Vocab Flashcards
Sublime
(adj)
-lofty or grand
-synonyms: august, exalted, resplendent
Ersatz
-adj
-fake
-synonyms: sham, spurious
Mitigate
-verb
-to soften; to lesson
-synonyms: allay, assuage, temper
Apocryphal
-adj
-of question authority or authenticity
-synonyms: fictitious
Cosset
-verb
-to pamper; to treat with great care
-synonyms: dandle
Venerate
-verb
-to respect deeply
-synonyms: revere
Deleterious
-adj
-subtly or unexpectfully harmful
-synonyms: inimical, injurious
Gregarious
-adj
-outgoing, sociable
-affable, congenial
Collusion
-noun
-a collaboration, complicity, conspiracy
-synonyms: connivance, intrigue, machination
Phalanx
-noun
-a compact or close-knit body of people, animals, or things
-synonyms: legion, mass
Euphony (no synonyms)
-noun
-Sweet, harmonious sound
Assail
-verb
-to attack; to assault
-synonyms: beset, storm
Ignoble
-adj
-having low moral standards, not noble in character, mean
-synonyms: vulgar
Augury
-noun
-a prophecy, a prediction of events
-synonyms: auspice, harbinger, omen, portent, presage
Fecund
-adj
-fertile, fruitful, productive
-synonyms: prolific
Symbiosis
-noun
-cooperation, mutual helplessness
-synonyms: association, interdependence
diaphanous
-adj
-allowing light to show through; delicate
-synonyms: gauzy, tenuous
Tangential
-adj
-digressing, diverting
-synonyms: digressive, extraneous, inconsequential, peripheral
Palliate
-verb
-to make less serious; to ease
-synonyms: extenuate, conciliate, propitiate
Nascent
-adj
-starting to develop, coming into existence
-synonyms: embryonic, inchoate, incipient
Pugilism (no synonyms)
-noun
-boxing
unequivolcal
-adj
-absolute, certain
-synonyms: unambiguous
Rococo
-adj
-very highly ornamented, relating to an 18th century artistic style of elaborate ornamentation
-synonyms: intricate, ornate
invidious
-adj
-envious, obnoxious or offensive, likely to promote ill-will
-synonyms: discriminatory, jaundiced
gradation
-noun
-a degree or stage in a process, a variation in color
-synonyms: nuance, subtlety
Affected (no synonyms)
-adj
-phony, artificial
Machination
-noun
-plot or scheme
-synonyms: cabal, design, intrigue
Mannered (no synonyms)
-adj
-artificial or stilted in character
winsome (no synonyms)
-adj
-charming, happily engaged
Insurrection
-noun
-rebellion
-synonyms: mutiny
Fetid
-adj
-foul-smelling; putrid
-synonyms: malodorous, noisome, rank
Posit (no synonyms)
-verb
-to assume as real or conceded; to propose an an explanation
Monotony
-noun
-no variation; tediously the same
-synonyms: drone, tedium
Redress
-noun
-relief from wrong or injury
-synonyms: amends, indemnity, quittance, reparation, restitution
neophyte
-noun
-novice; beginning
-synonyms: apprentice, greenhorn, tyro
Perfunctory
-adj
-done in a routine way
-synonyms: apathetic, automatic, mechanical
Axiom
-noun
-premise;postulate; self-evident truth
-synonyms: adage, aphorism, apothegm, maxim, rule
peripatetic
-adj
-wandering from place to place, especially on foot
-synonyms: itinerant, nomadic, wayfaring
Guile
-noun
-deceit, trickery
-synonyms: artifice, chicanery, connivery, duplicity
Listless
-adj
-lacking energy and enthusiasm
-synonyms: fainéant, indolent, languid, lackadaisical, torpid
Abase
-verb
-to humble; to disgrace
-synonyms: demean
Flag
-verb
-to decline in vigor, stregthen, or interest
-synonyms: ebb, slacken, subside, wane
Innocuous
-adj
-harmless
-synonyms: insipid
Curmudgeon
-noun
-a cranky person, usually an old one
-synonyms: coot
Implacable
-adj
-unable to be calmed down or made peaceful
-synonyms: irreconcilable, obdurate, obstinate, unyielding
Hoary
-adj
-very old, whitish or gray from age
-synonyms: antediluvian, venerable
Lachrymose (no synonyms)
-adj
-tearful
loquacious
-adj
-talkative
-synonyms: effusive, garrulous, verbose
Dilettante
-noun
-someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
-synonyms: dabbler, superficial, tyro
Antipathy
-noun
-extreme dislike
-synonyms: animus, enmity, repugnance
Abstemious
-adj
-moderate in appetite; practicing moderation or abstinence
-synonyms: continent, temperate
Decorous
-adj
-proper, tasteful, socially correct
-synonyms: comme il faut, courteous
Esoteric
-adj
-known or understood only by a few
-synonyms: abstruse, arcane
Gullible (just synonyms)
-synonyms: credulous, exploitable
Pejorative (no synonyms)
-adj
-having bad connotations, disparaging
Abscond
-verb
-to leave secretly
-synonyms: decamp
Cupidity
-noun
-greed, strong desire
-synonyms: avarice, covetousness, rapacity
peregrinate
-verb
-to wander from from place to place; to travel, especially on foot
-synonyms: transverse, trek
Rarefy
-verb
-to become thinner or sparser
-synonyms: attenuate
Impious
-adj
-not devout in religion
-synonyms: irreverent
Torpor
-noun
-extreme mental and physical sluggish
-synonyms: apathy, languor
Molt
-verb
-to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically
-synonyms: cast, defoliate, desquamate
Ardor
-noun
-intense and passionate feeling
-synonyms: fervency, fervidity, fervidness
Heterogeneous
-adj
-composed of unlike parts; different; diverse
-synonyms: motley
Potentate (no synonyms)
-noun
-a monarch or ruler with great power
Tirade
-noun
-a long, harsh speech or verbal attack
-synonyms: diatribe, fulmination, harangue, obloquy, revilement, vilification
Cabal
-noun
-a secret group seeking to overturn something
-synonyms: coterie, mafia, mod
Chaos (synonyms)
-muddle, scramble, snarl, turmoil
Jettison (no synonyms)
-verb
-to discard; to get rid of as unnecessary or encumbering
Rhetoric (synonyms)
-eloquence, oratory
Prudence
-noun
-wisdom, caution, or restraint
-synonyms: astuteness, circumspection, discretion, frugality, judiciousness, providence, thrift
Terrestrial
-adj
-earthly, down-to-earth, commonplace
-synonyms: mundane, sublunary, tellurian, terrene
Pungent
-adj
-sharp and irritating to the senses
-synonyms: acrid, caustic, piquant, stinging
Impetuous
-adj
-quick to act without thinking
-synonyms: impulsive, precipitate
Sardonic
-adj
-cynical, scornfully mocking
-synonyms: acerbic, caustic, satirical
Obsequious
-adj
-overly submissive and eager to please
-synonyms: deferential, servile, subservient
Discern
-verb
-to perceive or recognize
-synonyms: descry, espy
Investiture
-noun
-ceremony conferring authority
-synonyms: inaugural, inauguration, induction
Repast (no synonyms)
-noun
-meal or mealtime
Monastic
-adj
-extremely plain or secluded, as in a monastery
-synonyms: austere, regimented, self-abnegating
Precipitate
-adj
-thrown violently or brought about abruptly, lacking deliberation
-synonyms: headlong, impetuous
Bonhomie
-noun
-good-natured geniality, an atmosphere of good cheer
-synonyms: affability, amiability, cordiality, geniality
Condone
-verb
-to overlook, pardon, or disregard
-synonyms: exculpate, remit
Mirth
-noun
-frivolity, gaiety, laughter
-synonyms: jollity
Parley (no synonyms)
-noun
-discussion, usually between enemies.
