The 1000 Most Common SAT Words (w/o examples)
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984 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 abase | (v.) to humiliate, degrade |
| abate | (v.) to reduce, lessen |
| abdicate | (v.) to give up a position, usually one of leadership |
| abduct | (v.) to kidnap, take by force |
| aberration | (n.) something that differs from the norm |
| abet | (v.) to aid, help, encourage |
| abhor | (v.) to hate, detest |
| abide | 1. (v.) to put up with 2. (v.) to remain |
| abject | (adj.) wretched, pitiful |
| abjure | (v.) to reject, renounce |
| abnegation | (n.) denial of comfort to oneself |
| abort | (v.) to give up on a half-finished project or effort |
| abridge | 1. (v.) to cut down, shorten 2. (adj.) shortened |
| abrogate | (v.) to abolish, usually by authority |
| abscond | (v.) to sneak away and hide |
| absolution | (n.) freedom from blame, guilt, sin |
| abstain | (v.) to freely choose not to commit an action |
| abstruse | (adj.) hard to comprehend |
| accede | (v.) to agree |
| accentuate | (v.) to stress, highlight |
| accessible | (adj.) obtainable, reachable |
| acclaim | (n.) high praise |
| accolade | (n.) high praise, special distinction |
| accommodating | (adj.) helpful, obliging, polite |
| accord | (n.) an agreement |
| accost | (v.)to confront verbally |
| accretion | (n.) slow growth in size or amount |
| acerbic | (adj.) biting, bitter in tone or taste |
| acquiesce | (v.) to agree without protesting |
| acrimony | (n.) bitterness, discord |
| acumen | (n.)keen insight |
| acute | 1. (adj.) sharp, severe 2. (adj.) having keen insight |
| adamant | (adj.) impervious, immovable, unyielding |
| adept | (adj.) extremely skilled |
| adhere | 1. (n.) to stick to something 2. (n.) to follow devoutly |
| admonish | (v.) to caution, criticize, reprove |
| adorn | (v.) to decorate |
| adroit | (adj.) skillful, dexterous |
| adulation | (n.) extreme praise |
| adumbrate | (v.) to sketch out in a vague way |
| adverse | (adj.) antagonistic, unfavorable, dangerous |
| advocate | 1. (v.) to argue in favor of something 2. (n.) a person who argues in favor of something |
| aerial | (adj.) somehow related to the air |
| aesthetic | (adj.) artistic, related to the appreciation of beauty |
| affable | (adj.) friendly, amiable |
| affinity | (n.)a spontaneous feeling of closeness |
| affluent | (adj.) rich, wealthy |
| affront | (n.) an insult |
| aggrandize | (v.) to increase or make greater |
| aggregate | 1. (n.) a whole or total 2. (v.) to gather into a mass |
| aggrieved | (adj.) distressed, wronged, injured |
| agile | (adj.) quick, nimble |
| agnostic | (adj.) believing that the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven |
| agriculture | (n.)farming |
| aisle | (n.) a passageway between rows of seats |
| alacrity | (n.) eagerness, speed |
| alias | (n.) a false name or identity |
| allay | (v.) to soothe, ease |
| allege | (v.) to assert, usually without proof |
| alleviate | (v.) to relieve, make more bearable |
| allocate | (v.) to distribute, set aside |
| aloof | (adj.) reserved, distant |
| altercation | (n.) a dispute, fight |
| amalgamate | (v.) to bring together, unite |
| ambiguous | (adj.) uncertain, variably interpretable |
| ambivalent | (adj.) having opposing feelings |
| ameliorate | (v.) to improve |
| amenable | (adj.) willing, compliant |
| amenity | (n.) an item that increases comfort |
| amiable | (adj.) friendly |
| amicable | (adj.) friendly |
| amorous | (adj.) showing love, particularly sexual |
| amorphous | (adj.) without definite shape or type |
| anachronistic | (adj.) being out of correct chronological order (In this book you're writing, you say that the Pyramids were built after the Titanic sank, which is anachronistic.) |
| analgesic | (n.) something that reduces pain |
| analogous | (adj.) similar to, so that an analogy can be drawn |
| anarchist | (n.) one who wants to eliminate all government |
| anathema | (n.) a cursed, detested person |
| anecdote | (n.) a short, humorous account |
| anesthesia | (n.) loss of sensation |
| anguish | (n.) extreme sadness, torment |
| animated | (adj.) lively |
| annex | 1. (v.) to incorporate territory or space 2. (n.) a room attached to a larger room or space |
| annul | (v.) to make void or invalid |
| anomaly | (n.) something that does not fit into the normal order |
| anonymous | (adj.) being unknown, unrecognized |
| antagonism | (n.) hostility |
| antecedent | (n.) something that came before |
| antediluvian | (adj.) ancient |
| anthology | (n.) a selected collection of writings, songs, etc. |
| antipathy | (n.) a strong dislike, repugnance |
| antiquated | (adj.) old, out of date |
| antiseptic | (adj.) clean, sterile |
| antithesis | (n.) the absolute opposite |
| anxiety | (n.) intense uneasiness |
| apathetic | (adj.) lacking concern, emotion |
| apocryphal | (adj.) fictitious, false, wrong |
| appalling | (adj.) inspiring shock, horror, disgust |
| appease | (v.) to calm, satisfy |
| appraise | (v.) to assess the worth or value of |
| apprehend | 1. (v.) to seize, arrest 2. (v.) to perceive, understand, grasp |
| approbation | (n.) praise |
| appropriate | (v.) to take, make use of |
| aquatic | (adj.) relating to water |
| arable | (adj.) suitable for growing crops |
| arbiter | (n.) one who can resolve a dispute, make a decision |
| arbitrary | (adj.) based on factors that appear random |
| arbitration | (n.) the process or act of resolving a dispute |
| arboreal | (adj.) of or relating to trees |
| arcane | (adj.) obscure, secret, known only by a few |
| archaic | (adj.) of or relating to an earlier period in time, outdated |
| archetypal | (adj.) the most representative or typical example of something |
| ardor | (n.) extreme vigor, energy, enthusiasm |
| arid | (adj.) excessively dry |
| arrogate | (v.) to take without justification |
| artifact | (n.) a remaining piece from an extinct culture or place |
| artisan | (n.) a craftsman |
| ascertain | (v.) to perceive, learn |
| ascetic | (adj.) practicing restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious |
| ascribe | (v.) to assign, credit, attribute to |
| aspersion | (n.) a curse, expression of ill-will |
| aspire | (v.) to long for, aim toward |
| assail | (v.) to attack |
| assess | (v.) to evaluate |
| assiduous | (adj.) hard-working, diligent |
| assuage | (v.) to ease, pacify |
