure, coerce,
compact2 noun treaty, pact, accord, dragoon, press. push, oblige. require,
agreement, contract, bargain, deal, make; informol lean on, railroad, put
settlement. the screws on.
comPanion noun comrade, fellow, comPelling odjective 1 enthral-
partner, associate, escort, compatriot, ling, captivating, gripping, riveting,
confederate, friend; informol pal, chum, spellbinding, mesmerizing, absorbing.
crony; Brit. informolmate; i\i. Amer 2 convincing, persuasive, cogent,
informolbuddy. irresistible, powerful, strong.
company noun 1 firm, business, corpo- - OPPOSITES borlng, weak.
ration, establishment, agency, office, comPensate verb 1 recompense,
house, institution, concern, enterprise, repay, pay back, reimburse,
77 compensation + complexion
remunerate, indemnify. 2 balance complacent odjective smug, self-
(out), counterbalance, counteract, satisfi ed, self-congratulatory, resting on
offset, make up for, cancel out. your laurels, pleased with yourself.
compensation noun recompense, comPlain verb protest, grumble, whine,
repayment, reimbursement, remu- bleat, carp, cavil. grouse. make a fuss,
neration, redress, amends, damages; object, find fault; informol whinge, i.ll:r:i:illlii::
N. Amer. informol comp. gripe, moan, bitch.
Compete verb 1 take part, participate, complaint noun 1 protest, objection,
be a contestant, play, enter, go in for. grievance, grouse, grumble, criticism;
2 they hod to compete with other firms tnformol gripe, whinge. 2 disorder,
contend, vie, battle, jockey, go head disease, illness, sicl<ness, ailment,
to head, pit yourself against, challenge, infection, condition, problem, upset,
take on. trouble.
competence noun 1 my technicol com- complement noun 1 accompaniment,
petence ability, capability, profi ciency, companion, addition, supplement,
accomplishment, expertise, skill, accessory, finishing touch. 2 amount,
prowess; informol know-how. 2 the contingent, capacity, allowance, quota.
competence of the system adequacy, o verb accompany, go wlth, round off,
suitability, fitness. set off, suit, harmonize with, enhance,
complete.
competent odjective 1 able, capable,
proficient, adept, accomplished, skilful, complement ary o djective ha rmoni-
skilled, expert. 2 fit, suitable, suited, ous, compatible, corresponding,
appropriate, qualifi ed, empowered, matching, reciprocal.
authorized. complete odjective 1 entire, whole, full,
competition noun 1 contest, tourna- total, uncut, unabridged, unexpur-
gated. 2 finished, ended, concluded,
ment, championship, match, game,
completed; informol wrapped u p,
heat; Brit. clash. 2 rivalry, competitive-
sewn up.3 absolute, utter, out-and-
ness, conflict; informolkeeping up with
out, total, downright, prize, perfect,
the Joneses. 3 opposition, rivals, other
unqualifi ed, unmitigated, sheer;
side, field, enemy.
N. Amer. full-bore.
competitive odjective 1 o competitive - oPPoslTES partial, unfinished.
p/oyer ambitious, zealous, keen, com- a verb 1 finish, end, conclude, finalize,
bative, aggressive, driven, motivated; wind up, clinch; informol wrap up. 2 fin-
informol go-ahead. 2 o highly competi- ish off, round off, top off, crown, cap,
tive industry ruthless, aggressive, add the finishing touch.
fierce, cut-throat; nformol dog-eat-dog.
i
completely odverb totally, enti rely,
3 competitive prices reasonable, moder- wholly, thoroughly, fully, utterly, abso-
ate, keen, low, cheap, budget, bargain, lutely, perfectly, downright.
rock-bottom, bargain-basement.
comPlex odjective 1 compound,
competitor noun 1 contestant, con- composite, multiplex. 2 complicated,
tender, challenger, participant, entrant, involved, intricate, convoluted, elabo-
player. 2 rival, challenger, opponent, rate, difflcult; Brit. informal fiddly.
competition, opposition. - OPPOSITES simple.
comPile verb assemble, put together, o noun 1 network, system, nexus,
make up, collate, compose. organize. web. 2 (informol) obsession, fixation,
arrange, gather, collect. preoccupation, neurosis; informol hang-
complacency noun smugness, up, thing.
self-satisfaction, self-congratu lation, complexion noun 1 skin, skin colour/
self+egard. tone, colouring. 2 kind, nature,
complicate -+ comprise

character, colour, persuasion, outlook. comPosition noun 1 make-up,

complicate verb make (more) difficult, constitution, configuration, structure,
make complicated, mix up, confuse, formation, anatomy, organization.
muddle, obscure. 2 work (of art), creation. opus, piece.
- OPPOSITES simplify. 3 writing, creation, formulation, com-
complicated o dj ective complex, pilation.4 essay, paper, study, piece
involved, intricate, convoluted, elabo- of writing; N. Amer. theme. 5 arrange-
rate, difficult, knotty, tortuous, labyrin- ment, layout, proportions, balance,
thine, Byzantine ; Brit. informol fiddly. symmetry.
- oPPoSlTEs simple, straightforward. composure noun self-control, self-
complication noun difficulty, prob- possession, calm, equanimity, equi-
lem, issue, obstacle, hurdle, stumbling librium, serenity, tranquillity, poise,
block, snag, catch, hitch; Brit. spanner presence of mind, sangfroid, placid-
in the works; informol headache. ness, impassivity: informol cool.
compliment noun tribute, accolade, ComPound noun amalgam, blend,
commendation, pat on the back; (com- mixture, mix, alloy.
pliments) praise, acclaim, admiration, o odjective composite, complex,
fl attery, congratulations ; N. Amer.
multiPle.
informall<udos. - OPPOSITES simple.
- OPPOSITES criticism, insult. a verb 1 mix, combine, blend. 2 aggra-
o verb praise, pay tribute to, flatter, vate, exacerbate, worsen, add to, aug-
commend, acclaim, applaud, salute, menl", intensify. heighten, increase.
congratulate. comprehend yerb understand, grasp,
- OPPOSITES criticize. see, tal<e in, follow, make sense of,
complimentary odjective 1 flattering, fathom; informolworl< out, figure out,
appreciative, congratulatory, admiring, get.
approving, favourable, glowing. 2 free comprehensible odj ective intelligi-
(of charge), gratis; informol on the ble, understandable, lucid, coherent,
house. accessible, self-explanatory, clear, plain,
- oPPosrTEs critical. straig htforwa rd.
comply verb obey, observe, abide by, - OPPOSITES incomprehensible.
adhere to, conform to, follow, respect, ComPrehension noun understanding,
go along with. grasp, mastery, conception, knowl-
- oPPoSITES disobey. edge, awareness.
ComPonent noun part, piece, bit, - OPPOSITES ignorance.
element, constituent, ingredient, unit, comprehensive odjective inclusive,
module. all-inclusive, complete, full, thorough,
compose yerb I write, devise, make up, extensive, all-embracing, blanket,
think up, produce, invent, pen, author. exhaustive, detailed, sweeping, whole-
2 organize, arrange, construct, set out. sale, broad, wide+anging.
3 make up, constitute. form, comprise. - oPPoSITES limited.
tr compose yourself calm down, con- compress verb 1 squeeze, press,
trol yourself, regain your composure, squash, crush, compact. 2 shorten,
pull yourself together, steady yourself; abridge, condense, abbreviate, con-
informol get a grip. tract, telescope, summarize. precis.
composed odjective calm, collected, - OPPOSITES expand, pad out.
cool (as a cucumber), self-possessed, comPrise verb 1 the country comprises
poised, serene, relaxed, at ease, unruf- twenty stotes consist of, be made up
fl ed, unperturb ed; informol unfl appa- of, be composed of, contain. 2 fhls
ble, together, laid-back, chilled. breed comprises holf the herd make up,
79 compromise -+ concern

constitute, form, account for. - OPPoSITES humility.

ComPromise noun agreement, under. Conceited odjective vain, proud, arro-
standing, settlement, terms, deal, gant, egotistic, self-important, narcis-
trade-ofi bargain, middle ground. sistic, full of yourself, swollen-headed,
a verb 1 meet each other halfway, boastful, cocky, self-satisfied, smug;
come to an understanding, make a informol big-headed, stuck-up.
deal, make concessions, find a happy conceivable odjective imaginable,
medium, strike a balance. 2 under. possible, plausible, credible, believable,
mine, weaken, damage, harm, jeopard- feasible.
ize, prejudice.
Conceive verb 1 think up, think ol
Compulsion noun t he is under no dream up, devise, formulate, design,
compulsion to go obligation, pressure, create, develop ; i nformol cool< up.
coercion. 2 urge, impulse, need, desire, 2 imagine, envisage, visualize, picture.
drive, obsession, fixation, addiction.
Concentrate verb 1 focus on, pay
comPulsive odjective 1 o compulsive attention to, give your attention to,
desire irresistible, uncontrollable, put your mind to, keep your mind on,
compelling, overwhelming. 2 com- be absorbed in, be engrossed in, be
pulsive eoting obsessive, obsessional, immersed in. 2 collect, gather, congre-
addictive, uncontrollable. 3 inveter- gate, converge, mass, rally.
ate, chronic, incorrigible, incurable,
concentrated odjective 1 strenuous,
hopeless, persistent, habitual; informol
concerted, intensive, all-out, intense.
pathological. 4 fascinating, compel-
2 condensed, reduced, undiluted,
ling, gripping, riveting, engrossing,
strong.
enthralling, captivating.
- oPPOSITES half-hearted, diluted.
Compulsory o djective obligatory, ma n-
datory, required, requisite, necessary,
concentration noun close attention,
attentiveness, application, single-
binding, enforced, prescribed.
mindedness, absorption.
- OPPOSITES optional.
- OPPOSITES inattention-
compute verb calculate, work out,
reckon, determine, evaluate, add up,
concept noun idea, notion, conception,
abstraction, theory. hypothesis.
total.
concePtion noun 1 pregnancy,
comrade noun companion, friend,
fertilization. impregnation, insemina-
colleague, associate, partner, ally;
tion. 2 inception, genesis, origination,
Brit. informolmate; iV. Amer. informal ( reation. invention, beginning. origin.
buddy.
3 plan, idea, notion, scheme, project,
conceal verb 1 clouds conceoled the sun proposal, intention, aim.
hide, screen, cover, obscure, block out,
concern verb 1 be about, deal with,
blot out, mask. 2 he conceoled his true
cover, relate to, pertain to. 2 affect,
feelings keep secret, hide, disguise, involve, be relevant to, apply to, have
mask, veil, bottle up; informol keep
a bearing on, impact on. 3 worry, dis-
a/the lid on.
turb, trouble, bother, perturb, unsettle.
- OPPOSITES reveal, confess.
a noun 1 anxiety, worry, disquiet,
Concede verb 1 admit, acknowledge, apprehensiveness, unease, misgiving,
accept, allow, grant. recognize, own, issue. 2 care, consideration, solicitude,
confess, agree. 2 surrender, yield, give sympathy. 3 responsibility, business,
up, relinquish, hand over. affair, duty, job; informolbailiwick; Brit.
- OPPOSITES deny. informol lookout. 4 issues of concern
conceit noun vanity, pride, arrogance, to women interest, importance,
egotism, self-importance, narcissism. relevance, significance. 5 firm, busi-
self-ad miration. ness, company, enterprise, operation,
concerned -+ conducive 80

corpo ration ; i nfo rm o I outfrt. concrete odjective 1 solid, material,

- oPPOStTES indifference. real, physical, tangible. 2 definite,
concerned odjective 1 worried, specific, fi rm, positive, conclusive,
anxious, upset, troubled, uneasy, both- definitive.
ered. 2 interested, involved, affected, - oPPoslTEs abstract, imaginary.
implicated. concur verb agree, be in agreement,
-oPPoslTES unconcerned. accord, be in sympathy, see eye to eye,
concerning preposition about, regard- be of the same mind, be of the same
ing, relating to, with reference to, opinion.
referring to, with regard to, as regards, - oPPoSITES disagree.
touching, in connection with, re, condemn verb 1 censure, criticize,
aProPos. denounce, deplore, decry; nformol
i

concerted odjective 1 o concerted effort slam; Brit informolslate, slag off.2his

strenuous, vigorous, intensive, all-out, illness condemned him to o lonely child-
intense, concentrated. 2 concerted hood doom, destine, damn, sentence.
octlon joint, united, collaborative, col- - OPPOSITES praise.
lective, combined, cooperative. condense verb abridge, compress,
concession noun 1 compromise, summarize, shorten, cut, abbreviate,
accommodation, trade-of, sop. edit.
2 reduction, cut, discount, deduc- - oPPosrrEs expand.
tion, rebate; tnformol break. 3 right, condescend verb 1 patronize, talk
privilege, licence, permit, franchise,
down to, look down your nose at, look
wa rTa nt.
down on. 2 he condescended to see us
concise odjective succinct, pithy, brief, deign, stoop, lower yourself, demean
abridged, condensed, abbreviated, yourself, consent.
compact, potted.
condescendin g odjective patronizing,
- OPPOSITES lengthy.
supercilious, superior, disdainful, lofty,
conclude verb 1 finish, end, come/ haughty; informol snooty, stuck-up; Brlt
bring to an end, draw to a close, close, lnformol toffee-nosed.
wind up, terminate, stop, cease; infor-
molwrap up.2 settle, clinch, finalize, condition noun 1 state, shape, order,
tie up: informalsew up. 3 deduce, infer, fitness, health, form; Bdt. informol nick,
gather, judge, decide, surmise; N. Amer. fettle. 2 circumstances, surroundings,
figure. environment, situation, state of affairs,
position. 3 disorder, problem, com-
- oPPoSITES begin.
plaint, illness, disease, ailment, malady.
conclusion noun 1 end, ending, finish,
4 stipulation, constraint, prerequisite,
close. 2 settlement, clinching, com-
precondition, requirement, term,
pletion, arrangement. 3 deduction,
proviso.
inference, interpretation, jud gement,
verdict. o verb train, teach, educate, guide,
accustom, adapt, habituate, mould.
- oPPoSITES beginning.
conclusive o djective incontrovertible, conditional odjective qualifi ed,
undeniable, indisputable, irrefutable, dependent, contingent, with reserva-
unquestionable, convincing, certain, tions, limited, provisional, provisory.
decisive, definitive, definite, positive, condone verb disregard, accept, allow,
categorical, unequivocal. let pass, turn a blind eye to, overlook,
- oPPoslTEs unconvincing. forget, forgive, pardon, excuse.
Concoct verb make up, dream up, fab- - oPPostrES condemn.
ricate, invent, devise, formulate, hatch, conducive odjective favourable,
brew; informol cook up. benefi cial, advantageous, opportune,
B1 conduct + confrontataon

encouraging, promising, convenient, confirm yerb 1 corroborate, verify,

good, helpful, instrumental. prove, bstantiate, justify, vindicate,
su
- OPPOSITES unfavourable. bear out. 2affirm, reaffirm, assert,
conduct noun 1 behaviour, actions, assuTe someone, repeat.3 ratify,
deeds, doings, exploits. 2 manage- approve, endorse, validate, sanction,,:tl::]l:i:ll ii:i''

ment, running, direction, control, au l-horize.

supervision, regulation, administration, - OPPOSITES contradict. deny.
organization, coordination, handling. confiscate verb impound, seize, (om-
a verb 1 manage, direct, run, adminis- mandeer, requisition, appropriate,
ter, organize, coordinate, orchestrate, expropriate, ta l<e, sequestrate.
handle, carry out/on. 2 escort, guide, conflict noun 1 dispute, quarrel,
lead, usher, steer. 3 transmit, convey, squabble, disagreement, clash, feud,
carry, channel. discord, friction, strife, antagonism,
tr conduct yourself behave, act, hostility. 2 war, campaign, fighting,
acquit yourself, bear yourself. engagement, struggle, hostilities,
confer verb 1 bestow, present, grant, warfare, combat. 3 o conftict between
award, honour with. 2 consult, talk, work ond home /lfe clash, incompat-
speak, converse, have a chat, deliber- ibility, friction. mismatrh, variance.
ate, compare notes. contradiction.
conference noun meeting, con gress, - OPPOSITES agreement, peace,
convention, seminar, discussion, coun- harmony.
cil, forum, summit. a verb clash, be incompatible, be at
odds, differ, diverge, disagree, colllde.
confess verb 1 admit, acknowledge,
reveal, disclose, divulge, own up,
confl icting o dj ective contradictory,
plead guilty, accept the blame; lnformol incompatible, inconsistent, irreconcil-
able, contrary, opposite, opposing.
come clean. 2l confess I don't know
clashing.
acknowledge, admit, concede, grant,
allow, own. conform verb 1 visitors hove to conform
- oPPoSITES deny. to our rules comply with, abide by,
obey, observe, follow, keep to, stick to,
confide yerb reveal, disclose, divulge,
adhere to, uphold, heed, accept, go
impart, declare, vouchsafe, tell,
along with. 2 fit in, behave (yourself),
confess.
toe the line, obey the rules; informol
confidence noun 1 trust, belief, faith, play by the rules.
credence. 2 self-assurance, self-confi -
- OPPOSITES flout, rebel.
dence, self-possession, assertiveness,
confound verb baffle, bewilder, mystify,
self-belief, conviction.
bemuse, perplex, puzzle, confuse,
- oPPoSITES distrust, doubt. dumbfound, throw ; nformol fl a bber-
i

confident qdjective 1 sure, certain, pos- gast, flummox.

itive, convinced, in no doubt, satisfied. confront verb 1 challenge, square
2 self-assured, assured, self-confident, up to, face (up to), come face to face
positive, assertive, self-possessed. with, meet, accost, stand up to, tackle.
confidential o dj ective private, 2 face, bedevil, beset, plague, bother,
personal, intimate, quiet, secret, trouble, threaten. 3 they must confront
sensitive, classifi ed, restricted; informol these lssues tackle, address, face (up
hush-hush. to), get to grips with, grapple with,
confine yerb 1 enclose, incarcerate, deal with, sort out.
imprison, inl-ern, hold captive. cage, - OPPOSITES evade.
lock up, coop up, kettle.2 restrict, confrontation noun confl ict, clash,
limit. fight, battle, encounter, head-to-head;
conf use -+ conscientious

informol set-to, run-in, dust-up, congregate verb assemble, gather,

showdown. collect, come together, convene, rally,
confuse verb 1 bewilder, baffle, mys- muster, meet, cluster, group.
tify, bemuse, perplex, puzzle, nonplus; - OPPOSITES disperse.
informol flummox, faze. 2 the outhors coniure verb 1 produce, magic, sum-
have confused the issuecomplicate, mon. 2 the picture thot his words con'
muddle, blur, obscure, cloud.3 some jured up bring to mind, call to mind,
confuse strokes with heort ottocks mix evoke, summon up, suggest.
up, muddle up, mistake for. connect verb 1 attach, join, fasten, fix,
-oPPOSITES enlighten, simplify. link, hook (up), secure, hitch, stick.
confused odjective 1 puzzled, 2 associate, link, couple, identify,
bemused, bewildered, perplexed, baf- relate to.
fled, mystified; informol flummoxed. - oPPoSITES detach.
2 disorientated, bewildered, mud- connection noun 1 link, relationship,
dled, addled, befuddled, demented, relation, interconnection, interdepend-
senile.3 o confused recollecfion vague, ence, association, bond, tie, tie-in,
unclear, indistinct, imprecise, blurred, correspondence.2 he hos the right con'
hazy, dim. 4 disorderly, disorganized, nections contact, friend, acquaintance,
untidy, jumbled, mixed up, chaotic, ally, colleague, associate, relation.
topsy-turvy, tangled; nformol higgledy-
i
connive verb 1 ignore, overlook,
piggledy; Brit. informol shambolic. disregard, pass over, take no notice of,
-oPPOSITES clear, lucid. turn a blind eye to. 2 conspire, collude,
confusion noun 1 bewilderment, collaborate, plot, scheme.
bafflement, perplexity, puzzlement, conniving odjective scheming, cun-
bemusement, mystification, befud- ning, calculating, devious, wily, sly,
dlement, disorientation, uncertainty. artful, manipulative, Machiavellian,
2 disorder, disarray, muddle, mess, deceitful.
chaos, mayhem, pandemonium, tur- connotation noun overtone, under'
moil; informola shambles; Brit. informol tone, undercurrent, implication,
an omnishambles. nuance, hint, echo, association.
- OPPoSITES clarity, order.
conquer verb 1 defeat, beat, vanquish,
congea! verb coagulate, clot, thicken, triumph over, overcome, overwhelm,
cake, set, gel. overpower, overthrow, subdue, sub-
congenial odjective agreeable, pleas- jugate. 2 Peru wos conquered by Spoin
ant, friendly, amicable, amiable, nice. seize, take (over), appropriate, capture,
- oPPoslTES unfriendly, unpleasant. occupy, invade, annex, overrun.3 over-
congested odjective blocked, clogged, come, get the better of, control, mas-
choked, jammed, obstructed, crowded, ter, deal with, cope with, rise above;
overcrowded, overfl owing, packed; informollick; U5 informol own.
informol snarled up, gridlocked. Conquest noun 1 defeat, overthrow,
- oPPoSlTEs clear. subjugation. 2 seizure, takeover, cap-
congratulate verb compliment, wish ture, occupation, invasion, annexation.
someone happiness, pay tribute to, pat conscience noun moral sense, morals,
on the back, take your hat offto, praise, sense of right and wrong, standards,
applaud, salute, honour. values, principles, ethics, beliefs, scru-
- oPPOSITES criticize. ples, qualms.
congratulations p/urol noun best conscientiou s odjective diligent,
wishes, compliments, greetings, felici- industrious, punctilious, painstak-
tations; N. Amer. informol kudos. ing, dedicated, careful, meticulous,
83 conscious -+ consolation

thorough, attentive, hard-working, conserve verb preserve, protect, save,

rigorous, scrupulous. safeguard, keep, look after, sustain,
- oPPoslTEs casual. husband.
Conscious odjective 1 aware, awake, - oPPostTEs squander.
responsive; informol with us. 2 deliber. consider yerb 1 think about, contem-
ate, purposeful, knowing, considered, plate, reflect on, mull over, ponder,
calculated, wilful, premeditated. deliberate on, chew over, meditate
- OPPOSITES unaware, unconscious. on, ruminate on, evaluate, weigh
Consecutive odjecflve successive, suc- up, appraise, take account ol bear in
ceeding. in succession, running. in a mind; informol size up. 2 deem, think,
row, straight; informol on the trot. believe, judge, rate, count, find, regard
consensus noun 1 agreement, unanim. as, hold to be, reckon Lo be, view as,
ity, harmony, accord, unity, solidarity. see as.
2 the consensus wos thot they should oct considerable o dj ective sizeable,

general opinion, common view. substantial, appreciable, signifi cant,

- oPPoslTES disagreement. plentiful, goodly; informol tidy.
COnSent noun agreement, assent, -OPPOSITES paltry.
acceptance, approval, permission. considerably odverb greatly, (very)
authorization, sanction; informol go- much, a great deal, a lot, lots, sig-
ahead, green light, OK. nifi cantly, substantially, appreciably,
- OPPOSITES dissent. markedly, noticeably; informol plenty.
a verb agree, assent, submit, allow, considerate o djective attentive,
sanction, approve, go along with. thoughtful, solicitous, kind, unselfi sh,
- OPPOSITES forbid, refuse. caring, polite, sensitive.
consequence noun 1 result, upshot, consideration noun 1 thought,
outcome, effect, repercussion, ramifi ca. deliberation, refl ection, contempla-
tion, product, end result. 2 the post is tion, examination, inspection, scrutiny,
of no consequence importance, import, analysis, discussion, attention. 2 fac-
significance, account, value, concern. tor, issue, matter, concern, aspect, fea-
- oPPOSITES cause. ture. 3 attentiveness, concern, caTe,
consequent odjective resulting, result- thoughtfulness, solicitude, understand-
ant, ensuing, consequential, following, ing, respect, sensitivity.
subsequent. considering preposition bearing in
consequently adverb as a result, as mind, taking into consideration, taking
a consequence, so, thus, therefore, into account, in view of, in the light of.
accordingly, hence, for this/that reason, Consist yerb
because of this/that. tr consist of be composed of, be made
conservation noun preservation, up of, be formed of, comprise, include,
protection, safe keeping, husbandry, contain.
upkeep, maintenance, repair, consistent odjective 1 constant,
restoration. regular, uniform, steady, stable,
conservative odjective 1 right-wing, even, unchangi ng. 2 her injuries wer e
reactionary, traditionalist, old-fash- consistent with o knife ottock compat
ioned, dyed-in-the-wool, hidebou nd, ible, in tune, in line, corresponding to,
unadventurous, set in your ways; infor- conforming to, consonant with.
mol stick-in-the-mud. 2 conventional, -OPPOSITES irregular, incompatible.
sober, modest, sensible, restrained; consolation noun comfort, solace,
informol square. sympathy, pity, commiseration, relief,
- oPPOSITES socialist, radical. encouragement, Teassurance.
 console -+ contagious

console verb comfort, sympathize with, embarrassment, self-consciousness,

commiserate with, show comPassion awl<wardness.
for, help, support, cheer (up), hearten, - oPPoSlTEs freedom, ease.
encourage, reassure, soothe. constrict verb narrow, tighten, com-
- OPPOSITES upseL. press, contract, squeeze, strangle.
ri!3i;lir' consolidate verb 1 strengthen, secure, - oPPoslTES expand, dilate.
stabilize, reinforce, fortify. 2 combine, construct verb 1 build, erect, put up,
unite, merge, integrate, amalgamate, set up, assemble, fabricate. 2 formu-
fuse, synthesize. late, create, form, put together, devise,
consort verb compose. worl< out, frame.
tr consort with associate with, keeP - oPPoSlTEs demolish.
company with, mix with, socialize with, construction noun 1 structure, build-
fraternize with, have dealings with. ing, edifice, work. 2 interpretation,
conspicuous odiective obvious, explanation, analysis. reading. mean-
evident, apparent, visible, noticeable, ing; informoltake.
clear, plain, marked, patent, blatant. constructive odjective useful, helpful,
- OPPOSITES inconsPicuous. productive, positive, practical, valuable,
consPiracy noun Plot, scheme, profi table, worthwhile.
intrigue, plan. collusion. consult verb 1 seek advice from, ask,
consPire verb 1 plot, scheme, intrigue, call (on), turn to; informol pick some-
manoeuvTe, plan. 2 combine, unite, one's brains. 2 confer, talk things over,
join forces, worl< together. communicate, deliberate, compare
notes. 3 refer to, look at, check.
constant odjective 1 constont noise
continuous, persistent, sustained, consultant noun adviser, expert, spe-
ceaseless, unceasing, perpetual, inces- cialist, authority.
sant, never-ending, eternal, endless, consultation noun 1 discussion,
non-stop. 2 o constont speed consist- tall<(s), dialogue, debate, negotiation,
ent, regular, steady, uniform, even, deliberation. 2 meeting, talk, discus-
invariable, unvarying, unchanging. sion, interview, audience, hearing.
3 faithful, loyal, devoted, true, fast, consume verb 1 eat, devour, swallow,
firm, unswerving. gobble up, wolf down, guzzle, drink.
- oPPoSITES intermittent, variable, 2 use (up), expend, deplete, exhaust,
fickle. spend. 3 destroy, demolish, lay waste,
consternation noun dismay, distress, raze, devastate, gut, ruin, wreck. 4 eat
disquiet. discomposure, surprise, up, devour, grip, overwhelm, absorb,
alarm, fear, fright, shock. obsess, preoccupy.
constitute verb 1 comprise, make up, consumer noun buyer, purchaser,
form, account for. 2 amount to, be customer, shopper, user.
tantamount to, be equivalent to, rep- contact noun 1 communication, cor-
resent. 3 establish, inaugurate, found, respondence, connection, relations,
create, set up. dealings, touch. 2 connection, link,
constitution noun 1 composition, acquaintance, associate, friend.
make-up, structure, construction, o verb get in touch with. communi-
arrangement, confi guration, formation, cate with, approach, notify, speak to,
anatomy. 2 health, condition, strength, write to, come forward; informol get
stamina, build, physique. hold of.
constraint noun 1 restriction, contagious odjective infectious, com-
limitation, curb, checl<, restraint, municable, transmittable, transmissi-
control. 2 inhibition, uneasiness, ble informol catching.
 contain -+ contingency

contain verb t hold, carry, enclose, contend verb 1 compete, vie, battle,
accommodate, have room for. tussle, struggle, jostle, strive. 2 assert,
2 include, comprise, incorporate, maintain, hold, claim, arque, insist,
involve, consist of, be made up of, be allege.
composed of.3 restrain, control, curb, s contend with cope with, struggle
rein in, suppress, stifle, swallow, bottle with, grapple with, deal with, take on,
up, keep in check. hand le.
container noun receptacle, vessel, contentr o dj ective satisfied, contented,

holder, repository. pleased, gratified, fulfilled, happy, glad,

Contaminate verb pollute, taint, poi- cheerful, at ease, at peace, relaxed,
son, stain, adulterate, defile, debase, comfortable, untroubled.
corrupt. - OPPOSITES dissatisfi ed.
- oPPoSITES purify. a yerb satisfy, comfort, gratify, glad-
den, please, soothe, placate, appease,
contemplate verb 1 look at, gaze
mollify.
at, stare at, view, regard, examine.
inspect, observe, survey, study, eye. Content2 noun 1 amount, proportion,
2 think about, ponder, reflect on, level. 2 constituents, ingredients, com-
consider, mull over, muse on, dwell on, ponents. 3 subject matter, theme,
deliberate over, meditate on, ruminate argument, thesis, message, substance,
on, chew over.3 envisage, consider, material, ideas.
think about, have in mind, intend, plan, contented odjective see contentl
Propose. (adjective).
contemplative odjective thoughtful, contentious o djective controversia l,

pensive, refl ective, meditative, rumina- debatable, disputed, open to debate,

tive, introspective, brooding, deep/lost moot, vexed.
in thought. contentment noun contentedness,
Contemporary odjective 1 contem. content, satisfaction, fulfi lment, hap-
porory sources of the time, contem- piness, pleasure, cheerfulness, ease,
poraneous, concurrent, coexisting, comfort, well-being, peace.
coeval. 2 contemporory society modern, Contest noun 1 competition, match,
present-day, present, current. 3 o very tournament, rally, race, game, bout.
contemporory deslgn modern, up to 2 fight, battle, tussle, struggle, compe-
date, up to the minute, fashionable, tition, race.
recent; informol trendy. a verb t he will contest the seot com-
- OPPOSITES former, old-fashioned. pete for, contend for, vie for, fight
ContemPt noun scorn, disdain, deri- for.2 the porties contesting the election
sion, disgust, disrespect. compete in, take part in, fight, enter.
- OPPOSITES respect. 3 oppose, challenge, take issue with,
contemptible odjective despicable,
question, call into question, object to.
detestable, beneath contempt, rep- - OPPOSITES accept.
rehensible, deplorable, unspeakable, contestant noun competitor, par-
disgraceful, shame[ul, ignominious. ticipant, player, contender, candidate,
abject, low, mean, cowardly, discredit- entrant.
able, worthless, shabby, cheap. context noun circumstances, condi-
- oPPoSITES admirable. tions, frame of reference, factors, state
Contemptuou s a djective scornful, of affairs, situation, bacl<ground, scene,
disdainful. derisive, mocking. sneering, setti ng.
scolTlng, condescending, dismissive. contingency noun eventuality,
- OPPOSITES respectful. possibility, chance event, incident,
continual + contrite 86

occurrence, accident, emergency. - oPPoSITES confirm, agree with.

continual odjective 1 continuol break- contradiction noun 1 conflict, clash,
downs frequent, regular, repeated, disagreement, inconsistency, mis-
constant, recurrent, recurring, habitual. match. 2 denial, refutation, rebuttai,
2 continuol poin constant, continuous, countering.
unremitting, unrelenting, non-stop, - OPPOSITES agreement, confi rmation.
sustained, chronic, uninterrupted, contradictory odjective inconsistent,
incessant, ceaseless, unceasing, never- incompatible, irreconcilable, opposed,
ending, unbroken, perpetual. opposite, contrary, confl icting, at
- OPPOSITES occasional, temporary. va ria nce.
continue verbl carry on, go on, keep contraption noun device, gadget,
on, persist, persevere, proceed, pursue, apparatus, machine, appliance, mecha-
keep at; informol stick at. 2 we hope nism, invention, contrivance; informol
to continue this relotionship maintain, gizmo, widget; Brif. lnformol gubbins.
keep up, sustain, keep going, keep contrary odjective 1 opposite, oppos-
alive, preserve, perpetuate. 3 his willing- ing, contradictory, clashing, conflicting,
ness to continue in oflce remain, stay, antithetical, incompatible, irreconcil-
carry on, keep going. 4 we continued able. 2 perverse, awkward, difficult,
our conversotion resume, pick up, take u ncooperative, obstinate, pig-headed,
up, carry on with, return to, revisit. intractable; Brit. informol bloody-
- OPPOSITES stop. minded, stroppy; N. Amer. informol
continuous odiective continual, ba I ky.
persistent, sustained, ceaseless, - oPPostrEs compatible, accom-
unceasing, unremitting, unrelenting, modating.
perpetual, incessant, never-ending, a noun opposite, reverse, conveTse,
eternal, endless, non-stop, unbroken, ntithesis.
a

uninterrupted. contrast noun 1 difference, dissimilar-

- OPPOSITES intermittent. ity, disparity. divergence, variance,
contort verb twist, bend out of shape, distinction, comparison. 2 opposite,
distort, misshape, warp, buckle, antithesis, foil, complement.
deform. - oPPOSITES similarity.
contract noun agreement, arrange- a verb 1 differ, be at variance, be
ment, commitment, settlement, contrary, conflict, be at odds, disagree,
understanding, compact, covenant, clash. 2 compare, juxtapose, measuTe,
deal, bargain. distinguish, differentiate.
a verb 1 shrink, diminish, reduce, - oPPosrrES resemble, liken.
decrease, dwindle, decline. 2 tighten, contribute verb give, donate, put up,
tense, flex, constrict, draw in. grant, provide, supply; informal chip in;
3 engage, take on. hire, commission, Brit. informol stump up.
employ. 4 catch, pick up, come/go o contribute to play a part in, be
down with, develop. instrumental in, have a hand in, be
- oPPOslTEs expand, relax, lengthen. conducive to, make for.
Gontraction noun 1 shrinking, shrink- contribution noun gift, donation, offer.
age, decline, decrease, diminution, ing, present, handout, grant, subsidy.
dwindling. 2 tightening, tensing. contributor noun donor, benefactor,
flexing. 3 abbreviation, short form, supporter, backer, patron, sponsor.
shortening. contrite odjective remorsefu l,
contradict verb 1 deny, refute, rebut, repentant, penitent, regretful, sorry,
dispute, challenge, counter. 2 argue apologetic, rueful, sheepish, hangdog,
with, go against, challenge, oppose. ashamed, shamefaced.
8l contrive -+ convince

contrive yerb 1 create, engineer, manu- 2 agreement, accord, protocol, pact,

facture, devise, concoct, construct, treaty. 3 conference, meeting, con-
fabricate, hatch.2 manage, find a way, gress, assembly, gathering.
engineer a way, arrange. conventional o d jective 1 orthodox,
- OPPOSITES fail. traditional, established, accepted,
contrived odjective forced, strained, customary, received, prevailing, nor-
laboured, overdone, unnatural, artifi- mal, standard, regular, ordinary, usual,
cial, false, affected. typical. 2 conservative, traditional,
- oPPoSlTEs natural. conformist, old-fashioned; informol
square, stick-in-the-mud. 3 unoriginal,
control noun 1 power, authority, com-
formulaic, predictable, unadventurous,
mand, dominance, sway, management,
run-of-the-mill, routine, pedestrian.
direction, leadership, rule, govern-
ment, sovereignty, supremacy. 2 limit, - OPPOSITES unorthodox, original.
limitation, restriction, restraint, check, converge yerb meet, intersect, cross,
curb, regulation. 3 self-control, self- connect, link up, join, merge.
restraint, composure, calm; informol - OPPOSITES diverge.
cool. tr converge on meet at, arrive at,
close in on, bear down on, descend on,
a verb 1 run, manage, direct, preside
over, supervise, command, rule, approach, move towards.
govern, lead, dominate.2 she struggled Conversation noun discussion, talk,
to control her ternper restrain, keep chat, gossip, t6te-i-t6te, exchange,
in check, curb, hold back, suppress, dialogue; Brit. informol chinwag, natter;
repress. 3 public spendinq wos controlled Austrol. informol convo.
limit, restrict, curb, cap. conversion noun change, transforma-
controversial odjective disputed, con- tion, metamorphosis, alteration, adap'
tentious, moot, debatable, arguable, tation, modification, redevelopment,
vexed. rebuilding, remodelling.
Controversy noun dispute, disa g ree- Convert yerb t change, transform,
ment, argument, debate, contention, alter, adapt, turn, modify, redevelop,
quarrel, war of words, storm; Bdt. row. remodel, rebuild, reorganize, metamor-
phose.2 win over, convince, persuade,
€onvalesce verb recuperate, get bet- claim, redeem, save, reform, re-educate,
ter, recover, get well, get back on your proselytize, evangelize.
feet.
convey verb 1 transport, carry, bring,
convene verb t he convened o meeting take, fetch, move. 2 communicate,
summon, call, order. 2 the committee pass on, impart, relate, relay, transmit,
conyened assemble, gather, meet, send. 3 express, get acrossi over, put
come together; formol foregather. across/over, communicate, indicate.
convenience noun 1 advantage, convict verb find guilty, sentence.
benefit, expedience, suitability. 2 ease - OPPOSITES acquit.
of use, usefulness, utility, accessibility, O noun prisoner, inmate, criminal,
availability. offender, f elon; nformal jailbird, con,
i

- OPPOSITES inconvenience. (old)laq.

convenient odjective 1 suitable, conviction noun I beliefs, opinions,
favourable, advantageous, appropri- views, persuasion, ideals, position,
ate, opportune, timely, expedient. stance, values. 2 assurance, confi-
2 nearby, handy, well situated, practi- dence, certainty.
cal, useful, accessible. - OPPOSITES diffidence.
convention noun 1 custom, usage, Convince verb t he convinced me lwos
practice, tradition, etiquette, protocol. wrong assure, persuade, satisfy,
convincing -, corner 88

prove to. 2l convinced her to marry me 2 assistance, help.

persuade, induce, prevail on, talk into, cooperative odjective 1 collaborative,
tall< round, win over, coax, cajole. collective, combined, joint, shared,
convancing odjective 1 persuasive, united, concerted. 2 helpful, eager to
powerful, strong, forceful, compel- help, obliging, accommodating, willing.
ling, cogent, plausible, irresistible, coordinate verb organize, a rrange,
telling. 2 o convincing win resounding, order, synchronize, bring together,
emphatic, decisive, conclusive. orchestrate.
- OPPOSITES unconvincing. cope verb I manage, survive, look after
convivial odjective friendly, genial, yourself, fend for yourself, shift for
affable, amiable, congenial, agreeable, yourself, get by/through, hold your
cordial, warm, sociable, outgoing, own. 2 his inobility to cope with the
gregarious, cheerful. situotion deal with, handle, manage,
convoy noun group, fleet, cavalcade, address, face (up to), confront, tackle,
motorcade, cortdge, caravan, line. get to grips with.
cookverb prepare, make, put together; copious odjecfive abundant, plentiful,
informolfix, rustle up; Brit. informal ampie, profuse, extensive, generous,
knocl< up. lavish, liberal, overflowing, in abun-
dance, numerous, many; informol
ffiono Lrrrrrs galor e; lite ro ry plenteous.
relating to cooking - oPPOSITES sparse.
Iculinary
cool adjective I chilly, chill, bracing, copy noun I duplicate, facsimile,
cold, brisk, crisp, fresh; informal nippy1, photocopy; trodemorkXerox. 2 rep-
Brit. informol parky. 2 unenthusiastic, lica, reproduction, imitation, likeness,
lukewarm, tepid, indifferent, uninter- forgery, fake, counterfeit.
ested, apathetic. 3 unfriendly, distant, a verb 1 duplicate, photocopy, xerox,
remote, aloof, cold, chilly, frosty, unwel- photostat, reproduce. 2 reproduce,
coming; informol stand-offi sh. 4 calm, replicate, forge, fake, cou nterfeit.
collected, composed, self-possessed, 3 imitate, reproduce, emulate, mimic;
poised, serene, relaxed, at ease, unruf- informol rip off.
fl ed, unperturb ed: informol unfl a ppable, cord noun string, thread, line, rope,
Logether, Iaid-bat k, chilled. cable, wire, twine, yarn.
- oPPoSlTEs warm, enthusiastic, cordon noun barrier, line, chain, ring,
friendly. circle.
a noun 1 chill, chilliness, coldness, o cordon off close off, seal off, fence
coolness. 2 (infornal) self-control, off, separate off, isolate, enclose, encir-
control. composure, self-possession, cle, surround.
calmness, aplomb, poise. core noun I the eorth's core centre, inte-
- oPPOSITES warmth. rior, middle, nucleus. 2 the core of the
o verb chill, refrigerate, freeze. orqument heart, nucleus, nub, kernel,
- OPPOSITES warm. meat, essence, crux, pith, substance;
cooPerate verb 1 collaborate, work informol nitty-gritty.
together, pull together, join forces, corner noun 1 bend, curve, turn,
team up, unite, combine, pool junction; Brit hairpin bend.2 district,
resouTces. 2 assist, help, lend a hand, region, area, quarter; informol neck of
be of service, do your bit; informol play the woods.
ball. averbl surround, trap, hem in. pen
cooperation noun 1 collaboration, in, kettle, cut off.2 gain control of,
joint action, combined effort, team- take over, dominate, monopolize,
work, give and tal<e, compromise. capture; informol sew up.
 corporation -+ cough

CorporatiOn noun company, firm, corruPtion noun 1 dishonesty, unscru-

business, concern, operation, conglom- pulousness, double-dealing, fraud,
erate, group, chain, multinational. misconduct, bribery, venality; N. Amer.
corpse noun dead body, carcass, payola; informol graft, sleaze. 2 immo-
remains; informol stiff; Medicine rality, depravity, vice. degeneracy,
ca daver. perversion, debauchery, wicl<edness, .liti:l:iiliii:
evil, sin.
Correct odjective 1 riqht, accurate,
- OPPOSITES honesty, morality.
exact, true, perfect; lnformol spot on.
2 proper, decent, right, respectable, cosmetiC odjective superfi cial, surface,
decorous, seemly, suitable. appropri- skin-deep, outward, external.
ate, accepted. - OPPOSITES fundamental.
- oPPoStTES wrong, improper. cosmopolitan odjective 1 multi-
a yerb rectify, right, put right, set cultural, multiracial, international,
right, amend, remedy, repair, reform, worldwide, global. 2 sophisticated,
cultivated, cultured, worldly, suave,
correction noun rectification, righting, u rbane.
amendment, repair, remedy, cure. cost noun 1 price, fee, tariff, fare, toll,
correctly odverb 1 accurately, right, levy, charge, payment, value, rate,
perfectly, exactly, precisely. 2 properly, outlay; humorous damage. 2 sacrifice,
decorously, with decorum, decently, loss, toll, harm, damage, price.3 we
fittingly, appropriately, well. need to cover our costs expenses, out-
goings, overheads, expenditure, spend,
Correspond verb 1 be consistent,
outlay.
correlate, agree, accord, coincide, tally,
tie in, match; informalsquare. 2 o ronk a verb 1 be priced at, sell for, be
valued at, fetch, come to. amount
corresponding to o British sergeont be
equivalent, be analogous, be compara- to; infornol set someone back, go
for. 2 price, value, put a price/value/
ble, equate. 3 exchange letters, write,
figure on.
communicate.
correspondence noun 1 parallel, costly odjective 1 expensive, dear,
high-cost, overpriced; informol steep,
correlation, agreement, consistency,
pricey. 2 catastrophic, disastrous,
conformity, similarity, resembla nce,
comparability. 2 letters, messages, calamitous, ruinous, damaging, harm-
mail, post, communication. ful, deleterious.
- oPPosttrs cheap.
correspondent noun reporter, jou r-
nalist, columnist, writer, contributor, costume noun clothes, garments,
commentator. outfit, ensemble, dress, clothing, attire,
garb, uniform, livery; formol apparel.
corresPondin g o dj ective equivalent,
related, parallel, matching, compara- cosy odjective 1 snug, comfortable,
ble, analogous. warm, homely, welcoming, safe,
sheltered, secure; infornol comfy.
corruPt odjective 1 dishonest, 2 intimate, relaxed, informal, friendly.
unscrupulous, criminal, fraudulent,
illegal, unlawful; informol crooked; Brit. cottage noun lodge, chalet, cabin,
informol bent. 2 immoral, depraved, shack, shanty; (in Russia) dacha;Scot-
degenerate, debauched, vice-ridden, tlsh bothy; Austrol. informol weekender.
perverted, dissolute. cough yerb hack, hawk, bark, clearyour
- OPPOSITES honest, ethical, pure. th roat.
o verb deprave, pervert, lead astray, o noun bark, hack; informol frog in
debauch, defile, pollute, sully. your throat.
council -+ course 90

council noun 1 the town counci/ author- complement, analogue, match, twin,
ity, government, administration, mate, fellow.
executive, chamber, assembly; Brit countless a djective innumerable,
corporation. 2 the Schools Council com. numerous, untold, legion, numberless,
mittee, board, commission, assembly, limitless, incalculable; informol ump-
panel, synod. teen; tV. Amer. informol gazillions of.
counsel noun 1 advice, guidance, - OPPOSITES few.
counselling, recommendations. sug- country noun 1 nation, state, king-
gestions, direction. 2 barrister, lawyer; dom. realm, land, territory. province.
Scottish advocate; N. Amer. attorney, 2 people, public, population, populace,
cou nselo(-at-law). citizens, nation; Brit. lnformolJoe Public.
o verb advise, recommend, advocate, 3 terrain, land, territory, landscape,
encourage, warn, caution, guide. countryside, scenery, surround-
count verb 1 add up, reckon up, total, ings, environment. 4 countryside,
tally, calculate, compute; Brit. tot uP. provinces, rural areas, backwoods,
2 include, take into accounti consid- hinterland; Austrol.f NZ outback, bush,
eration, take account of, allow for. bacl< country; informol sticks.
3 consider, think, feel, regard, look on countryside noun see country
as, view as, hold to be, judge, deem. (sense 3), country (sense 4).
4 matter, be important, be of conse- county noun shire, province, territory,
quence, be significant, signify, carry
region, district, area.
weight, rate.
tr count on rely on, depend on, bank coup noun 1 takeover, coup d'6tat,
on, be sure of, have confidence in, overthrow palace revolution, rebellion,
believe in, put your faith in, take for uprising. 2 success, triumph, feat, mas-
granted, take as read. terstrol<e, accomplishment, achieve-
ment, scoop.
counter verb 1 respond to, parry, hit
back at, answer. 2 oppose, dispute, couple noun 1 pair, duo, twosome,
argue against/with, contradict, chal- two, brace. 2 husband and wife, two-
lenge, contest. some, partners, lovers; informol item.
- OPPOSITES support. a verb 1 combine, accompany, ally,
tr counter to against, in opposition to, mix, incorporate, add to.2 connect,
contrary to, at variance with, in defi- attach, join, fasten, fix, link, secure,
ance of, in conflict with, at odds with. hook (up).
- oPPOslTEs detach.
counteract verb offset, counterbal-
ance, balance (out), cancel out, work coupon noun voucher, token, ticket,
against, countervail, neutralize, nullify, slip.
prevent. courage noun bravery, pluck, valour,
counterfeit odjective fake, pi rate, fearlessness, nerve, daring, audacity,
bogus, forged, imitation; informol boldness, grit, heroism, gallantry; infor-
phoney. mol guts; Brit. lnformol bottle.
- oPPOSITES genuine. - oPPostrES cowardice.
a noun fake, forgery, copy, reproduc- courageous odjective brave, pl ucky,
tion, imitation, fraud, sham; informol fearless, intrepid, valiant, heroic,
phoney. undaunted, dauntless; informol gutsy,
- OPPOSITES original. have-a-go.
o verb fake, forge, copy, reproduce, - oPPostrES cowardly.
imitate, falsify. course noun 1 route, way, track, path,
counterPart noun equivalent, line, trail, trajectory, bearing, heading.
opposite number, peer, equal, parallel, 2 procedure, plan (of action), course
91 court -+ craft
of action, practice, approach, tech- covert adjective secret, fu rtive, cl a ndes-
nique, policy, strategy, tactic.3 race- tine, surreptitious, stealthy, cloak-and-
course, racetrack, track.4 course of dagger, backstairs, hldden, concealed,
study, curriculum, syllabus, classes, private, undercover, underground;
lectures, studies. 5 programme, series, Mil ito ry black; i nformol h ush-hush.
sequence, system, schedule, regime. - OPPOSITES overt.
a verb flow, pour, stream, run, rush, covet yerb desire, yearn for, crave, have
gush, cascade, flood, roll. your heart set on, long for, hanker
u of course naturally, as you would after/for, hunger after/for, thirst for.
expect, needless to say, as a matter
of course, obviously, it goes without
coward noun mouse, baby; informol
saying.
chicken, scaredy-cat, yellow-belly, sissy;
Brit. informolbig girl's blouse; N. Amer.
Court noun 1 court of law, law court, informol pantywaist.
bench, bar, tribunal, assizes. 2 house-
hold, retinue, entourage, train, courti- cowardly odjective faint-hearted,
ers, attendants.
lily-livered, spineless, craven, timid, tim-
orous, fearful; informol yellow, chicken,
o verb 1 cultivate, flatter, curry favour
gutless, yellow-bellied.
with, wine and dine; informol butter
up.2 seek, pursue, go after, strive for, - OPPOSITES brave.
solicit.3 risk, invite, attract, bring on cower verb cringe, shrink, flinch,
yourself. 4 (doted) woo, go out with, crouch, blench.
date, go steady with. coy odjective demure, shy, mod-
]WORD LINKS est, bashful, diffident, self-effacing,
forensic relating to a court of law shrinl<ing.
I
- OPPOSITES brazen.
courteous odjective polit", *ull ,n-r* crack noun 1 o crock in the g/oss split,
nered, civil, respectful, well behaved, break, chip, fracture, rupture. 2 o crock
gracious, obliging, considerate. between two rocks space, gap, crevice,
- OPPOSITES rude. fissure, cleft, cranny, chink. 3 bang,
courtesy noun politeness, good man- report, explosion, detonation, clap,
ners, civility, respect, grace, considera- crash. 4 a crock on the heod blow,
tion, thought. bang, hit, knock, rap, bump, smack,
cove noun bay, inlet, fiord. slap; informolbash, whack, clout.
cover verb 1 protect, shield, shelter, a verb 1 break, split, fracture, rupture,
hide, conceal, mask, screen, veil, snap. 2 break down, give way, cave in,
obscure, spread over, extend over, go to pieces, give in, yield, succumb.
overlay. 2 cake, coat, encrust, plaster, 3 hit, strike, smack, slap, beat, thump,
smother, blanket, carpet, shroud. knock, rap; informol bash, whack, clob-
3 deal with, consider, take in, include, ber, clout, clip. 4 (informol) decipher,
involve, incorporate, embrace. interpret, decode, break, solve.
- opPostrEs reveal. cradle noun 1 crib, Moses basket, cot,
a noun 1 a protective cover covering, carrycot. 2 birthplace, fount, fountain-
sleeve, wrapping, wrapper, enve- head, source, spring, origin.
lope, sheath, housing, jacket, casing, o verb hold, support, cushion, pillow,
cowling, canopy. 2 o monhole cover nurse, rest.
lid, top, cap. 3 o book cover binding, Graft noun 1 activity, occupation,
jacket, dustjacket, dust cover, wrapper. trade, profession, work, line of work,
4 coating, coat, covering, Iayer, carpet, job. 2 cunning, craftiness, guile, wili-
blanket, film, sheet, veneer, crust, skin, ness, artfulness, deviousness, slyness,
cloak, mantle, veil, pall, shroud. 5 shel- trickery, duplicity, dishonesty, deceit,
ter, protection, refuge, sanctuary. deceitfulness, deception, intrigue,
craftsman , create 92

subterfuge, wiles, ploys, ruses, crave verb long for, yearn for, hanl<er
schemes, tricks. 3 vessel, ship, boat, after, desire, want, hunger for, thirst
aircraft, spacecraft. for, pine for; informolbe dying for.
craftsman, craftswoman noun arti- craving noun longing, yearning, desire,
san, artist, skilled worker, technician, hanl<ering, hunger, thirst, appetite.
expert, master. crawl verb 1 creep, worm your way, go
qalty odjective cunning, wily, sly, artful, on all fours, wriggle, slither, squirm.
devious, tricky, scheming, calculating, 2 (informol) grovel, kowtow, pander,
shrewd, canny, dishonest, deceitful. toady, bow and scrape, fawn; informol
- oPPoslTEs honest. suck up, lick someone's boots.
cram verb 1 wordrobes crommed with craze noun fad, fashion, trend, vogue,
c/othes fill, stuff, pack, iam, fill to over- enthusiasm, mania, passion, rage;
flowing, overload, crowd, throng. 2 he informol thing.
crommed his clothes into o cose push, qazy adjective (informol) 1 mad,
thrust, shove, force, ram, jam, stuff, insane, out of your mind, deranged,
pack, pile, squash, squeeze, compress. demented, crazed, lunatic, unbalanced,
3 revise, sludy; informolswot, mug uP, unhinged; Brit. sectionable; informol
bone up. mental, off your head, round the bend;
cramP noun spasm, pain, shooting Brit. informol barmy, crackers, barking
pain, twinge, pang, convulsion. (mad), potty, round the twist. 2 o
o verb hinder, impede, inhibit, hamper, crozy ideo stupid, foolish, idiotic, silly,
constrain, hamstring, interfere wlth, absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, prepos-
restrict, limit, slow. terous, asinine; informol cockeyed,
cramped odjective 1 poky, uncomfort- half-baked; Brit. informol barmy, daft.
able, confined, restricted, constricted, 3 he's crozy obout her passionate, very
small, tiny, narrow, crowded, con- keen, enamoured, infatuated, smitten,
gested. 2 small, crabbed, illegible, enthusiastic, fanatical; informol wild,
unreadable, indecipherable. mad, nuts; Brit. informal potty.
- oPPostTES spacious. - OPPoSITES sane, sensible.
crash verb 1 the cor croshed into o tree cream noun 1 lotion, ointment, mois-
smash into, collide with, be in collision turizer, cosmetic, salve, rub. 2 best,
with, hit, strike, ram, cannon into, finest, pick, flower, crdme de la crdme,
plough into, meet head-on; N. Amer. elite, A-list.
impact. 2 he croshed his cor smash, - oPPoSITES dregs.
wreck; Brit. write off; Brit. informol o adjective ofr-white, creamy, ivory.
prang; N. Amer. informol total. 3 fall, creamy odjective smooth, thick, velvety,
drop, plummet, plunge, sink, dive, tum. rich, buttery.
ble.4 (informol)fail, fold, collapse, go crease noun fold, line, crinkle, ridge,
under, go bankrupt; informol gobust, furrow, groove, corrugation, wrinkle,
go to the wall, flatline. crow's foot.
a noun 1 accident, collision, smash; a verb crumple, wrinl<le, crinkle, line,
N. Amer. wreck; informol pile-up; Brit. scrunch up, rumple, ruck up, pucker.
informol shunt, prang. 2 bang, smash, create rzerb 1 produce, generate, bring
smack, crack, bump, thud, explo' into being, make, fashion, build, con-
sion. 3 failure, collapse, liquidation, struct. 2 bring about, give rise to, ead
bankruptcy. to, result in, cause, breed, qenerate,
crate noun packing case, chest, tea engender, produce. 3 establish, found,
chest, box, container. initiate, institute, constitute, inaugu-
crater noun hollow, bowl, basin, hole, rate, launch, set up, form.
cavity, depressi on, dip: Ceology caldera. - o PPOS lTEs destroy, abolish
93 creation -+ Gripple

creation noun 1 establishment, forma- creek noun inlet, bay, estuary, flord;
tion, foundation, initiation, institution, Scortish firth.
inauguration, constitution, setting up. creep verb tiptoe, steal, sneak, slink,
2 the world, the universe, the cosmos, edge, inch, skulk, prowl.
nature, the natural world. 3 work,
creePy a dje ctive (i nfo rm o l) frightenin g,
work of art, production, opus, oeuvre,
eerie, disturbing, sinister, weird, men-
achievement, concoction. invention;
acing, threatening ; informol spooky,
informol brainchild.
scary.
- OPPOSITES abolition, destruction.
crest noun 1 tuft, comb, plume, crown.
Creative adjective inventive, imagina- 2 summit, peak, top. ridge, pinna-
tive, innovative, experimental, original,
<le, brow, crown, apex. 3 insignia,
artistic, inspired, visionary.
emblem, coat of arms, arms, badge,
- oPPoSITES unimaginative. device, regalia.
creator noun maker, producer, author, crestfallen o djective downhearted,
designer, deviser, originator, inventor,
downcast, despondent, disappointed,
architect-
disconsolate, disheartened, discour-
Creature noun animal, beast, brute, aged, dispirited, dejected, sad,
living thing, living being; N. Amer. dismayed, unhappy, forlorn.
informol critter. - oPPosrrEs cheerful.
credentials plural noun 1 suitability, Crevice noun crack, fissure, interstice,
eligibility, attributes, qualifi cations, cleft, chink, cranny, slit, split.
record, experience, background. 2 doc- crew noun 1 the ship's crew company,
uments, identity papers, lD, passport, complement, sailors, hands. 2 o fl/m
testimonial, reference, certifi cation. crewteam, squad, company, unit,
credibility noun plausibility, believ- party, gang.
ability, credence, trustworthiness, Crime noun 1 offence, unlawful act,
reliability, dependability, integrity. illegal act, felony, violation, misde-
credible odjective believable, plausible, meanour. 2 lawbreaking, delinquency,
conceivable. persuasive. convincing, wrongdoing, criminality, misconduct,
tenable, probable, possible, feasible, illegality, villainy, vice.
reasonable. criminal noun lawbreaker, felon,
credit noun praise, commendation, offender, malefactor, villain, delin.
acclaim, acknowledgement, rec- quent, culprit, miscreant, wrongdoer;
ognition, kudos, glory, respect, informol crook.
appreciation. o odjective 1 unlawful, illegal, illicit,
a verb 1 (Brit.) you wouldn't credit it! lawless, delinquent, corrupt, feloni-
believe, accept, give credence to, trust, ous, nefarious; informol crooked; Brit.
have faith in. 2 ascribe to, attribute to, informol bent. 2 (informol) deplorable,
put down to. shameful, reprehensible, disgraceful,
credulous odJectiye gullible, naive, easily inexcusable, outrageous, scandalous.
taken in, impressionable, unsuspecting, -OPPOSITES lawful.
unsuspicious, innocent, inexperienced, cringe yerb 1 cower, shrink, recoil, shy
unsophisticated, wide-eyed. away, flinch, quail, blench, tremble,
- oPPoSITES suspicious. quiver, quake. 2 wince, shudder,
creed noun 1 people of mony creeds squirm, feel embarrassed/mortifi ed.
faith, religion, belief, religious persua- cripple verb 1 disable, paralyse, immo-
sion. 2 hls politicol creed beliefs, princi- bilize, incapacitate, handicap. 2 dam-
ples, articles of faith, tenets, ideology, age, weaken, hamper, paralyse, ruin,
credo, doctrines, teachings. destroy, wipe out, bring to a standstill,
crippled -+ crowd 94

put out of action, put out of business. serpentine. 2 bent, twisted, mis-
crippled odjectirze disabled, paralysed, shapen, deformed, malformed,
incapacitated, physically handicapped, contorted, warped, bowed, distorted.
lame, immobilized, bedridden, 3 lopsided, askew, awry, off-centre, out
confined to a wheelchair;, euphemistic of true, at an angle, slanting, squint;
physically challenged. Scottish agley; Brit informol skew-
whiff, wonky. 4 (informol) dishonest,
crisis noun 1 emergency, disaster,
criminal, illegal, unlawful, nefarious,
catastrophe, calamity, meltdown, pre-
fraudulent, corrupt; informol shady;
dicament, plight, dire straits. 2 critical
Brit. informolbent.
point, turning point, crossroads, head,
point of no return, moment of truth; - oPPOSTTES straight.
informol crunch. crop noun harvest, yield, fruits, pro-
duce, vintage.
crisp odjective 1 crunchy, crispy, brittle,
a verb 1 cut, clip, trim, shear, shave,
breakable, dry. 2 invigorating, brisk,
lop off, chop off, hack off, dock. 2 graze
cool, fresh, refreshing, exhilarating.
on, browse on, feed on, nibble, eat.
- opposltrs soft.
tr crop up happen, occur, arise, turn
criterion noun standard, measure, up, pop up, emerge, materialize, sur-
gauge, test, benchmark, yardstick, [ace, appear, come to light.
touchstone, barometer.
cross noun 1 we ollhove our crosses ro
critic noun 1 reviewer, commenta- beor burden, trouble, worry, trial, tribu-
tor, analyst, judge, pundit, expert. lation, affliction, curse, misfortune,
2 detractor, attacker, fault-fi nder. woe;informol hassle, headache.2 o
critical odjective 1 disapproving. cross between o yok ond o cow mixture,
disparaging, scathing, fault-finding, blend, combination, amalEam, hybrid,
judgemental, negative, unfavourable, cross-breed, mongrel.
censorious; informal nit-picking, picky. a verb 1 travel across, traverse, negoti-
2 serious, grave, precarious, touch- ate, navigate, cover.2 intersect, meet,
and-go, in the balance, desperate, dire, join, connect.3 oppose, resist, defy,
acute, Iife-and-death. 3 crucial, vital, obstruct, contradict, argue with, stand
essential, all-important, paramount, up to. 4 hybridize, cross-breed, inter-
fundamental, key, pivotal. breed, cross-fertilize, cross-pollinate.
- oPPostTES complimentary. o adjective angry, annoyed, irate,
criticism noun 1 fault-finding, censure, vexed, irritated, in a bad mood, put
condemnation, disapproval, dispar- out, exasperated; informol hot under
agement; informalflak, a bad press, the collar, peeved; Brit. informol shirty,
panning; Brit. informol sticl<. 2 evalua- ratty, not best pleased; N. Amer. infor-
tion, assessment, appraisal, apprecia- mol sore, ticked off.
tion, analysis, critique, judgement, - oPPostrEs pleased.
commentary. tr cross out delete, strike out, score
- OPPOSITES praise. out, cancel, obliterate.
criticize verb find fault with, censure, crossing noun 1 junction, crossroads,
condemn, attack, disparage, denigrate, intersection, interchange, level cross-
run down; informolknock, pan, pull to ing. 2 journey, passage, voyage.
pieces; Brit. informol slag off, slate, rub- crouch verb squat, bend (down), hunker
bish; N. Amer: informol trash. down, hunch over, stoop, duck, cower.
- OPPOSITES praise. crow verb boast, brag, blow your own
crook noun see criminal (noun). trumpet, swagger, swank, gloat.
crooked odjective 1 winding, twist- crowd noun t horde, throng, mass,
ing, zigzag, mea nderin g, tortuo us, multitude, host, army, herd, swarm,
95 crowded_) cry
troop, mob, rabble; informol gaggle. wos a cruel blow harsh, severe, bitter,
2 they're o nice crowd group, set, circle, heartbreaking, heart+ending, painful,
clique; informolgang, bunch, crew, lot. agonizing, traumatic.
3 a copocity crowd audience, specta- - OPPOSITES compassionate.
tors, listeners, viewers, house, turnout, cruise noun (boat) trip, voyage, sail. {:1#i!
attendance, gate, congregation. a verb 1sail. voyage. 2 drive slowly,
l
a verb cluster, flock, swarm, mill, drift; informolmosey, tootle; Brit. infor.
throng, huddle, gather, assemble, mol pootle.
congregate, converge. 2 surge, throng, crumb noun fragment, bit, morsel, par-
push, jostle, elbow your way, squeeze,
ticle, speck, scrap, shred, atom, trace,
pile, cram. mite, jot, ounce; informol smidgen, tad.
crowded adjective packed, full, filled to crumble verb 1 disintegrate, fall apart,
capacity, full to bursting, congested, fall to pieces, collapse, decompose,
overfl owing. teeming, swarming, break up, decay, become dilapidated,
thronged, populous, overpopulated, deteriorate, degenerate. 2 break up,
busy; informol 1am-packed, stuffed, crush, fragment, pulverize.
chocl<-a-block, chock-full, bu rsting at
crumPle verb 1 crush, scrunch up,
the seams, full to the gunwales, wall- screw up, squash, squeeze. 2 crease,
to-wall, mobbe d; Austrol.I NZ informol wrinkle, crinkle, rumple. 3 collapse,
chocker. give way, cave in, go to pieces, break
- OPPOSITES deserted.
down, crumble.
crown noun 1 coronet, diadem, tiara, Crunch yerb munch, chomp, champ,
circlet. 2 monarch, sovereign, king, bite into, crush, grind.
queen, emperor, empress, monarchy,
crusade noun campaign, drive, push,
royalty.3 top, crest, summit, peak,
movement, effort, struggle, battle, war,
pinnacle, tip, brow, apex.
offensive.
o verb the post ot Horvord crowned his
o verb campaign, fight, battle, do bat-
coreer round off, cap, be the climax
tle, strive, struggle, agitate, lobby.
of, be the culmination of, top off, com-
plete, perfect. crush verb 1 squash, squeeze, press,
pulp, mash, mangle, pulverize.
crucial odjective 1 pivotal, critical,
2 crease, crumple, rumple, wrinkle,
key, decisive, life-and-death. 2 all-
scrunch up.3 suppress, put down,
important, of the utmost importance, quell, stamp out, repress, subdue,
of the essence, critical, paramount, extinguish. 4 demoralize, deflate,
essential, vital. fl atten, squash, devastate, shatter,
- OPPOSITES insignificant, unimportant. mortify, humiliate.
crude odjective 1 unrefined, unpurified, a noun crowd, throng, horde, swarm,
unprocessed, untreated, coarse, raw, press, mob.
natural. 2 primitive, simple, basic, Crust noun covering, layer, coating,
homespun, rudimentary, rough and surface, topping, sheet, film, skin, shell,
ready, makeshift, improvised, unsophis- sca b.
ticated.3 vulgar, rude, dirty, naughty, cry verb 1 weep, shed tears, sob, wail,
smutty, indecent, obscene, coarse; snivel, whimper; Scotilsh gteet; informol
informolblue. blub, blubber; Brit. informol grizzle.
- OPPOSITES refined. 2 call, shout, exclaim, sing out, yell,
cruel odjective 1 o cruel mon brutal, bawl, bellow, roar; informol holler.
savage, inhuman, barbaric, virious, - OPPOSITES lauqh.
sadistic, monstrous, callous, ruthless, a noun call, shout, exclamation, yell,
merciless, heartless, pitiless, implac- bawl, bellow, roar; infornol holler.
able, unkind, inhumane. 2 her deoth a cry oft (informol) back out, pull out,
crypt + curious

cancel, withdraw, change Your mind; culture noun 1 o lover of culture the
informol get cold feet, cop out. arts, high art.2 o mon of culture
crypt noun tomb, vault, burial chamber, education, cultivation, enlighten-
sepulchre, catacomb. ment, discernment, discrimination,
taste, refi nement, sophistication.
cryptic odjective enigmatic, mysterious,
3 civilization, society, way of life,
mystifying, puzzling, obscure, abstruse,
lifestyle, customs, traditions, heritage,
arcane, unintelligible.
values. 4 philosophy, ethic, outlook,
-oPPOSITES clear.
approach, rationale.
cuddle verb t hug, embrace, clasp,
cultured odjective cultivated, artistic,
hold in your arms, caress, pet, fondle; enlightened, civilized, educated, well
informol canoodle, smooch. 2 snuggle, read, learned, discerning, discriminat-
nestle, curl, nuzzle. ing, refi ned, sophisticated; informol
cudgel noun club, truncheon, bludg- arty.
eon, baton, shillelagh, mace; N. Anrer. - OPPOSITES ignorant.
blackjack, nightstick; Brit. informol cunning adjective I crafty, wily, artful,
cosh. devious, Machiavellian, sly, scheming,
o verb club, bludgeon, beat, batter, canny, dishonest, deceitful. 2 clever,
bash; Brif. informol cosh. shrewd, astute, canny, ingenious,
cue noun signal, sign, indication, imaginative, enterprising, inventive,
prompt, reminder. resourceful, creative, original, inspired,
culminate verb come to a climax, brillia nt.
come to a head, climax, end, finish, - OPPoSITES honest, stupid.
conclude, build up to, lead up to. o noun 1 guile, craftiness, devious-
ness, trickery, duplicity. 2 ingenuity,
culmination noun climax, peak, pinna-
imagination, inventiveness, enterprise,
cle, high point, height, summit, zenith,
resou rcefu I ness.
apotheosis, apex, apogee.
curator noun custodian, keeper, con-
culpable odjective to blame, guilty, servator, guardian, caretaker.
at fault, in the wrong, answerable,
accountable, responsible. curb noun restraint, restriction, check,
brake, control, limit.
- OPPOSITES innocent.
a verb restrain, hold back, keep in
culprit noun guilty party, offender, check, control, rein in, contain; informol
wrongdoer, miscreant, criminal, keep a lid on.
lawbreaker, felon, delinque nl: informol
baddy, crook.
cure verb t heal, restore to health, make
well/better. 2 rectify, remedy, put/set
cult noun 1 sect, group, movement. right, right, fix, mend, repair, solve, sort
2 obsession, fixation, idolization, devo' out, eliminate, end. 3 preserve, smoke,
tion, worship. veneration. salt, dry, pickle.
cultivate verb 1 farm, work, till, plough, o noun remedy, medicine, medication,
dig. 2 grow, raise, rear, tend, plant, antidote, treatment, therapy.
sow. 3 woo, court, curry favour with, curiosity noun 1 interest, inquisitive-
ingratiate yourself with; informol get ness, attention, spirit of enquiry:
in someone's good books.4 improve, informol nosiness. 2 oddity, curio,
better, refine, educate, develop, enrich. novelty, rarity.
cultivated odjective see cultured. Curious odjective 1 intrigued, inter-
cultural odjective 1 social, lifestyle, ested, eager, inquisitive. 2 strange,
sociological, anthropological, racial, odd, peculiar, funny, unusual, queer,
ethnic. 2 aesthetic, artistic, intellec- bizarre, weird, eccentric, extraordinary,
tual, educational, civilizing. abnormal, anomalous.
97 curl + cut

- OPPOSITES uninterested, normal. curve noun bend, turn, loop, arc, arch,
curlverb spiral, coil, wreathe, twirl, swirl, bow, curvature.
wind, curve, twist (and turn), snake, o verb bend, turn, loop, wind, mean-
corkscrew, twine, entwine, wrap. der, snal<e, arc, arch.
a noun 1 ringlet, corkscrew, kink, lock. curved adjective bent, arched, bowed,
2 o curl of smoke spiral, coil, twirl, swirl, rounded, crescent.
twist, corkscrew. - oPPOSTTES straight.
curly odjective wavy, curling, curled, cushion noun o cushion against inflotion
corkscrew.
f rizzy, l<inky, protection, buffer, shield, defence,
- oPPOSTTES straight. bulwark.
currency noun 1 money, legal tender, a verb 1 cushioned from the outside
cash, banknotes, notes, coins; N. Amer. world protect, shield, shelter, cocoon.
bills. 2 popularity, circulation, expo- 2 cushion the b/ow soften, lessen,
sure, acceptance, prevalence. diminish, mitigate, alleviate, take the
Current odjective I
contemporary, edge off, dull, deaden.
present-day, modern, topical, live, custody noun care, guardianship,
burning. 2 prevalent, common, charge, supervision, safe keeping,
accepted, in circulation, popular, responsibility, protection.
widespread. 3 valid, usable, up to o in custody in prison, in jail,
date. 4 incumbent, present, in office, imprisoned, incarcerated, under lock
in power, reigning. and key, on remand; lnformol behind
- OPPOSITES past, former. bars, doing time, inside; Brit. informol
a noun 1flow, stream, draught, jet, banged up.
tide. 2 course. progress, progression. Custom noun 1 locol customs tradi-
flow, tide, movement. tion, practice, usage, way, convention,
curse noun 1 jinx, malediction; tV. Amer formality, ritual, mores. 2 it wos his cus-
hex', formol imprecation, anathema. tom to sleep in o choir habit, practice,
2 affliction, burden, misery, ordeal, routine, way; formol wont.
evil, scourge. 3 swear word, expletive, customary od]ective usual, trad itional,
oath, profanity, four-letter word, dirty normal, conventional, habitual, famil-
word, obscenity; informol cuss word. iar, accepted, accustomed, routine,
a verb 1 afflict, trouble, plague, established, time-honoured, prevailing.
bedevil. 2 swear, take the Lord's name - OPPOSITES unusual.
in vain, blaspheme; informolcuss, turn
the air blue, eff and blind. Customer noun consumer, buyer,
purchaser, patron, client, shopper; Brlt.
cursed odjective damned, doomed, ill- lnformol punter.
fated, ill-starred, jinxed.
cutverb 1 gash, slash, lacerate, slit,
cursory odjective brief, hasty, hurried,
wound, scratch, graze, nick.2 slice,
quick, rapid, passing, perfunctory,
chop, dice, cube, carve; ,^/. Amer. hash.
desultory, casual.
3 carve, engrave, incise, etch, score,
- oPPoSITES thorouqh. chisel, whittle. 4 reduce, cut back/
curt odjective terse, brusque, abrupt, down on, decrease, lessen, mark
clipped, blunt, short, sharp, rude, down, discount, lower; informol slash.
u ngracious; informol sna ppy. 5 shorten, abridge, condense, abbrevi-
- OPPOSITES expansive. ate, truncate, edit, censor. 5 delete,
curtail verb reduce, shorten, cut, cut Temove, tal<e out, excise.
down, decrease, trim, restrict, limit, a noun 1 gash, slash, laceration,
curb, rein ini back, cut short, truncate; incision, wound, scratch, graze, nicl<.
informol slash. 2 piece, joint, fillet, section. 3 (informal)
- OPPOSITES increase, extend. share, portion, quota, percentage;
cutback -+ cynical 98

informol slice (of the cake). 4 reduction, snide, spiteful, malicious, vicious, cruel;
cutback, decrease, lessening; N. Amer. informol bitchy.
rollback. 5 style, design, line, fit. cycle noun 1 the cycle of birth, deoth, ond
cutback noun reduction, cut, decrease, reblrth circle, round, pattern, rhythm,
economy, saving; i!. Amer. rollback. loop. 2 o cycle of three ploys series,
- OPPOSITES increase. sequence, set, succession, run.
cute odjective endearing, adorable, lov- cynic noun sceptic, doubter, doubting
able, sweet, lovely, appealing, engag- Thomas, pessimist, prophet of doom.
ing, delightful, dear: informol twee; Brit. - oPPoSITES idealist, optimist.
informol dinky. cynical odjective sceptical, doubtful,
cutting noun clipping, article, piece, distrustful, suspicious, disbelieving,
column, paragraph. pessimistic, negative, world-weary,
o odjective hurtful, wounding, barbed, disillusioned, disenchanted, jaundiced.
sharp, scathing, caustic, sarcastic, - oPPoSlTEs idealistic, optimistic.
99 dab -+ dare

Dd
dab verb pat, press, touch, blot, swab, damp odjective moist, humid, muggy,
daub, wipe. clammy, sweaty, danl<, wet, rainy, driz-
o noun drop, spot, smear, splash, bit. zly, showery, misty, foggy, dewy.
dabble verb toy with, dip into, flirt with, - OPPOSITES dry.
tinker with, play with. a noun moisture, liquid, wet, wetness,
dampness, humidity.
datt odjective (Brit. informal) absurd,
preposterous, ridiculous, ludicrous, dampen verb 1 moisten, damp, wet,
idiotic, stupid. foolish, asinine, sense- soak. 2 lessen, decrease, diminish,
less, inane; informol crazy, cockeyed, reduce, moderate, cool, suppress,
half-baked; Brtt. informol barmy. stifle, inhibit.
- oPPoslTES sensible. - OPPOSITES dry, heighten.
daily odjective everyday, day-to-day; dance verb 1 trip, sway, twirl, whirl,
pirouette, gyrate, jive; informol bop,
formol quotidian.
a adverb every day, once a day, day trip the light fantastic; N. Amer. informol
after day. get down. 2 the girls danced round
me caper, cavorl, frolic, skiP, Prance,
dainty odjective 1 delicate, fine,
gambol, leap, hop, jig, bounce.
elegant, exquisite, graceful. 2 fastidi-
ous, fussy, particular, finicky: informol o noun ball; N. Amer. prom, hoedown;
informol disco, rave, hop, bop.
choosy, picky; Brit. informol faddy.
- oPPOSITES unwieldy. danger noun 1 peril, hazard, risk,
jeopardy, endangerment, menace.
dam noun barrage, barrier, wall,
embankment, barricade, obstruction. 2 possibility, chance, risk, probability,
likelihood, threat.
a verb block (up), obstruct, bung up,
close, hold back. - oPPoSITES safety.
damage noun t harm, destruction, dangerous odjective 1 menacing,
vandalism, injury, ruin, devastation. threateninq, treacherous. 2 hazardous,
perilous, risky, unsafe, unpredictable,
2 she won f4,000 domoges compensa.
precarious, insecure; informol dicey,
tion, recompense, restitution, redress,
reparation(s); N. Amer. informol comp. hairy; Brlt. informol dodgy.
a verb harm, injure, deface, spoil, - OPPOSITES harmless, sa[e.
impail vandalize, ruin, destroy, wreck; dangle verb hang, swing, droop, wave,
N. Amer. informol trash. trail, stream.
- oPPostrES repair. dank odjectlve damp, musty, chilly,
damaging odjective harmful, detri- clammy.
mental, injurious, hurtful, destructive, - OPP0SITES dry.
environmentally unfriendly. ruinous. dapper odjective smart, spruce, trim,
deleterious. debonair, neat, well dressed, elegant;
- oPPoSITES beneficial. informolsnappy, natty; N. Amer. infor-
damn verb condemn, censure, criticize, mol spiffy, fly.
attack, denounce. - oeeosttrs scruffy.
- oPPostTES praise. dare verb 1 be brave enough, have
damning odjective incriminating, the courage, venture, have the nerve,
damaging, condemnatory, conclusive, risk, take the Iiberty of; A/. Amer. take
irrefutable. a flyer; informolstick your neck out.
daring -+ daunting 100

2 challenge, defy, invite, bid, provoke, scoot, whip. 2 direct, cast, throw,
goad. shoot, send, flash.
a noun challenge, invitation. wager, dash verb 1 rush, race, run, sprint,
bet. career, charge, shoot, hurtle, hare, fly,
daring odjective bold, audacious, speed, zoom; informoltear, belt; Brlt.
intrepid, fearless, brave, heroic, dash- informolbomb; N. Amer. informal barrel.
ing: informol gutsy. 2 hurl, smash, fling, slam, throw, toss,
- oPPosrrEs cowardly, timid. cast; informol chuck, sling. 3 shatter,
o noun boldness, audacity, temerity, destroy, wreck, ruin, demolish, scotch,
fearlessness, bravery, courage, pluck; frustrate, thwart; informol put paid to;
informol nerve, guts; Brit. informol Brit. i nformal scupper.
bottle; t\. Amer. informol moxie. - OPPOSITES dawdle.
- OPPOSITES cowardice. o noun 1 rush, race, run, sprint, bolt,
dark adjective 1 o dork room dingy, dart, leap, charge, bound.2 pinch,
gloomy, shadowy, murky, grey, poorly touch, sprinl<le, taste, spot, drop, dab,
lit, inl<y, black. 2 dork hoir brunette, splash; informol smidgen, tad.
darl< brown, sable, jet-black, ebony. dashing odjective debonair, stylish,
3 dorkskin swarthy, dusky, olive, black, dapper, devil-may-care, raffish, fl am-
ebony. 4 dark thoughts gloomy, dismal, boyant, swashbuckling.
negative, downbeat, bleak. grim, data noun facts, figures, statistics,
fatalistic, blacl<. 5 o dork look angry, details, particulars, information.
forbidding, threateninq, ominous,
date noun 1 day, occasion, time, year,
moody, brooding, sullen, scowling,
age, period, era, epoch.2 appoint-
glowering. 6 dork deeds evil, wicked,
ment, meeting, engagement, rendez-
sinful, bad, iniquitous, ungodly, vile,
vous, commitment, assignation; literory
foul, monstrous ; informol dirty, shady,
tryst. 3 (informol) partner, escort,
crooked.
girlfriend, boyfriend.
- OPPoSTTES bright, light, blonde, pale.
a verb 1 age, grow old, become dated,
a noun night, night-time, darkness,
show its age, be of its time. 2 (informol)
nlghtfall, blackout.
go out with, tal<e out, go with, see;
darken verb gtow dark, make dark, ,lf n. steady with; doted court,
blacken, grow dim, cloud over, lour. ::,
- oPPoSITES lighten. o date from be from, originate in,
darkness noun 1 lights shone in the dork- come from, belong to, go back to.
ness dark, blackness, gloom, dimness,
murl<, shadow, shade. 2 dorkness fell fwono lrruxs
chronological relating to dates
night, night-time, dark. 3 the forces of
darkness evil, wicl<edness, sin, ungodli- dated o dj ective old-fashioned,
ness, the Devil. outdated, outmoded, unfashionable,
darling noun 1 dear, dearest, love, pass6, behind the times, archaic,
sweetheart, beloved; informol honey, obsolete, antiquated; informol old hat,
angel, pet, sweetie, baby, poppet. out of the ark.
2 favourite, idol, hero, heroine; Brit. - OPPOSITES modern.
i nformol blue-eyed boyi girl. daunt verb discourage, deter, demor-
C adjedive 1 dear, dearest, precious, alize, put off, dishearten, intimidate,
beloved. 2 adorable, charming, cute, overawe, awe.
sweet, enchanting, dear, delightful; daunting o djective intimidating,
Scottlsh & Aj. Fngllsh bonny. forbidding, challenging, formidable,
dart verb 1 dash, rush, tear, shoot, unnerving, disconcerting, discourag-
sprint, bound, scurry, scamper; informol ing, disheartening, demoralizing,
101 dawdle -+ dealer

dismaying, scarY, frightening, uninteresting, unexciting, uninspiring,

alarming. dull, flat, quiet, sleepy, slow, lifeless;
informol one-horse; N. Amer. informol
dawdle verb linger, take your time, be
dullsville.
slow, waste time, dally, amble, stroll,
- oPPoslTEs alive, livinq, IivelY.
trail, move at a snail's pace: informol
a odverb 1 completelY, absolutelY,
totally, utterly, deadly, perfectly,
dilly-dally.
- OPPOSITES hurry.
,*i?i;
entirely, quite, thoroughly. 2 directly, if,lr.1}i
dawn noun 1 daYbreak, sunrise, first exactly, precisely, immediately, right,
light, daylight, cockcrow, first thing; straight, due.
N. Amer. sunuP. 2 beginning, start,
deaden verb 1 numb, dull, blunt,
birth, inception, genesis, emergence'
alleviate, mitigate, diminish, reduce,
advent, appearance, arrival, rise, origin.
lessen, ease, soothe, relieve, assuage.
- OPPOSITES dusk.
2 muffle, mute, smother, stifle, damP
a verb 1 ThursdoY dawned crisP ond (down), soften, cushion.
sunny begin, break, arrive, emerge. 2 o
- OPPoSITES intensifY, amPlifY.
bright new future hos downed begin.
start, (ommence. be born. aPPear, deadline noun time limit, finishing
date, target date, cut-off Point.
arrive, emerge, arise, rise, unfold,
develop. 3 the reolity downed on him deadlock noun stalemate. impasse.
become evident, register, cross some' checkmate, stand-off, standstill,
one's mind, suggest itself, occur to, gridlock.
come to, strike, hit. deadly odiective 1 fatal, lethal, mortal,
day noun 1 daytime, davlight (hours)' life-threatening, noxious, toxic, poison-
waking hours. 2 Period, time, date. ous.2 deodly enemies mortal, irrec-
age, era, generation. oncilable, implacable, bitter, sworn.
- oPPoslrEs night. 3 his oim is deodly unerring, unfailing,
perfect, true, accurate; Brit. informol
wono r-rNNs
spot on.
diurnal relating to the daY ]
- OPPOsITES harmless.
d aze verb-du m bf o, n d, rt, P"f Y., Lr.-, deafening odiective ear-splitting, thun-
shock, stagger, bewilder, take aback, derous, crashing, uproarious, almighty,
nonplus; lnformol fl abbergast; Brit. booming.
informolknock for six. - oPPOSITES low, soft.
a noun stuPor. trance, haze, sPin. deal noun agreement, understanding,
whirl, muddle, jumble. pact, bargain, covenant, contract,
dazzle verb 1 blind, confuse, disorient. treaty. arrangemenl.. compromise,
2 overwhelm, overcome, imPress, settlement, terms.
move, stir, touch, awe, overawe; infor- overbl trade in, buy and sell, purvey'
mo/ bowl over, blow awaY, knock out. supply, market, traffic in. 2 distribute,
qive out. share out. divide out, hand
dead odiective 1 Passed on, Passed
away, departed, late, lost, Perished,
6ut. pass out, pass round. dispense.
a locate.
fallen, killed, lifeless, extinct; informol I

six feet under, Pushing uP daisies;

o deal with 1 coPe with, handle, man-
age, treat, take care of, take charge of,
formol deceased. 2 obsolete, exlinct,
take in hand, sort out, tackle, take on,
defunct, disused, abandoned. super-
seded, vanished, archaic, ancient.3 not
control.2 concern, be about, have to
do with, discuss, consider, cover, tackle,
working, out of order, inoPerative,
explore, investigate. examine.
inactive, broken, defective informol
kaput, conked out, on the blink, bust; dealer noun trader, merchant, sales-
Brit. informol knackered. 4 boring, man/woman, seller, vendor, PUrveyor,
dear -+ decent 102

pedlar, distributor, supplier, shop- over, mull over, weigh up, ponder,
keeper, retailer, wholesaler, tradesman, deliberate.
tracjesperson; Brit stockist. debauched odjective dissolute,
dear odjective 1 o deor friend beloved, dissipated, degenerate, decadent,
precious, close, intimate, bosom. profligate, immoral, lecherous, lewd,
2 her pictures were too deor to port with lice ntiou s.
precious, treasured, valued, prized, - OPPOSITES wholesome.
cherished, special. 3 endearing, ador- debris noun ruins, remains, rubble,
able. lovable, appealing. engaging, wreckage, detritus, refuse, rubbish,
charming, captivating, lovely, delight. waste, scrap, flotsam and jetsam.
ful, sweet, darling. 4 expensive, costly, debt noun 1 bill, account, dues, arrears,
high-priced, overpriced, exorbitant,
charges. 2 indebtedness, obligation,
extortionate; Brit over the odds; infor- gratitude, appreciation.
mol pricey.
- OPPOSITES disagreeable, cheap. decay verb 1 decompose, rot, putrefy,
go bad, go off, spoil, fester, perish.
o noun darling, dearest, love, beloved,
sweetheart, precious; informol sweetie, 2 deteriorate, degenerate, decline,
go downhill, slump, slide, go to rack
sugar, honey, baby, pet, poppet.
and ruin, go to seed; informol go to the
dearly odverb very much, a great deal, dogs.
greatly, profoundly, deeply.
a noun l decomposition, putrefac-
dearth noun lack, scarcity, shortage, tion, rot. 2 deterioration, degenera-
shortfall, defi ciency, insufficiency, tion, decline, weakening, crumbling,
inadequacy, absence. disintegration, collapse.
- OPPOSITES surfeit. deceit noun deception, deceitfulness,
death noun 1 dying, demise, end, duplicity, double-dealing, lies, fraud,
passing, loss of life; formol decease. cheating, trickery.
2 end, finish, termination, extinction, - OPPOSITES honesty.
extinguishing, collapse, destruction. deceitful o djective dishonest, u ntruth-
- OPPoSITES life, birth. ful, insincere, false, disingenuous,
WORD LINK. untrustworthy, unscrupulous. unprinci-
fatal, lethal, mortal causinq death pled, two-faced, duplicitous, fraudu-
lent, double-dealing ; informol sneaky,
deathly odjective deathlike, ghostly, tricky, crooked; Brit. informol 6ent.
ghastly, ashen, white, pale, pallid.
- OPPOSITES honest.
debacle noun fiasco, failure, catastro- deceive yerb trick, cheat, defraud,
phe, disaster; informol fail. swindle, hoodwink, hoax, dupe, take in,
debase yerb degrade, devalue, demean, mislead, delude, fool; informolcon, pull
cheapen, prostitute, discredit, drag the wool over someone's eyes; N. Amer.
down, tarnish, blacken, disgrace, dis- informol sucker, goldbrick.
honour, shame. decency noun 1 propriety, decorum,
- OPPOSITES enhance. good taste, respectability, morality, vir-
debatable odjective arguable, question. tue, modesty. 2 courtesy, politeness,
able, open to question, disputable, good manners, civility, consideration,
controversial, contentious, doubtful, thoughtfulness.
dubious, uncertain, borderline, moot. decent odjective 1 o decent buriol
debate noun discussion, argument, proper, correct, right, appropriate,
dispute, talks. suitable, respectable, decorous, mod-
a verb 1 discuss, talk over/through, est, seemly, accepted; informol pukka.
talk about, thrash out, argue, dispute. 2 o job with decent poy satisfactory,
2 consider, think over/about, chew reasonable, fair, acceptable, adequate,
103 deception -+ decrease

sufficient, not bad, all right, tolerable, decline verb 1 turn down, reject, brush
passable, suitable; informalOK. 3 (Brit. aside, refuse, rebuff, spurn, repulse,
informol) kind, generous, thought- dismiss, pass up, say no; informol give
ful, considerate, obliging, courteous, something a miss. 2 decrease, reduce,
polite, well mannered, neighbourly, lessen, diminish, dwindle, contract,
hospitable, pleasant, agreeable, shrink, fall off, tail off, drop, fall, go
amiable. down. 3 deteriorate, degenerate, ;:illii*:l;
-oPPoSITES improper, unsatisfactory. decay, crumble, collapse, slump. slip,
deception noun 1 deceit, duplicity, slide, go downhill, worsen; informol go
double-dealing, fraud, cheating, trick- to the dogs.
ery, guile, bluff, lying, pretence, treach- - oPPostrEs ac(ept, increase, improve.
ery. 2 trick, sham, fraud, pretence, a noun 1 reduction, decrease, down-
hoax, ruse, scheme, dodge, cheat, swin- turn, downswing, diminution, ebb,
dle; informol con, set-up, scam. drop, slump, plunge. 2 deterioration,
degeneration, degradation, shrinkage,
deceptive odjective misleading, confus- erosion.
ing, illusory, distorted, ambiguous.
- oPPoSITES rise, improvement.
decide verb 1 resolve, determine, make decompose verb decay, rot, putrefy, go
up your mind, choose, opt, plan, aim, bad, go off, spoil, perish, deteriorate,
intend, have in mind, set your sights degrade, break down.
on. 2 settle, resolve, determine, work
decor noun decoration, furnishing,
out, answer; informol sort out. 3 adju-
colour scheme.
dicate, arbitrate, judge, pronounce on,
give a verdict on, rule on. decorate verb 1 ornament, adorn, trim,
embellish, garnish, furnish, enhance.
decidedly odverb distinctly, clearly, 2 paint, wallpaper, paper, refurbish,
markedly, obviously, noticeably, unmis- renovate, redecorate; informol do up,
takably, patently, manifestly, defi nitely, give something a facelift. give some-
positively.
thing a makeover.3 give a medal to,
decision noun 1 resolution, conclusion, honour, cite, reward.
settlement, choice, option, selection. decoration noun 1 ornamentation,
2 verdict, finding, ruling, judgement, adornment, trimming, embellishment,
adjudication, sentence. beautification. 2 ornament, bauble,
decisive odjective 1 resolute, firm, trinket, knick-knack. 3 medal, award,
strong-minded, strong-willed, prize: Brit. informol gong.
determined, purposeful. 2 deciding, decorative odjective orna mental,
conclusive, determining, key, pivotal, fancy, ornate, attractive, pretty, showy.
critical, crucial. - oPPoSITES functional.
declaration noun 1 announcement, decorum noun 1 propriety, seemli-
statement, communication, pro- ness, decency, good taste, correctness,
nouncement, proclamation; N. Amer. politeness, good manners. 2 eti-
advisory. 2 assertion, profession, affir- quette, protocol, good form, custom,
mation, acknowledgement, revelation, convention.
disclosure, confi rmation, testimony, - OPPOSITES impropriety.
avowal, protestation. decrease verb lessen, reduce, drop,
declare verb 1 announce, proclaim, diminish, decline, dwindle, fall off,
state, reveal, air, voice, articulate, plummet, plunge.
express, vent, set forth, publicize, - OPPOSITES increase.
broadcast. 2 assert, profess, affirm, a noun reduction, drop, decline, down-
maintain, state, contend, claim, arque, turn, cut, cutback, diminution.
insist, avow. - OPPOSITES increase.
decree -+ defenceless 144

decree noun 1 o presidentiol decree eaTnest, enthusiastic, great. 3 pro-

order, command, commandment, found, serious, intelligent, intellectual,
edict, proclamation, law, statute, act. learned, wise, scholarly. 4 he wos
2 o court decree judgement, verdict, deep in concentrotion rapt, absorbed,
adjudication, fi nding, ruling, decision. engrossed, preoccupied, intent,
a yerb order, direct, command, rule, immersed, lost, gripped. 5 obscure,
dictate, pronounce, proclaim, ordain. complex, mysterious, unfathomable,
decrepit odjective dilapidated, rickety, opaque, abstruse. esoteri(. enig-
run down, tumbledown, ramshackle, matic. 5 low-pitched, low, bass, rich,
derelict, ruined, in (a state of) disrepair, resonant, booming, sonorous. 7 dark,
gone to rack and ruin, on its last legs, intense. rich, strong, vivid.
decayed, crumbling. - OPPOSITES shallow, superficial, high.
dedicate verb 1 commit, devote, deeply odverb profoundly, greatly,
pledge, give (up), sacrifice, set aside. enormously, extremely, very, strong ly,
2 inscribe, address, offer. 3 devote, intensely, keenly, acutely, thoroughly,
assign, bless, consecrate, sanctify. completely, entirely, seriously.
dedicated odjective 1 committed, deface verb vandalize, disfigure, spoil,
devoted, enthusiastic, l<een, staunch, ruin, damage; N. Amer. informol trash.
firm, steadfast, Ioyal, faithful. 2 spe- defeat verb 1 beat, conquer, win
cialized, custom-built, customized, against, triumph over, get the better
purpose-built, exclusive. of, vanquish, rout, trounce, oveTcome,
- OPPOSITES half-hearted. overpower; tnformol lick, thrash; U5
dedication noun 1 commitment, devo- informol own.2 thwart, frustrate, foil,
tion, loyalty, allegiance, application, ruin, scotch, derail; informolput paid
resolve, conscientiousness, persever- to, stymie; Brit. informol scupper.
ance, persistence. 2 inscription, o noun loss, conquest, rout; informol
message. thrashing, hiding, drubbing, licking.
- OPPOSITES apathy. - OPPOSITES victory.
deduce verb conclude, reason, work defect noun fault, flaw, imperfection,
out, infer, understand, assume, pre- defi ciency,deformity, blemish, mis-
sume, surmise, reckon; informol figure take, error.
out, put two and two together; Brit defective o djective I aulty, fl awed,
informolsuss out. imperfect, unsound, inoperative,
deduct verb subtract, take away, take malfunctioning, out of order, broken;
off, debit, dock, stop; informol knock off. informal on the blink; Brit. informol duff.
- opposrrrs add. - OPPOSITES perfect.
deduction noun 1 subtraction, removal, defence noun 1 protection, guard-
debit. 2 stoppage, tax, expenses, ing, security, fortiflcation, resistance.
rebate, discount, concession. 3 conclu' 2 armaments, weapons, weaponry,
sion, inference, supposition, hypothesis, arms, the military, the armed forces.
assumption, presumption, suspicion. 3 justification, vindication, explana'
deed noun 1 act, action, feat, exploit, tion, mitigation, excuse, alibi, denial,
achievement, accomplishment, plea, preadins, arsument,
endeavour. 2 document, contract, :::::,.,,
instrument. - OPPOSITES attack, prosecution.
deep odjective 1 cavernous, yawning. defenceless odjective vulnerable,
gaping, huge, extensive, bottomless, helpless, powerless, weak, undefended,
fathomless. 2 intense, heartfelt, whole- unprotected, unguarded, unarmed,
hearted, deep-seated. sincere, genuine, exposed, open to attack.
105 defend -+ degrade

defend verb 1 protect, guard, safe- definitely odverb certainly, surely, for
guard, secure, shield, fortify, watch sure, unquestionably, without doubt,
over. 2 justify, vindicate, explain, argue undoubtedly, undeniably, clearly, posi-
for, support, back, stand by, make a tively, a bsolutely, unmistakably.
case for, stick up for. definition noun 1 meaning, sense,
- OPPoSITES attack, criticize. interpretation, explanation, descrip-
defender noun 1 protector, guard- tion. 2 clarity, sharpness, focus, crisp. iti;li1:;i:i1:li
ian, guard, custodian. 2 supporter, ness, resolution.
upholder, backer, champion, advocate, definitive odjective 1 conclusive, final,
apologist. unqualifi ed, absolute, categorical, posi-
defensive odjective 1 defending, pro- tive, defi nite. 2 authoritative, best,
tective. 2 self-justifying, oversensitive, ultimate, classic, standard, recognized,
prickly, paranoid, neurotic; informol accepted, exhaustive.
twitchy. deflect verb divert, turn away, draw
defer verb postpone, put off, delay, hold away, distract, fend off, parry, stave off.
over/off, put back, shelve, suspend; deformed odjective misshapen,
N. Amer. table; infornol put on ice, put distorted, malformed, contorted, out
on the back burner. of shape, twisted, crooked, warped,
defiance noun resistance. opposi- buckled, gnarled, disfigured, mutilated,
tion, non-compliance, disobedience, mangled.
insubordination, rebellion, disregard, defraud verb swindle, cheat, rob,
contempt, insolence. deceive, dupe, hoodwinl<, double-cross,
- oPPostrES obedience. trick; informolcon, do, sting, diddle, rip
defi ant odjective disobedient, off, shaft, pull a fast one on, put one
resistant, obstinate, uncooperative, over on, sell a pup to; iV. Amer informol
non-compliant, recalcitrant, insubordi- sucker, snooker, stiff; Austro/. informol
nate; Brit. informol stroppy, bolshie. pull a swifty on.
- OPPOSITES cooperative. deltodjective skilful, adept, adroit, dex-
deficiency noun 1 lack, insufficiency, terous, agile, nimble, handy, able, capa-
shortage, inadequacy, defi cit, shortfall, ble, skilled, proficient, accomplished,
scarcity, dearth. 2 defect, fault, expert, polished, slick, professional.
flaw, failing, weakness, shortcoming, - oeeosttts clumsy.
limitation. defy verb disobey, flout, disregard,
- OPPOSITES surplus, strength. ignore, break, violate, contravene,
deficit noun shortfall, deficiency, short- breach, challenge, fly in the face of,
age, debt, arrears, loss. confront.
- OPPOSITES surplus. - oeeosrrrs obey.
define verb 1 explain, give the mean- degenerate odjective corrupt, peP
ing of, spell out, expound, interpret, verted, decadent, dissolute, dissipated,
describe. 2 determine, establish, fix, debauched, immoral, unprincipled,
specify, designate, decide, stipulate, disreputa ble.
set out. a verb deteriorate, decline, worsen,
defi nite adjective specifrc, expl icit, slip, slide, go downhill; informol goto
express, precise, exact, clear, clear-cut, the dogs.
unambiguous, certain, sure, positive, - OPPOSITES improve.
conclusive. decisive, firm. unequivo- degrade verb demean, debase,
cal, unmistal<able, proven, declded, humiliate, humble, belittle, mortify,
marl<ed, distlnct, identifiable. dehumanize, brutalize.
- OPPOSITES vague, ambiguous. - oPPoSlTEs dignify.
degree + delighted
degree noun level, standard, grade, deliberation noun thought, consid-
stage, marl<, amount, extent, measure, eration, refl ection, contemplation,
intensity, strength, proportion. discussion.
deign verb condescend, stoop, lower delicacy noun 1 fineness, delicateness,
yourself, demean yourself, humble fragility, thinness, lightness, fl imsiness.
yourself, consent. 2 difficulty, trickiness, sensitivity,
dejected odjective downcast, down- ticklishness, awkwardness. 3 care,
hearted, despondent, disconsolate, sensitivity, tact, discretion, diplo-
dispirited, crestfallen, disheartened, macy, subtlety. 4 treat, luxury, titbit,
depressed; informoldown in the speciality.
mouth, down in the dumps. delicate odjective 1 delicate embroidery
- oPPoslrES cheerful. fine, intricate, dainty, exquisite, grace-
delay verb 1 detain, hold up, make late, ful.2 o delicate shode of blue subtle,
slow up/down, bog down, hinder, ham- soft, pale, muted, pastel, light.3 deli-
per, impede, obstruct. 2 linger, drag cste chino cups fragile, dainty. 4 his wife
your feet, hold back, dawdle, waste is very delicote sickly, unhealthy, frail,
time, stall, hesitate, dither, shilly-shally; feeble, weak. 5 a delicote issue difticult,
informol dilly-dally. 3 postpone, put off, tricky, sensitive, ticklish, awkward,
defer, hold over, adjourn, reschedule. touchy, embarrassing; informol sticky,
- OPPoSITES hurry, advance. dicey. 6 the motter needs delicote
a noun t hold-up, wait, interruption, ho ndlinq careful, sensitive, tactful,
stoppage. 2 the deloy of his triol post- diplomatic, discreet, kid-glove, subtle.
ponement, deferral, adjournment. 7 o delicote mechonism sensitive, Iight,
precision.
delegate noun representative, envoy,
- OPPOSITES coarse, strong, robust.
emissary, commissioner, agent, deputy.
a verb assign, entrust, pass on, hand delicious adjective delectable, mouth-
on/over, turn over, devolve. watering, appetizing, tasty, flavour-
some; informol scrumptious, moreish;
delegation noun deputation, mission. N. Amer. lnformol fi nger-lickin g.
commission, contingent, legation.
- OPPOSITES unpalatable.
delete verb remove, cut (out), take out,
delight yerb charm, enchant, captivate,
edit out, excise, cancel, cross out, strike entrance, thrill, entertain, amuse,
out, obliterate, rub out, erase. divert; informol send, tickle pink, bowl
- opposrrrs add.
deliberate odjective I intentional, cal. - OPPOSITES dismay, disgust.
culated, conscious, intended, planned, o noun pleasure, happiness, joy, glee,
wilful, premeditated. 2 careful, cau- excitement, amusement, bliss, ecstasy.
tious, measured, regular, even, steady. - OPPOSITES displeasure.
3 methodical, systematic, careful, o delight in love, relish, savour, adore,
painstaking, meticulous, thorough. lap up, take pleasure in, enjoy, revel in.
- oPPOSITES accidental, hasty. delighted odjective pleased, g lad,
o verb think, think abouti ovel ponder, happy, thrilled, overjoyed, ecstatic,
consider, contemplate, reflect on, elated, on cloud nine, walking on air,
muse on, meditate on, ruminate on, in seventh heaven, jumping for joy,
mull over; N. Amer. think on. gleeful, cock-a-hoop; lnformol over
deliberately odverb 1 intentionally, on the moon, tickled pink, as pleased as
purpose, purposely, by design, know- Punch, on top of the world, as happy as
ingly, wittingly, consciously, wilfully. Larry: Brit. informol chuffed N. English
2 carefully, cautiously, slowly, steadily, informol made up; Austrol. tnformol
evenly. wrapped.
107 delightful -+ den

delightful odjective 1 a delightful informol infra dig.

eveni ng lovely, enjoyable, amusing, demeanour noun manner, air, atti-
entertaining, pleasant, pleasurable. 2 o tude, appearance, look, mien, bearing,
delightful gi rl charming, enchanting, carriage, behavioul conduct.
captivating, bewitching, appealing,
sweet, endearing, cute, adorable, demise noun 1 death, dying, passing,
delectable. end. 2 end, break-up, disintegration,
fall, downfall, collapse, overthrow.
deliver verb 1 bring, take, convey, carry, - oPPoSITES birth.
transport, send, distribute, dispatch,
ship. 2 state, utter, give, read, broad- democratic odjective elected, rep-
cast, pronounce, announce, declare, resentative, parliamentary, popular,
proclaim, hand down, return.3 admin- egalitarian, self-governin g.
ister, deal, inflict, give; informolland. demolish verb 1 knock down, pull
delivery noun 1 conveyance, carriage, down, tear down, destroy, flatten,
transportation, transport, distribution, raze to the ground, dismantle, level,
dispatch, shipping. 2 consignment, bulldoze. blow up. 2 destroy, ruin.
load, shipment. 3 speech, pronun- wreck, overturn, explode, drive a coach
ciation, enunciation, articulation, and horses through; lnformol shoot full
elocution. of holes.
delusion noun misapprehension. - oPPoSlTEs build.
misconrepl.ion, false impression. demonstrate verb 1 indicate, prove,
misunderstanding, mistake, error. mis- show, establish, confirm, verify.
construction, illusion, fantasy, fancy. 2 reveal, manifest, indicate, illustrate,
delve verb 1 rummage, search, hunt, signify, signal, denote, show, display,
scrabble about, root about, ferret, flsh exhibit.3 protest, march, parade,
about, dig, rifle through. 2 investigate, picket, strike.
enquire, probe, explore, research, look demonstration noun 1 exhibition,
into, go into. presentation, display. 2 manifestation,
demand noun 1 lgove in to her demonds indication, sign, mark, proof, testi-
request, call, command, order, dic- mony. 3 protest, march, rally, mass
tate.2 the demonds of o young fomily lobby, sit-in; informol demo.
requirement, need, claim, commit- demonstrative odjective expressive,
ment, imposition.3 market, call, open, forthcoming, communicative,
appetite, desire. unreserved, emotional, effusive,
a verb 1 call for, asl< for, request, push affectionate, loving, warm, friendly,
for, press for, seek, claim, insist on. approachable; lnformol touchy-feely.
2 order, command, enjoin. require. - oPPoSITES reserved.
3 ask, enquire, question, query.
4 require, need, necessitate, call for, demoralized odjective dispirited,
involve, entail. 5 insist on, stipulate, disheartened, downhearted, dejected,
expect, look for. dcwncast, low, depressed, dismayed,
daunted, discouraged.
demanding adjective 1 difficult,
challenging, taxing, exacting, tough, demure o djective modest, reserved,

hard, onerous, formidable, arduous, shy, unassuming, decorous, decent,

gruelling, back-breaking, punishing. proper.
2 nagging, trying, tiresome, hard to - OPPOSITES brazen.
please, high-maintenance. den noun 1 lair, burrow, hole, shelter,
- oPPOSITES easy. hiding place, hideout. 2 study, studio,
demeaning odjective degrading, humil- workshop, retreat, sanctuary, hidea-
iating, shameful, undignifi ed, menial; w ay ; i nformol hidey-hole.
denial -+ deposit 108

denial noun 1 contradiction, rebuttal, depend verb t her coreer depends on this
repudiation, refutation, disclaimer. be dependent on, hinge on, hang on,
2 refusal, withholding. rest on, rely on.2 my fomily depends
denomination noun 1 reliqious on me rely on, lean on, count on, bank
group, sect, cult, movement, persua- on, trust (in), pin your hopes on.
sion, order, creed, school, church. dependable odjective reliable, trust-
2 value, unit, size. worthy, trusty, faithful, loyal, stable,
denote verb indicate, be a mark of, sensible, responsible.
signify, signal, designate, symbolize, dependent adjective 1 addicted, reli-
represent. ant; informol hooked. 2 reliant, needy,
denounce verb 1 condemn, attack, helpless, inflrm, invalid, incapable,
censu Te, decry, stigmatize, deprecate, debilitated, disabled.
disparage, revile, damn. 2 expose, - OPPOSITES independent.
betray, inform on, incriminate, impli- o dependent on 1 conditional on,
cate, cite, accuse. contingent on, based on, subject
to, determined by, influenced by.
dense adjective 1 o dense forest thick,
2 reliant on, relying on, counting on,
crowded, compact, solid, tight,
sustained by.
overgrown, impenetrable, impassable.
2 dense smoke thick, heavy, opaque, depict verb 1 portray, show, represent,
murky. 3 (informol) stupid, brainless, picture, illustrate, reproduce, render.
foolish, slow, simple-minded, empty- 2 describe, detail, relate, present, set
headed, obtuse; infornol thick, dim, forth, set out, outline.
dopey. deplete verb reduce, decrease, dimin-
- OPPOSITES sparse, thin. ish, exhaust, use up, consume, expend,
dent noun knock, indentation, dint, drain, empty.
depression, hollow, crater, pit; tV. Amer. - OPPOSITES augment.
informol ding. deplore verb 1 abhor, find unaccepta-
o verb knock, dint, marl<; AJ. Amer. ble, frown on, disapprove of, take a dim
informol ding. view of, take exception to, condemn,
deny verb 1 contradict, rebut, denounce. 2 regret, lament, mourn,
repudiate, refute, challenge, contest. bemoan, bewail, complain about,
2 refuse, turn down, reject, rebuff, grieve over, sigh over.
decline, veto, dismiss; informolgive the - oPPoSITES applaud.
thumbs down to. deploy verb 1 position, station, post,
- OPPOSITES confirm, allow, accept. place, install, locate, base. 2 use, uti-
depart verb 1 leave, go away, withdraw, lize, employ, take advantage of, exploit,
absent yourself, quit, exit, decamp, call on.
retreat, retire, mal<e off; informal make deport verb expel, banish, extradite,
tracl<s, take off, split; Brit. informol sling repatriate.
your hook. 2 deviate, diverge, digress, - oPPoSITES admit.
stray, veer, differ, vary. depose verb overthrow, unseat,
- OPPOSITES arrive. dethrone, topple, remove, supplant,
department noun division, section, displace, oust.
sector, unit, branch, wing, ofice, deposit noun 1 layer, covering, coat-
bureau, agency, ministry. ing, blanl<et, accumulation, sediment.
departure noun 1 leaving, going, 2 seam, vein, lode, layer, stratum, bed.
leave-taking, withdrawal, exit. 2 devia- 3 down payment, advance payment,
tion, divergence, digression, shift, vari- prepayment, instalment, retainer,
ation. 3 change, innovation, novelty. security.
109 depot -+ describe

a verb 1 put down, place, set down, impoverished, poor, destitute, needy.
unload, rest, drop; informol dump, - OPPOSITES privileged.
park, plonk; N. Amer. informol plunk. depth noun 1 deepness, drop, height.
2 leave (behind), precipitate, dump, 2 extent, range, scope, breadth, width.
wash up, cast up.3 lodge, bank, house, 3 profundity, wisdom, understanding,
store, stow. intelligence, discernment, penetration,
depot noun 1 terminal, [erminus, insight, awareness. 4 intensity, rich- ri;iiaiit*;:
station, garage, headquarters, base. ness, vividness, strengl.h, brilliance.
2 storehouse, warehouse, store, deputize verb stand in, sit in, fill in,
repository, depository, cache, arsenal, cover, substitute, replace, take some-
armoury, dump. one's place, take over, hold the fort,
depress verb 1 sadden, dispirit, cast step into the breach.
down, get down, dishearten, demor- deputy noun second in command,
alize, crush, weigh down on.2 slow number two, assistant, aide, lieutenant,
down, weaken, impair, inhibit, restrict. proxy, stand-in, replacement, substi-
3 reduce, lower, cut, cheapen, dis- tute, representative, reserve.
count, deflate, diminish, depreciate, derelict odjective dilapidated, ram-
devalue.4 press, push, hold down. shackle, run down, tumbledown, in
- oPPostrEs cheer, boost, raise. ruins, falling down, disused, aban-
depressed adjective 1 sad, unhappy, doned, deserted.
miserable, gloomy, dejected, down- a noun tramp, vagrant, down and
hearted, downcast, down, despondent, out, homeless person, drifter, beggar;
dispirited, low, morose, dismal, deso- informol dosser, bag lady.
latel. informol blue, down in the dumps, derision noun mockery, ridicule, jeers,
down in the mouth. 2 weak, inactive, sneers, taunts, disdain, disparagement,
flat, slow, slacl<, sluggish, stagnant. denigration, insults.
3 poverty-stricken, poor, disadvan-
taged, deprived, needy, distressed,
derogatory odjective disparagin g,
disrespectful, demeaning, critical,
run down.
pe.jorative, negative, unfavourable,
- oPPoSlTEs cheerful. uncomplimentary, unfl attering, insult-
depressing odjective dismal, sad, ing, defamatory, slanderous, libellous.
unhappy, sombre, gloomy, grave, - oPPoSlTEs complimentary.
bleak, black, melancholy, dreary, grim,
descend verb 1 go down, come down,
cheerless.
drop, fall, sinl<, dive, plummet, plunge,
depression noun 1 unhappiness, nosedive. 2 slope, dip, slant, go down,
sadness, melancholy, melancholia, fall away. 3 alight, disembark, get
misery, sorrow, gloom, despondency, down, get off, dismount.
low spirits. 2 recession, slump, decline, - oPPoSITES climb, board.
downturn. 3 hollow, indentation, dent, o descend on flock to, besiege. sur-
cavity, dip, pit, crater, basin, bowl. round, take over, invade, swoop on,
deprivation noun 1 poverty, impover- occu py.
ishment, privation, hardship, destitu- descent noun 1 dive, drop, fall, plunge,
tion, need, wanl.2 dispossession. nosedive. 2 slope, incline, dip, drop,
withholding, withdrawal, removal, gradient. 3 decline, slide, fall, degen-
seizu re. eration, deterioration. 4 ancestry,
- OPPOSITES prosperity. parentage, ancestors, family, extrac-
deprive verb dispossess, strip, divest, tion, origin, derivation, birth, lineage,
relieve, rob, cheat out of. stock, blood, roots, origins.
deprived odjective disadvantaged, describe verb 1 report, recount, relate,
underprivileged, poverty-stricken, narrate, tell of, set out, detail, give a
description -+ despite 110

rundown of.2 portray, depict, paint, 2 advantageous, advisable, wise,

define, characterize, call, label, class, sensible, recommended, benefi cial,
brand. 3 mark out, delineate, outline, preferable. 3 (sexually) attractive,
trace, draw. beautiful, pretty, appealing, seductive,
description noun 1 account, report, allurin g, irresistible; informol sexy.
narrative, story, portrayal, portrait, - OPPOSITES unattractive.
sketch, details. 2 designation, label- desire noun 1 wish, want, aspiration,
ling, naming, dubbing, characteriza- yearning, longing, craving, hanker-
tion, definition, classifi cation, branding. ing, hunger; informol yen, itch. 2 lust,
3 sort, variety, kind, type. passion, sensuality, sexuality, libido,
desertl verb 1 abandon, leave, jilt, I asciviousness.
verb want, wish for, long for, yearn
a
leave high and dry, leave in the lurch,
leave behind, strand, maroon; informol
for, crave, hanker after, be desperate
walk/run out on, dump, ditcl'r; literary for, be bent on, covet, aspire to.
forsake. 2 abscond, defect, run away, desolate odjective 1 bleak, stark,
decamp, flee, turn tail, take French bare, dismal, grim, wild, inhospitable,
leave Militory go AWOL. deserted, uninhabited, empty, aban-
doned, godforsaken, isolated, remote.
desert2 noun wasteland, wastes, wil-
2 miserable, unhappy, despondent,
derness, dust bowl.
depressed, disconsolate, devastated,
deserted adjective 1 abandoned, despairing, inconsolable, wretched,
jilted, cast aside, neglected, stranded, broken-hearted.
marooned, forlorn; /iterory forsal<en.
2 empty, uninhabited, unoccupied,
despair noun desperation, anguish,
unhappiness, despondency,
abandoned, evacuated, desolate,
depression, misery, wretchedness,
lonely, godforsaken.
hopelessness.
- oPPoslTEs populous.
- OPPoSITES hope,joy.
deserve verb merit, earn, warrant, rate, a verb lose hope, give up, lose heart,
justify, be worthy of, be entitled to. be discouraged, be despondent, be
deserved odjective w ell earned, mer- demoralized.
ited, warranted, justified, rightful, due, despatch verb & noun see dispatch.
fitting, just, proper.
desperate odjective 1 despairing, hope-
deserving odjective worthy, com- less, anguished, distressed, wretched,
mendable, praiseworthy, admirable, desolate, forlorn, distraught, at your
estimable, creditable. wits' end, at the end of you r tether.
design noun I plan, blueprint, drawing, 2 last-ditch, last-gasp, eleventh-hour,
sketch, outline, map, plot, diagram, do-or-die, final, frantic, frenzied, wild.
draft.2 pattern, motif, device, style, 3 grave, serious, critical, acute, urgent,
theme, layout. pressing. drastic, extreme.
averbl invent, create, think up, come desperation noun hopelessness,
up with. devise, [ormulate, conceive: despair, distress, anguish, agony, top
dream up. 2 intend, aim, ment, misery.
;formol despise verb detest, hate, loathe, abhor,
designate verb 1 appoint, nominate, deplore, scorn, disdain, deride, sneer
delegate, select, choose, pick, elect, at, revile, spurn, shun.
name, identify, assign. 2 classify, class, - oPPoSlTEs adore, respect.
label, tag, name, call, term, dub. despite preposition in spite of, notwith-
desirable odjective 1 attractive, standing, regardless of, in the face of,
sought-after, in demand, popular, in the teeth of, undeterred by, for all,
enviable; informolto die for, must-have. even with.
111 destined -+ determination

destined odjective 1 fated, ordained, detachment noun 1 objectivity, dis-

predestined, doomed, meant, passion, disinterest, neutrality, impar-
intended. 2 computers destined for tiality. 2 unit, squad, detail, troop,
Pokiston heading, bound, en route, contingent, task force, party, platoon.
scheduled, headed. detail noun I feature, respect, particu-
destiny noun 1 future, fate, fortune, lar, characteristic, specific, aspect, fact,
doom, lot, nemesis. 2 providence, poinl., element. 2 triviality. technical-
fate, God, the stars, luck, fortune, ity, nicety, fine point. 3 unit, detach- '1:ri{}1i1i:
chance, karma, kismet. ment, squad, troop, contingent, outfit,
destitute odjective penniless, poor, task force, party, platoon.
impoverished, poverty-stricken, impe- a verb describe, relate, catalogue, Iist,
cunious, indigent, down and out; Brit. spell out, itemize, identify, specify.
on the breadline;informol (flat) broke, detailed odjective comprehensive,
on your uppers; Brit. informol stony full, complete, thorough, exhaustive,
broke, skint; formol penurious. all-inclusive, elaborate, minute, precise,
- OPPOSITES rich. itemized, blow-by-blow.
destroy verb 1 demolish, knock down, - OPPOSITES general.
level, raze to the ground, fell, blow up. detain verb t hold, take into custody,
2 spoil, ruin, wreck, blight, devastate, conflne, imprison, intern, arrest,
wreak havoc on. 3 kill, put down, put apprehend, seize; informol pick up; Bilt.
to sleep, slaughter, cull. 4 annihilate, informol nick. 2 delay, hold up, make
wipe out, obliterate, eliminate, eradi- late, keep, slow up/down, hinder.
cate, liquidate, exterminate; informol - oppostrES release.
tal<e out; N. Amer. informol waste.
detect verb 1 notice, perceive, discern,
- oPPoslTEs build.
become aware of, note, make out,
destruction noun 1 devastation, spot, recognize, identify, catch, sense.
carnage, ruin, chaos, wreckage. 2 the 2 discover, uncover, turn up, unearth,
destruction of the countryside wreck. dig up, root out, expose.3 catch, hunt
ing, ruining, annihilation, obliteration, down, track down, find out, expose,
elimination, eradication, devastation. reveal, unmask, smoke out.
3 killing, slaughter, extermination,
culling. detective noun investigator, police
- OPPOSITES preservation. officer; lnformol private eye, sleuth;
N. Amer. informol gumshoe.
destructive adjective devastating, ruin.
ous, damaging, harmful, environmen- detention noun custody. imprison-
tally unfriendly, detrimental, injurious, ment, incarceration, internment,
hurtful, deleterious. captivity, remand, arrest, quarantine.
- oPPostrrs release.
detach yerb disconnect, separate,
unfasten, disengage, uncouple, isolate, deter verb 1 discourage, dissuade, put
remove, loose, unhitch, unhook, free, off, scare of, dishearten, demoralize,
pull off, cut off, break off, split off, daunt, intimidate. 2 prevent, stop,
5ever. avert, stave off, ward off.
- OPPOSITES attach, join. - oPPOSITES encourage.
detached adjective 1 disconnected, deteriorate yerb worsen, decline,
separated, separate, unfastened, disen- degenerate, fail, go downhill, wane.
gaged, uncoupled, isolated, loosened, - OPPOSITES improve.
unhitched, unhooked, free, severed, determination noun resolution,
cut off. 2 dispassionate, disinterested, resolve, will power, strength of char-
objective, outside, neutral, unbiased, acter, dedication, single-mindedness,
impartial. persevera nce, persistence, tenacity,
 determine -+ devotion 112

stayin g power, doggedness; informol spread, progress. 2 event, change,

g uts. circumstance, incident, occuTrence.
determine verb I control, decide, regu- 3 estate, complex, site.
late, direct, dictate, govern. 2 resolve, deviate verb diverge, digress, drift,
decide, make up your mind, choose, stray, veer, swerve, get sidetracked,
elect, opt. 3 specify, set, fix, decide branch off, differ, vary.
X|l'i on, settle, establish, ordain, prescribe, device noun 1 implement, gadget,
Itiiirii: decree. 4 ascertain, flnd out, discover, utensil, tool, appliance, apparatus,
learn, establish, calculate, work out; instrument, machine, mechanism,
informol figure out. contrivance, contraption; i nformol
determined o djective resolute, gizmo.2 ploy, tactic, move, stratagem,
purposeful, adamant, single-minded, scheme, manoeuvre, plot, trick, ruse.
u nswerving, unwavering, persever- devil noun 1 Satan, Beelzebub, Lucifer,
ing, persistent, tenacious, dedicated, the Prince of Darkness; informol Old
dogged. Nick.2 evil spirit, demon, fiend.
- OPPoSITES irresolute. 3 brute, beast, monster, fiend, villain,
deterrent noun disincentive, dis- sadist, barbarian. ogre.
couragement, damper, curb, check, WORD LINKS
resl-ralnt, inhibition.
diabolical, diabolic, satanic relating
- OPPOSITES incentive. to the Devil
detest verb hate, abhor, loathe, reqard
with disgust, be unable to bear, have devious odjective 1 underhand,
an aversion to, find intolerable, disdain, dishonest. crafty, cunning, conniving.
despise. scheming, sneal<y, furtive; informol
- oPPOSITES love. crooked, shady; Brit. informol dodgy.
2 circuitous, roundabout, indirect,
detrimental odjective harmful,
meandering, tortuous.
damaging, injurious, hurtful, inimical,
deleterious, destructive, pernicious,
- oPPoSITES honest, direcl.
undesirable, unfavourable, environmen. devise verb conceive, think up, dream
tally unfriendly. up, work out, formulate, concoct,
- oPPoslTEs beneflcial. hatch, contrive, design, invent, coin;
lnformol cook up.
devastate verb 1 destroy, ruin, wreck,
lay waste, ravage, demolish, raze to the devoid adjective
ground, level, flatten.2 shatter, shock, o devoid of empty of, free of, bereft
stun, daze, dumbfound, traumatize, of, lacking, deficient in, without, want-
distress; informol knock sideways; Brit. ing in; informol minus.
informol knock for six. devote verb dedicate, allocate, assign,
devastation noun destruction, ruin, allot, commit. give (over). consign,
desolation, wrer kage. ruins. pledge, set aside, earmark, reserve.
develop verb 1 grow, expand, spread, devoted odjective dedicated, com-
advance, progress, evolve, mature. mitted, devout, loyal, faithful, true,
2 initiate, instigate, set in motion, staunch, steadfast, fond, loving.
originate, invent, form. 3 expand, aug- devotee noun enthusiast, fan, lover,
ment, broaden, supplement, reinforce, aficionado, admirer, supporter, disciple;
enhance, refine, improve, polish, informol buf, freak, nut, fanatic.
perfect. 4 start, begin, emerge, erupt, devotion noun 1 loyalty, fidelity,
break out, arise, break, unfold. commitment, allegiance, dedication,
development noun 1 evolution, fondness, love, care.2 piety, spiritual-
growth, expansion, enlargement, ity, godliness, holiness, sanctity.
113 devour -+ different

devour verb 1 gobble, guzzle, gulp iwono ltrurs 'l

down, bolt, wolf informolpolish off; lexicography writing of dictio-naries

I
Brit. informol scoff. 2 consume, engulf,
envelop. die verb 1 pass away, pass on, perish;
informol give up the qhost, kicl( the
devout odjective dedicated, devoted,
bucket, croal<, bite the dust, flatline;
committed, loyal, sincere, fervent,
pious, reverent, Cod-fearing, dutiful, Brit. informol snuff it, peg out, pop your ,,r.:r:r:.:.::r:r.:

churchgoing. clogs: Aj. Amer. informolbuy the farm.

2 lessen. subside, drop. ease (off), let
diagnose verb identify, determine, dis- up, moderate, abate, fade, peter out,
tinguish, recognize, interpret, detect, wane, ebb. 3 (infornol) the engine died
pinpoint.
fail, cut out, give out, break down,
diagnosis noun 1 identification, stop; informol conk out, go kaput; Brit.
detection, recognition, determination, informol pack u p.
discovery, pinpointing. 2 opinion, - OPPOSITES live.
judgement. verdict, conclusion.
diet noun 1 o heolthy dietlood, nutri-
diagonal odjective crosswise. cross- tion, eating habits. 2 she's on o diet
ways, slanting, slanted, oblique, dietary regime, regimen, restricted
angled, cornerways. cornerwise. diet, fast.
diagram noun drawing, representa- averbbe on a diet, slim, lose weight,
tion, plan, outline, figure, chart, graph. watch your weighU N. Amer. reduce;
dialogue noun conversation, talk, N. Amer. informol slenderize.
discussion, chat, t6te-i-tAte, exchange, difrer verb 1 the second set of doto dif-
debate, conference, consultation; infor-
fered from the frsf contrast with, be
mol confab; Austrol. informol convo. different to, vary from, deviate from,
diary noun 1 appointment book, conflict with, run counter to, be at odds
engagement book, personal organizer; with, contradict. 2 disagree, conflict,
trodemork Filofax. 2 journal, mem- be at variance/odds, be in dispute, not
oir, chronicle, log, logbook, history, see eye to eye.
annal, record, weblog, blog; tV. Amer. - OPPOSITES resemble, agree.
daybook.
difference noun 1 dissimilarity,
dictate verb 1 prescribe, lay down, contrast, distinction, differentiation,
impose, set down, order, command, variance, variation, divergence, dispar-
decree, ordain, direct. 2 determine, ity, contradiction. 2 disagreement, dif-
control, govern, decide, influence, ference of opinion, dispute, argument,
affect. quarrel; Brit. row. 3l'll poy the difference
tr dictate to give orders to, order balance, remainder, rest.
about/around, lord it over; informol - OPPOSITES similarity.
boss aboutiaround, push about/
around. different odjective 1 dissimilar,
unlike. contrasting. diflering, varying,
dictator noun autocrat, despot, tyrant,
disparate, poles apart, incompatible,
absolute ruler. mismatched; informol like chalk and
- OPPOSITES democrat.
cheese. 2 changed, altered, trans-
dictatorial adjective domineering, formed, new, unfamiliar, unknown,
autocratic, authoritarian. oppressive. strange. 3 distinct, separate, individ-
imperious, overweening, overbear- ual, independent. 4 (informol) unusual,
ing, peremptory : informol bossy, out of the ordinary, unfamiliar, novel,
high-handed. new, fresh, original, unconventional,
dictionary noun lexicon, glossary, exotic.
voca bulary. - OPPOSITES similal ordinary.
 difficult -+ diminish

difticult odjective 1 o difficult iob laboti- magnifi cence, ceremoniousness,

ous, strenuous, arduous, hard, tough, formality, decorum, propriety, respect-
demanding, punishing, gruelling, back- ability, worthiness, integrity, solemnity,
breaking, exhausting, tiring ; informol gravitas. 2 self-respect, pride, self-
hellish, killing, no picnic. 2 a diffrcult esteem, self-worth.
problem hard, complicated, complex, dilapidated adjective run down,
*$S!: puzzling, perplexing, baffling, prob- tumbledown, ramshackle, in disrepair,
ili,:tl lematic, thorny, ticklish. 3 a difficult shabby, battered, rickety, crumbling,
child troublesome, tiresome, trying, in ruins, ruined, decaying, decrepit,
exasperating, awkward, demanding, neglected, uncared-for, gone to rack
contrary, recalcitrant, uncooperative, and ruin.
fussy. dilemma noun quandary, predica-
- oPPOSITES easy, simple, cooperative. ment, catch-22, vicious circle, plight,
difficulty noun 1 strain, stress, trouble, confl ict; informol fix, tight spot/corner;
problems, struggle; informol hassle. (in a dilemma) between the devil and
2 problem, complication, snag, hitch, the deep blue sea, between a rock and
issue, obstacle, hurdle, stumbling a hard place.
block, pitfall; Brit. spanner in the works; diligent odjective industrious, hard-
informol headache. 3 he got into difficul- working, assiduous, conscientious,
ties trouble, predicament, plight, hard particular, punctilious, meticulous,
times: informol fix. scrape, iam. painstaking, rigorous, careful, thor-
- OPPOSITES ease. ough, sedulous.
diffident odjective shy, bashful, mod' - oPPoSITES lazy.
est, self-effacing, unassuming, meek, dilute verb 1 dilute the bleoch with woter
unconfi dent, insecure, unassertive, make weaker, water down, thin,
timid, shrinking, reticent. doctor, adulterate; informol cut. 2 the
- oPPOslTEs confident. originol plons have been diluted tone
dig verb 1 she begon to dig the soil turn down, moderate, weaken, water down,
over, work, break up. 2 he dug o hole compromise.
excavate, dig out, quarry, hollow out, dim adjective 1 the dim /lght faint, weak,
scoop out, bore, burrow, mine. 3 poke, feeble, soft, pale, dull, subdued, muted.
prod, jab, stab, shove, ram, push, 2long dim corridors dark, badly lit,
thrust, drive, stick.4 delve, probe, dingy, dismal, gloomy, murky.3 o dlm
search, enquire, look, investigate,
fgure indistinct, ill-defi ned, vague,
research. shadowy, nebulous, blurred, fuzzy.
a noun 1 poke, prod, jab, stab, shove, 4 dim memories vague. imprecise.
push.2 (informol) snide remark, cut- imperfect, unclear, indistinct, sketchy,
ting remark, jibe, taunt, sneer, insult; hazy. 5 see stupid (sense 1 ).
informol wisecrack, put-down. - oPPoslTES bright, distinct, clear.
o dig up exhume, disinter, unearth. l
a verb turn down, lower, soften,
digest verb assimilate, absorb, take in, subdue. 2 fade, dwindle, dull.
understand, comprehend, grasp. - oPPoSITES brighten.
a noun summary, synopsis, abstract, dimension noun 1 size, measurements,
precis, 16sum6, summation. proportions, extent, length, width,
dignifi ed odjectirze stately, noble, breadth, depth. 2 aspect, feature, ele-
majestic, distinguished, regal, impos- ment, angle, facet, side.
ing, impressive, grand, solemn, formal, diminish verb 1 subside, lessen,
ceTemonious, decorous, sedate. decline, reduce, decrease, dwindle,
dignity noun 1 stateliness, nobility, fade, slacken off, let up. 2 new lows
majesty, impressiveness, grandeur, diminished the courts' outhority reduce,
115 din -+ dirty
decrease, lessen, curtail, cut, limit, uninterrupted. 3 frank, candid,
curb. straightforward, open, blunt, plain-
- OPPOSITES increase. spoken, outspoken, forthright,
din noun noise, racl<et, rumpus, no-nonsense, matter-of-fact; informol
cacophony, hubbub, uproar, commo- upfront.
tion, clangour, clatter, clamour; Erit a verb 1 manage, govern, run, admin-
row ; informol hullabaloo. ister, control, conduct, handle, be in
- oPPostrEs silence. charge of, preside over, lead, head,
dine verb eat, have dinner, have lunch. rule. 2 aim, target, address to, intend
for, mean for, design for. 3 give direc-
dingy odjective gloomy, dark, dull, dim, tions, show the way, point someone in
dismal, dreary, drab, sombre. grim,
the direction of. 4 instruct, tell, com-
cheerless, dirty, grimy, shabby, seedy,
mand, order, require; old usebid.
run down.
- OPPoSITES bright. direction noun 1 way, route, course,
line, bearing, orientation. 2 running,
dinner noun main meal, lunch, evening management, administration, conduct,
meal, supper, feast, banquet; Brif. tea.
handling, supervision, superintend-
dip verb 1 immerse, submerge, plunge, ence, command, rule, leadership.
dunk, bathe, sink.2 sink, set, drop, 3 instruction, order, command, rule,
fall, descend. 3 decrease, fall, drop, fall regulation, requirement.
off, decline, diminish, dwindle, slump,
directive noun instruction, direction,
plummet, plunge. 4 slope down,
command, order, injunction, decree,
descend, go down, drop (away), fall dictum, edict.
away.
- OPPOSITES rise, increase.
directly odverb 1 they ftew directly to
New York straight, as the crow flies.
a noun 1 swim, bathe, paddle.
2 slope, incline, decline, descent, 2 directly ofter breokfast immediately,
hollow, depression, basin. 3 decrease, right (away), straight (away), without
fall, drop, downturn, decline, falling-off, delay, promptly.3 the houses directly
slump, reduction. opposite exactly, right, immed iately,
tr dip into 1 draw on, use, spend. diametrically; informol bang. 4 frankly,
2 browse through, skim through, look candidly, openly, bluntly, forthrightly,
through, flick through. without beating about the bush.
diplomacy noun 1 statesmanship, director noun manager, head, chiel
principal, leader, governor, president,
statecraft , negotiation(s), discussion(s),
chair, chief executive; informol boss,
talks. 2 tact, tactfulness, sensitivity,
qaffer.
discretion, soft skills.
diplomat noun ambassador, atta-
dirt noun 1 grime, filth, muck, dust,
mud, pollution; Brit. informol gunge.
ch6, consul, cha196 d'affaires, envoy,
emissa ry.
2 o dirt rood earth, soil, clay, loam.
diplomatic odjective tactfu I, sensitive,
dirty odjective 1 soiled, grimy, grubby,
filthy, mucky, stained, unwashed,
subtle, delicate, polite, discreet, judi-
greasy, muddy, dusty, polluted,
cious, politic.
contaminated, foul, unhygienic; Brit.
- OPPOSITES tactless.
informolmanky, grotty. 2 obscene,
dire o dje ctive terrible, d rea df u l, indecent, rude, naughty, vulgar,
appalling, frightful, awlul, grim, sore. smutty, coarse, crude, filthy, offcolour,
alarming, acute, grave, serious, urgent, pornographic, explicit, X+ated; informol
pressing, wretched, desperate, parlous. blue; euphemisfic adult. 3 malevolent,
direct odjective I straight, short, hostile, black, angry, disapproving.
quick. 2 non-stop, throuqh, unbroken, - oPPostrES clean.
 disability -+ disaster 116

a verb soil, stain, muddy, blacken, disillusion, shatter someone's illusions.

mess (up), mark, spatter, smudge, disappointed odjective upset, sad-
smear, splatter, sully, pollute, foul. dened, Iet down, displeased, dissatis-
disability noun handicap, incapacity, fi ed, disheartened, downhearted,
impairment, infirmity, defect, abnor' discouraged, crestfallen, disenchanted,
mality, condition, disorder, affliction. disillusioned; informol choked, cut up;
Brit. informol gutted, as sick as a parrot.
S?!: disable verb 1 incapacitate, put out of - oPPosrrEs delighted.
;illi;*!r| action, debilitate, handicap, cripple,
lame, maim, immobilize, paralyse. disappointment noun 1 sadness,
2 deactivate, defuse, disarm, make sorrow, regret, dismay, displeasure,
safe. dissatisfaction, disenchantment, disil-
disabled adjective handicapped, lusionment. 2 let-down, non-event,
incapacitated, infirm, crippled, lame, anticlimax; Brit. damp squib; informol
paralysed, immobilized, bedridden; washout.
euphemistic physically challenged, dif- - OPPoslTEs delight.
ferently abled. disapproval noun disfavour, objection,
- oPPoslTES able-bodied. dislike, dissatisfaction, distaste, dis-
disadvantage noun 1 drawback, snag, pleasure, criticism, censure, condemna-
downside, fly in the ointment, catch, tion, denunciation.
nuisance, handicap, trouble; informol - OPPOSITES approval.
minus. 2 detriment, prejudice, harm, disapprove verb
loss, hurt. o disapprove of object to, have a

- oPPostrEs advantage. poor opinion ol take exception to,

disagree verb 1 be of a different dislike, take a dim view of, look askance
opinion, not see eye to eye, take issue, at, frown on, be against, not believe in,
challenge, contradict, differ, dissent, be deplore, censure, condemn, denounce.
in dispute, clash. 2 differ, be dissimilar, disarm verb 1 lay down your arms,
be different, be at variance/odds, vary, demobilize, disband, demilitarize.
contradict each other, conflict. 3 the 2 defuse, disable, deactivate, make
food disogreed with her make ill, make safe. 3 win over, charm, persuade,
unwell, upset, nauseate. soothe, mollify, appease, placate.
- OPPOSITES agree. - OPPOSITES arm. antagoni/e.
disagreeable adiective unpleasant, dis' disarmament noun demilitarization,
tasteful, of-putting, unpalatable, nasty, demobilization, disbandment, decom-
objectionable, disgusting, horrible, missioning, arms reduction, arms
offensive, repulsive, obnoxious, odious, limitation.
repellent, revolting, vile, foul. disarming odjective winning, cha rm-
- oPPoslrES pleasant. ing, irresistible, persuasive, soothing,
disagreement noun dissent, difference conciliatory, mollifying.
of opinion, controversy, discord, divi- disarray noun disorder, confusion,
sion, dispute, quarrel. chaos, untidiness, disorganization, a
- oPPoslTEs agreement. mess, a muddle ; informol a shambles;
disappear verb 1 vanish, be lost to Brit. informal an omnishambles.
view/sight, recede, fade away, melt - oPPoslTES tidiness.
away, clear. 2 die out, cease to exist, disaster noun 1 catastrophe, calam-
end, go, pass away, pass into oblivion, ity, cataclysm, tragedy, act of Cod,
vanish, perish. accident. 2 misfortune, mishap,
- oPPostrES materialize. misadventure, setback, reversal, stroke
disappoint verb let down, fail, dissat- of bad luck, blow.3 failure, fiasco,
isfy, upset, dismay, sadden, disenchant, catastrophe; informol flop, washout,
 111 disastrous -; discover
dead loss, fail. discolour verb stain, mark, soil, dirty,
- oPPOSITES success. streak, smear, tarnish, spoil.
disastrous odjective catastrophic, discomfort noun 1 pain, aches and
calamitous, cataclysmic, tragic, devas- pains, soreness, aching, twinge, pang,
tating, ruinous, terrible, awful. throb, cramp. 2 inconvenience,
disbelief noun incredulity, incredu- difficulty, problem, trial, tribulation,
lousness, scepticism, doubt, cynicism, hardship. 3 embarrassment, discomfi.
suspicion, distrust. ture, unease, awkwardness, discompo-
discard verb dispose of, throw away/ sure, confusion, nervousness, distress,
out, get rid of, toss out, jettison, dis- anxiety.
pense with, scrap, reject, drop; informal disconnect verb 1 detach, disengage,
ditch, bin, junk; Brit. informolget shot uncouple, unhook, unhitch, undo,
o[: N. Amer. informol trash. unfasten, unyoke. 2 separate, cut
- OPPOSITES l(eep. off, divorce, sever, isolate, dissociate,
discharge verb 1 dismiss, eject, Temove. 3 deactivate, shut off, turn
expel,
throw out, make redundant, release, off, switch off, unplug.
let go; Militory cashier; lnformol sack, -OPPOSITES attach, connect.
fire. 2 free, set free, release, let out, discontent noun dissatisfaction,
liberate. 3 emit, give off, let out, send disaffection, grievances, unhappiness,
out, exude, leak, secrete, excrete, displeasure, resentment, envy, restless-
release. 4 fire, shoot, let off, set off, ness, unrest, unease.
loose off, trigger, launch. 5 unload, -OPPOSITES satisfaction.
offload, put off, remove.6 carry out, discontented odjective dissatisfi ed,
perform, execute, conduct, fulfil, disgruntled, disaffected, unhappy,
complete. aggrieved, displeased, resentful,
- OPPOSITES recruit, imprison. envious, restless, frustrated; informol
a noun 1 dismissal, release, removal, fed up.
ejection, expulsion; Militory cashiering ; -OPPOSITES satisfied.
informol the sack, the boot. 2 leak, discordant odjective tunelesss, i nhar-
leakage, emission, secretion, excre- monious, of-key, dissonant, harsh, jar-
tion, suppuration, pus.3 carrying out, ring, grating, jangly, jangling, strident,
performance, execution, conduct, fulfil- shrill, cacophonous.
ment, accomplishment, completion. -OPPOSITES harmonious.
disciple noun follower, adherent, discount noun reduction, deduction,
believer, admirer, devotee, acolyte, marl<down, price cut, concession.
apostle, supporter, advocate. rebate.
discipline noun 1 control, regulation, averb 1 disregard, pay no atten-
direction, order, authority, strictness. tion to, take no notice of, dismiss,
2 good behaviour, order, control, ig nore, overlook; nformol pooh-pooh.
i

obedience. 3 field (of study), branch 2 reduce, mark down, cut, lower;
of knowledge, subject, area, speciality. informolknock down.
a verb 1 train, drill, teach, school, discourage verb 1 dissuade, deter,
coach.2 punish, penalize, bring to put off, talk out of. 2 dishearten,
book, reprimand, rebuke; Brit. informol dispirit, demoralize, disappoint, put off,
carpet. unneTVe, daunt, intimidate. 3 prevent,
disclose yerb reveal, make known, deter, stop, avert, inhibit, curb.
divulge, tell, impart, communicate, -OPPOSITES encourage.
pass on, release, make public, broad- discover verb 1 find, locate, come
cast, publish. across/upon, stumble on, chance on,
- OPPOSITES conceal. uncover, unearth, turn up.2 find out,
discovery -+ disgruntled 118

learn, realize, ascertain, work out, 2 examine, explore, study, analyse, go

recognize; informol figure out; Brit. into. deal with. consider, tackle.
informoltwig. discussion noun 1 conversation, talk,
discovery noun 1 finding, location, chat, dialogue, conference, debate,
uncovering, unearthing. 2 realiza- exchange of views, consultation,
tion, recognition, revelation, disclo. deliberation; informol confab : Austrol.
sure. 3 breakthrough, finding, find, informol convo. 2 examination,
innovation. exploration, study, analysis, treatment,
discredit verb 1 bring into disrepute, consideration.
disqrace, dishonour, blacken the name disdain noun contempt, scorn, deri-
of, put/show in a bad light, compro- sion, disrespect, condescension, super-
mise, smear, tarnish; N. Amer. slur. ciliousness, hauteur, haughtiness.
2 disprove, invalidate, explode, refute; - OPPOSITES respect.
informol debunk. o verb scorn, deride, regard with con-
- OPPOSITES honour, Prove. tempt, sneer at, look down your nose
o noun dishonour, disgrace, shame, at, look down on, despise.
humiliation, ignominy. disease noun illness, sicl<ness, ill health,
discreet odjective tactlul, circumspect, infection, ailment, malady, disorder,
diplomatic, judicious, sensitive, careful, condition, problem; informal bug, virus;
cautious, strategic. Brit. informal lurgy.
discrepancy noun difference, disparity, wono LrHxs
variation, deviation, divergence, disa- pathological relating to disease
greement, inconsistency, mismatch, I
conflict. diseased odjective unhealthy, ill, sick,
- oPPoslTEs correspondence. unwell, ailing, infected, septic, rotten,
discretion noun 1 tact, diplomacy, deli- bad.
cacy, sensitivity, good sense, prudence, disgrace noun 1 dishonour, shame,
circumspection .2 at the discretion of discredit, ignominy, disrepute, infamy,
the counci/ choice, option, preference, scandal, stigma, humiliation, loss of
disposition, pleasure, will, inclination. face. 2 scandal, discredit, reproach,
discriminate verb 1 differentiate, stain, blemish, blot, black mark, out'
distinguish, draw a distinction, tell the rage, affront.
difference, tell apart, separate. 2 poli- - oPPoSlTEs honour, credit.
cies thot discriminote ogoinst women be a verb shame, bring shame on, dishon-
biased, be prejudiced, treat differently, our, discredit, stigmatize, taint, sully,
treat unfairly, put at a disadvantage, tarnish, stain, blacken.
victimize, pick on. - OPPOSITES honour.
discriminating odjective discern- disgraceful odjective shameful, scan-
ing, perceptive, judicious, selective, dalous, contemptible, dishonourable,
tasteful, refi ned, sensitive, cultivated, discreditable, disreputable, reprehensi-
cultured. ble, blameworthy, unworthy, ignoble.
- oPPoslTES indiscriminate. - OPPOSITES admirable.
discrimination noun 1 prejudice, bias, disgruntled adjective dissatisfied, dis'
bigotry, intolerance, favouritism, par' contented, fed up, put out, aggrieved,
tisanship. 2 discernment, judgement, resentful, displeased, unhappy, disap-
perceptiveness, (good) taste, refi ne' pointed, annoyed; informol hacked off,
ment, sensitivity, cultivation. browned off; Brit. informol cheesed
- oPPoslTEs impartiality. off, narked, not best pleased; N. Amer.
discuss verb 1 talk over, tall< about, informol sore, ticked off.
talk through, debate, confer about. - OPPOSITES contented.
119 disguise + disobedient
disguise verb camouflage, conceal, collapse, fragment, shatter, splinter.
hide, cover up, masl<, screen, veil, disinterested odjective unbiased,
paPer over. unprejudiced, impartial, neutral,
- OPPOSITES expose. detached, objective, dispassionate,
disgust noun revulsion, repugnance, non-partisan.
aversion, distaste, abhorrence, loath.
dislikeverbfinddistasteful,regard .;!r.!.i,.,j
ing, hatred.
- OPPOSITES delight.
with distaste, be averse to, have an i!1t lliii
aversion to, disapprove oi, objecl. Lo.
o verb revolt, repel, repulse, slcken, take exception to, have no taste for,
nauseate, horrify, appal, shock, turn
hate, despise.
someone's stomach, scandalize, out-
- OPPOSITES like.
rage, offend, affront; tV. Amer. informol
a noun distaste, aversion, disfavour,
gross out.
antipathy, disgust, abhorrence, hatred.
- oPPoslTEs delight.
- OPPoSITES liking.
disgusting odjective 1 the food wos
disloyal odjective unfaithful, faithless,
disgusti ng revolting, repulsive, sicken.
false, untrue, inconstant, two-faced,
ing, nauseating, stomach-turning, off-
double-dealing, double-crossing, deceit-
putting; N. Amer. vomitous; informol
ful, treacherous, subversive, seditious,
g ross, sick-ma king. 2 I flnd racism
unpatriotic; informol back-stabbing,
disgusting outrageous, objectionable,
two-timi ng ; lite ro ry perfidious.
abhorrent, repellent, loathsome, offen-
sive, appalling, shocking, horrifying, dismal odjective 1 a dismol look gloomy,
scandalous, monstrous, detestable; glum, melancholy, morose, doleful,
informol sick. woebegone, forlorn, dejected, down-
- OPPoSITES delightful. cast. 2 o dismol halldim, dingy, dark,
gloomy, dreary, drab, dull.
dish noun 1 bowl, plate, platter, salver,
pot. 2 recipe, meal, course, fare. - oPPostTEs cheerful, bright.
o dish out distribute, dispense, issue. dismantle verb take apart, take to
hand out/round, give out, pass round, pieces/bits, pull to pieces, disassemble,
deal out, dole out, allocate. break up, strip (down).
dishevelled odjective untidy, unkempt, - oPPoSlTEs build.
scruffy, messy, disarranged, rumpled, dismay noun alarm, distress, conceTn,
bedraggled, tousled, tangled, wind- consternation, disquiet.
swept; /V. Amer. informol mussed (up). - oPPostTEs pleasure, relief.
- OPPOSITES tidy. a verb concern, distress, disturb,
dishonest odjective lraudulent, cheat- worry, alarm, disconcert, take aback,
ing, underhand, devious, treacherous, unnerve, unsettle.
unfair, dirty, criminal, illegal, unlaw- - OPPOSITES encourage.
ful, false, untruthful, deceitful, Iying, dismiss verb 1 give someone their
corupt, dishonourable, untrustworthy, notice, discharge, lay off, make redun-
unscrupulous; informol crooked, shady, dant; informol sack, fire. 2 send away,
sharp; Brif. informol bent; Austral.lNZ let go, release, disband, discharge.
informol shonky. 3 banish, set aside, put out of your
- OPPOSITES honest. mind, brush aside, reject, repudiate,
dishonourable o dje ctive disg racefu l, spurn; i nformol pooh-pooh.
shameful, discreditable, ignoble, repre- disobedient odjective naughty, insub.
hensible, shabby, shoddy, despicable, ordinate, defiant, unruly, wayward,
contemptible, base, low. badly behaved, delinquent, rebellious,
disintegrate verb break up, crumble, mutinous, troublesome, wilful.
breal< apart, fall apart, fall to pieces, - oPPosrTES obedient.
disobey -+ dispute 124

disobey verb defy, go against, flout, leave out, forgo, do away with; informol
(ontravene, Infringe, transgress. vio- give something a miss. 2 get rid of,
late, disregard, ignore, pay no heed to. throw awayi out, dispose of, discard;
disorder noun 1 untidiness, mess, informol ditch, scrap, dump, chuck out/
away; Brit informalget shot of.
disarray, chaos, confusion, clutter,
jumble, a muddle; informola sham- disperse verb 1 break up, split up, dis'
bles; Brit. informol an omnishambles. band, scatter, leave, go their separate
2 unrest, disturbance, turmoil, may- ways, drive away/off, chase away. 2 dis-
hem, violence, fighting, fracas, rioting, sipate, dissolve, melt away, fade away,
lawlessness, anarchy, breach of the clear, |ift.3 scatter, distribute, spread,
peace. 3 disease, infection, complaint, disseminate.
condition, affliction, malady, sickness, - oPPoSITES assemble, gather.
illness, ailment. displace verb I dislodge, dislocate,
- oPPoSlTEs tidiness, peace. move out of place/position, shift.
disorderly odjective 1 untidy, disorgan' 2 replace, take the place of, supplant,
ized, topsy-turvy, at sixes and sevens, supersede, oust, remove, depose.
messy, jumbled, cluttered, in disarray, display verb 1 exhibit, show arrange,
chaotic; informollike a bomb's hit it, array, present, lay out, set out.2 show
higgledy-piggle dy; Brit. informal sham- off, parade, highliqht, reveal, showcase.
bolic. 2 unruly, riotous, disruptive, 3 manifest, be evidence of, reveal,
troublesome, dlsobedient, lawless. demonstrate, show.
- oPPoSITES tidy, peaceful. - OPPOSITES conceal.
disorganized o dj ective unmethodical, a noun 1 exhibition, exposition, array,
unsystematic, undisciplined, unstruc- arrangement, presentation, demon'
tured, haphazard, chaotic, muddled, stration, spectacle, show, parade.
hit-or-miss, sloppy, slapdash, slipshod; 2 manifestation, expression, show,
Brit. informol shambolic. proof, demonstration, evidence.
- oPPoslrES organized. displease verb annoy, irritate, anger,
disown verb reject, cast off/aside, incense, irl<, vex, nettle, put out, upset,
abandon, renounce, repudiate, deny, exasperate.
turn your back on, wash your hands of,
disinherit. dispose verb
o dispose of throw away, throw out,
dispatch verb I send (off), post, mail, get rid of, discard, jettison, scrap;
forward. 2 deal with, finish, conclude, informoldump, junk, ditch, chuck
settle, discharge, perform. 3 kill, put to (out/away); Brit. informolget shot of;
death, massacre, wipe out, extermi- N. Amer. lnformol trash.
nate, eliminate, murder, assassinate,
execute. disposition noun I temperament,
a noun message. report, communica- natu re, character, constitution,
tion, communiqu6, bulletin, statement, mal<e-up, mentality. 2 arrangement,
letter, news, intelligence. positioning, placement, configuration,
set-up, line-up, layout.
dispel verb banish, drive away/off, chase
away, scatter, eliminate, dismiss, allay, disprove verb refute, prove false, rebut,
ease, quell. debunl<, give the lie to, demolish;
informolshoot full of holes, blow out of
dispense verb 1 distribute, pass round,
hand out, dole out, dish out, share
the water.
out. 2 administer, deliver, issue, deal dispute noun 1 debate. discussion.
out, mete out. 3 dispensing medicines argument, controversy, disagreement,
prepare, make up, supply, provide. dissent, conflict. 2 quarrel, argument,
o dispense with 1 waive, omit, drop, altercation, squabble, falling-out,
 121 disqualify -+ distinct
disagreement, difference of opinion, dissident noun dissenter, objector, pro-
clash; Brit. row. tester, rebel, revolutionary, subversive,
- OPPOSITES agreement. agitator, refusenik.
a verb 1 debate, discuss, exchange - oPpoStTES conformist.
views, quarrel, argue, disagree, clash, o odjective dissenting. opposing,
fall out, wrangle, bicker, squabble. objecting, protesting, rebellious, revo-
2 challenge, contest, question, call lutionary, subversive, nonconformist. .,.itit.lt.rri:i.:ii:i

into question, quibble over, contradict, - oPPoStTEs conformist.

argue about, disagree with, tal<e issue dissimilar adjectivedifferent, diflering,
with. unalike, variant, diverse, divergent,
- OPPOSITES accept. heterogeneous, disparate, unrelated,
disqualify verb rule out, bar, exclude, distinct, contrasting.
prohibit, debar, preclude. dissociate yerb separate, detach, dis-
disregard verb ignore, take no notice connect, sever, cut off, divorce, isolate,
of, pay no attention to, discount, a ienate.
I

overlook, turn a blind eye to, shut your - OPPOSITES associate.

eyes to, gloss over, brush off/aside, dissolve yerb 1 break down, liq-
shrug off. uefy, melt, deliquesce, disintegrate.
- OPPOSITES heed. 2 disband, disperse, bring to an end,
o noun indifference, non-observance, end, terminate, discontinue, break up,
inattention, heedlessness, neglect, close down, wind upidown, suspend,
contempt. adjourn. 3 annul, nullify, void, invali-
- OPPOSITES attention. date, revoke.
disrupt verb interrupt, disturb, dissuade verb discourage, deter,
interfere with, play havoc with, upset, prevent, stop, talk out of, persuade
unsettle, obstruct, impede, hold up, against, advise against, argue out of.
delay. - oPPOSITES encourage.
disruptive odjective I troublesome, distance noun 1 interval, space, span,
disturbing, upsetting, unsettling, gap, extent, length, range, reach.
unruly, badly behaved, rowdy, dis- 2 aloofness, remoteness, detachment,
orderly, undisciplined, unmanage- unfriendliness, Teserve, reticence, for-
able, uncontrollable, uncooperative, mality: informol stand-offishness.
atte ntion-seeki ng. - OPPOSITES proximity.
- oPPostTES well behaved. 2 innova- distant odjective 1 faraway, far-off, far-
tive, groundbreaking, inventive, flung, remote, out of the way, outlying.
ingenious, pioneering, revolutionary, 2 bygone, remote, ancient, prehistoric.
radical, experimental, original, new, 3 vague, faint, dim, indistinct, sketchy,
novel, fresh, unusual; informol edgy. hazy.4 aloof, reserved, remote,
dissatisfi ed o djective discontented, detached, unapproachable, unfriendly;
disappointed, disaffected, displeased, lnformol stand-offish. 5 distracted,
disgruntled, aggrieved, unhappy. absent, faraway, detached, vague.
- OPPOSITES contented. - OPPOSITES near, close, recent.
dissent verb disagree, differ, demur, be distasteful o djective unpleasant,
at variancei odds, take issue, protest, disagreeable, displeasing, undesirable,
object. objectionable, offensive, unsavoury,
- OPPOSITES agree, conform. unpalatable.
o noun disagreement, difference of - oPPosrrES agreeable.
opinion, argument, dispute, resistance, distinct odjective 1 two distinct cot-
objection, prol"est, opposition. egories discrete, separate, different,
- oPPoStTEs agreement, conformity. u nconnected, distinctive, contrasting.
distinction -+ disturb 122

2 the toil hos distinct block tips clear, distraction noun 1 diversion, inter-
well defined, unmistakable, easily ruption, disturbance, interference.
distinguishable, recognizable, visible, 2 amusement, entertainment, diver-
obvious, pronounced, prominent, sion, recreation, pastime, leisure pursuit.
striking. distraught odjective distressed, frantic,
- OPPOSITES similar. fraught, overcome, overwrought,
distinction noun 1 difference, con' beside yourself, out of your mind, des-
trast, variation, division, differentiation, perate, hysterical, worked up, at your
discrepancy. 2 merit, worth, greatness, wits' end; informal in a state.
excellence, quality, repute, renown, - opposltrs calm.
honour, credit. distress noun 1 anguish, suffering,
- oPPoSITES similarity. pain, agony, torment, heartache,
distinctive odjective distinguishing, heartbreak, sorrow, sadness, unhappi-
characteristic, typical, individ ual, ness. 2 o shrp in distress danger, peril,
particular, peculiar, unique, exclusive, difficulty, trouble, jeopardy, risk.
special. - OPPOSITES happiness.
- OPPOSITES common. O verb upset, pain, trouble, worry, per-
turb, disturb, disquiet, agitate, torment.
distinctly odverb 1 decidedly,
markedly, defi nitely, unmistakably,
-OPPoSITES comfort.
manifestly, patently. 2 clearly, plainly, distribute verb 1 give out, deal out,
intelligibly, audibly. dole out, dish out, hand out/round,
share out, divide out/up, parcel out,
distinguish verb 1 differentiate, tell
apportion, allocate, allot. 2 the newslet-
apart, discriminate between, tell the ter is distributed free circulate, issue,
difference between. 2 discern, see, deliver, disseminate, publish.
perceive, make out. detect. recognize,
-OPPOSIIES collect.
identify. 3 separate, set apart, make
distinctive, make different, single out, distribution noun 1 the distribution of
oid giving out, dealing out, doling out,
mark off.
handing out/round, issuing, allocation,
distinguished odjective eminent, sharing out, dividing up/out, parcelling
famous, renowned, prominent, well out. 2 centres of food distributlon sup-
known, great, esteemed, respected, ply, delivery, dispersal, transportation.
notable, illustrious, acclaimed,
celebrated.
district noun area, region, quarter, sec-
tor, zone, territory, locality, neighbour-
- oPPoslrEs unl<nown, obscure.
hood, community.
distorted odjective 1 twisted, warped, distrust noun mistrust. suspicion.
contorted, buckled, deformed, wariness, scepticism, doubt, cynicism,
malformed, misshapen, disfi gured, misgivings, qualms.
crooked, out of shape. 2 misrepre-
- OPPOSITES trust.
sented, perverted, twisted, falsified, a verb mistrust, be suspicious of, be
misreported, misstated, garbied, inac- wary of, be chary of, regard with sus-
curate. biased, prejudiced. picion, suspect, be sceptical of, doubt,
distract verb divert, sidetrack, draw be unsure of/about, have misgivings
away, lead astray, disturb, put off. about.
distracted o djective preoccupied, - OPPOSITES trust.
inattentive, vague, abstracted, absent- disturb verb 1 interrupt, intrude
minded, faraway, in a world of your on, butt in on, barge in on, distract,
own, troubled, harassed, worried; disrupt, bother, trouble, pester, harass.
informolmiles away, not with it. 2 move, rearrange, mix up, interfere
- OPPOSITES attentive. with, mess up. 3 perturb, trouble,
123 disturbance -+ divulge

concern, worry, upset, fluster, discon- delight, enchant, interest, fascinate,

cert, dismay, alarm, distress, unsettle. absorb, engross, rivet, grip.
- OPPOSITES calm, reassure. divide verb t he divided his kingdom
disturbance noun 1 disruption, dis- into four split (up), cut up, carve up,
traction, interference, inconvenience, dissect, bisect, halve, quarter.2 o
upset, annoyance, irritation, intrusion. curtoin divided her cobin from the golley
2 riot, fracas, brawl, street fight, free- separate, segregate, partition, screen
for-all, commotion, disorder. off, section off, split off. 3 diverge,
- oPPoSITES order. separate, part, branch (off), fork, split
disturbed odjective 1 disrupted, (in two). 4 share out, ration out,
interru pted, fitful, intermittent, parcel out, deal out, dole out, dish out,
broken. 2 troubled, distressed, upset, distribute. 5 disunite, drive apart, drive
distraught, unbalanced, unstable, disor- a wedge between, break up, split (up),
dered, dysfunctional, maladjusted, neu- separate, isolate, alienate.
rotic, unhlnged; informol screwed up. - oPPoSlTEs unify, converge, unite.
- oPPoSITES uninterrupted. divinel odjective godly, angelic, heav-
ditch noun trench, trough, channel, enly, celestial, holy, sacred.
dyke, drain, gutter, gully, watercourse. - oPPoSlTEs mortal.
dive I
verb plunge, plummet, nose- divine2 verb guess, surmise, deduce,
dive, jump, fall, drop, pitch. 2 leap, infer, discern, discover, perceive; infor-
jump, lunge, throw/fling yourself, go mol figure (out); Brit informol suss.
h ead long. division noun 1 the division of the islond
a noun 1 plunge, nosedive, jump, fall, dividing (up), breaking up, break-
drop, swoop. 2 Iunge, spring, jump, up, carving up, splitting, dissection,
leap. partitioning, separation, segregation.
diverge verb 1 separate, part, fork, 2 the division ofhrs estotes sharing out,
divide, split, bifurcate, go in different dividing up, parcelling out, dishing out,
directions. 2 differ, be different, be dis- allocation, allotment, splitting up, carv-
similar, disagree, be at variance/odds, ing up.3 dividing line, divide, bound-
conflict, clash. ary, border, demarcation line, gap, gulf.
- oPPOSITES converge, agree. 4 section, subsection, subdivision,
diverse a dj ective v arious, su nd ry, va r- category, class, group, grouping, set.
ied, varying, miscellaneous, assorted, 5 department, branch, arm. wing.
mixed, diversifled, divergent, different, 6 disunity, disunion, conflict, discord,
differing, distinct, unlike, dissimilar. disagreement, alienation, isolation.
- oPPoSITES similar. - OPPOSITES unification.
diversion noun 1 detour, deviation, divorce noun 1 dissolution, annulment,
alternative route, re-routing, redirec- decree nisi, separation. 2 the divorce
tion. 2 distraction, disturbance, between the church ond people separa-
smokescreen; nformol red herring.
i tion, division, split, gulf, disunity,
3 entertainment, amusement, pas- alienation, schism.
time, delight, fun, recreation, pleasure. - OPPOSITES marriage.
diversity noun variety, miscellany, o verb 1 split up, get a divorce,
assortment, mixture, mix, range, array, separate. 2 religion connot be divorced
mu ltiplicity, variation, difference. from morolity separate, divide, detach,
- oPPoSITES uniformity. isolate, alienate, set apart, cut off.
divert verb 1 re-route, redirect, change divulge verb disclose, reveal, tell, com-
the course of, deflect, channel. 2 dis- municate, pass on. publish, give away,
tract, sidetrack, disturb, draw away, let slip.
put off. 3 amuse, entertain, distract, - OPPOSITES conceal.
dizzy --s dominant 124

dlzzy odjective giddy, light-headed, dodge verbl he dodged the police elude,
faint, unsteady, shaky, muzzy, wobbly; evade, avoid, escape, run away from,
informolwoozy. lose, shake (oft): informolgive someone
do verb 1 she does most of the work the slip. 2 the minister tried to dodge the
carry out, undertake, discharge, debate avoid, evade, get out of, bacl<
execute, perform, accomplish, achieve, out of, sidestep; informol duck, wriggle
bring about, engineer; informol pull out of. 3 dart, duck, dive, swerve, veer.
off.2 they con do os they pleose act, a noun o clever dodge I o tox dodge
behave, conduct yourself. 3 suftice, ruse, scheme, tactic, stratagem, ploy,
be adequate, be satisfactory, fill/fit the subterfuge, trick, hoax, cheat, decep-
bill, serve. 4 a portrait I om doing make, tion, fraud; informolscam; Brif. informol
create, produce, work on, design, wheeze.
manufactu re. dog noun hound, canine, man's best
tr do away with abolish, get rid of, friend, mongrel; informol pooch, mutt;
eliminate, discontinue, stop, end, Austrol. informal bitzer.
terminate. drop, abandon, give up: a verb plague, beset, bedevil, blight,
informolscrap. do without forgo, dis- trouble.
pense with, abstain from, refrain from, WORD LINKS
eschew, give up, cut out, Tenounce, canine relating to dogs
manage without.
docile odjective compliant, obedient,
dogged o djecti ve tenacious, dete r.
mined, resolute, stubborn, obstinate,
pliant, submissive, deferential, unasser.
purposeful. persistent, persevering.
tive, cooperative, amenable, accommo-
single-minded, tireless.
dating, biddable.
- OPPOSITES half-hearted.
- OPPOSITES disobedient, wilful.
dogmatic adjective opinionated, asser-
dockl noun harbour, marina, port, tive, insistent, emphatic, adamant,
wharl quay, pier, jetty, landing stage. doctrinaire. authoritarian, imperious,
a verb moor, berth, put in, tie up, dictatorial, uncompromising.
anchor.
dole verb
dock2 verb 1 deduct, subtract, remove, o dole out deal out, share out, divide
debit, take off/away; informolknock off. up, allocate, distribute, dispense, hand
2 reduce, cut, decrease. 3 cut off, cut out, give out, dish out.
short, shorten, crop, lop.
domain noun 1 realm, kingdom,
doctor noun physician, medical prac. empire, dominion, province, territory,
titioner, general practitioner, CP, clini- land. 2 field, area, sphere, discipline,
cian, consultant; informol doc, medic; province, world.
Brit. informol quack.
domestic odjective 1 family, home,
a verb 1 adulterate, tamper with, lace; household. 2 domesticated, homely,
informolspike. 2 falsify, tamper with,
home-loving. 3 tame, pet, domesti-
interfere with, alter, change, forge,
cated; Bdt. house-trained. 4 national,
fake; Brit. informol fiddle.
state, home, internal.
doctrine noun creed, credo, dogma,
dominant odjective 1 ruling, govern-
belief, teaching, ideology, tenet, ing, controlling, presiding, command-
maxim, canon, principle. ing. 2 assertive, authoritative, forceful,
document noun paper, certificate, domineering, commandlng, control-
deed, form, contract, agreement, ling, pushy. 3 main, principal, prime,
report, record. chief, primary, central, key, crucial,
a verb record, register, report, log, COTC.
chronicle, a uthenticate, verify. - OPPOSITES subservient, subsidiary.
125 dominate -+ downfall

dominate verb 1 control, influence, o noun lookalike, twin, clone, dupli-

command, be in charge of, rule, cate, exact likeness, replica, copy, fac-
govern, direct. 2 overlook, command, simile, doppelg anger; informol spitting
tower above/over, loom over. image, dead ringer.
domination noun control, power, doubt noun 1 uncertainty, indecision,
command, authority, dominion, rule, hesitation, irresolution, hesitancy, vacil-
supremacy, superiority, ascendancy, lation, lack of conviction. 2 scepticism,
sway, mastery. distrust, mistrust, suspicion, cynicism,
domineering odjective overbearin g, wariness. reservations, misgivings,
suspicions.
authoritarian, imperious, high-handed,
peremptory, autocratic, dictatorial, - OPPOSITES certainty, trust.
despotic, strict, harsh; informol bossy. o verb disbelieve, distrust, mistrust,
suspect, be suspicious of, have misgiv-
don verb put on, get dressed in, dress ings about.
(yourself) in, get into, slip into/on,
o in doubt 1 doubtful, uncertain,
change into. unconfi rmed, unknown, undecided,
donate verb give, contribute, gift, sub- unresolved, in the balance, up in the
scribe, grant, present, endow; informol air: informoliffy. 2 irresolute, hesitant,
chip in, stump up. doubtful, unsure, uncertain, in two
donation noun gift, contribution, minds, undecided, in a quandary/
subscription, present, handout, grant, dilemma. no doubt doubtless,
offering. undoubtedly, indubitably, without (a)
doubt, unquestionably, undeniably,
donor noun giver, contributor, benefac-
clearly, plainly, obviously, patently.
tor, benefactress, subscriber, supporter,
backer, patron, sponsor. doubtful odjective t hesitant, in doubt,
- OPPOSITES benefi ciary. unsure, uncertain, in two minds, in a
quandary, in a dilemma. 2 in doubt,
doom noun destruction, downfall,
uncertain, open to question, unsure,
ruin, extinction, annihilation, death,
debatable, up in the air, inconclusive,
nemesis.
unconfi rmed. 3 unlikely, improbable.
a verb destine, fate, predestine, preor- 4 distrustful, mistrustful, sceptical,
dain, mean, condemn, sentence.
suspicious, having reservations, wary,
doomed odjective ill-fated, ill-starred, chary, leery. 5 questionable, dubious,
cursed, jinxed, damned; /iferory suspect, suspicious.
star-crossed - - oPPoSlTEs confident, certain.
dose noun measure, portion, draught, doubtless odverb undoubtedly, no
dosage. doubt, unquestionably, indisputably,
dot noun spot, speck, fleck, speckle, full undeniably, certainly, surely, of course.
stop, decimal point. douse yerb 1 drench, soak, saturate,
a verb 1 spot, fleck, mark, spatter. wet. 2 extinguish, put out, quench,
2 scatter, pepper, sprinkle, strew, smother.
spread. dowdy odjective unfashionable,
dote verb fru mpy, old-fashioned, shabby, frowzy;
tr dote on adore, love dearly, be Brit. informalmumsy.
devoted to, idolize, treasure, cherish, - oPPostTEs fashionable.
worship. downfall noun ruin, ruination, undo-
double odjective dual, duplex, twin, ing, defeat, overthrow, nemesis,
binary, duplicate, coupled, matching, destruction, annihilation, end, collapse,
twofold, in pairs. fall, crash, failure.
- OPPOSITES single. - OPPOSITES rise.
downgrade -+ draw 126

downgrade yerb demote, reduce, dramatic adjective 1 theatrical, thes-

relegate. pian, dramaturgical. 2 considerable,
- OPPOSITES promote. substantial, signifi cant, remarkable,
downright odjective complete, total, extraordinary, exceptional, phenom-
absolute, utter, thorough, out-and-out, enal. 3 exciting, stirring, action-
outright, sheer, arrant, pure. packed, sensational, spectacular,
a odverb thoroughly, utterly, posi. startling, unexpected. tense. gripping,
tively, profoundly, really, completely, riveting, thrilling, hair-raising, lively.
totally, entirely. 4 striking, impressive. imposing.
drab adjective 1 colourless, grey, dull, spectacular, breathta king, dazzling,
washed out, dingy, dreary, dismal, sensational, awesome, awe-inspiring,
cheerless, gloomy, sombre. 2 uninter- remarkable. 5 exaggerated, theatrical,
esting, dull, boring, tedious, monoto. ostentatious, actressy, stagy, showy,
nous, dry, dreary. melodramatic.
- OPPOSITES bright, interesting. - OPPOSITES unremarkable, boring.

