title Flashcards
objective
protégé
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person
unsubstantiated
not supported by evidence
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered
diffuse
spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
envision
imagine as a future possibility; visualize
tawny
of an orange-brown or yellowish-brown color
behoove
it is a duty for someone to do something
overhaul
a thorough examination of a system with changes made if necessary
breach
make a gap in and break through
abrasion
an area damaged by scraping or wearing away
annal
chronological record
bandit
a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area
introspection
the examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes
trinket
a small item of little value
suppress
forcibly put an end to
whirlwind
used to describe a very energetic or tumultuous person or process
garish
obtrusively bright and showy; lurid
impermanent
not permanent
misguided
showing faulty judgment
expropriate
take away property from its owner
evergreen
retaining freshness and interest
tumultuous
excited, confused, disorderly
confidant
a person with whom one shares a private matter
conversant
familiar with or knowledgeable about something
suboptimal
of less than the highest standard
fruition
the point at which a plan or project is realized
uptick
a small increase
disfavor
treat someone or something with disapproval
touchstone
a standard by which something is judged
faineant
lazy, idle
formative
serving to form something, especially having a profound and lasting influence on a person’s development
tacit
understood or implied without being stated
magnify
make something appear larger than it is
jaded
tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, especially after having had too much of something
geriatric
relating to old people, especially in regard to their healthcare
pushback
a negative or unfavorable reaction
modernity
the quality of being modern
suggestible
easily swayed
rationalize
attempt to explain or justify with logical, plausible reasons, even if they’re not true
stipulate
demand or specify a requirement, typically as part of a bargain or agreement
equipoise
balances of forces or interests
good-natured
kind, friendly, and patient
supernumerary
present in excess of the normal or requisite number
emasculate
deprive a man of his male role or identity
quandary
a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation
dispositive
relating to the settlement of an issue
muse
a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist
draconian
(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe
epistolary
relating to the writing of letters
orator
a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled
splinter
separate into smaller units, typically as a result of disagreement
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree
evince
reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling)
inapt
not suitable in the circumstances
mulish
stubborn
urbane
courteous and refined in manner
quash
put an end to; suppress
charade
an absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant appearance
willful
intentional; deliberate
furtive
attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive
reparation
the making of amends for a wrong one has done
elegy
a poem of serious reflection
minutiae
the small, precise, trivial details of something
brunt
the worst part or chief impact of a specified thing; the principal force, shock, or stress
actionable
giving sufficient reason to take legal action
probe
physically explore or examine something
lavish
sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious; bestow something in generous quantities on
increasingly
to an increasing extent
decedent
a person who has died
entourage
a group of people surrounding an important person
pablum
bland intellectual fare
reprisal
an act of retaliation
astringent
slightly acidic or bitter
crucible
a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new
shirk
avoid or neglect a duty
irascible
tendency to be easily angered
dislodge
knock or force out of position; remove from a position of power
elapse
to slip or pass by
optics
the way in which something is seen by the public
efface
make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous
distasteful
offensive
forcible
done by force
unsanctioned
lacking effective or authoritative approval or consent
paradox
a logically self-contradictory statement
indelible
not able to be forgotten
stalwart
loyal, reliable, and hardworking; a loyal, reliable, and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization or team
pinnacle
the most successful point
unconscionable
not right or reasonable
relinquish
voluntarily cease to keep or claim; withdraw or retreat from
wordsmith
a person who has skill with using words
teeter
be unable to decide between different courses; waver
cognizable
perceptible; clearly identifiable
inequitable
unfair; unjust
slosh
move irregularly with a splashing sound
dismay
distress, typically that caused by something unexpected
zilch
nothing
ineffectual
not producing any or the desired effect
dalliance
a casual romantic or sexual relationship
trajectory
the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces
retroactively
with effect from a date in the past
siege
a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside
unseemly
not proper or appropriate
coup
a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from government
incorrigible
(of a person) not able to be corrected
laconic
using very few words
deranged
insane
avid
characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit
amnesty
a general pardon for offenses
predispose
make someone inclined to a specific attitude, action, or condition
facilitate
to make something easier
litany
repetitive series (e.g., he has a litany of grievances against his former employer)
enfeeble
make weak or feeble
anemic
suffering from anemia
labyrinth
maze
truculent
easily annoyed and always ready to argue
disclaim
refuse to acknowledge
toothless
lacking effectiveness
adaptable
able to adjust to new conditions
recompense
compensate
calibrate
adjust to take external factors into account or to allow comparison with other data