| astute | (adj.) very clever, crafty |
| asylum | 1. (n.) a place of refuge, protection, a sanctuary 2. (n.) an institution in which the insane are kept |
| atone | (v.) to repent, make amends |
| atrophy | (v.) to wither away, decay |
| attain | (v.) to achieve, arrive at |
| attribute | 1. (v.) to credit, assign 2. (n.) a facet or trait |
| atypical | (adj.) not typical, unusual |
| audacious | (adj.) excessively bold |
| audible | (adj.) able to be heard |
| augment | (v.) to add to, expand |
| auspicious | (adj.) favorable, indicative of good things |
| austere | (adj.) very bare, bleak |
| avarice | (n.) excessive greed |
| avenge | (v.) to seek revenge |
| aversion | (n.) a particular dislike for something |
| balk | (v.) to stop, block abruptly |
| ballad | (n.) a love song |
| banal | (adj.) dull, commonplace |
| bane | (n.) a burden |
| bard | (n.) a poet, often a singer as well |
| bashful | (adj.) shy, excessively timid |
| battery | 1.(n.) a device that supplies power 2. (n.)assault, beating |
| beguile | (v.) to trick, deceive |
| behemoth | (n.) something of tremendous power or size |
| benevolent | (adj.) marked by goodness or doing good |
| benign | (adj.) favorable, not threatening, mild |
| bequeath | (v.) to pass on, give |
| berate | (v.) to scold vehemently |
| bereft | (adj.) devoid of, without |
| beseech | (v.) to beg, plead, implore |
| bias | (n.) a tendency, inclination, prejudice |
| bilk | (v.) cheat, defraud |
| blandish | (v.) to coax by using flattery |
| blemish | (n.) an imperfection, flaw |
| blight | 1. (n.) a plague, disease 2. (n.) something that destroys hope |
| boisterous | (adj.) loud and full of energy |
| bombastic | (adj.) excessively confident, pompous |
| boon | (n.) a gift or blessing |
| bourgeois | (n.) a middle-class person, capitalist |
| brazen | (adj.) excessively bold, brash |
| brusque | (adj.) short, abrupt, dismissive |
| buffet | 1. (v.) to strike with force 2. (n.) an arrangement of food set out on a table |
| burnish | (v.) to polish, shine |
| buttress | 1. (v.) to support, hold up 2. (n.) something that offers support |
| cacophony | (n.) tremendous noise, disharmonious sound |
| cadence | (n.) a rhythm, progression of sound |
| cajole | (v.) to urge, coax |
| calamity | (n.) an event with disastrous consequences |
| calibrate | (v.) to set, standardize |
| callous | (adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling |
| calumny | (n.) an attempt to spoil someone else's reputation by spreading lies |
| camaraderie | (n.) brotherhood, jovial unity |
| candor | (n.) honesty, frankness |
| canny | (adj.) shrewd, careful |
| canvas | 1. (n.) a piece of cloth on which an artist paints 2. (v.) to cover, inspect |
| capacious | (adj.) very spacious |
| capitulate | (v.) to surrender |
| capricious | (adj.) subject to whim, fickle |
| captivate | (v.)to get the attention of, hold |
| carouse | (v.) to party, celebrate |
| carp | (v.) to annoy, pester |
| catalog | 1. (v.) to list, enter into a list 2. (n.) a list or collection |
| catalyze | (v.) to charge, inspire |
| caucus | (n.) a meeting usually held by people working toward the same goal |
| caustic | (adj.) bitter, biting, acidic |
| cavort | (v.) to leap about, behave boisterously |
| censure | 1. (n.) harsh criticism 2. (v.) to rebuke formally |
| cerebral | (adj.) related to the intellect |
| chaos | (n.) absolute disorder |
| chastise | (v.) to criticize severely |
| cherish | (v.) to feel or show affection toward something |
| chide | (v.) to voice disapproval |
| choreography | (n.) the arrangement of dances |
| chronicle | 1. (n.) a written history 2. (v.) to write a history |
| chronological | (adj.) arranged in order of time |
| circuitous | (adj.) roundabout |
| circumlocution | (n.) indirect and wordy language |
| circumscribed | (adj.) marked off, bounded |
| circumspect | (adj.)cautious |
| circumvent | (v.) to get around |
| clairvoyant | (adj.) able to perceive things that normal people cannot |
| clamor | 1. (n.) loud noise 2. (v.) to loudly insist |
| clandestine | (adj.) secret |
| cleave | 1. (v.) to divide into parts 2. (v.) to stick together firmly |
| clemency | (n.) mercy |
| clergy | (n.) members of Christian holy orders |
| cloying | (adj.) sickeningly sweet |
| coagulate | (v.) to thicken, clot |
| coalesce | (v.) to fuse into a whole |
| cobbler | (n.) a person who makes or repairs shoes |
| coerce | (v.) to make somebody do something by force or threat |
| cogent | (adj.)intellectually convincing |
| cognizant | (adj.) aware, mindful |
| coherent | (adj.) logically consistent, intelligible |
| collateral | 1. (adj.) secondary 2. (n.) security for a debt |
| colloquial | (adj.) characteristic of informal conversation |
| collusion | (n.) secret agreement, conspiracy |
| colossus | (n.) a gigantic statue or thing |
| combustion | (n.) the act or process of burning |
| commendation | (n.) a notice of approval or recognition |
| commensurate | (adj.) corresponding in size or amount |
| commodious | (adj.) roomy |
| compelling | (adj.) forceful, demanding attention |
| compensate | (v.) to make an appropriate payment for something |
| complacency | (n.) self-satisfied ignorance of danger |
| complement | (v.) to complete, make perfect |
| compliant | (adj.) ready to adapt oneself to another's wishes |
| complicit | (adj.) being an accomplice in a wrongful act |
| compliment | (n.) an expression of esteem or approval |
| compound | 1. (v.)to combine parts 2. (n.) a combination of different parts 3. (n.) a walled area containing a group of buildings |
| comprehensive | (adj.) including everything |
| compress | (v.) to apply pressure, squeeze together |
| compunction | (n.) distress caused by feeling guilty |
| concede | (v.) to accept as valid |
| conciliatory | (adj.) friendly, agreeable |
| concoct | (v.)to fabricate, make up |
| concomitant | (adj.) accompanying in a subordinate fashion |
| concord | (n.) harmonious agreement |
| condolence | (n.) an expression of sympathy in sorrow |
| condone | (v.) to pardon, deliberately overlook |
| conduit | (n.) a pipe or channel through which something passes |
| confection | (n.) a sweet, fancy food |
| confidant | (n.) a person entrusted with secrets |
| conflagration | (n.) great fire |
| confluence | (n.) a gathering together |
| conformist | (n.) one who behaves the same as others |
| confound | (v.) to frustrate, confuse |