Sagacious
-adj
-shrewd, wise
-synonyms: astute, judicious, perspicacious, sage
Iconoclast
-noun
-one who opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions
-revolutionary
Distaff (no synonyms)
-noun
-the female branch of the family
Pariah (synonyms)
-derelict, leper, offscouring
Inimical
-adj
-hostile, unfriendly
-synonyms: dissident, recalcitrant
Deface
-verb
-to mar the appearance of, to vandalize
-synonyms: impair, spoil
Cloying
-adj
-sickly sweet, excessive
-synonyms: fulsome
acidulous
-adj
-sour in taste or manner
-synonyms: acerbic, acetous, piquant, pungent
elegy
-noun
-a sorrowful poem or speech
-synonyms: dirge
eclectic (no synonyms)
-adj
-selecting from or made up from a variety of sources
Aesthetic (no synonyms)
-adj
-concerning the appreciation of beauty
Proclivity
-noun
-a natural inclination or predisposition
-synonyms: penchant, predilection, predisposition, propensity
Overwrought
-adj
-agitated, overdone
-synonyms: ornate
Insipid
-adj
-lacking interest or flavor
-synonyms: banal, full, vapid
Droll
-adj
-amusing in a wry, subtle way
-synonyms: cosmic, risible
Boor
-noun
-a crude person, one lacking manners or taste
-synonyms: clod, lout, oaf, vulgarian, yahoo
Occlude
-verb
-to stop up; to prevent the passage of
-synonyms: barricade, close
Arbitrary
-adj
-determined by chance or impulse
-synonyms: wayward
Aerie
-noun
-a nest built high in the air; an elevated, often secluded, dwelling
-synonyms: stronghold
Nadir (no synonyms)
-noun
-lowest point
Corroborate (synonyms)
-buttress
Probity
-noun
-complete honesty and integrity
-synonyms: rectitude
Doctrinaire
-adj
-rigidly devoted to theories without regard for practically; dogmatic
-synonyms: dictatorial
Gambol
-verb
-to dance or skip around playfully
-synonyms: caper, cavort, frisk, rollick, romp
Pallid
-adj
-lacking color or liveliness
-synonyms: ashen, blanched, wan
Pervade
-verb
-to be present throughout; to permeate
-synonyms: imbue, infuse, permeate, suffuse
Misanthrope
-noun
-a person who dislikes other
-synonyms: curmudgeon
Polemic
-noun
-controversy, argument, verbal attack
-synonyms: denunciation, refutation
Anodyne
-noun
-something that calms or soothes pain
-synonyms: narcotic, nepenthe, opiate
Enigma
-noun
-a puzzle, a mystery
-synonyms: conundrum, perplexity
Transitory (no synonyms)
-adj
-temporary, lasting a brief time
hegemony (no synonyms)
-noun
-the domination of one state or group over its allies
Pusillanimous (no synonyms)
-adj
-cowardly, without courage
Upbraid
-verb
-to scold sharply
-synonyms: berate, chide, rebuke, reproach, tax
ameliorate (no synonyms)
-verb
-to make better, to improve
Adulterate
-verb
-to make impure
-synonyms: debase, doctor, load
solecism
-noun
-grammatical mistake
-synonyms: blooper, faux pas, vulgarism
Cacophony
-noun
-a harsh, jarring noise
-synonyms: chaos, clamor, din, discord
Amulet
-noun
-an ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits
-synonyms: talisman
efficacy
-noun
-effectiveness
-synonyms: dynamism
ebullient
-adj
-exhilarated, a full of enthusiasm and high spirits
-synonyms: ardent, avid, bubbly, zestful
Vim (no synonyms)
-noun
-vitality and energy
Militate (no synonyms)
-verb
-to operate against, work against
Eloquent (no synonyms)
-adj
-persuasive and moving, especially in speech
Lumber
-verb
-to move slowly and awkwardly
-synonyms: galumph, hulk, lurch, stumble
meretricious
-adj
-gaudy, falsely attractive
-synonyms: specious, tawdry
Stratagem
-noun
-trick designed to deceive an enemy
-synonyms: artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, wile
Vacillate
-verb
-to physically sway; to be indecisive
-synonyms: dither, falter, fluctuate, oscillate, waver
Libertine
-noun
-a free thinker (usually used disparagingly); one without moral restraint
-synonyms: hedonist
Plethora
-noun
-excess
-synonyms: glut, overabundance, superfluity, surfeit
Erratic
-adj
-wandering and unpredictable
-synonyms: capricious, inconstant, irresolute, whimsical
Dirge
-noun
-a funeral hymn or mournful speech
-synonyms: elegy, lament
Talon (no synonyms)
-noun
-claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey
Paragon
-noun
-model of excellence or perfection
-synonyms: apotheosis, ideal, quintessence
Crescendo
-noun
-steady increase in volume or force
-synonyms: acme, capstone, crest, culmination, meridian
diffident
-adj
-lacking self-confidence
-synonyms: self-effacing
Abstain
-verb
-to choose not to do something
-synonyms: forbear, refrain
Deride
-verb
-to speak of or treat with contempt, to mock
-synonyms: gibe, jeer
Capricious
-adj
-changing one’s mind quickly and often
-synonyms: mercurial, whimsical
Blight
-verb
-to afflict, to destroy
-synonyms: plague
Obviate
-verb
-to prevent, to make unnecessary
-synonyms: forestall, preclude, prohibit
Zeal
-noun
-passion, excitement
-synonyms: ardency
anachronism
-noun
-something out of place in time
-synonyms: archaism, incongruity
dilatory
-adj
-intended to delay
-synonyms: flagging, laggard
Dyspeptic
-adj
-suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable
-synonyms: acerbic, melancholy, morose, solemn
Demagogue
-noun
-a leader or rabble-rouser, usually one appealing to emotion or prejudice
-synonyms: agitator, inciter, instigator
acme
-noun
-the highest point; the summit; the highest level of degree attainable
-synonyms: apex, peak, summit
Leery
-adj
-suspicious
-synonyms: distrustful, guarded, wary
Craven
-adj
-lacking courage
-synonyms: fainthearted, spineless, timid
epicure
-noun
-a person with refined taste in food and wine
-synonyms: bon vivant, connoisseur, gastronome, gastronomist, gourmand, gourmet
zephyr
-noun
-a gentle breeze; something airy or unsubstantial
-synonyms: breath; draft
Orotund
-adj
-pompous; rich or full sounding
-synonyms: aureate, bombastic, declamatory, euphuistic, grandiloquent, magniloquent, oratorical, sonorous
Slake (no synonyms)
-verb
-to calm down or moderate
Contumacious
-adj
-rebellious
-synonyms: factious; insubordinate, insurgent, mutinous, seditious
Perfidious (no synonyms)
-adj
-willing to betray someone’s trus
Metaphor (synonyms)
-synonyms: allegory
Catalyst
-noun
-something that brings about a change in something else
-synonyms: goad, impetus, spur
Neologism
-noun
-new word or expression
-synonyms: slang, coinage
Ingrate
-noun
-an ungrateful person
-synonyms: cad, churl
Abate
-verb
-to reduce in amount, degree or severity
-synonyms: ebb, lapse, relent
Sanguine
-adj
-ruddy, cheerfully optimistic
-synonyms: rubicund
puerile
-adj
-childish, immature, or silly
-synonyms: infantile, jejune
Limpid
-adj
-clear, transparent
-synonyms: lucid, pellucid, serene
Sybarite
-noun
-a person devoted pleasure and luxury
-synonyms: hedonist, sensualist
Pare
-verb
-to trim off excess, to reduce
-synonyms: clip, peel
restive (no synonyms)
-adj
-impatient, uneasy, or restless
toady
-noun
-one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors
-synonyms: parasite, sycophant
Disparate (no synonyms)
-adj
-fundamentally different, entirely unlike
Largess
-noun
-generous giving (as of money) to others who may seem inferior
-synonyms: benevolence, boon
Exigent (no synonyms)
-adj
-urgent, requiring immediate action
Fanatical
-adj
-acting excessively enthusiastic, filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion
-synonyms: frenzied, zealous
Multifarious
-adj
-diverse
-synonyms: assorted, legion, motley, multifold, multiform, multiplex, populous
Impasse
-noun
-a blocked path, a dilemma with no solution
-synonyms: cul-de-sac, deadlock, stalemate
Deference
-noun
-respect, courtesy
-synonyms: obeisance, reverence, veneration
Calumny (no synonyms)
-noun
-a false and malicious accusation, misrepresentation
Connoisseur (synonyms)
authority, epicure, expert, gastronome, gourmet
Obdurate
-adj
-hardened in feeling, resistant to persuasion
-synonyms: intransigent, recalcitrant, tenacious, unyielding
Inure (no synonyms)
-verb
-to harden, accustom
Whimsical
-adj
-lightly acting in a fanciful or capricious manner, unpredictable, playful
-synonyms: capricious, frivolous, fanciful
Quotidian (no synonyms)
-adj
-occurring daily, commonplace