SAT 1000
-
abase
(v.) humiliate or degrade someone -
abate
(v.) become less intense or widespread -
abdicate
(v.) give up power voluntarily -
abduct
(v.) take someone away by force -
aberration
(n.) deviation from the norm -
abet
(v.) assist or encourage wrongdoing -
abhor
(v.) regard with disgust or hatred -
abide
(v.) tolerate or stay; follow rules -
abject
(adj.) miserable, despicable, or wretched -
abjure
(v.) formally renounce or reject -
abnegation
(n.) self-denial or renunciation -
abort
(v.) terminate prematurely or fail -
abridge
(v./adj.) shorten or condense text -
abrogate
(v.) repeal or abolish a law -
abscond
(v.) escape secretly from custody -
absolution
(n.) forgiveness of sins or errors -
abstain
(v.) voluntarily refrain from something -
abstruse
(adj.) difficult to understand -
accede
(v.) agree or give consent to -
accentuate
(v.) emphasize or highlight -
accessible
(adj.) easy to reach or understand -
acclaim
(n.) enthusiastic approval or praise -
accolade
(n.) award or expression of praise -
accommodating
(adj.) helpful or obliging -
accord
(n.) mutual agreement or harmony -
accost
(v.to) approach and address boldly -
accretion
(n.) gradual accumulation or buildup -
acerbic
(adj.) harsh or bitter in tone -
acquiesce
(v.) accept reluctantly without protest -
acrimony
(n.) bitterness or harshness in speech or behavior -
acumen
(n.) keen insight or shrewdness -
acute
(adj.) sharp or severe; perceptive -
adamant
(adj.) refusing to change mind -
adept
(adj.) skillful or proficient at something -
adhere
(n.) stick to or follow closely -
admonish
(v.) warn or reprimand firmly -
adorn
(v.) decorate or add beauty to -
adroit
(adj.) skillful and resourceful -
adulation
(n.) excessive or insincere praise -
adumbrate
(v.) outline or foreshadow vaguely -
adverse
(adj.) hostile or unfavorable -
advocate
(v./n.) support or recommend publicly -
aerial
(adj.) existing, happening in the air -
aesthetic
(adj.) concerning beauty or art -
affable
(adj.) friendly and easy to talk to -
affinity
(n.a) natural liking or connection -
affluent
(adj.) wealthy or prosperous -
affront
(n.) insult or offend openly -
aggrandize
(v.) increase in power or reputation -
aggregate
(n./v.) total sum of parts -
aggrieved
(adj.) feeling of resentment or injustice -
agile
(adj.) quick and nimble -
agnostic
(adj.) doubts existence of god -
agriculture
(n.) farming or cultivation of land -
aisle
(n.) walkway between rows -
alacrity
(n.) cheerful readiness or promptness -
alias
(n.) assumed or false name -
allay
(v.) diminish or put to rest -
allege
(v.) claim or assert without proof -
alleviate
(v.) make easier or less severe -
allocate
(v.) distribute for a specific purpose -
aloof
(adj.) distant emotionally or physically -
altercation
(n.) noisy argument or fight -
amalgamate
(v.) combine or unite into one -
ambiguous
(adj.) unclear or having multiple meanings -
ambivalent
(adj.) having mixed feelings -
ameliorate
(v.) make better or improve -
amenable
(adj.) open to influence or cooperation -
amenity
(n.) pleasant or comfortable feature -
amiable
(adj.) friendly and good-natured -
amicable
(adj.) peaceable or friendly -
amorous
(adj.) showing love or romantic feeling -
amorphous
(adj.) without definite shape or form -
anachronistic
(adj.) out of its proper time period -
analgesic
(n.) pain-relieving medication -
analogous
(adj.) comparable or similar in some way -
anarchist
(n.) person opposing authority or government -
anathema
(n.) something greatly detested -
anecdote
(n.) short amusing or interesting story -
anesthesia
(n.) loss of sensation or consciousness -
anguish
(n.) severe mental or physical pain -
animated
(adj.) lively or filled with energy -
annex
(v./n.) add or incorporate territory -
annul
(v.) declare invalid or cancel -
anomaly
(n.) deviation from the normal -
anonymous
(adj.) unnamed or unidentified -
antagonism
(n.) active opposition or hostility -
antecedent
(n.) previous or coming before -
antediluvian
(adj.) extremely old or outdated -
anthology
(n.) collection of literary works -
antipathy
(n.) strong feeling of dislike -
antiquated
(adj.) outdated or obsolete -
antiseptic
(adj.) germ-killing or sterilizing agent -
antithesis
(n.) direct opposite or contrast -
anxiety
(n.) feeling of worry or unease -
apathetic
(adj.) showing no interest or emotion -
apocryphal
(adj.) of uncertain authenticity -
appalling
(adj.) causing horror or disapproval -
appease
(v.) pacify or soothe -
appraise
(v.) evaluate or assess value -
apprehend
(v.) understand or arrest someone -
approbation
(n.) enjoyment or praise; approval or commendation -
appropriate
(v.) suitable or fitting for a specific purpose -
aquatic
(adj.) relating to water or existing in water -
arable
(adj.) suitable for growing crops; farmland -
arbiter
(n.) person who makes judgments or settles disputes -
arbitrary
(adj.) determined by personal choice rather than reason -
arbitration
(n.) settling disputes through a neutral third party -
arboreal
(adj.) related to or resembling trees -
arcane
(adj.) understood by few; mysterious or secret -
archaic
(adj.) very old or outdated -
archetypal
(adj.) serving as a typical example -
ardor
(n.) intense enthusiasm or passion -
arid
(adj.) extremely dry or lacking moisture -
arrogate
(v.) take or claim without permission -
artifact
(n.) man-made object of historical or cultural interest -
artisan
(n.) skilled craftsperson or manual worker -
ascertain
(v.) find out or discover with certainty -
ascetic
(adj.) practicing self-discipline and abstention -
ascribe
(v.) regard as belonging to a particular cause or origin -
aspersion
(n.) insult or damaging remark -
aspire
(v.) desire earnestly or to achieve something -
assail
(v.) make a violent attack or criticize strongly -
assess
(v.) evaluate or estimate the value or importance -
assiduous
(adj.) diligent and persistent in effort -
assuage
(v.) to make less severe or painful -
astute
(adj.) mentally sharp and perceptive -
asylum
(n.) shelter or protection from danger -
atone
(v.) make amends for wrongdoings -
atrophy
(v.) gradual decline or wasting away -
attain
(v.) reach or achieve a goal -
attribute
(v./n.) regard as resulting from a specific cause -
atypical
(adj.) not representative of the norm -
audacious
(adj.) fearlessly daring or bold -
audible
(adj.) able to be heard -
augment
(v.) increase or make larger -
auspicious
(adj.) favorable or indicating good fortune -
austere
(adj.) severe or strict in manner or appearance -
avarice
(n.) extreme greed for wealth -
avenge
(v.) punish or exact revenge for a wrong -
aversion
(n.) strong dislike or opposition
-
balk
(v.) hesitate or refuse to proceed -
ballad
(n.) narrative song or poem -
banal
(adj.) lacking originality; boring -
bane
(n.) total destruction or ruin -
bard
(n.) poet or singer, especially of epic poetry -
bashful
(adj.) shy or reserved -
battery
(n.) device that produces electricity; assault -
beguile
(v.) charm or enchant someone -
behemoth
(n.) enormous or powerful creature or thing -
benevolent
(adj.) wishing good for others; kind -
benign
(adj.) harmless or gentle -
bequeath
(v.) leave property by will -
berate
(v.) critically scold or condemn -
bereft
(adj.) lacking or deprived of something -
beseech
(v.) implore or beg earnestly -
bias
(n.) prejudice or inclination for or against something -
bilk
(v.) cheat or defraud -
blandish
(v.) praise insistently to gain favor -
blemish
(n.) imperfection or flaw -
blight
(n.) plant disease or any cause of decay -
boisterous
(adj.) loud, energetic, and rowdy -
bombastic
(adj.) pompous or overblown in speech -
boon
(n.) beneficial or helpful blessing -
bourgeois
(n.) relating to middle-class or capitalist values -
brazen
(adj.) bold and shameless -
brusque
(adj.) abrupt or blunt in speech or manner -
buffet
(v./n.) strike repeatedly or meal consisting of several dishes -
burnish
(v.) polish by rubbing -
buttress
(v./n.) support or reinforce
-
cacophony
(n.) dense, harsh mixture of sounds -
cadence
(n.) rhythmic flow or pattern -
cajole
(v.) persuade by flattery or coaxing -
calamity
(n.) great disaster or misfortune -
calibrate
(v.) set or adjust precisely -
callous
(adj.) lacking empathy or concern -
calumny
(n.) false statement to damage reputation -
camaraderie
(n.) friendly good feeling among companions -
candor
(n.) honest and open communication -
canny
(adj.) shrewd and clever -
canvas
(n./v.) large piece of fabric for painting or covering -
capacious
(adj.) able to hold much; spacious -
capitulate
(v.) surrender or give in -
capricious
(adj.) impulsive or unpredictable -
captivate
(v.to) hold interest or attract strongly -
carouse
(v.) engage in lively, drunken partying -
carp
(v.) find fault constantly -
catalog
(v./n.) organized list or collection -
catalyze
(v.) bring about or accelerate a process -
caucus
(n.) meeting of members for discussion -
caustic
(adj.) sarcastic or corrosive -
cavort
(v.) jump or dance around excitedly -
censure
(n./v.) express strong disapproval -
cerebral
(adj.) relating to the brain or intellect -
chaos
(n.) total disorder or confusion -
chastise
(v.) rebuke or reprimand severely -
cherish
(v.) treat with love and care -
chide
(v.) scold or rebuke -
choreography
(n.) art of designing dance movements -
chronicle
(n./v.) record or narrative of events -
chronological
(adj.) arranged in order of time -
circuitous
(adj.) taking a longer, indirect route -
circumlocution
(n.) excessive talking around a point -
circumscribed
(adj.) limited within boundaries -
circumspect
(adj.) cautious and careful -
circumvent
(v.) avoid by clever means -
clairvoyant
(adj.) seer with future insight -
clamor
(n./v.) loud, continuous noise -
clandestine
(adj.) secret, concealed -
cleave
(v.) split apart or cling to -
clemency
(n.) mercy or leniency -
clergy
(n.) religious leaders -
cloying
(adj.) overly sweet or sentimental -
coagulate
(v.) clot or become solid -
coalesce
(v.) come together to form whole -
cobbler
(n.) shoe repair artisan -
coerce
(v.) force into action -
cogent
(adj.) clear and logical -
cognizant
(adj.) aware of -
coherent
(adj.) logical and consistent -
collateral
(adj./n.) secondary or supporting -
colloquial
(adj.) informal language -
collusion
(n.) secret cooperation for deceit -
colossus
(n.) huge or enormous figure -
combustion
(n.) burning or ignition -
commendation
(n.) formal praise -
commensurate
(adj.) matching in size or amount -
commodious
(adj.) spacious or roomy -
compelling
(adj.) persuading forcibly -
compensate
(v.) make up for loss -
complacency
(n.) self-satisfaction weakness -
complement
(v.) completes or enhances -
compliant
(adj.) obedient, submissive -
complicit
(adj.) associated in wrongdoing -
compliment
(n.) praise or admiration -
compound
(v./n.) substance made of two or more parts -
comprehensive
(adj.) complete and inclusive -
compress
(v.) press or squeeze together -
compunction
(n.) guilt or regret -
concede
(v.) admit as true or valid -
conciliatory
(adj.) calming or appeasing -
concise
(adj.) brief and to the point -
concoct
(v.) create or invent in imagination -
concomitant
(adj.) a naturally accompanying -
concord
(n.) harmony or agreement -
condolence
(n.) sympathy for loss -
condone
(v.) disregard or overlook -
conduit
(n.) channel for conveying fluid -
confection
(n.) sweet food or candy -
confidant
(n.) trusted friend or advisor -
conflagration
(n.) large destructive fire -
confluence
(n.) flowing together of rivers -
conformist
(n.) person who follows rules -
confound
(v.) confuse or frustrate -
congeal
(v.) solidify or become gelatinous -
congenial
(adj.) agreeable and friendly -
congregation
(n.) gathering of people -
congruity
(n.) harmony or appropriateness -
connive
(v.) secretly cooperate in wrongdoing -
consecrate
(v.) make sacred or holy -
consensus
(n.) general agreement -
consign
(v.) deliver or commit to -
consolation
(n.) comfort in grief -
consonant
(adj.) harmonious or agreeable -
constituent
(n.) component or part -
constrain
(v.to) restrict or compel -
construe
(v.) interpret or understand -
consummate
(v.) fulfill or complete -
consumption
(n.) using up or eating -
contemporaneous
(adj.) happening at same time -
contentious
(adj.) causing disagreement -
contravene
(v.) violate or conflict with -
contrite
(adj.) feeling remorseful -
contusion
(n.) bruise or hematoma -
conundrum
(n.) mysterious or puzzling problem -
convene
(v.) call together for meeting -
convention
(n.) standard practice or meeting -
convivial
(adj.) friendly and lively -
convoluted
(adj.) complex or twisted -
copious
(adj.) abundant or plentiful -
cordial
(adj.) sincerely friendly -
coronation
(n.) crowning or official ceremony -
corpulence
(adj.) obesity or fatness -
corroborate
(v.) confirm or support with evidence -
corrosive
(adj.) eroding or causing damage -
cosmopolitan
(adj.) worldly or globally sophisticated -
counteract
(v.) act against or oppose -
coup
(n.) sudden, successful action -
covert
(adj.) hidden or secret -
covet
(v.) desire strongly -
credulity
(n.) naive belief or trust -
crescendo
(n.) gradually increasing sound -
criteria
(n.) standards for judgment -
culmination
(n.) highest point or final stage -
culpable
(adj.) faulty or blameworthy -
cultivate
(v.) grow or develop skill -
cumulative
(adj.) increasing over time -
cunning
(adj.) skilled in deception -
cupidity
(n.) greed or desire for wealth -
cursory
(adj.) quick and superficial -
curt
(adj.) rudely brief -
curtail
(v.) reduce or cut short
-
daunting
(adj.) intimidating or discouraging -
dearth
(n.) lack of something; scarcity or shortage -
debacle
(n.) sudden and disastrous failure or defeat -
debase
(v.) reduce in quality, degrade or demean -
debauch
(v.) indulge excessively in pleasures; corrupt -
debunk
(v.) expose falseness or exaggerated claims -
decorous
(adj.) proper, tasteful, and polite behavior -
decry
(v.) publicly denounce or criticize -
deface
(v.) spoil surface of something; vandalize -
defamatory
(adj.) damaging reputation; slanderous -
defer
(v.) postpone or delay; yield respectfully -
deferential
(adj.) showing respect or submission -
defile
(v.) spoil or desecrate; make dirty or unclean -
deft
(adj.) skillful, quick, and precise in movement -
defunct
(adj.) no longer existing or functioning -
delegate
(v.) assign or entrust to another; representative -
deleterious
(adj.) causing harm or damage -
deliberate
(adj.) done intentionally; carefully considered -
delineate
(v.) describe accurately or portray in detail -
demagogue
(n.) leader who appeals to emotions for power -
demarcation
(n.) boundary or separation line -
demean
(v.) lower in dignity or status; humiliate -
demure
(adj.) modest, reserved, or shy -
denigrate
(v.) speak ill of; belittle or defame -
denounce
(v.) publicly condemn or accuse -
deplore
(v.) feel or express strong disapproval -
depravity
(n.) moral corruption or wickedness -
deprecate
(v.) express disapproval or regret -
derelict
(adj.) abandoned or neglectful; homeless person -
deride
(v.) mock or ridicule contemptuously -
derivative
(adj.) unoriginal; copied or imitative -
desecrate
(v.) treat sacredly with disrespect -
desiccated
(adj.) thoroughly dried out; lacking vitality -
desolate
(adj.) deserted; feeling or showing misery -
despondent
(adj.) very discouraged or dejected -
despot
(n.) tyrannical ruler with absolute power -
destitute
(adj.) lacking resources or possessions -
deter
(v.) discourage from happening; prevent -
devious
(adj.) dishonest or indirect in behavior -
dialect
(n.) regional language or speech pattern -
diaphanous
(adj.) lightweight, semi-transparent fabric -
didactic
(adj.) intended to teach or instruct -
diffident
(adj.) shy or lacking self-confidence -
diffuse
(v./adj.) spread out or scattered; wordy -
dilatory
(adj.) causing delay; slow to act -
diligent
(adj.) hardworking and attentive -
diminutive
(adj.) very small or tiny -
dirge
(n.) mournful song for the dead -
disaffected
(adj.) unhappy with authority or system -
disavow
(v.) deny any responsibility or support -
discern
(v.to) perceive or recognize clearly -
disclose
(v.) reveal or make known publicly -
discomfit
(v.) make uneasy or embarrassed -
discordant
(adj.) incompatible; harsh or jarring -
discrepancy
(n.) lack of agreement or consistency -
discretion
(n.) cautious judgment or tact -
discursive
(adj.) rambling; covering many topics -
disdain
(v./n.) intense dislike or contempt for -
disgruntled
(adj.) dissatisfied or resentful -
disheartened
(adj.) discouraged or demoralized -
disparage
(v.) belittle or speak disrespectfully of -
disparate
(adj.) fundamentally different or diverse -
dispatch
(v.) send off swiftly; promptness -
dispel
(v.) drive away or scatter; make vanish -
disperse
(v.) scatter in different directions -
disrepute
(n.) loss of reputation or respect -
dissemble
(v.) conceal true feelings or motives -
disseminate
(v.) spread widely or distribution -
dissent
(v./n.) disagreement with authority or majority -
dissipate
(v.) disperse or scatter; squander -
dissonance
(n.) lack of harmony among sounds -
dissuade
(v.) persuade someone not to do something -
distend
(v.) stretch or expand outwards -
dither
(v.) indecisive or wavering behavior -
divine
(adj.) perceive through intuition or insight -
divisive
(adj.) causing disagreement or division -
divulge
(v.) reveal secrets or private information -
docile
(adj.) easily taught or managed; submissive -
dogmatic
(adj.) inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertible -
dormant
(adj.) inactive but capable of becoming active -
dour
(adj.) stern, harsh, or gloomy -
dubious
(adj.) doubtful or uncertain -
duplicity
(n.) double-dealing or dishonesty -
duress
(n.) threats or force to coercively compel -
dynamic
(adj.) energetic; constantly changing
-
ebullient
(adj.) overflowing with enthusiasm -
eclectic
(adj.) deriving ideas from various sources -
ecstatic
(adj.) intensely happy or overwhelmed -
edict
(n.) official order or proclamation -
efface
(v.) erase or wipe out; make less visible -
effervescent
(adj.) bubbly, lively, or spirited -
efficacious
(adj.) effective in producing desired result -
effrontery
(n.) shameless or impudent boldness -
effulgent
(adj.) shining brightly; radiant -
egregious
(adj.) remarkably bad or shocking -
elaborate
(adj.) detailed or complicated in design -
elated
(adj.) ecstatically happy or proud -
elegy
(n.) song or poem lamenting the dead -
elicit
(v.) draw out or evoke response -
eloquent
(adj.) fluent or persuasive in speech -
elucidate
(v.) make clear or clarify -
elude
(v.) escape understanding or grasp; evade detection -
emaciated
(adj.) extremely thin due to illness or lack of food -
embellish
(v.) decorate or add details to improve appearance -
embezzle
(v.) take money secretly for personal use -
emend
(v.) correct or revise a text -
eminent
(adj.) famous and respected in a particular field -
emollient
(adj.) soothing or softening agent -
emote
(v.) express emotion -
empathy
(n.) ability to understand others' feelings -
empirical
(adj.) based on observation or experience -
emulate
(v.) imitate with the aim of matching -
enamor
(v.) to fill with love or admiration -
encore
(n.) additional performance at end of show -
encumber
(v.) restrain or hinder -
enervate
(v.) weaken physically or mentally -
enfranchise
(v.) give voting rights -
engender
(v.) cause or produce -
enigmatic
(adj.) mysterious or difficult to understand -
enmity
(n.) deep-seated hatred -
ennui
(n.) boredom or dissatisfaction -
entail
(v.) involve as necessary part -
enthrall
(v.) captivate or fascinate -
ephemeral
(adj.) lasting a very short time -
epistolary
(adj.) relating to letters -
epitome
(n.) perfect example of something -
equanimity
(n.) mental calmness and composure -
equivocal
(adj.) uncertain or ambiguous -
erudite
(adj.) having extensive knowledge -
eschew
(v.) avoid or abstain from -
esoteric
(adj.) understood only by a select few -
espouse
(v.) adopt or support -
ethereal
(adj.) light and delicate -
etymology
(n.) origin of a word -
euphoric
(adj.) feeling intense happiness -
evanescent
(adj.) soon fading or disappearing -
evince
(v.) show or reveal clearly -
exacerbate
(v.) worsen or intensify -
exalt
(v.) praise highly -
exasperate
(v.) irritate intensely -
excavate
(v.) dig out from the ground -
exculpate
(v.) clear from blame -
excursion
(n.) a short trip or outing -
execrable
(adj.) detestable or horrible -
exhort
(v.) persistently urge or encourage -
exigent
(adj.) urgent or pressing -
exonerate
(v.) absolve from blame -
exorbitant
(adj.) excessively high or unreasonable -
expedient
(adj.) appropriate and advantageous -
expiate
(v.) make amends for guilt or sin -
expunge
(v.) remove completely -
expurgate
(v.) edit to remove inappropriate parts -
extant
(adj.) still in existence -
extol
(v.) praise enthusiastically -
extraneous
(adj.) irrelevant or unrelated -
extricate
(v.) free from difficulty or entanglement -
exult
(v.) show great joy or triumph
-
fabricate
(v.) invent or make up -
facile
(adj.) easily achieved; superficial -
fallacious
(adj.) based on mistaken reasoning -
fastidious
(adj.) paying close attention to detail -
fathom
(v.) understand deeply -
fatuous
(adj.) lacking intelligence or sense -
fecund
(adj.) highly fertile or productive -
felicitous
(adj.) pleasing or appropriate -
feral
(adj.) wild and untamed -
fervent
(adj.) passionate or enthusiastic -
fetid
(adj.) having a foul smell -
fetter
(v.) restrain or chain -
fickle
(adj.) changing frequently -
fidelity
(n.) faithfulness or loyalty -
figurative
(adj.) metaphorical rather than literal -
flabbergasted
(adj.) extremely surprised -
flaccid
(adj.) lacking firmness or stiffness -
flagrant
(adj.) shockingly noticeable or obvious -
florid
(adj.) excessively ornate or decorated -
flout
(v.) contemptuously disregard -
foil
(v.to) prevent success of; contrasting force -
forage
(v.) search for food or supplies -
forbearance
(n.) patience and restraint -
forestall
(v.) prevent or obstruct -
forlorn
(adj.) pitifully sad or abandoned -
forsake
(v.) abandon or give up -
fortitude
(n.) courage in adversity -
fortuitous
(adj.) happening by luck -
forum
(n.) public meeting or discussion platform -
foster
(v.to) encourage or promote development -
fractious
(adj.) prone to cause trouble -
fraught
(adj.) filled with or marked by -
frenetic
(adj.) having frantic energy -
frivolous
(adj.) lacking seriousness or importance -
frugal
(adj.) avoiding waste; economical -
furtive
(adj.) sly or secretive
-
garish
(adj.) gaudy or tastelessly bright -
garrulous
(adj.) talkative excessively -
genial
(adj.) friendly or cheerful -
gluttony
(n.) habit of overeating -
goad
(v.) urge or provoke to action -
gourmand
(n.) someone who enjoys eating -
grandiloquence
(n.) pompous or pretentious speech -
grandiose
(adj.) impressive but superficial -
gratuitous
(adj.) given freely; uncalled for -
gregarious
(adj.) outgoing and sociable in nature -
grievous
(adj.) causing sorrow or pain; serious -
guile
(n.) deceitful cunning; slyness
-
hackneyed
(adj.) lacking freshness; overused -
hallowed
(adj.) set apart as holy or sacred -
hapless
(adj.) unlucky; unfortunate -
harangue
(n./v.) long, critical speech or scolding -
hardy
(adj.) strong and resilient -
harrowing
(adj.) causing distress; agonizing -
haughty
(adj.) showing arrogance; proud -
hedonist
(n.) pursues pleasure as life goal -
hegemony
(n.) general dominance or leadership -
heinous
(adj.) horrible or wicked -
heterogeneous
(adj.) different or diverse parts -
hiatus
(n.) gap or break in continuity -
hierarchy
(n.) pyramid of authority or status -
hypocrisy
(n.) pretending to hold beliefs not held -
hypothetical
(adj.) based on hypothesis; theoretical
-
iconoclast
(n.) critic of traditions or beliefs -
idiosyncratic
(adj.) peculiar to an individual -
idolatrous
(adj.) worshiping idols excessively -
ignominious
(adj.) having shame or disgrace -
illicit
(adj.) forbidden by law or rules -
immerse
(v.) plunge into or involve deeply -
immutable
(adj.) unchanging over time -
impassive
(adj.) without emotion or response -
impeccable
(adj.) flawless; perfect -
impecunious
(adj.) lacking money; poor -
imperative
(adj./n.) absolutely necessary or urgent -
imperious
(adj.) overbearing; commanding -
impertinent
(adj.) rude or irrelevant -
impervious
(adj.) impossible to penetrate or affect -
impetuous
(adj.) hasty; impulsive -
impinge
(v.) to encroach or infringe -
implacable
(adj.) unable to be appeased -
implement
(n./v.) to carry out or execute -
implicate
(v.) to show involvement with crime -
implicit
(adj.) implied; understood without being stated -
impregnable
(adj.) unable to be taken or broken into -
impudent
(adj.) rude or disrespectful -
impute
(v.) attribute or ascribe a fault -
inane
(adj.) lacking meaning; silly -
inarticulate
(adj.) unable to speak clearly -
incarnate
(adj./v.) embodied in flesh; personified -
incendiary
(n./adj.) promoting fire or conflict -
incessant
(adj.) continuous; never stopping -
inchoate
(adj.) undeveloped; beginning stage -
incisive
(adj.) clear and direct; sharply focused -
inclination
(n.) a preference or tendency -
incontrovertible
(adj.) beyond doubt or dispute -
incorrigible
(adj.) difficult to correct or reform -
increment
(n.) small increase or addition -
incumbent
(n./adj.) obligatory; currently holding office -
indefatigable
(adj.) tireless; persistent -
indigenous
(adj.) native to a place -
indigent
(adj.) lacking necessities; poor -
indignation
(n.) anger at injustice -
indolent
(adj.) lazy; avoidant of activity -
indomitable
(adj.) cannot be defeated -
induce
(v.) to persuade or influence -
ineffable
(adj.) unspeakable; beyond description -
inept
(adj.) lacking skill or ability -
inexorable
(adj.) impossible to stop or prevent -
inextricable
(adj.) impossible to disentangle -
infamy
(n.) notoriety; disgrace -
infusion
(n.) gradual introduction; soaking -
ingenious
(adj.) clever; original -
ingenuous
(adj.) innocent; straightforward -
inhibit
(v.) hold back or restrain -
inimical
(adj.) hostile or harmful -
iniquity
(n.) immoral or wicked act -
injunction
(n.) orders or prohibitions -
innate
(adj.) inborn; naturally existing -
innocuous
(adj.) harmeless; not offensive -
innovate
(v.) introduce new ideas or methods -
innuendo
(n.) indirect suggestion or hint -
inoculate
(v.) immunize by vaccination -
inquisitor
(n.) person asking questions aggressively -
insatiable
(adj.) impossible to satisfy -
insidious
(adj.) deceptively harmful -
insinuate
(v.) imply subtly or slyly -
insipid
(adj.) lacking flavor or interest -
insolent
(adj.) rude; disrespectful -
instigate
(v.) to stir up or provoke -
insular
(adj.) isolated; narrow-minded -
insurgent
(n.) rebel or revolutionary -
integral
(adj.) necessary; essential -
interject
(v.) say abruptly during conversation -
interlocutor
(n.) person involved in dialogue -
interminable
(adj.) endless; having no limit -
intimation
(n.) suggestion; subtle hint -
intractable
(adj.) difficult to manage -
intransigent
(adj.) stubborn; uncompromising -
intrepid
(adj.) courageous; fearless -
inundate
(v.) overwhelm with abundance -
inure
(v.) accustom to hardship -
invective
(n.) insulting language -
inveterate
(adj.) habitually practicing -
inviolable
(adj.) secure from violation -
irascible
(adj.) easily angered -
iridescent
(adj.) showing rainbow-like colors -
irreverence
(n.) lack of respect or seriousness -
irrevocable
(adj.) unable to be changed or reversed
-
jubilant
(adj.) feeling or expressing great happiness -
judicious
(adj.) showing good judgment or sense -
juxtaposition
(n.) placing two things side by side
-
knell
(n.) the sound of a bell, especially at tolling -
kudos
(n.) praise for achievement
-
laceration
(n.) cuts or tears in skin or flesh -
laconic
(adj.) using very few words -
languid
(adj.) lacking energy or vitality -
larceny
(n.) theft or stealing -
largess
(n.) generous bestowal of gifts -
latent
(adj.) hidden or concealed -
laudatory
(adj.) expressing praise -
lavish
(adj./v.) excessively generous or elaborate -
legerdemain
(n.) skillful deception or magic -
lenient
(adj.) merciful or tolerant -
lethargic
(adj.) feeling sluggish or sleepy -
liability
(n.) legal responsibility or debt -
libertarian
(adj.) advocate of individual freedom -
licentious
(adj.) lacking moral restraint -
limpid
(adj.) clear and transparent -
linchpin
(n.) central or most important element -
lithe
(adj.) flexible and graceful -
litigant
(n.) a person involved in a lawsuit -
lucid
(adj.) clear and easy to understand -
luminous
(adj.) emitting light -
lurid
(adj.) causing shock or horror
-
maelstrom
(n.) violent whirlpool or chaos -
magnanimous
(adj.) generous and forgiving -
malediction
(n.) curse or slander -
malevolent
(adj.) having harmful intentions -
malleable
(adj.) easily shaped or changed -
mandate
(n.) official order or command -
manifest
(adj./v.) evident or obvious -
manifold
(adj.) many and various -
maudlin
(adj.) sentimental to excessive degree -
maverick
(n.) independent-minded person -
mawkish
(adj.) excessively sentimental -
maxim
(n.) short statement of a general truth -
meager
(adj.) lacking in quantity or quality -
medley
(n.) mix of different things -
mendacious
(adj.) lying or false -
mercurial
(adj.) predictably changeable -
meritorious
(adj.) praiseworthy -
metamorphosis
(n.) complete change or transformation -
meticulous
(adj.) very careful and precise -
mitigate
(v.) ease severity or reduce -
moderate
(adj./n.) average or within limits -
modicum
(n.) small amount or limited quantity -
modulate
(v.) adjust or soften tone -
mollify
(v.) appease or reduce anger -
morass
(n.) difficult situation or swamp -
mores
(n.) customs or moral standards -
morose
(adj.) sullen or gloomy -
multifarious
(adj.) varied and diverse -
mundane
(adj.) boring or ordinary -
munificence
(n.) charitable generosity -
mutable
(adj.) changeable or variable -
myriad
(adj.) countless or extremely large number
-
nadir
(n.) lowest point or bottom -
nascent
(adj.) beginning to develop -
nebulous
(adj.) vague or unclear -
nefarious
(adj.) wicked or criminal -
negligent
(adj.) failing to take proper care -
neophyte
(n.) newly converted or beginner -
nocturnal
(adj.) active at night -
noisome
(adj.) offensive or harmful -
nomadic
(adj.) wandering without fixed home -
nominal
(adj.) existing in name only -
nonchalant
(adj.) casually calm and relaxed -
nondescript
(adj.) lacking distinctive features -
notorious
(adj.) famous for bad reasons -
novice
(n.) beginner or inexperienced person -
noxious
(adj.) harmful or poisonous -
nuance
(n.) subtle difference or variation -
nurture
(v.to) encourage growth or development
-
obdurate
(adj.) stubborn and unyielding -
obfuscate
(v.) making unclear or unintelligible -
oblique
(adj.) indirect or slanting -
oblivious
(adj.) unaware or forgetful -
obscure
(adj.) difficult to see or understand -
obsequious
(adj.) excessively eager to please -
obsolete
(adj.) no longer in use -
obstinate
(adj.) stubbornly refusing to change -
obstreperous
(adj.) boisterous and loud -
obtuse
(adj.) lacking sharpness or quickness -
odious
(adj.) horrible or detestable -
officious
(adj.) meddlesome or interfering -
ominous
(adj.) giving a bad omen or threatening -
onerous
(adj.) burdensome or oppressive -
opulent
(adj.) luxurious and wealthy -
oration
(n.) public speech or address -
ornate
(adj.) highly decorated or elaborate -
orthodox
(adj.) conventional or traditional -
oscillate
(v.) move back and forth -
ostensible
(adj.) seeming or apparent -
ostentatious
(adj.) intended to attract attention -
ostracism
(n.) purposely excluding someone
-
pacific
(adj.) peaceful or calming -
palatable
(adj.) pleasant to taste or accept -
palette
(adj.) range of colors used by an artist -
palliate
(v.) to ease or relieve without curing -
pallid
(adj.) pale or lacking color; dull -
panacea
(n.) universal cure or remedy -
paradigm
(n.) typical example or model -
paradox
(n.) statement seeming contradictory but true -
paragon
(n.) perfect example or embodiment -
paramount
(adj.) more important than anything else -
pariah
(n.) social outcast or despised person -
parody
(n.) humorous imitation of a work -
parsimony
(n.) extreme reluctance to spend money -
partisan
(n.) strong supporter of a cause -
patent
(adj.) official right to invention; obvious -
pathology
(n.) study of diseases; medical condition -
pathos
(n.) appeal to emotion; emotional quality -
paucity
(adj.) scarcity or small amount of something -
pejorative
(adj.) expressing disapproval or negative tone -
pellucid
(adj.) transparent; clear and easy to understand -
penchant
(n.) strong liking or preference -
penitent
(adj.) feeling remorse for past actions -
penultimate
(adj.) second to last in sequence -
penurious
(adj.) extremely poor; parsimonious -
perfidious
(adj.) treacherous or unfaithful -
perfunctory
(adj.) carried out with minimal effort -
permeate
(v.) to spread throughout something -
pernicious
(adj.) highly harmful or destructive -
perplex
(v.) to confuse or puzzle someone -
perspicacity
(adj.) keen insight or understanding -
pert
(adj.) lively and full of energy; bold -
pertinacious
(adj.) holding firm; stubbornly persistent -
perusal
(n.) reading carefully or thoroughly -
pervasive
(adj.) spreading widely throughout -
petulance
(n.) sudden, impatient irritation -
philanthropic
(adj.) concerned with helping others -
phlegmatic
(adj.) calm and unemotional -
pillage
(v.) to rob or plunder violently -
pinnacle
(n.) highest point or peak -
pithy
(adj.) concise and forcefully expressive -
pittance
(n.) small or inadequate amount of money -
placate
(v.) to soothe or calm someone -
placid
(adj.) peaceful, undisturbed, calm -
platitude
(n.) common remark; banal statement -
plaudits
(n.) enthusiastic applause or praise -
plausible
(adj.) apparently true or reasonable -
plenitude
(n.) abundance or large quantity -
plethora
(n.) excessive amount of something -
pliable
(adj.) easily bent or flexible -
poignant
(adj.) emotionally touching or moving -
polemic
(n.) argument against a belief or opinion -
portent
(n.) a sign of future events; warning -
potable
(adj.) drinkable; suitable for drinking -
potentate
(n.) ruler or monarch with power -
pragmatic
(adj.) practical and realistic -
precipice
(n.) steep cliff or edge of a dangerous situation -
preclude
(v.) to prevent or make impossible -
precocious
(adj.) advanced for age; early development -
predilection
(n.) liking or preference for something -
preponderance
(adj.) greater in number or importance -
prepossessing
(adj.) attractive or appealing -
presage
(n.) to foretell or predict; omen -
prescient
(adj.) having knowledge of future events -
prescribe
(v.) to recommend authoritatively -
presumptuous
(adj.) overconfident, bold beyond limits -
pretense
(n.an) false display or claim; or acting -
primeval
(adj.) belonging to the earliest times -
privation
(n.) lack of basic necessities or comforts -
probity
(n.) integrity and uprightness -
proclivity
(n.) natural or habitual inclination -
procure
(v.) to obtain or acquire through effort -
profane
(adj.) disrespectful of sacred things -
profligate
(adj.) recklessly extravagant; wasteful -
profuse
(adj.) abundant; giving freely; lush -
promulgate
(v.) to officially announce or publish -
propagate
(v.) to spread or multiply; reproduce -
propensity
(n.) natural tendency or inclination -
propitious
(adj.) favorable or auspicious -
propriety
(n.) appropriateness or decorum -
prosaic
(adj.) dull, unimaginative, or commonplace -
proscribe
(v.) to ban or prohibit officially -
protean
(adj.) able to change easily or versatile -
prowess
(n.) exceptional skill or bravery -
prudence
(n.) cautiousness and good judgment -
prurient
(adj.) having or showing excessive interest in sex -
puerile
(adj.) childish or silly -
pugnacious
(adj.) eager to fight or argue -
pulchritude
(n.) physical beauty -
punctilious
(adj.) paying strict attention to detail -
pungent
(adj.) sharply affecting smell or taste -
punitive
(adj.) inflicting punishment or penalty -
putrid
(adj.) decayed or rotting; foul-smelling
-
quagmire
(n.) difficult situation or entrapment -
quaint
(adj.) charmingly old-fashioned or unusual -
quandary
(n.) state of uncertainty or doubt -
quell
(v.) to suppress or put an end to -
querulous
(adj.) complaining or irritable -
quixotic
(adj.) idealistic but impractical -
quotidian
(adj.) daily; commonplace or ordinary
-
rail
(v.) to scold or complain bitterly -
rancid
(adj.) having a stale or offensive smell -
rancor
(n.) deep-seated bitterness or resentment -
rapport
(n.) harmonious relationship or connection -
rash
(adj.) reckless or hasty decision or action -
raucous
(adj.) loud, harsh, and disorderly noise -
raze
(v.) completely destroy or wipe out -
rebuke
(v.) express sharp disapproval or criticism -
recalcitrant
(adj.) stubbornly disobedient or uncooperative -
recapitulate
(v.) summarize main points or facts -
reciprocate
(v.) give in return; respond similarly -
reclusive
(adj.) avoiding social interactions or society -
reconcile
(v.) restore friendly relations after disagreement -
rectitude
(n.) morally correct behavior or thinking -
redoubtable
(adj.) inspiring fear or respect -
refract
(v.) bend or change direction of light or sound -
refurbish
(v.) renovate or brighten up a space or item -
refute
(v.) prove false or incorrect through argument -
regurgitate
(v.) bring swallowed food back to mouth -
relegate
(v.) assign to a lower rank or position -
relish
(v.) enjoy greatly; pleasure or appreciation -
remedial
(adj.) intended to correct or improve -
remiss
(adj.) negligent or neglectful in duty -
renovate
(v.) restore to good condition or appearance -
renown
(n.) widespread fame or reputation -
renunciation
(n.) formal rejection or abandonment -
repentant
(adj.) feeling remorse for past actions -
replete
(adj.) filled or well-supplied with something -
repose
(v.) a state of rest or peacefulness -
reprehensible
(adj.) deserving criticism or blame -
reprieve
(n.) temporary relief or delay of punishment -
reproach
(v.) express disapproval or disappointment -
reprobate
(adj.) morally unprincipled person -
reprove
(v.) criticize or correct gently -
repudiate
(v.) refuse to accept; reject -
repulse
(v.) drive back or reject strongly -
reputable
(adj.) considered good or trustworthy -
requisition
(n.) official demand for goods or services -
rescind
(v.) revoke, cancel or repeal -
reservoir
(n.) large natural or artificial lake -
resilient
(adj.) able to recover quickly -
resolute
(adj.) determined and unwavering -
resolve
(v.) firm decision or intent; solve problem -
respite
(n.) short period of rest or relief -
resplendent
(adj.) shining brilliantly; splendid -
restitution
(n.) restoring to former state; compensation -
restive
(adj.) restless or difficult to control -
retract
(v.) withdraw or take back statement -
revel
(v.) enjoy oneself happily or freely -
revere
(v.) regard with deep respect or admiration -
revoke
(v.) officially cancel or withdraw -
rhapsodize
(v.) speak or write with great enthusiasm -
ribald
(adj.) humorously vulgar or indecent -
rife
(adj.) full of, common, or widespread -
ruminate
(v.) think deeply or meditate -
ruse
(n.) clever trick or deception
-
saccharine
(adj.) excessively sweet or sentimental -
sacrosanct
(adj.) regarded as sacred or inviolable -
sagacity
(n.) wisdom and good judgment -
salient
(adj.) most noticeable or important -
salutation
(n.) greeting or expression of respect -
salve
(n.) soothing ointment or balm -
sanctimonious
(adj.) insincerely pious or moralistic -
sanguine
(adj.) optimistic or hopeful -
satiate
(v.) satisfy fully or to excess -
scathing
(adj.) very critical or harsh -
scintillating
(adj.) brilliantly sparkling or exciting -
scrupulous
(adj.) diligent and ethical -
scurrilous
(adj.) making coarse or abusive comments -
sedentary
(adj.) primarily sitting or inactive -
semaphore
(n.) signaling system with lights or sounds -
seminal
(adj.) highly influential or original -
sensual
(adj.) relating to physical pleasure or senses -
sensuous
(adj.) pleasing to senses or mind -
serendipity
(n.) fortunate accidental discovery -
serene
(adj.) peaceful, untroubled, calm -
servile
(adj.) overly submissive or obedient -
sinuous
(adj.) having many curves or turns -
sobriety
(n.) state of moderation or seriousness -
solicitous
(adj.) showing concern or care -
solipsistic
(adj.) believing only oneself exists -
soluble
(adj.) capable of being dissolved -
solvent
(n./adj.) able to pay debts; liquid dissolving other substances -
somnolent
(adj.) sleepy or drowsy -
sophomoric
(adj.) overconfident but immature -
sovereign
(adj.) possessing supreme power or authority -
speculative
(adj.) based on guesses or theoretical ideas -
spurious
(adj.) false or fake; not genuine -
stagnate
(v.) cease to flow or develop; become inactive -
staid
(adj.) serious, respectable, and unemotional -
stingy
(adj.) unwilling to give or spend money -
stoic
(adj.) unaffected by pain or emotion -
stolid
(adj.) unemotional, impassive -
strenuous
(adj.) requiring strong effort or energy -
strident
(adj.) loud and harsh in sound -
stupefy
(v.) shock or amaze; make unable to think -
subjugate
(v.) bring under control or domination -
sublime
(adj.) of such excellence or beauty -
submissive
(adj.) ready to obey or surrender -
succinct
(adj.) brief and clear in expression -
superfluous
(adj.) unnecessary or excessive -
surfeit
(n.) an excessive amount of something -
surmise
(v.) suppose without sufficient evidence -
surreptitious
(adj.) secretive or stealthy -
surrogate
(n.) a substitute or replacement for something else -
swarthy
(adj.) dark-skinned or having a dark complexion -
sycophant
(n.) status-seeking flatterer or self-serving flatterer
-
tacit
(adj.) understood without being openly spoken -
taciturn
(adj.) habitually silent or reserved in speech -
tangential
(adj.) diverging from the main point; peripheral -
tantamount
(adj.) equivalent in value or significance -
tedious
(adj.) boring; tiresome; monotonous -
temerity
(n.) gutsy or reckless boldness -
temperance
(n.) self-restraint or moderation, especially in indulgence -
tenable
(adj.) capable of being maintained or defended -
tenuous
(adj.) weak; fragile; insubstantial -
terrestrial
(adj.) relating to the earth or land -
timorous
(adj.) having or showing fear or lack of confidence -
tirade
(n.) lengthy angry speech or criticism -
toady
(n.) person who flatters for advantage -
tome
(n.) large scholarly book -
torpid
(adj.) lacking energy or alertness -
torrid
(adj.) extremely hot or scorching -
tortuous
(adj.) winding or twisting; complicated -
tractable
(adj.) easy to manage or influence -
tranquil
(adj.) peaceful and calm -
transgress
(v.) violate a law or boundary -
transient
(adj.) lasting only a short time -
transmute
(v.) change in form or nature -
travesty
(n.) appalling or inferior imitation -
tremulous
(adj.) shaking or trembling -
trenchant
(adj.) keen; forceful; incisive -
trepidation
(n.) fear or apprehension -
trite
(adj.) often repeated; unoriginal -
truculent
(adj.) aggressively defiant or savagely brutal -
truncate
(v.) lengthen by cutting off the end -
turgid
(adj.) swollen; inflated; pompous -
turpitude
(n.) wicked or depraved behavior
-
ubiquitous
(adj.) appearing everywhere -
umbrage
(n.) offense or annoyance -
uncanny
(adj.) strange; mysterious; unsettling -
unctuous
(adj.) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering -
undulate
(v.) wave or ripple in motion -
upbraid
(v.) criticize sharply; scold -
usurp
(v.) take over illegally or by force -
utilitarian
(adj.) practical and functional -
utopia
(n.) perfect society or place
-
vacillate
(v.) waver between different opinions -
vacuous
(adj.) lacking intelligence or ideas -
validate
(v.) confirm or support -
vapid
(adj.) lacking liveliness or interest -
variegated
(adj.) diverse; multicolored -
vehemently
(adv.) fervently; passionately -
veneer
(n.) thin decorative covering -
venerable
(adj.) respected due to age or wisdom -
venerate
(v.) regard with deep respect -
veracity
(n.) truthfulness; accuracy -
verbose
(adj.) using more words than needed -
verdant
(adj.) green; lush with vegetation -
vestige
(n.) small remaining part; trace -
vex
(v.) annoy; irritate -
vicarious
(adj.) experienced through someone else -
vicissitude
(n.) change or variation in circumstances -
vigilant
(adj.) alert; watchful -
vilify
(v.to) slander or defame -
vindicate
(v.) clear from suspicion or blame -
vindictive
(adj.) having a revengeful nature -
virtuoso
(n.) exceptionally skilled musician or artist -
viscous
(adj.) thick and sticky in consistency -
vitriolic
(adj.) bitterly harsh or biting -
vituperate
(v.) curse or verbally attack -
vivacious
(adj.) lively and spirited -
vocation
(n.) profession or occupation -
vociferous
(adj.) crying out loudly; boisterous
-
wallow
(v.) roll about or indulge excessively -
wane
(v.) decrease in size or intensity -
wanton
(adj.) promiscuous; reckless; unprovoked -
whimsical
(adj.) playfully unusual or fanciful -
wily
(adj.) skilled at gaining advantage -
winsome
(adj.) charming; winning -
wistful
(adj.) longing or nostalgic -
wizened
(adj.) shriveled with age -
wrath
(n.) intense anger
-
yoke
(v.) device for pairing animals; burden
-
zealous
(adj.) enthusiastically devoted -
zenith
(n.) highest point; peak -
zephyr
(n.) gentle breeze