| congeal | (v.) to thicken into a solid |
| congenial | (adj.) pleasantly agreeable |
| congregation | (n.) a gathering of people, especially for religious services |
| congruity | (n.) the quality of being in agreement |
| connive | (v.) to plot, scheme |
| consecrate | (v.) to dedicate something to a holy purpose |
| consensus | (n.) an agreement of opinion |
| consign | (v.) to give something over to another's care |
| consolation | (n.) an act of comforting |
| consonant | (adj.) in harmony |
| constituent | (n.) an essential part |
| constrain | (v.) to forcibly restrict |
| construe | (v.) to interpret |
| consummate | (v.) to complete a deal; to complete a marriage ceremony through sexual intercourse |
| consumption | (n.) the act of consuming |
| contemporaneous | (adj.) existing during the same time |
| contentious | (adj.) having a tendency to quarrel or dispute |
| contravene | (v.) to contradict, oppose, violate |
| contrite | (adj.) penitent, eager to be forgiven |
| contusion | (n.) bruise, injury |
| conundrum | (n.) puzzle, problem |
| convene | (v.) to call together |
| convention | 1. (n.) an assembly of people 2. (n.) a rule, custom |
| convivial | (adj.) characterized by feasting, drinking, merriment |
| convoluted | (adj.) intricate, complicated |
| copious | (adj.) profuse, abundant |
| cordial | (adj.) warm, affectionate |
| coronation | (n.) the act of crowning |
| corpulence | (adj.)extreme fatness |
| corroborate | (v.) to support with evidence |
| corrosive | (adj.) having the tendency to erode or eat away |
| cosmopolitan | (adj.) sophisticated, worldly |
| counteract | (v.) to neutralize, make ineffective |
| coup | 1. (n.) a brilliant, unexpected act 2. (n.) the overthrow of a government and assumption of authority |
| covet | (v.) to desire enviously |
| covert | (adj.) secretly engaged in |
| credulity | (n.) readiness to believe |
| crescendo | (n.) a steady increase in intensity or volume |
| criteria | (n.) standards by which something is judged |
| culmination | (n.) the climax toward which something progresses |
| culpable | (adj.) deserving blame |
| cultivate | (v.) to nurture, improve, refine |
| cumulative | (adj.) increasing, building upon itself |
| cunning | (adj.) sly, clever at being deceitful |
| cupidity | (n.) greed, strong desire |
| cursory | (adj.) brief to the point of being superficial |
| curt | (adj.) abruptly and rudely short |
| curtail | (v.) to lessen, reduce |
| daunting | (adj.) intimidating, causing one to lose courage |
| dearth | (n.) a lack, scarcity |
| debacle | (n.) a disastrous failure, disruption |
| debase | (v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something |
| debauch | (v.) to corrupt by means of sensual pleasures |
| debunk | (v.) to expose the falseness of something |
| decorous | (adj.) socially proper, appropriate |
| decry | (v.) to criticize openly |
| deface | (v.) to ruin or injure something's appearance |
| defamatory | (adj.) harmful toward another's reputation |
| defer | (v.)to postpone something; to yield to another's wisdom |
| deferential | (adj.) showing respect for another's authority |
| defile | (v.) to make unclean, impure |
| deft | (adj.) skillful, capable |
| defunct | (adj.) no longer used or existing |
| delegate | (v.) to hand over responsibility for something |
| deleterious | (adj.) harmful |
| deliberate | (adj.) intentional, reflecting careful consideration |
| delineate | (v.) to describe, outline, shed light on |
| demagogue | (n.) a leader who appeals to a people's prejudices |
| demarcation | (n.) the marking of boundaries or categories |
| demean | (v.) to lower the status or stature of something |
| demure | (adj.) quiet, modest, reserved |
| denigrate | (v.) to belittle, diminish the opinion of |
| denounce | (v.) to criticize publicly |
| deplore | (v.) to feel or express sorrow, disapproval |
| depravity | (n.) wickedness |
| deprecate | (v.) to belittle, depreciate |
| derelict | (adj.) abandoned, run-down |
| deride | (v.) to laugh at mockingly, scorn |
| derivative | (adj.) taken directly from a source, unoriginal |
| desecrate | (v.) to violate the sacredness of a thing or place |
| desiccated | (adj.) dried up, dehydrated |
| desolate | (adj.) deserted, dreary, lifeless |
| despondent | (adj.) feeling depressed, discouraged, hopeless |
| despot | (n.) one who has total power and rules brutally |
| destitute | (adj.) impoverished, utterly lacking |
| deter | (v.) to discourage, prevent from doing |
| devious | (adj.) not straightforward, deceitful |
| dialect | (n.) a variation of a language |
| diaphanous | (adj.) light, airy, transparent |
| didactic | 1. (adj.) intended to instruct 2. (adj.) overly moralistic |
| diffident | (adj.) shy, quiet, modest |
| diffuse | 1. (v.) to scatter, thin out, break up 2. (adj.) not concentrated, scattered, disorganized |
| dilatory | (adj.) tending to delay, causing delay |
| diligent | (adj.) showing care in doing one's work |
| diminutive | (adj.) small or miniature |
| dirge | (n.) a mournful song, especially for a funeral |
| disaffected | (adj.) rebellious, resentful of authority |
| disavow | (v.) to deny knowledge of or responsibility for |
| discern | (v.)to perceive, detect |
| disclose | (v.) to reveal, make public |
| discomfit | (v.) to thwart, baffle |
| discordant | (adj.) not agreeing, not in harmony with |
| discrepancy | (n.) difference, failure of things to correspond |
| discretion | (n.) the quality of being reserved in speech or action; good judgment |
| discursive | (adj.) rambling, lacking order |
| disdain | 1. (v.) to scorn, hold in low esteem 2. (n.) scorn, low esteem |
| disgruntled | (adj.) upset, not content |
| disheartened | (adj.) feeling a loss of spirit or morale |
| disparage | (v.) to criticize or speak ill of |
| disparate | (adj.) sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements |
| dispatch | (v.) to send off to accomplish a duty |
| dispel | (v.) to drive away, scatter |
| disperse | (v.) to scatter, cause to scatter |
| disrepute | (n.) a state of being held in low regard |
| dissemble | (v.) to conceal, fake |
| disseminate | (v.) to spread widely |
| dissent | 1. (v.) to disagree 2. (n.) the act of disagreeing |
| dissipate | 1. (v.) to disappear, cause to disappear 2. (v.) to waste |
| dissonance | (n.) lack of harmony or consistency |
| dissuade | (v.) to persuade someone not to do something |
| distend | (v.) to swell out |