draft noun 1 version, sketch, attempt, dramatize verb 1 adapt, turn into
effort, outline, plan.2 cheque, order, a play/fi|m.2 exaggerate, overdo,
money order, bill of exchange. overstate, magnify, amplify, inflate,
sensationalize, embroider, colour,
dragverb haul, pull, tug, heave, lug,
aggrandize, embellish, elaborate; infor-
draw, trail.
mol blow up (out of all proportion).
a noun 1 pull, resistance , tug.2 (infor-
mol) bore, nuisance, bother, trouble, drape verb wrap, cover, envelop,
pest, annoyance,trial; informol pain (in shroud, wind, swathe, festoon, hang.
the neck), bind, headache, hassle. drastic odjective extreme, serious, des-
drain verb 1 o volve for droining the tonk perate, radical, far-reaching, momen-
empty (out), void, clear (out), evacu- tous, substantial.
ate, unload. 2 droin off ony surplus liquid - oPPostTES moderate.
draw off, extract, siphon off, pour out, draught noun 1 current of air, wind,
pour off, bleed, tap, filter, discharge. breeze, gust, puff, waft. 2 gulp, drink,
3 the water droined owoy flow, pour, swallow, mouthful; informol swig.
trickle, stream, run, rush, gush, flood, draw verb 1 sketch, outline, rough out,
surge, leak, ooze, seep, dribble.4 use illustrate, render, represent, trace,
up, exhaust, deplete, consume, portray, depict. 2 pull, haul, drag,
expend, get through, sap, milk, bleed. tug, heave, lug, tow; informol yank.
5 drink, gulp (down), guzzle, quaff, 3 move, go, come, proceed, progress,
swallow, finish off, toss off; informol pass, drive. inch, roll, glide, cruise,
sink, down, swig, swill (down), knock sweep.4 pull out, take out, produce,
back. fish out, extract, withdraw, unsheathe.
- OPPOSITES fiII. 5 attract, win, capture, catch, engage,
a noun 1 sewer, channel, ditch, lure, entice, bring in.
culvert, duct, pipe, gutter.2 strain, o noun 1 raffle, lottery, sweepstake,
pressure, burden, load, demand. sweep, tombola, ballot. 2 tie, dead
drama noun 1 play. show, piece, heat, stalemate. 3 attraction, lure,
theatrical work, stage show, dramatiza- allure, pull, appeal, temptation, charm,
tion. 2 acting, the theatre, the stage, fascination.
dramatic art, stagecraft , dramaturqy. tr draw on call on, have recourse to,
3 incident, scene, spectacle, crisis, turn to, look to, exploit, use, employ,
disturbance, row, commotion, excite. utilize, bring into play. draw out
ment, thrill, sensation, dramatics, prolong, protract, drag out, spin out,
theatrics, histrionics. string out, extend, lengthen. draw up
127 drawback -+ drink

compose, formulate, frame, write unstimulating, uninspiring, soul-

down, draft, prepare, think up, devise, destroying, monotonous, uneventful.
work out, creal-e. inven[, desiqn. - oPPoslTES exciting.
drawback noun disadvantage, snag, drench verb soak, saturate, wet
downside, stumbling block, catch, through, douse, steep, flood, drown.
hitch, pitfall, issue, fly in the ointment, dress noun 1 o long b/ue dress frock,
weak spoti point, weakness, imperfec- gown, robe, shift.2 full evening dress
tion; informol minus. clothes, clothing, garments, garb,
- oPPos|TES benefit. attire, costume, outfiU informol get-up,
drawing noun sketch, picture, illustra' gear; Brlt. informol clobber; formol
tion, representation, portrayal, depic- apparel.
tion, diagram, outline. a verb 1 clothe, attire, deck out, garb;
lwono lttvt<s I
informolget up.2 decorate, trim,
adorn, arrange, prepare. 3 bandage,
graphic relating to drawing
cover, blnd, wrap.
dread verb fear, be afraid of, worry - oPPostrES undress.
about, be anxious about, shudder at IWoRD LINKS
the thought of. sartorial reiating to dress
o noun fear, apprehension, trePida'
tion, anxiety, panic, alarm, terror, dribble verb 1 drool, slaver, slobber.
dlsquiet, unease. 2 trickle, drip, roll, run, drlzzle, ooze,
dreadful odjective 1 o dreodful occident seep, leak.
terrible, frightful, horrible, 9rim, awful, drift verb 1 be carried, be borne, float,
horrifying, shocking, distressing, appall- bob, glide, coast, waft.2 wander,
ing, harrowing, ghastly, gruesome, meander, stray, stroll, dawdle, float,
fearful, horrendous, tragic. 2 o dreodful roam. 3 stray, digress, wander, deviate,
meol very bad, frightful, shocking, get sidetracked.4 pile up, bank uP,
awful, abysmal, dire, atrocious, dis- heap up, accumulate, gather, amass.
graceful, deplorable; informol woeful, a noun 1 movement, shift, flow, trans'
rotten, lousy, ropy; Brit. informol duff, fer, gravitation. 2 gist, meaning, sense.
rubbish. 3 o dreodful flirt outrageous, significance, thrust, import, tenor,
shocking, real, awful, terrible, inordi' intention, direction.3 pile, heap, bank,
nate, incorrigible. mound, mass, accumulation.
- oPPostrES wonderful, excellent. drillnoun 1 training, instruction, coach-
dream noun 1 daydream, reverie. ing, teaching. (physical) exercises:
trance, daze, stupor. 2 ambition, nformol square-bashing. 2 procedure,
i

aspiration, hope, goal, aim, objective, routine, practice, programme, sched-

intention, desire, wish, daYdream, ule, method, system.
fantasy. 3 delight, joy, marvel, wonder, a verb 1 bore, pierce, puncture, Per'
gem, treasure. forate. 2 train, instruct, coach, teach,
- OPPOSITES nightmare. discipline, exercise.
a verb 1 fantasize, daydream, wish, drink verb 1 swallow, gulp (down),
hope, long, yearn, hanker.2 daydream, quaff, guzzle, imbibe, sip, drain; infor'
be in a trance, be lost in thought, be mol swig, down, knocl< back. 2 drink
preoccupied, be abstracted, stare into alcohol, tipple, indulge, carouse; infor-
space, be in cloud cuckoo land. moi hit the bottle, booze; Brit. informol
tr dream up think uP, invent, concoct, bevvy.
devise, hatch, come uP with. o noun 1 beverage, liquid refresh'
dreary odjective dull, uninterest- ment; Brlt. informolbevvy. 2 alcohol,
ing, tedious, boring, unexciting, intoxicating liquor, spirits; informol
drip -+ dub 128

booze, the hard stuff, the bottle, grog. stimulant, hallucinogen; informol dope,
3 swallow, gulp, mouthful, draught, gear.
sip; informol swig, slug. a verb 1 anaesthetize, poison, knocl<
drip verb drop, dribble, leak, trickle, run, out; informol dope. 2 tamper with,
splash, sprinkle. lace, poison; informol dope, spike,
t noun drop, dribble, spot, trickle, doctor.
splash, bead. WORD LINKS
drive verb 1 operate, handle, manage, pharmacology branch of medicine
pilot, steer, work. 2 go by car, motor. concerned with drugs
3 run, chauffeur, give someone a lift, pharmacy (Brit. chemist; N. Amer.
take, ferry, transport, convey. 4 power, drugstore) shop selling drugs
propel, move, push. 5 hammer, screw,
ram, sink, plunge, thrust, knock. drum noun canister, barrel, cylinder,
5 force, compel, prompt, precipitate, tank, bin, can.
oblige, coerce, pressure, spur, prod. a verb 1 tap, beat, rap, thud, thump,
a noun 1 excursion, outing, trip, tattoo, thrum. 2 instil, drive, din, ham-
jaunt, tour, ride, run, journey; informol mer, drill, implant, ingrain, inculcate.
spin. 2 motivation, ambition, single- o drum up round up, gather, collect,
mindedness, determination, will power, summon, attract, canvass, solicit,
dedication, doggedness, tenacity, petition.
enthusiasm, zeal, commitment, energy, drunk o dj ective intoxicated, i nebriated,
vigour; informol get-up-and-go. 3 cam- drunken, tipsy, under the influence;
paign, crusade, movement, effort, nfo r mol tight, merry, plastered,
i

push, initiative. sloshed, pickled, tanked (up), ratted,

droop verb hang down, wilt, dangle, three sheets to the wind, squiffy; Brit.
sag, flop, sink, slump, drop. informol legless, paralytic, Brahms
and Liszt, tiddly; A/. Amer. informol
drop verb 1 let fall, let go of, release.
loaded.
2 fall, descend, plunge, plummet, dive,
sink, dip, tumble. 3 decrease, lessen,
- OPPOSITES sober.

reduce, fall, decline, dwindle, sink,

a noun drunkard, alcoholic, dipsoma-
niac, inebriate; informol boozer, soak,
slump.4 abandon, give up, discon-
wino, alky.
tinue, finish with, renounce, reject,
forgo, relinquish, dispense with, leave dry odjective 1 arid, parched, waterless,
out; informol dump, pack in, quit. dehydrated, desiccated, withered,
- OPPOSITES rise, increase. shrivelled, wizened. 2 dull, uninterest-
a noun 1 droplet, blob, globule, bead. ing, boring, unexciting, tedious, dreary,
2 small amount, little, bit, dash, spot, monotonous, unimaginative, sterile;
dribble, sprinkle, trickle, splash, mouth- informol deadly. 3 wry, subtle, laconic,
ful; informol smidgen, tad. 3 decrease, ironic, sardonic, sarcastic, cynical.
reduction, decline, fall-off, downturn, - OPPOSITES wet, moist.
slump. 4 cliff, precipice, slope, descent, averbl parch, scorch, bake, sear,
incline. dehydrate, desiccate, wither, shrivel.
o drop offfall asleep, doze (off), nap, 2 wipe, towel. rub dry. drain.
drowse; informol nod off, drift off, - OPPOSITES wet, moisten.
snooze, take forty winks. drop out dual odjective double, twofold, duplex,
leave, give up, withdraw, retire, pull binary, twin, matching, paired,
out, abandon something, fall by the coupled.
wayside; informolquit, pack in, jack in. - OPPOSITES single.
drug noun 1 medicine, medication, dub verb name, call, nickname, label,
remedy, cure, antidote. 2 narcotic, christen, term, tag.
129 dubious + duration
dubious odjective 1 doubtful, uncer- foolish, idiotic; informol dense, dim,
tain, unsure, hesitant, sceptical, half-witted, thicl<.
suspicious; informol iffy. 2 suspicious, - OPPOSITES interesting, bright.
suspect, untrustworthy, unreliable, o verb lessen, decrease, diminish,
questionable; informol shady; Brlf. O.rr.n, blunt, deaden, allay,
informol dodgy. :".:::",
-OPPOSITES certain, trustworthy. - OPPOSITES intensify.
duck verb 1 bob down, bend down, duly odverb 1 properly, correctly, appro-
stoop, crouch, squat, hunch down, hun- priately, suitably, fittingly. 2 at the
l<er down. 2 (informol) shirk, dodge, right time, on time, punctually.
evade, avoid, elude, escape, sidestep. dumb odjective 1 mute, speechless,
duct noun tube, channel, canal, vessel, tongue-tied, silent, at a loss for words.
conduit, pipe, outlet, inlet, flue, shaft, 2 (informol) stupid, unintelligent, igno-
vent. rant, dense, brainless, foolish, slow,
due odjective 1 their fees were due dull, simple; informolthick, dim; Brit.
owing, owed, payable, outstanding, informol daft.
overdue, unpaid, unsettled.2 the chon- - OPPOSITES tall<atlve, clever.
cellor's stotement is due todoy expected, dummy noun mannequin, model,
anticipated, scheduled, awaited, figure.
required. 3 deserved, merited, war- o odjective simulated, practice, trial,
ranted, justifi ed, owing, appropriate, mock, make-believe; informol pretend.
fitting, right, rightful, proper.4 proper, dump noun 1 tip, rubbish dump, dump-
corect, suitable, appropriate, ing ground. 2 (informol) hovel, slum;
adequate, sufficient. informol hole, pigsty.
a noun fee, subscription, charge, pay- a verb 1 put down, set down, deposit,
ment, contribution, levy. place, shove, unload, drop, throw
a odverb directly, straight, exactly, down; informolstick, park, plonk; Brit.
precisely, dead.
informolbung. 2 dispose of, get rid of,
tr due to t her death wos due to on
throw awayi out, discard, bin, jettison;
infection attributable to, caused by,
lnformol ditch, junk.
because of, down to.2 the troin wos
concelled due to stoff shortoges because dune noun bank, mound, hillock, hum-
of, owing to, on account of, as a conse- mock, knoll, ridge, heap, drift.
quence of, as a result of, thanks to. duplicate noun copy, photocopy,
duel noun 1 single combat, fight, facsimile, reprint, repllca, reproduction,
confrontation, head-to-head; informol clone: trod e mo rk Xerox, p hotostat.
shoot-out.2 contest, match, game, o odjective matching, identical, twin,
meet, encounter, clash. corresponding, equivalent.
a verb 1 copy, photocopy, photostat,
dull odjective 1 uninteresting, boring,
xerox, reproduce, replicate, reprint, run
tedious, monotonous, unimaginative,
off.2 repeat, do again, redo, replicate.
uneventful, featu reless, colourless,
lifeless, unexciting, uninspiring, fl at, durable odjective t hard-wearing,
bland, stodgy, dreary; informol deadly; wea r-resistant, heavy-duty, tough,
A/. Arner. informol dullsville. 2 overcast, long-lasting, strong, sturdy, robust,
cloudy, gloomy, darl<, dismal, dreary, utilitarian. 2 lasting, longJasting, long-
sombre, grey, murky, sunless. 3 drab, term, enduring, persistent, abidlng,
dreary, sombre, dark, subdued, muted. permanent, undying, everlasting.
4 muffled, muted, quiet, soft, faint, - OPPOSITES delicate, short-lived.
indistinct, stifled. 5 unintelligent, duration noun length, time, period,
stupid, slow, bralnless, mindless, term, span, extent, stretch.
dusk -+ dynasty 130

dusk noun twilight, nightfall, sunset, dwell verb (formal) reside, live, be
sundown, evening, close of day, semi- housed, lodge, stay; informol put up;
darkness, gloom literory gloaming. formol abide.
- OPPOSITES dawn. o dwell on linger over, mull over,
dust noun dirt, grime, grit, powder, muse on, brood about/over, think
pa rticles. about, be preoccupied by, obsess
a verb 1 wipe, clean, brush, sweep. about, harp on about.
2 dust the coke with icing sugor sprin- dwindle verb diminish, decrease,
kle, scatter, powder, dredge, sift, cover. reduce, lessen, shrink, wane.
dusty odjective 1 dirty, grimy, grubby. - OPPOSITES increase.
2 powdery, crumbly, chalky, granular, dye noun colouring, dyestuff, pigment,
soft, gritty.
tint, stain, wash.
dutiful odjective conscientious, respon- a verb colour, tint, pigment, stain,
sible, dedicated, devoted, attentive, wash.
obedient, deferential.
dyingodjective 1 terminally ill, at
- oPPostrES remiss.
death's doot on your deathbed, fading
duty noun 1 o sense of duty respon-
fast, not long for this world, moribund,
sibility, obligation, commitment,
in extremis. 2 declining, vanishing, fad-
allegiance, loyalty. 2 it wos his duty to
ing, waning; informolon the way out.
ottend the kingiob, task, assignment,
mission, function, role. 3 tax, levy, dynamic odjective energetic, spirited,
tariff, excise, toll, rate. active, lively, vigorous, forceful, high-
dwarf verb 1 dominate, tower ovef, powered, aggressive, enterprising;
loom over, overshadow. 2 over- informol go-getting, go-ahead.
shadow, outshine, surpass, exceed, dynasty noun family, house, line, line-
outclass, outstrip, outdo, top. age, regime, empire.
 each -+ easily

Ee
each adverb apiece, per person, per earth noun 1 world, globe, planet.
head, per capita. 2 land, ground, terra firma, floor.
eager odjective 1 keen, enthusiastic, 3 soil, clay, dust, dirt, loam, ground,
avid, ardent, zealous, highly motivated, turf.
committed, earnest. 2 we were eoger WORD LINKS
for news anxious, impatient, agog, terrestrial relating to the earth
longing, yearning, wishing, hoping;
informol itching, dying, raring.
geography, geology study of the
earth
- oPPostrES apathetic.
ear noun he hos on eor for o good song earthly odjective worldly, temporal,
appreciation, feel, instinct, intuition, mortal, human, material, carnal,
sense. fleshly, bodily, physical, corporeal,
IWORD LINKS sensual.
aural relating to the ear - oPPoSITES spiritual, heavenly.
I
earthquake noun (earth) tremor,
early odjective 1 advance, initial, pre- shock, convulsion; informol quake.
liminary, first. 2 untimely, premature,
unseasonable. 3 primitive, ancient, IWoRD LINKs
prehistoric, primeval. 4 prompt, seismic relating to earthquakes
timely, quick, speedy. seismology study of earthquakes
- oPPostrEs late, overdue.
a odverb'l in advance, in good time, earthy odjective I down-to-earth,
ahead of schedule, with time to spare, unsophisticated, unrefined, simple,
before the last moment. 2 prema- plain, unpretentious, natural. 2 bawdy,
turely, before the usual time, too soon, ribald, racy, rude, crude, coarse, indeli-
ahead of schedule. cate, indecent; informol raunchy; Brit.
- OPPOSITES late. informolfruity.
earmark verb set aside, keep (back), ease noun 1 effortlessness, no trouble,
Teserve, designate, assign, allocate. simplicity. 2 naturalness, casualness,
earn verb 1 be paid, take home, gross, informality, composure, nonchalance,
receive, get, make, collect, bring in; insouciance. 3 affluence, wealth,
informol pocket, bank.2 deserve, prosperity, luxury, plenty, comfort,
merit, warrant, justify, be worthy of, enjoyment, well-being.
gain, win, secure, obtain. - oPPoSlTEs difficulty.
- OPPOSITES lose. o verb 1 relieve, alleviate, soothe,
earnest odjective 1 serious, solemn, moderate, dull, deaden, nuinb. 2 fhe
grave, sober, humourless, staid, rain eosed offlet up, abate, subside,
intense. 2 devout, heartfelt, whole- die down, slacken off, diminish, lessen.
hearted, sincere, impassioned, fervent, 3 calm, quieten, pacify, soothe, com-
i nte nse. fort, console.4 slide, slip, squeeze,
- oPPoSITES frivolous, half-hearted. guide, manoeuvre, inch, edge.
earnings plurol noun income, pay, - oPPoSlTEs aggravate, intensify.
wages, salary, stipend, remuneration, easily odverb effortlessly, comfort-
fees, revenue, yield, profit, takings, ably, simply, without difficulty, readily,
proceeds. without a hitch.
 easy + edge 132

easy odjective 1 uncomplicated, echo noun reverberation, refl ection,

undemanding, effortless, painless, ringing, repetition, repeat.
trouble-free, simple, straightforward, a verb 1 reverberate, resonate,
elementary, plain sailing; informol a resound, reflect, ring, vibrate.
piece of cake, child's play, a cinch. 2 repeat, restate, reiterate, imitate,
2 natural, casual, informal, uncer- parrot, mimic, reproduce, recite.
emonious, unreserved, unaffected, eclipse verb outshine, overshadow, sur-
easy-going, amiable, affable, genial, pass, exceed, outclass, outstrip, outdo,
iri.riit, good-humoured, carefree, noncha- transcend.
economic odjective 1 financial, mon-
3 quiet, tranquil, serene, peaceful,
etary, budgetary, commercial, fi scal.
untroubled, contented, relaxed,
2 profitable, moneymaking, lucrative,
comfortable, secure, safe; nformoli
remunerative, fruitful, productive.
cushy. 4 on eosy poce leisurely, unhur-
ried, comfortable, undemanding,
- oPPOSTTES unprofitable.
easy-going, gentle, sedate, moderate, economical odjective 1 cheap, inex-
steady. pensive, low-cost, budget, economy,
- oPPoSlTEs difficult, demanding. cut-price, bargain. 2 thrifty, provident,
prudent, sensible, frugal.
easy-going odjective relaxed, even-
tempered, placid, happy-go-lucky, - OPPOSITES expensive, spendthrift .
carefree, imperturbable, undemanding, economize verb save (money), cut
patient, tolerant, lenient, broad- costs, cut back, mal<e cutbacl<s,
minded, understanding ; tnformal laid- retrench, scrimp.
back, unflappable. economy noun 1 wealth, financial
- OPPOSITES intolerant. resources, fl nancial management.
eat verb 1 consume, devour, swallow, 2 thrift, thriftiness, prudence, careful
partake of, munch, chomp; informol budgeting, economizing. saving.
tuck into, put away. 2 have a meal, restraint, frugality.
feed, snack, breakfast, lunch, dine; - OPPOSITES extravagance.
informol graze. ecstasy noun rapture, bliss, joy, elation,
eavesdrop verb listen in, spy, overhear; euphoria, rhapsodies.
informol snoop, earwig. - OPPOSITES misery.
ebb verb 1 recede, go out, retreat. ecstatic odjective enraptured, elated,
2 diminish, dwindle, wane, fade euphoric, rapturous, joyful, overjoyed,
(away), peter out, decline, flag. blissful; lnformol over the moon, on top
- OPPOSITES flow, increase. of the world.
ebullient odjective exuberant, buoyant, eddy noun swirl, whirlpool, vortex.
cheerful, cheery, merry, jolly, sunny, a verb swirl, whirl, spiral, wind, twist.
jaunty, animated, sparkling, vivacious, edge noun 1 border, boundary, extrem-
irrepressible; informol bubbly, bouncy, ity, fringe, margin, side, lip, rim, brim,
upbeat, chirpy, full of beans. brink, verge, perimeter. 2 sharpness,
- oPPoslTES depressed. severity, bite, sting, sarcasm, malice,
eccentric o dj ective unconventional, spite, venom.3 advantage, lead, head
abnormal, anomalous, odd, strange, start, the whip hand, the upper hand,
peculiar, weird, bizarre, outlandish, dominance.
idiosyncratic, quirky ; nformol oddball,
i - oPPoslTES middle.
kooky, cranky. a verb 1 border, fringe, skirt, surround,
- OPPOSITES conventional. enclose, encircle, bound. 2 trim, deco-
o noun oddity, free spirit, misfit; lnfor- rate, finish, border, fringe.3 creep, inch,
mol oddball, weirdo. worl< your way, ease yourself, sidle, steal.
133 edgy -+ eiect

edgy adjective tense, nervous, on edge, effective adjective 1 successful,

anxious, apprehensive, uneasy, unset- effectual, potent, powerfui, helpful,
tled, twitchy, jumpy, nervy, keyed up, beneficial, advantageous, valuable, use-
restive; informol uptight, wired. ful. 2 convincing, compelling, strong,
- opPosttts calm. forceful, persuasive, plausible, credible,
edit verb correct, check, copy-edit, logical, reasonable, cogent. 3 opera-
improve, polish, modify, adapt, revise, tive, in force, in effect, valid, oficial,
rewrite, reword, shorten, condense, legal, binding. 4 virtual, practical,
cut, abridge; censor, redact, suppress. essential, actual.
edition noun issue, number, volume, - oPPoSlTEs ineffective.
printing, impression, publication, effervescent odjective fi zzy, sparkling,
programme, version. carbonated, aerated, gassy, bubbly.
educate verb teach, school, tutor, - oPPoSlTEs still.
instruct, coach, train, inform, emciency noun 1 economy, productiv-
enlig hten. ity, cost-efectiveness, organization,
educated odjective informed, literate, order, orderliness, regulation. 2 com-
schooled, tutored, well read, learned, petence, capability, ability, profi ciency,
knowledgeable, enlightened, intel- expertise, skill, effectiveness.
lectual, academic, erudite, scholarly, - oPPoslTEs ineficiency, incompetence.
cultivated, cultured. efficient odjective 1 economic,
- OPPOSITES uneducated. productive, effective, cost-effective,
education noun I teaching, schooling, streamlined, organized, methodical,
tuition, tutoring, instruction, coaching, systematic, orderly. 2 competent,
training, guidance, enlightenment. capable, able, proficient, skilful, skilled,
2 learning, knowledge, literacy, schol- effective, productive, organized,
arship, enlightenment. businessl i ke.
educational adjective 1 academic, - OPPOSITES inefficient, incompetent.
scholastic, learning, teaching, effort noun 1 attempt, try, endeavour;
pedagogic. 2 instructive, instructional,
informol shot, stab, bash.2 achieve-
educative, informative, illuminating,
ment, accomplishment, feat, undertak-
enlightening ; formol edifying.
inq, enterprise, work, result, outcome.
eetie odjective uncanny, sinister, 3 exertion, energy, work, application;
ghostly, unnatural, unearthly, supernat- informol elbow grease; Brit. informol
ural, other-worldly, strange, abnormal, graft.
weird, freakish; informol creepy, scary,
spooky. egg noun ovum, gamete; (eggs) roe,
spawn.
effect noun 1 the effect of these changes tr egg on urge, goad, incite, provoke,
I

result, consequence, upshot, outcome, push, drive, spur'on, prod.

repercussions, end result, aftermath,
footprint. 2 the effect of the drug WORD LINKS
impact, action, effectiveness, power, ovoid eqq-shaped
potency, strength, success. 3 the deod
mo n's effects belongings, possessions.
egotistic, egoistic odJective self-cen-
worldly goods, chattels, property; lnfor- tred, egocentric, self-interested,
selfi sh,
self-seeking, self-absorbed, self-
mol things, stuff; Brit. informol clobber.
. obsessed, narcissistic, vain, conceited,
OPPOSITES CAUSC.
self-important, boastful.
a verb achieve, accomplish, carry out,
manage, bring off, execute, conduct, eject verb 1 emit, spew out, discharge,
engineer, perform, do, cause, bring disgorge, give off, send out, belch,
about, produce. vent. 2 expel, throw out, remove, oust,
elaborate -+ eloquent 134

evict, banish; informol l<ick out, turf elegant odjective 1 stylish, graceful,
out, boot out. tasteful, sophisticated, classic, chic,
elaborate odjective 1 complicated, smart, poised, cultivated, polished,
complex, intiicate, involved, detailed. cultured. 2 on elegont solution neat,
2 ornate, decorated, embellished, simple, apt.
adorned, ornamented, fancy, fussy, - oPPoSITES inelegant.
busy. element noun 1 component, con-
- OPPOSITES simple, plain. stituent, part, section, portion, piece,
o verb expand on, enlarge on, add to, segment, aspect, factor, feature, facet,
flesh out, develop, fill out, amplify. ingredient, strand, detail, member.
elastic odiective 1 stretchy, elasti- 2 trace, touch, hint, smattering, soup'
cated, springy, flexible, piiable, supple. gon. 3 (elements) weather, climate,
2 adaptable, flexible, adjustable, weather conditions.
accommodating, variable, fluid, elementary odjective 1 an elementory
versatile. ostronomy course basic, rudimentary,
- OPPOSITES rigid. preparatory, introductory. 2 o lot of
elated odJective thrilled, delighted, the work-is elementory easy, simple,
overjoyed, ecstatic, euphorii, jubilant, straightforward, uncomplicated, unde-
rapturous, in raptures, walking on manding, painless, child's play, plain
aii, on cloud nine, in seventh heaven; sailing: informol a piece of cake.
informol on top of the world, over the - oPPoslTEs advanced, difficult.
moon, tickled pink. elevate verb 1 raise, lift (up), raise
- OPPOSITES miserable. up/aloft, hoist, hike up, haul up.
elder odjective older, senior. 2 promote, upgrade, move up, raise;
o nounleader, patriarch, father. informolkick upstairs.
elderly odjectiveaged, old, ageing, long - oPPoslrES lower' demote'
- elevated odiective 1 raised, overhead,
in the-tooth, grey--haired, in iorrtot-
age;informol-geiting on, overthe hill. in the air, high up' 2lofty, grand, fine,
- oppOstres youthfui. sublime, inflated, pompous, bombas-
etect verb r vote in, vote for, return, tic' 3 high, high-ranking, lofty, exalted'
noble'
cast your vote ror, .noote,'pici, seiect. -grand'
2 choose, decide, opt, preier, vote. elicit verb obtain, draw out, extract,
bring out' evoke' induce' promPt'
election noun ballot, vote, poll; Brit. generate' trigger' provoke'
by-election; U5 primary.
" -':-.-""'- allowed. qualified. able.2 desirable.
psephology study of elections suitable, available, single. unmarried.
electric odjective the otmosphere wos u nattached.
e/ectric exciting, charged, electrifying, eliminate verb 1 remove, qet rid of,
thrilling, dramatic, dynamic, stimulat- put an end to, do away with, end, stop,
ing, galvanizing. eradicate, destroy, stamp out.2 knock
electrify verb excite, thrill, stimulate, out, exclude, rule out, disqualify.
arouse, rouse, inspire, stir (up), exhila- elite noun best, pick, cream, crdme de
rate, galvanize, fire (with enthusiasm), la crdme, A-list, flower, high society,
fire someone's imagination, invigorate, beautiful people, aristocracy, ruling
animate; N. Amer.light a fire under. class.
elegance noun 1 style, grace, taste, - OPPOSITES dregs.
sophistication, refinement, dignity, eloquent odjective articulate, fl uent,
poise. 2 neatness, simplicity, aptness. expressive, persuasive, well expressed,
135 elude -+ eminent

effective, lucid, vivid. embellish verb decorate, adorn, orna-

- OPPOSITES inarticulate. ment, beautify, enhance, trim, garnish,
elude verb evade, avoid, get away from, gild, deck, bedeck, festoon, emblazon.
dodge, escape from, lose, shake off, embezzle verb misappropriate, steal,
give the slip to, slip away from, throw thieve, pilfer, purloin, appropriate,
off the scent. siphon off, pocket; informol filch; Brit.
elusive odjective 1 difficulttofind, eva- informolpinch, nick.
sive, slippery. 2 indefinable, intangible, emblem noun symbol, representation,
impalpable, fugitive, fl eeting, transi- token, image, figure, mark, sign, crest,
tory, ambiguous. badge, device, insignia, coat of arms,
emaciated a djective thin, s keleta l, shield, logo, trademark.
bony, gaunt, wasted, thin as a rake, embody verb 1 personify. mani-
scrawny, skinny, scraggy, skin and fest, symbolize, represent, express,
bone, starved, cadaverous, shrivelled, epitomize, stand for, typify, exemplify.
shrunken, withered. 2 incorporate, include, contain.
- oPPO5lTEs fat. embrace verb t hug, take/hold in
embargo noun ban, bar, prohibition, your arms, hold, cuddle, clasp to
stoppage, veto, moratorium, restric- your bosom, squeeze, clutch, enfold.
tion, block, boycott. 2 welcome, welcome with open arms,
a verb ban, bar, prohibit, stop, outlaw, accept, take on board, take up, take to
blacklist, restrict, block, boycott. your heart, adopt, espouse.3 include,
- oppostrts allow. take in, comprise, contain, incorporate,
embark verb board (ship), go on board, encompass, cover, subsume.
go aboard; informolhop on. jump on. o noun hug, cuddle, squeeze, clinch,
- oPPoSITES disembarl<. ca ress.
o embark on begin, start, undertake, emerge verb 1 appear, come out,
set out on, take up, turn your hand to, come into view, become visible,
get down to, enter into, venture into, surface, materialize, issue, come forth.
launch into, plunge into, engage in. 2 become known, become apparent,
embarrass verb humiliate, shame, put be revealed, come to light, come out,
someone to shame, abash, mortify, turn up, transpire, unfold, turn out,
fl uster, discomfi t; informol show up. prove to be the case.
embarrassed odjective h umili- emergence noun appearance, arrival,
ated, mortified, red-faced, blushing, coming, materialization, advent, incep-
abashed, shamed, ashamed, shame- tion, dawn, birth, origination, start,
faced, self-conscious, uncomfortable, development.
discomfi ted, disconcerted, fl ustered; emergency noun crisis, disaster, catas-
lnformolwith egg on your face. trophe, calamity, plight; informol panic
embarrassin g odjective humiliating, statio ns.
shameful. mortifying, ignominious, o odjective 1 urgent, crisis, extraor-
awkward, uncom[ortable, compromis- dinary. 2 reserve, standby, backup,
ing; informol c ringeworthy. cringe- fa llback.
making, toe-curling. emigrate verb move abroad, move
embarrassment noun t humiliation, oveTseas, leave your country, migrate,
mortification, shame, shamefaced- relocate, resettle.
ness, awl<wardness, self-consciousness, - oPPoSITES immigrate.
discomfort, discomfi ture. 2 difficulty, eminent odjective illustrious, distin-
predicament, plight, problem, mess; guished, renowned, esteemed, pre-
informol bind, pickle, fix. eminent, notable, noted, noteworthy,
emission + enchanting 136

great, prestigious, important, out- busy, tie up. 3 use, utilize, make use
standing, celebrated, prominent, well of, apply, exercise, practise, put into
known, acclaimed, exalted. practice, exert, bring into play, bring to
-OPPOSITES unknown. bear, draw on, resort to, turn to, have
emission noun discharge, release, recourse to.
outpouring, outfl ow, outrush, leak. - OPPOSITES dismiss.
emit verb 1 discharge, release. give employed odjective working, in work,
out/off, pour out, radiate, leak, ooze, in employment, holding down a job,
disgorge, eject, belch, spew out, exude. earning, salaried, waged.
2 utter, voice, let out, produce, give - OPPOSITES unemployed.
vent to, come out with. emPloyee noun worker, member
emotion noun 1 feeling, sentiment, of staff, blue-collar worker, white-
reaction, response, instinct, intuition. collar workel workman, labourer,
2 passion, strength offeeling, heart. hand; (employees) personnel, staff,
workforce.
emotional odjective 1 passionate,
hot-blooded, ardent, fervent, warm, employment noun work, labour,
responsive, excitable, temperamental, service, job, post, position, situation,
demonstrative, sensitive. 2 poignant, occupation, profession, trade, business,
moving, touching, affecting, power- line of work.
ful, stirring, emotive, impassioned, empower verb 1 authorize, entitle,
dramatic; informol tear-jerking. permit, allow, license, enable.2 eman-
- OPPOSITES cold, clinical. cipate, unshackle, set free, liberate,
emPhasis noun 1 prominence, e nfra nch ise.
importance, significance, value, stress, - OPPOSITES forbid.
weight, accent, attention, priority. emPty odjective 1 vacant, unoccupied,
2 the emphosis is on the word 'little' uninhabited, bare, clear, free. 2 mean-
stress, accent, weight, beat. ingless, hollow, idle, vain, futile,
emPhasize verb stress, underline, high- worthless, useless, ineffectual. 3 futile,
light, focus attention on, point up, lay pointless, purposeless, worthless,
stress on, draw attention to, spotlight, meaningless, fruitless, valueless, of no
foreground. value, senseless.
- OPPOSITES understate. - OPPOSITES full, occupied.
a verb 1 unload, unpack, clear, evacu-
emphatic odj ective lor cefu l, fi rm, ate, drain.2 remove, take out, extract,
vehement, wholehearted, energetic,
tip out, pour out.
vigorous, direct, insistent, certain, defi-
- OPPOSITES fill, replace.
nite, out-and-out, decided, categorical,
unqualifi ed, unconditional. unequivo- emulate verb imitate, copy. mirro..
cal, unambiguous, absolute, explicit, echo, follow, model yourself on, take a
leaf out of someone's book.
downright, outright, clear.
empire noun 1 kingdom, realm, enable verb allow, permit, let, equip,
domain, territory, commonwealth, empower, make able, flt, authorize,
power. 2 business, firm, company, cor- entitle, qualify.
poration, multinational, conglomerate, - OPPOSITES prevent.
group, consortium, operation. enact yerb 1 make law, pass, approve,
ratify, validate, sanction, authorize.
WORD LINKS
2 act out, perform, appear in, stage,
imperial relating to an empire mount, put on, present.
employ t
verb hire, engage, recruit, - OPPOSITES repeal.
tal<e on, sign up, appoint, retain. enchanting odjective ca ptivati ng,
2 occupy, engage, involve, l<eep charming, delightful, adorable, lovely,
137 enclose + endorsement
attractive, appealing, engaging, fetch- end noun 1 conclusion, termination,
ing, irresistible, fasclnating. ending, finish, close, resolution, climax,
enclose verb 1 surround, circle, ring, fi nale, culmination, denouement.
encircle, bound, close in, wall in. 2 extremity, limit, edge, border,
2 include, insert, put in, send. boundary, periphery, point, tip, head,
top, bottom. 3 aim, goal, purpose,
lln/oRD Lu\rKs objective, object, target, intention,
claustroohobia fear of enclosed aspiration, wish, desire, ambition.
SDACES - OPPoSITES beginning, means.
enclosure noun compound, pen, fold,
l
a verb finish, conclude, terminate, rit::r:riii:iiilii:ll

close, stop, cease, culminate, climax.

stockade, ring, paddock, yard, run,
2 break off, call off, bring to an end,
coop; t!. Amen corral. put an end to, stop, finish, terminate,
encompass verb include, cover, discontinue, cancel.
embrace, incorporate, take in, contain, - oPPOSITES begin.
comprise, involve, deal with. endanger verb jeopardize, risk, put
encounter verb 1 experience, run into, at risk, put in danger, be a danger to,
meet, come up against, face, be faced threaten, compromise, imperil.
with, confront, suffer. 2 meet, run into, - oPPoslTES safeguard.
come across/upon, stumble across/on, endearing odjective charming, appeal-
chance on, happen on; informolbump ing. attractive, engaging. winning.
into. captivating, enchanting, cute, sweet,
a noun 1 meeting, chance meeting. delightful, lovely.
2 battle, fight, skirmish, clash, scuffle, endeavour verb try, attempt, seek,
confrontation, struggle; informol run-in, strive, struggle, labour, toil, work.
set-to, scrap. a noun 1 attempt, try, bid, effort.
encourage verb t hearten, cheer, buoy 2 undertaking, enterprise, venture,
up, uplift, inspire, motivate, spur on, exercise, activity, exploit, deed, act,
stir, fire up, stimulate, embolden; infor- action, move.
mol buck up.2 she encouroged him to ending noun end, finish, close, conclu-
go persuade, coax, urge, press, push, sion, resolution, summing-up, denoue-
pressure, prod, egg on.3 support, ment, finale.
bacl<, promote, further, foster, nurture, - oPPoSlTEs beginning.
cultivate, strengthen, stimulate. endless odjective 1 unlimited, limit-
-oPPoSITES discourage. less, infi nite, inexhaustible, boundless,
encouragement noun 1 suPPort, unbounded, ceaseless, unending,
cheering up, inspiration, motivation, everlasting, constant, continuous, inter-
stimulation, morale-boostin g; informol minable, unfailing, perpetual, eternal,
a shot in the arm. 2 persuasion, never-ending. 2 countless, innumera-
coaxing, urging, prodding, prompting, ble, numerous, a multitude of ; informol
inducement, incentive, carrot. 3 back- umpteen, no end of; literory myriad.
ing, sponsorship, support, promotion, - OPPoSITES limited, few.
furtherance, fostering, nurture, cultiva- endorse verb support, back, agree
tion, stimulation. with, approve (of), favour, subscribe
encouraging odjective 1 promising, to, recommend, champion, uphold,
hopeful, auspicious, favourable, heart- sa n ctio n.
ening, reassuring, cheering, comfort- - oPPOSITES oppose.
ing, welcome, pleasing, gratifying. endorsement noun support, backing,
2 supportive, understanding, helpful, approval, seal of approval, agreement,
positive, enthusiastic. recommendation, patronage, sanction.
 endow -+ enhance 138

endow yerb 1 finance, fund, pay for, engoge in o wide ronge of pursults par-
subsidize, sponsor. 2 he was endowed ticipate in, join in, take part in, partake
with greot strength provide, supply, in/of, enter into, embark on. 4 attack,
furnish, equip, favour, bless, grace. fall on, take on, clash with, encounter,
endowment noun gift, present, grant, meet, fight, do battle with.
funding, award, donation, contribution, - OPPOSTTES lose, dismiss.
subsidy, sponsorship, bequest, legacy. engagement noun I appointment,
endurance noun 1 toleration, meeting, arrangement, commit-
*-1 '*: tolerance, forbearance, patience, ment, date, assignation, rendezvous.
*l$,ttat acceptance, resignation,stoicism. 2 participation, involvement. 3 battle,
2 resistance, durability, permanence, fi ght, clash, confrontation, encounter,
longevity, strength, tou ghness, conflict, skirmish, action, hostilities.
stamina, staying power, fortitude. engaging odjective charming, attrac-
endure verb 1 undergo, go through, tive, appealing, pleasing, pleasant,
live through, experience, cope with, agreeable, likeable, lovable, sweet,
deal with, face, suffer, tolerate, put up winning, fetching;Scottrsh & N. English
with, brave, bear, withstand. 2 last, bonny.
live, live on, go on, survive, abide, - OPPOSITES unappealing.
continue, persist, remain. engender yerb cause, give rise to, bring
enemy noun opponent, adversary, about, occasion, lead to, result in, pro-
rival, nemesis, antagonist, combatant, duce, create, generate, arouse, rouse,
challenger, competitor, opposition, inspire, provoke, kindle, trigger, spark,
competition, the other side; literory foe. stir up, whip up.
- oPPostrEs friend, ally. engine noun motor, generator,
energetic odjective 1 on energetic machine, turbine.
womon active, lively, dynamic, spirited,
animated, bouncy, bubbly, sprightly,
engineer noun 1 o structurol engineer
designer, planner, builder.2 o repoir
tireless, indefatigable, enthusiastic;
englneer mechanic, repairer, tech ni-
informol full of beans. 2 energetic exer.
clses vigorous, strenuous, brisk, hard,
cian, maintenance man, operator,
arduous, demanding, taxing, tough, driver.
rigorous. 3 on energetic advertising com- O verb bring about, arrange, pull
poign lorcelul, vigorous. aggressive, off, bring off, contrive, manoeuvre,
hard-hitting, high-powered, all-out, negotiate, organize, orchestrate, plan,
determined, bold, intensive; informol mastermind.
in-your-face. engraving noun etching, print, plate,
- OPPOSITES lethargic. picture, illustration, inscription.
energy noun vitality, vigour, strength, engrossed odjective absorbed,
stamina, animation, spirit, verve, involved, interested, occupied, preoc-
enthusiasm, zest, exuberance, dyna- cupied, immersed, caught up, riveted,
mism, drive; informol punch, bounce, gripped, rapt, fascinated, intent, capti-
oomph, go, get-up-and-go. vated, enthralled.
enforce verb 1 impose, apply, admin- engulf verb swamp, inundate, flood,
ister, carry out, implement, bring to deluge, immerse, swallow up, sub.
bear, put into effect. 2 force, compel, merge, bury, envelop, overwhelm.
coerce, exact. enhance verb improve, add to,
engage verb I capture, catch, arrest, strengthen, boost, increase, intensify,
grab, draw, attract, gain, hold, grip, heighten, magnify, amplify, infl ate,
absorb, occupy. 2 employ, hire, recruit, build up, supplement, augment.
take on, enrol, appoint. 3 the chonce to - OPPOSITES diminish.
139 enioy --) ensemble

enioy verb 1 like, be fond of, take pleas- enrol, sign up, conscript, mobilize; US
ure in, be keen on, delight in, relish, draft.3 obtain, engage, secure, win,
revel in, adore, lap up, savour, luxuriate get.
in, bask in; informol get a thrill out of. - oPPoslTES discharge, demobilize.
2 benefit from, be blessed with, be enormity noun 1 wickedness, vileness,
favoured with, be endowed with, pos- heinousness, baseness, depravity, out-
sess, own, boast. rageousness. 2 immensity, hugeness,
- oPPOSITES dislike, lack. size, extent, magnitude.
tr enjoy yourself have fun, have a enormous odjective huge, vast,
good time, make merry, celebrate,
immense, gigantic. giant, massive,
reve|' informalparty, have a whale of a
colossal, mammoth, tremendous,
time, Iet your hair down. extensive, mighty, monumental,
enjoyable a djective entertaining, mountainous, cosmic; informol mega,
amusing, delightful, pleasant, congen- monster, whopping; Brit. informol
ial, convivial, agreeable, pleasurable, ginormous.
satisfying. - OPPOSITES tiny.
- oPPoSITES disagreeable. enough determiner sufficient, ade-
enjoyment noun pleasure, fun, enter- quate, ample, abundant, the necessary;
tainment, amusement, recreation, informolplenty of.
relaxation, happiness, merriment, joy, - oPPoSlTEs insufficient.
satisfaction, liking. a pronoun sufficient, plenty, an ade-
enlarge verb 1 extend, expand, grow, quate amount, as much as necessary, a
add to, amplify, augment, magnify, sufficiency, an ample supply, your fill.
build up, stretch, widen, broaden, enquire verb 1 ask, query, question.
lengthen, elongate, deepen, thicken. 2 investigate, probe, look into, make
2 swell, distend, bloat, bulge, dilate, enquiries, research, examine, explore,
blow up, puff up. delve into; informolcheck out.
- OPPoSITES reduce, shrink.
o enlarge on elaborate on, expand enquiry noun 1 question, query.
on, add to, flesh out, add detail to,
2 investigation, probe, examination,
exploration. inquest, hearing.
develop, iill out, embellish, embroider.
enlighten verb inform, tell, make
enrage verb anger, infuriate, incense,
aware, open someone's eyes, illumi-
madden, inflame, antagonize, provoke;
nate; informolput someone in the informol drive madicrazy, make some-
picture. one see red, make someone's blood
boil.
enlightened o dj ective informed,
- oPPostTES placate.
aware, sophisticated, liberal, open-
minded, broad-minded, educated, enraged odjective furious, infuriated,
knowledgeable, civilized, refi ned, irate, incensed, raging, incandescent,
cultured. fuming, seething, beside yourself; infor-
- oPPoslTES beniqhted. mol mad, livid, foaming at the mouth.
enlightenment noun insight, enrich verb enhance, improve, better,
understanding, awareness, education, add to, augment, supplement, comple-
learning, knowledge, illumination, ment, refine.
awakening, instruction, teaching, enrol verb 1 register, sign on/up, put
open-mindedness, broad-mindedness, your name down, apply, volunteer,
culture, refi nement, cultivation, enter, join. 2 accept, admit, take on,
civilization. sign on/up, recruit, engage.
enlist verb 1 join up, enrol, sign up for, ensemble noun 1 group, band,
volunteer, register.2 recruit, call up, company, troupe, cast, chorus, corps;
 ensue -+ entrant 140

informolcombo. 2 whole, unit, body, engrossing, compelling, riveting,

set, collection, combination, compos- gripping, exciting ; informol
ite, package.3 outfit, costume, suit; unputdownable.
informol get-up. enthusiasm noun keenness, eager-
ensue verb result, follow, develop, suc- ness, passion, fervour, zeal, zest, gusto,
ceed, emerge, arise, proceed, stem. energy, vigour, fire, spirit, interest,
ensure verb 1 make sure, mal<e certain, commitment, devotion; informol
see to it, check, confirm, establish, get-up-and-go.
ittl:tt',:,itl verify. 2 secure, guarantee, assure, - OPPOSITES apathy.
ii::t:iiiir:t:rr' certify. enthusiast nounlan, devotee, sup-
entail verb involve, necessitate, require, porter, follower, aficionado, lover,
need, demand, call for, mean, imply, admirer; informol buff.
cause. give rise to, occasion. enthusiastic odjective keen, eager,
enter yerb 1 go into, come into, get avid, ardent, fervent, passionate, zeal-
into, set foot in, gain access to. 2 pen- ous, excited, wholehearted, commit-
etrate, pierce, puncture, perforate. ted, devoted, fanatical, earnest.
3 join, enrol in/for, enlist in, volunteer - oPPosrTES apathetic.
for, sign up for. 4 go in for, register fo1 entice yerb tempt, lure, attract, appeal
enrol for, sign on/up for, compete in, to, invite, persuade, beguile, coax, woo,
take part in, participate in. 5 record, lead on, seduce; informol sweet-talk.
write, put down, take down, note, jot
entire odJectiye whole, complete, total,
down, register, log.6 key (in), type
full.
(in), tap in.
- OPPOSITES leave. entirely odverb 1 absolutely, com-
pletely, totally, wholly, utterly, quite,
enterprise noun 1 undertaking,
altogether, thoroughly. 2 solely, only,
endeavour, venture, exercise, activ-
exclusively, purely, merely, just, alone.
ity, operation, task, business, project,
scheme. 2 initiative, resourcefulness, entitle verb 1 qualify, make eligible,
imagination, ingenuity, inventiveness, authorize, allow, permit, enable,
originality, creativity. 3 business, empower. 2 name, title, call, label,
company, fi rm, venture, organization, designate, dub.
operation, concern, establishment; entity noun being, creature, individual,
informol outfit. organism, life form, body, object,
enterprising a djective resourcefu l, article, thing.
entrepreneurial, imaginative, ingen- entrancel noun 1 entry, way in. access,
ious, inventive, creative, adventurous, approach, door, portal, gate, opening,
bold; informol go-ahead. mouth, foyer, lobby, porch; N. Amer.
entertain yerb 1 amuse, please, charm, entryway. 2 appearance, arrival, entry,
cheer, interest, engage, occupy. coming. 3 admission, admittance,
2 receive, play host/hostess to, throw (right of) entry, entr6e, access.
a party for, wine and dine, feed, fete. - OPPOSITES exit, departure.
3 consider, contemplate, think of, hear entrance2 yerb enchant, bewitch,
of, countenance. beguile, captivate, mesmerize.
- oPPoSITES bore, reject. hypnotize, spellbind, transflx, enthral,
entertainment noun amusement, engross, absorb, fascinate, stun,
pleasure, leisure, recreation, relaxation, electrify, charm, delight; lnformol bowl
fun, enjoyment, diversion, interest. over, knock out.
enthralling odjectlve fascinating, entrant noun competitor, contestant,
entrancing, enchanting, bewitching, contender, participant, candidate,
captivating, delightful, absorbing, applicant.
 entreat -, equanimity

entreat verb implore, beg, plead with, o verb 1 be envious of, be jealous of,
pray, asl<, request, bid, enjoin, appeal be resentful of. 2 covet, desire, aspire
to, call on: /ilerory beseech. to, wish for, want, long for, yearn for,
entrenched, intrenched odjective hanker after, crave.
ingrained, established, fixed, fi rm, ephemeral odjective transitory,
deep-seated, deep-rooted, unshake- transient, fleeting, passing, short-lived,
able, ineradicable. momentary, brief, short, temporary,
entrust verb 1 charge, give someone
impermanent, short-term.
- OPPOSITES permanent.
the responsibility for, present. 2 assign,
confer on, bestow on, vest in, delegate, epidemic noun 1 outbreak, plague,
give, grant, vouchsafe. pandemic.2 spate, rash, wave, erup-
tion, plague, outbreak, craze, upsurge.
entry noun 1 appearance, arrival,
entrance, coming. 2 entrance, way in, episode noun 1 incident, event, occur-
access, approach, door, portal, gate, rence, chapter, experience. occasion,
entrance hall, foyer, lobby; tV. Amer interlude, adventure, exploit. 2 instal-
entryway. 3 admission, ad mittance, ment, chapter, passage, part, portion,
entrance, access.4 item, record, note, section, programme, show. 3 period,
memo, memorandum. 5 submission, spell, bout, attack, phase; informol
application, entry form. dose.
- oPPoSITES departure, exit. epitome noun personifi cation,
envelop verb surround, cover, enfold, embodiment, incarnation, essence,
quintessence, archetype, paradigm,
engulf, encircle, cocoon, sheathe,
exemplar, model.
swathe, enclose, cloak, veil, shroud.
envious od;ective jealous, coveto u s,
ePo(h noun era, age, period, time,
desirous, grudginq, begrudging, resent-
ful: informolgreen with envy. equal odjective 1 identical, uniform,
alike, like, the same, matching,
environment noun 1 situation,
equivalent, corresponding. 2 impar-
setting, milieu, background, back-
tial, non-partisan, fair, just, equitable,
drop, context, conditions, ambience,
unprejudiced, non-discriminatory.
atmosphere. 2 the natural world,
3 evenly matched, even, balanced,
nature, the earth, the ecosystem, the
level, nip and tucl<, neck and neck;
biosphere, Mother Nature, wildlife,
i nformol level peggin g.
flora and fauna, the countryside.
- oPPoSITES different, unequal.
WORD LINKS o noun equivalent, peer, fellow, like,
ecology study of the counterpart, match, parallel.
a verb 1 be equal to, be equivalent to,
environmentalist noun conserva-
be the same as, come to, amount to,
tionist, ecologist, nature-lover, green; make, total, add up to. 2 match, reach,
informol eco-w arrior, tree-h ugger. parallel, be level with.
envisage verb 1 foresee, predict, equality noun fairness, equal rights,
forecast, anticipate, expect, think equal opportunities, impartiality, even-
likely. 2 imagine, contemplate, picture, handedness, justice.
conceive of, think of.
equanimity noun composure, calm,
envoy noun ambassador, emissary, level-headedness, self-possession,
diplomat, representative, delegate, presence of mind, serenity, tranquillity,
spokesperson, agent, intermediary, imperturbability. equilibrium, poise,
mediator; informol go-between. aplomb, sa ngfroid, nerve; informol
envy noun jealousy, covetousness, cool.
resentment, bltterness. - OPPOSITES anxiety.
 equate -+ esoteric 147

equate verb t he equotes criticism with pornographic, sexually explicit; informol

treochery identify, compa re, bracl<et, blue, X-rated; euphemistlc adult.
class, associate, connect, link, relate. errand noun task, job, chore, assign-
2 equalize, balance, even out/up, level, ment, mission.
square, tally, match.
erratic odjective unpredictable, incon-
equilibrium noun balance, stability, sistent, changeable, variable, incon-
poise, symmetry, harmony. stant, irregular, fitful, unstable, varying,
- OPPOSITES imbalance. fl uctuating, unreliable.
I#lril equip verb 1 the boot wos equipped with - OPPOSITES consistent.
l:r,,]r|:rrt" o flore gun provide, furnish, supply, error noun mistake, inaccuracy. mis-
issue, kit out, stock, provision, arm. calculation, blunder, slip, oversight,
2 the course will equip them for the work- misconception, delusion, misprint; 8rit.
p/oce prepare, qualify, ready, suit, train. informol boob.
equipment noun apparatus, kit, para- erupt verb flghting erupted break out,
phernalia, tools, utensils, implements, flare up, blow up, explode, burst out.
hardware, gadgetry, things; lnformol eruPtion noun 1 discharge, explosion,
stuff, gear. lava flow, pyroclastic flow. 2 outbreak,
equivalent odjective comparable, flare-up, upsurge, outburst, explosion,
corresponding, commensurate, similar, wave, spate,
parallel, analogous. escalate yerb I increase rapidly, soar,
a noun counterpart, parallel, alterna- rocket, shoot up, spiral; informol go
tive, analogue, twin, opposite number. through the roof. 2 grow, develop,
equivocal odjective ambiguous, indefi - mushroom, increase, heighten, inten-
nite, non-committal, vague, imprecise, sify, accelerate.
inexact, inexplicit, hazy, unclear, - OPPOSITES plunge, subside.
ambivalent, uncertain, unsure. escape verb 1 run away, run off, get
- OPPOSITES definite. away, breal< out, break free, bolt, make
era noun age, epoch, period, time, date, your getaway, slip away, abscond; lnfor-
day, generation. mol vamoose, sl<edaddle, fly the coop;
eradicate yerb eliminate, get rid ol Brit. informol do a runneT, do a bunk.
remove, obliterate, extinguish, extermi- 2 he escoped his pursuers get away
nate, destroy, annihilate, kill, wipe out. from, elude, avoid, dodge, shake off;
erase yerb delete, rub out, wipe of, informol give someone the slip. 3 they
connot escope their duties avoid, evade,
blank out, expunge, excise, remove,
obliterate, redact. elude, cheat, sidestep, circumvent,
steer clear of, shirk. 4 leak (out), spill
etect odjective upright, straight, verti- (out), seep (out), discharge, flow (out),
cal, perpendicular, standing (on end), pour (out).
bristling, stiff. a noun 1 getaway, breakout, flight.
a yerb build, construct, put up, assem- 2 leak, spill, seepage, discharge, out-
ble, put together, fabricate, raise. flow, outpouring.
- oPPOStTES demolish, dismantle.
escort noun guard, bodyguard, protec-
erode verb wear away, abrade, grind tor, minder, attendant, chaperone,
down, crumble, weather, undermine, entourage, retinue, protection, convoy.
weaken, deteriorate, destroy. a verb 1 conduct, accompany, guide,
erosion noun wearing away, abrasion, usher, shepherd, tal<e, lead.2 partner,
attrition, weathering, dissolution, dete- accompany, chaperone.
rioration, disintegration, destruction. esoteric odjective abstruse, obscure,
erotic odjective sexually arousing, sexu- arcane, rarefi ed, recondite, abstract,
ally stimulating, titillating, suggestive, enigmatic, cryptic, complex, com-
143 especially -+ ethnic

plicated, incomprehensible, impen- the Estoblishment the authorities, the

etrable, mysterious. powers that be, the system, the ruling
especially odverb 1 mainly, mostly, class.
chiefly, particularly, principally, largely, estate noun 1 property, grounds,
primarily. 2 o committee formed garden(s), park, parkland, land(s),
especiolly for the purpose expressly, territory. 2 on industriol estote area,
specially, specifi cally, exclusively, development, complex. 3 plantation,
just, particularly, explicitly. 3 he ls farm, holding, forest, vineyard; tV. Amer.
e speciol ly tol ented exceptionally, ranch.4 assets, capital, wealth, riches, iit;$ry
particularly, unusually, extraordinarily, holdings,fortune,property,effects, 1ilrlrillil
uncommonly, uniquely, remarkably, possessions, belongings.
outstandingly. esteem noun respect, admiration,
essay noun article, composition, paper, acclaim, appreciation, recognition, hon-
dissertation, thesis, discourse, study, our, reverence, estimation, regard.
assignment, treatise, piece, feature; o verb respect, admire, value, regard
N. Amer. theme. like' prize' treasure'
essence noun 1 nature, heart, core, lJ?l,LI: "o'"'''te'
substance, basis, principle, quintes- estimate verb 1 calculate, approxi-
sence, soul, spirit, reality; informol mate, guess, evaluate, judge, assess,
nitty-gritty. 2 extract, concentrate, weigh up. 2 consider, believe, recl<on,
elixir, juice, oil. deem, judge, rate.
essential odjective 1 crucial, key, vital, a noun calculation, approximation,
indispensable, all-important, criti- estimation, guess, assessment, evalu-
cal, imperative. 2 basic, bare-bones, ation, costing, quotation, valuation;
inherent, fundamental, quintessential, informol guesstimate.
intrinsic, underlying, characteristic, estrangement noun alienation, disaf'
innate, primary. fection, parting, separation, divorce,
- OPPOSITES unimportant, incidental. break-up, split, breach.
a noun 1 necessity, prerequisite; etch verb engrave, carve, inscribe,
informolmust. 2 (essentials) fun- incise, score, mark, scratch.
damentals, basics, rudiments, first
principles, foundations, essence, basis,
etching noun engraving, print, plate.
core, kernel, crux; informal nitty-gritty, eternal odjective everlasting, never-
nuts and bolts. ending, endless, perpetual, undying,
immortal, abiding, permanent, endur-
establish verb 1 set up, start, initiate,
ing, constant, continual, continuous,
institute, found, create, inaugurate.
sustained, uninterrupted, unbroken,
2 prove, demonstrate, show, indicate,
non-stop, round-the-clock.
determine, confirm.
established odjecfive accepted, eternity noun 1 ever, all time, perpetu-
ity.2 (informol) a long time, an age,
traditional, orthodox, set, fixed, offlcial,
ages, a lifetime, hours, years, forever.
usual, customary, common, normal,
general, prevailing, accustomed, famil- ethical odjective moral, morally correct,
iar, expected, conventional, standard. right-minded, principled, good, just,
honourable, fair.
establishment noun 1 foundation,
institution, formation, inception, ethics p/urol noun morals, morality,
creation, installation, inauquration. values, principles, ideals, standards
2 business, firm, company, conceTn, (of behaviour).
enterprise, venture, organization, oper- ethnic odjective racial, race-related,
ation; informol outfit. 3 institution, national, cultural, folk, tribal,
place, premises, institute. 4 criticism of ethnological.
euphoria -+ evidence 144

euphoria noun elation, happiness, joy, eventually odverbin the end, in due
delight, glee, excitement, exhilaration, course, by and by, in time, after a time,
jubilation, exultation, ecstasy, bliss, finally, at last, ultimately, in the long
rapture. run, at the end of the day, one day,
- OPPOSITES misery. some day, sometime, sooner or later.
evacuate yerb 1 remove, move out, ever odverb 1 at any time, at any point,
take away.2 leave, vacate, abandon, on any occasion, under any circum-
move out of, quit, withdraw from, stances, on any account, until now.
retreat from, flee.3 police evacuoted the 2 always, forever, eternally, continu.
oreo clear, empty. ally, constantly, endlessly, perpetually,
evade verb 1 elude, avoid, dodge, i ncessa ntly.

escape (from), steer clear of, sidestep, everlasting odjective eternal, endless,
lose, leave behind, shake off; informol never-ending, perpetual, undying, abid
give someone the slip. 2 avoid, dodge, ing, enduring, infi nite.
sidestep, bypass, skirt round, fudge; - OPPOSITES transient, occasional.
informol duck, cop out of.
everybody pronoun everyone, every
- OPPOSITES confront. person, each person, all, one and all,
evaluate verb assess, judge, gauge, all and sundry, the whole world, the
rate, estimate, appraise, weigh up; public.
informol size up. - oPPosrrES nobody.
evaPorate verb 1 vaporize, dry up. everyday odjective 1 daily, day-to-day,
2 end, pass (away), fizzle out, peter ongoing; formol quotidian. 2 com-
out, wear off, vanish, fade, disappear, monplace, ordinary, common, usual,
melt away. regular, familiar, conventional, routine,
- OPPOSITES condense, materialize. run-of-the-mill, sta ndard, stock,
evasive o djective equivocal, prevaricat- household, domestic; Brlt. common
ing, elusive, ambiguous, non-commit. or garden.
tal, vague, unclear, oblique. - OPPOSITES unusual.
even adjective 1 flat, smooth, uniform, everyone pronoun see everybody.
level, plane. 2 uniform, constant,
everywhere odverb all over, all
steady, stable, consistent, unvarying.
around, in every nook and cranny, far
unchanging, regular.3 all square, and wide, near and far, high and low,
drawn, tied, Ievel, neck and neck, nip
and tuck; Brit. level pegging; informol
{here, there, and everywhereJ, the
world over, worldwide; informol all
even-steven(s).
over the place; Brit. informol all over
- OPPoSITES bumpy, irregular, unequal.
the shop; N. Amer. informol all over
evening noun dusk, twilight, nightfall, the map.
sunset, sundown, night. - oPPostrES nowhere.
event noun 1 occurrence, happening, evict yerb expel, eject, remove, dis-
incident, affair, occasion, phenom- Iodge, turn out, throw out, drive out,
enon, function, gathering; informol do. dispossess; informol chuck out, kick
2 competition, contest, tournament, out, boot out, throw someone out on
match, fixture, tie, race, game, sport, their ear; Brit. informol Lurl ofi.
discipline; Brit. clash.
evidence noun 1 proof, confirmation,
eventful adjective busy, action-packed, verifi cation, substantiation, corrobora-
full, lively, active, hectic. tion. 2 testimony, witness statement,
- OPPoSITES dull. declaration, submission; low deposi-
eventual odjective final, ultimate, result- tion, affidavit. 3 signs, indications,
ing, ensuing, consequent, subsequent. marks, traces, suggestions, hints.
145 evident -, excel

evident odJective obvious, apparent, exacting adjective demanding, strin-

noticeable, conspicuous, visible, dis- gent, testing, challenging, arduous,
cernible, clear, plain, manifest, patent; laborious, hard, taxing, gruelling,
informol as clear as day. punishing, tough.
evidently odverb 1 obviously, clearly, - OPPOSITES easy, easy-going.
plainly, unmistakably, manifestly, exactly odverb 1 precisely, entirely,
patently. 2 seemingly, apparently, as absolutely, completely, totally, just,
far as you can tell, from all appearances, quite, in every respect. 2 accurately,
on the face of it, it seems, it appears. precisely, unerringly, faultlessly, per-
evll odjective 1 on evil deed wicked, fectly, faithfully.
bad, wrong, immoral, sinful, vile, exaggerate yerb overstate, ove.em-
iniquitous, villainous, vicious, mali- phasize, overestimate, inflate, embel-
cious, malevolent, demonic, diabolical, lish, embroider, elaborate, overplay,
fiendish, dark, monstrous.2 an evil dramatize; Brit. informal blow out of all
spirit harmful, bad, malign. 3 unpleas- proportion.
ant, disagreeable, nasty, horrible, foul, - oPPoSITES understate-
filthy, vile.
examination noun 1 items spreod out
- OPPOSITES good, virtuous.
for exominotion scrutiny, inspection,
a noun 1 the evil in our mldst wicked- perusal, study, investigation, considera-
ness, badness. wrongdoing. sin. sin-
tion, analysis. 2 o medicol exominotion
fulness, immorality, vice, iniquity,
inspection, check-up, assessment,
corruption, villainy. 2 nothing but evil
appraisal, test, scan. 3 o school exomi-
will result harm, pain, misery, sorrow,
notlon test, exam, assessment; N. Amer.
suffering, trouble, disaster, misfortune,
quiz.
woe.
- oeeostrrs good. examine verb 1 inspect, scrutinize,
investigate, look at, study. appraise,
evoke verb bring to mind, put someone
analyse, review, survey; informol check
in mind of, conjure up, summon (up),
invoke, elicit, induce, kindle, awaken,
out.2 test, quiz, question, assess,
appraise.
a rouse.
evolution noun 1 development, pro-
example noun 1 specimen, sample,
gress, rise, expansion, growth.2 natu- instance, case, illustration. 2 prec-
ral selection, Darwinism, adaptation, edent, lead, model, pattern, ideal,
development. standard. 3 warning, lesson, deterrent,
d isi n centive.
evolve develop, progress, advance,
verb
grow, expand, spread. exasPerate verb infuriate, anger,
annoy, irritate, madden, provoke, irk,
exacerbate verb aggravate, woTsen, vex, gall, get on someone's nerves; Brit.
infl ame, compound, intensify, increase,
rub up the wrong way; informol aggra-
heighten, magnify, add to.
vate, rile, bug, hack off: Brit. informal
- oPPoSITES reduce.
nark, get on someone's wick; iV. Amer.
exact odjective 1 on exoct description informol tee off, tick off.
precise, accurate, correct, faithful,
excavate verb unearth, dig up, uncover,
close, true, literal, strict, perfect. 2 on
reveal, disinter, exhume, dig out,
exoct record keeper careful, meticulous,
quarry, mine.
painstaking, punctilious, conscientious,
scrupu lous. exceed verb be more than, be greater
- oPPOSITES inaccurate, careless. than, be over, go beyond, top, surpass.
l
a verb demand, require. impose. excel verb shine, be excellent, be out-
extract, compel, force, wring. 2 inflict, standing, be skilful, be talented, stand
impose, administer, mete out, wreak. out, be second to none.
excellence -+ excuse 146

excellence noun distinction, qual. excitabf e o dj ective temperamental,

ity, superiority, brilliance, greatness, volatile, mercurial, emotional, sensitive,
calibre, eminence. highly strung, tempestuous, hot-
excellent odjective very good, out- headed, fiery.
standing, superb, exceptional, marvel. - OPPOSITES placid.
lous, wonderful, splendid; informol excite verb 1 thrill, exhilarate, animate,
terrific, fantastic. enliven, rouse, stir, stimulate, galvanize.
- oPPoSITES inferior. 2 provoke, stir up, rouse, arouse, kin-
excePt preposifion excluding, not dle, trigger, spark off, incite, cause.
including, excepting, except for, omit- - OPPOSITES bore.
ting, not counting, but, besides, apart excitement n oun 1 the excitement of
from, aside from, barring, bar, other seeing o leopard in the wild thrill, pleas-
than; informol outside of. ure, delight, joy; informolkick, buzz.
exception noun anomaly, irregularity, 2 the excitement in her eyes exhilara-
deviation, special case, peculiarity, tion, elation, animation, enthusiasm,
abnormality, oddity. eagerness, anticipation.
exceptional odjective 1 the drought exciting odjective thrilling, exhilarating,
wos exceptionol unusual, abnormal, stirring, rousing, stimulating, intoxicat-
atypical, out of the ordinary, rare, ing. electrifying, invigorating, gripping,
unprecedented, u nexpected, surpris- compelling, powerful, dramatic.
ing.2 her exceptionol obility outstand. exclaim verb cry out, declare, proclaim,
ing, extraordinary, remarkable, special, blurt out, call out, shout, yell.
phenomenal, prodigious.
- oPPoslrES normal, average. exclude verb 1 keep out, deny access
to, shut out, bar, ban, prohibit.2 rule
excerPt noun extract, part, section, out, preclude.3 be exclusive of, not
piece, portion, snippet, clip, cita-
include.
tion, quotation, quote, line, passage,
fragment.
- oPPostTES admit, include.
exclusive odjective 1 select, chic, high-
excess noun 1 surplus, surfeit, over-
class, elite, fashionable, stylish, elegant,
abundance, superabundance, superflu-
premier; Erit upmarket; informol posh,
ity, glut. 2 remainder, leftovers, extra,
classy;Brit informol swish. 2 sole,
rest, residue. 3 overindulgence, intem
perance, immoderation, profl igacy,
unshared, unique, individual, personal,
private. 3 prices exclusive of VAT not
extravagance, self-indul gence.
including, excluding, leaving out, omit-
- OPPOSITES lack, restraint.
ting, excepting.
a adjective excess oil surplus, superflu-
ous, redundant, unwanted, unneeded, - OPPOSITES inclusive.
excessive, extra. excruCiating odjective agonizing,
excessive odjective I immoderate, severe, acute, intense, violent, racking,
intemperate, overindulgent, unre- searing, piercing, stabbing, unbearable,
strained, uncontrolled, extravagant. unendurable; lnformol splittinq, killing.
2 exorbitant, extortionate, unreason- excursion noun outing, trip, jaunt,
able, outrageous, uncalled for, inordi- expedition, journey, tour, day out,
nate, unwarranted, disproportionate; drive, run; informol spin.
informol over the top. excuse verb 1 forgive, pardon.
exchange noun 1 interchange, trade, 2 justify, defend, condone, forgive,
trading, swapping, traffic, trafficking. overlook, disregard, iqnore, tolerate,
2 conversation, dialogue, chat, talk, explain, mitiqate. 3 let off, release,
d iscussion. relieve, exempt, absolve, free.
o verb trade, swap, switch, change. - OPPOSITES punish, condemn.
147 execute + existence
o noun 1 justification, defence, exert yerb bring to bear, apply, use,
reason, explanation, mitigating utilize, deploy.
circumstances, mitigation. 2 pretext, tr exert yourself work hard, labour,
pretence; Brlt. get-out; informol story, toil, make an effort, endeavour, slog
alibi. away, push yourself.
execute verb 1 carry out, accomplish, exhaust verb 1 tire out, wear out, over-
bring off/about, implement, achieve, tire, fatigue, weary, drain; informoltake
complete, engineer; informal pull off. it out of someone, shatter; Brit. infor-
2 put to death, kill, hang, behead, mol knacker; N. Amer. informol poop,
electrocute, shoot. tucker out. 2 use up, get through, con-
execution noun 1 implementation, sume, finish, deplete, spend, empty,
carrying out, performance, accomplish. drain; informol blow.
ment, bringing off/about, attainment, - OPPOSITES invigorate, replenish.
realization. 2 killing, capital punish- exhausting adjective tiring, wearyin g,
ment, the death penalty. taxing, wearing, draininq, arduous,
executive o djective administrative, strenuous, oneTous, demanding,
managerial, decision-making, law- gruelling; informol killing; Brit. informol
making, governing, controlling. knackering.
a noun 1 director, manager, senior exhaustion noun tiredness, fatigue,
official, administrator; infornol boss, weariness, debility, enervation.
exec, suit. 2 administration, man- exhibit verb 1 put on display, show,
agement, directorate, government, display, unveil, present. 2 show, reveal,
authority. display, manifest, indicate, demon-
exemplary odjective perfect, ideal, strate, express, evince, evidence.
model, faultless, flawless, impeccable, a noun item, piece, artefact, display,
irreproachable. collection.
- oPPoSITES deplorable. exhibition noun I exposition, display,
exemplify verb typify, epitomize, be show, showing, presentation. 2 dis-
an example of, be representative oi play, show, demonstration, manifesta-
symbolize, illustrate, demonstrate. tion, expression.
exemPt odjective free, not liable, not exhilarating o djective thrilling, excit-

subject, immune, excepted, excused, ing, invigorating, stimulating, intoxicat.

absolved. ing, electrifying.
a verb excuse, free, release, exclude, exhort verb urge, encourage, call on,
grant immunity, spare, absolve; infor- enjoin, charge, press, bid, appeal to,
mol let off. entreat, implore; /iterory beseech.
exemption noun immunity, exception, exile noun 1 banishment, expulsion,
dispensation, indemnity, exclusion, deportation, eviction, isolation. 2 expa-
freedom, release, relief, absolution. triate, 6mig16, deportee, displaced
exercise noun 1 physical activity, a person, refugee.
workout, working out, movement, exist verb 1 live, be alive, be, be pre-
training. 2 task, piece of work, prob- sent.2 prevail, occur, be found, be in
lem, assignment, practice. 3 manoeu- existence, be the case; formol obtain.
vre, operation, deployment. 3 survive, subsist, live, support your-
a verb 1 work out, do exercises, train. self, manage, make do, get by, scrape
2 use, employ, make use of, utilize, by, make ends meet, eke out a living.
practise, apply. 3 concern, occupy, existence noun 1 survival, con-
worry, trouble, bother, disturb, prey on tinuation. 2 way of life, life, lifestyle,
someone's mind. situation.
exit + experiment 148

tr in exastence existing, alive, surviv- guess, reckon; N. Amer. informol figure.

ing, remaining, extant, existent, in 2 anticipate, envisage, await, look for,
circulation, current. hope for, look forward to, contem-
exit noun 1 way out, door, escape plate, bargain for/on, predict, forecast.
route, egress. 2 turning, turn-off, junc- 3 require, ask for, call for, want, insist
tion. 3 departure, leaving, withdrawal, on, demand.
going, retreat, flight, exodus, escape. expectation noun 1 supposition,
- OPPOSITES entrance, arrival. assumption, presumption, conjer-
o verb leave, go out, depart, withdraw, ture, calculation, prediction, hope.
retreat. 2 anticipation, expectancy, eagerness,
- oPPostTES enter. excitement, suspense.
exonerate verb absolve, clear, acquit, expedient odjective convenient, adva n-
find innocent, discharge; formol tageous, useful, beneficial, helpful,
exculpate. practical, pragmatic, politic, prudent,
- OPPOSITES convict. judicious.
exorbitant odjective extortionate, a noun measure, means, method,
excessive, prohibitive, outrageous, stratagem, scheme, plan, solution,
unreasonable, inflated; Brlt. over the move, tactic, manoeuvre, device, con-
odds: informolsteep, stiff, a rip-off; Brit. trivance, ploy, ruse.
tnformol daylight robbery. expedition noun journey, voyage, tour,
- OPPOSITES cheap. safari, trek, mission, quest, hike, trip.
exotac odjective 1 exotlc birds foreign, expel verb throw out, bar, ban, debar,
non-native, alien, tropical. 2 exotic drum out, banish, exile, deport, evict;
p/oces foreign, faraway, far-off, far- informol chuck out.
flung, distant. 3 striking, colourful, - OPPoSITES admit.
eye-catching, unusual, unconventional, expense noun cost, expenditure, spend-
extravagant, outla ndish. ing, outlay, outgoings, payment, price,
expand verb 1
metols expond when charge, fees, overheads, tariff, bill.
heoted enlarge, increase in size, swell, - oPPoSITES income. prolit.
lengthen, stretch, spread, thicken, expensive adjective costly, dear, high-
fill out. 2 the compony is exponding priced, overpriced, exorbitant, extor-
grow, enlarge, increase in size, extend, tionate; informol steep, stiff, pricey.
augment, broaden, widen, develop, - oeRostrrs cheap.
diversify, build up, branch out, spread. experience noun 1 skill, practical
- oPPOSITES contract. knowledge, understanding, familiarity,
tr expand on elaborate on, enlarge on, involvement, pa rticipation, contact,
go into detail about, flesh out, develop. acquaintance, exposure, background,
expanse noun area, stretch, sweep, track record, history; informol know-
tract, swathe, belt, region, sea, carpet, how. 2 incident, occurrence, event,
blanket, sheet. happening, episode, adventure.
expansion noun 1 exponsion and o verb undergo, go through, encoun-
controction enlargement, swelling, ter, face, meet, come across, come up
lengthening, elongation, stretching, against, come into contact with.
thickening. 2 the exponsion of the experienced odje ctive knowledge-
compony growth. increase in size, able, skilful, skilled, expert, proficient,
enlargement, extension, development, trained, competent, capable, seasoned,
diversification, spread. practised, mature, veteran.
- OPPOSITES contraction. exPeriment noun test, investiga-
expect verb 1 suppose, presume, tion, trial, examination, observation,
imagine, assume, surmise; informol research, assessment, evaluation,
149 experimental -+ expose

appraisal, analysis, study. blow up; informolfly off the handle, hit
a verb carry out experiments, test, the rool blow your top; Brit. informal
trial, try out, assess, appraise, evaluate. go spare; N. Amer. informolblow your
exPerimental adjective 1 explora- lidistack. 3 increase rapidly, mush-
tory, investigational, trial, test, pilot, room, snowball, escalate, burgeon,
speculative, tentative, preliminary. rocket. 4 disprove, refute, rebut,
2 new, innovative, creative, radical, repudiate, debunk, give the lie to;
avant-garde, alternative, unorthodox, informolshoot full of holes, blow out
unconventional, cutting-edge; i nformol of the water.
edgy. exploit verb 1 utilize, make use of,
exPert noun specialist, authority, turn/put to good use, make the most
professional, pundit, maestro, virtuoso, of, capitalize on, benefit from: informol
master, wizard, connoisseur, afi cionado; cash in on. 2 take advantage of,
informal ace, pro, hotshot; Brit. informol abuse, impose on, treat unfairly, mis-
dab hand; N. Amer.lnformol maven. use, ill-treat; lnformol walk (all) over.
- OPPOSTTES amateur. a noun feat, deed, act, adventure,
o odjective skilful, sl<illed, adept, stunt, escapade, achievement.
accomplished, experienced, practised, exPloration noun investigation, study,
knowledgeable, talented, masterly, survey, research, inspection, examina-
virtuoso; informol ace, crack, mean, tion, scrutiny, observation.
genius.
exPlore verb 1 travel through, tour,
- OPPOSITES incompetent. survey, scout, reconnoitre. 2 inves-
exPertise noun skill, prowess, pro- tigate, Iook into, consider, examine,
ciency, competence, knowledge,
fi research, survey, scrutinize, study,
ability, aptitude, capability; informol review; lnfornol checl< out.
know-how.
explosion noun 1 detonation, erup-
expire verbl run out, become invalid, tion, bang, blast, boom. 2 outburst,
become void, lapse, end, finish, stop, fl are-up, outbreal<, eruption, storm,
terminate. 2 die, pass away, breathe rush, surge, fit, paroxysm.3 sudden
your last; informoll<ick the bucl<et, increase, mushrooming, snowballing,
croal<; Brit informolsnuff it, peg out;
escalation, multiplication, burgeoning,
N. Amer. informolbuy the farm.
rocketing.
explain yerb 1 describe, make clear,
explosive odjective 1 volatile, inflam-
spell out, put into words, define, mable, fl ammable, combustible, incen-
elucidate, expound, clarify, throw light diary. 2 fiery, stormy, violent, volatile,
for' sive a Teason for' passionate, tempestuous, turbulent,
:l;,?r:.t'"t touchy, irascible. 3 tense, highly
exPlanation noun 1 clarification, charged, overwrought, dangerous,
description, statement, interpretation, perilous, hazardous, sensitive, delicate,
definition, commentary. 2 account, unstable, volatile.
reason, justification, answer, excuse, a noun bomb, charge, incendiary
defence, vindication. (device).
explicit odjective 1 clear, plain, straight- exPose verb 1 ot low tide the rocks ore
forward, crystal clear, precise, exact, exposed reveal, uncover, lay bare. 2 he
specifi c, unequivocal, unambiguous, wos exposed to rodiotion lay open,
detailed. 2 graphic, candid, full-frontal, subject, put at risk of, put in jeopardy
uncensored. of, leave unprotected f rom. 3 they were
- OPPOSITES vague. exposed to new ideos introduce to,
explode verb 1 blow up, detonate, go bring lnto contact with, make aware
off, burst, erupt.2 lose your temper, of, familiarize with, acquaint with.
exposure r extol 150

4 uncover, reveal, unveil, unmask, 2 continue, carry on, stretch, reach.

detect, find out, denounce, condemn; 3 widen, expand, broaden, augment,
informalblow the whistle on. supplement, increase, add to, enhance,
- OPPOSITES cover, protect. develop. 4 prolong. lengthen. increase,
exposure noun 1 frostbite, cold, stretch out, protract, spin out, string
hypothermia. 2 uncovering, revela- out.5 hold out, reach out, hold forth,
tion, disclosure, unveiling, unmasl<ing, stretch out, outstretch, offer, give,
discovery, detection. 3 publicity, proffer.
advertising, public attention, media - oPPostrES reduce, shorten.
interest; informol hype. o extend to include, take in, incorpo-
rate, encompass.
expressl verb communicate, convey,
indicate, show, demonstrate, reveal, extension noun 1 addition, add-on,
put across/ove1 get across/over, articu- adjunct, annex, wing. 2 expansion,
late, put into words, voice, give voice increase, enlargement, widening,
to, state, air, give vent to. broadening, deepening, augmentation,
enhancement, development, growth.
express2 odjective rapid, swift, fast,
3 prolongation, lengthening, increase.
high-speed, non-stop, direct.
extensive odjective 1 large, sizeable,
express3 odjective 1 explicit, clear,
substantial, considerable, ample, great,
direct, plain, distinct, unambiguous,
vast. 2 comprehensive, thorough,
categorical. 2 sole, specific, particular,
exhaustive, broad, wide, wide-ranging,
special, specified.
catholic.
- OPPOSITES vague.
exPression noun 1 utterance, utter-
extent noun 1 area, size, expanse,
length. proportions, dimensions.
ing, voicing, declaration, articulation.
2 degree, scale, level, magnitude,
2 indication, demonstration, show,
scope, size, reach, range.
exhibition, token, illustration. 3 look,
appearance, air, manner, countenance, exterior odjective outer, outside, outer-
mien. 4 idiom, phrase, turn of phrase, most, outward, external.
term, proverb, saying. adage, maxim. - OPPOSITES interior.
5 emotion, feeling. spirit, passion, o noun outside, external surface,
intensity, style. outward appearance, facade.
expressive odjective I eloquent, - OPPOSITES interior.

meaningful, demonstrative, suggestive. external odjective outer, outside, outer-

2 emotional, passionate, poignant, most, outward, exterior.
moving, stirring, emotionally charged, - OPPOSITES internal.
lyrical. extinct odjective 1 vanished, lost,
- OPPOSITES undemonstrative. gone, died out, wiped out, destroyed.
expulsion noun 1 removal, debarment, 2 inactive.
dismissal, exclusion, ejection, banish- - OPPOSITES livinq, dormant.
ment, eviction. 2 discharge, ejection, extinction noun dying out, disap-
excretion, voiding, evacuation, elimina- pearance, vanishing, extermination,
tion, passing. destruction, elimination, eradication,
- OPPOSITES admission. annihilation.
exquisite odjective 1 beautiful, lovely, extinguish verb douse, quench, put
elegant, fine, delicate, fragile, dainty, out, stamp out, smother, snuff out.
subtle. 2 exquisite toste discriminat- - oPPoslTES light.
ing, discerning, sensitive, fastidious, extol verb praise, wax lyrical about, sing
refined. the praises of, acclaim, applaud, cel-
extend verb 1 expand, enlarge, ebrate, eulogize, rave about, enthuse
increase, lengthen, widen, broaden. over; formol laud.
151 extort + eyewatness
- OPPOSITES criticize. dire, radical, far-reaching, draconian;
extort yerb extract, exact, wring, wrest, Brit. swingeing. 3 radical, extremist,
5Crew, squeeze. immoderate, fanatical, revolutionary,
extortionate odjectlve exorbitant, subversive, militant. 4 dangerous,
excessive, outrageous, unreasonable, hazardous, risky, high+isk; informol
inordinate, inflated; Brit. informol day- white-knuckle. 5 furthest, farthest,
light robbery. utmost, remotest, ultra-.
- OPPOSITES slight, moderate.
extra odjective additional, more, added,
o noun opposite, antithesis, side of the .:ii1;{ii1r
supplementary, further, auxiliary, ancil-
coin, (opposite) pole, limit, extremity, ,lil,i*l*i
lary, subsidiary, secondary.
contrast.
a odverb exceptionally, particularly,
specially, especially, extremely. extremely odve rb very, exceptiona I ly,

o noun addition, supplement, bonus, especially, extraordinarily, tremen-

adjunct, addendum, add-on. dously, immensely, hugely, supremely,
highly, mightily : informal awfully,
extract verb 1 take out, draw out, terribly, seriously; Brit. informol jolly;
pull out, remove, withdraw, release,
N. Amer. informol mighty.
extricate. 2 wrest, exact, wring, screw,
squeeze, obtain by force, extort.
- OPPOSITES slightly.

3 squeeze out, press out, obtain. extremist noun fanatic, radical, zealot,
- OPPOSITES insert. fundamentalist, hardliner, militant,
a noun 1 excerpt, passage, citation, a ctivist.
quotation. 2 distillation, distlllate, - oPPostTEs moderate.
concentrate, essence, juice. extrovert o dj ective outgoing, extro-

extraordinary odjective 1 on extroor. verted, sociable, gregarious, lively,

di no ry coi nci d e nce remarkable, ebullient, exuberant, uninhibited,
exceptional, amazing, astonishing, u nreserved.

astounding, sensational, stunning, - OPPOSITES introverted.

incredible, unbelievable, phenomenal; exuberant odjective ebullient, buoy-
informol fa ntastic. 2 extro ord i no ry spee d ant, cheerful, high-spirited, cheery,
very great, tremendous, enormous, lively, vivacious, enthusiastic, irrepress-
immense, prodigious, stupendous, ible, enerqetic, animated, full of life,
monumental. sparkling; informol bubbly, bouncy, full
- OPPOSITES unremarkable. of beans.
extravagant odjective 1 spendthrift, eye verb look at, observe, view, gaze at,
profl igate, wasteful, prodigal, lavish. stare at, regard, contemplate, survey,
2 excessive, immoderate, exagger- scrutinize, consider, glance at, watch;
ated, gushing, unrestrained, effusive, informolcheck out, size up; iV. Amer.
fulsome. 3 ornate, elaborate, fancy, informol eyeball.
over-elaborate, ostentatious, exaqqer- WORD LINKS
ated; informol flashy.
ocular, ophthalmic, optic relating
- OPPOSITES thrifty, moderate.
to the eye
extreme odjective 1 extreme don- ophthalmology branch of medicine
;
ger utmost, (very) great, greatest ]

deaIinq.witn thu uy=--_

(possible), maximum, great, acute, _
enormous, severe, serious. 2 extreme eyeuritness noun observer, onlooker,
meosures drastic, serious, desperate, witness, bystander, passer-by.
fable -+ fade 152

Ff
fable noun parable, allegory, myth, facilitate verb make easier, ease, mal<e
legend, story, tale. possible, smooth the way for, enable,
fabric noun 1 cloth, material, textile, assist, help (along), aid, promote,
stuff. 2 structure, construction, make- hasten, speed up.
up, organization, framework, essence. - OPPOSITES impede.

fabricate verb falsify, fake, counterfeit, facility noun 1 o wealth of locol focilities
invent, make up. amenity, resource, service, benefi t,
convenience, equipment. 2 o medicol
fabulous odjective 1 stupendous,
prodigious, phenomenal, exceptional, focllity establishment, centre, station,
location, premises, site, post, base.
fantastic, breathtaking, staggering,
3 ease, effortlessness, skill, adroitness,
unthinkable, unimaginable, incredible,
smoothness, fl uency, slickness.
undreamed of .2 (informol) o fobulous
time. see excellent. fact noun 1 o foct we connot ignore real-
ity, actuality, certainty, truth, verity,
facade noun 1 front, frontage, face, gospel. 2 every foct was double-checked
elevation, exterior, outside. 2 show,
detail, particular, finding, point, factor,
front, appearance, pretence, simulation,
feature, characteristic, aspect; (facts)
affectation, act, charade, mask, veneer.
information, data.
face noun I countenance, physiog- - OPPOSITES lie, fiction.
nomy. features. profile; /iterory visage,
faction noun 1 clique, coterie, caucus.
lineaments. 2 expression, look,
bloc, camp, group, grouping, splinter
appearance, mien, air. 3 he mode o foce group. 2 infighting, dissent, dispute,
grimace, scowl, wince, frown, pout.
discord, strife, conflict, friction, argu-
4 side, aspect, surface, plane, facet,
ment, disagreement, disunity, schism.
wall, elevation.
o verb 1 look out on, front on to, look factor noun element, part, component,
towards, look over/across, overlook, ingredient, strand, constituent, feature,
be opposite (to). 2 accept, get used
facet, aspect, characteristic, considera-
to, adjust to, learn to live with, cope tion, infl uence, circumstance.
with, deal with, come to terms with, factory noun works, plant, yard, mill,
become resigned to.3 beset, worry, facility, worl<shop, shop.
trouble, confiont, torment, plague, factual odjective truthful, true, accu-
bedevil. 4 brave, face up to, encounter, ral.e, authentic, historical, genuine.
meet (head-on), confront. 5 cover, true-to-life, correct, exact.
clad, veneer, surface, dress, laminate, - OPPOSITES fictitious.
coat, line. faculty noun 1 power, capability,
facelift noun renovation, redecoration, capacity, facility; (faculties) senses,
refurbishment, revamp, makeover. wits, reason, intelligence. 2 depart-
facet noun aspect, feature, factor, ment, school.
side, dimension, strand, component, fad noun craze, vogue, trend, fashion,
element. mode, mania, rage.
facetious odjective flippant, fl ip, glib, fade verb 1 grow pale, become
frivolous, tongue-in-cheek, joking, bleached, become washed out, lose
jokey, jocular, playful. colour, discolour, blanch. 2 (grow)
- OPPOSITES serious. dim, grow faint, fail, dwindle, die away,
153 fail --> fake
wane, disappear, vanish, decline, melt lairl adjective 1 just, equitable, honest,
away. 3 decline, die out, diminish, impartial, unbiased, unprejudiced, neu-
decay, crumble, collapse, fail. tral, even-handed.2 fine, dry, bright,
- OPPOSITES brighten. clear, sunny, cloudless. 3 blond(e),
fail verb 1 be unsuccessful, fall through, yellow, golden, flaxen, light. 4 pale,
fall flat, collapse, founder, backfire, light, pink, white, creamy. 5 reason-
miscarry, come unstuck; informol flop, able, passable, tolerable, satisfactory,
bomb, flatline. 2 be unsuccessful in, acceptable, respectable, decent, all
not make the grade; informol flunk. right, good enough, pretty good.
3 let down, disappoint, desert, aban- - OPPoSITES inclement, dark, poor.
don, betray, be disloyal to.4 break lair2 noun I fete, gala, festival, carnival. iilirttl;i|iii
(down), stop working, cut out, crash, 2 market. bazaar, exchange, sale.
malfunction, go wrong; informol conk 3 exhibition, display, show, exposition.
out; Brit. informal pack up. 5 deterio- Iairly odverb 1 justly, equitably, impar-
rate, degenerate, decline, fade. 6 col- tially, without bias, without prejudice,
lapse, crash, go under, go bankrupt, even-handedly, equally. 2 reasonably,
cease trading, be wound up; informol passably, tolerably, adequately, moder-
fold, go bust. ately, quite, relatively, comparatively;
- OPPOSITES succeed, pass. improve. informal pretty. 3 positively, really,
failing noun fault, shortcoming, weak- simply, absolutely.
ness, imperfection, deficiency, defect, fairy noun sprite, pixie, elf, imp,
flaw, frailty. brownie, puck, leprechaun.
- OPPOSITES strength.
faith noun 1 trust, belief, confidence,
failure noun 1 lack of success, defeat, conviction, reliance. 2 religion, belief,
collapse, foundering. 2 fiasco, debacle, creed, church, persuasion, ideology,
catastrophe, disaster; informal flop, doctrine.
washout, dead loss. 3 loser, undera- - OPPOSITES mistrust.
chiever, ne'er-do-well, disappointment;
faithful odjective 1 loyal, constant, true,
informol no-hoper, dud. 4 negligence,
devoted, staunch, steadfast, dedicated,
dereliction, omission, oversight.
committed, trusty, dependable, reli-
5 breakdown, malfunction, crash. able. 2 accurate, precise, exact, true,
6 collapse, crash, bankruptcy, insol- strict, realistic, authentic.
vency, liquidation. closure.
_ OPPOSITES 5UCCe55.
- OPPOSITES disloyal, treacherous.
fake noun 1 forgery, counterfeit,
laint odjective 1 indistinct, vague,
copy, sham, fraud, hoax, imitation;
unclear, indefi nite, ill-defined, impercep-
informol phoney, rip-off. 2 charlatan,
tible, pale, light, faded. 2 quiet, muted, quack, sham, fraud, impostor; informol
muffied, stifled, feeble, weak, low, soft, phoney.
gentle.3 slight, slender, slim, small, counterfeit, forged,
O odjective 1
tiny, remote, vague. 4 dizzy, giddy, fraudulent, sham, pirated, false, bogus;
light-headed, unsteady; informol woozy. informol phoney, dud. 2 imitation,
- oPPostrES clear, loud, strong. artificial, synthetic, simulated, repro-
o verb pass out. lose consciousness, duction, replica, ersatz, man-made,
black out, keel over, swoon. dummy, false, mock; informol pretend.
a noun blackout, fainting fit, loss of 3 feigned, faked, put-on, assumed,
consciousness, coma, swoon. invented, affected.
faintly odverb 1 indistinctly, softly, - OPPOSITES genuine, real, authentic.
gently, weakly, in a whisper. 2 slightly, a verb 1 forge, counterfeit, falsify,
vaguely, somewhat, quite, fairly, rather, copy, pirate. 2 feign, pretend, simulate,
a little, a bit, a touch, a shade. put on, affect.
fall -+ fan 154

lallverb 1 drop, descend, plummet, misreport, distort.

plunge, sink, dive, tumble, cascade. falterverb hesitate, delay, drag your
2 topple over, tumble over, fail down/ feet, stall, waver, vacillate, be indeci-
over, collapse.3 subside, recede, sive, be irresolute; Bdf. hum and haw;
drop, retreat, fall away, go down, sink. informol sit on the fence.
4 decrease, decline, diminish, fall off, fame noun renown, celebrity, stardom,
drop off, lessen, dwindle, plummet, popularity, prominence, distinction,
plunge, slump, sink. 5 die, perish, lose
esteem, eminence, repute.
your life, be killed, be slain, be lost;
- oPPostrES obscurity.
informolbite the dust, buy it. 6 surren-
der, yield, submit, give in, capitulate, familiar odjective 1 well known,
succumb, be taken, be overwhelmed. recognized, accustomed, everyday,
7 occur, take place, happen, come day-to-day, habitual, customary, rou-
about. tine. 2 ore you fomiliar with the subiect?
- OPPOSITES rise. acquainted, conversant, versed,
l
a noun tumble, trip, spill, topple. knowledgeable, well informed, au fait;
2 decline, fall-off, drop, decrease, cut, informol well up on. 3 overfamiliar,
dip, reduction, slump; informol crash. presumptuous, disrespectful, forward,
3 downfall, collapse, failure, decline, bold, impudent, impertinent.
destruction, overthrow, demise. 4 sur- familiarity noun 1 a fomiliority with
render, capitulation, yielding, submis- polltics acquaintance, awareness,
sion, defeat. 5 descent, slope, slant. knowledge, experience, insight,
- OPPOSITES rise. understanding, comprehension.
o fall back retreat, withdraw, back off, 2 overfamiliarity, presumption,
draw back, pull back, move away. fall forwardness, boldness, cheek,
back on resort to, turn to, look to, call impudence, impertinence, disrespect.
on, have recourse to. fall for (informol) 3 closeness, intimacy, friendliness,
1 fall in love with, take a fancy to, friendship.
be smitten by, be attracted to.2 be family noun 1 relatives, relations,
deceived by, be duped by, be fooled (next of) kin, clan, tribe; informol folks.
by, be taken in by; informol go for, 2 children, little ones, youngsters;
buy, swallow. fall out quarrel, argue, informol kids. 3 species, order, class,
fight, squabble, bicker; Brit. row. fall genus, phylum.
through fail, be unsuccessful, come to
nothing, miscarry, go awry, collapse,
famine noun 1 food shortage, hunger,
starvation, malnutrition. 2 shortage,
founder, come to grief.
scarcity, lack, dearth, deficiency, insuf-
lalse odjective 1 incorrect, untrue, ficiency, shortfall.
wrong, inaccurate, untruthful, ficti- - OPPoSITES plenty.
tious, fabricated, invented, made up,
trumped up, counterfeit, forged, fraud- famished adjective ravenous, hu ng ry,
starving, starved, empty, unfed; infor-
ulent. 2 disloyal, faithless, unfaith-
ful, untrue, inconstant, treacherous, mol peckish.
double-crossing, deceitful, dishonest, - OPPoSITES replete.
duplicitous. 3 fake, artificial, imitation, famous odjective w ell known,
synthetic, simulated, reproduction, prominent, famed, popular, renowned,
replica, ersatz, man-made, dummy, noted, eminent, distinguished, cel'
mock; informol pretend. ebrated, illustrious, legendary.
- OPPosITES correct, faithful, genuine. - OPPOSITES unknown.
falsify verb forge, fake, counterfeit, fan noun enthusiast, devotee, admirer,
fabricate, alter, change, doctor, tamper lover, aficionado, supporter, follower,
with, manipulate, misrepresent, disciple, adherent; informol bufr .
155 fanatic -+ fashion

fanatic noun extremist, militant, dog- lar odverb 1 a long way, a great
matist, bigot, zealot, radical, diehard; distance, a good way, afar. 2 much,
informol maniac. considerably, markedly, greatly, signifi-
fanatical odjective 1 zealous, extremist, cantly, substantially, appreciably, by a
extreme, militant, gung-ho, dogmatic, long way, by a mile, easily.
radical, diehard, intolerant, single- a odjective 1 distant, faraway, far-off,
minded, blinkered, inflexible, uncom- remote, out of the way, far-flung, outly-
promising. 2 enthusiastic, eager, ing. 2 further, opposite.
keen, fervent, passionate, obsessive, - OPPOSITES near.
obsessed, fi xated, compulsive; informol farce noun mockery, travesty, parody,
wild, nuts, crazyi Brit. informol potty. sham, pretence, charade, joke: informol .;!ll!igg11
lancy verb 1 (Brit. informol) wish for, shambles. .'."
want, desire, long for, yearn for, crave, - oPPostrES tragedy.
thirst for, hanker after, dream of, covet. fare noun 1 price, cost, charge, fee, toll,
2 (Brit. informol) be attracted to, find Lariff. 2 food, meals, cooking, cuisine.
attractive, be infatuated with, be taken O verb get on, get along, cope, man-
with; informol have a crush on, carry age, do, survive; informalmake out.
a torch for. 3 imagine, believe, think, farewell exc/om. goodbye, so long,
be under the impression; informal adieu, au revoir, ciao; informolbye,
reckon. cheerio, see you (later); Brit. informal
a odjective elaborate, ornate, ta-ta, cheers.
ornamental, decorative, embellished, o noun goodbye, adieu, leave-taking,
intricate, ostentatious, showy, fl amboy- parting, departure, send-off.
ant, lavish, expensive; informol flashy, farm noun smallholding, farmstead,
snazzy, posh, classy; Brit. informol plantation, estate, farmland; Brit
swish. grange, croft ; Scottlsh steading ;
- OPPOSITES plain. N. Amer. ranch; Austrol.f NZ station.
a noun 1whim, foible, urge, whimsy, a verb breed, rear, keep, raise, tend.
fascination, fad, craze, enthusiastn, s farm out contract out, outsource,
passion, caprice. 2 fantasy, dreaming, subcontract, delegate.
imagination, creativity. farming noun agriculture, cultivation,
fantastic odjective 1 fanciful, extrava- husbandry; Brit crofting.
gant, extraordinary, irrational, wild, fascinating o djective interesti ng,
absurd, far-fetched, unthinkable, captivating, engrossing, absorbing,
implausible, improbable, unlikely; lnfor. enchanting, enthralling, spellbinding,
mol crazy.2 strange, weird, bizarre, riveting, engaging, compelling, com-
outlandish, grotesque, surreal, exotic. pulsive, gripping, charming, attractive,
3 (informol) marvellous, wonderful, intriguing, diverting, entertaining.
sensational, outstanding, superb, excel- - OPPOSITES boring.
lent; lnformol terrific, fabulous; Brit. fascination noun interest, preoccupa-
informol brilliant; Austral.I NZ nformol
i
tion, passion, obsession, compulsion,
bonzer. allure, lure, charm, attraction, appeal,
- oPPostrES ordinary. pull, draw.
fantasy noun 1 imagination, fancy, fashion noun 1 vogue, trend, craze,
invention, make-believe, creativity, rage, mania, fad, style, look, conven-
vision, daydreaming, reverie. 2 dream, tion, mode; informol thing. 2 clothes,
daydream, pipe dream, fanciful notion, clothing design, couture; informol the
wish, fond hope, delusion; informol pie rag trade.3 manner, way, method,
in the sky. style, approach, mode.
- oPPostTES realism. a yerb construct, build, make,
fashionable -+ faulty 156

manufacture, cast, shape, form, mould, fate noun 1 destiny, providence, the
sculpt, forge, hew, carve. stars, chance, luck, serendipity, for'
fashionable odjeclive in vogue. in tune, karma, kismet. 2 future, destiny,
fashion, popular, up to date, up to the outcome, end, lot. 3 death, demise,
minute, modern, all the rage, trendset- end, sentence, nemesis.
ting, stylish, chic, modish; informol o verb predestine, preordain, destine,
trendy, classy, cool; N. Amer informol mean, doom.
tony. father noun 1 informol dad, daddy,
pop, pa, old man; tnformol, doted pater.
fastl odjective 1 speedy, quick, swift,
2 originator, initiator, founder, inven-
rapid, high-speed, accelerated, express,
tor, creator, author, architect.
blistering, breal<neck, hasty, hurried;
informol nippy, scorching, supersonic; a verb sire, spawn, breed, give life to.
Brit. informol cracking. 2 secure, fas- wono lntxs
tened, tight, firm, closed, shut, immov- paternal relal-ing to a father
able. 3 loyal, devoted, faithful, firm, patricide killing of your father
steadfast, staunch, true, boon, bosom, _ ,_.]

inseparable. fatigue noun tiredness, weariness.

- oPPoSITES slow, loose. exh au stion.
aodverb 1 quickly, rapidly, swiftly, - oPPOSITES energy.
speedily, briskly, at full tilt, hastily, hur' a verb tire out, exhaust, wear out,
riedly, in a hurry; informoldouble quick, drain, weary, overtire; informol knock
nippily; N. Amer. informol lickety-split. out, tal<e it out of; Brit. informol knacl<er.
2 securely, firmly, tight. 3 he's fost latty odjective greasy, fat, oily, creamy,
os/eep deeply, sound, completely. rich.
Iast2 verb eat nothing, go without fault noun t he hos his foulfs defect,
food, go hungry, starve yourself, go on failing, imperfection, blemish, fl aw,
hunger strike. shortcoming, weakness, weal< point,
vice.2 engineers hove locoted the foult
fasten verb 1 bolt, lock, secure, make
defect, flaw, imperfection, bug, error,
fast, chain, seal. 2 attach, fix, affix, clip,
mistake, inaccuracy, oversight; informol
pin, tack, stick, join. 3 tie (up), tether,
glitch. 3 responsibility, liability, culpa-
hitch, truss, fetter, lash, anchol strap,
bility, guilt.
rope.
- OPPOSITES strength.
- OPPoSITES unlock, untie.
o verb find fault with, criticize, attack,
latodjective 1 obese, overweight, condemn; informol knock; Brit. informol
plump, stout, chubby, portly, flabby, slag off.
paunchy, pot-bellied, corpulent; lnfor- o at fault to blame, blameworthy, cul-
mol tubby; Brit. informol podgy. 2 fatty, pable, responsible, guilty, in the wrong.
greasy, oily.3 thick, big, chunky, faultless odjective perfect, fl awless,
substantial, sizeable. without fault, error-free, impeccable,
- OPPOSITES thin, slim, lean. accurate, precise, exact, correct,
a noun 1 blubber, fatty tissue, adipose exemplary.
tissue, cellulite.2 oil, grease, lard, suet, - OPPOSITES flawed.
butter, margarine. laulty adjective 1 malfunctioning,
latal odjective 1 deadly, lethal, mortal, brol<en, damaged, defective, not
death-dealing, terminal, incurable, working, out of order; lnformoi on the
untreatable, inoperable. 2 disastrous, blinl<, acting up: Brit. informal playing
devastating, ruinous, catastrophic, up.2 flawed, unsound, defective, inac-
calamitous, dire. curate, incorrect, erroneous, wrong.
- OPPOSITES harmless, beneficial. - OPPOSITES worl<ing, sound.
157 favour -+ fee

favour noun 1 good turn, service, uneasy, anxious, timid; informol jittery.
good deed, act of kindness, courtesy. 2 terrible, dreadful, awful, appalling,
2 approval, approbation, goodwill, frightful, ghastly, horrifi c, horrible,
kindness, benevolence. shocking, gruesome.
- OPPOSITES disservice, disapproval. - OPPOSITES unafraid.
a verb 1 advocate, recommend, fearless odjective brave, courageous,
approve of, be in favour of, support, bold, audacious, intrepid, valiant,
back, champion, campaign for, press plucky, heroic, daring, unafraid; infor-
for, lobby for, promote; lnformol push mol gutsy.
for. 2 prefer, go for, choose, opt for, - OPPOSITES timid, cowardly.
select, pick, plump for, like better, be feasible odjective practicable, practical,
biased towards.3 benefit, be to the workable, achievable, attainable, realiz-
advantage ol help, assist, aid, advance, able, viable, realistic, possible; informol
be of service to. doable.
- oPPOSITES oppose. - OPPOSITES impracticable.
B in favour of on the side of, pro,
feast noun banquet, dinner, treat; lnfor-
for, giving support to, approving of,
mol spread; Brit. informol beanfeast,
sympathetic to.
slap-up meal.
favourable odjective 1 approving, overb gorge, dine, binge; (feast on)
positive, complimentary, full of praise, devour, consume, partake of, eat your
flattering, glowing, enthusiastic, kind, fll of; informalstuff your face with, pig
good: informol rave. 2 advantageous, out on.
beneficial, in your favour, good, right, feat noun achievement, accomplish-
suitable, appropriate, auspicious. ment, coup, triumph, undertaking,
promising, encouraging. 3 positive, enterprise, venture, exploit, operation,
afflrmative, assenting, approving, exercise, endeavour, effort.
encouraqinq, reassuring.
feather noun plume, quill; (feathers)
- OPPOSITES critical, unfavourable.
plumage, down.
favourite odjective lavoured, preferred, feature noun 1 characteristic, attrib-
chosen, choice, best-loved, dearest, ute, quality, property, trait, hallmark,
pet. aspect, facet, factor, ingredient, com-
a noun first choice, pick, preference, ponent, element. 2 her delicote feotures
pet, darling, the apple of your eye; face, countenance, physiognomy;
informol golden boy, teacher's pet; informol mug; Brit. lnformol mush,
Brit. informol blue-eyed boy/girl ;
piizog; literory linea ments, visa ge.
N. Amer. informol f air-haired boy/girl. 3 centrepiece, special attraction, high-
fear noun 1 terror, fright, fearfulness, light, focal point, focus, conversation
horror, alarm, panic, trepidation, dread, piece. 4 article, piece, item, report,
anxiety, angst, apprehension, nervous- story, column.
ness. 2 phobia, aversion, antipathy, a verb 1 present, promote, make a fea-
dread, nightmare, horror, terror; ture of, spotlight, hiqhlight, showcase,
informol hang-up. foreground. 2 star, appear, participate.
a verb 1 be afraid of, be fearful of, be federation noun confederation,
scared of, be apprehensive of, dread, confederacy, association, league, alli-
live in fear of, be terrified of. 2 suspect, ance, coalition, union, syndicate, guild,
be afraid, have a sneaking suspicion, be consortium.
inclined to think, have a hunch. fee noun payment, wage, salary, price,
fearful odjective 1 afraid, scared, fright- charge, bill, tariff, rate; (fees) remu-
ened, scared stiff, scared to death, ter- neration, dues, earnings, pay; formal
rified, petrified, neTVous, apprehensive, emolument.
feeble -+ fertile 158

feeble odjective 1 weak, weakened, pertinent, germane, relevant.

debilitated, enfeebled, frail, decrepit, - oPPoSITES inappropriate.
infirm, delicate, sickly, ailing, unwell, fell verb 1 cut down, chop down, hack
poorly. 2 ineffective, unconvincing, down, saw down, clear. 2 knock down,
implausible, unsatisfactory, pool weak, knock to the ground, floor, rugby-
flimsy, lame. 3 cowardly, faint-hearted, tackle, strike down, knock out; informol
spineless, timid, timorous, fearful,
deck, flatten, lay out.
unassertive, weak, ineffectu al; informol
sissy, chicken; Brit. informol wet. fellow noun 1 (informol) man, boy, per-
4 faint, dim, weak, pale, soft, subdued, son, individual, character; informol guy,
muted. lad; Brit. informol chap, bloke; N. Amer.
- OPPOSITES strong. informol dude. 2 companion, friend,
feed verb 1 cater for, provide for, cook comrade, partner, associate, co-worker,
for, dine, nourish. 2 eat, graze, browse, colleague; informol pal, buddy; Brit.
crop. 3 supply, provide, give, deliver. informol mate.
a noun fodder, food, provender. fellowship noun 1 companionship,
feel verb 1 touch, stroke, caress, comradeship, camaraderie, friendship,
fondle, finger, paw, handle. 2 she felt sociability, solidarity. 2 association,
o breeze on her bock perceive, sense, organization, society, club, league,
detect, discern, notice, be aware of, union, guild, alliance, fraternity,
be conscious of.3 he will not feel ony brotherhood.
poin experience, undergo, go through, feminine odjective womanly, ladylike,
bear, endure, suffer. 4 grope, fumble, soft, gentle, tender, delicate, pretty.
scrabble. 5 believe, think, consider it - OPPOSITES masculine.
right, be of the opinion, hold, maintain,
judge; informol reckon, figure. fence noun barrier, paling, railing,
a noun 1 texture, finish, touch, enclosure, barricade, stockade.
consistency. 2 atmosphere, ambience, c verb 1 enclose, surround, encircle.
aura, mood, feeling, air. impression. 2 confine, pen in, coop up, shut in/up,
spirit; informol vibes. 3 aptitude, kettle; tV. Amer. corral.
knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, ability. fend verb
feeling noun 1 sensation, sense, o fend offward off, head off, stave off,
perception, awareness, conscious- hold off, repel, repulse, resist, fight off.
ness. 2 (sneaking) suspicion, notion, fend for yourself take care of yourself,
inklinq, hunch, impression, intuition, lool< after yourself, shift for yourself,
instinct, funny feeling, fancy, idea. cope alone, stand on your own two
3 love, affection, fondness, tenderness, feet, get by.
warmth, emotion, passion, desire. ferocious adjective 1 ferocious onimols
4 mood, (tide of) opinion, attitude, fierce, savage, wild, predatory,
sentiment, emotion, beliel views, ravening, aggressive, dangerous. 2 o
consensus. 5 compassion, sympathy,
ferocious attock brutal, vicious, violent,
empathy, fellow feeling, concern, pity, bloody, barbaric, savage, frenzied.
sorrow, commiseration. 6 he hurt her
- oPPosrrES gentle, mild.
feelings sensibilities, sensitivities,
self-esteem, pride. 7 atmosphere, ferry verb transport, convey, carry, run,
ambience, aura, air. mood. impres- ship, shuttle.
sion, spirit; informol vibes. 8 aptitude, fertile odjectiue 1 productive, fruitful,
knack, flair, bent, talent, feel, qift, fecund, rich, lush. 2 creative, inventive,
ability. innovative, visionary, original, ingen-
felicitous odjective apt, well chosen, ious, prolific.
fitting, suitable, appropriate, apposite, - OPPoSITES barren.
159 fertilizer -+ fidelity

fertilizer noun plant food, dressing, furious, hysterical, wild, uncontrolled,

manure, muck, guano, compost. unrestrained.
fervent odjective impassioned, passion- lew determiner not many, hardly any,
ate, intense, vehement, ardent, sincere, scarcely any, a small number of, a hand-
heartfelt, enthusiastic, zealous, fanati- ful of, a couple of, one or two.
cal, wholehearted, avid, eager, keen, - OPPOSITES many.
committed, dedicated, devout. a odjective scatce, scant, meagre,
- oPPostrES apathetic. sparse, in short supply, thin on the
ground, few and far between.
fervour noun passion, ardour, intensity,
zeal, vehemence, emotion, warmth, - oPPosrrEs plentiful.
avidity, eagerness, keenness, enthusi- fiasco noun failure. disaster, catastro-
asm, excitement. animation, vigour. phe, debacle, [arce, mess; informalflop,
energy, fire, spirit. washout, fail, shambles; Brit. informol
- OPPOSITES apathy. cock-up.
festival noun celebration, festivity,
- OPPOSITES success-

fete, fair, gala, carnival, fiesta, jambo- fibre noun thread, strand, filament,
ree, feast day, holiday, holy day. wisp, yarn.
festive odjective jolly, merry, joyous, fickle odjective capricious, fl ig hty,
joyful, happy, jovial, light-hearted, giddy, changeable, volatile, mercu-
rial, erratic, unpredictable, unreliable,
cheerful, jubilant, celebratory.
u nsteady.
festoon decorate, adorn, orna-
verb
- OPPOSITES constant.
ment, trim, deck (out), hang, loop,
drape, swathe, garland, wreathe,
fiction noun 1 novels, stories, literature,
creative writing. 2 fabrication, inven-
bedeck; informol do up/out, get up.
tion, lie, fib, tall story, untruth, false-
fetch verb 1 go and get, go for, call for, hood, fantasy, nonsense.
summon, pick up, collect, bring, carry, - oPPOSITES fact.
convey, transport. 2 sell for, bring in,
raise, realize, yield, make, command;
fictitious odjective false, fake, fab-
ricated, bogus, spurious, assumed,
informal go for.
affected, adopted, invented, made up;
fetching odjective attractive, a ppealing, informol pretend, phoney.
sweet, pretty, lovely, delightful, charm- - OPPOSITES genuine.
ing, captivating, enchanting; Scotfish &
fiddle noun fraud, swindle, confidence
N. English bonny; Brit. informol fit.
trick; informol racket, scam.
feud noun vendetta, conflict, quarrel, ta verb 1 fidget, play, toy, finger,
row, rivalry, hostility, strife. handle. 2 adjust, tinker, play about/
o verb quarrel, fight, clash, argue, around, fool about/around, meddle,
squabble, dispute. interfere, tam per; lnformol tweak,
fever noun 1 feverishness, high tem- mess about/around; Brit. lnformol muck
perature; Medicine pyrexia; informol about/around. 3 falsify, manipulate,
temperature. 2 excitement, mania, massage, rlg, distort, misrepresent,
frenzy, agitation, passion. doctor, tamper with, interfere with;
informolfix, cook (the books).
IWoRD LINKS
i febrile having a fever fidelity noun 1 faithfulness, loyalty,
constancy, allegiance, commitment,
feverish odjective 1 febrile, fevered, devotion. 2 accuracy, exactness, preci-
hot, burning. 2 frenzied, frenetic, sion, correctness, strictness, closeness,
hectic, agitated, excited, restless, nerv authenticity.
ous, worked up, overwrought, frantic, - oPPoSlTEs disloyalty.
fidget -+ figure 160

fidget verb 1 wriggle, squirm, twitch, clash, skirmish.3 wage, engage in,
jiggle, shuffle, be agitated; informolbe conduct, prosecute, undertal<e. 4 quar-
jittery. 2 play, fuss, toy, twiddle, fool rel, argue, bicker, squabble, fall out,
about/around; informol fi dd le, mess feud, wrangle; Brit. row; informal scrap.
about/around. 5 campaign, strive, battle, struggle,
fidgety odyective restless, restive, on crusade, agitate, lobby, push, press.
edge, uneasy, nervous, nervy, keyed 5 oppose, contest, confront, challenge,
up, anxious, agitated; informol jittery, appeal against, take a stand against,
twitchy. dispute, resist. 7 repress, restrain, sup-
press, stifle, smother, hold back, fight
fieldnoun 1 meadow, pasture, pad-
back, keep in check, curb, choke back;
dock, grassland; /iterory lea, mead, informol keep the lid on, cork up.
greensward. 2 pitch, ground; Brit. infon
a noun 1 brawl, scuffle, disturbance,
mol park. 3 area, sphere, discipline, fisticuffs, fracas, melee, skirmish, clash,
province, department, domain, terri-
tussle; informol scrap, dust-up; Brit. infor-
tory, branch, subject.4 scope, range, mol punch-up; N. Amer. informol rougl't
sweep, reach, extent. 5 competitors, house; doted affray. 2 boxing match,
entrants, competition, applicants, bout, match, contest.3 battle, engage-
candidates, runneTs. ment, conflict, struggle. war, campaign,
a verb 1 catch, stop, retrieve, return, crusade, action, hostilities. 4 argu-
throw back.2 deal with, handle, cope ment, quarrel, squabble, wrangle, disa-
with, answer, reply to, respond to. greement, falling-out, dispute, feud;
fiendish odjective 1 wicked, cruel, Brlt row; informoltifr, spat, scrap; Brir.
vicious, evil, malevolent, villainous, informal barney, ding-dong. 5 struggle,
brutal, savage, barbaric, barbarous, battle, campaign, push, effort.5 she
inhuman, murderous, ruthless, merci- hod no ftght left in her will, resistance,
less. 2 cunning. clever. ingenious, spirit, pluck, grit, strength, backbone,
crafty, canny, wily, devious. 3 difficult, determination, resolution, resolve.
complex, challenging, complicated, fighter noun 1 soldier, fighting man/
intricate. woman, warrior, combatant, service-
fierce odjective 1 ferocious, savage, man, servicewoman; (fighters) troops,
vicious, aggressive. 2 aggressive, cut- personnel, militia. 2 boxer, pugilist,
throat, l<een, intense, strong, relent- prizefi ghter, wrestler.
less, dog-eat-dog. 3 intense, powerful, fi gurative o djective metaphorical,
vehement, passionate, impassioned, non-literal, symbolic, allegorical, repre-
fervent, ardent. 4 powerful, strong, sentative, emblematic.
violent, forceful, stormy, howling, - OPPOSITES literal.
raging, tempestuous.
figure noun 1 statistic, number, quan-
- oPPoSITES gentle, mild. tity, amount, level, total, sum; (fig-
fiery odjective 1 burning, blazing, on ures) data, statistics. 2 digit, numeral,
fire, flaming, ablaze. 2 bright, bril- character, symbol. 3 price, cost,
liant, vivid, intense, rich. 3 passion- amount, value, valuation. 4 shape,
ate, impassioned, excitable, spirited, outline, form, silhouette, proportions,
quick-tempered, volatile, explosive, physique, build, frame. 5 person, per-
impetuous. sonage, individual, character, personal-
fight verb 1 brawl, exchange blows, ity, celebrity.6 shape, pattern, design,
scuffle, grapple, wrestle, tussle, spar; motif. 7 diagram, illustration, drawing,
informolscrap; Brit informol have a picture, plate.
punch-up; N. Amer.lnformol rough- o verb he figures in mony myths feature,
house. 2 do battle, serve your country, appear, be featured, be mentioned,
go to war, take up arms, engage, meet, be referred to.
161 file -+ find
o figure out (informal) worl< out, filthy odjective 1 dirty, mucky, grimy,
fathom, puzzle out, decipher, mal<e foul, squalid, sordid, soiled, stained,
sense of, thinl< through, get to the bot- polluted, contaminated, unwashed.
tom of, understand, comprehend, see, 2 obscene, rude, vulgar, dirty, smutty,
grasp, getthe hang of; informoltwig, improper, coarse, bawdy, lewd; informol
crack; Brit. informolsuss out. blue. 3 bad, foul, irritable, grumpy,
filel noun 1 folder, portfolio, binder. grouchy, cross; informol snappy; Brit
2 dossier, document, record, report, informolshirty, stroppy; N. Amer. infor-
data, information, documentation, mol cranky, ornery.
archives. - oPPostTEs clean, pleasant.
a verb 1 categorize, classify, organize, final odjective 1 last, closing, conclud' ;;l:r}!iii:i
put in order, order, arrange, catalogue, ing. finishing, end, ultimate, eventual.
store, archive.2 bring, press, lodge. 2 irrevocable, unalterable, absolute,
file2 noun line, column, row, queue, conclusive, irrefutable, incontrovertible,
string, chain, procession; Brit. informol indisputable, unchallengeable, binding.
crocodile. - OPPOSITES first, provisional.
o verb walk in a line, queue, march, finale noun climax, culmination, end,
parade, troop. ending, finish, close, conclusion, termi-
file3 verb smooth, buff, rub down, nation, denouement.
polish, shape, scrape, abrade, rasp, - oPPostTES opening.
manicure. finally odverb 1 eventually, ultimately,
fillverb 1 fill up, top up, charge. in the end, after a long time, at (long)
2 crowd into, throng, pack (into), last, in the long run, in the fullness
occupy, squeeze into, cram (into). of time.2lastly, last, in conclusion.
3 stock, pack, load, supply, replenish. 3 conclusively, irrevocably, decisively,
4 block up, stop (up), plug, seal, caull<. definitively, for ever, for good, once and
5 pervade, permeate, suffuse, pen- for all.
etrate, infuse.6 occupy, hold, take up. finance noun 1 financial affairs,
- OPPOSITES empty, clear, leave. money matters, economics, com-
filling noun stuffing, padding, wadding, merce, business, investment. 2 funds,
filler, contents. money, capital, cash, resources, assets,
o odjective substantial, hearty, ample, reserves, funding.
satisfying, square, heavy, stodgy. o verb fund, pay for, back, capitalize,
film noun 1 layer, coat, coating, cover- endow, subsidize, invest in, sponsor;
ing, cover, skin, patina, tissue. 2 movie, N. Amer. informol bankroll.
picture, feature film, motion picture, fi nancial odjective monetary, money,
video, DVD.3 cinema, movies, the economic, pecuniary, fi scal, banklng,
pictures, films, the silver screen, the big commercial, business, investment.
screen. find verb 1 locate, spot, pinpoint,
a verb 1 photograph, record on film, unearth, obtain, search out, track
shoot, capture on film, video. 2 cloud, down, root out, come across/upon,
mist, haze, blur. run across/into, chance on, happen
filter noun strainer. sifter, sieve, gauze, on, stumble on, encounter; informol
mesh, net. bump into. 2 discover, invent, come
a verb 1 sieve, strain, sift, clarify, up with, hit on.3 realize, become
purify, refine, treat. 2 seep, percolate, aware, discover, observe, notice, note,
leak, trickle, ooze, leach. learn.4 consider, think, feel to be, look
filth noun dirt, muck, grime, mud, on as, view as, see as, judge, deem,
sludge, slime, excTement, excreta, regard as. 5 judge, deem, rule, declare,
ordure. sewage, pollution. Pronou nce.
fine -+ firm 162

- OPPOSITES lose. - OPPOSITES start.

a noun 1 discovery, acquisition. 2 bar- a noun 1end, ending, completion,
gain, godsend, boon, catch, asset; conclusion, close, termination, fi nale,
lnformol good buy. denouement. 2 surface, texture, coat-
o find out discover, become aware of, ing, covering, lacquer, glaze, veneer,
learn, detect, discern, observe, notice, gloss, patina, sheen, lustre.
note, get/come to l<now, realize, bring - OPPOSITES start.
to light; informolfigure out, cotton on, o finish off 1 kill, execute, terminate,
tumble; Brit. informol twig, suss. exterminate, liquidate, get rid of;
finel odjective 1 fine wines good, informolwipe out, bump off, dispose of;
choice, select, excellent, fi rst-class, N. Amer. informol waste. 2 overwhelm,
fi rst-rate, great, exceptional, outstand- overcome, defeat, get the better ol
ing, splendid, magniflcent, exquisite, bring down; informoldrive to the wall.
superb, wonderful, superlative, prime, finite odjective limited, restricted, deter-
quality, special, superior, of distinction, minate, fixed.
premium, classic, vintage ; informal - oPPoSlTEs infinite.
41 , top-notch. 2 o fine fellow worthy, fire noun 1 blaze, conflagration, inferno,
admirable, praiseworthy, laudable, flames, burning, combustion. 2 dyna-
upright, upstanding, respectable. mism, energy, vigour, animation,
3 all riqht, acceptable, suitable, vitality, exuberance, zest, elan, passion,
good (enough), passable, satisfac- zeal, spirit, verve, vivacity, enthusiasm;
tory, adequate, reasonable, tolerable; informol go, get-up-and-go, oomph.
informol OK.4 healthy, well, good, all 3 gunfire, firing, shooting, bombard-
rlght, (fightin9) fit, blooming, thriving, ment, shelling, volley, salvo, hail.
in good shape/condition; informol OK, averb 1 launch, shoot, discharge, let
in fine fettle, in the pink. 5 fair, dry, fly with. 2 shoot, discharge, let off, set
bright, clear, sunny, cloudless, balmy. off . 3 (informal) dismiss, discharge,
6 keen, quick, alert, sharp, razor-sharp, give someone their notice, lay off, let
acute, bright, brilliant, astute, clever, go: informol sack. 4 stimulate, stir
intelligent. 7 elegant, stylish, expen- up, excite, awaken, rouse, inflame,
sive, smart, chic, fashionable, fancy, animate, inspire, motivate.
sumptuous, lavish, opulent; informol o catch fire ignite, catch light, burst
flashy. E flyaway, wispy, delicate, thin, into flames, go up in flames. set on
light. 9 sheer, light, lightweight, thin, fire ignite, light, set fire to, set alight.
fl imsy, diaphanous, fi lmy, see-through.
10 subtle, ultra-fine, nice, hair-splitting. @-
arson crime of setting fire to properly
fine2 noun penalty, forfeit, damages,
fee, excess charge. pyromania obsessive desire to set
finger noun digit. lfiretothings
o touch, feel, handle, stroke, rub,
verb firml odjective t hard, solid, unyielding,
caress, fondle, toy with, play (about/ resistant, compacted, compressed,
around) with, fiddle with. dense, stiff, rigid, set. 2 secure,
finish verb I complete, end, conclude, stable, steady, strong, fixed, fast,
close, terminate, wind up, round off, tight, immovable, rooted, stationary,
achieve, accomplish, f ulfil; informol motionless. 3 resolute, determined,
wrap up, sew up. 2 consume, eat, decided, resolved, steadfast, adamant,
devour, drink, flnish off, polish off, emphatic, insistent, single-minded,
use (up), exhaust, empty, drain, get wholehearted, unfaltering, unwaver-
through; informol down. 3 end, come ing, unfl inching, unswerving, unbend-
to an end, stop, conclude, come to a ing, committed.4 close, good, boon,
close, cease. intimate, inseparable, dear, special,
163 firm -+ fixed

constant, devoted, loving, faithful, fit2 noun 1 convulsion, spasm, parox-

long-standing, steady, steadfast. 5 defi- ysm, seizure, attack. 2 outbreak, out-
nite, fixed, settled, decided, cut-and- burst, attack, bout, spell. 3 tantrum,
dried, established, confi rmed, agreed. f renzy : nfo rmol paddy.
i

- oPPostrES soft, unstable. fitness noun I good health, strength,

firm2 noun business, company, concern, robustness, vigour, athleticism, tough-
enterprise, organization, corporation, ness, stamina. 2 suitability, capability,
conglomerate, office, bureau, agency, competence, ability, aptitude, readi-
consortium; informol outfi t, operation. ness, preparedness.
firstodjective 1 earliest, initial, opening, fitting noun 1 attachment, part, piece, ..riiiir6i
introductory. 2 fundamental, basic, component, accessory, apparatus. rli:,,*ii:i;
rudimentary, primary, key, cardinal, 2 furnishings, furniture, fixtures, fit-
central, chief, vital, essential.3 fore- ments, equipment.
most, principal, highest, greatest, para- o odjective apt, appropriate, suitable,
mount, top, main, overriding, central, apposite, fit, proper, right, seemly,
core; informol number-one. 4 top, best, correct.
prime, premier, winning, champion.
- oPPoSITES unsuitable.
- OPPOSITES last.
a odverb at first, to begin with, first of ftxverb 1 fasten, attach, affix, secure,
all, at the outset, initially. connect, couple, link, install, stick,
glue, pin, nail, screw, bolt, clamp, clip.
o noun novelty, innovation, departure,
break with tradition. 2 lodge, stick, embed. 3 focus, direct,
level, point, train. 4 repair, mend, put
fish verb 1 go fishing, angle, trawl.
right, get worl<ing, restore. 5 arrange,
2 search, delve, look, hunt, grope,
organize, contrive, manage, engineer;
fumble, ferret, rummage.
informol swing, wangle. 6 (informol)
o fish out pull out, haul out, remove,
arrange, put in order, adjust, style,
extricate, extract, retrieve, rescue, save.
groom, comb, brush; informol do.
IWoRD LINKS 7 (informol)prepare, cook, mal<e, get;
piscine relatinq to fish informolrustle up; Brit. informol knock
ichthyology study of fish up.8 decide on, select, choose, settle,
I
set, arrange, establish, allot, designate,
fitl odjective 1 suitable, appropriate, name, appoint, specify. 9 (informol) rig,
suited, apposite, fitting, good enough, tamper with, skew, influence; informol
apt. 2 competent, able, capable, ready, fidd le.
prepared, equipped. 3 healthy, well, in o noun (informol) 1 predicament,
good health, in (good) shape, in trim, plight, difficulty, awkward situation,
in good condition, fighting fit, athletic, corner, tight spot, mess; informol
muscular, strapping, strong, robust, pickle, jam, hole, scrape, bind. 2 fraud,
hale and hearty. swindle, trick, charade, sham; lnformol
- oPPostrES unsuitable, incapable. set-up, fiddle.
o verb 1 lay, install, put in, position,
place, fix, arrange.2 equip, provide, fixation noun obsession, preoccupa-
supply, fit out, furnish. 3 join, connect, tion, mania, addiction, compulsion;
piece together, attach, unite, link.4 be lnformol thing, bug, bee in your
appropriate to, suit, match, corre- bonnet.
spond to, tally with, go with, accord fixed odjective predetermined, set,
with. 5 qualify, prepare, make ready, established, arranged, specifi ed,
trai n. decided, agreed, determined, con-
o fit in conform, be in harmony, blend fi rmed, prescribed, defi nite, defi ned,
in, be in line, be assimilated. explicit, precise.
 fizz -+ flat 164

fizz verb bubble, spa rl<le, effervesce, thrash, flail. 2 the flog flapped in the
froth. breeze flutter, wave, fly, blow, swing,
a noun 1 bubbles, sparkle, fizzi- ripple, stir.
ness, effervescence, gassiness, froth. a noun 1 beat, stroke, flutter, move-
2 crackle. buzz, hiss, whiLe noise. ment. 2 (informal) panic, fluster;
fizzy odjective sparkling, effervescent, informolstate, stew, tizzy; N. Amer.
carbonated, gassy, bubbly, frothy. informoltwit.
- OPPoSITES still, flat. flare noun 1 blaze, flame, flash, burst,
flag1 noun banner, standard, ensign, flicker.2 signal, beacon, rocket, light,
pennant, streamer, colours; Brit. torch.
pendant. a verb 1 blaze, flash, flare up, flame,
a verb indicate, identify, point out, burn, flicker.2 spread, splay, broaden,
mark, label. tag, hiqhliqht. widen, dilate.
o flag down hail, wave down, stop, flash verb 1 shine, flare, blaze, gleam,
halt. glint, sparkle, burn, blink, wink, flicker,
flag2 verb 1 tire, grow tired, wilt, shimmer, twinkle, glimmer, glisten.
weaken, grow weak, droop. 2 fade, 2 (informol) show off, flaunt, flourish,
display, parade. 3 zoom, streak, tear,
decline, wane, ebb, diminish, decrease,
shoot, dash, dart, fly, whistle, hurtle,
lessen, dwindle.
_ OPPOSITES revive. rush, bolt, race, speed, career; informol
belt, zap; Brit. informolbomb; ,\i. Amer.
flagrant odjective blatant, glaring, obvi- informol barrel.
ous, conspicuous, barefaced, shame. a noun flare, blaze, burst, gleam,
less, brazen, undisguised. glint, sparkle, flicker, shimmer, twinl<le,
flair noun 1 aptitude, talent, gift, glimmer.
instinct, ability, facility, knack, skill. flashy o dj e ctive (i nfo rmo l) ostenta-
2 style, elegance, panache, dash, elan, tious, fl amboyant, showy, conspicu-
poise, taste; informol class. ous, extravagant, expensive, vulgar,
flake noun sliver, wafer. shaving, paring, tasteless, brash, garish, loud, gaudy;
chip, fragment, scrap, shred. informol snazzy, fancy, swanl<y, flash,
o verb peel (off), chip, blister, come glitzy.
off. - OPPOSITES understated.
fl amboyant o djective 1 ostentatious, flatl odjective 1 level, horizontal,
exuberant, confident, lively, animated, smooth, even, plane. 2 calm, still,
vibrant, vivacious. 2 colourful, bright, glassy, smooth, placid, Iike a millpond.
vibrant, vivid, dazzling, bold, showy, 3 stretched out, prone, spreadea-
gaudy, garish, loud; informol jazzy, gled, prostrate, supine, recumbent.
flashy. 4 monotonous, toneless, lifeless,
- oPPoStTES restrained. droning, boring, dull, tedious,
flame noun 1 fire, blaze, conflagration, uninteresting, unexciting. 5 inactive,
inferno. 2 (informol) sweetheart, boy- slow, sluggish, slack, quiet, depressed.
friend, girlfriend, lovel partner. 6 (Brit.) run down, dead, used up,
tr in flames on fire, burning, alight, expired. 7 deflated, punctured, burst,
flaming, blazing. blown. 8 fixed, set, invariable, regular,
constant. 9 outright, direct, abso-
flank noun 1 side, haunch, quarter, lute, definite, positive, straight, plain,
thigh. 2 side, wing, sector, face, aspect. explicit, categorica l.
o verb edge, bound, line, border, - oPPostrES sloping, rough, uneven.
fringe. a odverb stretched out, outstretched,
flap verb 1 ducks fiopped their wings spreadeagled, sprawling, prone,
beat, flutter, agitate, vibrate, wag, p rostrate.
165 flat -+ flick

O:;*ifi:- apartment, suite, penthou se, duff. 2 unsound, distorted, inaccurate,

incorrect. erToneous. fallacious, wrong.
flatten verb 1 level, even out, smooth - oPPoSITES flawless.
out, make/become flat. 2 squash, fl awless odjective perfect, unblem-
compress, press down, crush, compact, ished, unmarked, unimpaired, whole,
trample. 3 demolish, raze (to the intact, sound, unbroken, undamaged,
ground), tear down, knock down, mint, pristine, impeccable, immaculate,
destroy, wreck, devastate. accurate, correct, faultless, error-free,
- oPPostrES crumple. exemplary, model, ideal, copybook.
flatter verb 1 compliment, praise, - OPPOSITES flawed.
express admiration for, fawn on, flee verb run away, run off, run for it,
humour, wheedle, blarney; informal make off, take off, take to your heels, 'rii::lll:iirliill
sweet-talk, soft-soap, butter up, play up make a break for it, bolt, beat a (hasty)
to. 2 honour, gratify, please, delight; retreat, make a quick exit, escape;
informoltickle pink. 3 suit, become, informal beat it, clear off/out, skedad-
look good on, go well with: informol dle, scram; Brit. informol scarper.
do somethinq for. fleet noun navy, naval force, (naval)
- oPPoslTEs insult, offend. task force, armada, flotilla, squadron,
fl attering odjective 1 complimentary, convoy.
praising, favourable. admiring, appre- fleeting odjective brief, short-lived,
ciative, fulsome, honeyed, obsequious, quick, momentary, cursory, transient,
ingratiating, sycophantic. 2 pleasing, ephemeral, passing, transitory.
gratifying, an honour.3 becoming, - OPPOSITES lasting.
enhancing. flesh noun 1 tissue, skin, muscle, fat,
- OPPOSITES unfl attering. meat, body. 2 pulp, marrow, meat.
flattery noun praise, adulation, compli- 3 the pleosures of the flesh the body,
ments, blandishments, honeyed words, human nature, physicality, sensuality,
fawning, blarney; lnflormol sweet talk, sexuality.
soft soap, buttering up. flexibility noun 1 pliability, sup-
flaunt verb show off, display, make a pleness, elasticity, stretchiness,
great show of, put on show/display, springiness, spring, resilience, bounce;
parade, draw attention to, brag about, informol give. 2 adaptability, adjust-
crow about, vaunt; lnformol flash. ability, versatility, open-endedness,
flavour noun 1 taste, savour, tang, freedom, latitude. 3 willingness to
smack. 2 flavouring, seasoning, taste, compromise, give and take, amenabil-
tang, relish, bite, piquancy, spice. ity, cooperation, tolera nce.
3 character, quality, feel, feeling, ambi- - oPPoSITES rigidity.
ence, atmosphere, air, mood, tone, flexible odjective 1 bendy, pliable,
spirit. 4 impression, suggestion, hint, supple, pliant, plastic, elastic, stretchy,
taste. springy, resilient, bouncy. 2 adapt-
o verb season, spice (up), add able, adjustable, variable, versatile,
piquancy to, ginger up, enrich, infuse. open-ended, open. 3 accommodat-
flaw noun defect, blemish, fault, imper- ing, amenable. willing to compromise,
fection, defi ciency, weakness, weak cooperative, tolerant.
spot/point, failing; Computlng bug ; - oPPOslTEs rigid, inflexible.
informol glitch. flick noun jerk, snap, flip, whisk.
- OPPOSITES strength. a verb 1 click, snap, flip, jerk, throw.
flawed odjective 1 faulty, defective, 2 swish, twitch, wave, wag, waggle,
unsound, imperfect, blemished, bro- shake.
l<en, cracl<ed, scratched; Brit. informol o flick through thumb through, leaf
flicker -+ flop 166

through, flip through, skim, scan, look flirt noun tease, coquette, heartbreaker.
through, browse through, dip into, o flirt with 1 tease, lead on, toy with.
glance at/through. 2 dabble in, toy with, trifle with, play
flicker verb 1 glimmer, flare, dance, with, tinker with, dip into, scratch the
gutter, twinkle, sparkle, wink, flash. surface of.
2 flutter, quiver, tremble, shiver, shud- float verb 1 stay afloat, stay on the
der, jerk, twitch. surface, be buoyant, be buoyed up.
flight noun 1 aviation, flying. air 2 hover, levitate, be suspended,
transport, aeronautics. 2 flock, swarm, hang, defy gravity. 3 drift, glide, sail,
cloud, throng. 3 escape, getaway, slip, slide, waft. 4 launch, offer, sell,
hasty departure, exit, exodus, break- introduce.
out, bolt, disappearance; Brit. informol - oPPoSITES sink.
flit. floating odjective 1 uncommitted,
fl-msy odjective 1 insubstantial, fragile, undecided, ndeclared, wavering ; infor-
u

frail, rickety, ramshackle, makeshift, mol sitting on the fence. 2 unsettled,

jerry-built, shoddy. 2 thin, light, transient, temporary, migrant, wander-
fine, filmy, floaty, diaphanous, sheer, ing, nomadic, migratory, itinerant.
delicate, qossamer, gauzy. 3 weak, flock noun t herd, drove. 2 flight,
feeble, poor, inadequate, insufficient, swarm. cloud, gaggle. skein.
thin, unsubstantial, unconvincing. o verb 1 people flocked oround her
implausible. gather, collect, congregate, assemble,
- OPPOSITES sturdy. converge, mass, crowd, throng, cluster,
flinch verb 1 wince, start, shudder, swarm. 2 tourists flock to the ploce
quiver, jerk. 2 he never flinched from stream, go in large numbers, swarm,
his duty shrink from, recoil from, shy crowd, troop.
away from, dodge, evade, avoid, duck, flogverb whip, thrash, lash, scourge,
baulk at. birch, cane, beat.
fling verb throw, hurl, toss, sling, flood noun 1 inundation, deluge, tor-
launch, pitch, lob; informol chuck, rent, overflow, flash flood; Brit. spate.
heave. 2 gush, outpouring, torrent, rush,
a noun 1 good time, party, spree, fun stream, surge, cascade. 3 succession,
and games; informolbinge, bash, night series, string, barrage, volley, battery,
on the town. 2 affair, love affair, rela- avalanche, torrent, stream, storm.
tionship, romance, liaison, entangle- a verb 1 the town wos flooded inun-
ment, involvement. date, swamp, deluge, immerse,
flipverb 1 overturn, turn over, tip over, submerge, drown, engulf. 2 the river
roll (over), upturn, capsize, upend, could flood overflow, burst its banks,
invert, l<nock over, keel over, topple brim over, run over. 3 glut, swamp,
over, turn turtle. 2 flick, click, throw, saturate, oversupply. 4 pour, stream,
push, pull. flow, surge, swarm, pile, crowd.
o flip through thumb through, leaf floor noun 1 ground, flooring. 2 storey,
through, flicl< through, skim through, level, deck, tier, stage.
scan, look through, browse through, a verb 1 knock down, knock over, fell,
dip into, glance at/through, peruse, run rugby-tackle; informol deck, lay out.
your eye over. 2 (informol) baffle, defeat, confound,
fl ippant a dj ective lrivolous, face- perplex, puzzle, disconc ert; nformol
i

tious, tongue-in-cheek, disrespectful, throw, beat, stump.

irreverent, cheeky; informol flip, saucy; flop verb 1 collapse, slump, crum-
N. Amer. informol sassy. ple, sink, drop. 2 hang (down),
- OPPOSITES serious. dangle, droop, sag, loll. 3 (informol)
167 floppy -+ focus

be unsuccessful, fail, fall flat, founder; fluctuate verbvary, change, shift, alter,
informolbomb, flatline; N. Amer. infor- waver, swing, oscillate, alternate, rise
rnol tank. and fall.
o noun (informol) failure, disaster, fluent odjective articulate, eloquent,
fiasco, debacle, catastrophe; Brit. damp silver-tongued, commu nicative, natu-
squib; informol washout, fail, also-ran. ral, effortless.
- OPPOSITES success. - oPPoSlTEs inarticulate.
floppy adjective limp, flaccid, slack,
fluid noun liquid, solution, liquor, gas,
flabby, relaxed, drooping, droopy,
vapour.
loose, flowing.
- OPPOSITES erect, stiff.
o odjectivel free-flowing, runny, liq-
j,i::.i.,.r,r,i,.:,1

uid, liquefied, melted, molten, gaseous. i:tt,.1llti*

flounder verb 1 floundering in the woter 2 smooth. fluent. flowing, effortless.
struggle, thrash, flail, twist and turn, easy, continuous, graceful, elegant.
splash, stagger, stumble, reel, lurch, - oPPoSITES solid.
blunder. 2 she floundered, not knowing
whot to soy struggle, be out of your
flurry noun 1 swirl, whirl, eddy, shower,
gust. 2 burst, outbreak, spurt, fit, spell,
depth, be confused; informol scratch
bout, rash, eruption.
your head, be flummoxed, be fazed, be
floored. flush verb 1 blush, redcien, go pink, go
flourish verb 1 ferns flourish in the
red, go crimson, go scarlet, colour (up).
shode grow, thrive, prosper, do well,
2 rinse, wash, sluice, swill, cleanse,
clean; Brit. informol sloosh. 3 chase,
burgeon, increase, multiply, proliferate,
run riot. 2 the orts flourished thrive, force, drive, dislodge, expel.
prosper, bloom, be in good health, a noun blush, colour, rosiness, pink-
ness, ruddiness, bloom.
be vigorous, be in its heyday, mal<e
progress, advance, expand; informol go - OPPOSITES pallor.
places. 3 brandish, wave, shake, wield, fl utter ve rb 1 b utte rfli es fl utte re d o rou n d
swing, display, show off. flit,hover, dance. 2 o robin fluttered
- oPPostrES wither, decline. its wings flap, beat, quiver, agitate,
flout verb defy, refuse to obey, disobey, vibrate, ruffle. 3 she fTuttered her eye-
to comply wlth,
breal<, violate, fail /oshesflicker, bat. 4 flogs fluttered flap,
fail to observe, contravene, infringe, wave, ripple, undulate, quiver, fly.
breach, commit a breach of, transgress fly verb 1 wing, glide, soar, wheel, take
aqainst, ignore, disregard: informol wing, take to the air, hover, swoop.
cock a snook at. 2 pilot, operate, control, manoeuvTe,
- oPPostrES observe. steer. 3 the ship flew o French flog dis-
flow verb 1 pour, run, course, circulate, play. show, exhibit, hoist, raise. wave.
stream, swirl, surge, sweep, gush, 4 dash, race, rush, bolt, zoom, dart,
cascade, roll, rush, trickle, seep, ooze, speed, hurry, career, hurtle; informol
dribble.2 result, proceed, arise, fol- tea r.
low, ensue, stem, originate, emanate, foam noun froth, spume, surf, spray,
spring. fizz, effervescence, bubbles, head,
a noun movement, motion, current, lather, suds.
circulation, stream, swirl, surge, gush, o verb froth, fizz, effervesce, bubble,
rush, spate, tide, trickle, ooze. lather, ferment, boil, seethe.
flower noun & verb bloom, blossom. focus noun 1 centre, focal point, central
fwono rrrurs point, centre of attention, hub, pivot,
nucleus, heart, cornerstone, linchpin.
floral relatinq to flowers
2 subject, theme, concern, subject
person who sells flowers
lflorist matter, topic, point, essence, gist.
fog -+ fool '168

o verb bring into focus, aim, point, follower noun 1 disciple, apostle,
turn. defender, champion, believer, worship-
tr focus on concentrate, centre, zero per. 2 fan, enthusiast, admirer, devo-
in, zoom in, address yourselfto, pay tee, lover, supporter, adherent.
attention to, pinpoint, revolve around. - oPPoslTEs leader, opponent.
lognoun mist, smog, murk, haze; infor- following noun admirers, supporters,
mol pea-souper. backers, fans, adherents, devotees,
public, audience.
foggy odjective 1 misty, smoggy, hazy,
murky. 2 o foggy memory muddled, - OPPOSITES opposition.
confused, dim, hazy, shadowy, cloudy, o odjective next, ensuing, succeeding,
blurred, obscure, vague, indistinct, subsequent, successive.
unclear. - oPPoSITES preceding.
- oPPostrES clear. folly noun foolishness, foolhardiness,
stupidity, idiocy, lunacy, madness, rash-
toill verb thwart, frustrate, stop, defeat,
ness, recklessness, irresponsibility.
block, prevent, obstruct, hinder,
snooker, scotch; informol put paid to;
- OPPOSITES wisdom.
Brit. informol scupper. tond odjective 1 she wos fond of doncing
- OPPOSITES assist. keen on, partial to, enthusiastic about,
attached to: informolinto. 2 adoring,
loil2 noun contrast, complement,
devoted, doting, loving, caring, affec-
a ntithesis.
tionate, indulgent. 3 unrealistic, naive,
loldverb 1 double, crease, turn, bend, foolish, over-optimistic, absurd, vain.
tuck, pleat.2 fail, collapse, founder, - oPPoSlTEs indifferent. uncaring.
go bankrupt, cease trading, be wound fondle yerb caress, stroke, pat, pet,
up, be shut (down); informolcrash, go finger, tickle, play with.
bust, go under, go to the wall, go belly
up, flatline.
food noun nourishment, sustenance,
nutriment, fare, cooking, cuisine, food-
o noun crease, knife-edge, wrinkle,
crinkle, pucker, furrow, pleat. stufls, refreshments, meals. provisions.
rations; informol eats, grub, nosh; /iter-
folk noun (informol) 1 people, indi- ory viands; doted victuals.
viduals, {men, women, and children},
(living) souls, citizenry, inhabitants, WORD LII.IKS
residents, populace, population. 2 rela- alimentary relating to food
tives, relations, family, people; informol fool noun 1 idiot, ass, halfwit, block-
peeps. head, dunce, simpleton; informol
follow verb 1 come behind, come nincompoop, clod, dimwit, dummy,
after, go behind, go after, walk behind. fathead, numbskull; Brit. informol
2 accompany, go along with, go nitwit, twit, clot, berk, prat, pillock,
around with, travel with, escort, wally, dork, twerp, charlie; N. Amer.
attend; informol tag along with. informol schmu ck, Austrol.lNZ tnformol
3 shadow, trail, stalk, track; informol drongo. 2 she mode o fool of me laugh-
tail. 4 obey, comply with, conform ing stock, dupe, gull; lnformol stooge,
to, adhere to, stick to, keep to, act in sucker, mug, fall guy; N. Amer. informol
accordance with, abide by, observe. sa p.
5 understand, comprehend, tal<e in, - OPPOSITES genius.
grasp, fathom, see; informalmake head a verb 1 deceive, trick, hoax, dupe,
or tail of, figure out; Brit. informol suss take in, mislead, delude, hoodwink,
out.6 be a fan of, be a supporter of, bluff, gull; informol bamboozle, take
support, watch, l<eep up with. for a ride, have on; N. Amer. informol
- oPPoSITES lead, flout. sucker; Austro/. informol pull a swifty
 foolish -+ foresight

on. 2 pretend, mal<e believe, put on an pressurize, press-gang, bully; informol

act, act, sham, fake, joke, jest; informol lean on, twist someone's arm. 2 break
kid; Brit. informolhave on. open, I<nock/smash/break down, kick
foolish odjective stupid, idiotic, sense- in' 3 propel, push, thrust, shove, drive,
Iess, mindless, unintelligent, thought- Press' pump.
less, imprudent, unwise] ill-advisei, tr in force effective, in operation,
rash, reckless, foolhardy; informol operative, valid, current, binding'
dumb, dim, dim-witted, half-witted, forced odjective 1 enforced, compul-
moronic, thick, hare-brainedl Brit. sory. obligatory, mandatory, involun-
informol barmy, daft, potty. tary, imposed, required. 2 strained,
- OPPOSITES sensible, wise. unnatural, artificial, false, feigned,
foolproof odjective infallible, depend- simulated, contrived, laboured,
able, reliable, trustworthy, certaln, affected, hollow; informol phoney,
sure, guaranteed, safe, sound, tried and pretend, put on.
tested, watertight, airtight, flawless, - oPPoslTEs voluntary, natural.
sure-fire.
perfect; informol forcelul odjective I dynamic, energetic,
pad.
foot noun 1 paw, hoof, trotter, assertive, authoritative, vigorous, pow-
end,
2 bottom, base, lowest part, erful, strong, pushy; informol in-your-
foundation.
foundation. qo-ahead, feisty.2 convincing,
face, go-ahead, convincinq,
t'wono Liil cogent,.comPelling, strong, powerful,
chirooodv.oodiatrvmedicaltreat- persuasive,coherent'
| ;;;i;;;t;?*t
- oPPosrrEs weak.
"-"'"' ' '--'l:'
fgot[ng noun.1 a sotid finonciot
---l forecast
footins, 'i.il, i",;;;;: Pr
verb predict,
turLr' prophesy,
Pr vvr rLrv' fore-
rv L
basis, base, foundation. 2 on
1! equol J rorn pieai*ion, prophecy, prognos_
footing standing, status, p!1ili?l;--,-_
ti-*iion."i,ognorir.
condition. arrangement. basis. relation-
ship, terms. fore'gn odiective alien, overseas, n.on-
imported' distant' external'
forbid verb
i-- mal<e
prohibit, ban, outlaw,
-"'
; - '- I'-a-tiv;'
tar-ott. exoLic. slranoe.
emDargo' Dar'
Y9t^o:lloscrrDe'
']'-",9i]' rute our.
ceDar,
- oppostrEs domesiic, native.
- oPPostrES permit. foreigner noun alien, foreign national,
forbidden odjective prohibited, non-native, stranger, outsider, immi-
grant,-settler, newcomeT, incomer'
verboten, taboo, illegal, itticit,igainst
the law. - OPPOSITES native, national.

forbiddingodjectivethreatening, WORDLINKS
ominous, menacing, sinister, daunting, xenophobia irrational dislike or fear
off-putting. offoreiqners
force noun 1 strength, power, energy, foremost odjective leading, principal,
might, effort. 2 coercion, compul- premier, prime, top, gru.6ri, b"ri,
sion,constraint,duress,pressure, irpruru,pre-eminerit,outstand-
oppression, harassment, intimida inq, most important, most notable;
tion, violence; informolarm twisting. N.-Amer. ranking; informolnumber-one.
3 power, potency, weight, effective- _ oppostrEs minor.
ness, persuasiveness, validiLV. strenqth,
signiiicance,influence,auth6rity; foreseeverbanticipate,expect,
in-formol punch. e body, gioup, outfit, envisage, predict, forecast, foretell,
party, team. detachmenl, unit, squad. propnesy'
averblcompel,coerce, make,con- foresightnounforethought, planning,
strain, oblige, impel, drive, pressure, far-sightedness, vision, anticipation,
foretell -+ form 170

prudence, care, caution; N. Amer. forgiveness noun pardon, absolution,

forehanded ness. exoneration, indulgence, clemency,
- oPPoSITES hindsight. mercy, reprieve, amnesty; nformol
i

foretell verb predict, forecast, prophesy, let-off.

foresee, anticipate, envisage, warn of. - oPPostTES punishment.
forever odverb 7 for always, evermore, forgiving odjective merciful, leni.
for ever and ever, for good, for all time, ent. compassionate. magnanimous,
until the end of time, eternally; N. Amer. h umane, soft-hearted, forbearing, toler.
forevermore; informol until the cows ant, indulgent, understanding.
come home. 2 always, continually, - OPPOSITES merciless, vindictive.
constantly, perpetually, incessantly, forgo, forego verb do without, go
endlessly, persistently, repeatedly, without, give up, waive, renounce,
regularly; informol 24-7. surrendel relinquish, part with, drop,
forfeit verb lose, be deprived of, sur- sacrifice, abstain from, refrain from,
render, relinquish, sacrifice, give up, eschew, cut out; informolswear off;
renounce, forgo. formol forswear, abjure.
O noun penalty, sanction, punishment, fork verb split, branch, divide, separate,
penance, fine, confiscation, loss, forfei.
part, diverge, go in different directions,
ture, surrender.
bifurcate.
forge verb t hammer out, beat out,
forlorn odjective 1 unhappy, sad, miser-
fashion. 2 build, construct, form, cre-
able, sorrowful, dejected, despondent,
ate, establish, set up. 3 fake, falsify,
disconsolate, wretched, down, down-
counterfeit, copy, imitate, pirate.
cast, dispirited, downhearted, crest-
forged odjective f ake, false, counterfeit, fallen, depressed, melancholy, gloomy,
imitation, copied, pirate, bogus; infor- glum, mournful, despairing, doleful,
mol phoney, dud. woebegone; informolblue, down in the
- OPPOSITES genuine. mouth, down in the dumps, fed up.
forgery noun fake, counterfeit, fraud, 2 hopeless, useless, futile, pointless,
imitation, replica, copy, pirate copy; purposeless, vain, unavailing.
informolphoney. - oPPoSlTEs happy.
forget verbl lail to remember, be form noun 1 shape, configuration,
unable to remember. 2 leave behind, formation, structure, construction,
fail to take/bring, travel/leave home arrangement, appeara nce, exterior,
without. 3 I forgot to close the door outline, format, layout, design. 2 body,
neglect, fail, omit. shape, figure, frame, physique, anat.
- OPPOSITES remember. omy: informal vital statistics. 3 mani-
forgetful odjective 1 absent-minded, festation, appearance, em bodiment,
amnesiac, vague, scatterbrained, incarnation, semblance, shape. quise.
disorganized, dreamy, abstracted, with 4 kind, sort, type, class, category,
a mind/memory lil<e a sieve; informol variety, genre, brand, style. 5 question-
scatty. 2 forgetful of the time heed- naire, document, coupon, slip.6 class,
less, careless, inattentive to, negligent year; rV. Amer. grade. 7 condition, fet-
about, oblivious to, unconcerned tle, shape, health; Brlt. informol nick.
about, indiferent to. a verb 1 make, construct, build,
forgive verb 1 pardon, excuse, exoner- manufacture, fabricate, assemble,
ate, absolve. 2 excuse, overlook, put together, create, fashion, shape.
disregard, ignore, make allowances for, 2 formulate, devise, conceive, work
turn a blind eye to, condone, indulge, out, think up, lay, draw up, put
tolerate. together, produce, fashion, concoct,
- OPPOSITES blame, resent. forge, hatch; informol dream up.3 set
 formal -+ fortress

up, establish, found, launch, create, formidable odjective 1 intimidating,

institute, start, inaugurate. 4 mate- daunting, indomitable, forbidding,
rialize, come into beingi existence, alarming, frightening, awesome,
emerge, develop, take shape, gather, fearsome; humorous redoubtable.
accumulate, collect, amass. 5 arrange, 2 accomplished, masterly, virtuoso,
draw up, line up, assemble, organize. expert, impressive, powerful, terrific,
sort, order.6 comprise, make, make superb; informol tremendous, nifty,
up, constitute, compose, add up to. crack, ace, wizard, magic, mean,
- OPPOSITES dissolve, disappear. wicked, deadly.
formal adjective 1 ceremonial, ritualis- formula noun 1 form of words, set
tic, ritual, official, conventional, tradi- expression. rubric, phrase, saying.
tional, stately, solemn, ceremonious. 2 recipe, prescription, blueprint, plan,
2 aloof, reserved, remote, detached, policy, method, procedure.
unapproachable, stiff, stuffy, correct, formulate verb 1 devise, conceive,
proper; informol stand-offish. 3 official, work out, think up, lay, draw up, form,
legal, authorized, approved, certi- concoct, contrive, forge, hatch, pre-
fied, endorsed, sanctioned, licensed, pare, develop.2 express, phrase, word
recognized. define, specify, put into words, frame,
- oPPoSITES informal, casual, unofficial. couch. put. arl.iculate, say.
formality noun 1 ceremony, ritual, fort noun fortress, castle, citadel, bun-
protocol, decorum, solemnity.
l<er, stronghold, fortification, bastion.
2 aloofness, reserve, remoteness,
detachment, unapproachability, stiff- forte noun strength, strong point,
ness, stuffiness, correctness; informol
speciality, strong suit, talent, skill, gift;
sta nd-offish ness.
informol lhing.
- oPPOslTEs informality. forthcoming odjective 1 coming,
format noun design, style, appearance, upcoming, approaching, imminent,
look, form, shape, size, arrangement, impending, future. 2 communicative,
plan, structure, scheme, composition, talkative, chatty, informative, expan-
configuration. sive, expressive, frank, open, candid.
- OPPOSITES past, cuffent, reticent.
formation noun 1 the formotion of the
is/ond emergence, genesis, develop- forthright odjective frank, d rect, i

ment. evolution, shaping, origin. straightforward, honest, candid, open,

2 the formotion of o new government sincere, outspoken, straight, blunt,
establishment, setting up, institution, plain-spoken, no-nonsense, bluff,
foundation, creation, inauguration. matter-of-fact, to the point; informol
3 configuration, arrangement, group- u pfront.
ing, pattern, array, alignment, order. - OPPOSITES secretive, evasive.
- oPPoSITES destruction, dissolution. fortify verb 1 strengthen, secure,
former odjective 1 one-time, erstwhile, barricade, protect, buttress, shore up.
sometime. as was, ex-, previous, 2 invigorate, strengthen, energize,
preceding, earlier, prior, last: formol enliven, animate, vitalize, buoy up;
quondam. 2 earlier, old, past, bygone, informol pep up, buck up.
olden, long ago, gone by, long past, of - OPPOSITES weaken.
old. 3 first-mentioned, first. fortitude noun courage, bravery,
- oPPoSlTEs future, current, latter. endurance, resilience, mettle, strength
formerly odverb previously, earlier, of character, backbone, grit; nformol i

before, until now/then, once, once guts; Brlt. informol bottle.

upon a time, at one time, in the past, fortress noun fort, castle, citadel, bun-
as was. ker, stronghold, fortifi cation.
fortunate -+ fractious 172

fortunate odjective 1 lucky, favoured, - OPPOSITES pleasant.

blessed, leading a charmed life, in luck; a verb 1 dirty, pollute, contaminate,
Brit. informolborn with a silver spoon poison, taint, sully. 2 tangle up, entan-
in your mouth, jammy. 2 favourable, gle, snarl, catch, entwine.
advantageous, happy. found verb establish, set up, start,
- OPPOSITES unfavourable, unlucky. begin, get going, institute, inaugurate,
fortunately odverb luckily, as luck launch.
would have it, happily, mercifully,
foundation noun 1 footing, foot, base,
thankfully.
substructure, underpinning. 2 justi-
fortune noun 1 chance, accident, fication, grounds, evidence, basis.
coincidence, serendipity, destiny, provi- 3 institution, establishment, charitable
dence; tV. Amer happenstance.2 luck, body, agency.
fate, destiny, predestination, the stars,
karma, kismet. lol.. 3 on upswing in
founderl noun originator, creator,
(founding) father, architect, developer,
their fortunes circumstances, state of
pioneer, author, inventor, mastermind.
affairs, condition, position, situation.
4 wealth, money, riches, assets, founder2 verb 1 sink, go to the bot-
resources, means, deep pockets, pos- tom, go down, be lost at sea. 2 fail,
sessions, property, estate. be unsuccessful, fall flat, fall through,
forum noun meeting, assembly, gather- collapse, backfire, meet with disaster;
ing, rally, conference, seminar, conven- informol flop, bomb, flatline.
tion, symposium. - OPPOSITES succeed.
l
forward adverb ahead, forwards, fountain noun 1 jet, spray, spout,
onwards, onward, on, further. spurt, cascade, water feature. 2 source,
2 towards the front, out, forth, into fount, well. reservoir, f und, mine.
view, up. foyer noun entrance hall, hallway,
- OPPOSITES backwards, back. entry, porch, reception area, atrium,
o adjective 1 onward, advancing. concourse, lobby, anteroom: N. Amer.
2 front, advance, foremost, leading. entryway.
3 future, forward-looking, for the
future, anticipatory. 4 bold, brazen, fracas noun disturbance, brawl, melee,
cheeky, shameless, familiar, overfamil- rumpus, skirmish, struggle, scuffle,
iar, presumptuous; informol fresh. scrum, clash, fisticuffs, altercation;
informol scrap, dust-up, set-to, shindy,
- oPPoSITES backward, rear.
a verb 1 send on, post on, redirect, shindig; Brit. informal punch-up,
readdress, pass on. 2 send, dispatch, bust-up, ruck; tV. Amer. informol rough
transmit, carry, convey, deliver, ship. house; low, doted affray.

foster verb 1 encourage, promote, fur- fraction noun 1 o froction of the populo-
ther, nurture, help, aid, assist, support, fion tiny part, fragment, snippet,
back. 2 bring up, rear, raise, care for, snatch. 2 he moved o froction closer
take care of, look after, provide for. bit, little, touch, soupgon, trifle, mite,
shade, jot; informolsmidgen, tad.
foul odjective 1 disgusting, revolting,
repulsive, repugnant, abhorrent, loath- - oPPoSlTEs whole-
some, offensive, sickening, nauseating; fractious odjective grumpy, bad-
informol ghastly gruesome, gross. tempered, irascible, irritable, crotchety,
2 contaminated, polluted, infected, grouchy, cantankerous, tetchy, testy,
tainted, impure, filthy, dirty, unclean. ill-tempered, peevish, cross, pettish,
3 vulgar, crude, coarse, filthy, dirty, waspish, crabby, crusty; Brit. informol
obscene, indecent, naughty, offensive; shirty, stroppy, narky, ratty; N. Amer.
informol blue. informol cranl<y, ornery.
173 fracture -+ frayed

fracture noun break, cracl<, split, rup- - OPPOSITES evasive.

ture, fissure. frankly odverb 1 to be frank, to be
a yerb break, crack, split, rupture, honest, to tell the truth, in all honesty.
snap, shatter, fragment, splinter. 2 candidly, directly, plainly, straightfor-
fragile odjective 1 breakable, delicate, wardly, forthrightly, openly, honestly,
brittle, flimsy, dainty, fine. 2 tenuous, without beating about the bush,
shaky, insecure, vulnerable, fl imsy. bluntly.
3 weak, delicate, frail, debilitated, ill, frantic o djective panic-stricken, pa n-
unwell, poorly, sickly. icky, beside yoursell at your wits' end,
- OPPOSITES sturdy. robust. distraught, overwrought, worked up,
fragment noun 1 piece, bit, particle, frenzied, frenetic, fraught. feverish, :
speck, chip, shard, sliver, splinter, flake. desperate; informol in a state, tearing
2 snatch, snippet, scrap, bit. your hair out; Brlt. informal having kit-
o verb break up, cracl< open, shatter, tens, in a flat spin.
splinter, fracture, disintegrate, fall to - oPPoslTES calm.
pieces, fall apart. fraternity noun I brotherhood, fel-
fragrance noun 1 sweet smell, scent, lowship, kinship, friendship, mutual
perfume, bouquet, aroma, nose.2 per- support, solidarity, community. 2 pro-
fume, scent, eau de toilette. fession, community, trade, set, circle.
fragrant a djective sweet-scented, 3 (N. Amer.) society, club, association,
sweet-smelling, scented, perfumed, q rou p.
aromatic. fraud noun'l deception, sharp practice,
- oPP0SITES smelly. cheating, swindling, trickery, embezzle-
lrail odjective 1 o f roil old lody weak, deli- ment, deceit, double-dealing, chican-
cate, feeble, infirm, ill, unwell, sickly, ery. 2 swindle, racket, deception, tricl<,
poorly. 2 o froil structure fragile, easily cheat, hoax; informol scam, con, rip-off,
damaged, delicate, fl imsy, insubstan- sting, fiddle; N. Amer. informol hustle.
tial, unsteady, unstable, rickety. 3 impostor, fake, sham, charlatan,
- OPPOSITES strong. robust. swindler, fraudster, confi dence trick-
frame noun 1 framework, structure, ster: informol phoney.
substructure, sl<eleton, casing, chassis, fraudulent o djective dishonest,
shell.2 body, figure, form, shape, cheating, swindling, corupt, criminal,
physique, anatomy, build. deceitful, double-dealing, duplicitous;
a verb 1 mount, set in a frame. informol crooked, shady, dirty; Brit.
2 formulate, draw up, draft, shape, informol bent, dodgy; Austrol.lNZ infor-
compose, put together, form, devise. mol shonky.
tr frame of mind mood, state of mind, - OPPOSITES honest.
humour, temper, disposition. fraught odjective 1 a world frought with
framework noun I frame, structure, donger lull of, filled with, rife with.
skeleton, chassis, support, scaf- 2 anxious, worried, stressed, upset,
folding. 2 structure, shape, fabric, distraught, overwrought, worked up,
order, scheme, system, organization, agitated, distressed, desperate, frantic,
anatomy; informal ma ke-up. pa nic-stricken, panicky, beside yourself,

lrankodjective 1 candid, direct, forth- at your wits' end, at the end of your
right, plain, plain-spoken, straight, to tether.
the point, matter-of-fact, open, honest; frayed odjective 1 worn, threadbare,
informol upfront. 2 undisguised, open, tattered, ragged, the worse for wear;
unconcealed, naked, unmistakable, informal tatty; N. Amer. informol rag-
clear, obvious, transparent, patent, gedy. 2 strained, fraught, tense, edgy,
evident. stressed.
freak -+ fresh 174

freak noun 1 aberration, abnormality, - oPPostTES captivity, obligation.

oddity, monster, monstrosity, mutant, lreely odverb 1 openly, candidly,
chimera. 2 anomaly, aberration, rarity, frankly, directly, without beating about
oddity, one-off, flul<e, twist of fate. the bush, without mincing your words.
3 (informol) eccentric, misfit, oddity, 2 voluntarily, willingly, readily, of your
cr anl<; informol oddball, weirdo, nut; own accord, of your own free will,
Brit. informolnutter; /V. Amer. informal without being told to.
wacko, kook. 4 (informol) enthusiast, treezeverb 1 ice over, ice up, solidify.
fan, devotee, lover, aficionado; informol 2 stand still, stop dead in your tracks,
nut, fanatic, addict, maniac. go rigid, become motionless, become
o odjective unusual, anomalous, paralysed. 3 fix, hold, peg, set, limit,
aberrant, atypical, unrepresentative, restrict, cap.
irregular, exceptional, isolated. - OPPOSITES thaw.
tree odjective 1 free of charge, without freezing odjective 1 icy, bitter, chill,
charge, for nothing, complimentary, frosty, glacial, arctic, wintry, sub-zero,
gratis; informal for free, on the house. raw, biting. 2 frozen, numb with cold,
2 free of ony pressures without, unen- chilled to the bone/marrow.
cumbered by, unaffected by, clear ol - OPPOSITES balmy, hot.
rid of, exempt from, not liable to, safe
freight noun goods, cargo, merchan-
from, immune to, excused. 3 unoc- dise.
cupied, not busy, available, off duty, off
work, on holiday, on leave, at leisure, frenzied odjective lrantic, wild, frenetic,
with time to spare. 4 vacant, empty, hectic, feverish, fevered, mad, crazed,
available. unoccupied, not in use. manic, furious, uncontrolled.
5 independent, self-governing, self- - OPPoSITES calm.
determining, sovereign, autonomous, frenzy noun hysteria, madness, mania,
democratic. 5 on the loose, at liberty, delirium, wild excitement, fever, lather,
at large, loose, unrestrained.T you passion, panic, fury, rage.
ore free to /eove able, in a position, frequent odjective recurrent, recurring,
allowed, permitted. 8 unobstructed, repeated, periodic, continual, habitual,
unimpeded, unrestricted, unhampered, regular, successive, numerous, several.
clear, open. 9 she wos free with her - OPPOSITES occasional.
money generous, liberal, open-handed, o verb visit, patronize, spend time in,
unstinting. visit regularly, haunt; informol hang
- OPPOSITES busy, occupied, confined. out at.
a verb 1 release, set free, let go, - OPPOSITES avoid.
liberate, set loose, untie. 2 extricate, frequently odverb often, all the time,
n* out' cut free' pull free' habitually, regularly, customarily,
::ltlt":' routinely, again and again, repeat-
- oPPoSITES confine, trap. edly, recurrently, continually; N. Amer.
freedom noun I liberty, liberation, oftentimes.
release, deliverance. 2 independence, lreshodjective 1 new, modern, original,
self-government, self-determination, novel, different, innovative. 2 recently
self-rule, home rule, sovereignty, made, just picked, crisp, raw, natural,
autonomy, democracy. 3 freedom from unprocessed. 3 refreshed, rested,
politi co I occou ntobllity exemption, restored, energetic, vigorous, invigor-
immunity, dispensation, impunity. ated, lively, sprightly, bright, alert,
4 right, entitlement, privilege, preroga- bouncing, perky; informol full of beans,
tive, discretion, latitude, elbow room, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 4 brac-
licence, free rein, a free hand, carte ing, brisk, strong, invigorating, chilly,
blanche. cool; informol nippy; Brit informol
175 fret -+ frontier
parl<y.5 cool, crisp, refreshing, invig- Brit. informol put the wind up.
orating, pure, clean, clear.6 (informol) frightening odjective terrilying, horrify.
impudent, impertinent, insolent, ing, alarming, startling, chilling, spine-
presumptuous, forward, cheeky, disre- chilling, hair-raising, blood-curdling,
spectful, rude: informol mouthy, saucy, disturbing, unnerving, intimidating,
lippy; tV. Amer. informol sassy. daunting, eerie, sinister, fearsome,
- oPPOSITES stale, old. nightmarish, menacing ; informol scary,
fret verb worry, be anxious, distress spooky, creepy.
yourself, upset yourself, concern your-
self, agonize, lose sleep.
frightful odjective horrible, horrific,
ghastly, horrendous, awful, dreadful,
friction noun 1 rubbing, chafing, grat- terrible, nasty; informol horrid.
ing, rasping, scraping, resistance, drag,
abrasion. 2 discord, disagreement,
fringe noun 1 edge, border, margin,
dissension, dispute, conflict, hostility,
extremity, perimeter, periphery, rim,
limits, outsl<irts. 2 edging, border,
animosity. antipathy, antagonism,
resentment, acrimony, bitterness, bad trimming, frill, flounce, ruffle.
feeling. - oPPOSITES middle.
- oPP0SITES harmony. c o djective alternative, ava nt- gard e,
experimental, innovative, left-fi eld,
friend noun companion, comrade, con- radical.
fidant, confidante, familiar, Intimate,
- OPPOSITES mainstream.
soul mate, playmate, playfellow, ally,
associate; informol pal, chum; Bdt. lrisky odjective lively, bouncy, bubbly,
informol mate; tV. Amer. informolbuddy, perky, active, energetic, animated,
amigo, compadre, homeboy. playful, coltish, skittish, spirited, high-
- oPPOSITES enemy. spirited, in high spirits, exuberant;
informol full of beans.
friendly odjective 1 o friendly womon
amiable, companionable, sociable, frivolous odjective flippant, g lib,
gregarious, comradely, neighbourly, facetious, joking, jokey, light-hearted,
hospitable, easy to get on with, affable, fatuous, inane; lnformol flip.
genial, cordial, warm, affectionate, - OPPOSITES serious.
convivial; tnformol chummy, pally; Brit. front noun 1 fore, foremost part,
informol matey. 2 friendly conversa- forepart, nose, head, bow, prow,
tion amicable, cordial, pleasant, foreground. 2 frontage, face, facing,
easy, relaxed, casual, informal, close, facade.3 head, beginning, start, top,
intimate, familiar. Iead. 4 appearance, air, face, manner,
- OPPOSITES hostile. exterior, veneer, (outward) show, act,
friendship noun 1 losting friendships pretence. 5 cover, blind, disguise,
relationship, attachment, association, facade, mask, cloak, screen, smoke-
bond, tie, link, union. 2 ties of friendship screen, camouflage.
friendliness, affection, ca maraderie, - oPPoSITES back.
comradeship, companionship, fellow- o odjective leading, lead, first, fore-
ship, closeness, affinity, unity, intimacy. most.
- oPPOslTEs hostility. - oPPoSITES back, last.
fright noun 1 fear, terror, horror, alarm, tr in front ahead, to/at the fore, at the
panic, dread, trepidation, dismay, head, up ahead, in the lead, leading,
nervousness. 2 scare, shock, surprise, coming first, at the head ofthe queue;
turn, jolt, start. informolup front.
frighten verb scare, startle, alarm, frontier noun border, boundary, bor-
terri[y, petrily, shock, chill. panic. derline, dividing line, perlmeter, limit,
unnerve, intimidate; lnformol spook;
frosty + fume 176

lrosty odjective 1 cold, freezing, dishearten, disappoint.

frozen, icy, bitter, chill, wintry, arctic; - OPPOSITES further, satisfy.
informal nippy; Brit. informal parl<y. fudge verb evade, avoid, dodge, skirt,
2 unfriendly, cold, frigid, icy, glacial, duck, gloss over, cloud, hedge, beat
inhospitable, unwelcoming, forbidding, about the bush, equivocate.
hostile, stony. fuel verb 1 power, fire, drive, run. 2 fan,
- oPPoSlTEs warm, friendly. feed, stol<e up, inflame, intensify,
froth noun foam, head, bubbles, frothi- stimulate, encourage, provoke, incite,
ness, fizz, effervescence, lather, suds. sustain.
o verb bubble, fizz, effervesce, foam, fugitive noun escapee, TUnaway,
lather, churn, seethe. deserter, absconder, refugee.
frown verb scowl, glowel glare, fulfil verb 1 achieve, attain, realize,
Iour, make a face, look daggers, give mal<e happen, succeed in, bring to
someone a black look, knit your brows; completion, bring to fruition, satisfy.
informol give someone a dirty look. 2 carry out, perform, accomplish,
- oPPoSITES smile. execute, do, discharge, conduct.
tr frown on disapprove of, take a dim 3 meet, satisfy, comply with, conform
view ol take exception to, object to, to, fill, answer.
look asl<ance at, not tal<e kindly to.
fulfi lled o dj ective satisfied, content,
lrugal adjective 1 thrifty, economical, contented, happy, pleased, at peace.
careful, cautious, prudent, provident, - OPPOSITES discontented.
sparinq, abstemious, austere, self-
tull odjective 1 filled, brimming, brimful,
denying, ascetic, spartan. 2 meagre, packed, loaded, crammed, crowded,
scanty, scant, paltry, sl<impy, plain,
bu rsting, overfl owing, congested ; infor-
simple, spartan, inexpensive, cheap,
mol jam-packed, wall-to-wall, chock-a-
economical.
block, chock-full, awash. 2 replete, full
- oPPoSITES extravagant, lavish. up, satisfied, sated, satiated; informol
fruitful odjective productive, construc- stuffed. 3 eventful, interesting, excit-
tive, useful, worthwhile, helpful, ben- ing, lively, action-packed, busy, active.
efi cial, valuable, rewarding, profitable, 4 comprehensive, thorough, exhaus-
advantageous. tive, all-inclusive, all-encompassing, all-
- oPPoSITES barren, futile. embracing, in-depth, complete, entire,
fruition noun fulfilment, realization, whole, unabridged, uncut. 5 plump,
actualization, materialization, achieve- rounded, buxom, shapely, ample,
ment, attainment, accomplishment, curvaceous, voluptuous; informol
success, completion, consummation, busty, curvy, well endowed; N. Amer.
conclusion, close, finish, perfection, informol zaftig.5 loose-fitting, loose,
maturity. baggy, voluminous. roomy, capacious.
fruitless odjective futile, vain. in vain. billowing.
to no avail, to no effect, idle, pointless, - OPPOSITES empty.
useless, worthless, hollow, ineffectual, lully o dverb completely, enti rely,
ineffective, unproductive, unrewarding, wholly, totally, perfectly, quite, alto-
profitless, unsuccessful, unavailing, gether, thoroughly, in all respects, (up)
abortive. to the hilt.
- OPPOSITES fruitful, productive. - oPPosrrES partly.
frustrate verb 1 thwart, defeat, foil, fumble verb grope, fish, scrabble, feel.
block, stop, counter, spoil, check, fume noun smoke, vapour, gas, exhaust,
forestall, scotch, derail, snool<er; pollution.
informol stymie; Bdf. informol scupper. o verb be furious, seethe, be livid, be
2 exasperate, infu riate, discourage, incensed, boil, be beside yourself, spit;
177 fumigate -+ furthest
informol foam at the mouth, see red. central, vital, essential.
fumigate verb disinfect, purify, steri- - oPPoSlTEs secondary, incidental.
lize, sanitize, decontaminate, cleanse, fundamentally odverb essentially, in
clean out. essence, basically, at heart, at bottom,
fun noun 1 enjoyment, entertainment, deep down, profoundly, primarily,
amusement, pleasure, jollifi cation, above all.
merrymaking, recreation. leisure, funeral noun burial, interment,
relaxation, a good time; informolliving entombment, committal, laying to
it up, a ball. 2 merriment, cheerful- rest, cremation.
ness, jollity, joviality, high spirits, mirth, tunny odjective 1 amusing, humorous,
laughter, hilarity, light-heartedness, lev- witty, comic, comical, hilarious, hysteri-
ity. 3 he become a figure of fun ridicule, cal, riotous, uproarious, farcical; infor.
derision, mocl<ery, scorn, contempt. mol rib-tickling, priceless. 2 strange,
- oPPoSITES boredom. peculiar. odd, weird, bizarre, curious,
o odjective (informol) enjoyable, enter- freakish, quirky, unusual. 3 suspicious,
taining, amusing, pleasurable, pleasant, suspect, dubious, untrustworthy, ques-
agreeable, convivial. tionable; informol fishy ; Brit. nformal
i

o make fun of tease, poke fun at, dodgy.

