vocab workout 2 Flashcards
forthright
direct and outspoken
marquee
a canopy projecting over the entrance to a theater, hotel, or other building
extricate
free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty
expend
spend or use up (a resource such as money, time, or energy)
hedonistic
engaged in the pursuit of pleasure, sensually self-indulgent
unconscionable
not right or reasonable
disenchantment
a feeling of disappointment about someone or something you previously respected or admired
upshot
the eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events
rectitude
morally correct behavior or thinking
feckless
lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible
futile
pointless
untenable
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
curt
rudely brief
stasis
a period of inactivity or equilibrium
transgression
an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense
crux
the decisive or most important point at issue
irreverent
showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
zest
great enthusiasm and energy
draconian
(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe
charismatic
exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others
sullen
gloomy
evasive
tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly
bout
a short period of intense activity of a specified kind
ancillary
providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization; a person whose work provides necessary support to the primary activities of an organization
catatonia
abnormality of movement and behavior arising from a disturbed mental state
ostensibly
apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually
falter
start to lose strength or momentum
sleuth
carry out a careful investigation; a detective
compulsory
required by law or a rule; obligatory
smattering
a small amount of something
dystopian
denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
precipitate
cause to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
penchant
a strong liking for something or tendency to do something
portmanteau
a word blending the sounds and combining the meaning of two others
presage
be a sign or warning that something bad will happen
disavow
deny any responsibility or support for
hapless
unfortunate
forthcoming
willing to give information; ready or made available when wanted or needed
suborn
bribe or induce someone to commit an unlawful act such as perjury
non sequitur
a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement
spearhead
lead an attack or movement
ouster
dismissal from a position
impertinent
not showing proper respect, rude; irrelevant
degenerate
an immoral or corrupt person
wry
expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
trifle
a thing of little value or importance
insurrection
a violent uprising against an authority or government
existential
relating to existence
obstinate
stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so
measly
contemptibly small or few
gratuitous
uncalled for, lacking good reason, unwarranted
sedition
conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against authority
trove
a store of valuable things
vitality
the state of being strong and active
trope
a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression
incredulous
unable to believe something
decadence
moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury
illicit
forbidden by law, rules, or custom
forbidding
unfriendly in appearance
audacious
showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
palpable
so intense as to seem almost tangible
retribution
punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong act
pungent
having a sharply strong taste or smell
introspection
the examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes
rubric
a statement of purpose or function
echo
be reminiscent of or have shared characteristics with
proverbial
well known, especially so as to be stereotypical
nomenclature
the choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline
pundit
an expert in a particular field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public
vaunt
boast about or praise something, especially excessively
dispossess
deprive someone of land, property, or other possessions
stalwart
loyal, reliable, and hardworking
savant
a learned person, especially a distinguished scientist
antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
bastardize
change something in such a way as to lower its quality, typically by adding new elements
maladaptive
not providing adequate adjustment to the environment or situation
paragon
a model of excellence/perfection
impotent
lacking in power or influence
propulsive
having the quality of pushing forward
ballistic
suddenly excited, upset, or angry
jarring
incongruous in a striking way; causing a physical shock
deference
humble submission and respect
alacrity
brisk and cheerful readiness
heretic
a person believing in religious heresy; someone whose beliefs or actions are considered wrong by most people because they disagree with beliefs that are generally accepted
decry
publicly criticize
clout
influence, especially in politics or business
consonant
in agreement or harmony with
typify
be a representative example of
scuttlebutt
rumor, gossip
exonerate
absolve someone from blame
virtuoso
a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit
wasteland
a bleak, unattractive, and unused or neglected urban or industrial area
pummel
criticize
reproachful
expressing disapproval or disappointment
embolden
give someone the confidence to do something or behave in a certain way
trailblazing
innovative, pioneering
polarizing
to cause people to separate into opposing groups
sojourn
a temporary stay
mulish
stubborn
snub
rebuff, ignore, or spurn disdainfully
derision
ridicule; mockery
vociferous
vehement or clamorous
martyr
a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs
congruent
in agreement or harmony
stench
a strong and unpleasant smell
transfix
cause someone to become motionless with horror, wonder, or astonishment