| dither | (v.) to be indecisive |
| divine | (adj.) godly, exceedingly wonderful |
| divisive | (adj.) causing dissent, discord |
| divulge | (v.) to reveal something secret |
| docile | (adj.) easily taught or trained |
| dogmatic | (adj.) aggressively and arrogantly certain about unproved principles |
| dormant | (adj.) sleeping, temporarily inactive |
| dour | (adj.)stern, joyless |
| dubious | (adj.) doubtful, of uncertain quality |
| duplicity | (n.) crafty dishonesty |
| duress | (n.) hardship, threat |
| dynamic | (adj.) actively changing |
| ebullient | (adj.) extremely lively, enthusiastic |
| eclectic | (adj.) consisting of a diverse variety of elements |
| ecstatic | (adj.) intensely and overpoweringly happy |
| edict | (n.) an order, decree |
| efface | (v.) to wipe out, obliterate, rub away |
| effervescent | (adj.) bubbly, lively |
| efficacious | (adj.) effective |
| effrontery | (n.) impudence, nerve, insolence |
| effulgent | (adj.) radiant, splendorous |
| egregious | (adj.) extremely bad |
| elaborate | (adj.) complex, detailed, intricate |
| elated | (adj.) overjoyed, thrilled |
| elegy | (n.) a speech given in honor of a dead person |
| elicit | (v.) to bring forth, draw out, evoke |
| eloquent | (adj.) expressive, articulate, moving |
| elucidate | (v.) to clarify, explain |
| elude | (v.) to evade, escape |
| emaciated | (adj.) very thin, enfeebled looking |
| embellish | 1. (v.) to decorate, adorn 2. (v.) to add details to, enhance |
| embezzle | (v.) to steal money by falsifying records |
| emend | (v.) to correct or revise a written text |
| eminent | 1. (adj.) distinguished, prominent, famous 2. (adj.) conspicuous |
| emollient | (adj.) soothing |
| emote | (v.) to express emotion |
| empathy | (n.) sensitivity to another's feelings as if they were one's own |
| empirical | 1. (adj.) based on observation or experience 2. (adj.) capable of being proved or disproved by experiment |
| emulate | (v.) to imitate |
| enamor | (v.) to fill with love, fascinate, usually used in passive form followed by "of" or "with" |
| encore | (n.) the audience's demand for a repeat performance; also the artist's performance in response to that demand |
| encumber | (v.) to weigh down, burden |
| enervate | (v.) to weaken, exhaust |
| enfranchise | (v.) to grant the vote to |
| engender | (v.) to bring about, create, generate |
| enmity | (n.) ill will, hatred, hostility |
| ennui | (n.) boredom, weariness |
| entail | (v.) to include as a necessary step |
| enthrall | (v.) to charm, hold spellbound |
| ephemeral | (adj.) short-lived, fleeting |
| epistolary | (adj.) relating to or contained in letters |
| epitome | (n.) a perfect example, embodiment |
| equanimity | (n.) composure |
| equivocal | (adj.) ambiguous, uncertain, undecided |
| erudite | (adj.) learned |
| eschew | (v.) to shun, avoid |
| esoteric | (adj.) understood by only a select few |
| espouse | (v.) to take up as a cause, support |
| ethereal | (adj.) heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined |
| etymology | (n.) the history of words, their origin and development |
| euphoric | (adj.) elated, uplifted |
| evanescent | (adj.) fleeting, momentary |
| evince | (v.) to show, reveal |
| exacerbate | (v.) to make more violent, intense |
| exalt | (v.) to glorify, praise |
| exasperate | (v.) to irritate, irk |
| exculpate | (v.) to free from guilt or blame, exonerate |
| excursion | (n.) a trip or outing |
| execrable | (adj.) loathsome, detestable |
| exhort | (v.) to urge, prod, spur |
| exigent | (adj.) urgent, critical |
| exonerate | (v.) to free from guilt or blame, exculpate |
| exorbitant | (adj.) excessive |
| expedient | (adj.) advisable, advantageous, serving one's self-interest |
| expiate | (v.) to make amends for, atone |
| expunge | (v.) to obliterate, eradicate |
| expurgate | (v.) to remove offensive or incorrect parts, usually of a book |
| extant | (adj.) existing, not destroyed or lost |
| extol | (v.) to praise, revere |
| extraneous | (adj.) irrelevant, extra, not necessary |
| extricate | (v.) to disentangle |
| exult | (v.) to rejoice |
| fabricate | (v.) to make up, invent |
| façade | 1. (n.) the wall of a building 2. (n.) a deceptive appearance or attitude |
| facile | 1. (adj.) easy, requiring little effort 2. (adj.) superficial, achieved with minimal thought or care, insincere |
| fallacious | (adj.) incorrect, misleading |
| fastidious | (adj.) meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards |
| fathom | (v.) to understand, comprehend |
| fatuous | (adj.) silly, foolish |
| fecund | (adj.) fruitful, fertile |
| felicitous | 1. (adj.) well suited, apt 2. (adj.) delightful, pleasing |
| feral | (adj.) wild, savage |
| fervent | (adj.) ardent, passionate |
| fetid | (adj.) having a foul odor |
| fetter | (v.) to chain, restrain |
| fickle | (adj.) shifting in character, inconstant |
| fidelity | (n.) loyalty, devotion |
| figurative | (adj.) symbolic |
| flabbergasted | (adj.) astounded |
| flaccid | (adj.) limp, not firm or strong |
| flagrant | (adj.) offensive, egregious |
| florid | (adj.) flowery, ornate |
| flout | (v.) to disregard or disobey openly |
| foil | (v.)to thwart, frustrate, defeat |
| forage | (v.) to graze, rummage for food |
| forbearance | (n.) patience, restraint, toleration |
| forestall | (v.) to prevent, thwart, delay |
| forlorn | (adj.) lonely, abandoned, hopeless |
| forsake | (v.) to give up, renounce |
| fortitude | (n.) strength, guts |
| fortuitous | (adj.) happening by chance, often lucky or fortunate |
| forum | (n.) a medium for lecture or discussion |
| foster | (v.)to stimulate, promote, encourage |
| fractious | (adj.) troublesome or irritable |
| fraught | (adj.) (usually used with "with") filled or accompanied with |
| frenetic | (adj.) frenzied, hectic, frantic |
| frivolous | (adj.) of little importance, trifling |
| frugal | (adj.) thrifty, economical |
| furtive | (adj.) secretive, sly |
| garish | (adj.) gaudy, in bad taste |
| garrulous | (adj.) talkative, wordy |
| genial | (adj.) friendly, affable |
| gluttony | (n.) overindulgence in food or drink |
| goad | (v.) to urge, spur, incite to action |
| gourmand | (n.) someone fond of eating and drinking |
| grandiloquence | (n.) lofty, pompous language |
| grandiose | (adj.) on a magnificent or exaggerated scale |
| gratuitous | (adj.) uncalled for, unwarranted |