disavow
deny any responsibility or support for
hiatus
a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process
reel
lose one’s balance and stagger violently
mastery
comprehensive knowledge in a subject or accomplishment
soured
having become bitter
dizzying
causing someone to feel unsteady, confused, or amazed
per se
by itself; intrinsically
gainfully
in a way that serves to increase wealth or resources
stochastic
randomly determined
acrimonious
(of speech or a debate) angry and bitter
repository
a place where things are stored
inflect
vary the pitch of the voice; change the form of a word to express a particular grammatical function
relic
an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest
crude
in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined; offensively coarse (rude) or explicit
prosperity
the condition of being successful or thriving
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
scathing
severely critical
prolific
present in large numbers or quantities
trailblazing
innovative, pioneering
hivemind
an entity consisting of a large number of people who share their knowledge or opinions with one another, regarded as producing either uncritical conformity or collective intelligence
tacit
understood or implied without being stated
cavort
apply oneself enthusiastically to sexual or disreputable pursuits
exaltation
a state of extreme happiness
unwittingly
unintentionally
ornate
made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns
poise
graceful and elegant bearing in a person
concur
to agree
feral
in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity
meander
wander aimlessly
utopian
idealistic
captive
imprisoned or confined
viability
ability to work successfully
intrepid
brave
defeatist
a person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure
calculated
done with full awareness of the likely consequences
insatiable
impossible to satisfy
invocation
the action of invoking something or someone for assistance
bashful
reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy
beget
give rise to
empower
give someone the authority or power to do something; make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life
pawn
a person used by others for their own purposes
vaunt
boast about or praise something, especially excessively
spineless
lacking resolution; weak and purposeless
diminution
a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something
fastidious
very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
optical
relating to sight
bungle
carry out a task clumsily or incompetently
coax
gently and persistently persuade someone to do something
foment
instigate or stir up
pious
devoutly religious
accost
approach someone boldly or aggressively
mind-numbing
so intense as to prevent normal thought
skirmish
an episode of unpremeditated fighting
fortuitous
happening by accident rather than design
self-revelation
disclosure of one’s character or motives, especially inadvertently
spurt
gush out in a sudden and forceful stream
interrelate
relate to one another
tarnish
lose or cause to lose luster
solace
comfort in a time of distress
beleaguered
in a very difficult situation
drab
lacking brightness or interest
infidelity
the action of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner
pleonasm
the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning, either as a fault of style or for emphasis (e.g., “see with one’s eyes”)
shafted
cheat or trick someone, or treat someone unfairly
banish
send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment
compelling
evoking interest, attention, or admiration; not able to be refuted
exhortative
serving to exhort
patronizing
apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority
abode
a place of residence
resounding
unmistakable
controvert
deny the truth of something
unmitigated
absolute
fine-tune
make small adjustments to something to achieve the best performance
atrocity
an extremely cruel attack, typically one involving physical violence or injury
gloat
contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness
crestfallen
disappointed, sad
makeshift
serving as a temporary substitute
miscreant
a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law
acrid
having an unpleasant taste or smell
benefactor
a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause
harbor
shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person); keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly
simulacrum
a representation of someone or something
flaunt
display ostentatiously
nativism
the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
forge
create (a relationship)
motley
incongruously varied in appearance or character
indignant
showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
unsuspecting
not aware of the presence of danger
subsist
maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level
risqué
slightly indecent and liable to shock, especially by being sexually suggestive
veiled
expressed in an indirect way
dissension
disagreement
teem
be full of or swarming with
transient
lasting only for a short time
fora
plural of forum
discordant
disagreeing
gimmick
a trick intended to attract attention, publicity, or business
stalwart
loyal, reliable, hardworking
granular
highly detailed
botch
carry out a task poorly or carelessly
arrears
money that is owed and should have been paid earlier
interlocutor
a person who takes part in a dialogue
unavailing
achieving little or nothing
pedantic
like a pedant
lobotomize
to perform a lobotomy on
prelude
an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important
insurmountable
too great to be overcome
emodiversity
a balance of different emotions
existential
relating to existence
pithy
concise and forcefully expressive
steadfast
resolutely firm
conciliate
placate, pacify
nakedly
blatantly; without concealing anything
profess
claim that one has a quality or feeling, especially when this is not the case
flatulent
gassy
judicious
done with good judgment
breadth
wide range or extent
upend
set something upside down
extract
remove
fair-minded
impartial in judgment
bristle
be covered with or abundant in
imperious
assuming power or authority without justification
adulation
excessive admiration or praise
erudite
having or showing great knowledge or learning
slated
planned or scheduled
desensitized
having been made less sensitive
contrition
feeling remorseful and penitent
stray
move away aimlessly from a group
caliber
the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability
visceral
relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; relating to the internal organs of the body
ingest
absorb (information)
dazzled
amazed or overwhelmed with a particular impressive quality
disenchantment
a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired
busk
perform music or other entertainment in the street or another public place for monetary donations
vigilante
a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be inadequate
penitentiary
a prison for people convicted of serious crimes
disparage
regard as being of little worth
evade
avoid giving a direct answer to a question
extrapolate
extend the application of to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue
flex
put a skill to use
happenstance
coincidence
misconstrue
interpret wrongly
vilify
speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
caveat
a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations
codicil
an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one
impetus
the force that makes something happen
zonked
exhausted; under the influence of drugs or alcohol
nonstarter
a person, plan, or idea that has no chance of succeeding
ungainly
(of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy
shortsighted
lacking imagination or foresight
inexorable
impossible to stop
disarm
allay hostility/suspicion
grandstand
act or speak in a way intended to attract attention and to influence the opinion of people who are watching
weaponize
adapt for use as a weapon
side-eye
a sidelong glance expressing disapproval
revocation
official cancellation of a decision or promise
post hoc
done after the event, especially with reference to the fallacious assumption that the occurrence in question has a logical relationship with the event it follows
earmark
designate funds for a particular purpose
sizable
fairly large
topple
cause to become unsteady and fall
incredulity
the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something
torrid
very hot and dry
instrumental
serving as a means of pursuing an aim
oblique
not stated directly
truncate
shorten the duration or extent of
transfix
cause someone to become motionless with horror, wonder, or astonishment
limelight
the focus of public attention
brisk
active, fast, and energetic
diffident
modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
precarious
not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse
inconsequential
not important or significant
inadvertently
unintentionally
categorical
unambiguously explicit and direct
subjective
based on personal opinions and feelings rather than facts
dismantle
take to pieces
shrewd
showing sharp powers of judgment
ridicule
subject someone to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior
sham
something that’s not what it’s purported to be
extirpate
root out and destroy completely
materialize
become actual fact; happen
bustling
full of activity
fragility
the quality of being easily broken, delicate, vulnerable
restitution
the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner
premeditated
planned beforehand
gushing
effusive
resourcefulness
the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
moratorium
a temporary prohibition of an activity. In a legal context, temporary suspension of a law to allow a legal challenge to be carried out
florid
excessively intricate
prospect
the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring
perturbed
feeling anxiety or concern
ravishing
delightful; entrancing
idealize
regard as perfect or better than in reality
vandalize
destroy/damage public/private property
erratic
not even or regular in pattern of movement; unpredicted
acquaint
make someone familiar with
gaunt
lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age
overlook
fail to notice something
obliquely
indirectly
mishap
an unlucky accident
semblance
the outward appearance or apparent form of something, esp. when the reality is different
sunder
split apart
unhurried
moving, acting, or taking place without haste or urgency
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree; in proportion to
co-opt
adopt an idea or policy for one’s own use
embroil
involve someone deeply in an argument
bypass
go past
far-reaching
having important and widely applicable effects or implications
impinge
have an effect on, especially a negative one
fallacious
based on a mistaken belief
efficacy
the ability to produce a desired or intended result
obviate
remove a need or difficulty
render
cause to be or become
subliminal
below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; affecting someone’s mind without their being aware of it
jovial
cheerful and friendly
imitative
following a model or example
duly
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; as might be expected or predicted
clandestine
kept secret, especially because illicit
evasive
tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly
pliable
easily bent; easily influenced
unswerving
steady, constant
betray
unintentionally reveal; be evidence of
weary
cause to become tired
wheelhouse
one’s area of expertise
quintessential
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
inebriated
intoxicated
immaculate
perfectly neat and clean
gratuitous
uncalled for, lacking good reason
harangue
a lengthy, aggressive speech
alas
an expression of grief, pity, or concern
stagger
walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall
bombast
high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people
constable
a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town
finagle
obtain something by devious or dishonest means
galvanize
shock or excite into taking action
mendacious
lying
remiss
lacking care or attention to duty; negligent
marginal
small or not very important
recede
move further away from a previous position
typify
be a representative example of
rehash