adept
very skilled at something
fret
be visibly worried or anxious
domineering
asserting one’s will over another in an arrogant way
aphorism
a concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. often handed down by tradition
fervent
displaying a passionate intensity
debase
degrade
sheepish
showing embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence
squabble
a noisy quarrel over something trivial
nefarious
wicked or criminal
unsanctioned
lacking effective or authoritative approval or consent
stealth
cautious action or movement
crass
lacking sensitivity or intelligence
amble
walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace
phalanx
a body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation
slate
criticize severely
unmitigated
absolute
eclectic
deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
vile
extremely unpleasant
deep-six
destroy or dispose of something irretrievably
quintessential
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
unflappable
having or showing calmness in a crisis
affront
an action or remark that causes outrage
prose
talk tediously; written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure
eminent
famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession
vile
extremely unpleasant
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect
tepid
only slightly warm; showing little enthusiasm
eviscerate
deprive something of its essential content
conciliate
placate, pacify
bristle
be covered with or abundant in
unequivocal
leaving no doubt, unambiguous
fledgling
a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped
vilify
speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
braggadocio
boastful or arrogant behavior
fluke
an unlikely chance or occurrence
collateral
additional but subordinate; secondary
miscreant
a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law
retronym
a new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish it from the meaning that has emerged through progress or technological development
harrowing
acutely distressing
mouthpiece
one that expresses or interprets another’s views
disinformation
false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive
teeter
be unable to decide between different courses; waver
self-abasing
belittling or degrading oneself
foment
instigate or stir up
petulant
childishly sulky or bad-tempered
grandstand
act or speak in a way intended to attract attention and to influence the opinion of people who are watching
palatial
relating to a palace
trivialize
make something seem less important, significant, or complex than it actually is
tasteless
lacking in aesthetic judgment
unwieldy
difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight
putative
generally considered or reputed to be
ravishing
delightful; entrancing
ricochet
rebound one or more times off a surface
expressly
explicitly; clearly
détente
the relaxation of strained relations
insensate
lacking sense or awareness; lacking sympathy
despotism
the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way
backpedal
reverse one’s previous action or opinion
materially
substantially; considerably
power grab
to obtain control over something in an opportunistic way
cultivate
try to acquire (a quality, sentiment, or skill)
amiss
not quite right; inappropriate or out of place
astute
showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn it to one’s own advantage
deracinate
uproot someone from their natural geographical, social, or cultural environment
pendency
the state, condition, or period of being pending or awaiting settlement
fortify
strengthen with defensive works so as to protect it against attack
posterity
all future generations of people
primitive
relating to an early stage in the evolutionary development of something
lucid
bright; expressed clearly
vitriol
cruel criticism
haughty
arrogantly superior and disdainful
abrogate
repeal or do away with; evade a responsibility
sneer
smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner
genial
friendly and cheerful
tactical
constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end
equivocate
use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
furtive
secretive
disillusionment
a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be
shrewd
showing sharp powers of judgment
high-minded
having strong moral principles
undue
unwarranted or inappropriate because excessive or disproportionate
surrogate
a substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office
austere
severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
accompaniment
something that is supplementary to or complements something else, typically food
practical
concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
crucible
a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new
portend
be a sign or warning that something momentous is likely to happen
deride
ridicule
gainfully
in a way that serves to increase wealth or resources
virtuous
having or showing high moral standards
dispositional
relating to a natural tendency toward a particular condition or action
escapade
an act involving excitement, daring, or adventure
unnerve
make someone lose courage or confidence
cunning
having skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion
reticent
not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily
coax
gently and persistently persuade someone to do something
contrition
feeling remorseful and penitent
sparing
economical
gravitas
dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner
proviso
a condition attached to an agreement
mollify
appease the anger or anxiety of someone
eschew
deliberately avoid using
bon vivant
a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle
unwavering
steady, resolute
exemplar
a person or thing serving as a typical example
grisly
causing horror or disgust
discordant
disagreeing
flounder
struggle or stagger helplessly
rancid
smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale
unassuming
not pretentious or arrogant; modest
sanctimonious