| gregarious | (adj.) drawn to the company of others, sociable |
| grievous | (adj.) injurious, hurtful; serious or grave in nature |
| guile | (n.) deceitful, cunning, sly behavior |
| hackneyed | (adj.) unoriginal, trite |
| hallowed | (adj.) revered, consecrated |
| hapless | (adj.) unlucky |
| harangue | 1. (n.) a ranting speech 2. (v.) to give such a speech |
| hardy | (adj.) robust, capable of surviving through adverse conditions |
| harrowing | (adj.) greatly distressing, vexing |
| haughty | (adj.) disdainfully proud |
| hedonist | (n.) one who believes pleasure should be the primary pursuit of humans |
| hegemony | (n.) domination over others |
| heinous | (adj.) shockingly wicked, repugnant |
| heterogeneous | (adj.) varied, diverse in character |
| hiatus | (n.) a break or gap in duration or continuity |
| hierarchy | (n.) a system with ranked groups, usually according to social, economic, or professional class |
| hypocrisy | (n.) pretending to believe what one does not |
| hypothetical | (adj.) supposed or assumed true, but unproven |
| iconoclast | (n.) one who attacks common beliefs or institutions |
| idiosyncratic | (adj.) peculiar to one person; highly individualized |
| idolatrous | (adj.) excessively worshipping one object or person |
| ignominious | (adj.) humiliating, disgracing |
| illicit | (adj.) forbidden, not permitted |
| immerse | (v.) to absorb, deeply involve, engross |
| immutable | (adj.) not changeable |
| impassive | (adj.) stoic, not susceptible to suffering |
| impeccable | (adj.)exemplary, flawless |
| impecunious | (adj.) poor |
| imperative | 1. (adj.) necessary, pressing 2. (n.) a rule, command, or order |
| imperious | (adj.) commanding, domineering |
| impertinent | (adj.) rude, insolent |
| impervious | (adj.) impenetrable, incapable of being affected |
| impetuous | (adj.) rash; hastily done |
| impinge | 1. (v.) to impact, affect, make an impression 2. (v.) to encroach, infringe |
| implacable | (adj.) incapable of being appeased or mitigated |
| implement | 1. (n.) an instrument, utensil, tool 2. (v.) to put into effect, to institute |
| implicate | (v.) to involve in an incriminating way, incriminate |
| implicit | (adj.) understood but not outwardly obvious, implied |
| impregnable | (adj.) resistant to capture or penetration |
| impudent | (adj.) casually rude, insolent, impertinent |
| impute | (v.) to ascribe, blame |
| inane | (adj.) silly and meaningless |
| inarticulate | (adj.) incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech |
| incarnate | 1. (adj.) existing in the flesh, embodied 2. (v.) to give human form to |
| incendiary | 1. (n.) a person who agitates 2. (adj.) inflammatory, causing combustion |
| incessant | (adj.) unending |
| inchoate | (adj.) unformed or formless, in a beginning stage |
| incisive | (adj.) clear, sharp, direct |
| inclination | (n.) a tendency, propensity |
| incontrovertible | (adj.) indisputable |
| incorrigible | (adj.) incapable of correction, delinquent |
| increment | (n.) an enlargement; the process of increasing |
| incumbent | 1. (n.) one who holds an office 2. (adj.) obligatory |
| indefatigable | (adj.) incapable of defeat, failure, decay |
| indigenous | (adj.) originating in a region |
| indigent | (adj.) very poor, impoverished |
| indignation | (n.) anger sparked by something unjust or unfair |
| indolent | (adj.) lazy |
| indomitable | (adj.) not capable of being conquered |
| induce | (v.) to bring about, stimulate |
| ineffable | (adj.) unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words |
| inept | (adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified |
| inexorable | (adj.) incapable of being persuaded or placated |
| inextricable | (adj.) hopelessly tangled or entangled |
| infamy | (n.) notoriety, extreme ill repute |
| infusion | (n.) an injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another |
| ingenious | (adj.) clever, resourceful |
| ingenuous | (adj.) not devious; innocent and candid |
| inhibit | (v.) to prevent, restrain, stop |
| inimical | (adj.) hostile, enemy like |
| iniquity | (n.) wickedness or sin |
| injunction | (n.) an order of official warning |
| innate | (adj.) inborn, native, inherent |
| innocuous | (adj.) harmless, inoffensive |
| innovate | (v.) to do something in an unprecedented way |
| innuendo | (n.) an insinuation |
| inoculate | (v.) to introduce a microorganism, serum, or vaccine into an organism in order to increase immunity to illness; to vaccinate |
| inquisitor | (n.) one who inquires, especially in a hostile manner |
| insatiable | (adj.) incapable of being satisfied |
| insidious | (adj.) appealing but imperceptibly harmful, seductive |
| insinuate | (v.) to suggest indirectly or subtly |
| insipid | (adj.) dull, boring |
| insolent | (adj.) rude, arrogant, overbearing |
| instigate | (v.) to urge, goad |
| insular | (adj.) separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off |
| insurgent | (n.) one who rebels |
| integral | (adj.) necessary for completeness |
| interject | (v.) to insert between other things |
| interlocutor | (n.) someone who participates in a dialogue or conversation |
| interminable | (adj.) without possibility of end |
| intimation | (n.)an indirect suggestion |
| intractable | (adj.) difficult to manipulate, unmanageable |
| intransigent | (adj.) refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion |
| intrepid | (adj.) brave in the face of danger |
| inundate | (v.) to flood with abundance |
| inure | (v.)to cause someone or something to become accustomed to a situation |
| invective | (n.) an angry verbal attack |
| inveterate | (adj.) stubbornly established by habit |
| inviolable | (adj.) secure from assault |
| irascible | (adj.) easily angered |
| iridescent | (adj.) showing rainbow colors |
| irreverence | (n.) disrespect |
| irrevocable | (adj.) incapable of being taken back |
| jubilant | (adj.) extremely joyful, happy |
| judicious | (adj.) having or exercising sound judgment |
| juxtaposition | (n.) the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison |
| knell | (n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death |
| kudos | (n.) praise for an achievement |
| laceration | (n.) a cut, tear |
| laconic | (adj.) terse in speech or writing |
| languid | (adj.) sluggish from fatigue or weakness |
| larceny | (n.) obtaining another's property by theft or trickery |
| largess | (n.) the generous giving of lavish gifts |