put old ideas or material into a new form without significant change or improvement
frenetic
fast and energetic in a wild and uncontrolled way
scant
barely sufficient or adequate
derive
obtain something from
zenith
the time at which something is most powerful or successful
mediocre
of only moderate quality
squabble
a noisy quarrel over something trivial
terse
abrupt
enclave
a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it
decisively
in a manner that settles an issue convincingly or produces a definite result
supposition
an uncertain belief
dub
give an unofficial name or nickname to
tic
an idiosyncratic and habitual feature of a person’s behavior
hypochondriac
a person who is abnormally anxious about their health
canonical
conforming to a general rule
impute
represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute
blackmail
demand money or another benefit from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them
sweeping
wide in range or effect
duress
the act of using force, false imprisonment, coercion, threats, or psychological pressure to compel someone to act contrary to their wishes or interests
kindred
one’s family and relations
negligible
so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant
grit
courage and resolve; strength of character
quarrel
a heated argument or disagreement
tender
to present for acceptance
conscientious
wishing to do what is right, esp. to do one’s work well and thoroughly
bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
stipulation
a condition or requirement that is specified as part of an agreement
humility
humbleness
subsidiary
less important than but related or supplementary to something
titled
(of a person) having a title indicating high social or official rank
insignia
a badge or distinguishing mark of military rank, office, or membership of an organization; an official emblem
hedge
limit or qualify by conditions or exceptions
cognition
Cognition – the mental action or process
insistent
insisting or demanding something; regular and repeated, and demanding attention
incantation
a series of words said as a magic spell
imbue
permeate with (a feeling or quality)
trounce
defeat heavily in a contest
hybrid
mixture
import
the meaning or significance of something, especially when not directly stated
wane
decrease in vigor, power, or extent
improvident
not showing foresight; thoughtless
effuse
talk in an unrestrained, excited manner
mum
keeping quiet
apex
the highest part of something, especially one forming a point
handsomely
substantially
memento
an object kept as a reminder of a person or event
resultant
occurring as a result of something
senseless
lacking common sense
depraved
morally corrupt; wicked
antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
polymath
a person of wide-ranging knowledge
defy
openly resist; challenge someone to do or prove something
bevy
a large group of people/things
doggedly
in a manner that shows tenacity and grim persistence
nifty
particularly skillful or effective; stylish
prudent
acting with or showing care and thought for the future
cataclysmic
used to emphasize the extent of something bad or unwelcome
palatial
relating to a palace
scant
barely sufficient
ward
a separate room in a hospital, typically one allocated to a particular type of patient
reclaim
retrieve or recover something previously lost, given, or paid
zealot
a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals
slipshod
characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization
unhinged
mentally unbalanced
lampoon
publicly criticize by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm
squelch
a soft sucking sound made when pressure is applied to liquid or mud
ipse dixit
a dogmatic and unproven statement
albatross
a psychological burden that feels like a curse
enigma
a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
imposing
grand and impressive in appearance
rash
displaying a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action
carnage
the killing of a large number of people
dapple
mark with spots
woefully
in a manner expressing sorrow or misery
unflappable
showing calmness in a crisis
repose
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility
convoluted
extremely complex and difficult to follow
instigate
bring about or initiate
mendacity
untruthfulness
conundrum
a confusing and difficult problem or question
inconsolable
not able to be comforted or alleviated
trivialize
make something seem less important, significant, or complex than it actually is
unveil
show or announce publicly for the first time
caustic
sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
mirage
something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so. An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air
impertinent
not showing proper respect, rude; irrelevant
swift
happening promptly
inordinate
unusually or disproportionately large; excessive
au fait
having good knowledge of
ostensibly
apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually
deliberative
intended for consideration or discussion
necessitate
make necessary
wide-ranging
covering an extensive range
dispassionate
not influenced by strong emotion
sputter
make a series of soft, explosive sounds, typically when being heated or as a symptom of a fault
stim
to engage in repetitive physical movements or articulated noises, often in reaction to a mental or emotional state: especially common in young children and those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder
prequel
a story or movie containing events that precede those of an existing work
stupendous
extremely impressive
hubris
excessive pride or self-confidence
steel
mentally prepare oneself to do or face something difficult
indivisible
unable to be divided or separated
descend
move or fall downward
legion
great in number
debased
reduced in quality/value
tawdry
showy but cheap and of poor quality
congruent
in agreement or harmony
pique
stimulate interest
splay
thrust or spread out
dystopian
denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
precipitate
cause to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
duty-bound
morally or legally obliged to do something
power grab