making a show of being morally superior to other people
backfire
to have a result opposite to what was planned
conjecture
an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; form an opinion about something on the basis of incomplete information
recant
say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief
postulate
suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief
buoy
keep someone or something afloat
adage
a short statement expressing a general truth
constituent
a component part of something
chattel
an item of property other than real estate
tenuous
very weak or slight
bereft
lacking something; sad and lonely, especially through someone’s death or departure
charitable
relating to the assistance of those in need; apt to judge others leniently or favorably
denigrate
criticize unfairly; disparage
underscore
to stress; emphasize
meddling
intrusive or unwarranted interference
elitist
considered superior by others or by themselves, an in intellect, talent, power, wealth, or position in society
expound
present an idea or theory in detail
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”)
scoundrel
a dishonest or unscrupulous person
shoddy
badly made or done
devolve
transfer or delegate to a lower power
triage
assign degrees of urgency to
beacon
a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration
creditable
deserving public acknowledgment and praise but not necessarily outstanding or successful
scores
a large number or amount of people or things
stochastic
randomly determined
infirm
not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness
pugnacious
eager to argue
embolism
obstruction of an artery
downplay
make something appear less important than it really is
cloistered
sheltered
bile
anger; irritability
shepherd
guide or direct in a particular direction
hedge
limit or qualify by conditions or exceptions
extol
praise enthusiastically
indigent
poor; needy
beholden
owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service
desolate
deserted of people and in a state of dismal emptiness
visceral
relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; relating to the internal organs of the body
dignified
having a composed manner that is worthy of respect
impudent
not showing due respect for another person
conservatory
a college for the study of classical music or other arts
perilous
full of danger or risk
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
ineptitude
lack of skill or ability
cathartic
providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions
distal
situated away from the center of the body
nascent
having recently come into existence
castigate
reprimand someone severely
flout
openly disregard
faction
a small organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics
facile
appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue
effusive
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
gambit
a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage
censure
express severe disapproval of, especially in a formal statement
indulgent
having a tendency to be overly generous to or lenient with someone
contemptible
deserving contempt; despicable
scrawl
write something in a hurried, careless way
postscript
an additional statement or action that provides further information
bandit
a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area
levity
humor, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect
ethereal
extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
gloat
contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness
tutelage
protection of or authority over someone
ponderous
slow and clumsy because of great weight
accord
grant someone power, status, or recognition
lackluster
lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspiring
withering
intended to make someone feel mortified or humiliated
sumptuous
splendid and expensive-looking
repose
a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility
incivility
rude or unsociable speech or behavior
punctuate
occur at intervals throughout (a continuing event or a place)
hibernal
characteristic of or occurring in winter
grift
engage in small-scale swindling
delineate
describe or portray something precisely
simulacrum
a representation of someone or something
blistering
expressed with great vehemence; extremely fast, forceful, or impressive
opportunist
a person who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans
contrarian
opposing popular opinion
declamatory
vehement or impassioned in expression
zenith
the time at which something is most powerful or successful
iconoclasm
the action of attacking cherished beliefs and institutions or established values
inoculate
to introduce a microorganism into; vaccinate
reckoning
a view, opinion, or judgment
writhe
make squirming movements or contortions of the body
bigotry
unreasonable attachment to an opinion, belief, or faction; in particular, prejudice against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group
decree
an official order issued by a legal authority
proliferate
increase rapidly in number
implore
beg someone earnestly to do something
oblique
not stated directly
well-nigh
almost
exodus
a mass departure of people
lenity
kindness
platitude
a remark, especially one with moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful
vexatious
causing annoyance
unmask
expose the true character of
trumpet
proclaim widely
goings-on
events or behavior, especially of an unusual or suspect nature
per se
by itself; intrinsically
exegesis
critical explanation or interpretation of a text
rash
displaying a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences of an action
churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way
trace
find or discover by investigation
priggish
self-righteously superior
extirpate
root out and destroy completely
barter
exchange goods or services for other goods or services without using money
parrot
repeat mechanically
shifty
appearing deceitful or evasive
insulate