ridicule, mocl<, laugh at, parody, carica- - OPPOSITES serious.
ture, satirize; informol take the mickey furious odjective 1 very angry,
out of, send up; i\i. Amer. informol enraged, infuriated, irate, incensed,
goof on. fuming, ranting, raving, seething,
function noun 1 purpose, task, use, beside yourself, outraged; informol
role. 2 responsibility, duty, role, prov- hopping mad, wild, livid. 2 fierce,
ince, activity, assignment, task, job, heated, passionate, fiery, tumultu-
mission. 3 social event, party, social ous, turbulent, tempestuous, violent,
occasion, affair, gathering, reception, stormy, acrimonious.
soir6e; tV. Amer. levee; informol do, - OPPOSITES pleased, calm.
bash. furnish verbl frt out, appoint, equip;
a verb 1work, go, run, be in working/ Brit. informol do out.2 they furnished
running order, operate. 2 act, serve, us with woterproofs supply, provide,
operate, perform, do duty. equip, issue, kit out; informol fix up.
functional odjective 1 practical, use- furore noun commotion, uproar, out-
ful, utilitarian, workaday, serviceable, cry, fuss, upset, brouhah a, stir informol
no-frills. 2 working, in working order, to-do, hoo-ha, hullabaloo.
functioning, in service. in use, going. further odverb see furthermore.
running, operative; lnformol up and o odjective additional, more, extra,
ru n n ing. supplementary. new. f resh.
fund noun 1 collection, kitty, reserve, o verb promote, advance, forward,
pool, purse, savings, coffers. 2 money, develop, facilitate, aid, assist, help,
cash, wealth, means, assets, resources, boost, encourage.
savings, capital, reserves, deep pock- - OPPOSITES impede.
ets, the wherewithal; lnformcl dosh; furthermore cdyerb moreover, fur-
Brit. informol lolly. ther, what's more, also, additionally, in
a verb finance, pay for, back, capitalize, addition, besides, as well, too, on top
subsidize, endow, invest in, sponsor; of that, into the bargain.
N. Amer. informol bankroll. furthest odjective most distant, remot.
fundamental odjective basic, underly- est, farthest, furthermost, farthermost,
ing, core, rudimentary, root, primary, outer, outermost, extreme.
prime, cardinal, principal, chief, key, - OPPOSITES nearest.
furtive -+ tuzzy 118

furtive odjecflve su rreptitious, secre- Brit. informolfaddy; N. Amer. informol

tive, secret, clandestine, hidden, cov- persnickety. 2 over-elaborate, ornate,
ert, conspiratorial, cloal<-and-dagger, fancy, busy, cluttered.
sneaky; Militory black; informol shifty. iutile odjective fruitless, vain, pointless,
- oPPOSITES open. useless, ineffectual, forlorn, hopeless.
fury noun 1 rage, anger, wrath, outrage; - OPPOSITES useful.
literory ire. 2 ferocity, violence, tur- future noun 1 plons for the future time
bulence, tempestuousness, savagery, to come, what lies ahead, the hereaf-
severity, intensity, vehemence, force. ter.2 her future loy in acting destiny,
fuss noun 1 commotion, excitement, fate, fortune, prospects, chances.
stir, confusion, disturbance, brouhaha, - oPPostTEs past.
uproar, furore, storm in a teacup; infor- o odjective 1 later, to come, follow-
mol hoo-ha, to-do, song and dance, ing, forthcoming, ensuing, succeed-
performance. 2 protest, complaint, ing, subsequent, coming, impending,
objection, argumen| Brit row. 3 trou- approaching. 2 her future husband
ble, bother, inconvenience, effort, to be, destined, intended, planned,
exertion, labou r; informol hassle. prospective.
o verb worry, fret, be agitated, be - OPPOSITES previous, past.
worked up, make a big thing out of fuzzy odjective 1 lrizzy, fluffy, woolly,
it, make a mountain out of a molehill; downy. 2 blurred, indistinct, unclear,
informol flap, be in a tizzy. out of focus, misty. 3 unclear, impre-
fussy odjective 1 particular, finicky, cise, unfocused, nebulous, vague, hazy,
fastidious, hard to please, faddish; loose, woolly.
informol pernickety, choosy, picky; - OPPOSITES smooth, sharp, clear.
119 gadget r gap

Gg
gadget noun device, appliance, howl, hoot, shriek, roar, fit, paroxysm.
apparatus, instrument, implement, gallant odjective 1 brave, courageous,
tool, utensil, contrivance, contrap- valiant, bold, plucky, daring, fear-
tion, machine, mechanism, invention; less, intrepid, heroic, stout-hearted;
informol gizmo. informol gutsy, spunky. 2 chivalrous,
gaffe noun blunder, mistake, error, gentlemanly, courteous, polite, atten-
slip, faux pas, indiscretion, solecism; tive, respectful, gracious, considerate,
informol slip-up, howler, boo-boo; thoughtful.
Brit. informolboob, clanger; N. Amer. - OPPOSITES cowardly, discourteous.
informol blooper. gamble verb 1 bet, place a bet, wager,
gagl verb t silence, muzzle, suppress, hazard; Brit. informol punt, have a
stifle, censor, curb, restrain.2 retch, flutter. 2 take a chance, take a risk;
heave. AJ. Amer. take a flyer; informol stick

gag2 noun (informol) ioke, quip, jest, your neck out; Brit. informol chance
witticism; informol crack, wisecrack, your arm.
oneliner. a noun I took o gomble risk, chance,
gain verb 1 obtain, get, se(ure. acquire. leap in the dark, speculation, lottery,
come by, procure, attain, achieve, earn, pot luck.
win, capture; informolland. 2 they game noun 1 pastime, diversion, enter-
stood to goin from the deol profit, make tainment, amusement, distraction,
money, benefit, do well out of. 3 she recreation, sport, activity. 2 match,
goined weightput on, increase in, build contest, fixture, meeting, tie; Brit
up. 4 they're goining on us catch up cl ash.
(with), catch, reduce someone's lead, I odjective willing, prepared, ready,
narrow the gap. disposed, interested, eager, keen,
- OPPOSITES lose. enth usiastic.
a nounl profit, earnings, income, gang noun band, group, crowd, pack,
yield, return, reward, advantage, ben- horde, throng, mob, herd, swarm,
efit; informol take. 2 increase, addition, troop: informol bunch, gaggle, load.
rise, increment, advance.
gangster noun hoodlum, racketeer,
- oPPOSITES loss.
thug, villain, criminal, Mafioso; informol
gainful odjective profitable, paid, well mobster, crook, tough; N. Amer. infor-
paid, remunerative, lucrative, money- mol hood.
making, rewarding, fruitful, worth-
gaol noun & verb see jail.
while, useful, productive, constructive,
benefi cial, advantageous, valuable.
gaP noun 1 opening, aperture, space,
breach. chink, slit, crack, crevice,
gait noun walk, step, stride, pace, tread, cleft, cavity, hole, interstice. 2 pause,
way of walking, bearing, carriage; Brlt.
intermission, interval, interlude, break,
deportment.
breathing space, breathel respite,
gala noun festival, fair, fete, carnival, hiatus, lull; N. Amer. recess. 3 omission,
pageant, jubilee, jamboree, celebration. blank, lacuna. 4 the gop between rich
gale noun t high wind, blast, squall, ond poor chasm, gulf, separation, con-
storm, tempest, hurricane, tornado, trast, difference, disparity, divergence,
cyclone, whirlwind, typhoon. 2 peal, imbalance.
gape + gaunt 180

gaPe verb 1 stare, goggle, gaze, ogle; gasp verb 1 catch your breath, gulp,
nformol rubberneck; Brit. informal
i draw in your breath.2 pant, puff, puff
gawp. 2 open, yawn, part, split. and blow, wheeze, breathe hardi heav-
gaping odjective wide, broad, vast, ily, choke, fight for breath.
yawning, cavernous. o noun gulp, pant, puff.
garbage (N. Amer.) noun 1 waste, gate noun barrier, turnstile, gateway,
refuse, rubbish, detritus, litter, junk, doorway, entrance, exit, door, portal;
scrap, scraps, leftovers, remains; N. Amer. entryway.
N. Amer. trash.2 nonsense, rubbish, gather verb 1 congregate, assemble,
balderdash, claptrap, twaddle, dross; meet, collect, get together, convene,
informol hogwash, baloney, tripe, bilge, muster, rally, converge.2 summon,
bull, bunl<, poppycock, rot, piffle; Brit. call together, bring together, assemble,
informol tosh, codswallop. convene, rally, round up, muster, mar-
garble verb mix up, muddle, jumble, shal.3 harvest, reap, crop, pick, pluck,
confuse. obscure, distort. collect. 4 understand, believe, be led
garden noun park, estate, grounds. to believe, conclude, infer, assume,
take it, surmise, hear, Iearn, discover.
WORD LINKS 5 pleat, pucker, tuck, fold, ruffle.
horticultural relating to gardens - OPPOSITES disperse.
garish odjecfive gaudy, lurid, loud, gathering noun assembly, meeting,
harsh, showy, glittering, brash, taste- convention, rally, council, congress,
less, vulgar; informol flashy. congregation, audience, crowd, group,
- oPPoSITES drab, tasteful. throng, mass; informol get-together.
garments p/urol noun clothes, clothing, gauche odjective awkward, gawky,
dress, garb, wardrobe, costume, attire; inelegant, graceless, ungraceful,
informol gear, togs; Brif. informol clob- clumsy, ungainly, maladroit, inept,
ber; tV. Amer. informol threads; formol u nso ph isticated.

apparel. - oPPostTES elegant, sophisticated.

garnish verb decorate, adorn, orna- gaudy odjective garish, lurid, loud, glar-
ment, trim, dress, embellish. ing, harsh, showy, glittering, ostenta-
o noun decoration, adornment, orna- tious, tasteless; lnformol flashy, tacky.
ment, embellishment, enhancement, - oPPoSITES drab, tasteful.
finishing touch. gauge noun meter, measure, indicator,
garrison noun 1 troops, forces, militia, dial, scale, display.
soldiers, force, detachment, unit. a verb 1 measure, calculate, com-
2 base, camp, station, barracks, fort, pute, work out, determine, ascertain,
command post. count, weigh, quantify, put a figure
a verb station, post, deploy, base, site, on. 2 assess, evaluate, determine,
place, billet. estimate, form an opinion o[. appraise.
garrulous odjective talkative, loqua- weigh up, judge, guess; informcl
cious, voluble, verbose, chatty, gossipy, size u p.
effusive, expansive, forthcoming, con- gaunt odjective haggard, d rawn, thin,
versational, communicative ; informol lean, skinny, spindly, spare, bony,
mouthy, having the gift of the gab. angular, raw-boned, pinched, hollow-
- taciturn.
OPPOSITES cheeked, scrawny, scraggy, as thin as a
gash noun cut, laceration, slash, slit, rake, cadaverous, skeletal, emaciated,
split, wound, injury. skin and bone, wasted, withered; lnfor-
a verb cut, lacerate, slash, slit, split, rnol like a bag of bones.
wound, injure. - oeeostrts plump.
181 gaze -+ gentle

gaze verb stare, gape, look fixedly, gog- generation noun 1 age, age group,
gle, eye, scrutinize, ogle informol rul:'- peer group.2 crop, batch, wave, range.
berneck; Brit. informol gawp; N. Amer. generosity noun liberality, lavishness,
informol eyeball. magnanimity, bounty, munifi cence,
a noun stare, gape, fixed look, regard, open-handedness, largesse, unselfish-
scruti ny. ness, altruism, charity.
gear noun 1 equipment, apparatus, par- - OPPOSITES meanness, selfishness.
aphernalia, tools, utensils, implements, generous odjective 1 liberal, lavish,
instruments, rig, tackle; Brit. informol magnanimous, giving, open-handed,
clobber. 2 (informol) belongings, pos- bountiful, unselfi sh, ungrudging, free,
sessions, effects, paraphernalia, bits unstinting, mu nifi cenU literory bounte.
and pieces; informol things, stuff, kit; ous. 2 plentiful, copious, ample,
Brit. informol clobber, gubbins. 3 (infor- liberal, large, abundant, rich. tt,1{g*t
mo, clothes, clothing, garments, - OPPOSITES mean, selfish, meagre. .1""
outflts, attire, garb, wardrobe: informol genesis noun origin, source, Toot,
togs; Brit. informol clobber, kit; tV. Amer. beglnning, start.
informol thread s: formol apparel.
genial odjective friendly, affable,
gem noun 1 jewel, precious stone, semi- cordial, amiable. warm, easy-going,
precious stone; informol rock, sparkler. approachable, sympathetic, good-
2 masterpiece, classic, treasure, prize. natured, good-humoured, cheerful,
find: informol one in a million, the bee's hospitable, companionable, sociable,
knees. convivial, outgoing, gregarious:
genealogy noun lineage, line (of informol chummy, pally: Brit. informol
descent), family tree, bloodline, pedi- matey.
gree, ancestry, heritage, parentage, - oPPosrrES unfriendly.
[amily. stock, blood, roots. genius noun 1 brilliance, intelligence,
general odjective 1 suitoble for general intellect, ability, cleverness, brains.
use widespread, common, exten- 2 talent, gift, flair, aptitude, facility,
sive, universal, wide, popular, public, knack, ability, expertise, capacity, fac-
mainstream. 2 o general pay increose ulty. 3 brilliant person, mastermind,
comprehensive, overall, across the Einstein, intellectual, brain, prodigy;
board, blanket, global, universal, mass, informol egghead, bright spark;
wholesale. 3 usual, customary, habit- Brit. informal brainbox, clever clogs;
ual, traditional, normal, conventional, N. Amer. informol brainiac.
typical, standard, regular, accepted, a odjective (tnformal) ingenious, clever,
prevailing, routine, established, eve- canny, cunning, crafty, artful, slick, neat.
ryday.4 o generol descripfion broad, genre noun category, class, classifi-
rough, loose, approximate, unspecific, cation, group, set, type, sort, kind,
vague, imprecise, inexact. va riety.
- OPPOSITES restricted, unusual, genteel odjective refi ned, respecta ble,
detailed. well mannered, courteous, polite,
generally odyerb 1 normally, in general, proper, correct, seemly, well bred, lady-
and large, mainly, mostly,
as a rule, by like, gentlemanly, dignifi ed, gracious.
for the most part, predominantly, on - oPPostTES uncouth.
the whole, usually. 2 widely, commonly, gentle odjective 1 kind, tender, sym.
extensively, universally, popularly. pathetic, considerate, understanding,
generate yerb create, make, produce, compassionate, humane, mild, placid,
engender, spawn, precipitate, prompt, serene. 2 light, soft, quiet, Iow. 3 grad-
provoke, trigger, spark off, stir up, ual, slight, easy, slow, imperceptible.
induce. - oPPOSITES brutal, strong, loud, steep.
genuine + gifted 182

genuine adjective 1 authentic, real, wriggle out of. get round cajole,
actual, original, bona fide, true; persuade, wheedle, coax, prevaii on,
informol pukka, the real McCoy, the win over, bring round, sway, inveigle;
real thing, kosher; Austro/. INZ informol informolsweet-talk, butter up. get up
dinkum. 2 sincere, honest, truthful, get out of bed, rise, stir, rouse yourself;
straightforward, dlrect, frank, candid, informol surface.
open, natural; informol straight, ghastly odjective 1 terrible, frightful,
upfront. horrible, grim, awful, horrifying, shock-
- OPPoSITES bogus, insincere. ing, appallinq, gruesome, horrendous,
germ noun 1 microbe, microorganism, monstrous. 2 (informol) unpleasant,
bacillus, bacterium, virus; informol bug. objectionable, disagreeable, distaste-
2 the germ of on ideo start, beginnings, ful, awful, terrible, dreadful, frightful,
seed, embryo, bud, root, origin, source. detestable, vile; informol horrible,
gesture noun 1 signal, sign, motion, horrid.
indication, gesticulation. 2 action, act, - OPPOSITES pleasant.
deed, move. ghost noun spectre, phantom, wraith,
o verb signal, motion, gesticulate, spirit, presence, apparition; informol
wave, indicate, give a sign. spook.
getverb 1 obtain, acquire, come by,
WORD LINKS
receive, gain, earn. win, be given;
informol get hold ol score. 2 become, spectral relating to a ghost
grow, turn, go. 3 fetch, collect, goi ghostly odjective supernatural, un-
come for, call for, pick up, bring, deliver, earthly, spectral, phantom, unnatural,
convey. 4 capture, catch, arrest, eerie, weird, uncanny; informol spooky.
apprehend, seize: informol collar, grab,
pick up; Brit. informolnick. 5 contract,
giant noun colossus, mammoth, mon-
develop, go down with, catch, fall ill ster, leviathan, ogre.
with.6 hear, catch, make out, follow, - OPPOSITES dwarf.
take in. 7 understand, comprehend, o adjective huge. colossal, massive,
grasp, see, fathom, follow. 8 arrive, enormous, gigantic, mammoth, vast,
reach, make it, turn up, appear, present immense, monumental, mountainous,
yourself, come along; informol show up. titanic, towering, gargantuan; informal
9 persuade, induce, prevail on, influ- mega, monster, whopping; Brit. infor-
ence, talk into. 10 prepare, get ready, mol ginormous.
cook, make; informol ftx, rustle up; Brit. - OPPOSITES miniature.
informalknock up. giddy o djective 1 dizzy, g ht-h eaded,
Ii

- oPPOSITES give. faint, unsteady, wobbly, reeling; infor-

B get across communicate, get over, mol woozy.2 flighty, silly, frivolous,
impart, convey, transmit, make clear, skittish, irresponsible, scatty : i nformol
express. get along be friendly, be dizzy.
compatible, get on, agree, see eye gift noun 1 present, handout, donation,
to eye; informol hit it off. get away
offering, bonus, award, endowment;
escape, run away/off, break free,
informol prezzie.2 talent, flair, apti-
bolt, flee, make off, take off, decamp;
tude, facility, knack, bent, abllity, skill,
informol skedaddle, scarper; Brit. infor-
capacity, faculty.
mol do a bunk, do a runner. get by
manage, cope, survive, exist, subsist, gilted odjective talented, s ki I led,
muddle through/along, scrape by, accomplished, expert, able, proficient,
make ends meet, make do; informol intelligent, clever, bright, brilliant, pre-
make out. get out of evade, dodge, cocious; informol crack, ace, genius.
shirk, avoid, escape, sidestep: informol - OPPOSITES inept.
183 gigantic + glitter

gigantic odjective huge, enormous, freely, ungrudgingly.

vast, giant, massive, colossal, mam- glamorous odjective 1 beautiful,
moth, immense, monumental, moun- elegant, chic, stylish, fashionable.
tainous, cosmic, gargantuan; informol 2 exciting, glittering, glossy, colourful,
mega, monster, whopping, humon- exotic; informol glitzy, jet-setting.
gous; Brit. informol ginormous. - oPPos|TES dowdy, dull.
- OPPOSITES tiny.
glamour noun 1 she hod undenioble
giggle yerb & noun titter, snigger, g/omour beauty, allure, elegance, chic,
chuckle, chortle, laugh. style, charisma, charm, magnetism.
girl noun young woman, young lady, 2 the glomou r of fV allure, attraction,
miss; 5cott6h & N. English lass, lassie; fascination, charm, magic, romance,
/rish colleen; informol chick; Brit. infor- excitement, thrill i nformal glitz, glam.
mol bird; N. Amer. informol gal, broad, glance verb 1 look briefly, look quickly.
dame, babe; Austrol.f NZ informol sheila. peel<, peep, glimpse, catch a glimpse. 'r:ri:ri:l,iif!
girlfriend noun sweetheart, lover, 2 I glanced through the report read
partner, significant other, girl, woman; quickly, scan, skim, leaf, flick, flip,
informal steady; Brit. informol bird; thumb, browse.
N. Amer. informol squeeze. glare verb scowl, glower, look daggers,
giveverb 1 donate, contribute, present frown, lour; tnformalgive someone a
with, award, grant, bestow, hand dirty look.
(over), bequeath, leave, make over. a noun 1 scowl, glower, angry stare,
2 convey, pass on, impart, commu- frown, black look; informoldirty look.
nicate, transmit, send, deliver, relay. 2 blaze, dazzle, shine, beam, brilliance.
3 sacrifice, give up, relinquish, devote, glaring odjective 1 dazzling, blinding,
dedicate.4 organize, arrange, lay on, blazing, strong, harsh. 2 obvious, con-
throw, host, hold, have. 5 perform, spicuous, unmistakable, inescapable,
execute, make, do.6 utter, let out, unmissable, striking, fl agrant, blatant.
emit, produce, make.
glazeverb cover, coat, varnish, lacquer,
- oPPostTEs receive, take. polish.
o give away betray, inform on;
O noun coating, topping, varnish,
informol split on, rat on; Brit. informol
lacquer, polish.
grass on, shop; N. Amer. informol finger;
Austral.lNZ informol dob in. give inf up gleam verb shine, glint, glitter, shim-
capitulate, concede defeat, admit mer, glimmer, sparkle, twinkle, flicker,
defeat, give up, surrender, yield, sub- wink, glisten, flash.
mit. give off emit, produce, send out, o noun flash, glimmer, glint, shimmer,
throw out, discharge, release. give up twinkle, sparkle, flicker, beam, ray,
stop, cease, discontinue, desist from, shaft.
abstain from, cut out, renounce, forgo; glide verb 1 o gondolo glided post slide,
informol quit; Brif. informol jack in. slip, sail, float, drift, ftow.2 seogulls
gladodjective 1 pleased, happy, gliding over the woyes soar, wheel,
gratified, delighted, thrilled, overjoyed; plane, fly.
informol over the moon; Brit. informal glimpse noun glance, brief/quick look,
chuffed; N. English informol made up. sight, sighting, peek, peep.
2l'd be glod to help willing, eager, o verb catch sight of, sight, spot,
happy, pleased, delighted, ready, notice, discern, spy, pick out, make out.
prepared. glitter verb sparkle, twinkle, glint, shim-
- OPPOSITES dismayed, reluctant. mer, glimmer, wink, flash, shine.
gladly odverb with pleasure, happily, O noun sparkle, twinkle, glint, shim-
cheerfully, willingly, readily, eagerly, mer, glimmer, flicker. flash.
global + go 184

global odjective 1 worldwide, inter- glow verb 1 shine, gleam, glimmer,

national, world, intercontinental, flicker, flare. 2 smoulder, burn.
universal. 2 comprehensive, overall, a noun radiance, light, gleam, glimmer.
general, all-inclusive, all-encompassing, glowing adjective 1 bright, radiant,
universal, broad. incandescent, luminous, smoulder-
gloom noun 1 darkness, dark, murk, ing literory lambent. 2 rosy, pink,
shadows, shade. 2 despondency, red, ruddy, flushed, blushing, burning.
depression, dejection, melancholy, 3 vivid, vibrant, bright, brilliant, rich,
unhappiness, sadness, misery, woe, intense, radiant. 4 complimentary,
despalr. favourable, enthusiastic, admiring,
rapturous, fulsome; informal rave.
- oPPoslTES light, happiness.
glue noun adhesive, gum, paste,
gloomy odjective 1 dark, shad-
cement; N. Amer. mucilage; N. Amer.
owy, murky, sunless, dim, dingy.
informal stickum.
2 despondent, depressed, downcast,
o verb stick, gum, paste, fix, seal,
downhearted, dejected, dispirited,
cement.
disheartened, demoralized, crestfallen,
glum, melancholy; lnformol down glum odjective gloomy, downcast,
in the mouth, down in the dumps. dejected, despondent, crestfallen,
disheartened, depressed, doleful,
3 pessimistic, depressing, downbeat,
miserable, woebegone; informol fed
disheartening, disappointing, unfavour.
up, down in the dumps, down in the
able, bleak, black.
mouth.
- oPPoSlTEs bright, cheerful.
- oPPostrES cheerful.
glorious o djective wonderful, ma rvel-
go verb t he's gone into town travel,
lous, magnificent, superb, sublime, move, proceed, make your way, jour'
spectacular, lovely, fi ne, delightful; ney, advance, progress, pass.2 the rood
informol stunning, fantastic, terrific, tre- goes to London lead, stretch, reach,
mendous, sensational, heavenly, divine, extend.3 leave, depart, take yourself
gorgeous, fabulous, awesome. off, go away, wlthdraw, absent yourself,
- OPPoSITES undistinguished. exit, set off, start out, get under way,
glory noun t honour, distinction, pres- be on your way; Brit. make a move;
tige, fame, renown, kudos, eminenre. informolmake tracks. 4 be used up,
acclaim, celebrity, praise, recognition. be spent, be exhausted, be consumed.
2 magnificence, splendour, grandeur, 5 become, get, turn, grow. 6 turn out,
maiesty, greatness, nobility, opulence, work out, develop, progress, result,
beauty, elegance. end (up); informol pan out. 7 match,
- oPPoSITES shame. harmonize, blend, be complementary,
o verb we gloried in our independence coordinate, be compatible. 8 function,
delight, triumph, revel, rejoice, exult, work, run, operate.
relish, savour, be proud of; informol get o noun (informol) t here, hove o go try,
a kicl< out of. attempt, effort, bid; informolshot, stab,
crack. 2 turn, opportunity, chance,
gloss noun shine, sheen, lustre, gleam, stint, spell, time.
patina, polish, brilliance, shimmer.
a go down 1 sink, founder.
o gloss over conceal, cover up, hide, 2 decrease, fall, drop, decline, plum-
disguise, mask, veil, play down, mini- met, plunge, slump. go in for take
mize, understate. part in, participate in, engage in, get
glossy odjective shiny, gleaming, involved in, join in, enter into, under-
lustrous, brilliant, glistening, glassy, take, practise, pursue, espouse, adopt,
polished, Iacquered, glazed. embrace. go into investigate, examine,
- OPPoSITES dull. enquire into, look into, research, probe,
185 goal r goodness

explore, delve into, consider, review, informol squeaky clean. 3 well

analyse. go off 1 explode, detonate, behaved, obedient, dutiful, polite,
blow up. 2 (Brit.) go bad, go stale, courteous, respectful. 4 capable, able,
go sour, turn, spoil, go rancid. go on proficient, adept, adroit, accomplished,
1 last, continue, carry on, run on, skilful, talented, masterly, expert;
proceed, endure, persist, take. 2 talk informol mean, wicked, nifty; t\. Amer.
at length, ramble, rattle on, chatter, informol crackerjacl<. 5 close, intimate,
prattle; Brit. informol witter, rabbit. dear, bosom, special, best, firm, loyal.
3 happen, tal<e place, occur, transpire; 6 enjoyable, pleasant, agreeable, pleas-
N. Amer. informol go down. go out urable, delightful, lovely, amusing. 7 lt
1 be turned off, be extinguished, stop wos good of you to come kind, gener-
burning.2 see, take out, be someone's ous, charitable, gracious, noble, altru-
boyfriend/girlfriend, be in a relation. istic, unselfish. 8 convenient, suitable, .,:i:i:,r:irr.:.::.
ship with; informaldate, go with. go appropriate, [itting, fi t, opportune,
through 1 undergo, experience, face, timely, favourable.9 milk is good for you
suffer, live through, endure. 2 search, wholesome, healthy, nourishing, nutri-
look, hunt, rummage, rifle.3 examine, tious, beneficial. 10 tasty, appetizing,
study, scrutinize, inspect, look over, fl avou rsome, palatable, succulent; infor-
scan, check. mol scrumptious, scrummy, yummy;
goal noun objective, aim, end, target, Brit. informolmoreish. 11 valid, genu-
intention, plan, purpose, ambition, ine, authentic, legitimate, sound, bona
aspiratio n. fide, convincing, compelling. 12 fine,
fair, dry, bright, clear, sunny, cloudless,
gobble verb guzzle, bolt, gulp, devour,
calm, warm, mild.
wolf ; informoltuck into, put away,
- oPPOSITES bad, wicked, naughty.
demolish; Brit. informol scoff; NI. Amer:
a noun 1 virtue, righteousness,
informol scarf (downi u p). goodness, morality, integrlty, honesty,
god noun deity, goddess, divine being, truth, honour. 2 it's for your own good
divinity, immortal. benefit, advantage, profit, gain, inter-
_
WORD LII\IKS est, welfare, well-being.
divine relating to Cod or a god - oPPOSITES wickedness, disadvantage.
o for good forever, permanently, for
theology study of Cod
always, (for) evermore, for ever and
golden odjective blonde, yellow, fair, ever; /V. Amer. forevermore; informol f or
flaxen. keeps.
- OPPOSITES dark. goodbye exclom. farewell, adieu,
gone odjective 1 away, absent, off, out, au revoir, ciao, adios; informolbye,
missing. 2 past, over (and done with), bye-bye, so long, see you (later); Brlt.
no more, done, finished, ended, forgot- informol cheerio, cheers, ta-ta.
ten.3 used up, consumed, finished, good-looking odjective attractive,
spent, depleted. beautiful, pretty, handsome, lovely,
good odjective 1 fine, superior, excel- stunning, striking, arresting, gorgeous,
Ient, superb, outstanding, magnificent, prepossessing, fetchin g ; Scottish &
exceptional, marvellous, wonderful, N. English bonny; informol tasty, easy
fi rst-rate, fi rst-class, quality : informol on the eye; Brit. informol fit: N. Amer.
great, ace, terrific, fantastic, fabulous, informolcute, foxy; o/d use comely.
class, awesome, wicked; Brit. informol - OPPOSITES ugly.
brilliant. 2 virtuous, righteous, upright, goodness noun 1 virtue, good, right.
upstanding, moral, ethical, principled, eousness, morality, integrity, rectitude,
law-abiding, blameless, honourable, honesty, honour, decency, respectabil-
decent, respectable, trustworthy; ity, nobility, worth, merit. 2 kindness,
goods -+ gradual 186

humanity, benevolence, tenderness, govern verb 1 rule, preside over,

warmth, affection, love, goodwill, control, be in charge of, command,
sympathy, compassion, care, concern, run, head, manage, oversee, super-
understanding, generosity, charity. vise. 2 determine, decide, control,
goods plurol noun merchandise, wares, constrain, regulate, direct, rule, dictate,
stock, commodities, produce, prod- shape, affect.
ucts, articles. government noun administration,
goodwill noun kindness. compassion, executive, regime, authority, council,
goodness, benevolence, consideration, powers that be, cabinet, ministry.
charity, decency, neighbourliness. governor noun leader, ruler, chief,
- oPPoslTEs hostility. head, administrator, principal, director,
gorge noun ravine, canyon, gully, defile, chairman, chairwoman, chair, super-
couloir, chasm, gulf; 5. tngllsh chine; intendent, commissioner, controller;
N. English gill; N. Amer. gulch, coulee. informol boss.
tr gorge yourself stuff yourself, guz- gown noun dress, frock, robe, habit,
zle, overindulge ; informol pig yourself, costume.
pig out, stufyour face. grab verb seize, grasp, snatch, take hold
gorgeous odjective 1 good-looking, of, grip, clasp, clutch, catch.
attractive, beautiful, pretty, hand- grace noun I elegance, poise, finesse,
some, lovely, stunning; Scottlsh & polish, fl uency, smoothness, supple-
N. English bonny; informol fanciable, ness. 2 he hod the groce to opologize
tasty, hot; Brit. informol fit: N. Amer. courtesy, decency, (good) manners,
informol cute, f oxy: old use comely. politeness, respect. 3 he fell from groce
2 spectacular, splendid, superb, favour, approval, approbation, accept-
wonderful, grand, impressive, awe- ance, esteem, regard, respect.
inspiring, awesome, stunning, breath- - OPPOSITES awkwardness.
taking; informol sensational, fabulous, a verb adorn, embellish, decorate,
fantastic. 3 resplendent, magnificent, ornament, enhance.
sumptuous, luxurious, elegant, daz-
graceful odjective elegant, fluid, fluent,
zling, brilliant.
easy, polished, supple.
- oPPoSlrEs ugly, drab.
gracious odjective courteous, polite,
gossiP noun 1 news, rumours, scandal,
civil, well mannered, tactful, diplo-
hearsay, tittle-tattle; informol dirt, buzz;
matic, kind, considerate, thoughtful,
N. Amer. informol scuttlebutt. 2 chat,
obliging, accommodating, hospitable.
talk, conversation, chatter, heart-to-
heart, t6te-i-t6te; infornol jaw, gas; grade noun t hote/s within the same
Brit. informolnatter, chinwag; A/. Amer. grode category, class, classifi cation,
informol gabfest. 3 gossipmonger, ranking, quality, grouping, group,
busybody, scandalmonger, rumour- bracket. 2 his job is of the lowest grode
monger, muckraker. rank, level, standing, position, class,
a verb 1talk, whisper, tell tales, status, order, echelon. 3 mark, score,
spread rumours; informol dish the dirt. assessment, evaluation, appraisal.
2 people sot oround gossiping chat, talk, 4 (N. Amer.)year, form, class.
converse; informol gas, chew the fat, o verb classify, class, categorize.
chew the rag, jaw; Brit. informal natter, bracket. sort. group. arrange, pigeon-
chinwag; N. Amer. informol shoot the hole, rank, evaluate, rate, value.
breeze. gradient noun slope, incline, hill, rise,
gOUrmet noun gastronome. ePicure, ramp, bank; N. Amer. grade.
epicurean, connoisseur; informol gradual odjective 1 slow, steady, meas-
foodie. ured, unhurried, cautious, piecemeal,
 187 gradually -+ graze
step-by-step, bit-by-bit, progressive, powerful, colourful, lurid, shocking.
continuous.2 gentle, moderate, .
slight, _ oppostTEs vague.
easy.
- opposrrrs abrupt, steep. ,[,]#::JjiiJ
L?lll.,]l'JrnnJ;i:""'",
--- --
gradually odverb slowly. steadily, grips, iackle, confroni, ta2e.

;'flUy,,?$,'"1'.*;:i$ffi'l',f"#'- s:::l^'.'jb.' srip, crutch, crasp. crench,

d.s-,".,, b..os,",;,;t,-##- Ji.. rv. r
IrJiili;iil1,",lii;Eilll;liiit;, '
graft noun transplant, implant. see, apprehend, ,r;i;il;il,;b-;;
a.verb l splice, join, insert, fix. 2 trans- informol get,take on board; Brit. inior.
plant, implant. mol twig.
grain noun 1 kernel, seed.2 granule, a noun 1 grip, hold, squeeze. 2 reach,
particle, speck, bit, scrap, crumb, frag- scope, power, range, sights. 3 under-
ment, morsel. 3 trace, hint, tinge, sug- standing, comprehension, awareness,
gestion, shadow, soupqon, ounce, ioti, grip, knowledge, mastery, command.
jot, scrap, shred; informol smidgen. grasping odjective greedy, acqu isi-
4 texture, weave, pattern, nap. tive, avaricious, rapacious, mercenary,
grand odjective 1 magnificent, impos- materialistic; informol tight-fisted, tight,
ing, impressive, awe-inspiring, splendid, money-grubbing.
resplendent, majestic, monumental, grate verb 1 shred, pulverize. mince,
palatial, stately; Brit. upmarl<et; N. Amer. grind, crush, crumble. 2 grind, rub,
upscale; informol fancy, posh; Brit rasp, scrape, jar, creal<.
rnformol swish. 2 ambitious, bold, epic, grateful o djective thankful, a pprecia-
big, extravagant. 3 august, distin-
tive, indebted, obliged, in someone's
guished, illustrious, eminent, venerable,
debt, beholden.
dignified, proud. 4 (informot)excellent,
marvellous, splendid, fi rst-class, fi rst- gratitude noun thanks, gratefulness,
rate, wonderful, outstanding; informol thankfulness, appreciation, indebted-
superb, terrific, great, super; Brit ness, recognition, acknowledgement.
informal brilliant. gravel noun tomb, burial place, last
- oPPostrEs humble, poor. resting place, vault, mausoleum,
grandeur noun splendour, mag- sepulchre.
nificence. glory, resplendence. maj- grave2 odjective 1 serious, important,
esty, greatness, stateliness, pomp, weighty, profound, significant, momen-
ceremony. tous, critical, urgent, pressing, dire,
grant verb t he gronted them leove
terrible, dreadful. 2 solemn, ierious,
of obsence allow, permit, agree to, sober, unsmiling, grim, sombre, dour.
accord, afford, vouchsafe. 2 he gronted - oPPoStTES trivial, light-hearted.
them f20,000 give, award, bestow on, graveyard noun cemetery, churchyard,
confer on, present with, endow with. burial ground, necropolis, garden of
3 admit, accept, concede, allow, appre- remembrance; Scoftish kirkyard.
ciate, recognize, acknowledge, confess. gravity noun I seriousness, impor-
- OPPOSITES refuse, deny. tance, significance, weight, con-
a noun award, bursary, endowment, sequence, magnitude, acuteness,
scholarship, allowance, subsidy, contri. u rgency, dreadfulness. 2 solemnity,
bution, handout, donation, gift. seriousness, sobriety, severity, grim.
graphic odjective 1 visual, pictorial, ness, sombreness, dourness.
illustrative, diagrammatic. 2 vivid, gtazel verb feed, eat, crop, nibble,
explicit, detailed, realistic, descriptive, browse
graze + grieve 188

gtaze2 verb 1 scrape, skin, scratch, 3 desire, appetite, hunger, thirst,

chafe, scuff, rasp.2 touch, brush, shave, craving, longing, yearning, hankering ;

skim, kiss, scrape, clip, glance off. informolitch.

a noun scratch. scrape. abrasion. - OPPOSITES generosity, temperance,
indifference.
grease noun oil, fat, lubricant.
greedy odjective 1 gluttonous, raven-
greasy adjective oily, fatty, buttery, ole- ous, voracious; informol piggish, piggy.
aginous, slippery, slick, slimy, slithery; 2 avaricious, acquisitive, covetous,
informol slippy. grasping, materialistic, mercenary;
gteat odjective 1 considerable, substan- informol money-grubbing.
tial, signifi cant, serious, exceptional, green odjective 1 olive green, pea green,
extraordinary. 2 large, big, extensive, emerald green, lime green, avocado,
expansive, broad, wide, vast, immense, pistachio, bottle green, Lincoln green,
huge, enormous, massive, cosmic; jade. 2 verdant, grassy, leafy.3 envi-
informol humongous, whoppin g ; Brif. ronmental, ecological, conservationist,
informol ginormous. 3 prominent, eco-, eco-friendly. 4 inexperienced,
eminent, distinguished, illustrious, callow, raw, unseasoned, untried, naive,
celebrated, acclaimed, admired, innocent, unworldly; informol wet
esteemed, renowned, notable, famous, behind the ears.
well known, leading, top, major.
4 magnificent. imposing. impres-
greet verb 1 say hello to, address,
salute, hail, welcome, meet, receive.
sive, awe-inspiring, grand, splendid,
2 the decision wos greeted with outroge
majestic. 5 expert, sl<ilful, skilled,
receive, respond to, react to, take.
adept, accomplished, talented, fi ne,
masterly, master, brilliant, virtuoso, greeting noun t hello, salutation, wel-
marvellous, outstanding, fi rst-class, come, reception. 2 best wishes, good
superb; informol crack, class. 6 keen, wishes, congratulations, compliments,
eager, enthusiastic, devoted, ardent, regards, respects.
fanatical, passionate, dedicated, com- - OPP0SITES farewell.
mitted. 7 enjoyable, delightful, lovely, grey odjective 1 silvery, gunmetal, slate,
excellent, marvellous, wonderful, fine, charcoal, smoky. 2 cloudy, overcast,
splendid; informal terrific, fantastic, dull, darl<, sunless, murky, gloomy,
fabulous, super, cool; Brit. informol cheerless. 3 pale, wan, ashen, pasty,
brilliant. pallid, colourless, waxen. 4 char-
- oPPoSITES little, small, minor, modest. acterless, colourless, nondescript,
greatly odverb very much, extremely, flat, bland, dull, boring, tedious,
considerably, substantially, signifi - monotonous. 5 o grey oreo ambiguous,
cantly, markedly, seriously, materially, doubtful, unclear, uncertain, indefi nite,
enormously, vastly, immensely, tremen- debatable.
dously, mightily. grief noun sorrow, misery, sadness,
greatness noun 1 eminence, distinc- anguish, pain, distress, heartache,
tion, celebrity, [ame, prominence, heartbreak, agony, woe, desolation.
renown, importance. 2 brilliance, - OPPOSITES joy.
genius, prowess, talent, expertise, mas- grievance noun complaint, obiection,
tery, artistry, skill, proficiency, flair. grumble, grouse, ill feeling, bad feeling,
greed noun 1 avarice, acquisitiveness, resentment; informol glpe.
covetousness, materialism, merce- grieve verb I mourn, sorrow, cry, sob,
nariness; informol money-grubbin g. weep.2 sadden, upset, distress, pain,
2 gluttony, hunger, voracity, self- hurt, wound, breal< someone's heart.
indulgence; tnformol piggishness. - OPPOSITES rejoice.
189 grim -+ grovel

gtam odjective 1 stern, forbidding, obnoxious, sickening, nauseating,

uninviting, unsmiling, dour, formidable. stomach-churning. 2 thorough,
2 dreadful, ghastly, horrible, terrible, complete, utter, out and out, shameful,
awful, appalling, frightful, shocking, serious, unacceptable, flagrant, blatant,
grisly, gruesome, depressing, distress- obvious, barefaced, shameless, brazen.
ing, upsetting. 3 bleak, dismal, dingy, 3 total, full, overall, combined, before
wretched, miserable. depressing, deductions, before tax.
cheerless, joyless, gloomy, uninviting. - oPPoSITES pleasant, net.
- oPPoslTEs amiable, pleasant. a verb earn, make, bring in, take, get,
gtinverb & noun smile, beam, smirk. receive; informol rake in.
grind verb I crush, pound, pulverize, grotesque odjective 1 misshapen,
mill, crumble. 2 rub, grate, scrape. deformed, distorted, twisted, mon-
3 sharpen, whet, hone, put an edge strous,hideous,freakish,unnatural, ili:;,!r{ii
on, mill, machine, polish, smooth.
a noun drudgery, toil, labour, donkey 2 outrageous, monstrous, shocking,
work, exertion, chores; informol slog. appalling, preposterous, ridiculous,
ludicrous, unbelievable, incredible.
gripverb 1 grasp, clutch, clasp, take
hold of, clench, cling to, grab, seize, ground noun 1 floor, earth, terra
squeeze. 2 engross, enthral, absorb, firma; informol deck. 2 earth, soil, turl
rivet. spellbind, fascinate, mesmerize. land, terrain. 3 stadium, pitch, field,
a noun 1 grasp, hold. 2 traction, arena, track; Brit. informol park. 4 the
purchase, friction, adhesion. 3 control, monsion's grounds estate, gardens,
power, hold, stranglehold, clutches, park, land, property, surroundings, ter-
influence. ritory. 5 grounds for dismisso/ reason,
gripping odjective engrossing, enthral- cause, basis, foundation, justification,
ling, absorbing, riveting, captivating, rationale, argument, occasion, excuse,
spellbinding, fascinating, compelling, pretext.
thrilling, exciting, action-packed, a verb 1 base, found, establish, root,
dramatic. build, form. 2 she wos well grounded in
- oPPoSlTEs boring. fhe c/ossics teach, instruct, coach, tutor,
educate, school, train, drill.
groan verb 1 moan, cry. 2 complain,
grumble, moan, mutter; informol group noun 1 category, class, clas-
grouse, bellyache, bitch, whinge. cation, grouping, cluster, set,
sifi
3 creak, grate, rasp. batch, type, sort, kind, variety, family.
a noun 1 moan, cry. 2 complaint, 2 crowd, party, body, band, company,
grumble, grievance, moan, mutter- gathering, congregation, assembly,
ing: informol grouse, gripe, whinge. collection, cluster, clump, knot, flock,
3 creaking, creak, grating, grinding. pack, troop, gang; informol bunch.
3 band, ensemble, act; infornol line-
groom verbl curry, brush, clean, rub
up, combo, outfit.
down. 2 brush, comb, arrange, do;
informol fix.3 prepare, prime, condi-
a verb 1 categorize, classify, class,
catalogue, sort, bracket, pigeonhole.
tion, coach, train, drill, teach, school.
2 assemble, collect, organize, place,
groove noun furrow, channel, trench, arrange, range, line up, lay out.
trough, rut, gutter, canal, hollow,
grovel r;erb 1 prostrate yourself, lie,
indentation.
kneel, cringe.2 be obsequious, fawn
grope verb fumble, scrabble, flsh, ferret, on, kowtow, bow and scrape, toady,
rummage, feel, search, hunt. dance attendance on, ingratiate your-
gtoss odjective 1 (informol) disgust- self with; informolcrawl, creep, sucl< up
ing, repulsive, revolting, foul, nasty, to, lick someone's boots.
grow + guest

grow verb 1 enlarge, get bigger, get grumpy o djective bad-tempered,

larger, get taller. expand, increase in crabby, tetchy, touchy, irascible, can-
size, extend, spread, swell, multiply, tankerous, curmudgeonly, surly, frac-
snowball, mushroom, balloon, build tious; informol grouchy; Brit. tnformol
up, mount up, pile up. 2 sprout, germi- ratty; Ai. Amer. informolcranky, ornery.
nate, spring up, develop, bud, bloom, - OPPoSITES good-humoured.
flourish, thrive, run riot. 3 cultivate, guarantee noun 1 warranty.2 prom-
produce, propagate, raise, rear, farm. ise, assurance, word (of honour),
4 become, get, turn, begin to be. pledge, vow, oath, commitment.
- oPPostrEs shrink, decline. 3 collateral, security, surety, bond.
grown-up odjective adult, mature, of a verb 1 promise, swear, pledge, vow,
age, fully grown, independent. give your word, give an assurance, give
o noun adult, woman, man, grown an undertaking. 2 underwrite, stand
man/woman. surety.
- oPPoSITES child. guard verb protect, defend, shield,
growth noun 1 enlargement, increase secure, cover, mind, stand guard over,
in size, expansion, extension, swell- watch, keep an eye on.
ing, multiplication, mushrooming, a noun 1 sentry, sentinel, nightwatch-
snowballing, rise, escalation, build-up, man, protector, defender, guardian,
development. 2 tumour, malignancy, lookout, watch.2 warder, warden,
cancer, lump, swelling. keeper, jailer; informolscrew. 3 cover,
grubby odjective dirty, grimy, filthy, shield, screen, fender, bumper, buffer.
mucky, unwashed, stained, soiled; guarded adjective cautious, careful,
informol cruddy, yucky; Brit. informol circumspect, wary, chary, reluctant,
manky. non-committal; nformol cagey.
i

- oPPOSITES clean. guardian noun protector, defender,

grudge noun grievance, resentment, preserver, custodian, warden, guard,
bitterness, rancour, ill will, animosity, keeper, curator, caretaker, steward,
antipathy, antagonism; informol a chip trustee.
on your shoulder.
WORD LINKS
gruelling odjective exhausting, tiring, tutelary relating l-o a guardian
taxing, draining, demanding, exact-
ing, difficult, arduous, strenuous, guerrilla noun rebel, irregular, parti-
back-breaking, punishing, crippting; san, freedom fi ghter, revolutionary,
informol murderous; Brit. i nfo rmol terrorist.
knackering. guess verb 1 estimate, reckon, judge,
gruesome o djective grisly, g hastly, speculate, conjecture, hypothesize,
frightful, horrid, horrifying, hideous, surmise. 2 (informol) suppose, think,
horrible, grim, awful, dreadful, terrible, imagine, expect, suspect, dare say;
horrifi c; informol sick, sick-making, informol reckon.
gross. o noun hypothesis, theory, conjecture,
- oPPOSITES pleasant. surmise, estimate, belief. opinion.
grumble verb complain, grouse, whine,
supposition. speculation. suspicion,
mutter, carp, make a fuss; informal impression, feeling.
moan, bellyache, bitch. whinge: guest noun 1 visitor, caller, company.
N. English informol mither. 2 client, customer, resident, boarder,
o noun complaint, grouse. griev- lodger, patron, diner, holidaymaker,
ance, protest; informol grouch, moan, to u rist.
whinge, beef, gripe. - OPPOSITES host.
 guidance -+ gut

guidance noun 1 advice, counsel, back, fight/hold back, suppress, stifle,

instruction, suggestions, tips, hints, smother.
pointers, guidelines. 2 direction, a noun mouthful, swallow, draught;
control, leadership, management, informol swig.
supervision. gum noun glue, adhesive, paste,
guide noun 1 escort, attendant, cement; N. Amer. mucilage; N. Amer.
courier, leader, usher.2 outline, informalstickum.
template, example, exemplar, model, a verb stick, glue, paste, cement,
pattern, guideline, yardstick, prec- attach.
edent. 3 guidebook, travel guide, gun noun firearm, side arm, handgun,
vade mecum, companion, handbook, weapon; informol shooter; N. Amer.
manual, directory, A to Z, instructions, informol piece, shooting iron.
di rections; informol bible.
gunman noun armed criminal,
a verb 1 lead, conduct, show, ushet
assassin, sniper, terrorist, gunfighter;
shepherd, direct, steer, pilot, escort.
informalhit man, gunslinger; N. Amer.
2 direct, steer, manage, conduct, run,
informol shootist.
be in charge of, govern, preside over,
supervise, oversee. 3 advise, counsel, guru noun 1 spiritual teacher, tutor,
direct. sage, mentor, spiritual leader, master.
guild 2 expert, authority, pundit, leading
noun association, society, union,
light, mastel specialist.
league, organization, company, fellow-
ship, club, order, lodge.
- OPPOSITES disciple.

guilt gush verb surge, stream, spout, spurt,

noun 1 culpability, blameworthi-
jet, rush, pour, spill, cascade, flood; Brlt.
ness, responsibility. 2 remorse, shame,
informol sloosh.
regret, contrition, self-reproach, a
guilty conscience. a noun surge, stream, spout, spurt,
jet, rush, outpouring, spill, outflow,
- OPPOSITES innocence.
cascade, fl ood, torrent.
guilty odjective 1 culpable, to blame,
gushing odjective effusive, overenthu-
at fault, in the wrong, responsible.
siastic, extravagant, fulsome, lavish,
2 ashamed, guilt+idden. conscience-
unrestrained; informol over the top.
stricken, remorseful, sorry, contrite,
repentant, penitent, regretful, rueful, gust noun flurry, blast, puff, blow, rush,
sha mefaced. squall.
- OPPOSITES innocent. gut noun 1 stomach, belly, abdomen,
gulfnoun 1 bay, inlet, cove, bight, paunch, intestines, viscera; informol
flord, estuary, sound; Scottish firth. tummy, insides, innards . 2 (informol)
2 gap, divide, separation, difference, he hos o lot of guts courage, bravery,
contrast. backbone, nerve, pluck, spirit, daring,
grit, fearlessness, determination;
gullible odjective credulous, na ive.
Brit. informol bottle; N. Amer. informol
easily deceived, impressionable,
moxie.
unsuspecting, ingenuous, innocent,
a odj ective (i nfo rmol ) instinctive,
inexperienced, green; informol wet
intuitive, deep-seated, involuntary,
behind the ears.
spontaneous, unthinking, knee-jerk.
- oPPoSITES suspicious. a verb 1 clean (out), disembowel, draw;
gulp verb 1 swallow, quaff, swill down; formol eviscerate. 2 strip, empty, devas.
informolswig, down, knock back. tate, lay waste, ravage, ruin, wreck.
2 gobble, guzzle, devour, bolt, wolf; wono LrrrNs
informol shovel down; Brit. informol
visceral relating to the gut
scoff. 3 she gulp ed back her teors choke
gutter -+ gyrate 192

gutter noun drain, trough, trench, ditch, down, hoover upi Brit. informol scoff;
sluice, sewer, channel, conduit, pipe. N. Amer. informol snarf , scarf. 2 gulp
guy noun (informol)man, fellow; infor- down, quaff, swill; lnformol knock back,
mol lad; Brit. informol chap, bloke, gee- swig, slug, neck.
zer; N. Amer. informoldude, hombre. gyrate yerb rotate, revolve, wheel, turn,
guzzle verb 1 gobble, bolt, woll whirl, circle, pirouette, twirl, swirl, spin,
devour; informolluck into, shovel swivel.
 habit -+ hand

Hh
habit noun 1 custom, practice, routine, half-hearted odje ctive unenthusiastic,
way; formol wo nt. 2 (informol) addic. cool, lukewarm, tepid, apathetic.
tion, dependence, craving, fixation. - OPPOSITES enthusiastic.
habitual odjective 1 constant, persis- halfway odjective midway, middle,
tent, continual, continuous, perpetual, mid, central, centre, intermediate.
non-stop, endless, never-ending ; infor- a adverb midway, in the middle, in the
mol eternal. 2 inveterate, confirmed, centre, part of the way.
compulsive, incorrigible, hardened,
hall noun 1 entrance hall, hallway,
ingrained, chronic, regular. 3 custom-
entry, entrance, lobby, foyer, vestibule,
ary, accustomed, regular, usual, nor- atrium. 2 assembly room, meeting
mal, characteristic; /iterory wonted. room, chamber, auditorium, theatre,
- oPPoSITES occasional. house.
hack verb cut, chop, hew, lop, saw,
hallucination noun delusion, illusion,
slas h.
figment olthe imagination. mirage,
hackneyed odjective overused, over' chimera, fantasy.
done, overworked, worn out, time-
halt verb t holt ot the borier stop, come
worn, stale, tired, threadbare, trite,
to a halt, come to a stop, come to a
banal, clich6d.
standstill, pull up, draw up.2 o strike
- oPPoslTEs original.
holted production stop, bring to a stop,
haggard odjective drawn, tired, put a stop to, suspend, arrest, check,
exhausted, drained, careworn, gaunt, curb, stem, staunch, block, stall.
pinched, hollow-cheeked, hollow-eyed. a noun 1 stop, standstill. 2 stoppage,
haggle yerb barter, bargain, negotiate, break, pause, interval, interruption.
wrangle. - OPPOSITES start.
hailr noun barrage, volley, shower, halting odjective hesitant, faltering,
stream, salvo. hesitating, stumbling, stammering.
hail2 verb 1 call out to, shout to, stuttering. broken, imperfect.
address, greet, salute, say hello to. - OPPOSITES fluent.
2 flag down, wave down.3 acclaim, hammer verb beat, batter, bang, pum-
praise, applaud .4 he hoils from Austrolio mel, pound, knock, thump.
come, be, be a native of.
hamper verb hinder, obstruct, impede,
hair noun t head of hair, shock of hair, inhibit, delay, slow down, hold up,
mane, mop, locks, tresses, curls. 2 hair- interfere with, handicap, hamstring.
style, haircut; informolhairdo. 3 fur, - OPPOSITEs help.
wool, coat, fleece, pelt, mane.
hand noun 1 fist, palm; informol paw,
hairdresser noun hairstylist, coiffeur, mitt. 2 handwriting, writing, script.
coiffeuse, barber. 3 worker, employee, workman,
hairy odjective 1 shaggy, bushy, long- labourer, operative, craftsman.
haired, woolly, furry, fleecy. 2 bearded, o uerb pass, give, present, let someone
unshaven, stu bbly, bristly; formol have.
hirsute. 3 (informol) risky, dangerous,
WORD LII\IKS
perilous, hazardous, tricky: i nformol
manual relating to the hands
dicey; Brit. informol dodgy.
handbook -+ harassed 194

handbook noun manual, instructions, 4 send to the gallows, execute, lynch;

ABC, A to Z, companion, guide, guide- informol string up.
book, vade mecum. hang-up noun neurosis, phobia, preoc-
handcuff verb manacle, shackle, clap/ cupation, fixation, obsession, inhibi-
put someone in irons; informol cuff. tion, mental block; informol complex,
o noun (handcuffs) manacles, shack' thing, issue, bee in your bonnet.
les, irons; informol cuffs, bracelets. hanker verb yearn, long, wish, hunger,
handful noun few, small number, small thirst, lust, ache; informol itch.
amount, small quantity, sprinkling, haphazard odjective random,
smattering, one or two, some, not disorderly, indiscriminate, chaotic,
many. hit-and-miss, aimless, chance; informol
- OPPOSITES lot. higg ledy-pigg ledy.
handicap noun 1 disability, infir- - oPPostrES methodical.
mity, defect, impairment, affliction. hapless odjective unfortunate, unlucky,
2 impediment, hindrance, obstacle, unhappy, wretched, miserable.
barrier, constraint, disadvantage, stum- - oPPoslTEs lucky.
bling block. happen verb 1 occur, take place, come
- OPPOSITES benefit, advantage. about, arise, develop, result, transpire;
o verb hamper, impede, hinder, impair, N. Amer. informol go down; literory
hamstring, restrict, constrain. come to pass.2 I hoppened to be in Lon-
- oPPOSlrES help. don chance, have the good/bad luck.
handle verb t hold, pick up, grasp, grip, happening noun occurrence, event,
lift, finger. 2 control, drive, steer, oper- incident, episode, affair.
ate, manoeuvre.3 deal with, manage,
tackle, take care of, look after, take happily odverb 1 cheerfully, content-
charge of, attend to, see to, sort out. edly, cheerily, merrily, joyfully. 2 gladly,
4 trade in, deal in, buy, sell, supply, willingly, readily, freely. 3 fortunately,
peddle, traffic in. luckily, thankfully, mercifully, as luck
O noun grip, haft, hilt, stock, shaft.
would have it.
handsome odjective 1 goodJooking, happiness noun pleasure, content-
attractive, striking; informol hunky, ment, well-being, satisfaction, cheerful-
dishy, tasty, fanciable; Brit. informol ness, good spirits, merriment, joy,
joyfulness, delight, elation, jubilation.
fit; N. Amer informol cute.2 substan-
tial, considerable, sizeable, princely, - oPPostrEs sadness.
generous, lavish, ample, bumper; happy odjective 1 cheerful, cheery,
informol tidy, whopping ; Brit. informol merry, joyful, jovial, jolly, carefree, in
ginormous. good spirits, in a good mood, pleased,
- oPPOSITES ugly. contented, content, satisfied, grati-
handy odjective 1 useful, convenient, fied, delighted, sunny, radiant, elated,
practical, neat, easy to use, user- jubilant; /iterory blithe. 2 glad, pleased,
friendly, helpful, functional. 2 ready, to delighted, more than willing. 3 fortu-
hand, within reach, accessible, readily nate, lucl<y, timely, convenient.
available, nearby, at the ready. 3 skil- - OPPOSITES sad, unhappy, unfortunate.
ful, skilled, dexterous, deft, adept, harass verb persecute, intimidate,
proficient. hound, pester, bother; lnformol hassle,
hang verb 1 lights hung from the trees be bug; t\. Amer. tnformal ride.
suspended, dangle, swing, sway, hover, harassed odjecfive stressed, h a rd-
float.2 hang the picture ot eye level sus- pressed, careworn, worried, troubled;
pend, put up, pin up, display.3 deco- informol hassled.
rate, adorn, drape, festoon, deck out. - OPPOSITES carefree.
195 harassment -+ harsh

harassment noun persecution, intimi' harm noun injury, damage, mischief,

dation, victimization, trouble, bother; detriment, disservice.
informol hassle. - OPPOSITES good.
harbour noun port, dock, haven, o verb t hurt, injure, wound, lay a
finger on, mistreat, ill-treat, maltreat.
marina, mooring, wharf, anchorage,
2 damage, spoil, affect, undermine,
waterfront.
ruin.
o verb 1 shelter, conceal, hide, shield,
protect, give asylum to.2 bear, hold, - oPPOslrEs heal, help.
nurse, foster. harmful odjective damaging, injurious,
detrimental, dangerous, unhealthy,
hard odjective 1 firm, solid, rigid, stiff,
unwholesome, environmentally
unbreakable, unyielding, compacted,
u nfriendly, hurtful, destructive,
compressed, tough, strong. 2 ardu-
hazardous.
ous, strenuous, tiring, exhausting,
- OPPoSITES beneficial.
back-breaking, gruelling, heavy, labori-
ous, demanding, uphill; Brit informol harmless odjective 1 safe, innocuous,
knacl<ering. 3 industrious, diligent,
gentle, mild, non-toxic. 2 inoffensive, ::!lir,*ii::il

assiduous, conscientious, energetic, innocuous, innocent, blameless, gentle.

l<een, enthusiastic, indefatigable. 4 dif- - OPPOSITES harmful, objectionable.
ficult, puzzling, compllcated, complex, harmonious odjective 1 melodious,
intricate, knotty, thorny, problematic. tuneful, musical, sweet-sounding, mel-
5 harsh, unpleasant, grim, austere, lifluous, dulcet, euphonious. 2 friendly,
difficult, bad, bleak, tough. 5 forceful, amicable, cordial, amiable, congenial,
heavy, strong, sharp, violent, powerful. peaceful, in harmony, in tune. 3 bal-
- oPPOSITES soft, easy, gentle. anced, coordinated, pleasing, tasteful.
a odverb 1 forcefully, roughly, heavily, - oPPoSITES discordant, hostile.
sharply, violently. 2 diligently, industri- harmonize verb 1 coordinate, go
ously, assiduously, conscientiously, together, match, blend, mix, balance,
energetically, doggedly; informal ltke tone in, be compatible, be harmoni-
mad, like crazy.3 closely, intently, criti- ous, suit each other, set each other off.
cally, carefully, searchingly. 2 standardize, coordinate, integrate,
harden verb 1 solidify, set, stiffen, synchronize, make consistent, bring
thicken, cake, congeal. 2 toughen, into line, systematize.
desensitize, inure, season, train, numb. - OPPoSITES clash.
- oPPOSITES soften. harmony noun 1 tunefulness,
hardened odjective inveterate, sea- euphony, melodiousness, unison.
soned, habitual, chronic, compulsive, 2 accord, agreement, peace, friend-
confi rmed, incorrigible. ship, fellowship, cooperation, under-
standing, rapport, unity.
hardly odverb scarcely, barely, only just, - oPPoSlTEs dissonance, disagreement.
j ust.
harrowing odjective distressing, trau-
hardship noun difficulty, privation, matic, upsetting, shocking, disturbing,
destitution, poverty, austerity, need, painful, agonizing.
distress, suffering, adversity. harry verb harass, hound, torment,
- OPPOSITES prosPeritY, ease. pester, worry, badger, nag, plague;
hardware noun equipment, appara- informol hassle, bug.
tus, gear, paraphernalia, tackle, kit, harsh odjective 1 grating, rasping, stri-
machinery. dent, raucous, discordant, jarring, dis-
hardy odjective robust, healthy, fit, sonant.2 garish, loud, glaring, gaudy,
strong, sturdy, tough, rugged. lurid.3 cruel, savage, barbarous,
- oPPOSITES delicate. merciless, inhumane, ruthless, brutal,
 harvest + head 196

hard-hearted, unfeeling, unrelenting. ground, spot, venue; informol hang-

4 severe, stringent, firm, stiff, stern, out; tV. Amer stomping ground.
rigorous, uncompromising, draconian.
haunted odjective 1 possessed, cursed,
5 rude, discourteous, unfriendly, sharp, jinxed, eerie. 2 tormented, anguished,
bitter, unkind, critical, disparaging.
tortured, obsessed, troubled, worried.
6 austere, grim, spartan, hard, inhospi-
table. 7 cold, freezing, icy, bitter, hard, haunting o djective evocative, affect-

severe, bleak. ing, stirring, powerful, poignant,

- oppostTEs kind, mild, gentle. memorable.
harvest noun crop, yield, vintage, have verb 1 own, be in possession of, be
produce. blessed with, boast, enjoy. 2 comprise,
o verb gather, bring in, reap, pick, consist of, contain. include, incorpo-
collect. rate, be composed of, be made up of.
hassle (inform ol) noun inconvenience, 3 eat, drink, take.4 organize, hold,
give, throw, put on, lay on.5 I hove to
S,l:lL bother, nuisance, trouble, annoyance,
get up ot six must, be obliged to, be
i{ii,;:lirritation, fuss; informol aggravaiion,
required to, be compelled to, be forced
headache, pain in the neck.
a yerb harass, pester, be on at, badger, to, be bound to.
hound, bother, nag, tormen| informol B have on I be wearing, be dressed in,
bug; tV. Engllsh informol mither. be clothed in, be decked out in, sport.
2 (Brit. infornal)play a trick on, play a
haste noun speed, hurriedness, swift- joke on, pull someone's leg; Brit. infor-
ness, rapidity, quickness, briskness,
molwind up; tV. Amer. informol put on.
alacrity; o/d use celerity.
- OPPOSTTES delay. haven noun refuge, retreat, shelter,
o in haste quickly, rapidly, fast, speed- sanctuary, oasis.
ily, in a rush, in a hurry. havoc noun chaos, mayhem, bedlam,
hasten verb t hurry, rush, dash, race, pandemonium, a shambles.
fly, speed; informolzip, hare, scoot, hazard noun danger, risk, peril, men-
hotfoot it; N. Amer. informalhightail. ace, jeopardy, threat.
2 speed up, bring on, precipitate, hazardous odjective risky, dangerous,
advance. unsafe, perilous, fraught with danger,
- OPPOSTTES dawdle, delay. high-risk; informol dicey; Brit. informol
hasty odjective hurried, rash, impetu- dodqy.
ous, impulsive, reckless, precipitate, - OPPOSITES safe.
spu r-of-the-mom ent.
haze noun mist, fog, cloud, vapour.
- oppostTEs considered.
hazy odjective 1 misty, foggy, smoggy,
hate verb 1 loathe, detest, despise, murky. 2 vague, dim, nebulous,
dislike, abhor, shrink from, be unable
blurred, fuzzy.
to bear/stand; formol abominate. 2 be
sorry, be reluctant, be loath. head noun 1 skull, cranium; informol
a noun hatred, loathing, abhorrence, nut. 2 brain(s), brainpower, intellect,
abomination, aversion, disgust. intelligence, grey matter; Brit. informol
- OPPOSITES love. loaf; tV. Amer. lnformol smarts. 3 o
heod for business aptitude, talent, gift,
hatred noun see hate (noun).
capacity. 4 leader, chief, controller,
haul verb drag, pull, heave, lug, hump. governor, superintendent, commander,
o noun booty, loot, plundel spoils, captain, directol manager, principal,
stolen goods; informol swag. president; informol boss; Brlt. informol
haunt verb torment, disturb, trouble, gaffer, guv'nor. 5 front. beginning,
worry, plague, prey on. sta rt, top.
a noun meeting place, stamping o adjective chief, principal, leading,
197 headache -+ heartily

main, first, top, highest. hear verb 1 make out, catch, get,
a verb command, control, lead, man- perceive, overhear. 2 learn, find out,
age, direct, supervise, superintend, discover, gather, glean. 3 try, judge,
oversee, preside over. adjudicate on.
u head off 1 intercept, divert, redirect, hearing noun 1 earshot, hearing
re-route, turn away. 2 forestall, avert, distance. 2 trial, court case, enquiry.
stave off, nip in the bud, prevent, avoid, inquest, tribunal.
stop.
WORD LINKS
headache noun 1 sore head,, migraine
2 (informol) problem, worry,, hassle, guditory, aural relating to hearing
pain in the neck, bind. heart noun 1 emotions, feelings, senti-
heading noun title, caption, legend,
I ments, soul, mind.2 compassion,
rubric, headline. sympathy, humanity, fellow feeling(s),
headlong odverbl head first, on your empathy, understanding, soul, good-
head. 2 without thinking, precipi- will. 3 enthusiasm, spirit, determi-
tously, impetuously, rashly, recklessly, nation, resolve, nerve; Brit. informol
hastily. bottle. 4 centre, middle, hub, core.
- oPPostrES cautiously. 5 essence, crux, core, nub, root, meat,
o odjective breakneck, whirlwind, reck- substance, kernel ; informol nitty-gritty.
less, precipitous. tr at heart deep down, basically,
f undamentally, essentially, in essence.
headquarters p/urol noun head intrinsicaily. by heart from memory,
office, HQ, base, nerve centre, mission
off pat, word for word, verbatim,
control.
pa rrot-f ashion, word-perfect.
heady odjective 1 potent, intoxicating,
strong. 2 exhilarating, exciting, stimu- WORD LINKS
lating, thrilling, intoxicating. cardiac relating to the heart
heal verb 1 cure, mal<e better, restore to coronary relating to the heart's
health, treat. 2 get better, be cured, a rteries
recover, recuperate, mend, be on the cardiology branch of medicine con
mend. 3 put right, repair, resolve, I
cerning the heart
reconcile, settle; informol patch up.
heartache noun anguish, suffering,
health noun 1 well-being, fitness, good distress, unhappiness, grief, misery,
condition, strength, robustness, vigour. sorrow, sadness, heartbreak, pain, hurt,
2 her poor heolth forced her to retire con' woe.
dition, state of health, physical shape, - OPPOSITES happiness.
constitution.
- oPPOSITES illness.
heartbreakin g o dje ctive distress-
ing, upsetting, disturbing, heart-
lwoRo t-ttttxs rending, tragic, painful, sad, agonizing,
salubrious good for the health ._ harrowing.
I ' - oPPOSITES comforting.
healthy adjective 1 well, fit, in good
shape, in fine fettle, in tip-top condi- heartfelt o djective sincere, genuine.
tion, strong, fiqhting fit: informol in from the heart, earnest, profound,
the pink. 2 wholesome, good for you, deep, wholehearted, honest.
health-giving, nutritious, nourishing, - OPPOSITES insincere.
invigorating, sanitary. hygienic. heartily adverb 1 wholeheartedly,
heap noun pile, stack, mound, warmly, profoundly, eagerly, enthusi-
mountain. astically. 2 thoroughly, completely,
o verb pile (up), stack (up), make a absolutely, exceedingly, downright;
mound of. N. Amer. quite; informol seriously; Brit.
heartless -+ height 198

informoljolly; N. Amer. informol real, heavenly odjective 1 divine, angelic,

mighty. holy, celestial. 2 celestial, (osmic,
heartless odjective unfeeling, unsympa- stellar, sidereal. 3 (informoi) delightful,
thetic, unkind, uncaring, hard-hearted, wonderful, glorious, sublime, exquisite,
cold, callous, cruel, merciless, pitiless, beautiful, lovely, gorgeous, enchant-
inhuman- ing; informol divine, super, fantastic,
- oPPostrES compassionate. fabulous.
hearty adjective 1 exuberant, jovial, heavily odverb 1 laboriously, slowly,
ebullient, cheerful, lively, Ioud, ani- ponderously, awkwardly, clumsily.
mated, vivacious, energetic, spirited. 2 decisively, conclusively, roundly,
2 wholehearted, heartfelt, sincere, soundly, utterly, completely, thor-
genuine, real.3 robust, healthy, hardy, oughly. 3 excessively, immoderately,
fit, vigorous, sturdy, strong. 4 substan- copiously, intemperately. 4 densely,
tial, large, ample, satisfying, filling, closely, thickly. 5 deeply, extremely,
generous. greatly, exceedingly, tremendously,
profoundly.
heat noun 1 warmth, hotness, high
temperature. 2 passion, intensity, heavy odjective 1 weighty, hefty,
vehemence, fervour, excitement, agita- substantial, ponderous, solid, dense,
tion, anqer. cumbersome, unwieldy. 2 forceful,
- oPPosrrEs cold, apathy. hard, strong, violent, powerful, mighty,
a verb 1 warm (up), reheat, cook, keep sharp, severe.3 strenuous, hard,
warm. 2 get hot, get warm, warm up; physical, difficult, arduous, demanding,
Brit. informolhot up. back-breaking, gruelling. 4 intense,
- OPPOSITES cool. fierce, relentless, severe, serious. 5 sub-
stantial, filling, stodgy, rich, big.
WORD LINKS
- oPPOSITES light.
thermal relating to heat
hectic odjective frantic, frenetic, fren-
heated odjective 1 vehement, passion- zied, feverish, manic, busy, active, fast
ate, impassioned, animated, lively, and furious.
acrimonious, angry, bitter, furious, - OPPOSITES leisurely.
fierce. 2 excited, animated, worked up, heed verb pay attention to, take notice
wound up, keyed up; informol het up. of, take note ol listen to, consider,
heave verb t haul, pull, drag, tug; take to heart, take into account, obey,
i nformol y ank. 2 (i nformol) throw, fl ing, adhere to, abide by, observe.
cast, hurl, lob, pitch; informol chuck, - OPPoSITES disregard.
sling. 3 let out, breathe, give, emit, a noun attention, notice, note, regard,
utter. 4 rise and fall, roll, swell, surge, thought.
churn, seethe.5 retch, vomit, cough helty odjective 1 burly, sturdy, strapping,
up; Erit be sick; i\. Amer. get sick; infor- bull<y, strong, muscular, big, solid, well
mol throw up, puke, chunder, chuck up, built; infornol hulking, beefy. 2 pow-
hurl, spew; N. Amer. informolbarf . erful, violent, hard, forceful, mighty.
heaven noun 1 paradise, the hereafter, 3 substantial, sizeable, considerable,
the next world, the afterworld, nirvana, stiff, large, heavy; informol whopping.
Zion, Elysium. 2 bliss, ecstasy, rapture, - oPPoSITES light.
contentment, happiness, delight, joy, height noun 1 tallness, stature,
paradise. elevation, altitude. 2 mountoin heights
- oPPoSITES hell. summit, top, peak, crest, crown, tip,
WORD LINKS cap, pinnacle. 3 the height of their fome
celestial relal.inq to heaven highest point, peak, zenith, pinnacle,
climax.
199 heighten -+ heroism

- oPPOSITES width, nadir. constructive, informative, instructive.

WORD LINKS 3 handy, useful, convenient, practical,
easy-to-use, serviceable; informol neat,
acrophobia fear of heights
nifty.
heighten verb intensify, increase, - OPPoSITES useless.
enhance, add to, augment, boost, helping noun portion, serving, piece,
strengthen, deepen, magnify, slice, share, plateful; informol dollop.
reinforce.
helpless odjective dependent, incapa-
- OPPOSITES reduce. ble, powerless, paralysed, defenceless,
heinous odjective odious, wicked, evil, vulnerable, exposed, unprotected.
atrocious, monstrous, abominable, - oPPOSITES independent.
detestable, despicable, horrific, terrible,
hence odverb consequently, as a conse-
awful, abhorrent, loathsome, hideous,
quence, for this reason, therefore, so,
unspeakable, execrable.
accordingly, as a result, that being so.
- oPPostrES admirable.
heir, heiress noun successor, next in herd noun drove, flock, pack, fold,
swarm, mass, crowd, horde.
line, inheritor, beneficiary, legatee.
hell noun 1 the underworld, the neth- hereditary od.yectlve 1 inherited,
bequeathed, handed down, passed
erworld, eternal damnation, perdition,
hellfire, fire and brimstone, the lnferno, down, family, ancestral. 2 genetic,
Hades. 2 misery, torture, agony, purga-
inborn, inherited, inbred, innate, in the
tory, torment, a nightmare. family, in the blood, in the genes.
- oPPoSlTEs heaven, bliss. heritage noun 1 tradition, history,
past, background, culture, customs.
WORD LINKS
2 ancestry, Iineage, descent, extrac-
infernal relating to hell
tion, parentage, roots, heredity, birth.
help verb 1 assist, aid, abet, lend a hermit noun recluse, loner, ascetic;
hand, give assistance, come to the aid historicol anchorite, anchoress; o/d use
of, be of service, do someone a favour, eremite.
do someone a seTvice, do someone
hero noun 1 star, superstar, megastar,
a good turn, rally round, pitch in.
idol, celebrity, favourite, darling; lnfor-
2 support. contribute to, give money
mol celeb. 2 main character, starring
to, donate to, promote, boost, bacl<.
role, male protagonist, (male) lead,
3 relieve, soothe, ease, alleviate,
leading man; informal good guy.
improve, lessen. 4 he could not help
loughing resist, avoid, refrain from,
- OPPOSITES villain.

keep from, stop. heroic odjective brave, cou rageous,

- oPPos|TES hinder, impede. valiant, intrepid, bold, fearless, daring;
i nfor m o I gutsy, spu n ky.
a noun 1 assistance, aid, support, suc'
cour, benefit, use. advantage, service. - oPPOSITES cowardly.
solution. 2 relief, allevial.ion, improve- heroine noun 1 star, superstar,
ment, healing. megastar, idol, celebrity, favourite, dar-
- oPPOSITES hindrance. ling informolceleb. 2 main character,
helper noun assistant, aide, deputy, female protagonist, lead, leading lady,
auxiliary, supporter, second, mate, prima donna, diva.
right-hand man/woman, attendant. heroism noun bravery, courage, valour,
helpfu! adjective 1 obliging, of assis- daring, fearlessness, pluck; informol
tance, supportive, accommodating, guts, spunk; Brit. informol bottle;
cooperative, neighbourly, eager to N. Amer. informol moxie.
please. 2 useful, beneficial, valuable, - OPPOSITES cowardice.
hesitant -+ hindrance 200

hesitant odjectlve 1 uncertain, elevated. 2 high-ranking, leading, top,

undecided, unsure, doubtful, dubious, prominent, senior, influential, powerful,
ambivalent. in two minds, wavering, important, exalted; N. Amer. ranking.
vacillating, irresolute, indecisive; Brit. 3 inflated, excessive, unreasonable,
havering, humming and hawing; infor- expensive, exorbitant, extortionate;
molifry.2 timid, diffident, shy, bashful, informol steep, stiff. 4 high-pitched,
insecure, nervous. shrill, piercing, squeaky, penetrating,
- OPPoSITES certain, decisive, confident. soprano, treble, falsetto.
hesitate verb 1 pause, delay, wait, stall, - OPPOSITES low, deep.
be uncertain, be unsure, be doubt- a odverb at a great height, high up,
ful, be indecisive, vacillate, waver; way up, at altitude, in the sky, aloft,
Brlt. haver, hum and iaw; informal overhead, to a great height.
dilly-dally. 2 don't hesitote to osk be - OPPOSITES low-
reluctant, be unwilling, be disinclined, highlight noun high point, climax,
scruple, have misgivings about, have peak, pinnacle, height, zenith, summit,
qualms about, think twice about. focus, feature.
hidden odjective 1 concealed, secret, o verb spotlight, call attention to,
invisible, unseen, camoufl aged. focus on, underline, show up, bring
2 obscure, unclear, concealed, cryptic, out, accentuate, accent, stress,
arcane, mysterious, secret, covert, emphasize.
abstruse, deep. - oPPostTES playdown.
- oPPosrrES visible, obvious. hijack verb commandeer, seize, take
hide verb 1 conceal, secrete, put out of over, appropriate, expropriate.
sight, cache; informol stash. 2 conceal
yourself, secrete yourself, take cover, hike noun 1 walk, trek, tramp, trudge,
lie low, go to ground; informolhole slog. march, ramble. 2 increase, rise.
up.3 obscure, block out, blot out, a verb 1walk, trek, tramp, trudge,
obstruct, cloud, shroud, veil, eclipse, slog, march, ramble, backpack.
camouflage.4 keep secret, conceal, 2 increase, raise, up, put up, push up;
cover up, keep quiet about, hush up, informoljack up, bump up.
suppress, disguise, mask; informol keep hilarious adjective very lunny, hysteri-
a/the lid on. cal, uproarious, rib-tickling; informol
- oPPosrES reveal. side-splitting, priceless, a scream,
hideaway noun retreat, refuge, hiding a hoot.
place, hideout, safe house, den, bolt- hill noun high ground, hillock, hillside,
hole; informol hidey-hole. rise, mound, knoll, hummock, fell,
hideous odjective 1 ugly, repulsive, mountain; Scottish brae.
repellent, unsightly, revolting, gro- hinder verb hamper, impede, inhibit,
tesque. 2 horrific, terrible, appalling, thwart, foil, delay, interfere with, slow
awful, dreadful, friqhtful, horrible, down, hold back, hold up, restrict,
horrendous, horrifying, shocking, handicap, hamstring.
sickening, gruesome, ghastly. - OPPOSITES facilitate.
- OPPOSITES beautiful, pleasant.
hindrance noun impediment, obstacle,
hiding noun (informol) beating, thrash- barrier, obstruction, handicap, hurdle,
ing, whipping, drubbing; informal lick-
restraint, restriction, encumbrance,
ing, belting, pasting, walloping.
complication, delay, drawback, set-
hierarchy noun ranking, order, pecking back, difficulty, inconvenience, hitch,
order, grading, ladder, scale. stumbling block, fly in the ointment,
high odjective 1 tall, lofty, towering, hiccup; Brit. spanner in the works.
giant, big, multi-storey, high-rise, - oPPoslrES aid, help.
201 hint -+ hold

hint noun 1 clue, inkling, suggestion, triumph, sensatlon, best-seller; informol

indication, sign, signal, intimation. smash hit, chart-topper, crowd-puller.
2 tip, suggestion, pointer, guideline, - oPPoSlTEs failure.
recommendation. 3 trace, touch, o hit back retaliate, respond, rePlY,
suspicion, suggestion, dash, soupqon; react, counter. hit it off (lnformol) get
informalsmidgen, tad. on (well), get along, be compatible, be
o verb imply, insinuate, intimate, sug- on the same wavelength, see eye to
gest, refer to, drive at, mean; informol eye, tal<e to each other; informol click.
get at. hit on discover, come uP with, think of,
conceive of, dream up, invent, devise.
hire verb 1 rent, lease, charter.
2 employ, engage, recruit, aPPoint, hitch verb 1 pull, lift, raise; informal
yanl<. 2 harness, yol<e, couple, fasten,
take on, sign up.
- oPPoSITES dismiss. connect, attach.
o noun problem, difliculty, issue,
hiss verb 1 fizz, whistle, wheeze. 2 jeer, snag, setback, obstacle, complication; t::t:ii:ilitl:.iii
catcall, whistle, hoot. informol glitch, hiccup.
- OPPoSITES cheer.
a noun 1 fizz, whistle, wheeze. 2 jeer, hoard noun cache, stockpile, store, col-
lection, supply, reserve; informol stash.
catcall, whistle, abuse, derision.
- OPPOSITES cheer.
o verb stockpile, store uP, Put aside,
put by, lay by, set aside, cache, save,
historic odjective significant, notable, squirrel away; informolsalt away.
important, momentous, memo- - OPPOSITES squander.
rable, groundbreaking ; informol
hoarse odjective rough, harsh, croaky,
ea rth-sh atteri ng.
throaty, gruff, husky, grating, rasping.
historical odjective 1 documented,
recorded, chronicled, authentic, fac-
hoax noun practical joke, prank, trick,
deception, fraud: i nformol con, spoof,
tual, actual. 2 past, bygone, ancient,
wind-up, scam.
old, former.
hobble verb limp, shamble, totter, dod-
history noun 1 the past, former times,
der, stagger, stumble.
the olden days, yesterday, antiquity.
2 chronicle, archive, record, report, hobby noun pastime, leisure activity,
narrative, account, study. 3 back- sideline, diversion, relaxation, recrea-
ground, past. life story, experiences, tion, amusement.
record. hoist verb raise, lift, haul up, heave up,
hit verb 1 strike, smack, slap, beat, winch up, pull up. elevate.
punch, thump, thrash, batter, club, o noun crane, winch, pulley, windlass.
pummel, cuff, swat; informol whack, hold verb 1 clasp, clutch, grasp, grip,
wallop, bash, clout, belt, clobber; Brit. clench, cling to, hold on to, embrace,
lnformol slosh, stlck one on; t!. Amer. hug, squeeze. 2 detain, imprison, lock
informol slug; Austrol.lNZ informoi quilt. up, keep behind bars, conflne, intern,
2 crash into, run into, smash into, incarrerate. 3 take, contain. accom'
knocl< into, bump into, plough into, modate, fit, have room for.4 maintain,
collide with, meet head-on. 3 devas- consider, take the view, believe, think,
tate, affect badly, upset, shatter, crush, feel, deem, be of the opinion, rule,
traumatize; informol knock sideways; decide; lnformol reckon. 5 convene,
Brit. informoll<nock for six. call, summon, conduct, organize, run.
a noun 1blow, slap, smacl<, thump, - OPPOSITES release.
punch, knock, bang; informol whack, o noun 1 grip, grasp, clasP, clutch.
wallop, bash, clout, belt; N. Amer. infor' 2 influence, powel control, grip, domi-
mol slug. 2 success, sell-out, winner, nance, authority, sway.
 holder -+ honour

holder noun 1 bearer, owner, posses- - oPPOStTES foreign, international.

sor, keeper. 2 container, receptacle,
homeless odjective of no fixed abode,
case, cover, housing, sheath.
without a roof over your head, on
hold-up noun 1 delay, setback, hitch, the streets, vagrant, sleeping rough,
snag, issue, difficulty, problem, glitch, destitute.
hiccup, traffic jam, tailback; informal
snarl-up. 2 robbery, raid, armed
homely odjective 1 (Brit.) cosy, com-
robbery, mugging ; informol stick-up;
fortable, snug, welcoming. friendly;
informol comfy. 2 (N. Amer.) unattrac-
N. Am er. i nfor m o I heist.
tive, plain, unprepossessin g, ugly; Brit.
hole noun 1 opening, aperture, orifice, informol no oil painting.
gap, space, interstice, fissure, vent,
chink, breach, crack, rupture, punc- homicide noun murder, manslaugh-
ture. 2 pit, crater, depression, hollow, ter, killing, slaughter, butchery,
cavern, cave, chamber. 3 burrow, lair, assassi nation.

den, earth, sett. honest odiecfive 7 on honest mon

holiday noun vacation, break, rest, upright, honourable, principled,
recess, time off, leave, day off, festival, virtuous, good, decent, law-abiding,
feast day. trustworthy, scrupulous, ethical,
upstanding, right-minded. 2 I hoven't
hollow odjective 1 empty, hollowed
out, void.2 sunken, deep-set, concave, been honest withyou truthful, sincere,
candid, frank, open, forthright,
depressed, recessed. 3 worthless,
straight ; inlormol uplront.
meaningless, empty, profi tless, fruit-
less, pointless, pyrrhic. 4 insincere, - OPPOSTTES dishonest.

false, deceitful, hypocritical, sham, honestly odve rb 1 fairly, lawfully,

u ntrue. legally, legitimately, honourably.
- OPPOSITES solid, convex. decently, ethically; inlormol on the
o noun t hole, pit, cavity, crater, level. 2 sincerely, genuinely, truthfully,
trough, depression, indentation, dip. truly, wholeheartedly, to be honest, to
2 valley, vale, dale, dell. be frank, in all honesty, in all sincerity.
I verb gouge, scoop, dig, cut, exca. honesty noun 1 integrity, upright.
vate, channel. ness, honour, righteousness, virtue,
holy odjective 1 saintly, godly, pious. goodness, probity, trustworthiness.
religious, devout. Cod-fearing. spiritual. 2 sincerity, candour, frankness, direct-
2 sacred, consecrated, hallowed, sanc- ness, truthfulness, truth, openness,
tifi ed, venerated, revered. stra ig htforwa rd ness.
- OPPOSITES sinful, irreligious. - OPPOSITES dishonesty, insincerity.
homage noun respect, honour, rever- honorary odjeclive I titular, nomi-
ence, worship, admiration, esteem, nal, in name only, unofficial, token.
adulation, tribute. 2 (Brif.) unpaid, unsalaried, voluntary,
- OPPOSITES contempt. volunteer.
home noun 1 residence, house, honour noun 1 integrity. honesty,
accommodation. property, quarters, uprightness, morality, probity, prin-
lodgings, address, place; lnformol pad; ciples, high-mindedness, decency,
formol abode, dwelling. 2 homeland, scrupulousness. fairness, lustnes:.
native land, home town, birthplace, 2 distinction, privilege. 9lory, kudos.
roots, fatherland, mother country, cachet, prestige. 3 reputation, good
motherland. 3 institution, hospice, name, character, repute, image,
shelter, refuge, retreat, asylum, hostel. standing. status. 4 privilege, pleasure.
o odjective domestic, internal, local, compllment.
national. - OPPOSITES shame.
203 honourable -+ horse

a verb 1 respect, esteem, admire, look - OPPOSITES pessimistic, discouraging.

up to, value, cherish, revere, venerate. hopefully odverb 1 optimistically, full
2 applaud, acclaim, praise, salute, of hope, confidently, buoyantly, expect-
recognize, celebrate, pay tribute to. antly. 2 all being well, if all goes well,
3 fulfil, observe, keep, obey, heed, Cod willing, with luck, touch wood,
follow, carry out, keep to, abide by, fingers crossed.
adhere to, comply with, conform to,
hopeless odjective 1 forlorn, beyond
be true to.
hope, lost, irreparable, irreversible,
- oPPoSITES disobey, break. incurable, impossible, futile. 2 bad,
honourable odjective t honest, moral, poor, awful, terrible, dreadful, appall-
principled, righteous, decent, respect- ing, atrocious, incompetent; informol
able, virtuous, good, upstanding, pathetic, useless, lousy, rotten; Brit.
upright, noble, fair, trustworthy, law- informal rubbish.
abiding. 2 illustrious, distinguished, - OPPOSITES competent.
eminent, great, glorious, prestigious.
- oPPOslTEs dishonourable.
hopelessly odverb utterly, completely. ^. :
irretrievably, impossibly, extremely,'i:'liii:r:11!i!i
hook noun 1 peg, nail.2 fastener, totally.
clasp, hasp, clip.
horde noun crowd, mob, pack, gang,
a verb 1 attach, hitch, fasten, fix,
troop, army, swarm, mass, throng.
secure, hang, clasp.2 catch, land, net,
take, bag. horizontal odjective level, flat, parallel.
hooked odjective curved, hook-shaped, - oPPostrES vertical.
aquiline, angular, bent. horrible odjective 1 dreadful, awful,
o hooked on (informol)addicted to, terrible, shocking, appalling, horrifying,
dependent on, obsessed with, fanatical horrific, horrendous, grisly, ghastly,
about, enthusiastic about; informol gruesome, harrowing, unspeakable,
mad about. abhorrent. 2 (informol) nasty, horrid,
hooligan noun lout, thug, tearaway, disagreeable, obnoxious, disg ust-
vandal, delinquent, ruffian, trouble- ing, hateful, odious, objectionable,
maker; Austrol. larrikin; infornol tough, insufferable.
bruiser; Brit. informalyob, yobbo, lager - oPPoSITES pleasant.
loul-; Scottish informol ned. horrifi c odjective dreadful, horrendous,
hoop noun ring, band, circle, wheel, horrible, terrible, atrocious, horrifying,
circlet, loop. shocking, appalling, harrowing, hide-
ous, grisly, ghastly, sickening.
hop verb & noun jump, bound, spring,
bounce, skip, leap, prance, caper. horrify verb shock, appal, outrage,
scandalize, offend, disgust, revolt,
hope noun 1 aspiration, desire, wish,
nauseate, sicl<en.
expectation, ambition, aim, plan,
dream. 2 optimism, expectation, horror noun 1 terror, fear, fright, alarm,
confidence, faith, belief. panic. 2 dismay, consternation, alarm,
- OPPOSITES pessimism. distress, disgust, shock.
a verb 1 expect, anticipate, look for, - oPPoSITES delight, satisfaction.
be hopeful of, dream of. 2 aim, intend, horse noun mount, chargel cob, nag,
be looking, have the intention, have in hack, colt, stallion, mare, filly; N. Amer.
mind, plan. bronco; Austral.f NZ moke; informol
hopeful odjective 1 optimistic, full of gee-gee.
hope, confident, sanguine, positive, WORD LINKS
buoyant, bullish, upbeat. 2 promising, equine relating to horses
encouraging, heartening, reassuring,
equestrian relating to horse riding
favourable, optimistic. I
hospitable -+ huddle 204

hospitable adjective welcoming, hound verb pursue, chase, stalk, harry,

friendly, sociable, cordial. gracious, harass, pester, badger, torment.
accommodating, warm. house noun 1 residence, home;
hospital noun infirmary, clinic, sana- informol pad; Bdt. informol gaff; formol
torium, hospice; Brit. cottage hospital; dwelling, abode, habitation, domicile.
Military field hospital. 2 family, clan, tribe, dynasty, line,
hospitality noun friendliness, bloodline, lineage. 3 firm, business,
neighbourliness, sociability, wel- company, corporation, enterprise,
come, warmth, kindness, cordiality, establishment, institution, conceTn,
generosity. organization, operation; nformol outfit.
i

host noun presenter, comp6re, anchor, 4 assembly, legislative body, chamber,

anchorman, anchorwoman, announceT. council, parliament, congress, senate.
- OPPOSITES guest. a v?rb 1 accommodate, give someone
I verb present, introduce, compdre, a roof over their head, lodge, quarter,
front, anchor. board, billet, take in, sleep, put up.
hostage noun captive, prisoner, 2 contain, hold, store, cover, protect,
detainee, internee. enclose.

hostile odjective 1 unfriendly, unkind, household noun family, house, occu-

unsympathetic, antagonistic, aggres- pants, clan, tribe; informol brood.
sive, confrontational, belligerent. o odjective domestic, family, everyday,
2 unfavourable, adverse, bad, harsh, worl<aday.
grim, inhospitable, forbidding. 3 they housing noun 1 accommodation,
ore hostile to the ideo opposed, averse, houses, homes, living quarters: formal
antagonistic, ill-disposed, unsympa- dwellings. 2 casing, covering. case,
thetic, antipathetic, againsU informol cover, holder, fairing, sleeve.
anti. hovel noun shack, slum, shanty, hut;
- OPPOSITES friendly, favourable. informol dump, hole.
hostility noun 1 antagonism, unfriend- hover verb t hang, be poised, be sus-
liness, malevolence, venom, hatred, pended, float, fly, drift. 2 wait, Iinger,
aggression, belligerence. 2 opposition, loite r.
antagonism, animosity, antipathy. 3 o
however odyerb nevertheless,
cessofion of h ostilities fighting, a rmed
nonetheless, even so, but, for all that,
conflict, combat, warfare, war, blood-
despite that, in spite of that.
shed, violence.
hot odjective I hot food heated, sizzling,
howl noun 1 baying, cry, bark, yelp,
yowl. 2 wail, cry, yell, yelp, bellow, roar,
roasting, boiling, scorching, scald-
ing, red-hot. 2 o hot doy very warm, shout, shriek, scream, screech.
balmy, summery, tropical, scorching, a verb 1 bay, cry, bark, yelp, yowl.
searing, blistering, sweltering, torrid, 2 wail, cry, yell, bawl, bellow, shriek,
sultry; informol boiling, baking, roast- scream, screech, caterwaul, ululate;
ing.3 spicy, peppery, fiery, strong, informol holler.
piquant, powerful. 4 fierce, intense, hub noun centre, core, heart, focus,
keen, competitive, cut-throat, ruthless, focal point, nucleus, kernel, nerve
aggressive, violent. 5 (informol) she's centre.
hot on locol history knowledgeable, - OPPOSITES periphery.
well informed, au fait, well up, well huddle yerb 1 crowd, cluster, gather,
versed; informol clued up. bunch, throng, flock, collect, group,
- oPPoslTES cold, mild. congregate.2 curl up, snuggle, nestle,
hotly odverb vehemently, vigorously, hunch up.
strenuously, fi ercely, heatedly. - OPPOSITES disperse.
 hue -+ humour

o noun group, cluster, bunch, collec- humanity noun t humankind, man-

tion; informol gaggle. kind, man, people, the human race,
hue noun colour, shade, tone, tint, Homo sapiens. 2 compassion, broth-
tinge. erly love, fellow feeling, humaneness,
kindness, consideration, understand-
hug verb embrace, cuddle, squeeze, ing, sympathy, tolerance.
clasp, clutch, hold tight.
humble odjective 1 meek, deferential,
a noun embrace, cuddle, squeeze,
respectful, submissive, self-effacing,
bear hug.
unassertive, modest, unassuming,
huge odjective enormous, vast, self-deprecating. 2 lowly, poor, undis-
immense, massive, colossal, prodi- tinguished, mean, common, ordinary,
gious, gigantic, gargantuan, mam- simple, modest.
moth, monumental, giant, towering, - oPPoSITES proud, arrogant.
mountainous, cosmic; lnformol mega, a verb humiliate, demean, lower,
monster, astronomical; Brit. informol degrade,debase,mortify,shame.,:ti,,tiiiiaial
ginormous. humdrum odjective mundane, dull,
- OPPOSITES tiny. dreary, boring, tedious, monotonous,
hull noun framework, body, shell, prosaic, routine, ordinary, everyday,
frame, skeleton, structure. run-of-the-mill, workaday, pedestrian.
hum verb 1 purr, drone, murmur, buzz, humid odjective muggy, close, sultry,
whirr, throb. 2 be busy, be active, be sticky, steamy, clammy, heavy.
lively, buzz, bustle, be a hive of activity, - oPPoSITES dry, fresh.
throb. humiliate verb embarrass, mortify,
o noun murmur, drone, purr, buzz. humble, shame, disgrace, chasten,
deflate, crush, squash, demean, tal<e
human odjective 1 mortal, flesh and
down a peg or two; informol show up,
blood, fallible, weak, frail, imperfect,
put down, cut down to size; N. Amer.
vulnerable, physical, bodily, fleshly.
informolmal<e someone eat crow.
2 compassionate, humane, kind, con-
siderate, understanding, sympathetic.
- OPPOSITES dignify.

a noun person, human being, Homo humiliating adjective embarrassing,

sapiens, man, woman, individual, mor- mortifying. humbling, ignominious,
tal, (livinq) soul, earthling; (humans) inglorious, shaming, undignified,
the human race, humanity, humankind, chastening, demeaning, degrading,
mankind, people. deflating.

wono Lrruxs
humiliation noun embarrassment,
mortifi cation, shame, indignity, igno-
anthropology study of humankind miny, disgrace, dishonour, degradation,
humane odjective compassionate, kind, discredit, loss of face, blow to your
considerate, understanding, sympa- pride.
thetic, tolerant, forbearing, forgiving, humility noun modesty, humble-
merciful, humanitarian, charitable. ness, meekness, respect, deference,
- OPPOSITES cruel. diffldence.
humanitarian odjective 1 compas-
- oPPoslTES pride.
sionate, humane, unselflsh, altruistic, humorous odjective amusing, funny,
generous. 2 charitable, philanthropic, comic, comical, entertaining, diverting,
public-spirited, socially concerned. witty, jocular, light-hearted, hilarious.
o noun philanthropist, altruist, bene- - OPPOSITES serious.
factor, social reformer, good 5amaritan, humour noun 1 comedy, funny side,
do-gooder. hilarity, absurdity, ludicrousness, satire,
hunch -+ hygiene 206

irony. 2 jokes, jests, quips, witticisms, perfunctory, brief, short, fl eeting.

funny remarks, wit, comedy; informol 2 hasty, rushed, precipitate,
gags, wisecracks.3 mood, temper, s pu r-of-the-moment.
disposition, spirits. - OPPOSITES sIoW.
- OPPOSITES seriousness.
hurry verb 1 be quick, hurry up, hasten,
o verb indulge, accommodate, pander speed up, run, dash, rush, race, scurry,
to, caterto, give in to, go along with,
scramble, scuttle, sprint; informol get
flatter, mollify, placate.
a move on, step on it, get a wiggle on,
hunch noun feeling, guess, suspicion, hightail it, hotfoot it; Brit. informol get
impression, inkling, idea, notion, fancy, your skates on. 2 hustle, hasten, push,
intuition; informol gut feeling. u rge.
hunger noun 1 lack of food, starva- - OPPOSITES dawdle, delay.
tion, malnutrition, undernourishment. o noun rush, haste, speed, urgency,
2 desire, craving, Ionging, yearning, hustle and bustle.
hankering, appetite, thirst; informol hurt verb 1 be painful, ache, be sore,
itch. be tendel smart, sting, burn, throb;
o hunger afterffor desire, crave, long informalbe agony. 2 injure, wound,
for, yearn for, pine for, ache for, hanker damage, disable, bruise, cut, gash,
after, thirst for, lust for; informol itch graze, scrape, scratch.3 distress, pain,
for, be dying for, be gagging for. wound, sting, upset, sadden, devas-
hungry odjectiye 1 ravenous, famished, tate, grieve, mortify.
starving, starved, malnourished, under- a noun distress, pain, suffering, grief,
nourished, underfed; tnformol peckish. misery, anguish, upset, sadness, sorrow.
2 they are hungry for success eager, a odjective 1 injured, wounded,
keen, avid, longing, yearning, aching, bruised, grazed, cut, gashed, sore,
greedy, craving, desirous of, hankering painful, aching. 2 pained, aggrieved,
after: informol itching, dying, gagging. offended, distressed, upset, sad, morti-
- OPPOSITES full. fied; lnformol miffed.
hunk noun chunk, wedge, block, slab, hurtful odjective upsetting, distressing,
lump, square, gobbet; Brit. informal wounding, unkind, cruel, nasty, mean,
wodge. malicious, spiteful.
hunt verb 1 chase, stalk, pursue, course, hush verb silence, quieten (down),
track, trail. 2 search, seek, look high shush, gag, muzzle; informolshut up.
and low, scour the area. a noun silence, quiet, stillness, peace,
a noun 1 chase, pursuit. 2 search, calm, tranquillity.
quest. - oPPostrEs noise.
hurdle noun obstacle, difficulty, prob- o hush up keep secret, conceal, hide,
lem, barrier, bar, snag, stumbling block, suppress, cover up, keep quiet about,
impediment, obstruction, complica- sweep under the carpet.
tion, hindrance. hut noun shack, shanty, cabin, shelter,
hurl verb throw, toss, fling, launch, shed, lean-to, hovel; Scofflsh bothy;
pitch, cast, lob;informal chuck, siing, N. Amer. cabana.
bung. hybrid noun cross, cross-breed, mix-
hurricane noun cyclone, typhoon, ture, blend, combination, composite,
tornado, storm, windstorm, whirlwind, fusion, amalgam.
gale, tempes! Austro/. willy-willy; C odjective composite, cross-bred,
N. Amer. informol twister. interbred, mixed, blended, compound.
hurried adjective 1 quick,fast, hygiene noun cleanliness, sanitation,
swift, rapid, speedy, brisk, cursory, sterility, purity, disinfection.
207 hygienic -+ hysterical

hygienic odjective sanitary, clean, alarm, distress.

germ-free, disinfected, sterilized, ster- - oPPosttts calm.
ile, antiseptic, aseptic. hysterical odjective 1 overwrou ght,
- OPPOSITES insanitary. overemotional, out of control, frenzied,
frantic, wild, beside yourself, manic,
hypocritical odjective sanctimonious,
delirious; informolin a state. 2 (infon
pious, self-righteous, holier-than-thou,
mol) very funny, hilarious, uproarious.
superior, insincere, two-faced.
rib-tickling ; informal side-splitting,
hysteria noun frenzy, feverish ness, priceless, a scream, a hoot.
hysterics, agitation, mania, panic, - OPPOSITES calm.
ice -+ idolize 208

li
ice noun I icicles, black ice, frost, per- identify verb 1 recognize, pick out,
mafrost, hoar (frost); literory rime.2ice spot, point out, pinpoint, put your fin-
cream, water ice, sorbetl tV. Amer. sher- ger on, name. 2 determine, establish,
bet. 3 coldness, coolness, frostiness, ascertain, make out, discern, distin-
iciness, hostility, unfriendliness. guish. 3 we identify sport with glomour
WORD LINKS associate, linl<, connect, relate.4 he
i glacial relating to ice identified with the teom coptoin empa.
thize, sympathize, understand, relate
icy odjective I iced (over), frozen, frosty, to, feel for.
slippery, treacherous; li lerory rimy. identity noun individuality, self,
2 freezing, chill, biting, bitter, raw, arc- personality, character, originality,
tic. 3 unfriendly, hostile, forbidding, distinctiveness, uniqueness.
cold, chilly, frosty, stern.
ideology noun belief; doctrine, creed,
idea noun 1 concept, notion, concep. theory.
tion, thought. 2 plan, scheme, design,
proposal, proposition, suggestion, aim, idiomatic odjective colloquial, every-
intention, objective, goal. 3 thought, day, conversational, vernacular, natural.
theory, view, opinion, feeling, belief. idiosyncrasy noun peculiarity, odd-
4 sense, feeling, suspicion, fancy, ity, eccentricity, mannerism, quirk,
inkling, hunch, notion. 5 estimate, cha racteristic.
approximation, guess, conjecture; idiot noun fool, ass, halfwit, blockhead,
informol guesstimate. dunce, simpleton; informol nincom-
ideal o dj ective perfect, fa u ltless, poop, clod, dimwit, dummy, fathead,
exemplary, classic, archetypal, quintes- numbsl<ull; Brit. informol nitwit, twit,
sential, model, ultimate, utopian, clot, berk, prat, pillock, wally, dork,
fairy-tale. twerp, charlie, moron; iV. Amer. informol
a noun 1 on ideal to clm ot model, schmuck; Austrol.f NZ informol drongo.
pattern, archetype, exemplar, example, -oPPostTEs genius.
perfection, epitome, last word. 2liberol idle odjective 1 lazy, indolent, slothful,
ldeols principle, standard, value, belief, shiftless, work-shy. 2 unemployed,
conviction, ethos. jobless, out of worl<, redundant,
idealistic odjec tive Utopian, vision- unoccupied; Brit. informolon the dole.
ary, romantic, quixotic, unrealistic, 3 unoccupied, spare, empty, unfilled.
impractical. 4 frivolous, trivial, Lrifling, minor,
identical odjective (exactly) the same, insignifi cant, unimportant, empty,
indistinguishable, twin, duplicate, inter- meaningless, vain.
changeable, alike, matching. -OPPOSITES industrious, busy.
- oPPoSlTEs different. idol noun 1 icon, effigy, statue, figurine,
identification noun 1 recognition, totem.2 hero, heroine, star, superstar,
singling ouL. pinpointing, naming. icon, celebrity, darling; informol pin-up,
2 determination, establishing, ascer- heart-throb.
tainment, discovery, diagnosis. 3 lD, idolize yerb hero-worship, worship,
papers, documents, credentials, card, revere, veneTate, look up to, exalt;
pass, badge. informol put on a pedestal.
 if -+ image

if conjunction provided, providing, on illegitimate odjective illegal, unlawful,

condition that, presuming, supposing. illicit, criminal, felonious, fraudulent,
assuming, as long as, in the event that. corrupt, dishonest; lnformol crooked,
ignite verb 1 catch fire, burst into shady; Brit. informol bent, dodgy.
flames, explode. 2 light, set fire to, set - OPPOSITES legal, legitimate.
alight, kindle. illicit odyective illegal, unlawful,
- oPPoSITES extinguish. criminal, outlawed, banned,
ignorance noun 1 lack of knowledge, forbidden, prohibited, proscribed,
lack of education, unenlightenment. unlicensed, unauthorized. improper.
2 unfamiliarity, incomprehension, disapproved of.
inexperience, innocence. - OPPOSITES legal.
- OPPOSITES education, knowledge. illness noun sickness, poor health,
ignorant adjective 1 uneducated, disease, ailment, disorder, complaint,
unschooled, illiterate, uninformed, indisposition, malady, affliction, infec-
unenlightened, inexperienced, unso- tion; informol bug, virus.
phisticated. 2 unaware, unconscious, - oPPoslTES health.
unfamiliar, unacquainted, uninformed; illogical odjec tive irrational. unreason-
informolin the dark. able. erroneous. invalid, spurious,
- OPPOSITES educated, knowledgeable. fallacious, specious.
ignore verb 1 snub, look right through, illuminating odjective informative,
cold-shoulder, take no notice of, pay no enlightening, revealing, explanatory,
attention to, cut (dead); informol blank. instructive, helpful, educational.
2 disregard, take no account of, fail to - OPPOSITES confusing.
observe, disobey, defy, overlook, brush illumination noun light, lighting, radi-
aside, turn a blind eye to. ance, gleam, glow, glare.
- OPPOSITES acknowledge, obey. illusion noun 1 delusion, misapprehen-
-ll odjective 1 unwell, sick, poorly, peaky, sion, misconception, false impression.
indisposed, nauseous, queasy; informol mistaken impression, fantasy, dream,
rough, under the weather; Brit. informol lancy. 2 appearance, impression.
gtotty: Austrol.lNZ informol crool<.2 ill semblance. 3 mirage, hallucination,
effecfs harmful, damaging, detrimen. apparition, figment of the imagination,
tal, deleterious. adverse, injurious. trick of the light.
destructive, dan gerous. illusory o djective I alse, ima gined,
- OPPOSITES well, beneficial. imaginary, fanciful, unreal, sham,
o noun problem, trouble, difficulty, fa llaciou s.
misfortune, trial, tribulation ; informol - oPPostTES genuine.
headache, hassle. illustrate verb 1 decorate, ornament,
aadverb 1 barely, scarcely, hardly, only accompany, support. 2 explain, eluci-
just. 2 inadequately, insufficiently, date, clarify, demonstrate, show, point
poorly, badly. .rp; informol get across/over.
illegal odjective un lawf ul, icit, i eg iti-
i II II illustration noun 1 picture, drawing,
mate, criminal, fraudulent, corrupt, dis- sketch, figure, plate, image, print.
honest, outlawed, banned, forbidden, 2 example, sample, case, instance,
prohibited, proscribed, unlicensed, exemplifi cation, demonstration.
unauthorized; informol crooked, shady; image noun 1 likeness, depiction,
Brit. informol bent, dodgy. portrayal, representation, painting,
- oPPoSITES legal. picture, portrait, drawing, photograph.
illegible odjective unreadable, indeci- 2 conception, impression, perception,
pherable, unintelligible. notion, idea.3 persona, profile, face.
imaginary -+ immovable 210

WORD LINKS immediately odverb 1 straight away,

iconography study of images at once, right away, instantly, (right)
now, directly, forthwith, there and
imaginary odjectiye unreal, non-exist-
then; informol pronto. 2 directly, right,
ent, fictional, pretend, make-believe,
exactly, precisely, squarely, just, dead;
invented, made-up, illusory.
informol slap bang; N. Amer. informol
- opposttrs real.
smack dab.
imagination noun 1 mind's eye, fancy. - OPPOSITES later.
2 creativity, vision, inventiveness,
resourcefulness, ingenuity, originality.
immense adjective huge, massive, vast,
enormous, gigantic, colossal, monu.
imaginative odjective ceative, vision. mental, towering, giant, mammoth,
ary, inventive, resourceful, ingenious,
cosmic; informol monster, whopping
original, innovative. (great); Brit informol ginormous.
imagine verb 1 visualize. envisage, - OPPOSITES tiny.
picture, see in your mind's eye, dream
immerse verbl dip, submerge, dunk,
up, think up/of, conceive. 2 assume,
duck, sink. 2 absorb, engross, occupy,
presume, expect, tal<e it (as read),
engage, involve, bury, preoccupy;
suppose.
informollose.
imbue verb permeate, saturate, suffuse,
immigrant noun newcomer, set-
inject, inculcate, fi ll.
tler, incomer, migrant, non-native,
imitate verb 1 copy, emulate, follow foreigner, foreign national, alien,
echo, ape, parrot; informol rip off. expatriate.
2 mimic, do an impression of, imper- - OPPOSITES native.
sonate, parody, caricature; informol
take off, send up.
imminent odjective near, close (at
hand), impending, approaching,
imitation noun 1 copy, simulation, coming, forthcoming, on the way,
reproduction, replica, forgery. 2 emu- expected, looming.
lation, copying. 3 impersonation, - OPPOSITES distant.
impression, parody, caricature; informol
take-off, send-up, spoof.
immobile odjective motionless, still,
stock-still, static, stationary, rooted to
a odjective artificial, synthetic, mock,
fake, simulated, man-made, manufac- the spot, rigid, frozen, transfixed.
tured, substitute, ersatz. immodest odjective indecorous,
- OPPOSITES real. improper, indecent, indelicate,
immaculate odjective 1 clean, spot. immoral, forward, bold, brazen,
less, shining, shiny, gleaming, perfect, shameless.
pristine, mint, flawless, faultless, immoral odjective wicked, bad, wrong,
unblemished; informol tip-top, A1 . unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous,
2 his immoculote record impeccable, dishonest, corrupt. sinful. impure.
unsullied, spotless, unblemished, untar- - oPPoStTES moral, ethical.
nished; informol squeaky clean. immortal adjective 1 undying, death-
- OPPOSITES dirty, damaged. less, eternal, everlasting, imperishable,
immature odjecfive childish, babyish, indestructible. 2 timeless, perennial,
infantile, juvenile, puerile, callow. classic, time-honoured, enduring,
immediate odjective 1 instant, instan- eveTgreen.
taneous, prompt, swift, speedy, rapid, - oPPostTES mortal, ephemeral.
quick. 2 current, present, urgent, immovable adjective 1 fixed, secure,
pressing. 3 nearest, close, next-door, set firm, set fast, stuck, jammed, stiff.
adjacent, adjoining. 2 motionless, unmoving, stationary,
- OPPOSITES delayed. still, stock-still, rooted to the spot,
211 immune -+ impertinent

transfi xed, paralysed, frozen. disrupt, retard, slow (down).

- oPPoslTEs mobile. - OPPOSITES facilitate.
immune odjective resistant, not impediment noun t hindrance,
subject, not liable, not vulnerable, pro- obstruction, obstacle, barrier, bar,
tected from, safe from, secure against. block, check, curb, restriction, prob-
- OPPOSITES susceptible, liable. lem, issue. 2 defect, impairment,
immunity noun 1 resistance, protec- stammer, stutter, lisp.
tion, defence. 2 exemption, exception, impending odjective imminent, close
freedom, indemnity, privilege, preroga- (at hand), near, approaching, coming,
tive, licence, impunity, protection. brewing, looming, threatening.
- opposrTES susceptibility, liability.
impenetrable odjective 1 unbreak-
immunize yerb vaccinate, inoculate, able, indestructible, solid, thick,
inject. unyielding. 2 impassable, dense, thick,
impact noun 1 collision, crash, smash, overgrown. 3 incomprehensible,
bump, knock.2 effect, influence, foot- unfathomable, unintelligible, baffling,
print, consequences, repercussions, bewildering, confusing, opaque. :r;:ig&
ramifications.
imperative odjective vital, crucial, criti-
c verb 1 crash into, smash into, collide cal, essential, pressing, urgent.
with, hit, strike, smack into, bang into.
2 interest rotes impocted on spending imperceptibl e o djective unnoticeable,
affect, influence, hit, have an effect, undetectable, indiscernible, invisible,
make an impression. inaudible, impalpable, slight, small,
impair yerb weaken, damage, harm, subtle, faint.
undermine, diminish, reduce, lessen, imperfect o djective I aulty, fl awed,
decrease. defective, inferior, second-rate, shoddy,
- OPPOSITES improve, enhance. substandard, damaged, blemished,
impart yerb communicate, pass on, torn, broken, cracked, scratched; Brif.
convey, transmit, relay, relate, tell, informol duff.
make known, report, announce. imperious odjective peremptory, high-
impartial odjective unbiased, unpreju- handed, overbearing, domineering,
diced, neutral, non-partisan, disin. authoritarian, dictatorial, authoritative,
terested, detached, dispassionate, bossy, arrogant; informal pushy, high
objective. and mighty.
- oPPoSlTEs biased, partisan. impersonal odjective aloof, distant,
impasse noun deadlock, dead end, remote, detached, unemotional,
stalemate, stand-off, standstill. unsentimental, cold, cool, indifferent,
impatient odjective 1 restless. agi- unconcerned, formal, stiff, business-
tated, nervous, anxious. 2 anxious, like, matter-of-f act: informol starchy,
eager, keen; informol itching, dying. stand-offlsh.
3 irritated, annoyed, angry, tetchy, impersonate verb imitate, mimic, do
snappy, cross, curt, brusque. an impression of, ape, parody, carica-
- OPPOSITES patient. ture, satirize, lampoon, masquerade as,
impeccable odjective flawless, fault- pose as, pass yourself off as', informol
less, unblemished, spotless, stainless, take off, send up.
perfect, exemplary, irreproachable; impertinent o djective rude, insolent,
informol squeaky clean. impolite, ill-mannered, disrespectful,
- OPPOSITES imperfect. impudent, cheeky, presumptuous,
impede verb hinder, obstruct, hamper, forward.
hold back/up, delay, interfere with, - oPPoSrTEs polite, respectful.
impetuous -+ imposition 212

impetuous odjective impulsive, rash, impolite odjective rude, bad-mannered,

hasty, reckless, foolhardy, impru- ill-mannered, discourteous, uncivil,
dent, ill-considered, spontaneous, disrespectful, insolent, impudent,
impromptu, spur-of-the-moment. impertinent, cheeky; informol lippy.
impetus noun 1 momentum, drive, import verb bring in, buy in, ship in.
thrust, energy, force, power, push. - OPPOSITES export.
2 motivation, stimulus, incentive, a noun 1 importance, significance,
inspiration, driving force. consequence, momentousness,
magnitude, substance, weight, note,
implant verb 1 insert, embed, bury,
gravity, seriousness. 2 meaning, sense,
inject, transplant, graft. 2 instil, incul-
essence, gist, drift, message, thrust,
cate, introduce, plant, sow.
substance, implication.
implausible adjective unlikely, improb- - OPPOSITES insignificance.
able, questionable, doubtful, debat- importance noun 1 significance,
able, unconvincing, far-fetched. momentousness, moment, import,
- OPPOSITES convincing. consequence, note, weight, serious'
implement noun tool, utensil, instru- ness, gravity. 2 status. eminence,
ment, device, apparatus, gadget, prestige, worth, influence, power,
contraption, appliance; nformol gizmo.
i authority.
a verb execute, apply, put into effect, - OPPoSITES insignifi cance.
put into practice, carry out/through, important odjective 1 significant,
perform, enact, fulfil. consequential, momentous, of great
- oPPOslTEs abolish, cancel. import, major, valuable, necessary,
implicate verb incriminate, involve, crucial, vital, essential, pivotal, decisive,
connect, embroil, enmesh. far-reaching, historic. 2 powerful,
influential, well connected, high-
implication noun 1 suggestion, infer-
ranking, prominent, eminent, notable,
ence, insinuation, innuendo, intima-
distinguished, esteemed, respected,
tion, imputation. 2 consequence, great, prestigious.
result, ramiflcation. repercussion,
- OPPOSITES insignificant.
reverberation, effect. 3 incrimination,
involvement, connection, entangle- impose t
verb he imposed his ideos on
ment, association. everyone foist, force, inflict, press,
saddle someone with. 2 levy, charge,
implicit odjective 1 implied, inferred, apply, enforce, set, establish, institute,
understood, hinted at, suggested, introduce, bring into effect.
unspoken, unstated, tacit, taken for - oPPosrrEs abolish.
granted. 2 inherent, latent, underly- o impose on take advantage of,
ing, inbuilt, incorporated. 3 absolute, exploit, take liberties with, bother, trou-
complete, total, wholehearted, utter, ble, disturb, inconvenience, put out,
unqualifi ed, unconditional, unshake- put to trouble.
able, unquestioning, fi rm.
imposing odjective impressive, spec-
- OPPoSITES explicit.
tacular, striking, dramatic, command-
implore verb plead with, beg, entreat, ing, arresting, awesome, formidable,
appeal to, ask, request, call on, exhort, splendid, grand, majestic.
urge. - OPPOSITES modest.
imply verb 1 insinuate, suggest, imposition noun 1 imposing, foisting,
infer, hint, intimate, give someone forcing, inflicting. 2 levying, charging,
to understand, make out. 2 involve, application, enforcement, enforcing,
entail, mean, point to, signify, indicate, setting, establishment, introduction.
presuppose. 3 burden, encumbrance, liberty,
Lt1 impossible + improve
bother, worry; informol hassle. estimation. 3 impact, effect, influence.
impossible odjective 1 impracticable, 4 indentation, dent, mark, outline,
non-viable, unworkable, unattainable, imprint. 5 impersonation, imitation,
unachievable, unobtainable, hopeless, ca ricature ; informol ta ke-off.
out of the question; informollike herd- impressionable odjectirze easily
ing cats. 2 unbearable, intolerable, infl uenced, suggestible, susceptible,
unendurable. 3 (i nformol) unreason- persuadable, pliable, malleable, pliant,
able, difficult, awkward, intolerable, ingenuous, trusting, naive, gullible.
unbearable, exasperating, maddening, impressive o djective magnifi cent,
infuriating. majestic, imposing, splendid, spec-
- oPPoSlTEs possible. taculal grand, awe-inspiring, stunning,
impostor noun impersonator, breathtaking.
deceiver, hoaxer, fraudster, fake, fraud; imprint verb stamp, print, impress,
informolphoney. mark, emboss.
impound yerb confi scate, appropriate, O noun impression, print, mark,
take possession of, seize, commandeer, stamp, indentation.
expropriate, requisition, take over. imprison verb incarcerate, send to
impracticabl e o dj e ctive unworkable, prison, jail, lock up, put away, intern,
unfeasible, non-viable, unachievable, detain, hold prisoner, hold captive;
unattainable, impractical; i nformol like lnformol send down; Brit. informol
herding cats. bang up.
- OPPOSITES practicable. imprisonment noun custody, incar-
impractical adjective 1 unrealistic, ceration, inLernment, confi nement,
unworl<able, unfeasible, non-viable, ill- detention, captivity; informol time; Brit.
thought-out, absurd, idealistic, fanciful, informol porridge.
romantic, starry-eyed, pie-in-the-sky; improbable odjective 1 unlikely,
informo I cockeyed, crackpot, crazy. doubtful, dubious, debatable, ques-
2 unsuitable, not sensible, inappropri- tionable, uncertain. 2 unconvincing,
ate, unserviceable. unbelievable, implausible, unlikely.
- OPPOSITES realistic, practical.
impromptu odjective unrehearsed,
imprecise odjective 1 vague, loose, unprepared, unscripted, extempore,
indistinct, inaccurate, non-specifi c, extemporized, improvised, spontane-
sweeping, broad, general, hazy, fuzzy, ous, unplanned; informol off-the-cuff.
woolly, nebulous. ambiguous. equivo- improper odjective 1 unacceptable,
cal, uncertain. 2 inexact, approximate, unprofessional, irregular, unethical,
rough; N. Amer. informolballpark. dishonest. 2 unseemly, unfltting,
- OPPOSITES exact. unbecoming, unladylike, ungentle-
impress yerb make an impression on, manly, inappropriate, indelicate,
have an impact on, influence, affect, indecent, immodest, indecorous,
move, stir, rouse, excite, inspire, dazzle, immoral. 3 indecent, risqu6, sugges-
awe. tive, naughty, dirty, filthy, vulgar, crude,
- OPPOSITES disappoint. rude, obscene, lewd; informol blue,
tr impress on emphasize to, stress to, raunchy, steamy.
bring home to, instil in, inculcate into, - oPPostrES proper, seemly.
drum into. improve verb 1 make better, amelio-
impression noun 1 feeling, sense, rate, upgrade, refine, enhance, boost,
fancy, (sneaking) suspicion, inkling, build on, raise. 2 get better, advance,
intuition, hunch, notion, idea. 2 opin- progress, develop, make headway,
ion, view, image, picture, percep- make progress, pick up, lool< up,
tion, reaction, judgement, verdict, move forward. 3 recover, get better,
improvement + incidentally 214

recuperate, rally, revive, be on the inaudible odjective unclear, indis-

mend. tinct, faint, muted, soft, low, muffled,
- oPPoslTES worsen, deteriorate. whispered, muttered, murmured,
improvement noun advance, develop- mumbled.
ment, upgrade, refi nement, enhance- inaugurate verb 1 initiate, begin, start,
ment, betterment, amelioration, institute, launch, get going, get under
boost, augmentation, rally, recovery, way, establish, bring in, usher in; infor-
upswing. mol kick off. 2 install, instate, swear in,
improvise verb 1 extemporize, ad-lib; invest, ordain, crown.
informolspeak off the cuff, play it by incapable a djective incompetent,
ear, busk it, wing it. 2 contrive, devise, inept, inadequate, ineffective, inef-
throw together, cobble together, rig fectual, unfit, unqualified; informol not
up; informolwhip up, rustle up; Brif. up to it.
informalknock up. - oPPoslTES competent.
impulse noun 1 urge, instinct, drive, incense verb enrage, infuriate, anger,
compulsion, itch, whim, desire, fancy, madden, outrage, exasperate, antago-
notion. 2 spontaneity, impetuosity, nize, provoke; informol mal<e someone
recklessness, rashness. see red.
impulsive odjective t hasty, sud- - oPPosrrEs placate.
den, quick, precipitate, impetuous, incensed odjective enraged, furious,
impromptu, spontaneous, snap, infuriated, irate, raging, incandescent,
unplanned, unpremeditated, thought- fuming, seething, beside yourself,
less, rash, reckless. 2 impetuous, outraged; informol mad, hopping mad,
instinctive, passionate, intuitive, emo- wild, livid.
tional, devil-may-care. incentive noun inducement, motiva-
- OPPoSITES cautious, premeditated. tion, motive, reason, stimulus, spur,
inaccurate odjective inexact, imprecise, impetus, encouragement, carrot;
incorrect, wrong, erroneous, faulty, informol sweetener.
imperfect, defective, unreliable, false, - oPPoSITES deterrent.
mistaken, untrue; Brit. informol adrift. incident noun 1 event, occurTence,
inactivity noun inaction, inertia, episode, happening, affair, busi-
idleness, non-intervention, negli- ness, adventure, exploit, escapade.
gence, apathy, indolence, laziness, 2 disturbance, commotion, clash,
slothfulness. confrontation, scene, accident, fracas,
- oPPOSITES action. contretemps; Brit. row. 3 the journey
inadequate odjective 1 insufficient, wos not without incldenf excitement,
deficient, poor, scant, scarce, sparse, adventure, drama, crisis, danger.
in short supply, paltry, meagre. incidental odjective 1 secondary, sub-
2 incapable, incompetent, ineffective, sidiary, minor, peripheral, background,
inefficient, inept, unfit; informol notup by-the-by, unimportant, insignifi cant,
to scratch. tangential. 2 chance, accidental, ran-
inadvertently odverb accidentally, by dom, fluky, fortuitous, serendipitous,
accident, unintentionally, by mistake, coincidental, u nlooked-for.
mistakenly, unwittingly. - OPPoSITES essential.
- OPPoSITES intentionally. incidentally odverb 1 by the way, by
inappropriat e odjective unsuitable, the by, in passing, speaking ofwhich;
unfitting, unseemly, unbecoming, informol as it happens.2 by chance, by
improper, out of place/keeping, inap- accident, accidentally, fortuitously, by a
posite informolout of order. fluke, by happenstance.
 215 incite + increase
incite verb 1 stir up, whip up, encour- - OPPOSITES harmonious, consistent.
age, stoke up, fuel, kindle, inflame, incompetent odjective inept, unskilled,
instigate, provoke, excite, trigger, spark inexpert, amateurish, unprofessional,
off. 2 provoke, encourage, urge, goad, bungling, blundering, clumsy; informol
spur on, egg on, drive, prod, prompt; useless, not up to it.
informolput up to.
incomplete odjective 1 unfinished,
- OPPOSITES discourage, deter.
uncompleted, partial, half-fi nished.
inclination noun tendency, propensity, 2 deficient, insufficient, partial,
leaning, predisposition, predilection, sketchy, fragmentary, scrappy, bitty.
impulse, bent, liking, taste, penchant, - oPPosrrES completed, full.
preference.
incomprehen sible odjective unintelli-
- OPPOSITES aversion- gible, impenetrable, unclear, indeci-
incline verb 1 predispose, lead, make, pherable, unfathomable, abstruse,
dispose, prejudice, prompt, induce. difficult, involved; Brit. informol double
2 I incline to the opposite view tend, Dutch.
lean, swing, veer, gravitate, be drawn, - OPPOSITES intelligible, clear.
prefer, favoul go for. 3 bend, bow,
inconsistent odjective 1 erratic,
nod, bob, lower, dip.
changeable, unpredictable, variable,
o noun slope, gradient, pitch, ramp, unstable, fickle, unreliable, volatile;
bank, ascent, rise, hill, dip, descent;
informolup and down. 2 incompatible,
N. Amer. grade.
conflic[ing, at odds, at variance. irrec-
inclined adjective 1 disposed, minded, oncilable, out of keeping, contrary.
of a mind. 2 prone, given, in the habit
inconvenience noun trouble, nui-
of, liable, apt.
sance, bother, problem, disruption,
include verb 1 incorporate, comprise. difficulty, disturbance; informol aggra-
encompass, cover, embrace, take in, vation, hassle, headache, pain, pain in
number, contain. 2 allow for, count, the neck.
take into account, take into consid. a verb trouble, bother, put out, put to
eration.3 add, insert, put in, append, any trouble, disturb, impose on.
enter.
inconvenient o dje ctive awkw ard,
- OPPOSITES exclude, leave out. difficult, inopportune, badly timed,
inclusive adjective all-in, comprehen. unsuitable, inappropriate, unfortunate.
sive, overall, full, all-round, umbrella,
incorporate verb 1 absorb, include,
catch-all, all-encompassin g.
subsume, assimilate, integrate, swallow
- OPPOSITES exclusive, limited.
up. 2 include, contain, embrace, buiid
income noun earnings, salary, wages, in, offer, boast.3 blend, mix, combine,
pay, remuneration, revenue, receipts, fold in, stir in.
takings, profits, proceeds, yield, divi- incorrect odjective 1 wrong, errone-
dend; N. Amer. take. ous, mistaken, untrue, false, fallacious,
- OPPOSITES expenditure, outgoings.
flawed; lnforrnol wide of the mark.
incoming odjective 1 arriving, 2 inappropriate, unsuitable, unaccep-
approaching, inbound, inward, return- table, improper, unseemly; informol out
ing, homeward.2 new, next, future, of order.
elect, designate. - OPPoStTES correct.
- OPPOSITES outward, outgoing. increase verbl grow, get bigger, get
incompatible o djective mismatched, larger, enlarge, expand, swell, rise,
unsuited, poles apart, irreconcilable, climb, mount, intensify, strengthen,
inconsistent, confl icting, opposed, extend, spread, widen. 2 add to,
opposite, contradictory, at odds, at make larger, make bigger, augment,
va ria nce. supplement, top up, build up, extend,
incredible -+ individual 216

raise, swell, inflate, intensify, heighten; imply. 2 state, declare, make l<nown,
informolup, bump up. communicate, announce, put on
o noun growth, rise, enlargement, record. 3 specify, designate, stipulate,
expansion, extension, increment, show.
gain, addition, augmentation, surge; indication noun sign, signal, indica-
informol hike. tor, symptom, mark, demonstration,
- oPPoSITES decrease. pointer, guide, hint, clue, omen,
incredible adjective 1 unbelievable, warning.
unconvincing, far-fetched, implausible, indicator noun measure, gauge, meter,
improbable, inconceivable, unim- barometer, guide, index, mark, sign,
aginable. 2 wonderful, marvellous, signal.
spectacular, remarkable, phenomenal,
indictment noun charge, accusation,
prodigious, breathtaking ; informol
arraignment, prosecution, citation,
fantastic, terrific.
summons; N. Amer. impeachment.
incur verb bring on yourself, expose indifference noun detachment, lack
yourself to, lay yourself open to, run up,
of concern, disinterest, lack of interest,
earn, sustain, experience. nonchalance, boredom, unresponsive-
indecent odjectlve 1 obscene, dirty, ness, impassivity. coolness.
filthy, rude, naughty, vulgar, smutty, - OPPOSITES concern.
pornographic; informol blue: euphe-
indifferent odjective 1 detached,
mistic adult. 2 unseemly, improper,
unconcerned, uninterested, uncaring,
unbecoming, inappropriate. casual, nonchalant, offhand, unen-
independence noun 1 self-govern- thusiastic, unimpressed, unmoved,
ment, self-rule, home rule, self- impassive, cool. 2 mediocre, ordinary,
determination, sovereignty, autonomy. average, middle-of-the+oad, unin-
2 impartiality, neutrality, disinterest- spired, undistinguished, unexceptional,
edness, detachment, objectivity. pedestrian, forgettable, amateurish ;

independent odjective 1 self-gov- informal no great shakes, not up to

erning, sel[-ruling, self-determining, much.
sovereign, autonomous, non-aligned, - oPPoslTEs enthusiastic, brilliant.
free.2 separate, different, uncon- indi g nant o dje ctive aggrieved,
nected, unrelated, discrete. 3 pri- affronted, displeased, resentful, angry,
vate, non-state-run, private-sector, a nnoyed, ofended, exasperated;
fee-paying, privatized, deregulated, informol peeved, irked, put out; Brit.
denationalized. 4 impartial, unbiased, informol narked, not best pleased;
unprejudiced, neutral, disinterested, N. Amer. informol sore.
uninvolved, detached, dispassionate, indirect odjective 1 incidental, second-
objective, non-partisan.
ary, subordinate, ancillary, collateral,
- oPPostrEs related, biased. concomitant, contingent. 2 rounda-
independently adverb alone, on your bout, circuitous, meandering, winding,
own, separately, individually, unaccom- tortuous. 3 oblique, implicit, implied.
panied, solo, unaided, unassisted, with-
individual odjective 1 single, separate,
out help, by your own efforts, under discrete, independent, lone. 2 unique,
your own steam, single-handedly.
characteristic, distinctive, distinct, par-
index noun list, listing, inventory, cata- ticular, idiosyncratic, peculiar, personal,
logue, register, directory, database. special. 3 original, exclusive, different,
indicate verb 1 point to, be a sign of, unusual, novel, unorthodox, out ofthe
be evidence of, demonstrate, show, ordinary.
testify to, be symptomatic of, denote, - oPPoSlTEs multiple, shared, ordinary.
mark, signal, reflect, signify, suggest, a noun person, human being, soul,
217 individually -+ inferior
creature, character; informol type, sort, unproductive, time-wasting, slow,
customer. unsystematic.
individually odverb separately, inequality noun imbalance, inequity,
singly, one by one, one at a time, inconsistency, disparity, discrepancy,
independently. dissimilarity, difference, bias, prejudice,
induce verb 1 persuade, convince, pre- discrimination, un[airness.
vail on, get, make, prompt, encourage, inevitable adjective unavoidable, ines-
cajole into, talk into. 2 bring about, inexorable, assured, certain,
cause, produce, create, give rise to, ::1"10,",
generate, engender. - OPPOSITES avoidable.
- OPPOSITES dissuade. inevitably odverb unavoidably, neces-
indulge verb 1 satisfy, gratify, fulfil, sarily, automatically, naturally, as a mat-
feed, yield to, give in to, go along with. ter of course, of necessity, inescapably,
2 pamper, spoil, overindulge, coddle, certainly, surely: informollike it or not.
mollycoddle, cosset, pander to, wait on inexpensive odjective cheap, afforda-
hand and foot. ble, low-cost, economica l, competitive, ...:.,:.i:,i:iiii;,
indulgence noun 1 satisfaction, gratifi- reasona ble, bud get, economy, ba rgain, t';1iitiiiilia::
cation, fulfi ment. 2 self-gratifi cation,
I cut-price, reduced.
self-indulgence, overindu lgence, intem. inexperience d o djective inexpert,
perance, excess, extravagance, hedon-
untrained, unqualifi ed, unskilled,
ism. 3 extravagance, luxury, treat,
unseasoned, naive, new, callow, imma-
non-essential, extra, frill. 4 pampering,
ture; informolwet behind the ears,
coddling, mollycoddling, cosseting. wide-eyed.
5 tolerance, forbearance, understand-
ing, compassion, sympathy, leniency. infamous odjective notorious, disrepu-
- OPPOSITES asceticism, intolerance. table, scandalous.
- OPPOSITES reputable.
indulgent odjective generous, permis.
sive, easy-going, liberal, tolerant, for- infancy noun beginnings, early days,
giving, forbearing, lenient, kind, kindly, early stages, emergence, dawn, outset,
soft-hearted. birth, inception.
- OPPOSITES strict. - opposrtts end.
industrialist noun manufacturer, infant noun baby, newborn, young
factory owner, captain of industry, child, tiny tot, little one; Medicine neo.
magnate, tycoon. nate; Scottish & N. Lnglish bairn, wean:
informol tiny, sprog.
industry noun 1 manufacturing,
production, construction, trade, com- infect verb contaminate, pollute, taint,
merce. 2 business, trade, field, line foul, poison, blight.
of business, profession. 3 activity, infection noun 1 disease, virus, illness,
energy, effort, endeavour, hard work, ailment, disorder, sickness; informol
industriousness, diligence, application. bug. 2 contamination, poison, bacte-
ineffective odjective 1 unsuccessful, ria, germs: Medicine sepsis.
unproductive, unprofitable, ineffectual, infectious o djective communicable,
unavailing, to no avail, fruitless, futile. contagious, transmittable, transmissi-
2 ineffectual, inefficient, inadequate, ble, transferable; informol catching.
incompetent, incapable, unfit, inept; inferior odjective 1 second-class,
informol useless, hopeless. lower-ranking, subordinate, junior,
- oPPosrrES effective. minor, lowly, humble, menial, beneath
inefficient odjective 1 ineffective, someone. 2 second-rate, mediocre,
ineffectual, incompetent, inept, disor- substandard, low-grade, unsatisfactory,
ganized. 2 uneconomical, wasteful, shoddy, poor; informol crummy, lousy.
infertility -+ ingredient 218

- oPPOSITES superior. a verb 1 affect, have an impact on,

a noun subordinate, junior, underling, determine, guide, control, shape,
minion. govern, decide, change, alter. 2 sway,
infertility noun barrenness, sterility, bias, prejudice, manipulate, persuade,
ch i ld lessness. induce.
infested adjective overrun, swarming.
infl uential odjective powerful, control-
teeming, crawling, alive, plagued. ling, important, authoritative, leading,
signifi cant, instrumental, guiding.
infiltrate verb penetrate, insinuate inform verb 1 tell. notify, apprise,
yourself into, worm your way into,
advise, impart to, communicate to,
sneak into, slip into, creep into, invade.
let someone know, briel enlighten,
infiltrator noun spy, secret agent, send word to.2 he informed on two col'
plant, intruder, interloper, subversive, /eogues betray, give away, denounce,
informer, mole, fifth columnist; N. Amer. incriminate, report; informol rat, squeal,
informol spook. split, snitch, tell, blow the whistle; Brit.
infi nite o d jective bou ndless, informol grass, shop; N. Amer. informol
unbounded, unlimited, limitless, never- fingeri Austrol.f NZ informol dob in.
ending, incalculable, untold, countless, informal odjective 1 unofticial, casual,
uncountable, innumerable, number- relaxed, easy-going, low-key. 2 col-
less, immeasurable, cosmic. loquial, vernacular, idiomatic, popular,
- oPPOslTEs limited. familiar, everyday; informal slangy,
inflame verb 1 enrage, incense, anger, chatty. 3 casual, relaxed, comfortable,
madden, infuriate, exasperate, provoke, everyday; informol comfy.
antagonize; informal make someone - oPPOSITES formal.
see red. 2 aggravate, exacerbate, information noun facts, particulars,
intensify, worsen, compound. details, figures, statistics, data, knowl-
- OPPOSITES placate. edge, intelligence; informol info, gen.
inflamed odjective swollen, red, hot, informative o djective instructive,
burning, itchy, sore, painful, tender, illuminating, enlightening, revealing,
nfected.
i explanatory, factual, educational,
inflate verb 1 blow up, pump up, fill, edifying.
puff up/out, dilate, distend, swell, informed o djective knowledgeable,
bloat. 2 increase, raise, boost, escalate, enlightened, educated, briefed, up to
put up; infornol hike up, jack up. date, up to speed, in the picture, in the
- OPPoSITES deflate, lower. know, au f ait; informolclued up.
inflated t
odjective high, sky-high, - OPPOSITES ignorant.
excessive, unreasonable, outrageous, infuriate verb enrage, incense, provoke,
exorbitant, extortionate; Brit over the anger, madden, exasperate; informol
odds: informol steep. 2 exaggerated, make someone see red; Brit. informol
immoderate, overblown, overstated. wind up.
- OPPoSITES low, modest. - oPPOSITES please.
inflict verb 1 give, administer, deal out, ingenious odjective inventive, crea-
mete out. exact, wreak.2 impose, tive, imaginative, original, innovative,
force, thrust, foist. pioneering, resourceful, enterprising,
influence noun 1 effect, impact, con- inspired, clever: informo/ genius.
trol, spell, hold. 2 o good influence on - oPPoSITES unimaginative.
her example to, role model for, inspira- ingredient noun constituent, compo-
tion to. 3 power, authority, sway, lever- nent, element, item, part, strand, unit,
age, weight, pull; informol clout. feature, aspect, attribute.
219 inhabit -, innocence

inhabit verb live in, occupy, settle, inject verb 1 administer, take: informol
people, populate, colonize. shoot (up), mainline, fix. 2 inoculate,
inhabitant noun resident, occupant, vaccinate. 3 insert, introduce, feed,
occupier, settler, local, native; (inhabit- push, force, shoot.4 introduce, instil,
ants) population, populace, people, infuse, imbue, breathe.
public, community, citizenry, townsfolk, injection noun 1 inoculation, vaccina-
townspeople. tion, immunization, booster; informol
jab, shot. 2 addition, introduction,
inhale verb breathe in, draw in, suck in,
investment, dose, infusion, insertion.
sniff in, drink in, gasp.
- oPPoSITES exhale. injunction noun order, ruling, direc-
tion, directive, command, instruction,
inherit verb be bequeathed, be left, be
mandate.
willed, come into, succeed to, assume,
take over. injure verb t hurt, wound, damage,
harm, disable, break; Medicine trauma-
inheritance noun legacy, bequest, tize.2 damage, mar, spoil, weaken,
endowment, birthright, heritage, ruin, blight, blemish, tarnish, blacken.
patrimony.
injured odjective t hurt, wounded,
WORD LINKS :
damaged, sore, bruised, broken,
hereditary relatinq to inheritance
!--l
fractured; Medicine traumatized;
Brit. informal gammy. 2 upset, hurt,
inhibit verb impede, hinder, hamper, wounded, offended, reproachful,
hold back, discourage, interfere with, pained, aggrieved.
obstruct, slow down, retard. - oPPoslTEs healthy.
- oPPoSITES assist, allow.
injury noun 1 wound, bruise, cut, gash,
inhibited adjective reserved, reticent, scratch, graze; Medicine trauma, lesion.
guarded, self-conscious, insecure, with- 2 harm, hurt, damage, pain, suffering.
drawn, repressed, undemonstrative, 3 offence, abuse, injustice, disservice,
shy, diffident, bashful; informol uptight. affront, insult.
initial odjective beginning, opening, injustice noun 1 unfairness, one-
commencing, starting, fi rst, earliest, sidedness, inequity, bias, prejudice, dis-
primary, preliminary, preparatory, crimination, intolerance, exploitation,
introductory, inaugural. corruption. 2 wrong, oflence. crime,
- OPPOSITES final. sin, outrage, scandal, disgrace, affront.
initially odverb at first, at the start, inland odlective interior, inshore, inter-
at the outset, in/at the beginning, to nal, upcountry.
begin with, to start with, originally. - OPPOSITES coastal.
initiate verb 1 begin, start (off), com- inlet noun 1 cove, bay, bight, creek,
mence, institute, inaugurate, launch, estuary, lord, sound; Scottlsh firth.
instigate, establish, set up. 2 he wos 2 vent, flue, shaft, duct, channel, pipe.
initiated into o religious culf introduce, inmate noun 1 patient, inpatient, resi-
admit, induct, install, swear in, ordain, dent, occupant. 2 prisoner, convict,
invest. captive, detainee, internee.
- oPPostrES end, expel. inner odjective 1 central, innermost;
initiative noun 1 enterprise, resource- N. Amer.downtown. 2 internal,
fulness, inventiveness, imagination, interior, inside, innermost. 3 hidden,
ingenuity, originality, creativity. secret, deep, underlying, veiled.
2 advantage, upper hand, edge, lead, - OPPOSITES outer.
start. 3 scheme, plan, strategy, meas- innocence noun 1 guiltlessness,
ure, proposal, step, action. blamelessness. 2 naivety, credulity,
innocent -+ inspector 220

inexperience, gullibility, ingenuousness. insert verb put, place, push, thrust,

innocent odjective 1 guiltless, blame- slide, slip, load, fit, slot, install; informol
less, clean, irreproachable, above pop, stick, bung.
reproach, honest, upright, Iaw-abiding. - OPPOSITES extract, remove.
2 harmless, innocuous, safe, inof- inside noun 1 interior, centre, core,
fensive, unobjectionable. 3 naive, middle, heart. 2 (insides) stomach,
ingenuous, trusting, credulous, impres- gut, bowels, intestines; informol
sionable, easily led, inexperienced, tummy, belly, guts.
unsophisticated, artless. o odjective 1 inner, interior, internal,
- OPPOSITES guilty. innermost. 2 confidential, classified,
innovation noun change, alteration, restricted, privileged, private, secret,
upheaval, reorganization, restructur- exclusive; informol hush-hush.
ing, novelty, departure. - OPPOSITES outside.
innovative odjective original, new, insight noun intuition, perception,
novel, fresh, unusual, experimental, understanding, comprehension,
inventive. disruptive, ingenious, pio- appreciation, judgement, discernment,
neering, groundbreaking, revolution- vision, imagination, wisdom; informol
ary, radical; informol edgy. nous.
inquest noun enquiry, investigation, insignifi cant odjective unimportant,
probe, examination, review, hearing. trivial, trifling, negligible, inconse-
quential, of no account, paltry, petty,
inquire enquire.
see
insubstantial; informol piddling.
inquiry enquiry.
see
insincere odjective false, fake, hollow,
insane odjective 1 mad, of unsound artificial, feigned, pretended, put-on,
mind, certifiable, psychotic, schizo-
disingenuous, hypocritical, cynical;
phrenic, unhinged; Brit. sectionable;
informol phoney, pretend.
informal crazy, raving mad, bonkers,
loony, round the bend; Brit. informol insistverb 1 stand firm, stand your
ground, be resolute, be determined,
cracl<ers, off your trolley; N. Amer.
informol nutso. 2 stupid, idiotic, non- hold out, persist, be emphatic, lay
sensical, absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, down the law, not take no for an
preposterous; informol crazy, mad; Brlt. answer; informol stick to your guns, put
your foot down. 2 demand, command,
informoldaft, barmy.
order, require. 3 maintain, assert,
- oPPOSITES sane.
protest, swear, declare, repeat.
insect noun bug; informol creepy-
crawly; Brit informol minibeast.
insistent odjective persistent, deter-
mined, tenacious, unyielding, dogged,
WORD LINKS unrelenting, importunate, relentless,
entomology study of insects inexorable.
insecure odjective 1 unconfident, inspect verb examine, check, scrutinize,
uncertain, unsure, doubtful, diffident, investigate, vet, test, monitor, survey,
hesitant, self-conscious, anxious, fear- study, look over; informol check out,
ful. 2 unprotected, unguarded, vulner- give something a/the once-over.
able, unsecured. 3 unstable, rickety, inspection noun examination, check-
wobbly. shaky, unsteady, precarious. up, survey, scrutiny, exploration, investi-
- OPPOSITES confident, stable. gat ion; informol once-over, going-over.
insecurity noun lack of confidence, inspector noun examiner, scrutineer,
uncertainty, self-doubt, diffidence, hesi- investigator, surveyor, assessor, super-
tancy, nervousness, self-consciousness. visor, monitor, watchdog, ombudsman,
anxiety, worry, unease. auditor.
221 inspiration + instruction
inspiration noun 1 stimulus, motiva- second, trice, twinkling of an eye, flash;
tion, encouragement, infl uence, spur, informoljiffy.
fillip; informol shot in the arm. 2 crea- instantly odverb immediately, at once,
tivity, invention, innovation, ingenu- straight away, right away, instantane-
ity, imagination, originality, insight, ously, forthwith, there and then, here
vision. 3 bright idea, revelation; and now, thisithat minute, this/that
informol brainwave; N. Amer. informal second.
brainstorm. instead odverb as an alternative, in
inspire verb 1 stimulate, motivate, lieu, alternatively, rather, on second
encourage, influence, move, spur, thoughts; N. Amer. alternately.
energize, galvanize. 2 give rise to, instinct noun 1 inclination, urge,
lead to, bring about, prompt, spawn, drive, compulsion, intuition, feeling,
engender. 3 arouse, awaken, prompt, sixth sense, nose. 2 talent, gift, ability,
induce, ignite, trigger, kindle, produce, aptitude, skill, flair, feel, knack.
bring out.
instinctive odjective intuitive, natural,
inspired o dj ective outstandin g,
instinctual, innate, inborn, inherent,
wonderful, marvellous, excellent, unconscious, subconscious, automatic,
ma gnifi cent, coruscating, exceptional, reflex, knee-jerk; informol gut.
rst-class, virtuoso, superlative; infor-
fi
mol tremendous, superb, awesome,
institute noun organization, establish-
ment, institution, foundation, centre,
out of this world, genius; Brit. informol
academy, school, college, university,
b ri I lia nt.
society, association, federation, body.
inspiring odjective inspirational, a verb set up, inaugurate, found,
encouraging, heartening, uplifting, stir- establish, organize, initiate, set in
ring, rousing, electrifying, moving. motion, get under way, get off the
instability noun unreliability, uncer- ground, start, launch.
tainty, unpredictability, insecurity, - oPPosrrEs abolish, end.
volatility, capriciousness, changeability, institution noun 1 establishment,
variability, inconsistency, mutability. organization, institute, foundation,
- oPPoSlTEs stability. centre, academy, school, college,
install verb 1 put, place, station, site, university, society, association, body.
insert. 2 swear in, induct, inaugurate, 2 (residential) home, hospital,
invest, appoint, ordain, consecrate, asylum, prison. 3 the institution of
anoint, enthrone, crown. 3 ensconce, morrioge practice, custom, convention,
position, settle, seat, plant, sit (down); tradition.
informolplonk, parl<. institutional adjecttve organized,
- oPPOSlTES remove. established, bureaucratic, conven-
instalment noun 1 payment, repay- tional, procedural, formal, formalized,
ment, tranche, portion. 2 part, systematic, systematized, structured,
episode, chapter, issue, programme, regulated.
section. segment, volume. instruct verb 1 order, direct, command,
instance noun example, occasion, tell, mandate; o/d use bid. 2 teach,
occurrence, case, illustration, sample. coach, train, educate, tutor, guide,
instant odjective 1 immediate, school, show.
insta ntaneous, on-the-spot, prompt, instruction noun 1 order, command,
swift, speedy, rapid, quick; informol directive, direction, decree, injunction,
sna ppy. 2 prepared, pre-cooked, mandate, commandment; o/d use bid-
microwaveable. ding.2 reod the instructions directions,
- OPPOSITES delayed. handbook, manual, guide, advice, guid-
a noun moment, minute, second, split ance. 3 tuition, teaching, coaching,
 instructor -+ intensify 222

schooling, lessons, classes, lectures, holistic, joined-up, all-embracing.

training, drill, guidance. - OPPOSITES peripheral, supplementary.
instructor noun trainer, coach, integrate verb combine, amalgamate,
teacher, tutor, adviser, counsellor, merge, unite, fuse, blend, consolidate,
guide. meld, mix, incorporate, assimilate,
instrument noun 1 implement, tool, homogenize, desegregate.
utensil, device, apparatus, gadget. - OPPOSITES separate.
2 gauge, meter, indicator, dial, display. integrity noun t honesty, probity, rec-
3 agent, cause, agency, channel, titude, uprightness, fairness, honour,
medium, means, vehicle. sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness.
instrumental odjective 2 unity, coherence, cohesion, solidity.
o be instrumental in play a part in, 3 soundness, strength, sturdiness,
contribute to, be a factor in, have a solidity, durability, stability, rigidity.
hand in, promote, advance, further. - OPPOSITES dishonesty.
insufficient adj ective inadequate, d efi - intellect noun mind, brain(s), intelli.
{*;#' cient, poor, scant, scanty, not enough, gence, reason, judgement, grey matter,
SS & too little, too few. brain cells.
i$!*u insulateverb1wrap, sheathe, cover, intellectual adjective 1 mental, cer-
encase, enclose, lag, soundproof. ebral, rational, conceptual, theoretical,
2 protect, save, shield, shelter, screen, analytical, logical, cognitive. 2 learned,
cushion, cocoon. academic, erudite, bool<ish, highbrow,
insult verb abuse, be rude to, call some- scholarly, donnish.
one names, slight, disparage, discredit, intelligence noun 1 intellect, clever-
malign, defame, denigrate, offend, ness, brainpower, judgement, reason-
hurt, humiliate ; informol bad-mouth; ing, acumen, wit, insight, perception.
Brit. informolslag off. 2 information, facts, details, particu-
- oPPOSITES compliment. lars, data, knowledge.
o noun jibe, affront, slight, slur, barb, intelligent od;ecflve clever, bright,
indignity, abuse, aspersio ns; informol quick-witted, smart, astute, sharp,
dig, put-down. insightful, perceptive, penetrating,
insulting adjective abusive, rude, offen- educated, knowledgeable, enlightened;
sive, disparaging, belittling, derogatory, informol brainy, genius.
deprecating, disrespectful, uncompli- intelligible odjective comprehensible,
mentary; informol bitchy, catty. understandable, accessible, digestible,
insurance noun indemnity, assurance, user-friendly, clear, coherent, plain,
protection, security, cover, safeguard, unam biguous.
warranty. intend verb plan, mean, have in mind,
insure verb provide insurance for, aim, propose, hope, expect, envisage.
indemnify, cover, assure, protect, intense adjective 1 extreme, great,
underwrite, warrant. acute, fierce, severe, high, exceptional,
intact odJective whole, entire, complete, extraordinary, harsh, strong, powerful,
unbroken, undamaged, unscathed, violent; informol serious. 2 passion-
unblemished, unmarked, in one piece. ate, impassioned, zealous, vehement,
- OPPOSITES damaged. fervent, earnest, eager, committed.
integral odjective I essential, funda- - oPPoSlTEs mild, apathetic.
mental, component, basic, intrinsic, intensify yerb escalate, increase,
inherent, vital, necessary. 2 built-in, step up, raise, strengthen, reinforce,
inbuilt, integrated, inboard, fitted. pick up, build up, heighten, deepen,
3 unified, integrated, comprehensive, extend, expand, amplify, magnify,
723 intensity + intermittent
aggravate, exacerbate, worsen, pursuit, amusement, recreation, diver-
inflame, compound. sion, passion. 4 stake, share, claim,
- oPPoslrES abate. investment, involvement, concern.
intensity noun 1 strength, power, - oPPoSITES boredom.
force, severity, ferocity, fierceness, o verb appeal to, be of interest to,
harshness, violence. 2 passion, ardour, attract, intrigue, amuse, divert, enter-
fervour, vehemence, fire, emotion, tain, arouse someone's curiosity, whet
someone's appetite; informol tickle
eagerness.
someone's fancy.
intensive odjective thorough,
thoroughgoing, in-depth, rigorous. interested odjective 1 attentive, fas-
cinated, riveted, gripped, captivated,
exhaustive, vigorous, detailed, minute,
agog, intrigued, curious, keen, eager.
meticulous, painstaking, methodical,
2 concerned, involved, affected.
extensive.
- oPPOSITES cursory. interesting odjective absorbing,
engrossing, fascinating, riveting, grip-
intent noun aim, intention, purPose,
ping, compelling. captivating, engaging,
objective, goal.
t he wos intent on prov-
enthralling,appealing,entertaining, :;iiil$
o odjective stimulating, diverting, intriguing. :"'"'
inq his pointbent, set, determined,
insistent, resolved, hell-bent, keen, interfere verb butt in, barge in, intrude,
committed to, determined to. 2 atten- meddle, tamper, encroach; informol
poke your nose in, stick your oar in.
tive, absorbed, engrossed, fascinated,
enthralled, rapt, focused, concentrat- s interfere with impede, obstruct,
ing, preoccupied. stand in the way of, hinder, inhibit,
restrict, constrain, hamper, handicap,
- oPPoSITES distracted.
disturb, disrupt, infl uence, affect,
intention noun aim, purpose, intent, confu se.
objective, goal.
interference noun 1 intrusion,
intentional odjective deliberate,
interventlon, involvement, meddling,
done on purpose, wilful, calculated, prying. 2 disruption, disturbance,
conscious, intended, planned, meant, static, noise.
knowing.
interior odjective 1 inside, inner, inter-
inter verb bury, lay to rest, consign to nal, inland, upcountry, central. 2 inter-
the grave, entomb. nal. home, domestic, national, state,
- oPPostrES exhume. civil, local. 3 inner, mental, spiritual,
intercept verb stop, head off, cut off, psychological, private, personal, secret.
catch, seize, block, interrupt. a noun 1 inside, depths, recesses,
intercourse noun 1 dealings, relations, bowels, belly, heart.2 centre, heart-
relationships, contact, interchange, land.
communication, networking. 2 sexual - OPPOSITES exterior.
intercourse, sex, sexual relations, mat- intermediary noun mediator, go-
inq, copulation, fornication; technicol between, negotiator, arbitrator, peace-
coitus. maker, middleman, broker.
interdict noun prohibition, ban, bar, intermediate o djective halfway,
veto, embargo, moratorium, injunction. in-between, middle, mid, midway,
interest noun 1 attentiveness, atten- intervening, tra nsitional.
tion, regard, notice, curiosity, enjoy- intermittent odjective sporadic, irregu'
ment, delight. 2 this will be of interest lar, fitful, spasmodic, discontinuous,
concern, consequence, imPortance, isolated, random, patchy, scattered,
import, significance, note, relevance, occasional, periodic.
value. 3 hobby, pastime, leisure - OPPOSITES continuous.
internal -+ intrude 224

internal odjective 1 inner, interior, intimatel odjective I close, bosom,

inside, central. 2 domestic, home, dear, cherished, fast, firm. 2 friendly,
interior, civil, local, national, state. warm, welcoming, hospitable, relaxed,
- oPPoSITES external, foreign. informal, cosy, comfortable. 3 per-
international odJective global, world- sonal, private, confidential, secret,
wide, world, intercontinental, universal, inward. 4 detailed, thorough, exhaus-
cosmopolitan, multiracial, multinational. tive, deep, in-depth, profound.
- oPPoslTES national, local. - OPPOSITES distant, formal, cold.
interpret verb 1 explain, elucidate, intimate2 yerb 1 announce, state,
expound, clarify. 2 understand, make known, disclose, reveal, divulge,
construe, take (to mean), see, regard. let it be known. 2 imply, suggest, hint
3 decipher, decode, translate, at, indicate, insinuate.
understand. intimidate verb frighten, menace,
interpretation noun 1 explanation, scare, terrorize, threaten, browbeat,
elucidation, exposition, clarifi cation, bully, harass, hound; lnformol lean on.
analysis. 2 meaning, understanding, intricate odjective complex, compli-
explanation, inference. 3 rendition, cated, convoluted, tangled, elaborate,
execution, presentation, performance, ornate, detailed.
reading, playing, singing. - OPPOSITES simple.
interrupt verbl cut in (on), break in intrigue verb interest, fascinate, arouse
(on), barge in (on), intrude, intervene; someone's curiosity, attract, engage.
informolbutt in (on), chime in (on); o noun plotting, conniving, schem-
Brit. informolchip in (on). 2 suspend, ing, machination, double-dealing,
discontinue, adjourn, break off, stop, subterfuge.
halt; informol put on ice. intriguing odjective interesting, fasci-
interruption noun 1 cutting in, barg- nating, absorbing, engaging.
ing in, interference, intervention, intru. introduce verb 1 institute, initiate,
sion, disturbance; informol butting in. launch, inaugurate, establish, found,
2 suspension, breaking off, discontinu' bring in, set in motion, start, begin,
ance, stopping. get going.2 present, make known,
interval noun intermission, interlude, acquaint with. 3 insert, inject, put,
break, recess, time out. force, shoot, feed. 4 instil, infuse,
intervene verb intercede, involve inject, add.
yourself, get involved, step in, interfere, - OPPOSITES end, remove.
intrude. introduction noun 1 institution,
interview noun meeting, discussion, establishment, initiation, launch,
interrogation, cross-examination, inauguration, foundation. 2 presenta-
debriefing, audience, talk, chat; infor- tion, meeting, audience. 3 foreword,
mol grilling. preface, preamble, prologue, prelude;
a verb talk to, question, quiz, interro- informol intro.
gate, cross-examine, debriel poll, can- - OPPOSITES ending, epilogue.
vass, sound out; lnformol grill, pump. introductory odjective 1 opening,
interviewer noun questioner, inter- initial, starting, initiatory, fi rst, prelimi-
rogator, examiner, assessor, journalist, nary. 2 elementary, basic, rudimen-
reporter, inquisitor. tary, entry-level.
intimacy noun closeness, together- - OPPOSITES final, advanced.
ness, rapport, attachment, familiarity, intrude yerb encroach, impinge, tres-
friendliness, affection, warmth. pass, infringe, invade, violate, disturb,
- oPPoSITES formality. disrupt.
225 intruder -+ invincible

intruder noun trespasser, Interloper, device, gadget. 3 fabrication, concoc-

invader, infi ltrator, burglar, house- tion, (piece of) fiction, story, tale, lie,
breal<er; informol gatecrasher. untruth, falsehood, fi b.
intuition noun 1 instinct, feeling, inventive o djective cr eative, ori g na l,
i

insight, sixth sense. 2 hunch, feeling in innovative, imaginative, resourceful,

your bones, inkling, sneaking suspicion, unusual, fresh, novel, new, ground-
premonition; i nformol gut feeling. breaking, disruptive, unorthodox,
intuitive adjective instinctive, innate, unconventional.
inborn, inherent, natural, unconscious, - oPPoslTEs unimaginative.
subconscious; i nformal gut. inventor noun originator, creator,
invade verb 1 occupy, conquer, capture, designer, deviser, developer, author,
seize, take (over), annex, overrun, architect, father.
storm. 2 intrude on, violate, encroach inventory noun list, listing, catalogue,
on, infrinqe on, trespass on, disturb, record, register, checl<list, log, archive.
disrupt. invest verb put in, plough in, put up,
- OPPoSITES leave, liberate. advance, expend, spend; informol lay
invader noun attacker, conqueror, out.
raider, marauder, occupier, intruder, tr invest in put money into, sink
trespasser. money into, plough money into, fund,
invalidl odjective ill, sicl<, ailing, infirm, back, finance, underwrite.
incapacitated, bedridden, frail, sickly, investigate verb enquire into, look
poorly. into, go into, probe, explore, scrutinize,
- oPPoslTEs healthy. analyse, study, examine; lnformol check
o verb disable, incapacitate, hospital- out, suss out.
ize, put out of action, lay up. investigation noun examination,
invalid2 odjective 1 void, null and void, enquiry, study, inspection, exploration,
not binding, illegitimate, inapplicable. analysis, research, scrutiny, probe,
2 false, fallacious, spurious, unsound, review.
wrong, untenable. investigator noun researcher, exam-
invaluable odjective indispensable, iner, analyst, inspector, scrutineel
irreplaceable, all-important, crucial, detective.
vital, worth its weight in gold, priceless. investment noun 1 investing, specula-
- oPPOSITES dispensable. tion, outlay, funding, backing, financ-
invariably odverb always, at all times, ing, underwriting. 2 stake, payment,
without fail, without exception, consist- outlay, venture, proposition.
ently, habitually, unfailingly. invidious odjective 1 unpleasant, awk-
invasion noun 1 occupation, conquer- ward, difficult, undesirable, unenviable.
ing, capture, seizure, annexation, 2 unfair, unjust, unwarranted.
takeover. 2 violation, infringement, invigorate verb revitalize, energize,
interruption, encroachment, distur- refresh, revive, enliven, liven up, perk
bance, disruption, breach. up, wake up, animate, galvanize,
- OPPoslTEs withdrawal. fortify, rouse, exhilarate; informol buck
invent verb 1 originate, create, design, uP, Pep up.
devise, develop. 2 make up, fabricate, - OPPOSITES tire.
concoct, hatch, contrive, dream up; invincible odjective invulnerable,
informol cool< up. indestructible, unconquerable, unbeat-
invention noun 1 origination. crea- able, indomitable, unassailable,
tion, development, design, discovery. impregnable.
2 innovation, contraption, contrivance, - OPPOSITES vulnerable.
invisible -+ irrepressible 226

invisible odjective unseen, impercep- iron odjective 1 ferric, ferrous. 2 uncom-

tible, undetectable, inconspicuous, promising, unrelenting, unyielding,
unnoticed, unobserved, hidden, out unbending, rigid, steely.
of sight. - OPPOSITES flexible.
- oPPoSITES visible. o iron out 1 resolve, straighten out,
invitation noun request, call, sum- sort out, clear up, put right, solve, rec-
mons; informol invite. tify: informol fix. 2 eliminate, eradicate,
reconcile, resolve.
invite verb 1 ask, summon. 2 ask for, -ronic odjective 1 sarcastic, sardonic,
request, call for, appeal for, solicit,
seek.3 cause, induce, provoke, ask for, satirical, dry, wry, double-edged, mock-
encourage, lead to, bring on yourself, ing, derlsive, scornful; Brit. informol
a rouse. sarky. 2 paradoxical, funny, strange.

inviting odjective tempting, entic- irony noun 1 sarcasm, mockery,

ing, alluring, attractive, appealing, ridicule, derision, scorn; Brit informol
sarkiness. 2 paradox.
appetizing, mouth-watering, intriguing,
seductive. irrational odjective unreasonable, illog-
- oPPoSITES repellent. ical, groundless, baseless, unfounded,
unjustifiable.
invoke verb 1 cite, refer to, resort to,
have recourse to, turn to. 2 pray to, - oPPoSITES rational, Iogical.
call on, appeal to.3 bring forth, bring irrefutable a dj ective indisputable,
out, elicit, conjure up, generate. undeniable, unquestionable, incon-
trovertible, incontestable, beyond
involuntary odjective 1 reflex,
question, beyond doubt, conclusive,
automatic, instinctive, unintentional,
defi nite, defi nitive, decisive.
uncontrollable. 2 compulsory, obliga-
tory, mandatory, forced, prescribed. irregular odjective I uneven, crooked,
- OPPOSITES deliberate, optional. misshapen, lopsided, asymmetrical,
twisted. 2 rough, bumpy, uneven,
involve verb 1 entail, require, neces- pitted, rutted, lumpy, knobbly, gnarled.
sitate, demand, call for. 2 include, take
3 inconsistent, unsteady, uneven,
in, incorporate. encompass, comprise.
fitful, patchy, variable, varying, change-
cover.
able, inconstant, erratic, unstable,
- oPPoSITES preclude, exclude. spasmodic, intermittent. 4 improper,
involved odjective 1 sociol workers illegitimate, unethical, unprofessional;
involved in the cose associated, con- informol shady, dodgy. 5 guerrilla,
nected, concerned.2 he had been underground, paramilitary, partisan,
i nvolved i n bu rglo ries implicated, mercenary, terrorist.
caught up, mixed up.3 compli- o noun guerrilla, paramilitary, militia-
cated, intricate, complex, elaborate, man, resistance fighter, partisan,
convoluted, confusing. 4 engrossed, mercenary, terrorist.
absorbed, immersed, caught up, preoc- irrelevant odjective beside the point,
cupied, intent. immaterial, unconnected, unrelated,
involvement noun 1 participation, peripheral, extraneous.
collaboration, collusion, complicity, irreparable odjective irreversible,
association, connection, entanglement. irrevocable, irrecoverable, unrepairable,
2 attachment, friendship, intimacy, beyond repair.
commitment.
irrepressible odjective ebu llient,
inwards odverb inside, towards the exuberant, buoyant, breezy, jaunty,
inside, into the interior, inward, within. high-spirited, vivacious, animated, full
iota noun (little) bit, mite, speck, scrap, of life, lively; informolbubbly, bouncy,
shred, ounce, jot. peppy, chipper, chirpy, full of beans.
227 irresistible -+ itinerary

irresistible odjective 1 captivating, isolated odjective 1 remote, out of the

enticing, alluring, enchanting, fascinat- way, outlying, offthe beaten track,
ing, seductive. 2 uncontrollable, in the back of beyond, godforsaken,
overwhelming, overpowering, ungov- Inaccessible, cut-off; informol in the
ernable, compelling. middle of nowhere, In the sticks;
irresponsible odjective reckless, rash, N. Amer. informol jerkwater. 2 solitary,
careless, unwise, imprudent, ill-advised, lonely, secluded, reclusive, hermit-like;
injudicious, hasty, impetuous, fool- N. Amer.lonesome. 3 unique, lone, soli.
hardy, foolish, unreliable, undepend-
tary, unusual, exceptional, untypical,
freak; informol one-off.
able, untrustworthy.
- OPPOSITES accessible.
irreverent djective disrespectful,
o

impertinent, cheeky, flippant, rude, isolation noun 1 solitariness, loneli-

ness, friendlessness. 2 remoteness,
discourteous.
i naccessi bi lity.
- oPPoSITES respectful.
- oPPOSITES contact.
irrevocable adjective irreversible,
issue noun 1 matter, question, point at
unalterable, unchangeable, immutable,
issue, affair, case, subject, topic, situa-
final, binding, permanent, set in stone.
tion. 2 problem, difficulty, complica-
irritable odjective bad-tempered, tion, snag, hitch, catch, drawback,
short-tempered, irascible, tetchy, testy, pitfall, stumbling block; informol
grumpy, g rouchy, crotchety, cantanker- headache, hiccup. 3 edition, number,
ous, fractious, curmudgeonly. instalment, copy, impression. 4 issu-
- oPPOSITES good-humoured. ing, release, publication, distribution.
irritate verb 1 annoy, bother, vex, make averb 1 release, put out, deliver,
cross, exasperate, infuriate, anger, publish, broadcast, circulate, distribute.
madden; Bdt. rub up the wrong way; 2 supply, provide, furnish. arm, equip,
informol aggravate, peeve, rile, needle, fit out, rig out, kit out; informol fix up.
get (to), bug, hack off; 8rit. informol o take issue with disagree with, chal-
nark, get on someone's wicl<; N. Amer. lenge, dispute, (call into) question.
informol tee off, tick off. 2 inflame, itch noun 1 tingling, irritation, itchiness,
hurt, chafe, scratch, scrape, rub. prickle. 2 (informol) longing. yearning,
- OPPOSITES delight, soothe. craving, ache, hunger, thirst, urge,
irritation noun annoyance, exas- hankering ; informal yen.
peration, vexation, indignation, anger, a verb 1 tingle, be irritated, be itchy,
displeasure, chagrin. sting, hurt, be sore. 2 (informol) long,
- oPPoslTES delight. yearn, ache, burn, crave, hanker for/
after, hunger, thirst, be eager, be des-
island noun isle. islet, atoll;Brit. holm;
(islands) archipelago. perate; informol be dying.
item noun 1 thing, article, object, piece,
WORD LIT\IKS
element, constituent, component,
relating to an island ingredient. 2 issue, matter, affair,
iinsular
isolate verb separate, segregate, case, subject, topic, question, point.
detach, cut off, shut away, alienate, 3 report, story, article, piece, write-up,
distance, cloister, seclude, cordon off, bulletln, feature, review.
seal off, close of, fence off. itinerary noun route, plan, schedule,
- OPPOSITES integrate. timetable, programme.
jab + jewel 228

ri
iabverb & noun poke, prod, dig, elbow, 3 protective, vigilant, watchful, mind-
nudge, thrust. stab. push. ful, careful.
jacket noun wrapping, wrapper, sleeve, - OPPOSITES trusting.
cover, covering, sheath. jealousy noun envy, resentment,
jagged odjective spiky, barbed, ragged, bitterness; humorous the green-eyed
rough, uneven, irregulal serrated. monster.
- oPPostTEs smooth. jeer verb taunt, mock, ridicule, deride,
jail noun prison, lock-up, detention insult, abuse, heckle, catcall (at), boo
centre; A/. Amer. penitentiary, jailhouse; (at), whistle at, scoff at, sneer at; Brit.
informol clink, cooler, the slammer, barracl<.
inside; Brit. informolnick; N. Amer. - OPPOSITES applaud, cheer.
informal can, pen, slam, pokey. o noun taunt, sneer, insult, shout, jibe,
o verb imprison, incarcerate, lock up, boo, catcall, derision, teasing, scoffing,
put away, detain; informol send down, abuse, scorn, heckling, catcalling; Bdt.
put behind bars, put inside: Brit. infor- barracking.
mol bang up. - OPPOSITES applause, cheer.
- OPPOSITES acquit, release. jeopardize yerb threaten, enda nger,
jam verb 1 stuff, shove, force, ram, imperil, compromise, prejudice.
risl<,
thrust, press, push, wedge, stick, cram. - OPPOSITES safeguard.
2 crowd, pack, pile, press, squeeze,
jeopardy noun danger, peril, risk.
sandwich, cram, throng, mob, fill,
block, clog, congest.3 stick, become jerk noun 1 yank, tug, pull, wrench.
stuck, catch, seize (up). 2 jolt. lurch. bump, judder. jump,
o noun tailback, hold-up, queue, con- bounce, jounce, shake.
gestion, bottleneck; N. Amer. gridlock; a verb 1 yank, tug, pull, wrench, wrest,
informol snarl-up. drag, snatch. 2 jolt, lurch, bump, jud-
jarl noun pot, container, crock. der, bounce, jounce.
ierky odjective convulsive, spasmodic,
iar2 verb 1 jolt, jerk, shake, vibrate.
2 grate, set someone's teeth on edge, fitful, twitchy, shaky.
irritate, annoy, get on someone's - OPPOSITES smooth.
nerves. 3 clash, conflict, contrast, jet noun 1 stream, spurt, spray, foun-
be incompatible, be at variance, be tain, rush, spout, gush, surge, burst.
at odds. 2 nozzle, head, spout.
jargon noun slang, idiom, cant, argot, jettison verb dump, drop, ditch, throw
gobbledegook; informol lingo, geek. out, get rid of, discard, dispose of,
speak, -speak, -ese. scrap.
jaunt noun trip, outing, excursion, tour, jetty noun pier, landing (stage), quay,
drive, ride, rrn; informalspin, junket. wharf, dock, breakwater, groyne, mole;
iaws plurol noun mouth, maw, muzzle, tV. Amer levee.
mandibles: informol chops. jewel noun 1 gem, gemstone, (pre-
jealous odjective 1 envious, covetous, cious) stone; informol sparl<ler, rock.
resentful, grudging, green with envy. 2 showpiece, pride (and joy), cream,
2 suspicious, distrustful, posses- crdme de la crdme, jewel in the crown,
sive, proprietorial, overprotective. prize, pick.
229 jibe -+ journey

jibe noun taunt, sneer, jeer, insult, barb; iolntly odverb together, in partner-
informol dig, put-down. ship, in cooperation, cooperatively, in
conjunction, in combination, mutually,
iiltverb leave, walk out on, throw over,
finish with, break up with, stand up, in league.
leave at the altar', informol chuck, ditch, joke noun 1 witticism, jest, quip, pun;
dump. drop. run out on. give someone informol gag, wisecrack, crack, funny,
the push/elbow, give someone the one-liner. 2 trick, prank, stunt, hoax,
big E. jape: informal leg-pull, spoof, wind-up.
jingle noun & verb clink, chink, tinkle, 3 (informol) laughing stock, figure
jangle, ring. of fun, Aunt Sally. 4 (informol) farce,
travesty.
jinx noun curse, spell, the evil eye, o verb tell jokes, jest, banter, quip;
black magic, voodoo, bad luck; informol wisecrack, josh.
N. Amer. hex.
joker noun comedian, comedienne,
o verb curse, cast a spell on; Austro/. comic, humorist, wit, jester, prankster,
point the bone at; tV. Amer. hex.
practical jol<er, clown.
job noun 1 position, post, situation,
iolly odjective cheerful, happy, cheery,
appointment, occupation, profession, good-humoured, jovial, merry, sunny,
trade, career, work, vocation, calling, joyful, light-hearted, in high spirits,
m6tier. 2 task, piece of work, assign- buoyant, bubbly, genial; informol chip-
ment, mission, project, undertaking, per, chirpy, perky; /irerory blithe.
operation, duty, chore, errand, respon- - oPPoSITES miserable.
sibility, charge, role, function; informol
jolt verb 1 push, jar, bump, knock, bang,
department.
shake, jog.2 bump, bounce, jerk,
jobless odjective unemployed, out of rattle, lurch, shudder, judder, jounce.
work, unwaged, redundant, laid off; 3 startle, surprise, shock, stun, shake;
Brit. informolon the dole; Conod. infor. informol rock, knock sideways.
mol on pogey; Austrol.f NZ informal on o noun bump, bounce, shake, jerk,
the wallaby track. lurch, jounce.
- oPPostrES employed. jostle verb 1 push, shove, elbow, barge
iogverb 1 run, trot, lope.2 nudge, into, bang into, bump against, knock
prod, poke, push, bump,jar. against. 2 photogrophers jostled for
join verb 1 the two ports ore joined with position struggle, vie, jockey, scramble,
c/oy connect, unite, couple, fix, affix, fight.
attach, fasten, stick, glue, fuse, weld, journal noun 1 periodical. magazine,
amalgamate, bond, link, yoke, merge, gazette, review, newsletter, news-
secure, make fast, tie, bind.2 the poth sheet, bulletin, newspaper, paper, daily,
joins o mojor rood meet, touch, reach. weekly, monthly, quarterly. 2 diary,
3 he joined the seorch porty help in, log, logbook, weblog, blog, chronicle,
participate in, get involved in, contrib- history, yearbook; N. Amer daybook.
ute to, enlist in, join up, sign up, band journalist noun reporter, correspond-
together, get together, team up. ent, columnist; Brit. pressman; informol
- OPPOSITES separate, leave. news hound, hack, hackette, stringer,
joint noun join, junction, intersection, journo.
link, connection, weld, seam, coupling. journey noun trip, expedition, tour,
o adjective common, shared, com- trek, travels, voyage, cruise, ride, drive,
munal, collective, mutual, cooperative, crossing, passage, flight, odyssey,
collaborative, concerted, combined, pilgrimage, safari, globetrotting; o/d
united, allied. use peregrinations.
- OPPOSITES separate. a verb travel, go, voyage, sail, cruise,
jovial -+ junction 230

fly, hike, trek, ride, drive, make your verdict, decision, adjudication, ruling,
way. pronouncement, decree, fi nding,
iovial odjective cheerful, jolly, happy, sentence.
cheery, jocular, good-humoured, judgemental adjective critical, censori-
convivial, genial, good-natured, afable, ous, disapproving, disparaging, depre-
outgoing, smiling, merry, sunny; /iter- cating, negative, overcritical.
ory blithe. judicious odjective wise, sensible,
- oPPoSlTEs miserable. prudent, shrewd, astute, canny, dis-
ioy noun delight, pleasure, jubilation, cerning, sagacious, strategic, politic,
triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happi- expedient.
ness, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, - OPPoSITES ill-advised.
rapture.
- OPPOSITES misery.
iug noun pitcher, ewer, crock, jar, urn,
nason, decanter; A/. Amer:
ioylul odjective 1 cheerful, happy, jolly, iiJlli;ll'u,
merry, sunny, joyous, cheery, smil- juice noun liquid, fluid, sap, extract,
ing, jovial, mirthful, gleeful, pleased, concentrate, essence.
delighted, thrilled, jubilant, elated,
iuicy odjective 1 succulent, tender,
ecstatic; informol over the moon, on
cloud nine.2 joyful news pleasing, moist, ripe. 2 (informol) sensational,
happy, good, cheering, gladdening,
fascinating, intriguing, exciting,
welcome, gratifying, heart-warming. graphic, lurid.
- oPPosrrES sad. - OPPOSITES dry.

jubilant odjective overjoyed, exultant,

jumble noun heap, muddle, mess,
triumphant, joyful, cock-a-hoop, elated, tangle, confusion, disarray, chaos,
thrilled, gleeful, euphoric, ecstatic; hotchpotch; N. Amer. hodgepodge;
lnformol over the moon, on cloud nine. informol shambles.
- OPPOSITES despondent. a yerb mix up, muddle up, disorganize,
disorder, tangle, confuse.
jubilee noun anniversary, commemora-
tion, celebration, festival. jump verb 1 leap, spring, bound, vault,
hop, skip, caper, dance, prance. 2 pre-
judge noun 1 justice, magistrate,
tox profits jumped rise, go up, shoot up,
recorder, sheriff; iV. Amer. jurist; Brit.
soar, surge, climb, increase; informal
informal beak. 2 adjudicator, referee,
skyrocket. 3 the noise mode her jump
umpire, arbil.er, assessor, examiner.
start, jolt, flinch, recoil, shudder.
moderator, scrutineer.
a noun 1 leap, spring, bound, hop,
a verb 1 conclude, decide, consider,
skip. 2 rise, leap, increase, upsurge,
believe, think, deduce, infer, gauge,
upswing; informolhike. 3 start, jerk,
estimate, guess, surmise, conjecture,
spasm, shudder.
regard as, rate as, class as; informol
reckon, figure. 2 she wos judged jumper noun (Brit ) sweater, pullover,
innocent pronounce, decree, rule, find. jersey; informol woolly.
3 adjudicate, arbitrate, moderate, iumpy odjective (informol) nervous, on
referee, umpire. 4 assess, evaluate, edge, edgy, tense, anxious, restless,
appraise, examine, review. fidgety, keyed up, overwrought; infor-
judgement noun 1 sense, discernment, moljittery, uptight, het up; tV. Arner:
perception, discrimination, understand- informol antsy.
ing, powers of reasoning, reason, logic. - opposltrs calm.
2 opinion, vieW estimate, appraisal, junction noun crossroads, intersection,
conclusion, diagnosis, assessment, interchange, T-junction, turn, turn-off,
impression, conviction, percep- exit; Brlt. roundabout; N. Amer. turnout,
tion, thinking. 3 o court judgement cloverleaf.
231 junior --> iuvenile

odlective Younger, minor. justifi cation, soundness, well-founded-

-iunior
subordinate, lower. lesser, Iow-ranking, ness, legitimacy. 3 judge, magistrate,
inferior, secondarY. recorder, sheriff; iV. Amer: jurist.
- oPPoslrEs
junk
senior, older. Iwoffi
noun (informol) rubbish, cluLter. judicial relating to a system of iustice
- odds and ends. bric-a-brac, refuse. lit'
ter, scrap, waste, debris; N. Amer. trash.
justifi able
odiective valid, legitimate,
warranted, well founded, justified, just,
1 o iust society fair,
-iust odlective reasonable, tenable, defensible, sound,
[air-minded, equitable, even-handed'
warrantable.
impartial, unbiased, objective, neutral,
- oPPoslrES unjustifi able, unwarranted.
disinterested, unprejudiced, honour-
able, upright, decent, principled. 2 o justification noun grounds, reason,
iust reword deserved, well deserved, basis, rationale, premise, vindication,
well earned, meri[ed. rightful, due, explanation, defence, argument, case.
proper, fi tting, apPropriate, defensible, justify verb 1 give grounds for, give
justified, justifiable. reasons for, explain, account for,
- oPPOSITES unfair. defend, vindicate, excuse, exoneTate.
oodverb 1 exactlY, PreciselY, abso- 2 warrant, be good reason for.
lutely, completely, totally, entirely,
perfectly. utterly. thorou ghly : informol
jut verb stick out, project, prol.rude,
buige out, overhang, beetle.
dead. 2 narrowly, only just, by a hair's
breadth, by the skin of Your teeth, juvenile adjective 1 young, teenage,
barely, scarcely, hardly; informolby a adolescent, junior. 2 childish, imma-
whisker. ture, puerile, infantile, babYish.
justice noun 1 fairness, justness, fair - OPPosITES adult, mature.
- play, fair-mindedness, equity, right, o nourr child, youngster, teenager,
even-handedness, honestY, moral- adolescent, minor, junior; informol kid-
ity.2 the justice of his cose validity, - OPPoSITES adult.
keel -+ killer 232

Kl(
keel verb keeping noun care, custody, charge,
o keel over 1 capsize, turn turtle, turn guardianship, possession, trust,
upside down, founder, overturn, turn protection.
over, tip over.2 collapse, faint, pass o in keeping with consistent with, in
out, black out, swoon. harmonywith, in accord with, in agree-
keen adjective 1 |m keen to help eager, ment with, in line with, in character
anxious, intent, impatient, determined; with, compatible with, appropriate to,
informolraring, itching, dying.2 o keen befi tting, suitable for.
birdwotcher enthusiastic, avid, ardent, key noun 1 the key to the mystery
fervent, conscientious, committed, answer, clue, solution, explanation,
dedicated, motivated. 3 o girl he wos basis, foundation.2 the key to success
keen on attracted to, interested in, means, way, route, path, passPort,
fond of, taken with, smitten with, secret, formula.
enamoured of; informol struck on. 4 o o odjective crucial, central, essential,
keen mind acute, penetrating, astute, indispensable, pivotal, critical, vital,
incisive, sharp, perceptive, piercing, principal, prime, major, leading, main,
razor-sharp, shrewd, discerning, clever, important.
intelligent, brilliant, bright, smart, kickverb boot, punt.
wise, insightful.5 o keen sense of duty o noun (informol) I get o kick out of
intense, acute, fierce, passionate, burn- driving thrill, excitement, stimulation,
inq, fervent, strong, powerful. tingle, frisson; informol buzz, high;
- OPPOSITES reluctant, unenthusiastic. N. Amer. informol charge.
keep verb 1 I kept the forms retain, o kick off (informol) start, commence,
hold on to, save, store, put by/aside, begin, get going, get off the ground,
set aside; informolhang on to.2keep get under way, open, set in motion,
colm remain. stay. 3 he keeps going launch, initiate, introduce, inaugurate.
on obout if persist in, keeP on, carry kid noun (informol) child, youngster,
on, continue, insist on. 4 keep the rules baby, toddler, tot, infant, boy, girl,
comply with, obey, observe, conform minor, juvenile, adolescent, teenager,
to, abide by, adhere to, stick to, heed, youth, stripling; Scottish bairn; informol
follow, carry out, act on, mal<e good, kiddie, nipper, kiddiewink; Brit. informol
honour, keep to, stand by. 5 keeping the sprog; A/. Amer. informol rug rat; Aus'
old troditions preserve, keep alivei up,
trol. I NZ ankle-biter; derogotory brat.
carry on, perpetuate, maintain, uphold.
6 he stole to keep his fomily provide for, kidnap verb abduct, carry off, capture,
support, feed, maintain, sustain, take seize, snatch, take hostage.
care of, look after. 7 she keeps robbits kill verb murder, assassinate, eliminate,
breed, rear, raise, tend, farm, own. terminate, dispatch, execute, slaughter,
a noun maintenance, upkeeP, sus- exterminate, butcher, massacre; infor-
tenance, board (and lodging), food, mol bump off, do away with, do in, top,
livelihood. take out, blow away; N. Amer. informol
keeper noun curator, custodian, rub out, waste; /iterory slay.
guardian, conservator, ad ministrator, killer noun murderer, assassin, butcher,
overseer, steward, caretaker, atten- gunman, terminator, executioner;
dant, concierge. informolhit man.
233 killing --; knotted

killing noun murder, assassination, informolbrss.

homicide, manslaughter, execu- kit noun 1 equipment, tools, imple-
tion, slaughter, massacre, butchery, ments, instruments, gadgets, utensils,
bloodshed, carnage, extermination, appliances, gear, tackle, hardware,
genocide. paraphernalia; informol things, stuff;
kin noun relatives, relations, family, kith Militory accoutrements. 2 (informol)
and l<in, kindred, kinsfoll<, l<insmen, clothes, clothing, garments, outfit,
kinswomen, people; informol folks. dress, costume, attire, garb, strip;
informolgear, get-up, rig-out. 3 o foo/
kindl noun sort, type, variety, style, kit set, selection, collection, pack.
form, class, category, genre, genus,
tr kit out equip, fit (out/up), furnish,
s peci es.
supply, provide, issue, dress, clothe,
kind2 odjective kindly, good-natured, attire, rig out, deck out; informol fix up.
kind-hearted, warm-hearted, caring,
knack noun 1 gift, talent, flair, instinct,
affectionate, loving, warm, considerate, genius, ability, capability, capacity, apti-
obliging, compassionate, sympathetic, tude, bent, facility, trick; informoltFe
understanding, benevolent, benign, hang of something. 2 tendency, habit,
altruistic, unselfish, generous, charita- liability, propensity.
ble, philanthropic, helpful, thoughtful,
humane; Brit. informol decent.
knickers p/uro I noun (Brit.) underpants,
briefs; Brit. pants; informol panties,
- oPPosrrEs unklnd. undies;Brit.informolsmalls;doted,,.ti':::i;itii;;,
kindle verb 1 light, ignite, set light to, drawers: historicol bloomers.
set fire to; informol torcf,.2 rouse,
knife verb stab, hack, gash, slash, lacer-
arouse, wake, awaken, stlmulate,
ate, cut, bayonet, wound.
inspire, stir (up), excite, fire, trigger,
activate, spark off. knit verb unite, unify, bond, fuse, coa-
lesce, merge, meld, blend, joln, link.
- oPPostrES extinguish.
kindly odjective benevolent, kind, knob noun lump, bump, protrusion,
protuberance, bulge, swelling, knot,
kind-hearted, warm-hearted, generous,
good-natured, gentle, warm, compas- nodule, boss.
sionate, caring, loving, benign, well knock verb 1 bang, tap, rap, thump,
meaning, considerate. pound, hammer, beat, strike, Lil: infor-
- oPPOSITES unkind, cruel. mol bash. 2 collide with, bump into,
run into, crash into, smash into, plough
kindness noun kindliness, affection,
into; tV. Amer. impact.
warmth, gentleness, concern, care,
o noun tap, rap, rat-tat, knocking,
consideration, altruism, unselfi shness,
bang, banging, pounding, hammering,
compassion, sympathy, benevolence,
thump, thud.
generosity.
o knock down 1 fell, floor, flatten,
- oPPoSITES unkindness.
knock over, rugby-tackle, run over/
king noun ruler, sovereign, monarch, down. 2 demolish, pull down, tear
Crown, His Majesty, emperor, prince, down, destroy, raze, level, flatten, bull-
potentate. doze. knock out knock unconscious,
kingdom noun realm, domain, domin- floor, prostrate; informol lay out, KO,
ion, country, empire, land, territory, fel l.
nation. (sovereign) state, province. knot noun o knot of people cluster,
kiss verb informolpeck, smooch, group, band, huddle, bunch, circle, ring.
canoodle, neck, pet; Brit. informol snog; a verb tie, fasten, secure, bind, do up.
N. Amer. informol buss; formol osculate. knotted o d j ective tangled, matted,
o noun informol peck, smack, smacl<er, snarled, unkempt, tousled; informal
smooch; Brit. informolsnog; tV. Amer mussed up.
know -+ kudos 234

know verb 7 she doesn't know I'm realization, cognition, apprehension,

here be aware, realize, be conscious, perception, appreciation, cognizance.
be cognizant. 2 I know the rules be - OPPOSITES ignorance.
familiar with, be conversant with, be wono r-rrrrrs
acquainted with, be versed in, have a
gnostic relating to knowledqe
grasp of, understand, comprehend;
informol be clued up on. 3 do you know knowledgeable odjective 1 well
herT be acquainted with, have met, be informed, learned, well read, (well)
familiar with; Scottrsh ken. educated, erudite, scholarly, cultured,
know-how nou n (i nformol) expertise, cultivated, enlightened. 2 he's knowl.
skill, proficiency, knowledge, under. edgeoble obout ort conversant with,
standing, mastery, technique; informol familiar with, well acquainted with, au
savvy. fait with, up on, up to date with,
knowing odjecflve signifi cant, abreast of; informol clued up on.
meaningful, expressive, suggestive, - OPPOSITES ignorant.
eloquent, superior. known odjective recognized, wel!
knowledge noun 1 understanding, known, widely known, noted,
comprehension, grasp, command, celebrated, notable, notorious,
mastery, familiarity, acquaintance; acknowledged.
informol l<now-how. 2 learning, erudi- kudos noun prestige, cachet, glory,
tion, education, scholarship, schoolinq, honour, status, standing, distinction,
wisdom. 3 awareness, consciousness, admiration, respect, esteem.
 Commonly confused words
There are many words in English which look or sound alike but have quite different
meanings. These words are very easy to confuse and most spellcheckers will not
be able to help in those situations in which a word is spelled correctly but used in
the wrong context. This section provides a quick-reference guide to the differences
betureen those pairs of words that commonly cause problems.