to obtain control over something in an opportunistic way
succinct
briefly and clearly expressed
amble
walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace
slate
criticize severely
amalgamation
the action of combining or uniting
ordain
make someone a priest or minister
err
be mistaken or incorrect
resurface
come back up to the surface
reverberate
be repeated several times as an echo
debrief
a series of questions about a completed mission
nullity
an act or thing that is legally void; a thing of no importance or worth
gala
a social occasion with special entertainment or performances
cynical
believing that people are motivated by self-interest
inextricable
impossible to escape from
strained
showing signs of tiredness
morose
sullen and ill-tempered
primordial
existing at the beginning of time; basic and fundamental
onslaught
a fierce or destructive attack; a large quantity of people or things that is difficult to deal with
palpable
so intense as to seem almost tangible
ruse
a trick
denizen
an inhabitant or frequenter of a particular place
chicanery
the use of tricks to deceive someone
tactic
a strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end
empathic
showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
preordained
decided beforehand
magisterial
having or showing great authority
tuneful
having a pleasant tune
polemicist
a person who engages in controversial debate
scoundrel
a dishonest person
scapegoat
a person who is blamed for wrongdoings
conflate
combine into one
mounting
increasing, often in a manner that causes anxiety
pundit
an expert in a particular field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public
duplicitous
deceitful
beacon
a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration
ho-hum
used to express boredom
ascribe
attribute something to (a cause)
hyperbole
exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally
diffuse
spread out over a large area
budding
beginning and showing signs of promise in a particular career or field
transgress
go beyond the bounds of
picayune
petty; worthless
fulsome
flattering to an excessive degree; generous or abundant
rigor
extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate
malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
gleam
shine brightly
eclectic
deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
gawk
stare openly and stupidly
stew
a state of great anxiety
cadaverous
resembling a corpse in being very pale, thin, or bony
spirited
full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination
creditable
deserving public acknowledgment and praise but not necessarily outstanding or successful
turbulent
characterized by conflict, disorder, confusion; not controlled or calm
portend
be a sign or warning that something momentous is likely to happen
mangle
severely disfigure or damage
compulsory
required by law or a rule; obligatory
trace
find or discover by investigation
fantastical
based on or existing only in fantasy
institutionalize
keep someone in a residential institution
rift
a crack, split, or break in something
integrate
combine one thing with another
meddle
interfere unwantedly
dynamism
characterized by vigorous activity and progress
practitioner
a person actively engaged in an art, discipline, or profession, especially medicine
vandal
a person who deliberately destroys public or private property
predicate
found or base something on
facile
appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue
beholden
owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service
handily
in a skillful manner; easily
directive
an official instruction
inundate
overwhelm someone with things; flood
voluble
talking fluently, readily, or incessantly
unabashed
not embarrassed or ashamed
envelop
surround completely
myopic
lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight
sustenance
food and drink regarded as a source of strength; the maintaining of someone or something in life or existence
sojourn
a temporary stay
economical
careful not to waste money or resources
proponent
a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
unspoiled
(of a place) not marred by development
notwithstanding
in spite of
inherently
in a permanent, essential or characteristic way
salutation
a gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledgment of another’s arrival or departure
summon
urgently call on someone to be present
innuendo
an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive one
pretext
a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason
emaciated
abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or starvation
showcase
display
twilight
a period of obscurity, ambiguity, or gradual decline
yearn
have an intense feeling of longing for something
devalue
reduce or underestimate the importance of
induction
the process of giving rise to something
cater
provide what someone wants or needs
conjure
call upon (a spirit or ghost) to appear, by means of a magic ritual
widow
a woman who has lost her spouse by death and has not remarried
brusque
abrupt or offhand in speech or manner
endeavor
an attempt to achieve a goal
focused
attentive
prestigious
having high status; inspiring respect
mirth
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
gingerly
in a careful and cautious manner
extant
still existing
proprietary
relating to an owner or ownership
bon vivant
a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle
unnerve
make someone lose courage or confidence
suborn
bribe or induce someone to commit an unlawful act such as perjury
befuddling
confusing or perplexing
recant
say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief
trepidation
a feeling of fear about something that may happen
gnaw
bite at or nibble something persistently; cause persistent and wearing distress
iconic
widely recognized
fusion
the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity
incipient
in an initial stage
hone
refine or perfect something over a period of time
renowned
known or talked about by many people; famous
provocateur
agitator
pry
inquire too closely into a person’s private affairs
presumptive
presumed in the absence of further information
indulge
become involved in (an activity, typically one that is disapproved of); allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of
tangential
diverging from a previous course or line; erratic
unequivocal
leaving no doubt
vis a vis
with regard to
charismatic
exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others
intractable
hard to control or deal with
impulsive
tending to do things suddenly and without careful thought
opinionated
conceitedly assertive and dogmatic in one’s opinions
benighted
in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
bromide
a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to placate
parodic
having the nature of parody
akin
of similar character
foreclose
prevent a course of action
compunction
a feeling of guilt
incandescent
passionate
profusely
to a great degree
flurry
a small swirling mass of something
humility
humbleness
undermine
lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually
apathetic
showing no interest, enthusiasm, or concern
proverbial
well known, especially so as to be stereotypical
pure-minded
having a mind that is free from moral taint or defilement
dutifully
in a conscientious or obedient manner
perpetuate
make something continue indefinitely
double down
strengthen one’s commitment to a particular strategy or course of action, typically one that is potentially risky
transgression
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense
underpinning
a set of ideas, motives, or devices that justify or form the basis for something
impede
hinder
dither
be indecisive
affluence
wealth
estranged
no longer close or affectionate to someone
recalcitrant
having an uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
reservations
implies reluctance
cull
obtain from a variety of sources
non sequitur
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement
vigil
a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep
gander
to look or glance
defile
sully, mar, or spoil
ultraviolent
characterized by extreme acts of violence
juncture
a place where things join; a particular point in time
dignified
having a composed manner that is worthy of respect
shepherd
guide or direct in a particular direction
hamstring
severely restrict the efficiency of
illicit
forbidden by laws, rules, or custom
prideful
having an excessively high opinion of oneself
gripe
complain about something in a persistent, irritating way
volition
the power of using one’s will
centerpiece
an item, issue, etc. intended to be a focus of attention
plummet
drop straight down at a high speed
ironclad
so secure as to be unbreakable
incendiary
designed to cause fires
scruple
a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality of a course of action
abstain
restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something
diminutive
extremely small
brute
a savagely violent person
assemble
gather together in one place for a common purpose
intemperate
showing a lack of self-control
eternal
existing forever
ludicrous
ridiculous
indelicate
having a lack of sensitive understanding or tact
grievous
very severe
triumphant
having won a battle; victorious
interface
a point where two systems, subjects, organizations, etc. meet and interact
serendipitous
occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
truce
an agreement between enemies to stop fighting for a certain time
stupor
a state of near-unconsciousness
gravity
seriousness
behemoth
something enormous, especially a big and powerful organization
parting
done when leaving someone
indeterminate
not exactly known, established, or defined
lecherous
showing excessive sexual desire
shellshock
a state of severe shock
perilous
full of danger or risk
desecrate
to treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect
indoctrinate
teach a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically
summarily
in a summary manner; without the customary formalities
tortious
constituting a tort; wrongful
well-versed
very knowledgeable
loiter
stand or wait around without apparent purpose
capsize
overturn in the water
niche
a suitable position in life or employment; a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service
vestige
a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
air
an impression of a quality given by someone; express an opinion publicly
gush
speak with effusiveness or exaggerated enthusiasm
intimate
imply or hint at
lucid
expressed clearly; bright
stringency
strictness
artifice
clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others
foreboding
a feeling that something bad will happen; implying that something bad will happen
entrancing
capable of attracting and holding interest
consternation
feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
edgy
tense, nervous, irritable; at the forefront of a trend
salvo
a sudden, vigorous, or aggressive act or series of acts
vile
extremely unpleasant
ambivalent
having mixed feelings
exodus
a mass departure of people, especially emigrants
immaterial
unimportant under the circumstances
unbidden
without having been commanded or invited
conviction
a firmly held belief
bereft
lacking something; sad and lonely, especially through someone’s death or departure
impressionable
easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability
blanket
total and inclusive; covering all cases or instances
phonetic
relating to speech sounds
well-nigh
almost
raucous
loud noise
propulsive
having the quality of pushing forward
insensibility
unconsciousness
indolent
lazy
woe
great sorrow, distress
indemnify
compensate someone for harm or loss
repetitious
another term for repetitive
expiate
atone for guilt or sin
onus
one’s duty
incurious
not eager to know something; lacking curiosity
commendation
praise
explicable
able to be accounted for or understood
contort
twist or bend out of normal shape
ineptitude
lack of skill or ability
spur
give an incentive or encouragement to (someone)
dosage
the size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug
expend
spend or use up (a resource such as money, time, or energy)
drawback
disadvantage
patois
the dialect of the common people of a region, differing in various respects from the standard language of the rest of the country
sensationalize
(especially of a newspaper) present information about something in a way that provokes public interest and excitement at the expense of accuracy
counterbalance
an influence that offsets an opposing force
intuitive
based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning
suggestive
tending to suggest an idea
credence
belief in or acceptance of something as true
looming
(of an event regarded as threatening) about to happen
rousing
exciting
entrenched
firmly established and difficult to change
recur
occur again
avant-garde
new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts
primitive
relating to an early stage in the evolutionary development of something
incontrovertible
not able to be disputed
Monday morning quarterback
a person who passes judgment on and criticizes something after the event
expedient
convenient and practical although possibly improper
galore
in abundance
kosher
genuine and legitimate
opaque
not able to be seen through
concentric
denoting circles or other shapes that share the same center
disquieting
inducing feelings of worry
cacophony
a harsh discordant mixture of sounds
pendent
undecided; pending
vogue
the prevailing fashion or style at a particular time
rudimentary
involving basic principles
interplay
the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other
nix
put an end to
unabated
without any reduction in intensity or strength
inter
place a corpse in a grave or tomb
churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way
bohemian
a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts
multi-hyphenate
a person with several professions/skills
smattering
a small amount of something
insulate
protect something by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound
stringent
strict, precise, exacting
precocious
having developed certain abilities at an earlier age than usual
upside
a positive aspect of something
seaworthy
in good enough condition to sail on the sea
subserve
help to further or promote
intercept
obstruct someone or something so as to prevent them from continuing to a destination
faction
a small organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics
memoir
a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources
scour
to search a place carefully
syndicate
a group of individuals or organizations combined to promote common interest
audit
an official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body
conclusive
serving to prove a case
maroon
leave someone trapped and isolated in an inaccessible place, especially an island
self-sufficient
needing no outside help in satisfying one’s basic needs; emotionally and intellectually independent
debase
degrade
confluence
an act or process of merging
revelation
a surprising and previously unknown fact
devolution
the transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration
resonate
evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief with someone
expiate
atone for guilt or sin
sprightly
(especially of an old person) lively; full of energy
mystify
utterly bewilder or perplex
tactical
constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end
expediency
the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral
sensical
making sense, rational
snug
tight or close-fitting
incumbent
the holder of an office; necessary for someone as a responsibility
appropriation
the action of taking something for one’s own use typically without the owner’s permission
abrogate
repeal or do away with; evade a responsibility
frenzy
a state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior
brazen
bold and without shame
prowess
expertise in a particular activity or field
constellation
a cluster of related things
overstep
exceed
onerous
involving an amount of effort that is oppressively burdensome
skid
slide, typically sideways, on slippery ground or as a result of stopping or turning too quickly
sanguine
optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
writhe
make squirming movements
equitable
fair and impartial
trope
a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression
contrivance
the use of skill to bring something about or create something
underscore
to stress; emphasize
activism
the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change
attributable
regarded as being caused by
inviolability
the quality of being safe from assault, trespass, or violation
amid
in the middle of
grounded
well-balanced and sensible
tut-tut
expressing disapproval or annoyance
jubilant
feeling great happiness and triumph
heresy
belief contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine
hearken
listen
wield
have and be able to use power and influence
fickle-minded
likely to change frequently without good reason
replete
well-supplied with something
predicate
base something on
insuperable
impossible to overcome
assuage
make an unpleasant feeling less intense
domineering
asserting one’s will over another in an arrogant way
gritty
showing courage and resolve
intransigent
unwilling to change one’s views
combative
eager to fight
ilk
a type of people or things similar to those already referred to
concede
admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it
softball (adjective)
easy
meager
lacking in quantity or quality
sulky
morose, bad-tempered, resentful
menacing
threatening
sagacious
quick and wise in understanding and judgment
ensue
occur as a result
reify
make (something abstract) more concrete or real
repurpose
adapt for use in a different purpose
recumbent
lying down
sanctuary
a place of refuge or safety
hasten
be quick to do something
spastic
relating to muscle spasms
disreputable
not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
scattershot
denoting something that is broad but random and haphazard in its range
addlepated
confused; mixed up
sedate
calm, dignified, unhurried
phenomenon
a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question
fruitful
productive
deep-six
destroy or dispose of something irretrievably
hapless
unfortunate
languish
grow weak or feeble
soft-pedal
refrain from emphasizing the more unpleasant aspects of something
afflict
cause pain or suffering to
cadence
inflection of the voice
masquerade
a false show or pretense
sequestered
isolated and hidden away
radiant
shining brightly
accomplice
a person who knowingly gives assistance to another in the commission of a crime
dislocation
disturbance from a proper or usual place or state
aspirate
inhale
heuristic
enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves
reconvene
convene again
theologian
someone who studied the nature of God and religion
deserving
worthy of being treated in a particular way
conjecture
an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information
implicit
implied, not plainly expressed
preface
introduce or begin something with
bearish
pessimistic
fundamentally
in central or primary respects
repatriate
send someone back to their own country
prissy
excessively respectable
concurrently
simultaneously
severed
having been cut or sliced off
odious
deserving hatred
seasonable
usual for or appropriate to a particular season of the year
occult
supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs
attune
make aware
procure
obtain something with care and effort
vexatious
causing annoyance
cavalcade
a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles
disreputable
not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
rejuvenate
give new energy or vigor to; revitalize
derail
cause to leave its tracks accidentally
nudge
prod someone in order to draw their attention to something
forlorn
sad and abandoned
disposition
the way in which something is arranged, especially in relation to other things; a person’s inherent qualities of mind and character
heady
having a strong or exhilarating effect
refine
remove impurities or unwanted elements from; improve by making small changes
promulgate
promote or make widely known
veer
change direction suddenly
redress
remedy an unfair situation
discernible
able to be discerned
formality
something done simply to comply with requirements of etiquette
entrust
assign responsibility for doing something to someone
unprompted
said, done, or acting without being encouraged
feeble
lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness
seminal
strongly influencing later developments
unwieldy
difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight
salivate
display great relish at the sight or prospect of something
inoculate
to introduce a microorganism into; vaccinate
evangelical
according to the teaching of Christianity
proverb
a short saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice
frolic
play or move about cheerfully
sabbatical
a period of paid leave granted to a university professor for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked
assail
violently attack
incursion
an invasion or attack
marquee
a canopy projecting over the entrance to a theater, hotel, or other building
retribution
punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong act
peremptory
insisting on immediate attention or obedience
immeasurable
too large or extreme to measure
lurid
very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect; presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms, especially giving explicit details of crimes of sexual matters
foresee
predict
disillusion
disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be
pogrom
an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group
disseminate
spread something, especially information, widely
dearth
scarcity
disinformation
false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive
voluptuous
characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure
catastrophize
to imagine the worst possible outcome of an action
armchair
lacking direct experience
exempt
free from an obligation
uphold
confirm or support; maintain
dwindle
diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength
invasive
intruding on a person’s thoughts or privacy
vanilla
ordinary, standard
unassuming
not pretentious or arrogant; modest
revisit
visit again
linchpin
a person/thing vital to an organization
bestow
present (an honor, right, or gift)
vengeance
punishment inflicted for an injury
antipathy
a deep-seated feeling of dislike
tidbit
a small and particularly interesting item of gossip or information
boast
talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities
earnest
showing sincere conviction
declamatory
vehement or impassioned in expression
contiguous
next or together in sequence; sharing a common border, touching
mania
an excessive enthusiasm; obsession
cursory
hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed
pummel
criticize; strike repeatedly
inescapably
in a way that cannot be avoided or ignored
tedium
the state of being tedious
contrive
create or bring about by deliberate use of skill and artifice
unbridled
uncontrolled
murderous
dangerously violent
indigent
poor; needy
punctilious
showing great attention to detail or correct behavior
rebuff
reject someone or something in an abrupt or ungracious manner
immolate
kill or destroy, esp. by fire
foreground
make something the most prominent or important feature
summate
to add together
self-abasing
belittling oneself
maverick
unorthodox
degenerate
an immoral or corrupt person
counteract
act against something to reduce its force or neutralize it
exuberant
characterized by a lively energy and excitement
leverage
use something to maximum advantage
vengeful
seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury
mar
impair the appearance of
illuminating
helping to clarify or explain something
malleable
easily influenced, pliable
avert
turn away one’s eyes or thoughts; prevent
ration
a fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a time of shortage, as in wartime
misfeasance
a transgression, especially the wrongful exercise of lawful authority
shifty
appearing deceitful or evasive
resolve (noun)
resoluteness; firm determination to do something
decadent
reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
belittle
make someone or something seem unimportant
genesis
the origin of something
emphatic
expressing something forcibly and clearly
proliferate
increase rapidly in number
archetype
a very typical example of a person or thing
capricious
given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
partition
divide into parts
elitist
considered superior by others or by themselves, an in intellect, talent, power, wealth, or position in society