protect something by interposing material that prevents the loss of heat or the intrusion of sound
recompense
make amends to someone for loss or harm suffered; compensate
encapsulate
express the essential features of something succinctly
wrangling
engagement in a long, complicated dispute or argument
peruse
read something, typically in a thorough way
milk-toast
lacking in boldness or vigor
impetus
the force that makes something happen; the force or energy with which a body moves
unwittingly
unintentionally
extrapolate
extend the application of to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue
moralize
comment on issues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority; reform the character of
fatuous
silly and pointless
metastasize
(of a cancer) spread to other sites in the body
annex
add as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a document
unbidden
without having been commanded or invited
prowl
move around restlessly or stealthily, especially in search of prey
stupor
a state of near-unconsciousness
segue
move without interruption from one topic, song, etc. to another
ardent
enthusiastic or passionate
dilettante
a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
nullify
make legally null and void; invalidate
culpable
deserving blame
wallow
indulge in an unrestrained way
mystify
utterly bewilder or perplex
sly
having a cunning, deceitful nature
derogate
detract from
solace
comfort in a time of distress
unseemly
not proper or appropriate
unnerving
causing one to lose courage or confidence
colloquy
a conversation
nebulous
unclear, vague, or ill-defined
hasty
done with excessive urgency; hurried
laconic
using very few words
blasé
unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before
disclaim
refuse to acknowledge
voluble
talking fluently, readily, or incessantly
betray
unintentionally reveal; be evidence of
ravaged
severely damaged
confound
cause surprise or confusion in (someone), esp. by acting against their expectations
avant-garde
new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts
evangelical
according to the teaching of Christianity
batter
censure, criticize, or defeat severely
bungle
carry out a task clumsily or incompetently
abyss
a profound difference between people; a deep bottomless chasm
expedient
convenient and practical although possibly improper
pernicious
having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual way
deface
spoil the appearance of
malleable
easily influenced; pliable
herculean
requiring great strength or effort
stalwart
loyal, reliable, hardworking
exhibitionist
a person who behaves in an extravagant way
happenstance
coincidence
apprehension
fear that something bad will happen
unsavory
disagreeable and unpleasant because morally disreputable
petulance
the quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered
hokey
mawkishly sentimental
laden
heavily loaded or weighed down
garish
obtrusively bright and showy; lurid
legion
great in number
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
sly
having a cunning or deceitful nature
lecherous
showing excessive sexual desire
subsume
include or absorb something in something else
blight
a thing that spoils or damages something
patronizing
apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority
denounce
publicly declare to be wrong or evil
unmoored
insecure, confused, or lacking contact with reality
oust
drive out or expel someone from a position or place
nullity
an act or thing that is legally void; a thing of no importance or worth
rehash
put old ideas or material into a new form without significant change or improvement
staid
sedate, respectable, and unadventurous
sub rosa
done in secret
denizen
an inhabitant or frequenter of a particular place
dogmatic
inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
insurgent
a rebel or revolutionary
plunder
steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder
tireless
showing great effort or energy
emeritus
having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor
unsuspecting
not aware of the presence of danger
infallible
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
calibrate
adjust to take external factors into account or to allow comparison with other data
flex
put a skill to use
fastidious
very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; very concerned about cleanliness
asinine
extremely foolish
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
indignity
circumstances that cause one to feel shame
entrancing
capable of attracting and holding interest
empathic
showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
combative
eager to fight
unveil
show or announce publicly for the first time
arbitrary
based on random choice or person whim, rather than any reason
preeminent
surpassing all others
suggestible
easily swayed
consternation
feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
self-contained
quiet and independent
nativism
the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants
virulent
bitterly hostile
inanity
a nonsensical remark or action
incinerate
destroy by burning
jubilee
a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity
upheaval
a violent change to something
peremptory
insisting on immediate attention or obedience
invidious
likely to arouse anger in others
barren
too poor to produce vegetation; bleak and lifeless
rote
a mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned
wrench
a feeling of distress caused by one’s own or another’s departure
contort
twist or bend out of normal shape
invective
insulting, abusive
harness
control and make use of natural resources
fervor
intense and passionate feeling
entrap
trick or deceive someone, especially by inducing them to commit a crime to secure their prosecution
soft-pedal
refrain from emphasizing the more unpleasant aspects of something
mirage
something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so
touchstone
a standard by which something is judged
dissension
disagreement
parting
done when leaving someone
evergreen
retaining freshness and interest
