Unit 4 Flashcards
(n.) the wasting away of a body organ or tissue; any progressive decline or failure; (v.) to waste away
The ___________ of the downtown business district began when two huge malls opened.
The patient’s muscles have _____________.
synonyms: (n.) degeneration, deterioration; (v.) wither
antonyms (n.) growth, development; (v.) mature, develop
atrophy
(n.) a fortified place, stronghold
Contrary to popular belief, the military is not always a __________ of political conservatism.
synonyms: citadel, rampart, bulwark, parapet
bastion
(n.) a state of agreement, harmony, unanimity; a treaty, pact, covenant
A spirit of _____________ was restored when the company compensated its employees.
antonyms: disagreement, strife, discord
concord
(adj.) complete or perfect in the highest degree; (v.) to bring to a state of completion or perfection
Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican are works of __________ artistry.
The lawyers could not ____________ the settlement until the two parties met face to face.
synonyms: (adj.) masterful; (v.) clinch, conclude
antonyms: (v.) launch, initiate, begin, kick off
consummate
(n.) disorder, confusion; (v.) to throw into disorder
The burgled apartment was in a state of __________.
If you leave the window open, a breeze may __________ the papers on the desktop,
synonyms: (n.) disorganization; (v.) dishevel, mess up
antonyms: (n.) organization, order, tidiness
disarray
(n.) urgency, pressure; urgent demand, pressing need; an emergency
The governor emphasized the ____________ of the situation by requesting the immediate dispatch of rescue teams.
synonym: requirement, crisis
exigency
(n.) floating debris; homeless, impoverished people
After the two ships collided, the survivors clung to various pieces of _________ and hoped for rescue.
synonym: floating wreckage
flotsam
(adj.) frenzied, highly agitated
When a court order was issued, the social services department made a _________ search for the missing report.
synonyms: frantic, overwrought
antonyms: calm, controlled, relaxed, leisurely
frenetic
(v.) to gather bit by bit; to gather small quantities of grain left in a field by the reapers
By means of painstaking investigation, the detectives will eventually _________ the truth.
synonyms: collect, cull, pick up
glean
(n.) a type of game bird; a complaint; (v.) to complain, grumble
The patient’s latest _____________ was that he did not get any dessert with his dinner the night before
Those who just stand around and _____________ about their low salaries are not likely to get raises.
synonyms: (v.) gripe, kvetch, bellyache
grouse
(v.) to imprison, confine, jail
They will _________ the convicted felon at the state penitentiary.
synonyms: intern, immure
antonyms: liberate, release, free
incarcerate
(adj.) obligatory, required; (n.) one who holds a specific office at the time spoken of
Voting on election day is a duty _____________ on all Americans who value a democratic government.
The _____________ has the advantage when standing for reelection but does not have a guarantee of victory.
synonyms: (adj.) mandatory, necessary
antonyms: (adj.) optional, unecessary
incumbent
(adj.) humorous, jesting, jolly, joking
After receiving the news that she was ahead in the polls, the candidate was in a delightfully ___________ mood.
synonyms: waggish, facetious, droll, witty
antonyms: humorless, solemn, grave, earnest, grim
jocular
(adj.) ridiculous, laughable, absurd
Her comment was so _________ that we finally understood that she was joking.
synonyms: risible, preposterous
antonyms: heartrending, poignant, pathetic
ludicrous
(adj.) biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh
The actor was upset by the ___________ criticism of the gossip columnist who seemed out to ruin his reputation.
synonyms: acrimonious, acidulous, sardonic, scathing
antonyms: bland, mild, gentle, soothing
mordant