| latent | (adj.) hidden, but capable of being exposed |
| laudatory | (adj.) expressing admiration or praise |
| lavish | 1. (adj.) given without limits 2. (v.) to give without limits |
| legerdemain | (n.) deception, slight-of-hand |
| lenient | (adj.) demonstrating tolerance or gentleness |
| lethargic | (adj.) in a state of sluggishness or apathy |
| liability | 1. (n.) something for which one is legally responsible, usually involving a disadvantage or risk 2. (n.) a handicap, burden |
| libertarian | (adj.) advocating principles of liberty and free will |
| licentious | (adj.) displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints |
| limpid | (adj.) clear, transparent |
| linchpin | (n.) something that holds separate parts together |
| lithe | (adj.) graceful, flexible, supple |
| litigant | (n.) someone engaged in a lawsuit |
| lucid | (adj.) clear, easily understandable |
| luminous | (adj.) brightly shining |
| lurid | (adj.) ghastly, sensational |
| maelstrom | (n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects |
| magnanimous | (adj.) noble, generous |
| malediction | (n.) a curse |
| malevolent | (adj.)wanting harm to befall others |
| malleable | (adj.) capable of being shaped or transformed |
| mandate | (n.) an authoritative command |
| manifest | 1. (adj.) easily understandable, obvious 2. (v.) to show plainly |
| manifold | (adj.) diverse, varied |
| maudlin | (adj.) weakly sentimental |
| maverick | (n.) an independent, nonconformist person |
| mawkish | (adj.) characterized by sick sentimentality |
| maxim | (n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct |
| meager | (adj.) deficient in size or quality |
| medley | (n.) a mixture of differing things |
| mendacious | (adj.)having a lying, false character |
| mercurial | (adj.) characterized by rapid change or temperamentality |
| meritorious | (adj.) worthy of esteem or reward |
| metamorphosis | (n.) the change of form, shape, substance |
| meticulous | (adj.) extremely careful with details |
| mitigate | (v.) to make less violent, alleviate |
| moderate | 1. (adj.) not extreme 2. (n.) one who expresses moderate opinions |
| modicum | (n.) a small amount of something |
| modulate | (v.) to pass from one state to another, especially in music |
| mollify | (v.) to soften in temper |
| morass | (n.) a wet swampy bog; figuratively, something that traps and confuses |
| mores | (n.) the moral attitudes and fixed customs of a group of people. |
| morose | (adj.) gloomy or sullen |
| multifarious | (adj.) having great diversity or variety |
| mundane | (adj.) concerned with the world rather than with heaven, commonplace |
| munificence | (n.) generosity in giving |
| mutable | (adj.) able to change |
| myriad | (adj.) consisting of a very great number |
| nadir | (n.) the lowest point of something |
| nascent | (adj.) in the process of being born or coming into existence |
| nebulous | (adj.) vaguely defined, cloudy |
| nefarious | (adj.) heinously villainous |
| negligent | (adj.) habitually careless, neglectful |
| neophyte | (n.) someone who is young or inexperienced |
| nocturnal | (adj.) relating to or occurring during the night |
| noisome | (adj.) unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell |
| nomadic | (adj.) wandering from place to place |
| nominal | (adj.) trifling, insignificant |
| nonchalant | (adj.) having a lack of concern, indifference |
| nondescript | (adj.) lacking a distinctive character |
| notorious | (adj.) widely and unfavorably known |
| novice | (n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience |
| noxious | (adj.) harmful, unwholesome |
| nuance | (n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression |
| nurture | (v.)to assist the development of |
| obdurate | (adj.) unyielding to persuasion or moral influences |
| obfuscate | (v.) to render incomprehensible |
| oblique | (adj.) diverging from a straight line or course, not straightforward |
| oblivious | (adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something |
| obscure | (adj.) unclear, partially hidden |
| obsequious | (adj.) excessively compliant or submissive |
| obsolete | (adj.) no longer used, out of date |
| obstinate | (adj.) not yielding easily, stubborn |
| obstreperous | (adj.) noisy, unruly |
| obtuse | (adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect |
| odious | (adj.) instilling hatred or intense displeasure |
| officious | (adj.) offering one's services when they are neither wanted nor needed |
| ominous | (adj.) foreboding or foreshadowing evil |
| onerous | (adj.) burdensome |
| opulent | (adj.) characterized by rich abundance verging on ostentation |
| oration | (n.) a speech delivered in a formal or ceremonious manner |
| ornate | (adj.) highly elaborate, excessively decorated |
| orthodox | (adj.) conventional, conforming to established protocol |
| oscillate | (v.) to sway from one side to the other |
| ostensible | (adj.) appearing as such, seemingly |
| ostentatious | (adj.) excessively showy, glitzy |
| ostracism | (n.) exclusion from a group |
| pacific | (adj.) soothing |
| palatable | (adj.) agreeable to the taste or sensibilities |
| palette | (adj.) a range of colors or qualities |
| palliate | (v.) to reduce the severity of |
| pallid | (adj.) lacking color |
| panacea | (n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties |
| paradigm | (n.) an example that is a perfect pattern or model |
| paradox | (n.) an apparently contradictory statement that is perhaps true |
| paragon | (n.) a model of excellence or perfection |
| paramount | (adj.) greatest in importance, rank, character |
| pariah | (n.) an outcast |
| parody | (n.) a satirical imitation |
| parsimony | (n.) frugality, stinginess |
| partisan | (n.)a follower, adherent |
| patent | (adj.) readily seen or understood, clear |
| pathology | (n.) a deviation from the normal |
| pathos | (n.) an emotion of sympathy |
| paucity | (adj.) small in quantity |
| pejorative | (adj.) derogatory, uncomplimentary |
| pellucid | (adj.) easily intelligible, clear |
| penchant | (n.) a tendency, partiality, preference |
| penitent | (adj.) remorseful, regretful |
| penultimate | (adj.) next to last |
| penurious | (adj.) miserly, stingy |
| perfidious | (adj.) disloyal, unfaithful |
| perfunctory | (adj.) showing little interest or enthusiasm |
| permeate | (v.) to spread throughout, saturate |