annal
chronological record
unorthodox
not conforming to rules, traditions, or modes of conduct
trepidation
a feeling of fear about something that may happen
ascribe
attribute something to (a cause)
mea culpa
an acknowledgment of one’s fault or error
pretense
an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
idolatry
extreme admiration for something or someone
pontificate
express one’s opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic
addlepated
confused, mixed up
exaltation
a state of extreme happiness
perverse
corrupt, improper
entourage
a group of people surrounding an important person
compunction
a feeling of guilt
embroil
involve someone deeply in an argument
effectively
actually but not officially or explicitly
serendipitous
occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way
impasse
a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock
recalcitrant
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
propound
put forward (an idea, theory, or point of view) for consideration by others
upturn
an improvement or upward trend, especially in economic conditions or someone’s fortunes
emphatic
expressing something forcibly and clearly
legerity
physical or mental quickness
squander
waste in a reckless manner
inequitable
unfair; unjust
faineant
lazy, idle
paradigm
a typical example of something
incontrovertible
not able to be denied or disputed
partition
divide into parts
affectedly
in a way that is artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress
atone
to make amends
spurn
to reject with disdain or contempt
phonetic
relating to speech sounds
penitent
showing regret for having done wrong
pogrom
an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group
shellshock
a state of severe shock
affable
friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to
portent
a sign that something, especially something momentous, is likely to happen
wield
have and be able to use power and influence
feign
pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury
hawker
a person who travels around selling goods, typically advertising them by shouting
weary
cause to become tired
cognizable
perceptible; clearly identifiable
supernumerary
present in excess of the normal or requisite number
wrongheaded
showing bad judgment
veracious
speaking or representing the truth
self-deprecating
modest about or critical of oneself, especially humorously so
tact
a keen sense of what to do or say to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense; sensitivity in dealing with difficult issues
obliquely
indirectly
impart
make information known
hone
refine or perfect something over a period of time
malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
quibble
raise objections about a trivial matter
insidious
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects
thankless
(of a job) difficult or unpleasant
purview
the scope of the influence or concerns of something
dignify
make something seem worthy and impressive
decadent
reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline
insensibility
unconsciousness
sacrosanct
regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with
fruition
the point at which a plan or project is realized
stupendous
extremely impressive
incumbent
the holder of an office; necessary for someone as a responsibility
heresy
belief contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine
talisman
a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group
spout
express one’s views in a lengthy, declamatory, and unreflecting way
uninhibited
expressing one’s feelings or thoughts without restraint
guffaw
a loud and boisterous laugh
veracity
accuracy
self-revelation
disclosure of one’s character or motives, especially inadvertently
liminal
occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a threshold
pragmatist
a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals
inimical
tending to obstruct or harm
overhaul
a thorough examination of a system with changes made if necessary
indisposed
slightly unwell; averse, unwilling
inertia
a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged
judicious
done with good judgment
trailblazer
a pioneer; an innovator
motley
incongruously varied in appearance or character
cavort
apply oneself enthusiastically to sexual or disreputable pursuits
foothold
a secure position from which further progress may be made
brusque
abrupt or offhand in speech or manner
edict
an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority
sedate
calm, dignified, unhurried
indecent
obscene
swindle
use deception to deprive someone of money or possessions
brunt
the worst part or chief impact of a specified thing; the principal force, shock, or stress
capitulate
surrender
permissiveness
excessive freedom of behavior
innocuous
not harmful or offensive
myopic
lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight
pithy
concise and forcefully expressive
progeny
offspring
diffident
modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
connote
imply or suggest an idea or feeling in addition to the primary meaning
crapshoot
a risky or uncertain matter
excoriate
criticize severely
historicity
historical authenticity
vigor
physical strength and good health
carnage
the killing of a large number of people
frenetic
fast and energetic in a wild and uncontrolled way
glib
fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow
sinister
giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen
impinge
have an effect on, especially a negative one
avarice
extreme greed for wealth
compound
intensify the negative aspects of
requiem
an act of remembrance
posture
behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead
unruffled
not agitated or disturbed; calm
piety
the quality of being religious
ordure
excrement; something regarded as abhorrent
espouse
adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life
efface
make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous
eclipse
obscure the light from or to
colorable
apparently correct or justified