Word 2 Meaning
Y:lll .Y:.qT.,.q. .

accept to agree to receive or do except not including; apart

from
access the means to enter EXCESS an amount that is too
somewhere or much
opportunity to use
something
adverse rrnfavorrrable or harmfi rl strongly disliking or
opposed
advice recommendations about advise to recommend
what to do something
affect to change or make a effect a resuit; to bdng about
difference to a result
aisle a passage between rows isle an island
of seats
all together all in one place or all altogether in total; completely; on
at once the whole
allusion an indirect reference illusion a false idea or belief
aloud out loud allowed permitted
altar sacred table in a church alter to change
amoral not concerned with immoral not following accepted
dght or wrong moral standards
ante- before (e.g. antedate\ anti- against
(e.9. anildepressont)
appraise to aSSeSS apprise to inform someone
assent approval or agreement ascent an act ofgoing up
something
augur to be a sign ofa good or auger a tool for boring holes
bad outcome
aural relating to the ears or oral relating to the mouth;
hearing spoken
balmy pleasantly warm barmy ctazy
bare naked; to uncover bear to carryl to tolerate
base the lowest or supporting bass the lowest male singing
part; a centre of voice; the deep low-
operations frequency part of sound
bated with bated breath (i.e. in baited taunted
great suspense)
Commonly confused words

Word 1 Meaning Word 2 Meaning

bazaar a Middle Eastern market bizarre very strange

berth a bunk in a ship, birth the process ofbeing
train, etc. born
blanch make ot become blench flinch through fear or
white or pale pain
born having staited life borne carried
brake a device for stopping a break to separate into pieces;
vehicle: to stop a vehicle a pause
breach a gap in a barrier; an breech the back part of a rifle
act that breaks a rule or gun barrel
or agleement
broach to raise a subject for brooch a piece of jewellery
discussion
canvas a q?e of strong cloth CANVASS to ask for people's votes
cann0n a large hear'y gun canon a rule or law; a list of
books; a clergyman
censure to criticize severely censor to ban parts of a book
or fllm; an official who
does this
chord a group of musical notes cord a length of stdng; a
cord-1ike body part
climactic forming a climax climatic relating to climate
coarse rough c0urse a direction
complacent smugiy self-satisfled complaisant willing to please
complement to add to so as to compliment to politely congratulate
improve; an addition or praise; a polite
that improves expression ofpraise
something
complementary combining to form a complimentary praising; given free of
whole or to improve charge
something
council a group ofpeople who counsel advice; to advise
manage or advise
councillor a membcr of a council counsellor a person giving guidance
on personal problerns
credible believable; convincing credulous too ready to believe
things
a sign;rl for action; :r queue a line ofpeopie or
wooden rod vehicles
curb to control or put a limit kerb (in British English)
on; a control or limit the stone edge ofa
pavenent
currant a dried grape current happening now; a flow of
water, afu, or electricity
defuse to make a situation less diffuse to spread over a wide
tense area
dependant a person who relies on dependent determined; relying on
another for support
 Commonly conf used words

Y9t9.l ... ...... .Y:.qli.'.q

Word 2 lvleaning

desert a waterless, empty area dessert the sweet course ofa

meal
discreet carefttl not to attract discrete separate and distinct
attention or give offence
disinterested impartial uninterested not interested
draught a current ofair draft a flrst version ofa piece
of writing; to write such
a version
draw to produce a picture; to drawer a sliding storage
pull; an even score at compartment
the end of a gane
dual l'raving two parts duel a fight or contest
between two people
elicit to draw out a response illicit forbidden by iaw or
or reaction rules
emigrant a person who leaves immigrant a person who has come
their country to settle to live perrnanently in a
permanently in another foreign country
emotional showing strong feeling emotive arousing strong feeling
empathy the ability to understand sympathy the feeling ofbeing
another person's sorry for soneone
feelings
ensure to make certain that insure to pay money in order
something will happen to receive financial
compensation if a
person dies or property
is damaged
envelop to cover or surtound envelope a paper container for a
letter
exceptional unusual or unusually exceptionable causing disapproval or
good offence
exercise physical activity: to do exorcize to ddve out an evil spirit
physical activiry
faint to lose consciousness; feint a pretended attacking
not clearly seen, heard, movement; to make
or smelled such a moventent
fawn a young deer; light faun a m)'thical being, part
browl man, pafi goat
flair a natural ability or flare a brief burst of flame
talent or light; to gradually
becorne wider
flaunt to display in a way flout to openly fail to follow
intended to attract a rule
attention
flounder to have trouble doing founder to fail
something
forbear to stop yourselffrom forebear an ancestor
doing something
Commonly confused words

Word 1 Meaning Word 2 lMeaning

foreword an introduction to a forward onwards; ahead

book
freeze to turn to ice frieze a decoration along a
wall
Gallic French Gaelic Celtic
grisly causing horror or disgust gtizzly a tlpe ofbear
hanger a person who hangs hangar a building in which
something, or a frame to aircraft are kept
hang clothes on
historic famous or important in historical relating to history
history
hoard a store of money or horde a large crowd ofpeople
valuable objects
hummus or a chickpea dlp humus a substance found in soil
houmous
imply to suggest indirectly infer to draw a conclusion
about something not
directly stated
incredible impossible to believe incredulous unwilling or unable to
believe something
internment irnprisonment interment burial
its belonging to it it's short for i, is or ir hds
judicial relating to a law court judicious sensible
or judge
lama a Buddhist monk llama an animal related to the
camel
licence apermit to own or do license to gTant a licence or
something authorize something
lightening getting lighter lightning a high-voltage electrical
discharge; very quick
loath reluctant or unwilling loathe to hate
loose to unfasten or set free; lose to have something taken
not fixed in place away; to be unable to
find
meter a measuring device metre a unit of measurement;
rhlthm in poetry
militate to make it very difficult mitigate to make something less
for something to happen severe
or exist
muscle tissue that moves a body MUSSEI a shellflsh
part
omit to leave out emit to give out light, heat,
gas, etc.
parn an unpleasant feeling pane a sheet ofglass
palate the roof of the mouth palette a board for mixing
colours
pedal a foot-operated lever; peddle to sell goods or spread
to work the pedals ofa an idea
birycle
 Commonly confused words

... Word 2 Meaning

Y:19.1... ....Y9.q1',,.q
peninsula piece oflandjutting out peninsular relating to a peninsula
into the sea
perpetrate to carry out a bad or perpetuate to make something
illegal act continue for a long time
pole a long, thln piece of poll the process ofvoting in
wood; each of the t\,vo an election
opposite points of a
magnet
pore a tiny opening; to study pour to flow in a steady
or read something stream
closelY
practice the use of an idea or practise to do something
method; the work or repeatedly to improve
business ofa doctor, your skil1; to carry
dentlst, etc. something out reguiarly
prescribe to authorize the use of proscribe to officially forbid
a medicine: to order something
authodtatively
principal most importantl the principle a 1aw or theory on
most important person which something is
in an organization based; a belief
prophecy a prediction ofa ftlture prophesy to predict a future event
event
quiet making little or no noise quite moderately; completely
reign period that a monarch rein a strap used to control
ru1es; to rllle as a a horse; also used in the
monarch phrase a free rein
role a part played by an actor roll to move by turning
over and over; a rolling
movement
sceptic a person who tends septic infected with bacteria
to questlon accePted
opinions
shear to cut the wool offa sheer nothing but; to change
sheep course quicklY
sight the ability to see site a location
silicon an element used in silicone a substance used in
electronics cosmetic in-rPlants
stationary not moving stationery paper and writing
materials
storey ofa building
a level story a tale or account

straight without a curve or bend strait a narrow passage of

water; (straits) trouble or
difficulff
summary a brief statement of the summery gpicai of summer
main points
swat to hit or crush swot to study hard
tail the rear or end part tale a story
Commonly confused words

yergl l\4eaning Word 2 l\,4eaning

team ;;;;;i;;";i;
playing
teem to be fu1l of something;
or working to pour down
together
their belonging to them there in, at, or to that place
titillate to interest or excite- titivate to make more attractive
especially sexually
to in the direction of too excessively; in addition
toe part ofthe foot; also in tow to pu1l something along
toe the line behind a vehicle or boat
tortuous flll1 of twists and turns: torturous fu1l of pain or suffering
complicated
vain having too high an vein a tube that carries blood
opinion ofyourself around the body
venal open to bdbery venial (of a sin) slight and able
to be forgiven
waive to choose not to insist WAVE to move to and fro; a
on a right ridge of water
who's short for who is or whose belonging to which
who hos person
wreath an arrangement of wreathe to sunound or encircle
flowers
y0ur belonging to you you're short foryou are
 Wordfinder

Contents
Animals 7 Young Animals Fruit and Nuts
Amphibians Collective Names for Pasta
Birds Animals Sweets and Confectionery
Crustaceans Chemical Elements l'l Vegeta bles
Dinosaurs Alcoholic Drinks
Fish
Clothing 12
Non-alcoholic Drinks
Clothes
lnsects Phobias '17
Footwear
Mammals
Reptiles Headgea r Plants 1 8
Food and Drink 13 Flowering Plants
Shellfish and Other
Bread and Bread Rolls and Shrubs
Molluscs
Cakes, Biscuits, and Trees and Shrubs
Spiders and Other
Arachnids Desserts
Male and Female Animals Cheeses

Animals
Amphibians
axolotl fire salamander horned toad newt tree frog
bullfrog flying frog marsh frog salamander
cane toad frog natterjack toad toad

Birds
albatross brzzard dabchick goldcrest house martin
Arctic tern Canada goose dipper golden eagle hummingbird
auk canary dodo goldfinch ibis
avocet capercail lie dotterel g oose jackdaw
barnacle goose ca racara dove goshawk jav
barn owl cassowary ducl< great tit kestrel
Bewick's swan chaffinch dunlin grebe kingfisher
bird of paradise chicken du nnock g reen kite
bittern chiffchaff eagle woodpecker kittiwake
blackbird choug h eagle owl greenfinch kiwi
blackcap coal tit egret grouse kookaburra
black swan cockatiel eider duck guillemot lammergeier
bluebird cockatoo emperor penguin guineafowl lapwing
blue tit condor emu gull lark
booby coot fa lco n ha rrier linnet
bowerbird cormorant fa ntail hawfinch lovebird
brambling corncrake fieldfare hawk lyrebird
budgerigar crane flnch hen macaw
bullflnch crossbill flamingo heron magpie
bunting crow flycatcher hobby mallard
bustard cuckoo fulmar hoopoe m a rtin
butcherbird curlew gannet hornbill merlin
 Wordfinder
moa peacock redpoll skylark tit
mockingbird peewit redstart snipe toucan
moorhen pelican redwing sParrow turkey
mynah bird penguin rhea sparrowhawk vulture
nightingale peregrine falcon ring ouzel spoonbill wagtail
nightjar petrel roadru nner starling warbler
nuthatch pheasant robin stonechat waxwing
osprey pigeon rook stork weaver bird
ostrich pipit sandpiper storm petrel woodcock
ouzel plover seagull sunbird woodlark
owl ptarmigan shag swallow woodpecker
oystercatcher puffin shearwater swan wren
parakeet quail shelduck swift yellowhammer
parrot raven shrike tern
partridge red kite skua thrush

Crustaceans
barnacle crevette hermit crab land crab shrimp
crab fiddler crab horseshoecrab langoustine spider crab
crawfish ghost crab king prawn lobster woodlouse
crayfish goose barnacle krill prawn

Dinosaurs
allosaurus coelurosaur hadrosaur pterodactyl theropod
ankylosaur deinonychus iguanodon raptor triceratops
apatosaurus diplodocus megalosaurus saurischian tyrannosaurus
brachiosaurus dromaeosaur pliosaur sauropod velociraptor
brontosaurus duck-billed protoceratops seismosaurus
carnosaur dinosaur pteranodon stegosaurus

Fish
anchovy cod gourami lungfish pollack
angelfish coelacanth grayling mackerel porbeagle
anglerfish coley great white shark mako porcupine fish
archerfish conger eel grouper manta puffer fish
barbel dab gudgeon marlin rabbitfish
barracouta dace gulper eel megamouth rainbow trout
barracuda damselflsh guppy minnow ray
basking shark dogfish gurnard monkfish roach
bass dorado haddock moray eel sailfish
beluga dory hake mudskipper salmon
blenny Dover sole halfbeak mullet sardine
bluefin eel halibut needlefish sawfish
boxfish electric eel hammerhead nurse shark scorpionfish
bream electric ray herring oarfish sea horse
brill fighting fish hoki orfe shad
brisling filefish huss parrotfish shark
bullhead flatfish .lohn Dory perch skate
butterfly fish flathead koi carp pike skipjack tuna
carP flounder lamprey pilchard skipper
catfish flying fish lanternfish pilotfish smelt
charr garfish Iemon sole pipefish snaPPer
chub goby loach piranha sockeye salmon
clownfish goldfish lumpsucker plaice sole
 Wordfinder
sprat sunfish thresher tunny whitefish
stargazer surgeonfish tiger shark turbot whiting
stickleback swordfish tope weever wobbegong
stingray swordtail trigger{ish whaler wrasse
stonefish tench trout whale shark zander
sturgeon tetra tuna whitebait

lnsects
ant chigger froghopper leatherjacket sexton beetle
ant lion cicada fruit fly leech silverfish
aphid click beetle furniture beetle locust springtail
assassin bug cockchafer gadfly lou se stag beetle
bark beetle cockroach gall wasp ma ntis stick insect
bedbug Colorado beetle glow-worm mason bee stink bug
bee crane fly gnat l\ilay bug termite
beetle cricket goliath beetle mayfly thrips
blackfly daddyJong-legs grasshopper mealy bug thunderbug
blowfly damselfly greenbottle midge thunderfly
bluebottle death-watch greenfly mosquito tsetse fly
boll weevil beetle honeybee moth warble fly
bombardier devil's coach- hornet pond skater wasp
beetle horse horsefly praying mantis water beetle
borer dragonfly housefly rhinoceros beetle water boatman
botfly dung beetle hoverfly robber fly weevil
bumblebee earwig lacewing sandfly whirligig
butterfly firefly ladybird sawfly whitefly
caddis fly flea leafcutter ant scale insect witchetty grub
carpet beetle fluke leafhopper scarab
chafer fly leaf miner scorpion fly

Mammals
aardvark bottlenosewhale dolphin giraffe killer whale
alpaca bowhead whale donkey gnu kin kajou
a ngora buffalo dormouse goat Kodiak bear
anteater bushbaby dromedary gopher kudu
antelope camel duck-billed gorilla langur
ape capuchinmonkey platypus grampus laughing hyena
armadillo capybara dugong grizzly bear lemming
ass caribou echidna guinea pig lemur
aurochs cat ela nd hamster leopard
baboon ch a mois elephant ha re leopard seal
badger cheetah elephant seal harp seal lio n
baleen whale chimpanzee elk hartebeest llama
Barbary ape chinchilla ermine hedgehog loris
bat chipmunk fallow deer hippopotamus lynx
beaked whale civet fen nec hog macaque
bear coati ferret horse manatee
beaver colobus fin whale howler monkey mandrill
beluga cougar flying fox humpback whale margay
bison cow fox hyena marmoset
blue whale coyote fur seal hyrax marsupial
boar coypu gazel le ibex ma rte n
bobcat deer gemsbok impala meerkat
bottlenose dingo gerbil jackal mink
dolphin dog gibbon jag ua r minke whale
Wordfinder 10

mole oryx porpoise sheep vervet monkey

mongoose otter possum shrew vole
monkey ox potto skunk walrus
moose panda puma sloth wapiti
mouse pangolin rabbit snow leopard warthog
mule panther raccoon sperm whale waterbuck
muntiac Peccary rat spider monkey water buffalo
musk deer Pis reindeer spiny anteater weasel
musk ox pilot whale rhinoceros springbok whale
narwhal pine marten roe deer squirrel wild boar
ocelot pipistrelle rorqual squirrel monkey wildcat
okapi platypus sea cow stoat wildebeest
oPossum polar bear seal tapir wolverine
orang-utan polecat sea lion tiger yak
orca porcupine serval vampire bat zebra

Reptiles
adder constrictor Gila monster moloch skink
alligator coral snake glass lizard monitor lizard slow-worm
anaconda corn snake grass snake pit viper smooth snake
axolotl crocodile toad
horned puff adder snake
basilisk diamondback iguana python taipan
boa constrictor terrapin Komododragon rattlesnake terrapin
bushmaster galliwasp leatherback reticulated tortoise
caiman garter snake lizard python turtle
chameleon gecko loggerheadturtle rinkhals viper
cobra gharial mamba sidewinder whip snake

Shellfish and Other Molluscs

a ba lone cowrie nerite periwinkle slug
argonaut cuttlefish nudibranch piddock snail
auger shell limpet octopus quahog squid
cephalopod mitre ormer ramshorn snail triton
clam murex oyster razor shell whelk
cockle mussel pa ua scallop winkle
conch na uti lus pearl oyster sea slug

Spiders and Other Arachnids

bird-eating spider funnel-web spider money spider spider mite wolf spider
black widow harvestman raft spider tarantula
camel spider harvest mite redback tick
chigger .jigger red spider mite trapdoor spider
crab spider mite scorpion whip scorpion

Male and Female Animals

antelope: buck, cattle: bull, cow elephant: bul/, goose: gonder, leopard: leopord,
doe chicken: cock, hen cow goose leopardess
badger: boor, sow deer: stog, doe feret: jock, gill hare: buck, doe lion: /ion, /ioness
bear: boof sow dog: dog, bitch fish: cock, hen horse: sto//ion, oltet: dog, bitch
bird: cock, hen donkey:jockoss, fox: dog, vixen more pheasant: cock,
buffalo: bul/, cow ienny goat: billy goot, kangaroo: buck, hen
cat: tom, queen dtck: droke, duck nonny doe pig: boor, sow
11 Wordfinder
rabbit: buck,doe sheep: rom, ewe tiger: tige,; whale: bul/, cow zebra: stc//ion,
seal: bull,cow swan: co6, pen tigress wolf'. dog, bitch more

Young Animals
calf (ontelope, fox, leopord, lion, filly (femole horse) weosel\ seol, wolf)
buffalo, comel, tiger, wolrus, foal (horse, zebro) kitten (cot, puppy (coyote,
cottle, elephant, wolfl fry (fsh) cougor, robbit, dog)
elk, giroffe, cygnet (swon) gosling (goose) skunk\ smolt (so/mon)
rhinoceros, sesl, duckling (duck) joey (kongoroo, lamb (sheep) squab (pigeon)
whole) eaglet (eogle) wollaby, possum) leveret (hore) tadpole (frog,
chick (chicken, elver (eel) kid (goat, roe owlet (oil) toodl
howk, pheosant\ eyas (howk) deerl parr (so/mon) whelp (dog, wolfl
colt (mole horse) fawn (coribou, kit (beaver, fercet, piglet (p,q)
cub (bodger, beor, deer) fox, mink, prp (dog, rot,

Collective Names for Animals

band (goril/os) cry (hounds) knot (toods) parliament (ow/s) stare (owls)
bask(crocodiles) descent labour (moles) pod (seo/s) string (horses)
bellowing (woodpeckers) leap (/eopords) pride (/ions) stud (mores)
(bullfinches) down (hores) litter (kiffens, plgs) rookery (rooks) swarm (bees, fTies)
bevy (roe deer, drove (bul/ocks) mob (kongoroos) safe (ducks) tiding (mogpies)
quoils,lorks, exaltation(/ork) murder (crows) school (wholes, trip (9oots)
pheasants) flight (birds) murmuration dolphins, troop (bo6oons)
bloat flock (sheep) (storlings) porpoisesl turmoil
(hippopotomi) gaggle (geese on muster (pescocks, shoal (fsh) (porpoises)
brood (chickens) lond\ penguinsl shrewdness (opes) turn (turt/es)
bury (robbits) herd (cott/e, obstinacy (buffolo) siege (herons) unkindness
busyness(Brrets) elephants) pack (hounds, skein (geese in (rovens)
charm (fnches) hive (bees) qrouse\ flight\ watch
cloud (gnots) hover (trout) pandemonium skulk (foxes) (nightingoles)
covey (portridgesl kennel (dogs) (porots) sloth (beors) yoke (oxen)
crash (rhinoceros) kindle(klttens) parade (e/ephonts) span (mules) zeal (zebros)

Chemical Elements
*Metal
-actinium (Ac) *calcium (Ca) -fermium (Fm)
krypton (Kr) neon (Ne)
-aluminium (Al) -californium (Cf) - -
fluorine (F) lanthanum (La) neptunium (Np)
-americium (Am) -francium (Fr) -lawrencium (Lr) -
carbon (C) nickel (Ni)
-antimony (Sb) .cerium (Ce) -gadolinlum (6d) . -
lead (Pb) niobium (Nb)
argon (Ar) chlorine (Cl)
-gallium (Ca) -lithium (ti)
nitrogen (N)
arsenic (As) .chromium (Cr) germanium (Ce) - -nobelium (No)
lutetium (Lu)
astatine (At)
-
cobalt (Co)
-gold (Au) "magnesium (Mg) -osmium (Os)
*
barium (Ba)
-copper (Cu) -hafnium (Hf) -
manqanese (Mn) oxygen (O)
. -curium (Cm) -
berkelium (Bk) hassium (Hs) meitnerium (Mt) palladium (Pd)
.beryllium (Be) darmstadtium -
helium (He) mendelevium phosphorus (P)
.bismuth (Bi) , .platinum (Pt)
(Ds) holmium (Ho) (Md)
bohrium (Bh) dubnium (Db) hydrogen (H)
-mercury (Hq) .
plutonium (Pu)
-dysprosium - . polonium (Po)
boron (B) (Dy) 'indium (ln) molybdenum
bromine (Br) einsteinium (Es) iodine (l) (lvlo) . potassium (K)
-cadmium (Cd) -erbium (Er) -iridium (lr) * *
neodymium praseodymium
*caesium (Cs) -
'europium (Eu) iron (Fe) (Nd) (Pr)
Wordfinder 17

roentgenium (Rg) selenium (Se)

* -
promethium tellurium (Te) uranium (U)
-rubidium (Rb) .terbium (Tb) -vanadium (V)
(Pm) silicon (5i)
*
protactinium *ruthenium (Ru) -silver (Ag) .thallium (Tl) *xenon (Xe)
(Pa) rutherfordium *sodium (Na) .thorium (Th) .ytterbium (Yb)
-radium (Ra) (R0 *strontium .thulium (Tm)
(5r) .yttrium (Y)
.samarium (Sm) sulphur (S) -tin (Sn) .zinc (Zn)
radon (Rn)
* -scandium (Sc) -tantalum (Ta) -titanium (Ti) .zirconium (Zr)
rhenium (Re)
-rhodium (Rh) seaborgium (59)
*technetium (Tc) -tungsten (W)

Clothing
Clothes
anorak corset jacket muffler sheepskin
aPron cravat jeans nightdress shell suit
ballgown crinoline jellaba nightshirt shift
bandeau crop top jerkin oilskins shirt dress
basque culottes jersey overalls shirtwaister
bell-bottoms cummerbund jibba overcoat shorts
belt cut-offs jilbab overtrousers skinny-rib
Bermuda shorts dashiki .jodhpurs palazzo pants ski pants
bib denims jogging pants pantaloons skirt
bikini dhoti jumper panties skort
blazer dinner jacket jumpsuit pants slacks
b loomers dirndl kaftan pantyhose slip
b louse djellaba kagoul parka smock
blouson djibba kameez pedal pushers smoking jacket
boa dolman kilt peignoir sock
bodice domino kimono pencil skirt stirrup pants
body donkey jacket knickers peplum stock
body stocking doublet lederhosen petticoat stocking
body warmer dress leggings pinafore stole
bolero dressing gown leg warmers pinafore dress suit
bomberjacket dress shirt leotard plastron sundress
bow tie duffel coat loden plus fours suspenders
bra dungarees loincloth polo neck sweater
braces fla n nels lumberjacket polo shirt sweatpants
breeches flares lungi poncho sweatshirt
burka/burkha/ fleece mac pu Iove r
I swimming
burqa flying jacket mackintosh/ pyjamas costume
burnous frock coat ma cintosh raincoat swimming
cagoule gilet maillot reefer jacket trunks
caPe g love mandarin jacket robe swimsuit
capri pants 9OWn mantilla roll-neck T-shirt
cardigan greatcoat mantle ruff tabard
cargo pants guernsey maxi safari jacket tailcoat
carpenter gymslip maxidress sailor suit tails
trousers haik mess jacket salopettes tank top
catsuit hair shirt midi sari tee
chador hipsters mini sarong tie
chinos hoody/hoodie miniskirt sash tights
churidars hose mitt scarf toga
coat hot pants mitten serapei sarape toP
combattrousers housecoat morning coat shawl topcoat
cords hula skirt muff sheath dress tracksuit
13 Wordfinder
trench coat tunic twinset vest windcheater
trews turtleneck ulster V-neck yashmak
trousers tutu underpants waistcoat
trouser suit tux/tuxedo underskirt waterproof
trunks tweeds vei I waxed jacket

Footwear
beetle-crusher Dr Martens lace-up plimsoll stiletto
boot (kademark) loafer PUMP thong
bootee espadrille moccasin sabot top boot
brogue flip-flop moon boot sa nda I trainer
carpet slipper galosh mukluk shoe wader
chappal gumboot mule slingback walking boot
clog half-boot overshoe sl i p-on wedge
court shoe highJow Oxford slipper wellington boot
cowboy boot hobnail boot patten snea ker
deck shoe .jackboot peep-toe snow boot
desert boot .jelly shoe platform step-in

Headgear
balaclava cloth cap garland mob cap sun hat
bandeau cocked hat glengarry mortar board tam-o:sha nter
baseball cap coif hard hat nightcap tarboosh
beanie coolie hat headba nd Pa na ma ten-gallon hat
bearskin coronet headscarf pillbox hat tiara
beret cowl helmet pixie hat top hat
biretta crash helmet hijab pork-pie hat topi
boater crown homburg sailor hat topper
bobble hat deerstalker hood skullcap toque
bonnet derby jester's cap slouch hat tricorne
bowler diadem jockey cap snood trilby
busby Dolly Varden juliet cap sola topi turban
caP dunce's cap keffiyeh som brero ve il
chaplet fedora kepi sou'wester wimple
circlet fez mantilla Stetson (trademark) wreath
cloche flat cap mitre stovepipe hat zucchetto

Food and Drink

Bread and Bread Rolls

bagel ciabatta focaccia muffin poppadom
baguette cob French stick nan/naan pu mpernickel
bannock cornbread fruit loaf panettone puri
baP cottage loaf granary bread panino rye
bloomer crumpet paratha soda bread
bridge roll damper hoagie petit pain sourdough
brioche fa rl malt loaf pikelet split tin
bun farmhouse loaf matzo pitta stollen
chapatti flatbread milk loaf POne
Wordfinder 14

Cakes, Biscuits, and Desserts

angel cake cobbler fool Pie simnel cake
apfelstrudel compote fortune cookie mousse sorbet
baba cookie frangipane muffin souffl6
baked Alaska cream cracker fruit cocktail Nice biscuit sponge
Bakewell tart cream puff fruit salad oatcake sponge pudding
baklava crdme br0l6e garibaldi pancake spotted dick
banana split crdme caramel gateau panettone steamed pudding
banoffi/ c16pe gelato panforte stollen
banoffee pie c16pe Suzette Cenoa cake parfait streusel
Bath bun crispbread gingerbread parkin strudel
Bath Oliver croquembouche ginger nut pavlova summer pudding
Battenberg crumble ginger snap peach l\4elba su ndae
beignet crumpet granita petit four Swiss roll
biscotti cupcake halwa plum duff syllabub
Black Forest custard cream hot cross bun plum pudding tapioca pudding
gateau custard pie ice cream popover tart
bla ncma ng e custard tart jelly pound cake tarte Tatin
bombe Danish pastry junket profiterole tartlet
bourbon devil's food cake Knickerbocker queen of tartufo
brack digestive Clory puddings tipsy cake
brandy snap doughnut kulfl ratafla tiramisu
bread pudding drop scone lady's finger rice pudding torte
bread-and-butter dumpling langue de chat rock cake treacle tart
pudding Dundee cake lardy cake roly-poly trifle
Brown Betty Eccles cake macaroon rusk tu rnover
brownie ecla i r Madeira cake Sachertorte tutti-frutti
bun egg custard madeleine sago pudding upside-down cake
butterfly cake Eskimo pie maid of honour Sally Lunn Victoria sponge
cabinet pudding marble cake sandwich waffie
cassata Eve's pudding matzo savarin water biscuit
charlotte fairy cake merlngue sco ne water ice
charlotte russe fa ncy milk pudding seed cake whip
cheesecake flapjack millefeuille semolina pudding yogurt
chocolate chip Florentine mince pie shortbread yule log
clafoutis flummery Mississippi mud shortcake zabaglione

Cheeses
asiago crowdie/ fo nti na Manchego ricotta
Bel Paese Fademark) crowdy fromage blanc mascarPone Romano
blue vinny curd cheese fromage frais Monterey Jack Roquefort
Boursin trademark) Danish blue 6loucester mozzarella
Brie Derby Corgonzola paneer/panir sage Derby
Caerphilly Dolcelatte Couda Parmesan scamorza
Camembert (tademark) Cruydre Parmigiano Stilton
Cha u mes Double halloumi Reggiano taleggio
Cheddar Cloucester havarti pecorino Tilsit
Cheshire Dunlop Jarlsberg (t-d"-a*) Port Salut Wensleydale
chdvre Edam Lancashire p rovolone

cottage cheese Emmental Leicester quark

cream cheese feta/fetta Limburger Red Leicester

Fruit and Nuts

almond apricot banana bilberry blackcurrant
apple avocado betel nut blackberry blueberry
15 Wordfinder
boysenberry crab apple .jujube passion fruit sapodilla
Brazil nut cranberry kiwi fruit PAWPAW satsuma
breadfruit currant kumquat Peach serviceberry
butternut damson lemon peanut sharon fruit
cantaloupe date lime pear sloe
Capegooseberry elderberry loganberry pecan star anise
carambola fig loquat persimmon sta rfruit
cashew filbert lychee pineapple strawberry
cherimoya galia melon macadamia pine nut tamarillo
cherry gooseberry mandarin pistachio tangerine
chestnut gourd mango plum tayberry
Chinese grape melon pomegranate tiger nut
gooseberry grapefruit minneola pomelo Ugli fruit ttruaem-rl
citron greengage monkey nut prickly pear walnut
cle mentine groundnut mulberry pumpkin water chestnut
cloudberry guava nectarine quince watermelon
cobnut hazelnut olive rambutan whortleberry
coconut honeydew melon ora ng e raspberry
cola nut huckleberry ortanique redcurrant
cowberry jackfruit papaya salmonberry

Pasta
agnolotti ditalini macaroni radiatori tagliolin i

angel hair farfalle noodles ravioli tortelli

cannelloni farfalline orecchiette rigatoni tortellini
capelli fettuccine ofzo spaghetti tortelloni
capellini fusilli pappardelle spaghettini tortig lioni
cappelletti lasagne Penne strozzapreti vermicelli
conchiglie linguine PiPe tagliatelle ziti

Sweets and Confectionery

aniseed ball comfit gulab.lamun liquorice allsort Pontefract cake
barley sugar cracknel gumdrop lollipop praline
bonbon crystallized fruit halva lolly rock
brittle dolly mixtures humbug marshmallow sherbet
bullseye drag6e jalebi marzipan sugared almond
butterscotch Easter egg jelly mint toffee
candy fondant jelly baby no ugat toffee apple
candyfloss fruit drop jelly bean pastil le truffie
ca ra mel fruit gum jujube pear drop Turkish delight
chew fruit pastille Kendal mint cake peppermint walnut whip
chocolate fudge laddu peppermint wine gum
coconut ice gobstopper liquorice cream

Vegetables
aduki/adzuki beetroot butternutsquash celery creSs
bean black bean cabbage chard cucumber
a lfalfa black-eyed bean calabrese chervil curly kale
artichoke borlotti bean cannellinibean chickpea eggplant
asPa rag us breadfruit capsicum chicory endive
aubergine broad bean carrot Chinese leaves fen nel
bamboo shoots broccoli cassava corn on the cob flageolet bean
bean Brussels sprout cauliflower cos lettuce French bean
beet butter bean celeriac courgette garlic
Wordfinder 't6

gherkin lollo rosso pepper savoy cabbage sweetcorn

globe artichoke mangetout petits pois shallot sweet pepper
gourd marrow pimiento snow Pea sweet potato
haricot bean marrowfat pea pinto bean soybean tomato
Jerusalem mooli pla ntain spinach tu rnip
artichoke mung bean potato spinach beet vegetable
kale mushroom pumpkin spring greens spag hetti
kidney bean mustard radicchio spring onion water chestnut
kohlrabi okra radish squash watercress
leek onion rocket string bean waxpod
lentil pak choi runner bean sugar Pea yam
lettuce parsni p salsify sugar snap pea zucchini
lima bean Pea samphire swede

Alcoholic Drinks
absinthe chartreuse kirsch muscatel sch napps
advocaat cherry brandy kilmmel oloroso Scotch whisl<y
alcopop cider kvass ouzo scrumpy
ale claret lager pale ale Sekt
amaretto cocktail Liebfraumilch palm wine sha ndy
amontillado cognac light ale pastis sherry
aquavit crEme de liqueur perry single malt
Armagnac menthe Madeira Pils slivovitz
barley wine curaeao malmsey Pilsner/Pi lsener sloe gin
beer fine malt port Spumante
bitter champagne malt whisky porter stout
bock fino manzanilla poteen tequ ila
bourbon genever maraschino raki Tia Maria
brandy qin Marsala ratafia triple sec
brown ale ginger wine mead retsina vermouth
burgundy grappa mescal ros6 vinho verde
Calvados hock mild rum vodka
cassis ice beer milk stout rye whiskey
cava lrish coffee moscato sack whisky
champagne lrish whiskey muscat sake wine

Non-alcoholic Drinks
barley water citron press6 burdock fruit tea infusion
bitter lemon club soda decaf ginger ale isotonic drink
buttermilk (trademark) decaffeinated ginger beer jasmine tea
cafe au lait cocoa coffee green tea lassi
caff6 latte coffee drinking gunpowder tea lattc
caffd cola chocolate herbal tea lemon tea
macchiato cordial Earl Crey horchata lemonade
camomile tea cream soda espresso hot chocolate limeade
cappuccino crush filter coffee iced tea malted milk
cherryade dandelion and fruit juice lndian tea mat6
1l Wordfinder

milkshake pepperminttea sarsaparilla sports drink tonic water

mineral water prairieoyster seltzer spring water yerba mat6
mint tea press6 sherbet sq uash
mocha robusta smoothie St Clements
mochaccino root beer soda water tea
orangeade rosehip tea soya milk tisane

Phobias
travel:
air dampness: Cerman people ltolophobio precipices:
oerophobio hygrophobio and things: lakes:/imnophobio cremnophobio
Americanpeople darkness: Cermonophobio, light:photophobio priests:
and things: scotophobio Teutophobio lightning: hierophobio
Americophobio dawn:eosophobio germs: ostrapophobiapunishment:
animals: death: spermophobio loneliness: poinephobio
zoophobio thonotophobia ghosts: outophobio, religious works of
beards: depth: phosmophobio ermitophobio art'. iconophobio
pogonophobio bathophobio God:theophobio machinery: responsibility:
beating: dirt: mysophobio gold: ourophobio, mechonophobio hypegiophobio
mastigophobio disease: chrysophobio magic: rivers:
bed: clinophobio pothophobio hair: trichophobio rhobdophobio potomophobio
bees: apiphobio dogs: cynophobio heat: marriage: robbers:
birds: dreams: thermophobio gometophobio horpoxophobio
ornithophobio oneirophobio heaven: men: ondrophobia ruin: otephobio
blood: drink: potophobio uronophobio metal: Russian people
hoemophobio dust: koniophobio hell: hodephobio, metollophobio and things;
blushing: electricity: stygiophobio mice: musophobio Russophobio
erythrophobio electrophobio high buildings: microbes: Satan:
bridges: English people botophobia bocillophobio Sotonophobio
gephyrophobio and things: high places: mites: sca bi es:
burial alive: Anglophobia hypsophobio ocorophobio scobiophobio
tophephobio everything: home: oikophobio mobs: Scottish people
cancer: ponophobio, homosexuals: ochlophobio and things:
corcinophobio pantophobio homophobio motion: Scotophobio
cats:oilurophobio faeces: horses: kinetophobio sex'. erotophobio
childbirth: coprophobio hippophobio music: shadows
tocophobio feathers: ice: cryophobio musicophobio sciophobio
children: pteronophobio idleness: needles: sharpness:
poedophobio fever: febriphobio thossophobio belonephobio ocrophobio
Chinese people fire: pyrophobio illness: new things: shock:
and things: fish: ichthyophobio nosophobio neophobio hormephobio
Sinophobio flesh: se/ophobio imperfection: night: in:s

clouds: floods: ontlophobio otelophobio nyctophobio homortophobio

nephophobio flowers: infinity: nudity: sleep:
cold: onthophobio opeirophobio gymnophobio hypnophobia
cheimophobio food: cibophobio, insanity open places: slime:
colour: sitophobio lyssophobio, ogorophobio blennophobio
chromophobio foreigners: moniphobio pain: olgophobio small things:
computers: xenophobia insects: pins: enetophobia microphobio
cyberphobio French people entomophobio pleasure: smell:
corpses: and things: insect stings: hedonophobio olfoctophobio,
necrophobio Froncophobio, cnidophobio poison: toxrphobio osmophobio
crowds: Gollophobio ltalian people poverty: smothering:
demophobio fur'. dorophobio and things peniophobio pnigerophobio
 Wordfinder 18

sna kes: tochophobio phagophobio hoptophobio weakness:

ophidiophobio spiders: taste: travel:hodophobio osthenophobia
snow: orochnophobio geumotophobio venerealdisease: wind:
chionophobio stars: technology: syphilophobio onemophobia
solitude: siderophobio technophobio voids: women:
eremophobio stealing: thunder: kenophobio gynophobia
sou rness: kleptophobi0 brontophobia, vomiting: words: logophobia
ocerophobio stuttering: kerounophobio, emetophobio work: ergophobia
speech: loliophobia, tonitrophobio water: writing:
glossophobio, lolophobio tlme: hydrophobio grophophobia
phonophobio sun: heliophobio chronophobio waves:
speed: swallowing: touch: cymophobio

Plants

Flowering Plants and Shrubs

acacia bougainvillea cockscomb eyebright hogweed
acanthus bramble coltsfoot feverfew holiy
aconite broom columbine figwort hollyhock
African violet bryony comfrey firethorn honlsty
agapanthus buddleia convolvulus flax honeysuckle
aloe bugloss coreopsis forget-me-not hosta
alstroemeria bulrush cornflower forsythia hyacinth
alyssum burdock corydalis foxglove hydrangea
amaranth burnet cotoneaster frangipani iris
amaryllis busy Lizzie cottonweed freesia jacaranda
anemone buttercup cow parsley fritillary japonica
aquilegia cactus cowslip fuchsia jasmine
arrowgrass calceolaria cranesbill furze jonquil
arum lily calendula crocus gardenia kingcup
asphodel camellia crown imperial gentian knapweed
aspidistra camomile crown of thorns geranium knotgrass
aster campanula cuckoo pint gladiolus laburnum
astilbe campion cyclamen glory-of-the-snow lady'smantle
a u bretia candytuft daffodil gloxinia lady's tresses
avens Canterbury bell dahlia golden rod larkspur
azalea carnation daisy gorse lavatera
balsam catmint damask rose grape hyacinth lavender
banksia ceanothus dandelion groundsel lemon balm
bedstraw celandine daphne guelder rose lilac
begonia chickweed deadly gypsophila lily
belladonna chicory nightshade harebell lily of the valley
bellflower Chinese lantern delphinium hawkweed lobelia
bergamot chives dianthus hawthorn London pride
betony choisya dill heartsease loosestrife
bilberry chokeberry dittany heather lords and ladies
bindweed Christmas cactus dock hebe lotus
bird's-foot trefoil Christmas rose dog rose helianthemum lovage
black-eyedSusan chrysanthemum duckweed helianthus love-in-a-mist
blackthorn cicely echinacea heliotrope loveJies-bleeding
bleeding heart cinquefoil edelweiss hellebore lungwort
bluebell clematis eglantine hemlock lupin
boneset clove pink elder heuchera madonna lily
borage clover eveningprimrose hibiscus magnolia
19 Wordfinder

ma honia stock poppy shamrock tulip

mallow nightshade potentilla shrimp plant valerian
mandrake old man's beard prickly pear snapdragon Venus flytrap
marguerite oleander primrose snow-in-summer verbena
marigold orchid primula snowdrop veronica
marshwort ox-eye daisy privet soapwort vervain
may oxlip pulsatilla sorrel vetch
mayflower Pansy pyracantha speedwell viburnum
meadow rue Parma violet pyrethrum spikenard violet
meadow saffron parsley ragwort spiraea vipefs bugloss
meadowsweet pasque flower ramsons sPurge wallflower
Michaelmas daisy passion flower red-hot poker spurrey water lily
milfoil pelargonium rhododendron squill willowherb
mimosa pennyroyal rock rose starwort winter jasmine
mint penstemon rose stock wintergreen
mistletoe peony rosebay stonecrop wisteria
mock orange peppermint willowherb streptocarpus witch hazel
montbretia periwinkle rose of Sharon sunflower wolfsbane
morning glory petunia safflower sweet pea woodruff
musk rose phlox St lohn's wort sweet william wormwood
myrtle pimpernel salvia tansy yarrow
narcissus pink samphire yucca
nasturtium pitcher plant saxifrage thistle zin n ia
nettle plantain scabious thrift
nicotiana plumbaqo scarletpimpernel toadflax
nigella poinsettia sciila tradescantia
night-scented polyanthus sedum trefoil

Trees and Shrubs

acacia bristlecone pine cork oak hemlock fir lime
acer broom coromandel hickory lin den
alder buckeye crab apple holly liquida mbar
almond buckthorn cypress holm oak locust
apple butternut dogwood honeysuckle lodgepole pine
apricot cacao dragon tree hornbeam logwood
araucaria calabash ebony horse chestnut macadamia
ash camellia elder hydrangea magnolia
asPen camphor tree elm ilex mahogany
azalea candelabra tree eucalyptus iro ko maidenhair tree
balsa candleberry euonymus ironbark mango
balsam fir candlenut ficus ironwood mangosteen
bamboo carambola fig jacaranda mangrove
banksia ca rob fil bert jackfruit maple
banyan caS5ava fir jack pine mastic
baobab cassia firethorn japonica may
basswood casuarina flame tree jasmine mimosa
bay tree cedar frangipani juniper mirabelle
beech cherimoya fuchsia ka lmia monkey puzzle
beefwood cherry gean ka pok mountain ash
bergamot chestnut ginkgo kermes oak mulberry
birch ci n na mon gorse labu rnum myrtle
blackthorn citron grapefruit larch nutmeg
bottlebrush coco de mer greengage laurel nux vomica
bottle tree coconut palm guava lemon oak
bo tree cola gum tree Leyland cypress oleaster
box coolibah hawthorn leylandii olive
box elder copper beech hazel lilac osie r
Wordfinder
pagoda tree pomelo rubber tree soapberry thuja
palm poplar sallow spindle tulip tree
papaya privet sandalwood sPruce tulipwood
paper mulberry pussy willow sapele star anise umbrella tree
paperbark quassia sapodilla stinkwood viburnum
PawPaw quince sassafras storax walnut
Pear rambutan satinwood sumac weeping willow
persimmon red cedar senna sycamore wellingtonia
pine redwood sequoia tallow tree whitebeam
pistachio rhododendron service tree tamarind willow
pitch pine robinia silver birch tamarisk witch hazel
plane rosewood Sitka cypress tea wych elm
plum rowan slippery elm teak yew
pomegranate rubber plant smoke tree tea tree
235 label -+ laid-back

rl
label noun 1 tag, ticket, tab, sticker, doctor, adulterate; informol spike.
marker, docket. 2 description, des- laceration noun gash, cut, wound,
ignation, name, epithet, nickname, injury, tear, slash, scratch, scrape, abra-
sobriquet, title. sion, graze.
averb 1tag, ticket, mark, stamp. Iack noun absence, want, need,
2 categorize, classify, class, describe,
deficiency, dearth, shortage, shortfall,
designate, identify, mark, stamp,
scarcity, paucity.
brand, call, name, term, dub.
- oPPostrES abundance.
Iaborious odjective 1 arduous, hard, o verb be without, be in need of,
heavy, difficult, strenuous, gruelling, be short ol be deficient in, be low
punishing, exacting, tough, onerous, on, be pressed for, need; informolbe
challenging, painstaking, time-consum- strapped for.
ing. 2 laboured, strained, forced, stiff,
lacklustre odjective uninspired, unin-
stilted, unnatural, artificial, ponderous.
spiring, unimaginative, dull, humdrum,
- OPPOSITES easy, eflortless.
colourless, bland, insipid, flat, dry, life-
labour noun 1 work, toil, exertion, less, tame, prosaic, dreary, tedious.
effort, industry, drudgery; informol - oPPoSITES inspired.
slog, grind; o/d use travail. 2 workers,
employees, labourers, workforce, staff.
lad noun (informol) 1 boy, schoolboy,
youth, youngster, juvenile, stripling;
3 childbirth, birth, delivery; technicol
parturition. informol kid, nipper; Scottish informol
work (hard), toil, slave (away), laddie; derogofo ry br at. 2 (young)
o verb
struggle, strive, exert yoursell endeav- man, fellow; informol guy, geezer; Brit.
our, try hard; informalslog away, plug
informol chap, bloke; N. Amer. informol
away.
dude, hombre.
laboured odjective 1 laboured breothing laden odjective loaded, burdened,
strained. difficult, forced, laborious. weighed down, overloaded, piled high,
2 o loboured metophor contrived, full, packed, stuffed, crammed: informol
forced, unconvincing, unnatural, artifl- chock-f ull, chock-a-block.
cial, overdone. lady noun 1 woman, female, girl; Scot-
- oPPostTES natural, easy. tlsh & N. English lass, lassie; N. Amer.
labourer noun workman, worker, informol dame, broad ; Austrol. i nformol
manual worker, blue-collar worker, sheila. 2 noblewoman, aristocrat,
(hired) hand, roustabout, drudge, duchess, countess, peeress, viscount-
menial; Austro/./NZ rouseabout; doted ess, baroness.
navvy. Iadylike odjective genteel, polite,
labyrinthine odjective 1 maze- refined, well bred, cultivated, polished,
like, winding, twisting, serpentine, decorous, proper, respectable, well
meandering. 2 complicated, intricate, mannered, cultured, sophisticated,
complex, involved, tortuous, convo- elegant; Brit. informol posh.
luted, elaborate, confusing, puzzling, lagverb fall behind, trail, bring up the
mystifying, bewildering, baffling. rear, dawdle, hang back, delay, loiter,
Iace verb 1 fasten, do up, tie up, secure, linger, dally, straggle.
knot. 2 flavour, mix, blend, fortify, Iaid-back odj ective (i nform ol) relaxed,
strengthen, season, spice (up), liven up, easy-going, free and easy, casual,
Iake -+ largely 236

nonchalant, blas6, cool, calm, uncon. view, panorama.

cerned, leisurely, unhurried; informal Iandslide noun 1 landslip, rockfall,
unflappable, chilled. mudslide, avalanche. 2 decisive vic-
- OPPoSITES uptight. tory, runaway victory, overwhelming
lake noun pool, pond, tarn, reservoir, majority; informol whitewash.
lagoon, waterhole; Scottrh loch; Anglo- lane noun road, street, track, trail, alley,
/rish lough: N. Amer bayou. alleyway, passage, path.
lame odjective 1 limping, hobbling, language noun 1 speech, speaking,
crippled, disabled, incapacitated; talk, discourse, communication, words,
informolgammy. 2 feeble, weak, thin, vocabulary. 2 tongue, mother tongue,
flimsy, poor, unconvincing, implausible, native tongue, dialect, patois; informol
unlikely. lingo, geekspeak. 3 wording, phrasing,
Iament verb 1 mourn, grieve, sorrow, phraseology, style, vocabulary, termi-
weep, cry, wail, keen. 2 complain nology, expressions, turn of phrase,
about, bewail, bemoan, deplore. parlance.
- oPPostrES celebrate, welcome.
lamentable odjective deplorable,
Iwono lrrurs
linguistic relating to language
regrettable, terrible, awful, wretched,
woeful, dire, disastrous, desperate, languish yerb 1 deteriorate, decline,
grave, appalling, dreadful, pitiful, go downhill, wither, droop, wilt, fade.
shameful, unfortunate; fornol 2 waste away, rot, be abandoned, be
egregious. neglected, be forgotten, suffer.
- OPPOSITES wonderful. - OPPOSITES thrive.
land noun 1 dry land, terra firma, coast, lapl verb 1 drink, lick up, sup, swallow,
coastline, shore. 2 grounds, fields, slurp, gulp. 2 splash, wash, swish,
property, acres, acreage, estate, real slosh, break, plash; /iterory purl.
estate. 3 country, nation, state, realm, o lap up relish, revel in, savour, delight
kingdom, province, region, territory, in, wallow in, glory in, enjoy.
area, domain. Iap2 noun circuit, leg, circle, round,
a verb 1 disembark, go ashore, stretch.
debark, alight, get off, berth, dock, lapse noun 1 failure, slip, error, mistake,
moor, (drop) anchor, tie up, put in, blunder, fault, omission; informol
touch down, come to rest.2 (informol) slip-up. 2 decline, fall, deterioration,
get, obtain, acquire, secure, gain, net, degeneration, backsliding, regression.
win, achieve, attain, bag, carry off. 3 interval, gap, pause, interlude, lull,
- oPPOSITES embark, take off. hiatus, break.
WORD LINKS a verb 1 expire, run out, (come to an)
terrestrial relating to land end, cease, stop, terminate.2 revert,
relapse, drift, slide, slip, sink.
Iandlord, landlady noun 1 owner, large odjective big, great, sizeable, sub-
proprietor, lessor, householder, land- stantial, considerable, huge, extensive,
owner. 2 licensee, innkeeper, hotelier; voluminous, vast, cosmic, prodigious,
Brlt. publican; humorous mine host. massive, immense, enormous, colos-
- OPPOSITES tenant. sal, king-size(d), heavy, mammoth,
landmark noun 1 feature, sight, gigantic, giant, fat, stout, strapping,
monument, building. 2 a londmork in bulky, burly; informol jumbo, mega,
lndion history turning point, milestone, whopping.
watershed. - OPPOSITES small.
landscape noun scenery, country, largely odverb mostly, mainly, to a
countryside, topography, terrain, large/great extent, chiefly, pre.
237 lash + launch

dominantly, primarily, principally, for - oPPostrES earlier, preceding.

the most part, in the main, on the a odverb subsequently, eventually,
whole. then, next, later on, afterwards, at a
lash verb I beat against, dash against, later date, in the future, in due course,
pound, batter, hammer against, strike, by and by, in a while, in time; formol
hit, drum. 2 fasten, bind, tie (up), thereafter.
tether, hitch, knot, rope. latest odjective most recent, newest,
o lash out 1 criticize, attack, con- up to the minute, current, state-of-the-
demn, censure; informollay into, dis; art, cutting-edg e; informol in, with it,
Brit. informol slag off, have a go at. 2 hit trendy, hip, hot, happening, cool.
oul. at, strike, let fly at, tal<e a swing - OPPoSITES old.
at, set on, turn on, round on, attack;
latitude noun freedom, scope, leeway,
informollay into, pitch into. (breathing) space, fl exibility, liberty,
lastl odjective 1 final, closing, conclud- independence, free rein, licence.
ing, end, ultimate, terminal, later, lat- - OPPOSITES restriction.
ter. 2 rearmost, hindmost, endmost,
furthest (back). 3 previous, preceding,
latter odjective 1 later, closing, end,
prior, former, latest, most recent. concluding, fi nal. 2 last-mentioned,
second, last, final.
- OPPOSITES first, next.
- oPPostrES earlier, former.
last2 verb'l the heoring losted for six
doys continue, go on, carry on, keep Iaudable odjective praiseworthy, com-
on/going, take. 2 he won't last long os mendable, admirable, worthy, deserv-
monoger survive, endure, hold on/out, ing, creditable, estimable, exemplary.
keep going, persevere, persist, stay, - oPPostrES shameful.
remain; informal stick lt out, hang on, laugh verb chuckle, chortle, guffaw, gig-
go the distance. gle, titter, snigger, roar, split your sides;
- oPPoslTEs end. informolbe in stitches, be rolling in the
lasting odjective enduring, long- aisles, crease up, fall about, crack up;
lasting, long-lived, abiding, continu- Brit. informal kill yourself.
ing, long-term, permanent, durable, a noun 1 chuckle, chortle, guffaw,
stable, secure, long-standing, eternal, giggle, titter, snigger, roar, shriek.
undying, everlasting, unending, 2 (infornal)ioke, prank, jest; informal
never-ending. lark, hoot, scream.
- oPPostrES passing, ephemeral. o laugh at ridicule, mock, deride, scoff
late odjective 1 behind schedule, tardy, at, jeer at, sneer at, jibe at, make fun
overdue, delayed, belated, behindhand. ol poke fun at, taunt, tease; informol
2 dead, departed, lamented, passed take the mickey out of. laugh off
oni away; formol deceased. 3 recent, dismiss, make a joke of, make light of,
fresh, new, up to date, latter-day, shrug off, brush aside; informol pooh-
cu rrent. pooh.
- oPPoStrEs punctual, early. Iaughter noun 1 laughing, chuckling,
Iately odverb recently, not long ago, of chortling, guffawing, giggling, titter-
late, latterly, in recent times. ing, sniggering. 2 amusement, enter-
latent odjective dormant, untapped, tainment, humour, mirth, merriment,
undiscovered, hidden, concealed, gaiety, hilarity, jollity, fun.
undeveloped, unrealized, unfulfllled, Iaunch verb 1 propel, fire, shoot, throw,
potential. hurl, fling, pitch, lob, letfly: informal
later odjecfive subsequent, followin g, chuck, heave, sling.2 start, begin, initi-
succeeding, future, upcoming, to ate, put in place, set up, inaugurate,
come, ensuing, next. introduce; i nformol kick off.
lavatory -+ lead 738

lavatory noun toilet, WC, convenience, produce, develop, formulate; informol

privy, latrine; Brit. cloakroom: N. Amer. cook up. 3l'd loy money on it bet,
washroom, bathroom, rest room, wager, gamble, stake.
men's/ladies' room, comfort station; o lay down t relinquish, surrender,
Brit. informolloo, bog, the Ladies, the give up, abandon. 2 formulate, set
Cents, khazi; N. Amer. informol can, down, draw up, frame, ordain, dictate,
johni Austrol.lNZ informol dunny. decree, enact, pass, decide, deter-
lavish odjectirze 1 sumptuous, luxurious, mine. lay in stock up with, stockpile,
gorgeous, costly, expensive, opulent, store (up), amass, hoard, put aside/
grand, splendid, rich, fancy; informol away/by, garner, squirrel away: informol
posh, bling-bling. 2 generous, liberal, salt away, stash away. Iay off 1 make
bountiful, unstinting, unsparing, free, redundant, dismiss, let go, discharge,
munifi cent, extravagant, abundant, give notice to; informol sack, fire.
copious, plentiful, prolific, excessive, 2 (informol) give up, stop, refrain from,
wasteful, prodigal; /iterory plenteous. abstain from, desist from, cut out;
- OPPOSITES meagre, frugal. informolpack in, leave off, quit. lay on
provide, supply, furnish, line up, organ-
a verb shower, heap, pour, deluge,
throw at, squander, dissipate. ize, prepare, produce, make available;
informal fixup.
- oPPoSITES begrudge, stint.
law noun 1 regulation, statute, act, lay2 odjectivel o loy preachernon-
bill, decree, edict, rule, ruling, dictum, ordained, non-clerical. 2 science books
command, order, directive, dictate, for o loy oudience non-expert, non-pro-
diktat, fiat, byJaw; (laws) legislation, fessional, non-specialist, non-technical,
constitution, code; tV. Amer. formol amateur, unqualifi ed, untrained.
ordinance. 2 principle, rule, precept, layer noun sheet, stratum, level, tier,
commandment, belief, creed, credo, seam, coat, coating, {rlm, covering.
blanket, skin.
m
maxim, tenet, doctrine, canon.
layout noun arrangement, design,
plan, formation, format, configuration,
llegal, legislative relating to laws composition, organization, geography,
lawfu! odjective legitimate, legal, licit, stru ctu re.
permissible, permitted, allowable, laze verb relax, unwind, loaf around/
allowed, rightful, sanctioned, author- about, lounge around/about, loll
ized, warranted; informol legit. around/about, lie around/about, take
- OPPOSITES illegal. it easy, idle; informal hang around, chill
lawyer noun solicitor, barrister, advo- (out), veg (out).
cate, counsel, Queen's Counsel, QC; lazy odjective 1 idle, indolent, slothful,
N. Amer. attorney, counselo(-at-law); bone idle, work-shy, shiftless.2 slow,
informol brief, legal eagle. slow-moving, Ianguid, leisurely, lethar.
lax odjective slack, slipshod, negligent, gic, sluggish, torpid.
remiss, careless, sloppy, slapdash, - OPPOSITES industrious.
offhand, casual. lead verb 1 guide, conduct, show (the
- oPPOStTES strict. way), usher, escort, steer, shepherd,
layl verb 1 put (down), place, set accompany, see, take. 2whot led you
(down), deposit, rest, position, shove; to believe him? cause, induce, prompt,
informol stick, dump, park, plonk; move, persuade, drive, make.3 con-
Brit. informolbung. 2 we loid plons for trol, preside over, head, command,
the voyoge devise, arrange, prepare, govern, run, manage, rule, be in charge
work out, hatch, desiqn, plan, scheme, of; informol head up. 4 be ahead, be
plot, conceive, put together, draw up, winning, be in front, be in the lead,
239 leader -+ learned

be first, outrun, outstrip, outpace, leave league noun 1 alliance, confederation,

behind, outdo, outclass, beat. 5 / wont confederacy, federation, union, associa-
to leod o normol life live, have, spend, tion, coalition, consortium, affiliation,
follow, pass, enjoy. cooperative, partnership, fellowship,
- oPPoSITES follow. syndicate. 2 class, group, category,
a noun I first place, winning posi- level, standard.
tion, vanguard.2 o 3-0 /eod margin, tr in league collaborating, cooperat-
advantage, gap, edge.3 example, ing, in alliance, allied, conspiring, hand
model, pattern, standard, guidance, in glove; informolin cahoots.
direction, role model. 4 leading role, leak verb 1 seep, escape, ooze, drip,
starring role, title role, principal role. dribble, drain, run. 2 disclose, divulge,
5 leash, tether, rope, chain.6 clue, reveal, make public, tell, expose,
pointer, hint, tip, tip-off, suggestion, release, let slip.
indication. a noun t hole, opening, puncture,
o odjective leading, first, top, fore- perforation, gash, slit, break, crack,
most, front, pole, head, chief, principal, chink, fissure, rupture, tear. 2 escape,
premier. leakage, discharge, seepage. 3 disclo-
o lead to result in, cause, bring on/ sure, revelation, expos6.
about, give rise to, create, produce, Ieanl verb 1 rest, recline, be propped.
occasion, effect, generate, contribute 2 slant, incline, bend, tilt, slope, tip,
to, promote, provoke, stir up, spark off. list. 3 (lean towards) tend towards,
leader noun chief, head, principal, com- incline towards, gravitate towards,
mander. captain, controller, superior. favour, prefer, have a preference for,
chairman, chair, director, manager, have an affinity with. 4 (lean on)
superintendent, supervisor, overseer, depend on, rely on, count on, bank on,
master, mistress, prime minister, trust in, have faith in.
president, premier, governor, ruler, lean2 odjective 1 thin, slim, slender,
monarch, sovereign; informol boss, skinny, spare, angular, spindly, wiry,
skipper, gaffer, guv'nor, number one. lanky. 2 meagre, sparse, poor, mean,
- OPPoSITES follower, supporter. inadequate, insufficient, paltry.
leadership noun 1 the leodership of - OPPOSITES fat, abundant.
the Porty control, rule, command, leaning noun inclination, tendency,
dominion, headship, directorship, pre- bent, propensity, penchant, preference,
miership, chairmanship, governorship, predisposition, predilection, proclivity.
captaincy. 2 fi rm leodership guidance, leap verb 1 jump, vault, spring, bound,
direction, authority, management, hop, clear.2 rise, soar, rocket, sky-
supervision, government. rocket, shoot up, escalate.
leading odjective main, chief, top, a noun rise, surge, upsurge, escalation,
front, major, prime, principal, fore- upswing, upturn.
most, key, central, dominant, greatest, learn verb 1 master, grasp, take in,
pre-eminent, star. absorb, assimilate, digest, familiarize
- OPPoSITES subordinate, minor. yourself with; informolget the hang
Ieaf noun 1 (leaves) foliage, greenery. of. 2 memorize, learn by heart, learn
2 page, sheet, folio. parrot-fashion, get off pat. 3 discover,
o verb I leofed through o magozine flick, find out, become aware, be informed,
flip, thumb, skim, browse, glance, riffle, hear, understand, gather; informol get
scan, run your eye over, Peruse. wind of.
leaflet noun pamphlet, booklet, bro- learned odlective scholarly, erudite,
chure, handbill, circular, flyer, handout; knowledgeable, widely read, cul-
N. Amer. folder, dodger. tured, intellectual, academic, literary,
learner -+ legislation 240

bookish, highbrow; informol brainy, forth, teach; lnformol spout, sound off.
genius. 2 reprimand, scold, rebuke, reproach,
- OPPOSITES ignorant. take to task, berate, upbraid, remon-
learner noun beginner, novice, starter, strate with, castigate; informol tell off,
trainee, apprentice, pupil, student, bawl out; Brit. informoltick off, carpet.
fl edgling, neophyte, tyro; informol leeway noun freedom, scope, latitude,
rookie, greenhorn. space, room, liberty, flexibility, licence,
- OPPOSITES expert, veteran. free hand, free rein.
learning noun study, knowledge, lett odjective left-hand, sinistral; No uticol
education, schooling, tuition, teaching, port; Heroldry sinister.
scholarship, erudition, understanding, - OPPOSITES right.
wisdom. Ieft-wing odjective socialist, commu-
- OPPOSITES ignorance. nist, leftist, Labour; informol Commie,
lease verb rent (out), hire (out), charter lefty, red, pinl<o.
(out), let (out), sublet. - OPPOSITES right-wing, conservative.
leavel verb 1 go away, depart, with- leg noun 1 limb, member, shank; infor-
draw, retire, take your leave, pull out, mol pin, peg.. 2 part, stage, section,
quit, decamp, flee, escape, abandon, phase, stretch, lap.
desert, vacate; informol vamoose, push Iegacy noun bequest, inheritance,
off, shove off, clear out/off, split, make endowment, gift, birthright, estate,
tracks, do a bunk. 2 set off, set sail, get heirloom.
going. 3 abandon, desert, jilt, leave
in the lurch, leave high and dry, throw legal adjective 1 lawful, legitimate,
over', informol dump, ditch, walk/run
legalized, valid, permissible, permit-
out on.4 resign, retire, step down, ted, sanctioned, authorized, licensed,
give up, drop out; informol quit, jack allowed, allowable, above board,
in. 5 leave behind, forget, lose, mislay. acceptable, constitutional; informol
6 entrust, hand over, pass on, refer, Iegit. 2 the legol system judicial, juridi-
delegate. 7 bequeath, will, endow, cal, forensic.
hand down. - oPPoSITES illegal.
- OPPOSITES arrive. Iegend noun 1 myth, saga, epic, folk
tr leave out miss out, omit, overlook, tale, folk story, fable; (legends) lore,
forget, skip, exclude, drop, pass over. folklore, mythology. 2 celebrity,
Ieave2 noun 1 permission, consent, star, superstar, icon, phenomenon,
authorization, sanction, dispensation, luminary, giant, hero; informol celeb,
approval, clearance, blessing, agree- megastar. 3 caption, inscription, dedi-
ment, assenU informol the go-ahead, cation, slogan, heading, title.
the green light.2 holiday, vacation, Iegendary odjective 1 fabled, mythical,
break, furlough, sabbatical, leave of traditional, fairy-tale, storybook, myth-
absence; informol vac. ological, flctional, fictitious. 2 famous,
Iecherous odjective lustful, licentious, celebrated, famed, renowned,
lascivious, libidinous, lewd, sala. acclaimed, illustrious, esteemed,
cious, prurient; informol rundy; formol honoured, exalted, venerable, eminent,
concu piscent. distinguished, great.
lecture noun I speech, talk, address, legion noun horde, throng, multitude,
discourse, presentation, oration. 2 rep- crowd, mass, mob, gang, swarm, flock,
rimand, scolding, rebuke, reproach; herd, army.
lnformol dressing-down, tellin g-off, legislation noun law, rules, rulings,
talking-to, tongueJashing. regulations, acts, bills, statutes;
a verb 1 talk, speak, discourse, hold N. Amer. formol ordinanres.
241 legislature -+ lethargic

Iegislature noun parliament, senate, the edge off. 2 decrease, decline,

congress, council, chamber, house. subside, slacken, abate, fade, die down,
legitimate odjective 1 the legitimote use let up, ease off, tail off, drop (off/away),
of such weopons legal, lawful, author- dwindle, ebb, wane, recede.
ized, permitted, sanctioned, approved, - OPPOSITES increase.
licensed; informol legit. 2 the legitimote lesser odjective 1 less important, minor,
heir rightful, lawful, genuine, authen- seconda ry, subsidiary, peripheral.
tic, real, true, proper; informol kosher. 2 subordinate, inferior, second-class,
3 a legitimote excuse valid, sound, subservient, lowly, humble.
admissible, acceptable, well founded, - OPPOSITES greater, superior.
justifiable, reasonable, sensible, just, lesson noun 1 class, session, seminar,
fair, bona fide. tutorial, lecture, period. 2 warning,
- OPPoSITES illegal, invalid. deterrent, caution, example, message,
Ieisure noun free time, spare time, time moral.
off, rest, recreation, relaxation, R & R. letverb 1 allow, permit, give permission
- oPPOslTEs work. to, give leave to, authorize, license,
leisurely odjective unhurried, relaxed, empower, enable, entitle; informol give
easy, gentle, sedate, comfortable, rest- the go-ahead to, OK. 2 rent (out),
ful, undemanding, slow. lease, hire (out), sublet.
- oPPoSITES hurried. - OPPOSITES prevent, prohibit.
o let down fail, disappoint, disillu-
lend verb 1 loan, advance; Brit. informol
sion, abandon, desert, leave in the
sub. 2 add, impart, give, bestow, con-
lurch. let go release, loose your hold
fer, provide, supply, furnish, contribute.
on, relinquish. let off 1 detonate,
- oPPoSITES borrow.
discharqe, explode, set off, fire (of),
length noun 1 extent, distance, span, launch. 2 (informol) pardon, forgive,
reach, area, expanse, range.2 period, acquit, absolve, exonerate, clear,
duration, stretch, span, term. 3 o /ength vindicate; informollet someone off the
ofsilk piece, strip, section, swatch. hook. 3 excuse, exempt, spare. let out
o at length 1 in detail, in depth, 1 release, liberate, (set) free, let go,
thoroughly, for a long time, for ages, discharge, set/turn loose.2 utter, emit,
for hours, interminably, endlessly. give (vent to), produce, issue, express,
2 eventually, in time, finally, at (long) voice, release. 3 reveal, make known,
last, in the end. ultimately. tell, disclose, mention, divulge, let slip,
Iengthen verb extend, elongate, give away, let it be known, blurt out.
increase, prolong, draw out, protract, let up (informol) 1 lessen, decrease,
spin out. subside, abate, ease, moderate, die
- OPPOSITES shorten. down, diminish, tail off. 2 relax, ease
lengthy odjective (very) long, long- up, slow down, pause, break (off), take
lasting, protracted, extended, long- a break, rest, stop.
drawn-out, prolonged, interminable, let-down noun disappointment, anti-
time-consuming, long-winded. climax, comedown, non-event, fiasco;
- oPPostrES short. lnformol washout, damp squib.
lenient odjective merciful, forgiving, for- Iethal odJective fatal, deadly, mortal,
bearing, tolerant, charitable, humane, terminal, life-threatening, murderous,
indulgent, magnanimous, clement. poisonous, toxic, noxious, venomous,
- OPPOSITES severe. dangerous.
Iessen verb 1 reduce, decrease, - oPPoSITES harmless, safe.
minimize, moderate, diminish, allay, lethargic odjective sluggish, inert,
assuage, alleviate, dull, deaden, take inactive, slow, lifeless, languid, listless,
 letter -+ liberal 242

apathetic, weary, tired, fatigued, liability noun 1 responsibility, account-

enervated. ability. 2 (liabilities) obligations,
- OPPOSITES energetic. debts, arrears, dues, commitments.
letter noun 1 character, sign, symbol, 3 he become o liobility on and off the
figure. 2 message, note, line, missive, feld hindrance, handicap, nuisance,
dispatch, communication ; formol inconvenience, embarrassment,
epistle; (letters) correspondence, post, impediment, disadvantage, millstone,
encumbrance, burden.
WORD LINKS - OPPOSITES asset.
epistolary relating to letter-writing liable odjective 1 responsible, accounta-
ble, answerable, blameworthy, at fault.
level odjective 1 o level surface flat, 2 likely, inclined, tending, apt, prone,
smooth, even, uniform, plane, flush, given, subject, susceptible, vulnerable,
horizontal. 2 o level voice steady, even, exposed, in danger of, at risk of.
uniform, regular, constant, unchang- Iiaiseverb cooperate, collaborate, com-
ing. 3 the scores were level equal, municate, network, interface, link up;
even, drawn, tied, all square, neck and informolhook up.
neck, level pegging, on a par, evenly Iiaison noun 1 cooperation, contact,
matched; informol even-stevens, nip association, connection, collaboration,
and tuck. communication, alliance, partnership.
- OPPOSITES uneven, unequal. 2 love affair, relationship, romance,
a noun 1 rank, position, degree, grade, attachment, fling.
stage, standard, class, group, set, clas.
sification. 2 o high level of employment
liar noun fibber, deceiver, perjurer, dis-
sembler, faker, hoaxer, impostor.
quantity, amount, extent, measure,
degree, volume. libel noun defamation (of character),
a verb 1 even off, even out, flatten, character assassination, calumny,
smooth (out). 2 raze (to the ground), misrepresentation, scandalmongering,
demolish, flatten, bulldoze, destroy. slur, smear; informol mud-slinging.
3 equalize, equal, even (up), make a verb defame, malign, blacken
level. 4 aim, point, direct, train, focus, someone's name, sully someone's
turn. reputation, smear. cast aspersions on,
o on the level (informal) genuine. drag someone's name through the mud/
straight, honest, above board, fair, mire, denigrate, traduce; rV. Amer slur.
true, sincere, straightforward ; informol libellous odjective defamatory, deni-
upfront; N. Amer. informol on the up gratory, disparaging, derogatory, false,
and up. untrue, insulting, scurrilous.
lever noun handle, arm, switch, crow- liberal odjective 1 tolerant, unpreju-
bar, bar, jemmy. diced, broad-minded, open-minded,
o verb prise, force, wrench; N. Amer. enlightened, permissive, free (and
pry; informol jemmy. easy), easy-going, libertarian, indul-
gent, lenient. 2 o liberol sociol ogenda
leverage noun 1 force, purchase, grip, progressive, advanced, modern,
hold, anchorage .2 more leveroge in
forward-looking, forward-thinking,
negotiotions influence, power, author-
enlightened, reformist, radical; informal
ity, weight, sway, pull, control, say, go-ahead. 3 o liberol interpretotion of
advantage, pressure; informol clout,
the /ow flexible, broad, loose, rough,
muscle, teeth.
free, non-literal. 4 abundant, copious,
levy verb impose, charge, exact, raise, ample, plentiful, lavish, generous,
collect. open-handed, unsparing, unstinting,
a noun tax, tariff, toll, excise, duty. free, munificent.
243 liberate -+ light

- OPPOSITES reactionary, strict. 2 livinq creatures, fauna, flora, the

liberate verb (set) free, release, let out, ecosystem, the biosphere, the eco-
let go, set loose, save, rescue, emanci- sphere. 3 way of life, lifestyle, situa-
pate; historicol enfranchise. tion, fate, lot. 4 lifetime, lifespan, days,
- OPPOSITES imprison, enslave. time (on earth), existence. 5 vitality,
animation, liveliness, vivacity, verve,
Iiberty noun freedom, independ-
high spirits, exuberance, zest, enthusi-
ence, immunity, self-determination,
asm, energy, vigour, dynamism, elan,
autonomy, emancipation, sovereignty,
gusto, bounce, spirit, fire.6 biography,
self-government, self-rule, civil liberties,
human rights. autobiography, history, chronicle,
account, memoirs, diary.
- OPPoSITES slavery.
o at liberty 1 free, loose, on the loose, - OPPoSITES death.
at large, on the run, out. 2 able, free, WORD LINKS
entitled, permitted. animate, vital having life
licence noun 1 permit, certificate, docu- lifeless odjective 1 dead, stiff, cold,
ment, documentation, authorization, inert, inanimate; formol deceased.
warrant, credentials, pass, papers.
2 barren, sterile, bare, desolate, stark,
2 franchise, consent, sanction, war-
bleak, arid, infertile, uninhabited.
rant, charter, concession. 3 freedom,
3 lacklustre, apathetic, lethargic,
liberty, free rein, latitude, independ-
uninspired, dull, colourless, character-
ence, scope, carte blanche; informol a
less, wooden.
blank cheque.
- oPPosrrES alive, lively.
license verb permit, allow, authorize,
give authority to, give permission to,
lifelike odjective realistic, true to life,
faithful, detailed, vivid, graphic, natu-
certify, accredit, empower, entitle,
ral, naturalistic, representational.
enable, sanction.
- oPPOSITES ban. lifestyle noun way of life, life, situa-
behaviour, ways, habits,
Iid noun cover, top, cap, covering,
stopper.
L"J,.;!lrdr",
liel noun untruth, falsehood, fib, fabrica-
lifetime noun lifespan, life, days, time
(on earth), existence, career.
tion, deception, invention, (piece of)
fictlon, falsification, white lie; informol liltverb 1 raise, hoist, heave, haul up,
tall story, whopper; humorous termino- heft, elevate, hold high, pick up, grab,
logical inexactitude. take up, winch up, jack up; informol
- oPPoSITES truth. hump. 2 the fog hod lifted clear, rise,
o verb tell a lie, fib, dissemble, perjure disperse, dissipate, disappear, vanish,
yourself. dissolve. 3 the bon hos been lifted can-
cel, remove, withdraw, revoke, rescind,
WORD LINKS
end, stop, terminate.
mendacious telling lies
o noun the gool will give his confidence
lie2 verb t he wos lying on the bed recline, o /ift boost, fillip, impetus, encourage-
iie down, be recumbent, be prostrate, ment, spur, push; lnformol shot in
be supine, be prone, be stretched out, the arm.
sprawl, rest, repose, lounge, loll. 2 her tr lift offtake off, become airborne, be
bog loy on the chair be, be situated, be launched, take to the air, blast off.
positioned, be located, be placed, be lightl noun 1 illumination, brightness,
found, be sited, be arranged, rest. shining, gleam, brilliance, radiance,
- OPPOSITES stand. luminosity. luminescence. incan-
life noun 1 existence, being, living, ani- descence, blaze, glare, glow, lustre;
mation, sentience, creation, viability. /iterory refulgence, effulgence. 2 lamp,
light -+ likewise 244

lantern, torch, beacon, candle, bulb. 2 trivial, insubstantial, superficial, shal-

3 daylight, daytime, day, sunlight. low, undemanding, frivolous.
- OPPOSITES darkness. - OPPOSITES heavy, serious.
a odjective I bright, well lit, sunny. likel verb 1 be fond of, have a soft spot
2 pale, pastel, delicate, subtle, faded, for, care about, think well/hiqhly of,
bleached. admire, respect; be attracted to, fancy,
- OPPOSITES dark. be keen on, be taken with; informol
a verb 1 set fire to, ignite, kindle. rate.2 enjoy, have a taste for, care
2 illuminate, irradiate, floodlight; /iter- for, be partial to, take pleasure in, be
ory illumine. keen on, appreciate, love, adore, relish;
WORD LII\IKS informol have a thing about, be into, be
opii.r"rtra}, ol tr," u"nruiou or right mad about, be hooked on.3feelfreeto
soy whotyou /ike choose, please, wish,
light2 odjective 1 lightweight, port- want, see/think fit, care to, will.
able, underweight. 2 flimsy, thin, - OPPOSITES hate.
lightweight, floaty, gauzy, diaphanous, like2 preposition 1 similar to, the same
filmy. 3 o light dinner small, modest, as, identical to, akin to, resembling.
simple, insubstantial, frugal. 4 /rght 2 in the manner of, in the same way/
dufies easy, simple, undemanding, manner as, in a similar way to. 3 such
untaxing; informol cushy. 5 o light as, for example, for instance, namely,
touch gentle, delicate, dainty, soft, in particular, viz..4 characteristic of,
faint, careful, sensitive, subtle. 6 /iqht typical of, in character with.
entertoinment undemanding, middle- - OPPOSITES unlike.
of-the+oad, mainstream, lightweight, likeable odjective pleasant, friendly,
lowbrow, mass-market, superfi cial, agreeable, affable, amiable, genial,
frivolous, trivial. personable, nice, good-natured, engag-
- OPPOSITES heavy. ing, appealing, endearing, convivial,
lightenl verb 1 brighten, light up, congenial.
illuminate, irradiate; /iterory illu mine. - oPPostrEs unpleasant.
2 bleach, whiten, blanch. Iikelihood noun probability, chance,
- OPPOSITES darken. prospect, possibility, odds, risk, threat,
lighten2 verb 1 reduce, lessen, danger, hope, promise.
decrease, diminish, ease, alleviate, likely odjective 1 probable, possible,
relieve. 2 cheer (up), brighten, glad- odds-on, expected, anticipated; infor-
den, lift, boost, buoy (up), revive, mol on the cards.2 plausible, reason-
restore, revitalize. able, feasible, acceptable, believable,
- OPPOSITES increase. credible, tenable. 3 suitable, promis-
light-hearted odj ective carefree, cheer- ing, appropriate.
ful, cheery, happy, merry, glad, playful, - oPPoSITES unlikely, implausible.
blithe, bright. entertaining, amusing, liken verb compare, equate, set beside.
diverting; informol upbeat; doted gay, - OPPOSITES contrast.
sportive. likeness noun 1 resemblance,
- oPPoSlTEs miserable. similarity, similitude, correspondence.
lightly odverb 1 softly, gently, faintly, 2 representation, image, depiction,
delicately. 2 sparingly, sparsely, mod- portrayal, picture, drawing, sketch,
erately, slightly, subtly. 3 carelessly, painting, portrait, photograph, study.
airily, readily, heedlessly, uncaringly, - OPPOSITES dissimilarity.
unthinkingly, thoughtlessly, fl ippantly. likewise odverb 1 also, equally, in
Iightweight odjective 1 thin, liqht, addition, too, as well, to boot, besides,
filmy, fl imsy, insubstantial, summery. moreover, furthermore. 2 the same,
245 liking -+ liquor

similarly, correspondingly. path, trajectory.

liking noun fondness, love, affection, a verb 1 furrow, wrinl<le, crease, score.
penchant, soft spot, attachment, taste, 2 border, edge, fringe, bound.
passion, preference, partiality, predilec- tr in line 1 in a queue, in a row, in a
tion, weakness. file. 2 in agreement, in accord, in
- oPPoslTES dislike. accordance, in harmony, in step, in
limb noun 1 arm, leg, wing, appendage; compliance. 3 level, aligned, alongside,
o/d use member. 2 branch, bough. abreast, side by side. line up assem-
ble, get together, organize, prepare,
limelight noun attention, interest,
arrange, fix up, lay on, book, schedule,
scrutiny, the public eye, publicity,
timetable.
prominence, the spotiight, fame,
celebrity. lineage noun ancestry, family, parent-
- oPPostTES obscurity. age, birth, descent, extraction, geneal-
ogy, roots, origins.
limit noun 1 boundary (line), border,
frontier, bound, edge, perimeter, mar- Iined odjective 1 ruled, feint, striped,
gin. 2 maximum, ceiling, cap, cut-off banded. 2 wrinkled, wrinkly, furrowed,
point. wizened.
o verb restrict, curb, cap, (hold in) line-up noun 1 cast, bill, programme.
check, restrain, circumscribe, regulate, 2 team, squad, side, configuration.
control, govern, ration. linger verb 1 wait (around), stand
limitation noun 1 restriction, curb, (around), remain, loiter; informol
restraint, control, check. 2 imperfec- stick around, hang around. 2 persist, ...::,:,,:r;i;i:iiirl
tion, flaw, defect, failing, shortcom- continue, remain, stay, endure, carry :1ilit: iXXl
inq, weal< point, deficlency, frailty, on, last.
weakness.
lining noun backing, facing, padding,
- oPPoSITES strength.
in su lation.
limited odjective restricted, circum-
link noun connection, relationship,
scribed, finite, small, tight, slight, in
association, linkage, tie-up, tie, bond,
short supply, short, meagre, scanty,
attachment, affiliation.
sparse, inadequate, insufficient, paltry,
poor, minimal. averbl join, connect, fasten, attach,
bind, secure, fix, tie, couple, yoke. 2 the
- OPPoSITES limitless, ample.
evidence linking him with the body asso'
Iimpl verb hobble, hop, lurch, stagger, ciate, connect, relate, bracket.
shuffle, totter, shamble.
- OPPOSITES separate.
limp2 adjective soft, flaccid, loose, slack, lion noun
lax, floppy, drooping, droopy, sagging.
- oPPoSlTEs firm. Iwono rrruxs
line noun 1 stroke, dash, score, under- leonine relating to lions
line, underscore, slash, stripe, strip, lip noun edge, rim, brim, border, verge,
band, belt; Brit oblique. 2 wrinkle, brink.
furrow, crease, crinkle, crow's foot.
3 the Bentley's clossic lines contour,
liquid noun fluid, moisture, solution,
liquor, juice, sap.
outline, confi guration, shape, design,
profile, silhouette.4 the county line o odjective fl uid, liquefi ed, melted,
boundary, limit, border, frontier, molten, thawed, dissolved, runny.
touchline, margin, perimeter. 5 cord, - OPPOSITES solid.
rope, cable, wire, thread, string. 6 file, liquor noun 1 alcohol, spirits, drink;
rank, column, string, train, procession, informol booze, the hard stuff, hooch,
row, queue; Brit. informol crocodile. moonshine. 2 stock, broth, bouillon,
7 course, direction, route, tracl<, juice, liquid.
 list -+ live 246

listl noun catalogue, inventory, record, be scattered/strewn around.

register, roll, file, index, directory, |,ttle adjective 1 small, compact,
checkl ist. miniature, tiny, minute, minuscule,
o yerb record, register, enter, itemize, toy, fun-size, baby, undersized, dwarf,
enumerate, catalogue, file, log, minute, midget; Scottish wee; informol teeny-
categorize, inventory, classify, group, weeny; Brit informol titchy, dinky;
sort, rank, index. N. Amer. informol vest-pocket. 2 short,
list2 verb lean (over), tilt, tip, heel small, slight, petite, diminutive, tiny,
(over), pitch, incline, slant, slope, bank, elfin; Scottlsh wee; informol pint-sized.
careen, cant. 3 young, younger, baby.4 brief,
listen verb 1 pay attention, be atten- short, quick, hasty, cursory. 5 minor,
tive, attend, concentrate, keep your unimportant, insignifi cant, trivial,
ears open, prick up your ears; informol trifling, petty, paltry, inconsequential,
be all ears.2 heed, take heed of, take negligible.
notice/note of, bear in mind, take into - oPPOSITES big, large, elder, major.
consideration/account. a odverb t hardly, barely, scarcely, not
much, only slightly. 2 rarely, seldom,
listless odjective lethargic, lifeless, ener-
infrequently, hardly (ever), scarcely
vated, languid, inactive, inert, sluggish,
ever, not much.
apathetic, passive, supine, indifferent,
- oPPoStTEs well, often.
uninterested, impassive.
tr a little 1 some, a bit of, a touch of,
- oPPOStTES energetic.
a dash of, a taste of, a spot of, a hint
**"* Iiteral adjective 1 strict, technical, origi- of, a dribble ol a splash of, a pinch of,
nal, true. 2 word for word, verbatim,
ffi "ffi exact,
x'r*' accurate, faithful.
a sprinkling of, a speck of; informol a
smidgen of, a tad of. 2 a short time,
- OPPOSTTES figurative. a while, a bit, an interval, a short
literary artistic, poetic,
odjective 1 period, a minute, a moment, a second,
dramatic. 2 scholarly, intellectual, an instant; informol a sec, a mo,
academic, bookish, erudite, well read, a jiffy. 3 slightly, somewhat, a little bit,
cultured. quite, to some degree.
literate odjective (well) educated, well liver yerb I exist, be alive, be, have life,
read, widely read, scholarly, learned, breathe, draw breath, walk the earth.
knowledgeable, cultured, cultivated. 2 reside, have your home, lodge,
- OPPOSITES ignorant. inhabit, occupy; Scottish stay; formal
literature noun 1 writing, poetry, dwell; o/d use abide, bide. 3 she hod
drama, plays, prose. 2 publications, lived o difficult life experience, spend,
reports, studies, material, documenta- pass, lead, have, go through, undergo.
tion, leaflets, pamphlets, brochures, 4 he lived by scovenging survive, make
handouts, publicity, advertising; a living, eke out a living, subsist,
informalbumf . support yourself, sustain yourself,
make ends meet, keep body and soul
lithe adjective agile, graceful, supple,
together.
flexible, lissom, loose-limbed, nimble.
- OPPOSITES die.
- OPPOSITES clumsy.
live2 odjective 1 living, alive, conscious,
Iitigation noun legal proceedings,
animate, vital. 2 o /ive roil electrified,
legal action, case, lawsuit, suit, pros-
charged, powered up, active, switched
ecution, indictment.
on.3 o live grenode unexploded,
litter noun rubbish, refuse, junk, explosive, active, primed. 4 o live issue
waste, debris, detritus; rV. Amer. trash, topical, current, controversial, hot,
garbage. burning, pressing, important, relevant.
a yerb cover, clutter up, mess up, - oPPOStTES dead, inanimate.
 livelihood -+ Iocate

livelihood noun (source of) income, mooch about/around; tV. Amer. informol
living, subsistence, bread and butter, bum around.
job, work, employment, occupation. Ioan noun credit, advance, mortgage,
lively odjective 1 energetic, active, ani- overdraft; Brit. informol sub.
mated, dynamic, full of life, outgoing, o verb lend, advance.
spirited, sprightly, high-spirited, viva- loath odjective reluctant, unwilling,
cious, enthusiastic, vibrant, buoyant, disinclined, averse, opposed, resistant.
exuberant, boisterous, effervescent, - oPPoSITES eager, willing.
cheerful; informol chirpy, full of beans. loathe verb hate, detest, abhor, despise,
2 busy, crowded, bustling, hectic, abominate, not be able to bear/stand,
buzzing, vibrant, colourful. 3 o lively execrate.
debote stimulating, interesting, vigor- - oPPoSlTEs love.
ous, animated, spirited, heated.
Ioathing noun hatred, hate, detes-
- oPPOSITES quiet, dull. tation, abhorrence, abomination,
livid odj ective (i nf o rmol) furious, antipathy, aversion, dislike, disgust,
enraged, very angry, infuriated, irate, repugnance.
incensed, fuming, ranting, raving.
loathsome odjective hateful, detest-
seething, beside yourself, outraged;
able, abhorrent, repulsive, odious,
informol hopping mad, wild.
repugnant, repellent, disgusting, revolt-
living noun 1 livelihood, (source ing, sickening, nauseating, abominable,
of) income, subsistence, keep, daily despicable, contemptible, reprehen-
bread, bread and butter, job, work, sible, vile, horrible, nasty, obnoxious,
employment, occupation. 2 way of gross, foul, execrable; informol horrid;
life, lifestyle, life, conduct, behaviour, /iterory noisome.
activities, habits. lobby noun 1 entrance (hall), hall-
o odjective 1 alive, live, animate, way, hall, vestibule, foyer, reception.
sentient, breathing, existing. 2 o living 2 the anti-hunt lobby pressure group,
longuoge current, contemporary. interest group, movement. campaign.
- OPPoSITES dead, extinct. crusade, faction, camp, ginger group.
load noun 1 cargo. freight, consign- a verb 1 approach, contact, petltion,
ment, delivery, shipment, goods, pack, appeal to, pressurize, importune.
bundle, parcel. 2 o heovy teaching lood 2 campaign, crusade, press, push,
commitment, responsibility, duty, ask, call, demand, promote, advocate,
obligation, burden, onus. champion.
averb"l fill (up), pack, stock, stack, local odjective 1 the locol council district,
stow, store, bundle, place, put, deposit, regional, town, municipal, provincial,
pile, stuff, cram; o/d use lade. 2 burden, parish. 2 o locol restouront neighbour-
weigh down, saddle, oppress, charge, hood, nearby, near, at hand, close by,
overburden, overwhelm, encumber, handy, convenient.3 o locol infec-
tax, strain, trouble, worry. 3 he looded tion confi ned, restricted, contained,
the gun prime, charge, set up, prepare. localized.
4 lood the cossette into the camcorder - oPPostrES national, widespread.
insert, put, place, slot, slide. a noun resident, native, inhabitant,
loaded odjective 1 full, filled, laden, parishioner.
packed, stuffed, crammed, brimming, - OPPOSITES outsider.
stacked ; i nfo rmo I cllock-fu l, chock-
I
locate verb 1 find, pinpoint, track down,
a-block. 2 o politicolly looded word unearth, sniff out, smoke out, search
charged, emotive, sensitive, delicate. out, uncover, run to earth.2 situate,
loaf verb laze, lounge, loll, idle; informol site, position, place, base, put, build,
hang around; Brit. informol hang about, establish, station.
location + long 248

location noun position, place, situation, log noun record, register, logbook,
site, locality, locale, spot, whereabouts, journal, diary, minutes, ledger, account,
scene, setting, area, environment, tally.
venue, address; fechnicol locus. a verb 1 register, record, note, write
lockl noun bolt, catch, fastenel clasp, down, put in writing, enter, file. 2 the
hasp, latch. pilot hod logged 95 hours attain,
a verb 1 bolt, fasten, secure, padlock, achieve, chalk up, make, do, go, cover,
latch, chain. 2 join, interlock, link, clocl< up.
engage, combine, connect, couple. logic noun 1 reason, judgement,
3 become stuck, stick, jam. seize. rationality, wisdom, sense, good sense,
4 clasp, clench, grasp, embrace, hug, common sense, sanity. 2 the logic of
squeeze. thei r o rgument reasoning, rationale,
- OPPOSITES unlock, open. argu ment.
o lock up imprison, jail, incarcerate, logical odjective 1 reasoned, rational,
intern, send to prison, put behind bars,
sound, cogent, valid, coherent, clear,
put under lock and l<ey, cage, pen,
systematic, orderly, methodical,
coop up; informol send down, put away,
analytical, consistent. 2 the logicol
put inside.
outcome natural, reasonable, sensible,
lock2 noun strand, tress, curl, ringlet, understandable, predictable, unsurpris-
hank, tuft, wisp, coil, tendril. ing, likely.
Iocker noun cupboard, cabinet, chest, - oPPOSITES illogical.
safe, box, case, coffer, storeroom. logo noun design, symbol, emblem,
lodge noun 1 gatehouse, cottage, trademark, motif, monogram.
house, cabin, hut. 2 o Mosonic lodge Ioiter verb linger, wait, skulk, loal
section, branch, wing, group; rV. Amer: lounge, idle; informolhang about/
chapter. around; Brit. informol mooch
a verb 1 submit, registel enter, put about/around.
forward, advance, lay, present, tender,
proffer, put on record, record, table, lone odjective 1 solitary, single, solo,
file. 2 the bullet lodged in his back unaccompanied, sole, isolated. 2 o lone
parent single, unmarried, separated,
become embedded, get stuck, stick,
catch, get caught, wedge.3 reside, divorced, widowed.
board, stay, live, stop; N. Amer. room; loneliness noun 1 isolation, friendless-
literory so1ourn.4 deposit, put, bank, ness, abandonment, rejection; N. Amer.
stash, store, stow, put away. lonesomeness. 2 solitariness, solitude,
lodging noun accommodation, rooms, aloneness, separation, seclusion.
chambers, living quarters, a roof over lonely odjective 1 isolated, alone,
your head, housing, shelter; informol friendless, with no one to turn to, aban-
digs; N. Amer. informol crib; formol doned, rejected, unloved, unwanted;
residence, dwelling, abode. N. Amer. lonesome. 2 deserted, unin-
lolty odjective 1 tall, high, towering. habited, desolate, solitary, isolated,
2 lofty ideols noble, exalted, high, high- remote, out of the way, off the beaten
minded, worthy, grand, fine, elevated. track, secluded, in the back of beyond,
3 lofty disdoin haughty, arrogant, godforsaken; informolin the middle of
disdainful, supercilious, condescending, nowhere.
patronizing, scornful, contemptuous, longl odjective lengthy, extended,
self-important, conceited, snobbish; prolonged, protracted, long-lastin g,
informol stuck-up, snooty; Brit. informol drawn-out. endless. lingering,
toffee-nosed. interminable.
- OPPOSITES low, short. - oPPostTEs short, brief.
249 long -+ loose

long2 verb I longed for the holidoys yearn, blance to, look similar to, take after;
pine, ache, hanker for/after, hunger, informolbe the (spitting) image of, be
thirst, itch, be eager, be desperate, a dead ringer for. look out beware,
crave, dream of; informal be dying. watch out, mind out, be on your
guard, be alert, be wary, be vigilant,
longing noun yearning, craving, ache,
be careful, take care, be cautious, pay
burning, hunger, thirst, hankering,
desire, wish, hope, aspiration; informal
attention, keep your eyes open/peeied,
yen, itch. keep an eye out, watch your step. look
over inspect, examine, scrutinize, cast
long-standin g odjective well estab- an eye over, take stocl< of, vet, view,
lished, time-honoured, traditional, peruse, read through; informol give
abiding, enduring. something a/the once-over, N. Amer.
- OPPOSITES new, Tecent. check out; N. Amer. informoleyeball.
Iong-sufferin g odjective patient, look up improve, get better, pick
forbearing, tolerant, uncomplaining, up, come along/on, progress, make
philosophical, stoical, forgiving. progress, make headway, perk up, rally,
long-winded o djective verbose, wordy, tal<e a turn for the better. look up to
lengthy, long, prolix, interminable, ram. admire, think highly of, hold in high
bling, tortuous, meandering, repeti- regard, respect, esteem, venerate,
tious, repetitive ; Brit. informol w affly. revere, idolize.
- OPPOSITES concise, succinct. lookalike noun double, twin, clone,
look verb 1 glance, gaze, stare, gape, livinq image, doppelgdnger, replica;
peer, peep, peek, watch, observe, view, informolspittingimage,dead ringer. :r:r,:::ti::ilil
regard, examine, inspect, eye, scan, lookout noun 1 watchman, watch.
scrutinize, survey, study, contemplate, guard, sentry, sentinel, observer.
take in, ogle, leer at; informol take a 2 (Brit. informol) thot's your lookout
gander, rubberneck, get a load of; problem, concern, business, affair,
Brit. informolgawp; tV. Amer. informol responsibility, worry; informol pigeon.
eyeball. 2 seem (to be), appear (to be), loom verb I emerge, appear, material-
come across/over as. ize, take shape.2 be imminent, be on
a noun 1 glance, examination, study, the horizon, impend, threaten, brew,
inspection, scrutiny, peep, peek, be just around the corner.
glimpse; informal eyeful, once-over,
squint; Brit. informol dekl<o, butcher's,
Ioop noun coil, ring, circle, noose, spiral,
curl, bend, curve, aTC, twirl, whorl,
shufti. 2 expression, mien, counte-
twist, helix.
nance.3 appearance, air, style, effect,
ambience, impression, aspect, manner,
a verb 1 coil, wind, twist, snake, spiral,
curve, bend, turn. 2 fasten, tie, join,
demeanour.
connect, knot, bind.
o look after take care ol care for,
attend to, minister to, tend, mind, keep loophole noun flaw, discrepancy,
an eye on, keep safe, guard, supervise, inconsistency, ambiguiLy. omission,
be responslble for, protect, nurse, excuse, escape clause; Brlt. get-out.
babysit. look down on disdain, scorn, loose odjective 1 not secure, unsecured,
look down your nose at, sneer at, unattached, untied, detached, wobbly,
despise. look for search for, hunt, try unsteady, dangling, free. 2 free, at
to find, seek, cast about/around for, for- large, at liberty, on the loose.3 baggy,
age for. look into investigate, enquire roomy, oversized, voluminous, shape-
into, go into, probe, explore, follow less, sloppy. 4 o loose interpretotion
up, research, study, examine; informol vague, imprecise, approximate, broad,
check out; N. Amer. informol scope out. general, rough, liberal.
look like resemble, bear a resem- - OPPOSITES secure, tight.
 loosen -+ lout 250

a verb 1 free, let loose, release, untie, at sea. 3 o lost opportunity missed,
unchain, unfasten, unleash, relax. wasted, squandered, gone by the
2 relax, slacken, loosen. board: informoldown the drain. 4 /ost
- OPPOSITES confine, tighten. troditions bygone, past, former, old,
loosen verb 1 undo, slacken, unfasten, vanished, forgotten, dead. 5 /ostspecies
detach, release, disconnect. 2 weaken, ond hobitots extinct, died out, defunct,
relax, slacken, loose, let go. vanished, gone, destroyed, wiped
- OPPOSITES tighten. out, exterminated. 6 /ost in thought
loot noun booty, spoils, plunder, haul; engrossed, absorbed, rapt, immersed,
informol swag, boodle. deep, intent, engaged, wrapped up.
o verb plunder, pillage, ransack, sack, lot pronoun (a lotf lots) a large amount,
rifle, rob, strip, gut. a good/great deal, an abundance, a
lopsided odjective crooked, askew, wealth, a profusion, plenty, many, a
awry, off-centre, uneven, out of true, great many, a large number, a consider-
asymmetrical, tilted, at an angle, slant. able number; informol hundreds, loads,
ing; Scottish agley; informal cockeyed; masses, heaps, piles, stacks, tons,
Brit. informol skew-whiff, wonky. oodles; Brit. i nformol lashings.
- OPPOSITES even, level. a odverb (a lot) a great deal, a good
lord noun 1 noble, nobleman, peer, deal, much, often, frequently, regularly.
aristocrat. 2 master, ruler, leader, a noun 1 (informol) group, crowd,
chiel superior, monarch, sovereign, circle, crew; informol bunch, gang,
king, emperor, prince, governor, mob. 2 on ouction /ot item, article,
batch, group, bundle, parcel. 3 his lot
Hifk
'
commander.
lorry noun truck, wagon, van, jugger-
in lifetate, destiny, fortune, situation,
circumstances, plight, predicament.
naut, trailel HGV; doted pantechnicon.
lotion noun ointment, cream, balm,
lose verb 1 mislay, misplace, be unable
rub, moisturizer, lubricant, embroca-
to find, lose track of. 2 escape from,
tion, liniment, salve, unguent.
evade, elude, dodge, avoid, give some-
one the slip, shake off, throw off, leave lottery noun raffle, (prize) draw, sweep-
behind, outdistance, outrun. 3 waste, stake, sweep, tombola, lotto, pools.
squander, let pass, miss; informol pass loud odjective 1 noisy, blaring, boom-
up, blow.4 be defeated, be beaten; ing, roaring, thunderous, resound.
informalcome a cropper, go down. ing, sonorous, powerful, stentorian,
- OPPOSITES find, seize, win. deafening. ear-splitting, piercing,
loser noun (informal) failure, under- shrill, raucous; Muslc forte, fortissimo.
achiever, dead loss, write-off, has-been; 2 vociferous, clamorous, insistent,
informol also+an, non-starter, no-hoper. vehement, emphatic. 3 garish, gaudy,
lurid, showy, flamboyant, ostentatious,
loss noun 1 mislaying, deprivation,
vulgar, tasteless; informol fl ashy.
forfeiture, erosion, reduction, deple.
tion. 2 death, demise, passing away, -oPPostTES quiet.
bereavement. 3 casualty, fatality, loudly odverb at the top of your voice,
victim, death toll. 4 deficit, debit, debt. noisily, stridently, vociferously, shrilly.
- OPPOSITES recovery, profit. lounge verblaze,lie, loll, recline, relax,
o at a loss baffled, mystified, puzzled, rest, take it easy, sprawl, slump, slouch,
perplexed, bewildered, confused, loal idle.
stumped, stuck; informol fl ummoxed, a noun living room, sitting room,
beaten. front room, drawing room; doted
lost odjective 1 missing, mislaid, parlour.
misplaced, gone astray. 2 stray, off Iout noun hooligan, ruffian, thug, boor,
course, going round in circles, adrift, oaf, rowdy; lnformol tough, bruiser;
251 lovable -+ lowly

Brit. informol yob, yobbo. lover noun 1 boyfriend, girlfriend,

lovable odjective adorable, dear, sweet, beloved, sweetheart, inamorato/a,
cute, charming, lovely, likeable, engag- mistress, partner, gigolo; informol bit
ing. endearing, winning, winsome. on the side, fancy man, fancy woman;
- OPPOSITES hateful, loathsome. doted beau; /iterory swain; o/d use
paramour. 2 devotee, admirer, fan,
love noun 1 adoration, devotion, afec-
tion, fondness, tenderness, attach- enthusiast, aficionado; informol buff ,
ment, warmth, passion, desire, lust, nut.
yearning, infatuation, besottedness. loving adjective affectionate, fond,
2 liking, taste, zeal, zest, enthusiasm, devoted, adoring, doting, caring, ten-
keenness, fondness, weakness, partial- der, warm, close, amorous, passionate.
ity, predilection, penchant. 3 compas- - OPPOSITES cold, cruel.
sion, care, regard, concern, altruism, low odjective 1 short, small, little, squat,
unselfi shness, philanthropy, benevo- stubby, stunted. 2 cheap, economi-
lence, humanity.4 beloved, loved one, cal, moderate, reasonable, affordable,
dearest, darling, sweetheart, sweet, modest, bargain, bargain-basement,
angel, honey. rock-bottom. 3 scarce, scant, meagre,
- oPPOSITES hatred. sparse, few, little, reduced, depleted,
o verb I be in love with, adore, be diminished. 4 inferior, substandard,
devoted to, be infatuated with, be poor, low-grade, unsatisfactory,
smitten with, be besotted with, idolize, inadequate, second-rate. 5 quiet,
worship, think the world of, dote on, soft, faint, gentle, muted, subdued,
care for, hold dear, cherish; informol muffled, hushed. 6 bass, low-pitched, ,r::iXi1$1
be mad/crazy about, carry a torch for. deep, rumbling, booming, sonorous.
2 like, delight in, relish, enjoy, have a 7 depressed, dejected, despondent,
soft spot for, have a weakness for, be downhearted, downcast, down, miser-
addicted to, be tal<en with; informol able, dispirited, gloomy, glum, flat;
have a thing about, be hooked on, get informal fed up, down in the dumps,
a kick out of. blue.
- oPPoslTES hate. - oPPoSlTEs high, expensive, loud.
WORD LINKS Iowerl I
subordinate, inferior,
odjective
amatory relating to love lesser,junior, minor, secondary, subsidi-
ary, subservienl.2 her lower lip bot-
love affair noun relationship, affai(e),
tom, nether, bottommost, under.
romance, liaison, fling, amour, entan-
glement, involvement, intrigue; Brit. - OPPOSITES upper.

informolcarry-on. Iower2 verb 1 let down, take down,

drop, let fall. 2 soften, modulate,
lovely odjective 1 beautiful, pretty, quieten, hush, tone down, muffle,
attractive, good-looking, handsome,
turn down, mute.3 reduce, decrease,
adorable. charming, engaging,
lessen, bring down, cut, slash.
enchanting, gorgeous, alluring, ravish-
ing, glamorous; Scottish & N. English
- oPPostTES raise, increase.
bonny: lnformol tasty, stunning, low-key odjective restrained, modest,
drop-dead gorgeous; Brit. informol frt; understated, muted, subtle, quiet, low-
N. Amer. informolcute, foxy; o/d use profile, inconspicuous, unobtrusive,
comely. 2 delightful, marvellous, mag- discreet.
nifi cent, stunning, splendid, wonderful, - oPPoSITES ostentatious, obtrusive.
superb, pleasant, enjoyable; informol lowly odjective humble, low, low-rank-
terrific, fabulous, heavenly, divine, ing, common, ordinary, plain, modest,
amazing, glorious. simple, obscure.
- oPPostrEs ugly, horrible. - OPPOSITES aristocratic, exalted.
 loyal -+ lurch 252

loyal adjective laithful, true, true-blue, lull verb soothe, calm, quiet, still,
devoted, constant, steadfast, staunch, assuage, allay, ease, quell.
dependable, reliable, trustworthy, a noun I pause, respite, interval,
trusty, patriotic, unswerving. break, suspension, breathing space.
- oPPOStTES disloyal, treacherous. hiatus; informol let-up, breather. 2 the
loyalty noun allegiance, faithful- lull before the storm calm, stillness,
ness, fidelity, obedience, adherence, quiet, tranquillity, peace, silence, hush.
devotion, steadfastness, staunchness, Iumberl yerb trundle, stump, clump,
dedication, commitment, patriotism; plod, stumble, shamble, shuffle,
o/d use fealty. trudge.
- OPPoSITES disloyalty, treachery. lumber2 verb (Brit. informot) burden,
lucid odjective 1 clear, crystal-clear, saddle, encumber, land.
intelligible, comprehensible, cogent, Iumbering odjective clumsy, awkward,
coherent, articulate. 2 rational, sane, slow, blundering, bumbling, ponder.
in possession of your faculties, compos ous, ungainly; informol clodhopping.
mentis, clear-headed, sober; informol - OPPOSITES nimble, agile.
all there. luminous odjective shining, bright,
- oPPostrEs confused. brilliant, radiant, dazzling, coruscating,
luck noun 1 good fortune, good luck,
glowing, luminescent, phosphorescent,
stroke of luck, fluke; informal lucky fl uorescent, incandescent.
break. 2 fortune, fate, serendipity, - OPPOSITES dark.
chance, accident, a twist of fate. lump noun 1 chunk, hunk, piece, block,
- OPPOSITES bad luck, misfortune. wedge, slab, ball, knob, pat, clod,
clump, nugget, gobbet. 2 swelling,
luckily odverb fortunately, happily,
bump, bulge, protuberance, protru-
providentially, by good fortune, as luck
sion, growth, nodule, tumour.
would have it, mercifully, thankfully.
a verb combine, put, group, bunch,
lucky odjective 1 fortunate, in luck, throw.
favoured, charmed, successful; Bdt. lunatic noun maniac, psychopath,
informol jammy. 2 providential, fortu- madman, madwoman, idiot; informol
nate, timely, opportune, serendipitous, loony, nutcase, headcase, psycho;
chance, fortuitous, accidental. Brit. informolnutter; N. Amer. informol
- OPPOSITES unlucky. screwball.
Iucrative adjective profitable, gainful, o odjective stupid, foolish, idiotic,
remunerative, moneymaking, well insane, absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous,
paid, rewarding, worthwhile. preposterous, asinine; informol crazy,
- OPPOSITES unprofitable. mad; Brit. informalbarmy, daft.
ludicrous odjective absurd, ridiculous, Iung noun
farcical, laughable, risible, preposter- WORD LINKS
ous, mad, insane, idiotic, stupid, prl-on..y r.l.ting to t
asinine, nonsen sical; informol cr azy.
- OPPOSITES sensible. lunge noun Dorren mode a lunge ot his
offocker thrust, dive, rush, charge,
luggage noun baggage, bags, suit- grab.
cases, case5. a verb he lunged ot her with o knife
lukewarm odjective o lukeworm thrust, dive, spring, launch yourself,
response indifferent, cool, half-hearted, rush.
apathetic, tepid, unenthusiastic, unin- lurch yerb 1 stagger, stumble, sway,
terested, non-committal. reel, roll, totter. 2 swing, list, roll,
- OPPOSITES warm. pitch, veer, swerve.
253 lure -+ lyrical

lure verb tempt, entice, attract, induce, long for, yearn for, dream ol hanker
coax, persuade, inveigle, seduce, for/after, hunger for, thirst for, ache for.
beguile, draw. luxurious odjective opulent, sumptu-
- oPPoSITES deter, put off. ous, grand, palatial, magnificent,
a noun temptation, attraction, pull, extravagant, fancy, de luxe, expensive:
draw, appeal, inducement, allure, fasci. Brit. upmarket; informol plush, posh,
nation, interest, glamour. classy, swanky, bling-bling; Brit. infor-
lurid odjective I bright, vivicl, glaring, mol swish; N. Amer.lnformol swank.
fluorescent, gaudy, Ioud. 2 lurid detoils - OPPOSITES plain, basic.
sensational, rolourful, salacious, luxury noun 1 opulence, sumptu-
graphic, explicit, prurient, shocking, ousness, grandeur, magnificence,
gruesome, gory, grisly; informol juicy. splendour, luxuriousness, affluence.
lurk verb skulk, Ioiter, lie in wait, hide. 2 indulgence, extrava gance, treat,
lush odjective 1 profuse, abundant, extra, frill.
luxuriant, flourishing, rich, riotous, vig- - OPPOSITES simplicity, necessity.
orous, dense, thick, rampant. 2 luxuri- lying noun dishonesty, fabrication,
ous, sumptuous, palatial, opulent, fi bbing, perjury, untruthfulness,
lavish, elaborate, extravagant, fancy; mendacity, misrepresentation, deceit,
informol plush, posh, swanky, bling- duplicity.
bling ; Brif. informal swish; iV. Amer. - OPPOSITES honesty.
informol swank. o odjective dishonest, untruthful, false,
- oPPoslTES sparse, austere. mendacious, deceitful, duplicitous,
lust noun 1 desire, longing, passion. double-dealing, two-f aced.
libido, sex drive, sexuality, lecherous- - oPPoSITES honest.
ness, lasciviousness; Brit. informol lyrical odjective 1 expressive, emo-
randiness. 2 greed, desire, craving, tional, deeply felt, personal. 2 enthu-
eagerness, longing, yearning, hunger, siastic, effusive, rapturous, ecstatic,
thirst. appetite, hankering. euphoric, passionate, impassioned.
o lust forfafter crave, desire, want, - oPPoSITES unenthusiastic.
machine, magnanimous

Mm
machine noun 1 device, appliance, informol tee off, tick off.
apparatus, engine, gadget, mechanism, - OPPOSITES calm.
tool, instrument, contraption. 2 on madman, madwoman noun lunatic,
efftcient pu blicity mochine organization, maniac, psychotic, psychopath;
system, structure, machinery; informol informol loony, nut, nutcase, head case,
set-u p. psycho; Brit. informolnutter; N. Amer.
machinery noun 1 equipment, appa- informol screwball.
ratus, plant, hardware, gear, gadgetry,
madness noun 1 insanity, mental ill-
technology. 2 the mochinery of locol
ness, dementia, derangement, lunacy,
government workings, organization,
mania, psychosis. 2 folly, foolishness,
system, structure; informol set-up.
idiocy, stupidity, foolhardiness. 3 bed-
macho odjective manly, male, mascu- lam, mayhem, chaos, pandemonium,
line, virile, red-blooded; informol butch, uproar, turmoil.
laddish. - oPPosrTEs sanity.
mad odjective 1 insane, crazy, out of
magazine noun journal, periodical,
your mind, deranged, demented,
supplement, fanzine; informol glossy,
crazed, lunatic, unbalanced, unhinged,
mag.
psychotic, non compos mentis; Brit
sectionable; informal mental, off your magiC noun 1 sorcery, witchcraft,
head, round the bend, nuts, nutty, wizardry, necromancy, enchantment,
off your rocker, bonkers, loony, loopy, the supernatural, occultism, the occult,
batty, cuckoo; Brit. informol barmy, black magic, the black arts, voodoo,
crackers, barking (mad), potty, round hoodoo. 2 conjuring (tricks), sleight
the twist. 2 (informol) angry, furious, of hand, legerdemain, illusion; formol
infuriated, enraged, fuming, incensed, prestidigitation. 3 allure, excitement,
beside yourself : informollivid, spare; fascination, charm, glamour.
N. Amer. informal sore.3 a mod scheme magical odjective 1 supernatural,
foolish, insane, stupid, lunatic, idiotic, ma gic, mystica l, other-worldly.
foolhardy, absurd, ludicrous, silly, 2 enchanting, entrancing, spellbind-
asinine, wild, crackbrained, senseless, ing, bewitching, fascinating, captivat-
preposterous; informol crazy, crackpot; ing, alluring, enthralling, charming,
Brit. informol daft.4 (informol) he's mod lovely, delightful, beautiful, amazing;
obout her passionate, fanatical, ardent, informol heavenly, gorgeous.
fervent, devoted, infatuated; informol
crazy, dotty, nuts, wild, hooked; Brit. magician noun 1 sorcerer, sorceress,
informolpotty; N. Amer. informol nutso. witch, wizard, warlock, enchanter,
5 o mod dosh to get reody frenzied, enchantress, necromancer; formol
frantic, frenetic, feverish, hysterical, thaumaturge. 2 conjuror, illusionist;
wild, hectic, manic. formol prestidigitator.
- oPPostrES sane, sensible. magnanimou s odjective generous,
madden verb infuriate, exasperate, charitable, benevolent, benefi cent,
irritate, incense, anger, enrage, pro- big-hearted, open-handed, munifi-
voke, make someone see red, inflame; cent, philanthropic, noble, unselfish,
informol aggravate, make someone's a ltruistic.
blood boil; Brit. informolnark; i!. Amer. - OPPOSITES mean.
255 magnetic -) make

magnetic odjective attractive, irresist- maintenance noun 1 preservation,

ible, seductive, charismatic, hypnotic, conservation, prolongation, continua-
alluring, fascinating, captivating. tion. 2 servicing, service, repair, run-
magnificent odjective 1 splendid, spec- ning repairs, care.3 support, upkeep,
tacular, impressive, striking, glorious, alimony, allowance.
superb, majestic, awe-inspiring, breath- maiestic o djective stately, di g n ifi ed,
taking, sublime, resplendent, sumptu- distinguished, magnifi cent, grand,
ous, grand, imposing, monumental, splendid, glorious, impressive, regal,
palatial, opulent, luxurious, lavish, noble, awe-inspiring, monumental,
rich, dazzling, coruscating, beautiful. palatial, imposing.
2 excellent, outstanding, marvellous, - oPPostTEs modest.
brilliant, wonderful, virtuoso, fi ne, majesty noun stateliness, dignity, mag-
superb. nificence, pomp, grandeur, splendour,
- OPPOSITES uninspiring, ordinary. glory, impressiveness, nobility.
magnify verb enlarge, increase, aug- maior odjective 1 greatest, best, finest,
ment, extend, expand, boost, enhance, most important, chief, main, prime,
maximize, amplify, intensify; informol principal, leading, foremost, outstand.
blow up. ing, pre-eminent. 2 crucial, vital,
- OPPOSITES reduce, minimize. important, big, significant, consider-
magnitude noun 1 size, extent, able, weighty, serious, key, utmost,
immensity, vastness, hugeness, enor- great, paramount, prime.
mity. 2 importance, import, signifi- - OPPOSITES minor, trivial.
cance, consequence. maiority noun 1 most, bulk, mass,
mail noun post, letters, correspond- best part, lion's share, (main) body,
ence, email. preponderance, predominance. Z com- li,',,'i'Sfii
a verb send, post, dispatch, forward, ing of age, age of consent. adulthood,
ship, email. seniority.
maim verb injure, wound, cripple, dis- - OPPOSITES minority.
able, incapacitate, mutilate, disfigure, make verb 1 construct, build, erect,
mangle. assemble, put together, manufacture,
produce, fabricate, create, form, forge,
main odjective principal, chiel head,
leading, foremost, most important, fashion, model, improvise. 2 force,
major, dominant, central, focal, key, compel, coerce, press, drive, dragoon,
pressurize, oblige, require; informol
prime, primary, first, fundamental, pre-
railroad, steamroller. 3 cause, cre-
dominant, pre-eminent, paramount.
ate, bring about, produce, generate,
- OPPOSITES subsidiary, minor. give rise to, effect. 4 they mode him
mainly odverb mostly, for the most choirmon appoint, designate, name,
part, in the main, on the whole, largely, nominate, select, elect, vote in. 5 he's
by and large, to a large extent, predom. mode a lot of money acquire, obtain,
inantly, chiefly, principally, primarily. gain, get, secure, win, earn. 6 he mode
maintain verb 1 preserve, conserve, the teo prepare, concoct, cook, whip
keep, retain, keep going, prolong, up, brew; informol fix.
perpetuate, sustain, carry on, continue. - OPPOSITES destroy.
2 look after, service, care for, take care a noun brand, marque, label, type,
of, support, provide for, keep.3 insist, sort, kind, variety.
declare, assert, protest, affirm, profess, o make for contribute to, produce,
avow, claim, contend, argue; formol promote, facilitate, foster. make off
aver. run away, run off, take to your heels,
- oPPoslTEs discontinue. flee, take off, take flight, bolt; informol
make-believe -+ manager 256

clear off, beat it, split, scram; Brif. malicious odjective spiteful, malevo-
informolscarper, do a runner. make lent, vindictive, vengeful, resentful,
out 1 see, discern, distinguish, detect, malign, nasty, hurtful, cruel, catty,
observe, recognize. 2 understand, venomous, poisonous, barbed; informol
grasp, follow, work out, interpret, deci- bitchy.
pher, make head or tail of, catch. make - oPPoslTEs benevolent.
peace make up, bury the hatchet, maltreat verb ill-treat, mistreat, abuse,
forgive and forget, shake hands. make ill-use, mishandle, misuse, persecute,
up 1 comprise, form, compose, consti- harm, hurt, injure.
tute, account for. 2 invent, fabricate,
man noun 1 male, gentleman, fellow,
concoct, think up; informol cook up.
youth; informol guy, gent, geezer;
make up for offset, counterbalance, Brit. informolbloke, chap, lad; tV. Amer.
counteract, cancel out, compensate
informol dude, hombre. 2 human
for, atone for, make amends for.
being, human, person, mortal, indi-
make-believe noun fantasy, pretence, vidual, soul.3 the human race, Homo
daydreaming, invention, fabrication, sapiens, humankind, humanity, human
charade, play-acting, masquerade. beings, humans, people, mankind.
o odjective imaginary, imagined, a verb 1 staff, crew, occupy. 2 oper-
made-up, fanciful, fictitious; informol ate, work, use.
pretend.
WORD LINKS
- OPPoSITES real, actual.
male. masculine, virile relating
maker noun creator, manufacturer, to men
constructor, builder, producer.
makeshift o djective temporary, pro-
manage verbl be in charge of, run,
visional, stopgap, standby, rough and head, direct, control, preside over, lead,
ready. improvised, ad hoc. govern, rule, command, supervise.
oveTsee, administer; informol head up.
make-up noun 1 cosmetics, grease-
2 accomplish, achieve, carry out, per-
paint; informol warpaint, slap.
form, undertake, deal with, cope with,
2 composition, constitution, structure,
get through. 3 cope, get alongi on,
configuration, arrangement. 3 charac-
make do, survive, get by, muddle
ter, nature, temperament, personality,
through/along, make ends meet; infor-
mentality, persona.
mol make out, hack it.
makings plurol noun qualities, charac-
manageable odjective 1 achievable,
teristics, ingredients, potential, capac-
doable, practicable, feasible, reason-
ity, capability, stuff.
able, attainable, viable. 2 compliant,
maladjusted o djective distu rbed, tractable, pliant, biddable, docile, ame-
unstable, neurotic, dysfunctional; nable, accommodating, acquiescent.
informolmixed up, screwed up.
management noun 1 administration,
male odjective masculine, manly, virile, running, managing, organization, direc-
macho. tion, leadership, control, governance,
- oPPoSITES female. rule, command, supervision, guidance,
malfunction verb break down, fail, operation. 2 managers, employers,
stop working, crash, go down; informol directors, board, directorate, executive,
conk out, go kaput; Brit. informal play administration; informol bosses, top
up, pack up. brass.
malice noun spite, malevolence, ili will, - oPPoSITES employees.
vindictiveness, vengefulness, malignity, manager noun executive, head, super-
animus, enmity, rancour. visor, principal, director, superinten-
- OPPOSITES benevolence. dent, foreman, forewoman, overseer,
257 mandate -+ many

organizer, administrator; lnformol boss, simulated, mock, fake, faux.

chief, governor: Brit. informol gaffer, - oPPostTEs natural, real.
guv'nor, honcho. manner noun 1 way, fashion, mode,
mandate noun 1 authority, approval, means, method, methodology, system,
ratifi cation, endorsement, sanction, style, approach, technique, procedure,
authorization. 2 instruction, directive, process. 2 her unfriendly monner behav-
decree, command, order, injunction. iour, attitude, demeanour, air, aspect,
mandatory o dje ctive obligatory, co m- mien, bearing, conduct. 3 (manners)
pulsory, binding, required, requisite, social graces, politeness, Ps and Qs,
necessa ry. etiquette, protocol, decorum, propri-
- oPPostTES optional. ety, civility.
mania noun obsession, compulsion, mannerism noun idiosyncrasy, quirk,
fixation, fetish, fascination, preoccupa- oddity, foible, trait, peculiarity, habit,
tion, passion, enthusiasm, desire, urge, cha racteristic.
craving, craze, fad, rage; lnformoi thing. manoeuvre yerb 1 steer, guide, drive,
maniac noun lunatic, madman, mad. negotiate, jockey, navigate, pilot,
woman, psychopath; informol loony, direct, move, work.2 manipulate,
nutcase, nut, head case, headbanger, contrive, manage, engineer, fix, organ-
psycho, sicko; Brit. informol nutter: lze, arrange, orchestrate, choreograph,
N. Amer. informol screwball. stage-manage; lnformol wan g le, pull
strings.
manifest verb display, show, exhibit,
a noun 1 operation, exercise, move,
demonstrate, betray, present, reveal; movement, action. 2 stratagem,
formol evince. tactic, gambit, ploy, trick, dodge, ruse,
- OPPOSITES hide.
scheme,device,plot,machination, .,,i:lt:i:liilili
o odjective obvious, clear, plain, appar- artifi ce, subter[uge. intrigue.
ent, evident, patent, distinct, definite,
blatant, overt, glaring, transparent,
mansion noun country house, stately
home, hall, manor house; informol pile.
conspicuous. undisguised.
- OPPOSITES hovel.
manifestation noun 1 display, dem-
onstration, show, exhibition, presen-
manual noun handbook, instructions,
guide, companion, ABC, guidebook,
tation. 2 sign, indication, evidence,
vade mecum; lnformol bible.
symptom, testimony, proof, mark,
refl ection, example, instance.
o odjective physical, labouring, blue-
collar, hand.
manipulate verb 1 operate, work,
manufacture verb 1 make, produce,
handle, turn, pull, push, twist, slide.
mass-produce, build, construct, assem-
2 control, influence, use to your advan-
ble, put together, turn out, process.
tage, exploit, twist.
2 make up, invent, fabricate, concoct,
mankind noun the human race, hatch, dream up, think up, contrive;
humankind, humanity, human beings, informolcook up.
humans, Homo sapiens, people, man, o noun production, making, manufac-
men and women. turing, mass production, construction,
manay odjective virile, masculine, building, assembly.
strong, all-male, red-blooded, muscular, manufacturer noun maker, producer,
muscly, strapping, well built, rugged, builder, constructor, industrialist.
tough, powerful, brawny; informol many determin er & adjective numerous,
hunky. alot ol, plenty o[, countless, innu.
- oPPostTEs effeminate. merable. scores oI, untold, copious,
man-made o djective artificial, syn- abundant; informol lots of, umpteen,
thetic, manufactured, imitation, ersatz, loads of, masses of, stacks of, heaps of,
map + marvel

oodles of, a slew of; literory myriad. dent; informol splodge. 2 label,
- OPPOSITES few. identify, flag, tag, initial, highlight,
map noun plan, chart, A to Z, atlas. name, brand.3 celebrate, observe,
a verb chart, plot, draw, record. recognize, acknowledge, keep, honour,
commemorate, remember, solemnize.
WORD LINKS 4 represent, signify, indicate, herald.
cartography making of maps 5 characterize, distinguish, identify,
mar verb spoil, impair, detract from, typify. 6 assess. evaluate, appraise,
disfigure, blemish, scar, deface, ruin, correct; N. Amer grade.
damage, wreck, taint, tarnish. marked odjective noticeable, pro-
- OPPOSITES enhance. nounced, decided, distinct, striking,
march verb 1 stride, walk, troop, step, clear, unmisLakable, obvious. conspicu-
pace, tread, slog, tramp, hike, trudge, ous, notable.
parade, file. 2 stalk, strut, flounce, - oPPoSlTEs imperceptible.
storm, stomp, sweep. market noun shopping centre, marl<et-
a noun 1 walk, trek, slog, route march, place, bazaar, souk, fair; N. Amer. mart.
hike. 2 parade, procession, cortdge, a verb sell, retail, merchandise, trade,
demonstration; informol demo. advertise, promote.
margin noun 1 edge, side, verge, maroon verb strand, cast away, cast
border, perimeter, brink, brim, rim, ashore, abandon, desert, leave behind,
fringe, boundary, periphery, extremity. leave.
2 leeway, latitude, scope, room, space, marriage noun 1 matrimony, wedlock,
allowance. wedding, nuptials, union, match. 2 o
marginal odjective slight, small, morriage of jozz, pop, ond gospel union,
tiny, minute, insignificant, minimal, fusion, mixture, mix, blend, amalgama-
negligible. tion, combination, hybrid.
- oPPostrES considerable. - oPPoSITES divorce, separation.
marine odjective 1 seawater, sea, WORD LINKS
saltwater, aquatic. 2 maritime, marital, matrimonial. nuptial, con-
nautical. naval, seafaring, seagoing, jugal relating to marriage
ocean-going.
mariner noun sailor, seaman, seafarer; marry verb 1 get married, wed,
informolmatelot, sea dog, old salt; become man and wife; lnformol tie the
doted tar. knot, walk down the aisle, get spliced,
get hitched. 2 the show morries poetry
marital adjective matrimonial, conju-
with ort join, unite, combine, fuse, mix,
gal, married, wedded, nuptial.
blend, merge, amalgamate.
maritime odjective naval, marine, nauti- - oPPoSlTEs divorce, separate.
cal, seafaring, seagoing, sea, ocean-
going, oceanic, coastal.
marsh noun swamp, marshland, bog,
morass, mire, quagmire, slough, fen.
mark noun 1 blemish, streak, spot, marshal verb assemble, gather
fleck, blot, stain, smear, speck,
(together), collect, muster, call
smudge, blotch, bruise, scratch, scar,
together, draw up, line up, array, organ.
dent, chip, nick; informol splodge.
ize, group, arrange, deploy, position,
2 sign, token, symbol, emblem, badge,
summon, round up.
indication, characteristic, feature, trait,
attribute, quality, hallmark, indicator, martial odjective military, soldierly,
symptom, proof. 3 grade, grading, warlike, fighting, militaristic; informol
rating, score, percentage. gung-ho.
a verb 1 discolour, stain, smear, marvel verb be amazed, be aston-
smudge, streak, dirty, scratch, scar, ished, be in awe, wonder informol
259 marvellous + mastermind
be gobsmacked. a verb 1 rub, knead, manipulate,
o noun wonder, miracle, sensation, pummel, work. 2 alter, tamper with,
spectacle, phenomenon, prodigy. manipulate, doctor, falsify, juggle,
marvellous odjective excellent, splen- fiddle with, tinker with, distort, rig;
did, wonderful, magnifl cent, superb, lnformol cook, fiddle.
sensational, glorious, sublime, Iovely, massive odjective huge, enormous,
delightful; informol super, great, amaz- vast, immense, mighty, great, colossal,
ing, fantastic, terrifi c, tremendous, tremendous, gigantic, mammoth,
fabulous, cracking, awesome, divine, monumental, giant, mountainous;
ace, wicked; Brit. inflormol smashing, nformol monster, whopping, astro-
i

brilliant. nomical, mega; Brit. informol whacking,

- oPPoslTEs commonplace, awful. ginormous.
masculine odjective 1 virile, macho, - OPPOSITES tiny.
manly, male, muscular, muscly, strong, master nounl (historicol) lord, Iiege,
strapping, well built, rugged, robust, ruler, sovereign, monarch. 2 expert,
brawny, powerful, red-blooded, vigor- genius, maestro, virtuoso, authority;
ous; informal hunky, laddish. 2 man- informol ace, wizard, whizz, hotshot,
nish, unfeminine, unladylike; informol pto; Brit. informoldab hand; N. Amer.
butch. informol maven, crackerjack. 3 teacher,
- OPPOSITES feminine, effeminate. schoolteacher, schoolmaster, tutor,
mash yerb pulp, crush, pur6e, cream, instructor. 4 guru, teacher, leader,
pound, beat. guide, mentor.
mask noun pretence, semblance, veil, - OPPOSITES servant. pupil.
screen, front, facade, veneer, disquise, a verb 1 overcome, conquer, beat,
cover, cloak, camoufl age. quell, suppress, control, triumph over, ,,i::lli#$
o verb hide, conceal, disguise. cover subdue, vanquish, subjugate, curb, """
-
up, obscure, screen, cloak, camouflage. check, defeat, get the better of infor-
mass noun 1 o moss of follen /eoves pile, mol lick. 2 he'd mostered the technique
heap, accumulation, aggregation, learn, become proficient in, pick up,
mat, tangle. 2 o moss of cyclists crowd, grasp, understand; informol get the
horde, throng, host, troop, army, hang of.
herd, flock, swarm, mob, pack, flood, o odjective expert, adept, profi cient,
multitude. 3 the moss of the populo- skilled, skilful, deft, dexterous, adroit,
tion majority, most, preponderance, practised, experienced, masterly,
greater part, best/better part, bulk, accomplished; informol crack, ace:
body. N. Amer. informol crackerjack.

O odjective widespread, general, - oPPOSITES amateur.

extensive, large-scale, wholesale, uni- masterful odjective commanding,
versal, indiscriminate. powerful, imposing, magisterial,
o verb assemble, gather together, a uthoritative.
collect, rally. - OPPOSITES weak.
massacre noun slaughter, mass mur- masterly odjective expert, adept,
der, mass execution, ethnic cleansing, skilful, skilled, adroit, proficient, deft,
genocide, holocaust, annihilation, dexterous, accomplished, polished,
liquidation, extermination, carnage, consu mmate.
butchery, bloodbath, bloodletting. - OPPOSITES inept.
o verb slaughter, butcher, murder, mastermind noun genius, intellect;
kill, annihilate, exterminate, execute, informol brain(s).
liquidate, eliminate, mow down. o verb plan, control, direct, be in
massage noun rub, rub-down, kneading. charge of, run, conduct, organize,
masterpiece + maverick

arrange, preside over, orchestrate, enquiry relevant, pertinent, applicable,

stage-manage, engineer, manage, germane, vital, essential, l<ey.
coordinate. - OPPOSITES spiritual.
masterPiece noun magnum opus, materialize verb t happen, occur,
chef-d'euvre, masterwork, pidce de come about, take place. transpirei
r6sistance, tour de force, classic. informol come off; literory come to pass.
mastery noun 1 proficiency, ability, 2 appear, turn up, arrive, emerge,
capability, knowledge, understanding, surface, pop up; informol show up,
comprehension, command, grasp. fetch up.
2 control, domination, command, maternal odjective motherly, protec-
supremacy, superiority, power, author- tive, caring, nurturing, maternalistic.
ity, jurisdiction, dominion, sovereignty. matrimonial odjective marital, conju-
mat noun rug, carpet, doormat, runner. gal, married, wedded, nuptial; literory
match noun 1 contest, competition, connubial.
qame, tournament, tie, fixture, meet, matted odjective tangled, knotted, tou-
friendly, (local) derby, bout, fight; Brit. sled, dishevelled, uncombed, unkempt,
clash. 2 on exoct motch lookalike, ratty.
double, twin, duplicate, mate, com- matter noun 1 material, stuff, sub-
panion, counterpart, pair, replica, copy, stance. 2 affair, business, situation,
doppelginger; informol spitting image, concern, incident, episode, subject,
dead ringer. topic, issue, question, point at issue,
a verb 1 go with, coordinate with, case.
complement, suit, set off. 2 corre- averbbe important, make any differ-
spond, tally, agree, coincide, square. ence, be of consequence, be relevant,
3 equal, compare with, be In the same count, signify.
league as, touch, rival, compete with;
informolhold a candle to. matter-of-fact o djective u nemotional,
practical, down-to-earth, sensible,
matching o djective corresponding,
realistic, unsentimental, pragmatic,
equivalent, parallel, analogous, comple- businesslike, commonsensical, level-
mentary, paired, twin, identical, alike. headed, hard-headed, no-nonsense,
- OPPOSITES different, clashing. straightforward.
mate noun 1 (Brit. informol) triend, mature odjective 1 adult, of age, fully
companion, schoolmate, classmate, grown, in your prime. 2 grown-up,
workmate; informolpal, chum; N. Amer. sensible, responsible, adult. 3 ripe,
informol buddy, amigo, compadre.
ripened, mellow, seasoned, ready.
2 partner, husband, wife, spouse, con-
- OPPOSITES immature.
sort, lover; informol better half, other
o verb 1 grow up, come of age, reach
half .3 o plumber's mote assistant,
adulthood.2 ripen, mellow, age.
helpel apprentice.
3 develop, grow, bloom, blossom,
o verb breed, couple, copulate, pair. evolve.
material noun 1 matter, substance, maturity noun 1 adulthood, coming of
stuff, constituents. 2 fabric, cloth,
age, manhood, womanhood. 2 respon-
textiles. 3 information, data, facts,
sibility, sense, wisdom.
facts and figures, statistics, evidence,
details, particulars, background; maul verb savage, attack, claw, scratch,
informolinfo. lacerate, mangle, tear.
o odjective 1 physical, corporeal, maverick noun individualist, noncon-
fl eshly, bodily, tangible, mundane, formist, free spirit, original, eccentric,
worldly, earthly, seculal temporal, con- rebel, dissenter, dissident.
crete, real. 2 informotion moteriol to the - OPPOSITES conformist.
zot maxim -+ measurement

maxim noun saying, adage, aphorism, meaning noun 1 significance, sense,

proverb, motto, saw, axiom, dictum, signification, import, gist, thrust, drift,
precept, epigram. implication, message. 2 defi nition,
maximum odjective greatest, highest, sense, explanation, interpretation,
biggest, largest, top, most, utmost, connotation.
supreme. WORD LINKS
a noun upper limit, limit, utmost, semantic relating to meaning
greatest, most, peal<, pinnacle, height,
ceiling, top. meaningful odjective 1 signifi cant,
- minimum.
OPPOSITES relevant, important, telling, expressive,
eloquent, pointed, pregnant, revealing,
maybe odverb perhaps, possibly, for all
suggestive. 2 sincere, deep, serious,
you know; N. English happen; /iterory
earnest, signifi cant, important.
perchance.
meaningless odjective unintelligible,
mayhem noun chaos, havoc, bedlam,
incomprehensible, incoherent, sense-
pandemonium, uproar, turmoil, a riot,
less, pointless.
anarchy; informol a madhouse.
means p/urol noun 1 method, way,
maze noun labyrinth, network, warren, manner, course, agency, channel,
web, tangle, confusion, jungle.
avenue, procedure, process, methodol.
meadow noun field, paddock, pasture; ogy, expedient, solution. 2 money,
/iterory lea, mead. Tesources, capital, income, fi nance,
meagre odjective inadequate, scant, funds, cash, the wherewithal, deep
paltry, Iimited, restricted, sparse, neg- pockets, assets, wealth, riches, afflu-
ligible, skimpy, slender, pitiful, miserly, ence, fortune.
niggardly; informol measly, stingy. meanwhile, meantime odverb 1 lor
- oPPostrES abundant. now, for the moment, for the present,
meal noun snack, feast, banquet; for the time being, in the meanwhile,
informol spread, blowout; Brit. informol in the meantime, in the interim. 2 at
nosh-up; formol repast. the same time, simultaneously,
concurrently.
WORD LINKS
prandial relating to meals measure verb quantify, gauge, size,
count, weigh, evaluate, assess, deter-
meanl yerb I signify, denote, indicate, mine, calculate, compute.
convey, designate, show, express, spell a noun 1 action, act, course of action,
out, stand for, represent, symbolize, deed, procedure, step, expedient,
imply, suggest, intimate, portend. initiative, programme. 2 statute, act,
2 intend, aim, plan, have in mind, set bill, law. 3 ruler, tape measure, gauge,
out, want. 3 this will meon wor entail, meter, scale. 4 sales ore o meosure of
involve, necessitate, lead to, result in, their success yardstick, test, standard,
give rise to, bring about, cause, engen- barometer, touchstone, benchmark.
der, produce. measured odjective 1 regular, steady,
mean2 odjective 1 miserly, niggardly, even, rhythmic, unfaltering, slow, digni-
parsimonious. penny-pinching, fied, stately, sedate, leisurely, unhur-
cheese-paring ; informol tight-fi sted, ried. 2 careful, thoughtful, considered,
stingy, tight; N. Amer.informol cheap. reasoned, calculated.
2 unkind, nasty, unpleasant, spiteful, measurement noun 1 quantification,
malicious, unfair, shabby, horrible, des- evaluation, assessment, calculation,
picable, contemptible, obnoxious, vile, computatlon, mensuration. 2 size,
loathsome, base, low; informol rotten. dimension, proportions, value,
- oPPostrES generous, kind. amount, quantity.
meat + melancholy
meat
q noun flesh.

carnivorous meat-eating
- OPPoSITES excellent.
meditate verb contemplate, think, con-
sider, ponder, muse, reflect, deliberate,
I
ruminate, brood, mull over.
mechanical odjective 1 mechanized, medium noun o medium of expression
machine-driven, automated, automatic.
means, method, avenue, channel, vehi-
2 automatic, knee-jerk, unthinking,
cle, organ, instrument, mechanism.
instinctive, habitual, routine, unemo-
o odjective average, middling,
tional, unfeeling.
medium-sized, middle-sized, moderate,
- oPPostrES manual.
normal, standard.
me€hanism noun 1 apparatus,
machine, machinery, appliance, device,
meek odjective submissive, obedient,
instrument, tool, contraption, gadget; compliant, tame, biddable. acqui-
informol gizmo.2 o comploints mecho' escent, timid, quiet, mild, gentle,
nism procedure, process, system, docile, shy, diffident, unassuming,
method, means, solution, medium, self-effacing.
channel. - OPPOSITES assertive.
meddle verb 1 interfere, intrude, inter- meet verb 1 encounter, come face to
vene, pry: informol poke your nose in. face with, run into, run across, come
2 fiddle, interfere, tamper, mess about; across/upon, chance on, happen on,
Brit. informol muck about. stumble across; informol bump into.
mediate verb arbitrate, conciliate, 2 qet to know, be introduced to, make
moderate, make peace, intervene, the acquaintance of. 3 assemble,
intercede, act as an intermediary, gather, congregate, convene; formol
negotiate, liaise, referee. foregather. 4 converge, connect,
touch, link up, interse(t, cross, join.
mediation noun arbitration, con-
ciliation, reconciliation, intervention, meeting noun 1 gathering, assembly,
intercession, negotiation, shuttle conference, congregation, convention,
diplomacy. forum, summit, rally, consultation,
audience, interview, conclave; informol
mediator noun arbitrator, arbiter,
qet-toqether. 2 encounter, contact,
negotiator, conciliator, peacemaker,
go-between, middleman, intermedi- appointment, assignation, rendezvous;
ary, moderator, honest broker, liaison literory lryst.3 the meeting of lond ond
officer, umpire, referee, adjudicator, seo convergence, confl uence. conjunc-
judge. tion, union, intersection, crossing.4 on
othletics meeting event, tournament,
medicinal odjective curative, healing,
meet, rally, competition, match, game,
remedial, therapeutic, restorative,
health-giving. contest.
medicine noun medication, drug, melancholy odjective sad, sorrow-
prescription, treatment, remedy, cure, ful, unhappy, gloomy, despondent,
nostrum, panacea, cure-all. dejected, disconsolate, downcast,
downhearted, woebegone, glum, mis.
{WoRD LINKS erable, morose, depressed, dispirited,
I
phr..r!".rtiglr."l.ting to ."d,.'n"t mournful, doleful, lugubri ous; informol
mediocre odjective average, ordinary, down in the dumps, blue.
undistinguished, uninspired, indif- - oPPosrrEs cheerful.
ferent, unexceptional, unexciting, a noun sadness, soTrow, unhappiness,
unremarkable, run-of-the-mill, pedes- depression, despondency, dejection,
trian, prosaic, lacklustre, forgettable, gloom, misery; lnformolthe blues.
amateurish; informol so-so. - OPPOSITES happiness.
263 mellou, -+ merchandise

mellow odjective 1 sweet-sounding, WORD LINKS

dulcet, melodious, mellifl uous, soft, mnemonic helping the memory
smooth, rich. 2 genial, affable, ami-
able, good-humoured, good-natured,
menace noun 1 threat, intimidation,
pleasant, relaxed, easy-going. malevolence, oppression. 2 danger,
peril, risk, hazard, threat. 3 nuisance,
-oPPoSITES harsh, rough.
pest, troublemaker, mischief-maker.
melodious odjectlve tuneful, melodic,
a verb 1 threaten, endanger, put at
musical, mellifl uous, dulcet, sweet- risk, jeopardize, imperil. 2 intimidate,
sounding, harmonious, euphonious, threaten, terrorize, frighten, scare,
lyrical. terrify.
-oPPoSITES discordant.
menacing odjective threatening,
melodramati c adjective exaggerated, ominous, intimidating, frightening,
histrionic, extravagant, overdramatic, forbidding, hostile, sinister, baleful.
overdone, sensationalized, over- - OPPoSITES friendly.
emotional, theatrical, stagy: informol
hammy.
mend verb repair, fix, restore, sew (up),
stitch, darn, patch, renew, renovate;
melody noun tune, air, strain, theme, informol patch up.
song, refrain. - oPPoSITES break.
melt verb 1 liquefy, thaw, defrost, menial odjective unskilled, lowly, hum-
soften, dissolve; technicol deliquesce. ble, low-grade, low-status, humdrum,
2 vanish, disappear, fade, evaporate. routine, boring, dull.
-oPPOslTEs freeze, solidify.
mental odjective 1 intellectual, cer-
member noun subscriber, associate, ebral, cognitive, rational. 2 psychiatric,
fellow, representative. psychological, behavioural.
memento noun souvenir, keepsake, - OPPOSITES physical.
reminder, remembrance, token, mentality noun way of thinking, mind
memorial. set, mind, psychology, attitude, out-
memoir noun 1 account, history, look, make-up, disposition, character.
record, chronicle, narrative, story, mentally odverb psychologically, intel-
portrayal, depiction, portrait, profi le. lectually, in your mind, in your head,
2 (memoirs) autobiography, life inwardly, internally.
story, journal, diary. mention verb 1 allude to, refer to,
memorable djective unforgettable,
o touch on, bring up, raise, broach.
momentous, signifi cant, historic, 2 state, say, observe, remark, indicate,
remarkable, notable, noteworthy, disclose, divulge, reveal.
important, outstanding, arresting, a noun reference, allusion, comment,
indelible, cal.chy, haunting. citation; informol namecheck, plug.
memorial noun 1 monument, mentor noun adviser, counsellor, guide,
cenotaph, mausoleum, statue, plaque, guru, consultant, confi dant(e), trainer,
cairn, shrine, tombstone. 2 tribute, teacher, tutor, instructor.
testimonial, remembrance, memento. menu noun bill of fare, tariff, carte du
memorize verb commit to memory, jour, set menu, table d'hdte.
remember, learn (by heart), become mercenary adjective grasping, greedy,
word-perfect in, get/have off pat. acquisitive, avaricious, materialistic,
memory noun 1 recollection, remem- venal; informol money-grubbing.
brance, reminiscence, recall. 2 com- merchandise noun goods, wares,
memoration, remembrance, honour, stock, commodities, produce,
tribute, recognition, respect. products.
merchant -+ metaphor

merchant noun trader, tradesman, mesh noun netting, net, grille, screen,
dealer, wholesaler, broker, agent, lattice, gauze.
seller, retailer, suppller, buyer, vendor, a verb 1 engage, connect, lock, inter-
distributor. locl<. 2 harmonize, fit together, match,
merciful odjective lorgiving, compas- dovetail, connect, interconnect.
sionate, pitying, forbearing, lenient, mess noun 1 untidiness, disorder, disar-
humane, mild, l<ind, soft-hearted, ten- ray, clutter, muddle, jumble, chaos;
der-hearted, sympathetic, humanitar- informol shambles; Brit. informol tip,
ian, liberal, generous, magnanimous. omnishambles. 2 plight, predicament,
- OPPOSITES cruel. tight spot, tight corner, difficulty,
merciless odjective ruthless, Temorse- trouble, quandary, dilemma, problem,
less, pitiless, unforgiving, implacable, muddle, mix-up; informol jam, fix,
inexorable, relentless, inhumane, inhu' pickle, hole.
man, unfeeling, severe, cold-blooded, tr mess aboutfaround potter about,
hard-hearted, stony-hearted, heartless, fiddle about/around, play about/
harsh, callous, cruel, brutal. around, fool abouti around, fidget, toy,
- oPPoslTES compassionate. trifle, tamper, tinker, interfere, meddle,
mercy noun pity, compassion, leniency, monkey about/around; Brit. informol
clemency, charity, forgiveness, forbear- muck about/around. mess up 1 dirty,
ance, kindness, sympathy, indulgence, clutter up, jumble, dishevel, rumple;
tolerance, generosity, magnanimity. N. Amer. informol muss up. 2 bungle,
- OPPOSITES ruthlessness, cruelty. spoil, make a mess of, ruin; informal
merely odverb only, purely, solely, botch, mal<e a hash of, muck up, foul
simply, just, but. uP, screw up, muff.

merge verb 1 join (together), join forces, message noun 1 communication,

unite, affiliate, team up.2 amalgamate, news, note, memo, email, letter, mis-
bring together, join, consolidate, con- sive, report, bulletin, communiqu6,
flate, unite, unify, combine, incorporate, dispatch. 2 the messoge of his teach-
integrate.3 mingle, blend, fuse, mix, lng meaning, sense, import, idea,
intermix, intermingle, coalesce. point, thrust, moral, gist, essence,
- OPPOSITES separate. implication.
merger noun amalgamation, combina- messenger noun courier, postman,
tion, union, fusion, coalition, affiliation, runner, dispatch rider. envoy, emissary,
unifi cation, incorporation, consolida- agent, go-between.
tion, link-up, alliance. messy odjective 1 dirty, filthy, grubby,
- OPPoSITES split. soiled, grimy, mucky, muddy, stained,
merit noun 1 excellence, quality, smeared, smudged, dishevelled,
calibre, worth, value, distinction, scruffy, unkempt, rumpled, matted,
eminence. 2 good point, strong point, tousled. 2 untidy, disordered, in a
advantage, benefit, value, asset, plus. muddle, chaotic, confused, disorgan-
- oPPoslTEs fault, disadvantage. ized, in disarray, cluttered, in a jumble;
a verb deserve, warrant, justify, earn, informollike a bomb's hit it; Brit.
rate, be worthy of, be entitled to, have informol shambolic. 3 o messy legol
a right to, have a claim to. botfle complex, tangled, confused,
mefiy odjective cheerful, cheery, in convoluted, unpleasant, nasty, bitter,
high spirits, sunny, smiling, light- acrimonious.
hearted, lively, carefree, joyful, joyous, - OPPOSITES clean, tidy.
jolly, convivial, festive, gleeful, happy, metaphor noun figure of speech,
laughing ; informol cl'r'rpy. image, trope, analogy. comparison,
- OPPOSITES miserable. symbol.
265 method r mind

method noun 1 procedure, tech- militant adjective hard-line, extreme,

nique, system, practice, routine, extremist, committed, zealous, fanati-
modus operandi, process, strategy, cal, radical.
tactic, approach, way, manner, mode. o noun activist, extremist, partisan,
2 there's no method in his opprooch radical, zealot.
order, organization, structure, form, military odjective fi ghting. service.
system, logic, planning. design, army, armed, defence, martial.
consistency. - OPPOSITES civilian.
- OPPOSITES disorder. o noun (armed) forces, services, mili-
methodical odjective orderly, well tia, army, navy, air force, marines.
ordered, well organized, well planned, militate verb
efficient, businesslike, systematic, o militate against work against,
structured, logical, disciplined, consist- hinder, discourage, be prejudicial to,
ent, scientific. be detrimental to.
meticulous odjective carelul, conscien- milk verb exploit, take advantage of,
tious, diligent, scrupulous, punctilious, suck dry; informol bleed, squeeze,
painstaking, thorough, studious, rigor- fleece.
ous, detailed, perfectionist, fastidious.
WORD LINKS
- oPPoSITES careless.
lactic relating to milk
midday noun noon, twelve noon, high
noon, noonday. mill noun factory, plant, works, work.
- oPPoslTES midnight. shop, shop, foundry.
o verb grind, pulverize, powder, granu-
middle noun 1 centre, midpoint, half-
late, pound, crush, press.
way point, dead centre, hub, eye, heart,
o mill aroundfabout wander, drift,
core, kernel. 2 midriff, waist, belly,
swarm, crowd, fill, pack, throng.
stomach; informol tummy.
- oPPoSlTEs edge. mimic verb imitate, copy, impersonate,
o odjective central, mid, mean, do an impression ol ape, caricature,
medium, median, midway, halfway, parody; informol send up, take off.
equidistant. o noun impersonator, impressionist;
informol copycat.
might noun strength, force, forceful-
ness, power, vigour, energy, brawn. mince verb grind, chop up, cut up, dice,
crumble; tV. Amei: hash.
mighty odjectlve powerful, forceful,
strong, hard, heavy, violent, vigorous,
mind noun 1 brain, intelligence, intel-
lect, brains, brainpower, wits, under-
hefty.
standing, reasoning, judgement, sense,
- OPPOSITES feeble.
head; informol grey matter; N. Amer.
migrant noun immigrant, emigrant, lnformol smarts. 2 attention, thoughts,
nomad, itinerant, traveller, transient, concentration. 3 sanity, mental facul-
wanderer, drifter. ties, senses. wits, reason, reasoning,
o odjective travelling, wandering, drift- judgement. 4 intellect, thinker, brain,
ing, nomadic, itinerant, transient. scholar, genius.
mild odjective 1 gentle, tender, soft, a verb 1 object, care, be bothered, be
sympathetic, peaceable, good-natured, annoyed, be upset, tal<e offence, disap-
quiet, placid, docile, meek. 2 a mild prove, look askance; informol give/care
punishment lenient, liqht.3 warm, a damn. 2 be careful of, watch out for,
balmy, temperate, clement. 4 bland, look out for, beware of. 3 look after,
tasteless, insipid. take care ol keep an eye on, watch,
- OPPOSITES harsh, strong, severe. attend to, care for.
mindless -+ miscellaneous

WORD LINKS a verb doctors ministered to the injured

tend, care for, take care of, look after,
nurse, treat, attend to, see to, help.
mindless odjective 1 stupid, idiotic,
brainless, asinine, witless, empty- ministry noun 1 department, bureau,
headed; informol dumb, dopey, dim, agency, office.2 the priesthood, holy
half-witted, fat-headed, boneheaded. orders, the church.
2 unthinking, thoughtless, sense. minor odjective 1 slight, small, unim-
less, gratuitous, wanton, indiscrimi- portant, insignificant, inconsequen-
nate. 3 mechanical, routine, tedious, tial, negligible, trivial, trifling, paltry,
boring, monotonous, mind-numbing. petty; N. Amer. nickel-and-dime;
mine noun 1 pit, colliery, excavation, informol piffling. 2 o minorpoet little
quarry. 2 o mine of informotion store, known, unknown, lesser, unimpor-
storehouse, reservoir, repository, gold tant, obscure; N. Amer. minor-league;
mine, treasure house, treasury. informol small-time; N. Amer. informol
a verb quarry, excavate, dig, extract. two-bit.
- OPPOSITES major, important.
mingle verb 1 mix, blend, intermingle, o noun child, infant, youth, adolescent,
intermix, interweave, interlace, com- teenager, boy, girl; informol l<id.
bine, merge, fuse, unite, join, amalgam-
- OPPOSITES adult.
ate. 2 socialize, circulate, associate,
fraternize, get together; informol mint verb coin, stamp, strike, cast,
hobnob. make, manufacture.
- OPPOSTTES separate. minutel noun 1 moment, short time,
miniature odiective small, mini, little,
little while, second, instant; informol
sec, jiffy; Brit. informol tick, mo, two
small-scale, baby, toy, fun-size, pocket,
diminutive; informol pint-sized; Scottish ticks. 2 (minutes) record(s), proceed-
wee; N. Amer vest-pocket. ings, log, notes, transcript, summary.
- OPPOSITES giant. minute2 odjective 1 tiny, minuscule,
minimal odjective very little, very
microscopic, miniature; Scottish wee;
small, minimum, the least (possible), informol teeny, teeny-weeny; Bdf.
nominal, token, negligible. informoltitchy, tiddly. 2 minute detoil
- OPPOSITES maximum. exhaustive, painstaking, meticulous,
rigorous, thorough.
minimize verb 1 keep down, keep - OPPOSITES huge.
to a minimum, reduce, decrease,
cut (down), lessen, curtail, prune; miracle noun wonder, maTVel, sensa-
informol slash.2 belittle, make light tion, phenomenon.
of, play down, underrate, downplay, miraculous o dj e ctive amazing,

undervalue. astounding, remarkable, extraordinary,

- OPPOSITES maximize, exaggerate. incredible, unbelievable, sensational,
phenomenal. inexplicable.
minimum noun lowest level, lower
limit, rock bottom, least, lowest. mirror noun looking glass; Brit. glass.
a odjective minimal, least, smallest, o verb reflect, match, reproduce, imi-
least possible, slig htest, lowest. tate, copy, mimic, echo, parallel.
- OPPOSITES maximum. misbehave verb behave badly, be
minister noun 1 member of the naughty, be disobedient, get up to
government, member of the cabinet, mischief, get up to no good, be rude;
Secretary of State. 2 clergyman, informol carry on, act up.
clergywoman, cleric, pastor, vicar, miscellaneous odJective various. var-
rector, priest, parson, curate; informol ied, different, assorted, mixed, sundry,
reverend, padre. diverse, disparate, heterogeneous.
267 mischief -+ mistake

mischief noun naughtiness, bad injudicious, imprudent, unsound, mis-

behaviour, misbehaviour, misconduct, taken, misplaced.
disobedience, wrongdoing ; informol - OPPOSITES Wise.
monkey business, shenanigans. mislay verb lose, misplace, be unable
mischievous odjective 1 naughty, bad, to find.
badly behaved, troublesome, disobedi- - OPPoSITES find.
ent, rascally.2 playful, wicked, impish, mislead verb deceive, delude, take in,
roguish. lie to, fool, hoodwink, misinform; infor-
- oPPostrEs well behaved. mol lead up the garden path, take for a
misconduct noun 1 wrongdoing, crim ride; N. Amer. informol give someone a
inality, unprofessionalism, malprac- bum steer.
tice, negligence, impropriety; formol misleading odjective deceptive, confus-
maladministration. 2 misbehaviour, ing, deceiving, equivocal, false.
bad behaviour, mischief, misdeeds,
- oPPoslTES clear, straightforward.
na ug htiness.
miss verb 1 go wide of, fall short of,
miser noun penny-pincher, Scrooge;
pass, overshoot.2 avoid, beat, evade,
informol skinflint, cheapskate; N. Amer.
escape, dodge, sidestep, elude, circum-
infornol tightwad.
vent, bypass. 3 pine for, yearn for, ache
- oPPoslTES spendthrift. for, long for.4 fail to attend, be absent
miserable odjective 1 unhappy, sad, from, play truant from, cut, skip, omit;
sorrowful, melancholy, dejected, Brit. informal skive off.
depressed, downhearted, downcast, - OPPOSITES hit, catch.
despondent, disconsolate, wretched, o miss out leave out, exclude, miss
glum, gloomy, forlorn, woebegone, (off), fail to mention, pass over, skip,
mournful; informolblue, down in the omit, ignore.
dumps. 2 thei miseroble surround-
ings dreary, dismal, gloomy, drab,
missing odjective 1 lost, mislaid,
wretched, depressing, grim, cheerless, misplaced, absent, gone (astray),
bleak, desolate.
unaccounted for. 2 absent, lacking,
wanting.
- oPPostrES cheerful, lovely.
- oPPOStTES present.
miserly adjective mean. parsimonious,
close-flsted, penny-pinching, cheese- mission noun 1 assignment, com-
paring, grasping, niggardly; informol mission, expedition, journey, trip,
stingy, tight, tight-fisted; N. Amer. undertaking, operation, project. 2 her
informol cheap. mission in /ife vocation, calling, goal,
- oPPOSITES generous. aim, quest, purpose, function, task,
job, labour, work, duty.
misery noun unhappiness, distress,
wretchedness, suffering, angst, missionary noun evangelist, apostle,
anguish, anxiety, torment, pain, proselytizer, preacher.
grief, heartache, heartbreak, despair, mist noun haze, fog, smog, murk, cloud,
despondency, dejection, depression, vapour, steam, spray, condensation.
gloom, sorrow; infornol the blues.
mistake noun error, fault, inaccuracy,
- opPoslTES contentment, pleasure. omission, slip, blunder, miscalculation,
misfortune noun problem, difficulty, misunderstanding, oversight, misin-
setback, trouble, adversity, (stroke terpretation, gaffe, faux pas, solecism;
of) bad luck, misadventure, mishap, informol slip-up, boo-boo, howler;
blow, failure, accident, disaster, trial, Brit. informol boob, clanger; N. Amer.
tribulation. informol goof .
misguided adjective unwise, foolish, o make a mistake make an error,
ill-advised, ill-judged, ill-considered, go wrong, err, blunder, miscalculate.
 mistaken + mocking

mistake for confuse with, mix up with, mixed odjective 1 assorted, varied,
take for. variegated, miscellaneous, disparate,
mistaken odjective 1 inaccurate, diverse, diversifi ed, motley, sundry,
wrong, erroneous, incorrect, off beam, jumbled, heterogeneous. 2 mixed reoc-
false, fallacious, unfounded, misguided. tions ambivalent, equivocal, contradic-
2 misinformed, wrong, in error, under tory, conflicting, confused, muddled.
a misapprehension, barking up the - oPPoSlTEs homoqeneous.
wrong tree. mixture noun 1 blend, mix, brew,
- OPPOSITES correct. combination, concoction, composition,
mistimed adjective ill-timed, badly compound, alloy, amalgam. 2 assort-
timed, inopportune, inappropriate, ment, miscellany, medley, blend,
untimely. variety, mixed bag, mix, diversity, col-
mistreat verb ill-treat, maltreat, abuse, lection, selection, hotchpotch, ragbag;
knock about/around, hit, beat, molest, N. Amer. hodgepodge.
injure, harm, hurt, misuse. mix-up noun confusion, muddle, mis-
mistrust verb be suspicious of, be understanding, mistake, error.
sceptical of, be wary ol be chary of, moan verb 1 groan, wail, whimper,
distrust, have doubts about, have sob, cry. 2 complain, grouse, grumble,
misgivings about, have reservations whine, carp; informol gripe, grouch,
about, suspect. bellyache, bitch, beel whinge.
misty odjective hazy, foggy, cloudy, mob noun crowd, horde, multitude,
blurred, vague, indistinct. rabble. mass, throng, gathering,
- OPPOSITES clear. assembly.
misunderstand verb misapprehend, a verb surround, crowd round,
*k besiege, jostle.
*:ffi
l:rrlii'
misinterpret,misconstrue,miscon-
ceive, mistake, misread, be mistaken, mobile odjective 1 able to move, able
get the wrong idea: informolget (hold to walk, walking; informol up and
of) the wrong end of the stick. about. 2 o mobile /ibrory travelling,
misunderstanding noun 1 misinter- transportable, portable, movable,
pretation, misreading, misapprehen- itinerant, peripatetic.
sion, misconception, false impres- -oPPoSITES immobile.
sion. 2 disagreement, difference (of mobilize verb 1 mobilize the troops
opinion), dispute, falling-out, quarrei, marshal, deploy, muster, rally, call up,
argument, clash. assemble, mass, organize, prepare.
misuse verb put to wrong use. misap- 2 mobilizing support for the porty gener-
ply, misemploy, abuse, squander, waste, ate, arouse, awaken, excite, stimulate,
dissipate, misappropriate, embezzle. stir up, encourage, inspire, whip up.
mix verb 1 blend, mingle, combine, mo€k verb ridicule, jeer at, sneer at,
jumble, fuse, unite, join, amalgamate, deride, make fun of, laugh at, scoff at,
incorporate, meld, homogenize: techni. tease, taunt; informol take the mickey
col admix; /iterory commingle. 2 associ- out of; N. Amer. informal goof on,
ate, socialize, keep company, consort, rag on.
mingle, circulate; Brit. rub shoulders; o odjective imitation, artificial, man-
N. Amer. rub elbows; informolhang outi made, simulated, synthetic, ersatz,
around, hobnob. fake, reproduction, pseudo, false,
- oPPostTEs separate. spurious; informol pretend.
a noun mixture, blend, combination, -OPPOSITES genuine.
compound, fusion, union, amalgama- mocking odjective sneering, derisive,
tion, medley, selection, assortment, contemptuous, scornful, sardonic,
variety. ironic, sarcastic, satirical.
269 mode -+ momentous

mode noun 1 manner, way, means, modest odjective t humble, self-depre-

method, system, style, approach. 2 the cating, self-effacing, unassuming, shy,
comero is in monuol rnode function, diffident, reserved, bashful. 2 modest
position, operation, setting, option. success moderate, fair, limited, toler
model noun 1 replica, copy, represen- able, passable, adequate, satisfactory,
tation, mock-up, dummy, imitation, acceptable, unexceptional. 3 o modest
duplicate, reproduction, facsimile. house small, ordinary, simple, plain,
2 prototype, archetype, type, humble, inexpensive, unostentatious,
paradigm, version, mould, template, unpretentious. 4 her modest dress
framework, pattern, design, blueprint. demure, decent, seemly, decorous,
3 fashion model, supermodel, man- proper.
nequin; informol clothes horse. - oPPoSITES conceited, grand, indecent.
o odjective 1 replica, toy, miniature, modesty noun humility, self-effacement,
dummy, imitation, duplicate, repro- bashfu ness, self-consciousness,
I

duction, facsimile. 2 ideal, perfect, :l]Jr"":

exemplary, classic, fl awless, faultless,
modification noun change, adjust-
nonpareil.
ment, alteration, adaptation, refine-
moderate odjective 1 average, modest, ment, revision, amendment; informol
medium, middling, tolerable, passable, tweak.
adequate, fair: informol OK, so-so, bog-
standard, fair-to-middling . 2 moder-
modify verb 1 change, alter, adjust,
ote prices reasonable, within reason,
adapt, amend, revise, refine; informol
acceptable, aflordable, inexpensive, tweak. 2 moderate, temper, soften,
fair, modest. 3 moderote views middle- tone down, qualify.
of-the-road, non-extremist, liberal, moist odjective 1 damp, steamy, humid, ,,:iir:ii;L?ilil

pragmatic. muggy. clammy, dank, wet, soggy.