| pernicious | (adj.) extremely destructive or harmful |
| perplex | (v.) to confuse |
| perspicacity | (adj.) shrewdness, perceptiveness |
| pert | (adj.) flippant, bold |
| pertinacious | (adj.) stubbornly persistent |
| perusal | (n.) a careful examination, review |
| pervasive | (adj.) having the tendency to spread throughout |
| petulance | (n.) rudeness, irritability |
| philanthropic | (adj.) charitable, giving |
| phlegmatic | (adj.) uninterested, unresponsive |
| pillage | (v.) to seize or plunder, especially in war |
| pinnacle | (n.) the highest point |
| pithy | (adj.) concisely meaningful |
| pittance | (n.) a very small amount, especially relating to money |
| placate | (v.) to ease the anger of, soothe |
| placid | (adj.) calm, peaceful |
| platitude | (n.) an uninspired remark, cliché |
| plaudits | (n.) enthusiastic approval, applause |
| plausible | (adj.) believable, reasonable |
| plenitude | (n.) an abundance |
| plethora | (n.) an abundance, excess |
| pliable | (adj.) flexible |
| poignant | (adj.) deeply affecting, moving |
| polemic | (n.) an aggressive argument against a specific opinion |
| portent | (n.) an omen |
| potable | (adj.) suitable for drinking |
| potentate | (n.) one who has great power, a ruler |
| pragmatic | (adj.) practical |
| precipice | (n.) the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place |
| preclude | (v.) to prevent |
| precocious | (adj.) advanced, developing ahead of time |
| predilection | (n.) a preference or inclination for something |
| preponderance | (adj.) superiority in importance or quantity |
| prepossessing | (adj.) occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings |
| presage | (n.) an omen |
| prescient | (adj.) to have foreknowledge of events |
| prescribe | (v.) to lay down a rule |
| presumptuous | (adj.) disrespectfully bold |
| pretense | (n.)an appearance or action intended to deceive |
| primeval | (adj.) original, ancient |
| privation | (n.) lacking basic necessities |
| probity | (n.) virtue, integrity |
| proclivity | (n.) a strong inclination toward something |
| procure | (v.) to obtain, acquire |
| profane | (adj.) lewd, indecent |
| profligate | (adj.) dissolute, extravagant |
| profuse | (adj.) plentiful, abundant |
| promulgate | (v.) to proclaim, make known |
| propagate | (v.)to multiply, spread out |
| propensity | (n.) an inclination, preference |
| propitious | (adj.) favorable |
| propriety | (n.) the quality or state of being proper, decent |
| prosaic | (adj.) plain, lacking liveliness |
| proscribe | (v.) to condemn, outlaw |
| protean | (adj.)able to change shape; displaying great variety prowess (n.) extraordinary ability |
| prudence | (n.) cautious, circumspect |
| prurient | (adj.) eliciting or possessing an extraordinary interest in sex |
| puerile | (adj.) juvenile, immature |
| pugnacious | (adj.) quarrelsome, combative |
| pulchritude | (n.) physical beauty |
| punctilious | (adj.) eager to follow rules or conventions |
| pungent | (adj.) having a pointed, sharp quality—often used to describe smells |
| punitive | (adj.) involving punishment |
| putrid | (adj.) rotten, foul |
| quagmire | (n.) a difficult situation |
| quaint | (adj.) charmingly old-fashioned |
| quandary | (n.) a perplexed, unresolvable state |
| quell | (v.) to control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation |
| querulous | (adj.) whiny, complaining |
| quixotic | (adj.) idealistic, impractical |
| quotidian | (adj.) daily |
| rail | (v.) to scold, protest |
| rancid | (adj.) having a terrible taste or smell |
| rancor | (n.) deep, bitter resentment |
| rapport | (n.) mutual understanding and harmony |
| rash | (adj.)hasty, incautious |
| raucous | (adj.) loud, boisterous |
| raze | (v.) to demolish, level |
| rebuke | (v.) to scold, criticize |
| recalcitrant | (adj.) defiant, unapologetic |
| recapitulate | (v.) to sum up, repeat |
| reciprocate | (v.) to give in return |
| reclusive | (adj.) solitary, shunning society |
| reconcile | 1. (v.) to return to harmony 2. (v.) to make consistent with existing ideas |
| rectitude | (n.) uprightness, extreme morality |
| redoubtable | 1. (adj.) formidable 2. (adj.) commanding respect |
| refract | (v.) to distort, change |
| refurbish | (v.) to restore, clean up |
| refute | (v.) to prove wrong |
| regurgitate | 1. (v.) to vomit 2. (v.) to throw back exactly |
| relegate | 1. (v.) to assign to the proper place 2. (v.) to assign to an inferior place |
| relish | (v.) to enjoy |
| remedial | (adj.) intended to repair gaps in students' basic knowledge |
| remiss | (adj.) negligent, failing to take care |
| renovate | 1. (v.) restore, return to original state 2. (v.) to enlarge and make prettier, especially a house |
| renown | (n.) honor, acclaim |
| renunciation | (n.) to reject |
| repentant | (adj.) penitent, sorry |
| replete | (adj.) full, abundant |
| repose | (v.) to rest, lie down |
| reprehensible | (adj.) deserving rebuke |
| reprieve | (n.) a temporary delay of punishment |
| reproach | (v.) to scold, disapprove |
| reprobate | (adj.) evil, unprincipled |
| reprove | (v.) to scold, rebuke |
| repudiate | (v.) to reject, refuse to accept |
| repulse | 1. (v.) to disgust 2. (v.) to push back |
| reputable | (adj.) of good reputation |
| requisition | (n.) a demand for goods, usually made by an authority |
| rescind | (v.) to take back, repeal |
| reservoir | 1. (n.) reserves, large supply 2. (n.) a body of water used for storing water |
| resilient | (adj.) able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity |
| resolute | (adj.) firm, determined |
| resolve | 1. (v.) to find a solution 2. (v.) to firmly decide |
| respite | (n.) a break, rest |
| resplendent | (adj.) shiny, glowing |
| restitution | (n.) restoration to the rightful owner |
| restive | (adj.) resistant, stubborn, impatient |
| retract | (v.) withdraw |
| revel | (v.) to enjoy intensely |
| revere | (v.) to esteem, show deference, venerate |
| revoke | (v.) to take back |
| rhapsodize | (v.) to engage in excessive enthusiasm |
| ribald | (adj.) coarsely, crudely humorous |
| rife | (adj.) abundant |
| ruminate | (v.) to contemplate, reflect |
| ruse | (n.) a trick |
| saccharine | (adj.) sickeningly sweet |
| sacrosanct | (adj.) holy, something that should not be criticized |
| sagacity | (n.)shrewdness, soundness of perspective |
| salient | (adj.) significant, conspicuous |
| salutation | (n.) a greeting |