lowly
low in status or importance; humble
divest
deprive someone of power, rights, or possessions
contemptuous
showing contempt
specious
superficially plausible, but actually wrong
underwhelming
fail to impress or make a positive impact on; disappoint
reverent
showing deep and solemn respect
unabated
without any reduction in intensity or strength
pejorative
expressing contempt or disapproval
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
gumption
shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness
surreptitious
kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
assuage
make an unpleasant feeling less intense
dissonant
lacking harmony
duress
the act of using force, false imprisonment, coercion, threats, or psychological pressure to compel someone to act contrary to their wishes or interests
deferential
showing deference; respectful
inept
having no skill
archetype
a very typical example of a person or thing
irresolute
uncertain; showing hesitancy
vis a vis
with regard to
auspices
with the help and support of (e.g., the donation was made under the auspices of the local historical society)
squalor
the state of being extremely dirty or unpleasant
remonstrate
make a forcefully reproachful protest
cadence
inflection of the voice
budding
beginning and showing signs of promise in a particular career or field
unbecoming
not flattering, not appropriate
imperious
assuming power or authority without justification
salvo
a sudden, vigorous, or aggressive act or series of acts
odious
deserving hatred
harbor
shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person); keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one’s mind, especially secretly
predicate
base something on
perennial
lasting for a long time
unbridled
uncontrolled
perma
permanent or permanently
prelude
an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important
scattershot
denoting something that is broad but random and haphazard in its range
sordid
dirty; arousing moral distaste
in vain
without success or a result
unvarnished
plain and straightforward
beget
give rise to
restitution
the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner
pervade
(of an influence, feeling, or quality) be present throughout
uncouple
to release the link between
heuristic
enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves
solemn
formal and dignified; serious; characterized by deep sincerity
muzzle
prevent a person from expressing their opinions freely
apt
appropriate in the circumstances; having a tendency to do something
degenerative
tending to deteriorate
portentous
done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress
weighty
of great seriousness and importance
implicate
show someone to be involved in a crime; imply
lest
to avoid the risk of
recidivism
the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
resounding
unmistakable
frivolous
not having any serious purpose or value
rigmarole
bothersome nonsense
busk
perform music or other entertainment in the street or another public place for monetary donations
satirist
a writer of satire
swanky
very expensive and fashionable
salacious
having or conveying undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters
disarming
having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility, especially through charm
unfettered
unrestrained or uninhibited
miff
annoy
pariah
an outcast
abashed
feeling uneasy and self-conscious
duplicitous
deceitful
cavalcade
a formal procession of people walking on horseback or riding in vehicles
smear
damage the reputation of someone by making false accusations
dispel
make (a doubt, feeling, or belief) disappear
surly
bad-tempered and unfriendly
disreputable
not considered to be respectable in character or appearance
inapt
not suitable in the circumstances
malignant
malevolent (showing a wish to do evil to others)
grim
forbidding or uninviting
inure
accustom someone to something, especially something unpleasant
brash
self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way
conflate
combine into one
subserve
help to further or promote
ardor
enthusiasm or passion
epitomize
be a perfect example of
onerous
involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome
intrepid
brave
expropriate
take away property from its owner
prissy
excessively respectable; prim and proper
corollary
a proposition that follows from one already provided
posit
assume as a fact; put forward as a basis or argument
mishap
an unlucky accident
eminently
very
overshadow
appear much more prominent or important than
accost
approach someone boldly or aggressively
provocateur
agitator
evaluative
involving judging the quality, importance, amount, or value of something
remiss
lacking care or attention to duty; negligent
caliber
the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability
vapid
offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
novice
a person inexperienced in a field or situation
evince
reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling)
foreboding
a feeling that something bad will happen; implying that something bad will happen
indolent
lazy
extrajudicial
not legally authorized; (of a settlement, statement, or confession) not made in court
boast
talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities
resonant
deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring
callous
having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
elicit
evoke or draw out
dichotomy
a division or contrast between two things that are entirely different
jubilant
feeling great happiness and triumph
flagrant
obviously offensive
sanctuary
a place of refuge or safety
tacit
understood or implied without being stated
categorical
unambiguously explicit and direct
avail
help or benefit
protracted
lasting for a long time or longer than expected
discord
disagreement between people
voluptuous
characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure
insolent
showing an arrogant lack of respect
chasm
a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.