- OPPOSITES immoderate, extreme. sweaty, sticky. 2 succulent, juicy, soft,
a verb 1 die down, abate, let up, calm tender.
down, lessen, decrease, diminish, - OPPOSITES dry.
recede, weaken, subside. 2 curb, con- moisten verb dampen, wet, damp,
trol, check, temper, restrain, subdue, water, humidify.
tame, lessen, decrease, lower, reduce,
diminish, alleviate, allay, appease, ease, moisture noun wetness, wet, water,
soothe, calm, tone down. liquid, condensation, steam, vapour,
dampness, damp, humidity.
- OPPOSITES increase.
moderately odverb somewhat, quite, moment noun 1 little while, short
fairly, reasonably, comparatively, time, bit, minute, instant, (split)
relatively, to some extent, tolerably, second; informolsec, jiffy; Brit. informol
adequately; informol pretty. tick, mo, two ticks.2 point (in time),
stage, juncture, instant, time, hour,
modern adjective 1 present-day,
second, minute, day.
contemporary, present, current,
twenty-fi rst-century, latter-day, recent. momentary odjective brief, short,
2 fashionable, up to date, trendset- short-lived, fleeting, passing, transitory,
i
ting, stylish, chic, la mode, the latest, transient, ephemeral.
new, newest, newfangled, advanced; - OPPOSITES lengthy.
informollrendy, cool, in, funky. momentous odjective important,
- oPPOSITES past, old-fashioned. significant, historic, critical, crucial,
modernize verb update, bring up to decisive, pivotal, consequential, far-
date, streamline, rationalize, overhaul, reachlng ; lnformol earth-shattering.
renovate, remodel, refashion, revamp. - OPPOSITES insignificant.
momentum -+ moral 270

momentum noun impetus, energy, vile, outrageous, unspeakable, despica.

force, driving force, power, strength, ble, vicious, savage, barbaric, inhuman
thrust, speed, velocity. - oPPoStTEs beautiful, humane.
monafch noun sovereign, ruler, Crown, monument noun memorial, statue,
crowned head, potentate, king, queen, pillar, cairn, column, obelisk, cross,
emperor. empress, prince, princess. cenotaph, tomb, mausoleum, shrine.
monastery noun ftiaty, abbey, priory, monumental odjective t huge,
cloister. enormous, gigantic, massive, colossal,
monetary odJective fi nancial, fi scal, mammoth, immense, tremendous,
pecuniary, money, cash, capital, eco- mighty, stupendous. 2 significant,
nomic, budgetary. important, majestic, memorable,
money noun cash, hard cash, means, remarkable, noteworthy, momentous,
wherewithal, deep pockets, funds, grand, awe-inspiring, heroic, epic.
capital, finances, notes, coins, change, - OPPOSITES tiny.
currency, specie; lnformol dough, mood noun 1 frame of mind, state of
bread, loot; Brit. informol dosh, brass, mind, humour, temper. 2 bad mood,
lolly, spondulicks, the readies; N. Amer. temper, bad tempel sulk, low spirits,
informol dinero. the doldrums, the blues; Brit. informol
monitor noun 1 detector, scanner, paddy. 3 atmosphere, feeling, spirit,
recorder, sensor, security camera, ambience, aura, character, flavour, feel,
CCTV.2 UN monitors observer, watch. tone.
dog, overseer, supervisor, scrutineer. moody o dj ective temperamental,
3 o computer monitor screen, display, emotional, volatile, capricious, erratic,
VDU. petulant, sulky, sullen,
a yerb observe, watch, track, keep an flard-temOered,
eye on, keep under surveillance, record, - oPPostrES cheerful-
note, oversee; informolkeep tabs on. moon verb 1 waste time, loaf, idle; Brit.
monkey noun simian, primate, ape. informolmooch. 2 mope, pine, brood,
o monkey with tamper with, fiddle daydream.
with, interfere with, meddle with, WORD LINKS
tinl<er with, play with; informol mess
lunar relating to the moon
with; Bdt. informolmuck about with.
monotonous odjective tedious, borin g, moorl yerb tie (up), secure, make fast,
uninteresting, unexciting, dull, repeti- berth, dock.
tive, repetitious, unvarying, unchang- moor2 noun upland, heath, moorland;
ing, mechanical, mind-numbing, Brif. fell, wold.
sou l-destroyin g ; i nform a I deadly. mop noun o tousled mop of hoir shock,
-OPPOSITES interesting. mane, tangle, mass.
monster noun 1 giant, mammoth, motal odjective 1 ethical, good, virtu-
demon, dragon, colossus, leviathan. ous, righteous, upright, upstanding,
2 fiend, animal, beast, devil, demon, high-minded, principled, honourable,
barbarian, savage, brute; informol honest, just, noble. 2 moral support
swine. psychological, emotional, mental.
monstrous odjective 1 grotesque, hide- - OPPOSITES immoral, unethical.
ous, ugly, ghastly, gruesome, horrible, a noun 1 lesson, message, meaning.
horrific, horrifying, grisly, disgusting, significance, import, point, teaching.
repulsive, dreadful, frightening, ter- 2 he's got no morols moral code, code
rible, terrifying. 2 appalling, wicl<ed, of ethics, values, principles, standards,
abominable, terrible, horrible, dreadful, (sense of) morality, scruples.
271 morale -+ mouhd

morale noun confidence, self-confi- a verb look after, care for, take care
dence, self-esteem, spirit(s), team of, nurse, protect, tend, raise, rear,
spirit, esprit de corps, motivation. pamper, coddle, cosset, fuss over.
morality noun 1 ethics, rights and WORD LINKS
wrongs, whys and wherefores. maternal relating to a mother
2 virtue, good behaviour, righteous- matricide killing of your mother
ness, uprightness, morals, standards,
principles, honesty, integrity, propriety, motherly odjective maternal, mater-
honour, decency. nalistic, protective, caring, loving,
affectionate, nurturing.
morbid odjective ghoulish, macabre,
unhealthy, gruesome, unwholesome; motif noun 1 design, pattern, decora-
informol sick. tion, figure, shape, device, emblem.
-oPPostrES wholesome. 2 theme, idea, concept, subject, topic,
leitmotif.
more determiner extra, further, added,
additional, supplementary, increased, motion noun 1 movement, locomo-
new. tion, progress, passage, transit, course,
-OPPoSITES less, fewer. travel, orbit. 2 gesture, movement,
signal, sign, indication, wave, nod,
moreover odverb besides, furthermore, gesticulation. 3 proposal, proposition,
what's more, in addition, also, as well, recommendation.
too, to boot, additionally, on top of
o verb gesture, signal, direct, indicate,
that, into the bargain. wave, beckon, nod.
morning noun 1 before lunch, a.m.;
WORD LINKS
literary morn; Nouticol & N. Amer. fore-
noon. 2 dawn, daybreak, sunrise, first
kinetic relating to motion
light; N. Amer. sunup. motivate verb prompt, drive, move,
morta! odjective 1 oll men ore mortol inspire, stimulate, influence, activate,
perishable, physical, bodily, corporeal, impel, propel, push, spur (on), encour-
human, fl eshly, earthly, impermanent, age, incentivize.
transient, ephemeral. 2 o mortol blow motivation noun motive, motivating
fatal, lethal, deadly, death-dealing, force, incentive, stimulus, stimulation,
murderous, terminal. 3 mortol enemies inspiration, inducement, incitement,
deadly, sworn, irreconcilable, bitter, sPUr.
implacable, unrelenting, remorseless. motive noun reason, motivation,
- OPPOSITES eternal. motivating force, rationale, grounds,
a noun human (being), person, man, cause, basis.
woman, earthling. motto noun slogan, maxim. saying.
mortuary noun morgue, funeral par- proverb, aphorism, adage, saw, axiom,
Iour; Brit. chapel of rest. formula, catchphrase.
mostly odverb 1 mainly, for the most mould noun 1 cast, die, matrix, form,
part, on the whole, in the main, largely, shape, template, pattern, frame. 2 on
chiefl y, predominantly, principally, octress in the Hollywood mould pattern,
primarily. 2 usually, generally, in form, type, style, tradition, school.
general, as a rule, ordinarily, normally, a verb 1 shape, form, fashion, model,
customarily, typically, most of the time, work, construct, make, create, sculpt,
almost always. cast. 2 determine, direct, control, guide,
mother noun matriarch, materfamilias; influence, shape, form, fashion, make.
informolma; Brit. informol mum, mound noun t heap, pile, stack,
mummy; N. Amer. informal mom, mountain. 2 hillock, hill, knoll, rise,
mommy; Brit. informal, doted mater. hummock, hump; Scottish brae.
mount -, muddy

mount verb 1 go up, ascend, climb movement noun 1 motion, move, ges-
(up), scale. 2 mount o horse get on ture, sign, signal, action.2 transporta-
to, bestride, climb on to, leap on to, tion, shifting, conveyance. moving,
hop on to. 3 mount on exhibition put transfer. 3 group, party, faction, wing,
on, present, install, organize, stage, lobby, camp. 4 campaign, crusade,
set up, prepare, launch, set in motion. drive, push, initiative.
4 increase, grow, rise, escalate, soar, wono Lrruxs
spiral, shoot up, rocket, climb, accumu- relating to movement
late, build up, multiply. Ikinetic
- oPPOSITES descend, dismount, fall. movie noun film, picture, motion pic-
O noun setting, backing, support, ture, feature film; informol flick.
mounting, frame, stand. moving odjective 1 in motion, operat-
mountain noun 1 peak, summit; ing, operational, working, on the move,
(mountains) range, massif, sierra; active, movable, mobile. 2 touching,
Scottrsh ben. 2 lot; informolheap, pile, poignant, heart-warming, heart-
stack, slew, lots, loads, tons, masses. rending, affecting, emotional, inspiring,
inspirational, stimulating, stirring.
mourn verb 1 grieve for, sorrow over,
lament for, weep for. 2 deplore, - OPPOSITES stationary, fixed.
bewail, bemoan, rue, regret. mow verb cut, trim, crop, clip, shear.
mourning noun grief, grieving, sorrow- much determiner a lot of, a greatigood
ing, lamentation. deal of, a greatilarge amount of, plenty
of, ample, abundant, plentiful; informol
mouth noun 1 lips, jaws, muzzle;
lots of, loads of, heaps of, masses of,
informol Lrap, chops, kisser; Bril.
tons of, stacks of.
informol gob; N. Amer. informol puss.
2 entrance, opening. 3 estuary, delta,
- oPPOSITES little.
O odverb 1 greatly, a great deal, a lot,
firth, outlet, outfall.
considerably, appreciably. 2 often,
iWORD LINKS frequently, many times, regularly,
I
oral relating to the mouth habitually, routinely, usually, normally,
commonly.
move verb 1 go, walk, step, proceed,
a pronoun a lot, a great/good deal,
progress, advance, budge, stir, shift,
plenty; informol lots, loads, heaps,
change position. 2 carry, transfer,
masses, tons.
shift, push, pull, lift, slide. 3 progress,
advance, develop, evolve, change,
muck noun 1 dirt, grime, filth, mud,
mess; Brit. informolgunge. 2 dung,
happen. 4 act, take steps, do some-
manure, excrement, droppings, ordure.
thing, take measures; informol get
moving.5 relocate, move house, move mud noun dirt, sludge, ooze, silt, clay,
away/out, change address, go (away), mire, soil.
decamp. 6 affect, touch, impress, muddle yerb 1 confuse, mix up, jumble
shake, upset, disturb. 7 inspire, (up), disarrange, disorganize, disorder,
prompt, stimulate, motivate, pro- mess up. 2 bewilder, confuse, bemuse,
voke, influence, rouse, induce, incite. perplex, puzzle, baffle, mystify.
8 propose, submit, suggest, advocate, o noun mess, confusion, jumble, tan.
recommend, urqe. gle, chaos, disorder, disarray, disorgani-
a noun 1 movement, motion, action, zation; informol shambles; Brit. informol
gesture. 2 relocation, change of omnishambles.
house/address, transfer, posting. muddy odjective 1 marshy, boggy,
3 initiative, step, action, measure, swampy, waterlog ged, squelchy,
manoeuvre, tactic, stratagem. 4 turn, squishy, mucky, slimy, wet, soft.
go;5coft6h shot. 2 dirty, filthy, mucky, grimy, soiled.
273 muffle -, mutation

3 murky, cloudy, turbid. murderer noun killer, assassin, serial

- oPPOSITES clean, clear. killer, butcher; informolhit man, hired
muffle verb 1 wrap (up), swathe, gun.
enfold, envelop, cloak. 2 deaden, dull, murderous odjective homicidal, brutal,
dampen, mute, soften, quieten, mask, violent, savage, ferocious, fi erce,
stifle, smother. vicious, bloodthirsty, barbarous, bar-
mug noun beaker, cup, tankard, glass, baric, fatal, lethal, deadly.
stein. murky odjective 1 dark, gloomy, grey,
a verb assault, attack, set upon, beat leaden, dull, dim, overcast, cloudy,
up, rob; informoljump. clouded, sunless, dismal, dreary, bleak.
muggy odjective humid, close, sultry, 2 dirty, muddy, cloudy, turbid.
sticky, oppressive, airless, stifling, suf- - oPPoslTEs bright, clear.
focating, stuffy. murmur noun 1 whisper, mutter,
- OPPoSITES fresh. mumble, undertone. 2 hum, buzz,
mul! verb drone.
o mull over ponder, consider, think a verb mutter, mumble, whisPer, talk
over/about, refl ect on, contemplate, under your breath, talk sotto voce.
chew over; formol cogitate on. muscle noun 1 strength, power, brawn;
multicoloure d a dj ective kaleido' informol beef, beefi ness. 2 finoncial
scopic, psychedelic, colourful, many- musc/e influence, power, strength,
hued, jazzy, variegated. might, force, forcefulness, weight;
- oPPostrEs monochrome. informol clout.
multiple odjective numerous, many, o muscle in (informol)interfere, force
your way in, impose yourself, encroach;
various, different, diverse, several,
manifold. informolhorn in.
- oPPOSITES single. muscular odjecfive strong, brawny,
multiply verb increase, grow, accumu-
muscly, well built, burly, strapping,
late, proliferate, mount up, mushroom, sturdy, powerful, athletic; informal
snowball. hunky, beefy.
- OPPOSITES decrease. muse verb ponder, consider, think over/
mumble verb mutter, murmur, talk about, mull over, reflect on, contem-
under your breath. plate, turn over in your mind, chew
mundane odjective humdrum, dull,
boring, tedious, monotonous, tire- musical odjective tuneful, melodic,
some, unexciting, uninteresting, melodious, harmonious, sweet-sound-
uneventful, unremarkable, routine, ing, dulcet, euphonious, mellifluous.
ordinary. - oPPOSITES discordant.
- oPPoSlTEs extraordinary. must verb ought to, should, have (got)
municipal odjective civic, civil, metro- to, need to, be obliged to, be required
politan, urban, city, town, borough, to, be compelled to.
council. muster verb 1 assemble, mobilize, rally,
murder noun killing, homicide, assas- raise, summon, gather, call up, call to
sination, extermination, execution, arms, recruit, conscript; U5 draft. 2 con-
slaughter, butchery, massacre, man- gregate, assemble, gather (together),
sla u g hter; litero ry slaying.
come together, collect, convene, mass,
o verb kill, put to death, assassinate, rally. 3 she mustered her couroge sum'
execute, butcher, slaughter, massacre, mon (up), screw up, call up, rally.
wipe out; informolbump off; N. Amer. mutation noun 1 alteration, change,
informol ice, waste; literory slay. transformation, metamorphosis,
mute + myth 274

transmutation. 2 mutant, freak (of mutual odjective reciprocal, recipro-

nature), deviant, monstrosity, monster. cated, requited, returned, common,
mute odjective 1 silent, speechless, joint, shared.
dumb, unspeaking, tight-lipped, taci- mysterious odjective 1 puzzling,
turn; informolmum. 2 wordless, silent, strange, peculiar, curious, funny, odd,
dumb, unspoken. weird, queel bizarre, mystifying, inex-
- OPPOSITES voluble, spoken. plicable, baffling, perplexing, arcane,
muted odjective 1 muffled, faint, indis- esoteric, cryptic, obscure. 2 secretive,
inscrutable, impenetrable, enigmatic,
tinct, quiet, soft, low, distant, faraway.
reticent, evasive.
2 subdued, pastel, delicate, subtle,
understated, restrained. mystery noun 1 puzzle, enigma,
conundrum, riddle, secret, paradox,
mutilate verb 1 disfigure, maim.
question mark, closed book. 2 secrecy,
mangle, dismember, slash, hack up.
obscurity, uncertainty.
2 vandalize, damage, slash, deface,
violate, desecrate. mystic, mystical odjective spiritual,
religious, transcendental, paranormal,
mutinous odjective rebellious, insubor- other-worldly, supernatural, occu lt,
dinate, subversive, seditious, insurgent, metaphysical.
insurrectionary, disobedient, restive.
mystify verb bewilder, puzzle, perplex,
mutiny noun insurrection, rebellion, baffle, confuse, confound, bemuse,
revolt, riot, uprising, insurgence, throw; lnformol flummox, stump,
insubordination. bamboozle.
o verb rise up, rebel, revolt, riot, strike. myth noun 1 folk tale, folk story,
mutter yerb 1 murmur, talk under legend, fable, saga, lore, folklore.
your breath, talk sotto voce, mumble, 2 misconception, fallacy, old wives'
whisper. 2 grumble, complain, grouse, tale, fairy story, fiction; informol cock
carp, whine; informol moan, whinge. and bull story.
275 nadir -+ nasty

Nn
nadir noun low point, all-time low, bot- narcotic noun drug, sedative, opiate,
tom, rock bottom; lnformol the pits. painkiller, analgesic, palliative.
- oPPOSITES zenith. o odjective soporific, sedative, calming,
nagverb t harass, keep on at, go on at, painkilling, pain+elieving, analgesic,
badqer, chivvy, hound, plague, criticize, anodyne.
find fault with, moan at, grumble at, narrate verb tell, relate, recount, recite,
henpeck; informol hassle; N. Amer: describe, chronicle, report, present.
informol ride. 2 trouble, worry, bother, narrative noun account, chronicle,
torment, niggle, prey on your mind; history, description, record, report,
informolbug. story, tale.
nail noun tack, pin, brad, hobnail, spike, narrator noun storyteller, chronicler,
staple, rivet. commentator, presenter, author.
o verb fasten, fix, attach, secure, aftix, - OPPOSITES listener, audience.
pin, tack, hammer.
narrow odjective 1 slender, slim, small,
naive odjective innocent, unsophis- slight, attenuated, tapering, thin, tiny.
ticated, artless, inexperienced, 2 confined, cramped, tight, restricted,
unworldly, trusting, gullible, credulous,
limited, constricted, small, tiny, inad-
immature, callow, raw, green; informol
equate, insufficient.
wet behind the ears.
- OPPoslTEs wide, broad.
- oPPosrrES worldly.
a verb reduce, restrict, limit, decrease,
naked odjective nude, bare, in the diminish, taper, contract, shrink,
nude, stark naked, stripped, unclothed, constrict.
undressed; informol without a stitch on,
- OPPOSITES widen.
in your birthday suit, in the raw/buff, in
narrowly odverb (only) just, barely,
the altogether; Brit. lnformol starkers;
N. Amer. informolbuck nal<ed. scarcely, hardly, by a hair's breadth;
informol by a whisker.
- OPPoSITES dressed.
name noun title, designation, tag, narrow-mind ed o dje ctive intolera nt,
nickname, sobriquet, epithet, label, illiberal, reactiona ry, conservative,
honorific; informol moniker, handle; parochial, provincial, insular, small-
minded, petty, blinkered, inward-look-
formol appellation, denomination,
cognomen. ing, hidebound, prejudiced, bigoted.
overbl call, dub, label, style, term, - oPPoslTEs tolerant.
title, baptize, christen. 2 nominate, nasty odjective 1 unpleasant, disagree-
designate, select, pick, decide on, able, disgusting, vile, foul, abominable,
choose. revolting, repulsive, repellent, horrible,
iWORD LINKS obnoxious, unsavoury, loathsome,
onomastic relating to names noxious, foul-smelling, smelly, stink-
i
ing, rank, fetid, malodorous; informol
namely odverbthat is (to say), to be ghastly, horrid, yucky; N. Amer. informol
specific, specifically, viz., to wit, in lousy; literory noisome. 2 unkind,
other words. unpleasant, unfriendly, disagreeable,
nap noun sleep, catnap, siesta, doze, rude, spiteful, malicious. mean, vicious,
lie-down, rest; informol snooze, forty malevolent, hurtful. 3 o nosty occident
winks, shut-eye: Brit. informal kip, ztzz serious, dangerous, bad, awful,
nation -+ neat 216

dreadful, terrible, severe, painful. personality, disposition, temperament,

-OPPOSITES nice, pleasant. make-up, psyche.3 kind, sort, type,
nation noun country, state, land, realm, variety, category, class, genre, order,
kingdom, republic, people, race, tribe. quality, complexion; ,N. Amer: stripe.
national odjective 1 notionol politics naughty odjective 1 badly behaved,
state, public, federal, governmental. disobedient, bad, wayward, defi ant,
2 o nationol strike nationwide, country- unruly, insubordinate, wilful, delin-
wide, general, widespread. quent, undisciplined, refractory, disrup-
- OPPOSITES local, international. tive, attention-seeking, mischievous,
o noun citizen, subject, native, impish. 2 indecent, risqu6, rude, racy,
resident, inhabitant, voter, passport nrthy, smutty, crude,
holder. H:?::.0'n,
nationalism noun patriotism. - oPPoslTES well behaved, clean.
allegiance. xenophobia. chauvinism. nausea noun sickness, biliousness,
jingoism, flag-waving. queasiness, vomiting, retching.
nationwide odjective national, coun- nautical odjective maritime, marine,
trywide, state, general, widespread, naval, seafaring, seagoing, sailing.
extensive. navigate yerb steer, pilot, guide, direct,
- oPPoSlTEs local- captain; informol skipper.
native noun inhabitant, resident, local, navy noun fleet, flotilla, armada.
citizen, national, countryman. near adjective 1 close, nearby, (close/
- OPPOSITES foreigner. near) at hand, a stone's throw away,
o odjective 1 notive species indigenous, neighbouring, within reach, accessible,
original, local, domestic. 2 notive wit handy, convenient; lnformol within
innate, inborn, natural, inherent, spitting distance. 2 imminent, in the
intri nsic. offing, on its way, coming, impending,
natura! odjective 1 unprocessed, looming.
organic, pure, unrefined, additive-free, - OPPOSITES far, distant.
green, CM-free.2 o notural occurrence nearby adjective not far away, not far
normal, ordinary, everyday, usual, off, close at hand, close by, near, within
regular, common, commonplace, reach, neighbouring, local, accessible,
typical, routine, standard, logical, convenient, handy.
understandable, (only) to be expected, - OPPOSITES distant.
predictable. 3 o noturol leoder born, nearly odverb almost, just about, more
instinctive, congenital, pathological. or less, practically, virtually, all but, as
4 his natural instincts innate, inborn, good as, not far off, to all intents and
inherent, native, inherited, hereditary. purposes, not quite; informol pretty
5 she seemed very noturol unaffected, well.
spontaneous, uninhibited, relaxed,
neatodjective 1 tidy, orderly, well
unselfconscious, genuine, open, artless,
guileless, unpretentious, unstudied. ordered, in (good) order, spick and
span, uncluttered, shipshape, straight,
- OPPOSITES abnormal, artificial,
trim. 2 smart, spruce, dapper, trim,
affected.
well groomed, well turned out; informol
naturally odverb of course, as might be natty. 3 his neot footwork skilful,
expected, needless to say, obviously, deft, dexterous, adroit, adept, expert,
clearly, it goes without saying. nimble, elegant, graceful, accurate;
nature noun 1 the natural world, informolnifty.4 o neof so/utlon clever,
the environment, Mother Earth, the ingenious, inventive, imaginative.
universe, the cosmos, wildlife, the 5 neotgin undiluted, straight, pure.
countryside, the land. 2 character, - OPPOSITES untidy.
277 necessarily -+ negotiator

necessarily odverb as a consequence, - OPPoSITES positive, optimistic, favour-

as a result, automatically, as a matter a ble.

of course, certainly, incontrovertibly, neglect verb 1 lail to look after, leave

inevitably, unavoidably, inescapably, alone, abandon, ignore, pay no atten-
of necessity. tion to, let slide, not attend to, be
necessary odjective 1 obligatory, remiss about, be lax about, shirk. 2 fail,
required, requisite, compulsory, man- omit, forget.
datory, imperative, needed, essential, - oPPostrEs cherish, remember.
vital, indispensable, de rigueur; formol a noun 1 disrepair, diiapidation,
needful. 2 o necessory consequence shabbiness, abandonment, disuse.
inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable, 2 negligence, dereliction (of duty),
inexorable. carelessness, laxity, slackness,
necessity noun 1 essential, prerequi- irrespon sibility.
site, requisite, sine qua non; informol - oPPOSITES care.
must-have. 2 politicol necessity forced neglected odjective 1 neglected onimols
him to resign force of circumstance, uncared for, abandoned, mistreated,
obligation, need, exigency. maltreated. 2 o neglected cottoge
need verb require, be in need of, want, derelict, dilapidated, tumbledown,
be crying out for, demand, call for, ramshackle, untended. 3 o neglected
necessitate, entail, involve, lack, be moste r piece disregarded, forgotten,
without, be short of. overlooked, ignored, unrecognized,
a noun 1 there's no need to apologize unnoticed, unsung, underrated.
necessity, requirement, call, demand. negligent odjective neglectful, remiss,
2 bosic humon needs requirement, careless, lax, irresponsible, inattentive,
necessiLy. want, requisite, prerequi- thoughtless, uncaring, unmindful, for-
site, desideratu m.3 my hour of need getful, slack, sloppy; rV. Amer. derelict.
difticulty. trouble, distress, crisis. - oPPoslTEs dutiful.
emergency, urgency, extremity. negligible odjective trivial, trifl in g,
needed adjective necessary, required, insignificant, unimportant, of no
called for, wanted, desired, lacking. account, minor, inconsequential,
- oPPostrES optional. minimal, small, slight, infinitesimal,
needless odjective unnecessary, minuscule.
unneeded, uncalled for, gratuitous, - OPPOSITES significant.
pointless, superfl uous, redundant, negotiate verb 1 discuss (terms), talk,
excessive. consult, confer, debate, compromise.
- OPPOSITES necessary. bargain, haggle. 2 arrange, broker,
needy odjective poor, deprived, disad- work out, thrash out, complete, close,
vantaged, underprivileged, in need, conclude, agree on.3 get round, get
hard up, poverty-stricken. impover- past, get over, clear, cross, surmount,
ished, destitute, penniless; informol overcome, deal with, cope with.
broke, strapped (for cash); Brit. informol negotiation noun 1 discussion(s),
skint; doted needful. talks, conference, debate, dialogue,
- OPPoSITES wealthy. consultation. 2 arrangement,
negative odjective 1 pessimistic, brokering, settlement, conclusion,
defeatist, gloomy, critical, cynical, completion.
fatalistic, dismissive, unenthusiastic, negotiator noun mediator, arbitrator,
apathetic, unresponsive. 2 harmful, moderator, go-between, middleman,
bad, adverse, damaging, detrimental, intermediary, representative, spol<es-
unfavou rable, disadvantageous. person, broker.
neighbourhood -+ newcomer 278

neighbourhood noun I district, area, bring in, pocket, realize.

locality, locale, quarter, community; network noun web, lattice, net, matrix,
informolneck of the woods; tV. Amer: mesh, criss-cross, grid, maze, labyrinth,
informol hood. 2 vicinity, environs. warren, tangle.
neighbouring odjective adjacent, neurotic odjective highly strung,
adjoining, bordering, connecting, next- oversensitive, nervous, tense, paranoid,
dool nearby, in the vicinity. obsessive, fixated, hysterical, over-
- OPPOSITES remote. wrought, irrational.
neighbourly odjective obliging, helpful, - oPPosrrEs stable, calm.
friendly, kind, considerate, amicable, neutral odjective 1 impartial, unbiased,
sociable, hospitable, companionable, u nprejudiced, objective, open-minded,
civil, cordial. non-partisan, even-handed, disin-
- oPPoSITES unfriendly. terested, dispassionate, detached,
nerve noun 1 confidence, assurance, non-aligned, unaffiliated, uninvolved.
courage, bravery, determination, 2 inoffensive, bland, unobjectionable,
will power, spirit, grit; informol guts; unexceptionable, anodyne, uncon-
Brit. informolbottle; N. Amer. informol troversial, safe, harmless, innocuous.
moxie. 2 audacity, cheek, effrontery, 3 pale, light, colourless, indeterminate,
gall, temerity, presumption, impu- drab, insipid, nondescript, dull.
dence, impertinence, arrogance; - OPPOSITES biased, provocative.
informal face, front, brass neck, neutralize yerb counteract, offset,
chutzpah. 3 (nerves) anxiety, tension, counterbalance, balance, cancel out,
nervousness, stress, worry, cold feet, nullify, negate.
apprehension; informol butterfl ies (in never-ending odjective incessant, con-
your stomach), collywobbles, jitters, tinuous, ceaseless, constant, continual,
the heebie-jeebies. perpetual, uninterrupted, unbroken,
:WORD LINKS I
steady, unremitting, relentless, persis-
neural relating to nerves in the body tent, interminable, non-stop, endless,
]
unending.
nervous odjective anxious, worried,
nevertheless odverb nonetheless,
apprehensive, on edge, edgy, tense, even so, however, still, yet, in spite of
stressed, agitated, uneasy, restless,
that, despite that, be that as it may,
worked up, keyed up, overwrought, notwithsta nding.
jumpy, on tenterhooks, highly strung,
nervy, excitable, neurotic; informol new odjective 1 recent, up to date,
jittery, twitchy, in a state, uptight, the latest, cu rrent, state-of-the-art,
contemporary, advanced, cutting-
wired, trepidatious; rV. Amer. informol
edge, modern, avant-garde. 2 unused,
squirrelly.
brand new, pristine, fresh. 3 different,
- OPPOSITES relaxed, calm.
another, alternative, additional, extra,
nestle verb snuggle, cuddle, huddle, supplementary, further, unfamiliar,
nuzzle, settle, burrow. unknown, strange. 4 reinvigorated,
netl noun netting, mesh, tulle, fishnet, restored, revived, improved, refreshed,
lace, openwork. regenerated.
a verb catch, capture, trap, snare; - oPPoSITES old, second-hand.
informolnab, bag, collar, bust; Brit. newcomer noun 1 incomer, immi-
informol nick. grant, settler, stra nger, outsider,
net2 odjective after tax, after deduc- foreigner, alien; informol new l<id
tions, take-home, final. on the block, johnny-come-lately;
- OPPOSITES gross. Austrol. informol blow-in. 2 beginner,
o verb earn, mal(e, clear, take home, novice, learner, trainee, apprentice,
 newly -+ noise

probationer; informol rookie, newbie; OPPOSITES day.

N. Amer. informol tenderfoot. WORD LINKS
newly odverb recently, only just, lately, nocturnal occurring or active at night
freshly, not long ago.
news noun report, story, account,
nightfall noun sunset, sundown,
announcement, press release, commu- dusk, twilight, evening, dark; literory
nication, communiqu6, bulletin, intel- eventide.
ligence, information, word, revelation, - OPPOSITES dawn.
disclosure, expos6; Brit stop press; nightmare noun ordeal, trial, hell, mis-
informal scoopi /iterory tidings. ery, agony, torture, murder, purgatory,
newspaper noun paper, journal, disaster; informol the pits.
gazette, news-sheet, tabloid, broad- nil noun nothing, none, nought, zero;
sheet, periodical; Brit. red top; informol Iennls love; Cricket a duck.
rag. nimble odjective 1 agile, light, quick,
next odjective 1 following, succeed- lithe, skilful, deft, dexterous, adroit,
ing, subsequent, ensuing, upcoming, sprightly, spty i informol nippy. 2 o
to come.2 neighbouring, adjacent, nimble mind quick, alert, lively, astute,
adjoining, next-door, bordering, perceptive, penetrating, discerning,
connected, closest, nearest; formol shrewd, sharp, intelligent, bright,
contiguous, proximate. smart, clever, brilliant; informol quick
- OPPOSITES previous. on the uptake.
a odverb afterwards, after, then, later, - OPPOSITES clumsy.
subsequently; formol thereaft er. nip verb & noun bite, nibble, peck, pinch,
nice odjective t hove o nice tlme enjoy- tweak.
able, pleasant, agreeable, good, no odverb absolutely not, of cou rse
pleasurable, satisfying, entertain- not, under no circumstances, not at
ing, amusing; informol lovely, great; all, never; informolnope, no way, not a
N. Amer. informol neat.2 nice people chance, not on your life; Brit informol
pleasant, likeable, agreeable, person- no fear; o/d use nay.
able, good-natured, congenial, amiable, - oPPOSTTES yes.
aflable, genial. friendly, charming, noble odjective 1 aristocratic, blue-
delightful, engaging, sympathetic, blooded, patrician, high-born, titled.
polite, courteous, well mannered, civil,
2 worthy, righteous, good, honour-
l<ind, obliging, helpful. 3 nice weother
able, virtuous, upright. 3 magnificent,
fine, dry, sunny, warm, mild, clement. splendid, grand, impressive, stately,
4 o nice distinction subtle, fine, slight, imposing, dignifi ed, proud, striking,
delicate, precise. majestic.
- oPPoSITES unpleasant, nasty. - OPPOSITES humble, lowly.
niche noun 1 recess, alcove, nook, a noun aristocrat, nobleman, noble-
cranny, hollow, bay, cavity, pigeonhole. woman, lord, lady, peer (of the realm),
2 position, slot, place, vocation, call- peeress, patrician; informol aristo.
ing, m6tier, station, job, level. - OPPOSITES commoner.
nick noun cut, scratch, incision, notch, nod verb 1 incline, bob, bow, dip.2 sig-
chip, dent, indentation. nal, gesture, gesticulate, motion, sign,
a verb cut, scratch, graze, chip, dent. i nd icate.
nickname noun pet name, diminutive, noise noun sound, din, hubbub, clam-
endearment, tag, label, sobriquet, our, racket, uproar, tumult, commo-
epithet; nformol handle, moniker.
i
tion, pandemonium; Brit. row informol
night noun night-time, (hours of) dark' hullabaloo.
ness, dark. - OPPOSITES silence.
 noisy + nose

no,sy odjective 1 raucous, rowdy, non-stop odjectlye continuous, constant,

strident, clamorous, vociferous, boister- continual, incessant, ceaseless, uninter-
ous.2 loud, blaring, booming, deafen- rupted, unbrol<en, never-ending, perpet-
ing, thunderous, ear-splitting, piercing, ual, round-the-clock, persistent, steady,
cacophonous, tumultuous. unremitting, relentless, lnterminable.
- OPPOSITES quiet, soft. - OPPOSITES intermittent, occasional.
nominal odjective 1 in name only, a odverb continuously, continually,
titular, formal, official, theoretical, sup- incessantly, ceaselessly, all the time,
posed, ostensible, so-called, self-styled. constantly, perpetually, persistently,
2 token, symbolic, minimal; Brit. steadily, relentlessly, interminably;
peppercorn. informol24-7.
- OPPOSITES real, considerable. noon noun midday, twelve o'clock,
nominate verb 1 propose, put forward, twelve hundred hours, high noon,
put up, submit, present, recommend, noonday.
suggest. 2 appoint, choose, decide on, norm noun standard, convention,
select, designate, assign. criterion, yardsticl<, benchmark, touch-
nonchalant odjective calm, composed, stone, rule, formula, pattern.
unconcerned, cool, imperturbable, tr the norm normal, usual, the rule,
casual, blas6, offhand, insouciant; standard, typical, average, par for the
informol laid-ba ck. course, expected.
- OPPOSITES anxious-
normal odjective 1 usual, standard,
non-Committ al odjec I ive evasive. ordinary, customary, conventional,
equivocal, guarded, circumspect, habitual, accustomed, typical, com-
reserved; informol cagey. mon, regulal routine, traditional,
nonConformast noun dissenter, commonplace, everyday. 2 ordinary,
protester, rebel, freethinker, individu- average, run-of-the-mill, middle-of-
alist, free spirit, maverick, renegade, the-road, conventional, mainstream;
schismatic, apostate, heretic. N. Amer. garden-variety; Brit. informol
nondescript odjective u ndistin- common or garden, bog-standard.
guished, unremarl<able, featureless, 3 sane, in your right mind, right in the
unmemorable, ordinary, average, run- head, of sound mind, compos mentis;
of-the-mill, mundane, uninteresting, informol all there.
uninspiring, colourless, bland. - OPPOSITES unusual, insane.
- OPPOSITES distinctive. normally odyerb 1 naturally, conven-
non-existent odjective imaginary, tionally, properly, like everyone else.
imagined, unreal, fi ctional, fi ctitious, 2 usually, ordinarily, as a rule, gener-
made up, invented, fanciful, mythical, ally, in general, mostly, on the whole,
illusory. typically, habitually.
- OPPOSITES real. nose noun snout, muzzle, proboscis,
nonsense noun 1 rubbish, gibberish, trunk; informol beal<, conk, schnozz,
claptrap, balderdash, garbage; nformol
i hooter.
baloney, bosh, tripe, drivel, gobble. averbl pry, enquire, poke about/
degook, mumbo-jumbo, poppycock, around, interfere (in), meddle (in),
twaddle, guff, tosh, bilge, hogwash, pif- stick/poke your nose in; lnformol snoop;
fte; Brit. informol cobblers, codswallop, Austrol.lNZ infornol stickybeak. 2 ease,
double Dutch, rot.2 mischief, misbe- inch, edge, move, manoeuvre, steer,
haviour; informol tomf oolery, monkey guide.
business, shenanigans, malarkey; Brit.
WORD LINKS
informol monkey tricks, jiggery-pokery.
nasal relating to the nose
- OPPOSITES sense.
281 nostalgic + novel

nostalgic od.lective wistful, sentimen- striking, memorable, unique, special,

tal, emotional, homesick, regretful, unusual.
dewy-eyed, maudlin. - OPPOSITES unexceptional.
nosy odjective (informal) prying, inquisi- nothing noun 1 not a thing, zero;
tive, curious, spying, eavesdropping, N. English nowt; informol zilch, sweet
intrusive; informol snooping. FA, not a dicky bird; N. Amer. informol
notable odjective 1 noteworthy, zip, nada, diddly-squat.2 zero, nought,
remarkable, outstanding, important, nil, 0; Iennis love; Cricket a ducl<.
signifi cant, memorable, marked, notice verb observe, note, see, discern,
striking, impressive, momentous, detect, spot, perceive, make out; Brit.
uncommon. 2 prominent, well known, informol clock.
famous, famed, noted, of note. - oPPoSlTEs overlook.
- oPPoSITES unremarkable, unknown. a noun 1 sign, announcement, adver-
a noun celebrity, VlP, dignitary, tisement, poster, placard, bill, handbill,
luminary, star, big name, personage; flyer. 2 attention, observation,
informol celeb, bigwig. awareness, consciousness, perception,
notably odverb 1 in particular, particu- regard, consideration, scruti ny: formol
larly, especially, primarily, principally, cognizance. 3 odvonce notice of the price
chiefly. 2 remarkably, especially, increose notifi cation, warning, informa-
exceptionally, singularly, particularly, tion, news, word.
peculiarly, distinctly, signifi cantly, unu- noticeable odjective obvious, evident,
sually, uncommonly, conspicuously. apparent, manifest, plain, clear,
notch noun nick, cut, incision, score, conspicuous, perceptible, discernible,
scratch, slit, snick, slot, groove. detectable, observable, visible, appreci-
able, unmistakable, patent.
note noun 1 record, entry, reminder,
comment, jotting. 2 message, letter, - oPPoSlTEs imperceptible.
line, missive; tnformol memo; formol notify verb inform, tell, let someone '.
-
memorandum, epistle. 3 annota- know, advise, apprise, alert, warn.
tion, footnote, marginalia. 4 (Brit.) notion noun idea, impression, belief,
banknote; N. Amer. bill: US infornol opinion, view, concept, conception,
greenback. 5 the note of hopelessness understanding, feeling, suspicion, intui-
ln her voice tone, hint, indication, sign, tion, inkling.
element, suggestion, sense. notorious odjective infamous, scandal-
a verb 1 bear in mind, be mindful of, ous, disreputable, of ill repute.
consider, tal<e notice of, register, be
nought noun nil, zero, nothing; Iennis
aware, take in, notice, observe, see,
love; Cricket a duck; lnformol zilch;
perceive. 2 write down, put down,.iot N. Amer. informalzip, nada.
down, take down, scribble, enter, mark,
record, register, pencil in. nourish verb feed, sustain, provide for,
care for, nurture.
notebook noun notepad, exercise
book, register, logbook, log, diary, nourishing odjective nutritious, whole-
journal, record; Brit. jotter, pocketbook; some, good for you, nutritive, healthy,
trodemork Filof ax. health-giving, benefi cial.
noted odjective famous, famed, well - OPPOSITES unhealthy.

l<nown, renowned, prominent, notable, nourishment noun food, nutriment,

important, eminent, great, acclaimed, nutrients, nutrition, sustenance.
celebrated, distinguished. novell noun story, tale, narrative,
- oPPOSITES unl<nown. romance, novella.
noteworthy odjective notable, i nterest- novel2 odjective new, original, unusual,
ing, significant, important, remarkable, unconventional, unorthodox, different,
novelty -+ nutritious 782

fresh, imaginative, innovative, unfamil- nullify yerb annul, render null and void,
iar, surprising. invalidate, repeal, reverse, rescind,
- OPPOSITES traditional. revoke, cancel, neutralize, negate,
novelty noun 1 originality, newness, counteract.
freshness, unconventionality, innova- numb odjective 1 without feeling, with-
tion, unfamiliarity. 2 knick-knack, out sensation, dead, numbed, desensi-
trinket, bauble, toy, trifle, ornament; tized, frozen, anaesthetized, insensible,
N. Amer. kickshaw. insensate. 2 dazed, stunned, stupefied,
novice noun beginner, learner, new- paralysed, immobilized.
comer, fledgling, trainee, probationer, a verb 1 deaden, desensitize, anaes-
student, pupil, apprentice, tyro, neo- thetize, immobilize, freeze. 2 daze,
phyte; informalrookie, newbie; N. Amer. stun, stupefy, paralyse, immobilize.
informol tenderfoot, greenhorn. number noun 1 numeral, integer, fig-
- OPPOSITES expert, veteran. ure, digit, character. 2 quantity, total,
nout adverb 1 at the moment, at pre- aggregate, tally, quota.3 song, piece,
sent, presently, at this moment in time, tune, track, dance.
currently, nowadays, these days, today, a verb 1 add up to, amount to, total,
in this day and age. 2 at once, straight come to. 2 include, count, reckon,
away, right away, this minute, this deem.
instant, immediately, instantly, directly;
WORD LINKS
informolpronto, asap.
numerical relating to numbers
noxiouS odjective poisonous, toxic,
deadly. harmful, dangerous, envi- numerous odjective many, a number
ronmentally unfriendly, polluting, ol a lot of/lots of, several, plenty of,
unhealthy, unpleasant. countless, copious, an abundance of,
- OPPOSITES innocuous. frequent; informol umpteen.
nuance noun distinction, shade, grada- - OPPOSITES few.
tion, refi nement, degree, subtlety, nurse yerb 1 care for, take care of, look
nicety. after, tend, minister to. 2 they nursed
nucleus noun core, centre, heart, ker- old grievonces harbour, foster, bear,
nel, nub, hub, middle, focus. have, hold (on to), retain.
nude odjective naked, stark naked, nurture verb 1 bring up, care for, take
bare, unclothed, undressed, stripped; care o[, look after, tend, rear, raise.
informol without a stitch on, in your 2 he nurtured my /ove of ort encourage,
birthday suit, in the raw/buff, in the promote, stimulate, develop, foster,
altogether; Brit. informol starl<ers; cultivate, boost, strengthen, fuel.
N. Amer. informolbuck naked. - OPPOSITES neglect.
- OPPOSITES dressed. nut noun (informol) 1 maniac, lunatic,
nudge verb prod, elbow, dig, poke, jab, madman, madwoman; informol loony,
jog, push, touch. nutcase, head case; Brit. informal
o noun prod, dig (in the ribs), poke, nutter; N. Amer. informol screwball.
jab, push. 2 enthusiast, fan, devotee, aficionado;
nuisance noun annoyance, inconven- informol freak, fanatic, addict, buff.
ience, bore, bother, irritation, trial, bur- nutritious odjective nourishing, nutri.
den, pest; informolpain (in the neck), tive, wholesome, good for you, healthy,
hassle, bind, drag, headache. health-giving, benefi cial.
283 oath -) obscure

Oo
oath noun 1 vow, pledge, promise, affir- dispassionately, with an open mind,
mation, word (of honour), guarantee. without fear or favour.
2 swear word, expletive, profanity, obligation noun 1 commitment,
four-letter word, dirty word, obscenity, duty, responsibility, function, task, job,
curse; formol imprecation. charge, onus, liability, requirement,
obedient odjective compliant, biddable, debt. 2 o sense of obligotion duty,
acquiescent, good, law-abiding, defer- compulsion, indebtedness, necessity,
ential, governable, docile, submissive. pressure, constraint.
- OPPOSITES rebellious. obligatory odjective compulsory, man-
obey verb 1 do as you are told, defer datory, prescribed, required, statutory,
to, submit to, bow to. 2 he refused to enforced, binding, requisite, necessary,
obey the order carry out, perform, act imperative, de rigueur.
on, execute, discharge, implement. - OPPOSITES optional.
3 rules hove to be obeyed comply with, oblige verb 1 compel, force, require,
adhere to, observe, abide by, act in make, bind, constrain. 2 do someone
accordance with, conform to, respect, a favour, accommodate, help, assist,
follow, keep to, stick to. indulge, humour.
- oPPOSITES defy, ignore.
obliged odjective thankful, grateful,
object noun 1 thing, article, item, appreciative, beholden, indebted, in
entity, device, gadget. 2 target, butt, someone's debt.
focus, recipient, victim. 3 objective,
aim, goal, target, purpose, end, plan, obliging odjective helpful, accom-
point, ambition, intention, idea. modating, cooperative, agreeable,
amenable, generous, kind; Brit. informol
o verb they objected to the scheme pro-
test about, oppose, take exception to, decent.
take issue with, take a stand against, obliterate verb 1 destroy, wipe out,
argue against, quarrel with, condemn, annihilate, demolish; informol zap.
draw the line at, demur at, mind, com- 2 hide, obscure, blot out, block, cover,
plain about. SCreen.
- oPPostrES approve of, accept. oblivious odjective unaware, uncon-
objection noun protest, protestation, scious, heedless, unmindful, insensible,
complaint, opposition, demurral, ignorant, blind, deaf. impervious.
counter-argument, disagreement, - OPPOSITES conscious.
disapproval, dissent. obscene odjective 1 pornographic,
objective odjective 1 impartial, indecent, smutty, dirty, filthy, X-rated,
unbiased, unprejudiced, non-partisan, explicit, lewd, rude, vulgar, coarse,
disinterested, neutral, uninvolved, scatological; informol blue; euphemistlc
even-handed, fair, dispassionate, adult. 2 scandalous, shocking, outra-
detached. 2 factual, actual, real, empir- geous, immoral.
ical, verifiable. obscure odjective 1 unclear, uncertain,
- OPPOSITES subjective, emotional. unknown, mysterious, hazy, vague,
o noun aim, intention, purpose, target, indeterminate. 2 abstruse, oblique,
goal, object, end, idea, plan, ambition. opaque, cryptic, arcane, enigmatic,
objectively odverb impartially, without puzzling, perplexing. baffling, incom-
bias/prejudice, even-handedly, fairly, prehensible, impenetrable, elliptical.
 observant -+ occasional zo+

3 little known, unknown, unheard obstacle noun barrier, hurdle, stum-

of, unsung, minor, unrecognized, bling block, obstruction, bar, block,
forgotten. impediment, hindrance, snag, catch,
- OPPOSITES clear, plain, famous. drawback, hitch, fly in the ointment,
a verb t hide, conceal, cover, veil, handicap, difficulty, problem, disadvan-
shroud, screen, mask, cloak, block, tage; Brit. spanner in the works.
obliterate, eclipse. 2 confuse, compli- - oPPostrEs advantage, aid.
cate, obfuscate, cloud, blur, muddy. obstinate odjective stubborn, pi g-
- oPPoSITES reveal, clarify. headed, mulish, self-willed, unyielding,
observant odjecflve alert, sharp-eyed, infl exible, unbending, intransigent,
eagle-eyed, attentive, watchful; infor- intractable; o/d use contumacious.
mol beady-eyed, on the ball. - oPPostTES compliant.
- oPPOStTES inattentive. obstruct verb 1 block (up), clog (up),
observation noun 1 monitoring, cut off, bung up, choke, dam up; techni-
watching, scrutiny, survey, surveillance, col occlude. 2 impede, hinder, interfere
attention, study. 2 remark, com- with, hamper, block, interrupt, hold
ment, opinion, impression, thought, up, stand in the way of, frustrate, slow
reflection. down, delay, bring to a standstill,
observe verb 1 notice, see, note, per- stop, halt.
ceive, discern, spot. 2 watch, look at, - oPPostTES clear, facilitate.
contemplate, view, survey, regard, keep obstruction noun obstacle, bar-
an eye on, scrutinize, keep under sur- rier, stumbling block, impediment,
veillance, monitor; informol keep tabs hindrance, difficulty, check, restriction,
on.3 remark, comment, say, mention, blockage, stoppage, congestion, bot-
declare, announce, state; formol opine. tleneck, hold-up.
4 comply with, abide by, keep, obey, obtain verb get, acquire, come by,
adhere to, heed, honour, fulfil, respect, se(ure, procure, pick up, gain, earn,
follow, consent to, accept. achieve, attain; informol get hold of, lay
Itlf*tt observer noun spectator, onlooker, your hands on, land.
illliif watcher, fly on the wall, viewer, witness. obtainable odjective available, to be
obsessed odjective fixated, possessed, had, in circulation, on the market, on
haunted, consumed, infatuated, besot. offer, in season, at your disposal, acces-
ted; informolsmitten, hung up. sible; informolup for grabs, on tap.
obsession noun fixation, passion, obvious odjective clear, plain, evident,
mania, compulsion, fetish, preoccupa- apparent, patent, manifest, conspicu-
tion, infatuation, hobby horse, phobia, ous, pronounced, prominent, distinct,
complex, neurosis; informolbee in your noticeable, unmistakable, perceptible,
bonnet, hang-up, thing. visible, palpable; informal sticking out
obsessive o dje ctive consuming, al l- a mile.
consuming, compulsive, controlling, - OPPOSITES imperceptible.
fanatical, neurotic, excessive; informol occasion noun 1 time, instan(e, junc-
pathological. ture, point, moment, experience, case.
obsolete odjective out of date, out- 2 event, affair, function, celebration,
dated, outmoded, old-fashioned, pass6, party, get-together, gathering : informol
antiquated, antediluvian, anachronistic, do, bash.
superannuated, archaic, ancient, fos. a yerb cause, give rise to, bring about,
silized, extinct, defunct; informol out result in, lead to, prompt, create,
of the ark; Brit. informol past its sell-by engender.
date. occasional odjective infrequent, inter-
- OPPOSITES cu[ent, modern. mittent, irregular, periodic, sporadic,
285 occasionally -+ offensive

odd; A/. Amei: sometime. odd odjective 1 strange, peculiar, queer,

- oPPoSITES regular, frequent. funny, bizarre, eccentric, unconven-
occasionally odverb sometimes, from tional, outlandish, unusual, weird,
time to time, (every) now and then, curious, abnormal, puzzling, mystify-
(every) now and again, at times, every ing, baffling, unaccountable; informal
so often, (every) once in a while, on wacky. 2 odd jobs occasional, casual,
occasion, periodically. irregular, isolated, sporadic, peri-
- oppostrts often. odic, miscellaneous, various, varied,
sundry. 3 on odd shoe mismatched,
occu,t odjective supernatural, magic,
unmatched, unpaired, single, lone,
magical, satanic, mystical, unearthly,
solitary, extra, leftover, spare.
esoteric, psychic.
o the occult the supernatural, magic,
- oPPoSITES normal, ordinary, regular.
black magic, witchcraft, necromancy, odds plurol noun likelihood, probability,
cha nces.
the black arts, occultism.
o odds and ends bits and pieces,
occupant noun resident, inhabit-
bits and bobs, stuff, paraphernalia,
ant, owner, householder, tenant, sundries, bric-a-brac, knick-knacks, odd-
leaseholder, lessee: Brit. occupier, ments; informol junk; Brit. informol odds
owner-occupier. and sods, clobber, gubbins.
occupation noun 1 job, profession, odour noun smell, stench, stink, reek,
work, line of work, trade, employment, aroma, bouquet, scent, perfume,
business, career, m6tier, calling. 2 pas- fragrance; Brit. informol pong, whiff,
time, activity, hobby, pursuit, interest, niff; N. Amer informolf unk; literary
entertainment, recreation. 3 conquest, redolence.
capture, invasion, seizure, annexation,
WORD LINKS
colonization, subjugation.
olfactory relating to odour
occuPied odjective 1 busy, working, at
work, active; informoltied up, hard at odyssey noun journey, voyage,
it, on the go.2 in use, full, engaged, trip, trek, travels, quest, crusade,
taken. pilgrimage.
occupy verb 1 live in, inhabit, lodge in, ofr odjective 1 away, absent, off duty,
tenant, move into, people, populate, on holiday/leave; t\i. Amer on vaca-
settle; Scottish stay in. 2 engage, tion. 2 cancelled, postponed, called
busy, distract, absorb, engross, hold, off. 3 rotten, bad, stale, mouldy, sour,
interest, involve, entertain.3 the region rancid, turned, spoiled.
wos occupied byJopon capture, seize, offence noun 1 crime, illegal act, mis-
conquer, invade, colonize, annex, demeanour, felony, infrinqement, viola-
subjugate. tion, wrongdoing, sin. 2 annoyance,
occur verb t happen, take place, come resentment, indignation, displeasure,
about, transpire; A/. Amer. informol go bad feeling, animosity.
down.2 be found, be present, exist, offend verb 1 upset, give offence to,
appear, develop, manifest itself. affront, hurt someone's feelings, insult,
tr occur to enter your head, cross your hurt, wound, slight. 2 break the law,
mind, come/spring to mind, strike, commit a crime, do wrong.
dawn on, suggest itself. offender noun wrongdoer, criminal,
occurrence noun 1 event, incident, lawbreaker, crook, villain, miscreant,
happening, phenomenon. circum- felon, delinquent, malefactor, culprit,
stance, episode. 2 existence, instance, guilty party.
appearance, frequency, incidence, offensive odjective 1 insulting, rude,
prevalence, rate; Storistics distribution. derogatory, disrespectful, personal,
offer -> old

hurtful, upsetting, wounding, abusive. representative, agent', d e rogoto ry

2 unpleasant, disagreeable, nasty, apparatchik.
distasteful, objectionable, off-putting, officious o djective self-important,
dreadful, frightful, obnoxious, abomi- bumptious, self-assertive, overbearing,
nable, disgusting, repulsive, repellent, interfering, intrusive, meddlesome,
vile, foul, horrible, sickening, nauseat' meddling; informol bossy.
ing: informal ghastly, horrid, gross; Brit. offset verb counteract, balance (out),
informol beastly. 3 hostile, attacklng, even out/up, counterbalance, compen'
aggressive, invading, incursive, com- sate for, make up for, neutralize, cancel
bative, threatening, martial, warlike, (out).
belligerent, bellicose.
offspring noun children, family, prog-
- oPPoslrES complimentary, pleasant, eny, young, brood, descendants, heirs,
defensive.
successors; informol kids; Erit informol
a noun attack, assault, onslaught, sprogs, brats.
invasion, push, thrust, charge, raid,
incursion, blitz, campaign. often odverb frequently, many times, a
lot, repeatedly, again and again, time
offer verb 1 put forward, proffer, after time, regularly, commonly, gener'
give, present, come uP with, suggest,
ally, ordinarily; N. Amer. oftentimes.
propose, advance, submit, tender.
- oPPostrES seldom.
2 volunteer, step/come forward,
show willing. 3 bid, tender, put in a oily odjective greasy, fatty, buttery, rich,
oleaginous.
bid/offer of.
- oPPoslTES withdraw, refuse. ointment noun lotion, cream, salve,
a noun 1 proposal, ProPosition, liniment, embrocation, rub, gel, balm,
suggestion, submission, approach, emollient, unguent.
overture.2 bid, tender, bidding price. OK, okay (informal) odjective 1 satisfac-
oftering noun contribution, donation, tory, all right, acceptable, competent,
gift, present, sacrifice, tribute. adequate, tolerable, passable, reason'
able, decent, fair, not bad, average,
offhand odjective casual, careless, unin'
middling, moderate, unremarkable,
terested, indifferent, cool, nonchalant,
unexceptional; lnformol so-so, fair-to-
blas6, insouciant, cavalier, glib, perfunc-
middling. 2 permissible, allowable,
tory, cursory, dismissive.
acceptable, all right, in order, permit-
office noun 1 place of work, workplace, ted, fitting, suitable, appropriate.
workroom. 2 the compony's Poris office - oPPoSITES unsatisfactory.
branch, dlvision, section, bureau, a noun authorization, (seal of)
department. 3 the office of President approval, agreement, consent, assent,
post, position, aPPointment, job, occu- permission, endorsement, ratifi cation,
pation, role, situation, function. sanction, blessing, leave; informol the
ofticer noun official, functionary, go-ahead, the green light, the thumbs
executive. up, say-so.
official odjective 1 authorized, old odjective 1 old people elderly, aged,
approved, validated, authenticated, older, senior, venerable, in your dotage,
certified, accredited, endorsed, sanc' past your prime, long in the tooth,
tioned, licensed, recognized, legiti- grizzled, ancient, decrepit, doddery,
mate, legal, lawful, valid, bona fide, senescent, senile; informol getting on,
proper; informol kosher. 2 ceremonial, past it, over the hill.2 old clothes worn,
formal, solemn, bureaucratic. shabby, threadbare, frayed, patched,
- oPPoslrES unauthorized, informal. tattered, moth-eaten, ragged; informal
a noun officer, executive, functionary, tatty. 3 the o/d doys bygone, olden,
administrator, bureaucrat, mandarin, past, prehistoric, primitive. 4 old cors
287 old-fashioned -+ open

antique, veteran, vintage, classic. ongoing odjective in progress, under

5 on old girlfriend former, previous. way, going on, continuing, proceeding.
earlier, past, ex-, one-time, sometime, onlooker noun eyewitness, witness,
erstwhile; formol quondam. observer, spectator, bystander; nformol
i

- oPPostrES young, new, modern, rubberneck.

cu rrent.
only odverb 1 at most, at best, just,
i'wono lrrurs no more than, hardly, barely, scarcely.
people 2 exclusively, solely, purely.
ISeriatric relating to old
o odjective sole, single, one (and only),
old-fashioned odjective out of date,
solitary, lone, unique, exclusive.
outdated, dated, out of fashion, out-
moded, unfashionable, pass6, outworn, onset noun start, beginning, com-
behind the times, antiquated, antedi- mencement, arrival, appearance,
luvian, archaic, obsolescent, obsolete, inception, day one, outbreak; informol
kick-ofl.
superannuated; informol ort of the ark,
old hat, clunky. - OPPOSITES end.
- oPPostrES modern. onslaught noun attack, assault, offen-
sive, advance, charge, blitz, bombard-
omen noun portent, sign, signal, token,
ment, barrage.
forewarning, warning, harbinger, pres-
age, indication; /iterory foretoken. onus noun burden, responsibility, obli-
gation, duty, weight, load.
ominous odjective threatening, menac-
ing, baleful, forbidding, foreboding, ooze verb seep, discharge, flow, exude,
fateful, sinister, black, dark, gloomy. trickle, drip, dribble, drain, leak.
- OPPOSITES promising. opaque odjective 1 non-transparent,
omission noun 1 exclusion, leaving cloudy, filmy, blurred, smeared, misty.
out, deletion, elimination. 2 negli- 2 obscure, unclear, unfathomable,
gence, neglect, dereliction, oversight, incomprehensible, unintelligible,
lapse, failure. impenetrable; informolas clear as mud.
- OPPOSITES transparent, clear.
omit verb 1 leave out, exclude, miss
out, miss, cut, drop, skip. 2 forget, open odjective 1 unlocked, unlatched,
neglect, overlook, fail. off the latch, ajar, gaping, yawning.
2 open countryside I open spoces unen-
- OPPOSITES include, remember.
closed, rolling, sweeping, wide open,
once odverb 1 on one occasion, one exposed, spacious, uncrowded, unclut-
time. 2 formerly, previously, in the tered, undeveloped. 3 the posifion is still
past, once upon a time, in days/times
open available, free, vacant, unfilled;
gone by, in the (good) old days, informol up for grabs. 4 open to obuse
long ago. vulnerable, subject, susceptible, liable,
o conjunction as soon as, the moment, exposed, an easy target for. 5 she wos
when, after. very open frank, candid, honest, forth-
tr at once 1 immediately, right away, coming, communicative, forthright,
right now, straight away, instantly, direct, unreserved, plain-spoken, out-
directly, forthwith, without delay, spoken, blunt; informol upfront. 6 open
without further ado. 2 at the same hostility overt, manifest. conspicuous.
time, (all) together, simultaneously, as plain, undisguised, unconcealed, clear,
a group, in unison. naked, blatant, fl agrant, barefaced,
one-sided adjective 1 biased, preju- brazen.
diced, partisan, partial, slanted, - oPPosrrEs shut, closed.
distorted, unfair. 2 unequal, uneven, a verb'l unfasten, unlock, unbolt,
unbalanced. throw wide. 2 unwrap, undo, untie.
- oPPOSITES impartial, equal. 3 spread out, unfold, unfurl, unroll,
open-air J oppress 288

straighten out. 4 begin, start, com- (factory) hand. 2 agent, secret/under-

mence, initiate, set in motion, get cover agent, spy, mole, plant; N. Amen
going, get under way, get off the informol spook.
ground; informol kick off. opinion noun belief, thought(s), idea,
- oPPostrEs close, shut. way of thinking, feeling, mind, view,
WORD LINKS point of view, viewpoint, standpoint,
assessment, estimation, judgement,
L agoraphobia fear of open spaces
conviction.
open-air djective outdoor, out-of-
o
opPonent noun 1 rival, adversary, com-
doors, outside, alfresco. petitor, enemy, antagonist, combatant,
t
opening noun hole, gap, aPerture, contender, challenger; literory f oe.
space, orifice, vent, crack, slit, chink, fis- 2 critic, objector, dissenter.
sure, cleft, crevice, interstice.2 begin- - oPPOslTEs ally, supporter.
ning, start, commencement, outset; oPportunity noun chance, time,
informol kick-off. 3 vacancy, position, occasion, moment, opening, oPtion,
post, job, opportunitY. window, possibility, scope, freedom;
o odjective first, initial, introductory, informol shol., break, look-in.
preliminary, maiden, inaugural.
oppose verb be against, object to, be
- oPPoSITES final, closing. hostile to, disaqree with, disapProve
openly odverb 1 publicly, blatantly, of, resist, take a stand against, put up a
flagrantly, overtly. 2 frankly, candidly, fight against, fight, counter, challenge,
explicitly, honestly, sincerely, forth- take issue with.
rightly, freely. - OPPOSITES support.
open-minded odiective unbiased, opposed odjective
unprejudiced, neutral, objective, disin- o opposed to against, dead set
terested, tolerant, liberal, permissive, against, averse to, hostile to, antagonis-
broad-minded. tic to, antipathetic to; lnformol anti.
- OPPoSITES prejudiced, naTrow- oPPosing odjective 1 conflicting,
minded. contrasting, opposite, incompatible,
oPerate verb 1 work, run, use, handle, irreconcilable, contradictory, clashing,
control, manage, drive, steer, manoeu' at variance, at odds, opposed. 2 rival,
vre, function, go, perform. 2 direct, opposite, enemy, competing.
control, manage, run, handle, be in - oPPoSlTEs similar, allied.
control/charge of. oPposite adjective 1 facing, face to face
operation noun 1 functioning, work- with, across from. 2 conflicting, con-
ing, running, performance, action. trasting, incompatible, irreconcilable,
2 o militory operotion action, exercise, contradictory, at variance, at odds,
undertaking, enterprise, manoeuvre, differing. 3 rival, opposing, competing,
campaign. 3 business, enterprise, enemy.
company, firm. o noun reverse, converse, antithesis,
operational odjective running, up and contrary.
running, working, functioning, opera' - OPPOSITES same.
tive, in operation, in use, in action, in oPposition noun 1 resistance, hostil-
working order, serviceable, functional. ity, antagonism, antipathy, objection,
operative odiective running, up and dissent, disapproval. 2 opponent(s),
running, working. functioning, opera- opposing side, competition, rival(s),
tional, in operation, in use, in action, adversary.
in effect. - OPPOSITES agreement.
o noun 1 machinist, oPerator, oppress verb persecute, tyrannize,
mechanic, engineer, worl<er, workman, crush, repress, subjugate, subdue, keep
289 oppression -+ ordinary

down, rule with a rod of iron. predestine, preordain, predetermine,

oppression noun persecution, abuse, prescribe, designate.
ill-treatment, tyranny. repression, sup- ordeal noun trial, hardship, suffering,
pression, subjugation, cruelty, brutality, nightmare, trauma, hell, torture, tor-
injustice. ment, agony.
- oPPoslTES freedom. order noun 1 olphobeticol order
oppressive odjective t harsh, cruel, sequence, arrangement, organization,
brutal, repressive, tyrannical, despotic, codifi cation, classifi cation, system,
draconian, ruthless, merciless, pitiless. series, successio n.2 some semblonce of
2 muggy, close, heavy, hot, humid, order tidiness, neatness, orderliness,
sticky, airless, stuffy, stifling, sultry. method, symmetry, uniformity, regu-
- oPPoSITES lenient, fresh. larity, routine. 3 the police monaged
optverb choose, select, pick, decide, to keep order peace, control, law and
elect; (opt for) go for, settle on, order, calm. 4 in good order condition,
plump for. state, repalr, shape, situation; Brit.
oPtimistic odjective 1 positive, confi- informol nick.5 I hod to obey orders
dent, hopeful, sanguine, bullish, buoy- command, instruction, directive, direc-
ant, upbeat. 2 encouraging, promis- tion, decree, edict, injunction, dictate.
ing. reassuring. favourable. 6 the lower orders ofsociety class, level,
- oPPoSlTEs pessimistic, depressing. rank, grade, caste. 7 o religious order
optimum adjective best, most favoura- community, brotherhood, sisterhood.
ble, most advantageous, ideal, perfect, 8 the Oronge Order organization, asso-
prime, optimal. ciation, society, fellowship, fraternity,
option noun choice, preference, alter-
lodge, guild, league, union, club.
native, selection, possibllity. - oPPosttrs chaos.
a verb 1 instruct, tell, command,
optional odjective voluntary, non- direct, charge, require, enjoin, ordain,
compu lsory, elective, discretionary.
decree, rule. 2 request, apply for,
- oPPostrES compulsory. book, reserve, requisition. 3 organize,
opulent odjective luxurious, sumptu- arrange, sort out, lay out, group, clas-
ous, palatial, lavishly appointed, rich, sify, categorize, catalogue.
splendid, magnifi cent, grand, fancy;
informol plush; Brit. lnformol swish;
orderly odjective 1 neat, tidy, well
ordered, in order, trim, in apple-
N. Amer. informol swank.
pie order, shipshape. 2 organized,
- OPPOStTE5 spartan.
efficient, methodical, systematic,
oral odjective spoken, verbal, unwritten, coherent, structured, logical. 3 well
vocal, uttered.
behaved, law-abiding, disciplined,
- OPPOSITES written. peaceful, peaceable.
orbit noun circuit, course, path, track, - OPPOSITES untidy, unruly.
trajectory, rotation, revolution.
ordinary odjective 1 usual, normal,
a verb circle, go round, revolve round, standard, typical, common, customary,
travel round, circumnavigate.
habitual, everyday, regular, routine,
orchestra noun ensemble, group; day-to-day, quotidian. 2 average, run-
informol band, combo. of-the-mil l, typical, middle-of-the-road,
orchestrate verb organize, arrange, conventional, humdrum, unremarl<a-
plan, set up, mobilize, mount, stage, ble, unexcepl.ional, pedestrian, prosaic.
mastermind, coordinate, direct. workday; informol bog-standard; Brit.
ordain verb 1 confer holy orders on, informol common or garden; N. Amer.
admit to the priesthood, appoint, informol ga rden-va riety.
anoint, (onse(rate. 2 determine, - oPPostrEs unusual.
organ -+ oust

organ noun newspaPer, Paper, originally odverb at first, in the begin-

journal, periodical. magazine. voice. ning, to begin with, initially, in the first
mouthpiece. place, at the outset.
organic odjective 1 organic motter originate verb 1 arise, have its origin,
living, live, animate, biological. begin, start, stem, spring, emerge,
2 orqonic vegetobles natural, chemical- emanate. 2 invent, create, devise, think
free, pesticide-free, bio-. 3 on orgonic up, dream up, conceive, formulate,
whole structured, organized, coherent, form, develop, produce, mastermind,
integrated, coordinated, ordered, pioneer.
harmonious. ornament noun 1 knick-knack, trinket,
organism noun living thing, being, bauble, gewgaw N. Amer. tnformal
creature, animal, plant, life form. kickshaw. 2 decoration, adornment,
organization noun 1 Planning, embellishment, ornamentation, trim'
arrangement, coordination, organizing, ming, accessories, frills.
running, management. 2 structure, ornamental o dj ective decorative,
arrangement, plan, pattern, order, fancy, ornate, ornamented, attractive.
form, format, framework, composition. ornate odjective elaborate, decorated,
3 institution, bodY, grouP, comPanY, embellished, adorned, ornamented,
concern, firm, business, corPoration, rococo, fancy, fussy, ostentatious,
conglomerate, consortium, syndicate, showy; informol flashy.
agency, association, society; informol - oPPoSITES plain.
outfit.
orthodox odjective 1 conventional,
organize verb 1 order, arrange, sort, mainstream, conformist, established,
assemble, marshal, put straight, group, tradltional, traditionalist, prevalent,
classify, collate, categorize, catalogue, popular, conservative, received. 2 on
codify. 2 arrange, coordinate, sort orthodox M usli m observant, devout,
out, put together, fix up, set uP, lay on, strict.
orchestrate, see to, mobilize. - oPPostTES unconventional.
orient, orientate verb 1 you need time oscillate verb 1 swing to and fro,
to orient yourself acclimatize, familiar- swing back and forth, sway. 2 waver,
ize, adjust, accustom, find your feet, swing, fl uctuate, alternate, see-saw,
get your bearings. 2 aim, direct, pitch, yo-yo, vacillate.
design, intend. 3 align, place, position,
arrange.
ostentatious odjective showy, con-
spicuous, fl amboyant, gaudy, brash,
origin noun 1 beginning, start, genesis, vulgar, loud, extravagant, fancy, ornate,
birth, dawning, dawn, emergence, rococo; informol flash, flashy, bling-
creation, source, basis, cause, root(s), bling, over the top, OTT, glitzy.
derivation, provenance. 2 descent, - OPPoSITES restrained.
ancestry, parentage, pedigree, lineage,
line (ofdescent), heritage, birth, extrac-
ostracize verb exclude, shun, spurn,
tion, family, roots. cold-shoulder, reject, ignore, snub, cut
dead, blackball, blacklist; Brit. send
original odjective 1 indigenous,
to Coventry; informol freeze out; Brit.
aboriginal, native, first, earliest, early, informol blank.
ur-. 2 authentic, genuine, actual, true,
bona fide. 3 innovative, creative, imag- other adjective I alternative, different,
inative, inventive, new, novel, fresh, distinct, separate, various. 2 more,
unusual, unconventional, unorthodox, further, additional, extra, fresh, new,
groundbreaking, disruptive. pioneer- added, supplementary.
ing, unique, distinctive; informol edgy. oust verb expel, drive out, force out,
o noun prototyPe, source, master. eject, get rid of, depose, toPPle,
291 outbreak -+ outright

unseat, overthrow, bring down, over- payments, costs, overheads.

turn, dismiss, dislodge. outing noun trip, excursion, jaunt,
outbreak noun 1 eruption, flare-up, expedition, day out, tour, drive, ride,
upsurge, rash, wave, spate, burst, run; nformol spin, junl<et.
i

flurry. 2 start, beginning, commence- outlaw noun fugitive, bandit, robber.

ment, onset. averbban, bar, prohibit, forbid, make
outburst noun eruption, explosion, illegal, proscribe.
fl are-up, storm, outpouring, burst, - oPPostTEs permit.
surge, fit, paroxysm, spasm. outlet noun I vent, way out, outfall,
outcome noun result, end result, net opening, channel, conduit, duct.
result, consequence, upshot, conclu- 2 market, shop, store.
sion, end product; informol pay-off. outline noun 1 silhouette, profile,
outcry noun protest, protestation, shape, contours, form, lines. 2 rough
complaints, objections, furore, hue and idea, thumbnail sketch, rundown, sum-
cry, fuss, uproar, opposition, dissent; mary, synopsis, r6sum6, precis, gist,
informal hullabaloo, ructions, stink. bare bones.
outdated odjective old-fashioned, out o verb rough out, sketch out, draft,
of date, outmoded, out of fashion, summarize, precis.
unfashionable, dated, pass6, old, outlook noun 1 point of view, view-
behind the times, antiquated: informol point, way of thinking, perspective,
out, old hat, square, clunky. attitude, standpoint, stance, frame of
- OPPOSITES modern. mind.2 view, vista, prospect, pano-
outdo verb surpass, outshine, over- rama. 3 prospects, future, expecta-
shadow, eclipse, outclass, outmanoeu- tions, prognosis.
vre, put in the shade, upstage, exceed, out of dateodjective 1 old-fashioned,
transcend, top, cap, beat, better; outmoded, outdated, dated, old, pass6,
informol be a cut above. behind the times, obsolete, antiquated,
outdoor odjective open-air, out-of- anachronistlc, antediluvian; informal
doors, outside, alfresco. old hat, clunky.2 expired, lapsed,
- oPPoSITES indoor. invalid, void.
outet odjective 1 outside, outermost, - oPPoSITES fashionable, valid, current.
outward, exterior, external, surface. output noun production, yield, prod-
2 outlying, distant, remote, faraway, uct, productivity, work, result.
far-flung, furthest. outrage noun 1 indignation, fury,
- OPPOSITES inner. anger, rage, wrath, annoyance; literory
outfit noun 1 costume, suit, uniform, ire.2 scandal, offence, insult, affront,
ensemble, clothes, clothing, dress, disgrace, atrocity.
garb: informolget-up, gear: Brit. o verb enrage, infuriate, incense, anger,
nfo rmol kit. 2 (i nformol) organization,
i scandalize, offend, affront, shock.
enterprise, company, firm, business, outrageous odjective 1 shocking, dis-
group, body, team; informol set-up. graceful, scandalous, atrocious, appall-
outgoing odjective 1 extrovert, ing, dreadful, insufferable, intolerable.
uninhibited, unreserved, demonstra- 2 exaggerated, improbable, preposter-
tive, affectionate, warm, sociable, ous, ridiculous, unwarranted.
gregarious, convivial. lively, expansive. outright odverb 1 completely, entirely,
2 departing, retiring, leaving. wholly, totally, categorically, absolutely,
- OPPOSITES introverted, incoming. utterly, flatly, unreservedly, out of
outgoings p/u rol noun expenses, hand. 2 explicitly, directly, frankly,
expenditure, spending, outlay, candidly, bluntly, plainly, to someone's
outset -+ overlook 292

face; Brit. informolstraight up. pulr a fast one on, put one
3 instantly, instantaneously, immedi- :lJlfr{.,
ately, at once, straight away, then and ovation noun applause, round of
there, on the spot. applause, cheers, bravos, acclaim,
oodjective 1 complete, absolute, standing ovation; informol (big) hand.
out-and-out, downright, utter, sheer,
categorical. 2 definite, unequivocal,
over preposition I above, on top of,
atop, covering. 2 more than, above, in
unmistakable, clear.
excess of, upwards of.
outset noun start, starting point, begin. - OPPOSITES under.
ning, inception; infornol the word go. o odverb 1 overhead, past, by. 2 at an
-opposttrs end. end, finished, ended, no more, a thing
outside noun exterior, case, skin, shell, of the past; informol finito.
covering, facade. overall odjective total, all-inclusive,
oodjective 1 exterior, external, outer, gross, final, inclusive, complete, entire,
outdoor, out-of-doors. 2 independent, blanket.
freelance, consultant, external.
a odverb generally (speaking), in gen-
a odverb outdoors, out of doors, eral, altogether, all in all, on balance, on
a lfresco.
average, for the most part, in the main,
- OPPOSITES inside. on the whole, by and large.
outsider noun stranger, visitor, overbearing o dj ective domineering,
foreigner, alien, interloper, immigrant,
dominating, autocratic, tyrannical,
incomer, newcomer.
despotic, high-handed ; informol bossy.
outskirts p/urol noun edges, fringes,
margins. suburbs, suburbia, environs.
overcast odjective cloudy, sunless, dark,
grey, black, leaden, heavy, dull, murky.
borders, periphery.
- oPPOSTTES bright.
outspoken odjective lorthright, direct,
candid, frank, straightforward, open, overcome verb conquer, defeat, beat,
prevail over, control, get/bring under
straight from the shoulder, plain-
spoken, blunt. control, master, get the better of; infor-
mol lick, best; U5 lnformol own.
outstanding odjective I excellent,
o odjective she wos overcome with excite-
marvellous, fine, magnificent, superb,
ment overwhelmed, moved, affected,
wonderful, superlative, exceptional, peech less.
s
pre-eminent, renowned, celebrated;
informol great, terrifi c, tremendous, overdue odjective 1 late, behind
super; Brif. informol brilliant; N. Amer. schedule, behind time, delayed, tardy.
informol neat. 2 to be done, undone, 2 unpaid, unsettled, owing, owed, pay-
unfi nished, incomplete, remaining, able, due, outstanding, undischarged;
pending. 3 unpaid, unsettled, owing, N. Amer. delinquent.
owed, to be paid, payable, due, over- - oPPoSITES early, punctual.
due; N. Amer. delinquent. ovetflow verb spill over, flow over,
outward cdjective external, surface, brim over, well over, flood.
superfi cial, seeming, apparent, O noun surplus, excess, extra, remain-
ostensible. der, overspill.
- oPPOslTEs inward. overhaul verb service, maintain, repair,
outweigh verb be greater than, mend, fix up, rebuild, renovate, recon-
exceed, be superior to, prevail over, dition, refit, refurbish.
override, supersede, offset, cancel out, overlook verbl lail to notice, fail
outbalance, compensate for. to spot, miss. 2 disregard, neglect,
outwit verb outsmart, outmanoeuvre, ignore, pass over, forget, take no notice
steal a march on, trick, get the better of, make allowances for, turn a blind
293 overpower + ownership
eye to, excuse, pardon, forgive. 3 have overture noun 1 preliminary, prelude,
a view of, look over/across, look on to, introduction, lead-in, precursor, start,
look out on. beginning. 2 opening move, approach,
overpower verb overwhelm, get the advances, feeler, signal.
better of, overthrow, subdue, suppress, overturn verbl capsize, turn turtle,
subjugate, repress, bring someone to keel over, tip over, topple over, upset,
their knees. turn over, knocl< over, upend.2 cancel,
overPowerin g o djective overwhelm- Teverse, rescind, repeal, revoke, coun-
ing, oppressive, unbearable, unendur- termand, disallow, override, overrule,
able, intolerable, shattering. veto, quash, overthrow.
override verb 1 disallow, overrule, overweight odjective fat,obese, stout,
countermand, veto, quash, overturn, plump, portly, chubby, pot-bellied,
overthrow, cancel, reverse, rescind, flabby; informol tubby; Brit. informol
revoke, repeal. 2 outweigh, supersede, podgy.
take precedence over, take priority overwhelm yerb 1 trounce, rout, beat
over, cancel out, outbalance. hollow, conquer, crush; lnformol thrash,
overriding odjective most important, lick, wipe the floor with; tJS informol
top, first (and foremost), predominant, own.2 overcome, move, stir, affect,
principal, primary, paramount, chief, touch, stril<e, dumbfound, shake, leave
main, major, foremost, central, key. speechless; informol bowl over, knock
overrule yerb countermand, cancel, sideways; Brit. informolknock/hit for six.
reveTse, rescind, repeal, revoke, disal- overwhelming odjective 1 very large,
low, override, veto, quash, overturn, enormous, immense, inordinate, mas-
overthrow. sive, huge. 2 very strong, powerful,
overrun verb invade, storm, occupy, u ncontrollable, irrepressible, irresist-

swarm into, surge into, inundate, ible, overpowering, compelling.

overwhelm. owe verb be in debt (to), be indebted
overshadow verb outshine, eclipse, (to), be in arrears (to), be under an
surpass, exceed, outclass, outstrip, obligation (to).
outdo, upstage; informol be head and owing odjective unpaid, to be paid,
shoulders above. payable, due, overdue, undischarged,
overt odjective undisguised, u ncon- owed, outstanding, in arrears; N. Amer.
cealed, plain (to see), clear, conspicu- delinquent.
ous, obvious, noticeable, manifest, o owing to because of, as a result of,
patent, open, blatant. on account of, due to, as a conse-
- OPPOSITES covert. quence of, thanks to, in view of.
overtake verb 1 pass, go past, pull own odjective personal, individual, par-
ahead of; Brit overhaul.2 outstrip, ticular, private, personalized, unique.
surpass, overshadow, eclipse, outshine, o verb possess, keep, hold, be the
outclass, exceed, top, cap. 3 befall, owner of, have to your name.
happen to, come upon, hit, strike, tr own up confess, admit, acknowl-
overwhelm, overcome. edge; nformol come clean.
i

overthrow yerb oust, remove, bring owner noun possessor, holder, proprie-
down, topple, depose, displace, unseat, tor, homeowner, freeholder, landlord,
defeat, conquer. la nd la dy.
o noun removal, ousting, defeat, fall, ownership noun possession, freehold,
collapse, demise. proprietorship, title.
pace -+ painfully

Pp
pace noun 1 step, stride. 2 gait, walk, padding noun 1 wadding, cushioning,
march, tread. 3 speed, rate, velocity, stuffing, packing, filling, lining. 2 verbi-
tempo. age, wordiness' Brit. informol wafrle.
a verb walk, step, stride, march, paddlel noun oar, scull.
pound. averbrow, pull, scull.
pacily verb placate, appease, calm paddle2 verb splash (about), dabble,
(down), conciliate, propitiate, assuage, wade.
mollify, soothe. pagan noun &odjective heathen, infidel,
- OPPOSITES enrage. non-Christian.
pack noun I packet, container, pack- pagel noun folio, sheet, side, leaf.
age, box, carton, parcel.2 group, herd, page2 noun I errand boy, messenger
troop, crowd, mob, band, party, set, boy; N. Amer bellboy, bellhop. 2 atten-
gang, rabble, horde, throng, huddle, dant, pageboy, train-bearer.
mass, assembly, gathering, host; infor- o verb call (for), summon, send for.
mol crew, bunch.
pageant noun parade, procession.
averbl fill, load, stow, store, bundle, cavalcade, tableau, spectacle, extrava-
stuff, cram. 2 wrap (up), package, par-
ganza, show.
cel, swathe, swaddle, encase, envelop,
bundle.3 throng, crowd, fill, cram, pageantry noun spectacle, display,
jam, squash into, squeeze into. ceremony, magnificence, pomp,
splendour, grandeur, show; informol
package noun 1 parcel, packet, box, r azzle- dazzl e, -azzmatazz.
carton. 2 collection, bundle, com-
bination, range, complement, raft,
pain noun 1 suffering, agony, torture,
platform. torment. 2 ache, aching, soreness,
throbbing, sting, twinge, stab, pang,
o verb wrap, gift-wrap, pack, box, seal.
discomfort, irritation. 3 sorrow, grief,
packed odjective crowded, full, filled (to heartache, heartbreak, sadness, unhap-
capacity), crammed, jammed, solid, piness, distress, misery, despair, agony,
teeming, seething, swarming; informal torment, torture. 4 he took poins to hide
jam-packed, chock-full, chock-a-block, his feelings care, effort, bother, trouble.
full to the gunwales, bursting/bulging a verb sadden, grieve, distress, trouble,
at the seams. perturb, oppress, cause anguish to.
packet noun pack, carton, container,
case, package.
WORM
analgesic pain-relieving drug
pact noun agreement, treaty, entente, anaesthetic drug that stops you
protocol, deal, settlement, armistice, pain
truce. lfeeling
painful odjective 1 sore, hurting,
padl noun 1 dressing, pack, wad.
tender, aching, throbbing. 2 disagree-
2 notebook, notepad, writing pad, able, unpleasant, nasty, distressing,
jotter; tV. Arner. scratch pad. upsettinq, sad, traumatic, miserable,
pad2 verb creep, sneak, steal, tiptoe, heartbreaking, agonizing, harrowing.
pussyfoot. painfully odverb distressingly, disturb-
padded odjective cushioned, insulated, in gly, uncomfortably, unpleasantly,
lined, quilted, stuffed, lagged. dreadfully.
 painless -+ pant

painless adjective 1 pain-free, without discernible, detectable, observable,

pain. 2 easy, trouble-free, straightfor- unmistakable, transparent, obvious,
ward, simple, uncomplicated ; informol clear, plain (to see), evident, apparent,
child's play. manifest, staring you in the face, writ-
-oPPosrrES painful, difficult. ten all over someone.
Painstaking odjective carelul, meticu- - OPPOSITES imperceptible.
lous, thorough, assiduous, attentive, paltry odjective small, meagre, trifling,
conscientious, punctilious, scrupulous, insignificant, negligible, inadequate,
rigorous. insufficient, derisory, pitiful, pathetic,
-oPPoSlTEs slapdash. miserable, niggardly, beggarly; informol
paint noun colouring, colour, tint, dye, measly, piddling, poxy.
stain, pigment, emulsion, gloss. - oPPosrrES considerable.
a verb 1 colour, decorate, whitewash, pamper verb spoil, indulge, overin-
airbrush, daub, smear. 2 portray, pic- dulge, cosset, mollycoddle, coddle,
ture, paint a picture/portrait of, depict, baby, wait on someone hand and foot.
represent. pamphlet noun brochure, leaflet,
painting noun picture, illustration, booklet, circular; N. Amer. mailer,
portrayal, depiction, representa- folder.
tion, image, artwork, canvas, oil, panl noun saucepan, pot, bowl, frying
watercolour. pan, skillet.
pair noun set, brace, couple, duo, two. pan2 verb swing (round), sweep, move,
a verb match, put together, couple, tu rn.
combine.
Panache noun flamboyance, confi-
palace noun castle, chateau, mansion, dence, self-assurance, style, flair, elan,
stately home, schloss. dash, verve, zest, spirit, brio, vivacity,
palatable odjective 1 edible, tasty, gusto, liveliness, vitality, energy; infor-
appetizing, delicious, mouth-watering, mol piuazz. oomph, zip,zing.
toothsome, succulent; informol scrump- panel noun 1 console, dashboard,
tious, yummy, scrummy, moreish. instruments, controls, dials. 2 group,
2 pleasant, acceptable, agreeable, to team, body, committee, board. ,:il:lli&*
your liking. panic noun alarm, anxiety, fear, fright, 'li;S$S
-oPPoslTEs disagreeable. trepidation, dread, terror, hysteria,
palatial odjective luxurious, mag- apprehension; informol fl ap, fl uster,
nifi cent, sumptuous, splendid, grand, cold sweat.
opulent, lavish, stately, fancy; 8rit. - OPPOSITES calm.
upmarket; informol plush, swanky, a verb 1 be alarmed, be scared, be
posh, ritzy; Brit. informol swish. afraid, take fright, be hysterical, lose
- oPPoslTEs modest. your nerve, get worked up; informol
pale odjective 1 white, pallid, pasty, run around like a headless chicken.
wan, colourless, anaemic, washed out, 2 frighten, alarm, scare, unnerve; Brit.
peaky, ashen, sickly; informol like death informol put the wind up.
warmed up.2 light, pastel, muted, Panorama noun view, vista, prospect,
subtle, soft, faded, bleached, washed scenery, landscape, seascape, city-
out.3 dim, faint, weak, feeble. scape, skyline.
- oPPOSlTEs ruddy, dark. panoramic odjective sweeping, wide,
a verb turn white, turn pale, blanch, extensive, scenic, commanding.
lose colour. pant verb breathe heavily, breathe
palpable odjective 1 tangible, touch- hard, puff and blow, huff and puff, gasp,
able. 2 perceptible, visible, noticeable, heave, wheeze.
pants + parentage
pants p/urol no un 1 (Brit.) underpants, analogy, correspondence, comparison,
briefs, boxer shorts, boxers, knickers; equivalence, symmetry.
N. Amer. shorts, undersh orts; informol - OPPOSITES divergence, difference.
panties; doted drawers, bloomers. paralyse verb 1 disable, cripple, immo-
2 (N. Amer.) trousers, slacks; Brit bilize, incapacitate; (paralysed) Medi
i nformol trews,strides, kecks; Austrol. cine paraplegic, quadriplegic. 2 bring
informol daks. to a standstill, immobilize, bring to a
paper noun 1 newspaper, journal, halt, freeze, cripple, disable.
gazette, periodical, tabloid, broad- paralysis noun 1 immobility,
sheet, daily, weekly; informal rag. powerlessness, incapacity; Medicine
2 exam, examination, test. 3 essay, paraplegia, quadriplegia. 2 shutdown,
article, monograph, thesis, work, immobilization, stoppage, gridlock,
dissertation, treatise, study, report, standstill, blockage.
analysis; N. Amer. theme. 4 docu-
Parameter noun framework, variable,
ment, certificate, letter, file, deed, limit, boundary, limitation, restriction,
record, archive; (papers) paperwork,
criterion, guideline.
documentation .5 they osked us for our
popers identification, identity card, lD, paramount odjective most important,
credentia ls. supreme, chief, overriding, pre-
dominant, foremost, prime, primary,
parable noun allegory, moral tale,
principal, main, key, central; informol
fable.
number-one.
parade noun 1 procession, march, paranoid adjective suspicious, mis-
cavalcade, motorcade, spectacle,
trustful, anxious, fearful, insecure,
display, pageant, review, tattoo; Brit
obsessive.
march past. 2 promenade, walkway,
esplanade, mall; N. Amer. boardwalk; paraphrase verb reword, rephrase,
Brit. informol prom. express differently, rewrite, gloss.
a verb 1 march, process, file, troop. Parasite noun hanger-on, cadger,
2 strut, swagger, stride; tV. Amer. leech, passenger; infornol freeloader,
sashay. 3 display, exhibit, make a show sponger, scrounger; N. Amer. informol
of, flaunt, show (off), demonstrate. mooch; Austro/. I NZ informol bludger.
paradise noun t heaven, the prom- parcel noun package, packet, pack,
ised land, the Elysian Fields. 2 Utopia, bundle, box, case, bale.
Shangri-La, Eden, idyll.3 bliss, heaven o verb pack (up), package, wrap (up),
(on earth), ecslasy, delight, joy. gift-wrap, tie up, bundle up.
happiness. parched odjective 1 (bone) dry, dried
- oPPoSITES hell. up/out, arid, desiccated, dehydrated,
paradox noun contradiction, self-con- baked, burned, scorched, withered,
tradiction, inconsistency, incongruity, shrivelled. 2 dehydrated, dry; informol
confl ict, enigma, puzzle, conundrum. gasping.
paragraph noun section, division, part, pardon noun 1 forgiveness, absolu-
portion, segment, passage, clause. tion. 2 reprieve, amnesty, exoneratlon,
parallel odjective 1 aligned, side by release, acquittal, discharge.
side, equidistant. 2 similar, analogous, a verb 1 forgive, absolve. 2 exonerate,
comparable, corresponding, like, acquit, reprieve; lnformol let off.
equivalent, matching. - OPPOSITES blame, punish.
- oPPoSITES divergent, different. parentage noun origins, extraction,
a noun 1 counterpart, analogue, birth, family, ancestry, lineage, herit-
equivalent, match, twin, duplicate, mir- age, pedigree, descent, blood, stock,
ror. 2 similarity, likeness, resemblance, roots.
797 parish -r particularly

parish noun 1 district, community. apart. 2 leave each other, part com-
2 parishioners, churchgoers, congre pany, say goodbye/farewell, say your
gation, fold, flock, community. goodbyesifarewells, go your separate
ways, take your leave.
WORD LINKS
- oPPoSlTEs join, meet.
o part with give away, give up,
park noun 1 public garden, recrea- relinquish, forgo, surrender, hand over.
tion ground, playground. 2 parkland, take part participate, join in, get
grassland, woodland, garden(s), lawns, involved, enter, play a part, play a role,
grounds, estate. be a participant, contribute, have a
overbl leave, position, stop, pull hand; informol get in on the act.
up.2 (informol)put (down), place, partial odjective 1 incomplete, limited,
deposit, leave, stick, shove, dump; qualifi ed, imperfect, fragmentary,
informol plonk; Brif. informol bung. unfi nished. 2 biased, prejudiced,
parliament noun legislature, assem- partisan, one-sided, slanted, skewed,
bly, chamber, house, congress, senate, coloured, unbalanced.
diet. - OPPOSITES complete, unbiased.
parliamentary o djective legislative, o be partial to like, love, enjoy,
be fond of, be keen on, have a soft
law-making, governmental, congres-
sional, democratic, elected. spot for, have a taste for, have a
penchant for.
parochial o djective narrow-minded,
small-minded, provincial, small-
partially odverb somewhat, to a lim-
town, conservative; N. Amen informol ited extent, to a certain extent, partly,
jerkwater. in part, up to a point, slightly.
- oPPoslTES broad-minded. - oPPoSITES wholly.

parody noun 1 satire, burlesque, participant noun participator, con-

lampoon, pastiche, caricature, imita- tributor, party, member, entrant, com-
petitor, player, contestant, candidate.
tion; informol spoof, take-off, send-up.
2 distortion, travesty, misrepresenta- participate verb take part. join,
tion, perversion, corruption. engage, get involved, share, play a

parry verb t he porried the blow ward part, play a role, contribute, partake, ,:t;t':t,,ii6ii,
have a hand in.
off, fend off, deflect, block.2 I porried
her questions evade, sidestep, avoid, participation noun involvement, part,
dodge, field. contribution, association.
parson noun priest, minister, clergy- particle noun (tiny) bit, (tiny) piece,
man, vicar, rector, cleric, chaplain, pas- speck, spot, fragment, sliver, splinter.
tor, curate; informol reverend, padre. particular odjective 1 specific,
part noun 1 piece, amount, portion, individual, certain, distinct, separate,
proportion, percenta ge, fraction; definite, precise. 2 special, exceptional,
informol slice, chunk. 2 component, unusual, uncommon, notable, note-
bit, constituent, element, module, unit worthy, remarkable, unique. 3 fussy,
3 organ, limb, member.4 section, fastidious, fi nicky, discriminating, selec-
division, volume, chapter, act, scene, tive; informol pernickety, choosy, picky;
instalment. 5 district, neighbourhood, Brit. informolf addy.
quarter, section, area, region.6 role, - OPPoSITES general, indiscriminate.
character. 7 involvement, role, func- o noun detail, item, point, element,
tion, hand, responsibility, capacity, fact, circumstance, feature.
participation, contribution; informol bit particularly odverb 1 especially, spe-
- opposltts whole. cially, exceptionally, unusually, remark-
l
averb separate, divide, split, move ably, outstandingly, uncommonly,
 parting -+ passion

uniquely. 2 specifically, explicitly, someone have, give, reach. 6 her estote

expressly, in particular, especially, possed to her grandson be transferred,
specially. go, be left, be bequeathed, be handed
parting noun farewell, Ieave-taking, down/on, be passed on; lowdevolve.
goodbye, adieu, departure. 7 happen, occur, take place.8 come
partisan noun guerrilla, freedom to an end, fade (away), blow ovel run
fi ghter, resistance fi ghter, underground its course, die out/down, finish, end,
fighter, irregular. cease. 9 be successful in, succeed in,
o odjective biased, prejudiced, one- get through; informol sail through,
sided, discriminatory, partial, sectarian, scrape through. 10 approve, vote
factional. fo1 accept, ratify, adopt, agree to,
- oppostTEs neutral. authorize, endorse, legalize, enact;
partition noun 1 division, partitioning, informol OK.
separation, break-up. 2 screen, dividei, - oPPostTES fail, reject.
dividing wall, barrier, panel. a noun permit, warrant, authorization,
a verb 1 divide, separate, split up, licence.
break up. 2 subdivide, divide (up), o pass out faint, lose consciousness,
separate, section off, screen off. black out. pass up turn down, reject,
paftly odverb in part, partially, some- refuse, decline, give up, forgo, lei pass,
what, a little, up to a point, in some on); informol sive somethins
measure, slightly, to some extent.
Ifi:.!:r,
- oPPOStTES wholly. passable odjective 1 adequate, all right,
partner noun 1 colleague, associate, acceptable, satisfactory, not (too) bad,
co-worker, fellow worker, collaborator, average, tolerable, fair, mediocre, mid-
comrade, teammate. 2 accomplice, dling, ordinary, indifferent, unremark.
confederate, accessory, collaborator, able, unexcepti onal; informol OK, so-so.
fellow conspirator, helper; informol side- 2 navigable, traversable, negotiable,
kick. 3 spouse, husband, wife, lover, open, clear.
girlfriend, boyfriend, fi anc6, fi anc6e, passage noun 1 journey, voyage, cross-
significant other, live-in lover, mate; ing. transit, trip. 2 passing. progress.
Brit. informolother half. advance, course, march. flow.3 cor-
ffi.?6
i***i;' partnership ridor, hall, hallway. 4 alley, alleyway,
noun I cooperation,
association, collaboration, coalition, passageway, lane, path, footpath,
alliance, union, affiliation, connection. track, thoroughfare; N. Amei: areaway.
2 company, association, consortium, 5 extract, excerpt, quotation, quote.
syndicate, firm, business, organization. passenger noun traveller, commuter,
party noun I social gathering, func- fare-payer, rider, fare.
tion, get-together, celebration, reunion, passing odjective 1 fleeting, transient,
festivity, reception, soir6e, social; infor- transitory, ephemeral, brief, short-lived,
mol bash, do. 2 group, company, body, temporary, momentary. 2 hasty, rapid.
gang, band, crowd, pack, contingen| hurried, brief. quick, cursory, superfi-
informolbunch, crew load. 3 faciion, cial, casual, perfunctory, desultory.
group, bloc, camp, caucus, alliance. a noun 1 passage, course, progress,
pass verb 1 go, proceed, move, pro- advance.2 death, demise, passing
gress, make your way, travel. 2 over- away, end, loss.
take, go past/by, pull ahead of, leave Passion noun 1 intensity, enthusiasm,
behind. 3 elapse, go by, advance, lervour, eagerness, zeal, vigour. fire,
wear on, roll by, tick 6y.4 he possed the energy, spirit, fanaticism. 2 love,
time reoding occupy, spend, fill, use desire, ardour, lust, lasciviousness,
(up), employ, while away. 5 hand, let lustfulness. 3 fascination, love, mania,
299 passionate + patrol
obsession, preoccupation, fanaticism, patch noun 1 blotch, mark, spot,
fixation, compulsion, appetite, addic- smudge, smear, stain, streak, blemish;
tion; informolthing. informolsplodge. 2 plot, area. piece,
- OPPOSITES apathy. strip, tract, parcel, bed; Brit. allotment;
passionate odjective 1 intense, impas- N. Amer.lot. 3 (Brit. informol) period,
sioned, ardent, fervent, vehement, time, spell, phase, stretch.
fiery, heated, emotional, heartfelt, a verb mend, repair, sew up, stitch up,
excited. 2 very keen, very enthusiastic, cover, reinforce.
addicted; informol mad, crazy, hooked. patent adjective 1 obvious, clear,
3 amorous, ardent, hot-blooded, plain, evident. manifest, conspicuous,
loving, sexy, sensual, erotic, lustful; blatant, barefaced, flagrant. 2 propri-
informol steamy, hot, turned on. etary, patented, licensed, branded.
- oPPostTES apathetic, cool. path noun 1 footpath, pathway, track,
passive odjective I inactive, non- trail, bridle path, lane, towpath.
active, non-participative, uninvolved. 2 route, way, course, direction, orbit,
2 submissive, acquiescent, unresisting, trajectory. 3 course of action, route,
compliant, docile. road, avenue, line, approach, tack.
- oPPOSITES active, resistant. pathetic odjective 1 pitiful, piteous,
Pastodjective 1 gone by, bygone, moving, touching, poignant, plain-
former, previous, old, of old, olden, tive, wretched, heart-rending, sad.
long-ago. 2 last, recent, preceding. 2 (informol) feeble, woeful, sorry, poor,
3 previous, former, foregoing, erst- weak, pitiful, lamentable, deplorable,
while, one-time, sometime, ex-, as was. contemptible.
- oPPoslTES present, future. pathological odjective 1 morbid, dis-
o noun history, background, past life, eased. 2 (informol) compulsive, obses-
life story. sive, inveterate, habitual, persistent,
paste noun 1 pur6e, pulp, mush, chronic, hardened, conflrmed.
spread, p6t6.2 adhesive, glue, gum; patience noun 1 forbearance, toler-
N. Amer. mucilage. ance, restraint, equanimity, under-
o yerb stick, glue, gum, fix, affix. standing, indulgence. 2 perseverance,
pastel odjective pale, soft, light, deli- persistence, endurance, tenacity, appli-
cate, muted. cation, doggedness, staying power.
- oPPoSlTEs dark, bright. patient odjective 1 forbearing. uncom-
pastime noun hobby, leisure activ- plaining, long-suffering, resigned,
ity. leisure pursuit, recreation, game. stoical, calm, imperturbable, tolerant,
amusement, diversion, entertainment, accommodatlng, indulgent. 2 perse-
i nterest. vering, persistent, tenacious, dogged,
determined.
pastor noun priest, minister, parson,
- OPPOSITES impatient.
clergyman. cleric, chaplain. vicar, rec-
tor, curate; informol reverend, padre. patriotic odjective nationalistic,
loyalist, loyal, chauvinistic, jingoistic,
pastoral odjective 1 rural, country, flag-waving.
rustic, a gricultural, bucolic; /iterory
- OPPOSITES traitorous.
Arcadian. 2 priestly, clerical, ecclesias-
tical, ministerial.
patrol noun 1 ships on potrol in the
strolts guard, watch, vigil. 2 squad,
- oPPostrES urban, lay.
detach ment, party, force.
pasture noun grassland. grass, grazing. o verb guard, keep watch on, police,
meadow, field; /iterory lea. make the rounds of, stand guard (over),
patverb & noun tap, clap, touch, stroke. defend, safeguard.
 patron -+ pedant

Patron noun 1 sponsor, backel back at, get even with, settle the score.
benefactor, contributor, subscriber, 2 repay, pay off, give back, return,
donor, philanthropist, promoter, friend, reimburse, refund. pay off pay (in full),
supporter; informal angel. 2 customer, settle, discharge, clear, liquidate.
client, consumer, user, visitor, guest; payable odjective due, owed, owing,
informol regular. outstanding, unpaid, overdue; /V. Amer.
Patronage noun 1 sponsorship, back- delinquent.
ing, funding, fi nancing, assistance, payment noun 1 remittance, settle-
support. 2 custom, trade, business. ment, discharge, clearance. 2 instal-
patronize yerb 1 talk down to, look ment, premium.3 salary, wages,
down on, condescend to, treat like a pay, earnings, fees, remuneration,
child. 2 use, buy from, shop at, be a reimbursement, income, stipend,
customer/client of, deal with, frequent, emolument.
support. peace noun 1 quiet, silence, peace and
patronizing o djective condescending, quiet, hush, stillness, still. 2 serenity,
supercilious. superior, imperious, scorn- peacefulness, tranquillity, calm, calm-
f ul; informoluppity, high and mighty. ness, composure, ease, contentment,
rest, repose.3 treaty, truce, ceasefire,
Pattern noun I design, decoration,
motil device, marking.2 system, armistice.
order, arrangement, form, method, - OPPOSITES noise, war.
structure, scheme, plan, format. Peaceful adjective 1 tranquil, calm,
3 model, example, blueprint, criterion, restful, quiet, still, relaxing, serene,
standard, norm, yardstick, touchstone, composed, placid, at ease, untroubled,
benchmark. unworried. 2 harmonious, on good
Pause noun break, interruption, lull, terms, amicable, friendly, cordial,
respite, breathing space, gap, interlude, non-violent.
adjournment, rest, wait, hesitation; - oPPostTEs noisy.
informol let-up, breather. peaGemaker noun arbitrator, arbiter,
a yerb stop, break off, take a break, mediator, negotiator, conciliator, go-
adjourn, rest, wait, hesitate; informol between, intermediary.
if:l* take a breather. peak noun 1 summit, top, crest, pin-
S!*9 pave yerb surface, floor, cover, tile, flag. nacle, cap. 2 mountain, hill, height.
Pavement noun footpath, walkway; 3 height, high point, pinnacle, summit,
N. Amer. sidewalk. top, climax, culmination, apex, zenith,
pay verb 1 reward, reimburse, recom- acme.
pense, remunerate.2 spend, pay out; a verb reach its heiqht, climax,
informollay out, shell out, fork out, culminate.
cough up; N. Amer. informolante up, o odjective maximum, greatest, busi-
pony up. 3 discharge, settle, pay off, est, highest.
clear. 4 be profitable, make money, Peculiar odjective 1 strange, unusual,
make a profit. 5 be advantageous to, odd, funny, curious, bizarre, weird,
benefit, be of advantage to, be ben- eccentric, queer, abnormal, uncon-
eficial to. 6 he will poy for his mistokes ventional, outlandish, anomalous, out
suffer, be punished, atone, paythe of the ordinary, unexpected, offbeat.
penalty/price. 2 customs peculior to the areo distinc-
o noun salary, wages, payment, tive, exclusive, u nique, characteristic,
earnings, remuneration, fee, reim- distinct, individual, typical, special.
bursement, income, revenue, stipend, - oPPostrEs ordinary.
emolument. pedant noun dogmatist, purist, literal-
o pay back 1 get your revenge on, get ist, formalist, quibbler, hair-splitter;
301 pedantic -+ pension

informol nit-picker. peg noun pin, nail, dowel.

pedantic odjective finicky, fussy, averb 1 fix, pin, attach, fasten, secure.
fastidious, dogmatic, purist, hair-split- 2 set, hold, fix, limit, freeze, keep
ting, quibbling; informol nit-picking, down, hold down.
pernickety. penl verb write, compose, draft, dash
peddle verb sell, hawk, tout, trade, deal off, scribble.
in, traffic in. Pen2 noun enclosure, fold, pound, com-
pound, stockade, sty, coop; N. Amer.
pedestal noun plinth, base, support,
corra L
mount, stand, pillar, column.
tr put on a pedestal idealize, look up o verb confine, coop, cage, shut, box,
locl<, trap, l<ettle, imprison, incarcerate.
to, hold in high regard, think highly of,
admire, esteem, revere, worship. penalize verb 1 punish, discipline.
2 handicap, disadvantage, discriminate
pedestrian noun walker, person on
aga i nst.
foot.
- OPPOSITES reward.
t adjective dull boring, tedious,
penalty noun punishment, sanction,
monotonous, unremarkable, unin-
spired, unimaginative, unexciting, rou- fi ne, forfeit, sentence.
tine, commonplace, ordinary, everyday, - OPPOSITES reward.
run-of-the-mill, mundane, humdrum; penance noun atonement, expiation,
informol bog-sta nda rd. amends, punishment, penalty.
-OPPOSITES exciting.
Penchant noun liking, fondness, prefer-
pedigree noun ancestry, lineage, line, ence, taste, appetite, partiality, love,
descent, genealogy, extraction, pa rent- passion, weal<ness, inclination, bent,
age, bloodline. family tree. proclivity, predilection, predisposition.
o odjective pure-bred, full-blooded, Pending odjective 1 unresolved, unde-
thoroughbred. cided, unsettled, up in the air, ongoing,
peek verb 1 peep, look; informol take outstanding; informal on the back
a gander, have a squint; Brit. informol burner. 2 imminent, impending, about
have a dekko, take a butcher's, take a to happen, forthcoming, on the way,
shufti.2 appear, show, peep (out). coming, approaching, looming. near.
a noun look, peep, glance, glimpse. on the horizon. in the offing.
peel verb 1 pare, skin, hull, shell. 2 flake penetrate verb 1 pierce, puncture,
(off), come off, fall off, strip off. enter, perforate, stab, gore.2 perme-
a noun rind, skin, covering, zest. ate, pervade, fill, imbue, suffuse, seep
through, saturate.3 register, sink in,
peep verb peek, look, sneak a look,
become clear, fall into place; informal
glance; informol squint.
click.
I noun peek, look, glance; informol
penetrating odjective 1 cold, cut-
squint, dekko.
ting, biting, keen, sharp, harsh, raw,
peerl verb look closely, squint, gaze. freezing, chill, bitter.2 shrill, strident,
peer2 noun 1 aristocrat, lord, lady, piercing, ear-splitting. 3 intent, search-
noble, nobleman, noblewoman. ing, piercing, probing, sharp, keen.
2 equal, fellow, contemporary. 4 perceptive, insightful, keen, sharp,
peeve verb (informol) irritate, annoy, intelligent, clever, smart, incisive.
vex, anger, irk, gall, pique, put out, net- trenchant, astute.
tle; informol aggravate, rile, needle, get - OPPOSITES mild, soft.
to, bug, hack off, get someone's goat, pension noun old-age pension, super-
get/put someone's back up; N. Amer. annuation, allowance, benefit, support,
informol tee off, tick off. welfare.
 pensioner -+ perimeter

pensioner noun retired person, old- perfect odjective 1 ideal, model, fault-
age pensioner, OAP, senior citizen; less, flawless, consummate, exemplary,
N. Amer. senior, retiree, golden ager. best, ultimate, copybook. 2 flaw-
people p/urol noun t human beings, less, mint, as good as new, pristine,
persons, individuals, humans, mortals, immaculate, optimum, prime, peak;
living souls, personages, {men, women, informaltip-top, A1 . 3 exact, precise,
and children]; informol folk.2 citizens, accurate, faithful, true; Brit. informol
subjects, electors, voters, taxpayers, spot on; N. Amer. informol on the
residents, inhabitants, public, citizenry, money. 4 absolute, complete, total,
nation, population, populace. 3 the real, out-and-out, thorough, downright,
common people, the proletariat, the utter; Brit informol right: Austrol.f NZ
masses, the populace, the rank and informolf air.
fle; derogotory the hoi polloi; infor- o verb improve, polish (up), hone,
mol, derogotory the proles, the plebs. refine, brush up, fine-tune.
4 family, parents, relatives, relations, perfection noun the ideal, a paragon,
folk, kinsfolk, flesh and blood, nearest the last word, the ultimate; informol
and dearest; informal folks. 5 (singulor) the tops, the bee's knees.
race, ethnic group, tribe, clan, nation. Perform verbl carry out, do, execute,
o verb populate, settle (in), colonize, discharge, conduct, implement; infor-
inhabit, live in, occupy. rnol pull off. 2 function, work, operate,
lwono lrrurs run, go, respond, behave, act.3 stage,
put on, present, mount, act, produce.
ethnic relatinq to a people
4 play, sing, appear.
I
anthropology study of people
performance noun 1 show, produc-
pepper verb 1 sprinkle, fleck, dot, spot, tion, showing, presentation, staging,
stipple. 2 bombard, pelt, shower, rain concert, recital; informol gig. 2 rendi-
down on, strafe, rake, blitz. tion, interpretation, playing, acting.
perceive yerb I see, discern, detect, 3 carrying out, execution, discharge,
catch sight of, spot, observe, notice; completion, fulfilment. 4 functioning,
literary espy.2 regard, look on, view, working, operation, running, behav-
Sterit' consider, think of, judge, deem. iour, response.
&S! perception noun 1 impression, idea, performer noun actor, actress, artiste,
conception, notion, thought, belief. artist, entertainer, trouper, player,
2 insight, perceptiveness, understand- musician, singer, dancer, comic, come-
ing, intelligence, intuition, incisiveness. dian, comedienne.
perceptive odjective insightful, discern- perfume noun 1 scent, fragrance, eau
ing, sensitive, intuitive, observant, de toilette, toilet water, cologne, eau
penetrating, intelligent, clever, canny, de cologne. 2 smell, scent, fragrance,
keen, sharp, astute, shrewd, quick, aroma, bouquet, nose.
smart, acute; informol on the ball; perhaps odverb maybe, for allyou
N. Amer. informol heads-up. know, it could be, it may be, it's pos-
- oPPostrES obtuse. sible, possibly, conceivably; N. English
perch verb I sit, rest, alight, settle, happen.
land, roost. 2 put, place, set, rest, peril noun danger, jeopardy, risk, haz-
balance. ard, menace, threat.
perennial odjective lasting, endur- - oPPostTEs safety.
ing, abiding, long-lasting, longJived, Perimeter noun boundary, border,
perpetual, continuing, continual, limits, bounds, edge, margin, fringe(s),
recurring. periphery.
- oPPostrES ephemeral. - OPPOSITES centre.
303 period -+ persistent

period noun 1 time, spell, interval, eternal, unceasing, without end, persis-
stretch, term, span, phase, bout; Brit tent, lasting, abiding. 2 interminable,
informal patch. 2 era, age, epoch, incessant, ceaseless, endless, relent.
aeon, time, days, years. less, unrelenting, persistent, continual,
periodic odjective regular, at fixed inter-
continuous, non-stop, never-ending,
vals, recurrent, recurring, repeated,
repeated, unremitting, round-the-
clock, unabatin g; informol eternal.
cyclical, seasonal, occasional, intermit-
tent, sporadic, odd. - oPPOSITES temporary, intermittent.
periodical journal. magazine, perpetuate uerb keep alive, keep
noun
going, preserve, conserve, sustain,
newspaper, paper, review, newsletter,
maintain, continue, extend.
digest, gazette, organ; informol mag,
glossy. perplex verb puzzle, baffle, mystify,
bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse,
peripheral odjective secondary, sub-
nonplus, disconcert; lnformol fl ummox.
sidiary, incidental, tangential, marginai,
minor, unimportant, ancillary. perplexing odjective puzzling, baffling,
- oPPOSITES central. mystifying, mysterious, bewildering,
confusing, disconcerting, worrying.
perish verb 1 die, lose your life, be
Persecute rzerb 1 oppress, abuse,
killed, fall, be lost; informol buy it. 2 go
bad, spoil, rot, decay, decompose. victimize, ill-treat, mistreat, maltreat,
torment, torture.2 harass, hound,
perk noun fringe benefit, advantage, plague, badger, harry, intimidate, pick
bonus, extra, plus; informol freebie. on, pester: informol hassle.
permanent adjective lasting, enduring, noun I oppression, vic-
indefinite, continuing, constant, per-
Persecution
timization, ill-treatment, mistreatment,
petual, indelible, irreparable, irrevers- abuse, discrimination. 2 harassment,
ible, lifelong, perennial, established, hounding, intimidation, bullying.
standing, long-term, stable, secure.
persevere verb persist, continue, carry
- OPPOSITES temporary. on, go on, keep on, keep going, strug-
l
permanently odverb forever, for all gle on, hammer away, be persistent,
time. for good, irreversibly, incur- keep at it, not take no for an answer, be
ably, irreparably, indelibly; informol tenacious, plod on, plough on; informol
for keeps. 2 continually, constantly, soldier on, hang on, plug away, stick to
perpetually, always. your guns, stick it out, hang in there.
permission noun authorization, con- -OPPOSITES give up.
sent, leave, authority, sanction, licence, persist verb t he persisted with his ques-
dispensation, assent, agreement, tionlng persevere, continue, carry on,
approval, blessing, clearance; informol go on, keep on, keep going, hammer
the go-ahead, the green light, say-so. away, keep atit; informolsoldier on,
- OPPOSITES ban. plug away. 2 the dry weother persists
permit verb allow, let, authorize, give continue, hold, carry on, last, keep on,
permission, sanction, grant, license, remain, linger, stay, endure.
consent to, assent to, agree to; informol - OPPOSITES give up, stop.
give the go-ahead to, give the green Persistence noun perseverance,
light to. tenacity, determination, staying power,
- oPPOSlrEs forbid. endurance, doggedness, stamina; infor-
o noun authorization, licence, pass, mol stickability; formol pertinacity.
ticket, warrant. passport, visa. persistent odjective 1 tenacious, deter-
perPetual odjective 1 constant, per- mined, resolute, dogged, tireless, inde-
manent, uninterrupted, continuous, fatigable, insistent, unrelenting; formol
unremitting, unending, everlasting, pertinacious. 2 constant, continuous,
 person -+ perverted 304

continuing, continual, non-stop, never- Persuasion noun I coaxing, urging,

ending, steady, uninterrupted, unbro- nd uce ment, encou ra gemen t: nform ol
i i

ken, interminable, incessant, endless, sweet-talking. 2 group, grouping, sect,

unending, unrelenting. 3 o persistent denomination, party, camp, side, fac-
cough chronic, nagging, frequent, tion, school ofthought, belief, creed,
repeated, habitual. faith.
- OPPOSITES irresolute, intermittent.
Persuasive o djective convincing,
person noun human being, individual, compelling, effective, telling, force.
man, woman, human, being, living ful, powerful. eloquent. impressive.
soul, mortal, creature; informol type, sound, cogent, valid, strong, plausible,
sort, beggal cookie. credible.
tr in person physically, in the flesh, - OPPOSITES unconvincing.
personally, yourself. pertain verb 1 developments pertoining
personal odjective 1 distinctive, char- to the economy concern, relate to, be
acteristic, unique, individual, idiosyn- connected with, be relevant to, apply
cratic. 2 in person, in the flesh, actual, to, refer to, have a bearing on, affect,
live, physical. 3 private, intimate. involve, touch on. 2 exist, be the case,
4 derogatory, disparaging, belittling, prevail.
insulting, rude, disrespectful, offensive, Pertinent odjective relevant, to the
pejorative. point, apposite, appropriate, suitable,
personality noun 1 character, nature, applicable, material, germane.
disposition, temperament, make-up, - OPPOSITES irrelevant.
psyche. 2 charisma, magnetism, char-
Perturb verb worry, upset, disturb,
acter, charm, presence. 3 celebrity, unsettle, concern, trouble, disquiet,
VlP, star, superstar, big name, some- disconcert, discomfit, unnerve, alarm,
body, leading light, luminary, notable; bother; informol rattle.
informol celeb. - oPPOStTES reassure.
Personally odverb 1 in person, your- Pervade uerb permeate, spread
for my part, for myself, as far as
self. 2 through, fill, suffuse, imbue, penetrate,
I am concerned, from my own point of filter through, infuse, inform.
view, subjectively.
Pervasive odjective prevalent, pervad-
personifi cation noun embodiment, ing. extensive. ubiquitous, omnipres-
incarnation, epitome, quintessence, ent, universal, widespread, general.
essence, type, symbol, soul, model, perverse odjective 1 awkward,
exemplifi cation. exemplar, image, contrary, difficult, unreasonable,
representation. uncooperative, unhelpful, obstruc-
Personnel noun staff, employees, tive, stubborn, obstinate; Brit. informol
worl<force, worl<ers, labour force, man- bloody-minded, bolshie. 2 illogical,
power, human resources. irrational, wrong-headed.
Perspective noun outlook, view, Perversion noun 1 distortion, misrep-
viewpoint, point of view, standpoint, resentation, travesty, twisting, corrup-
position, stand, stance, angle, slant, tion, misuse. 2 deviance, abnormality,
attitude. depravity.
Persuade verb t
prevail on, talk into, Pervert verb distort, warp, corrupt,
coax, convince. get, induce, win over, subvert, twist, bend, abuse, divert.
bring round, influence, sway; infor- a noun deviant, degenerate; informol
mol sweet-talk. 2 cause, lead, move, perv, dirty old man, sicko.
dispose, incline. Perverted odjective unnatural, deviant,
- OPPOSITES dissuade, deter. warped, twisted, abnormal, unhealthy,
305 pessimist -r philosophy

depraved, perverse, aberrant, debased, petulant odjective peevish, bad-

degenerate; informol sick, kinky. tempered, querulous, pettish, fretful,
pessimist noun defeatist, fatalist, irritable, sulky, tetchy, crotchety, testy,
prophel. of doom, alarmist, cynic, fractious; informol grouchy: Brit. infor-
sceptic, misery, killjoy, Cassandra; mol ratty; N. English informol mardy',
informol doom (and gloom) merchant, N. Amer. informal cranky.
wet blanket. - OPPoSITES good-humoured.
- oPPOSITES optimist. phantom noun ghost, apparition, spirit,
pessimistic odjective gloomy, negative, spectre, wraith; informol spool<.
cynical, defeatist, downbeat, bleak, phase noun stage, period, chapter,
fatalistic, depressed. episode, part, step.
- OPPOSITES optimistic. phenomenal odjective remarkable,
pest noun nuisance, annoyance, irritant, exceptional, extraordinary, marvellous,
thorn in your fleshiside, trial, menace, miraculous, wonderful, outstanding,
trouble, problem, worry, bother; infor- unprecedented ; infornol fantastic, ter-
mol pain in the neck, headache. rific, tremendous, stupendous.
pester verb badger, hound, harass, phenomenon noun 1 occurrence,
plague, annoy, bother, harry, worry; event, happening, fact, situation, cir-
informolhassle, bug. cumstance, experience, case, incident,
pet odjective 1 tame, domesticated, episode. 2 marvel, sensation, wonder,
companion; Brit. house-trained ; prodigy.
N. Amer. housebroken. 2 favourite,
philanderer noun womanizer, Casa-
favoured, cherished, particular, special, nova, Don luan, Lothario, flirt, ladies'
personal.
man, playboy; informol stud, ladykiller.
a verb 1 stroke, caress, fondle, pat,
tickle. 2 cuddle, embrace, caress, kiss; philanthropic odyectlve charitable,
informol canoodle, neck, smooch; generous, benevolent, humanitarian,
Brit. informol snog; N. Amer. informol public-spirited, altruistic, magnani-
make out. mous, unselflsh, kind.
peter - oPPoSITES selfish, mean.
verb
tr peter out fizzle out, fade (away), die philistine odjective uncultured,
away/out, dwindle, diminish, taper off, lowbrow, uncultivated, uncivilized,
tail off, trail away/off, wane, ebb, melt uneducated, unenlightened, commer-
away, evaporate, disappear. cial, materialist, bourgeois, ignorant,
crass, boorish, barbarian.
petition noun appeal, round robin, let-
a noun barbarian, boor, yahoo,
ter, request, entreaty, application, plea.
materialist.
o verb appeal to, request, ask, call on,
entreat, beg, implore, plead with, apply philosopher noun thinker, theorist,
to, press, urge. theoretician, scholar, intellectual, sage.
petrified odjective 1 terrified, horrifled, philosophical odjective 1 theoretical,
scared/frightened out of your wits, metaphysical. 2 thoughtful, refl ective,
scared/frightened to death. 2 ossified, pensive, meditative, contemplative,
fossilized, calcified. introspective. 3 stoical, self-possessed,
petty odjective 1 trivial, trifling, minor, serene, dispassionate, phlegmatic,
insignifi cant, paltry, unimportant, long-suffering, resigned.
inconsequential, footling, negligible; philosophy noun 1 thinking, thought,
informol piffling. 2 small-minded, reasoning, logic. 2 beliefs, credo, ideol-
mean, shabby, spiteful. ogy, ideas, thinking, theories, doctrine,
- OPPOSITES important, magnanimous. principles, views, outlook.
 phobia -, piece 306

phobia noun fear, dread, horror, terror, incite, instigate, prompt.

aveTsion, antipathy, revulsion; informol a noun best, finest, choice, choicest,
hang-up. cream, flower, crdme de la crdme, elite.
phone noun telephone, mobile; o pick on bully, victimize, torment,
N. Amer. cellphone, cell;Brit informal persecute, taunt, tease; informol get at,
blower. needle. pick out see, make out, distin-
o verb call, telephone; Brit. ring, give guish, discern, spot, perceive, detect,
someone a ring; informol call up, notice, recognize, identify, catch
give someone a buzz; Brit. informol sight of, glimpse. pick up 1 improve,
give someone a bell. recover, rally, bounce back, perk up,
look up, take a turn for the better, turn
phoney (informol) odjective bogus, false,
the corner, be on the mend, make
fake, fraudulent, counterfeit, forged,
headway, make progress. 2 lift, take up,
imitation, affected, insincere; informol
raise, hoist, scoop up, gather up, snatch
pretend; Brit. informol cod.
up.3 arrest, apprehend, detain, take
- oPPosrrEs authentic. into custody, seize; informol nab, run
l
a noun impostor, sham, fake, fraud, in: Brit. informol nick. 4 he picked up the
charlatan; informol con artist. 2 fake,
story in the 7950s resume, take up, start
imitation, counterfeit, forgery.
again, recommence, continue, carry/go
photocopy noun copy, duplicate, on with.
reproduction, facsimile; trodemork
picket noun 1 demonstrator, striker,
Xerox, photostat.
protester. 2 demonstration, picket
a verb copy, duplicate, xerox, photo- line, blockade, boycott, strike.
stat, reproduce.
photograph noun picture, photo, pickup noun improvement, recovery,
revival, upturn, upswing, rally, resur-
snap, snapshot, shot, print, still,
gence, renewal, turnaround.
transparency.
photographi<
picture noun 1 painting, drawing,
odjective 1 pictorial,
sketch, watercolour, print, canvas, por-
graphic, in photographs. 2 detailed,
trait, illustration, depiction, likeness,
exact, precise, accurate, vivid.
representation, image. 2 photograph,
*gffllr phrase noun expression, construction, photo, snap, snapshot, shot, frame,
l*iic|i: term, turn of phrase, idiom, saying.
yerb express,
exposure, still, print.3 concept, idea,
a put into words, put, impression, image, vision, visualization,
word, formulate, couch, frame. notion. 4 personification, embodi-
physical adjective 1 bodily, corporeal, ment, epitome, essence, quintessence,
corporal, carnal, fleshly, non-spiritual. soul, model.
2 manual, labouring, blue-collar. a verb 1 depict, portray, show, repre-
3 material, concrete, tangible, pal- sent, draw, sketch, photograph, paint.
pable, solid, substantial, real, actual, 2 visualize, see (in your mind's eye),
visible. imagine, remember.
- oPPosrTES mental, spiritual. piCturesque odjective attractive,
physician noun doctor, medical pretty, beautiful, lovely, scenic, charm-
practitionel general practitionel CP, ing, quaint, pleasing, delightful.
clinician, specialist, consultant; informol - OPPoSITES ugly.
doc, medic, quack. piece noun 1 bit, slice, chunk, seg.
pick verb t harvest, gather (in), collect, ment, section, lump, hunk, wedge,
pluck. 2 choose, select, single out, opt slab, block, cake, bar, stick, length.
for, plump for, elect, decide on, settle 2 component, part, bit, constituent,
on, fix on, name, nominate, identify. element, section, unit, module. 3 item,
3 pick o ftght provoke, start, cause, article, specimen. 4 share, portion,
307 pier r pioneer

slice, quota, part, percentage, amount, pilot noun 1 airman, airwoman, flyer,
quantity, ration, fraction; Brit. informol captain; lnformol skipper; doted aviator.
whack. 5 work (of art), a.twork, 2 navigator, helmsman, steersman,
artefact, composition, opus. 6 article, coxswain. 3 trial, sample, experiment.
item, story, report, essay, feature, o odjective experimental, exploratory,
review, column. trial, test, sample, preliminary.
pier noun jetty, quay, wharf, dock, land- o verb navigate, guide, manoeuvre,
ing stage. steer, control, direct, captain, fly, drive,
sail; informol skipper.
pierce verb penetrate, puncture, perfo-
rate, prick, spike, stab, drill, bore. pin noun 1 tack, safety pin, nail, staple,
fastener. 2 bolt, peg, rod, rivet, dowel.
piercing odjective 1 shrill, ear-splitting,
3 badge, brooch.
high-pitched, penetrating, strident.
2 searching, probing, penetrating,
a verb 1 attach, fasten, affix, fix, join,
secure, clip, nail. 2 hold. press, pinion.
sharp, keen, shrewd.
o pin down confine, trap, hem in,
pig noun hog, boar, sow, porker, swine, corner, close in, shut in, pen in. pin
piglet. on blame for, hold responsible for,
iWoRD LINKS attribute to, ascribe to, lay something
porcine relating to pigs at someone's door; informalstick on.
i
pinch verb nip, tweal<, squeeze, grasp,
pigment noun colouring, colour, tint,
compress.
dye, stain.
a noun I nip, tweak, squeeze. 2 bit,
pilel noun I heap, stack, mound, pyra- touch, dash, spot, trace, soupqon,
mid, mass, collection, accumulation, speck, taste; informol smidgen, tad.
assemblage, stockpile, hoard. 2 (infor-
pine verb fade, waste away, weaken,
mol) lot, mountain, reams, abundance;
decline, languish, wilt, sicken.
informalload, heap, mass, slew, stack,
o pine for long for, yearn for, ache for,
ton, oodles.
sigh for, hunger for, thirst for, itch for,
averbl heap, stack, load, fill, charge. carry a torch for, miss, mourn.
2 crowd, clamber, pack, squeeze,
scramble, struggle. pinkodjective rose, rosy, ros6, pale red,
o pile up accumulate, amass, grow, salmon, coral, flushed, blushing. ,:|]ffi
mount up, build up, multiply, escalate, pinnacle t
noun height, peak, high
soar, spiral, rocket, increase. point, top, apex, zenith, acme.2 peak,
pile2 noun nap, fibres, threads. needle, crag, tor.
pile-up noun crash, collision, smash, - oPPostrES nadir.
accident; Brit. RTA; N. Amer. wreck; Brit pinpoint odje ctive pi n poi nt o ccu ro cy

informol shunt. precise, exact, strict, absolute,

complete, scientific.
pilgrim noun traveller, wayfarel wor-
o verb identify, determine, distinguish,
shipper, devotee, believer; /s/om haji;
discover, find, locate, detect, track
o/d use palmer.
down. spot. diagnose, recognize. pin
pilgrimage noun journey, expedition, down, home in on.
mission, hajj, visit, trek, trip, odyssey. pioneer noun 1 settler, colonist,
pill noun tablet, capsule, pellet, lozenge, colonizer, frontiersman, explorer.
pastille. 2 developer, innovator, trailblazer,
pillar noun 1 column, post, support, groundbreaker, founding father, archi-
upright, pier, pile, prop, stanchion, tect, creator.
obelisk. 2 stalwart, mainstay, bastion, a verb introduce, develop, launch,
leading light, worthy, backbone, sup- instigate, initiate, spearhead, institute,
porter, upholder, champion. establish, found.
pious -+ place

paous o djective religious, devout, pitiable, derisory; informol pathetic,

God-fearing, churchgoing, holy, godly, measly; Brit informolpoxy. 3 dreadful,
saintly, reverent, righteous. awful, terrible, appalling, lamentable,
- oPPoSITES irreligious. hopeless, feeble, pitiable, woeful, inad-
pipe noun tube, conduit, hose, main, equate, deplorable, laughable; informol
duct, line, channel, pipeline, drain. pathetic, useless, lousy, abysmal, dire.
o verb feed, siphon, channel, run, pitiless odjective merciless, unmerciful,
convey. ruthless, cruel, heartless, remorseless,
piquant odjective 1 o piquont souce hard-hearted, cold-hearted, harsh,
spicy, tangy, peppery, hot, tasty, callous, severe, unsparing, unforgiving,
flavoursome, savoury, pungent, sharp, unfeeling, uncaring, unsympathetic,
tart, zesty, strong, salty. 2 o piquont uncharitable.
story intriguing, stimulating, interest- - oPPostrEs merciful.
ing, fascinating, colourful, exciting, pity noun 1 compassion, commisera-
lively, spicy, provocative, racy; informol tion, condolence, sympathy, fellow
juicy. feeling, understanding. 2 it's o pity you
- OPPOSITES bland, dull. con't go shame, misfortune.
pirate noun raider, hijacker, freebooter, - OPPOSITES indifference.
marauder; historicol privateer, bucca- o verb feel sorry for, feel for, sympa-
neer; o/d use corsair. thize with. empathize with. commiser-
o verb steal, copy, plagiarize, poach, ate with, take pity on, be moved by,
appropriate, bootleg ; nformol crib, lift ,
i bleed for.
rip off. pivot noun fulcrum, axis, axle, swivel,
pit noun t hole, trough, hollow, excava- pin, shaft, hub, spindle, hinge, kingpin.
tion, cavity, cratel pothole. 2 coal a verb 1 rotate, turn, swivel, revolve,
mine, colliery, quarry, shaft. spin.2 it oll pivoted on his response
a verb mark, pockmark, pock, scar, depend, hinge, turn, centre, hang, rely,
dent, indent. rest, revolve around.
pitch noun 1 playing field, ground, placate verb pacily, calm, appease,
sports field, stadium; Brit park. 2 tone, mollify, soothe, win over, conciliate,
key, modulation, frequency. 3 gradi- propitiate, make peace with, humour.
ent, slope, slant, angle, tilt, incline. - oPPostrEs provoke.
4 level, intensity, point, degree, height, place noun 1 location, site, spot, set-
extent. 5 patter, talk; informol spiel, ting, position. situation, area. region,
line. locale, venue. 2 country, state, area,
o verb 1 throw, toss, fling, hurl, cast, region, town, city.3 home, house,
lob, flip; informolchuck, sling, heave, fl at, apartment, pied-i-terre, accom-
bung. 2 fall, tumble, topple, plunge, modation, property, rooms, quarters;
plummet. 3 put up, set up, erect, raise. informol pad: formol residence, abode,
4 lurch, toss, plunge, roll, reel, sway, dwelling. 4 situation, position, circum-
rock, list. stances. 5 seat, chair, space. 6 job,
pitfall noun hazard, danger, risk, peril, position, post, appointment, situation,
difficulty, catch, snag, stumbling block, employment. 7 status, position, stand-
drawback, issue. ing, rank, niche. S responsibility, duty,
pitiful odjective 1 distressing, sad, job, task, role, function, concern, affair,
piteous, pitiable, pathetic, heart-rend- charge.
ing, moving, touching, tear-jerking, a verb 1 put (down), set (down), lay,
plaintive, poignant, forlorn, poor, deposit, position, plant, rest, stand,
sorry, wretched, miserable. 2 paltry, station, situate, leave; informol stick,
miserable, meagre, trifl ing, negligible, dump, bung, park, plonk, pop; N. Amer.
 placid -+ plastic

informol plunl<. 2 rank, order, grade, savannah, steppe, tundra, pampas,

class, classify, put. 3 identify, recog- veld, plateau.
nize, remember, put a name to, pin plaintive odjective mournful, sad,
down, locate, pinpoint. pathetic, pitiful, melancholy, sorrowful,
o out of place 1 inappropriate, unsuit- unhappy, wretched, woeful, forlorn.
able, unseemly, improper, untoward,
plan noun I scheme, idea, proposal,
out of keeping, unbecoming. 2 incon- proposition, project, programme,
gruous, out of your element, like a
system, method, strategy, stratagem,
fish out of water, uncomfortable,
solution, formula, recipe. 2 intention,
uneasy. take place happen, occur,
aim, idea, objective, object, goal, tar-
come about, go on, transpire; N. Amer.
get, ambition.3 map, diagram, chart,
informol go down. take the place of
blueprint, drawing, sketch, impression;
replace, stand in for, substitute for, act
AJ. Amer: plat.
for, fill in for, cover for, relieve.
a verb 1 organize, arrange, worl< out,
placid odjective 1 even-tempered, calm, outline, map out, prepare, formulate,
tranquil, equable, unexcitable, serene, frame, develop, devise. 2 intend, aim,
mild, composed, self-possessed, propose, mean, hope.3 design, draw
poised, easy-going, level-headed,
up a plan for, sketch out, map out;
steady, unruffled, unperturbed, phleg- iV. Amer. plat.
matic; informol unfl appable. 2 quiet,
calm, tranquil, still, peaceful, undis-
planel noun level, degree, standard,
turbed, restful, sleepy. stratum, dimension.
- OPPoSITES excitable. o verb skim, glide.
plagiarize verb copy, pirate, steal, plane2 noun aircraft, airliner, jet, flying
poach, appropriate; informol rip off, machine; Brit. aeroplane; N. Amer.
crib; Brit. informolpinch, nick. airplane, ship.
plague noun 1 pandemic, epidemic, M-
disease, sicl<ness; doted contagion; o/d aeronautics science of flight
use pestilence. 2 infestation, invasion,
plant noun 1 flower, vegetable, herb,
swarm.
shrub, bush, weed; (plants) vegeta-
a verb 1 afflict, trouble, torment,
tion, greenery, flora. 2 spy, informant, t:::":ll:irlii;
beset, dog, curse, bedevil.2 pester,
informer, secret agent, mole, infiltrator, ':ll:rrliili
harass, badger, bother, torment, harry,
operative; N. Amer. infornol spook.
hound, trouble, nag, molest; informol
3 factory, works, facility, refinery, mill.
hassle, bug.
4 machinery, machines. equipment,
plainodjective 1 obvious, clear, evident, apparatus, appliances, gear.
apparent, manifest, unmistakable.
a verb 1 sow, scatter. 2 place, put, set,
2 intelligible, comprehensible, under- position, situate, settle; informol plonk.
standable, clear, lucid, simple, straight- 3 instil, implant, put, place, introduce,
forward, user-friendly. 3 candid, frank, fix, establish, lodge.
outspoken, forthright, direct, honest,
truthful, blunt, bald, unequivocal; WORD LINKS
i nformol upfront. 4 simple, ordinary, botany study of plants
unadorned, homely, basic, modest, pl."t-..,i.
unsophisticated, restrained. 5 unat- -Eti"r"rt
tractive, unprepossessing, ugly, ordi- plaster verb 1 spread, smother, smear,
nary; tV. Amer. homely; Brit. informol no cake, coat, bedaub.2 flatten (down),
oil painting. 6 sheer, pure, downright, smooth down, slick down.
out-and-out. plastic odjective 1 soft, pliable, pliant,
- oPPOSITES obscure, fancy, attractive. flexible, malleable, workable, mould-
o noun grassland, flatland, prairie, able; informol bendy. 2 artificial, false,
plate -+ pledge 310

fake, bogus, insincere; informal phoney, playful adjective 1 frisky, lively, full of
pretend. fun, frolicsome, hiqh-spirited, exuber.
plate noun I dish, platter, salver; hlstori- ant, mischievous, impish; informol
col trencher; o/d use charger. 2 plateful, full of beans. 2 light-hearted, jokey,
helping, portion, serving. 3 panel, teasing, humorous, jocular, facetious,
sheet, slab. 4 plaque, sign, tablet. frivolous, flippant.
5 picture, print, illustration, photo- - OPPOSITES serious.
graph, photo. plea noun appeal, entreaty, supplica-
a yerb cover, coat, overlay, laminate, tion, petition, request, call.
gild. plead verb claim, use as an excuse,
plateau noun upland, mesa, highland, assert, allege, argue.
tableland. o plead with beg, implore, entreat,
platform noun 1 stage, dais, rostrum, appeal to, ask.
podium, stand. 2 programme, mani- Pleasant odjective 1 enjoyable, pleasur-
festo, policies, principles, party line. able, nice, agreeable, entertaining,
platitude noun clich6, truism, com- amusing, delightful, charming; informol
monplace, old chestnut, banality. Iovely, great. 2 friendly. charming,
platter noun plate, dish, salver, tray; old agreeable, amiable, nice, delightful,
use charger.
sweet, genial, cordial, good-natured,
personable, hospitable, polite.
plausible odjective credible, believable,
reasonable. likely, possible, conceiva- Please verb 1 make happy, give pleas-
ble. imaginable, convincing, persuasive. ure to, delight, charm, amuse, enter-
- OPPOSITES unlikely. tain, divert, satisfy, gratify, humour.
2 like, want, wish, desire, see fit, think
play verb 1 amuse yourself, entertain
fit, choose, will, prefer.
yoursell enjoy yourself, have fun, relax,
- OPPOSITES annoy.
occupy yourself, frolic, romp, cavort;
informolmess about/around. 2 take pleased odjective happy, glad,
part in, participate in, be involved in, delighted, gratifi ed, grateful, thankful,
compete in, do.3 compete against, content, contented, satisfied, thrilled;
take on, meet. 4 act the part of, take informolover the moon, on cloud nine;
the role of, appear as, portray, perform. Brit. informalchuffed; N. English informol
a noun 1 amusement, relaxation, rec- made up; Austroi. informol wrapped.
reation, diversion, leisure, enjoyment, - OPPOSITES unhappy.
pleasure, fun. 2 drama, theatricalwork, Pleasing odjective 1 good, agreeable,
piece, comedy, tra gedy, production, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying,
performance. gratifying, great. 2 friendly, amiable,
tr play down make light of, make little pleasant, agreeable, aflable. nice,
of, gloss over, downplay, understate, genial, likeable, charming. engaging,
soft-pedal, diminish, trivialize. play up delightful; informol lovely.
(Brit. informol) 1 misbehave, be bad, be pleasure noun happiness, delight, joy,
naughty. 2 malfunction, not work, be gladness, glee, satisfaction, gratifica-
defective, be faulty; informal be on the tion, contentment, enjoyment, amuse.
blink, act up. ment, fun, entertainment, relaxation,
player noun 1 participant, contestant, recreation, diversion.
competitor, contender, sportsman, pledge noun promise, vow, undertak.
sportswoman. 2 musician, performel ing, word, commitment, assurance,
artist, virtuoso, instrumentalist. oath, guarantee.
3 actor, actress, performer, thespian, o verb promise, vow, undertake, swear,
entertainer, artiste, trouper. commit yoursell declare, affirm.
311 plentiful -+ plush

plentiful adjective abundant, copious, ing, spirit, grit; informol guts; Brit. infon
ample, profuse, rich, lavish, generous, mol bottle; N. Amer. informol moxie.
bountiful, bumper, prolific; informol plug noun 1 stopper, bung, cork;
galore. N. Amer. stopple. 2 (informol) adver-
- OPPOSITES scarce. tisement, promotion, commercial,
plenty pronoun a lot of, many, a great recommendation, mention, good
deal of,.a plethora of, enough and to word;informol hype, push, puff.
spare, no lack ol a wealth of; informol averbl stop, seal, close, block, fill.
loads of, heaps of, stacks of, masses of, 2 (informol) publicize, promote, adver-
oodles of. tise, mention, bang the drum for, draw
a noun prosperity, affluence, wealth, attention to;informol hype, push.
opulence, comfort, luxury, abundance. plumb verb explore, probe, delve into,
plethora noun excess, abundance, search, examine, investigate, fathom,
superabundance, surplus, glut, surfeit, penetrate, understand.
profusion, enough and to spare. a odverb (informol) right, exactly, pre-
cisely, directly, dead, straight; informol
- oPPOSITES dearth.
(slap) bang.
pliable odjective 1 flexible, pliant, bend-
able, supple, workable, plastic; informol
plummet verb plunge, dive, drop, fall,
bendy. 2 malleable, impressionable, hurtle, nosedive, tumble.
flexible, adaptable, biddable, pliant, - OPPOSITES soar.
tractable, suggestible, persuadable. plump odjective fat, chubby, rotund,
- OPPoSITES rigid. ample, round, stout, portly, over-
plight weig ht; informol tu bby, roly-poly,
noun predicament, difficult
pudgy; Brit. informolpodgy; N. Amer.
situation, dire straits, trouble, difficulty,
nfo r m o I zaftig, corn-fed.
i
bind; informoltight corner, tight spot,
hole, pickle, jam, fix. - oPPoSITES thin.
plod plunder verb 1 pillage, loot, rob, raid,
verb trudge, walk heavily, clump,
ransack, rifle, strip, sack. 2 steal, seize,
stomp, tramp, lumber, slog.
thieve, pilfer, embezzle.
plot noun 1 conspiracy, intrigue, strata- o noun booty, loot, stolen goods,
gem, plan, machinations. 2 storyline, spoils, ill-gotten gains; informol swag. il':l$*ii
story, scenario, action, thread, narra- plunge verb 1 dive, lump. throw your-
tive. 3 piece of ground, patch, area,
self, immerse yourself. 2 plummet,
tract, acreage; Brit. allotment; N. Amer. nosedive, drop, fall, tumble, descend.
lot, plat. 3 charge, hurtle, career, plough, tear;
averb 1 plan, scheme, arrange, organ- N. Amer. informolbarrel. 4 thrust, stab,
ize, contrive. 2 conspire, scheme,
sink, stick, ram, drive, push, shove,
intrigue, connive. 3 mark, chart, map. force.
plough verb 1 till, furrow, harrow, plus preposition as well as, together
cultivate, work. 2 crash, smash, career, with, along with, in addition to, and,
plunge, bulldoze, hurtle, cannon. added to, not to mention.
ploy noun ruse, tactic, move, device, - OPPOSITES minus.
stratagem, scheme, trick, gambit, plan, o noun advantage, good point, asset,
manoeuvre, dodge, subterfuge; Brit. pro, benefit, bonus, attraction; informol
informolwheeze. perk.
I
pluck verb remove, pick, pull, extract. - oPPoSITES disadvantage.
2 pull, tug, clutch, snatch, grab, catch, plush odjectlve (informol) luxurious.
tweak, jerk; informol yank.3 strum, luxury, de luxe, sumptuous, opulent,
pick, thrum, twang. magnificent, rich, expensive, fancy;
o noun courage, bravery, nerve, dar- Brit. upmarket; informol posh, classy;
ply -+ pole 1tl

Brit. informolswish; N. Amer. informol attention to, indicate, specify, detail,

swank. mention. point to indicate, suggest,
- OPPOSITES austere. evidence, signal, signify, denote.
ply verb 1 engage in, carry on, pursue, pointed odjective 1 sharp, spil<y, spiked,
conduct, practise. 2 travel, shuttle, tapering, barbed. 2 cutting, biting,
go back and forth. 3 she plied me with incisive, trenchant, acerbic, caustic,
scones provide, supply, shower. 4 he scathing, venomous, sarcastic.
plied her with questions bombard, pointer noun 1 indicator, needle,
assail, pester, plague, harass; informol arrow, hand. 2 indication, indica-
hassl e. tor, clue, hint, sign, siqnal, evidence.
pocket noun 1 pouch, compartment. 3 tip, hint, suggestion, guideline,
2 area, patch, region, cluster. recommendation.
o adjective small, little, miniature, pointless odjective senseless, futi le,
mini, [un-size, compact, concise, useless, hopeless, unavailing, unpro-
abridged, portable. ductive, aimless, idle, worthless,
a verb 1 acquire, obtain, gain, get, val ueless.
secure, win, make, earn. 2 steal, - OPPOSITES valuable.
appropriate, purloin, misappropriate,
embezzle. Poise noun 1 grace, gracefulness,
elegance, balance, control. 2 com.
pod noun shell, husk, hull, case; iV. Amer posure, equanimity, sel[-possession,
shuck. aplomb, self-assurance, self-control,
podium noun platform, stage, dais, sangfroid, dignity, presence of mind;
rostrum, stand. informal cool.
poem noun verse, rhyme, lyric, piece of poised odjective 1 balanced, sus-
poetry. pended, motionless, hanging, hover-
Poetic odjective expressive, fi gurative, ing.2 prepared, ready, braced, geared
symbolic, flowery, artistic, imaginative, up, all set, standing by.
creative. poison noun toxin. venom.
poetry noun poems, verse, versifica- o verb pollute, contaminate, infect,
tion, rhyme. taint, spoil.
Poignant adjective touchin g, mov. wono Lrnrrs
ing, sad, affecting, pitiful, pathetic, toxicology study of poisons
plaintive.
poisonous adjective 1 venomous,
point noun 1 tip, (sharp) end, extrem. deadly.2 toxic, noxious, deadly,
ity, prong, spike, tine, nib, barb. fatal, lethal, mortal, environmentally
2 pinpoint, dot, spot, speck. 3 place, unfriendly, polluting. 3 malicious,
position, location, site, spot. 4 time,
malevolent, hostile, spiteful, bitter, ven-
stage, juncture, period, phase. 5 level,
omous, malign.
degree, stage, pitch, extent.6 detail,
- OPPOSITES harmless-
item, fact, thing, argument, considera-
tion, factor, element, subject, issue, poke verb 1 prod, jab, dig, elbow,
topic, question, matter. 7 heart of nudge, shove, jolt, stab, stick. 2 leove
the matter, essence, nub, core, crux; the coble poking out stick out, jut out,
informol nitty-gritty. 8 purpose, aim,
protrude, project, extend.
object, objective, goal, intention, use, o noun prod, jab, dig, elbow, nudge.
sense, value, advantage. 9 attribute, poky odjective small, little, tiny,
characteristic, feature, trait, quality, cramped, conflned, restricted, boxy.
property, aspect, side. - OPPOSITES spacious.
a yerb aim, direct, level, train, focus. Pole noun post, pillar, stanchion, stake,
o point out identify, show, draw support, prop, stick, paling, staff.
313 police -+ poor

police noun police force, police service, minister, statesman, stateswoman,

police officers, policemen, police- senator, congressman, congress-
women; Brit. constabula ryl, informal woman ; informol politico.
the cops, the fuzz, the law, the boys poll noun 1 vote, ballot, show of hands,
in blue; Brit informal the (Old) Bill; referendum, plebiscite, election. 2 sur-
N. Amer. informol the heat. vey, opinion poll, market research,
a verb 1 guard, watch over, protect, census.
defend, patrol. 2 enforce, regulate, a verb 1 canvass, survey, ask, question,
oversee, supervise, monitor, observe, interview, ballot. 2 get, gain, register,
check. record, return.
police officer noun policeman, pollute verb contaminate, taint, poi-
policewoman; Brit. constable; N. Amer. son, foul, dirty, soil, infect.
patrolman, trooper, roundsman; infor- - OPPOSITES purify.
mol copi Brit. informolcopper, rozzer,
pollution noun contamination, impu-
bobby; lV. Amer. informoluniform.
rity, dirt, filth, infection.
policy noun plans, approach, code,
pomp noun ceremony, solemnity,
system, guidelines, theory, line, posi-
ritual, display, spectacle, pageantry,
tion, stance.
show, ostentation, splendour, gran-
polish verb 1 shine, wax, buff, rub up/ deur, magnificence, majesty, stateli-
down, gloss, burnish. 2 polish up your ness, glory; informol nzzmatau.
essoy perfect, refine, improve, hone,
enhance, brush up, revise, edit, correct,
pompous od.yective self-important,
rewrite, go over, touch up. overbearing, sententious, grandiose,
affected, pretentious, puffed up,
o noun sophistication, refinement,
urbanity, suaveness, elegance, style, haughty, proud, conceited, superclli-
grace, finesse; informol class. ous. condescending, patronizing.
polished odjective 1 shiny, glossy,
ponder verb think about, contemplate,
gleaming, lustrous, glassy, waxed, consider, review, reflect on, mull over,
buffed, burnished. 2 expert, accom- meditate on, muse on, dwell on.
plished, masterly, skilful, adept, adroit, pontificate verb hold forth, expound,
dexterous, consummate, superlative, declaim, preach, lay down the law, ,r:r::ria,itaia:

superb. sound off, lecture; informol mouth off. r.r lllili:iiii;i

- oPPoslTEs dull, inexpert. puddle, pond, lake; /iterory
polite adjective 1 well mannered, civil, nt"l'":"r,
courteous, respectful, well behaved, pool2 noun 1 supply, reserve(s), reser-
well bred, gentlemanly, ladylike, voir, fund, store, bank, stock, cache.
genteel, gracious, tactful, diplomatic. 2 fund, reserve, kitty, pot, bank, purse.
2 civilized, refined, cultured, sophisti- o verb combine, group, join, unite,
cated, urbane. merge, share.
- OPPOSITES rUdC.
poot odjective 1 poverty-stricken,
politic adjective wise, prudent, sensible, penniless, impoverished, impecunious,
shrewd, astute, judicious, expedient, needy, destitute; Brit. on the breadline;
advantageous, benefi cial, profitable. informol hard up, strapped, on your
- OPPOSITES UNWiSC. uppers; formol penurious. 2 substand-
political o dj ective governmental, ard, bad, deficient, defective, faulty,
government, constitutional, ministerial, im perfect, inferior, unsatisfactory,
parliamentary, diplomatic, legislative, shoddy, crude, inadequate, unaccep-
administrative. table; lnformol crummy, rotten; Brit.
politician noun legislator, Member informol duff. 3 meagre, scanty, scant,
of Parliament, MB representative, paltry, reduced, modest, sparse, spare,
poorly -+ poser 314

deficient, insubstantial, skimpy, lean; port noun harbour, docks, marina,

informol measly, stingy. 4 unfortunate, haven, seaport.
unlucky, unhappy, hapless, wretched, odjective transportable,
luckless, ill-fated, ill-starred.
Portable
movable, mobile, wireless, lightweight,
- oPPoSlTEs rich. compact, handy, convenient.
pooray odverb badly, imperfectly,
incompetently, crudely, shoddily,
Portend verb presage, augur, fore-
shadow, foretell, prophesy, be a sign,
inadequately. warn, be an omen, indicate, heraid,
a odjective ill, unwell, not very well, signal, bode, promise, threaten, signify,
ailing, indisposed, out of sorts, under spell, denote.
par, peaky; Brit offcolour; informol
Porterl noun carrier, bearer; tV. Amer.
under the weather, rough; Brit. informol
ropy, grotty; Scottish informol wabbit;
redcap, skycap.
Aust ro l. I NZ i n formol crook. porte12 noun (Brit.) doorman, door-
keeper, commissionaire, gatekeeper,
Popverb 1 go bang, go off, crack, concierge, security officer.
snap, burst, explode. 2 go; informol
tootle, whip; Brit. informolnip. 3 put, Portion noun 1 part, piece, bit, section,
place, slip, throw, slide, stick, set, lay, segment. 2 share, quota, ration, alloca-
position. tion, tranche; Brit. informol wl,ack.
o noun bang, crack, snap, explosion, 3 helping, serving, plateful, slice,
report. piece.
populace noun population, inhabit- Portrait noun 1 picture, likeness,
ants, residents, natives, community, painting, drawing, photograph, image.
country, (general) public, people, 2 description, portrayal, representa-
nation, common people, masses, mul- tion, depiction, impression, account,
titude, rank and file; Brit. informolJoe profile.
Public; derogotory hoi polloi, common portray verb 1 paint, draw, sketch,
herd, rabble, riff-raff. picture, depict, represent, illustrate,
popular odjectlve 1 well liked, sought- render, show. 2 describe, depict,
after, in demand, commercial, market- characterize, delineate, put into words.
able, fashionable, in vogue, all the rage, 3 play, act the part of, take the role of,
hot; informalin, cool, big. 2 non- represent, appear as.
specialist, non-technical, amateur, lay portrayal noun description, represen-
person's, general, middle-of-the+oad, tation, characterization, depiction,
accessible, simplifi ed, understandable, delineation, evocation, interpretation.
mass-market. 3 widespread, general, pose verb 1 constitute, present, offer.
common, current, prevailing, standard, 2 raise, ask, put, submit, advance, pro-
ordinary, conventional. pose.3 posture, attitudinize, put on
PoPulate yerb inhabit, occupy, people, airs; infornol show off, ponce about.
settle, colonize. a noun 1 posture, position, stance,
Population noun inhabitants, attitude. 2 act, affectation, show,
residents, people, citizens, public, display, front, airs.
community, populace, society, natives, tr pose as pretend to be, impersonate,
occupants. pass yourself off as, masquerade as;
pornographic odjective obscene, formol personate.
indecent, dirty, smutty, filthy, erotic, poserl noun difficult question, prob-
titillating, sexy, risqu6, X+ated, adult. lem, puzzle, mystery, riddle, conun-
Porous odjective permeable, penetra- drum; informol dilemma.
ble, absorbent, spongy. pose12 noun exhibitionist, poseur;
- OPPOSITES impermeable. informol show-off, pseud.
315 posh -+ posture

posh odjective 1 (informol) smart, goods and chattels, personal effects,

stylish, fancy, high-class, fashionable, stuff, bits and pieces; informol gear,
chic, luxurious, luxury, exclusive; Brit. junk: Brit. informol clobber.
upmarket; informol classy, plush, flash; possessive odjective proprietorial,
Brit. informolswish; /V. Amer. informol overprotective, controlling, dominat-
swank, tony. 2 (Brit. informol) upper- ing, jealous, clingy.
class, aristocratic. possibility noun 1 chance, likelihood,
position noun 1 location, place, situa- probability, potentiality, hope, risk,
tion, spot, site, locality, setting, area, hazard, danger, fear. 2 option, alterna-
whereabouts, bearings. 2 posture, tive, choice, course of action, solution.
stance, attitude, pose. 3 situation, 3 potential, promise, prospects.
state, condition, circumstances, possible odjective 1 feasible, practi-
predicament, plight. 4 status, place, cable, viable, attainable, achievable,
level, rank, standing, stature, prestige, workable, within reach; informal on,
reputation. 5 job, post, situation, doable. 2 likely, plausible, imaginable,
appointment, opening, vacancy, place- believable, potential, probable, cred-
ment. 6 viewpoint, opinion, outlook, ible, tenable.
attitude, stand, standpoint, stance, - oPPoSITES impossible, unlikely.
perspective, thinking, policy, feelings.
o verb put, place, locate, situate, set, Possibly odverb 1 perhaps, maybe, it is
possible, for all you know. 2 conceiv-
site, stand, station, plant, stick; infor-
mol plonk, parl<.
.n, circumstances, by any
il1y;Lnd",
positive adjective 1 aftirmative, favour-
able, good, enthusiastic, supportive, Postl noun pole, stake, upright, shaft,
prop, support, picket, strut, pillar,
constructive, useful, productive,
stanchion, baluster.
helpful, worthwhile, beneficial. 2 opti-
mistic, hopeful, confident, cheerful, a verb 1 affix, attach, fasten, display,
pin up, put up, stick up. 2 announce,
sanguine, buoyant; informol upbeat.
report, make known, publish.
3 positive economic signs good, promis-
ing, favourable, encouraging, hearten- post2 noun (Brit.) 1 mail; informol snail
ing, propitious, auspicious. 4 definite, mail. 2 letters, correspondence, mail. .,,r,rt:::ii:i**!
certain, reliable, concrete, tangible, post3 noun 1 job, position. appoint-
clear-cut, explicit, firm, decisive, real, ment, situation, place, vacancy.
actual. 5 convinced, sure, confident, opening. 2 assigned position, station,
satisfied. place, base.
- OPPoSITES negative, pessimistic. a verb 1 send, assign, dispatch, con-
positively odverb 1 confidently, sign. 2 put on duty, mount, station.
with
defi nitely, fi rmly, categorically, Poster noun notice, placard, bill, sign,
certainty, conclusively. 2 absolutely, advertisement, playbill.
utterly, downright, simply, virtually; postpone verb put off, put back, delay,
informol plain. defer, hold over, reschedule, adjourn,
possess verb I own, have (to your shelve; informol put on ice, put on the
name), be in possession of. 2 have, be back burner.
blessed with, be endowed with, enjoy, posture noun 1 position, pose,
boast. 3 take control of, take over, attitude, stance, carriage, bearing,
bewitch, enchant, enslave. comportment; Brlt. deportment.
Possession noun 1 ownership, control, 2 attitude, standpoint, point ofview,
hands, keeping, care, custody, charge. viewpoint, opinion, position, stance.
2 she pocked herpossessions belong- o verb pose, strike an attitude, attitudi-
ings, things, property, worldly goods, nize, strut; informol show off.
potent -+ practical 316

potent odjective 1 powerful, strong, powdery odjectivefine, dry, fine-

mighty, formidable, infl uential, domi- grained, powder-like, dusty, chalky,
nant. 2 forceful, convincing, cogent, floury, sandy, crumbly, friable.
compel ling, persuasive, powerful, power noun 1 ability, capacity, capabil-
strong. ity, potential, potentiality, faculty.
- OPPOSITES weak. 2 control, command, authority,
potential odjective possible, likely, dominance, supremacy, ascendancy,
prospective, future, probable. mastery, infl uence, sway, leverage;
o noun possibilities, potentiality, pros- informol clout, teeth. 3 author-
pects, promise, capability, capacity. ity, right, authorization. 4 state,
potion noun concoction, mixture, brew, country, nation. 5 strength, might,
elixir, drink, medicine, tonic, philtre. force, vigour, energy; Brit. informol
potter yerb amble, wander, meander, welly. 6 forcefulness, powerfulness,
stroll, saunter; informal mosey, tootle, strength, force, cogency, persuasive-
toddle; N. Amer. informol putter. ness.7 driving force, horsepower,
acceleration, torque; informol oomph,
pottery noun ceramics, crockery, earth- poke. 8 energy, electricity.
enware, terracotta, stoneware, china,
porcelain.
- oPPoSITES weakness.

pouch noun bag, purse, sack, sac,

WORD LINKS I

pocket; Scottish sporran. megalomania obsession with power

pounce verb jump, spring, leap, dive, powerful odjective 1 strong, muscu-
lunge, swoop, attack. lar, muscly, sturdy, strapping, robust,
poundl verb 1 beat, strike, hit, batter, brawny, burly, athletic, manly, well
thump, pummel, punch, rain blows built, solid; informol beefy. 2 intoxicat-
on, belabour, hammer; informol bash, ing, hard, strong, stiff, potent.3 vio-
clobber, wallop. 2 beat against, crash lent, forceful, hard, mighty. 4 intense,
against, batter, dash against, lash, buf- keen, fi erce, strong, irresistible,
fet.3 bombard, bomb, shell. 4 crush, overpowering, overwhelming. 5 influ-
grind, pulverize, mash, pulp. 5 stomp, ential, strong, important, dominant,
stamp, clomp, clump, tramp, lumber. commanding, formidable. 6 cogent,
thump, thud, hammer, pulse, compelling, convincing. persuasive,
:.::*0, forceful, potent.
pound2 noun enclosure, compound, - OPPOSITES weak, gentle.
pen, yard, corral. Powerless odjective impotent, help-
pour verb 1 stream, flow, run, gush, less, ineffectual, ineffective, useless,
course, jet, spurt, surge, spill. 2 tip, defenceless, vulnerable.
splash, spill, decant; informol slosh, slop. practicable odjective realistic, feasible,
3 rain hard, teem down, pelt down, tip possible, viable, reasonable, sensible,
down, rain cats and dogs; informolbe workable, achievable; informol doable.
chucking it down; Brit. informol bucket practical odjective 1 empirical, hands-
down; tV. Amer. informolrain pitchforks. on, actual. 2 feasible, practicable,
4 crowd, throng, swarm, stream, flood. realistic, viable, workable, possible,
poverty noun 1 pennilessness, reasonable, sensible; informol doable.
destitution, penury, impoverishment, 3 functional, sensible, utilitarian.
neediness, hardship, impecunious- 4 realistic, sensible, down-to-earth,
ness, indigence. 2 scarcity, deficiency, businesslike, commonsensical,
dearth, shortage, paucity, absence, hard-headed, no-nonsense; informal
lack, inadequacy. hard-nosed.
- OPPOSITES wealth, abundance. - OPPOSITES theoretical.
317 practical ly -+ precipitate

practically adverb 1 almost, very Prank noun (practical) joke, trick, esca-
nearly, virtually, just about, all but, pade, stunt, caper, jape, game, hoax;
moTe or less, as good as, to all intents informol lark, leg-pull.
and purposes; informol pretty well.
Preach verb 1 give a sermon, sermon-
2 realistically, sensibly, reasonably, ize, evangelize, spread the gospel.
rationa I ly, matter-of-factly. 2 proclaim, teach, spread, propagate,
practice noun 1 application, exercise, expound. 3 advocate, recommend,
use, operation, implementation, advise, urge, teach, counsel.
execution. 2 custom, procedure, WORD LINKS
WORD
policy, convention, tradition. 3 train-
ing, rehearsal, repetition, preparation, [n"ll'" ic relating to preaching
dummy run, run-through; informol dry precarious odjectiveinsecure. uncer-
run. 4 profession, career, business, tain, unpredictable, risky, hazardous,
work. 5 business, firm, ofice, com- dangerous, parlous, unsafe, unstable,
pany; informol outfit. unsteady, shaky; lnformol dicey, iffy;
practise yerb 1 rehearse, run through, Brit. informol dodgy.
go overithrough, work on/at, polish, - OPPOSITES safe.
perfect, refine.2 train, rehearse, pre- Precaution noun safeguard, preventive
pare, go through your paces. 3 carry measure, safety measure, insurance:
out, perform, observe, follow. 4 work informol backstop.
in. pursue a caTeeT in, engage in.
Precede verbl go before, come before,
Practised odjective expert, expe- lead up to, pave the way for, herald,
rienced, seasoned, skilled, skilful, introduce, usher in. 2 go ahead of, go
accomplished, proficient, talented, in front of, lead the way.
able, adept. - OPPOSITES follow.
pragmatic odjective practical, precedence noun seniority, superior-
matter-of-fact, sensible, down-to- ity, ascendancy, supremacy.
earth, commonsensical, businesslike, o take precedence over take priority
hard-headed, no-nonsense; informol over, outweigh, prevail over, come
hard-nosed. before.
- OPPOSITES impractical. precedent noun model, exemplar,
Praise yerb
commend, applaud, pay example, pattern, paradigm, criterion,
tribute to, speak highly of, compliment, yardstick, standard.
congratulate, sing the praises of, rave precinct noun district, zone, sector,
about. quarter, area.
- OPPOSITES criticize.
Precious odjective 1 valuable, costly,
a noun approval, acclaim, admiration, expensive, invaluable, priceless.
approbation, plaudits, congratulations, 2 valued, cherished, treasured, prized,
commendation, accolade, compliment, favourite, dear, beloved, special.
a pat on the back, eulogy; tV. Amer
3 affected, pretentious; informol
informol kudos. la-di-da; Brit. informol poncey.
- oPPoSITES criticism.
precipitate verb bring about, bring on,
praiseworthy o dj ective commend- cause, lead to, give rise to, instigate,
able, admirable, laudable, worthy (of trigger, spark off, touch off, provoke,
admiration), meritorious, estimable, hasten, speed up, accelerate.
excellent, exemplary. a odjective hasty, overhasty, rash,
prance verb cavort, dance, jig, trip, hurried, rushed, impetuous, impulsive,
caper, jump, leap, spring, bound, skip, precipitous, incautious, imprudent,
hop, frisk, romp, frolic. injudicious, ill-advised, reckless.
precipitous -+ prelude 318

precipitous odjective 1 steep, sheer, primarily, in the main, on the whole,

perpendicular, abrupt, sharp, vertical. largely, by and large, typically, gener-
2 sudden, rapid, swift, abrupt, head- ally, usually.
long, speedy, quick, fast. preface noun introduction, foreword,
precise odjective 1 exact, accurate, preamble, prologue, prelude, front
correct, specific, detailed, explicit, care- matter; informol intro.
ful, meticulous, strict, rigorous. 2 ot o verb precede, introduce, begin,
thot precise moment exact, particular, open, start.
actual, specifi c, distinct. prefer verb like better, would rather
- OPPOSITES inaccurate. (have), would sooner (have), favour, be
precisely odverb 1 exactly, sharp, on more partial to, choose, select, pick,
the dot, promptly; informalbang (on); opt for, go for, plump for.
Brit. informol spot on; N. Amer. informol preferable odj ective better, best,
on the button. 2 just, exactly, in all more desirable, more suitable,
respects; informol b af . advantageous, superior, preferred,
precision noun exactness, accuracy, recommended.
exactitude, correctness, care, meticu- preferably odverb ideally, if possible,
lousness, scrupulousness, punctilious-
for preference, from choice.
ness, rigour.
preference noun 1 liking, partiality,
preclude verb prevent, make it impos- fondness, taste, inclination, leaning,
sible for, rule out, stop, prohibit, debar,
bent, penchant, predisposition. 2 pri-
bar, hinder, impede, inhibit, exclude.
ority, favour, precedence, preferential
PreconcePtion noun preconceived treatment.
idea, presupposition, assumption, pre-
Pregnant odjective 1 expecting,
sumption, prejudgement, prejudice.
expectant, carrying a child, with child;
predatory odjective 1 predacious, informolin the family way. 2 meaning-
carnivorous, hunting. 2 exploitative, ful, significant. suggestive, expressive,
wolfi sh, rapacious, manipulative. charqed.
predecessor noun 1 forerunner, prejudice noun 1 preconceived idea,
precursor, antecedent. 2 ancestor, preconception. 2 bigotry, bias, partial-
forefather, forebear, antecedent. ity, intolerance, discrimination, unfair-
- OPPOSITES successor, descendant. ness, inequality.
predicament noun difficulty, mess, a verb 1 bias, influence, sway, predis-
plight, quandary, muddle, dilemma; pose, make partial, colour.2 damage,
informolhole, fix, jam, pickle. be detrimental to, be prejudicial to,
Predict verb forecast, foretell, proph- injure, harm, hurt, spoil, impair, under-
esy; o/d use augur. mine, compromise.
predictable o djective loreseeable, to preiudiced odjective biased, bigoted,
be expected, anticipated, likely, fore- discriminatory, partisan, intolerant, nar-
seen, unsurprising, reliable; informol row-minded, unfair, unjust, inequitable.
inevitable. - OPPOSITES impartial.
prediction noun forecast, prophecy, preliminary o dje ctive preparatory,
prognosis, prognostication. introductory, initial, opening, early,
predisposition noun 1 susceptibil- exploratory.
ity, proneness, tendency, liability, - OPPoSITES final.
inclination, vulnerability. 2 preference, a noun introduction, preamble, pref-
predilection, inclination, leaning, bent. ace, opening remarks, formalities.
predominantly odverb mainly, mostly, prelude noun preliminary, overture,
for the most part, chiefly, principally, opening, preparation, introduction,
319 premature -+ presentation

lead-in, precursor. things, make provision. 4 train, get

Premature adjective 1 untimely, too into shape, practise, get ready, warm
early, before time, unseasonable. up, limber ip.5 prepore yourself for o
2 rash, overhasty, hasty, precipi- shock brace, ready, tense, steel, steady.
tate, impulsive, impetuous; informal PrePared odjective 1 ready, (all) set,
previous. equipped, primed, waiting, poised.
- OPPOSITES overdue. 2 willing, ready, disposed, (favourably)
premier odjective leading, foremost, inclined, of a mind, minded.
chief, principal, head, top-ranking, top,
Prescribe verb 1 advise, recommend,
prime, primary, first, highest, pre- advocate, suggest. 2 stipulate, lay
eminent, senior, outstanding; tV. Amer: down, dictate, order, direct, specify,
ranking. determine.
a noun head of government, prime presence noun 1 existence, being.
minister, PM, president, chancellor.
2 attendance, appearance. 3 aura,
premiere noun first performance, first charisma, personality, magnetism.
night, opening night, debut. - oPPostrES absence.
premise noun proposition, assump- tr presence of mind composure,
tion, hypothesis, thesis, presup- self-possession, level-headedness,
position, supposition, presumption, self-assurance, calmness, alertness,
assertion. quick-wittedness; informol cool,
Premises plural noun building(s), prop- unflappability.
erty, site, office, establishment. presentl odjective 1 in attendance,
Premium noun 1 (regular) payment, here, there, near, nearby, at hand,
instalment. 2 surcharge, additional available. 2 in existence, detectable,
payment, extra. occurring, existing, extant, current.
tr at a premium scarce, in great - OPPOSITES absent.
demand, hard to come by, in short sup- a noun now, today, the present time,
ply, thin on the ground, like gold dust. the here and now, modern times.
preoccupation noun obsession, fixa- - OPPOSITES past, future.
tion, concern, passion, enthusiasm, tr at present at the moment, just now,
hobby horse; informol bee in your right now. at the present time, cur-
bonnet. rently, at this moment in time.
preoccuPied odjective lost in thought, present2 verb t hand over, give (out),
deep in thought, oblivious, pensive, dis- confer, bestow, award, grant, accord.
tracted, absorbed, engrossed, involved, 2 submit, set forth, put forward,
wrapped up, concerned. offer, tender, table.3 introduce,
noun 1 preporotions for the make known, acquaint someone with.
PreParation 4 host, introduce, compdre; N. Amer.
porty arrangements, planning, plans,
groundwork, spadework, provision. informol emcee. 5 represent, describe,
portray, depict.
2 devising, drawing up, construction,
composition, development. 3 mixture, Present3 noun gift, donation, offering,
compound, concoction, solution, medi- contribution, gratuity, tip, handout;
cine, potion. informol prezzie.
prepare verb 1 get ready, put together, presentation noun 1 awarding, pre.
draw up, produce, arrange, assemble, senting, bestowal, granting. 2 appear-
construct, compose, formulate. 2 cook, ance, arrangement, packaging, layout.
make, get, concocu informol fix, rustle 3 demonstration, talk, lecture,
up; Brit. informol knock up. 3 get address, speech, show, exhibition, dis-
ready, make preparations, arrange play, introduction, launch, unveiling.
presently -+ pretty 320

presently odverb 1 soon, shortly, quite high-priority, critical, crucial,

soon, in a short time, in a little while, unavoidable.
at any moment/minute/second, before pressure noun 1 force, load, stress,
long; tV.,Amer: momentarily; Brit. infor. thrust, compression, weight. 2 persua-
molin a mo. 2 at present, currently, at sion, intimidation, coercion, compul-
the/this moment. sion, duress, harassment, nagging.
preservation noun 1 conservation, badgering. 3 strain, stress, tension,
protection, care. 2 continuation, trouble, difficulty, burden; informol
conservation, maintenance, upholding, hassle.
sustaining, perpetuation. o verb coerce, push, persuade, force,
preserve bulldoze, hound, nag, badger, brow-
verb 1 conserve, protect,
beat, bully, intimidate, dragoon, twist
maintain, care for, lool< after. 2 con-
someone's arm; informol railroad, lean
tinue (with). conserve. keep going.
on; tV. Amer. informol hustle.
maintain, uphold, sustain, perpetu-
ate, prolong.3 guard, protect, keep, Pressurize verb coerce, pressure, push,
defend, safeguard, shelter, shield. persuade, force, bulldoze, hound, nag,
- oPPoSITES attack, abandon. badger, browbeat, bully, bludgeon,
o noun 1 jobs which ore no longer the intimidate, draqoon, twist someone's
preserve of men domain, area, field, arm; informolrailroad, lean on; N. Amer.
sphere, orbit, realm, province, territory; informol hustle.
informol t']Jf , bailiwick. 2 sanctuary, prestige noun status, standing, kudos,
(game) reserve, reservation. cachet, stature, reputation, repute,
preside verb
renown, honour, esteem, importance,
prominence, distinction.
o preside over be in charge of,
be responsible for, head, manage, prestigious odjective reputable,
administer, control, direct, chair, distinguished, respected, high-status,
conduct, officiate at, lead, govern. rule, esteemed, eminent, highly regarded,
command, supervise, oversee; informol renowned, influential.
head up. - OPPoslTEs disreputable, obscure.
press verb 1 push (down), depress, presume verb 1 assume, suppose, sur-
hold down, force, thrust, squeeze, mise, imagine, take it, expect. 2 dare,
compress. 2 iron, smooth out, flat- venture, have the effrontery, be so bold
ten.3 clasp, hold close, hug, cuddle, as, go so far as, take the liberty of.
squeeze, clutch, grasp, embrace. pretence noun 1 make-believe, acting,
4 cluster, gather, converge, congre- faking, play-acting, posturing, decep-
gate, flock, swarm, crowd. 5 plead, tion, trickery. 2 show, semblance,
urge, advance, present, submit, put affectation, appeara nce, outward
forward. S urge, put pressure on, pres- appearance, impression, guise, facade.
surize, force, push, coerce, dragoon, - OPPOSITES honesty.
steamroller, browbeat; informol lean pretend verb put on an act, act, play-
on, put the scTews on, twist someone's act, put it on, dissemble, sham, feign,
arm, railroad, bulldoze. 7 they pressed fal<e, dissimulate, make believe, put on
for a bon call, ask, clamour, push, cam- a false front, posture, go through the
paign, demand. motions, make as if.
a noun the media, the newspapers, a odjective (informal)mock, fake,
journalism, reporters, the fourth sham, simulated, artifi cial, false,
estate; Brit doted Fleet Street. pseudo; informol phoney.
pressing odjective 1 urgent, critical, Pretty odjective attractive, goodJook-
crucial, acute, desperate, serious, ing, nice-looking, personable, fetching,
grave, life-and-death. 2 important, prepossessing, appealing, charming,
321 prevail -+ principal

delightful, cute; Scoftlsh & i\. Enqlish joy, delight, gratification, fulfilment,
bonny; o/d use fair, comely. satisfaction, sense of achievement.
- oPPosrTES plain, ugly. 3 arrogance, vanity, self-importance,
a odverb (informol) quite, rather, some- hubris, conceitedness, egotism,
what, fairly. snobbery.
prevail verb 1 win, triumph, be victori- - OPPOSITES shame, humility.
ous, carry the day, come out on top, Priest noun clergyman, clergywoman,
succeed, rule, reign.2 exist, be pre- minister, cleric, pastol vicar, rector,
sent, be the case, occul be prevalent, parson, churchman, churchwoman,
be in force. father, curate; N. Amer. dominie; infor-
prevailing odjective current, existing, mol reverend, padre.
prevalent, usual, common, general, WORD LINKS
widespread.
prevalent od.lective widespread,
frequent, usual, common, current, primarily odverb 1 first and foremost,
popular, general. firstly, essentially, in essence, funda-
mentally, principally, predominantly.
- oPPOSITES rare.
2 mostly, for the most part, chiefly,
prevent verb stop, avert, nip in the bud, mainly, in the main, on the whole,
foil, inhibit, thwart, prohibit, forbid. largely, principally, predominantly.
- opposrrrs allow.
primary odjective main, chief, key,
Previous odjective 1 preceding, prime, central, principal, foremost,
foregoing, prior, past, last. 2 former, fi rst, most important, predominant,
preceding, old, earlier, ex-, past, last,
paramount; informal nu mber-one.
sometime, one-time, erstwhile, as was;
- oPPostrES secondary.
formol quondam.
- OPPOSITES next. Primel odjective 1 main, chief, key, pri-
mary, central, principal, foremost, first,
previously o dverb f ormerly, earl ie r most important, paramount, major;
(on), before, hitherto, at one time, in
informol number-one. 2 top-quality,
the past.
top, best, first-class, superior, choice,
prey noun 1 quarry, kill. 2 victim, tar- select, finest; informol tip-top, A1. .ri:a:r.ii---
get, dupe; lnformol sucker; Brit. informol - OPPOSITES secondary, inferior.
mug. o noun heyday, peak, pinnacle, high
- oPPoSlTEs predator. point/spot, zenith, flower, bloom,
price noun 1 cost, charge, fee, fare, fl ush.
amount, sum; lnformol damage.
Prime2 verbbriel, fill in, prepare, advise,
2 consequence, result, cost, penalty, instruct, coach, drill, train.
toll, sacrifice, downside, drawback, primitive odjective 1 ancient, earliest,
disadvantage, minus.
fi rst, prehistoric, primordial, primeval.
priceless odjective invaluable, beyond 2 crude, simple, rough (and ready),
price, irreplaceable, expensive, costly. basic, rudimentary, makeshift.
- OPPOSITES worthless, cheap. - oPPostTEs modern, sophisticated.
prick verb pierce, puncture, stab, perfo-
Prince noun ruler, sovereign, monarch,
rate, spike, penetrate, jab. crowned head.
o noun jab, sting, pinprick, stab, pin- odjective main, chief, pri.
hole, wound. PrinciPal
mary, leading, foremost, first, most
Prickly odjective spiky, spiked, thorny, important, predominant, dominant,
barbed, spiny, bristly. pre-eminent, highest, top: i nformol
pride noun 1 self-esteem, dignity, number-one.
honour, self-respect. 2 pleasure, - OPPOSITES minor.
principally -) probable 322

a noun head teacher, headmaster, pristine adjective immaculate, perfect,

headmistress, head, dean, rector, mas- in mint condition, as new, spotless,
ter, mistress, chancellor, vice chancel- unspoilt.
lor, president, provost, warden. - OPPOSITES dirty, spoilt.
principally odverb mainly, mostly, privacy noun seclusion, solitude,
chiefly, for the most part, in the main, isolation.
on the whole, largely, predominantly, private odjective 1 personal, own, spe-
primarily. cial, exclusive. 2 confidential, secret,
principle noun 1 truth, concept, classified, privileged, unofficial, off the
idea, theory, fundamental, essential, record; informol hush-hush. 3 inti-
precept, rule, law. 2 doctrine, belief, mate, personal, secret, innermost,
creed, credo, code, ethic. 3 morals, undisclosed, unspoken, unvoiced.
morality, ethics, ideals, standards, 4 reserved, introverted, self-contained,
integrity, virtue, probity, honour, reticent, retiring, unsociable, with-
decency, conscience, scruples. drawn, solitary, reclusive, secretive.
o in principle 1 in theory, theoreti- 5 secluded, undisturbed, out ofthe
cally, on paper, ideally. 2 in general, in way, remote, isolated. 5 independ-
essence, on the whole, in the main. ent, non-state, privatized, commercial,
print verb I publish, issue, release, p rivate-e nte rp ri se.

circulate, run off, copy, reproduce. - oPPoslTEs public, open, official.

2 imprint, impress, stamp, mark. o noun private soldier, trooper; Brit.
a noun 1 type, printing, letters, sapper, gunner; US Cl; Brit. informol
lettering, characters, typeface, font. Tommy, squaddie.
2 impression, handprint, fingerprint, o in private in secret, secretly, pri-
footprint. 3 picture, engraving, etch- vately. behind closed doors, in camera,
ing, lithograph, woodcut. 4 photo- sub rosa.
graph, photo, snap, snapshot, picture, privilege noun 1 advantage, benefit,
still, enlargement, reproduction, copy. prerogative, entitlement, right, con-
ptiot odjective earlier, previous, preced- cession, freedom, liberty. 2 honour,
ing, advance, pre-exisl.ing. pleasure.
- OPPOSITES subsequent. privileged odjective 1 wealthy, rich,
o prior to before, until, up to, previous affluent, prosperous, elite, advan-
to, preceding, earlier than, in advance of. taged. 2 confidential, private, secret,
priority noun 1 prime concern, restricted, classified, not for publica-
main consideration, most important tion, offthe record, inside; informol
thing. 2 precedence, preference, pre- hush-hush.
eminence, predominance. primacy. - OPPOSITES underprivileged,
prison noun jail, penal institution; disadvantaged.
N. Amer. jailhouse, penitentiary, correc- ptaze noun award, reward, trophy,
tional facility; informol clink, slammer; medal, cup, winnings, purse, honour.
Brit. informolnick; N. Amer: informol o odjective 1 champion, award-
can, pen. winning, top, best. 2 utter, complete,
tr in prison behind bars; informol total, absolute, real, perfect; Brit.
inslde, doing time; Brit. informal doing informol right.
porridge. probability noun likelihood, pros-
prisoner noun 1 convict, detainee, pect, expectation, chance(s), odds,
inmate; informol jailbird, con ; Brit possibility.
informollag; N. Amer. informol yardbird. probable odjective likely, odds-on,
2 prisoner of war, POW, internee, cap- expected, a nticipated, predictable;
tive, hostage. informol on the cards, a safe bet.
323 probably + production
- oPPoSITES unlikely. o verb deal with, attend to, see to,
probably odverbin all likelihood, in all sort out, handle, take care of.
probability, as likely as not, ten to one, procession noun parade, march, march
the chances are, doubtless. past, cavalcade, motorcade, cortdge,
probation noun trial, trial period, column, file; Brit. informol crocodile.
apprenticeship, training. proclaim verb declare, announce, pro-
probe noun investigation, enquiry, nounce, state, make known, give out,
examination, inquest, study. advertise, publish, broadcast, trumpet.
a verb 1 prod, poke, dig into, delve Prodverb 1 poke,jab, stab, dig, nudge,
into, explore, feel around in, examine. elbow. 2 spur, stimulate, prompt,
2 investigate, enquire into, look into, push, galvanize, persuade, urge, chivvy,
go into, study, examine, explore. remind.
Problem noun 1 difficulty, worry, Prodigal o dje ctive wastefu l, extrava-
complication, snag, hitch, drawback, gant, spendthrift.
stumbling block, obstacle, hiccup, - oPPoSlrES thrifty.
setback, issue, catch, dilemma, prodigy noun genius, mastermind,
quandary; informol headache, fly in the virtuoso, wunderkind ; informol whizz-
ointment. 2 nuisance, bother; lnformol kid, whizz.
drag, pain, hassle.3 puzzle, question,
poser, riddle, conundrum; informol Produce yerb 1 manufacture, make,
construct, build, fabricate, put
brain-teaser.
together, assemble, turn out, create,
problematic odjective difficult, trouble- mass-produce. 2 yield. grow, give, sup-
some, tricky, awkward, controversial, ply, provide, furnish, bear. 3 give birth
ticklish, complicated, complex, knotty. to, bear, deliver, bring forth, bring into
- OPPOSITES easy, straightforward. the world. 4 create, fashion, turn out,
procedure noun course of action, compose, write, pen, paint. 5 pull out,
method, system, strategy, way, extract, fish out, present, offer, proffer,
approach, formula, solution, mecha- show. 5 cause, bring about, give rise
nism, technique, routine, drill, practice. to, occasion, generate, lead to, result
proceed verb 1 begin, make a start, trig- .$*iti$;iii
in, provoke, precipitate, spark off,
get going, move. 2 go, make your way, ger. 7 stage, put on. mount, present, .' 1

advance, move, progress, carry on, exhibit.

continue, press on, push on. o noun food, foodstuff(s), products,
- OPPOSITES stop. crops, harvest.
Proceedings plurol noun 1 events, Producer noun 1 manufacturer,
activities, action, happenings, goings- maker, builder, constructor. 2 grower,
on. 2 report, transactions, minutes, farmer. 3 impresario, manager, admin-
account, story, record(s).3 legal istrator, promoter, director.
action, litigation, suit, lawsuit, case, product noun 1 artefact, commodity;
prosecution. (products) goods, ware(s), merchan-
proceeds p/urol noun profits, earnings, dise, produce. 2 result, consequence,
receipts, returns, takings. income, rev- outcome, effect, upshot.
enue, profit, yield; Sport gate (money);
Production noun 1 manufacture, mak-
N. Amer: take. ing, construction, building, fabrication,
process noun 1 procedure, operation, assembly, creation, mass production.
action, activity, exercise, business, job, 2 creation, origination, fashioning,
task, undertaki ng. 2 o new mo nufoctur- composition, writing. 3 output, yield,
ing process method, system, technique, productivity. 4 performance, staging,
means. presentation, show, piece, play.
productive-) progressive 324

productive odjective 1 prolific, inven- gainful. 2 beneficial, useful, advanta-

tive, creative. 2 useful, constructive, geous, valuable, productive, worth-
profi table, fruitful, valuable, effective, while, rewarding, fruitful, illuminating,
worthwhile, helpful. 3 fertile, fruitful, informative, well spent.
rich, fecund.
Profound t
odjective heartfelt, intense,
productivity noun efficiency, work keen, extreme, acute, severe, sincere,
rate, output, yield, production. earnest, deep, deep-seated, overpow-
Profess verb I declare, announce, ering, overwhelming. 2 far-reaching,
proclaim, assert, state, affirm, main- radical, extensive, sweeping, exhaus-
tain, protest, avow. 2 claim, pretend, tive, thoroughgoing. 3 wise, learned,
purport, affect, make out. intelligent, scholarly, discerning, pen-
professed odjective 1 claimed, sup- etrating, perceptive, astute, thoughtful,
posed, ostensible, self-styled, apparent, insightfuL
pretended, purported. 2 declared, - OPPOSITES superfi cial.
sworn, confi rmed, self-confessed. programme noun 1 schedule, agenda,
profession noun career, occupation, calendar, timetable, order (of the day),
calling, vocation, m6tier, line of work, line-up. 2 scheme, plan, package,
job, business, trade, craft. strategy, initiative, proposal. 3 broad-
professiona! cast, production, show, presentation,
odjective 1 white-collar,
non-manual, graduate, qualifi ed, transmission, performance, telecast,
chartered. 2 paid, salaried. 3 expert, videocast, podcast. 4 course, syllabus,
accomplished, skilful, masterly, fine, curriculum.
polished, skilled, proficient, competent, o verb arrange, organize, schedule,
able, businesslike, deft. 4 he alwoys plan, map out, timetable, line up;
behoved in o professionol woy appropri- A/. Arner. slate.
ate, fitting, proper, honourable, ethical. progress noun 1 (forward) move-
- OPPOSITES amateur, amateurish. ment, advance, going, headway,
o noun expert, virtuoso, old hand, passage. 2 development, advance,
master, maestro, past master; informol advancement, headway, step forward,
pro, ace. improvement, growth.
profile noun 1 outline, silhouette, a verb 1 go, make your way, move, pro-
side view, contour, shape, form, lines. ceed, advance, go on, continue, make
2 description, account, study, portrait, headway, work your way. 2 develop,
rundown, sketch, outline. make progress, advance, make head-
profit way, move on, get on, gain ground,
noun 1 financial gain, return(s),
yield. proceeds, earnings. winnings. improve, get better, come on, come
surplus; informol pay dirt, bottom line. along, make strides.
2 advantage, benefit, value, use, good; - OPPOSITES regress.
informol mileage. B in progress under way, going on,
- OPPoSITES loss, disadvantage. ongoing, happening, occurring, taking
place, proceeding, continuing.
o verb 1 make money, earn; informol
rake it in, clean up, make a killing; Progressaon noun 1 progress,
N. Amer. informolmake a fast buck. advancement, movement, passage,
2 benefit, be advantageous to, be of development, evolution, growth.
use to, do someone good, help, be of 2 succession, series, sequence, string,
service to, serve. stream, chain, train, row, cycle.
- OPPOSITES lose.
Progressive odjective 1 continuing,
profitable odjective 1 moneymaking, continuous, ongoing, gradual, step-
profit-making, paying, lucrative, com- by-step, cumulative. 2 modern,
mercial, successful, money-spinning, liberal, advanced, forward-thinking,
 prohibit -, prompt
enlightened, pioneering, reforming, 2 jutting (out), protruding, projecting,
reformist, radical informol go-ahead. protuberant, standing out, sticking
- OPPOSITES conservative. out, proud, bulging. 3 conspicuous,
prohibit verb 1 forbid, ban, bar, noticeable, obvious, unmistakable, eye-
proscribe, make illegal, outlaw, disal- catching, pronounced, salient, striking,
low, veto.2 prevent, stop, rule out, dominant, obtrusive.
preclude, make impossible. - OPPOSITES unimportant, inconspicuous.
- oPPoSlTEs allow. Promise noun 1 word (of honour),
prohibition noun ban, bar, veto, assurance, pledge, vow, guarantee,
embargo, boycott, injunction, morato- oath, bond, undertaking, agreement,
rium, interdict. commitment, contract. 2 potential,
proiect noun 1 scheme, plan, pro- ability, talent, aptitude, possibility.
gramme, enterprise, undertaking, a verb 1 give your word, swear,
venture, proposal, idea, concept. pledge, vow, undertake, qive an
2 assignment, piece of work, task. undertaking, guarantee, warrant,
a verb 1 forecast, predict, expect, contract, give an assurance, commit
estimate, calculate, reckon. 2 stick yourself. 2 indicate, lead someone to
out, jut (out), protrude, extend, stand expect, point to, be a sign of, betoken,
out, bulge out.3 cast, throw, send, give hope of, augur, herald, portend,
shed, shine. presage.
Proiection noun 1 forecast, predic- promising odjective 1 good, encourag-
tion, prognosis, expectation, estimate. ing. lavourable, hopeful, auspicious.
2 outcrop, outgrowth, overhang, propitious, bright, rosy, heartening.
ledge, shell prominence, protrusion, 2 talented, gifted, budding, up-and-
protuberance. coming, rising, coming, in the making.
proliferate verb increase, grow, - oPPostTES unfavourable.
multiply, rocket, mushroom, snowball, promote verb 1 upgrade. give pro-
burgeon, spread, expand, run riot. motion to, elevate, advance, move
- OPPOSITES decrease, dwindle. up.2 encourage, further, advance,
prolific odjective 1 plentiful, abundant, foster, develop, contribute to, boost,
bountiful, profuse, copious, luxuriant, stimulate. 3 advertise, publicize, give
rich, lush, fruitful. 2 productive, fertile, publicity to, beat/bang the drum for,
creative, inventive. market, merchandise; lnformol push,
- oPPOSITES meagre. plug, hype.
prolong verb lengthen, extend, drag - OPPOSITES demote, obstruct.
out, draw out, protract, spin out, carry promotion noun 1 upgrading, prefer-
on, continue, keep up, perpetuate. ment, elevation, advancement, step
- oPPostTEs shorten. up (the ladder). 2 encouragement,
Prominence noun 1 fame, celebrity, furtherance, furthering, advancement,
eminence, importance, distinction, contribution to, fostering, boosting,
greatness, prestige, stature, stand- stimulation. 3 advertising, marketing,
ing.2 the press gove prominence to the publicity, propaganda; informol hard
reporfs wide coverage, importance, sell, plug, hype, puff.
precedence, weight, a high profile, verb 1 induce, make, move,
PromPt
top billing. motivate, lead, dispose, persuade,
prominent odjective 1 important, incline, encourage, stimulate, prod,
well known, leading, eminent, impel, spur on, inspire. 2 give rise to,
distinguished, notable, noteworthy, bring about, cause, occasion, result
noted, illustrious, celebrated, famous, in, lead to, elicit, produce, precipitate,
renowned; N. Amer. major-league. trigger, spark off, provoke.3 remind,
promPtly + propose

cue, feed, help out, jog someone's propaganda noun information,

memory. promotion, advertising, publicity,
- OPPOSITES deter. disinformation; informol hype.
o odjective quick, swift, rapid, speedy, proPel verb 1 move, power, push, drive.
fast, expeditious, direct, immediate, 2 throw, thrust, toss, fling, hurl, pitch,
instant, early, punctual, in good time, send, shoot.
on time.
proper odjective 1 real, genuine,
- OPPOSITES slow, late.
actual, true, bona fide; informol kosher.
o odverb exactly, precisely, sharp, on
2 right, correct, accepted, conven-
the dot, dead, punctually; informol
tional, established, official, regular,
bang on; tV. Amei: informol on the but-
acceptable, appropriate, suitable, apt.
ton, on the nose.
3 formal, conventional, correct, ortho-
promptly odverb 1 punctually, on dox, polite, respectable, seemly.
time; informol on the dot, bang on; Brit - OPPOSITES wrong, improper.
informolspot on; N. Amer. informol on property noun 1 possessions, belong-
the button, on the nose. 2 without
ings, things, effects, stuff, goods;
delay, straight/right away, at once,
informal gear. 2 building(s), premises,
immediately, now, as soon as possible,
house(s), land; N. Amer real estate.
quickly, swiftly, rapidly, speedily, fast;
3 quality, attribute, characteristic,
informol pronto, asap.
feature, power, trait, hallmark.
- OPPoslTEs late.
prophecy noun prediction, forecast,
prone odjective 1 susceptible, vulner-
prognostication, prognosis, divination.
able, subject, open, liable, given, pre-
disposed, likely, disposed, inclined, apt. prophesy verb predict, foretell, fore-
2 lying face down, on your stomach/ cast, foresee, prognosticate.
front, lying flat, lying down, horizontal, prophet, prophetess noun fore-
prostrate. caster, seer, soothsayer, fortune teller,
pronounce verb 1 say, enunciate, clairvoyant, oracle.
articulate, utter, voice, sound, vocalize, proportion noun 1 part, portion,
get your tongue round. 2 declare, amount, quantity, bit, piece, percent-
proclaim, judge, rule, decree, ordain. age, fraction, section, segment, share.
pronounced odj ective noticeable, 2 ratio, distribution, relative amount/
marked, strong, conspicuous, striking, number, relationship. 3 balance,
distinct, prominent, unmistakable, symmetry, harmony, correspondence,
obvious. correlation, agreement. 4 men of huge
- oPPosrrES slight. proportions size, dimensions, magni-
tude, measurements, mass, volume,
proof noun evidence, verification, cor-
bulk, expanse, extent.
roboration, demonstration, authen-
tication, confi rmation, certifi cation, proportional, proportiona te a djec-
documentation. tive corresponding, comparable, in
o odjective resistant, immune, unaf- proportion, pro rata, commensurate,
fected, impervious. equivalent, consistent.
prop noun 1 pole, post, support, - oPPoslTES disproportionate.
upright, brace, buttress, stay, strut. proposal noun scheme, plan, idea, pro-
2 mainstay, pillar, anchor, support, ject, programme, motion, proposition,
cornerstone. suggestion, submission.
a verb lean, rest, stand, balance. propose verb 1 put forward, suggest,
tr prop up t hold up, shore up, but- submit, advance, offer, present, move,
tress, support, brace, underpin. 2 subsi- come up with, nominate, recommend.
dize, underwrite, fund, finance. 2 intend, mean, plan, have in mind, aim.
327 proposition -+ proud

proposition noun 1 proposal, scheme, safeguard, preserve, cushion, insulate,

plan, project, idea, programme. 2 task, shelter, screen, keep, look after.
job, undertaking, venture, activity, - oPPoSlTEs expose, harm.
affair. Protection noun 1 defence, security,
proprietor, proprietress noun safeguard, safety, sanctuary, shelter,
owner, possessor, holder, householder, refuge, immunity, indemnity. 2 safe
master, mistress, landowner, landlord, keeping, care, charge, guardianship,
landlady, shopkeeper. support, aegis, patronage. 3 barrier,
prosecute verb charge, take to court,
buffer, shield, screen, cushion, bulwark,
armour, insulation.
take legal action against, sue, try, bring
to trial, put on trial, put in the dock, protective odjective 1 protecting,
indict; N. Amer. impeach. covering, insulated, impermeable,
-oPPoSlrEs defend. -proof, -resistant. 2 solicitous, careful,
caring, defensive, paternal, maternal,
prospect noun likelihood, hope,
overprote(tive, possessive.
expectation, chance, odds, probability,
possibility, promise, outlook, lookout. Protector noun 1 defender, preserver,
a verb search, look, explore, survey, guardian, champion, patron, custodian.
scout, hunt, dowse. shield, buffer, cushion, pad,
prospective adjective potential, pos-
1r,.IT:
sible, probable, likely, future, eventual, protest noun 1 objection, complaint,
-to-be, soon-to-be, in the making, challenge, dissent, demurral, remon-
intending, aspiring, would-be. stration, fuss, outcry. 2 demonstra-
tion, rally, vigil, sit-in, occupation,
prosPectus noun brochure, syllabus, work-to-rule, stoppage, strike, walkout,
curriculum, catalogue, programme, mutiny, picket, boycott; informol demo.
list, schedule. a verb 1 object, express opposition,
prosper verb flourish, thrive, do well, dissent, take issue, take a stand, put
bloom, blossom, burgeon, progress, do up a fight, take exception, complain,
all right for yourself, get ahead, get on express disapproval, disagree, make a
(in the world), be successful; informol fuss, speak out: informol kick up a fuss.
go places. 2 insist on, maintain, assert, aftlrm,
- OPPoSITES fail. proclaim, declare, profess,
prosperity noun success, affluence, ilffi:r.",
wealth, ease, plenty. protocol noun etiquette, convention,
-oPPOSITES hardship, failure. formalities, custom, the rules, proce-
prosperous odjective thriving, fl ourish- dure, ritual, decorum, the done thing.
ing, successful, strong, vigorous, profit- prototype noun original, master, tem-
able, lucrative, expanding, booming, plate, pattern, sample.
burgeoning, affluent, wealthy, rich, protract verb prolong, lengthen,
moneyed, well off, well-to-do; informol extend, draw out, drag out, spin out,
in the money. stretch out, string out.
- oPPOSITES ailing, poor. - OPPOSITES curtail, shorten.
prostitute noun whore, sex worker, call protracted a djective prolonged,
girl, courtesan; informol working girl; extended, long-drawn-out, lengthy,
N. Amer. informolhooker, hustler. long.
Iverb betray, sacrifice, sell, sell out, - oPPoslTEs short.
debase, degrade, demean, devalue, proudodjective 1 pleased, glad, happy,
cheapen, lower, shame, misuse. delighted, thrilled, satisfi ed, gratified.
protect verb keep safe, keep from 2 o proud moment pleasing, gratifying,
harm, guard, defend, shield, save, satisfying, cheering, heart-warming.
prove -, prudish 328

happy, glorious. 3 arrogant, conceited, amenities, resource(s), arrangements.

vain, self-important, full of yourself, 2 (provisions) supplies, food and
overbearing, bumptious, presumptu- drink, stores, groceries, foodstuff(s),
ous, overweening, haughty, high and rations. 3 term, requirement, specifica-
mighty; informol big-headed, too big tion, stipulation.
for your boots, stucl<-up. provisional odjective interim, tempo-
- OPPOSITES ashamed, humble. rary, transitional, changeover, stopgap,
prove verb show (to be true), demon- short-term, fi ll-in, acting, working.
strate, substantiate, corroborate, verify, - oPPoSITES permanent, definite.
vaiidate, authenticate, confi rm. provocation noun goading, prodding,
- OPPOSITES disprove. incitement, harassment, pressure, teas-
proverb noun saying, adage, saw, ing, taunting, torment; informol hassle,
maxim, axiom, motto, aphorism, aggravation.
epigram. Provocative odjective annoying,
Provide verb 1 supply, give, come up irritating, maddening, galling, insult-
with, produce, deliver, donate, con- ing, offensive, inflammatory, incendi-
tribute; lnformol fork out, lay out. 2 he ary, like a red rag to a bull; informol
wos provided with too/s equip, furnish, aggravating.
issue, supply, fit out, rig out, kit out, provoke verb 1 arouse, produce, evol<e,
arm, provision; informal fix up. 3 offer, cause, give rlse to, excite, spark off,
present, afford, give, add, bring, yield, touch off, kindle, generate, engender,
impart, lend. instigate, result in, lead to, bring on,
o provide for feed, nurture, nourish, precipitate, prompt, trigger. 2 goad,
support, maintain, keep, sustain. spur, pricl<, sting, prod, incite, rouse,
provided, providing conjunction il, on stimulate. 3 annoy, anger, enrage,
condition that, provided that, presum- irritate, madden, nettle; Brit. rub up the
ing (that), assuming (that), as long as, wrong way; informol aggravate, rile,
with/on the understanding that. needle, get/put someone's back up;
provider noun supplier, donor, giver, Brit. informolwind up.
contributor, source. - OPPOSITES allay, appease.

province noun I territory, region, Prowess noun skill, expertise, mastery,

state, department, canton, area, ability, capability, capacity, talent,
district, sector, zone, division.2 (the aptitude, dexterity, profi ciency, fi nesse;
provinces) the regions, the rest of informal know-how.
the country, rural areasidistricts, the - oPPoslTEs inability, ineptitude.
countryside; informol the sticks, the prowl yerb steal, slink, skulk, sneak,
middle of nowhere; N. Amer. informol stall<, creep; informol snoop.
the boondocks.3 domain, area, proxy noun deputy, representative,
department, responsibility, sphere, substitute, delegate, agent, surrogate,
world, realm, field, discipline, teritory; stand-in, go-between.
informol bailiwick. prudent odjective 1 wise, well judged,
provincial odjective 1 local, small-town, sensible, politic, judicious, shrewd,
rural, country, outlying, backwoods; sage, sagacious, far-sighted, canny.
informol one-horse. 2 unsophisticated, 2 cautious, careful, provident, circum-
parochial, insular, narrow-minded, spect, thrifty, economical.
inward-looking, suburban, small-town; - OPPOSITES unwise, extravagant.
N. Amer. nformal corn-fed.
i
prudish odjective puritanical, prig-
- oPPostrES cosmopolitan, sophisticated. gish. prim. moralistic, censorious,
provision noun 1 limited provision strait-laced, Victorian, stufry : informol
for young children facilities, services, goody-goody.
 prune -+ pugnacious

- oPPoslTES permissive. (to the public), communal, available,

prune verb 1 cut back, trim, clip, shear, free, unrestricted.
shorten, thin, shape. 2 reduce, cut - OPPOSITES private, secret.
(back/down), pare (down), slim down, o noun 1 people, citizens, subjects,
trim, downsize, axe, shrink; informol electors, electorate, voters, taxpay-
slash. ers, residents, inhabitants, citizenry,
- OPPOSITES increase. population, populace, community,
society, country, nation. 2 audience,
pry verb be inquisitive, poke about/
spectators, concertgoers, theatregoers,
around, ferret about/around, spy,
followers, following, fans, devotees,
be a busybody; informol stick/poke
admirers.
your nose in/into, be nosy, snoop;
Austrol.I NZ i nformol stickybea k. iWORD LINKs
pseudonym noun pen name, nom de I
agoraphobia fear of public places
plume, assumed name, alias, sobriquet, publication noun 1 book, volume, title,
stage name, nom de guerre. opus, tome, newspaper, paper, maga-
psychiatrist noun psychotherapist, zine, periodical, newsletter, bulletin,
psychoanalyst, analyst; informol shrink. journal, report. 2 issuing, publishing,
psychic adjective 1 supernatural, printing, distribution.
paranormal, other-worldly, metaphysi- publicity noun 1 public attention,
cal, extrasensory, magic(al), mystic(al), media attention, exposure, glare, lime-
occult. 2 clairvoyant, telepathic. light, spotlight. 2 promotion, advertis-
o noun clairvoyant, fortune teller, ing, propaganda, boost, push; informol
medium, spiritualist, telepath, hype, ballyhoo, puff, build-up, plug.
mind-reader. publicize yerb 1 make known, make
psychological odjective 1 mental, public, announce, broadcast, spread,
emotional, inner, cognitive. 2 (all) in promulgate, disseminate, circulate, air.
the mind, psychosomatic, emotional, 2 advertise, promote, build up, talk
subjecl.ive, subconscious, unconscious. up, push, beat the drum for, boost;
- oPPoSlTEs physical. informol hype, plug, puff (up).
psychology noun mind, mindset, - oPPoslTES conceal, suppress.
thought processes, way of thinking, publish yerb 1 issue, bring out,
mentality, psyche, attitude(s), make- produce, print. 2 make known, make
up, character, temperament; informol public, publicize, announce, broadcast,
what makes someone tick. issue, put out, distribute, spread, prom-
pub noun (Brit.)bat, inn, tavern, hos- ulgate, disseminate, circulate, air.
telry; Brif. public house; lnformol water- pudding noun dessert, sweet, last
ing hole; Brit. informollocal, boozer; course; Brit. lnformol afters, pud.
N. Amer. hrstodcol saloon. puerile odjective childish, immature,
puberty noun adolescence, pubes- infantile, juvenile, babyish, silly, inane,
cence, youth, teenage years, teens. fatuous, foolish.
public adjective 1 state, national, - OPPOSITES mature.
constitutional, civic, civil, official, social, puff noun I gust, blast, flurry, rush,
municipal, nationalized. 2 popu- draught, waft, breeze, breath.2 pull;
lar, general, common, communal, informoldrag, toke.
collective, shared, joint, universal, a verb 1 breathe heavily, pant, blow,
widespread. 3 prominent, well gasp. 2 smoke, draw on, drag on,
known, important, leading, eminent, inhale.
distinguished, celebrated, household, pugnacious o dje ctive combative,
famous; N. Amer. major-league. 4 open ag gressive, antagonistic, belligerent,
 pull -+ puppet

quarrelsome, argumentative, hostile, punctual odjective on time, prompt, on

truculent. schedule, in (good) time; informol on
- oPpostTES peaceable. the dot.
pull verb 1 tug, haul, drag, draw, - OPPOSITES late.
tow, heave, jerk, wrench; informol punctuate yerb break up, interrupt,
yank. 2 strain, sprain, wrench, tear. intersperse, pepper, sprinkle, scatter.
3 attract, draw, bring in, pull in, lure,
puncture noun t hole, perforation,
seduce, entice, tempt.
rupture, cut, gash, slit, leak. 2 flat tyre;
- OPPOSITES push.
informolflat.
a noun 1 tug, jerk, heave; informal prick, pierce, stab, rupture,
O verb
yank.2 gulp, draught, drink, swallow,
perforate, cut, slit, deflate.
mouthful, slug; informol swig. 3 puff;
informol drag, toke. 4 attraction, draw, pungent odjectlve strong, powerful,
lure, magnetism, fascination, appeal, pervasive, penetrating, sharp, acid,
allure. sour, biting, bitter, tart, vinegary,
o pull off achieve, fulfil, succeed tangy, aromatic, spicy, piquant, pep.
in, accomplish, bring of, carry off, pery, hot, garlicky.
clinch, fix. pull out withdraw, resign, - oPPOSITES bland, mild.
Ieave, retire, step down, bow out, punish verb discipline, penalize,
back out, give up; informol quit. pull correct, sentence, teach someone a
through get better, get well again, lesson; informol come down on (like a
improve, recover, rally, come through, ton of bricks); doted chastise.
recuperate. punishing adjective arduous, demand-
pulp noun 1 mush, mash, paste, pur6e, ing, taxing, strenuous, rigorous,
slop, slush, mulch. 2 flesh, marrow, stressful, trying, heavy, difficult, tough,
meat. exhausting, tiring, gruelling.
a verb mash, pur6e, cream, crush, - oPPOS|TES easy.
press, liquidize. punishment noun penalty, sanction,
pulse noun t heartbeat, heart rate. penance, discipline, forfeit, sentence.
2 rhythm, beat, tempo, pounding, woRP LrryIS
throb, throbbing, thudding, drumming.
o verb throb, pulsate, vibrate, beat, punishment
-
penal, punitive relating to
pound, thud, thump, drum, reverber-
ate, echo. punitive odjective penal, disciplinary,
pump verb 1 force, drive, push, inject, corrective.
suck, draw. 2 inflate, blow up, fill up, puny odjective 1 small, weak, feeble,
swell, enlarge, distend, expand, dilate, slight, undersized, stunted, underde-
puff up. 3 spurt, spout, squirt, jet, veloped; informolweedy. 2 pitiful, piti-
surge, spew, gush, stream, flow, pour, able, miserable, sorry, meagre, paltry;
spill, well, cascade. informal pathetic, measly.
punchr verb hit, strike, thump, jab, - OPPOSITES sturdy.
smash; informol sock, slug, biff, bop; pupil noun 1 student, scholar, school.
Brit. informol stick one on, slosh; child, schoolboy, schoolgirl. 2 disciple,
N. Amer. informol boff, bust; Austrol.lNZ followel student, prot6g6, apprentice,
informol quilt. trainee, novice.
a noun blow, hit, knock, thump, box, - OPPOSTTES teacher.
jab, clip; informol socl<, slug, biff, bop;
pupPet noun 1 marionette, glove
N. Amer. informal boff, bust. puppet, finger puppet. 2 pawn, tool,
punch2 verb perforate, puncture, instrument, cat's paw, poodle, mouth-
pierce, prick, hole, spike, skewer. piece, stooge.
331 purchase + put
purchase verb buy, acquire, obtain, pick steadfastness, single-mindedness,
up, procure, pay for, invest in; informal enthusiasm, ambition, motivation,
get hold of, score. commitment, conviction, dedication.
- oPPosrrEs sell. tr on purpose deliberately, intention-
a noun 1 acquisition, buy, investment, ally, purposely, wilfully, knowingly,
order. 2 grip, grasp, hold, foothold, consciously.
toehold, anchorage, support, traction, purposeful odjective determined,
leverage. resolute, steadfast, single-minded,
- opposrrs sale. committed.
pure odjective 1 unadulterated, - OPPOSITES aimless.
undiluted, sterling, solid, unalloyed. purposely odverb deliberately, inten-
2 clean, clear, fresh, sparkling, unpol- tionally, on purpose, wilfully, know-
luted, uncontaminated, untainted. ingly, consciously.
3 virtuous, moral, good, righteous, purse noun 1 wallet; tV. Amer. change
honourable, reputable, wholesome, purse, billfold. 2 (N. Amer.) handbag,
clean, honest, upright, upstanding, shoulder bag, clutch bag; iV. Amer
exemplary, innocent, chaste, unsul- pocketbook. 3 prize, reward, winnings,
lied, undefiled; informol squeaky clean. stal<e(s).
4 sheer, utter, absolute, out-and-out, o verb press together, compress,
complete, total, perfect. tighten, pucker, pout.
- oPPoSITES impure, polluted.
pursue verb 1 follow, run after, chase,
purely odverb entirely, wholly, exclu- hunt, stalk, track, trail, hound. 2 strive
sively, solely, only, just, merely. for, work towards, seek, search for, aim
purge verb 1 cleanse, clear, purify, rid, at/for, aspire to.3 engage in, be occu-
empty, strip, scour. 2 remove, get rid pied in, practise, follow, conduct, ply,
of, eliminate, clear out, sweep out, take up, undertake, carry on with, con-
expel, eject, evict, dismiss, sack, oust, tinue, proceed with, apply oneself to.
axe, depose, root out, weed out. pursuit noun o ronge of leisure pursuits
a noun removal, elimination, expul- activity, hobby, pastime, diversion,
sion, ejection, exclusion, eviction, recreation, amusement, occupation.
dismissal. push verb 1 shove. thrust, propel. send, J :
purify verb clean, cleanse, refine, decon- drive, force, prod, poke, nudge, elbow, 'i':r:iiii:i:al
taminate, filter, clear, freshen, deodor- shoulder, ram, squeeze, jostle. 2 press,
ize. sanitize, disinfect, sterilize. depress, hold down, squeeze, oper-
puritanical adjective moralistic, puri- ate, activate. 3 urge, press, pressure,
tan, strait-laced, stuffy, prudish, prim, pressurize, force, coerce, dragoon,
priggish, narrow-minded, censorious, browbeat; informollean on, twist
austere, severe, ascetic, abstemious; someone's arm.
nfo r mol goody-goody, sta rchy.
i - OPPoSITES pull.
- OPPoSITES permissive. a noun 1 shove, thrust, nudge, bump,
noun 1 cleanness, freshness, jolt, prod, poke. 2 the ormy's eostword
Purity push advance, drive, thrust, charge,
cleanliness. 2 virtue, morality, good-
ness, righteousness, piety, honour, attack, assault, onslaught, onrush,
honesty, integrity, innocence. offensive.
purpose noun 1 motive, motivation, pushy odjective assertive, overbearing,
grounds, occasion, reason, point, domineering, aggressive, forceful,
basis, justification. 2 intention, aim, forward, thrusting, ambitious, driven,
object, objective, goal, plan, ambi- overconfident, cocky; informol bossy.
tion, aspiration.3 function, role, use. put verb 1 place, set, lay, deposit,
4 determination, resolution, resolve, position, leave, plant, locate, situate,
puzzle -+ puzzling 332

settle, install; informol stick, dump, take in, give someone a roof over their
park, plonk, pop; i\. Amer. informol head. 2 nominate, propose, put for-
plunk. 2 express, word, phrase, frame, ward, recommend. 3 build, construct,
formulate, render, convey, state. erect, raise.4 display, pin up, stick
o put acrossfover communicate, up, hang up, post. 5 provide, sup-
convey, get across/over, explain, ply, furnish, give, contribute, donate,
make clear, spell out. put off 1 deter, pledge, pay; informol cough up, shell
discourage, dissuade, daunt, unnerve, out; tV. Amer. informolante up, pony up.
intimidate, scare off; informol turn off. put up with tolerate, take, stand (for),
2 postpone, defer, delay, put back, accept, stomach, swallow, endure,
adjourn, hold over, reschedule, shelve; bear; informol abide, lump it; Brit. infor-
N. Amer. table; informalput on ice, put mol stick; formol brook.
on the back burner. put out 1 annoy, puzzle verb baffle, perplex, bewilder,
anger, irritate, offend, displease, irk, confuse, bemuse, mystify, nonplus;
gall, upset; informolrile, miff.2 incon- infornol flummox, stump, beat.
venience, trouble, bother, impose on. o noun enigma, mystery, paradox,
3 extinguish, quench, douse, smother, conundrum, posel riddle, problem.
blow out, snuff out. 4 issue, publish, Puzzling odjective baffling, perplexing,
release, bring out, circulate, publicize, bewildering, confusing, complicated,
post. put up 1 accommodate, house, unclear, mysterious, enigmatic.
 quaint -+ queen

Qq
quaint odjective 1 picturesque, charm- nformol ttff ,slanging match, run-in,
i

ing, sweet, attractive, old-fashioned, spat; Brit informol bust-up.

old-world; Brit. twee. 2 unusual, curi- - oPPoslTES agreement.
ous, eccentric, quirky, bizarre, whimsi- o verb argue, fight, disagree, fall out,
cal, unconventi onal|, informol offbeat. differ, be at odds, bicker, squabble,
- OPPOSITES ugly. cross swords; Brit row.
quake verb shake, tremble, quiver, - oPPOSITES agree.
shudder, sway, rock, wobble, move, o quarrel with fault, criticize, object
heave, convulse. to, oppose, take exception to, attack,
take issue with, impugn, contradict,
qualification noun 1 certificate,
dispute, controvert; informol knock.
diploma, degree, licence, document,
warrant. 2 modifi cation, limltation, quarrelsome odj ective argumentative,
reservation, stipulation, alteration, disputatious, confrontational, captious,
amendment, revision, moderation, pugnacious, combative, antagonistic,
mitigation, condition, proviso, caveat. bellicose, belligerent, cantanl<erous,
qualified odjective 1 certified,
choleric; Brit. informol stroppy.
certifi cated, chartered, licensed, - oPPostrES peaceable.
professional. 2 limited, conditional, quarry noun prey, victim, object, goal,
restricted, contingent, circumscribed, target, kill, game, prize.
guarded, equivocal, modifi ed, adapted, quarter noun 1 district, area, region,
amended, adjusted, moderated, part, side, neighbourhood, precinct,
reduced. locality, sector, zone, ghetto, com-
- oPPosrrEs wholehearled. munity, enclave. 2 source, direction,
qualify verb 1 be eligible, meet the place, location. 3 the servonts' quarters
requirements, be entitled, be permit- accommodation, lodgin gs, rooms,
ted.2 be certified, be licensed, pass, chambers, home; informol pad, digs;
graduate, succeed. 3 authorize, formol abode, residence, domicile.
empower, allow, permit, Iicense. 4 riot squads gove no quorter mercy,
4 modify, limit, restrict, make condi- leniency, clemency, compassion, pity,
tional, moderate, temper, modulate, charity, sympathy, tolerance.
mitlgate. a verb accommodate, house, board,
quality noun 1 standard, grade, class, lodge, put up, take in, install, shelter;
calibre, condition, character, nature, Militory bllet.
form, rank, value, level. 2 excellence, quash verb 1 cancel, reveTse, rescind,
superiority, merit, worth, value, virtue, repeal, revoke, retract, countermand,
calibre, distinction. 3 feature, trait, withdraw, overturn, overrule. 2 stop,
attribute, characteristic, point, aspect, put an end to, stamp out, crush, put
facet, side, property. down, check, curb, nip in the bud,
quantity noun amount, total, squash, suppress, stifl e.
aggregate, sum, quota, mass, weight, queasy odjective nauseous, bilious, sick,
volume, bulk. ill, unwell, poorly, green about the gills;
quarrel noun argument, disagreement, Brit. off colou r.

squabble, fight, dispute, wrangle, clash, queen noun monarch, sovereign, ruler,
altercation, feud, vendetta; Brit. row; head of state, Crown, Her Majesty.
queer -+ quirk 334

queer odjectiye odd, strange, unusual, qu-ck odjective 1 fast, swift , rapid,
funny, peculiar, curious, bizarre, weird, speedy, brisk, smart, lightning, whirl-
uncanny, freakish, eerie, unnatural, wind, whistle-stop, breakneck; i nformol
abnormal, anomalous; informol spooky. nippy, zippy; literory fleet.2 hasty, hur-
- OPPOSITES normal. ried, cursory, perfunctory, desultory,
quell verb 1 put an end to, put a stop superficial, brief. 3 sudden, instantane-
to, crush, put down, check, crack down ous, instant, immediate, abrupt, pre-
on, curb, nip in the bud, squash, quash, cipitate. 4 intelligent, bright, clever,
subdue, suppress, overcome. 2 calm, gifted, able, astute, sharp-witted,
soothe, paclfy, settle, quieten, silence, smart, alert, sharp, perceptive; informol
allay, assuage, mitigate, moderate. brainy, on the ball, genius.
query noun 1 question, enquiry. - oPPostrEs slow, long.
2 doubt, uncertainty, question (mark), quicken verb 1 speed up, accelerate,
reservation. step up, hasten, hurry (up). 2 stimu-
a verb 7 ask, enquire, question; Brit. late, excite, arouse, rouse, stir up,
informol quiz. 2 challenge, question, activate, whet, inspire, kindle.
dispute, doubt, have suspicions about, quickly odverb 1 fast, swiftly, briskly,
distrust. rapidly, speedily, at full tilt, at a gallop,
- OPPOSITES accept. at the double, post-haste, hotfoot;
quest noun 1 search, hunt, pursuance. informollike (greased) lightning, hell for
2 expedition, journey, voyage, trek, leather, like blazes, like the wind; Brit.
travels, odyssey, adventure, exploration, informollike the clappers, like billy-o;
search, crusade, mission, pilgrimage. N. Amer. informollickety-split. 2 imme-

question noun 1 enquiry, query, diately, directly, at once, straight

away, right away, instantly, forthwith;
interrogation. 2 doubt, dispute, argu-
N. Amer. momentarily; informol like a
ment, debate, uncertainty, reserva-
shot, asap, p.d.q., pronto.3 briefly,
tion. 3 issue, matter, topic, business,
problem, concern, debate, argument, fleetingly, briskly, hastily, hurriedly,
cursorily, perfu nctorily.
dispute, controversy.
- OPPOSITES answer, certainty. quietodjective 1 silent, still, hushed,
a verb 1 interrogate, cross-examine. noiseless, soundless, mute, dumb,
cross-question, quiz, interview, debrief, speechless. 2 soft, low, muted, muf-
examine; informolgrill, pump. 2 query, fled, faint, hushed, whispered, sup-
challenge, dispute, cast aspersions on, pressed. 3 peaceful, sleepy, tranquil,
doubt, suspect. calm, still, restful.
o out of the question impossible, - OPPOSITES loud, busy.
impracticable, unfeasible, unworkable, a noun silence, still, hush, restfulness,
inconceivable, unimaginable, unrealiz- calm, tranquillity, serenity, peace.
able, unsuitable; informal not on. quietly adverb 1 silently, noiselessly,
soundlessly, inaudibly. 2 softly,
lwono lrNxs faintly, in a low voice, in a whisper, in
interrogative relating to questions
a murmur, under your breath, in an
questionable odjective suspicious, sus- undertone, sotto voce.
pect, dubious, irregulal odd, strange, quitt noun duvet, cove(s); Brit. eider.
murky, dark, unsavoury, disreputable; down; A/. Amer. comforter; Austrol.
informolfunny, fishy, shady, itry; Brit. trodemork Doona.
informol dodgy. quirk noun 1 idiosyncrasy, peculiar-
queue noun row, column, file, chain, ity, oddity, eccentricity, foible, whim,
string, procession, waiting list; N. Amer. vagary, habit, characteristic, trait, fad.
line, wait list. 2 chance, fluke, freak, anomaly, twist.
335 quirky + quote

quirky odjective eccentric, idiosyncratic, quaz noun competition, test of

unconventional, unorthodox, unusual, knowledge.
strange, bizarre, peculia r, zany: informol o verb question, interrogate, cross-
wacky, way-out, offbeat. examine, cross-question, interview;
- OPPOSITES conventional. informalgrill, pump.
quit verb 1 leave, vacate, exit, depart quota noun share, allocation, allow-
from.2 (informol) resign from, leave, ance, ration, portion, slice, percentage;
give up, hand in your notice; informol Brit. informol whack.
chuck, pack in.3 (informol) give up, quotation noun 1 extract, quote, cita-
stop, discontinue, drop, abandon, tion, excerpt, passage; lV. Amer cite.
abstain from; informolpack in, leave off. 2 estimate, quote, price, tender, bid,
quite odverb 1 completely, entirely, costing.
totally, wholly, absolutely, utterly, quote verb 1 recite, repeat, reproduce,
thoroughly, altogether. 2 fairly, rather, retell, echo. 2 mention, cite, refer to,
somewhat, relatively, comparatively, name, instance, allude to, point out.
moderately, reasonably; informal pretty. a noun see quotation.
race J raln 336

Rr
racel noun 1 contest, competition, major. 2 fundamental, basic, deep-
event, fixture, heat, trial(s). 2 the roce seated, essential, structural. 3 revo-
for novol dominotion rivalry, competi- lutionary, progressive, reformist,
tion, contention, quest. revisionist, prog ressivist, extreme,
overbl compete, contend, run, be fanatical, militant.
pitted against. 2 hurry, dash, rush, - OPPOSITES superficial, minor,
run, sprint, bolt, charge, career, shoot, co nservative.
hurtle, hare, fly, speed, zoom; informol raffle noun lottery, (prize) draw, sweep-
tear, belt. stake, sweep, tombola; r!. Amer. lotto.
race2 noun 1 ethnic group, origin, rage noun 1 fury, anger, wrath, outrage,
bloodline, stock. 2 people, nation. indignation, temper, spleen; formol ire.
racial odjective ethnic, ethnological, 2 craze, passion, fashion, taste, trend,
race-related, cultural, national, tribal, vogue, fad, mania; lnformolthing.
genetic. a verb be angry, be furious, be
rack noun frame, frameworl<, stand, enraged, be incensed, seethe, be beside
holder, trestle, support, shelf. yourself, rave, storm, fume, spit; infor-
a verb torment, afflict, torture, mol be livid, be wild, be steamed up.
agonize, harrow, plague, persecute, ragged odjective 1 tattered, torn,
trouble, worry. ripped, frayed, worn (out), threadbare,
racket noun 1 noise, din, hubbub, scruffy, sha bby ; informol tatty. 2 jag-
clamour, uproar, tumult, commotion, ged, craggy, rugged, uneven, rough,
rumpus, pandemonium; Brit. row; irregular, indented.
informol hullabaloo. 2 (informol) fraud, raid noun 1 attack, assault, descent,
swindle, sharp practice; informol scam, blitz, incursion, sortie, onslaught,
rip-off. storming. 2 robbery, burglary, hold-up,
radiant odjective 1 shining, bright, illu- breal<-in, ram raid; informol smash-and-
minated, brilliant, gleaming, glowing, grab, stick-up; N. Amer. informol heist.
ablaze, Iuminous, lustrous, incandes- a verb 1 attack, assault, set upon,
cent, dazzling, coruscating, shimmer- descend on, swoop on, storm, rush.
ing. 2 joyful, elated, thrilled, overjoyed, 2 rob, hold up, break into, plunder,
jubilant, rapturous, ecstatic, euphoric, steal from, pillage, loot, ransack; lnfor-
in seventh heaven, on cloud nine, mol stick up.
delighted, very happy; informol ontop raider noun robber, burglar, thief,
of the world, over the moon. housebreal<er, plunderer, pillager,
-OPPOSITES dark, gloomy. looter, marauder, attacker, assailant,
radiate verb 1 emit, give off, discharge, invader.
diffuse, scatter, shed, cast. 2 shine, railing noun fence, fencing, rail(s),
beam, emanate, pour. 3 fan out, palisade, balustrade, banister.
spread out, branch out/off, extend, rain noun 1 rainfall, precipitation,
issue. drizzle, mizzle, s hower,
rai nd rops,
radical odjective 1 thorough, rainstorm, cloudburst, torrent, down-
complete, total, comprehensive. pour, deluge, storm. 2 o roin of hot
exhaustive, sweeping, far-reaching, osh shower, deluge, flood, torrent,
wide-ran ging, extensive, profound, avalanche, flurry, storm, hail.
337 rainy + rank

a verb 1 pour (down), pelt down, tip disconnected. 2 sprawling, spreading,

down, teem down, beat down, lash labyrinthine, maze-like.
down, drizzle, spit; informol be chuck- - oPPoslrES concise, compact.
ing it down; Brit. informol bucket down. ramification noun consequence,
2 bombs roined on the clty fall, hail, result, aftermath, outcome, effect,
drop, shower. upshot, development, implication.
WORD LINKS ramp noun slope, bank, incline, gradi-
pluvial relating to rain ent, rise, drop.
taanY odjective wet, showery, drizzly,
rampage verb riot, run amok, go ber-
serk, storm, charge, tear.
damp, inclement.
tr go on the rampage riot, go
- oPPOslTEs dry, fine. berserk, get out of control, run amok;
raise verb 1 lift (up), hold aloft, elevate, N. Amer informol go postal.
uplift, hoist, haul up, hitch up; Brit.
ramPant odjective uncontrolled, unre-
informal hoick up. 2 increase, put up,
strained, unchecked, unbridled, out of
push up, up, mark up, inflate; informol
control, out of hand, widespread, rife,
hike (up), jack up, bump up. 3 amplify,
spreading.
louden, magnify, intensify, boost,
- OPPOSITES controlled.
lift, increase. 4 get, obtain. acquire,
accumulate, amass, collect, fetch, net, random adjective unsystematic, unme-
make. 5 bring up, air, present, table, thodical, arbitrary, unplanned, chance,
propose, submit, advance, suggest, casual, indiscriminate, non-specific,
put forward. 6 give rise to, occasion, haphazard, stray, erratic, hit-or-miss.
cause, produce, engender, elicit, create, - OPPOSITES systematic.
result in, lead to, prompt. 7 bring up, range noun 1 extent, limit, reach, span,
rear, nurture, educate. scope, compass, sweep, area, fleld,
- OPPoSITES lower, reduce. orbit, ambit, horizon, latitude. 2 row,
rake verb 1 scrape, collect, gather. chain, sierra, ridge, massif. 3 assort-
2 smooth (out), level, even out, flat-
ment, variety, diversity, mixture, collec-
ten, comb. 3 rummage, search, hunt, tion, array, selection, choice.
sift, rifle. a verb 1 vary, fluctuate, differ, extend,
stretch, reach, go, run, coveT.2 roam,
rally verb 1 regroup, reassemble, wander, travel, journey, rove, traverse,
re-form, reunite, convene, mobilize. walk, hike, trek.
2 recover, improve, get better, pick up,
revive, bounce back, perk up, look up,
rankl noun 1 position, level, grade,
echelon, class, status, standing. 2 high l.til:l$:ii
turn a corner.
standing, blue blood. high birth.
a noun 1 (mass) meeting, gather-
nobility, aristocracy. 3 row, line, flle,
ing, assembly, demonstration, march;
column, string. train. procession.
lnformol demo. 2 recovery, upturn,
a verb 1 classify, class, categorize,
improvement, comeback, resurgence.
rate, grade, bracket, group, designate,
ram verb 1 force, thrust, plunge, stab, list. 2 line up, align, order, arrange,
push, sink, dig, stick, cram, jam, stuff. dispose, set out, aray, range.
2 hit, strike, crash into, collide with,
rank2 odjective 1 abundant, lush, luxuri-
impact, smash into, butt.
ant, dense, profuse, vigorous, over-
ramble verb 1 walk, hike, tramp, trek, grown; lnformol jungly. 2 offensive,
backpack. 2 chatter, babble, prattle, nasty, revolting, sickening, obnoxious,
blather, gabble, jabber, twitter, rattle; foul, fetid, rancid, putrid. 3 ronk stupid-
Brit. informol witter, chunter, rabbit. Ity downright, utter, out-and-out,
rambling odjective 1 long-winded, absolute, complete, sheer, blatant,
verbose, wordy, prolix, disjointed, arrant, thorough, unqualifi ed.
 rankle -) raucous 338

rankle verb annoy, upset, anger, irri- rash2 a dj ective reckless, mpu lsive,
i

tate, offend, affront, displease, provol<e, impetuous, hot-headed, daredevil,

irk, vex, pique, nettle, gall; lnformol rile, madcap, hasty, foolhardy, incautious,
miff, peeve, aggravate, hack off; Bdt. precipitate, careless, heedless, thought-
informol nark; N. Amei: informoltick oft. less, unthinking, imprudent, foolish.
ransack verb 1 plunder, pillage, raid, - OPPOSITES prudent.
rob, loot, sack, strip, despoil, ravage, rate noun 1 percentage, ratio, propor-
devastate. 2 scour, rifle through, comb, tion, scale, standard.2 charge, price.
search, turn upside down. cost, tariff, fare, fee, remuneration, pay-
ransom noun pay-off, payment, sum, ment. 3 speed, pace, tempo, velocity.
price. a verb 1 assess, evalual.e, appraise.
judge, weigh up, estimate, gauge.
rant verb shout, sound off, hold forth,
go on, fulminate, spout, bluster; infor- 2 merit, deserve, warrant, be
mol mouth off. worthy of.
rapverb hit, knock, strike, smack, bang; rather odverb 1 sooner, by preference,
by choice, more readily. 2 quite, a bit,
informol whack, thwack, bash, wallop.
a little, fairly, slightly, somewhat, rela-
rcpid odjective quick, fast, swift, speedy, tively, comparatively; informol pretty.
express, expedltious, brisk, lightning,
meteoric, whirlwind, sudden, instanta-
ratifyverb confirm, approve, sanction,
neous, instant, immediate. endorse, agree to, accept, uphold,
authorize, formalize, sign.
- OPPoSITES siow.
rapport noun affinity, close relatlon-
rating noun grade, classification, rank-
ship, (mutual) understanding, bond, ing, position, category, assessment,
empathy, sympathy, accord. evaluation, mark, score.
rare odjective 1 infrequent, scarce, ratio noun proportion, relationship,
sparse, few and far between, occa-
rate, percentage, fraction, correlation.
sional, limited, isolated, odd, unac- ration noun 1 allowance, allocation,
customed. 2 unusual, recherch6, quota, share, portion, helping.2 the
uncommon, thin on the ground, like gorrison ron out of rotions supplies,
gold dust, unfamiliar, atypical. 3 excep- provisions, food, stores.
tional, outstanding, unparalleled, a verb control, limit, restrict, conserve.
peerless, matchless, unique, unrivalled, rational odjective logical, reasoned,
beyond compare. sensible, reasonable, realistic, cogent,
*ii€1i*, - OPPOSITES common, commonplace. intelligent, shrewd, common-sense,
*-..iilt rarety odverb seldom, infrequently, sane, sound.
hardly (ever), scarcely. rationale noun reason(s), thinking,
- opposttrs often. logic, grounds, sense.
taring odjective eager, keen, enthusi- rationalize verb 1 justify, explain
astic, impatient, longing, desperate; (away), account for, defend, vindicate,
informol dying, itching. excuse. 2 streamline, reorganize, mod-
rarity noun 1 infrequency, scarcity. ernize, update, trim, hone, simplify,
2 curiosity, oddity, collector's item, downsize, prune.
rare bird, wonder, nonpareil, one of a rattle verb 1 clatter, clank, knock,
kind; Brit. informol one-off. clunk, clink, jangle, tinkle. 2 unnerve,
rashl noun 1 spots, eruption, nettle- disconcert, disturb, fluster, shake, per-
rash, hives. 2 o rosh of orticles in the turb, throw, discomfiU informol faze.
press series, succession, spate, wave, raucous adjective t harsh, strident,
flood, deluge, torrent, outbreak, epi- screeching, piercing, shrill, grating,
demic, flurry. discordant, dissonant, noisy, loud,
339 ravage, real

cacophonous. 2 rowdy, noisy, boister- - oPPostrES radical, progressive.

ous, roisterous, wild. read verb 1 peruse, study, scrutinize,
- OPPOSITES soft, quiet. look through, pore over, run your eye
ravage verblay waste, devastate, ruin, over, cast an eye over, leaf through,
destroy, wreak havoc on. scan.2 understand, make out, make
rave verb 1 rant, rage, Iose your temper, sense of, decipher, interpret, construe.
storm, fume, shout; informol fly off 3 register, record, display, show,
the handle, hit the roof; Brit. informol indicate.
go spare; N. Amer: informalflip your WORD LINKS
wig. 2 enthuse, go into raptures, wax literacy ability to read
lyrical. rhapsodize, sing the praises
illiteracy inability to read
of, acclaim, eulogize, extol; i!. Amer.
informol ballyhoo. readable odjective 1 legible, decipher-
- oPPostTES criticize. able, clear, intelligible, comprehensible.
raw odjective 1 uncooked, fresh, 2 enjoyable, entertaining, interest-
natural. 2 unprocessed, untreated, ing, absorbing, gripping, enthralling,
unrefi ned, crude, natural. 3 inexpe- engrossing ; informol unputdownable.
rienced, new, untrained, untried, - oPPoSlTEs illegible.
untested, callow, green; informol wet readily odverb 1 willingly, unhesitat-
behind the ears. 4 sore, red, painful, ingly, ungrudgingly, qladly, happily,
tender, chafed. eagerly. 2 easily, without difficulty.
- OPPOSITES cooked, processed. readiness noun willingness, eagerness,
ray noun beam, shaft, stream, streak, keenness, enthusiasm, alacrity.
flash, glimmer, flicker, spark. o in readiness (at the) ready, pre-
raze verb destroy, demolish, tear down, pared, available, on hand, accessible,
pull down, knock down, level, flatten, handy.
bulldoze, wipe out, lay waste. reading noun 1 perusal, study,
reach verb 1 extend, stretch, out- scanning. 2 learning, scholarship,
stretch, thrust, stick, hold. 2 arrive education, erudition. 3 recital, recita-
at, get to, come to, end up at.3 fhe tion, performance. 4 lesson, passage,
temperature reoched 75'attain, get to, excerpt. 5 interpretation, understand-
rise to, fall to, sink to, drop to; informol ing, explanation, analysis, construction.
hit. 4 rninisters reoched on ogreement ready odjective 1 prepared, equipped,
achieve, work out, draw up, put all set, organized, primed; informol ftt,
together, negotiate, thrash out, ham- psyched up, geared up.2 completed,
mer out. 5 contact, get in touch with, fi nished, prepared, organized, done,
get through to, get, speak to: informol arranged, fixed. 3 he s olwoys reody
get hold of. to help willing, prepared, pleased,
a noun 1 grasp, range, stretch, inclined, disposed, eager, keen, happy,
capabilities, capacity. 2 jurisdiction, glad; informolgame. 4 o reody supply
authority, infl uence, power, scope, of food (easily) available, accessible,
range, compass, ambit. handy, closei near at hand, to/on hand,
react verb respond, act in response, convenient, within reach, near, at your
reply, answer, behave. fingertips; informol on tap.5 o ready
reaction noun 1 response, answer, onsfver prompt, quick, swift, speedy,
reply, rejoinder, retort, riposte informal [ast, immediate, unhesitating.
comeback. 2 backlash, counteraction. o verb prepare, organize, gear up;
reactionary odjective right-win g, con- informol psych up.
servative, traditionalist, conventional, real adjective 1 actual, true, factual,
diehard. non-fi ctional, historical, material,
realism + rebate 340

physical, tangible, concrete. 2 genuine, reap verb t harvest, cut, pick, gathel
authentic, bona fide, proper, true; infor- garner. 2 receive, obtain, get, derive,
mol pukka, kosher. 3 sincere, genuine, acquire, secure, realize.
true, unfeigned, heartfelt. 4 complete, rearl noun back (part), hind part, end,
utter, thorough, absolute, total, prize, tail (end), back (end); Noutico/ stern.
perfect; Brit. informol right, proper.
oodjective back, end, rearmost, hind,
- OPPOSITES imaginary, false. last.
realism noun 1 pragmatism, practical- - OPPOSITES front.
ity, common sense, level-headedness. tear2 verb 1 bring up, care for, look
2 authenticity, accuracy, fidelity, after, nurture. paren[; tV. Amer. raise.
truthfulness, verisimilitude. 2 breed, raise, keep, grow, cultivate.
realistic adjective 1 practical, prag- 3 houses reored up on either side rise,
matic, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth, tower, soar, loom.
sensible, commonsensical, rational, reason noun 1 cause, ground(s), basis,
level-headed; informol no-nonsense. rationale, motive, explanation, justifica-
2 achievable, attainable, feasible, prac- tion, defence, vindication, excuse,
ticable, reasonable, sensible, workable; apologia. 2 rationality, logic. cogni-
informol doable. 3 authentic, accurate, tion, reasoning, intellect, thought,
true to life, lifelike, truthful, faithful, understanding ; formol ratiocination.
natural, naturalistic. 3 sanity, mind, mental faculties,
- oPPostrES unrealistic. senses, wits; informol marbles.
reality noun 1 the real world, real life, a yerb calculate, conclude, reckon,
actuality, corporeality. 2 fact, actuality, think, judge. deduce, infer, surmise:
truth. 3 authenticity, verisimilitude, informol figure.
fi delity, truthfulness, accuracy. tr reason out work out, think through,
- OPPOSITES fantasy. make sense of, get to the bottom
realization of, puzzle out', informol figure out.
noun 1 awareness,
understanding. comprehension, con- reason with talk round, bring round,
persuade, prevail on, convince.
sciousness, appreciation, recognition,
discernment. 2 fulfi lment, achieve- WORD LINKS
ment, accomplishment, attainment. rational relating to reason
realize verb 1 register, perceive, reasonable odjective 1 sensible,
understand, grasp, comprehend, see, rational, logical, fair, just, equitable,
recognize, take in; informol tumble to; intelligent, wise, level-headed, practical,
Brit. informaltwig. 2 fulfil, achieve, realistic, sound, valid, commonsensical,
accomplish, make happen, bring to tenable, plausible, credible, believable.
fruition, bring about/off, actualize. 2 practicable, sensible, appropriate,
3 make, clear, gain, earn, Teturn, suitable. 3 fairly good, acceptable,
produce. 4 be sold for, fetch, go for, satisfactory, average, adequate, fair,
make, net. tolerable, passable; informal OK.
really odverb 1 in (actual) fact, actu- 4 inexpensive, affordable, moderate,
ally, in reality, in truth. 2 genuinely, low, cheap, within your means.
truly, certainly, honestly, undoubtedly, reassure verb put someone's mind
unquestionably. at rest, encourage, hearten, buoy up,
realm noun 1 kingdom, country, land, cheer up, comfort, soothe.
state. nation, territory. dominion, - OPPOSITES alarm.
empire, monarchy, principality. 2 the rebate noun partial refund, partial
reolm of ocodemio domain, sphere, repayment, discount, deduction,
area, field, world, province. reduction.
341 rebel + reciprocal

rebel noun 1 revolutionary, insurgent, - OPPOSTTES amenable.

insurrectionist, mutineer, guerrilla, ter- recall verb 1 remember, recollect, call
rorist, freedom fighter. 2 nonconform- to mind, think back on/to, reminisce
ist, dissenter, dissident, maverick. about.2 remind someone of, bring to
- OPPoSITES loyalist, conformist. mind, call up, conjure up, evoke. 3 call
o verb revolt, mutiny, riot, rise up, tal<e back, order home, withdraw.
uP arms. - oPPoSITES forget.
o odjective 1 rebellious, insurgent, o noun recollection, remembrance,
revolutionary, mutinous. 2 defiant, memory.
disobedient, insubordinate, subversive,
recede verb 1 retreat, go back/down/
rebellious, nonconformist, maverick.
away, withdraw, ebb, subside.2 dimin-
- oPPOSITES loyal, obedient. ish, lessen, dwindle, fade, abate,
o rebel against defy, disobey, kicl<
subside.
against, challenge, oppose, resist.
- oPPostrEs advance, grow.
rebellion noun 1 revolt, uprising, insur-
rection, mutiny. revolution, insurgence.
receive verb 1 be given, be presented
with, be awarded, be sent, be in receipt
2 defiance, disobedience, insubordina-
of, get, obtain, gain, acquire, be pald.
tion, subversion, resistance.
2 hear, listen to, respond to, react to.
- OPPOSITES compliance.
3 experience, sustain, undergo, meet
rebellious odjective 1 rebel, insurgent, with, suffer, bear.
mutinous, revolutionary. 2 defiant, - oPPoSlTEs give, send.
disobedient, insubordinate, unruly,
mutinous, obstreperous, recalcitrant, recent odjective new, the latest, cur-
intractable; Brit. informol bolshie. rent, fresh, modern, late, contempo-
- OPPoSITES loyal, obedient. rary, up to date, up to the minute.
rebound verb 1 bounce (back), spring - oPPosrrES old.
back, ricochet, boomerang. 2 backfire, recently odverb not long ago, a little
misfire, come back on. while back, just now, newly, freshly, of
late, lately, latterly.
rebuff verb reject, turn down, spurn,
refuse, decline, snub, slight, dismiss, recePtion noun 1 response, reaction,
brush off. treatment. 2 party, function, soclal
- OPPOSITES accept. occasion, celebration, get-together,
a noun rejection, snub, slight, refusal, gathering, soir6e; tV. Amer. levee;
spurning; informol brush-off, kick in the informol do.
teeth, slap in the face. receptive odjec tive open-minded.
rebuke verb reprimand, reproach, responsive, amenable. well disposed,
scold, admonish, reprove, chastise, fl exible, approachable, accessible.

upbraid, berate, take to task; informol - oPPostTES unresponsive.

tell off; Brit. informol tick off; N. Amer. recess noun 1 alcove, bay, niche, nook,
informol chew out: fo rmol casti gate. corner. 2 break, adjournment, inter-
o noun reprimand, reproach, scolding, lude, interval, rest, holiday, vacation.
admonition; informol telling-off, dress-
recession noun downturn, depression,
ing-down; Brit. informol ticking-off.
slump, slowdown.
- oPPOSITES praise.
- oPPoSITES boom.
recalcitrant o djective uncooperative,
intractable, insubordinate, deflant, reciPe noun o recipe for success formula,
rebellious, wilful, wayward, headstrong, prescription, blueprint.
self-willed, contrary, perverse, difflcult, reciprocal odjective mutual, common,
awkward; Brit. informol bloody-minded, shared, give-and-take, joint, corre-
bolshie, stroppy; formol refractory. sponding, complementary.
reciprocate -+ record 342

reciprocate yerb requite, return, give recoil yerb't draw back, jump back, pull
back. back, flinch, shy away, shrink (back),
recital noun 1 performance, concert, blench. 2 feel revulsion, feel disgust,
recitation, reading. 2 report, account, shrink from, wince at.
listing, catalogue, litany. recollect yerb remember, recall, call to
recite verb 1 quote, say, speak, read mind, think of, think back to, reminisce
aloud, declaim, deliver, render. about.
2 recount, list, detail, reel off, relate, - OPPOSITES forget.
enumerate. recollection noun memory,
reckless odjective rash, careless, recall, remembrance, impression,
thoughtless, heedless, precipitate, reminiscence.
impetuous, impulsive, irresponsible, recommend verb 1 advocate, endorse,
foolhardy, devil-may-care. commend, suggest, put forward, pro-
- OPPOSITES cautious. pose, nominate, put up, speak favour-
reckon yerb I calculate, compute, ably ol put in a good word for, vouch
work out, figure, count (up), add up, for: informolplug. 2 advise, counsel,
total, tally; Brif. tot up. 2 include, urge, exhort, enjoin, prescribe, argue
count, regard as, look on as, consider, for, back, support.
judge, think of as, deem, rate. 3 think, recommendation noun 1 advice,
believe, be of the opinion, suppose, counsel, guidance, suggestion,
asSume. proposal. 2 commendation, endorse-
o reckon onfwith take into account, ment, good word, testimonial, tip;
take into consideration, bargain for/on, informol plug.
anticipate, foresee, be prepared for, reconcile verb 1 reunite, bring (back)
consider.
together, pacify, appease, placate,
reckoning noun calculation, estima- mollify formol conciliate. 2 reconciling
tion, computation, working out, addi. his religious beliefs with his coreer make
tion, count. compatible, harmonize, square, make
reclaim verbl get back, claim back, congruent, balance. 3 settle, resolve,
recover, retrieve, recoup. 2 save, Tes- sort out, smooth over, iron out, mend,
cue, redeem, salvage. remedy, heal, rectify; informol patch
recline verb lie, lie down/back, lean back, up.4 they had to reconcile themselves to
relax, loll, lounge, sprawl, stretch out. drostic /osses accept, resign yourself to,
recluse noun hermit, ascetic, eremite, come to terms with, learn to live with,
get used to, make the best of.
loner, lone wolf: historicol anchorite.
recognition noun 1 identification,
reConnoitre verb survey, explore,
scout (out), find out the lie of the
recollection, remembrance.
land, investigate, examine, scrutinize,
2 acknowledgement, acceptance,
admission, confession. 3 apprecia- inspect, observe, take a look at, patrol;
informol recce, check out.
tion, gratitude, thanks, congratula.
tions, credit, commendation, acclaim, reconsider verb rethink, review, revise,
a ck n owled g e m e nt. re-evaluate, reassess, have second
recognize verb 1 identify, place, thoughts, change your mind.
know, put a name to, remember, reconstruct verb rebuild, remake,
recall, recollect; Scottish & N. Englrsh recreate, restore, reassemble, remodel,
ken. 2 acknowledge, accept, admit, revamp, renovate.
concede, confess, realize. 3 pay tribute recofd noun 1 account, document,
to, appreciate, be grateful for, acclaim, data, file, dossier, evidence, report,
commend. annals, archive, chronicle, minutes,
343 recount, refer
transactions, proceedings, transcript, crimson, maroon, magenta, burgundy,
certificate, deed, register, log. 2 disc, claret.2 flushed, blushing, pink, rosy,
recording, album, LP, single. florid, ruddy. 3 auburn, Titian, chest-
a verb 1 write down, take down, nut, carroty, ginger.
note, jot down, put down on papel redeem verb 1 save, deliver from sin,
document, enter, log, minute, register. absolve. 2 retrieve, regain, recover,
2 indicate, register, show, display. get back, reclaim, repossess, buy back.
3 film, photograph, tape, tape-record, 3 exchange, convert, trade in, cash in.
video-record, videotape. redolent o dj ective evocative, su g ges-
recount verb tell, relate, narrate, tive, reminiscent.
describe, report, relay, convey, com- redress verb rectify, correct, right, com-
municate, impart. pensate for, make amends for, remedy,
recover verb 1 get better. improve, make good.
rally. recuperate, convalesce, revive, a noun compensation, reparation,
be on the mend, get back on your restitution, recompense, repayment,
feet, pick up, heal, bounce back, pull amends.
through. 2 retrieve, regain, get back, reduce verb 1 lessen, make smaller,
recoup, reclaim, repossess, recapture. lower, decrease, diminish, minimize,
3 salvage, save, rescue, retrieve. shrink, narrow, cut, curtail, contract,
- oPPOslTEs deteriorate. shorten, downsize; informol chop.
recovery noun 1 improvement, recu- 2 bring down, make cheaper, lower,
peration, convalescence, rally, revival. mark down, slash, discount. 3 he
2 retrieval, repossession, reclamation, reduced her to feors bring to, bring to
recapture. the point of, drive to.
- oPPoSITES relapse. - OPPOSITES increase.
recreation noun 1 pleasure, leisure, reduction noun 1 lessening, lowering,
relaxation, fun, enjoyment, entertain- decrease. diminution, cut, cutback,
ment, amusement, diversion. 2 pas- downsizing. 2 discount, deduction,
time, hobby, leisure activity. cut.
- OPPOSITES WOTK.
redundancy noun dismissal, lay-off,
recruit verb 1 enlist, call up, conscript; sacking, discharge, unemployment.
U5 draft. 2 muster, form, raise, mobi-
redundant odjective unnecessary,
lize. 3 hire, employ, take on, enrol, sign
not required, unneeded, surplus (to
uP, engage.
requirements), superfl uous.
- OPPoSITES demobilize. o make redundant dismiss, lay off,
a noun 1 conscript; U5 draftee; discharge, give someone their notice;
N. Amer informolyardbird. 2 new-
informolsack, flre.
comer, trainee, initiate, joiner, begin-
ner, novice. reel verb 1 stagger, lurch, sway, rock,
stumble, totter, wobble, teeter. 2 go
rectify verb correct, (put) right, sort
round (and round), whirl, spin.
out, deal with, amend, remedy, repair, revolve, swirl, twirl, turn, swim.
fix, make good, resolve, settle; informol
patch up. refer verb pass, direct, hand on/over,
send on, transfer, entrust. assign.
recur verb happen again, reoccur,
o refer to 1 mention, allude to, touch
repeat (itself), come back, return, on, speak of/about, talk of/about,
reappear. write about, comment on, point out,
recycle verb reuse, reprocess, reclaim, call attention to. 2 apply to, relate to,
recover, salvage. pertain to, be relevant to, concern, be
ted odjective 1 scarlet, vermilion, ruby, connected with. 3 consult, turn to, look
cherry. cerise, cardinal, carmine. at, have recourse to.
referee + regard 344

referee noun umpire, judge, adjudica- up, breathe new life into; informol buck
tor, arbil"rator; informol ref . up. 2 refresh your memory iog, stimu-
reference noun 1 mention, allu. late, prompt, prod.
sion, quotation, comment, remarl<. refreshing odjective 1 invigorating,
2 source, citation, authority, credit. revitalizing, reviving, bracing, fortify.
3 testimonial, recommendation, char- ing, enlivening, stimulating, exhilarat-
acter reference, credentials. ing, energizing. 2 o refreshing chonge of
referendum noun (popular) vote, bal-
direction welcome, stimulating, fresh,
lot, poll, plebiscite. new, imaginative. innovative.
refine yerb 1 purify, filter, distil, pro- refreshment noun food and drink,
snacks, titbits; informol nibbles.
cess, treat. 2 improve, perfect, polish
(up), hone, fine-tune. refuge noun 1 shelter, protection,
safety, security, asylum, sanctuary.
refined odjective 1 purified, processed,
2 place of safety, shelter, haven,
treated. 2 cultivated, cultured, pol-
sanctuary, sanctum, retreat, bolt-hole,
ished, elegant, sophisticated, urbane,
hiding place.
polite, gracious, well bred. 3 discrimi-
nating, discerning. fastidious, exqui- refugee noun asylum seeker, fugitive,
site, impeccable, fine. displaced person, exile, 6mig16.
- OPPOSITES crude, coarse. refund verb repay, give back, return,
pay back, reimburse, compensate,
reflect yerb 1 mirror, send bacl<, throw
back, echo. 2 indicate, show, display, recompense.
demonstrate, be evidence of, evince, a noun repayment, reimbursement,
reveal, betray.3 think, consider,
compensation, rebate.
review, mull over, ponder, contem- refurbish yerb renovate, recondition,
plate, deliberate, ruminate, meditate, rehabilitate, revamp, overhaul, restore,
muse, brood; formol cogitate. redecorate, upgrade, refit; informol
do up.
reflection noun 1 image, lil<eness.
2 indication, display, demonstration, refusal noun non-acceptance, no,
manifestation, expression, evidence. rejection, rebufr ; informol knock-back,
3 thought, consideration, contem- thumbs down.
plation, deliberation, pondering, refusel verb 1 decline, turn down, say
rumination, meditation, musing; formol no to, reject, spurn, rebuff; informol
cogitation. pass up, knock back.2 withhold, deny.
reform verb 1 improve, better, - OPPOSITES accept.
ameliorate, correct, rectify, restore, refuse2 noun rubbish, waste, litter;
revise, refine, adapt, revamp, redesign, N. Amer. garbage, trash; informol dreck,
reconstruct, reorganize. 2 mend your junk.
ways, change for the better, turn over refute verb 1 disprove, prove wrong,
a new leaf. rebut, explode, debunk, discredit,
a noun improvement, amelioration, invalidate; informol shoot full of holes.
refi nement, rectifi cation, restoration, 2 deny, reject, repudiate, rebut,
adaptation, revision, redesign, revamp, co ntra d ict.
reconstruction, reorganization. regain verb recover, get back, win bacl<,
refrain verb abstain, desist, hold back, recoup, retrieve, repossess, take back,
stop yourself, forbear, avoid; informol retake, reca ptu re, reconquer.
swear off. regal odjective royal, kingly, queenly,
refresh yerb 1 reinvigorate, revitalize, princely, majestic.
revive, rejuvenate, restore. energize, regard verb 1 consider, look on, view,
enliven, perk up, brace, freshen, wake see, think of, judge, deem, estimate,
345 regarding, reign
assess, reckon, rate. 2 look at, contem- weep over, sigh over, lament, bemoan.
plate, eye, gaze at, stare at, observe, - oPPoSITES welcome.
view, study, scrutinize. a noun 1 remorse, contrition,
o noun I consideration, care, concern, repentance, compunction, ruefulness,
thought, notice, heed, attention.2 doc' self-reproach. pangs of conscience.
tors ore held in high regord esteem, 2 sadness, sorrow, disappointment,
respect, admiration, approval, honour, unhappiness, grief.
estimation.3 (fixed) look, gaze, regrettable o djective unfortu nate,
stare, observation, contemplation, unwelcome, sorry, woeful, disap-
study, scrutiny. 4 he sends his regords pointing, reprehensible, deplorable,
best wishes, greetings, respects, disgraceful.
compliments. regular odjective 1 uniform, even,
regarding preposition concerning, as consistent, constant, unchanging,
regards, with/in regard to, with respect unvarying, fixed. 2 frequent, repeated,
to, with reference to, relating to, continual, recurent, periodic, con-
respecting, re, about, apropos, on the stant, perpetual, numerous. 3 usual,
subject of, in connection with, vis-i-vis. normal, customary, habitual, routine,
regardless odverb anyway, anyhow, typical, accustomed, established.
in any case, nevertheless, nonetheless, - oPPOSITES erratic, occasional, unusual.
despite everything, even so, all the regulate verb 1 control, adjust,
same, in any event, come what may. balance, set, synchronize. 2 police,
o regardless of irrespective ol with- supervise, monitor, be responsible for,
out reference to, without consideration control, manage, direct, govern.
of, discounting, ignoring, notwith- regulation noun 1 rule, order, direc-
standing, no matter. tive, act, law, by-law, statute, dictate,
regime noun I government, admin- decree. 2 control. policing, supervi-
istration, leadership, rule, authority, sion, superintendence, monitoring,
control, command. 2 system, arrange- governance, management, administra-
ment, scheme, policy, method, course, tion, responsibility.
plan, programme. rehabilitate verb 1 reintegrate,
region noun district, province, territory, readapt; N. Amer. informol rehab.
division, area, section, sector, zone, 2 reinstate, restore, bring back, par-
belt, quarter. don, absolve, exonerate, forgive; formol
regional odjective 1 geographical, excul pate. 3 recondition, restore,
renovate, refurbish, revamp, overha ul, !
territorial. 2 local, provincial, district, rr:iiiilrrri::::Li

parochial, zonal. redevelop, rebuild, reconstruct.

- oPPostrEs national. rehearsal noun practice, trial perfor-
register noun 1 list, roll, roster, mance, read-through, run-through,
index, directory, catalogue, inven- drill, training, coaching; informol
tory. 2 record, chronicle, log, ledger, dry run.
archive, annals, files. rehearse verb 1 prepare, practise, read
a verb 1 record, enter, file, lodge, write through, run through/over, go over.
down, submit, report, note, minute, 2 train, drill, prepare, coach.3 list,
log. 2 enrol, put your name down, enumerate, itemize, detail, spell out,
enlist, sign on/up, apply. 3 indicate, catalogue, recite, repeat, go over, run
read, record, show.4 display, show, through, recap.
express, exhibit, betray, reveal. reign verb 1 be king/queen, sit on the
regret verb 1 be sorry about, feel throne, wear the crown, be supreme,
contrite about, feel remorse for, rue, rule. 2 choos reigned prevail, exist, be
repent of. 2 mourn, grieve for/over, present, be the case, occur, be rife,
rein -+ relax 346

be rampant, be the order of the day. relaPse verb deteriorate, degenerate,

a noun rule, sovereignty, monarchy, lapse, slip back, slide back, regress,
dominion, control. revert, retrogress.
rein verb restrain, check, curb, - OPPOSITES improve.
constrain, hold backi in, keep under relate verb tell, recount, narrate, report,
control, regulate, restrict, control, describe, recite, rehearse.
curtail, limit. tr relate to 1 connect with, associate
tr free rein freedom, a free hand, with, link with, ally with, couple with.
leeway, latitude, fl exibility, liberty, 2 appiy to, concern, pertain to, have a
independence, licence, room to bearing on, involve. 3 identify with, get
manoeuvre, carte blanche. keep a on (well) with, feel sympathy with, have
tight rein on regulate, discipline, a rapport wit, empathize with, under-
control, keep in line. stand; informol hit it off with.
reinforce verb 1 strengthen, fortify, related odjective connected, intercon-
bolster up, shore up, buttress, prop up, nected, associated, linked, allied,
underpin, brace, support, boost. 2 aug. corresponding, analogous, parallel,
ment, increase, add to, supplement, comparable, equivalent.
boost, top up.
relation noun 1 connection, relation-
reinforcement noun 1 strengthening, ship, association, link, tie-in, cor.
fortification, bolstering, shoring up, relation, correspondence, parallel.
buttressing. 2 we need reinforcements 2 relative, family member, kinsman,
additional troops, auxiliaries, Teserves, kinswoman; (relations) family, kin,
support, backup, help. kith and kin, kindred. 3 our relotions
reinstate verb restore, put back, bring with Europe dealings, communication,
back, reinstitute, reinstall, re-establish. relationship, connections, contact,
reiterate verb repeat, restate, recapitu- interaction.
late, recap, go over, rehearse. relationship noun 1 connection,
reject verb 1 turn down, refuse, relation, association, link, correlation,
decline, say no to, spurn; informol pass correspondence, parallel. 2 family ties,
up, give the thumbs down to. 2 rebuff, kinship, affinity, common ancestry.
spurn, shun, snub, cast off/aside, 3 romance, affair, love affair, liaison,
discard, abandon, desert, turn your amour, fling.
back on, cold-shoulder; informol give relative adjective 1 comparative,
someone the brush-off. respective, comparable. 2 proportion.
- oPPoS|TES accept, welcome. ate, in proportion, commensurate,
a noun second, discard, misshape, corresponding.
faulty item, cast-off. - OPPOSITES disproportionate.
rejoice verb be happy, be glad, be a noun relation, member of the family,
delighted, celebrate, make merry; kinsman, kinswoman; (relatives) fam-
informolbe over the moon. ily, kin, kith and kin, kindred.
- OPPOSITES mourn.
relax verb 1 rest, loosen up, ease up/off,
o rejoice in delight in, enjoy, revel in, slow down, de-stress, unbend, unwind,
glory in, relish, savour. put your feet up, take it easy; informol
reioin yerb return to, be reunited with, chill (out); N. Amer. informolhang
join again, reach again, regain. loose, decompress. 2 loosen, slacken,
reruvenate yerb revive, revitalize, unclench, weaken, lessen. 3 moderate,
regenerate, breathe new life into, temper, ease, loosen, lighten, dilute,
revivify, reanimate, resuscitate, refresh, weaken, reduce, decreas e; informol let
reawaken; informol give a shot in the up on.
arm to, pep up, buck up. - OPPOSITES lense. tighten.
347 relaxation + reluctant
relaxation noun recreation, enjoy- mitigation. 3 help, aid, assistance, char-
ment, amusement, entertainment, fun, ity, succour. 4 replacement, substitute,
pleasure, leisure. deputy, reserve, cover, stand-in, supply,
relay noun broadcast, transmission, locum, understudy.
showing, feed. relieve verb 1 alleviate, mitigate, ease,
o verb pass on, hand on, transfer, counteract, dull, reduce. 2 replace,
repeat, communicate, send, transmit, take over from, stand in for, fill in for,
circu late. substitute for, deputize for, cover
release verb 1 free, set free, turn loose, for. 3 free, release, exempt, excuse,
let go/out, liberate, discharge.2 untie, absolve, let off.
undo, unfasten, loose, let go, unleash. - OPPOSITES aggravate.
3 make public, make known, issue, relieved odjective glad, thankful, grate-
put out, publish, broadcast, circulate, lul, pleased, happy, easy/easier in your
launch, distribute. mind, reassured.
- oPPOSITES imprison. - OPPOSITES worried.
relegate verb downgrade, demote, religion noun faith, belief, worship,
lower, put down, move down. creed, church, sect, denomination,
- oPPOSITES upgrade, promote. cu It.

relent verb 1 change your mind, do a IWoRD LINKs

U-turn, bacl<-pedal, back down, give divinity, theology study of religion
way/in, capitulate; Brit do an about-
turn.2 ease, slacken, let up, abate, religious odjective 1 devout, pious,
reverent, godly, Cod-fearing, churchgo-
drop, die down, lessen, decrease,
ing. 2 spiritual, theological, scriptural,
subside, weaken, tail off.
doctrinal, ecclesiastical, church, holy,
relentless odjective 1 persistent, divine. sacred. 3 scrupulous, conscien-
unfaltering, unremitting, unfl ag- tious, meticulous, punctilious, strict,
ging, untiring, unwavering, dogged, rigorous.
single-minded, tireless, indefatigable. - OPPOSITES atheistic, secular.
2 harsh, cruel, remorseless, unrelent-
ing, merciless, pitiless, implacable,
relinquish verb 1 renounce, resign.
give up/away, hand over, let go of.
inexorable, unforgiving, unbending,
2 leave, resign from, stand down from,
unyielding.
bow out of, give up; informol quit,
relevant odjective pertinent, applica- chuck.
ble, apposite, material, apropos, to the - OPPOSTTES retain.
point, germane.
relish noun 1 enjoyment, gusto,
reliable odjective dependable, trust- delight, pleasure, glee, appreciation,
worthy, good, safe, authentic, faithful, enthusiasm. 2 condiment, sauce,
genuine, sound, true, loyal, unfailing; dressing.
humorous trusty. - OPPOSITES dlstaste.
-oPPOSITES unreliable. o verb enjoy, delight in, love, adore,
reliance noun 1 dependence, need. take pleasure in, rejoice in, appreciate,
2 trust, confidence, faith, belief, savour, revel in, luxuriate in, glory in.
conviction. - oPPoslTES dislike.
relic noun artefact, historical object, reluctance noun unwillingness,
antiquity, remnant, vestige, remains. disinclination, hesitation. wavering,
relief noun I respite, remission, inter- vacillation, doubts, second thoughts,
ruption, variation, diversion; informol misgivings.
let-up. 2 alleviation, relieving, pal- reluctant odjective unwilling, dis-
liation, soothing, easing, lessening, inclined, unenthusiastic, resistant,
rely-) removal 348

opposed, hesitant, loath. remind verb jog someone's memory,

- oPPoSlTEs willing, eager. prompt.
rely verb tr remind someone of make someone
o rely on depend on, count on, banl< think of, cause someone to remember,
on, be confident ol be sure of, have put someone in mind of, call to mind,
faith in, trust in; informol swear by; evol<e.
N. Amer. informol figure on. reminiscent odyective similar to, com-
remain verb 1 continue, endure, last, parable with, evocative of, suggestive
abide, carry on, persist, stay around, of, redolent of.
survive, live on. 2 stay, stay behind, remiss odjective negligent, neglectful,
stay put, wait behind, be left, hang irresponsible, careless, thoughtless,
on; informol hang around/round. heedless, lax, slack, slipshod, lackadaisi-
3 he remoined colm continue to be, cal; /V. Amer. derelict; informol sloppy.
stay, keep. - OPPOSITES careful.
remainder noun rest, balance, residue, remit noun area of responsibility,
others, remnant(s), leftovers, surplus, sphere, orbit, scope, ambit, province,
extra, excess. brief, instructions, orders; i nformol
remains p/urol noun 1 remainder, resi- bailiwlck.
due, rest, remnant(s), leftovers, scraps, a verb 1 send, dispatch, forward, hand
debris, detritus. 2 antiquities, relics, over, pay.2 pardon, forgive, excuse.
artefacts. 3 corpse, body, carcass, remnant noun remains, remainder,
bones; Medicine cadaver. leftovers, ofcut, residue, rest.
remark yerb comment, say, observe, remonstrate verb protest, complain,
mention, reflect; formol opine. object, tal<e issue, argue, expostulate..
a noun comment, statement, utter- remorse noun regret, guilt, contrition,
ance, observation, refl ection. repentance, shame.
remarkable o dj ective extraordinary, remorseful odjective sorry, regretful,
exceptional, outstanding, notable, strik. contrite, repentant, penitent, guilt-
ing, memorable, unusual. conspicuous, ridden, conscience-stricken, chastened,
momentous. self-re p roachfu l.
- OPPOSITES ordinary. - OPPOSITES unrepentant.
remedy noun 1 treatment, cure, medi- remote odjective 1 isolated, far-off,
cine, medication, medicament, drug. faraway, distant, out of the way, of the
2 solution, answer, cure, fix, antidote, beaten track, secluded, lonely, inac-
panacea. cessible; N. Amer. in the backwoods;
o verb put right, set right, rectify, informolin the middle of nowhere. 2 o
solve, sort out, straighten out, resolve, remote possibility unlikely, improb-
correct, repair, mend, fix. able, doubtful, dubious, faint, slight,
remember verb 1 recall, call to mind, slim, small, slender. 3 aloof, distant,
recollect, think of, reminisce about, detached, withdrawn, unforthcom-
look back on. 2 memorize, retain, ing, unapproac hable. unresponsive,
learn off by heart, get off pat. 3 bear in u nfriendly, unsociable, introspective,
mind, be mindful of, take into account. introverted; informol stand-offish.
4 commemorate, pay tribute to, hon- - oPPosttrs close.
our, salute, pay homage to. removal noun 1 taking away, with-
- OPPOSITES forget. drawal, abolition. 2 dismissal, ejection,
remembrance noun 1 recollection, expulsion, ousting, deposition; tnformal
reminiscence, recall. 2 commemora- sacking, firing. 3 move, transfer,
tion, memory, recognition. relocation.
349 remove -+ repeated

remove verb 1 take off, take away, renovate verb modernize, restore,
move, take out, pull out, withdraw, refurbish, revamp, recondition, rehabili-
detach. undo, unfasten, disconnect. tate, update, upgrade, refit; informal do
2 dismiss, discharge, get rid of, eject, up; i!. Amer: informol rehab.
expel, oust, depose, unseat; informol renown noun fame, distinction,
sack, fire, kick out. 3 abolish, withdraw, eminence, illusl.riousness. prominent e,
eliminate, get rid of, do away with, repute, reputation, prestige, acclaim,
stop, cut; informol axe. celebrity, notability.
- oPPOslTEs attach, insert. renowned odjective famous, well
renaissance noun revival, renewal, res- known, celebrated, famed, eminent,
urrection, reawakening, re-emergence, distinguished, acclaimed, illustrious,
rebirth, reappearance, resurgence. prominent, great, esteemed.
render verb 1 make, cause to be/ - OPPoSITES unknown.
become, leave, turn. 2 give, provide, rent noun hire charge, rental, payment.
supply, furnish, contribute. 3 act, per- a verb t hire, lease, charter. 2 let
form, play, depict, portray, interpret, (out), lease (out), hire (out), charter
represent, draw, paint, execute. (out).
rendezvous noun meeting, appoint- rePair verb 1 mend, fix (up), put/set
ment, assignation; informol date; right, restore (to working order),
literory trysI. overhaul, renovate; informol patch
up. 2 rectify, make good, (put) right,
a verb meet, come together, gather,
assemble. correct, make up for, make amends for,
compensate for, redress.
renegade noun traitor, defector, a noun 1 restoration, mending, over-
deserter, turncoat, rebel, mutineer. haul, renovation.2 mend, darn, patch.
o odjective 1 treacherous, traitorous, 3 in good repoir condition, working
disloyal, treasonous, rebel, muti- order, state, shape, fettle; Brit. informol
nous. 2 apostate, heretic, heretical, nick.
dissident.
repay verb 1 reimburse, refund, pay
- OPPoSITES loyal.
back, recompense, compensate, remu-
renege verb default on, fail to honour, nerate, settle up with. 2 he repoid her
go back on, break, back out of, with- kindness reciprocate, return, requite,
draw from, retreat from, backtrack on, reward.
break your word/promise. rePeal verb cancel, abolish, reveTse,
- oPPoSlTEs honour. rescind, revoke, annul, quash.
renew verb I resume, return to, take - oPPostTEs enact.
up again, come back to, begin again, o noun cancellation, abolition, rever-
restart, recommence, continue (with), sal, rescinding, annulment.
carry on (with). 2 reaffirm, repeat, rePeat verbl say again, restate, reiter-
reiterate, restate. 3 revive, regenerate, ate, go/run through again, recapitulate,
revitalize, reinvigorate, restore, Tesus- recap.2 recite, quote, parrot, regur-
citate. 4 renovate, restore, refurbish, gitate, echo; informol trot out. 3 do
revamp, remodel, modernize; informol again, redo, replicate, duplicate.
do up; N. Amer. informal rehab. a noun repetition, replication,
renounce verb 1 give up, relinquish, d uplicate.

abandon, surrender, waive, forego, rePeated adjective recurrent, frequent,

desist from, keep off; informol say persistent, continual, incessant,
goodbye to. 2 reject, repudiate, deny, constant, regular, periodic, numerous,
abandon, wash your hands of, turn your (very) many.
bacl< on, disown, spurn, shun. - oPPostrES occasional.
repeatedly -+ reprehensible 350

rePeatedly odverb frequently, often, rePlace verbl put back, return, restore.
again and again, over and over (again), 2 take the place of, succeed, take over
time and (time) again, many times, from, supersede, stand in for, substi-
persistently, recurrently, consta ntly, tute for, deputize for; informol step into
continually, regularly; N. Amer. someone's shoes/boots. 3 substitute,
oftentimes. exchange, change, swap.
repel yerb 1 fight off, repulse, drive rePlacement noun substitute, stand-
back, force back, beat back, hold off, in, fill-in, locum, understudy, relief,
ward off, fend off, keep at bay; Brlt. see cover, proxy, surrogate.
off.2 revolt, disgust, repulse, sicken, rePlenish verb 1 refill, top up, fill up,
nauseate, turn someone's stomach; recharge; N. Amer. freshen. 2 stock up,
informol turn off; N. Amer. informol restock, restore, replace.
gross out.
- OPPOSITES empty.
- oPPOStTES attract. replica noun copy, model, duplicate,
repellent odjectiye 1 revolting, repul- reproduction, dummy, imitation,
sive, disgusting, repugnant, sickening, facsimile.
nauseating, stomach-turning, vile,
nasty, foul, awful, horrible, dread-
reply verb respond, answer, write back,
rejoin, retort, riposte, counter, come
ful, terrible, obnoxious, loathsome,
back.
offensive, objectionable, abhorrent,
despicable, reprehensible, contempt-
a noun answer, response, rejoinder,
retort, riposte; informol comeback.
ible, odious, hateful; tV. Amen vomitous;
informol ghastly, horrid, gross; literory rePort yerb 1 communicate, announce,
noisome. 2 impermeable. impervious, divulge, disclose, reveal, relay, describe,
resistant, -proof. naTrate, delineate, detail, document,
give an account of, make public,
rePent verb feel remorse, Tegret,
publish, broadcast, proclaim, publicize.
be sorry, rue, reproach yourself, be
ashamed, feel contrite, be penitent,
2 inform on; informol shop, tell on,
squeal on, rat on; Brit. informol grass
be remorseful.
on.3 I reported for duty present your-
rePentant adjective penitent, con-
self, arrive, turn up, clock in; informol
trite, regretful, rueful, remorseful, show up.
apologetic, chastened, ashamed,
a noun 1 account, record, minutes,
shamefaced. proceedings, transcript. 2 news, infor-
- OPPOSITES impenitent. mation, word, intelligence. 3 story,
rePerCUSSiOn noun consequence, account, article, piece, item, column,
result, effect, outcome, reverberation, feature, bulletin, dispatch, communi-
backlash, aftermath, fallout, footprint. qu6. 4 rumour, whisper; informolbuzz.
repertoire noun collection, range, 5 bang, crack, explosion, boom.
repertory, list, store, stock, repository, reporter noun iournalist, correspond-
supply. ent, newsman, newswoman, column-
rePetition noun 1 reiteration, restate- ist; Brit. pressm an; informal hack,
ment, retelling. 2 repetitiousness, stringer, journo.
repetitiveness, tautology. reprehensibl e o dje ctive deplorable,
repetitive, repetitious djective
o disgraceful, discreditable, despicable,
recurring, recurrent, repeated, unvar- blameworthy, culpable, wrong, bad,
ied, unchanging, routine, mechani. shameful, dishonourable, inexcus-
cal, automatic, monotonous, boring; able, unforgivable, indefensible,
informol samey. unjustifiable.
- oPPostrES varied. - OPPOSITES praiseworthy.
351 represent + reputable
represent verb 1 stand for, symbolize, o noun rebuke, reproach, scolding,
personify, epitomize, typify, embody, admonition; informol telling-off,
illustrate, exemplify. 2 depict, portray, dressing-down, carpeting; Brit. informol
render, picture, delineate, show, ticking-off.
illustrate. 3 appear for, act for, speak reprisal noun retaliation, counter-
on behalf of. attack, comeback, revenge, vengeance,
representation noun 1 portrayal, retribution, requital; informola taste of
depiction, delineation, presentation, your own medicine.
rendition. 2 likeness, painting, draw- reProachful odjective disapproving,
ing, picture, illustration, sketch, image, reproving, critical, censorious, disparag-
model, figure, statue. ing, withering, accusatory, admonitory.
representative odjective 1 typical, - OPPOSITES approving.
archetypal, characteristic, illustrative, reproduce verb 1 copy, duplicate,
indicative. 2 symbolic, emblematic. replicate, photocopy, xerox, photostat,
- oPPoSITES atypical. print. 2 repeat, replicate, recreate,
a noun 1 spokesperson, spokesman, redo, simulate, imitate, emulate,
spokeswoman, agent, official, mouth' mimic. 3 breed, procreate, propagate,
piece. 2 salesman, commercial travel- multiply, proliferate.
ler, agent, negotiator; informol rep. reproduction noun 1 print, copy,
3 deputy, substitute, stand-in, proxy, reprint, duplicate, facsimile, photo-
delegate. ambassador, emissary. copy:, trodemork Xerox. 2 breeding,
repress verb 1 suppress, quell, quash, procreation, propagation, proliferation.
subdue, put down, crush, extinguish, rePudiate uerb 1 reject, renounce, dis-
stamp out, defeat, contain. 2 oppress, own, abandon, give up, turn your back
subjugate, keep down, tyrannize. on, cast off, lay aside, wash your hands
3 restrain, hold back/in, suppress, of; formol forswea r; /iterory forsa ke.
keep in check, control, curb, stifle, 2 deny, refute, contradict, controvert,
bottle up; informol button up, keep the rebut, dispute, dismiss, brush aside;
lid on.
formol gainsay.
- oPPOSITES exPress. - oPPoSlTEs embrace.
rePression noun 1 suppression, quash- rePugnant odjective abhorrent, revolt-
ing, subduing, crushing, stamping out. ing, repulsive, repellent, disgusting,
2 oppression, subjugation, suppres- offensive, objectionable, vile, foul,
sion, tyranny, authoritarianism, despot- nasty, loathsome, sickening, nauseat-
ism. 3 restraint, suppression, control, ing, hateful, detestable, execrable,
curbing, stifling. abominable, monstrous, appalling,
repressive odjective oppressive, unsavoury, unpalatable.
authoritarian, despotic, tyrannical, dic- - OPPoslTEs pleasant.
tatorial, fascist, autocratic, totalitarian, repulsive o dje ctive disgustin g, revolt-
undemocratic. ing, foul, nasty, obnoxious, sickening,
reprieve verb pardon, spare, amnesty; nauseating, stomach-churning, vile;
informollet off (the hook). informol ghastly, gross, horrible; /iterory
o noun pardon, stay of execution, noisome.
amnesty. - OPPOSITES attractive.
reprimand verb rebuke, reproach, reputable odjective well thought of,
scold, admonish, reprove, chastise, highly regarded, respected, respect-
upbraid, berate, take to task, castigate; able, of (good) repute, prestigious,
informol tell ofr: Brit. informol tick off; established, reliable, dependable,
N. Amer. informol chew out. trustworthy.
- OPPOSITES praise. - oPPostTES untrustworthy.
reputation + reservoir 352

reputation noun name, good name, resent verb begrudge, feel aggrieved
character, repute, standing, stature, at/about, feel bitter about, grudge, be
position, renown, esteem, prestige. resentful of, take exception to, object
request noun 1 appeal, entreaty, plea, to, take amiss, take offence at.
petition, application, demand, call, - OPPOSITES welcome.
solicitation. 2 requirement, wish, resentful odjective aggrieved, indig-
desire, choice. nant, irritated, piqued, put out, in high
a verb askfor, appeal for, call for, seek, dudgeon, dissatisfi ed, disgruntled,
solicit, plead for, beg for, apply for, put discontented, offended, bitter, jaun-
in for, demand, petition for, sue for, diced, envious, jealous; informol miffed,
implore, entreal /iterory beseech. peeved; Brit. informolnarked; A/. Amer.
require verb 1 need, have need ol informol sore.
be short of, want, desire, lack, miss. resentment noun bitterness, indigna-
2 necessitate, demand, call for, tion, irritation, pique, dissatisfaction,
involve, entail, take. 3 demand, insist disgru ntlement, discontentment,
on, call for, ask for, expect. 4 order, acrimony, rancour.
instruct, command, enjoin, oblige, reservation noun 1 doubt, qualm,
compel, force. scruple: (reservations) misgivings,
requirement noun need, necessity, scepticism, unease, hesitation, objec.
prerequisite, stipulation, demand, tion. 2 reserve, enclave, sanctuary,
want, essential. territory, homeland.
requisition noun 1 order, request, reserve verb 1 put aside, set aside,
call, application, claim, demand; keep (back), save, hold back, keep in
Brlt. indent. 2 appropriation, com- Teserve, earmark, retain.2 book, order,
mandeering, seizure, confi scation, arrange for, secure, engage, hire.
expropriation. a noun 1 stock, store, supply,
o verb 1 commandeer. appropri- stockpile, pool, hoard, cache, fund.
ate, take over, take possession of, 2 reinforcements, extras, auxiliaries.
occupy, seize, confi scate, exPropriate. 3 national park, sanctuary, preserve,
2 request, order, call for, demand. reservation. 4 shyness, diffidence,
rescue verb 1 save, free, set free, timidity, taciturnity, inhibition,
release, liberate, deliver. 2 retrieve, reticence, detachment, aloofness,
recover, salvage. distance, remoteness. 5 she trusted him
o noun saving, rescuing, release, free- without reserve reservation, qualifica-
ing, liberation, deliverance. tion, condition, limitation, hesitation,
research noun investigation, experi- doubt.
mentation, testing, analysis, fact- o odjective substitute, stand-in, relief,
fi nding, examination, scrutiny. replacement, fallback, spare, extra.
o verb investigate. study, enquire reserved odjective 1 uncommunica-
into, look into, probe, explore, analyse, tive, reticent, unforthcoming, aloof,
examine, scrutinize. cool, undemonstrative, unsociable,
resemblance noun similarity, lil<eness, unfriendly, quiet, silent, taciturn,
similitude, correspondence, congruence, withdrawn, secretive, shy, retiring,
conformity, comparability, parallel. diffident, timid, introverted: informol
- OPPoSITES dissimilarity. stand-offish. 2 booked, taken, spoken
resemble verb look like, be similar for, prearranged.
to, remind someone of, take after, - OPPOSITES outgoing.
approximate to, smack of, correspond reservoir noun 1 lake, pool, pond,
to, echo, mirror, parallel. basin. 2 receptacle. container,
- oPPoSlTEs differfrom. holder, tank.3 stock, store, stockpile,
353 reside + respect

reserve(s), supply, bank, pool. steadfast, staunch, stalwart, unfalter-

reside verb 1 live, lodge, stay, occupy, ing, indefatigable, tenacious, strong-
inhabiU formol dwell, be domiciled. willed, unshakeable.
2 power resides with the presidentbe - OPPOSITES half-hearted.
vested in, be bestowed on, be con- resolution noun 1 intention, deci-
ferred on, be in the hands of. sion, intent, aim, plan, commitment,
residence noun home, house, address, pledge, promise. 2 motion, proposal,
quarters, lodgings; informol pad; formol proposition. 3 determination, pur-
dwelling, abode, domicile. pose, purposefulness, resolve, single-
resident noun inhabitant, local, citizen,
mindedness, firmness, will power,
native, householder, homeowner, occu. strength of character. 4 solution,
pier, tenant; humorous denizen. answer, end, settlement, conclusion.

residue noun remainder, rest, resolve verb 1 settle, sort out, solve, fix,
remnant(s), surplus, extra, excess, straighten out, deal with, put right, rec-
remains, leftovers. tify; informolhammer out, thrash out.
2 determine, decide, make up your
resign yerb 1 leave, give notice, stand mind. 3 vote, rule, decide formally,
down, step down; informolquit, pack agree.
in.2 give up, leave, vacate, renounce, a noun determination, purpose,
relinquish, surrender. resolution, single-mindedn ess; informal
resignation noun he occepted his fote g uts.
with resignation patience, forbear- resort noun option, alternative, choice,
ance, stoicism, fortitude, fatalism, possibility, hope, measure, step,
acceptance. recourse, expedient.
resigned odlective patient, long-sufferin g, o resort to fall back on, have recouTse
uncomplaining, forbearing, stoical, philo- to, turn to, make use ol use, avail
sophical, fatalistic. yourself of.
resilient odjective 1 flexible, pliable, resound verb echo, reverberate, ring,
supple, durable, hard-wearing, stout, boom, thunder, rumble, resonate.
strong, sturdy, tough. 2 strong, tough, resounding odjective 1 reverberating,
hardy, quick to recover, buoyant, resonating, echoing, ringing, sonoTous,
irrepressible. deep, rich. 2 o resoundinq success enor-
resist yerb I withstand, be proof mous, huge, very great, tremendous,
against, combat, weather, endure, be terrific, colossal, emphatic, outstand-
resistant to, keep out. 2 oppose, fight ing, remarkable, phenomenal.
against, object to, defy, kick against, resource noun 1 facility, amenity, aid,
obstruct. 3 refrain from, abstain from, help, support, solution. 2 initiative,
forbear from, desist from, not give in resourcefulness, enterprise, ingenu-
to, restrain yourself from. ity, inventiveness.3 we lock resources
resistance noun 1 opposition, hostility, assets, funds, wealth, money, capital,
struggle, fight, battle, stand, defiance. supplies, materials, stores, stocks,
2 immunity, defences. reserves, deep pockets.
resistant
odjective 1 impervious, resourceful odjective ingenious,
immune, invulnerable, proof, unaf- enterprising, inventive, creative, clever,
fected. 2 opposed, averse, hostile, talented, able, capable.
inimical, against; informol anti. resPect noun 1 esteem, regard, high
-OPPOSITES vulnerable. opinion, admiration, reverence, defer-
resolute odjective determined, pur- ence, honour. 2 the reportwos occurote
poseful, resolved, adamant, single- in every respect aspect, regard, feature,
minded, fi rm, unswerving, unwavering, way, sense, particular, point, detail.
respectable -+ restrain 354

3 (respects) regards, compliments, 3 trustworthy, sensible, mature, reli-

greetings, best/good wishes. able, dependable, level-headed, stable.
- OPPOSITES contemPt. - oPPoSITES irresponsible.
a verb 1 esteem, admire, think highly resPonsive odjective reactive, recep-
ol have a high opinion of, look up to, tive, open to suggestions, amenable,
revere, honour. 2 show consideration flexible, forthcoming.
for, have regard for, observe, be mind' restl verb 1 relax, ease up/off, let uP,
ful of, be heedful of.3 abide by, com- slow down, have/take a break, unbend,
ply with, follow, adhere to, conform to,
unwind, take it easy, put your feet up;
act in accordance with, obey, observe, informol take five, have/take a breather,
keep (to). chill (out). 2 her honds rested on the rail
- oPPoslTES despise, disobey. lie, be laid, repose, be placed, be posi-
respectable adjective 1 reputable, tioned, be supported by.3 support,
upright, honest, honourable, trustwor- prop (up), lean, lay, set, stand, position,
thy, decent, good, well bred, clean- place, put.
living. 2 fairly good, decent, fair-sized, a noun 1 relaxation, repose, leisure,
reasonable, moderately good, large, time off; informollie-down. 2 break,
sizeable, considerable. breathing space, interval, interlude,
- oPPoSITES disreputable. intermission, time off/out, respite, lull,
resPectful odjective deferential, rever' pause; informol breather. 3 stand, base,
ent, dutiful, polite, well mannered, civil, holder, support, rack, frame, shelf.
courteous, gracious. rest2 noun remainder, residue, balance,
- oPPoSlTEs rude. others, remnant(s), surplus, excess.
respective odjective seParate, restful odjective relaxing, quiet, calm,
personal, own, particular, individuai, tranquil, soothing, peaceful, leisurely,
specific, special. undisturbed, untroubled.
respite noun rest, break, breathing - oPPostrES exciting.
space, interval, lull, pause, time out, restless adjective 1 uneasy, ill at ease,
relief; informol breather, let-up. fidgety, edgy, tense, worked up, nerv'
respond verb 1 answer, reply, write ous, nervy, agitated, anxious; informol
back, come back, rejoin, retort, riposte, jumpy, jittery, twitchy, uptight. 2 o
counter. 2 react, reciprocate, retaliate. rest/ess night sleepless, wakeful, fitful,
resPonse noun 1 answer, reply, reioin- broken, disturbed, troubled, unsettled.
der, retort, riposte; informol comeback. restoration noun 1 reinstatement,
2 reaction, reply, retaliation; informol reinstitution, re-establishment, reim-
comeback. position, return. 2 repair, renovation,
- oPPoslTES question. mending, refurbishment, recondition-
responsibility noun 1 duty, task, ing, rehabilitation, rebuilding, recon-
function, job, role, onus; Brit. informol struction; N. Amer. informol rehab.
pigeon. 2 blame, fault, guilt, culpabil- restore verb 1 reinstate, bring back,
ity, liability, accountability, answer' reinstitute, reimpose, reinstall, re-
ability. 3 trustworthiness, (common) establish. 2 he restored it to its rightful
sense, maturity, reliabillty, dependabil- owner return, give back, hand back.
ity. 4 ma noge ri o/ responsibi/ity author- 3 repair, flx, mend, refurbish, recondi'
ity, control, power, leadership. tion, rehabilitate, renovate, revamP,
responsible odjective 1 in charge of, rebuild; informol do up; tV. Amer. infor'
in control of, at the helm of, account- mol rehab. 4 reinvigorate, revitalize,
able for, liable for. 2 accountable, revive, refresh, energize, freshen.
answerable, to blame, guilty, culpable, restrain verb control, check, hold in
blameworthy, at fault, in the wrong. check, curb, suppress, repress, contain,
355 restrained -t retract

rein back/in, smother, stifle, bottle up; reawakening, resurrection, reappear-

informol keep the lid on. ance, re-emergence.
restrained odjective 1 self-controlled, fesurrect yerb revive, restore, regener-
sober, steady, unemotional, undemon- ate, revitalize, breathe new life into,
strative. 2 muted, soft, discreet, subtle, reinvigorate, resuscitate, rejuvenate,
quiet, unobtrusive, unostentatious, re-establish, relaunch.
understated, tasteful.
retain verb keep (possession of), keep
- OPPOSITES impetuous. on to, maintain, preserve,
restraint noun 1 constraint, check, l:11"",t;1..n
control, restriction, limitation,
curtailment, rein, brake, deterrent.
retaliate verb fight back, hit back,
respond, react, reply, reciprocate,
2 self-control, self-discipline, control,
counter-attack, get back at someone,
moderation, judiciousness. 3 subtlety,
pay someone back; infornol get your
taste, discretion, discrimination.
own back.
restrict verb t limit, l<eep within
bounds, regulate, control, moderate, retaliation noun revenge, venge-
cut down, curtail. 2 hinder, interfere ance, reprisal, retribution, repay-
with, impede, hamper, obstruct, block, ment, response, reaction, reply,
check, curb. cou nter-attack.

restricted odjective 1 cramped, retard verb delay, slow down/up, hold

confined, constricted, small, narrow, back/up, postpone, detain, decelerate,
tight. 2 limited, controlled, regulated, hinder, impede, check.
reduced. - OPPOSITES accelerate-

restriction noun limitation, constraint, reticent odjective uncommunicative,

control, regulatlon, check, curb, reduc- unforthcoming, unresponsive, tight-
tion, diminution, curtailment. lipped, quiet, taciturn, silent, reserved.
result noun consequence, outcome, - OPPOSITES expansive.
upshot, sequel, effect, reaction, reper- retire verb 1 give up work, stop work,
cussion, footprint. be pensioned off; informol be put out
- OPPOSITES Cause. to grass. 2 withdraw, go away, exit,
o verb follow, ensue, develop, stem, leave, take yourself off, absent yourself.
spring, arise, derive, proceed; (result 3 go to bed, call it a day; informol turn
from) be caused by, be brought about in, hit the hay/sack.
by, be produced by, originate in. retiring adjective 1 departing, outgo- ;;;6*ffi
tr result in end in, culminate in, lead ing. 2 shy, diffldent, self-effacing, unas- &$!Sffi
to, triggel cause, bring about, occa- suming, unassertive, reserved, reticent,
sion, effect, give rise to, produce. quiet, timid, modest.
resume yerb restart, recommence, - OPPOSITES incoming, outgoing.
begin again, start again, reopen, renew, retort yerb answer, reply, respond,
return to, continue with, carry on with. return, counter, riposte, retaliate.
- OPPOSITES suspend, abandon. o noun answer, reply, response,
r6sum6 noun summary, precis, syn- counter, rejoinder, riposte, retaliation;
opsis, abstract, outline, abridgement, informol comeback.
overview.
retract verb 1 pull in, pull back, draw
resumption noun restart, recom- in. 2 take back, withdraw, recant,
mencement, reopening, continuation, disavow, disclaim, repudiate, renounce,
renewal, return, revival. reverse, revoke, rescind, go back on,
resurgence noun renewal, revival, backtrack on, row back on; formol
renaissance, recovery, comeback, abjure.
retreat + reversal 356

retreat verb withdraw, retire, draw a noun celebration, festivity, jollifica-

back, pull back/out, fall back, give way, tion, merrymaking, party; informol
give ground. rave, shindig, bash; Brit. informol rave-
- oPPOSITES advance. up; i!. Amer. informol wingding, blast.
a noun 1 withdrawal, retirement, o revel in enjoy, delight in, love, like,
pullback, flight. 2 refuge, haven, sanc- adore, take pleasure in, relish, lap up,
tuary, hideaway, hideout, hiding place; savour; informol get a kick out of.
informol hidey-hole. revelation noun disclosure, announce-
retribution noun punishment, penalty, ment, report, admission, confession,
your just deserts, revenge, reprisal, divulging, giving awayiout, leak,
requital, retaliation, vengeance, an eye betrayal, publicizing.
for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth), tit revelry noun celebration(s), parties,
for tat, nemesis. festivity, jollifi cation, merrymaking,
retrieve verb get back, bring back, carousal, roistering, fun and games;
recover, recapture, regain, recoup, informol partying.
salvage, rescue. revenge noun retaliation, retribution,
retrograde odjective lor the worse, vengeance, reprisal, recrimination, an
regressive, retrogressive, negative, eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth),
downhill, backward(s), unwelcome. redress.
retrospect noun - oPPoSITES forgiveness.
tr in retrospect looking bacl<, on o verb avenge, exact retribution for,
ection, in/with hindsight.
refl
take reprisals for, get redress for, mal<e
someone pay for; informol get your
return verbl go back, come back, own back for.
arrive back, come home. 2 recur,
reoccur, repeat itself, reappear. 3 give revenue noun income, takings, receipts,
proceeds, earnings, profit(s), gain, yield.
back, hand back, pay back, repay,
restore, put back, replace, reinstall, - OPPOSITES expenditure.
rei nstate. reverberate verb resound, echo, reso-
- OPPOSITES leave. nate, ring, boom, rumble.
a noun 1 recurrence, reoccurrence, revere verb respect, admire, think
repeat, reappearance. 2 replacement, highly of, esteem, venerate, look up to,
restoration, reinstatement, restitution. be in awe of.
3 yield, profit, gain, Tevenue, interest, - OPPOSITES despise.
dividend. reverence noun high esteem, high
revamp verb renovate, redecorate, regard, great respect, honour, venera-
refurbish, remodel, refashion, redesign, tion, homage, admiration, apprecia-
restyle; informol do up, give something tion, deference.
a facelift, give something a makeover, - OPPOSITES scorn.
vamp up; Brit. informol tart up. reverent odjective reverential, respect-
reveal verb I disclose, make known, ful, admiring, devoted, devout, awed,
make public, broadcast, publicize, deferential.
circulate, divulge, tell, let slip/drop, reversal noun 1 turnaround, turn-
give away/out, blurt out, release, leak, about, about-face, volte-face, change of
bring to light, lay bare, unveil; informol heart, U-turn, rowback, backtracking;
let on. 2 show, display, exhibit, unveil, Brit. about-turn. 2 swap, exchange,
uncover. change, interchange, switch. 3 altera-
- OPPoSITES conceal, hide. tion, overturning, overthrow, disal-
revel verb celebrate, make merry; infor- lowing, overriding, overruling, veto,
mol party, live it up, whoop it up, paint revocation. 4 setback, upset, failure,
the town red. misfortune, mishap, disaster, blow,
357 reverse -) revolutionary
disappointment, adversity, hardship, change, modification.
affliction, vicissitude, defeat. revitalize verb reinvigorate, re-
reverse verb 1 back, move back/ energize, boost, regenerate, revive.
backwards. 2 turn upside down, turn revivify, rejuvenate, reanimate, resus.
ovel upend, invert, turn back to front. citate, refresh, stimulate, breathe new
3 swap (round), change (round), life into; informol give a shot in the arm
exchange, switch (round), transpose. to, pep up, buck up.
4 alter, change, overturn, overthrow, revival noun 1 improvement, ral-
disallow, overide, overrule, veto, lying, turn for the bettel upturn,
revol<e, row back on. upswing, resurgence. 2 comeback,
a adjective backward(s), inverted, re-establishment, reintroduction,
transposed, opposite. restoration, reappearance, resurTec-
a noun 1 opposite, contrary, converse, tion, rebirth.
inverse, antithesis. 2 setback, reversal, - OPPOSITES downturn.
upset, failure, misfortune, mishap, dis- revive verb 1 resuscitate, bring round,
aster, blow, disappointment, adversity, bring back to consciousness; informol
hardship, affliction, vicissitude, defeat. give the kiss of life to. 2 reinvigorate,
3 other side, back, underside, flip side. revitalize, refresh, energize, reanimate.
- OPPOSITESfront. 3 reviving old troditions reintroduce, re-
revert yerb return, go back, change establish, restore, resurrect, bring back.
back, default, relapse. revoke verb cancel, repeal, rescind,
review noun 1 analysis, evaluation, reverse, annul, nullify, void, invalidate,
assessment, appraisal, examina- countermand, retract, withdraw, over-
tion, investigation, enquiry, probe, rule, override; formol abrogate.
inspection, study. 2 reconsideration, revolt verb 1 rebel, rise up, take to the
reassessment, re-evaluation, reap- streets, riot, mutiny. 2 disgust, sicken,
praisal. 3 criticism, critique, write-up, nauseate, turn someone's stomach, put
assessment, commentary. off, offend; informalturn off; N. Amer.
a verb 1 survey, study, research, informolgross out.
consider, analyse, examine, scrutinize, o noun rebellion, revolution, insurrec-
explore, look into, probe, investigate, tion. mutiny, uprising, riot, insurgence.
inspe( L, assess, evaluate, appraise. coup (d'6tat).
weigh up; informol size up. 2 recon- revolting odjective disgusting, sicken-
sider, re-examine, reassess, re- ing, nauseating. stomach-turning.
evaluate, reappraise, rethink. repulsive. repugnant. hideous, nasty,
reviewer noun critic, commentator, foul. oflensive; N. Amer vomitous;
judge. informol ghastly, horrid, gross.
revise yerb 1 reconsider, review, - OPPOSITES attractive, pleasant.
re-examine, reassess, re-evaluate, reap- revolution noun 1 rebellion, revolt,
praise, rethink, change, alter, modify. insurrertion, mutiny, uprising. rising,
2 amend, correct, edit, rewrite, redraft, riot, insurgence, coup (d'6tat). 2 dra-
rephrase, rework.3 (Brit) go over, matic change, sea change, metamor-
reread, memorize, cram; informol bone phosis, transformation, innovation,
up on; Brit. informol swot up (on), mug reorga nization, restructuring ; informol
up (on). shake-up; N. Amer. informol shakedown.
revision noun 1 alteration, adaptation, 3 turn, rotation, circle, spin, orbit,
editing, rewriting, redrafting, correc- circuit, lap.
tion, updating. 2 reconsideration, revolutionary odjective 1 rebellious,
review, re-examination, reassessment, rebel, insurgent, rioting, mutinous, ren-
re-evaluation, reappraisal, rethink, egade. 2 new, novel, original, unusual,
revolutionize -+ rife 358

unconventional, unorthodox, newfan- swish; lV. Amer. informolswank. 3 o

gled, innovatory, disruptive, modern, gorden rich in flowers well stocked,
state-of-the-art. fu turistic, pioneering ; well provided, abounding, crammed,
informol edgy. packed, teeming, bursting. 4 o rich
a noun rebel, insurgent, mutineer, supply plentiful, abundant, copious,
insurrectionist, agitator. ample, profuse, lavish, liberal, gener.
revolutionize verb transform, sha l<e ous. 5 fertile, productive, fruitful,
up, turn upside down, restructure, fecund.6 creamy, fatty, heavy, full-
reorganize, transmute, metamorphose; flavoured. 7 rich colours strong, deep,
humorous transmogrify.
full, intense, vivid, brilliant.
- oPPostrES poor, plain.
revolve verbl go round, turn round,
rotate, spin. 2 circle, travel, orbit. riches p/urol noun money, wealth,
funds, cash, means, assets, capital,
revulsion noun disgust, repulsion, resources, deep pockets; informal
abhorrence, repugnance, nausea, hor. bread, loot; Brit. informol dosh, brass,
ror, aversion, abomination, distaste. lolly; N. Amer. infornol bucks.
- oPPoSlrES delight. richly odverb 1 sumptuously, opu-
reward noun award, honour, decora- lently, luxuriously, lavishly, gorgeously,
tion, bonus, premium, bounty, present, splendidly, magnificently. 2 the reward
gift, payment, recompense, prize; she richly deserves fully, amply, well,
informal pay-ofr. thoroughly, completely, wholly, totally,
o verb recompense, pay, remunerate. entirely, absolutely, utterly.
- oPPoSITES punish. ridverb clear, free, purge, empty, strip.
rewarding odjective satisfying, o get rid of dispose of, throw away/
gratifying, pleasing, fulfi lling, enriching, out, clear out, discard, scrap, dump,
illuminating, worthwhile, productive, bin, jettison, expel, eliminate; informal
fruitful. chuck (away), ditch, junk; Brit. informol
rhetoric noun 1 oratory, eloquence, get shot of; N. Amer. informol trash.
command of language, way with riddle noun puzzle, conundrum,
words. 2 wordiness, verbosity, brain-teaser, problem, question, poser,
grandiloquence, bombast, pomposity, enigma, mystery.
extravagant language, purple prose, ride verb 1 sit on, mount, control, man-
turgidity; informol hot air. age, handle.2 travel, move, proceed,
rhetorical odjective 1 o rhetorical device drive, cycle, trot, canter, gallop.
stylistic, oratorical, linguistic, verba l. o noun trip, journey, drive, run, excur-
2 extravagant, grandiloquent, high- sion, outing, jaunt, lift; informal spin.
flown, bombastic, grandiose, pomp- ridicule noun mockery, derision, laugh-
ous, pretentious, overblown, turgid, ter, scorn, scoffing, jeering.
fl owery; informal highfalutin.
- OPPOSITES respect.
rhyme noun poem, verse, ode; a verb mock, deride, laugh at, heap
(rhymes) poetry, doggerel. scorn on, jeer at, make fun of, scoff at,
rhythm noun 1 beat, cadence, tempo, satirize, caricature, parody.
time, pulse. 2 metre, measure, pattern. ridiculous odjective laughable, absurd,
rich odjective 1 wealthy, affluent, mon- ludicrous, risible, comical, funny,
eyed, well off, well-to-do, prosperous; hilarious, amusing, farcical, silly, stupid,
informolloaded, well heeled, made idiotic, preposterous.
of money. 2 sumptuous, opulent, - oPPOSITES sensible.
luxurious, lavish, gorgeous, splendid, rile adjective widespread, general, com-
magnificent, costly, expensive, fancy, mon, universal, extensive, ubiquitous,
palatial; informol plush; Brit. informol endemic, inescapable.
 rifle -+ ring

rifle verb 1 rummage, search, hunt, o right away at once, straight

forage. 2 burgle, rob, steal from, loot, away, (right) now, this (very) minute,
raid, plunder, ransack. this instant, immediately, instantly,
rift noun 1 crack, split, breach, fissure, directly, forthwith, without further ado,
fracture, cleft, crevice, opening. 2 dis- promptly, quickly, without delay, asap,
agreement, estrangement, breach, as soon as possible; N. Amer. in short
split, schism, quarrel, falling-out, conflict, order; informol straight off, pronto.
feud; Brit row; Brit lnformol bust-up. righteous odjective good, virtuous,
rigl verb 1 equip, kit out, fit out, supply, upright, upstanding, decent, ethical,
furnish, provide, arm. 2 dress, clothe, principled, moral, honest, honourable,
attire, robe, garb, get up; informol doll blameless.
up. 3 he will rig up o she/ter set up, - oPPoSITES wicked.
erect, assemble, put together, whip rightful odjective 1 legal, lawful, real,
up, improvise, contrive; Brit. informal true, proper, correct, recognized,
knock up. genuine, authentic, acknowledged,
rig2 verb manipulate, engineer, distort, approved, valid, bona fide: informol
misrepresent, pervert, tamper with, legit, kosher. 2 deserved, merited,
falsify, fake; informal fix: Brit. informol due, just, right, fair, proper, fitting,
fiddle. appropriate, suitable.
rightodjective 1 just, fair, equitable, - OPPOSITES wrongful.
proper, good, upright, righteous, virtu- right-wing o djective conservative,
ous, moral, ethical, principled, honour- rightist, reactionary, traditionalist,
able, honest, lawful, legal. 2 correct, conventional.
unerring, accurate, exact, precise. - oPPoSITES left-wing.
valid; Brit. informolspot on. 3 suitable,
appropriate, fitting, apposite, apt,
rigid adjective 1 stiff, hard, taut, flrm,
infl exible, unbendable, unyielding,
correct, proper, desirable, preferable,
inelastic. 2 a rigid routine fixed, set,
ideal. 4 opportune, advantageous,
firm, inflexible, invariable, hard and
favourable, convenient, good, lucky,
fast, cast-iron, strict, stringent, rigor-
fortunate. 5 right-hand; Noutico/ star-
ous, uncompromising, intransigent.
board; Heroldry dexter.
- OPPoSITES wrong, left. - oPPoSITES flexible.
a odverb 1 completely, fully, totally, rigorous adjective 1 meticulous,
absolutely, utterly, thoroughly, quite. conscientious, punctilious, careful,
2 exactly, precisely, directly, imme- scrupulous, painstaking, exact, precise,
diately, just, squarely, dead; informol accurate, particular, strict. 2 strict,
(slap) bang, smack, plumb. 3 correctly, stringent, rigid, infl exible, draconian,
accurately, perfectly. intransigent, uncompromisin g. 3 rigor-
- oPPoSITES wrong, badly. ous conditions harsh, severe, bleak,
a noun 1 goodness, righteousness, extreme, demanding.
virtue, integrity, propriety, probity, - oPPosrrEs slapdash, lax.
morality, truth, honesty, honour, rim noun edge, brim, lip, border, side,
justice, fairness, equity. 2 entitle- margin, brink, boundary, perimeter,
ment, prerogative, privilege, liberty, circumference, limits, periphery.
authority, power. licence, permission,
dispensation, leave, due. rind noun skin, peel, zest, integument.
- OPPOSITES wrong. ringl noun 1 circle, band, halo, disc.
o verb remedy, rectify, retrieve, 2 arena, enclosure, amphitheatre,
fix, resolve, sort out, settle, square, bowl.3 gang, syndicate, cartel, mob,
straighten out, correct, repair, mend, band, circle, organization, association,
redress. society, alliance, league.
ring + road

a verb surround, circle, encircle, risk noun 1 chance, uncertainty,

enclose, hem in, confine, seal off. unpredictability, instability, insecurity.
ring2 verb I chime, sound, peal, toll, 2 possibility, chance, probability, like-
clang, bong ; literory l<nell. 2 resound, lihood, danger, peril, threat, menace,
reverberate, resonate, echo. 3 tele- prospect.
phone, phone (up), call (up);informol o verb endanger, jeopardize, imperil,
give someone a buzzi Brit. informol give hazard, gamble (with), chance, put at
someone a bell, get on the blower to. risk, put on the line.
rinse verb wash (out), clean, cleanse, rlsky odjective dangerous, hazardous,
bathe, dip, drench, splash, swill, sluice. perilous, unsafe, insecure, precarious,
touch-and-go, treacherous, uncertain,
riot noun disorder, disturbance, lawless-
unpredictable; informol dicey.
ness, upheaval, uproar, commotion,
free-for-all, uprising, insurrection. rite noun ceremony, ritual, ceremonial,
overb lgo on the) rampage, run wild, custom, seTvice, observance, liturgy,
run amok, run riot, go berserk; informol worship, ofrice.
raise hell. ritual noun ceremony, rite, act, prac-
riotous odjective 1 unruly, rowdy, disor-
tice, custom, tradition, convention,
derly, uncontrollable, unmanageable, formality, protocol.
undisciplined, uproarious, tumultuous, o odjective ceremonial, prescribed,
set, conventional, traditional, formal.
violent, wild, lawless, anarchic. 2 bois-
terous, lively, loud, noisy, unrestrained, rival noun opponent, opposition,
uninhibited, uproarious; Brit. informol challenger, competitor, contender,
rumbustious. adversary. antagonist, enemy, nemesis:
- oPPoSlTEs peaceful. literory foe.
rip verb tear, pull, wrench, snatch, drag, - OPPOSITES ally.
pluck; informol yank. o verb match, compare with, compete
with, vie with, equal, emulate, measure
rape odjective 1 mature, full grown, up to, touch; informolhold a candle to.
fully developed .2 ripe for development o odjective rivol condidotes competing,
ready, fit, suitable, right. 3 the time ls opposing, in competition.
rpe opportune, advantageous, favour-
rivalry noun competition, contention,
able, auspicious, good, right.
opposition, conflict, feuding; informal
- OPPOSITES immature. keeping up with the Joneses.
ripen verb mature, mellow, develop. river noun 1 stream, brook, water-
riposte noun retort, counter, rejoinder, course, rivulet, tributary; Scottlsh &
sally, return, answer, reply, response; N. English burn; N. English beck; S. Eng-
informol comeback. /ish bourn; N. Amer. & Austrol.f NZ creek.
rise yerb 1 climb, come up, arise, 2 o river of molten /ovo stream, torrent,
ascend, mount, soar.2 loom, tower, flood, deluge, cascade.
soar. 3 go up, increase, soar, shoot iwono
WORD lrrrtt<s
LINKS
up, surge, leap, jump, rocket, escalate, fluvial relating to rivers
spiral. 4 get higher, grow, increase, t
become louder, swell, intensify. riv-etingody..tr.tir.i"itirg,giipp,.g,
5 stand up, get to your feet, get up, engrossing, intriguing, absorbing,
jump up, leap up, stir, bestiryourself. captivating, enthralling, compelling,
- oPPoSlTEs fall, descend, drop. spellbinding, mesmerizing; informol
a noun 1 increase, hike, leap, upsurge, unputdownable.
upswing, climb. 2 raise, increase, incre- - OPPOSITES boring.
ment. 3 slope, incline, hill, elevation, road noun I street, thoroughfare, road-
acclivity. way, highway, lane; Brit. motorway.
361 roam -+ roomy

. recove ry w ay, path, route, rod noun bar, stick, pole, baton, staff,
irj:::r, shaft, strut, rail, spoke.
roam verb wander, rove, ramble, drift, rogue noun scoundrel, rascal, good-
walk, traipse, range, travel, tramp, trek; for-nothing, wretch, villain, criminal,
infornol cruise. lawbreaker; informol crook.
roar verb bellow, yell, shout, thunder, role noun 1 part, character.2 capacity,
bawl, howl, scream, cry, bay; informol position, function, job, post, office,
holler. duty, responsibility.
roaring odjective blazing, burning.
roll verb 1 turn over and over. spin.
flaming.
rotate, revolve, wheel, trundle, bowl.
2 flow, run, course, stream, pour,
robverb 1 burgle, steal from, hold up, trickle. 3 wind, coil, fold, curl, twist.
break into, raid, loot, plunder, pillage; 4 rock, sway, reel, list, pitch, plunge,
informolmug; N. Amer: burglarize. lurch, toss.
2 cheat, swindle, defraud; informol do a noun 1 cylinder, tube, scroll, reel,
out of, con out of. spool, bobbin. 2 turn, rotation,
robber noun burglar, thief, house- revolution, spin, whirl. 3 list, register,
breaker, mugger, shoplifter, raider, directory, record, file, index, catalogue,
looter. inventory. 4 o roll of thunder rumble,
reverberation, echo, boom, clap, crack.
robbery noun burglary, theft, stealing,
housebreaking, shoplifting, embez- romance noun 1 love affair, relation-
zlement, fraud, hold-up, raid; informol ship, liaison, courtship, attachment,
mugginq, smash-and-grab, stick-up; amour. 2 story, tale, legend, fairy tale.
N. Amer. lnformol heist. 3 mystery, glamour, excitement, exoti-
cism, mystique, appeal, allure, charm.
robe noun 1 cloak, kaftan, djellaba,
wrap, mantle, cape; N. Amer wrapper.
romantic adjective 1 loving, amorous,
passionate, tender, affectionate;
2 ceremonial robes garb, vestments,
informol lovey-dovey. 2 sentimental,
regalia, finery.
hearts-and-fl owers; informol slushy,
robot noun machine, automaton, schmaltzy; Brit. informol soppy. 3 idyl-
android; informol bot, droid. lic, picturesque, fairy-tale, beautiful,
robust odjective 1 strong, vigorous, lovely, charming, pretty. 4 idealistic,
sturdy, tough, powerful, solid, rugged, unrealistic, fanciful, impractical, head-
hardy, strapping, healthy, (fiqhting) fit, in-the-clouds, starry-eyed, utopian,
hale and hearty. 2 durable, resilient, rose-tinted.
tough, hard-wearing, long-lasting, - OPPOSITES unsentimental, realistic.
sturdy, strong. o noun idealist, sentimentalist,
- oPPoSITES frail, fragile. dreamer, fantasist.
- oPPoSlTEs realist.
rockl noun boulder, stone, pebble.
romp verb play, frollc, frisk, gambol,
rock2 verb 1 move to and fro, sway. skip. prance, (aper, cavort.
see-saw, roll, pitch, plunge, toss, lurch.
room noun 1 space, headroom, leg-
2 stun, shock, stagger, astonish, star-
Toom, aTea, expanse, extent. 2 there\
tle, surprise, shake, take aback, throw,
very little room for monoeuvre scope,
unnerve, disconcert.
opportunity, capacity, leeway, latitude,
rockyl odjective stony, pebbly, shingly, freedom.
rough, bumpy, craggy, mountainous. roomy odjective spacious, capacious,
rocky2 odjective unsteady, shaky, unsta- sizeable, generous, big, large, extensive,
ble, wobbly, tottery, rickety. voluminous, ample; formol commodious.
- oPPOsITES steady, stable. - oPPostrES cramped.
root ) rousing

root noun 1 source, origin, cause, rea- rasping, husky, throaty, gravelly. 5 vio-
son, basis, foundation, bottom, seat. lent, aggressive, belligerent, pugna-
2 his lrish roofs origins, beginnings, cious, boisterous, rowdy, disorderly,
family, birth, heritage. unruly, riotous. 6 boorish, loutish,
o verb rummage, hunt, search, rifle, oafish, brutish, coarse, crude, uncouth,
delve, forage, dig, poke. vulgar, unrefi ned, unladylike, ungen-
tr root out eradicate, eliminate, weed tlemanly, uncultured. 7 turbulent,
out, destroy, wipe out, stamp out, abol- stormy, squally, tempestuous, violent,
ish, end, put a stop to. heavy, choppy. 8 preliminary, hasty,
rope noun cord, cable, line, hawser, quick, sketchy, cursory, basic, crude,
stri ng. rudimentary, raw, unpolished, incom-
roster noun schedule, list, register, plete, unfi nished. 9 approximate,
agenda, calendar; Brit. rota. inexact, imprecise, vague, estimated;
N. Amer. informol ballpark.
tosy odjective 1 pink, roseate, red-
dish, glowing, healthy, fresh, radiant,
- oPPostrES smooth, gentle, calm,
exact.
blooming, blushing, flushed, ruddy.
2 promising, optimistic, auspicious, a noun sketch, draft, outline, mock-up.
hopeful, encouraging, favourable, round odjective circular, spherical,
bright, golden. globular, cylindrical.
- oPP0SITES pale, bleak. a noun 1 ball, sphere, globe, orb,
circle, disc, ring, hoop. 2 o policemon
totverb 1 decay, decompose, disin-
tegrate, crumble, perish. 2 go bad, on his rounds circuit, beat, route, tour.
go off, spoil, moulder, putrefy, fester. 3 stage, level, heat, game, bout, con-
3 deteriorate, degenerate, decline, test. 4 succession. sequence, series.
decay, go to seed, go downhill; informal cycle.
go to pot, go to the dogs. o verb go round, travel round, skirt,
o noun decay, decomposition, mould, circumnavigate, orbit.
mildew, blight, canker. o round off complete, finish off,
crown, cap, top, conclude, close,
rotate yerb 1 revolve, go round, turn end. round up gather together, herd
(round), spin, gyrate, whirl, twirl,
together, muster, marshal, rally, assem-
swivel, circle, pivot. 2 alternate, take
ble, collect, group; iV. Arner. corral.
turns, change, switch, interchange,
exchange, swap. roundabout odjective circuitous, indi-
rect, meandering, serpentine, tortuous,
rotation noun 1 revolving, turning,
obliq ue, circumlocutory.
spinning, gyration, circling. 2 turn,
revolution, orbit, spin. 3 sequence, - OPPOSITES direct.
succession, alternation, cycle. roundly odverb 1 vehemently, emphat-
ically, fiercely, forcefully, severely,
rotten odjective 1 decaying, mouldy,
bad, off, decomposing, spoiled, putrid, plainly, frankly, candidly. 2 utterly,
rancid, festering, fetid. 2 corrupt, completely, thoroug hly, decisively,
unprincipled, dishonest, dishonourable, conclusively, heavily, soundly.
unscrupulous, untrustworthy, immoral; rouse verb 1 wake (up), awaken,
informol crooked; Brit. informol bent. arouse; Brif. informolknock up.
- oPPoSITES fresh. 2 wake up, awake, come to, get up,
tough odjective 1 uneven, irregulal rise, bestir yourself. 3 stir up, excite,
bumpy, stony, rocky, rugged, rutted, galvanize, electrify, stimulate, inspire,
pitted. 2 coarse, bristly, scratchy, move, inflame, agitate, goad, provoke,
prickly, shaggy, hairy, bushy.3 dry, prompt, whip up.
leathery, weather-beaten, chapped, rousing odjective stirring, inspir-
calloused, scaly.4 gruff, hoarse, harsh, ing, exciting, stimulating, moving,
363 rout + rugged

electrifyinq, invigorating, energizing, tubverb 1 massage, knead, stroke,

exhilarating. pat. 2 apply, smear, spread, work in.
rout noun defeat, beating, retreat, 3 chafe, scrape, pinch.
fligit: informol licking, hammering, o rub out erase, delete, remove, oblit-
thrashing, pasting, drubbing. erate, expunge.
- OPPOSITES victory. rubbish noun 1 refuse, waste, litter,
o verb defeat, beat, conquer, vanquish, scrap, detritus, debris, dross; tV. Amer
crush, put to flight, drive off, scatter; garbage, trash; informol dreck, junk.
informol lick, hammer, clobber, thrash; 2 nonsense, gibberish, claptrap,
US informol own. garbage; informol baloney, tripe, drivel,
route noun way, course, road, Path, bilge, bunk, piffle, twaddle, poppycock,
direction. gobbledegook; Brit. informol codswal
lop, cobblers, tosh.
routine noun 1 procedure, practice,
pattern, drill, regime, programme, tude odjective 1 ill-mannered,
schedule, plan. 2 act, performance, bad-mannered, impolite, discourte-
number, turn, piece; informol spiel, ous, uncivil, impertinent, insolent,
patter. impudent, disparaging, abusive, curt,
oodjective 1 standard, regular, brusque, offhand.2 vulgar, coarse,
customary, normal, usual, ordinary, smutty, dirty, filthy, crude, lewd,
typical, everyday. 2 boring, tedious, obscene, risqu6; informol blue; Brit.
monotonous, humdrum, run-of-the- informol near the knuckle.
mill, pedestrian, predictable, hack' - OPPOSITES polite.
neyed, unimaginative, unoriginal, rudimentary odjective 1 basic,
banal, trite. elementary, fundamental, essential.
- oPPoSlTEs unusual. 2 primitive, crude, simple, unsophis-
rowl noun 1 line, column, file, queue, ticated, rough (and ready), makeshift.
procession. chain, string, succession; 3 vestigial, undeveloped, incomplete.
informal crocodile. 2 tier, line, rank, rudiments p/urol noun basics, funda-
bank. mentals, essentials, first principles,
tr in a row consecutively, in succes' foundations; informol nuts and bolts,
sion, running, straight; informol on ABC.
the trot. rueful odjective regretful, apologetic,
row2 (Brit.) noun 1 argument, quarrel, sorry, remorseful, shamefaced, sheep-
squabble, fight, dispute, altercation, ish, hangdog, contrite, repentant,
falling-out; informol tiff , run-in, slanging penitent, conscience-stricken, self-
match, spat; Brit. informol bust-up. reproachful, sorrowful, sad.
2 din, noise, racket, uproar, hubbub, ruffle verb 1 disarrange, tousle,
rumpus; informal hullabaloo. dishevel, rumple, mess up; N. Amer.
o verb argue, quarrel, squabble, bicker, informol muss up. 2 disconcert,
fight, fall out, disagree, have words; unnerve, fluster, agitate, upset, disturb,
informal scrap. discomfit, put off, perturb, unsettle;
rowdy odjective unruly, disorderly, informolf aze, throw, get to.
riotous, undisciplined, uncontrollable, - OPPoSITES smooth.
ungovernable, disruptive, obstrep- rugged odjective 1 rough, uneven,
erous, out of control, rough, wild, bumpy, rocky, stony, pitted.2 robust,
boisterous, uproarious, noisy, loud; Brit. durable, sturdy, strong, tough, resilient.
informol ru mbustious. 3 well built, burly, strong, muscular,
- oPPOSITES peaceful. muscly, brawny, strapping, tough,
royal odjective regal, kingly, queenly, hardy, robust, sturdy, solid; informol
princely, sovereign. hunky. 4 his rugged feotures strong,
ruln -+ run

craggy, rough-hewn, manly, masculine. ruler noun leader, sovereign, monarch,

- OPPoSITES smooth, delicate. potentate, l<ing, queen, emperor,
ruin noun 1 disintegration, decay, empress, prince, princess, crowned
disrepair, dilapidation, destruction, head, head of state, president, premier,
demolition, devastation. 2 the ruins of o governor.
church remains, remnants, fragments, - oPpostTES subject.
rubble, debris, wreckage. 3 downfall, ruling noun judgement, decision, adju-
collapse, defeat, undoing, failure. dication, finding, verdict, pronounce-
4 bankruptcy, insolvency, penury, ment, resolution, decree, injunction.
destitution, poverty. a odjective 1 governing, controlling,
o verb 1 spoil, wreck, blight, shat- commanding, supreme. 2 main, chief,
ter, dash, scotch, mess up, sabotage; principal, major, dominating, consum-
informal screw up: Brit. informol ing; informol number-one.
scupper. 2 bankrupt, make insolvent, rummage yerb search, hunt, root
impoverish, pauperize, wipe out, break, about/around, ferret about/around, fi sh
cripple, bring someone to their knees. about/around, dig, delve, go through,
3 destroy, devastate, lay waste, rav- explore, sift through, rifle through.
age, raze, demolish, wreck, wipe out,
flatten. rumour noun gossip, hearsay, talk,
tittle-tattle, speculation, word, report,
ruined odjective derelict, dilapidated, story, whisper; informol the grapevine,
tumbledown, ramshackle, decrepit, the word on the street, the buzz.
falling to pieces, crumbling, decaying,
disintegrating, in ruins. run yerb 1 sprint, race, dart, rush, dash,
hasten, hurry, scurry, scamper, gallop,
ruinous odjective 1 disastrous, dev- jog, trot. 2 flee, take flight, make off,
astating, catastrophic, calamitous, take off, take to your heels, bolt, make
crippling, crushing, damaging, destruc- your getaway, escape; informol beat
tive, harmful, costly. 2 extortionate, it, clear offiout, scram, Ieg it; Brit.
exorbitant, excessive, sky-high, outra- informol scarper. 3 extend, stretch,
geous, inflated; Brif. over the odds;
reach, continue. 4 flow, pour, stream,
lnformol steep. gush, flood, cascade, roll, course, glide,
rule noun 1 regulation, ruling, directive, spill, trickle, drip, dribble, leak. 5 be
order, law, statute, ordinance. 2 proce, in charge of, manage, direct, control,
dure, practice, protocol, convention, head, govern, supervise, superintend,
norm, routine, custom, habit. 3 prin- oversee, organize, coordinate. 6 it's
ciple, precept, standard, axiom, truth, expensive to run o cor maintain, keep,
maxim. 4 government, jurisdiction, own, possess, have, use, operate. 7 / /eft
command, power, dominion, control, the engine runnlng operate, function,
administration, sovereignty, leadership. work, go.
a verb 1 govern, preside over, control, a noun 1 jog, sprint, dash, gallop, trot.
lead, dominate, run, head, administer. 2 route, journey, circuit, round, beat.
2 reign, be on the throne, be in power, 3 drive, ride, turn, trip, excursion, out-
govern. 3 decree, order, pronounce, ing, jaunt; informol spin, tootle. 4 series,
judge, adjudge, ordain, decide, deter- succession, sequence, string, streak,
mine, find. spate. 5 enclosure, pen, coop. 6 o ski
o as a rule usually, in general, run slope, track, piste; N. Amer. trail.
normally, ordinarily, customarily, for o run down 1 run over, knock down/
the most part, on the whole, by and over, hit. 2 criticize, denigrate, belittle,
large, in the main, mostly, commonly, disparage, deprecate, find fault with;
typically. rule out exclude, eliminate, informol put down, knock, bad-mouth;
disregard, preclude, prohibit, prevent, Brit. informolrubbish, slag off. run into
disallow. 1 collide with, hit, strike, crash into,
 runaway -+ ruthless

smash into, plough into, ram. 2 meet ruPture noun & verb break, fracture,
(by chance), run across, chance on, crack, burst, split, fissure, breach.
stumble on, happen on; informol bump tuta, adjective country, rustic, bucolic,
into. 3 experience, encounter, meet pastoral, agricultural, agrarian.
with, be faced with, be confronted - oPPoSITES urban.
with. run out 1 be used up, dry up, ruse noun ploy, stratagem, tactic,
be exhausted, be finished, peter out. scheme, trick, gambit, dodge, subter-
2 expire, end, terminate, finish, lapse. fuge, machination, wile; Brit. informol
run over 1 overflow, spill over, brim wheeze.
over. 2 exceed, go over, overshoot,
rush verb t hurry, dash, run, race,
overreach. 3 review, repeat, run
sprint, bolt, dart, gallop, career, charge,
through, go over, reiterate, recapitu-
shoot, hurtle, hare, fly, speed, zoom,
late, look over, read through; informol
scurry, scuttle, scamper, hasten; infor-
recap on. 4 run down, knock down/
moltear, belt, pelt, scoot, zip, whip,
over, hit.
hotfoot it; Brit. informol bomb. 2 gush,
runaway noun fugitive, refugee, tru- pour, surge, stream, course, cascade.
ant, absconder, deserter. 3 attack, charge, storm.
rundown noun summary, synopsis, a noun 1 dash, run, sprint, dart, bolt,
precis, run-through, recap, review, charge, scramble. 2 hustle and bustle,
overview, briefi ng, sketch, outline; commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, stir.
informal low-down. 3 charge, onslaught, attack, assault.
run down odjective 1 dilapidated, rushed odjective hasty, fast, speedy,
tumbledown, ramshackle, derelict, quick, swift, rapid, hurried.
crumbling, neglected, uncared-for. rust verb corrode, oxidize, tarnish.
2 unwell, ill, poorly, unhealthy, peaky, rustic odjective 1 rural, country, pasto-
tired, drained, exhausted, worn out, ral, bucolic, agricultural, agrarian; /lter-
below par, washed out; Brit. off colour; ory Arcadian. 2 plain, simple, homely,
informol u nder the weather; Brit. infor- unsophisticated, rough, crude.
mol off; Austrol.lNZ informol crook. - OPPOSITES urban.
runner noun 1 athlete, sprinter, o noun peasant, countryman, coun-
hurdler, racer, jogger. 2 messenger, trywoman, bumpkin, yokel, country
courier, errand boy: informal gofer. cousi n ; rV. Am e r. i nf o r m o I hill5illy,
running noun 1 adnninistration, man- hayseed, hick.
agement, organization, coordination, rustle verb 1 swish, whoosh, whisper,
orchestration, handling, direction, con- sigh. 2 steal, thieve, take. abduct,
trol, supervision. 2 operation, working, kidnap.
function, performance. rut noun 1 furrow, groove, trough,
o odjective 1 flowing, gushing, rush- ditch, hollow, pothole, crater. 2 boring
ing, moving. 2 in succession, in a row. routine, humdrum existence, groove,
in sequence, consecutively, strai ght, dead end.
together; informol on the trot. ruthless odjective merciless, pitiless,
runny odjective liquid, liquefied, fluid, cruel, heartless, hard-hearted, cold-
melted, molten, watery, thin. hearted, cold-blooded, harsh, callous.
- oPPOSITES solid, thick. - oPPoSITES merciful.
 sabotage -+ saintly

Ss
sabotage noun vandalism, wrecking, saddle yerb burden, encumber, lumber,
destruction, damage, obstruction, land, impose something on.
disruption; Brit. informol a spanner in
sadness noun unhappiness, soTrow,
the works.
dejection. depression, misery, despond-
a verb vandalize, wreck, damage, ency, wretchedness, gloom, gloomi-
destroy, incapacitate, obstruct, disrupt,
ness, melancholy.
spoil, ruin, undermine; Brit. informal
throw a spanner in the works. safe odjective 1 secure, protected,
sheltered, guarded, out oI harm's
sack noun bag, pouch, pocket, pacl<.
way. 2 unharmed, unhurt, uninjured,
o verb (informol) dismiss, discharge, lay unscathed, all right, fine, well, in one
off, make redundant, let go, throw outj piece, out of danger, safe and sound.
informal fire, give someoie the sack;
3 cautious, circumspect, prudent,
Brit. informol give someone their cards.
careful, unadventurous, conservative.
a the sack (lnformol) dismissal, dis-
4 harmless, innocuous, non-toxic,
charge, redund ancy; informol the boot,
non-poisonous.
the axe. the heave-ho, the push.
- OPPOSTTES dangerous, harmful.
sacred odjective t holy, hallowed,
safeguard noun protection, defence,
blessed, consecrated, sanctifi ed.
buffer, provision, security, cover,
2 religious, spiritual, devotional,
tn5urance.
church, ecclesiastical.
O verb protect, preserve, conserve,
- OPPOSTTES seculal profane. save, secure, shield, guard, keep safe.
sacrifice noun 1 offering, gift, oblation. - OPPOSTTES jeopardize.
2 surrender, giving up, abandonment,
renunciation, forfeiture.
safety noun 1 welfare, well-being, pro.
tection, security. 2 shelter, sanctuary,
a verb 1 offer up, immolate. 2 give up,
refuge.
forgo, abandon, renounce, relinquish,'
cede, surrender, forfeit. sagverb 1 sink, slump, loll, flop, crum-
ple. 2 dip, droop, bulge, bag.
sacrilege noun desecration, profanity,
blasphemy, irreverence, disrespect. saga noun I epic, legend, (folk) tale,
romance, narrative, myth. 2 story, tale,
sad odjective 1 unhappy, sorrowful,
yarn.
depressed, downcast, miserable,
down, despondent, wretched, glum, sage noun wise man/woman, philoso-
gloomy, doleful, melancholy, mourn- pher, scholar, guru. prophet, mystic.
ful, woebegone, forlorn, heartbroken; sail ver6 1 voyage, travel, navigate,
informolblue, down in the mouth, cruise. 2 set sail, put to sea, leave,
down in the dumps. 2 tragic, unhappy, weigh anchor. 3 steer. pilot, captain:
miserable, wretched, sorry, pitiful, in[ormol skipper. 4 glide, drift, float,
pathetic, heartbreaking, heart-rending. flow, sweep, skim, coast, flit, scud.
3 unfortunate, regrettable, sorry, sailor noun seaman, seafarer, mariner,
deplorable, lamentable, pitiful, shame- yachtsman, yachtswoman, hand; lnfor-
ful, disgraceful. mol old salt, matelot, lack Tar.
- OPPOS|TES happy, cheerful. saintly odjective holy, godly, pious,
sadden verb depress, dispirit, deject, religious, devout, spiritual, virtuous,
dishearten, grieve, discourage, upset. righteous, good, pure.
get down. - oppostTES ungodly.
367 sake J satanic

sake noun 1 for the sake of clority prohibition, boycott. 2 authorization,

purpose(s), reason(s). 2 for her son's consent, leave, permission, authority,
soke benefit, advantage, good, well- dispensation, assent, acquiescence,
beinq, welfare. agreement, approval, endorsement,
salary noun pay, wages, earnings, pay- blessing; informolthe thumbs up, the
ment, remuneration, fee(s), stipend, OK, the green light.
income. - OPPOSTTES prohibition.
sale noun 1 selling, dealing, trading. a verb authorize, permit, allow,
endorse, approve, accept, back, sup-
2 deal, transaction. bargain.
port; informol OK.
- OPPOSITES purchase.
- oPPoSITES prohibit.
salty odjective salt, salted, saline, briny,
brackish.
sanctuary noun I refuge, haven, oasis,
shelter, retreat, bolt-hole, hideaway.
salubrious odjective pleasant, agree- 2 safety, protection, shelter, immunity,
able, nice, select, high-class; Brit. asylum. 3 reserve, wildlife reserve,
upmarket; informol posh, classy; Brit. park.
informol swish.
sane odjective 1 of sound mind, in your
salute noun tribute, testimonial, hom- right mind, compos mentis, lucid,
age, honour, celebration (of), acknowl-
rational, balanced, normal; informol all
edgement (of).
there. 2 sensible, practical, realistic,
o verb pay tribute to, pay homage to, prudent, reasonable, rational, level-
honour, celebrate, acknowledge, take
headed, commonsensical.
your hat off to.
- OPPOSITES mad, foolish.
salvage verb rescue, save, recover,
sanguine odjective optimistic, hopeful,
retrieve, reclaim.
buoyant, positive, confident, cheerful,
salvation noun 1 redemption, deliver- bullish; informol upbeat.
ance. 2 lifeline, means of escape, - OPPOSITES gloomy.
saviou r.
sanity noun 1 mental health, reason,
- oPPoSlTEs damnation, ruin. rationality, stability, lucidity, sense,
same odjective 1 identical, selfsame, wits, mind. 2 sense, good sense,
very same. 2 matching, identical, common sense, wisdom, prudence,
alike, carbon-copy, twin, indistinguish- rationality.
able, interchangeable, corresponding,
sap noun juice, secretion, fluid, liquid.
equivalent, parallel, like, comparable,
similar, homogeneous. a verb erode, wear away/down,
deplete, reduce, lessen, undermine,
- oPPostrES another, different.
o the same unchanging, unvarying, drain, bleed.
unvaried, consistent, uniform. sarcasm noun irony, derision, mockery,
sample noun 1 specimen, example, ridicule, scorn.
snippet, swatch, taste, taster. 2 cross sarcastic odjective ironic, sardonic,
section, sampling, selection. derisive, scornful, contemptuous,
o verb try (out), taste, test, put to mocking, caustic, scathing, trenchant,
the test, appraise, evaluate; informol acerbic.
check out. sardonic odjective mocking, cynical,
sanctimonious odjective self-righteous, scornful, derisive, sneering, scathing,
holier-than-thou, pious, moralizing, caustic, trenchant, cutting, acerbic.
smug, superior, priggish, hypocritical, satanic a djective diabolical, fi end ish,
insincere; informol goody-goody. devilish, demonic, ungodly, hellish,
sanction noun 1 penalty, punishment, infernal, wicked, evil, sinful.
deterrent, restriction, embargo, ban, - OPPOSITES godly.
satire -+ scan 368

satire noun parody, burlesque, cari- o noun brute, beast, monster, barbar-
cature, irony, lampoon, skit; informol ian, sadist, animal.
spoof, take-off, send-up. o verb maul, attack, lacerate, claw,
satirical odjective mocking, ironic, sar- bite, tear to pieces.
donic, critical, irreverent, disparaging, save yerb 1 rescue, set free, free, liber-
d isres pectfu l. ate, deliver, redeem. 2 preserve, keep,
satirize verb mock, ridicule, deride, protect, safeguard, salvage, retrieve,
make fun of, parody, lampoon, carica- reclaim, rescue. 3 put aside, set aside,
ture, take eff, criticize; informol send put by, keep, conserve, retain, store,
up, take the mickey out of. hoard, stockpile; informol squirrel away.
satisfaction noun contentment, con' 4 prevent, avoid, forestall, spare, stop,
obviate, avert.
tent, pleasure, gratification, fulfilment,
enjoyment, happiness, pride. saving noun 1 reduction, cut, decrease,
economy. 2 (savings) nest egg, capi-
satisfactory odjective adequate, all
right, acceptable, good enough, suf- tal, assets, funds, resources, TeseTVes.
ficient, reasonable, competent, fair, saviour noun rescuer, liberator, deliv-
decent, average, passable, fine, in erer, champion, protector, redeemer.
order, up to scratch, up to the mark. savour verb relish, enjoy, appreciate,
satisfy verb I fulfil, gratify, meet, fill, delight in, revel in, luxuriate in.
indulge, appease, assuage, quench, o noun smell, aroma, fragrance, scent,
slake, satiate. 2 convince, assure, perfume, bouquet, taste, flavour, tang,
reassure, put someone's mind at rest. smacl<.
3 comply with, meet, fulfil, answer, savoury odjective salty, spicy, tangy,
conform to, measure up to, come piquant.
up to. - OPPOSITES sweet.
- OPPOSITES frustrate. o noun canap6, hors d'oeuvre, appe-
saturate verb 1 soak, drench, wet tizer, titbit.
through. 2 flood, glut, oversupply, say verb 1 speak, utter, voice, pronounce.
overfill, overload. 2 declare, state, announce, remark,
saturated odjective 1 soaked, soaking observe, mention, comment, note, add.
(wet), wet through, sopping (wet), sod- 3 recite, repeat, utter, delivel perform.
den, drlpping, wringing wet, drenched, 4 indicate, show, read.
soaked to the skin. 2 waterlogged, o noun influence, sway, weight, voice,
flooded, boggy, awash. input.
- OPPoSITES dry. Saying noun proverb, maxim, apho-
sauce noun relish, condiment, ketchup, rism, axiom, expression, phrase,
dip, dressing, jus, coulis, gravy. formula, slogan, catchphrase.
saunter verb stroll, amble, wander, scale noun t hierarchy, ladder, rank-
meander, w all<; informol mosey, tootle; ing, pecking order, order, spectrum.
formol promenade. 2 ratio, proportion. 3 extent, size,
scope, magnitude, dimensions, range,
savage odjective 1 vicious, brutal, cruel,
sadistic, ferocious, fierce, violent, breadth, degree.
barbaric, bloodthirsty, merciless, a verb climb, ascend, clamber up,
pitiless. 2 untamed, wild, feral, undo- scramble up, shin (up), mount; N. Amer.
mesticated. 3 o sovoge ottock on the shinny (up).
government fierce, blistering, scathing, scaly odjective dry, flaky, scurfy, rough,
searing, stinging, devastating, wither- sca brous.
ing, virulent, vitriolic. scan verb 1 study, examine, scruti-
- OPPOSITES mild, tame. nize, inspect, survey, search, scour,
 scandal -+ scene

sweep, watch.2 glance through, look a blue moon.

through, have a look at, run your eye scarcity noun shortage, dearth, lack,
over, cast your eye over, flick through, undersupply, insufficiency, pa ucity, pov-
browse through, Ieaf through, thumb erty, deficiency, inadequacy, unavail-
through. ability, absence.
scandal noun 1 gossip, rumour(s), scare verb frighten, startle, alarm,
slander, libel, aspersions, muckraking; terrify, unnerve, worry, intimidate,
informoldirt. 2 lt's o scondol thot the terrorize, cow; informolfreak out; Brit.
hospital hos c/osed disgrace, outrage, informolput the wind up; N. Amer.
sin, (crying) shame. informol spook.
scandalous adjective 1 disgraceful, o noun fright, shock, start, turn, jump.
shocking, outrageous, monstrous, scared o djective f rightened, afraid, fea r-
criminal, wicked, shameful, appalling, ful, nervous, panicky, terrifled; informol
deplorable, Inexcusable, intolerable, in a cold sweat; A/. Amer. informol
unforgivable, unpardonable. 2 discred- spooked.
itable, disreputable, dishonourable,
improper, unseemly, sordid. 3 scurril- scaty o djective (i nformol ) frightening,
ous, malicious, slanderous, libellous, terrifying, hair-raising, spine-chilling,
defamatory. blood-cu rdling, eerie, sinister; informol
creepy, spine-tingling, spooky.
scant odjective little, Iittle or no,
minimal, limited, negligible, meagre, scathing odjective withering, blistering,
searing, devastating, fi erce, ferocious,
insufficient, inadequate.
- OPPoslTEs abundant, ample. savage, severe, stinging, biting, cut-
ting, virulent, vitriolic, scornful, bitter,
scanty odjective 1 meagre, scant,
harsh.
minimal, limited, modest, restricted, _ OPPOSITES miId.
sparse, tiny, small, paltry, negligible,
scarce, in short supply, thin on the scatter verb 1 spread, sprinkle,
ground, few and far between; informol distribute, strew, disseminate, sow,
measly, piddling, mingy, pathetic. throw, toss, fling.2 disperse, break up,
2 skimpy, revealing, short, brief, disband, separate, dissolve.
low-cut. - oPPoSITES qather, assemble.
- OPPOSITES ample, plentiful. scavenge verb search, hunt, look,
scapegoat noun whipping boy, Aunt forage, rummage, root about/around,
Sally: informol fall guy; tV. Amer. informol grub aboutiaround.
patsy. scenario noun 1 plot, outline, storyline,
scar noun 1 mark, blemish, disfigure- framework, screenplay, script. 2 situa-
ment, discoloration, pockmark, pit, tion, chain of events, course of eventt :,, . .:lli$al
lesion, cicatrix. 2 psychologicol scors scene noun 1 location, site. place.
trauma, damage, injury. position, spot, locale. 2 background,
o verb disfigure, mark, blemish, discol- setting, context, milieu, backdrop.
our, mar, spoil. 3 incident, event, episode, happening,
scarce odjective in short supply, scant, proceeding. 4 view, vista, outlook,
scanty, inadequate, lacking, meagre, panorama, landscape, scenery. 5 she
sparse, hard to come by, at a premium, mode o scene fuss, exhibition of your-
few and far between, thin on the self, performance, tantrum, commo-
ground, rare. tion, disturbance, row; informol to-do;
- oPPosrrES plentiful. Brit. informol carry-on. 6 the politicol
scarcely odverb t hardly, barely, only 5cene arena, stage, sphere, world,
just. 2 rarely, seldom, infrequently, milieu, realm. 7 clip, section, segment,
not often, hardly ever; informol once in part, sequence, extract.
scenery + scorch 310

scenery noun 1 landscape, countryside, scholarly odjective learned, educated,

country, terrain, setting, surroundings, erudite, academic, well read, intellec-
environment. 2 set, setting, backdrop. tual, literary, highbrow.
sceniC odjective picturesque, pretty, - opposrTES uneducated, illiterate.
atl.ractive, beautif ul. charming, impres- scholarship noun 1 learning, knowl-
sive, striking, spectacular, breathtaking, edge, erudition, education, academic
panoramic. study.2 grant, award, endowment;
scent noun 1 smell, fragrance, aroma, Brit. bursary.
perfume, savour, odour.2 perfume, school noun 1 college, academy, alma
fragrance, eau de toilette, toilet water, mater. 2 department, faculty, division.
eau de cologne. 3 spoor, trail, track. 3 tradition, approach, style, way of
nose out, detect, pick up, thinking, persuasion, creed, credo, doc-
:[::t."", trine, belief, opinion, point of view.
scented odjective perfumed, fragranced, a verb train, teach, tutor, coach,
fragrant, sweet-smelling, aromatic. instruct, drill.
sceptic noun cynic, doubter, unbeliever, WORD LINKS
doubting Thomas. scholastic relating to schools
sceptical odjective dubious, doubtful, Science noun the science of criminology
doubting, cynical, distrustful, suspi- subject, discipline, field, branch of
cious, disbelieving, unconvinced. knowledge, body of knowledge, area
- OPPOSITES certain, convinced. of study.
scepticism noun doubt, a pinch of salt, scientific odjective 1 technological,
disbelief, cynicism, distrust, suspicion, technical, evidence-based, empirical.
incredulity. 2 systematic, methodical, organized,
schedule noun plan, programme, time- ordered, rigorous. exact, precise, accu-
table, scheme, agenda, diary, calendar, rate, mathematical.
itinerary. scintillating odjective brilliant, daz-
o verb arrange, organize, plan, pro- zling, coruscating, exciting, exhilarat-
gramme, timetable, set up, line up; ing, stimulating, sparkling, lively, viva-
tV. Amer. slate. cious, vibrant, animated, effervescent,
scheme noun 1 plan, project, pro- witty, clever.
gramme, strategy, stratagem, tactic; - oPPoSITES dull, boring.
Brit. informol wheeze. 2 plot, intrigue, scofr verb sneer, jeer, lau gh; (scoff at)
conspiracy, ruse, ploy, stratagem, mock, deride, ridicule, dismiss, belittle;
manoeuvre, subterfuge, machinations; informol pooh-pooh.
informolracket, scam. scoop noun spoon, ladle, dipper.
o verb plot, conspire, intrigue. connive. tr scoop out t hollow out, gouge
manoeuvre, plan. out, dig, excavate. 2 remove, take out,
scheming odjective cunninq, crafty, spoon out, scrape out. scoop up pick
calculating, devious, conniving, wily, up, gather up, lift, take up, snatch up,
sly, tricky, artful. grab.
- OPPOSITES inqenuous, honest. scoPe noun 1 extent, range, breadth,
schism noun division, split, rift, breach, reach, sweep, span, area, sphere,
rupture, break, separation, severance, realm, compass, orbit, ambit, terms of
chasm, gulf, disagreement. reference, remit. 2 opportunity, free-
scholar noun academic, intellectual, dom, latitude, leeway, capacity, room
learned person, man/woman of letters, (to manoeuvre).
authority, expert; informol egghead; scorch verb 1 burn, seal singe, char,
N. Amer. i nformol pointy-head. blacken, discolour. 2 dry up, parch,
371 scorching -+ screen

wither, shrivel, desiccate. scowl verb glower, frown, glare, gri-

scorching odjective hot, red-hot, blaz- mace, lour, look daggers.
ing, flaming, fiery, burning, blister- - OPPOSITES smile.
ing, searing; informol boiling, baking, scramble verb 1 clamber, climb, crawl,
sizzling. claw your way, scrabble, struggle;
- oPPoSITES freezing, mild. N. Amer. shinny.2 muddle, confuse,
score noun 1 result, outcome, total, mix up, jumble (up), disarrange, disor-
ganize, disorder, disturb, mess up.
tally, count. 2 rating, grade, mark,
percentage. l
a noun clamber, climb. 2 the
scromble for o seot struggle, jostle,
a verb 1 get, gain, chalk up, achieve,
make, record, rack up, notch up; scrimmage, scuffle, tussle, free-for-all,
jockeying, competition, race.
informol bag, knock up. 2 arrange, set,
adapt, orchestrate, write, compose. scrap noun 1 fragment, piece, bit,
3 scratch, cut, notch, incise, scrape, snippet, oddment, remnant, morsel,
nick, gouge. sliver. 2 nor o scrop of evidence bit,
tr score outfthrough cross out, shred, speck, iota, particle, ounce,
strike out, delete, put a line through, jot. 3 waste, rubbish, refuse, debris;
obl iterate. N. Amer. garbage, trash; informoljunk.
scorn noun contempt, derision, disdain, a verb 1 throw away, throw out,
dispose of, get rid of, discard, dispense
mockery, sneering.
with, bin, decommission, break up,
- oPPoslTES admiration, respect. demolish; lnformol chuck (away/
a verb 1 deride, treat with contempt,
out), ditch, dump, junk; Brit. informol
mock, scoff at, sneer at, jeer at, laugh
get shot of; N. Amer informol trash.
at. 2 spurn, rebuff, reject, ignore, shun,
2 abandon, drop, abolish, withdraw,
snub.
do away with, put an end to, cancel,
- oPPostTEs admire, respect. axe; informolditch, dump, junk.
scornful odjective contemptuous, - OPPOSITES keep.
derisive, withering, mocking, sneering,
jeering, scathing, snide, disparaging, scrape verb 1 rub, scratch, scour, grind,
sand, sandpaper, abrade, file. 2 grate,
supercilious, disdainful.
creak, rasp, scratch. 3 graze, scratch,
- OPPoSITES admiring.
scuff, rasp, skin, cut, lacerate, bark,
scourl verb scrub, rub, clean, polish, chafe.
buff, shine, burnish, grind, abrade. a noun 1 grating, creaking, rasp,
scour2 verb search, comb, hunt scratch. 2 graze, scratch, abrasion, cut,
through, rummage through, Iook high laceration, wound.
and low in, ransack, turn upside-down. scratch verb scrape. abrade, graze,
Scourge noun affliction, bane, curse, score, scufl, skin, cut, lacerale. bark,
plague, menace, evil, misfortune, chafe.
burden, blight, cancer, canker. a noun abrasion, graze, scrape, cut,
laceration, wound, mark, line.
scout noun 1 lookout, outrider, spy.
tr up to scratch good enough, up to
2 reconnaissance, reconnoitre, survey, the mark, up to standard, up to par,
exploration, search; informol recce; Brit.
satisfactory, acceptable, adequate,
informol shufti. passable, sufficient, all right; informol
a verb 1 I scouted oround for some logs oK.
search, look, hunt, ferret around, root
around. 2 o patrol wos sent to scout out scream verb & noun shriek, screech, yell,
the oreo reconnoitre, explore, inspect, howl, bawl, yelp, squeal, wail, squawk.
investigate, spy out, survey, scan, screen noun 1 partition, divider, wind-
study; informol check out, case. break. 2 display, monitor, visual display
screw -+ search 372

unit. 3 mesh, net, netting. 4 buffer, sedulous, attentive, conscientious,

protection, shield, shelter, guard. punctilious, searching. close, rigorous.
a verb 1 partition, divide, separate, strict.
curtain. 2 conceal, hide, veil, shield, - OPPOSITES careless.
shelter, shade, protect. 3 oll blood is scrutinize yerb examine, inspect, sur-
screened for the virus check, test, exam- vey, study, look at, peruse, investigate,
ine, investigate, vet; informol check out. explore, probe, enquire into, go into,
4 show, broadcast, transmit, televise, check.
put out, air.
sculPture noun carving, statue, statu-
screw noun 1 bolt, fastener.2 propel- ette, figure, figurine, effigy, bust, head,
ler, rotor. model.
l
a verb tighten, turn, twist, wind.
scum noun film, layer, covering, froth,
2 fasten, secure, fix, attach. 3 (infor-
mol) extort, force, extract, wrest, filth, dross, dirt.
wring, squeeze; informol bleed. scuPper verb (Brit. informol)ruin, wreck,
tr screw up 1 wrinkle, pucker, crum- destroy, sabotage, torpedo, spoil.
ple, crease, furrow, contort, distort, scurrilous odjective defamatory, slan-
twist.2 (informo, wreck, ruin, destroy, derous, libellous, scandalous, insulting,
damage, spoil, mess up; informol louse offensive, abusive, malicious; informal
up, foul up, scupper. bitchy.
scribble verb scrawl, scratch, dash off, sea noun 1 ocean, waves; informolthe
jot (down). doodle, sketch. drink; Brit informolthe briny; /iterorythe
a noun scrawl, squiggle(s), jottings, deep. 2 o seo ofroofs expanse, stretch,
doodle, doodlings. area, tract, sweep, carpet, mass.
scriPt noun t handwriting, writing, a odjecLive marine. ocean, oceanic,
hand. 2 text, screenplay, libretto, maritime, naval, nautical.
score, lines, dialogue, words. tr at sea confused, perplexed, pr.zzled,
scrounge verb beg, borrow; informol baffled, mystified, bemused, bewil.
cadge, sponge, bum, touch some. dered, nonplussed, dumbfounded, at a
one for; N. Amer. informolmooch; loss, lost; lnformol flummoxed, fazed.
Austrol.f NZ informol bludge. seal noun 1 sealant, adhesive, mastic.
scrounger noun beggar, parasite, 2 emblem, symbol, insignia, badge,
cadger; i nformol sponger, freeloader; crest.
N. Amer. informol mooch; Austrol.f NZ a verb 1 stop up, seal up, cork, stop-
informol bludger. per, plug, make watertight. 2 clinch,
scrub yerb 1 brush, scour, rub, clean, secure, settle, conclude, complete,
cleanse, wash. 2 (informol) abandon, flnalize, confirm.
scrap, drop, cancel, call off, axe; infor- o seal off close off, shut off, cordon
mol ditch, dump, junk. off, fence ofl, isolate.
scrulTy odjective shabby, worn, down seam noun 1 join, stitching, joint.
at heel, ragged, tattered, mangy, dirty, 2 layer, stratum, vein, lode.
untidy, unkempt, bedraggled, messy, seaman noun sailor, seafarer, mariner,
dishevelled, ill-groomed; informol tatty. boatman, hand, merchant seaman.
- OPPOSITES smart. - OPPOSITES landlubber.
scruPles plurol noun qualms, compunc- sear yerb 1 scorch, burn, singe, char, dry
tion, hesitation, reservations, second up, wither.2 flash-fry, seal, brown.
thoughts, doubt(s), misgivings, uneasi- search verb t hunt, look, seek, for-
ness, reluctance. age, look high and low, ferret about,
scruPulous odjectlye careful, meticu- root about, rummage. 2 he seorched
lous, painstaking, thorough, assiduous, the house look through, scour, go
373 searching -+ section

through, sift through, comb, turn incidental, subsldiary, ancillary.

upside down, ransack, rifle through; 2 accompanying, attendant, concomi-
Austrol.l NZ informol fossick through. tant, consequential, resulting, resultant.
3 examine, inspect, check, frisk. - oPPoslTEs primary, main.
o noun hunt, look, quest, examination, second-hand odjective used, old, worn,
exploration. pre-owned, nearly new, handed-down,
searching o dj ective penetrating, hand-me-down, cast-of.
piercing, probing, keen, shrewd, sharp, - OPPOSITES new, direct.
i ntent. a odverb indirectly; infornol on the
grapevine.
seaside noun coast, shore, seashore,
beach, sand, sands.
- OPPoSITES directly.
secondly odverb furthermore, also,
season noun period, tlme, time of year,
moreover, second, in the second place,
spell, term.
next.
o verb flavour, add salt/pepper to,
s pice. secrecy noun confidentiality, privacy,
mystery, concealment, stealth.
seasoned o djective exPerienced,
practised, well versed, knowledgeable, secret odjectlve 1 confidential,
established, veteran, hardened. top secret, classifi ed, undisclosed,
unknown, private, under wraps; Militory
- oPPoSITES inexperienced.
black; informol hush-hush. 2 hidden,
seasoning noun flavouring, salt and concealed, disguised, camoufl aged.
pepper, herbs, spices, condiments.
3 clandestine, covert, under-
seat noun 1 chair, bench, stool; (seats) cover, underground, su rreptitious,
seating. 2 headquarters, base, centre, stealthy, cloak-and-dagger, fu rtive,
nerve centre, hub, heart, Iocation, site. conspiratorial.
3 residence, ancestral home. mansion. - oPPOSITES public, open.
a verb 1 position, put, place, ensconce, o in secret secretly, in private, behind
install, settle. 2 have room for, con- closed doors, under cover, furtively,
tain, take, sit, hold, accommodate. stealthily, on the quiet, covertly; formol
secluded adjective sheltered, private, sub rosa.
concealed, hidden, unfrequented, secretive odje ctive uncommunicative,
sequestered, tucked away, remote, secret, unforthcoming, playing your
isolated, offthe beaten track. cards close to your chest, reticent,
secondl odjective 1 next, following, tight-lipped.
subsequent. 2 additional, extra, alter- - OPPOSITES open, communicative.
native, another, spare, backup: N. Amer. secretly odverbin secret, in private,
alternate. 3 secondary, subordinate, privately, behind closed doors, under
subsidiary, lesser, inferior. cover, furtively, stealthily, on the quiet,
- oPPoSITES first. covertly.
o noun assistant, attendant, helper, Sect noun group, cult, denomination,
aide, supporter, auxiliary, second in order, splinter group, faction, camp.
command, number two, deputy, under' sectarian o djective f actional, sepa-
study; informol sidekick. ratist, partisan, doctrinaire, dog-
o verb support, vote for, back, matic, illiberal, intolerant, bigoted,
approve, endorse. narrow-minded.
second2 noun moment, bit, little while, Section noun 1 part, bit, portion, seg-
instant, flash; informalsec, jiffy; Brit. ment, compartment, module, element,
informolmo, tick. unit. 2 passage, subsection, chapter,
secondary odjective 1 less important, subdivision, clause. 3 department,
subordinate, lesser, minor, peripheral, area, dlvision.
sector -+ seize 374

sector noun 1 part, branch, arm, divi- comprehend, follow, realize, appreci-
sion, area, department, field, sphere. ate, recognize, work out, fathom;
2 district, quarter, section, zone, informol get,latch on to, tumble to,
region, area, belt. figure out; Brit. informol twig, suss
secular odjective non-religious, lay,
(out). 5 see whot he's up to find out,
temporal, civil, worldly, earthly, discover, learn, ascertain, determine,
profane. establish. 6 see thot no horm comes to
- OPPOSITES sacred, religious. him ensure, make sure/certain, see to
it, take care, mind. 7 I see trouble oheod
secure odjective 1 fastened, fixed, foresee, predict, forecast, prophesy,
secured, done up, closed, shut, locked. anticipate, envisaqe. 8 consult, confer
2 safe, protected, safe and sound, out with, talk to, have recourse to, call in,
of harm's way, in safe hands, invulner- turn to. 9 go out with, date, take out,
able, undamaged, unharmed. 3 his be involved with; informol go steady
position os leoder was secure certain, with; doted court.
assured, settled, stable, not at risk. tr see to attend to, deal with, see
4 unworried, at ease, relaxed, happy, about, take care of, look after, sort out,
confident. organize, arrange.
- OPPOSITES loose, insecure.
seed noun pip, stone, kernel.
a verb 1 fasten, close, shut, lock, bolt,
chain, seal. 2 obtain, acquire, gain, get, seek verb 1 search for, try to find,
get hold of, come by; informolland. look for, be after, hunt for.2 ask for,
request, solicit, call for, appeal for,
security noun 1 safety, protection. apply for. 3 try, attempt, endeavour,
2 safety measures, safeguards, surveil.
strive, work, do your best.
lance, defence, policing. 3 guarantee,
collateral, surety, pledge, bond. seem verb appear (to be), have the
appearance/air of being, give the
sedatel yerb tranquillize, put under impression of being, look, sound, come
sedation, drug. across as, strike someone as.
sedate2 odjective 1 slow, steady, digni- seep verb ooze, trickle, exude, drip,
fied, unhurried, relaxed, measured, dribble, flow, leak, drain, bleed, filter,
leisurely, slow-moving, easy, gentle. percolate, soak.
2 calm, placid, tranquil, quiet, unevent-
ful, staid, boring, dull.
seethe verb 1 teem, swarm, boil, swirl,
churn, surge, bubble, heave.2 be
- OPPOSITES fast, exciting.
angry, be furlous, be enraged, rage,
sediment noun dregs, grounds, lees, be incensed, be beside yoursell boil,
residue, deposit, silt. rant, fume; informolbe livid, foam at
seduce verb 1 attract, allure, lure, the mouth.
tempt, entice, beguile, inveigle, manip- segment noun piece, bit, section, part,
ulate. 2 have your (wicked) way with, portion, division, slice, wedge.
take advantage of.
Segregate verb separate, set apart,
seductive odjecfive tempting, nvitin g,
i keep apart, isolate, quarantine, parti-
enticing, alluring, beguiling, attractive. tion, divide, discriminate against.
see verb 1 discern, detect, perceive, - OPPOSITES integrate.
spot, notice, catch sight of, glimpse, seizeverb 1 grab, grasp, snatch, take
make out, pick out, distinguish, spy; hold of, clutch, grip.2 capture, take,
informol clap eyes on, clock; /lter- overrun, occupy, conquer, take over.
ory behold, espy, descry. 2 watch, 3 confiscate, impound, commandeer,
look at, view, catch. 3 inspect, view, requisition, appropriate, expropriate,
look round. tour, survey, examine, sequestrate. 4 kidnap, abduct, take
scrutinize. 4 understand, grasp, captive, take prisoner, take hostage,
375 seizure + sensation

hijack; informol snatch. noble, generous, magnanimous,

- oPPostrEs release. ungrudging.
seizure noun 1 capture, takeover, - oPPostrEs selfi sh, inconsiderate.
annexation, invasion, occuPation. self-righteous odjecfive sanctimoni-
2 confi scation, appropriation, expro' ous, holier-than-thou, pious, self-
priation, sequestration. 3 kidnaP, satisfied, smug, priggish, complacent,
abduction, hijack. 4 convulsion, fit, moralizing, superior, hypocritical;
spasm, paroxysm. informol goody-goody.
seldom odverb rarely, infrequently, - oPPoslTES humble.
hardly (ever), scarcely (ever); informol sell verb put up for sale, put on the
once in a blue moon. market, auction (off), trade in, deal in,
- OPPOSITES often. retail, market, traffic in, peddle, hawk.
select verb choose, pick (out), single - OPPOSITES buy.
out, opt for, decide on, settle on, sort seller noun vendor, dealer, retailer,
out, take, adopt. trader, merchant, agent, hawker, Ped-
a odjective 1 choice, prime, hand- lar, purveyor, suppiier, stockist.
picked, top-quality, first-class, A-list; - oPPOslTEs buyer.
informol top-flight. 2 exclusive, elite,
privileged, wealthy; informol posh. semblance noun (outward) aPPear'
ance, air, show facade, front, veneer,
- OPPOSITES inferior.
guise, pretence.
selection noun 1 choice, pick, option,
preference. 2 range, array, diversity, seminar noun 1 conference, symPo'
variety, assortment, mixture. 3 anthol- sium, meeting, convention, forum,
ogy, assortment, collection, assem' summit. 2 study group, workshoP,
blage, miscellany, medley. tutorial, class.
selective odjective discerning, discrimi- send verb 1 dispatch, post, mail, email,
nating, exacting, demanding, particu' consign, forward, transmit, convey,
lar; informol choosy, picky. communicate, broadcast, radio. 2 pro-
- oPPOSITES indiscriminate. pel, project, eject, deliver, discharge,
self-centred odjecrive egocentric, spout, fire, shoot, release, throw, fling,
egotistic, self-absorbed, self-obsessed, cast, hurl. 3 you're sending me crozy
self-seeking, self-serving, narcissistic, make, drive, turn.
vain, inconsiderate, thoughtless; infor- - OPPOSITES receive.
mol looking after number one. tr send for call, summon, ask for,
request, order. send up (informol)
self-confi dence noun self-assu rance,
satirize, ridicule, make fun of, parody,
assurance, confi dence, composure,
lampoon, mock, caricature, imitate,
aplomb, poise, sangfroid.
ape; informol take off, spoof, take the
self-consciou s o diective embarrassed, mickey out of.
uncomfortable, uneasy, ill at ease, nerv
ous, awkward, shy, diffident, timid. send-off noun farewell, goodbYe,
adieu, leave-taking, departure.
- oPPostrES confident.
selfish odjective egocentric, egotistic, senior odjective 1 older, elder. 2 supe-
self-centred, self-absorbed, self- rior, higher-ranking, more important;
obsessed, self-seeking, wrapped up in N. Amer. ranking.
yourself, mean, greedy; informol look' - oPPoslTES junior, subordinate.
ing after number one. sensation noun 1 feeling, sense,
- oPPostrES unselfish, altruistic. perception, impression. 2 commotion,
selfless odjective unselfish, altruistic, stir, uproar, furore, scandal, imPact;
considerate, compassionate, kind, informol splash, to-do.
sensational -+ separate 376

sensational odjective 1 shocking, scan. paranoid, neurotic. 5 difficult, delicate,

dalous, fascinating, exciting, thrilling, tricky, awkward, problematic, ticklish,
interesting, dramatic, momentous, controversia l, emotive.
historic, newsworthy. 2 overdrama- - OPPOSITES insensitive, resilient.
tized, melodramatic, exaggerated, sensitivity noun 1 responsiveness,
sensationalist, graphic, explicit, lurid; sensitiveness, reactivity, susceptibility.
informol shock-horror, juicy. 3 (infor- 2 tact, diplomacy, delicacy, subtlety,
mol) gorgeous, stunning, wonderful, understanding, soft skills. 3 touchi-
superb, excellent, first-class; informol ness, oversensitivity, hypersensitivity,
great, terrific, tremendous, fantastic, defensiveness. 4 delicacy, trickiness,
fabulous, out of this world; Brit. infor- awkwardness, ticklishness.
mol smashing. sensual odjective 1 physical, carnal,
- OPPOSITES dull, unremarkable.
bodily, fleshly, animal. 2 passionate,
sense noun 1 feeling, faculty, aware- sexual, physical, tactile, hedonistic.
ness, sensation, recognition, percep- - oPPostTEs spiritual.
tion. 2 appreciation, awareness, sensuous odjective I rich, sumptuous,
understanding. comprehension. luxurious. 2 voluptuous, sexy, seduc-
3 wisdom, common sense, wit, reason, tive, luscious, lush, ripe.
intelligence, judgement, brain(s),
sentence noun 1 judgement, ruling,
sagacity; i nformal gumption, nous,
decision, verdict. 2 o long sentence
horse sense, savvy; N. Amer. informol
punishment, prison term; informol
smarts.4 purpose, point, use, value,
time, stretch.
advantage, benefit. 5 meaning, defini-
a yerb condemn, doom, punish,
tion, denotation, nuance, drift, gist,
convict.
thrust, tenol message.
- oPPoSITES stupidity. sentiment noun 1 view, feeling,
a verb detect, feel, observe, notice, attitude, thought, opinion, belief.
recognize, pick up, be aware of, dis. 2 sentimentality, emotion, tender-
tinguish, make out, perceive, discern, ness, softness; informol schmaltz; Brit.
divine, intuit; informol catch on to. informol soppin ess.

senseless odjective pointless, futile, sentimental odjective 1 nostalgic,

emotional, affectionate, loving, tender.
useless, needless, meaningless, absurd,
foolish, insane, stupid, idiotic, mind-
2 mawkish, overemotional, romantic,
hearts-a nd-fl owers; Brit. twee; informol
less, illogical.
schmaltzy, corny; Erit informol soppy:
- OPPOSITES Wise.
N. Amer. informol sappy.
sensible odjective practical, realistic, separate odjective 1 unconnected,
responsible, reasonable, commonsen-
unrelated, different, distinct, discrete,
sical, rational, logical, sound, no-
detached, divorced, disconnected,
nonsense, level-headed, down-to-ea rth,
independent. 2 set apart, detached,
wise.
cut off, segregated, isolated, free-
- oPPOSITES foolish. standing, self-contained.
sensitive odjective 1 she s sensifive to a verb 1 disconnect, detach, disen.
chonges in temperoture responsive to, gage, uncouple, split, sunder, sever.
reactive to, sensitized to, aware of, con- 2 partition, divide, stand between,
scious of, susceptible to, affected by, come between, keep apart, isolate,
vulnerable to. 2 delicate, fragile, ten- section off. 3 part (company), go their
der, sore. 3 tactful, careful, thoughtful, separate ways, split up, disperse, scat.
diplomatic, delicate, subtle, kid-glove. ter. 4 split up, breal< up, part, become
4 touchy, oversensitive, hypersensitive, estranged, divorce.
easily offended, thin-skinned, defensive, - OPPOSITES unite, join.
317 separately + set

separately odverb individually, one contribution to.3 he served o six-month

by one, one at a time, singly, severally, opprenticeship carry out, perform,
apart, independently, alone, by your. do, fulfil, complete, discharge, spend.
self, on your own. 4 present, give out, distribute, dish up,
provide, supply. 5 attend to, dealwith,
separation noun 1 disconnection,
see to, assist, help, look after. 6 o soucer
splitting, division, breaking-up.
2 break-up, split, estrangement, serving as on oshtroy act as, function as,
divorce; Brit. informol bust-up. do duty.
septic odjective infected, festeri n g, su p' service noun 1 work, employment,
purating, putrid, putrefying, polsoned; labour. 2 he hos done us o service
Medicine purulent. favour, kindness, good turn, helping
hand. 3 ceremony, ritual, rite, sacra'
sequel noun continuation, further ment. 4 overhaul, check, maintenance,
episode, follow-up.
servicing, repair. 5 o ronge of locol ser'
sequence noun 1 succession, order, vlces amenity, facility, resource, utility,
course. series, chain, train, progression, solution. 6 (armed) forces, military,
chronology, pattern, fl ow. 2 excerpt, army, navy, air force.
clip, extract, section. a verb overhaul. check, go over. main-
serene odjective calm, composed, tain, repair.
tranquil, peaceful, placid, untroubled, serviceable odjective 1 in working
relaxed, at ease, unperturbed, unruf. order, working, functioning, opera-
fled, unworried chiefly US centred; tional, usable, workable, viable. 2 func-
informol together, unfl appable, chilled. tional, utilitarian, sensible, practical,
- oPPoslTES agitated. hard-wearing, durable, tough, robust.
series noun succession, sequence, session noun 1 meeting, sitting, assem-
string, chain, run, round, spate, wave, bly, conclave; N. Amer. & tVZ caucus.
rash, course, cycle, row. 2 period, time, term.
serious odjective 1 solemn, earnest, setl verb 1 put (down), place, lay,
grave, sombre, unsmiling, stern, grim, deposit, position, settle, leave, stand,
humourless, stony, dour, poker-faced, plant; lnformol stick, dump, park, plonk,
long-faced. 2 important, significant, pop. 2 fix, embed, insert, mount. 3 set
momentous, wei ghty, far-reaching, the toble lay, prepare, arrange. 4 he set
consequential. 3 intellectual, high- us some work assign, allocate, give,
brow, heavyweight, deep, profound, allot. 5 arrange, schedule, fix (on),
literary, learned, scholarly; informol decide on, settle on, choose, agree on,
heavy. 4 o serlous in_1ury severe, grave, determine, designate, appoint, name,
bad, critical, acute, terrible, dire, dan- specify, stipulate. 6 adjust, regulate,
gerous, grievous. 5 sincere, earnest, synchronize, calibrate, put right, cor-
genuine, wholehearted, committed, rect.7 solidify, harden, stiffen, thicken,
resolute, determined. gel, cake, congeal, coagulate, clot.
- oPPoslTES light-hearted, trivial, minor. o set offfout set out, start out, sally
sermon noun address, homily, talk, forth, leave, depart, embark, set sail;
speech, lecture. informolhit the road. set up 1 erect,
servant noun attendant, domestic, put up, construct, build. 2 establish,
maid, housemaid, retainer, fl unkey, start, begin, institute, found, create.
minion, slave, lacl<ey, drudge; informol 3 arrange, organize, fix (up), schedule,
skivvy. timetable, line up.
serve verb 1 work for, obey, do the 5et2 noun 1 series, collection, group,
bidding of. 2 this job serves the com' batch, arrangement, array, assortment,
munity benefit, help, assist, aid, make a selection. 2 group, circle, crowd, crew,
set -, shackle 318

band, fraternity, company, ring, camp, life-threatening .2 severe storms

school, clique, faction; informal gang, fierce, violent, strong, powerful,
bunch. intense. forceful. 3 cold, freezing, icy,
set3 odjective 1 fixed, established, arctic, harsh, bitter. 4 severe criticism
scheduled, specifi ed, appointed, harsh, scathing, sharp, strong, fierce,
arranged, settled, decided, agreed, pre- savage, devastating, withering. 5 o
determined, hard and fast, unvarying. severe expression stern. dour, grim,
unchanging, invariable, rigid, infl ex. forbidding, disapproving, unsmiling,
ible. 2 ready, prepared, organized, unfriendly, sombre, stony, cold, frosty.
equipped, primed; informol geared up, 5 plain, simple, austere, spartan,
psyched up. unadorned, stark, clinical, uncluttered,
- OPPOSITES variable, unprepared. minimalist, functional.
setback noun problem, difficulty, hitch, - OPPOSITES minor, gentle, mild.
issue, complication, upset, blow; infor- sew yerb stitch, tack, seam, hem,
mol glitch, hiccup. embroider.
- oPPOSITES breakthrough. sex noun 1 sexual intercourse, love-
setting noun surroundings, position, making, making love, sexual relations,
situation, environment, background, mating, copulation ; formol fornication,
backdrop, spot, place, location, locale, coitus. 2 gender.
site, scene.
WORD LINKS
settle verb 1 resolve, sort out, clear up, carnal relating to sexual activity
end, fix, work out, iron out, set right,
reconcile; informol patch up. 2 put sexuality noun 1 sensuality, sexiness,
in order, sort out, tidy up, arrange, seductiveness, eroticism, physicality,
organize, order, clear up, straighten sexual appetite, passion, desire, lust.
out. 3 decide on, set, fix, agree on, 2 sexual orientation, sexual prefer-
name, establish, arrange, choose, pick. ence, leaning, persuasion.
4l've settled the bill pay, square, clear. sexY odjective 1 sexually attractive,
5 make your home, set up home, take seductive, desirable, alluring; informol
up residence, put down roots, establish fanciable, hot; Brlt. informol fit; N. Amer.
yourself, live, move to. 6 o drink will informol foxy.2 erotic, sexually explicit,
settle your nerves calm, quieten, quiet, titillating, naughty, X-rated, rude,
soothe, relax. 7 land, come to rest, pornographic, crude; informol raunchy,
alight, perch. steamy; euphemistlc adult.
settlement noun 1 agreement, deal, shabby odjective 1 run down, scruffy,
arrangement, conclusion, resolution, dilapidated, in disrepair, ramshackle,
understanding, pact. 2 community, tumbledown, dingy; Brit. informal
colony, outpost, encampment, post, grotty. 2 scruffy, old, worn out,
village. threadbare, ragged, frayed, tattered,
settler noun colonist, frontiersman, pio- battered, faded, moth-eaten, the
neer, immigrant, newcomer, incomer. worse for wear; informoltatty: N. Amer.
sever yerb 1 cut off, chop off, detach, informalraggedy. 3 mean, unkind,
separate, amputate. 2 cut (through), unfair, shameful, shoddy, unworthy,
rupture, split, pierce. 3 break off, dis- contemptible, despicable, discredit-
continue, suspend, end, cease, dissolve. able, ignoble; lnformol rotten.
- OPPOSITES join. - oPPOSITES smart.
Several odjective some, a number ol a shack noun hut, cabin, shanty, lean-to,
few, various, assorted. shed, hovel; Scotlish bothy.
severe odjective 1 acute, very bad, shackle verb 1 chain, fetter, manacle,
serious, grave, critical, dire, dangerous, secure, tie (up), bind, tether, hobble,
379 shade + shameful
put in chains, clap in irons, handcuff. weak; informol iffy: Brit. informol dodgy.
2 restrain, restrict, limit, constrain, - OPPoslTEs steady, s[able.
handicap, hamstring, hamper, hinder, shallow odjective superficial, trivial, fac-
impede, obstruct, inhibit. ile, insubstantial, lightweight, empty,
shade noun 1 shadow, shadiness, trifl ing, surface, skin-deep, frivolous,
shelter, cover. 2 colour, hue, tone, tint, foolish, silly.
tinge. 3 nuance, gradation, degree, dif- - oPPoSlTEs profound.
ference, variation, variety, nicety, sub- sham noun pretence, fake, act, simula-
tlety, undertone, overtone.4 little, bit, tion, fraud, lie, counterfeit, humbug.
trace, touch, modicum, tinge; informol tadjective fake, pretended, feigned,
tad, smidgen. 5 blind, curtain, screen, simulated, false, artificial, bogus, insin-
cover, covering, awning, canopy. cere, affected, make-believe; informol
- oPPOSITES light. pretend, put-on, phoney.
a verb cast a shadow over, shadow, - oPPostrES genuine.
shelter, cover, screen. o verb pretend, fake, malinger; informal
shadow noun 1 silhouette, outline, put it on; Brit. informol swing the lead.
shape, contour, profile.2 shade, dark- shambles noun 1 chaos, muddle,
ness, twilight, gloom. jumble, confusion, disorder, havoc;
o verb follow, trail, track, stall<, pursue; Brit. informol omnishambles. 2 mess,
informol tail, keep tabs on. pigsty; informol disaster area; Brlt
shady odjectlve 1 shaded, shadowy, informoltip.
dim, dark, sheltered, leafy.2 (informol) shame noun 1 guilt, Temorse, contri-
suspicious, suspect, questionable, tion. 2 humiliation, embarrassment,
dubious, irregular, underhand; informol indignity, loss of face, mortification,
fishy, murky; Brit. informol dodgy; disgrace, dishonour, discredit, igno-
Au stro l. I NZ nformol shon ky.
i miny, disrepute, infamy, scandal. 3 lt's o
- OPPoSITES bright, honest. shome she never morried pity, sad thing,
shaft noun t pole, stick, rod, staff, bad luck: informolcrime, sin.
shank, handle, stem. 2 o shoftof light - oPPoSlTEs pride, honour.
ray, beam, gleam, streak, pencil. 3 tun- a verb 1 disgrace, dishonour, dis-
nel, passage, hole, bore, duct, well, credit, blacken, drag through the mud.
flue, vent. 2 humiliate, embarrass, humble, take
shake verb 1 vibrate, tremble, quiver, down a peg or two, cut down to size,
quake, shiver, shudder, judder, wobble, show up.
rocl<, sway, convulse. 2 jiggle, joggle, - oPPoSITES honour.
jerk, agitate; informol wiggle, waggle. shamefaced od;ectlve ashamed,
3 brandish, wave. flourish, swing, abashed, sheepish, guilty, contrite,
wield.4 upset, distress, disturb, unset- sorry, remorseful, repentant, Penitent,
tle, disconcert, discompose, unnerve, reg retful, rueful, apologetic; informol
throw off balance, agitate, fluster, with your tail between your legs.
shock, alarm, scare, worry; informol - OPPOSITES unrepentant.
rattle. shameful odjective 1 disgraceful,
o noun judder, trembling, quivering, deplorable, despicable, contemptible,
quake, tremor, shiver, shudder, wobble. discreditable, unworthy, reprehen-
shaky odjective 1 unsteady, unstable, sible, shabby, shocking, scandalous,
rickety, wobbly : Brit. informol wonky. outrageous, abominable, atrocious,
2 faint, dizzy, light-headed, giddy, appalling, inexcusable, unforgivable.
weak, wobbly, in shock. 3 unreliable, 2 embarrassing, mortifying, humiliat-
untrustworthy, questionable, dubious, ing, ignominious.
doubtful, tenuous, suspect, fl imsy, - oPPoSITES admirable.
shameless -+ shelter

shameless odje ctive flagrant, blata nt, sharpen verb hone, whet, strop, grind,
barefaced, overt, brazen, undisguised, file.
unconcealed, unabashed, unashamed, shatter verb 1 smash, break, splinter,
unblushing, unrepentant. crack, fracture, fragment, disintegrate.
shape noun 1 form, appearance, con- 2 destroy, wreck, ruin, dash, crush,
figuration, structure, contours, lines, devastate, demolish, torpedo, scotch;
outline, silhouette, profile. 2 guise, informoldo for, put paid to; Brif. infor-
likeness, semblance, form, appearance, mol scupper.
image.3 condition, health, trim, fettle, shave verb 1 cut off, crop, trim, barber.
order; Brit. informol nick. 2 plane, pare, whittle, scrape, shear.
a verb 1form, fashion, make, mould, sheath noun covering, cover, case, cas-
model. 2 events which shoped the course
ing, sleeve, scabbard.
of her life determine, form, influence,
affect. shedl noun hut, lean-to, outhouse,
outbuilding, cabin, shack.
shapeless odjective 1 formless, amor-
phous, unformed, indefi nite. 2 baggy, shed2 yerb 1 drop, scatter, spill.
saggy, ill-fitting, oversized, unstruc- 2 throw off, cast off, discard, slough
tured, badly cut. off, moult.3 take off, remove, discard,
climb out of, slip out of: Brit. informol
shapely a djective well proportioned, peel off. 4 the moon shed o foint liqht
curvaceous, voluptuous, full-fi g ured,
cast, radiate, emit, give out.
attractive, sexy; informol curvy.
sheen noun shine, lustre, gloss, patina,
Share noun portion, part, division,
burnish, polish, shimmer.
quota, allowance, ration, allocation;
informol cut, slice; Brit informolwhack. sheer odJectiye 1 utter, complete, abso-
l
a verb split, divide, go halves on; lute, total, thorough, pure, downright,
informol go fifty-fifty on. 2 appor- out-and-out, unqualifi ed, unmitigated,
tion, divide up, allocate, portion out, unalloyed. 2 steep, abrupt, sharp,
measure out, carve up: Brit. informol
precipitous, vertical. 3 thin, fine, gauzy,
divvy up.3 participate, take part, play diaphanous, transparent, see-through,
fl imsy, fi lmy, translucent.
a part, be involved, have a hand.
sharp odjective 1 keen, razor-edged, sheet noun I layer, covering, blanket,
sharpened, well honed.2 intense, coat, fllm, veneer, crust, skin, surface,
acute, seveTe, agonizing, excruciating, stratum. 2 pane, panel, slab, plate,
piece. 3 page, leaf, folio.4 o sheet of
stabbing, shooting, searing. 3 tangy,
piquant, acidic, acid, sour, tart, woter expanse, area, stretch, sweep.
pungent, vinegary.4 cold, chilly, icy, shell noun 1 pod, hull, husk.2 body,
bitter, biting, brisk, keen, penetrating. case, casing, framework, hull, fuselage,
5 harsh, bittel cutting, caustic, scath- hulk.
ing, barbed, spiteful, hurtful, unkind, a verb 1 pod, hull, husk; N. Amer.
cruel, malicious.6 a shorp increose sud- shuck.2 bombard, fire on, attack,
den, abrupt, unexpected, rapid, steep. bomb, blitz.
7 astute, intelligent, bright, incisive, shelter noun 1 protection, cover, shade,
keen, quick-witted, shrewd, canny, safety, security, refuge. 2 sanctuary,
perceptive, smart, quicl<; informol on refuge, home, haven, safe house.
the ball, quicl( on the uptake, genius; - oPPOSITES exposure.
N. Amer. informal heads-up. averbl protect, shield, screen, cover,
- oPPoslTES blunt, mild. shade, defend, cushion, guard, insulate,
a odverb precisely, exactly, prompt, cocoon. 2 take shelter, take refuge,
promptly, punctually; lnformol on the take cover; informolhole up.
dot; rV. Amer informol on the button. - oPPOSITES expose.
381 sheltered -+ short

sheltered odjective 1 shady, shaded, neglect; informol ducl< (out of), cop
protected, still, tranquil. 2 protected, out of; Brit informol skive off; t!. Amer.
cloistered, isolated, secluded, informol cul.
cocooned, insulated, secure, safe, shiver verb tremble, quiver, shake,
quiet. shudder, quake.
shelve verb postpone, put off, delay, a noun shudder, twitch, start.
defer, put back, reschedule, hold over/ shockl noun 1 blow, upset, surprise.
off, put to one side, suspend, stay, revelation, bolt from the blue, rude
mothball; N. Amer. put over, table; awakening, eye-opener. 2 fright, scare,
informal put on ice, put on the back start; informol turn. 3 trauma, collapse,
bu rne r. breakdown, post-traumatic stress disor-
shepherd verb usher, steer, herd, lead, der. 4 vibration, reverberation, shal<e,
take, escort, guide, conduct, marshal, jolt, impact, blow.
wall<. o verb appal, horrify, outrage, scandal-
noun protection, guard, defence, ize, disgust, traumatize, distress, upset,
shield
cover. screen, shelter. disturb, stun, rock, shake.
o verb protect, guard, defend, cover, - OPPOSTTES deliqht.
screen, shade, shelter. shock2 noun mass, mane, mop, thatch,
- OPPOSITES expose. head, bush, tangle, cascade, halo.
shift verb 1 move, transfer, transport, shocking odjective appalling, horrify-
switch, relocate, reposition, rearrange. ing, horrific, dreadful, awful, terrible,
2 the wind shifted veer, alter, change, scandalous, outrageous, disgraceful,
turn. abominable, atrocious, disgusting,
a noun 1 change, alteration, adjust- distressing, upsetting, disturbing,
ment, variation, modification, revision, sta rtl i ng.
reversal, rowback, U-turn. 2 stint, shoddy odjective poor-quality, inferior,
stretch, spell. second-rate, tawdry, jerry-built, cheap-
shimmer verb glint, gllsten, twinkle, jack, gimcrack; tnformal tatty.
sparl<le, flash, gleam, glow, glimmer, shoot verb 1 gun down, mow down,
wink. pick off, hit, wound, injure, kill. 2 fire,
o noun glint, twinkle, sparkle, flash, open fire, snipe, let fly, bombard, shell,
gleam, glow, glimmer, lustre, glitter. discharge, launch.3 race, speed, flash,
shine verb 1 beam, gleam, radiate, dash, rush, hurtle, streak, whizz, zoom,
glow, glint, glimmer, sparkle, twinkle, career, fly; informolbelt, tear, zip, whip;
glitter, glisten, shimmer, flash.2 pol- Brit. informolbomb; N. Amer. informol
ish, burnish, buff, rub up, brush, clean. hightail it, barrel. 4 film, photograph,
3 excel, stand out. record.
o noun polish, gleam, gloss, lustre, o noun sprout. bud, runner. tendril,
sheen, patina. offshoot, cutting.
shiny odjective glossy, bright, glassy, shop noun store, retail outlet, boutique,
polished, gleaming, satiny, lustrous. emporium, department store, super-
- OPPOSITES matt. market, hypermarket, superstore, chain
store; A/. Amer. mart.
ship noun boat, vessel, craft.
o verb deliver, send, dispatch, trans- shore noun seashore, beach, sand(s),
port, carry, distribute. shoreline, coast; /iterory littoral.
LrNKS shortadjective 1 small, little, petite,
lwoRD tiny, diminutive, elfin; Scottish wee;
maritime, nautical relating to ships
informol pint-sized, knee-high to a
shirk verb evade, dodge, avoid, get out grasshopper. 2 concise, brief, succinct,
of, sidestep, shrink from, shun, skip, to the point, compact, pithy, abridged,
 shortage -+ show-off 382

abbreviated, condensed. 3 brief, shove verb push, thrust, propel, drive,

fleeting, short-lived, momentary, pass. force, ram, knock, elbow, shoulder,
ing, lightning, quick, rapid, cursory. jostle.
4 scarce, scant, meagre, sparse, insuf- show verb 1 be visible, be seen, be in
ficient, deficient, inadequate, lacking. view, be obvious. 2 display, exhibit,
5 curt, sharp, abrupt, blunt, brusque, put on show, put on display, put
terse, offhand. on view. 3 he showed his frustrotion
- oPPosrrEs tall, long, plentiful. manifest, exhibit, reveal, convey,
a odverb she stopped short abruptly, communicate, make known, express,
suddenly, sharply, all of a sudden, unex-
make plain, make obvious, disclose,
pectedly, without warnin g.
evince, betray. 4 demonstrate, explain,
tr short of deficient in, lacking, in need
describe, illustrate, teach, instruct.
of, low on, short on, missing; informol
5 prove, demonstrate, confirm, sub-
strapped for, pushed for, minus.
stantiate, corroborate, verify, bear out.
shortage noun scarcity, dearth, 6 she showed them to thelr seots escort,
poverty, insufficiency, defi ciency, inad- accompany, take, conduct, lead, usher,
equacy, famine, lack, deficit, shortfall. guide, direct.
- oPPoSlTEs abundance. - OPPOSITES conceal.
shortcoming noun fault, defect, flaw, a noun 1 display, array, sight, specta.
imperfection, defi ciency, limitation, exhibition, display, fair, exposi-
cle. 2
failing, drawback, weakness, weak tion, festival, parade; rV. Amer. exhibit.
point. 3 programme, broadcast, presenta-
- OPPOSITES strength. tion, production. 4 appearance,
shorten verb abbreviate, abridge, outward appearance, image, pretence,
condense, contract, compress, reduce, (false) front, guise, pose, affectation,
shrink, diminish, cut (down), trim, pare semblance.
(down), prune, curtail, truncate. o show ofr 1 (informol)put on airs,
- OPPOSITES lengthen. put on an act, swank, strut, grand.
shortly odverb soon, presently, in a little stand, posture, draw attention to
while, at any moment, in a minute, in yourself. 2 display, show to advantage,
next to no time, before long, by and by; exhibit, demonstrate, parade, draw
N. Amer. momentarily; informol anon, attention to, flaunt. show up 1 be vis-
any time now, in a jiffy; Brit. informol ible, be obvious, be seen, be revealed,
in a mo. appear.2 (informol) turn up, appear,
shot noun 1 report, crack, bang, blast; arrive, come, get here/there, put in an
(shots) gunfire, firing. 2 the winning appearance, materialize. 3 (informol)
$i$lfli:, shot stroke, hit, strike, kick, throw. humiliate, embarrass, shame, put
a:i:*.*i 3 marksman, markswoman, shooter. someone to shame, mortify. 4 expose,
4 photograph, photo, snap, snapshot, reveal, make obvious, hiqhlight,
picture, print, slide, still. emphasize, draw attention to.
shoulder verb 1 take on (yourself), showdown noun confrontation, clash,
undertake, accept, assume, bear, carry. face-off.
2 push, shove, thrust, jostle, force, shower noun 1 fall, drizzle, sprinkling,
bulldoze, bundle. flurry.2 volley, hail, salvo, barrage.
shout verb yell, cry (out), call (out), roar, a verb 1 rain, fall, hail. 2 deluge, flood,
howl, bellow, bawl, raise your voice; inundate, swamp, overwhelm, snow
informol holler. under.
- oPPoSITES whisper. show-off nou n (informol) exhibitionist,
a noun yell, cry, call, roar, howl, bel- extrovert, poser, poseur, swaggerer,
low, bawl; informol holler. self-pu blicist.
 showy -+ sickness

showy odjectiye ostentatious, fl a m boy- trading; informolfold, flatline. shut up

ant, gaudy, garish, brash, vulgar, loud, be quiet, keep quiet, stop talking, hold
fancy, ornate; infornol flash, flashy. your tongue; informolkeep mum. pipe
- oPPostrEs restrained. down, belt up; N. Amer informol can it.
shred noun 1 tatter, ribbon, rag, frag- shuttle verb commute, run, ply, go/
ment, sliver, snippet, remnant. 2 scrap, travel back and forth, ferry.
bit, speck, particle, ounce, jot, crumb, shy odjective bashful, diffident, timid,
fragment, grain, drop, trace. reserved, introverted, retiring, self-
a verb grate, cut up, tear up. effacing, withdrawn.
shrewd odjective astute, sharp, smart, - OPPOSITES confident.
intelligent, clever, canny, perceptive; o shy away from flinch, recoil, hang
informol on the ball. back, be loath, be reluctant, baulk at,
- oPPoSITES stupid. be unwilling, be disinclined, hesitate.
shriek verb & noun scream, screech, sickodjective I ill, unwell, poorly, ailing,
squeal, squawk, roar, howl, shout, yelp; indisposed, out of sorts; informol under
informol holler. the weather, laid up; Austro/. INZ infor-
shrill odjective high-pitched, piercing, mol crook. 2 nauseous, queasy, bilious,
high, sharp, ear-piercing, ear-splitting, green about the gills. 3 l'm sick of this
penetrating. music fed up, bored, tired, weary,
jaded. 4 (informol) macabre, tasteless,
shrink verb 1 get smaller, contract,
ghoulish, morbid, black, gruesome,
diminish, lessen, reduce, decrease, perverted, cruel.
dwindle, decline, fall off. 2 recoil,
shy away, flinch, be averse, be afraid,
- oPPoSITES well.
o be sick (Brit ) vomit, heave, retch;
hesitate.
informol puke (up), throw up, spew
- oPPostrES expand, increase. (up); N. Amer. informol barf, upchuck.
shrivel verb wither, shrink, wilt, dry up, sicken verb 1 nauseate, make sick, turn
dehydrate, parch, frazzle.
someone's stomach, disgust, revolt,
shroud noun covering, cover, cloak, repel, appal; N. Amer. informol gross
mantle, blanket, layer, cloud, veil, wind- out. 2 fall ill, become infected, be
ing sheet. stricken.
a verb cover, envelop, veil, cloak, sickening odjective nauseating,
blanket, screen, conceal, hide, mask,
stomach-turning, repulsive, revolt-
obscure.
ing, disgusting, offensive, off-putting,
shudder verb shake, shiver, tremble, distasteful, obscene, gruesome, grisly;
quiver, judder. A/. Amer. vomitous; informol gross.
o noun shake, shiver, tremor, trem- sickly odjective 1 unhealthy, in poor
bling, quivering, judder, vibration.
health, delicate, frail, weak. 2 pale,
shuffle verb 1 shamble, hobble, limp, wan, pasty, sallow, pallid, ashen, anae-
drag your feet. 2 mix (up), rearrange, mic. 3 sentimental, mawkish, cloying,
jumble (up), reorganize. sugary, syrupy, saccharine; informol
shun verb avoid, steer clear of, give a slushy, schmaltzy, cheesy, corny; Brit
wide berth to, have nothing to do with; informol soppy.
informol f reeze out; Brit. informol send - oPPoSITES healthy.
to Coventry. sickness noun 1 illness, disease, ail-
- oPPostrES welcome. ment, infection, malady, infirmity;
shut verb close, pull to, push to, slam, informolbug, virus; Brit. informol lurgy.
fasten, put the lid on, lock, secure. 2 nausea, biliousness, queasiness,
- oPPOSITES open. vomiting, retching ; informol throwing
o shut down close (down), cease up, puking.
side + silly
side noun 1 edge, bordel verge, threat, promise.3 notice, board,
flank, placard, signpost. 4 symbol, figure,
boundary, margin, rim, fringe(s),
bank, perimeter, extremity,periph- emblem, device, logo, character.
area, a verb 1 write your name on, auto-
ery, limit(s). 2 district, quarter,
region, part, neighbourhood, sector, graph, initial, countersign.2 endorse,
zone. 3 surface, face.4 pointofview, validate, agree to, approve, ratify,
stand- adopt. 3 write, inscribe, pen.
viewpoint, perspective, opinion,
angle, signal noun 1 gesture, gesticulation,
point, position, outlook, slant,
bloc,
aspect, facet. 5 faction, camp, sign, wave, cui, indication, warning,
party, wing. 6 team, squad,line-up. prompt, reminder. 2 indication, sign,
- OPPOSITES centre, end. symptom, hint, pointer, clue, demon-
flanking. stration, evidence, proof.
a odjective 1 lateral, wing,
2 subordinate, secondary, minor, averbl gesture, gesticulate, sign,
subsidiary. indicate, -motion, riave, beckon,"nod.
peripheral, incidental,
- OPPOSITES front, central. 2 his deoth signols the end of on ero
tr side with support, take someone's mark, signify, mean, indicate, be a sign
part, stand by, back, be loyal to, of, be evidence of.
defend, champion, ally yourself with. significance noun importance, import,
sidetrack verb distract, divert, deflect, consequence, seriousness, gravity,
draw away. weight, magnitude.
sideways odverb 1 to the side, later- significant odjective 1 notable,
ally. 2 edgewise, edgeways, side first, noteworthy, remarkable, important,
end on. of consequence, momentous. 2 large,
a odjective 1 lateral, sideward, on the considerable, sizeable, appreciable,
side, side to side.2 indirect, oblique, conspicuous, obvious, sudden.3 mean-
sidelong,surreptitious,furtive, ingful,expressive,eloquent,sugges-
covert, sly. tive, knowing, telling.
sift filter.
verb I sieve, strain, screen, signify yerb mean, denote, designate,
2 we sift out unsuitoble opplicotions represent, symbolize, stand for.
separate out, filter out, sort out, weed silence noun I quietness, quiet, still,
out, get rid of, remove. 3 sifting through stillness, hush, tranquillity, peace,
the doto search, look, examine, inspect, peacefulness.2 failure to speak,
scrutinize. dumbness, muteness, reticence,
sigh verb 1 breathe (out), exhale, taciturnity.
rustre'whisper'
ff3i,1;I"'"'2 3';.?;iH":?:'"':l",TJ,1i',I;n,,.,,,,
gag' muzzle' censor'
sight noun 1 eyesight, vision, eyes. .I'T"odiective
I
iview, glimpse, g-lance, lool<. i land- silent 1 quiet, still, hushed,
mark, pEce of int-erest, monument, noiseless' soundless, inaudible'
spectacle, marvel, wonder ?speechless,
quiet, unspeaking,
o verb glimpse, catch sight of, see, dumb' mute' taciturn, uncommu-
spot, sply, make out, pick-out, notice, nicative' tight-lipped' 3 unspoken,
obreru'e. wordless, tacit, unvoiced, unexpressed,

@oRD
roptical,
Lri\rKssight
--
visual relating to
S?[",HltXldifl',,:.::;,
rliior"tt" noun outline, contour(s),
sign noun 1 indication, signal. symp- profile, form, shape.
tom, pointer, suggestion, intimation, o verb outline, define.
mark, manifestation, demonstration, silly odjective 1 foolish, stupid, inane,
token. 2 warning, omen, portent, feather-brained, bird-brained, frivolous,
 similar -+ singer

immature, childish, empty-headed, simply odverb 1 straightforwardly,

scatterbrained; informol dotty, scatty. directly, clearly, plainly, intelligibly,
2 unwise, imprudent, thoughtless, lucidly, unambiguously. 2 plainly,
foolish, stupid, unintelligent, rash, soberly, unfussily, without clutter,
reckless, foolhardy, irresponsible, classically. 3 merely, just, purely,
hare-brained; informol crazy, barmy; solely, only.
Brit. informal daft.3 he brooded obout
simulate verb 1 feign, pretend, fake,
si//y things trivial, trifling, petty, small,
affect, put on. 2 replicate, reproduce,
insignifi cant, unimportant.
imitate, mimic.
- OPPOSITES sensible.
simultaneous odjectirze concurrent,
similar odjective alike,like, much the
happening at the same time, contem-
same, comparable, corresponding,
poraneous, coinciding, coincident,
equivalent, parallel, analogous, kin-
synchronized.
dred: informolmuch of a muchness.
- oPPOSITES separate.
- different, dissimilar.
OPPOSITES
similarity noun resemblance, likeness, simultaneously odverb at the same
comparability, correspondence, paral-
time, at one and the same time, at
once, concurrently, (all) together, in
lel, equivalence, uniformity.
unison, in concert, in chorus.
similarly odverb likewise, comparably,
correspondingly, in the same way, by sin noun 1 wrong, act of wickedness,
the same token. transgression, crime, offence, misdeed;
o/d use trespass. 2 wickedness, wrong-
simmer verb 1 boil gently, cook gently, doing, evil, immorality, iniquity, vice,
bubble, stew, poach. 2 seethe, fume,
crime.
smoulder.
- oPPOStTES virtue.
simple odjective 1 straightforward, o verb transgress, do wrong, misbe-
easy, uncomplicated, uninvolved, have, err, go astray; o/d use trespass.
undemanding, elementary; informol
child's play, a cinch, a piece of cake,
sincere odjective t heartfelt, whole-
hearted, profound, deep, true, honest,
like falling off a log. 2 clear, plain,
earnest, fervent. 2 honest. genuine.
lucid, straightforward, unambiguous,
truthful, direct, frank, candid informol
understandable, comprehensible,
straight, on the level, upfront; N. Amer.
accessible; nformol user-friendly.
i
informolon the up and up.
3 plain, unadorned, basic, unsophis-
ticated, no-frills, classic, understated, sincerely odverb genuinely, honestly,
uncluttered, restrained. 4 unpreten- really, truly, truthfully, wholeheartedly,
tious, unsophisticated, ordinary, earnestly.
unaffected, unassuming, natural, sincerity noun genuineness. honesty, ..':.
straightforward. truthfulness, integrity, directness.
- oPPoslTES difficult, complex, ornate. openness, candour.
simplicity noun 1 straightforward- sinful odJective immoral, wicked,
ness, ease. 2 clarity, plainness, lucidity, (morally) wrong, evil, bad, iniquitous,
intelli gibility, comprehensibility, acces- ungodly. irreligious. sacrilegious.
sibility. 3 austerity, plainness, spare- - OPPOSITES virtuous.
ness, clean lines. 4 plainness, modesty,
natu ra I ness.
slngverb 1 chant, trill, intone, croon,
- oPPosrrES complexity. chorus. 2 trill, warble, chirp, chirrup,
cheep.
simplify verb make simpler, clarify, put
into words of one syllable, streamline; singe verb scorch, burn, sear, char.
informol dumb down. singer noun vocalist, songster, song-
- oPPosrrEs complicate. stress, soloist, chorister, cantor.
single -+ skin 386

single odjective I sole, one, lone, site noun location, place, position, situa-
solitary, unaccompanied, alone. 2 indi- tion, locality, whereabouts.
vidual, separate, particular, distinct. o verb place, put, position, situate,
3 unmarried, unwed, unattached, free. locate.
- OPPoSITES double, multiple. situation noun 1 circumstances, state
o single out select, pick out, choose, of affairs, affairs, state, condition, case,
decide on, target, earmark, mark out, predicament, plight. 2 location, posi-
separate out, set apart. tion, spot, site, setting, environment.
single-hande d odverb by yourself, 3 post, position, job, employment.
alone, on your own, solo, unaided, size noun dimensions, measurements,
unassisted, without help. proportions, magnitude, largeness,
single-minde d odjective determined, area, expanse, breadth, width, length,
committed, unswerving, unwaver- height, depth.
ing, resolute, purposeful, devoted, o size up (informol)assess, appraise,
dedicated, uncompromising, tireless, get the measure of, judge, tal<e stock
tenacious, persistent, dogged. of, evaluate; Brit. informol suss out.
- OPPoSITES half-hearted. sizeable odjective large, substantial,
singly odverb one by one, one at a considerable, respectable, signifi cant,
time, one after the other, individually, goodly.
separately. - OPPOSITES small.
- oPPoslTES together. sizzleverb crackle, fizzle, sputter, hiss,
sinister odjective 1 menacing, threaten- spit.
ing, forbidding, baleful, frightening, sketch noun drawing, outline, draft,
alarming, disturbing, ominous. 2 evil, diagram, design, plan; informol rough.
wicked, criminal, nefarious, villainous; a verb draw, make a drawing of, pen-
informal shady. cil, rough out, outline.
- OPPOSITES innocent. sketchy odjective incomplete, patchy,
sink verb 1 submerge, founder, capsize, fragmentary, scrappy, cursory, per-
go down, be engulfed. 2 scuttle; Brit. functory, scanty, vague, inadequate,
scupper.3 fall, drop, descend, plunge, insufficient.
plummet, slump.4 embed, insert, - oPPoSlTEs detailed.
drive, plant. skilful odyectlve expert, accomplished,
- oPPoSITES float, rise. skilled, masterly, talented, deft, dexter-
sinner noun wrongdoer, evil-doer, ous, handy; informol mean, crack, ace,
transgressor, miscreant, offender, genius; N. Amer. informol crackerjack.
criminal; o/d use trespasser. - OPPOSITES incompetent.
sip verb drink, taste. sample. nip. skill noun expertise, accomplishment,
a noun mouthful, swallow, drink, drop, skilfulness, mastery, talent, deftness,
dram, nip; informol swig. dexterity, prowess, competence,
a rtistry.
sit verb 1 take a seat, sit down, be
seated, perch, ensconce yourself, flop; - OPPOSITES incompetence.
informol take the load off your feet; skim verb 1 skim off the for remove,
Brit. informoltake a pew. 2 be placed, scoop off, separate. 2 glide, move
be positioned, be situated, be set, light!y, slide, sail, skate. 3 she skimmed
rest, stand, perch.3 be in session, through the poper glance, flick, flip, leaf,
meet, be convened. 4 she sits on the thumb, scan, run your eye over.
tribunol serve on, have a seat on, be a skin noun t hide, pelt, fleece.2 peel,
member of. rind.3 filrn, layer, membrane, crust,
- oPPoSlTEs stand. covering, coating.
 skinny, sleek

o verb 1 peel, pare. 2 graze, scrape, pejorative, false, misrepresentative,

abrade, bark, rub raw, chafe. scurrilous, scandalous, malicious.
WORD LINKS slant verb 1 slope, tilt, incline, be at
cutaneous relating to the skin an angle, tip, lean, dip, pitch, shelve,
dermatology branch of medicine list, bank. 2 bias, distort, twist, skew,
concerning the skin weight.
O noun 1 slope, incline, tilt, gradient,
skinny odjective thin, underweight, pitch, angle, camber. 2 point of view,
scrawny, bony, gaunt, emaciated, skel- viewpoint, standpoint, stance, angle,
etal, wasted, pinched, spindly, gangly; perspective, approach, view, attitude,
informol anorexic. position, bias, spin.
skip verb 1 caper, prance, trip, dance, slap verb smack, strike, hit, cuff, clip,
bound, bounce, gambol. 2 omit, leave spank; informol whack.
out, miss out, dispense with, pass over, a noun smack, blow, cuff, clip, spank;
skim over, disregard; informol give informol whack.
something a miss.
slash verb 1 cut, gash, slit, lacerate,
skirt verb 1 go round, walk round, knife.2 (informol) reduce, cut, lower,
circle.2 border, edge, flank, line.3 he bring down, mark down.
skirted round the subject avoid, evade,
a noun cut, gash, slit, laceration, inci-
sidestep, dodge, pass over, gloss over; sion, wound.
informol duck.
slaughter verb 1 kill, butcher, cull, put
skull noun cranium. down.2 massacre, murder, butcher,
JWORD LINKS kill, exterminate, wipe out, put to
] cranial relating to the skull death, execute; literory slay.
sky noun literory the heavens, the
a noun massacre, (mass) murder,
(mass) killing, (mass) execution, exter-
firmament, the ether, the (wide) blue
yonder.
mination, carnage, bloodshed, blood-
letting, bloodbath; /iterory slaying.
slave noun servant, lackey, drudge: Brit.
informol skivvy, dogsbody : historic ol
slab noun piece, block, hunk, chunk, serf, vassal.
lump, cake, tablet, brick, panel, plate, - oPPostTEs master.
sheet. o verb toil, labour, sweat, work like a

slackodjective 1 limp, loose.2 sagging, Trojan/dog, work your fingers to the

flabby, flaccid, loose, saggy.3 slug- bone; informol sweat blood, slog away;
gish, slow, quiet, slow-moving, flat, Brit. informol graft.
depressed, stagnant. 4 lax, negligent, WORD LINKS
careless, slapdash, slipshod; informol servile like a slave
sloppy.
- OPPoSITES taut, firm. slavery noun enslavement, servitude,
a verb (Brit. informol)idle, shirk, be serfdom, bondage, captivity.
lazy, be indolent, waste time, lounge - OPPOSITES freedom.
about; Brit. informol skive; N. Amer. sleazy odjective 1 corrupt, immoral,
informol goof off. ignoble, dishonourable. 2 squalid,
slam verb bang, thump, crash, smash, seedy, seamy, sordid, insalubrious.
plough, run, bump, collide with, hit, sleek od;ective 1 smooth, glossy,
strike, ram; N. Amer. impact. shiny, shining, Iustrous, silken, silky.
slanderous odjective defa mato ry, 2 streamlined, elegant, graceful.
denigratory, disparaging, libellous, - OPPOSITES scruffy.
sleep -+ sliver 388

sleep noun nap, doze, siesta, catnap; slightly odverb a little, a blt, somewhat,
informol snooze, forty winks, shut-eye; faintly, vaguely, a shade.
Brit. informol kip; /iterory slumber. - OPPOSITES very.
a verb be asleep, doze, take a siesta, slim odjective 1 slender, lean, thin,
take a nap, catnap; informol snooze, get willowy, sylphlike, svelte, lissom, slight,
some shut-eye; Brit. informalkip: literary trim. 2 o s/im chonce slight, small,
slumber. slender, faint, remote.
- oPPostrES wake up. - oPP0SlTEs fat.
tr go to sleep fall asleep, get to sleep; a verb lose weight, diet, go on a diet;
informoldrop off, nod off, drift off, N. Amer. slenderize.
crash out, flake out; N. Amer. informol
slimy odjective slippery, slithery, greasy,
sack out.
sticky, viscous; informol slippy.
LINKS sling verb t hang, suspend, string,
[*9*P .^
rolonfit .urt'ng tl::p -fling.
[sedative. swing. 2 (inforiol) throw, ross,
sleepy odjective 1 drowsy, tired, som- hurl, cast, pitch, lob, flip: informol
nolent, heavy-eyed: informal dopey. chuck, heave, bung.
2 quiet, peaceful, tranquil, placid, slow- slip verb 1 slide, skid, slither, fall (over),
moving, dull, boring. lose your balance, lose your footing,
- oPPOSlTEs awake, alert. tumble. 2 creep, steal, sneak, slide,
slender odjective 1 slim, lean, willowy, sidle, slope, slink, tiptoe.
svelte, lissom, graceful, slight, thin, a noun 1 false step, slide, skid, fall,
skinny.2 faint, remote, tenuous, frag- tumble. 2 mistake, error, blunder,
ile, slim, small, slight. gaffe, oversight, miscalculation, omis-
- OPPOSITES plump. strong. sion, lapse; informol slip-up, boo-boo,
howler; Brit. informol boob, clanger,
slice noun 1 piece, portion, slab,
wedge, rasher, sliver, wafer. 2 share, bloomer; N. Amer. informol goof ,
part, portion, tranche, percentage, blooper.
proportion, allocation; informol cut, o slip up (informol) mal<e a mistake,
whack. blunder, get something wrong, mis-
calculate, make an erTor, err; informal
a verb cut, carve, divide.
make a boo-boo; Brit. informol boob,
slick o djective 1 efficient, smooth, drop a clanger; N. Amer. informol
smooth-running, polished, well organ- goof up.
ized, well run, streamlined. 2 glib,
polished, assured, self-assured, smooth- slippery odjective 1 slithery, greasy,
talking, plausible; informol smarmy. oily, icy, glassy, smooth, slimy, wet;
smooth, plaster, sleek, grease, informol slippy.2 sneaky, sly, devious,
o verb
oil, gel. crafty, cunning, tricky, evasive, schem-
ing, unreliable, untrustworthy; informol
slide verb glide, slip, slither, skim, skate,
shady, shifty; Erit. informol dodgy;
skid, slew.
Austrol.I NZ i nformol shon ky.
slightodjective 1 small, tiny, minute,
slit noun 1 cut, incision, split, slash,
negligible, insignifi cant, minimal,
gash. 2 opening, gap, chink, crack,
remote, slim, faint. 2 slim, slender,
aperture, slot.
delicate, dainty, fragile.
a verb cut, slash, split open, slice open.
- oPPOSITES large, plump.
a verb insult, snub, rebuff, spurn, give slither verb slide, slip, glide, wriggle,
someone the cold shoulder, cut (dead), crawl, skid.
take no notice of, scorn, ignore. sliver noun splinter, shard, chip, flal<e,
a noun insult, affront, snub, rebuff; shred, scrap, shaving, paring, piece,
informolput-down, slap in the face. fragment.
389 slobber -+ smart

slobber verb drool, slaver, dribble, sluggish odjective lethargic, listless,

sa I ivate. lacking in energy, lifeless, inactive,
slogan noun catchphrase, catchline, slow, torpid, enervated.
motto, jingle; N. Amer. informol tag line. - OPPOSITES vigorous.
slope noun tilt, pitch, slant, angle, gradi-
slum noun hovel; (slums) ghetto,
shanty town.
ent, incline, inclination, fall, camber;
t\J. Amer. qrade. slump verb 1 sit heavily, flop, collapse,
o tilt, slant, incline, lean, drop/fall
verb sink; informalplonk yourself. 2 fall,
away, descend, shelve, camber, rise, plummet, tumble, collapse, drop;
ascend, climb. informol crash, nosedive.
a noun 1 fall, drop, tumble, downturn,
sloping odjectiue slanting, leaning,
downswing, slide, decline, decrease;
inclined, angled, cambered, tilted. informol nosedive. 2 recession, decline,
- oPPoSITES level. depression, slowdown.
sloppy odjective 1 runny, watery, - oPPoSITES rise, boom.
liquid, mushy; informol gloopy. 2 care- slur verb mumble, speak unclearly,
less, slapdash, slipshod, disorgan- ga rble.
ized, untidy, slack, slovenly; informol a noun insult, slight, slander, smear,
slap-happy. allegation, imputation.
slot noun 1 aperture, slit, crack, hole, sly odjective 1 cunning, crafty, clever,
opening. 2 time, spot, period, niche, wily, artful, tricky, scheming, devi-
space; informol window. ous, underhand, sneaky.2 roguish,
a verb insert, slide, fit, put, place. mischievous, impish, playful, wicked,
slovenly odjective 1 scruffy, untidy, arch, knowing. 3 surreptitious, furtive,
messy, unkempt, ill-groomed, stealthy, covert.
dishevelled, bedraggled, rumpled, - OPPOSITES open, straightforward.
f r owzy. 2 careless, slapdash, slipshod, smack noun slap, blow, cuff, clip, spank;
haphazard, hit-or-miss, untidy, messy, informolwiack.
negligent, lax, lackadaisical, slack; o verb slap, strike, hit, cuff, clip, spank;
informol sloppy, slap-happy. informol whack.
- OPPoSITES tidy, careful. a odverb (informol) exactly, precisely,
sl,ow odjective 1 unhurried, leisurely, straight, right, directly, squarely, dead,
steady, sedate, measured, ponder- plumb; informol slap, bang; N. Amer.
ous, sluggish, plodding. 2 lengthy, informol smack dab.
time-consuming, long-drawn-out, pro' small odjective 1 little, tiny, short,
tracted, prolonged, gradual. 3 stupid, petite, diminutive, elfi n, miniature,
unintelligent, obtuse; lnformol dense, mini. minute, toy. baby. undersized. :.
dim, thick, slow on the uptake, dumb, poky, cramped; Scottish wee; informal'i:t:tl:l.r.:r:::Il:
dopey; Brit. informol dozy. teeny, tiddly, pint-sized; Brit. informol
- oPPoSITES fast, quick. titchy. 2 slight, minor, unimportant,
a verb 1 reduce speed, go slower, trifl ing, trivial, insiqnifi cant, inconse-
decelerate, brake.2 hold back, hold quential, negligible, inappreciable;
up, delay, retard, set back, check, curb. tnformol piffiing.
- OPPOSITES accelerate. - oPPoSITES big, large.
slowly adverb 1 unhurriedly, without smarmy odjective (informol) unctuous,
hurrying, steadily, at a leisurely pace, at ingratiating, slick, oily, greasy, obsequi-
a snail's pace. 2 gradually, bit by bit, ous, sycophantic, fawning; informol
little by little, slowly but surely, step slimy.
by step. smart odlective 1 well dressed, well
- ortosrrs quicl<ly. turned out, stylish, chic, fashionable,
smash -+ smudge

modish, elegant, dapper; /V. Amer, trig; smelly odjecfiye fou l-smelling, sti nk-
informolnatty, snappy. 2 o smart res- ing, reeking, rank, fetid, malodorous,
touront fashionable, stylish, high-class, pungent; /lterory noisome.
exclusive, chic, fancy; Bdt upmarket; smile yerb beam, grin (from ear to ear),
N. Amer. high-toned; informol trendy,
smirk, simper, leer.
classy, swanky; Brit. informal swish;
- OPPOSITES frown.
N. Amer. informolswank. 3 (informol)
a noun beam, grin, smirk, simper, leer.
clever, bright, intelligent, quick-witted,
shrewd, astute, perceptive informal smirk yerb sneer, simper, snigger, leel
grin.
brainy. quick on the uptake, genius.
4 o smort poce brisk, quick, fast, rapid, smitten adjective 1 struck down,
lively, energetic, vigorous; informol laid low, suffering, affected, afflicted.
cracking. 2 infatuated, besotted, in love,
- OPPOSITES scruffy, stupid. obsessed, head over heels, enamoured,
a verb 1 sting, burn, tingle, prickle, captivated, enchanted, under some-
hurt. 2 she smo rted ot the occusotion one's spell; informolbowled over, swept
feel hurt, feel upset, take ofence, off your feet.
feel aggrieved, feel indignant, be smoke yerb 1 smoulder; o/d use reek.
put out. 2 puff on, draw on, pull on, inhale;
smash yerb 1 break, shatter, splinter, informoldrag on.
crack; informol bust. 2 he smos hed into o noun fumes, exhaust, gas, vapour,
o woll crash, smack, slam, plough, run, smog.
bump, hit, strike, ram, collide with; smoky odjecfive smoke-filled, sooty,
N. Amer. impact. smoggy, hazy, foggy, murky, thick; Brit.
O noun crash, collision, accident; informol fuggy.
N. Amer. wreck; informolpile-up; Brir. smooth odjective 1 even, level, flat,
lnformol shunt. plane, unwrinkled, glassy, glossy, silky,
smattering noun bit, little, modicum, polished. 2 creamy, fine, velvety.
touch, soupqon, rudiments, basics; 3 calm, still, tranquil, undisturbed,
informol smidgen, smidge, tad. unruffled, even, flat, like a millpond.
smear yerb 1 spread, rub, daub, 4 steady, regular, uninterrupted,
slap, cover, coat, smother, plaster. u nbroken, easy, effortless, trouble-free.

2 smudge, streak, mark.3 sully, tar- 5 suave, urbane, sophisticated, pol-

nish, blacken, drag through the mud, ished. debonair, courteous, gracious,
damage, defame, malign, slander, libel; persuasive, glib, slick, smooth-tongued;
tV. Amer. slur. informol smarmy.
a noun 1 streak, smudge, daub, dab, - OPPOSITES uneven, rough.
spot, patch, blotch, mark; informol a verb 1 flatten, level (out/off), even
splodge. 2 accusation, lie, untruth, out/off, press, roll, iron, plane.2 ease,
slur slander, libel. defamation. facilitate, expedite, help, assist, aid,
pave the way for.
smell noun 1 odour, aroma, fragrance,
scent, perfume, bouquet, nose. - OPPOSITES roughen, hinder.
2 stink, stench, reek; Brit. informal smother verb I suffocate, asphyxiate,
pong, whiff. stifle, choke.2 extinguish, put out,
a verb 1 scent, sniff, get a sniff of, snuff out, douse, stamp out. 3 smear,
detect.2 stink, reek; Brit. informol daub, spread, cover, plaster.4 she
pong, hum. smothered o giggle stifle, muffle, stran.
gle, suppress, hold back, fight back,
WORD LINKS
swallow conceal.
olfactory relating to the sense of
smell smudge noun streak, smear, mark,
stain, blotch, blob, dab; informol
 smug + soaking
splotch, splodge. sniff verb 1 inhale, snuffle. 2 smell,
o verb streak, mark, dirty, soil, blotch, scent, get a whiff of.
blacl<en, smear, blot, daub, stain; infor- a noun 1 snuffle, snort.2 smell, scent,
mol splotch, splodge. whiff, lungful.
smug a djective self-satisfi ed, conceited, o sniff out (informol) detect, find,
complacent, superior, pleased with discover, bring to light, track down, dig
yourself. up, root out, uncover, unearth.
snack noun light meal, sandwich, snigger verb & noun giggle, titter,
refreshments, nibbles, titbit(s); informol snicker, chortle, laugh, sneer, smirk.
bite (to eat). snipPet noun piece, bit, scrap, frag-
snag noun complication, difficulty, ment, particle, shred, excerpt, extract.
catch, hitch, obstacle, pitfall, prob-
snivel verb sniffle, snuffle, whimper,
lem, issue, setback, disadvantage,
whine, weep, cry; Scottish greet; infor.
drawback.
mol blubber; Brit. informol grizzle.
a verb catch, hook, tear.
snake noun serpent.
snobbish, snobby odjective elitist,
superior, supercilious, arrogant, conde-
o verb the road snokes inlond twist,
scending, pretentious, affected; infor-
wind, meander, zigzag, curve.
mol snooty, high and mighty, la-di-da,
snap verb 1 break, fracture, splinter, stuck-up; Brit. nformol toffee-nosed.
i

split, crack; informolbust.2 bark, snarl,

growl, retort; infornoljump down snoop verb (informol)pry, spy, be a
someone's throat. busybody, poke your nose into, root
O noun photograph, picture, photo,
about, ferret about: informol be nosy;
shot, snapshot, print, slide. Austro l. nformal stickybea k.
i

snare noun trap, gin, wire, net, noose. snub yerb rebuff, spurn, cold-shoulder,
o verb trap, catch, net, bag, ensnare, cut (dead), ignore, insult, slight; infor-
hook. mol freeze out; tV. Amer. tnformol stiff.
snatch verbl grab, seize, take hold ol a noun rebuff, slap in the f acel informol
brush-off, put-down.
take, pluck, grasp at, clutch at. 2 steal,
take, thieve, make off with; informol snug odjective 1 cosy, comfortable,
swipe, nab, lift; Brit. informal nick, warm, sheltered, secure; informol
pinch, whip. 3 kidnap, abduct, take as comfy. 2 tight, skintight, close-fitting,
hostage. figure-hugging.
sneak yerb creep, slink, steal, slip, slide, - OPPOSITES loose.
sidle, tiptoe, pad. snuggle verb nestle, curl up, huddle
sneaking odjective 1 secret, pri- (up), cuddle up, nuzzle, settle; N. Amer.
vate, hidden, concealed, unvoiced, snug down.
unexpressed. 2 o sneaking suspicion soak verb 1 dip, immerse, steep,
niggling, nagging, insidious, lingering, submerge, douse, marinate, souse.
persistent. 2 drench, wet through, saturate.
sneaky odjective sly, crafty, cunning, 3 woter sooked through the corpet
wily, scheming, devious, deceitful, permeate, penetrate, impregnate,
underhand. percolate, seep, spread. 4 absorb, suck
sneer verb I smirk, snigger, curl your up, blot, mop up.
lip. 2 scoff, laugh, scorn, disdain, be soaking odjective drenched, wet
contemptuous, mock, ridicule, deride, (through), soaked (through), sodden,
jeer, jibe. soggy, waterlogged, saturated, sop-
l
a noun smirk, snigger. 2 jeer, jibe, ping, dripping, wringing.
insult; infornol dig. - OPPOSITES parched.
soar -r solicit 392

soar verb 1 rise, ascend, climb. 2 glide, sofa noun settee, couch, divan, chaise
plane, float, hover.3 increase, esca- Iongue, chesterfield.
late, shoot up, spirai, rocket: informol soft odjective t mushy, squashy, pulpy,
go through the roof, sl<yrocket. '
squishy, doughy, ,pongyl springy,
- oPPosrrEs plummet. elistic, pliab6,'pliant;iifor:mat'gooey;
sob verb weep, cry, snivel, whimper; Brit.lnformol squidgy. 2 swampy,
Scottish greet; informolblubber; Brif. marshy, boggy, muddy, squelchy.
informol grizzle. 3 smooth, velvety, fleecy, downy,
sober odiective 1 clear-headed, teetotal, furry' silky' silken' 4 dim' low' faint'
' subd,ued,.muted, subtle' 5 quiet, low,
abstinent, dry: informol onth;*;;;;.
2 serious, ,oi.rn, senslble, siaid,' gentle,,faint, muted, subdued, mufled,
sedate, quiet, dignified, gt.ul, 1.".f- hushed' whispered' 5 lenient' easy-
headed, down-td-earth. i sombre, going, tolerant, forgiving, forbearing,
subdued, restrained, austere, r"u"i", indulgent, liberal, lax'
drab, plain, dark. - oPPoSlTEs hard' firm' harsh'
- oppoStTES drunk. soften yerb the compensotion should
so-catled odjective supposed, alleged, :ryii:h:-blo* "ase' alleviate' relieve'
presumed, in.pp,.opiiit.ry;;;A--' --' :::!1'' j,tkt the edse off, cushion,
lessen, diminish, blunt. deaden.
ostensible, ,eputed" ,.rr_riyr"i.
sociable odjective friendly, amicable,
t1?fl.:!:::,\.T::,[::':tly;?.'lpv'
srusnv, squelcny, swampy. marsny.
aITaDle, companronaDle, greQafl ouS,
DOggy, soaktng, wet, saturated,
corcral, warm, genral.
drenched; Brit' informol squidgy'
- oPPoslrES unfriendly.
social odiectivel communat, commu.
t?:l;:iJr:,irt:
fl h:,1:! :;::::;
civil, il,
nity, collective, general, popular,
--jl ;;;;ir,
.-- dominion.
leisure, sollz verb dirty, stain, smear,
public, civic. 2 recreational, -.

entertainment. smudge,
a noun party, gathering, function, get-
-
spoil' foul'
togethei, celebiation; iiformol do. soldier noun fighter, trooPer, service'
man/woman, warrior; us cl; Brit'
socaalize yerb interact, converse, be
informolsquaddie'
sociabte, mix, minste, s.r i;;;rh;;
meet, fraLernize, consorti informol WORD LINKS
hobnob, hang out. lmilitary relating to soldiers
society noun 1 the community, the ,ol" rd;".t,r. only. on., , ,

(general) public, the people, the lone, unique, exclusive.

L"i.l i.il l;! ill1ii :i i; I T]I :l ::l r ::::l tr: y l* l:],

"*:11 :',',
i
exclusrvely' entrrery'
industriol societyculture, Zommunity,,T."I:|Y' l]:'q"lv'
civilization, nation. 3 high society,
'
wnolly' alone'
polite society, the uppeiclasses, solemn odiective 1 dignified, ceremo-
fhe
gentry, the elit", the smart set, the
nial, stately, formal, majestic, imposing,
6eau monde; iniormolthe upper crust.
splendid, maonificent, grand. 2 seri-
4 club, association, 9roup, ciicle,
ous' grave' sober, sombre, unsmiling,
institute, guild, lodg"e, league, stern, grim, dour, humourless' 3 sin-
union,
alliance. i.o,np"n!, com"panionship, cere, -earnest, honest, genuine, firm,
fellowship, trienasnip. heartfelt, wholehearted, sworn'

.societv -=] il',:,:;ffi:[i:::,::::]:i:':l

wo*,o--
lsociologv
rrrrs
studv of - I
-
;;i; ior]pr, i" for, car for, beg for,
393 solid -+ sore

plead for. 2 ask, approach, appeal to, sometimes odverb occasionally, from
lobby, petition, importune, call on, time to time, now and then, every so
press. often, once in a while, on occasion, at
solid odjective t hard, rock-hard, rigid, times, off and on.
firm, solidified, set, frozen, compact, song noun air, strain, ditty, chant, num-
compressed, dense. 2 solid gold pure, ber, track, melody, tune.
unadulterated, genuine. 3 well built, sonorous odjective resonant, rich, full,
sound, substantial, strong, sturdy, round, booming, deep, cleal mellow,
durable, stout. 4 well founded, valid, strong, resounding, reverberant.
sound, logical, authoritative, convinc-
soon odverb shortly, presently, in the
ing, cogent. 5 so/id support unani- near future, before long, in a little
mous, united, consistent, undivided. while, in a minute, in a moment; Brit.
- oPPoslTEs liquid, flimsy, untenable. informalin a tick.
solidarity noun unanimity, unity,
sooner odverbl earlier, before now.
agreement, team spirit, accord, har- 2 rather, preferably, given the choice.
mony, consensu s; formol concord.
soothe verb 1 calm (down), pacify,
solidify verb harden, set, thicken, comfort, hush, quiet, settle (down),
stiffen, congeal, cake, freeze, ossify, appease, mollify; Brit quieten (down).
fossilize, petrify. 2 ease, alleviate, relieve, take the edge
- oPPoSITES liquefy. off, allay, lessen, reduce.
solitary odjective I lonely, unaccompa- - OPPOSITES agitate, aggravate.
nied, by yourself, on your own, alone, soothing odjective relaxing, restful,
friendless, unsociable, withdrawn, calm, calming, tranquil, peaceful.
reclusive; tV. Arner. lonesome. 2 iso-
lated, remote, lonely, out of the way, sophisticated adjective 1 advanced,
state-of-the-art, the latest, up-to-
in the back of beyond, outlying, off the
the-minute, cutting-edge, complex.
beaten track, secluded; N. Amer: in the
2 worldly, worldly-wise, experienced,
backwoods. 3 single, lone, sole, only,
cosmopolitan, urbane, cultured, culti-
one, individual.
vated, polished, reflned.
- OPPoSITES sociable.
- oPPoslTEs crude, naive.
solitude noun loneliness, solitariness,
isolation, seclusion, privacy, peace.
sophistication noun worldliness,
experience, urbanity, culture, polish,
solution noun 1 answer, result, resolu- refi nement, elegance, style, poise.
tion, key, explanation. 2 mixture, finesse, savoir faire.
blend, emulsion, compound.
sordid odjective 1 sleazy, seedy, seamy,
solve answer, resolve, work out,
verb unsavoury, tawdry, cheap, disreputable,
puzzle out, fathom, decipher, decode, discreditable, ignominious, shame-
clear up, straighten out, get to the bot- ful, wretched, despicable. 2 squalid,
tom of, unravel, explain; informol figure slummy, dirty, filthy, shabby, scummy;
out, crack; Brit. informol suss out. informol scuzzy; Brit. informol grotty.
sombre adjective 1 dark, drab, dull, - OPPOSITES respectable.
dingy, restrained, sober, funereal. sore odjective 'l painful, hurting, aching,
2 solemn, earnest, serious, qrave, throbbing, smarting, stinging, inflamed,
sober, unsmiling, gloomy, sad, mourn- sensitive, tender, raw wounded, injured.
ful, melancholy, lugubrious, cheerless. 2 (N. Amer. informol)upset, angry,
- oPPoSITES bright, cheerful. annoyed, cross, disgruntled, dissatisfi ed,
somehow odverb one way or another, irritated; informol aggravated, miffed,
no matter how, by fair means or foul, peeved; Brit. informol narked, not best
by hook or by crook, come what may. pleased; ,N. Amer: informol ticked off.
sorrow -+ spacious

SOTTOW noun 1 sadness, unhappiness, black, in credit, creditworthy, secure.

misery, despondency, regret, despair, 6 deep, undisturbed, uninterrupted,
desolation, heartache, grief. 2 the untroubled, peaceful.
sorrows of life trouble, difficulty, prob- - oPPoSITES unhealthy, unsafe.
lem, woe, affliction, trial, tribulation, sour odjective 1 acid, acidic, tart, bitter,
misfortune. sharp, vinegary, pungent.2 bad, off,
- OPPOSITES joy. turned, curdled, rancid, high, fetid.
sofiy odjective 1 regretful, apologetic, 3 embittered, resentful, jaundiced,
remorseful, contrite, repentant, rueful, bitter, cross, crabby, crotchety, cantan-
penitent, guilty, shamefaced, ashamed. kerous, bad-tempered, disagreeable,
2 he felt sorry for her full of pity, unpleasant; informol grouchy.
sympathetic, compassionate, moved, - oPPoslTEs sweet, fresh.
concerned. 3 I wos sorry to hear obout o verb spoil, mar, damage, harm,
the occident sad, sorrowful, distressed. impair, upset, poison, blight.
- oPPoSITES glad, unrepentant. source noun 1 spring, wellspring,
sort noun type, kind, variety, class, wellhead, origin. 2 origin, derivation,
category, style, form. genre, species, starting point, start, beginning, foun-
breed, make, model, brand. tainhead, root, author, originator.
a verb 1 classify, class, group, organ- souvenir noun memento, keepsake,
ize, arrange, order, grade, catalogue. reminder, memorial, trophy.
2 the problem wos soon sorted out
sovereign noun ruler, monarch, poten-
resolve, settle, solve, fix, work out,
tate, overlord, king, queen, emperor,
straighten out, deal with, put right, set
empress, prince, princess.
right, rectify, iron out.
o odjective autonomous, independent,
soul noun 1 spirit, psyche, (inner) self. self-governing, self-determining, non-
2 feeling, emotion, passion, anima- aligned, free.
tion, intensity, warmth, energy, vitality,
sovereignty noun 1 power, rule,
spirit.
supremacy, dominion, jurisdiction,
soundl noun 1 noise, din, racket, row, ascendancy, domination, authority,
resonance, reverberation. 2 utterance, control. 2 autonomy, independence,
cry, word, noise, peep. self-ru le, self-government, home rule,
- OPPOSITES silence. self-determination, freedom.
a verb 1 make a noise, resonate, sow verb plant, scatter, disperse, strew,
resound, reverberate, go off, ring,
broadcast, seed.
chime, ping. 2 sound the horn blow,
blast, toot, ring, use, operate, activate, sPace noun 1 room, capacity, latitude,
set off. 3 appear, look (like), seem, margin, leeway, play, elbow room,
give every indication of being, strike clearance. 2 area, expanse, stretch,
someone as. sweep, tract, footprint.3 gap, interval,
opening, aperture, cavity, niche,
WORD LINKS interstice.4 blank, gap, box.5 period,
acoustic, sonic relating to sound span, time, duration, stretch, course,
sound2 odjective t healthy, in good interval, gap. 6 outer space, deep
condition/shape, fit, hale and hearty, space, the universe, the galaxy, the
in fine fettle, undamaged, unimpaired. solar system.
2 well built, solid, substantial, strong, o verb position, arrange, range, array,
sturdy, durable, stable, intact. 3 well spread, lay out, set.
founded, valid, reasonable, logical, sPacious odjective roomy, capacious,
weighty, authoritative, reliable. 4 reli- commodious, voluminous, sizeable,
able, dependable, trustworthy, fair, generous.
good. 5 solvent, debt-free, in the - OPPOSITES cramped.
 span -+ spectacle

span noun 1 extent, length, width, speak verb 1 talk, converse, communi-
reach, stretch, spread, distance, range. cate, chat, have a word, gossip, com-
2 period, space, time, duration, course, mune, say something; informol chew
interval. the fat. 2 say, utter, state, declare,
a verb 1 bridge, cross, traverse, pass voice, express, pronounce, articulate,
over. 2 last, cover, extend, spread over. enunciate, verbalize. 3 give a speech,
spare odjective 1 extra, supplementary, tall<, lecture, hold forth; informol spout,
additional, second, other, alternative, sound off.
emergency, reserve, backup, relief, sub- sPeaker noun speech-maker, lecturer,
stitute; lV. Amer alternate. 2 surplus, talker, orator, spokesperson, spokes-
superfl uous, excess, leftover, redun- man/woman, reader, commentator,
dant, unnecessary, unwanted; informol broadcaster, narrator.
going begging. 3 your spore time free, special odjective 1 exceptional, unu-
leisure, unoccupied. 4 slender, lean, sual, remarkable, out of the ordinary,
willowy, svelte, lissom, thin, skinny, outstanding, unique. 2 distinctive,
gaunt, lanky, spindly. distinct, individual, particular, specifi c,
a verb 1 afford, manage, part with, peculiar. 3 momentous, significant,
give, provide, do without. 2 pardon, let memorable, important, historic,
off, forgive, have mercy on, reprieve, red-letter.
release, free.
- OPPoSITES ordinary, general.
sparing o djective thrifty, econom ica l,
specialist noun expert, authority, pun-
frugal, careful, prudent, cautious. dit, professional, connoisseur, master,
- OPPoSITES lavish, extravagant. maestro; informolbufr.
sPark noun flash, glint, twinkle, flicker, speciality noun strength, strong point,
flare.
forte, m6tier, strong suit, party piece,
a verb the arrest sporked off riots cause, pidce de r6sistance, claim to fame.
give rise to, occasion, bring about,
start, precipitate, prompt, trigger (off), species noun type, kind, sort, breed,
provoke, stimulate, stir up. strain, variety, class, classification,
cateqory.
sparkle verb&noun glitter, glint, glis-
ten, twinkle, flicker, flash, shimmer. specific odjective 1 particular, speci-
fied, fixed, set, determined, distinct,
sparkling odjective 1 effervescent,
definite. 2 detailed, explicit, express,
fizzy, carbonated, aerated. 2 brilliant,
clear-cut, unequivocal, precise, exact.
dazzling,scintillating, coruscating,
exciting, exhilarating, stimulating,
- OPPOSITES general, vague.
invigorating, vivacious, lively, vibrant. specification noun o shelter built to their
- OPPoSITES still, dull. specificotions instruction, guideline,
parameter, stipulation, requirement,
sparse odjective scant, scanty, scat-
tered, scarce, infrequent, few and far condition, order, detail.
between, meagre, paltry, limited, in specify verb state, name, identify,
short supply. define, set out, itemize, detail, list, enu-
- OPPoStTES abundant. merate, spell out, stipulate, lay down.
spartan odjective austere, harsh, hard, specimen noun sample, exam-
frugal, rigorous, strict, severe, ascetic, ple, model, instance, illustration,
self-denying, abstemious, bleak, bare, demonstration.
plain. spectacle noun 1 display, show,
- OPPoSITES luxurious. pa geantry, performance, exhibition,
spate noun series, succession, run, clus- pomp and circumstance, extravaganza,
ter, string, rash, epidemic, outbreak, spectacular. 2 sight, vision, scene,
wave, flurry. prospect, picture.
 spectacular, spill
spectacular odjective impressive, recovery hasten, accelerate, advance,
magnifi cent, splendid, dazzling, further, promote, boost, stimulate, aid,
sensational, stunning, dramatic, out- assist, facilitate.
standing, memorable, unforgettable, - oPPoSlTEs slow, hinder.
striking, picturesque, eye-catching, o speed up hurry up, accelerate, go
breathtaking, glorious; informol out of faster, get a move on, put a spurt on,
this world. pick up speed; informolstep on it.
- oPPOSITES dull. unimpressive. speedy odjectivelast, swift, quick, rapid,
spectator noun watcher, vlewer, expeditious, prompt, immediate, brisk,
observer, onlooker, bystander, witness. hasty, hurried, precipitate, rushed.
spectre noun ghost, phantom, appari- - opposrtts slow.
tion, spirit, wraith, presence; informol spelll signal, signify, mean,
verb
spook. amount to, add up to, constitute.
speculate verb 1 conjecture, theorize, o spell out explain, make clear, clarify,
hypothesize, guess, surmise, wonder, specify, detail.
muse. 2 gamble, venture, wager, spell2 noun 1 charm, incantation, magic
invest, play the market. formula, curse; N. Amer hex; (spells)
speculative odjective 1 conjectural, magic, sorcery, witchcraft. 2 influence,
suppositional, theoretical, hypotheti- charm, magnetism, <harisma, magic.
cal, tentative, unproven, unfounded, tr put a spell on bewitch, enchant,
groundless, unsubstantiated. 2 risky, entrance, curse, jinx; tV. Amer. hex.
hazardous, unsafe, uncertain. unpre- spel13 noun 1 period, time, interval,
dictable; informol chancy. season, stretch, run; Brif. informol
speech noun 1 speaking, talking, verbal patch. 2 bout, fit, attack.
communication, conversation, dia- spellbound odjective enthralled,
Iogue, discussion. 2 diction, elocution, fascinated, rapt, riveted, transfixed,
articulation, enunciation, pronuncia- gripped, captivated, bewitched,
tion, delivery, words. 3 talk, address, enchanted, mesmerized, hypnotized.
lecture, discourse, oration, presenta-
tion, sermon. 4 language, parlance, sPend verb 1 pay out, expend, disburse;
tongue, idiom, dialect, vernacular; informollay out, blow, splurge. 2 pass,
informollingo. occupy, fill, take up, while away.

WORD LINKS sPhere noun 1 globe, ball, orb, bubble.

2 his sphere of influence area, field,
oral, phonetic, phonic relating to
compass, orbit, range, scope, extent.
speech
3 domain, realm, province, field, area,
#s speechl ess odjective lost for words,
&gs'
territory, arena, department.
dumbstruck, struck dumb, tongue-tied, sPice noun 1 seasoning, flavouring, con-
inarticulate, mute, dumb, voiceless, diment. 2 excitement, interest, colour,
silent. piquancy, zest, an edge.
sPeed noun 1 rate, pace, tempo, spicy odjective hot, tangy, peppery,
momentum, velocity; nformal lick.
i
piquant, spiced, highly seasoned,
2 rapidity, swiftness, promptness, pungent.
alacrity, briskness, haste, hurry; o/d use
- oPPoSITES bland.
celerity.
- OPPOSITES slowness. spike noun prong, pin, barb, point,
c verb t hurry, rush, dash, race, sprint, skewer, stake, spit.
career, shoot, hurtle, hare, fly, zoom, spill verb 1 knock over, tip over, upset,
hasten; informol tear, belt, pelt; Brit. overturn.2 overflow, brim over, run
informol bomb. 2 o holidoy will speed his over, pour, slop, slosh, splash, leak.
 spin + split
spin verb 1 revolve, rotate, turn, go - oPPoSITES please.
round, whirl, twirl, gyrate. 2 she spun tr in spite of despite, notwithstand-
round to face him whirl, wheel, turn, ing, regardless ol in defiance of, in the
swing, twist, swivel, pivot. face of.
a noun 1 rotation, revolution, turn, spiteful odjective malicious, malevo-
whirl, twirl, gyration. 2 slant, angle, lent, vindictive, vengeful, mean, nasty,
twist, bias. 3 trip, jaunt, outing, excur- hurtful, mischievous, cruel, unkind;
sion, journey, drive, ride, run, turn; nformol bitchy, catty.
i

lnformol tootle. - oPPoSITES benevolent.

spine noun 1 backbone, spinal column, splash verb 1 sprinkle, spatter, splatter,
bacl<. 2 needle, quill, bristle, barb, spray, shower, wash, squirt, slosh, slop.
spike, prickle, thorn. 2 wash, break, lap, pound.3 paddle,
WORD LINKS wade, wallow.
vertebral relating to the spine splendid odjective 1 magnificent,
sumptuous, grand, imposing, superb,
spiral odjective coiled, helical, curling, spectacular, resplendent, rich, lavish,
winding, twisting. ornate, gorgeous, glorious, dazzling,
o noun coil, curl, twist, whorl, scroll, handsome, beautiful; informol plush;
helix, corkscrew. Brit. informolswish. 2 (informal) excel.
averb smoke spirolled up coil, wind, lent, wonderful, marvellous, superb,
swirl, twist, snake. glorious, lovely, delightful, first-class;
spirit noun 1 soul, psyche, inner self, informol super, great, amazing, fantas-
mind.2 ghost, phantom, spectre, tic, terrific, tremendous; Brit. informol
apparition, presence. 3 mood, frame/ smashing, brilliant.
state of mind, humour, temper, morale, - oPPoSITES simple, modest, inferior.
esprit de corps. 4 ethos, essence, splendour noun magnificence, sump-
atmosphere, mood, feeling, climate. tuousness, grandeur, resplendence,
5 enthusiasm, energy, verve, vigour, richness, glory, majesty.
dynamism, dash, sparkle, exuberance,
gusto, fervour, zeal, fire, passion; infor-
- OPPoSITES simplicity.
mol get-up-and-go. splinter noun sliver, chip, shard, frag-
ment, shred; Scottish skelf.
- oPPoSlTEs body, flesh.
a verb shatter, smash, break into
spirited odjective lively, energetic, smithereens, fracture, split, crack,
enlhusiastic. vigorous, dynamic, pas-
disintegrate.
sionate; informol feisty, gutsy; i\. Amer:
informal peppy. split verb 1 break, cut, burst, snap, crack,
splinter, fracture, rupture, come apart.
- oPPostrES apathetic, lifeless.
2 tear, rip, slash, slit. 3 share, divide up,
spiritual odjective 1 inner, mental, psy- distribute, dole out, parcel out, carve
chological, incorporeal, non-material.
up, slice up, apportion. 4 fork, divide,
2 religious, sacred, divine, holy, branch, diverge .5 the bond split up
devotional. /ostyeorbreak up, separate, part, part
- oPPostrEs physical, secular. company, go their separate ways.
spit verb expectorate, hawk; Brit. infor- - OPPOSITES join, unite, converge.
mol gob. a noun 1 crack, fissure, cleft, crevice,
o noun spittle, saliva, sputum, slobber, break, fracture, breach.2 rip, tear, cut,
d ribble. rent, slash, slit. 3 division, rift, breach,
spite noun malice, malevolence, ill will, schism, rupture, separation, estrange-
vindictiveness, meanness, nastiness; ment. 4 break-up, split-up, separation,
informol bitchiness, cattiness. parting, estrangement, rift.
o verb upset, hurt, wound. - oPPOSITES merger.
spoil -+ spree 398

spoil verb 1 damage, ruin, impair, blem- informol splotch, splodge. 2 pimple,
ish, disfigure, blight, deface, harm, pustule, blackhead, boil, blemish; infor-
destroy, wreck. 2 roin spoiled my plons mol zit: Scottish informolplook; (spots)
upset, mess up, ruin, wreck, undo, acne, rash.3 place, site, position, situa-
sabotage, scotch, torpedo ; informol tion, setting, location, venue.
muck up, screw up, do for; Brit. informol a verb see, notice, observe, catch
scupper. 3 overindulge, pamper, sight of, detect, mal<e out, discern,
indulge, mollycoddle, cosset, wait on recognize, identify, locate; Brit. informol
someone hand and foot. 4 go bad, clock; /iferory espy, descry.
go off, go rancid, turn, go sour, rot, spotless odjective clean, pristine,
decompose, decay, perish. immaculate, shining, shiny, gleaming,
- oPPoSITES improve, enhance. spick and span.
spoilsport noun killjoy, dog in the - oPPoslTES filthy.
manger, misery; informol wet blanket, spotlight noun attention, glare of
party-pooper. publicity, limelight, public eye.
spoken odjective verbal, oral, vocal, spotted odjective spotty, dotted, polka-
unwritten, word-of-mouth. dot, freckled, mottled.
spokesperson, spokesman, spokes- spotty odjective 1 polka-dot, spotted,
woman noun representative, voice, dotted.2 (Brit.) pimply, pimpled,
mouthpiece, agent, official; informol acned ; Scottish i nformol plooky.
spin doctor.
spouse noun partner, husband, wife,
sponsor noun backer, patron, mate, consort; informolbetter half; Brit.
promoter, benefactor, supporter, informol other half.
contributor.
sPrawl verb stretch out, lounge, loll,
a verb finance, fund, subsidize, back,
slump, flop, slouch.
promote, support, contribute to;
N. Amer. informol bankroll. spray noun 1 shower, sprinkle, jet,
squirt, mist, spume, foam, froth, spin-
spontaneous odjective 1 unplanned,
drift. 2 aerosol, vaporizer, atomizer,
unpremeditated, impulsive,
sprinkler.
impromptu, spur-of-the-moment,
unprompted; informol off-the-cuff.
a verb 1 sprinkle, dribble, drizzle,
water, soak, douse, drench.2 spout,
2 natural, uninhibited, relaxed, unself-
jet, gush, spurt, shoot, squirt.
conscious, unaffected.
sporadic o djective occasional, nfre-
i
sPread verb 1 lay out, open out, unfurl,
quent, irregular, periodic, scattered, unroll, roll out, straighten out, fan out,
patchy, isolated, odd, intermittent, stretch out, extend.2 the londscope
spreod out below extend, stretch,
spasmodic, fi tful, desultory, erratic,
sprawl. 3 scatter. strew, disperse,
unpredictable.
distribute. 4 circulate, broadcast, put
- OPPOSITES frequent, continuous.
about, publicize, propagate, repeat.
sport noun game, physical recreation. 5 travel, move, be borne, sweep,
a verb wear, have on, dress In, show diffuse, reproduce, be passed on, be
off, parade, flaunt. transrnitted. 6 smear, daub, plaster,
sporting odjective sportsmanlike, gen- apply, rub.
erous, considerate, fair; Brit. informal a noun 1 expansion, proliferation,
decent. dissemination, diflusion, transmission,
spotty odjective (informol) athletic, fit, propagation. 2 span, width, extent,
active, energetic. stretch, reach.
spot noun 1 mark, patch, dot, fleck, spree noun bout, orgy; informolbinge,
smudge, smear, stain, blotch, splash; splurge.
 spring ) squeeze

spring verb leap, jump, bound, vault, o noun squirt, jet, gush, stream, rush,
hop. surge, flood, cascade, torrent.
a noun springiness, bounce, resilience, sPy noun agent, mole, plant; tV. Amer.
elasticity, fl exibility, stretch, stretchi- informol spook.
ness, give. a verb notice, observe, see, spot, sight,
o spring from originate from, have its catch sight of, glimpse, make out,
origins in, derive from, arise in, stem discern, detect.
from, emanate from, evolve from. tr spy on observe, keep under surveil-
IWoRD LINKS j lance, eavesdrop on, watch, bug.
#,:i;il;;to the season or sPying noun espionage, intelligence
gathering, surveillance, infi ltration.

sprinkle verb splash, trickle, drizzle,

squabble noun quarrel, disagreement,
row, argument, dispute, wrangle, clash,
spray, shower, drip, scatter, strew,
dredge, dust. altercation; informol tifi, set-to, run-in,
scrap, dust-up; Brit. informal barney,
sprint verb run, race, rush, dash, bolt,
ding-dong.
fly, charge, shoot, speed; informol
O verb quarrel, row, argue, bicker,
hotfoot it, leg it. disagree; informal scrap.
- OPPOSITES stroll.
Squad noun 1 team, creur, gang, force.
sprout verb 1 germinate, put/send out 2 detachment, detail, unit, Platoon,
shoots, bud. 2 spring, come uP, grow,
battery, troop, patrol, squadron,
develop, appear.
commando.
sPruce odjective neat, well groomed, squalid odjective 1 dirty, filthy, dingy,
well turned out, well dressed, smart,
grubby, grimy, wretched, miserable,
trim, dapper; informol natty, snazzy.
mean, seedy, shabby, sordid, insalubri'
- OPPoSITES dishevelled. ous; Brit. informolgrotty. 2 improper,
tr spruce uP smarten uP, tidY uP,
sordid, unseemly, unsavoury, sleazy,
clean, groom; informoldo up, titivate;
cheap, base, low, corrupt, dishonest,
Brit. informoltart up; N. Amer. informol
dishonourable, disreputable, discredit-
gussy up.
able, contemptible, shameful.
sPur noun stimulus, incentive, encour- - oPPOSlTEs clean.
agement, inducement, imPetus,
motivation.
squander verb waste, throw awaY,
misuse, misspend, fritter away, spend
- OPPoSITES disincentive.
like water; informolblow, run through,
a verb stimulate, encourage, PromPt,
splurge, pour down the drain.
prod, impel, motivate, move, galvanize,
inspire, drive. - OPPOSITES save.

- oPPOSITES discourage. square noun piazza, plaza, quadrangle.

spurious odjective bogus, fake, false, o odjective level, even, drawn, equal,
fraudulent, sham, artificial, imitation, tied, level pegging; informol even-
steven(s).
simulated, feigned; informol phoney.
- OPPOSITES genuine. squash verb 1 crush, squeeze, mash,
pulp, flatten, compress, distort, pound,
spurn verb reject, rebuff, scorn, turn
trample. 2 force, ram, thrust, Push,
down, treat with contemPt, disdain,
look down your nose at; informol turn cram, jam, stuff, pack, squeeze, wedge.
your nose up at. squeak noun & verb peeP, cheeP,
- oPPoslrES welcome, accept. squeal, tweet, yelp, whimper.
spurt verb squirt, shoot, jet, eruPt, squeeze verb I compress, press,
gush, pour, stream, pump, surge, sPew, crush, squash. pinch, nip, grasp, grip.
course, well, spring, burst, sPout. clutch. 2 extract, press, force, express.
squirm -+ stall 400

3 force, thrust, cram, ram, jam, stuff, daze, take abacl<; informal flabbergast;
pack, wedge, press, push, squash, Brit. informol knor k for six.
crush, crowd, force your way. stagnant odjective 1 still, motionless,
a noun 1 press, pinch, nip, grasp, grip, standing, stale, dirty, brackish.2 inac.
clutch, hug. 2 crush, jam, squash, tive, sluggish, slow-moving, static, flat,
congestion. depressed, moribund, dead, dormant.
squirm verb 1 wriggle, wiggle, writhe, - OPPOSITES flowing.
twist, slither, fidget, twitch, toss and staid odjective sedate, respectable, seri-
turn. 2 wince, shudder.
ous, steady, conventional, traditional,
squirt verb 1 spurt, shoot, spray, jet, unadventurous, set in your ways, sober,
erupt, gush, rush, pump, surge, stream, formal, stufy, stiff; inf66p6l 513;66y,
spew, well, issue, emanate. 2 splash, stick-in-the-m ud.
spray, shower, sprinkle. - OPPOSITES frivolous.
stab verb knife, run through, skewer, stain verb 1 discolour, soil, mark,
spear, gore, spike, impale. spot, spatter, splatter, smear, splash,
o noun 1 o stob of poin twinge, pang. smudge, begrime. 2 colour, tint, dye,
throb, spasm, cramp, prick. 2 (informol) paint.
attempt, try, endeavour, effort: infor- a noun 1 mark, spot, blotch, smudge,
mol go, shot, cracl<, bash.
smear. 2 blemish, taint, blot, smear,
stability noun 1 firmness, solidity, slur, stigma.
steadiness. 2 balance (of mind),
(mental) health, sanity, reason.
staker noun post, pole, stick, spike,
upright, support, cane.
3 strength, durability, Iasting nature,
Permanence.
stakez noun 1 bet, wager, ante.2 share,
interest, investment, involvement,
stable odjective 1 firm, solid, steady,
concern.
secure. 2 well balanced, well adjusted,
of sound mind, compos mentis, sane, a verb bet, wager, lay, put on, gamble,
rlsk.
normal, rational, reasonable, sensible.
3 o stoble relotionshrp secure, solid, stale odjective 1 old, past its best, off,
strong, steady, firm, sure, steadfast, dry, hard, musty, mouldy, rancid.
established, enduring, lasting. 2 stuffy, musty, fusty, stagnant.
- OPPOSITES unstable. 3 overused, hackneyed, tired, worn
stack noun heap, pile, mound, moun- out, overworked, threadbare, banal,
tain, pyramid, tower. cliched, trite. unimaginative, unin-
averbl heap (up), pile (up), assem- spired, flat; informolold hat; N. Amer.
ble, put together, collect. 2 load, fill played out.
(up), pack, charge, stuff, cram, stock. - OPPOSITES fresh.
staff noun 1 employees, workers, work- stalemate noun deadlock. impasse,
force, personnel, human resources, stand-off, gridlock.
manpower, labour. 2 stick, stave, pole, stalk verb 1 trail, follow, shadow, track,
rod. go after, hunt; informol tail. 2 strut,
a verb man, people, crew, work, stride, march, flounce, storm, stomp,
operate. sweeP.
stage noun 1 phase, period, juncture, stall noun 1 stand, table, counter,
step, point, level.2 part, section, por- booth, kiosk.2 pen, coop, sty, corral,
tion, stretch, leg, lap, circuit. 3 plat- enclosure, compartment.
form, dais, stand, rostrum, podium. a verb 1 delay, play for time, procrasti-
stagger verb 1 lurch, reel, sway, teeter, nate, hedge, drag your feet, filibuster,
totter, stumble. 2 amaze, astound, stonewall. 2 hold off, stave off, keep at
astonish, surprise, stun, confound, bay, evade, avoid.
401 stalwart + stark

staluvart odjective staunch, loyal, faith- observe, comply with. stand for mean,
ful, committed, devoted, dedicated, be short for, represent, signify, denote,
dependable, reliable. symbolize. stand in deputize, act,
- OPPoSITES disloyal. substitute, fill in, take over, cover, hold
stamina noun endurance, staying the fort, step into the breach, replace,
power, energy, toughness, determina- relieve. stand out be noticeable, be vis-
tion, tenacity, perseverance, grit. ible, be obvious, be conspicuous, stick
out, attract attention; informol stickl
stammer verb stutter, stumble over stand out a mile, stick/stand out like a
your words, hesitate, falter, pause,
sore thumb.
s pl utter.
standard noun 1 quality, level, calibre,
stamp verb 1 trample, step, tread, merit, excellence. 2 guideline, norm,
tramp, stomp, stump, clump, crush, yardstick, benchmark, gauge, measure,
squash, flatten. 2 imprint, print,
criterion, guide, touchstone, model,
impress, punch, inscribe, emboss. pattern. 3 principle, ideal; (standards)
a noun mark, hallmark, sign, seal, sure morals, code of behaviour, ethics.
sign, smack, savour, air. 4 flag, banner, ensign, colou(s).
tr stamp out put an end to, end, stop,
oodjective 1 normal, usual, average,
crush, put down, curb, quell, suppress, typical, stock, common, ordinary,
extinguish, stifle, abolish, get rid of, customary, conventional, established.
eliminate, eradicate, destroy, wipe out. 2 definitive, classic, recognized,
stance noun 1 posture, body position, accepted, approved, authoritative.
pose, attitude. 2 attitude, opinion, - OPPoSITES unusual, special.
standpoint, position, approach, policy, standing noun 1 status, ranking, posi-
line. tion, reputation, stature. 2 prestige,
stand verb 1 rise, get to your feet, get rank, eminence, seniority, repute,
up, pick yourself up. 2 be situated, be stature, esteem, importance, account.
located, be positioned, be sited.3 put, staple odjective main, principal, chief,
set, erect, place, position, prop, install, major, primary, leading, foremost,
arrange; informol park. 4 remain in fi rst, most important, predominant,
force, remain in operation, hold, hold dominant, basic, prime; informal
good, apply, be the case, exist, prevail. number-one.
5 withstand, endure, bear, put up
with, take, cope with, handle, sustain, star noun t heavenly body, celestial
body. 2 principal, leading lady/man,
resist, stand up to.6 (informol) putup
lead, hero, heroine.3 celebrity, super-
with, endure, tolerate, accept, take,
star, famous name, household name,
abide, stand for, support, countenance;
leading light, VIB personality, luminary;
formol brool<. informol celeb, big shot, megastar.
- oPPOSITES sit, lie down.
a noun 1 attitude, stance. opinion, o odjective 1 outstanding, exceptional.
2 top, leading, greatest, foremost,
standpoint, position, approach, policy,
major, pre-eminent.
line. 2 opposition, resistance. 3 base,
support, platform, stage, dais, rest, WORD LINKS
plinth, tripod, racl<, trivet. 4 stall, coun- astral, stellar relating to stars
ter, booth, kiosk. astronomy study of stars
o stand by 1 wait, be prepared, be
ready for action, be on full alert, wait stare verb gaze, gape, goggle, glare,
in the wings. 2 support, stick withiby, ogle, peer; informol gawk; Brit. informol
remain loyal to, stand up for, back gawp.
up, defend, stick up for. 3 abide by, starkodjective 1 sharp, sharply
keep (to), adhere to, hold to, stick to, defined, crisp, distinct, clear, clear-cut.
stalt -+ steady 402

2 desolate, bare, barren, empty, bleak, announcement, utterance, communi-

dreary, depressing, grim. cation, bulletin, communiqu6.
- oPPoslTES indistinct, ornate. static odjective 1 unchanged, fixed,
a adverb stork naked completely, stable, steady, unchanging, unvary-
totally, utterly, absolutely, entirely, ing, constant. 2 stationary, motion.
wholly, fully, quite, altogether, less, immobile, unmoving, still, at a
thoroughly. standstill.
start yerb 1 begin, commence, get - OPPOSITES variable, dynamic.
under way, get going, go ahead, make station noun 1 establishment, base,
a start; informol kick off, get the ball camp, post, depot, mission, site, facil-
rolling, get the show on the road. ity, installation.2 office, depot, base,
2 come into being, begin, arise, headquarters. 3 channel, wavelength.
originate, develop. 3 establish, set up, a verb base, post, establish, deploy,
found, create, bring into being, insti- garrison.
tute, initiate, inaugurate, introduce, stationary odjective static, pa rked,
open, launch. 4 activate, switch/turn motionless, immobile, still, stock-still,
on, start up, fire up, boot up. 5 flinch, at a standstill, at rest.
jerk, jump, twitch, wince.
- OPPOSITES moving.
- OPPOSITES end, finish, stop.
stature noun t height, size, build.
l
a noun beginning, commencement, 2 reputation, repute, standing, status,
inception, onset, inauguration, dawn,
position, prestige. distinction, emi-
birth, emergen ce; informal kick-of.
nence, prominence, importance.
2 lead, head start, advantage. 3 jerk,
twitch, spasm, jump. status noun 1 standing, rank, position,
- oPPoslTES end. level, place. 2 prestige, kudos, cachet,
standing. stature. esLeem, image,
startle surprise, frighten, scare,
verb
importance, authority, fame.
a fright,
alarm, shock, give someone
make someone jump. staunchl odjective stalwart, loyal, faith-
ful, committed, devoted, dedicated,
starving odjective hungry, undernour- reliable.
ished, malnourished, starved, raven-
- oPPoslTEs disloyal, unfaithful.
ous, famished.
- OPPOSITES full.
staunch2 yerb stem, stop, halt, check,
curb; N. Amer. stanch.
statel noun 1 condition, shape, posi-
tion, situation, circumstances, state of stay yerb 1 remain (behind), wait,
affairs, predicament, plight. 2 country, linger, stick, be left, hold on, hang on;
nation, land, l<ingdom, realm, power, informol hang around; Brit. informol
republic. 3 government, parliament, hang about; old usetarry.2 continue
administration, regime. 4 state of
(to be), remain, keep, carry on being.
anxiety, panic, fluster; informol flap, 3 visit, stop (off/over), holiday, lodge;
N. Amer. vacation.
tizzy.
- OPPOSITES leave.
state2 verb express, voice, utter, put a noun visit, stop, stopover, break,
into words, declare, announce, make holiday; N. Amer. vacation; /iterory
known, put acrossiover, communicate, sojourn.
a ir.
steady odjectlve 1 stable, firm, fixed,
stately adjective dignified, majestic, secure. 2 still, motionless, static,
ceremonious, courtly, imposing, sol- stationary, unmoving. 3 o steody goze
emn, regal, grand. fixed, intent, unwavering, unfaltering.
- OPPOSITES undignified. 4 steady breothing constant, consist-
statement noun declaration, ent, regular, even, rhythmic.5 continu-
expression, affirmation, assertion, ous, continual, unceasing, ceaseless,
403 steal -+ stick

perpetual, unremitting, endless. movement, breakthrough. 5 stage,

6 regular, settled, firm, committed, level, grade, rank, degree, phase.
long-term. a verb walk, move, tread, pace, stride.
- oPPoslTEs unstable, shaky, fluctuating. o step down resign, stand down, give
a verb 1 stabilize, hold steady, brace, up your post/job, bow out, abdicate;
support, balance, rest. 2 calm, soothe, informol quit. step in intervene,
quieten, compose, settle, subdue, become involved, intercede. step up
quell. increase, intensify, strengthen, esca-
steal verb 1 take, thieve, help yourself late, speed up, accelerate; informol up,
to, pilfer, embezzle; informol swipe, lift, crank up.
filch; Brit. informolnick, pinch, knock stereotype noun conventional idea,
off; N. Amer. informolheist. 2 plagia- standard image, clich6, formula.
rize, copy, piate: informolrip of, lift, o verb typecast, pigeonhole, conven-
pinch, crib; Brit. informolnick. 3 creep, tionalize, categorize, label, tag.
sneak, slink, slip, glide, tiptoe, slope. sterile odjective 1 unproductive,
moRD Lr\rKS infertile, unfruitful, barren. 2 hygienic,
lkleptomania compulsion to steal I
clean, pure, uncontaminated, sterilized,
disinfected, germ-free, antiseptic.
stealth noun furtiveness, secretiveness,
- OPPoSITES fertile.
secrecy, surreptitiousness.
sterilize verb 1 disinfect, fumigate,
stealthy odjective lurtive, secretive, decontaminate, sanitize, clean, cleanse,
secret, surreptitious, sneaky, sly; purify. 2 neuter, castrate, spay, geld;
Militory black.
N. Amer. & Austrol. alter; Brit. informol
- OPPOSITES open. doctor.
steep odjective 1 sheer, precipitous, - oPPoslrES contaminate.
abrupt, sharp, perpendicular, verti-
stern odjective I unsrniling, frown-
cal. 2 o steep increose sharp, sudden,
ing, serious, severe, forbidding, grim,
dramatic, precipitate.
unfriendly, austere, dour. 2 strict,
- OPPoSITES gentle, gradual.
severe, stringent, harsh, drastic, hard,
steeped odjective tough, extreme, draconian.
o steeped in imbued with, filled with, - oPPoSITES genial, lax.
permeated with, suffused with, soaked
in, pervaded by.
stickl noun 1 branch, twig, switch.
2 walking stick, cane, staff, crutch.
steer verb guide, direct, manoeuvre, 3 post, pole, cane, stake, rod.
drive, pilot, navigate.
stick2 verb 1 thrust, push, insert, jab,
steml noun stalk, shoot, trunk. pol<e, dig, plunge. 2 pierce, penetrate, .r:ir$!.
s stem from come from, arise from, puncture, prick, stab. 3 adhere, cling. l;|1$
origlnate from, have il.s origins in, 4 stickthe stamp there attach, fasten, "ri:]:':'::i':i
spring from, derive from. affix, fix, paste, glue, gum, tape. 5 jam,
stem2 verb stop, staunch, halt, check, getjammed, catch, get caught, get
curb; A/. Amer. stanch. trapped. 6 (Brit. informol) tolerate, put
stench noun stink, reek; Brit. informol up with, take, stand, stomach, endure,
niff, pong, whiff; Ai. Amer. informol funk; bear, abide.
/iterory miasma. o stick out 1 protrude, jut (out),
step noun 1 pace, stride, footstep, project, stand out, extend, poke out,
footfall, tread, tramp. 2 stair, tread; bulge.2 be conspicuous, be obvious,
(steps) stairs, staircase, flight of stand out, leap out; informol stick out
stairs. 3 action, act, course of action, a mile. stick to abide by, keep, adhere
measure, move, operation, procedure. to, hold to, comply with, fulfil, stand by.
4 advance, development, move, stick up for support, take someone's
sticky -+ stock 404

side, take someone's part, side with, stimulate verb encourage, prompt,
stand by, stand up for, defend. motivate, trigger, spark, spur on, galva-
sticky odjective 1 adhesive, self-adhesive, nize, fire, inspire, excite; lV. Amen light
gummed. 2 tacky, gluey, gummy, trea- afire under.
cly, glutinous, viscous; informol gooey. - OPPoSITES discourage.
3 humid, muqqy, close, sultry, steamy, stimulating odjective thought-provok-
sweaty, sweltering, oppressive. 4 awk' ing, interesting, inspiring, inspirational,
ward, difficult, tricky, ticklish, delicate, lively, exciting, provocative.
embarrassinq, sensitive; informol hairy. - oPPOsITES uninspiring, boring.
- OPPoSITES dry, fresh, cool. stimulus noun motivation, encourage-
stift odjective 1 rigid, hard, firm, ment, impetus, prompt, spur, induce'
inelastic, unyielding, brittle. 2 thick, ment, incentive, inspiration, fillip;
firm, viscous, semi-solid. 3 aching, informolshot in the arm.
achy, painful, arthritic; informol creaky. - OPPOSITES deterrent.
4 formal, reserved, wooden, forced, sting noun 1 prick, wound, injury.
strained, stilted; infornol starchy, 2 pain, pricking, smarting, soreness,
uptight. 5 stiff penolties harsh, severe, hurt, irritation.
heavy, stringent, drastic, draconian; a verb 1 prick, wound. 2 smart,
Brit. swingeing. 6 they put up o stiff burn, hurt, be irritated, be sore.3 the
resistonce vigorous, determ ned,i criticism stung her upset, wound, hurt,
strong. spirited. resolute, tenacious. distress, pain, mortify.
dogged, stubborn. 7 difficult, hard, stink verb reek, smell.
arduous, tough, strenuous, laborious, a noun stench, reek; Brlt. informol
exacting, tiring, demanding. 8 strong, pong; tV. Amer. informolfunk.
potent, alcoholic. stint noun spell, stretch. [urn, session,
- OPPoslTEs flexible, soft, limp. term, time, shift, tour of duty.
stifle verb 1 smother, check, restrain, stipulate verb specify, set out, lay
l<eep back, hold back, hold in, with- down, demand, require, insist on.
hold, choke back, muffle, suppress,
stir verb 1 mix, blend, beat, whip, whisk,
curb. 2 suppress, quash, quell, put an
fold in;N. Amer. muddle. 2 move, get
end to, put down, stop, extinguish, up, get out of bed, rise, rouse yourself,
stamp out, crush, subdue, repress. bestir yourself. 3 disturb, rustle, shake,
3 suffocate, smother, asphyxiate, move, agitate. 4 the wor stirred him to
choke. ocfion spur, drive, rouse, prompt, pro-
stigma noun shame, disgrace, dishon- pel, motivate, encourage, urge, impel,
our, ignominy, humiliation, stain, taint. provoke, goad.
- OPPOSITES honour. a noun commotion, disturbance, fuss,
still odjective 1 motionless, unmov- excitement, sensation; nformol to-do,
i

ing, stock-still, immobile, rooted to hoo-ha.

the spot, transfixed, static, stationary. stock noun 1 merchandise, goods,
2 quiet, silent, calm, peaceful, serene, wares. 2 store, supply, stockpile,
windless, noiseless, undisturbed, flat, reseTve, hoard, cache, bank.3 ani-
smooth, like a millpond. mals. livestock, beasts, flocks, herds.
- oPPostrES moving. noisy. 4 descent, ancestry, origin(s), line-
a odverb 1 even now, yet. 2 neverthe' age, birth, extraction, family, blood,
less, nonetheless, all the same, even pedigree.
so, but, however, despite that, in spite o odjective usual, routine, predict-
of that. able, set, standard, staple, customary,
o verb quieten, quiet, silence, hush, familiar, conventional, traditional,
calm, settle, pacify, subdue. stereotyped, clich6d, hackneyed,
 stockpile -.> stout

unoriginal, formulaic. still. 2 break, stopover, stop-off, stay,

- oPPostrES unusual, original. vislt; /iterory sojourn. 3 stopping place,
o verb sell, carry, keep (in stock), offer, station, halt.
supply, provide, furnish. store noun I stock, supply, stock-
stockpile noun stock, store, supply, pile, hoard, cache, reserve, banl<,
collection, reseTVe, hoard, cache; pool; informolstash. 2 storeroom,
informol stash. storehouse, repository, stockroom,
a verb store up, amass, accumulate, depot, depository, warehouse. 3 ship's
stock up on, hoard, cache, collect, lay sfores supplies, provisions, stocks,
in, put away, put/set aside, put by, stow food, rations, materials, equipment,
away, save; informol salt away, stash hardware. 4 shop, emporium, (retail)
away. outlet, boutique, department store,
stocky odjective thickset, sturdy, heavily supermarket, hypermarket, su perstore,
built, chunky, burly, strapping, brawny, megastore; /V. Amer. mart.
solid, heavy, hefty, beefy. o verb keep, stocl<pile, stock up with,
- oPPostrES slender. lay in, set aside, put aside, put awayi by,
save, collect, accumulate, amass,
stomach noun 1 abdomen, middle,
belly, gut, paunch; lnformol tummy, hoard; informol squirrel away, salt away,
insides, pot, spare tyre.2 aPPetite, stash.
taste, inciination, desire, wish. - oPPostrES use, discard.
o verb tolerate, put up with, take, storehouse noun warehouse, deposi-
stand, endure, bear; informol hack, tory, repository, store, storeroom,
abide; Brit. informol stick. depot.
-
WORD LII\IKS storm noun 1 tempest, squall, gale,
hurricane, tornado, cyclone, typhoon,
l_gastric relating to the stomach
thunderstorm, rainstorm, monsoon,
stone noun 1 rock, pebble, boulder. hailstorm, snowstorm, blizzard.
2 gem, gemstone, jewel; informol rock, 2 uproar, outcry, fuss, furore, rumpus,
sparkler. 3 kernel, seed, pip, pit. trouble; informol to-do, hoo-ha, ruc-
WORD LINKS tions, stink; Brit. informol row.
rrpia".vl"i.ii.g . t... i
a verb 1 stride, march, stomp, stamP,
stalk, flounce, fling. 2 attack, charge,
stoop verb bend, lean, crouch, bow, rush, swoop on.
duck.
stormy odjective 1 blustery, squally,
stop verb 1 end, halt, flnish, terminate, windy, gusty, blowy, thundery, wild,
wind up, bring to a stop/halt, discon' violent, rough, foul.2 angry, heated,
tlnue, cut short, interrupt, nip in the fi erce. furious, passionate. acrimonious.
bud, shut down. 2 he stopped smoking - oPPoslTES calm, peaceful.
cease, refrain from, discontinue, desist
from, break off, give up, abandon, cut story noun 1 tale, narrative, account,
history, anecdote, saga; informol yarn.
out; informol quit, pack in; Brit. informal
jack in. 3 pull up, draw up, come to a 2 plot, storyline, scenario. 3 news,
stop/halt, come to rest, pull in/over. report, item, article, feature, piece.
4 the music stopped come to an end, 4 rumour, whisper, allegation, specula-
draw to a close, end, cease, halt, finish, tion, gossip.
be over, conclude. 5 prevent, obstruct, stout odjective 1 fat, big, plump,
impede, block, bar, preclude, dissuade portly, rotund, dumpy, corpulent,
from. thickset, burly, bulky; informol tubby:
- oPPOSITES start, begin, continue. Brit. informolpodgy; N. Amer. informol
o noun t halt, end, flnish, cessation, zaftig, corn-fed. 2 strong, sturdy, solid,
close, conclusion, termination, stand' robust, tough, durable, hard-wearing.
straight + strategy

3 determined, vigorous, forceful, pull, wrench, twist, sprain. 3 sieve, sift,

spirited, committed, brave, fearless, filter, screen.
valiant, gallant, bold, plucky; informol a noun 1 tension, tightness, taut.
gutsy. ness. 2 injury, sprain, wrench, twist.
- OPPoSITES thin, flimsy. 3 pressure, demands, burdens, stress;
straight odjective 1 direct, linear, informal hassle. 4 stress, (nervous)
unswerving, undeviatinq. 2 level, tension, exhaustion, fatigue, pressure,
even, in line, aligned, square, vertical, overwork.
upright, perpendicular, horizontal. 3 in strain2 noun variety, kind, type, sort,
order, tidy, neat, shipshape, spick and breed, genus.
span, orderly, organized, arranged, strained odjective 1 awkward, tense,
sorted out, straightened out. 4 honest, uneasy, uncomfortable, edgy, difficult,
direct, frank, candid, truthful, sincere, troubled. 2 forced, unnatural, artifi cial,
forthright, straightforward, plain- insincere, false, affected, put-on.
spoken, blunt, unambiguous; informol
upfront. 5 undiluted, neat, pure;
strait noun 1 channel, sound, narrows,
stretch of water. 2 (straits) difficulty,
N. Amer. informol straight up.
trouble, crisis, mess, predicament,
- OPPOSITES winding, crooked.
plight; informol hot water, jam, hole,
a odverb 1 right, directly, squarely, full; fix, scrape.
informol smack, (slap) bang; N. Amer.
lnformol smack dab. 2 frankly, directly, strand noun thread, filament, fibre,
candidly, honestly, forthrightly, plainly, length.
point-blank, bluntly, flatly; Brit. informol stranded odjective I shipwrecked,
straight up. 3 logically, rationally, wrecked, marooned, grounded,
clearly, lucidly, coherently, cogently. aground, beached. 2 helpless, aban-
o straight away at once, right doned, forsaken, left high and dry, left
away, (right) now, this/that (very) in the lurch.
minute, this/that instant, immediately, strange odjective 1 unusual, odd,
instantly, directly, forthwith, then and curious, peculiar, funny, queer, bizarre,
there; N. Amer. in short order; informol weird, uncanny, surprising, unexpected,
straight off, pronto; N. Amer. informol anomalous, atypical; informol fishy.
lickety-split. 2 unfamiliar, unknown, new, novel.
straighten verb 1 put straight, adjust, -OPPOSITES ordinary, familiar.
put in order, arrange, rearrange, tidy, stranger noun newcomer, new arrival,
neaten. 2 we must stroighten things out visitor, guest, outsider, foreigner.
with him put right, sort out, clear up,
settle, resolve, rectify, remedy; informol
strangle verb throttle, choke, garrotte,
asphyxiate.
patch up.
straightforw ard strap noun belt, tie, band, thong.
odj e ctive 1 uncom-
plicated, easy, simple, plain sailing, a verb tie, lash, secure, fasten, bind,
make fast, truss.
elementary, undemanding. 2 honest,
frank, candid, open, truthful, sincere, strapping odjective big, strong, well
on the level, forthright, plain-speaking, built, brawny, burly, muscular; informol
diect; informolupfront; N. Amer. infor- beefy.
mol on the up and up. strategic odjectlve planned, calculated,
- oPPostTES complicated, devious. deliberate, tactical, judicious, prudent,
strainl yerb 1 overtax, overwork, shrewd.
overextend, overreach, overdo it, strategy noun plan, grand design,
exhaust, wear out; informol knacker, game plan, policy, programme,
knock yourself out. 2 injure, damage, scheme.
407 stray --) stride

stray verb 1 wander off, go astray, 3 reinforce, support, back up, bolster,
get separated, get lost, drift away. authenticate, confi rm, substantiate,
2 digress, deviate, wander, get side- corroborate.
tracked, go off at a tangent, get off the -OPPOSITES weaken.
subject. strenuous adjective 1 difficult, ardu-
oodjective t homeless, lost, aban- ous, hard, tough, taxing, demanding,
doned, feral. 2 o stroy bullet random, exacting, exhausting, tiring, gruelling,
chance, freak, unexpected, isolated. back-breaking ; Brit. informol knacker-
streak noun 1 band, line, strip, stripe, ing. 2 vigorous, energetic, forceful,
vein, slash, ray, smear'. 2 element, vein, strong, spirited, intense, determined,
strain, touch.3 period, spell, stretch, resolute, dogged.
run; Brit. informol patch. - OPPOSITES easy, half-hearted.
a verb 1 stripe, band, fleck, smear, stress noun 1 strain, pressure, (nerv-
mark. 2 race, speed, flash, shoot, dash, ous) tension, worry, anxiety, trouble,
rush, hurtle, whizz, zoom, career, fly; difficulty; informol hassle. 2 empha-
informolbelt, tear, zip, whip; Brit. infor- sis, importance, weight, accent,
mol bomb; N. Amer. informol barrel. accentuation.
stream noun 1 brook, rivulet, tributary; a verb 1 emphasize, draw attention
Scottish & N. tngllsh burn; rV. English to, underline, underscore, point up,
beck; 5. English bourn; r!. Amer. & highlight, accentuate. 2 overstretch,
Austrol.lNZ creek. 2 jet, flow, rush, overtax, pressurize, pressure, push to
gush, surge, torrent, flood, cascade. the limit, worry, harass; lnformol hassle.
3 succession, series, string. - OPPOSITES playdown.
a verb 1 flow, pour, course, run, gush, stressful odjective demanding. trying,
surge, flood, cascade, spill. 2 pour, taxing, difficult, hard, tough, fraught,
surge, flood, swarm, pile, crowd. traumatic, tense, frustrating.
streamlined odjective 1 aerodynamic, - oPPoSITES relaxing.
smooth, sleek, elegant. 2 efficient, stretch verb 1 expand, give, be elastic,
smooth-running, well run, well oiled, be stretchy, be tensile. 2 pull (out),
slick. draw out, extend, lengthen, elongate,
street noun road, thoroughfare, expand.3 bend, strain, distort, exag-
avenue, drive, boulevard, lane; N. Arner. gerate, embellish. 4 she stretched out
highway. her orm reach out, hold out, extend,
strength noun 1 power, muscle, straighten (out). 5 / stretch ed out on
might, brawn, muscularity, robustness, the sofo lie down, recline, lean back,
sturdiness, vigour, stamina. 2 for- sprawl, lounge, loll. 6 extend, spread,
titude, resilience, spirit, backbone, continue, go on.
courage, bravery, pluck, grit; informol - oPPoSlTEs shorten, contract.
guts. 3 strength of feeling intensity, a noun 1 expanse, area, tract, belt,
vehemence, force, depth. 4 the strength sweep, extent. 2 period, time, spell,
of their argument force, weight, power, run, stint, session, shift.
persuasiveness, soundness, cogency, strict odjective I precise, exact, literal,
validity. 5 strong point, advantage, faithful, accurate, careful, scrupulous,
asset, forte, aptitude, talent, skill, meticulous, punctilious. 2 strin-
speciality. gent, rigorous, severe, harsh, hard,
- OPPOSITES weakness. stern. rigid, tough, uncompromising,
strengthen verb 1 make strong, make authoritarian, firm. 3 in strict confidence
stronger, build up, harden, toughen. absolute, utter, complete, total.
2 grow strong, grow stronger, - OPPOSITES loose, liberal.
gain strength, intensify, pick up. stride verb & noun step, pace, march.
strife + struggle

strife noun conflict, friction, discord, struggle, do your best, do all you can,
disagreement, dissension, dispute, do your utmost, labour, work, toil,
argument, quarrelling. strain; inforrnol go all out, give it your
- OPPOSITES peace. best shot.
strike verb t hit, slap, smack, thump, stroke noun 1 blow, hit, slap, smack,
punch, beat, bang; lnformol clout, thump, punch.2 movement, action,
wallop, belt, whack, thwack, bash, motion. 3 mark, line. 4 thrombosis,
clobber, bop, biff; Austrol.lNZ infor- embolism, seizure; dofed apoplexy.
mol quilt. 2 crash into, collide with, o verb caress, fondle, pat, pet, touch,
hit, run into, bump into, smash into; rub, massage, soothe.
N. Amer. impact. 3 occur to, come to stroll verb & noun walk, amble, wander,
(mind), dawn on someone, hit, spring meander, ramble, promenade, saunter;
to mind, enter your head.4 you strike informol mosey.
me os intelligent seem to, appear to,
strong odjective 1 powerful, sturdy,
give someone the impression of being.
robust, athletic, fit, tough, rugged,
5 take industrial action, go on strike,
strapping, well built, muscular, brawny,
down tools, walk out.
lusty, healthy. 2 forceful, determined,
a noun 1 industrial action, walkout. spirited, assertive, self-assertive, tough,
2 attack, assault, bombing.
formidable, strong-minded, redoubt-
striking odjective 1 noticeable, obvi- able; informol gutsy, feisty. 3 secure,
ous, conspicuous, visible, distinct, solid, well built, durable, hard-wearing,
marked, unmistakable, strong, heavy-duty, tough, sturdy, well made,
remarkable. 2 impressive, imposing. long-lasting. 4 o strong supporter keen,
magnifi cent, spectacular, breathtak- passionate, fervent, zealous, enthusi-
ing, marvellous, wonderful, stunning, astic, eager, dedicated, loyal. 5 strong
sensational, dramatic.
feelings intense, vehement, passionate,
- OPPOSITES unremarkable. ardent, fervent, deep-seated. 5 force-
string noun 1 twine, cord, yarn, thread. ful. compelling, powerful, convincing,
2 series, succession, chain, sequence, persuasive, sound, valid, cogent, well
run, streal<. 3 queue, procession, line, founded. 7 intense, bright, brilliant,
file, column, convoy, train, cavalcade. vivid. vibrant, dazzling, glaring.
4 (strings) conditions, qualifi cations, 8 highly flavoured, mature. ripe.
provisions, provisos, caveats, stipula- piquant, tangy, spicy. 9 concentrated,
tions, riders, limitations, restrictions; undiluted. 10 alcoholic, intoxicating,
informol catches. hard, stiff.
a verb hang, suspend, sling, stretch, - oPPoSlTEs weal<, gentle, mild.
run, thread, loop, festoon. stronghold noun 1 fortress, fort, cas-
stringent odjective strict, firm, rigid, tle, citadel, garrison. 2 o Tory stronghold
rigorous, severe, harsh, tough, tight, bastion, centre, hotbed.
exacting, demanding. structure noun 1 building, edifice,
- OPPOSITES lax.
construction, erection. 2 construction,
stripl verb 1 undress, strip off, take your organization, system, arrangement,
clothes off, disrobe. 2 dismantle, disas- framework, form, formation, shape,
semble, take to bitsi pieces, take apart. composition, anatomy, make-up.
3 empty, clear, clean out, plunder, rob, o verb arrange, organize, design,
burgle, loot, pillage, ransacl<, sack. shape, construct, build.
strip2 noun (narrow) piece, band, belt, struggle yerb 1 strive, try hard, endeav-
ribbon, slip, shred, stretch. our, make every effort, exert yourself,
strive yerb try (hard), attempt, endeav- do your best, do your utmost. 2 fight,
our, aim, make an effort, exert yourself, battle, grapple, wrestle, scuffle.
409 strut -, sturdy

a noun 1 striving, endeavour, effort, squeeze, force, jam, pack, pile.

exertion, campaign, battle, drive, push. stuffing noun padding, wadding, filling,
2 fight, scuffle, brawl, tussle, fracas; packing.
informolbust-up, set-to. 3 o power strug-
stufry odjective 1 airless, close, musty,
g/e contest, competition, fight, clash, stale, unventilated. 2 staid, sedate,
rivalry, friction, feuding, confl ict.
sober, priggish, strait-laced, conformist,
strut verb swagger, prance, parade, conservative, old-fashioned ; informol
stride, sweep, flounce; N. Amer. informal straight, starchy, fuddy-duddy.
sashay. - OPPOSITES airy.
stubborn odjective 1 obstinate, head- stumble verb 1 trip, lose your balance,
strong, wilful, strong-willed, pig-headed, lose your footing, slip. 2 stagger, tot-
mulish, infl exible. uncompromising, ter, blunder, hobble.
unbending, unyielding, obdurate, intrac- o stumble acrossfon find, chance on,
ta ble, recalcitrant; informol stiff-necked. happen on, light on, come across/
2 indelible, permanent, persistent, upon, discover, unearth, uncover;
tenacious, resistant. informol dig up.
stuckodjective 1 fixed, fastened, stump verb (informol) baffle, perplex,
attached, glued, pinned. 2 jammed, puzzle, confound, defeat, put at a loss;
immovable. 3 baffled, beaten, at a informol flummox, fox, throw, floor.
loss; informol stumped, up against a
stun verb I daze, stupefy, knock out,
brick wall.
lay out. 2 astound, amaze, astonish,
student noun 1 undergraduate, dumbfound, stupefy, stagger, shock,
scholar, pupil, schoolchild, schoolboy,
take aback; informol flabbergast, knock
schoolgirl. 2 trainee, apprentice, pro-
sideways.
bationer, novice, learner.
stunning odjective beautiful, lovely,
studio noun workshop, worl<room, glorious, wonderful, marvellous, mag-
atelier.
nifi cent, superb, sublime, spectacular,
studious odjective scholarly, academic, fi ne, delightful ; informol fantastic,
bookish, intellectual, erudite, learned, terriflc, tremendous, sensational,
donnish; informol brainy. heavenly, divine, gorgeous, fabulous,
study noun 1 learning, education, awe50me.
schooling, scholarship, tuition, - oPPoslTFs ordinarv.
research. 2 investigation, enquiry, stunt noun feat, expioit, trick.
research, examination, analysis, review,
survey.3 office, workroom, studio.
stunted odjective small, undersized,
underdeveloped, diminutive.
o verb 1 work, revise; informol swot,
cram, mug up. 2 learn, read up on, be stupid adjective I unintelligent,
taught. 3 investigate, research, inquire dense, obtuse, foolish, idiotic, slow,
into, look into, examine, analyse, simple-minded, brainless, mindless;
survey. 4 scrutinize, examine, inspect, informol thick, dim, dumb, dopey, dozy,
consider, regard, look at, observe, moronic, cretinous; Brit. informol daft.
watch, survey. 2 foolish, silly, senseless, idiotic, ill-
stuffnoun 1 material, substance, fabric, advised, ill-considered, unwise, nonsen-
matter. 2 items, articles, objects, sical, ludicrous, ridiculous, laughable,
goods, belongings, possessions, fatuous, asinine, lunatic; informol crazy,
effects, paraphernalia; informol gear, half-baked, cockeyed, hare-brained,
kit, things, bits and pieces, odds and crackbrained ; Brit. i nformol potty.
ends; Brit. i nformol clobber. - oPPoslTEs intelligent, sensible.
averbl fill, pack, pad, upholster. sturdy odjective 1 strapping, well
2 shove, thrust, push, ram, cram, built, muscular, strong, hefty, brawny,
stutter + subside 410

powerful, solid, burly; informol beefy. acceptance, consent, compliance,

2 robust, strong, well built, solid, acquiescence, obedience, subjection,
stout, tough, durable, longJasting, subservience, servility. 2 proposal,
hard-wearing. suggestion, proposition, tender, pres-
-OPPoSITES feeble. entation. 3 argument, assertion, con-
stutter yerb stammer, stumble, falter, tention, statement, claim, allegation.
hesitate. - OPPOSITES defiance.
style noun 1 manner, way, technique, submissive o djective compliant,
method, methodology, approach, yielding, acquiescent, passive, obedi-
system, mode. 2 flair, elegance, ent, dutiful, docile, pliant, tractable,
stylishness, chic, taste, grace, poise. biddable, malleable, meek, unassertive;
polish, sophistication, suavity, urbanity; informol under someone's thumb.
informol class.3 kind, type, variety, submit verb 1 yield, give in/way, back
sort, design, pattern, genre.4 fashion, down, cave in, capitulate, surrender,
trend, vogue, mode. acquiesce. 2 he refused to submit to
o verb design, fashion, tailor, cut. their authoritybe governed by, abide
stylish odjective lashionable, modern, by, comply with, accept, be subject
up to date, modish, smart, sophisti- to, agree to, consent to, conform to.
cated, elegant, chic, dapper, dashing; 3 put forward, present, offer, tender,
informol trendy, natty; N. Amer. informol propose, suggest, enter, put in, send in.
kicky, tony. 4 contend, assert, argue, state, claim,
- oPPoSITES unlashionable. allege.
subdue verb conquer, defeat, vanquish, - OPPOSITES resist.
ovcrcome, overwhelm, crush, beat, subordinate odject ive inferior, junior,
subjugate, suppress. lower-ranking, lower, supporting.
subdued odjective 1 sombre, downcast, o noun junior, assistant, second (in
sad, dejected, depressed, gloomy, command), number two, deputy, aide,
despondent. 2 hushed, muted, quiet, underling, minion.
low, soft, faint, muffled, subtle, indis- - OPPOSITES superior, senior.
tinct, dim, unobtrusive. subscribe verb contribute, donate,
- oPPosrrEs cheerful, loud, bright. give, pay.
subject noun 1 theme, subject matter, o subscribe to support, endorse,
topic, issue, thesis, question, conceTn. agree with, accept, go along with.
2 branch of study, discipline, field. subscription noun membership fee,
3 citizen, national, resident, taxpayer, dues, annual payment, charge.
voter. subsequent odjective following, ensu-
o verb expose to, submit to, treat with, ing. succeeding, later, [uture, coming,
put through. to come, next.
o subject to conditional on, contin- - oPPostTEs previous.
gent on, dependent on.
subsequently odverblater (on), at a
subiective odjective personal, indi- later date, afterwards, in due course,
vidual, emotional, biased, intuitive. following thisithat, eventually; formol
- oPPostrES objective. thereafter.
submerge verbl go under (water), subside verb I abate, let up, quieten
dive, sink, plunge, plummet. down, calm, slacken (off), ease (up),
2 immerse, dip, plunge, duck, dunk. relent, die down, diminish, decline.
3 the formlond wos submerged flood, 2 recede, ebb, fall, go down, get
deluge, swamp, overwhelm, inundate. lower. 3 sink, settle, cave in, collapse,
submission noun 1 yielding, give way.
capitulation, surrender, resignation, - OPPOSITES intensify, rise.
411 subsidiary -+ sue

subsidiary odjective subordinate, sec- succeed verb 1 triumph, achieve suc-

ondary, subservient, supplementary, cess, be successful, do well, flourish,
peripheral, auxiliary. thrive; informol make it, make the
- oPPostrES principal. grade. 2 be successful, turn out well,
o noun branch, division, subdivision, work (out), be effective; informol come
derivative, offshoot. off, pay off. 3 replace, take over from,
subsidize verb finance, fund, support, follow, supersede.
contribute to, give money to, under- - OPPOSITES fail, precede.
write, sponsor; informol shell out for; success noun 1 victory, triumph.
N. Amer. informol bankroll. 2 prosperity, affluence, wealth, riches,
subsidy noun finance, funding, back- opulence. 3 best-seller, sell-out,
ing, support, grant, sponsorship, winner, triumph ; informol hit, smash,
allowance, contribution, handout. sensation.
substance noun 1 material, com- - oPPOSITES failure.
pound, matter, stuff. 2 significance, successful odjective 1 prosperous,
importance, import, validity, founda- affluent, wealthy, rich, famous, emi-
tion. 3 content, subject matter, theme, nent, top, respected. 2 flourishing,
message, essence. 4 wealth, fortune, thriving, booming, buoyant, profitable,
prosperity, money, moneymaking, lucrative.
;ches,.affluence, Succession noun sequence. series, pro-
substantial odjective 1 considerable, gression, chain, string, train, line, run.
real, signifi cant, important, major, successive odjective consecutive, in a
valuable, useful, sizeable, appreciable. row. sequential, in succession, running:
2 sturdy, solid, stout, strong, well built, informol on the trot.
durable, long-lasting, hard-wearing. succinct odjective concise, short (and
- OPPoSITES insubstantial. sweet), brief, compact, condensed,
substitute noun replacement, deputy, crisp, laconic, terse, to the point, pithy.
reliel proxy, reserve, surrogate, cover, - OPPOSITES verbose.
stand-in, understudy; informol sub. succulent odjective juicy, moist,
averbl exchange, swap, use instead luscious, soft, tender, choice, mouth-
of, use as an alternative to, use in place watering, appetizing, fl avoursome,
of, replace with .21found someone to tasty, delicious; informol scrumptious,
substitute for me deputize for, stand in scrummy.
for. cover for, fill in for, take over from.
- OPPOSITES dry.
subtle odjective I understated, muted, succumb verb yield, give in/way,
subdued, delicate, soft, low-key, toned-
submit, surrender, capitulate, cave in,
down. 2 gentle, slight, gradual. 3 o
fall victim.
subtle distinction fine, fine-drawn, nice,
- OPPOSITES resist.
tenuous.
- OPPoSITES gaudy, crude. suck verb sip, sup, slurp, drink, siphon.
suburban odjective 1 residential, sudden odjective unexpected, unfore-
commuter-belt. 2 dull, boring, seen, immediate, instantaneous,
uninteresting, conventional, ordinary, instant, precipitous, abrupt, rapid,
unsophisticated, provincial, parochial, swift, quick.
bourgeois, middle-class. suddenly odverb all of a sudden, all at
subversive odjective disruptive, trou- once, abruptly, swiftly, unexpectedly,
blemaking, insurrectionary, seditious, without warning, out of the blue.
dissident. - OPPOSITES graduaily.
o noun troublemaker, dissident, agita- sue verb take legal action, go to court,
tor, renegade. take to court, litigate.
suffer -+ sunny 412

suffer verb t hurt, ache, be in pain, be suite noun apartment, flat, rooms.
in distress, be upset, be miserable. 2 he sullen odiective surly, sulky, moTose,
suffers from osthmo be afflicted by, be resentful, moody, grumpy, bad-
affected by, be troubled with, have. tempered, unsociable, uncommunica-
3 undergo, experience, be subjected tive, unresponsive.
to, receive, sustain, endure, face, meet - oPPosrrEs cheerful.
with.
sum noun 1 amount, quantity, price,
suffering noun hardship, distress, charge, fee, cost. 2 total, sum
misery, adversity, pain, agony, anguish, total, grand total, tally, aggregate.
trauma, torment, torture, hurt, 3 entirety, totality, total, whole, begin-
affliction. ning and end. 4 calculation, problem;
-oPPOSITES pleasure, joy. (sums) arithmetic, mathematics; Brit.
sumcient odjective & determiner informolmaths; N. Amer. informol matf'.
enough, adequate, plenty of, ample. tr sum up summarize, make/give a
- OPPOSITES inadequate. summary of, encapsulate, put in a
suggest verb 1 propose, put forward, nutshell, precis, outline, recapitulate,
recommend, advocate, advise. 2 indi' review, recap.
cate, lead someone to the belief, give summarize verb sum up, abridge, con-
the impression, demonstrate, show. dense, outline, put in a nutshell, precis.
3 hint, insinuate, imply, intimate. summary noun synopsis. precis,
suggestion noun 1 proposal, proposi- r6sum6, abstract, outline, rundown,
tion, recommendation, advice, counsel, summing-up, overview.
hint, tip, clue, idea. 2 hint, trace,
summit noun 1 (mountain) top, peal<,
touch, suspicion, ghost, semblance,
crest, crown, apex, tip, cap, hilltop.
shadow, glimmer. 3 insinuation, hint,
2 meeting, conference, talk(s).
implication.
- OPPOSITES base.
suggestive odjective 1 redolent,
summon verb 1 send for, call for,
evocative, reminiscent, characteristic,
request the presence of, ask, invite.
indicative, typical. 2 provocative, titil-
2 convene, call, assemble, rally,
lating, sexual, sexy, risqu6, indecent,
muster, gather together. 3 summons,
indelicate, improper, unseemly, smutty,
su bpoena.
dirty.
sumptuous odjective lavish, luxurious,
suit noun 1 outfit, ensemble. 2 legal
opulent, magnifi cent, resplendent,
action, lawsuit, (court) case, action,
gorgeous, splendid; informol plush; Brit.
(legal/judicial) proceedings, litigation.
informol swish.
o verb 1 look attractive on, look good
on, become, flatter.2 be convenient - OPPoSITES plain.
for, be acceptable to, be suitable for, sun noun sunshine, sunlight, daylight,
meet the requirements of; informol fit. light. warmth.
3 recipes suited fo students be appro-
priate, tailor, fashion, adjust, adapt, solar relating to the sun
modify, fit, gear, design.
suitable odjective 1 acceptable, satis- Sundry odjective various, varied, miscel-
factory, convenient. 2 appropriate, laneous, assorted, mixed, diverse,
apposite, apt, fitting, fit, suited, tailor- diversifled, several, numerous, many,
made, in keeping, ideal; informol right manifold, multifarious, multitudinous;
up someone's street. 3 proper, right, /iterory divers.
seemly, decent, appropriate, fitting, sunny odjective 1 bright, sunlit, clear,
correct, due. fine, cloudless. 2 cheerful, cheery,
- oPPoslTES unsuitable. happy, bright, merry, bubbly, jolly,
413 sunrise -+ support

good-natured, good-tempered, opti- senior, controller, foreman; informol

mistic, upbeat. boss.
- oPPoSlrEs dull, cloudy. - OPPOSITES subordinate.
sunrise noun dawn, crack of dawn, superiority noun supremacy,
daybreak, break of day, first light, early advantage, lead. dominance, primacy,
morning; N. Amer. sunup. ascendancy, eminence.
sunset noun nightfall, twilight, dusk, supernatural odjective 1 paranormal,
evening; tV. Amer. sundown. psychic, magic, magical, occult, mystic,
mystical. 2 ghostly, phantom, spectral,
superb o djective excellent, fi rst-class,
other-worldly, unearthly.
outstanding, marvellous, wonderful,
splendid, admirable, fi ne, exceptional, suPersede verb replace, take the place
glorious; informol great, fantastic, of, take over from, succeed, supplant.
fabulous, terrific, super, awesome, ace; supervise verb oversee, be in charge
Brit. informol brillia nt, smashing. of, superintend, preside over, direct,
- OPPOSITES poor, unimpressive. manage, run, look after, be responsible
supercilious adjective arrogant, for, govern, keep an eye on, observe,
haughty, conceited, disdainful, monitor, mind.
overbearing, pompous, condescend- SuPervisor noun manager, director,
ing, superior, patronizing, imperious, overseer, controller, superintendent,
proud, snobbish, smug, scornful, sneer- governor, chief, head, foreman; infor-
ing; informolhigh and mighty, snooty, mol boss; Brit. informol gafrer.
stu ck-u p. supple odjective 1 lithe, lissom, willowy,
superficial odjective 1 surface, exterior, flexible, agile, acrobatic, nimble. 2 pli-
external, outer, slight. 2 cursory, able, flexible, soft, bendy, workable,
perfunctory, casual, sketchy, desul- stretchy, springy.
tory, token, slapdash, offhand, rushed, - oPPoslrES stiff, rigid.
hasty, hurried. 3 apparent, seeming. supplement noun 1 extra, add-on,
outward, ostensible, cosmetic, slight. accessory, adjunct. 2 surcharge, addi-
4 facile, shallow, flippant, empty- tion, increase, increment. 3 appendix,
headed, trivial, frivolous, silly, inane. addendum, postscript, addition, coda.
- oPPOSITES deep, thorough. 4 pull-out, insert.
superfl uous odjective surplus, red u n- o verb add to, augment, increase,
dant, unneeded, unnecessaTy, excess, boost, swell, amplify, enlarge, top up.
extra, (to) spare, remaining, unused, supplementa ry odjective additional,
left over, waste. supplemental, extra, more, further,
- OPPOSITES necessary. add-on, subsidiary, auxiliary, ancillary. ::::,1:::t]::ilti:
superhuman o dje ctive extraordinary, supply verb 1 provide, give. [urnish,
phenomenal, prodigious, stupen- equip, contribute, donate, grant,
dous, exceptional, immense, heroic, confer, dispense. 2 satisfy, meet, fulfil,
Herculean. cater for.
superior odjective 1 senior, higher- a noun 1 stock, store, reserve, res-
ranking, higher. 2 better, finer, higher ervoir, stockpile, hoard, cache, fund,
quality, top-quality, choice, select, bank.2 we're running out of supplies
prime, excellent. 3 condescending, provisions, stores, rations, food,
supercilious, patronizing, haughty, dis- necessiti es.
dainful, lordly, snobbish; informol high suPPort verb t hold up, bear, carry,
and mighty, snooty, toffee-nosed. prop up, keep up, brace, shore up,
- oPPoSlTEs junior, inferior. underpin, buttress, reinforce. 2 pro-
o noun manager, chief. supervisor. vide for, maintain, sustain, keep,
supporter + surplus 414

take care ol look after.3 stand by, authority, mastery, ascendancy.

defend, back, stand/stick up for, take supreme odjective t highest, chief,
someone's side, side with. 4 back up, head, top, foremost, principal, superior,
substantiate, bear out, corroborate, premier, fi rst, prlme. 2 extraordinary,
confirm, verify. 5 help, aid, assist, remarkable, phenomenal, exceptional,
contribute to, back, subsidize, fund, outstanding, incomparable, unparal-
fi nance; N. Amer. informol bankroll. leled. 3 the supreme socrifice ultimate,
6 back, champion, favour, be in favour greatest, highest, extreme, final, last.
of, advocate, encourage, promote, - OPPOSITES subordinate.
endorse, espouse. sure odjective 1 certain, positive, con-
- OPPOSITES contradict, oppose. vinced, confident, defi nite, satisfied,
a noun 1 pillar, post, prop, upright, persuaded, assured, free from doubt.
brace, buttress, foundation, underpin- 2 guaranteed, unfailing, infallible,
ning. 2 encouragement, friendship, unerring, foolprool certain, reliable,
backing, endorsement, help, assis- dependable, trustworthy, trusty; infor-
tance, comfort. 3 contributions, dona- mol sure-fire.
tions, money, subsidy, funding, funds, - oPPoslTES uncertain, unlikely.
finance, capital.
surface noun 1 outside, exterior, top,
suPPorter noun I advocate, backer, side, finish. 2 outward appearance,
adherent, promoter, champion, facade, veneer.
defender, upholder, campaigner. - OPPOSITES inside, inl.erior.
2 contributor, donor, benefactor, a verb 1 come to the surface, come
sponsor, backer, patron, subscriber, up, rise. 2 emerge, arise, appear, come
well-wisher. 3 fan, follower, enthusiast, to light, crop up, materialize, spring up.
devotee, admirer.
surge noun 1 gush, rush, outpouring,
supportive odjective encouraging. stream, flow. 2 o surge in demond
caring, sympathetic, reassuring, under- increase. rise, growth. upswing.
standing, concerned, helpful. upsurge, escalation, leap.
suppose verb 1 assume, presume, a verb 1 gush, rush, stream, flow,
surmise, expect, imagine, dare say, take burst, pour, cascade, spill, sweep, roll.
it. take as read. suspect, guess. conjec- 2 increase, rise, grow, leap.
ture. 2 hypothesize, postulate, posit. surly odjective sullen, sulky, moody,
supposed odjective alleged, reputed, morose, unfriendly, unpleasant, scowl-
rumoured, claimed, purported. ing, unsmiling, bad-tempered, grumpy,
supposition noun belief, conjecture, gruff, churlish, ill-humoured.
speculation, assumption, presumption, - OPPOSITES friendly.
inference, theory, hypothesis, feelin g, Surmise verb guess, conjecture, sus-
idea, notion, guesswork. pect, deduce, infer, conclude, theorize,
suppress verb 1 subdue, crush, quell, speculate, assume, presume, suppose,
quash, squash, stamp out, crack down understand, gather.
on, clamp down on, put an end to. surmount verb overcome, prevail over,
2 restrain, repress, hold back, control, triumph over, beat, vanquish, conquer,
stifle, smother, check, keep in check, get the better of.
curb, contain, bottle up.3 censor, surpass verb excel, exceed, transcend,
redact, keep secret, conceal, hide, hush outdo, outshine, outstrip, outclass,
up, gag, withhold, cover up, stifle. eclipse, improve on, top, trump, cap,
- oPPoslrES encourage, reveal. beat, better, outperform.
supremacy noun control, power, rule, surplus noun excess, surfeit, super-
sovereignty, dominance, superiority, uity, oversupply, glut, remainder,
fl
predominance, primacy, dominion, residue, remains, leftovers.
415 surprase + suspicion

- OPPOSITES dearth. surveillance noun observation, scru-

o odjective excess, leftover, unused, tiny, watch, view, inspection, supervi-
remaining, extra, additional, spare, sion, spying, espionage.
superfluous, redundant, unwanted, survey verb 1 look at. look over, view,
unneeded, dispensable. contemplate, regard, gaze at, stare at,
- OPPOSITES insufficient. eye, scrutinize, examine, inspect, scan,
surprise noun 1 astonishment, study, assess, appraise, take stock of;
amazement, wonder, bewilderment, informol size up.2 interview, question,
disbelief. 2 shock, bolt from the blue, canvass, poll, investigate, research.
bombshell, revelation, rude awakening, o noun 1 study, review, overview,
eye-opener. examination, inspection, assessment,
a verb 1 astonish, amaze, startle, appraisal. 2 poll, investigation, enquiry,
astound, stun, stagger, shock, take study, probe, questionnaire, census,
aback; informolbowl over, floor, flab- research.
bergast; Brit. informolknock for six. survive yerb 1 remain alive, live,
2 take by surprise, catch unawares, sustain yourself, pull through, hold out,
catch offguard, catch red-handed. make it. 2 continue, remain, persist,
surprised o djective astonished, endure, live on, persevere, abide, go
amazed, astounded, startled, stunned, on, carry on. 3 outlive, outlast, remain
staggered, nonplussed, shocked, taken alive after.
aback, dumbfounded, speechless,
susceptible adjective impressionable,
thunderstruck; informol bowled over, credulous, gullible, innocent, ingenu.
flabbergasted.
ous, naive, easily led, defenceless,
sUrPrising odjective unexpected, vulnerable.
unforeseen. astonishing, amazing, o susceptible to liable to, prone to,
startling, astounding, staggering. subject to, inclined to, predisposed
i ncredible, extraord i na ry. to, open to, vulnerable to, an easy
surrender verb 1 give up, give yourself target for.
up, give in, cave in, capitulate, concede suspect verb t have a suspicion, have a
(defeat), submit, lay down your arms/ feeling, feel, be inclined to think, fancy,
weapons.2 give up, relinquish, reckon, guess, conjecture, surmise,
renounce, cede, abdicate, forfeit, sacri- have a hunch, fear. 2 doubt, distrust,
fice, hand over, turn over, yield. mistrust, have misgivings about, have
- OPPOSITES resist. qualms about, be suspicious of, be
a noun 1 capitulation, submission. sceptical about.
yielciing. 2 relinquishing, renunciation, o odjecfiue suspicious, dubious.
abdication, resignation. doubtful, untrustworthy; informol fishy,
surrePtitious adjective secret, secre- funny; Brif. informol dodgy.
tive, stealthy, clandestine, sneaky, sly, suspend verb 1 adjourn, interrupt,
f urtive, covert; Milito ry black. break off, cut short, discontinue;
- OPPOSITES blatant. N. Amer. table. 2 exclude, debar,
surround yerb encircle, enclose, remove, expel, eject, rusticate.3 hang,
encompass, ring, hem in, confine, cut sling, string. swing. dangle.
off, besiege, trap. susPense noun tension, uncertainty,
surrounding odjective neighbouring, doubt, anticipation, excitement, anxi.
enclosing, nearby, near, local, adjoin- ety, strain.
ing, adjacent. susPicion noun 1 intuition, feeling,
surroundings plurol noun environ- impression, inkling, hunch, fancy,
ment, setting, background, backdrop, notion, idea, theory, premonition;
vicinity, locality, habitat. informolgut feeling. 2 misgiving,
suspicious -+ swe€ten 416

doubt, qualm, reservation, hesitation, swathe verb wrap, envelop, bandage,

scepticism. cover, shroud, drape, wind, enfold.
- OPPOSITES trust. sway verb 1 swing, shal<e, undulate,
suspicious odjective 1 doubtful, move to and fro. 2 stagger, wobble,
unsure, dubious, wary, chary, sceptical, rock, lurch, reel, roll. 3 influence,
mistrustful. 2 suspect, dubious, unsa- affect, manipulate, bend, mould.
voury, disreputable; informol shifty, l
a noun swing, roll, shake, undula-
shady; Brit. informol dodgy.3 susplclous tion. 2 power, rule, government,
circumstonces strange, odd, ques- sovereignty, dominion, control, jurisdic-
tionable, irregular, funny, doubtful, tion, authority.
mysterious; informol frshy. swear verb 1 promise, vow, pledge,
- oPPOSITES trusting, innocent. give your word, undertake, guarantee.
sustain verb I comfort, help, assist, 2 insist, declare, proclaim, assert,
encourage, support, give strength to, maintain, emphasize, stress. 3 curse,
buoy up. 2 continue, carry on, keep blaspheme, use bad language; informol
up, keep alive, maintain, preserve. cuss, eff and blind.
3 nourish, feed, nurture, keep alive. swearing noun bad language, cursing,
4 suffer, experience, undergo, receive. blaspheming, obscenities, expletives,
5 confirm, corroborate, substantiate, swear words; informoleffing and blind-
bear out, prove, authenticate, back up, ing, fourJetter words.
uphold. sweat verb 1 perspire, drip with sweat.
sustained odjective continuous, ongo- 2 work, labour, toil, slog, slave, work
ing, steady, continual, constant, pro- your fingers to the bone.
longed, persistent, non-stop, perpetual,
relentless.
WW
- OPPOSITES sporadic.
sustenance noun nourishment, food, sweep verb brush, clean (up), clear (up).
nutrition, provisions, rations; informol sweePing odjective 1 extensive,
grub, chow; Brit. informol scoff; literory wide-ranging, broad, comprehensive,
viands; doted victuals. far-reaching, thorough, radical.
2 wholesale, blanket, general, unquali-
swagger verb strut, parade, stride,
fi ed, indiscriminate, oversimplifi ed.
prance; informol sashay.
- OPPOSITES limited.
swallow verb eat, drink, gulp down,
consume, devour, put away, quaff, slug; Sweet odjective 1 sugary, sweetened,
sugared, honeyed, syrupy, sickly, cloy-
informol swig, swill, down; Brit. informol
ing. 2 fragrant, aromatic, perfumed.
scoff.
3 musical, melodious, dulcet, tuneful,
swamp noun marsh, bog, fen, quag- soft, harmonious, silvery, mellifl u-
mire, morass. ous. 4 likeable, appealing, engaging,
a verb 1 flood, inundate, deluge, fill. amiable, pleasant, agreeable, kind,
2 fons swomped her website with mes- nice, thoughtful, considerate, delight-
soges overwhelm, engulf, snow under, ful, lovely. 5 cute, lovable, adorable,
overload, inundate, deluge. endearing, charming, winsome.
swap verb exchange, trade, barter, - OPPoSITES sour, savoury, disagreeable.
switch, change, replace. o noun (Brit.) 1 confectionery, bon-
swarm noun t hive, flock. 2 crowd, bon; tV. Amer. candy; o/d use sweet-
horde, mob, throng, mass, army, herd, meat. 2 dessert, pudding; Brit. informol
pack. afters, pud.
o verb flock, crowd, throng, surge, sweeten verb 1 make sweet, add sugar
stream. to, sugar. 2 mollify, placate, soothe,
417 sweetheart -+ symptom

soften up, pacify, appease, win over. a verb 1 change, shift; infornol chop
sweetheart noun lover, love, girlfriend, and change. 2 exchange, swap, inter-
boyfriend, beloved, beau; informol change, change round, rotate.
steady, squeeze; /iterory swain. swollen odjective distended, bulging,
swell verb 1 expand, bulge, distend, inflated, dilated, bloated, puffed up,
inflate, dilate, bloat, blow up, puff puffy, tumescent, infl amed.
up, balloon, fatten, fill out. 2 grow, swoop verb dive, descend, pounce,
enlarge. increase, expand, rise, esca- sweep down, plunge, drop down.
late, multiply, proliferate, snowball, sycophant noun toady, creep, flatterer;
mushroom. informol bootlicker, yes-man.
- OPPOSITES shrink, decrease. sycophantic a djective obsequious,
swelling noun bump, lump, bulge, servile, subservient, grovelling, toady-
protuberance, protrusion, distension. ing, fawning, ingratiating, unctuous;
swerve yerb veer, deviate, diverge, informol smarmy, bootlicking.
weave, zigzag, change directio n; Soiling symbol noun 1 representation, token,
tack. sign, emblem, figure, image, metaphor,
swiltodjective fast, rapid, quick, speedy, allegory. 2 sign, character, mark, letter.
expeditious, prompt, brisk, immediate, 3 logo, emblem, badge, stamp, trade-
instant, hasty, hurried, sudden, abrupt. mark, crest, insignia, coat of arms, seal,
- oPPostTEs slow, leisurely. device, monogram, hallmark, motif.
swindle verb defraud, cheat, trick, symbolic odjective 1 emblematic,
dupe, deceive, fool, hoax, hoodwink, representative, typical, characteristic,
bamboozle; informol fleece, do, con, symptomatic. 2 figurative, metaphori-
diddle, rip off, take for a ride, pull a cal, allegorical.
fast one on, put one over on; iV. Amer -oPPoSITES literal.
informol stiff. symbolize uerb represent, stand for,
a noun fraud, trick, deception, cheat, be a sign of, denote, signify, mean.
racket, sharp practice; informol con, indicate, convey, express, embody,
fiddle, diddle, rip-off. epitomize, encapsulate, personify.
swindler noun fraudster, fraud. symmetrical a dj ective reg ular,
(confi dence) trickster, cheat, rogue, uniform, consistent, even, equal, bal-
charlatan, impostor, hoaxer; informol anced, proportional.
con man, sharl<, hustler, phoney, crook. symPathetic odjective 1 compassion-
swing yerb 1 sway, move back and ate, caring, concerned, understanding,
forth, oscillate, wave, rock, swivel, sensitive, supportive, empathetic,
pivot, turn, rotate.2 brandish, wave, kind-hearted,warm-hearted.2like-,:r:t!iii*t*
flourish, wield. 3 curve, bend, veer, able, pleasant, agreeable. congenial. "
.*:''
turn, bear, wind, twist, deviate, slew. companionable.
4 change, fluctuate, waver, see-saw. -OPPOSITES unsympathetic.
l
a noun oscillation, sway, wave. sympathize yerb commiserate, show
2 change, move, turnaround, turna- concern, offer condolences; (sympa-
bout, reversal, fluctuation, variation. thize with) pity, feel sorry for, feel for,
swirl verb whirl, eddy, billow, spiral, identify with, understand, relate to.
twist, twirl, circulate, revolve, spin. sympathy noun compassion, care, con-
switch noun 1 button, lever, control. cern, commiseration, pity, condolence.
2 change, move, shift, transition, -OPPOSITES indifference.
transformation, reversal, turnaround, symPtom noun indication, indicator,
rowback, U-tu rn, changeover, transfer, manifestation, sign, mark, feature, trait,
conversion. clue, hint, warning, evidence, proof.
symptomatic + systematic 418

symPtomatic o diective indicative, set-up. 2 method, methodologY,

characteristic, suggestive, typical, modus operandi, technique, procedure,
representative, symbolic. means, way, scheme, plan, policy,
programme, formula, solution, routine.
synthesis noun combination, union, 3 (the system) the establishment,
amalgam, blend, mixture, comPound, the administration, the authorities,
fusion, composite, alloy. the powers that be, bureaucracY,
synthetic odjective artificial, fake, officialdom.
imitation, mock, simulated, man-made, systematic o dj ective structured,
manufactured; informol pretend. methodical, organized, orderly,
- OPPOSITES natural. planned, regular, routine, standardized,
system noun 1 structure, organization, standard, logical, coherent, consistent.
arrangement, order, network; informol - oPPoSlTEs disorganized.
419 table -+ take

Tt
table noun chart, diagram, figure, thoughtful, delicate, judicious, subtle.
graphic, graph, plan, list. tactic noun 1 scheme, plan, manoeu-
tablet noun 1 slab, stone, panel, plaque, vre, method, trick, ploy.2 (tactics)
plate, sign. 2 pill, capsule, lozenge, strategy, policy, campaign, game plan,
pastille, drop. 3 bar, cake, slab, brick, planning, manoeuvres, logistics.
block. tactical odjective calculated, planned,
taboo noun prohibition, proscription, strategic, prudent, politic, diplomatic,
veto, ban, interdict. judicious, shrewd.
o odjective forbidden, prohibited, tactless odjective insensitive, inconsid-
vetoed, banned, proscribed, outlawed, erate, thoughtless, indelicate, undip-
off limits, beyond the pale, unmention- lomatic, indiscreet, unsubtle, inept,
able, unspeakable; informol no go. gauche, blunt.
- oPPoSlTEs acceptable.
tag noun label, ticket, badge, mark, tab,
tacit odjective implicit, understood, sticker, docket.
implied, inferred, hinted, suggested, o yerb label, marl(, ticket, identify, flag,
unspoken, unstated, unsaid, unex- indicate.
pressed, unvoiced, taken for granted,
taken as read.
tai! noun rear, end, back, extremity,
bottom.
- OPPOSITES explicit.
- OPPOSITES head, front.
tack noun pin, nail, staple, rivet. overb (informol) follow, shadow, stalk,
o verb pin, nail, staple, fix, fasten, trail, track, keep under surveillance.
attach, secure.
tr tack something on add, append,
tailor noun outfitter, couturier, cos-
attach, join on, tag on. tumier, dressmaker, fashion designer.
o verb customize, adapt, adjust,
tackle noun 1 equipment, appara- modify, change, convert, alter, mould,
tus, kit, implements, paraphernalia; gear, fit, shape, tune.
informol gear, clobber. 2 interception,
challenge, block, attack. wono ltrurs
a verb 1 deal with, take care ol attend sartorial relating to tailoring
to, see to, handle, manage, get to grips
taint verb 1 contaminate, pollute,
with, address.2 confront, face up to,
adulterate, infect, blight, spoil, soil,
take on, challenge, attack, grab, strug-
ruin. 2 tarnish, sully, blacken, stain,
gle with, intercept, block, stop, bring
blot, damage.
down, floor, fell, rugby-tackle; informol
have a go at. take verb 1 she took his hond grasp,
get hold of, grip, clasp, clutch, grab.
tackyl odjective sticky, wet, gluey,
2 he took on envelope from his pocket
viscous, gummy; informol gooey.
remove, pull, draw, withdraw, extract,
tacky2 o djective taw dry, tasteless, fish. 3 capture, seize, catch, arrest,
kitsch, vulgar, crude, garish, gaudy, apprehend, take into custody, carry off,
trashy, cheap; informol cheesy; Brit abduct. 4 steal, remove, appropriate,
informal naff. make offwith, pilfer, purloin; informol
- OPPOSITES tasteful. filch, swipe, snaffle; Brlt informol pinch,
tactful odjective diplomatic, discreet, nick. 5 toke four from the toto/ subtract,
considerate, sensitive, understanding, ded uct, remove, discount; informol
takeover + tamper 420

knocl< off, minus. 6 occupy, use, utilize, talented odjective gifted, skilful, accom-
fill, hold, reserve, engage; informol plished, brilliant, expert, consummate,
bag. 7 write, note (down), jot (down), able, proficient; informol ace.
scribble, scrawl, record, register, docu. - OPPOSITES inept.
ment, minute. 8 bring, carry, bear, talk verb 1 speak, chat, chatter, gossip,
transport, convey, move, transfer, shift, jabber, prattle; informolyak; Brit. infor.
ferry; informol cart, tote. 9 escort, mol natter, rabbit. 2 they were oble to
accompany, help, assist, show, lead, tolk in peace converse, communicate,
guide, see, usher, convey. 10 travel on/ speal< (to one another), confer, consult,
by, journey on, go via, use. 1 1 / con't negotiate, parley; informol have a
toke much more endure, bear, tolerate, confab.
stand, put up with, abide, stomach, a noun 1 chatter, gossip, prattle,
accept, allow, countenance, support, jabbering ; informol yak; Brit. informol
shoulder; formal brook. nattering. 2 conversation, chat, discus.
- oPPostrEs give, add. sion, t6te-ir-tdte, heart-to-heart, dia-
o take after resemble, look like, loEte; informol confab, gossip; Austro/.
remind someone of. take apart informol convo. 3 (talks) negotiations,
dismantle, tal<e to pieces, disassemble, discussions, conference, summit, meet-
break up. take in 1 deceive, delude, ing, consultation, dialogue. 4 lecture,
hoodwink, mislead, trick, dupe, fool, speech, address, discourse, oration,
cheat, defraud, swindle; informal con. presentation, report, sermon.
2 comprehend, understand, grasp, talkative odjective chatty, garrulous,
follow, absorb; informolget. take off loquacious, voluble, communicative;
1 become airborne, take to the ai1 informolmouthy.
leave the ground, lift off, blast off.
- OPPOSITES taciturn.
2 succeed, do well, become popular,
catch on, prosper, flourish. take on
tall odjective 1 a toll mon big, large,
huge, giant, lanl<y, gangling.2tall build-
1 compete against, oppose, challenge,
ings high, big, lofty, towering, sky-high,
confront, face.2 engage, hire, employ,
gigantic, colossal.
sign up.3 undertake, accept, assume,
shoulder, acquire. take over assume - oPPoStTEs short, low.
control of, take charge of, take com- tally noun running total, count, record,
mand ol seize, hijack, commandeer. reckoning, register, account, roll.
take up 1 begin, start, commence, o verb correspond, agree, accord,
engage in, practise. 2 consume, fill, concul coincide, match, fit, be consist-
absorb, use, occupy.3 resume, recom- ent, conform, equate, parallel; informol
sq ua re.
mence, restart, carry on, continue,
pick up, return to. 4 accept, say yes to, - OPPOSITES disagree.
agree to, adopt. tame odjectlve 1 domesticated, docile,
takeover noun buyout, purchase, trained, gentle, mild, pet. 2 unex-
acquisition, amalgamation, merger. citing. uninteresting, uninspiring,
uninspired, dull, bland, flat, pedestrian,
takings p/urol noun proceeds, returns, humdrum, boring.
receipts, earnings, winnings, pickings,
- oPPoslrES wild.
spoils, profit, gain, income, Tevenue.
l
a verb domesticate, break in, train.
tale noun story, narrative, anecdote, 2 she leorned to tome her emotions
account, history, legend, fable, myth, subdue, curb, control, calm, master,
saga; informal yarn. moderate, discipline, overcome.
talent noun flair, aptitude, facility, gift, tamper verb interfere, meddle, monkey
knack, technique, bent, ability, forte, around, tinker, fiddle; informol mess
genius, brilliance. about; Brit. informolmuck about.
421 tangible .-> tasteless

tangible odjective real, actual, physical, tarnish verb 1 discolour, rust, oxidize,
solid, palpable, material, substantial, corrode, stain, dull, blacken. 2 sully,
concrete, visible, defi nite, perceptible, blacl<en, stain, blemish, ruin, disgrace,
discernible. mar, damage, harm, drag through the
- OPPoSITES abstract, theoretical. mud.
tangle verb entangle, snarl, catch, a noun discoloration, oxidation, rust,
verdigris.
entwine, twist, knot, mat.
a noun 1 snarl, mass, knot, mesh. tartl noun pastry, flan, quiche, tartlet,
2 muddle, jumble, mix-up, confusion, vol-au-vent, pie.
shambles. tart2 (informol) verb 1 dress up, smarten
tank noun container, receptacle, vat, up: informoldoll yourself up, titivate
cistern, repository, reservoir, basin. yourself. 2 decorate, renovate, refur-
bish, redecorate, smarten up informol
tantalize verb tease, torment, torture,
do up, fix up.
tempt, entice, lure, beguile, excite,
fascinate, titillate, intrigue. tart3 adjective 1 sour, sharp, acidic,
zesty, tangy, piquant.2 scathing,
tantrum noun fit of temper, fit of rage, sharp, biting, cutting, sarcastic, hurtful,
outburst, pet, paroxysm, frenzy: infor' spiteful.
mol paddy, wobbly; N. Amer. informol - OPPoSITES sweet, kind.
hissy fit.
task noun job, duty, chore, charge,
tapl noun valve, stopcock: N. Amer. assignment, detail, mission, engage-
faucet, spigot. ment, occupation, undertaking,
a verb 1 bug, wiretap, monitor, exerci se.
eavesdrop on. 2 draw on, exploit, milk, taste noun 1 flavour, savour, relish,
mine, use, utilize, turn to account. tang, smack.2 mouthful, morsel,
tap2 verb knock, rap, strike, beat, pat, drop, bit, sip, nip, touch, soupgon,
drum. dash. 3 o toste for odventure liking,
tape noun 1 binding, ribbon, string, love, fondness, fancy, desire, penchant,
braid, band. 2 cassette, recording, partiality, inclination, appetite, stom-
video. ach, palate, thirst, hunger. 4 his first
a verb 1 bind, stick, fix, fasten, secure, toste of opero experience, impression.
attach. 2 record, tape-record, video. exposure to, contact with, involvement
with. 5 judgement, discrimination,
taper verb narrow, thin (out), come to a
discernment, reflnement, elegance,
point, attenuate. grace, style. 6 sensitivity, decorum,
- OPPoSITES thicken. propriety, etiquette, nicety, discretion.
tr taper off decrease, lessen, dwindle,
a verb 1 I tosted the wlne sample, test,
diminish, reduce, decline, die down, try, savour. 2 he could toste blood per-
peter out, wane, ebb, slacken (off), fall
ceive, discern, make out, distinguish.
off, let up, thin out. .WORD
LINKS
target noun 1 objective, goal, aim,
gustatory relating to the sense
mark, end, plan, intention, aspiration,
of taste
ambition. 2 victim, butt, recipient,
focus, object, subject. tasteful odjective stylish, refined, cul-
averbl pick out, single out, earmark, tured, elegant, smart, chic, exquisite.
fix on, attack, aim at, fire at.2 o prod' - OPPOSITES tasteless.
ucttorgeted otwomen aim, direct, level, tasteless odjective 1 flavourless, bland,
intend, focus. insipid, unappetizing, watery, weak, thin,
tariff noun 1 tax, duty, toll, excise, levy, 2 vulgar, crude, tawdry, garish, gaudy,
charge, rate, fee. 2 price list, menu. loud, trashy, showy, ostentatious, cheap;
tasty + telephone 422

informol flash,tacky, kitsch; Brit. informol E team up join (forces), collaborate,

naff.3 crude, indelicate, uncouth, crass, work together, unite, combine, cooper-
tactless, undiplomatic, indiscree[, inap- ate, link, ally, associate, club together.
propriate, offensive. tear verb 1 rip, split, slit, pull apart, pull
- oPPOsITES tastY, tasteful. to pieces, shred, rupture, sever. 2 lacer-
tasty odjective delicious, palatable, ate, cut (open), gash, slash, scratch,
luscious, mouth-watering, delectable, hack, pierce, stab.3 snatch, grab,
appetizing, tempting; informol yummy, seize, rip, wrench, wrest, pull, Pluck;
scrumptious, moreish. informolyank.
- oPPOSITES bland. o noun rip, hole, split, slash, slit, lad-
der, snag.
taunt noun jeer, jibe, sneer, insult,
barb; informal dig, put-down; (taunts) tearful odjective 1 close to tears, emo-
teasing, provocation, goading, derision, tional, upset, distressed, sad, unhappy,
mockery. in tears, crying, weeping, sobbing, sniv-
elling ; informol weepy, blubbing ; formol
o rzerb jeer at, sneer at, scoff at, Poke
fun at, make fun of, get at, insult, lachrymose. 2 emotional, upsetting,
tease, torment, ridicule, deride, mock;
distressing, sad, heartbreaking, sor-
N. Amer. ride; informol rib, needle.
rowful, poignant, moving, touching,
tear-jerking.
taut odjective tight, stretched, ri gid, - oPPostrEs cheerful.
flexed, tensed.
- oPPoSlTEs slack. tease verb make fun of, laugh at,
deride, mock, ridicule, guy, make a
tawdry odjective gaudy, flashy, showy, monkey (out) of, taunt, bait, goad, pick
garish, loud, tasteless, vulgar, trashy, on; informol take the mickey out of,
cheapjack, shoddy, shabby, gimcrack; rag, have on, pull someone's leg; Brit
informol rubbishy, tacky, kitsch. informolwind up.
- OPPoSITES tasteful. technical odjective 1 practical, scien-
tax noun duty, excise, customs, dues, tific, technological, high-tech. 2 spe-
levy, tariff, toll, tithe, charge. cialist, specialized, scientifi c, complex,
a verb strain, stretch, overburden, complicated, esoteric.
overload, overwhelm, try, wear out,
technique noun 1 method, apProach,
exhaust, sap, drain, wearY, weaken. procedure, system, way, manner,
means, strategy, solution. 2 skill,
fiscal relating to tax ability, profi ciency, expertise, artistry,
craftsmanship, adroitness, deftness,
teach verb educate, instruct, school,
dexterity.
tutor, inform, coach, train, drill.
tedious odjective boring, dull, monoto-
Iwono r-truxs nous, repetitive, unrelieved, unvaried,
I
educational relating to teaching uneventful, lifeless, uninteresting,
unexciting, uninspiring, lacklustre,
teacher noun educator, tutor, instruc-
dreary, soul-destroying ; informol
tor, schoolteacher, master, mistress,
deadly; N. Amer. informol dullsville.
schoolmarm, governess, coach, trainer,
lecturer, professor, don, guide, mentor,
- OPPOSITES exciting.
guru. teenager noun adolescent, youth,
young person, minor, juvenile; informol
team noun group, squad, comPanY, teen.
party, crew, troupe, band, side, line-up;
informol bunch, gang. teetotal odjective abstinent, abstemi-
a verb onkle boots teomed with ieons ous, sober, dry:informol on the wagon.
match, coordinate, comPlement, telephone noun phone, handset,
pair up. receiver; informol blower; Ai. Amer.
 television -+ tenable

informolhorn. your rag; Brit. informolgo spare, throw

o verb phone, call, dial; Brit. ring (up); a wobbly.
informol call up, give someone a buzz, temperament noun character, nature,
get on the blower to; Brit. informal give disposition, personality, make-up,
someone a bell, give someone a tinkle; constitution, temper.
N. Amer. informol get someone on the
horn.
temperamental odjectlue volatile,
excitable, emotional, unpredictable,
television noun TV; informol the small hot-headed, quick-tempered, impa-
screen; Brit. informoltelly, the box; tient, touchy, moody, sensitive, highly
N. Amer. informol the tube. stru ng.
tell verb 1 why didn't you tel/ me7 inform, - oPPoSlTEs placid.
notify, let know, make aware, acquaint temPestuous odjective turbulent, wild,
with, advise, put in the picture, brief, stormy, violent, emotional, passionate,
fill in, alert, warn; informol clue in/up. impassioned, fi ery, intense, uncon-
2 she told the story slowly relate,
trolled, unrestrained.
recount, narrate, report, recite,
- OPPOSITES calm.
describe, sketch. 3 instruct, order,
command, direct, charge, enjoin, call temple noun place of worship, shrine,
on, require. 4 it wos hord to tell whot he sanctuary, church, cathedral, mosque,
meont ascertain, determine, work out, synagogue, mandir, gurdwara.
make out. deduce, discern, perceive. temporarily odverb l for the time
see, identify, recognize, understand, being, for the moment, for now, for
comprehend; informol figure out; Brit. the present, provisionally, pro tem, in
informol suss out. 5 he couldn't tell one the interim. 2 briefly, for a short time,
from the other distinguish, differenti- momentarily, fl eetingly.
ate, discriminate. 6 the stroin begon to - OPPOSITES permanently.
tell on him take its toll, leave its mark, temporary adjective 1 provisional,
affect. short-term, interim, makeshift, stop-
telling adjective revealing, signifi cant, gap, acting, fill-in, stand-in, caretaker.
weighty, important, meaningful, 2 brief, short-lived, momentary, fleet-
influential, striking, potent, powerful, ing, passing, ephemeral.
compellinq. - OPPOSITES permanent, lasting.
- OPPOSITES insignifi cant. tempt verb entice, persuade, convince,
temper noun t he walked out in o temper inveigle, induce, cajole, coax, lure,
rage, fury, fit of pique, tantrum, bad attract, appeal to, tantalize, whet
mood, pet, sulk, huff; Brit. informol the appetite of, seduce; informol
strop, paddy; N. Amer. informalhissy fit. sweet-talk.
2 o disploy of temper anger, fury, rage, - OPPOSITES discourage, deter.
annoyance, irritation, pique, petulance;
temptation noun 1 desire, urge, itch,
Brit. informol stroppiness. 3 she strug-
impulse, inclination. 2 lure, allure,
gled to keep her temper composure,
enticement, attraction, draw, pull.
self-control, self-possession, calm, good
humour; informol cool. tempting odjective enticing, allu r-
o verb their ideolism is tempered with ing, attractive, appealing, inviting,
reolism moderate, modify, modulate, seductive, beguiling, fascinating,
mitigate, alleviate, reduce, weaken, mouth-watering.
lighten, soften. - OPPOSITES uninviting.
tr lose your temper get angry, fly tenable o djective defensible, justifi able,
into a rage, erupt; informol go mad, go supportable, sustainable, arguable,
bananas, have a fit, see red, fly offthe able to hold water, reasonable, rational,
handle, blow your top, hit the roof, lose sound, viable, plausible, credible,
tenacious -+ terminate 424

believable, conceivable. nail-bitirrg.

- OPPOSITES untenable. - oPPoSITES relaxed, calm.
tenacious odjective persevering, per- t verb tighten, tauten, flex, contract,
sistent, determined, dogged, strong- brace, stiffen.
willed, indefatigable, tireless, resolute, - oPPostrES relax.
patient, purposeful, unfl agging, tension noun 1 tightness, tautness,
staunch, steadfast, untiring, unwaver- rigidity, pull.2 strain, stress, anxiety,
ing, unswerving, unshakeable; forrnol pressure, worry. nervousness, jumpi-
pertinacious. ness, edginess, restlessness, suspense,
tenant noun occupant, resident, inhab- uncertainty. 3 strained relations,
itant, leaseholder, lessee, lodger; Brlt. strain, ill feeling, friction, antagonism,
occupier. antipathy, hostility.
tendl verb be inclined, be apt, be tentative odjective 1 o tentative orronge.
disposed, be prone, be liable, be likely, ment provisional, unconfirmed, pre-
have a tendency. liminary, exploratory, experimental. 2 o
tend2 verb look after, take care of, min- few tentotive steps hesitant, uncertain,
ister to, attend to, see to, watch over, cautious, timid, hesitating, faltering,
keep an eye on, mind, protect, guard. shaky, unsteady, halting.
- oPPosrrES neglect. - oPPoslTEs definite, confident.
tendency noun inclination, propensity, tenuous odjective slight, insubstantial,
proclivity, proneness, aptness, likeli- flimsy, weak. doubtful, dubious, ques-
hood, bent, leaning, liability. tlonable, suspect, vague, nebulous,
hazy.
tenderl odjective 1 o gentle, tender
- oPPoSlTEs convincing.
mon caring, kind, kind-hearted, soft-
hearted, compassionate, sympathetic, tepid odjective 1 lukewarm, warmish.
warm, gentle, mild, benevolent.2 o 2 unenthusiastic, apathetic, half-
tender kiss affectionate, fond, loving, hearted, indifferent, cool, lukewarm,
romantic, emotional; i nformol lovey- u ni nte rested.
dovey. 3 soft, succulent, juicy, melt-in- term noun 1 word, expression, phrase,
the-mouth. 4 sore, sensitive, inflamed, name, title, designation, label,
raw, painful, hurting, aching, throb- description. 2 the terms of the controct
bing. 5 the tender oge of fifteen young, condition, stipulation, specifi cation,
youthful, impressionable, inexperi- provision, proviso, restriction, qualifica-
enced; informal wet behind the ears. tion.3 period, length of time, spell,
- oPPoslTEs hard-hearted, callous, stinL, duration, stretch, run, session.
tough. a verb call, name, entitle, title, style,
tender2 verb offer, proffer, put forward, designate, describe as, dub, label, tag.
present, propose, suggest, advance, terminal odjective 1 incurable, untreat-
submit, hand in. able, inoperable, fatal, lethal, mortal,
o noun bid, offer, quotation, quote, deadly. 2 final, last, concluding, clos-
estimate, price. ing, end.
tense odjective 1 taut, tight, rigid, a noun 1 station, last stop, end of the
stretched, strained, stiff. 2 anxious, line, depot; Brit. terminus. 2 worksta-
neTvous, on edge, edgy, strained, tion, VDU, visual display unit.
stressed, ill at ease, uneasy, restless, terminate verb bring to an end, end,
worked up, keyed up, overwrought, bring to a close, close, conclude, finish,
jumpy, nervy; informol a bundle stop, wind up, discontinue, cease, cut
of nerves, jittery, twitchy, uptight. short, abort, axe; informol pull the
3 nerve-racking, stress[ul, anxious, plug on.
worrying, fraught, charged, strained, - oPPoSITES begin.
425 terminology -+ thaw

terminology noun phraseology, clipped, blunt.

terms, expressions, words, language, - oPPoSlTEs long-winded, polite.
parlance, vocabulary, nomenclature, test noun 1 trial, experiment, check,
usage, idiom, jargon; informol lingo, examination, assessment, evalua-
geekspeak. tion, appraisal, investigation. 2 exam,
terrain noun land, ground, territory, examination; N. Amer. quiz.
topography, landscape, countryside, o verb try out, trial, put through
country. its paces, experiment with, check,
terrestrial odjective earthly, worldly, examine, assess, evaluate, appraise,
mundane, earthbound. investigate, sample.
terrible odjective 1 o terrible crime testify verb swear, attest, give evi-
dreadful, awful, appalling, horriflc, dence, state on oath, declare, assert,
horrible, horrendous, atrocious, affirm.
monstrous, sickening, heinous, vile, testimonial noun reference, Ietter of
gruesome, unspeakable. 2 terrible poin recommendation, commendation.
severe, extreme, intense, excruciating, testimony noun evidence, sworn state-
agonizing, unbearable. 3 o terrible film ment, attestation, affidavit, statement,
very bad, dreadful, awful, frightful, declaration, assertion.
atrocious, execrable; informol pathetic,
testing odjective difficult, challeng-
pitiful, useless, lousy, appalling; Brlt.
ing, tough, hard, demanding, taxing,
informol chronic.
stressfu l.
- OPPoSITES minor, slight, excellent.
- OPPOSITES easy.
terrific odjective 1 tremendous, huge,
text noun 1 book, work, textbook.2 the
massive, gigantic, colossal, mighty, con-
pictures relote well to the text words,
siderable; informol mega, whopping;
content, body, wording, script, copy.
Brit. informol ginormous. 2 (informol)
marvellous, wonderful, sensational, textiles p/urol noun fabrics, cloths,
outstanding, superb, excellent, materials.
first-rate, dazzling, out of this world, texture noun feel, touch, appearance,
breathtaklng ; informol great, fantastic, fi nish, surface, grain, consistency.
fabulous, super, ace, wicked, awesome; thank verb express your gratitude to,
Brit. informol brilliant. say thanl< you to. show your apprecia-
terrify verb frighten, horrify, petrify, tion to.
scare, strike terror into, paralyse, thankful odjective gratelul, relieved,
tra nsfix. pleased, glad.
territory noun 1 region, area, enclave, thankless odjective unenviable,
country, state, land, dependency, difficult, unpleasant, unrewarding,
colony, dominion. 2 mountoinous terri- unappreciated, unrecognized,
tory terrain, land, ground, countryside. unacknowledged.
terror noun fear, dread, horror, fright, - oPPoSlTEs rewarding.
alarm, panic, shock. thanks p/urol noun gratitude, apprecia-
terrorize verb persecute, victimize, tion, acknowledgement, recognition,
torment, tyrannize, intimidate, men- credit.
ace, threaten, bully, browbeat, scare, o thanks to as a result of, owing
frighten, terrify, petrify; Brit. informol to, due to, because of, through, on
put the frighteners on. account of, by virtue of.
terse adjective brief, short, to the point, thaw verb melt, unfreeze, defrost,
concise, succinct, crisp, pithy, incisive, soften, liquefy.
laconic, elliptical, brusque, abrupt, curt, - oPPoSITES freeze.
 theatre -+ thing 426

theatre noun 1 playhouse, auditorium, people crowded, full, packed, teem-

amphitheatre. 2 acting, the stage, ing, seething, swarming, crawling,
drama, dramaturgy, show business; crammed, thronged, bursting at the
informol showbiz. S o lecture theotre seams, solid, overfl owing ; informol jam-
hall, room, auditorium. packed, chock-a-block, stuffed; Austrol./
theatrical odjective 1 stage, dramatic, NZ informolchocker. 3 plentiful,
thespian, show-business; informol abundant, profuse, luxuriant, bushy,
showbiz. 2 exaggerated, ostentatious, rich, riotous, exuberant, rank, rampant,
stagy, melodramatic, showy, affected, dense; informol jungly. 4 semi-solid,
overdone; informol hammy. firm, stiff, heavy, viscous, gelatinous.
theft noun robbery, stealing, larceny,
5thickfog dense, heavy, opaque,
impenetrable, soupy, murky.
shoplift ing, burglary, embezzlement,
raid, hold-up; informol smash-and-grab; - OPPOSITES thin, slender, sparse.
N. Amer. informol heist. thicken verb stiffen, condense, solidify,
set, gel, congeal, clot, coagulate.
theme noun 1 subject, topic, argument,
idea, thrust, thread, motif, keynote. thiefnoun robber, burglar, house-
2 melody, tune, air, motif, leitmotif. breaker, shoplifter, pickpocket, mugger,
theoretical odjective hypothetical,
kleptomaniac; nformol crook.
i

speculative, academic, conjectural, sup- thieve verb steal, take, purloin, help
positional, notional, unproven. yourself to, snatch, pilfer, embezzle,
- OPPOSITES actual. misappropriate ; nformol rob, swipe,
i

t
theory noun hypothesis, thesis, nab, lift; Brit. informolnick, pinch, knock
conjecture, supposition, speculation, off; N. Amer. informol heisl.
postulation, proposition, premise, thin adjective 1 narrow, fine, attenu-
opinion, view, beliel contention. ated.2 lightweight, light, fine,
2 modern economic fheory ideas, con- delicate,fl imsy, diaphanous, gauzy,
cepts, philosophy, ideology, thinking, gossamer, sheer, fi lmy, transparent,
principles. see-through. 3 slim, lean, slender,
therapeutic odjective healing, cura- willowy, svelte, sylphlike, spare, slight,
tive, remedial, medicinal, restorative, skinny, underweight, scrawny, scraggy,
health-giving. bony, gaunt, emaciated, skeletal, lanky,
spindly, gangly: lnformol anorexic.
therapist noun psychologist, psy-
4 watery, weak, runny, sloppy.
chotherapist, analyst, psychoanalyst,
psychiatrist, counsellor; informol shrink. - oPPoslTES thick, broad, fat.
a verb 1 dilute, water down, weaken.
therapy noun 1 treatment, remedy, 2 the crowds thinned out disperse, dis-
cure.2 he's currently in theropy psycho- sipate, scatter.
therapy, psychoanalysis, cou nselling. - OPPoslTEs thicken.
ffiS therefore odverb consequently, thing noun 1 object, article, item,
$i*S$i because of that, for that reason, that artefact, commodity; informol doo-
being the case, so, as a result, hence, dah, whatsit; Brit. informal gubbins.
accordingly. 2 (things) belongings, possessions,
thesis noun 1 theory, contention, argu- stuff, property, worldly goods, goods
ment, proposal, proposition, premise, and chattels, effects, paraphernalia,
assumption, supposition, hypothesis. bits and pieces, luggage, baggage;
2 dissertation, essay, paper, treatise, informol gear, junk; Brit. informol
composition, study; N. Amer. theme. clobber. 3 (things) equipment,
thickodjective 1 broad, wide, deep, apparatus, gear, l<it, tackle, stuff, imple-
stout, bulky, hefty, chunky, solid, ments, tools, utensils, impedimenta,
plump. 2 the stotion wos thick with accoutrements.
427 think -+ threat

think verb 1 believe, be of the opinion, methodical, careful. 3 utter, down-

be of the view, be under the impres- right, absolute, complete, total,
sion, expect, imagine, anticipate, out-and-out, real, perfect, proper; Brit
suppose, guess, fancy; informol reckon, informol right; Austrol.f NZ informol fai.
figure. 2 his fomily wos thought to be - OPPoslTEs superficial, cursory.
rich consider, judge, hold, reckon, thought noun 1 idea. notion, opinion,
deem, presume, estimate, regard as, view, impression, feeling, theory.
view as.3 ponder, reflect, deliber- 2 thinking, contemplation, musing,
ate, consider, meditate, contemplate, ponderinq, consideration, refl ection,
muse, ruminate, brood; formol cogi- rumination, deliberation, medita-
tate. 4 she thought of oll the visits she tion; formol cogitation. 3 hove you no
hod mode recall, remember, recollect, thou ght for othersT consideration,
call to mind, imagine, picture, visualize, understanding, regard, sensitivity, care,
envisage. concern, compassion, sympathy.
o think up devise, dream up, come up thoughtfu! odjective 1 pensive,
with, invent, create, concoct, make up, refl ec tive, contemplative. musing,
hit on; informolcook up. meditative, ruminative, introspective,
thinker noun intellectual, philosopher, philosophical, preoccupied, in a brown
scholar, sage, ideologist, theorist, intel- study. 2 considerate, caring, attentive,
lect, mind; informol brain. understanding, sympathetic, solicitous,
thinking odjective intelligent, sensible, concerned, helpful, obliging, accommo-
reasonable, rational, logical, analytical, dating, kind, compassionate.
thoughtful. - oPPoSITES thoughtless.
o noun reasoning, idea(s), theory, thoughtless odjective 1 inconsiderate,
thoughts, philosophy, beliefs, uncaring, insensitive, uncharitable,
opinion(s), view(s). unkind, tactless, undiplomatic, indis-
thirst noun his thirst for knowledge crav. creet, careless. 2 unthinking, heedless,
ing, desire, longing, yearning, hunger, careless, unmindful, absent-minded,
hankering, eagerness, lust, appetite; injudicious, ill-advised, ill-considered,
lnformol yen, itch. imprudent, unwise, foolish, silly, stupid,
tr thirst for crave, want, covet, desire, reckless, rash, precipitate, negligent,
hunger for, lust after, hanker after, wish neglectful, remiss.
for, long for. - oPPoslTES thoughtful.
thirsty odjecfive longing for a drink, thrash verb t hit, beat, strike, batter,
dry, dehydrated', nformol parched,
i thump, hammer, pound; informal belt.
gasping. 2 he wos throshing oround in poin flail,
thorn noun prickle, spike, barb, spine. writhe, thresh, jerk, toss, twist, twitch.
thorny odjective 1 prickly, spiky, thread noun 1 cotton, yarn, fibre,
barbed, spiny, sharp. 2 problematic, filament. 2 train of thought, drift,
tricky, ticklish, delicate, controversial, direction, theme, tenor.
awkward, difficult, knotty, tough, com- o verb she threoded her woy through the
plicated, complex, involved, intricate, tobles weave, inch, squeeze, navigate,
vexed; informol sticky. neg otiate.

thorough odjective 1 o thorough investi- threadbare odjective worn, old, holey,

gotion rigorous, in-depth, exhaustive, moth-eaten, mangy, ragged, frayed,
minute, detailed, close, meticulous, tattered, decrepit, shabby, scrufy;
methodical, careful, complete, com- informaltatty, the worse for wear.
prehensive. 2 he's slow but thorough threat noun 1 threatening remark,
meticulous, scrupulous, assiduous, warning, ultimatum. 2 o possible
conscientious, painstaking, punctilious, threot to aircroft danger, peril, hazard,
 threaten + thug

menace, risk. 3 the comp any foces the throng noun crowd, horde, mass, army,
threot of liquidofion possibility, chance, herd, flock, drove, swarm, sea, troupe,
probability, likelihood. risk. pack; informol bunch, gaggle, gang.
threaten verb 1 menace, intimidate, o verb 1 povements thronged with
browbeat, bully, terrorize. 2 endan- tourists fill, crowd, pack, cram. jam.
ger, jeopardize, imperil, put at risk. 2 visitors thronged round him flock,
3 herald, bode, warn of, presage, crowd, cluster, mill, swarm, congre-
foreshadow, indicate, point to, be a gate, gather.
sign of, signal. throttle verb choke, strangle, garrotte.
threshold noun 1 doorstep, entrance, through preposition 1 by means of, by
entry, gate, portal.2 start, beginning, way of, by dint of, via, using, thanks
commencement, brink, verge, dawn, to, by virtue of, as a result of, as a
inception, day one, opening, debut. consequence of, on account of, owing
thrifty o djective frugal, economical,
to. 2 throughout, for the duration of,
sparing, careful with money, provident, until/to the end of, all.
prudent. abstemious. parsimonious, throughout p reposition 1 all over,
penny-pinching. in every part of, everywhere in. 2 all
- OPPOSITES extravagant. through, for the duration of, for the
whole of, until the end of, all.
thrill noun excitement, stimulation,
pleasure, tingle; i nformol buzz, kick; throw verb t hurl, toss, fling, pitch,
N. Amer. informol charge. cast, lob, launch, bowl; lnformol chuck,
- oPPoSlTEs boredom. heave, sling, bung. 2 he threw the door
a verb excite, stimulate, arouse, rouse, open push, thrust, fling, bang. 3 cast,
inspire, delight, exhilarate, intoxicate, send, give off, emit, radiate, project.
stir, electrify, move; informol give 4 disconcert, unnerve, fluster, ruffle,
someone a buzz/kick; N. Amer. informol put ofi throw off balance, unsettle,
give someone a charge. confuse; informal rattle, faze.
- OPPoSITES bore. a noun lob, toss, pitch, bowl.
s throw awayfout discard, dispose of,
thrilling odjective exciting, stimulat-
get rid oi scrap, dump, jettison; infor-
ing, stirring, action-packed, rip-roaring,
mol chuck (away/out), ditch, bin, junk;
gripping, electrifying, riveting, fascinat-
Brit. informal get shot of. throw out
ing, dramatic, hair-raising.
expel, eject, evict, drive out, force out,
- oPPoSITES boring.
oust, remove, get rid of, depose, topple,
thrive verb flourish, prosper, burgeon, unseat, overthrow; informol boot out,
bloom, blossom, do well, advance, suc- kick out; Brit. informolturf out.
ceed, boom. thrust verb 1 shove, push, force,
- oPPoSITES decline, wither. plunge, stick, drive, ram, lunge. 2 fome
ffi thriving odjective flourishing, prosper- hod been thrust on him force, foist,
X*$q ing, growing, developing, blooming, impose, inflict.
healthy, successful, booming, profit- a noun 1 shove, push, lunge, poke.
able; informol going strong. 2 advance, push, drive, attack, assault,
- oPPoSITES declining. onslaught, offensive. 3 force, propul-
throb verb pulsate, beat, pulse, sion, power, impetus. 4 gist, sub-
palpitate, pound, thud, thump, drum, stance, drift, message, import, tenor.
judder, vibrate, quiver. thug noun ruffian, hooligan, bully
o noun pulsation, beat, pulse, palpita boy, hoodlum, gangster, villain; infor-
tion, pounding, thudding, thumping, moltough, bruiser, heavy; Brit
drumming, juddering, vibration, informal rough, bovver boy; iV. Amer:
quivering. informol hood, goon.
429 thump -+ time

thump verb t hit, beat, punch, strike, hindrance, encumbrance, handicap,

smack, batter, pummel; informol obligation, commitment. 4 draw, dead
whack, wallop, bash, biff, clobber, heat.
clout; Brit. informolslosh; tV. Amer tier noun 1 row, rank, bank, line, layer,
informol slug.2 throb, pound, beat, level.2 grade, gradation, echelon, rung
thud, hammer. on the ladder.
thunder noun rumble, boom, roar, taghtodjective 1 firm, secure, fast.
pounding, crash, reverberation. 2 taut, rigid, stiff, tense, stretched,
a verb 1 rumble, boom, roar, pound, strained, clenched. 3 close-fi tting,
crash, resound, reverberate. 2'Answer narrow, fi gure-hugging, skintight;
me!' he thundered shout, roar, bellow, informolsprayed on.4 o tight moss of
bark, bawl.
f,bres compact, compressed, dense,
thwart verb loil, frustrate, forestall, solid. 5 small, tiny, narrow, limited,
stop, check, block, prevent, defeat, restricted, confi ned, cramped, con-
impede, obstruct, derail, snooker; stricted. 6 tight security strict, rigorous,
informolput paid to, do for, stymie; stringent, tough.
Brit. informol scupper. - oPPostrES slack, ioose.
- oPPoSITES help.
tighten verb 1 stretch, tauten, strain,
ticket noun 1 pass, authorization, per- stiflen, tense. 2 strengthen, increase,
mit, token, coupon, voucher. 2 label, make stricter.
tag, sticker, tab, slip, docket. - OPPOSITES loosen, slacken.
tickle verb 1 stroke, pet. 2 stimulate, tilt verb slope, tip, lean, list, bank, slant,
interest, appeal to, amuse, entertain, incline, pitch, cant, angle.
divert, please, delight. o noun slope, list, camber, gradient,
tide noun 1 current, flow, stream, ebb. bank, slant, incline, pitch, cant, bevel,
2 the tide of hrstory course, movement, a ngle.
direction, trend, current, drift, run. timber noun 1 wood; N. Amer.lumber.
tidy adjective 1 o tidy room neat, orderly, 2 beam, spar, plank, batten, lath,
in good order, well kept, in apple-pie board, joist, rafter.
order, shipshape, spick and span, time noun 1 moment, point (in time),
spruce, uncluttered, straight. 2 o tidy occasion, instant, juncture, stage. 2 he
person organized, neat, methodical, worked there for o time while, spell,
meticulous, systematic. stretch, stint, interval, period, length
- oPPoSITES untidy. oftime, duration, phase.3 era, age,
o verb put in order, clear up, sort out, epoch, aeon, period, years, days.
straighten (up), clean up, spruce up, o verb schedule, arrange, set, organ-
smarten up. ize, fix, book, line up, timetable, plan;
tie verb 1 bind, tie up, tether, hitch, N. Amer. slate.
strap, truss, fetter, rope, make fast, o all the time constantly, around the
moor, lash. 2 do up, lace, knot. clock, day and night. Imorning. noon.
3 restrict, restrain, limit, tie down, and nightl, Iday in, day out], always,
constrain, cramp, hampel handicap, without a break, ceaselessly, endlessly,
hamstring, encumber, shackle. 4 link, incessantly, perpetually, permanently,
(onnect. couple. relate, join, marry. continuously, continually, eternally;
5 draw, be equal, be even. informol 24-7. at times occasionally,
a noun 1 lace, string, cord, fastening. sometimes, from time to time, now
2 bond, connection, linl<, relationship, and then, every so often. once in a
attachment, affiliation. 3 restriction, while, on occasion, off and on, at inter.
constraint, curb, limitation, restraint, vals, periodically.
 timeless -+ title 430

WORD LINKS tip2 verb 1 overturn, turn over, topple

chronological, temporal relating (over), fall (over), keel over, capsize, roll
to time over.2 lean, tilt, list, slope, bank, slant,
incline, pitch, cant. 3 pour, empty,
timeless odjective lasting, enduring,
drain, dump, discharge, decant.
classic, ageless, permanent, perennial,
a noun (Brit.) dump, rubbish dump,
abiding, unchanging, unvarying, never-
landfill site.
changing, eternal, everlasting.
- OPPOSITES ephemeral. tip3 noun 1 gratuity, baksheesh, pre-
sent, gift, reward. 2 piece of advice,
timely odjective opportune, well timed, suggestion, word of advice, pointer,
convenient, appropriate, expedient, hint; lnformol wrinkle.
seasonable, propitious.
- oPPoslTEs ill-timed. tirade noun diatribe, harangue, rant,
attack, polemic, broadside, fulmina.
timetable noun schedule, programme, tion, tongue-lashing ; informol blast.
agenda, calendar, diary.
tire verb 1 get tired, weaken, flag,
a verb schedule, arrange, programme, droop. 2 fatigue, tire out, exhaust,
organize, fix, time, line up; Brit diarize;
wear out, drain, weary, enervate;
tV. Arner. slate.
informolknock out, take it out of; Brlt
timid odjective fearful, afraid, faint- informol knacker.
hearted, timorous, nervous, scared, tired odjective 1 exhausted, worn
frightened, shy, diffident. out, weary, fatigued, ready to drop,
- oPPoSlTEs bold. drained, enervated; informolall in, dead
tinge verb tint, colour, stain, shade, beat, shattered, done in; Brit. informol
wash. knackered, whacked; N. Amer. informol
a noun 1 tint, colour, shade, tone, hue. pooped, tuckered out; Austrol.fNZ infor-
2 trace, note, touch, suggestion, hint, mol stonkered. 2l'm tired of him led
flavour, element, streak, suspicion, up with, weary of, bored with/by, sick
souPqon. (and tired) of; informolup to here with.
tingle verb prickle, prick, sting, itch, 3 hackneyed, overused, stale, clich6d,
tickle. predictable, unimaginative, unoriginal,
o noun prickle, pricking, tingling, dull, boring; informol corny.
sting, itch, pins and needles. - oPPoStTEs energetic, fresh.
tinker verb fiddle, play about, mess tiresome odjective 1 wearisome, labori-
about, adjust, try to mend; Brit. infor. ous, wearing, tedious, boring, monoto-
mol muck about. nous, dull, uninteresting, unexciting,
humdrum, routine. 2 troublesome,
tint noun 1 shade, colour, tone, hue, irksome, vexatious, irrital"ing, annoying,
tinge, cast, flush, blush.2 dye, colour- exasperating, trying; informol aggravat.
ant, colouring, wash. ing, pesky.
o verb dye, colour, tinge. - OPPOSITES interesting, pleasant.
tiny adjective minute, minuscule, micro- tiring odje t tive exhausting, wea ryi n g,
scopic, very small, mini, diminutive, taxing, draining, hard, arduous, strenu-
miniature, baby, toy, fun-size, dwarf; ous, onerous, gruellin g ; i nformol killing;
Scoftish wee; informol teeny, tiddly; Brit. Brit. informol knackering.
informol titchy.
title noun t heading, label, inscription,
- OPPOSITES huge.
caption, subheading, legend. 2 name,
tipl noun 1 point, end, extremity, head, designation, form of address, rank,
spike, prong, nib. 2 peak, top, summit, office, position; informol moniker, han-
apex, crown, crest, pinnacle. dle. 3 on Olympic tit/e championship,
a verb cap, top, crown, surmount. crown, first place.
431 toast -+ too

toast verb drink (to) the health of, - OPPoSITES intolerable.

salute, honour, pay tribute to; old use tolerance noun 1 toleration,accept-
pledge. ance, open-mindedness, broad-
toddle verb totter, teeter, wobble, mindedness, forbearance, patience,
falter, waddle, stumble. charil,y, understanding, lenience.
l
together odverb with each other, in 2 endurance, resilience, resistance,
conjunction, jolntly, in cooperation, in immunity.
collaboration, in partnership, in combi' tolerant o djective open-minded,
nation, in league, side by side; informol forbearing, broad-minded, liberal,
in cahoots. 2 simultaneously, at the unprejudiced, unbiased, patient,
same time, at once, concurrently, as a long-suffering, understanding, chari-
group, in unison, in chorus. table, Ienient, easy-going, indulgent,
- oPPOSITES separately. permissive.
o o djective (i nfo rmol) level-headed, tolerate verb 1 allow, permit, condone,
well adjusted, sensible, practical, accept, swallow, countenance; formol
realistic, mature, stable, full of com' brook. 2 he couldn't tolerote her moods
mon sense, well organized, efficient, ony longer endure, put up with, bear,
methodical, self-confi dent, self-assured; take, stand, support, stomach, abide;
informol u nfla ppa ble. Brit. informol stick.
toil verb 1 work, labour, slave, strive; tollr noun 1 charge, fee, payment, levy,
informol slog, beaver; Brit. informol tariff, tax. 2 number, count, tally, total,
graft. 2 struggle, drag yourself, trudge, sum. 3 the toll on the environment hos
slog, plod; N. Amer. informol schlep. been high harm, damage, injury, detri-
o noun hard work, labour, exertion, ment, adverse effect, cost, price, loss.
slaving, drudgery, effort, Iblood, sweat,
and tearsJ; informol slog, elbow grease; toll2 verb ring, sound, clang, chime,
Brit. informolgraft; o/d use travail. strike, peal.
toilet noun lavatory, WC, (public) tomb noun burial chamber, vault,
convenience, cloakroom, powder crypt, catacomb, sepulchre, mauso-
room, latrine, privy, urinal; N. Amer. leum, grave.
bathroom, washroom, rest room, WORD LINKS
men's/ladies' room, comfort station; sepulchral relating to a tomb
Brit. informolloo, bog, the Ladies, the
_
Cents; N. Amer. informolcan, john; tone noun 1 sound, timbre, voice.
Au stro l. I NZ nformol d u n ny.
i
colour, tonality, intonation, inflection,
modulation. 2 mood, air, feel, flavour,
token noun t symbol, sign, emblem,
note, attitude, character, spirit, vein.
badge, representation, indication,
3 shade, colour, hue, tint, tinge.
mark, expression, demonstration.
2 memento, souvenir, keepsake, a verb harmonize, go, blend, coordi-
nate, team, match, suit, complement.
reminder.3 voucher, coupon, note.
tr tone down moderate, modify, tem-
o adjective token resistance symbolic, per, soften, modulate, lighten, subdue.
nominal, perfunctory, slight, minimal,
su perficia l. tonic noun stimulant, boost, restora-
tolerable odjective 1 bearable, endur- tive, refresher, fillip; informolshot in the
arm, pick-me-up, bracer.
able, supportable, acceptable. 2 fairly
good, fair, passable, adequate, all too odverb 1 excessively, overly, unduly,
right, acceptable, satisfactory, avera ge, im moderately, inordinately, unreason-
run-of-the-mill, mediocre, middling, ably, extremely, very. 2 also, as well,
ordinary, unexceptional; informol OK, in addition, into the bargain, besides,
so-so, no great shakes. furthermore, moreover.
tool -+ totally 432

tool noun implement, utensil, instru- vacillating, irresolute, dithering, uncer.

ment, device, apparatus, gadget, tain, unsure, undecided, in two minds.
appliance, machine. contrivance. tornado noun whirlwind, cyclone,
contraption; nformol gizmo.
i
typhoon, storm, hurricane; A/. Amer.
tooth noun fang, tusk; informol gnasher. informol twister.
wono Lrrrrrs torrent noun 1 o torrent of woter flood,
dental relating to teeth deluge, spate, cascade, rush.2 o torrent
of obuse outburst, outpouring, stream,
top noun 1 summit, peak, pinnacle, flood, volley, barrage, tide.
crest, crown, brow, head, tip, apex, - OPPOSITES trickle-
apogee.2 lid, cap, cover, stopper, cork. tortuous odjective 1 twisting, winding,
3 he wos at the top of his coreer height, zigzag, sinuous, snaky, meandering,
peak, pinnacle, zenith, culmination,
serpentine. 2 convoluted, compli-
climax, prime. cated, complex, labyrinthine, involved,
- OPPOSITES bottom, base. Byzantine, lengthy.
o odjective t
highest, topmost, - oPPOStTES straight.
uppermost. 2 foremost, chief, leading,
principal, pre-eminent, greatest, best,
torture noun 1 abuse, ill-treatment,
mistreatment, maltreatment, persecu-
finest, elite, premier. prime, superior,
tion, cruelty, atrocity. 2 torment,
select, five-star, grade A, A-list. 3 maxi-
agony, suffering, pain, anguish, misery,
mum, greatest, utmost.
distress, heartbreak, trauma.
- OPPOSITES lowest, minimum.
a verb 1 abuse, ill-treat, mistreat,
o verb 1 exceed, surpass, go beyond, maltreat, persecute. 2 torment, rack,
better, beat, outstrip, outdo, outshine,
afflict, harrow, plague, distress, trouble.
eclipse, transcend.2 lead, head, be at
the top of. 3 mousse topped with creom toss verb 1 throw, hurl, fling, sling,
cover, cap, coat, finish, garnish. pitch, lob, launch; informol heave,
tr top up fill, refill, refresh, freshen, chuck, bung. 2 he tossed o coin flip,
replenish, recharge, resupply. flick, spin. 3 pitch, lurch, rock, roll,
plunge, reel, sway.
topic noun subject, theme, issue, mat-
ter, point, question, concern, argu- total odjective I entire, complete,
ment, thesis. whole, full, combined, aggregate,
gross, overall. 2 utter, complete, abso-
topical odjective current, up to date, up
lute, thorough, perfect, downright,
to the minute, contemporary, recent, out-and-out, outright, sheer, unmiti-
relevant, in the news. gated, unqualifi ed, unalloyed.
- OPPOSITES out of date.
- oPPostTES partial.
topple verbl lall, tumble, tip, overbal- a noun sum, aggregate, whole,
ance, overturn, keel over, lose your bal. entirety, totality.
ance.2 knock over, upset, push over, a verb 1 add up to, amount to, come
tip over, upend. 3 overthrow, oust, to, run to, make. 2 he totolled up his
unseat, overturn, bring down, defeat, score add, count, reckon, tot up, com-
get rid ol dislodge, eject. pute, work out.
torment noun agony, suffering, torture, totalitarian o djective autocratic,
pain, anguish, misery, distress, trauma. undemocratic, one-party, dictatorial,
a verb 1 torture, afflict, rack, harrow, tyrannical, despotic, fascist, oppressive,
plague, haunt, distress, agonize. authoritarian, absolutist.
2 tease, taunt, bait, provoke, harass, - OPPOSITES democratic.
bother, persecute; informol needle. totally odverb completely, entirely,
tornodjective 1 ripped, rent, cut, wholly, thoroughly, fully, utterly,
slit, ragged, tattered. 2 wavering, absolutely, perfectly, unreservedly,
433 touch + toy

unconditionally, downright. stringent, rigorous, hard, firm,

- oPPOSITES partly. hard-hitting, uncompromisin g. 4 the
touch verb 1 contact, meet, brush, troining wos pretty tough difficult,
graze, come up against, be in contact hard, strenuous, onerous, gruelling,
with, border, abut.2 feel, pat, tap, exactinq, arduous, demanding, taxing,
stroke, fondle, caress, pet, handle. tiring, exhausting, punishing. 5 tough
3 soles touched f20,000 reach, attain, questions difficult, hard, knotty, thorny,
come to, make, rise to, soar to; informol tricky.
hit. 4 compare with, be on a par with, - OPPoSITES weak, lenient, easy.
equal, match, rival, measure up to, o noun ruffian, thug, hoodlum, hooli-
better, beat; informolhold a candle to. gan, bully boy; informolheavy, bruiser;
5 handle, hold, pick up, move, use, Brit. informolyob.
meddle with, play about with, fiddle toughen verb 1 strengthen, fortify,
with, interfere with, tamper with, reinforce, harden, temper, anneal.
disturb. 6 affect, move, stir, make an 2 meosures to toughen up discipline
impression on. make stricter, make more severe,
a noun 1 tap, pat, contact, stroke, stiffen, tighten up.
caress. 2 skill, expertise, dexterity, tour noun I trip, excursion. journey,
deftness, adroitness, adeptness, ability, expedition, jaunt, outing, trek. 2 o
talent, flair, facility, proficiency, knack. tour of the foctory visit, inspection,
3 trace, bit. suggestion, suspicion, walkabout.
hint, scintilla, tinge, dash, taste, spot, a verb travel round, visit, explore,
drop, dab, soupqon. 4 the gos lights holiday in, go round.
ore a nice touch detail, feature, point, tourist noun holidaymaker, traveller,
element, addition. 5 ore you in touch sightseer, visitor, backpacker, globe-
with him? contact, communication, trotter, tripper; N. Amer. vacationer.
correspondence. - OPPOSITES local.
tr touch on refer to, mention, com-
ment on, remark on, bring up, raise,
tournament noun competition, con-
test, championship, meeting, event.
broach, allude to, cover, deal with.
tow verb pull, haul, drag, draw, tug, lug.
WORD LINKS
tactile relating to touch
tower verb soar, rise, rear, overshadow,
overhang, hang over, dominate.
touching odjective moving, affecting, town noun city, metropolis, conurba-
heart-warming, emotional, emotive, tion, municipality; Brit. borough; Scot-
poignant, sad, tear-jerking. trsh burgh.
touchy odjective 1 sensitive, oversensi- - OPPOSITES country.
tive, hypersensitive, easily offended, WORD LINKi
thin-skinned, highly strung, tense, irri- urban, municipal relatins]9l9yt_
table, tetchy, testy, crotchety, peevish, I
querulous, bad-tempered, petulant; toxic odjecttve poisonous, dan gerous,
informol snappy, ratty; /\. Amer. informol harmf ul. injurious. noxious, perni.
cranky. 2 delicate, sensitive, tricky, cious, deadly, lethal, environmentally
ticklish, embarrassing, awkward, dif- unfriendly, polluting.
fi cult, contentious, controversial. - OPPOSITES harmless.
tough odjective 1 durable, strong, toy noun plaything, game.
resilient, sturdy, rugged, solid, stout, C odjective model, imitation, replica,
robust, hard-wearing, long-lasting, miniature.
heavy-duty, well built, made to last. o toy with 1 think about, consider,
2 chewy, leathery, gristly, stringy, flirt with, entertain the possibility of;
fibrous. 3 strict, stern, severe, informoll<ick around. 2 fiddle with, play
 trace -+ trance 434

with, fidget with, twiddle, finger. tragic adjective 1 disastrous, ca la mitous,

trace verb 1 track down, find, discover, catastrophic, cataclysmic, devastating,
detect, unearth, turn up, hunt down, terrible, dreadful, awful, appalling, hor-
ferret out, run to ground. 2 draw, rendous, fatal. 2 sad, unhappy, pathetic,
outline, mark. moving, distressing, painful, harrowing,
a noun 1sign, mark, indication, heart-rending, sorry.
evidence, clue. vesLige, remains, - OPPOSITES fortunate, happy.
remnant.2 bit, touch, hint, suggestion, trail noun 1 o troil of clues series, string,
suspicion, shadow, dash, tinge; informol chain, succession, sequence. 2 track,
smidgen, tad. spoor, path, scent, traces, marks,
track noun 1 path, footpath, lane, signs, prints, footprints. 3 path, way,
trail, route, way.2 course, racecourse, footpath, track, route.
racetrack, velodrome; Brit. circuit. 3 the a verb 1 drag, sweep, be drawn,
trocks of o foxtraces, marks, prints, dangle. 2 roses troiled over the bonks
footprints, trail, spoor. 4 the roilwoy hang, droop, fall, spill, cascade. 3 fol-
trocks rail, line.5 song, recording, low, pursue, track, shadow, stalk,
number, piece. hunt; informol tail. 4 lose, be down,
a verb follow, trail, pursue, shadow, be behind, lag behind.
stalk; informol tail.
tr track down discover, find, detect,
train verb 1 instruct, teach, coach,
hunt down, unearth, uncover, turn up,
tutor, school, educate, prime, drill,
ground. 2 study, learn, prepare, take
dig up, ferret out, run to ground.
instruction. 3 exercise, work out, get
trade noun 1 dealing, buying and into shape, practise. 4 aim, point,
selling, commerce, traffic, business. direct, level, focus.
2 occupation, work, craft, job, career,
a noun chain, string, series, set,
profession, business, line (of work),
sequence, succession, course.
m6tier.
a verb 1 deal, do business, bargain, trainer noun coach, instructor, teacher,
negotiate, traffic, buy and sell, mer- tutor, handler.
chandise. 2 I traded the car for o newer trait noun characteristic, attribute,
model swap, exchange, barter, part- feature, quality, habit, mannerism, idi-
exchange. osyncrasy, peculiarity.
lwono rtrurs traitor noun betrayer, back-stabber,
mercantile relatinq to Lrade double-crosser, renegade, Judas, quis-
ling, fifth columnist, turncoat, defector;
trader noun dealer, merchant, buyer,
informol snake in the grass.
seller, vendor, purveyor, supplier,
trafficker. tramp verb trudge, plod, stamp, tram-
tlit:li, tradition noun custom, practice, ple, lumber, trek, walk, slog, hike; infor-
mol traipse; N. Amer. informol schlep.
aii}l:l$i convention, ritual, observance, way,
usage, habit, institution, unwritten law; a noun 1 vagrant, vagabond, home-
less person, down-and-out, traveller,
formal praxis.
drifter;A/. Amer: hobo; N. Amer. informal
traditional o dj ective customary,
bum. 2 tread, step, footstep, footfall.
long-established, time-honoured,
3 trek, walk, hike, slog, march, roam,
classic, wonted, accustomed, standard,
ramble; tV. Amer. informol schlep.
regular, normal, conventional, habitual,
ritual, age-old. trample yerb tread, stamp, walk,
tragedy noun disaster, calamity, squash, crush, flatten.
catastrophe, cataclysm, misfortune, trance noun daze, stupor, hypnotic
adversity. state, dream, reverie.
435 tranquil -+ traveller

tranquil odjective peaceful, calm, telecast, videocast, podcast.

restful, quiet, still, serene, relaxing, transmit verb 1 transfer, communicate,
undisturbed. pass on, hand on, convey, impart, chan-
- OPPOSITES busy, excitable. nel, carry, relay, dispatch, disseminate,
tranquillizer noun sedative, barbi- spread, circulate. 2 broadcast, send
turate, calmative, narcotic, opiate; out, air, televise, telecast, videocast,
informol downer. podcast.
- oPPOSITES stimulant. transparent odjective 1 clear, translu-
transaction noun deal, bargain, agree- cent, limpid, crystal clear, crystalline,
ment, undertaking, arrangement, pellucid. 2 see-through, sheer, filmy,
negotiation, settlement. gauzy, diaphanous. 3 obvious, blatant,
transcend verb go beyond, rise above, unambiguous, unequivocal, clear, plain,
exceed, surpass, excel, outstrip. apparent, unmistakable, manifest,
transfer verb move, take, bring, shift, conspicuous, patent.
convey, remove, carry, transPort, - oPPostrES opaque, obscure.
relocate. transport verb convey, carry, take,
transform verb change, alter, convert, transfer. move, shift, send, deliver, bear,
revolutionize, overhaul, reconstruct, ship, ferry; informol cart.
rebuild, reorganize, rearrange, rework. a noun conveyance, carriage, delivery,
shipping, freight, shipment, haulage.
transformation noun change,
alteration, conversion, metamorphosis, trap noun 1 snare, net, mesh, gin;
revolution, overhaul, reconstruction, N. Amer. deadfall. 2 trick, ploy, ruse,
rebuilding, reorganization, rearrange- deception, subterfuge; informol set-up.
ment, reworking. a verb 1 snare, entrap, capture, catch,
ambush. 2 confine, cut off, corner, shut
transient o djective transitory, tem-
porary, short-lived, short-term, in, pen in, hem in, irnprison. 3 trick,
ephemeral, impermanent, brief, short, dupe, deceive, fool, hoodwink.
momentary, fl eeting, passing. trash noun 1 (N. Amer.) rubbish, refuse,
- OPPOSITES permanent. waste, litter, junk; tV. Amer. garbage.
transition noun change, passage, 2 (informal) nonsense, rubbish, trivia,
move, transformation, conversion, pulp fiction, pap; lnformol drivel.
metamorphosis, alteration, changeo- trauma noun 1 shock, upheaval,
ver, shift, switch. distress, stress, strain, pain, anguish,
transitional odjective 1 o tronsitionol suffering, upset, ordeal.2 injury, dam-
period intermediate, interim, change. age, wound.
over, changing, fluid, unsettled. 2 o tron' traumatic odjective disturbing, shock-
sitional gove rn ment interim, tempora ry, ing, distressing, upsetting, painful,
provisional, pro tem, acting, caretaker. agonizing, hurtful, stressful, devastat.
translate verb interpret, convert, ing, harrowing.
render, put, change, express, decipher, travel verb journey, tour, take a trip,
reword, decode, gloss, explain. voyage, go sightseeing, globetrot,
translation noun interpretation, rendi- backpack, trek.
tion, conversion, change, alteration, a noun travelling, journeys, expedi.
adaptation. tions, trips, tours, excursions, voyages,
transmission noun 1 transfer, com- treks, wanderings, jaunts.
munication, passing on, conveyance, traveller noun tourist, tripper, holiday-
dissemination, spread, circulation, maker, sightseer, globetrotter, back-
relaying. 2 broadcasting, televising, packer, passenger, commuter; N. Amer.
airing. 3 broadcast, programme, show, vacationer.
treacherous + tribute 436

treacherous odjective 1 traitorous, dis- treaty noun agreement, settlement,

loyal, unfaithful, duplicitous, deceitful, pact, deal, entente, concordat, accord,
false, back-stabbing, double-crossing, protocol, compact, convention; formol
two-faced, untrustworthy, unreliable, concord.
apostate, renegade. 2 dangerous, tree noun
hazardous, perilous, unsafe, precarious,
risky; informal dicey, hairy.
WORD LINKS
- oPPoSITES loyal, faithful. arboreal relating to trees
-
tread verb 1 walk, step, stride, pace, t.ek n*. purnuy, trip, .^p.aiH"rt
march, tramp, plod, stomp, trudge. safari, hike, march, tramp, walk.
2 crush, flatten, press down, squash, tremble yerb shake, quiver, shudder,
trample on, stamp on. judder, vibrate, wobble, rock, move,
o noun step, footstep, footfall, tramp. sway.
treason noun treachery, disloyalty, tremendous adjective t huge, enor-
betrayal, sedition, subversion, mutiny, mous, immense, colossal, massive, cos-
rebellion. mic, prodigious, stupendous; informol
treasure noun 1 riches, valuables, whopping, astronomical; Brit. informol
jewels, gems, gold. silver. precious ginormous. 2 excellent, fl rst-class,
metals, money, cash, wealth, fortune. outstanding, marvellous, wonderful,
2 masterpiece, gem, pearl, jewel. splendid, superb, admirable informol
a verb cherish, hold dear, prize, set great, fantastic, fabulous, terrific,
great store by, value greatly. super, awesome, ace; Brlt. informol
treasury noun storehouse, repository, brilliant, smashing.
treasure house, exchequer, fund, mine, trench noun ditch, channel, trough,
bank, coffers, purse. excavation, furrow, rut. conduit.
treat verb 1 behave towards, act trend noun 1 tendency, movement,
towards, use, deal with, handle. 2 police drift, swing, shift, course, current, direc-
are treoting the fires os orson regard, tion, inclination, leaning. 2 fashion,
consider, view, look on, put down as. vogue. style, mode. craze. mania, rage;
3 deal with, tackle, handle, discuss, informol f ad,thing.
explore, investigate. 4 tend, nurse, trespass verb intrude, encroach,
attend to, give medical attention to. invade, enter without permission.
5 cure, heal, remedy. 6 he treoted her to
/unch buy, tal<e out for, stand, give, pay
trial noun 1 case, lawsuit, hearing, tri-
bunal, litigation, proceedings. 2 test,
for, entertain, wine and dine; informol
foot the bill for. 7 the crowd wos treoted experiment. pilot study, examina-
to o superb disploy entertain with,
tion, check, assessment, audition,
regale with, fete with.
evaluation, appraisal; informol dry run.
3 trouble, affliction, ordeal, tribula-
o noun 1 celebration, entertainment,
amusement, surprise. 2 present, gift,
tion, difficulty, problem, misfortune,
mishap.
titbit, delicacy, luxury, indulgence,
extravagance; informol goody. 3 pleas- tribe noun ethnic group, people, family,
ure, delight, thrill, joy. clan, race, dynasty, house, nation.
treatment noun 1 behaviour, conduct, tribunal noun court, board, panel,
handling, management, dealings. committee.
2 medical care, therapy. nursing, tribute noun accolade, praise, com-
ministrations, medication, medica- mendation, salute, testimonial, hom.
ment, drugs. 3 discussion, handling, age, congratulations, compliments,
investigation, exploration, considera- plaudits.
tion, study, analysis. - OPPOSITES criticism.
437 trick -+ troop

trick noun 1 stratagem, ploy, ruse, tr in trim fit, in good health, in fine
scheme, device, manoeuvre, dodge, fettle, slim, in shape.
subterfuge, swindle, f raud; informol trimming noun 1 decoration,
con, set-up, scam, sting. 2 practical ornamentation, adornment, borders,
joke, hoax, pr anl<; informol leg-pull, edging, piping, fringes, frills. 2 (trim-
spoof, put-on.3 knack, skill, technique, mings) accompaniments, extras, frills,
secret, art. accessories, accoutrements, trappin gs,
a verb deceive, delude, hoodwink, paraphernalia.
mislead, take in, dupe, fool, gull, cheat, trio noun threesome, three, triumvirate,
defraud, swindle; informol con, did- triad, troil<a, trinity, trilogy.
dle, take for a ride, pull a fast one on;
trip verb 1 stumble, lose your foot-
N. Amer. informol sucker.
ing, catch your foot, slip, fall (down),
trickle verb dribble, drip, ooze, leak, tumble. 2 skip, dance, prance, bound,
seep, spill, exude, percolate. spring, scamper.
- oPPostrES pour, gush. a noun 1 excursion, outing, jaunt,
Inoun dribble, drip, thin stream, holiday, break, visit, tour. journey,
rivulet. expedition, voyage, drive, run; informol
tricky odjective 1 difficult, awkward, spin. 2 stumble, slip, fall, misstep.
problematic, delicate, ticklish, sensi- triple odjective threefold, tripartite,
tive; informolsticky. 2 cunning, crafty, three-way, three tlmes, treble.
wily, devious, sly, scheming, calculat- triumph noun 1 victory, win, conquest,
ing, deceitful. success, achievement. 2 jubilation,
- oPPOSITES straightforward. exultation, elation, delight, joy, happi-
trifle noun triviality, thing of no conse- ness, glee, pride, satisfacLion.
quence, bagatelle, inessential, nothing, - oPPOslTEs defeat, disappointment.
technicality; (trifl es) trivia, minutiae. o verb win. succeed, come first, be
trifl ing o dj ective trivial, u ni m porta nt, victorious, carry the day, prevail.
insiqnifi cant, inconsequential, petty, - oPP0SlTEs lose.
minor, of no account, footling, inciden- tr triumph over defeat, beat, conquer,
tal; informol piffling. trounce, vanquish, oveTcome, over-
- OPPOSITES important. power, overwhelm, get the better of;
trigger verb start, set off, initiate, spark informallick; US lnformoi own.
(off), activate, touch off, provoke, triumphant odjective 1 victorious,
precipitate, prompt, stir up, cause, give successful, winning. conquering.
rise to, lead to, set in motion, bring 2 jubilant, exultant, celebratory,
about. elated, joyful, delighted, gleeful, proud,
cock-a-hoop.
trim verb 1 cut, crop, bob, shorten, clip,
snip, shear, dock, lop off, prune, shave, - oPPoSlTEs defeated, despondent.
pare.2 decorate, adorn, ornament, tr-vial odjec t ive unimportant, insig-
embellish, edge, border, fringe. niflcant, inconsequential, minor, of
a noun 1 decoration, ornamentation, no account, of no importance, petty,
adornment, embellishment, border, trifl ing, footling, negligible; informol
edging, piping, fringe, frill. 2 haircut, piff1ing.
cut, clip, snip. - oPPoSlTEs important, significant.
o odjective 1 neat, tidy, orderly, unclut- troop noun 1 group, party, band, gang,
tered, well kept, well maintained, body, company, troupe, crowd, squad,
immaculate, spick and span, spruce, unit. 2 (troops) soldiers, armed forces,
dapper. 2 slim, slender, lean, sleek, soldiery, servicemen, servicewomen.
willowy. I verb walk, march, file, flock, crowd,
- oPPOSITES untidy. throng, stream, swarm.
trophy -+ truthful 438

trophy noun 1 cup, medal, prize, award. ofr; N. Amer. informolplay hookey;
2 souvenir, memento, keepsake, Austrol.f NZ informol play the wag.
spoils, booty. truce noun ceasefire, armistice. cessa-
tropical adjective hot, sweltering, tion of hostilities, peace.
humid, sultry, steamy, sticky, oppres- true odjective 1 correct, truthful, accu-
sive, stifling. rate, right, verifiable, the case; formol
- OPPOSITES cold. veracious. 2 genuine, authentic, real,
trot verb run, jog, scuttle, scurry, bustle, actual, bona fide, proper, legitimate;
scamper. informol kosher. 3 sincere, genuine,
trouble noun 1 difficulty, problems, real, unfeigned, heartfelt.4 loyal, faith
issues, bother, inconvenience, worry, ful, constant, devoted, trustworthy,
anxiety, distress, stress, agitation, reliable, dependable, staunch. 5 o true
reflection accurate, faithful, telling it
harassment, unpleasantness ; informol
hassle. 2 she poured out oll hertroubles
like it is, realistic, factual, lifelike.
problem, misfortune, difficulty, trial, - OPPOSITES false, untrue.
tribulation, woe, grief, heartache, mis- trumpet verb proclaim, announce,
ery, affliction, suffering. 3 he's gone to declare, noise abroad, shout from the
o lot of trouble bother. inconvenience, rooftops.
fuss, effort, exertion, work, labour. trunk noun 1 stem, bole, stock, stalk.
4 nuisance, bother, inconvenience, 2 torso, body.3 proboscis, nose,
irritation, problem, trial, pest; informol snout.4 chest, box, crate, coffer, case,
headache, pain, drag. 5 you're too portmanteau.
gullible, thot's your trouble shortcom- trust noun confidence, belief, faith, cer-
ing, weakness, failing, fault. 6 disease, tainty, assurance, conviction, credence,
illness, sickness, ailment, complaint, reliance.
problem, disorder, disability. 7 mal- a verb t have faith in, have (every)
function, failure, breakdown. 8 dis- confidence in, believe in, pin your
turbance, disorder, unrest, fighting, hopes/faith on. 2 rely on, depend on,
scuffles, breach ofthe peace. bank on, count on, be sure of. 3 hope,
a verb 1 worry, bother, concern, dis- expect, take it, assume, presume.
turb, upset, agitate, distress, perturb, 4 entrust, consign, commit, give, hand
annoy, nag, prey on someone's mind; over, turn over, assign.
informol bug. 2 afflict, burden, suffer - OPPOSITES distrust, mistrust.
from, be cursed with. 3 I'm sorry to trusting odjective trustful, unsuspect-
trouble you inconvenience, bother, ing, unquestioning, naive, innocent,
impose on, disturb, put out, disoblige; childlike, ingenuous, wide-eyed, credu-
informol hassle. lous, gullible, easily taken in.
troublesome odjective 1 annoying, - OPPOSITES distrustful, suspicious.
irritating, exasperating, maddening, trustworthy odjectlve reliable, depend-
infuriating, bothersome, tiresome, able, honest, as good as your word,
nagging, difficult, awkward; N. Amer. above suspicion; informol on the level.
informol pesky. 2 difficult, awkward, - OPPOSITES unreliable.
uncooperative, rebellious, unmanage- truth noun 1 accuracy, correctness,
able, unruly, obstreperous, disruptive, authenticity, veracity, verity, truth-
disobedient, naughty, attention- fulness. 2 fact(s), reality, real life,
seeking, recalcitrant. actuality.
truant noun absentee; Brit. informol - oPPOStTES lies, flction, falsehood.
skiver; Austro/./ NZ informol wag. truthful adjective true, accurate, coT-
o play truant stay away from school, rect, factual, faithful, reliable.
truant; Brit. informal skive (off), bunk - OPPOSITES deceitful, untrue.
439 try -+ turning point

try verb 1 attempt, endeavour, make tumultuous, chaotic, anarchic, lawless'

in efiort, exert yourself, strive, do - oPPOslTEs peaceful.
your best, do your utmost, aim,seek; turmOil noun confusion, upheaval, tur-
go
informol have a go/shoticrack/stab, bulence, tumult, disorder, disturbance,
sample,
all out. 2 test, put to the test, ferment, chaos, mayhem.
taste, inspect, investigate,examine, - oPPoStTEs peace, order.
appraise, evaluate, assess;informo.l turn verb I go round, revolve, rotate,
tax,
check out. 3 she tried his potience spin, roll, circle, wheel, whirl, twirl,
strain, test, stretch, sap, drain, exhaust, qyrut". i*iuut, pivot. change direc-
i
wear out tion, change course, make a U-turn,
a noun attempt, effort, endeavour; turn about]round, wheel round.
informol go, shot, crack, stab. bash. 3 bend, curve, wind, twist, meander,
tryingodjective 1 stressful, taxing, snal<e, zigzag. 4heturned pole become,
demanding. difficult, challenging, go, grow, get.5 (go) sour, go off, cur-
frustrating, fraught; informol hellish. dle, become rancid, go bad, spoil.
2 annoying, irritating, exasperating, a noun I rotation, revolution, spin,
maddening, infuriating, tiresome, whirl, twirl, gyration, swivel. 2 bend,
troublesome, irksome, vexatious. corner, junction, twist, dogJeg; Brit.
tuck verb push, insert, slip, thrust, stuff, hairpin bend.3 opportunity, chance,
stick, cram; informol pop. say, stint, time,.try; informol go, shot,
tugverb t hetuggedothers/eevepull, ll1?:-tlttk 4shedidmesomegoodturns
- deed' act' favour' kindness'
pir.[, t*."t , i*it.n,;"rf.,-.ii.-hiof a- leJvice'
Zt;irioirn,otyanr.. z ai.g, p;i,' irq, o.1ut1 1 reject' spurn' rebuff'
'' $own
refuse, decline.2 reduce, lower,
draw, haut, heave, tow,irjl.
tuitionnouninstructio",,_i.:!llq, f"rT:ffi;lTfi:,#i,ji;lLlfl ,Ll&"0",
coaching, tutoring, tutelage. lessont, ;. i;iioir"a into, change into, met.
education, schooling, training. .."rpni" i.t". i convertl change,
tumble verb 1 lall over, fall down, top- transform, make, adapt, modify. lurn
ple over, go head over heels, lose your offlout switch off, shut off, put off,
balance, take a spill, trip (up), stumble. extinquish, deactivate; informolkill,
2 oil prices tumb/ed plummet, plunge, cut. turn on switch on, put on, start
dive, nosedive, drop, slump, slide; up, activate, trip. turn out 1 come,
informol crash. be present, attend, appear, turn up,
- OPPOSITES rise. arrive, assemble, gather; informol
tumour noun cancer, growth, lump, show up. 2 transpire, emerge, come

#:';l'.:'u'Medicinecarcinoma' :?l;i:#:Tffii:lT:ril3?[ili,
ffiORD LltrlKS come out, end up; lnformol pan out.
"-l:: -r--r:-:-^ -^- turnupl befound,bediscovered.
'' -,1 oT meorcrne (on-
T:::n
cernrlg turn9lls
I _tlt_",:^sJ
be locaied, reappear. 2 arrive. appear.
-- present yorrt"ifi informol show (up).
tune noun melody, air, strain, theme, 3 present itself, occur, happen, crop
song, jingle, ditty. up. 4 increase, raise, amplify, intensify.
a verb attune, adapt, adjust, regulate. 5 discover, uncover, unearth, find, dig
tunnel noun underground passage, up, exPose'
underpass, subway, shaft, burrow, hole, turning nounjunction, turn-off, side
warTen, labyrinth. road, exit; N. Amer. turnout.
lverb dig, burrow, mine, bore, drill. turning point noun watershed, critical
turbulent odjective tempestuous, moment, decisive moment, moment of
stormy, unstable, unsettled, truth, crossroads, crisis.
turnout + tyrant 440

turnout noun 1 attendance, audience, wind, twirl, coil, curl, wtap.4 the wires
house, congregation, crowd, gate, were twisted fogether intertwine,
gathering. 2 outfit, clothing, dress, interlace, weave, plait, braid, coil, wind.
garb, attire, ensemble; informol get-up. 5 the rood twisted ond turned wind,
turnover noun 1 gross revenue, bend, curve, turn, meander, weave,
income, yield, sal-es, business. 2 stof zigzag, snake'
turnoveriateof replacement, chanqe. o noun bend, curve, turn, zigzag,
movement. aog_teg.
tutor noun teacher, instructor, coach, twitch verb jerk, convulse, have
educator, lecturer, trainer, mentor. a spasm, quiver, tremble, shiver,
a verb teach, instruct, educate, school, shudder.
coach, train, drill. o noun spasm, convulsion, quiver,
tremor' shiver, shudder, tic'
twig noun stick, sprig,' ' shoot, offshoot, -
ste-m, branchlet. tyCOOn noun magnate, mogul, busi-
of industry' industri-
twilight noun I dusk. sunset, sun- li-ttT11:ttpttin entrepreneur; informol'
dow-n, nishtfall, i"l. il:l'^l|^t:tltt
"u"ning, "i'a.v.
2 half-lig-ht, semi-darkriess];i";;. ' derogotorv fat cat'
type noun I kind, sort, variety, class,
aW3R-
:l-' : :;l:"-resemDrlng.twlllgnt category, set, genre, species, order.
crepuscular breed, ilk. 2 print, typeface, characters,
twin noun duplicate, double, carbon lettering, font; Brit. fount.
copy, likeness, mirror image, replica, typical odjective 1 representative,
lookalike, clone, match, pai; informol characteristic, classic, quintessential,
spitting image, dead ringer. archetypal. 2 normal, average, ordi-
o odjective 1 matching, identical, nary, standard, regular, routine, run-of-
paired. 2 twofold, double, dual, the-mill, conventional, unremarkable;
related,linked,connected,parallel, informolbog-standard.
complementary. - OPPOSITES unusual, exceptional.
a verb combine, join, link, couple, pair. typily verb epitomize, exemplify, char-
twinge noun pain, spasm, ache, throb, acterize, embody, be representative of,
cramp, stitch, pang. personify, symbolize.
twinkle verb & noun glitter, sparkle, tyranny noun despotism, absolute
shine, glimmer, shimmer, glint, gleam, power, autocracy, dictatorship, totali-
glisten, flicker, flash, wink. tarianism, fascism, oppression, repres-
twist verb 1 crumple, crush, buckle, sion, subjugation, enslavement.
mangle, warp, deform, distort, contort. tyrant noun dictator, despot, autocrat,
2 sprain, wrench, turn, rick, crick. authoritarian, oppressor, slave-driver,
3 she twisted her hoir round her finger martinet, bully.
 ubiquitous -J uncertain

Uu
ubiquitous odjective everywhere, unarmed odjective defenceless, unpro-
omnipresent, all over the place, all- tected, unguarded.
pervasive, universal, worldwide, global. unassuming odjective modest, self-
- OPPOSITES rare. effacing, humble, meek, reserved,
ugly odjective 1 unattractive, unsightly, diffldent, unobtrusive, unostentatious,
ill-favoured, hideous, plain, unprepos' unpretentious, unaffected, natural.
sesslng, horrible, ghastly, repellent, unauthorized o djective unofficial,
grotesque; N. Amer. homely; Brit. unsanctioned, unaccredited, unli-
informol no oil painting. 2 unpleasant, censed, unwarranted, unapProved,
nasty, disagreeable, alarming, danger' disallowed, prohibited, banned,
ous, perilous, threatening. menacing, forbidden, outlawed, illegal, illicit,
hostile, ominous, sinister. proscribed.
- oPPostTES beautiful. - oPPostrES officlal.
ulterior adjective underlying, undis- unaware odjective ignorant, oblivious,
closed, undivulged, concealed, hidden, unconscious, unwltting, unsuspecting,
covert, secret, unapparent. uninformed, unenlightened, innocenU
- OPPOSITES overt. informolin the dark.
ultimate odjective 1 eventual, final, - OPPOSITES aware.
concluding, terminal, end. 2 funda- unbelievable odjective incredible,
mental, basic, primary, elementary, inconceivable, unthinkable, unim-
absolute, central, crucial, essential. aginable, unconvincing, far-fetched,
3 best, ideal, greatest, quintessential, implausible, improbable; tnformol hard
supreme. to swallow.
ultimately odverb l eventually, in the unbiased odjective impartial, un preju-
end, in the long run, at length, finally, diced, neutral, non-partisan, disin-
in time, one day. 2 fundamentally, terested, detached, dispassionate,
basically, primarily, essentially, at heart, objective, even-handed, f ai r.
deep down. unborn odjective expected, embryonic,
umpire noun referee, judge, line judge, fetal, in utero.
linesman, adjudicator, arbitrator, mod' unbroken odjective 1 undamaged,
erator; informol ref. unharmed, unscathed, untouched,
unable odjective incapable, powerless, sound, intact, whole. 2 uninter-
impotent, inadequate, incompetent, rupted, continuous, endless, constant,
unqualified, unfit. unremitting, ongoing. 3 unbeaten,
unaccePtable o djective u nsatisfactory, undefeated, unsurpassed, unrivalled,
inadmissible, inappropriate, unsuitable, unmatched, supreme.
undesirable, unreasonable, insup- uncanny odjective 1 eerie, unnatural,
portable, intolerabie, objectionable, unearthly, other-worldly, ghostly,
distasteful; informol out of order. strange, abnormal, weir d; i nformol
- oPPostTES satisfactory. creepy, spooky.2 on unconny resem-
adjective in agreement, of b/once striking, remarl<able, extraordi-
unanimous
one mind, in accord, united, undivided, nary, exceptional, incredible.
with one volce. uncertain odjective 1 the effects ore
- oPPOSlrEs split. uncertoin unknown, debatable, open
 unclear -+ understandable 442

to question, in doubt, in the balance, to, responsible to, subject to, junior to,
up in the air, unpredictable, unfore- inferior to.
seeable, undetermined; informol iffy. - OPPOSITES above, over.
2 he was uncertoin obout the decision undercover o dje ctive secret, covert,
unsure, doubtful, dubious, undecided, clandestine, underground, surrepti-
irresolute, hesitant, vacillating, vague, tious, furtive, cloak-a nd-dagger,
unclear, ambivalent, in two minds. stea lthy; Milito ry black i nfo rmol
- OPPOSITES certain, sure. hush-hush.
unclear odjectiye uncertain, unsure, - OPPOSITES overt.
unsettled, up in the air, in doubt, underestimate verb underrate,
ambiguous, equivocal, indefi nite, undervalue, miscalculate, misjudge, do
vague, mysterious, obscure, hazy, an injustice to.
nebulous. - OPPOSITES overestimate.
- oPPostrEs cleal evident. undergo verb experience, go through,
uncomfortable odjective 1 painful, submit to, face, be subjected to,
awkward, lumpy, confi ning, cramped. receive, endure, brave, bear, withstand,
2 uneasy, ill at ease, awkward, nerv- weather.
ous, tense, edgy, restless, embarrassed,
underground odjective 1 subter-
anxious; informal rattled, twitchy. ranean, buried, sunken. 2 secret,
- OPPOSITES comfortable, relaxed. clandestine, surreptitious, covert,
uncommon odjective unusual, undercover, closet, cloa k-a nd-dagger,
abnormal, rare, atypical, exceptional, resistance, subversive; Militory black.
unconventional, unfamiliar, strange, a noun metro; N. Amer. subway; Brit.
extraordinary, peculial scarce, few and informol tube.
far between, isolated, infrequent. underline yerb 1 underscore, mark,
unconditional a dj ective unquestion- pick out, emphasize, highlight.
ing, unqualifi ed, unreserved, unlimited, 2 emphasize, stress, highlight, accen-
unrestricted, wholehearted, complete, tuate, accent, focus on, spotlight.
total, entire, full, absolute, unequivocal. underlying o djective tundarnental,
unconscious odjective 1 knocked out, basic, primary, central, essential, princi-
senseless, comatose, inert, stunned; pal, elementary, initial.
informol out cold, out for the count. undermine yerb weaken, diminish,
2 subconscious, instinctive, involun- reduce, impair, mar, spoil, ruin, dam.
tary, uncontrolled, subliminal; informol age, sap, shake, threaten, subvert,
gut. 3 unaware, oblivious, ignorant, in compromise, sabotage.
ignorance, heedless. -oPPOSITES strengthen.
- OPPOSITES aware.
understand verb I comprehend,
uncouth odjective uncivilized, uncul- grasp, take in, see, apprehend, follow,
tured, rouqh, coarse, crude, loutish, make sense of, fathom; informolwork
boorish, rude, discourteous, disrespect. out, figure out, make head or tail of,
t?!tii1 ful, bad-mannered, ill-bred. get; Brit. informoltwig, suss. 2 know,
3l1:::il - oPPOsrrES civilized. realize, recognize, acknowled ge,
uncover verb 1 expose, reveal, lay appreciate, be aware of, be conscious
bare, unwrap, unveil, strip.2 discover, of.3 believe, gather, take it, hear (tell),
detect, come across, stumble on, notice, see, learn.
chance on, find, turn up, unearth, understandable odjective 1 com-
dig up. prehensible, intelligible, clear, plain,
under preposition 1 below, beneath, unambiguous, transparent, straightfor-
underneath. 2 less than, lower than, ward, explicit, coherent. 2 unsurpris.
below. 3 subordinate to. answerable ing, expected, predictable, inevitable,
443 understanding -+ uneven

reasonable, acceptable, logical, for, finance, fund; t!. Amer. informal

rational, normal, natural, justifiable, bankroll.
excusable, pardonable, forgivable. undesirable a djective unpleasant,
- OPPoSITES incomprehensible. disagreeable, nasty, unwelcome,
understanding noun 1 comprehen- unwanted, unfortunate.
sion, grasp, mastery, appreciation, - OPPoSITES pleasant.
knowledge, awareness, skill, exper-
undo verb 1 unfasten, unbutton,
tise, proficiency: informal know-how.
unhool<, untie, unlace, unlock, unbolt,
2 intellect, intelligence, brainpower,
loosen, detach, free, open. 2 cancel,
judgement, insight, intuition, acumen,
reverse, overrule, overturn, repeal,
sagacity, wisdom; informol nous.
rescind, countermand, revol<e, annul,
3 belief, perception, view, conviction, invalidate, negate.3 ruin, under-
feeling, opinion, intuition, impression.
mine, overturn, scotch, sabotage, spoil,
4 sympathy, compassion, pity, feeling,
impair, mar, destroy, wreck; informol
concern, consideration, kindness, sensi-
blow; Brit. informol scupper.
tivity, decency, goodwill. 5 agreement,
- OPPOSITES fasten.
arrangement, deal, bargain, settle-
ment, pledge, pact. undoubtedly odverb doubtless, indu-
- OPPOSITES ignorance. bitably, unquestionably, indisputably,
a odjective syfipathetic, compas- undeniably, incontrovertibly, without
sionate, sensitive, considerate, kind, (a) doubt, clearly.
thoughtful, tolerant, patient, forbear- undue odjective excessive, immoderate,
ing, lenient, forgiving. intemperate, inordinate, disproportion-
understate verb play down, underrate, ate, uncalled for, unnecessary, unwar-
underplay, trivialize, minimize, dimin- ranted, unjustifi ed, unreasonable,
ish, downgrade, brush aside, gloss over. inappropriate, unmerited, unsuitable,
- OPPOSITES exaggerate. improper.
undertake verb 1 set about, embark - OPPOSITES appropriate.
on, go about, engage in, take on, be unearth verb 1 dig up, excavate,
responsible for, get down to, get to exhume, disinter, root out. 2 I uneorthed
grips with, tackle, attempt; informol on interesting foct discover, find, come
have a go at. 2 promise, pledge, vow, across, hit on, bring to light, expose,
give your word, swear, guarantee, turn up.
contract, give an assurance, commit uneasy odjective 1 worried, anxious,
yourself.
troubled, disturbed, nervous, nervy,
undertaker noun funeral director; tense, edgy, on edge, apprehensive,
N. Amer. mortician. fearful, uncomfortable, unsettled, ill at
undertaking noun 1 enterprise, ease; informol jittery. 2 on uneosy peoce
venture, project, campaign, scheme, tense, awkward, strained, fraught,
plan, operatlon, endeavour, effort, task. precarious, unstable, insecure.
2 promise, pledge, agreement, oath, - OPPOSITES calm.
covenant, vow, commitment, quaran- unemployed odjective jobless, out of
tee, assurance. work, unwaged, redundant, laid off,
underwater odjecfive submerged, on beneflt; Brit. signing on; t\. Amer.
sunken, undersea, submarine. on welfare; Brit. informol on the dole,
underwear noun underclothes, resti ng.
undergarments, underthings, lingerie; uneven odjective 1 bumpy, rough,
informol undies; Brit. informol smalls. lumpy, stony, rocky, rutted.2 irregu-
underwrite verb sponsor, support, lar, crooked, lopsided, askew, asym-
back, insure, indemnify, subsidize, pay metrical. 3 inconsistent, variable,
unfair -+ unit 444

fl uctuating, irregular, enatic, patchy, informol down in the mouth, fed up,
fitful. blue. 2 / wos very unhoppy with the
- OPPOSITES flat, regular. service dissatisfi ed, displeased, dis-
unfa-r odjective 1 unjust, prejudiced, contented, disappointed, disgruntled;
biased, discriminatory, one-sided, Brit. informol narked, not best pleased.
unequal, uneven, unbalanced, partisan. 3 unfortunate, unlucky, ill-starred, ill-
2 undeserved, unmerited, unreason- fated, doomed; informol linxed.
able, unjustified; Brit. informol out of - OPPOSITES happy, pleased.
order. 3 unsporting, dirty, underhand, unheaithy odjective t harmful, detri-
dishonourable, dishonest. mental, destructive, injurious, damag-
- OPPOSITES just, justified. ing, noxious, poisonous. 2 sick, poorly,
unfasten yerb undo, open, disconnect, ill, unwell, unfit, ailing, weak, frail,
untie, unbutton, unzip, loosen, free, infirm, washed out, run down.3 abnor-
unlock, unbolt. mal, morbid, macabre, twisted,
unfat odjective 1 the film is unfit for unwholesome, warped, depraved,
children unsuitable, inappropriate, not unnatural; informol sick.
designed. 2 unfit for duty incapable of, uniform odjective 1 constant, consist-
not up to, not equal to, unequipped, ent, steady, invariable, unchanging,
inadequate, unprepared; informol not stable, static, regular, fixed, even.
cut out for. 3 unhealthy, out of condi- 2 identical, matching, similar, equal,
tioni shape, debilitated. same, like, consistent.
- OPPOSITES suitable, healthy. - OPPOSITES variable.
unfold verb 1open out, spread out, a noun costume, outfit, suit, ensem-
flatten, straighten out, unroll, unfurl. ble, livery, regalia; lnformol get-up, rig,
evolve, happen, take place, gear.
3jil"'"0, unify verb unite, combine, bring
unfortunate odjective 1 unlucky, hap- together, join, merge, fuse, amalgam-
less, ill-starred, star-crossed, wretched, ate, coalesce, consolidate.
poor, pitiful; informol down on your - OPPOSITES separate.
luck. 2 unwelcome, disadvanta- uninteresting adjective boring, dull,
geous, unfavourable, unlucky, adverse, unexciting, tiresome, tedious, dreary,
unpromising, inauspicious. 3 regretta- lifeless, humdrum, colourless, bland,
ble, inappropriate, unsuitable, tactless, insipld, banal, dry.
injudicious. - oPPostTES exciting.
- OPPOSITES lucky. union noun 1 unification. joining,
unfriendly adjective hostile, disa gree- merger, fusion, amalqamation, coali-
able, antagonistic, aggressive, unpleas- tion, combination, synthesis, blend.
ant, surly, uncongenial, inhospitable, 2 association, league, guild, confedera-
unneighbourly. unwelcoming, unsocia- tion, federation.
ble, cool, cold, aloof, distant; informol - OPPOSITES separation.
stand-offlsh. unique odjective 1 distinctive, individ-
ungainly odjective awkward, clumsy, ual, special, particular, specific, idiosyn-
graceless, inelegant, gawky, gauche, cratic, single, sole, lone, unrepeated,
u ncoordinated. solitary, exclusive; informol one-off .
- OPPOSITES graceful. 2 remarkable, special, notable,
unhaPpy odjecfive 1 sad, miserable, unequalled, unparalleled, unmatched,
sorrowful, dejected, despondent, dis- unsurpassed, incomparable.
consolate, morose, heartbroken, down, - OPPOSITES common.
dispirited, downhearted, depressed, unit noun 1 component, part, sec-
melancholy, mournful, gloomy, glum; tion, segment, element, module,
445 unite J unreal

constituent, subdivision. 2 quantity, unrealistic, incredible, unbelievable,

measure, denomination. 3 group, inconceivable.
detachment, contingent, division, cell, - oPPoSlrES probable, likely.
faction, department, office, branch. unload verb unpack, empty, clear,
unite verb 1 unify, join, link, connect, remove, offload.
combine, amalgamate, fuse, weld, unlucky odjectlve 1 unfortunate,
bond, bring together. 2 join together, hapless, luckless, down on your luck,
join forces, combine, band togethel unsuccessful, ill-fated, ill-sta rred, jinxed.
ally, cooperate, collaborate, work 2 unfavourable, inauspicious, unpropi-
together, team up. 3 merge, mix, tious, ominous.
blend, mingle, combine. - OPPoSITES lucky, fortunate.
- oPPOSITES divide. unnatural odjective 1 abnormal,
unity noun 1 union, uniflcation, unusual, uncommon, extraordinary,
integration, amalgamation, coalition, strange, unorthodox, exceptional,
federation, confederation. 2 harmony, irregular, untypical. 2 artificial, man-
accord, cooperation, collaboration, made, synthetic. 3 affected, artificial,
agreement, consensus, solidarity. stilted, forced, false, [ake, insincere,
3 oneness, singleness, wholeness, contrived, mannered, self-conscious:
uniformity, homogeneity. informol put on, phoney.
- oPPoSITES disunity. - OPPOSITES natural.
universal odjective general, common, unnecessary odjective unneeded,
widespread, ubiquitous, comprehen- inessential, not required, uncalled for,
sive, global, worldwide, international. unwarranted, dispensable, optional,
universally odverb always, without extraneous, expendable, redundant.
exception, by everyone, in all cases, unpleasant odjective 1 on unpleosant
everywhere, worldwide, globally, inter- situotion disagreeable, distressi n g,
nationally, commonly, generally. nasty, horrible, terrible, awful, dread-
universe noun cosmos, macrocosm, ful, invidious, objectionable. 2 on
space, infinity, nature, all existence. unpleasont man unlikeable, unlov-
able, disagreeable, bad-tempered,
WORD LIT.IKS
unfriendly, rude, impolite, obnoxious,
cosmic relating to therniverse nasty, spiteful, mean, objectionable,
unkind odjective unpleasant, disagree- annoying, irritating. 3 unappetizing,
able, nasty, mean, cruel, vicious, spite- unpalatable, unsavoury, unappealing,
ful, malicious, callous, unsympathetic, disgusting, revolting, nauseating,
uncharitable, harsh, hard-hearted, sickening.
heartless, cold-hearted; informol 5itchy, - oPPostrEs pleasant, agreeable.
catty. unpopular odjective disliked, f riend-
unknown odjective 1 undisclosed, less, unloved, unwelcome, avoided,
unrevealed, secret, undetermined, ignored, rejected, shunned, out of
undecided. 2 unexplored, uncharted, favou r.

unmapped, undiscovered, untrav- unravel verb 1 untangle, disentangle,

elled. 3 unidentified, unnamed, separate out, unwind, untwist. 2 solve,
anonymous, nameless. 4 obscure, resolve, clear up, puzzle out, get to the
unfamiliar. unheard of. unsung. minor, bottom of, explain, clarify; informol
u ndistinguished. figure out.
- OPPoSITES familiar. - oPPoSITES entangle.
unlikely odjective improbable, unreal odjective imaginary, fi ctitious,
doubtful, dubious, questionable, pretend, make-believe, made-up,
unconvincing, implausible, far-fetched, dreamed-up, mock, false, illusory,
unrest -+ unusual 446

mythical, fanciful, hypothetical, theo- unsuccessful odjective 1 failed, abor-

retical; informol phoney. tive, ineffective, fruitless, profitless,
unrest noun disturbance, trouble, unproductive, vain, futile. 2 unprofit-
turmoil, disruption, disorder, chaos, able, loss-making.
anarchy, dissatisfaction, dissent, strife, unsuitable adjective 1 inappropriate,
agitation. protest, rebellion, uprising, ill-suited, inapposite, inapt, unaccep-
rioting. table, unfitting, incompatible, out of
- OPPOSITES peace. place, out of keeping, incongruous,
unsafe odjective 1 dangerous, risky, unseemly. 2 on unsuitoble moment
hazardous, high+isk, treacherous, inopportune, badly timed, unfortu-
insecure, unsound, harmful, injurious, nate, difficult, infelicitous.
toxic. 2 unreliable, open to doubt, - OPPOSITES appropriate.
questionable, doubtful, dubious, sus- unsure odjective 1 undecided, uncer-
pect; informoliffy: Brit. informal dodgy. tain, irresolute, dithering, in two minds,
- OPPOSITES safe. in a quandary, dubious, doubtful,
unsatisfactory o dj ective disappoint- sceptical, unconvinced. 2 unconfident,
ing, displeasing, inadequate, unaccep- unassertive, insecure, hesitant, dif-
table, poor, bad, substandard, weak, dent, anxious, apprehensive.
fi

mediocre, not up to par, defective, - OPPOSITES sure, certain.

deficient; informolleaving a lot to be untangle verb disentangle, unravel,
desired. unsnarl, straighten out, untwist,
unscrupulou s o dj ective dishonest, unknot, sort out.
deceitful, devious, underhand, unethi- unthinkable odjective unimaginable,
cal, immoral, shameless, exploitative, inconceivable, unbelievable, incredible,
corrupt, unprincipled, dishonourable, implausible, out of the question, impos-
disreputable; infornol crooked, shady. sible, unconscionable, unreasonable.
unsettle verb disturb, disconcert, untidy odjective 1 disordered, messy,
unnerve, upset, disquiet, perturb, disorganized, cluttered, in chaos,
alarm, dismay, trouble, bother, agitate, haywire, in disarra-, disorderly, topsy-
fluster, ruffle, shake (up), throw; infor- turvy, at sixes and sevens, jumbled;
mol rattle, faze. informol higgledy-piqqledy. 2 scruffy,
unsightly odjectlve unattractive, dishevelled, unkempt, messy, rumpled,
ugly, unprepossessing, hideous, hor- bed raggled.
rible, repulsive, revolting, ofensive, - OPPOSITES neat, tidy.
grotesque. untoward odjective unexpected,
- oPPOSITES attractive. unforeseen, surprising, unusual, inap-
unsociable odjective unfriendly, uncon- propriate, inconvenient, unwelcome,
genial, unneighbourly, unapproachable, unfavourable, adverse, unfortunate,
introverted, reserved, withdrawn, retir infelicitou s.
ing, alool distant, remote, detached; untrue odjective talse, invented, made
informol stand-offish. up, fabricated, concocted, trumped
unstable adjective 1 unsteady, rocky, up, erroneous, wrong, incorrect,
wobbly, rickety, shaky, unsafe, insecure, i n accu rate.
precarious. 2 changeable, volatile, - OPPOSITES true, correct.
variable, fl uctuating, irregular, unpre- unusual adjective 1 on unusuol sight
dictable, erratic. 3 unbalanced, of uncommon, abnormal, atypical, unex-
unsound mind, mentally ill, deranged, pected, surprising, unfamiliar, different,
demented, disturbed, unhinged; Brit. strange, odd, curious, extraordinary,
sectionable. unorthodox, unconventional, peculiar,
- OPPOSITES steady, firm. queer, unwonted; lnformol weird,
447 unwarranted -+ upset

offbeat. 2 o man of unusuol tolent tough, demanding, arduous, taxing,

remarkable, extraordinary, excep- exacting, stiff, gruelling, onerous.
tional, particular, outstanding, notable, - oPPoSlTEs downhill.
noteworthy, distinctive, striking, sig- uphold yerb 1 confirm, endorse,
nifi cant, special, unique, unparalleled, sustain, approve, support, back (up).
prodigious. 2 maintain, sustain, continue,
- OPPOSITES common. preserve, protect, keep, hold to, keep
unwarranted odjective 1 unjustifi ed, alive, keep going.
indefensible, inexcusable, unforgiv- - OPPOSITES oppose.
able, unpardonable, uncalled for, upkeep noun 1 maintenance, repai(s),
unnecessary, unjust, groundless. servicing, care, preservation, conserva-
2 unauthorized, unsanctioned, unap- tion, running. 2 (financial) support,
proved, uncertifi ed, unlicensed, illegal, maintenance, keep, subsistence, care.
unlawful, illicit, illegitimate, criminal,
uplifting odjective inspiring, stirring,
actionable.
inspirational, rousing, moving, touch-
- oPPoSITES justified.
ing, affecting, cheering, heartening,
unwieldy odjective awkward, unman- encouraging.
ageable, unmanoeuvrable, cumber-
uPPer odjectiye t higher, superior, top.
some, clumsy, massive, heavy, hefty,
2 senior, superiol higher-level, higher-
bulky.
ranking, top.
unwilling odjective 1 reluctant, unen- - OPPOSITES lower.
thusiastic, hesitant, resistant, grudging,
uPPer-class odjective aristocratic,
involuntary, forced. 2 he wos unwilling
noble, patrician, titled, blue-blooded,
to go disinclined, reluctant, averse,
high-born, elite; Brit. county; informol
loath, not in the mood; (be unwilling
upper-crust, top-drawer; Brit. informol
to do something) baulk at, demur posh.
at, shy away from, flinch from, shrink
from, have qualms about, have misgiv- upright odjective 1 vertical, perpen-
ings about, have reservations about. dicular, plumb, straight (up), erect,
- OPPOSITES willing. on end, on your feet. 2 honest,
honourable, upstanding, respectable,
uPbeat odjective cheerful, optimistic, high-minded, law-abiding, worthy,
cheery, positive, confident, hopeful,
righteous, decent, good, virtuous,
sanguine, bullish, buoyant. principled.
- OPPOSITES pessimistic.
- OPPOSITES flat, horizontal.
upbringing noun childhood, early life,
uPrising noun rebellion, revolt, insur-
formative years, teaching, instruction,
rection, mutiny. revolution, insurgence,
rearing.
rioting, coup.
update verb 1 modernize, upgrade,
uproar noun 1 commotion, distur-
improve, overhaul. 2 brief, bring up
bance, rumpus, disorder, confusion,
to date, inform, fill in, tell, notify, keep
chaos, tumult, mayhem, pandemo-
posted; informol clue in, put in the
nium, bedlam, noise, din, clamour,
picture, bring/keep up to speed.
hubbub, racket; Brlt. row; informol
upgrade yerb improve, modernize, hullabaloo. 2 outcry, furore, fuss, com-
update, reform. motion, hue and cry, rumpus; Brit. row;
- OPPOSITES downgrade. informol hullabaloo, stink, ructions.
uPheava! noun disturbance, disrup- - OPPOSITES calm.
tion, trouble, turbulence, disorder, uPset yerb I distress, trouble, perturb,
confusion, turmoil. dismay, sadden, grieve, disturb, unset-
uphill odjective 1 upward, rising, tle, disconcert, disquiet, worry, bother,
ascending, climbing. 2 difficult, hard, agitate, fluster, throw, ruffle, unnerve,
upside down -+ usher 448

shake. 2 knock over, overturn, upend, usage noun 1 energy usoge consump-
tip over, topple, spill. 3 disrupt, inter- tion, use. 2 the usoge of equipment use,
fere with, disturb, throw into confusion, utilization, operation, manipulation,
mess up. running, handling. 3 language, expres-
- opposttes calm. sion, phraseology, parlance, idiom.
a noun 1 distress, trouble, dismay, use verb 1 utilize, employ, avail yourself
disquiet, worry, bother, agitation, of, work, operate, wield, ply, apply,
hurt, grief. 2 o stomoch upset disorder, put into service. 2 exercise, employ,
complaint, ailment, illness, sickness; bring into play, practise, apply. 3 take
informol bug; Brit. informol lurgy. advantage of, exploit, manipulate,
c odjective 1 distressed, troubled, take liberties with, impose on, abuse,
perturbed, dismayed, disturbed, unset- capitalize on, profit from, trade on,
tled, disconcerted, worried, bothered, milk; informol cash in on, walk all over.
anxious, agitated, flustered, ruffled, 4 we have used up our funds consume,
unnerved, shaken, saddened, grieved; geti go through, exhaust, deplete,
informolcut up, choked; Brit. informol expend, spend.
gutted. 2 on upset stomoch disturbed, a noun 1 utilization, application,
unsettled, queasy, bad, poorly; informol employment, operation, manipulation.
gipPv. 2 exploitation, manipulation, abuse.
- oPPoslTES calm. 3 whot is the use of thot? advantage,
upside downodjective 1 upturned, benefit, good, point, object, purpose,
upended, wrong side up, overturned, sense, Teason, service, utility, help,
inverted, capsized. 2 in disarray, in gain, avail, profit, value, worth.
disorder, jumbled up, in a muddle, used o djective second-hand, pre-owned,
untidy, disorganized, in chaos, in confu- nearly new, old, worn, hand-me-down,
sion, topsy-turvy, at sixes and sevens; cast-off.
i nformol higgledy-piggledy.
o used to accustomed to, no stranger
up to date adjective 1 modern, to, familiar with, at home with, in the
contemporary, the latest, state-of-the- habit of, experienced in, versed in,
art, new, up-to-the-minute, advanced. conversant with, acquainted with.
2 informed, up to speed, in the useful odjectlve 1 o useful too/ func-
picture, in touch, au fait, conversant, tional, practical, handy, convenient,
familiar, knowledgeable, acquainted. utilitarian, serviceable. of service;
- oPPOslTEs out of date, old-fashioned. informol nifty. 2 c useful experience
urban odjective town, city, municipal, beneficial, advantageous, helpful,
metropolitan, built-up, inner-city, worthwhile, profltable, rewarding,
suburban. productive, constructive, valuable,
- OPPOSITES rural. fruitful.
urge verb 1 encourage, exhort, press, - OPPoSITES useless.
entreat, implore, call on, appeal to, useless odjective 1 futile, pointless, to
beg, plead with. 2 advise, counsel, no avail, vain, to no purpose, unavail-
advocate, recommend. ing, hopeless, ineffectual, fruitless,
a noun his urge to trovel desire, wish, unprofitable, unproductive, abortive.
need, compulsion, longing, yearning, 2 (informol) incompetent, inept, inef-
hankering, craving, hunger, thirst; fective, incapable, inadequate, hope-
informol yen, itch. less, bad; informal a dead loss.
urgent odjective pressing, acute, dire, - oPPostrES useful, beneficial.
desperate, critical, serious, grave, usher verb escort, accompany,
intense, crying, burning, compelling, take, show, see, lead, conduct, guide.
extreme, high-priority, life-and-death. o noun guide, attendant, escort.
449 usual -+ utterance

usual odjective normal, customary, utilize verb use, employ, avail yourself
accustomed, wonted, habitual, routine, of, press into service, bring into play,
regular, standard, typical, established, deploy, draw on, exploit.
set, stock, conventional, traditional,
utmost odjective greatest, highest,
expected, familiar.
maximum, most, extreme, supreme,
- oPPostrES exceptional. paramount.
usually odverb normally, generally,
habitually, customarily, routinely, typi-
utterl odjecflve complete, total, abso-
lute, thorough, perfect, downright,
cally, ordinarily, commonly, as a rule, in
general, more often than not, mainly, out-and-out, outright, sheer, arrant,
positive, prize, pure, unmitigated,
mostly.
unadulterated, unqualifi ed, unalloyed.
utensil noun implement, tool, instru-
ment, device, apparatus, gadget, utter2 verb say, speak, voice, mouth,
appliance, contrivance, contraption; express, articulate, pronounce, enunci-
informol gizmo. ate, emit, let out, give, produce.
utility noun usefulness, use, benefit, utterance noun remark, comment,
value, advantage, help, practicality, statement, observation, declaration,
effectiveness, service. pronouncement.
vacancy + vanity 450

Vv
vacancy noun opening, position, post, valiant odjective brave, courageous,
job, opportunity. plucky, intrepid, heroic, gallant, bold,
vacant odJective 1 empty, unoccupied, fearless, daring, unfl inching, unafraid,
not in use, free, available, unfilled, undaunted, doughty, indomitable,
uninhabited, untenanted; informol stout-hearted; informol game, gutsy.
up for grabs. 2 blank, expressionless, - OPPOSITES cowardly.
unresponsive, emotionless, impassive, valid odjective 1 well founded, sound,
vacuous, empty, glazed. reasonable, rational, logical, justifiable,
-oPPostrES full, occupied. defensible, cogent, credible, forceful.
vacate yerb 1 leave, move out of, 2 legally binding, lawful, official, in
evacuate, quit, depart from. 2 resign force, in effect.
from, leave, stand down from, give validate verb ratify, endorse, approve,
up, bow out of, relinquish, retire from; agree to, accept, authorize, legalize,
informol quit. legitimize, warrant, license, certify,
- OPPOSITES occupy. recognize.
vacation noun holiday, trip, tour, valley noun dale, vale, hollow, gully,
break, leave, time off, recess. gorge, ravine, canyon, rift; Brit. combe;
vagrant noun tramp, drifter, down- Scottrsh glen.
and-out, beggar, itinerant, wanderer; valuable odjective 1 precious, costly,
N. Amer. hobo; N. Amer. informolbum. high-priced, expensive, dear, priceless.
vague odjective I indistinct, indefi nite, 2 useful, helpful, beneficial, advanta-
indeterminate, u nclear, ill-defined, geous, invaluable, productive, worth-
hazy,fuzzy, misty, blurry, out offocus, while, worthy, important.
shadowy, obscure. 2 imprecise, rough, - OPPOSITES worthless-
approximate, inexact, non-specific, valuables plurol noun precious items,
ambiguous, hazy, uncertain. 3 absent- costly items, prized possessions,
minded, forgetful, dreamy, abstracted; treasu res.
informol with your head in the clouds, value noun 1 price, cost, worth, market
scatty, not with it. price. 2 worth, usefulness, advan-
-oPPoSITES clear, definite. tage, benefit, gain, profit, good, help.
vaguely odverb l slightly, a little, a 3 (values) principles, ethics, morals,
bit, somewhat, rather, in a way, faintly, standards, code of behaviour.
obscurely; informolsort of, kind of. a verb 1 evaluate, assess, estimate,
2 absent-mindedly, abstractedly, appraise, price. 2 think highly of, have
vacantly. a high opinion ol rate highly, esteem,
set great store by, respect.
vaan odjective 1 conceited, narcissistic,
proud, arrogant, boastful, cocky, ego- - OPPOSITES despise.
tistical, immod est: informol big-headed, vanish verb disappear, be lost to sight,
2 futile, useless, pointless, ineffective, become invisible, recede from view,
unavailing, fruitless, unproductive, fade (away), evaporate, melt away,
unsuccessful, failed, abortive. end, cease to exist.
- OPPOSITES modest, successful. - OPPOSITES appear.
o in vain unsuccessfully, to no avail, to vanity noun conceit, narcissism, self-
no purpose, fruitlessly. love, self-admiration, egotism, pride,
451 variable J venomous

arrogance, boastfulness, cockiness; vaultl noun 1 cellar, basement, crypt,

informol biq-headedness. undercroft , catacomb, burial chamber.
- OPPOSITES modesty. 2 strongroom, safe deposit.
variable odjective changeable, shift- vault2 verb jump, leap, spring, bound,
ing, fluctuating, irregular, inconstant, clear.
inconsistent, fl uid, unstable; informal
veer yerb turn, swerve, swing, weave,
up and down.
wheel, change direction, change
- oPPostTES constant.
course, deviate.
variant noun variation, version, form,
vehement o djective passionate,
alternative, adaptation, alteration,
forceful, ardent, impassioned, heated,
modification.
spirited, urgent, fervent, fierce, strong,
o odjective alternative, other, different, forcible. powerful, emphatic, vigorous,
divergent.
intense, earnest, keen, enthusiastic,
variation noun 1 regionol voriotions zealous.
difference, dissimilarity, disparity, con- - oPPOSTTES mild.
trast, discrepancy, imbalance. 2 fhere
vehicle noun 1 means oftransport,
was little voriotion from the pottern
transportation, conveyance. 2 channel,
deviation, variance, divergence, depar-
medium, means, agent, instrument,
ture, fluctuation, change, alteration,
mechanism, organ, apparatus.
modification.
WORD LINKS
varied odjective diverse, assorted,
miscellaneous, mixed, sundry, wide-
automotive relating to vehicles
ranging, disparate, heterogeneous, veil noun covering, screen, curtain,
motley. mantle, cloak, mask, blanket, shroud,
variety noun 1 diversity, variation, canopy, cloud, pall.
diversifi cation, change, difference. a verb cover, surround, swathe, enfold,
2 assortment, miscellany, range, array, envelop, conceal, hide, obscure, screen,
collection, selection, mixture, medley. shield, cloak, blanket, shroud.
3 sort, kind, type, class, category, vein noun I blood vessel, capillary.
style, form, make, model, brand, strain, 2 layer, seam, Iode, stratum, deposit.
breed.
iWORD LINKS
- OPPOSITES uniformity. I

I vascular. venous relatinq to veins

various odjecfive diverse, different, dif-
fering, varied, assorted, mixed, sundry, velocity noun speed, pace, rate, tempo,
miscellaneous, disparate, heterogene- rapidity.
ous, motley. veneer noun 1 surface, lamination,
varnish noun & verb lacquer, shellac, layer, overlay, facing, covering, finish,
japan, enamel, glaze, polish. exterior.2 facade, front, show, out-
vary verb 1 differ, be dissimilar, disa- ward display, appearance, impression,
gree, be at variance. 2 fluctuate, rise semblance, guise, mask, pretence,
and fall, go up and down, change, alter, cover, camouflage. .:..:.T1..
shift, swing. vengeance noun revenge, retribution, C$S*ffi
vast odjective huge, extensive, broad, retaliation, requital, reprisal, an eye for
wide, boundless, enormous, immense, an eye.
great, massive, colossal, gigantic, mam- - OPPOSITES forgiveness.
moth, giant, mountainous; informol venomous odjective poisonous, toxic,
mega, whopping. dangerous, deadly, lethal, fatal.
- OPPOSITES tiny. - OPPOSITES harmless.
vent -+ vibrate 452

vent noun outlet, inlet, opening, type, sort, kind, form, equivalent,
3
apefture, hole, gap, orifice, space, duct, variety, variant, design, model, style.
flue, shaft, well, passage, airway. vertical odjective upright, erect, pep
overblet out, release, pour out, utter, pendicular, plumb, on end, standing.
express, air, voice. - oPPoSITES flat, horizontal.
ventilate verb air, aerate, oxygenate, vety odverb extremely, exceedin gly,
freshen, cool. exceptionally, extraordinarily, tremen-
venture noun enterprise, undertaking, dously, immensely, acutely, singularly,
project, scheme, operation, endeavour, decidedly, highly, remarkably, really;
speculation. informol awfully, terribly, seriously,
a verb 1 put forward, advance, mega, ultra; Brit. informolwell, dead,
proffer, offer, air, suggest, volunteer, jolly; tV. Amer. informolreal, mighty.
submit, propose. 2 dare, be so bold as, - OPPoSITES slightly.
presume, have the audacity, have the vessel noun I boat, ship, craft.2 con-
nerve, take the liberty of. tainer, receptacle, basin, bowl, pan,
verbal odjective oral, spoken, word-of- pot, jug.
mouth, stated, said, unwritten. vestige noun remnant, fragment, relic,
verbose odjective wordy, loquacious, echo, trace, mark, legacy, reminder.
garrulous, talkative, voluble, long- vet verb check up on, screen, inves-
winded, lengthy, prolix, circumlocu- tigate, examine, scrutinize, inspect,
tory, rambling. look over, assess. evaluate, appraise;
- oPPostrEs succinct. informol check out.
verdict noun judgement, adjudication, veteran noun old hand, past master,
decision, fi nding, ruling, sentence. doyen, doyenne ; informol old-timer;
verge noun 1 edge, border, margin, N. Amer. informolvet.
side, brink, rim, lip, fringe, boundary, - oPPostrES novice.
perimeter. 2lwos on the verge of teors o odjective long-serving, seasoned,
brink, threshold, edge, point. old, hardened, practised, experienced;
tr verge on approach, border on, be informol battle-scarred.
close/near to, resemble, be tantamount veto noun rejection, dismissal, prohibi-
to, tend towards, approximate to. tion, proscription, embargo, ban,
verify verb confirm, prove, substantiate, interdict.
corroborate, back up, bear out, justify, o verb reject, turn down, throw out,
support, uphold, testify to, validate, dismiss, prohibit, forbid, proscribe, dis-
a uthenticate. allow, embargo, ban, rule out informol
- OPPOSITES refute. kill, give the thumbs down to.
versatile adjective 1 o versotile player - OPPOSITES approve.
adaptable, flexible, all-round, multi- viable odjectirze feasible, workable, prac
talented, resourceful. 2 o versotile ticable, practical, realistic, achievable,
device adjustable, adaptable, m ulti- attainable; lnformol doable.
purpose, all-purpose. - oPPoslTES impracticable.
verse noun 1 poetry, lyrics. 2 poem, vibrant odjective 1 spirited, lively,
lyric, rhyme, ditty, limerick. 3 stanza, energetic, vigorous. dynamic, pas-
canto. sionate, fiery; informol feisty. 2 vivid,
version noun 1 account, report, bright, striking, brilliant, glowing,
statement, description, record, story, strong, rich.
rendering, interpretation, explanation, - oPPoslTES lifeless, pale.
understanding, reading, impression, vibrate verb shake, tremble, shiver,
side. 2 edition, translation, impression. quiver, shudder, throb, pulsate.
453 vice -+ violence

vice noun 1 immorality, wrongdoing, vigorous odjective 1 robust, healthy,

wickedness, evil, iniquity, villainy, hale and hearty, strong, sturdy, fit,
corruption, misconduct, sin, depravity. hardy, tough, energetic, lively, active.
2 fault, failing, flaw, defect, shortcom- 2 strenuous, powerful, forceful, spir-
ing, weal<ness, deficiency, foible, frailty. ited. determined, aggressive, passion-
_ OPPOSITES V tUE. ate: informol punchy, feisty.
vicious adjective 1 brutal, ferocious, - oPPoSITES weak, feeble.
savage, violent, ruthless, merciless, vigorously odverb strenuously,
heartless, callous, cruel, cold-blooded, strongly, powerfully, forceful ly, ener-
inhuman, barbaric, bloodthirsty. getically, heartily, all out, fiercely, hard;
2 malicious, spiteful, vindictive, informol like mad; Brit. informol like
venomous, cruel, bitter, acrimonious, billy-o.
hostile, nasty; informol catty. vigour noun health, strength, robust-
- OPPOSITES gentle. ness, energy, life, vitality, spirit, pas-
victim noun sufferer, injured party, sion, determination, dynamism, drive;
casualty, fatality. loss. survivor. informol oomph, get-up-and-go.
victimize verb persecute, pick on, bully, - oPPOSITES lethargy.
abuse, discriminate against, exploit, vile odjective loul, nasty, unpleasant,
take advantage of : informolhave it in for. bad, horrid, repulsive, disgusting, hate-
victorious odjective triumphant, ful, nauseating; informal gross.
conquering, vanquishing, winning, - oPPoslTES pleasant.
champion, successful. villain noun criminal, lawbreaker,
- oPPoslTEs unsuccessful. offender, felon, miscreant, wrongdoer,
victory noun success, triumph, con- rogue, scoundrel, reprobate; informol
quest, win, cou p; informol walkover. crook, baddy.
- oPPoSITES defeat, loss. vindicate verb 1 acquit, clear, absolve,
vie verb compete, contend, struggle, exonerate; informollet off. 2 justify,
fight, battle, jockey. warrant, substantiate, conflrm, cor-
roborate, prove, defend, support, back,
view noun 1 outlook, prospect, pano-
endorse.
rama, vista, scene, scenery, landscape.
2 opinion, viewpoint, belief, judge-
- oPPoSITES incriminate.
ment, thinking. notion, idea, convic- vintage odjective I high-quality, qual-
tion, persuasion, attitude, feeling, ity, choice, select, superior.2 classic,
sentiment. 3 the church come into view ageless, timeless, old, antique, historic.
sight, perspective, vision, visibility. violate verb 1 contravene, breach,
a verb 1 look at, observe, eye, gaze infringe, break, transgress, disobey,
at, contemplate, regard, scan, survey, defy, flout, disregard, ignore.2 dese-
inspect, scrutinize; informol check out; crate, profane, defile, degrade, debase,
N. Amer. informoleyeball. 2 consider, damage, vandalize, deface, destroy.
regard, lool< on, see, perceive, judge, - OPPOSITES respect.
deem, reckon. violation noun 1 contravention,
viewer noun watcher, spectator, breach. infringement, transgression. I :-
onlooker, observer; (viewers) audi- defiance, flouting, disregard. 2 des-
'i*diliilii
ence, crowd. ecration, defllement, damage, vandal-
vigilant odjective watchful, obser- ism, destruction.
vant, attentive, alert, eagle-eyed, on violence noun 1 brutality, savagery,
the lookout, on your guard; informol cruelty, barbarity. 2 force, power,
beady-eyed. strength, might, ferocity, intensity,
- OPPoSITES inattentive. vehemence.
violent + void 454

violent odjective 1 brutal, vicious, visual odlectiue 1 optical, ocular.

savage, rough, aggressive, threaten- 2 visible, observable, perceptible,
ing, fi erce, ferocious, bloodthirsty. discernible.
2 powerful, forceful, hard, sharp, visualize verb envisage, conjure up,
smart, strong, vigorous, mighty, hefty. picture, call to mind. see, imagine,
3 intense, extreme, strong, poweP dream up.
ful, fierce, unbridled, uncontrollable,
ungovernable, consuming, passionate. vital odjective 1 essential, critical,
crucial, indispensable, all-important,
- oPPoslTEs gentle, mild.
imperative, mandatory, high-priority,
virtual odjective eftective, near key, life-and-death. 2 lively, energetic,
(enough), essential, practical, to all
active. sprightly, spirited, vivacious,
intents and purposes, in all but name, exuberant, dynamic, vigorous; informol
implied, unacknowledged. full of beans.
virtually odverb effectively, all but, - OPPOSITES unimportant.
more or less, practically, almost, nearly,
vitality noun life, energy, spirit, vivac-
close to, verging on, just about, as
ity, exuberance, dynamism, vigour,
good as, essentially, to all intents and
passion, drive: nformol get-up-and-go.
i
purposes.
virtue noun 1 goodness, righteousness,
vivid odjective 1 bright, colourful,
brilliant, radiant, vibrant, strong, bold,
morality, integrity, dignity, rectitude,
deep, intense, rich, warm. 2 graphic,
honour, probity. 2 good point, good
realistic, lifelike, faithful, authentic,
quality, strong point, asset, forte,
striking, evocative, arresting, colourful,
attribute, strength, merit, advantage,
dramatic, memorable, powerful, stir-
benefit; informal plus.
ring, moving, hauntinq.
- OPPOSITES Vice.
- oPPoSITES dull, vague.
visible adjective observable, percepti-
ble, noticeable, detectable, discernible, vocal adjective 1 spoken, said, voiced,
in sight, in view, on display, evident, uttered, articulated, oral. 2 vociferous,
apparent, manifest, plain. outspoken, forthright, plain-spoken,
blunt, frank, candid, passionate, vehe-
vision noun I eyesight, sight, observa- ment, vigorous.
tion, eyes, view, perspective.2 appari-
tion, spectre, phantom, ghost, wraith, vocation noun calling, life's work, mis-
manifestation, hallucination, illusion, sion, purpose, profession, occupation,
mirage.3 dream, reverie, plan, hope, career, job, employment, trade, craft,
fantasy, pipe dream. 4 imagination, line (of work).
creativity, inventiveness, inspiration, vogue noun fashion, trend, fad, fancy,
intuition, perception, insight. crare, rage, enthusiasm, passion.
lwono lrruxs voice noun opinion, view, feeling, wish,
optic relating to vision desire, vote.
Ivisual,
visit verb callon, go to see, look in on,
I verb express, communicate, declare,
state, vent, utter, say, speak, articulate,
stay with, holiday with, stop by, drop air; informol come out with.
by:, informolpop/drop in on, look up.
o noun (social) call, stay, stopover, WORD LINKS
trip, holiday, vacation; /iterory so.iourn. vocal relating to the human voice
visitor noun 1 guest, caller, company. void noun vacuum, emptiness, nothing-
2 tourist, traveller, holidaymaker, trip- ness, blankness, (empty) space, gap,
per, vacationer, sightseer. cavity, chasm, gulf.
vista noun view, scene, prospect, pano- o odjective 1 empty, vacant, blank,
rama, sight, scenery, landscape. bare, clear, free. 2 invalid, null (and
455 volatile + vulnerable
void), ineffective, worthless. vote noun 1 ballot, poll, election,
- OPPOSITES full, valld. referendum, plebiscite, show of hands.
volatile odjective 1 unpredictable, 2 (the vote) sulTrage, franchise, voting
temperamental, capricious, fi ckle, rights.
impulsive, emotional, excitable, turbu. WORD LINKS
lent, erratic, unstable. 2 a volatile situ- psephology study of trends in voting
oflon tense, strained, fraught, uneasy,
uncomfortable, charged, explosive, voucher noun coupon, token, ticket,
infl ammatory, turbulent. pass, chit, slip, stub, docket; Brit infor-
- OPPOSITES stable. mol chitty.
volley noun barrage, cannonade, vow noun promise, pledge, oath,
battery, bombardment, salvo, burst, bond, covenant, commitment, word
storm, hail, shower, deluge, torrent. (of honour).
o verb promise, pledge, swear, under-
volume noun 1 book, publication, take, make a commitment, give your
tome, work, title.2 capacity, mass,
word, guarantee.
bulk, extent, size, dimensions. 3 quan-
tity, amount, mass, bulk, measure. voyage noun iourney, trip, cruise,
4 loudness, sound, amplification. passage, sail, crossing, expedition,
odyssey.
voluntarily odverb ol your own free
will, of your own volition, by choice, by vulgar odjective 1 rude, crude, dirty,
preference, spontaneously, willingly, filthy, smutty, naughty, indecent,
readily, freely. obscene, coarse, risqu6; informol blue.
2 tasteless, crass, tawdry, ostenta-
voluntary odjective 1 optional, discre- tious, flamboyant, showy, gaudy,
tionary, at your discretion, elective, garish; informolflash, tacky. 3 impolite,
non-compulsory. 2 unpaid, unsalaried, ill-mannered, boorish, uncouth, unso-
for free, honorary. phisticated, unreflned.
- oPPosrrES compulsory. - OPPOSITES tasteful.
volunteer verbl ofter, tender, proffer, vulnerable odjective 1 in danger. in
put forward, put up, venture. 2 offer peril, in jeopardy, at risk, unprotected,
your services, present yourself, make undefended, unguarded, open to
yourself available, come forward. attack, exposed, defenceless, an easy
vomit verb be sick, spew, heave, retch, target. 2 helpless, weak, sensitive,
gag; informolthrow up, puke; N. Amer. thin-skinned.
informol bart. - OPPOSITES invulnerable.
waddle -+ want 456

Ww
waddle verb toddle, totter, wobble, see, take, usher.
shuffle. a noun l ramble, hike, tramp, march,
wagverb 1 swing, swish, switch, sway, stroll, promenade, constitutional, turn.
shake; informol waggle. 2 shake, wave, 2 gait, step, stride, tread. 3 path,
wiggle, fl ourish, brandish. pathway, footpath, track, walkway,
promenade, footway, pavement, trail,
wage noun pay, salary, stipend, fee,
remuneration, income, earnings.
towpath.
o verb engage in, carry on, conduct, walker noun rambler, hiker, trekker,
execute, pursue, prosecute, proceed stroller, pedestrian.
with. wall noun fortification, rampart, bar-
wail noun & verb howl, cry, bawl, moan, ricade, bulwark, partition.
groan, yowl, whine, lament. wallet noun purse, case, pouch, holder;
wait verb 1 we waited in the oirport stay N. Amer. billfold, pocketbook.
(put), remain, rest, stop, linger, loiter; wallow verb 1 roll, loll about, lie
informol stick around; o/d use tarry. around, splash about. 2 luxuriate,
2 she hod to woit until her bogs orrived bask, take pleasure, take satisfaction,
stand by, hold back, bide your time, indulge (yourself), deliqht, revel, glory.
mark time, kill time, waste time, kick wan odjective pale, ashen, white, grey,
your heels, twiddle your thumbs; infor- anaemic, colourless, waxen, pasty,
mol hold on, hang around, sit tight. peal<y, sickly, washed out, ghostly.
o noun delay, hold-up, interval,
wander verb I stroll, amble, saunter,
interlude, pause, break, suspension.
walk, potter, ramble, meander, roam,
stoppage, halt, interuption, lull, gap.
range, drift; informol traipse, mosey.
waiter, waitress noun server, stew- 2 stray, depart, diverge, deviate,
ard, stewardess, attendant, butler, digress, drift, get sidetracked.
servant; N. Amer. waitperson.
wane verb decline, diminish, decrease,
waive verb 1 give up, abandon, dwindle, shrink, tail off, ebb, fade,
renounce, relinquish, surrender, sacri- lessen, peter out, fall off, recede,
fice, turn down. 2 disregard, ignore, slump, weaken, wither, evaporate,
overlook, set aside, forgo. die out.
wakel verb awake, waken, wake up, - OPPOSITES grow.
stir, come to, come round, rouse. r rant verb desire, wish for, hope for,
o noun vigil, watch, funeral. fancy, care for, like, long for, yearn for,
wake2 noun backwash, slipstream, crave, hanker after, hunqer for, thirst
trail, path, track. for, cry out for, covet; informol have a
o in the wake of in the aftermath yen for, be dying for.
of, after, subsequent to, following, as a noun 1 lack, absence, non-existence,
a result of, as a consequence of, on dearth, deficiency, inadequacy, insuf-
account of, because of. ficiency, paucity, shortage, scarcity.
walk verb 1 stroll, saunter, amble, 2 need, austerity, privation, depriva-
trudge, plod, hike, tramp, trek, march, tion, poverty, destitution. 3 her wonts
stride, troop, wander, ramble, prom- would be token core of wish, desire,
enade, traipse; informol mosey, hoof demand, longing, fancy, craving, need,
it. 2 accompany, escort, guide, show, requirement: informol yen.
457 wanting -+ wash

wanting odjective deficient, inad- geniality, cordiality, kindness, tender-

equate, lacking, insufficient, imperfect, ness, fondness.
flawed, unsound, substandard, inferior, warn verb 1 inform, notify, tell, alert,
second-rate. apprise, make someone aware, remind;
wanton odjective deliberate, wilful, informol tip off. 2 advise, exhort, urge,
malicious, gratuitous, unprovoked, counsel, caution.
motiveless, arbitrary, unjustifi able, urarning noun 1 (advance) notice,
senseless. alert, hint, signal, sign, alarm beils;
war noun I conflict, warfare, combat, informol a tip-off. 2 caution, notifica-
fighting, action, bloodshed, fight, cam- tion, information, exhortation, advice.
paign, hostilities. 2 campaign, crusade, 3 omen, premonition, foreboding,
battle, fight, struggle. prophecy, prediction, forecast, token,
- OPPOSITES peace. portent, signal, sign. 4 his sentence is o

a verb fight, battle, combat, wage war, worning to other drunk drivers example,
take up arms, feud, quarrel, struggle, deterrent, lesson, caution, message,
contend, wrangle, cross swords. moral. 5 reprimand, caution, remon-
--l strance, admonition, censure; informol
WORD Llt'lKs dressin g-down, talking-to, telling-off.
' martial relaLing to war warp verb 1 buckle, twist, bend, distort,
J9,";;;;;;;;;;.; deform, curve, bow, contort. 2 cor-
rupt, twist, pervert, deprave.
ward noun 1 room, department, unit,
area. 2 district, constituency, division, warrant noun 1 authorization, order,
quarter, zone, parish. 3 dependant, writ, mandate, licence, permit, sum-
charge, prot6g6. mons. 2 voucher, chit, slip, ticket,
coupon, pass.
warden noun 1 superintendent,
caretaker, porter, steward, custodian, a verb 1 justify, deserve, vindicate,
call for, sanction, permit, author-
watchman, concierge, doorman, com-
ize, excuse, account for, legitimize,
missionaire. 2 prison officer, guard,
jailer, warder, keeper; informol screw. support, license, merit, qualify for,
rate.2 guarantee, promise, affirm,
warehouse noun storeroom, depot, swear, vouch, vow, pledge, undertake,
depository, stockroom; informol declare, testify.
lock-up.
warranty noun guarantee, assurance,
wares p/urol noun goods, merchan- promise, commitment, undertaking,
dise, products, produce, stock, pledge, agreement, covenant.
commodities. warrior noun fighter. soldier, service-
warfare noun fighting, war, combat, man, combatant.
confl ict, action, hostilities. wary odjective 1 cautious, careful,
warm odjective 1 o worm kitchen hot, circumspect, on your guard, chary,
cosy, snug. 2 o worm doy balmy, sum- alert, on the lookout, attentive, heed-
mery, sultry, hot, mild, temperate. ful, watchful, vigilant, observant. 2 we
3 worm wotertepid, lukewarm, heated. ore wory of strongers suspicious, chary,
4 o worm sweoter thick, chunky, leery, careful, distrustful.
thermal, woolly. 5 o worm welcome - oPPoSlTEs inattentive, trustful.
friendly, cordial, amiable, genial, kind, wash verb 1 clean yourself. bathe. I"
pleasant, fond, welcoming, hospitable, shower. 2 clean, cleanse, scrub, wipe, '{!6t1*l
hearty. shampoo, launder, lather, sluice, swill,
- oPPosrrES cold, chilly. douse, swab, disinfect. 3 she woshed off
warmth I
noun heat, cosiness, the blood remove, expunge, eradicate,
snugness. 2 friendliness, amiability, sponge off, scrub off, wipe off, rinse off.
waste + way 458

4 splash, lap, dash, break, beat, surge, o water down 1 dilute, thin (out),
ripple, roll. weaken, adulterate. 2 tone down, tem-
a noun 1 laundry, washing. 2 back- per. mitigate, moderate. soften, tame.
wash, wake, trail, path. WORD LINKS
o wash away erode, abrade, wear aquatic, aqueous relating to water
away, eat away.
waste verb 1 squander, misspend, waterfall noun falls, cascade, cataract,
misuse, fritter away, throw away, lavish, rapids.
dissipate; informolblow, splurge. 2 she watertight odjective 1 impermeable,
is wosting owoy grow weak, grow thin, impervious, (hermetically) sealed,
wilt, fade, deteriorate. waterproof. 2 indisputable, unques-
- oPPOSITES conserve. tionable, incontrovertible, irrefutable,
codjective 1 unwanted, excess, unassailable, foolproof, sound, fl awless,
superfluous, left over, scrap, unusable, conclusive.
unprofitable. 2 uncultivated, barren, - oPPoSlTEs leaky.
desert, arid, bare, desolate. wave verb 1 flap, wag, shake, swish,
a noun 1 misuse, misapplication, swing, brandish, flourish, wield.
abuse, extravagance, lavishness. 2 ripple, flutter, undulate, stir, flap,
2 rubbish, refuse, litter, debris, junk, sway, shake, quiver.3 gesture, signal,
sewage, effluent; N. Amer. garbage, beckon, motion.
trash. 3 (wastes) desert, wasteland, o noun 1 signal, sign, motion, gesture.
wilderness, emptiness, wilds. 2 breaker, roller, comber, boomer,
wasteful odjective prodigal, profl igate, ripple; (waves) swell, surf. 3 o wove
uneconomical, extravagant, lavish, of plonning opplicotions spate, surge,
excessive, imprudent, improvident, flow flood, stream. torrent.4 a wove
spendthrift. of emotion surge, rush, tide, upsurge,
- OPPOSITES frugal. sudden feeling.
watch verb 1 observe, view, look at, waver verb 1 the condlelight wovered
eye, gaze at, peer at, contemplate, flicker, quiver. 2 his voice wovered
inspect, scrutinize, scan; lnformol check falter, wobble, tremble, quaver.
out, get a load ol recce, eyeball.2 spy 3 hesitate, dither, be irresolute, be
on, keep in sight, keep under surveil- undecided, vacillate, blow hot and
lance, track, monitor, tail; informol keep cold; Brlt. haver, hum and haw; informol
tabs on, stake out. 3 guard, mind, shilly-shally, sit on the fence.
protect, look after, keep an eye on, take way noun 1 method, process, proce-
care of, shield, defend. dure, technique, system, plan, strategy,
- OPPOSITES ignore. scheme, solution, means, mechanism,
l
a noun wristwatch, timepiece, approach. 2 manner, style, fashion,
chronometer. 2 guard, vigil, lookout, mode. 3 I've chonged my woys practice,
observation, surveillance. wont, habit, custom, convention,
routine, trait, attribute, peculiarity, idi-
watchdog noun ombudsman, monitor,
osyncrasy, conduct, behaviour. 4 route,
scrutineer, inspector, supervisor.
course, direction, track, path, access,
watchful odjective observant, alert, gate, exit, entrance, door. 5 distance,
vigilant, attentive, aware, sharp-eyed, length, stretch, journey. 6 April is o long
eagle-eyed, on the lookout, wary, cau- way oway time, stretch, term, span,
tious, careful. duration. 7 direction. bearing. course,
water verb 1 sprinkle, moisten, orientation, line, tack. 8 in some woys,
dampen, wet, spray, splash, hose, he moy be better off respect, regard,
douse. 2 salivate, become wet, aspect, facet, sense, detail, point,
moisten. particular. 9 the country is in o bod woy
 waylay -+ weather

state, condition, situation, circum- 4 timidity, cravenness, cowardliness,

stances, position, predicament, plight;
indecision, irresolution, ineffectuality,
informol shape. ineffectiveness, impotence.
tr give way 1 yie1d, back down, sur-
wealth noun 1 affluence, prosperity,
render, concede defeat, give in, submit; riches, means, fortune, money, cash,
informolthrow in the towel/sponge, capital, treasure, finance, wherewithal,
in,
cave in.2 collapse, give, cave in, fall deep pockets; informol dough, bread.
come apart, crumple. 2 abundance, profusion, plethora,
attack,
waylay verb 1 ambush, hold up, mine, store; informollot, load, moun-
pounce on; informolmug.2 accost, tain, stack, ton; Brit. informolshedload.
detain,intercept:informolbuttonhole. - oPPoSITES poverty,dearth.
wayward odjectivewilful headstrong, wealthy odiective rich, affluent, mon'
stubborn, obstinate, perverse, contrary, eyed, well off, well-to-do, prosperous;
disobedient, undisciplined, rebellious, informol well heeled, rolling in it, made
defiant, recalcitrant, unruly, wild; of money, Ioaded, flush.
formol refractory. - oPPoSITES Poor.
weakodjective I feeble, frail, delicate, wear verb 1 be dressed in, be clothed
fragile, infirm, ailing, debilitated, in, have on, sport.2 bear, show,
decrepit, exhausted, enervated; display, exhibit, give, put on, assume.
informol weedy. 2 inadequate, poor, 3 erode, abrade, rub away, grind away,
defective, faulty, deficient, imperfect, wash away, crumble (away), eat away
substandard. 3 unconvincing, tenu- (at).4 last, endure, hold up, bear up.
ous, implausible, unsatisfactory, poor, a noun 1 use, service, value; informol
inadequate, lame, feeble, flimsy, hol- mileage. 2 clothes, garments, dress,
low; informolpathetic. 4 o weak bridge attire, garb, wardrobe; lnformol get-up,
fragile, rickety, insubstantial, wobbly, gear, togs; Brit. informolkit, clobber.
unstable, ramshackle, jerry-built, 3 damage, friction, abrasion, erosion.
shoddy. 5 spineless, craven, cowardly, tr wear off fade, diminish, lessen,
timid, irresolute, indecisive, ineffec- dwindle, decrease, wane, peter out,
tual, meek, tame, soft, faint-hearted; fizzle out, pall, disappear, vanish. wear
informol yellow, gutless. 6 o weok voice out 1 deteriorate, become worn, fray,
indistinct, muffled, muted, hushed, become threadbare. 2 tire out, fatigue,
faint, low.7 watery, dilute, diluted, weary, exhaust, drain, sap, enervate;
watered down, thin, Lasteless. informolwhack, poop, shatter, do in;
- OPPOSITES strong. Brit. informol knacker.
weaken verb 1 enfeeble, debilitate, wearing odjective tiring, exhausting,
incapacitate, sap, tire, exhaust. wearying, fatiguing, enervating, drain-
2 decrease, dwindle, diminish, wane, ing, sapping, demanding, exacting,
ebb, subside, peter out, fizzle out, tail taxing, gruelling, punishing.
off, decline, falter. 3 impair, under- weary odjective I tired, worn out,
mine, compromise, lessen. exhausted, fatigued, sapped, spent,
- OPPOSITES strengthen, bolster. drained; informoldone in, ready to
ureakness noun 1 frailty, feebleness, drop, shattered, bushed; Brit. informol
fragility, delicacy, debility, incapacity, knackered, whacked; N. Amer. informol
decrepitude; informol weediness. pooped. 2 tiring, exhausting, fatigu-
2 fault, flaw, defect, deficiency, failing ing. enervating, draining, sapping,
shortcoming, imperfection, Achilles demanding, taxing, arduous, gruelling.
heel. 3 o weokness for chompogne - OPPOSITES energetic.
fondness, liking, partiality, love, pen- weather noun conditions, climate, ele-
chant, predilection, inclination, taste. ments, forecast, outlook.
 weave -+ well built

a verb survive, come through, ride eccentric, unconventional, unorthodox,

out, pull through, withstand, endure, idiosyncratic, surreal, crazy, absurd,
rise above; informol stick out. grotesque, peculiar; informol w acky,
Weavel verb 1 entwine, lace, twist, freaky; tV. Amer. informolwacko.
knit, braid, plait. 2 invent, make up, - OPPOSITES normal, conventional.
fabricate, construct, create, spin. welcome noun greeting, salutation,
weave2 verb he hod to weove his woy reception, hospitality, the red carpet.
through the crowds thread, wind, wend, a verb 1 greet, salute, receive, meet,
dodge, zigzag. usher in.2 be pleased by, be glad
about, approve of, applaud, appreciate,
web noun 1 mesh, net, lattice, lace-
embrace.
work, gauze, gossamer. 2 network,
nexus, complex, tangle, chain.
- OPPOSITES resent.
o odjective pleasing, good, agreeable,
wedded odjective I married, matrimo- encouraging, gratifying, heartening,
nial, marital, conjugal, nuptial. 2 he is promising, favourable, pleasant.
wedded to his work dedicated, devoted,
attached, fixated.
weld verb fuse, bond, stick, join, attach,
seal, splice, melt, solder.
wedding noun marriage (service), welfare noun 1 well-being, health,
nuptials, union.
comfort, security, safety, protection,
wedge noun triangle, segment, slice, success, interest, good. 2 social secu-
section, chunk, lump, slab, hunk, block, rity, benefit. public assistance. pension,
piece. credit, support, sick pay, unemploy-
o verb squeeze, cram, jam, ram, force, ment benefit; Brit. informolthe dole.
push, shove; informol stuff, bung.
welll odverb 1 satisfactorily, nicely,
weep verb cry, shed tears, sob, snivel, correctly, properly, fi tting ly, suitably,
whimper, wail, bawl, keen; Scottish appropriately. 2 skilfully, ably, com-
greet; informol boohoo, blub. petently, proficiently, adeptly, deftly,
weigh yerb 1 measure the weight of, expertly, excellently. 3 they speok well
put on the scales. 2 have a weight of, of him admiringly, hiqhly, approvingly,
tip the scales at.3 he weighed up the favourably, appreciatively, warmly,
possibi liti es consider, contem plate, enthusiastically, in glowing terms.
think about, mull over, chew over, - OPPOSITES badly.
reflect on, ruminate about, muse on, o odjective t healthy, fine, fit, robust,
assess, examine, review, explore, take strong, vigorous, blooming, thriving,
stock of. 4 they need to weigh benefit in fine fettle; informolin the pink.
ogoinst risk balance, evaluate, com- 2 satisfactory, all right, fine, in order,
pare, juxtapose, contrast. as it should be, acceptable; informal
weight noun 1 mass, heaviness, load, OK, hunky-dory.
burden. 2 influence, force, leverage, - OPPOSITES unwell, unsatisfactory.
sway, pull, power, authority: informol o as well too, also, in addition, into
clout. 3 burden, load, millstone, trou- the bargain, besides, furthermore,
ble, worry. 4 the weight of the evidence moreover, to boot.
is ogoinst hi m most, bulk, majority, wel12 noun borehole, spring, waterhole,
preponderance, body, lion's share. shaft.
.''* weird odjective 1 uncanny, eerie,
' a verb flow, spill, stream, gush, roll,
**s* unnatural,supernatural,unearthly, cascade, flood, spout, burst, issue.
other-worldly, ghostly, mysterious, well built odjective sturdy, strapping,
strange, abnormal, unusual; informol brawny, burly, hefty, muscular, strong,
creepy, spooky, freaky. 2 bizarre, odd, rugged; informol hunky, beefy.
curious, strange, quirky, outlandish, - OPPOSITES puny.
461 well known -> wholesale

well known odjective 1 familiar, popu- whirl verb rotate, circle, wheel, turn,
lar, common, everyday, established. revolve, orbit, spin, twirl, pirouette,
2 famous, famed, prominent, notable, gyrate.
renowned, distinguished, eminent, whirlpool noun eddy, vortex,
illustrious, acclaimed. maelstrom.
- OPPOSITES unknown.
whirlwind noun tornado, hurricane,
wet odjective 1 damp, moist, soaked, typhoon, cyclone, vortex; N. Amer.
drenched, saturated, sopping, drip. infornol twister.
ping, soggy, waterlogged, squelchy. o odjective rapid, lightning, headlong,
2 rainy, pouring, teeming, showery, impulsive, breakneck, meteoric, sud-
drizzly. 3 sticky, tacky. den, swift, fast, quick, speedy.
o verb dampen, moisten, sprinkle, whisk verb 1 speed, hurry, rush, sweep,
spray, splash, soak, saturate, flood,
hurtle, shoot. 2 pull, snatch, pluck,
douse, drench. tug, jerk; informol whip, yank. 3 whip,
- 0PPoSITES dry.
beat, mix.
wharf noun quay, pier, dock, berth, a noun on egg whisk beater. mixer,
landing, jetty, harbour, dockyard. blender.
wheel verb 1 push, trundle, roll.2 gulls whisper verbmurmur, mutter, mum-
wheeled overhead turn, go round, circle, softly, breathe, say sotto
orbit. 3l?.:r..0
wheeze verb gasp, whistle, hiss, rasp, a noun I murmur, mutter, mumble,
croak, pant, cough. low voice, undertone. 2 rumour, story,
whereabouts noun location, position, report, gossip, speculation, suggestion,
site, situation, spot, point, home, hint; informolbuzz.
address, neighbourhood. - oPPostrES shout.
while noun we chatted for o while time, white odlectiye pale, pallid, wan, ashen,
spell, stretch, stint, span, interval, chalky, pasty, peaky, washed out,
period; Brit. infornol patch. ghostly, deathly.
a verb tennis helped to while oway the whole adjective 1 entire, complete, full,
tlme pass, spend, occupy, use up, kill. unabridged, uncut.2 intact, in one
piece, unbroken, undamaged, fl awless,
whim noun impulse, urge, notion,
fancy, inclination, caprice, vagary. unmarked, perfect.
- OPPOSITES incomplete.
whimper verb whine, cry, sob, moan, l
a noun entity, unit, body, ensemble.
snivel, wail, groan; Brit. informol grizzle. 2 the whole of the yeor all, every part,
whimsical odjective tancilul, playful, the lot, the sum.
mischievous, waqgish, quaint, curious, o on the whole overall, all in all, all
droll, eccentric, quirky, idiosyncratic, things considered, for the most part,
u nconventiona l. in the main, in general, by and large,
whine verb 1 wail, whimper, cry, mewl, normally, usually, almost always, typi.
moan, howl, yowl: informol grizzle. cally, ordinarily.
2 complain, grouse, grouch, grumble, wholehearte d o djective unqualifi ed,
moan, carp; informol gripe, bellyache, unTeserved, unconditional, complete,
whinge. full, total, absolute.
whip noun lash, scourge, strap, belt. - oPPOSITES half-hearted.
a verb 1 flog, lash, flagellate, cane, wholesale o djective extensive.
belt, thrash, beat; informol tan some- widespread, large-scale, wide-ranging,
one's hide. 2 whisk, beat. 3 rouse, stir comprehensive, total, mass, indiscrimi-
up, excite, galvanize, electrify, stimu- nate, sweeping.
late, inspire, fire up, inflame, provoke. - oPPosrTES partial.
wholesome -> willingness

wholesome odjective t healthy, tempestuous, turbulent, blustery.

health-giving, good, nutritious, nourish- 5 uncontrolled, unrestrained, undis-
ing, natural, organic. 2 moral, ethical, ciplined, attention-seeking, unruly,
good, clean, virtuous, pure, innocent, rowdy, disorderly, riotous, out of
chaste, uplifting, edifying. control, unbridled. 6 o wild scheme
wholly odverb completely, totally, foolish, ridiculous, ludicrous, stupid,
absolutely, entirely, fully, thoroughly, foolhardy, idiotic, madcap, absurd, silly,
utterly, downright, in every respect; impractical, impracticable, unwork-
informol one hundred per cent. able; informol crazy, crackpot. 7 o wild
guess random, arbitrary, haphazard,
wicked odjective 1 evil, sinful, immoral,
uninformed.
wrong, bad, iniquitous, corrupt, base,
vile, villainous, criminal, nefarious; - OPPOSITES tame, cultivated, calm,
disciplined.
informol crooked. 2 mischievous, play-
ful, naughty, impish, roguish, puckish, wilderness noun wilds, wastes, desert,
cheeky. wasteland.
- OPPOSITES virtuous. wiles p/urol noun tricks, ruses, ploys,
wide odjective 1 broad, extensive, schemes, dodges, manoeuvres, subter-
spacious, vast, spread out. 2 compre- fuges, guile, artf ulness, cunning.
hensive, ample, broad, extensive, wide- wilful odjective 1 deliberate, inten-
ranging, large, exhaustive, all-inclusive, tional, premeditated, planned,
expansive, all-embracing, encyclopedic, conscious, calculated. 2 headstrong,
catholic. 3 off target, off the mark, strong-willed, obstinate, stubborn,
inaccurate. pig-headed, recalcitrant; Brit. informol
- OPPOSITES narrow. bloody-minded, bolshie.
widen verb broaden, open up/out, - OPPOSITES accidental.
expand, extend, enlarge. will noun 1 determination, strength of
widespread adjective general, exten- character, resolve, single-mindedness,
sive, universal, common, global, world- drive, commitment, dedication,
wide, omnipresent, ubiquitous, across doggedness. tenacity, staying power.
the board, predominant, prevalent, 2 they stayed ogoinst their will desire,
rife, broad. wish, preference, inclination, intention.
- oPPoSlrES limited. 3 itwos 6od's wil/ wish, desire, deci-
width noun breadth, thickness, span, sion, choice, decree, command.
diameter, girth. a verb 1 want, wish, please, see fit,
think fit/best, like, choose, prefer.
wield verb 1 brandish, flourish, wave, 2 decree, order, ordain, command.
swing, use, employ, handle. 2 he wieids
enormous power exercise, exert, hold, willing odjective 1 ready, prepared, dis-
maintain, command, control. posed, inclined, minded, happy, glad,
pleased, agreeable, amenable; informol
wife noun spouse, partner, mate, con- game. 2 readily given, ungrudging.
sort, bride; informolbetter half, missus;
Brit. informol other half.
- OPPOSITES reluctant.
willingly odyerb voluntarily, of your
lwono rrrurs own free will, of your own accord,
].uxorious very fond of yourwife readily, without reluctance, ungrudg-
wild odjective 1 untamed, undomesti- ingly, cheerfully, happily, gladly, with
cated, feral, fierce, ferocious, savage. pleasure.
2 uncultivated, native, indigenous. - OPPOSITES reluctantly.
3 uninhabited, unpopulated, uncul- willingness noun readiness, inclina-
tivated, rugged, rough, inhospitable, tion, will, wish, desire.
desolate, barren. 4 stormy, squally, - OPPOSITES reluctance.
 wilt -+ wistful

wilt verb 1 droop, sag, become limp, winning odjective 1 victorious, success-
flop. 2 languish, flag, droop, become ful, triumphant, undefeated, conquer-
listless, fade. ing, first, top. 2 engaging, charming,
- oPPOSITES flourish. appealing, endearing, sweet, cute,
wily odjective shrewd, clever, sharp, winsome, attractive, prepossessing,
astute, canny. smart, crafty, cunning, fetching, disarming, captivating.
artful, sly, scheming, calculating, devi- wannings plurol noun prize money,
ous; informol foxy. gains, booty, spoils, proceeds, profits,
- oPPOSITES naive. takings, purse.
win verb 1 come first, be victorious, wintry odjective bleak, cold, chilly,
carry/win the day, come out on top, frosty, freezing, icy, snowy, arctic,
succeed, triumph, prevail. 2 earn, gain, glacial, bitter, raw; informolnippy; Brii.
secure, collect, pick up, walk away/off informol parky.
with, carry off; informolland, net, bag, - OPPOSITES warm.
scoop. wipe verb 1 rub, mop, sponge, swab,
- OPPOSITES lose. clean, dry, polish.2 hewiped offthe
o noun victory, triumph, conquest. morks rub off, clean off, remove, erase,
- oPPOSITES defeat. efface.
wince verb grimace, pull a face, flinch, wisdom noun 1 understanding,
blench, start. intelligence, sagacity, sense, com-
windl noun 1 breeze, current of air, mon sense, shrewdness, astuteness,
gale, hurricane, gust, draught; informal judgement, prudence, circumspection,
blow; literary zephyr. 2 breath; informol logic, rationale, soundness, advisabil-
ity. 2 knowledge, learning, erudition,
PUff.
scholarship, philosophy, lore.
wind2 verb 1 twist (and turn), bend,
curve, loop, zigzag, weave, snake.
- OPPOSITES folly.
2 wrap, furl, entwine, lace.3 coil, roll, wise odjectlue sage, sagacious, intel-
twist, twine. ligent, clever, learned, knowledgeable,
u wind up 1 conclude, bring to an enlightened, astute, smart, shrewd,
end/close, terminate; informol wrap sharp-witted, canny, knowing, sensible,
up. 2 close (down), dissolve, put into prudent, discerning, perceptive.
liquidation. - OPPoSITES foolish.
windfall noun bonanza, jackpot, pen' wish verb want, desire, feel inclined,
nies from heaven, godsend. feel like, care, choose, please, think fit.
a noun 1 desire, longing, yearning,
windy odjective breezy, blowy, fresh,
whim, craving, hunger, hope, aspira-
blustery, gusty, wild, stormy, squally.
tion, aim, ambition, dream; informol
- oPPOSTTES still. hankering, yen. 2 her porents' wishes
wing noun 1 part, section, side, annexe, request, requirement, bidding, instruc-
extension. 2 faction, camp, caucus, tion, direction, demand, order, com-
arm, branch, group, section, set. mand, want, desire, will.
a verb 1 fly, glide, soar. 2 wound, n wish for desire, want, hope for,
graze, hit. covet, dream of, long for, yearn for,
wink verb 1 blink, flutter, bat. 2 spar- crave, hunger for, aspire to, set your
kle, twinkle, flash, glitter, gleam, shine, heart on, seek, fancy, hanker after;
scintillate. informolhave a yen for.
winner noun victor, champion, wistful adjective nostalgic, yearn-
conqueror, medallist; informol champ, ing, longing, forlorn, melancholy,
top dog. sad, mournful, pensive, reflective,
- oPPoSITES loser. contemplative.
wit -+ woman 464

wit noun t he needed oll his wits to restrain, contain.

escope intelligence, shrewdness, -OPPOSITES release.
astuteness, cleverness. canniness, withstand yerb resist, weather, survive,
sense, judgement, acumen, insight, endure, cope with, stand, tolerate,
brains, mind; informolnous. 2 wit- bear, defy, brave, hold out against.
tiness, humour, drollery, repartee, witness noun observer, onlooker,
badinage, banter, wordplay, jokes,
eyewitness, spectator, viewer, watcher,
witticisms, quips, puns. 3 comedian, bystander, passer-by.
humorist, comic, joker; informol wag.
) verb 1 see, observe, watch, view,
witch noun sorceress, enchantress, hex. notice, spot, be present at, attend.
witchcraft noun sorcery, (black) 2 countersign, sign, endorse, validate.
magic, wizardry, spells, incantations, witty odjec tive humorous, amusing,
necromancy, Wicca. droll, funny, comic, jocular, sparkling,
withdraw yerb 1 remove, extract, scintillating, entertaining, clever,
pull out, take out, take back. 2 abol- quick-witted.
ish, cancel, lift, set aside, end, stop, wizard noun 1 sorcerer, warlock,
Temove, reverse, revoke, rescind, magus, (black) magician, enchanter.
repeal, annul.3 retract, take back, go 2 genius, expert, master, virtuoso,
back on, recant, repudiate, renounce, maestro, marvel; informol hotshot,
back down, climb down, backtrack, whizz-kid; Brit. informol dab hand;
back-pedal, do a U-turn, row back, N. Amer. informol maven.
eat your words. 4 retreat, pull out of, wobble verbl rock, sway, see-saw,
evacuate, quit, leave. 5 retire, retreat, teeter, jiggle, shake. 2 teeter, totter,
adjourn, decamp, leave, depart, absent stagger, lurch, waddle. 3 her voice wob.
yourself; formol repair.
shake, quiver, quaver,
- OPPOSITES insert, enter.
#:3.T"-r'",
withdrawal noun 1 removal, aboli- wobbly odjective 1 unsteady, unstable,
tion, cancellation, discontinuation, shaky, rocky, ricl<ety, unsafe, precari-
termination, elimination. 2 departure, ous; informol wonky. 2 shaky, quivery,
pull-out, exit, exodus, evacuation, weak, unsteady; informol like jelly.
retreat. opposttrs stable.
-
withdrawn o dj e ctive introverted, woe noun 1 misery, sorrow, distress,
unsociable, Inhibited, uncommunica- sadness, unhappiness, heartache,
tive, unforthcoming, quiet, reticent, heartbreak, despair, adversity, mis-
reserved, retiring, private, reclusive, fortune, disaster, suffering, hardship.
distant, shy, timid. 2 fi no nciol woes trouble, difficulty,
- OPPOSITES outgoing. problem, trial, tribulation, misfortune,
wither verb 1 shrivel (up), dry up, wilt, setback, reveIse.
droop, go limp, fade, perish. 2 waste - oPPoSlTEs joy.
(away), shrivel (up), shrink, atrophy. woeful odjective 1 sad, unhappy, sor-
3 diminish, dwindle, shrink, lessen, rowful, miserable, gloomy, doleful,
fade, wane, evaporate, disappear. plaintive, wretched. 2 dreadful, awful,
- OPPoSITES thrive. terrible, atrocious, disgraceful, deplor-
withering odjective scorntul, contemp- able, hopeless, lamentable; informol
tuous, scathing, stinging. rotten, appalling, pathetic, pitiful,
withhold verb t hold back, keep back, lousy, abysmal, dire; Bdf. informol duff,
refuse to give, retain, hold on to, hide, chronic.
conceal, keep secret; informol sit on. - oPPoSITES cheerful, excellent.
2 suppress, repress, hold back, fight woman noun lady, female; Scottrsh &
back, choke back, control, check, N. English lass; /rish colleen; informol
 womanly -+ work

chick; N. Amer. informolsister, dame, flat, clumsy, graceless, inelegant.

broad: Austrol.f NZ informol sheila liter- 3 expressionless, impassive, poker-
ory damsel. faced, emotionless, blank, vacant,
fwono rrruxs unresponsive, Iifeless.
female, feminine relatinq to women wool noun fleece, hair, coat.
I gyn"".ology branch of medicine woolly odjective 1 woollen, wool.
concerning women 2 fleecy, shaggy, hairy, fluffy. 3 vague,
ill-defi ned, hazy, unclear, f uzzy, indefv
misogyny hatred of women
nite, confused, muddled.
womanly odjective 1 feminine, female. word noun 1 term, name, expression,
2 voluptuous, curvaceous, shapely, designation. 2 remark, comment,
ample, buxom, full-fi gured; informol observation, statement, utterance.
curvy, busty. 3 script, lines, lyrics, libretto. 4 I give
- oPPoSITES manly, boyish. you my word promise, assurance,
wonder noun 1 awe, admiration, guarantee, undertaking, pledge, vow,
fascination, surprise, astonishment, oath, bond. 5 talk, conversation, chat,
amazement. 2 the wonders of noture tAte-e-tete, heart-to-heart, one-to-one,
marvel, miracle, phenomenon, sensa- discussion; informol confab. 6 there s
tion, spectacle, beauty, curiosity. no word from the hospitolnews, infor'
a verb 1 ponder, think about, meditate mation, communication, intelligence,
on, reflect on, muse on, speculate message, report, communiqu6, dis-
about, conjecture, be curious about. patch, bu I letin; literory tidings.
2 marvel, be amazed, be astonished, o verb phrase, express, put, couch,
stand in awe, be dumbfounded; infor- frame, formulate, style.
mol be flabbergasted.
wono lttrtxs
wonderful odjective marvellous,
verbal, lexical relating to words
magnificent, superb, glorious, sublime,
lovely, delightful; informol super, wording noun phrasing, phraseol-
great, fantastic, terrifi c, tremendous, ogy, language, words, expression,
sensational, fabulous, awesome, magic, terminology.
wicked; Brit informol smashing, brilliant; wordy odjective long-winded, verbose,
N. Amer. informol peachy, dandy, neat; lengthy, rambling, garrulous, voluble;
Austrol.l NZ informol beaut, bonzer. informal windy: Brit. informol waffly.
woo verb 1 pay court to, pursue, chase; - oPPostTEs succinct.
doted court, romance, seek the hand work noun 1 labour, toil, slog, drudg-
of. 2 seek, pursue, curry favour with, ery, exertion, effort, industry; informol
try to win, try to attract, try to culti- grind, sweat; Brit. informolgraft; o/d use
vate.3 entice, tempt, coax, persuade, travail. 2 employment, job, post, posi-
wheedle, seduce; informol sweet-talk. tion, situation, occupation, profession,
wood noun 1 timber, planks, logs; career, vocation, calling. 3 tasks, jobs,
N. Amer. lumber. 2 forest, woodland, duties, assignments, projects, chores.
trees, copse, coppice, grove; Brit. 4 composition, piece, creation, opus;
spinney. (works) oeuvTe, canon.
lwono rrruxs - OPPoSITES leisure.
a verb 1 labour, toil, exert yourself,
Ilisn"9!1|..!!ryfg*9od slave (away); informol slog (away),
wooded o djective f orested, afforested, beaver away; Brit. informol graft. 2 be
tree-covered ; litero ry sylv an. employed, have a job, earn your living,
wooden adjective I wood, timber. do business.3 function, go, run, oper-
2 stilted, stiff, unnatural, awkward, ate.4 operate, use, handle, control,
worker -+ worthwhile

run, manipulate.5 succeed, turn out informolin a stew, in a flap.

well, go as planned, get results, be - OPPOSITES carefree.
effective; informal come off, pay off, do worry verb 1 be anxious, be concerned,
the trick. 6 achieve, accomplish, bring fret, agonize, brood, panic, lose sleep,
about, produce, perform. get worl<ed up: informolget in a flap,
- OPPOSITES rest, fail. get in a state.2 trouble, bother, make
o work out 1 calculate, compute, anxious, disturb, distress, upset, con-
reckon up, determine. 2 understand, cern, unsettle, perturb, scare, prey on
comprehend, puzzle out, sort out, someone's mind; informol bug, get to.
make sense ol get to the bottom ol a noun 1 anxiety, distress, concern,
make head or tail of, unravel, decipher, unease, disquiet, nerves, agitation,
decode; informol figure out; Brit. infor' edginess, tension, apprehension,
mol suss out. 3 devise, formulate, draw fear, misgiving. 2 problem, cause for
up, put together, develop, construct, concern, nuisance, pest, trial, trouble,
arrange, organize, contrive, concoct. bane, bugbear; informol pain, head-
worker noun employee, member of ache, hassle.
staff, workman, labourer, hand, opera. worsen verb 1 aggravate, add to, inten-
tor, operative, agent, wage-earner, sify, increase, compound, magnify,
breadwinner, proletarian. heighten, inflame, exacerbate. 2 dete-
workshoP noun 1 workroom, studio, riorate, degenerate, decline; informol
factory, works, plant, industrial unit. go downhill.
2 study group, discussion group, - OPPOSITES improve.
seminar, forum, class. WorshiP noun 1 reverence, veneration,
world noun 1 earth, globe, planet, adoration, glorifi cation, exaltation,
sphere. 2 sphere, society, circle, arena, devotion, praise, thanksgiving, hom-
milieu, province, domain, preserve, age, honour.2 service, rite, prayer,
realm, field. 3 (the world) everyone, praise, devotion, observance.
people, mankind, humankind, human- a verb 1 revere, pray to, pay homage
ity, the public, all and sundry. to, honour, adore, venerate, praise,
worldly odjecfive 1 earthly, terrestrial, glorify, exalt. 2 love, cherish, treasure,
temporal, mundane, mortal, human, hold dear, esteem, adulate, idolize,
material, physical. 2 sophisticated, deify, hero-worship, Iionize; informol
experienced, worldly-wise, knowledge- put on a pedestal.
able, knowing, enlightened, mature, worth noun 1 value, price, cost,
seasoned, cosmopolitan, urbane, valuation, estimate. 2 benefit, good,
cultured. advantage, use, value, virtue, desirabil-
- OPPOSITES spiritual, naive. ity, sense.
worldwide odjective global, inter- worthless odjective 1 valueless, of
national, intercontinental, universal, no value; informol trashy. 2 useless,
ubiquitous. pointless, meaningless, senseless,
- oPPOSITES local. inconsequential, ineffective, ineffec-
worn odjective shabby, worn out, tual, fruitless, unproductive, unavail-
threadbare, in tatters, falling to pieces, ing, valueless. 3 good-for-nothing,
ragged, frayed, moth-eaten, scruffy, ne'er-do-well, useless, despicable,
having seen better days. contemptible, degenerate; i nformol
- OPPOSITES new, smart. no-good, lousy.
worried odjective anxious, troubled, - oPPostTES valuable, useful.
bothered, concerned, uneasy, fretful, worthwhile odjective valuable, useful,
agitated, nervous, edgy, tense, appre- of service, beneficial, rewarding, advan-
hensive, fearful, afraid, frightened; Brif. tageous, positive, helpful, profitable,
461 worthy + wrong

gainful, fruitful, productive, construc- wrench verb 1 tug, pull, jerk, wrest,
tive, effective. heave, twist, force, prise; N. Amer. pry;
worthy adjective good, righteous, informol yank. 2 sprain, twist, turn,
virtuous, moral, ethical, upright, strain, rick, crick.
respectable, upstanding, high-minded, wrestle verb grapple, fight, struggle,
principled, reputable, decent. scuffle, tussle, brawl; informol scrap.
- oPPoslTES disreputable. wretched adjective 1 miserable,
o noun dignitary, personage, grandee, unhappy, sad, heartbroken, grief-
VIB notable, pillar of society, luminary, stricken, distressed, desolate,
leading light; inlormol bigwig. devastated, disconsolate, downcast,
would-be odjective aspiring, budding, dejected, depressed, melancholy,
promising, prospective, potential, forlorn. 2 harsh, hard, grim, difficult,
hopeful, keen, eagel ambitious; infor' poor, pitiful, piteous, pathetic, tragic,
mol wannabe. miserable, bleak, cheerless, hopeless,
wound noun 1 injury, cut, gash, lacera' sorry, sordld; informol crummy.
tion, graze, scratch, abrasion, puncture, - oPPoslTEs cheerful, comfortable.
lesion; Medicine trauma. 2 insult, blow, wriggle verb squirm, writhe, wiggle,
slight, offence, affront, hurt, damage, thresh, flounder, flail, twitch, twist and
injury. turn, snake, worm.
a verb 1 injure, hurt, harm, lacerate, o wriggle out of avoid, shirk, dodge,
cut, graze, gash, stab, slash. 2 her words evade, sidestep, escape; informol duck.
wounded him hurt, offend, affront, wrinkle noun crease, fold, pucker, line,
distress, grieve, pain. crinkle, furrow, ridge, groove; informol
wrap verb 1 enclose, enfold, envelop, crow's feet.
encase, cover, fold, wind, swathe, bun- o verb crease, pucker, gather, crinkle,
dle, swaddle.2 pack, package, parcel crumple, rumple, ruck up, scrunch up.
up, bundle (up). gift-wrap. write verb 1 put in writing, put down,
o noun shawl, stole, cloak, cape, jot down, note (down), take down,
mantle, scarf. record, inscribe, sign, scribble, scrawl,
wrath noun anger, rage, temper, fury, pen, pencil. 2 compose, draft, think
outrage, spleen, resentment, (high) up, formulate, compile, pen, dash off,
dudgeon, indignation; literory ire. produce. 3 correspond, communicate,
- OPPOSITES haPPiness. get in touch, keep in contact; informal
wreath noun garland, circlet, chaplet, drop someone a line.
crown, festoon, lei, ring, loop, circle. writer noun author, wordsmith; lnfor-
wreathe verb 1 festoon, garland, mol scribbler, scribe, pen-pusher, hack.
drape, cover, deck, decorate, orna- writhe verb squirm, wriggle, thrash,
ment, adorn. 2 spiral, coil, loop, wind, flail, toss, twist.
curl, twist, snake. writing noun t handwriting, hand,
wreck noun 1 shipwreck, sunken script, calllgraphy, lettering, print,
ship, hull. 2 wreckage, debris, ruins, printing; informol scribble, scrawl.
remains, burnt-out shell. 2 written work, compositions, books,
o verb 1 destroy, break, demolish, papers, articles, essays,
crash, smash up, write off; N. Amer. B::J:j],",',
informoltrash, total. 2 ruin, spoil, WORD LINKS
disrupt, undo, put a stop to, frustrate,
blight, crush, dash, destroy, scotch,
nr.'ri""r"nr'raar"ft,..a*r,t'.n I

shatter, devastate, sabotage; informol wrong odjective 1 incorrect, mistal<en,

mess up, screw up, put paid to, stYmie; erroneous, inaccurate, wide of the
Brit. informol scupper. mark, inexact, imprecise; informol off
wrongdoeP wrongdoer
beam, out. 2 inappropriate, unsuita- evil, illegality, unlawfulness, crime, cor-
ble, ill-advised, ill-considered, ill-judged, ruption, villainy, dishonesty, injustice,
unwise, infelicitous; informol out of misconduct, transgression. 2 misdeed,
order. 3 bad, dishonest, illegal, unlaw- offence, injury, crime, transgression,
ful, illicit, criminal, corrupt, unethical, sin, injustice, outrage, atrocity.
immoral, wicked, sinful, iniquitous, - oPPostTES right.
nefarious, reprehensible; informol a verb mistreat, ill-use, ill-treat, do an
crooked. 4 amiss, awry, out of order, injustice to, abuse, harm, hurt, injure.
nol. right. defective, faull.y. wrongdoer noun offender, lawbreaker,
- OPPOSITES right, correct. criminal, felon, delinquent, villain,
a odverb incorrectly, wrongly, inac. culprit, evil-doer, sinner, transgressor,
curately, erroneously, mistakenly. malefactor, miscreant, rogue, scoun.
a noun 1 immorality, sin, wickedness, drel; informol crook, wrong 'un.
 yank -+ youthful

Yy
yank verb & noun (informol) jerk, pull, o noun profit, gain, return, dividend,
tug, wrench. earnings.
yardstick noun standard, measure, yob, yobbo noun (Brit. informol) lout,
gauge, scale, guide, guideline, indica- thug, hooligan, tearaway, vandal,
tor, test, touchstone, barometer, ruffian, troublemaker; Austro/. larril<in;
criterion, benchmark. informol tough, bruiser, yahoo; Brit.
yarn noun thread, cotton, wool, fibre, informal lager lout; Scottish informol
ned.
filament.
yawning odjective gaping, wide, cav-
yokel noun rustic, bumpkin, peasant,
provincial; N. Amer. informol hayseed,
ernous, deep, huge, vast.
hillbilly, hick.
yearly odverb annually, once a year, per
young odjective 1 youthful, juvenile,
annum, each/every year. junior, adolescent, teenage. in your
yearn verb long, pine, crave, desire, salad days. 2 immature, childish, inex-
want, wish, hanker, covet, hunger, perienced, naive, green, wet behind the
thirst, ache; informol itch. ears.3 o young industry new, fledgling,
yell verb shout, cry out, howl, wail, developing, budding, in its infancY,
scream, shriek, screech, yelp, squeal, emerging, in the making.
roar, bawl; informol holler. - oPPostrES old, mature.
yellow odjective golden, gold, blonde, o noun offspring, progeny, family,
fair, flaxen, lemon, primrose, mustard. babies, litter, brood.
yes odverb certainly, very well, of youngster noun child, teenager, ado-
course, by all means, sure, all right, lescent, youth, juvenile, minor, junior,
absolutely, indeed, affirmative, agreed, boy, girl; Scottish & Aj. Engiish lass,
roger; Scottish & tV. English aye; informol lassie: informoi lad. kid. whippersnap-
yeah, yep; Brit. informol righto. per, teen.
- OPPOSITES no. youth noun 1 early years, teens,
yield uerb 1 produce, bear. give, adolescence, boyhood, girlhood, child-
provide, afford, return, bring in, earn. hood, minority. 2 young man, boY,
juvenile, teenager, adolescent, junior,
realize, generate, deliver, PaY out.
2 surrender, capitulate, submit, admit mlnor; informol lad, kid.
defeat. back down, give in, cave in. youthful odjective young, boyish, girl-
raise the white flag, throw in the towel, ish, fresh{aced, young-looking, spry,
give up the struggle. sprightly, vigorous. ac live.
- oPPoslTES withhold, resist. - oPPoslTES elderly.
zany + zoom 470

Zz
zatty odjective eccentric, odd, uncon- zenith noun high point, crowning
ventional, bizarre, weird, mad, crazy, point, height, top, acme, peak, pin-
comic, madcap, quirky, idiosyncratic; nacle, apex, apogee, crown, crest,
informal wacl<y, oddball, off the wall; summit, culmination, climax.
Brit. informol daft; N. Amer. informol - OPPOSITES nadir.
kooky.
zeto noun nought, nothing, nil,0: infor.
- oPPostTES conventional.
mol zilch: o/d use naught.
zeal noun enthusiasm, passion, ardour,
zest noun enthusiasm, gusto, relish,
fervour, fervency, fire, devotion, gusto,
appetite, eagerness, keenness, zeal,
vigour, energy, vehemence, intensity,
passion, energy, liveliness.
eagerness, fanaticism.
- OPPoSITES apathy. zlgzag verb twist, meander, snake,
zealot noun fanatic, enthusiast, extrem- wind, weave, swerve.
ist, radical, diehard, activist, militant. zone noun area, sector, section, belt,
zealous odjective ardent, fervent, stretch, region, territory, district, quar-
passionate, impassioned, enthusiastic, ter, neighbourhood.
devoted, committed, dedicated, eager, zoom verb (informol) hurry, rush, dash,
keen, avid, vehement, intense, fierce, race, speed, sprint, career, shoot, hur-
fa natica l. tle, hare, fly; informol tear, belt, whizz;
- OPPOSITES apathetic. Brit. informolbomb.
Oxford Quick Reference

The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature

Dinah Birch and Katy Hooper

Based on the best-sellin g Oxford Componion to English Literoture, this is

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Review of the parent volume:

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A Dictionary of Shakespeare
Stanley Wells

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The Oxford Dictionary of titerary Terms

Chris Baldick

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The Oxford Companion to Charles Dickens

edited by Paul Schlicke

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This Companion brings together a wealth of information about the

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History Todoy

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SIXTH EDITION
Edited by Susan Ratcliffe

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