| salve | (n.) a soothing balm |
| sanctimonious | (adj.) giving a hypocritical appearance of piety |
| sanguine | (adj.) optimistic, cheery |
| satiate | (v.) to satisfy excessively |
| scathing | (adj.) sharp, critical, hurtful |
| scintillating | (adj.) sparkling |
| scrupulous | (adj.) painstaking, careful |
| scurrilous | (adj.) vulgar, coarse |
| sedentary | (adj.) sitting, settled |
| semaphore | (n.) a visual signal |
| seminal | (adj.) original, important, creating a field |
| sensual | (adj.) involving sensory gratification, usually related to sex |
| sensuous | (adj.) involving sensory gratification |
| serendipity | (n.) luck, finding good things without looking for them |
| serene | (adj.) calm, untroubled |
| servile | (adj.) subservient |
| sinuous | (adj.) lithe, serpentine |
| sobriety | (n.) sedate, calm |
| solicitous | (adj.) concerned, attentive |
| solipsistic | (adj.) believing that oneself is all that exists |
| soluble | (adj.) able to dissolve |
| solvent | 1. (n.) a substance that can dissolve other substances 2. (adj.) able to pay debts |
| somnolent | (adj.) sleepy, drowsy |
| sophomoric | (adj.) immature, uninformed |
| sovereign | (adj.) having absolute authority in a certain realm |
| speculative | (adj.) not based in fact |
| spurious | (adj.) false but designed to seem plausible stagnate (v.) to become or remain inactive, not develop, not flow |
| staid | (adj.) sedate, serious, self-restrained |
| stingy | (adj.) not generous, not inclined to spend or give |
| stoic | (adj.) unaffected by passion or feeling |
| stolid | (adj.) expressing little sensibility, unemotional |
| strenuous | (adj.) requiring tremendous energy or stamina |
| strident | (adj.) harsh, loud |
| stupefy | (v.) to astonish, make insensible |
| subjugate | (v.) to bring under control, subdue |
| sublime | (adj.) lofty, grand, exalted |
| submissive | (adj.) easily yielding to authority |
| succinct | (adj.) marked by compact precision |
| superfluous | (adj.) exceeding what is necessary |
| surfeit | (n.) an overabundant supply or indulgence |
| surmise | (v.) to infer with little evidence |
| surreptitious | (adj.) stealthy |
| surrogate | (n.) one acting in place of another |
| swarthy | (adj.) of dark color or complexion |
| sycophant | (n.) one who flatters for self-gain |
| tacit | (adj.) expressed without words |
| taciturn | (adj.) not inclined to talk |
| tangential | (adj.) incidental, peripheral, divergent |
| tantamount | (adj.) equivalent in value or significance |
| tedious | (adj.) dull, boring |
| temerity | (n.) audacity, recklessness |
| temperance | (n.) moderation in action or thought |
| tenable | (adj.) able to be defended or maintained |
| tenuous | (adj.) having little substance or strength |
| terrestrial | (adj.) relating to the land |
| timorous | (adj.) timid, fearful |
| tirade | (n.) a long speech marked by harsh or biting language |
| toady | (n.) one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors |
| tome | (n.) a large book |
| torpid | (adj.) lethargic, dormant, lacking motion |
| torrid | (adj.) giving off intense heat, passionate |
| tortuous | (adj.) winding |
| tractable | (adj.) easily controlled |
| tranquil | (adj.) calm |
| transgress | (v.) to violate, go over a limit |
| transient | (adj.) passing through briefly; passing into and out of existence |
| transmute | (v.) to change or alter in form |
| travesty | (n.) a grossly inferior imitation |
| tremulous | (adj.) fearful |
| trenchant | (adj.)effective, articulate, clear-cut |
| trepidation | (n.) fear, apprehension |
| trite | (adj.) not original, overused |
| truculent | (adj.) ready to fight, cruel |
| truncate | (v.) to shorten by cutting off |
| turgid | (adj.) swollen, excessively embellished in style or language |
| turpitude | (n.) depravity, moral corruption |
| ubiquitous | (adj.)existing everywhere, widespread umbrage (n.) resentment, offense |
| uncanny | (adj.) of supernatural character or origin unctuous (adj.) smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner |
| undulate | (v.) to move in waves |
| upbraid | (v.) to criticize or scold severely |
| usurp | (v.) to seize by force, take possession of without right |
| utilitarian | (adj.) relating to or aiming at usefulness |
| utopia | (n.) an imaginary and remote place of perfection |
| vacillate | (v.) to fluctuate, hesitate |
| vacuous | (adj.) lack of content or ideas, stupid |
| validate | (v.) to confirm, support, corroborate |
| vapid | (adj.) lacking liveliness, dull |
| variegated | (adj.) diversified, distinctly marked |
| vehemently | (adv.) marked by intense force or emotion |
| veneer | (n.) a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, façade |
| venerable | (adj.) deserving of respect because of age or achievement |
| venerate | (v.) to regard with respect or to honor |
| veracity | (n.) truthfulness, accuracy |
| verbose | (adj.) wordy, impaired by wordiness |
| verdant | (adj.) green in tint or color |
| vestige | (n.) a mark or trace of something lost or vanished |
| vex | (v.) to confuse or annoy |
| vicarious | (adj.) experiencing through another |
| vicissitude | (n.) event that occurs by chance |
| vigilant | (adj.) watchful, alert |
| vilify | (v.)to lower in importance, defame |
| vindicate | (v.) to avenge; to free from allegation; to set free |
| vindictive | (adj.) vengeful |
| virtuoso | (n.) one who excels in an art; a highly skilled musical performer |
| viscous | (adj.) not free flowing, syrupy |
| vitriolic | (adj.) having a caustic quality |
| vituperate | (v.) to berate |
| vivacious | (adj.) lively, sprightly |
| vocation | (n.) the work in which someone is employed, profession |
| vociferous | (adj.) loud, boisterous |
| wallow | (v.) to roll oneself indolently; to become or remain helpless |
| wane | (v.) to decrease in size, dwindle |
| wanton | (adj.) undisciplined, lewd, lustful |
| whimsical | (adj.) fanciful, full of whims |
| wily | (adj.) crafty, sly |
| winsome | (adj.) charming, pleasing |
| wistful | (adj.) full of yearning; musingly sad |
| wizened | (adj.) dry, shrunken, wrinkled |
| wrath | (n.) vengeful anger, punishment |
| yoke | (v.) to join, link |
| zealous | (adj.) fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something |
| zenith | (n.) the highest point, culminating point |
| zephyr | (n.) a gentle breeze |
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