distill
extract the essential meaning of
ubiquitous
present everywhere
impecunious
having little or no money
acrimonious
(of speech or a debate) angry and bitter
passel
a large group of people or things of indeterminate number
formidable
inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable
besiege
crowd around oppressively; be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints
globe-trot
travel widely
underpinning
a set of ideas, motives, or devices that justify or form the basis for something
misfeasance
a transgression, especially the wrongful exercise of lawful authority
craven
contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly
undertone
an underlying quality or feeling
precipitous
dangerously high or steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration
slothful
lazy
absquatulate
leave abruptly
flippant
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
resourceful
having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
indignant
showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
ignoble
not honorable in character or purpose
incendiary
designed to cause fires
granular
highly detailed
stifle
suffocate; restrain a reaction or stop oneself from acting on an emotion
ineffable
too great or extreme to be described in words
mar
impair the appearance of, disfigure
beleaguered
in a very difficult situation
transient
lasting only for a short time
inscrutable
impossible to understand or interpret
maroon
leave someone trapped and isolated in an inaccessible place, especially an island
uncanny
strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way
unhinged
mentally unbalanced
immiseration
economic impoverishment
hurl
utter abuse vehemently
simmering
be in a state of suppressed anger or excitement
jurist
an expert in or writer on law
accentuate
make more noticeable or prominent
abdicate
fail to fulfill or undertake; renounce one’s throne
sweeping
wide in range or effect
employ
make use of
extrinsic
coming or operating from outside
rapacious
aggressively greedy
cull
obtain from a variety of sources
far-reaching
having important and widely applicable effects or implications
foremost
most prominent in rank, importance, or position
disciple
a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher
defile
sully, mar, or spoil
conundrum
a confusing and difficult problem or question
canonical
conforming to a general rule
doggedly
in a manner that shows tenacity and grim persistence
persecute
subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment
inviolability
the quality of being safe from assault, trespass, or violation
heady
having a strong or exhilarating effect
countervail
offset the effect of something by countering it with something of equal force
temperate
showing self-restraint
rubber stamp
approve automatically without proper consideration
spectacle
a visually striking performance or display
strong-arm
to force someone to do something
coup
a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from government
candor
the quality of being open and honest in expression
ventilation
public discussion or examination of an opinion, issue, or complaint
malign
speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner
panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
retort
say something in response to a remark or accusation, typically in a sharp, angry, or incisive manner
aver
assert to be the case
vitriolic
filled with bitter criticism or malice
urbane
courteous and refined in manner
ingratiate
bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering them
truculent
easily annoyed and always ready to argue
vista
a pleasing view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening; a mental view over a stretch of time or series of events
trivial
of little importance
cascade
pour downward rapidly and in large quantities
gnaw
cause persistent and wearing distress
unreflecting
not engaging in reflection or thought
centerpiece
an item, issue, etc. intended to be a focus of attention
delinquent
showing a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime
prerogative
a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class
impute
to attribute
makeshift
serving as a temporary substitute
formidable
causing fear, dread, or apprehension
temperament
a person’s nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior
proverb
a short saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice
handily
in a skillful manner; easily
twilight
a period of obscurity, ambiguity, or gradual decline
resourcefulness
the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
mounting (adj.)
increasing, often in a manner that causes anxiety
orthodox
conforming to what is generally accepted as right or true
remission
a diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery
balk
hesitate to accept something
restive
unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom
intimate
imply or hint at
repository
a place where things are stored
unceremoniously
roughly or abruptly
eternal
existing forever
foregone
past
volition
the power of using one’s will
diminutive
extremely small
sensationalize –
(especially of a newspaper) present information about something in a way that provokes public interest and excitement at the expense of accuracy
tenable
able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
sinewy
lean and muscular
skittish
playfully frivolous or unpredictable
scruple
a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality of a course of action
exemplary
serving as a desirable model
bucolic
relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
despondent
in low spirits from loss of hope or courage
dovetail
to fit together closely or neatly
sandbag
deceive
ungainly
(of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy
pliable
easily bent, flexible; easily influenced
overture
an introduction to something more substantial
dox
search for and publish private or identifying information about an individual on the Internet, typically with malicious intent
transgress
go beyond the bounds of
clandestine
kept secret, especially because illicit
abridge
curtail (a right or privilege)
duly
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; as might be expected or predicted
empirical
based on or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
adroit
clever or skillful
drab
lacking brightness or interest
sublimate
divert or modify an instinctual impulse into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity
magnate
a wealthy and influential person, especially in business
undercut
offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor
pragmatic
dealing with things realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
unflinching
not showing fear or hesitation in the face of danger or difficulty
equipoise
balances of forces or interests
bravado
a bold manner intended to impress
precipitous
done suddenly and without careful consideration
disenfranchise
deprive someone of a right or privilege
supplant
supersede and replace
emanate
issue or spread out from a source
spate
a large number of similar things or events happening in quick succession
terse
abrupt
incisive
intelligently analytical and clear-thinking
belie
fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); fail to give a true impression of
mirth
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
haphazard
lacking any obvious principle of organization
harebrained
rash; ill-judged
bohemian
a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts
showcase
display
enclave
a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it
desecrate
treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect
propagate
spread and promote widely
humility
humbleness
fortuitous
happening by accident rather than design
ingenuity
the quality of being clever, original, inventive
gripe
complain about something in a persistent, irritating way
quibble
a slight objection or criticism about a trivial matter
slated
planned or scheduled
promulgate
promote or make widely known
armchair
lacking direct experience
magisterial
having or showing great authority
bane
a cause of great distress or annoyance
galvanize
shock or excite into taking action
escapism
the tendency to seek distraction from unpleasant realities, esp. by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy
elegy
a poem of serious reflection
injurious
likely to cause damage
veiled
expressed in an indirect way
foist
to force someone to accept or deal with something they do not want
expeditious
done with speed and efficiency
sanguine
optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
inflame
provoke or intensify (strong feelings, especially anger) in someone
primordial
existing at the beginning of time; basic and fundamental
gush
speak with effusiveness or exaggerated enthusiasm
perfunctory
carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection
sully
damage the integrity of
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
pawn
a person used by others for their own purposes
euphemism
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant
shirk
avoid or neglect a duty
usury
the illegal practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest
unscrupulous
having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair
proxy
a figure that can be used to represent the value of something
guarantor
a person, organization, or thing that guarantees something
protégé
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person
reparation
the making of amends for a wrong one has done
conscientious
wishing to do what is right, esp. to do one’s work well and thoroughly
prowess
expertise in a particular activity or field
steel
mentally prepare oneself to do or face something difficult
sanctity
the quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly
exhort
strongly encourage one to do something
mendacity
untruthfulness
fulsome
flattering to an excessive degree; generous or abundant
appropriation
the action of taking something for one’s own use typically without the owner’s permission
unyielding
(of a person) unlikely to be swayed; (of a structure) not giving way to pressure
zinger
a striking remark
stringency
strictness
caustic
sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
deleterious
causing harm or damage
dynamism
characterized by vigorous activity and progress
bemoan
express discontent over something
intransigent
unwilling to change one’s views
enigma
a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
spite
a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone
purgatory
having the quality of cleansing or purifying
amiable
having a pleasant manner
insignia
a badge or distinguishing mark of military rank, office, or membership of an organization; an official emblem
imprimatur
a person’s acceptance that something is of a good standard
wholesome
promoting moral well-being; suggestive of good health
crystallize
make or become definite or clear
assail
violently attack
indemnify
compensate someone for harm or loss
supersede
take the place of; supplant
waffle
fail to make up one’s mind
brazen
bold and without shame
conviviality
the quality of being friendly and lively; friendliness
valiant
showing courage
ambivalent
having mixed feelings
hyperbole
exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally
languish
grow weak or feeble
untoward
unexpected and inappropriate
benighted
in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
dissonance
a clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements
inapposite
out of place
demur
to raise doubts, show reluctance
skirmish
an episode of unpremeditated fighting
grit
courage and resolve; strength of character
streamline
make more efficient by employing faster or simpler working methods
specter
something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence
conviction
a firmly held belief
mendacious
lying
artifice
clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others
aspirate
inhale
dislodge
knock or force out of position; remove from a position of power
corpulent
fat
lifeline
a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation
co-opt
adopt an idea or policy for one’s own use
hubris
excessive pride or self-confidence
inchoate
just begun and so not fully formed or developed
incipient
in an initial stage
venerable
accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character
screed
a long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious
vigil
a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep
torpedo
to destroy, reject
latent
(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed
