User:Gzhao91

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THIS PAGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WOOD VARNISH#%^&@#&^#$&
a cappella: by voice only, no instruments
a fortiori: for an even stronger reason
a la carte: priced separately (adj/n)
a posteriori: deriving knowledge from experience
a priori: reasoning based on general principles (n/adj/adv)
aback: by surprise
abaft: toward or at the back part of the ship
abalone: an edible jellyfish with holes
abandon: the trait of lacking restraint or control; freedom from inhibition or worry
abase: to lower or degrade
abash: to destroy the self-confidence
abate: to make or become less
abatis: line of defense
abdicate: to give up a position of power
abduct: to kidnap or seize
abecedarian: a novice, elementary
abed: in or confined to bed
aberrant: deviating from what is normal or desirable
aberration: a differing from what is normal or usual
abet: to assist somebody to do something, especially something illegal
abeyance: temporary inactivity or non-operation
abhorrent: causing or deserving strong dislike
abide by: to show respect, to obey
abide: to tolerate; to put up with
abject: being in low spirit or hope
abjure: to reject or give up
ablation: the erosive process that reduces the size of glaciers
able- bodied: having a strong healthy body
ableism: discrimination in favor of those who are not physically or mentally challenged
ablution: cleansing
abnegate: to give up or renounce something
abode: the place where one stays or lives
abolish: to put an end to something, for example, a law
abolitionist: opponent of slavery; someone who supports the ban of something
abominate: to hate violently
aboriginal: existing from the earliest known times
abortion: the termination of pregnancy; a failure of a plan
abortive: unsuccessful
abound: to be plentiful
about-face: a reversal in attitude or principle or point of view; to act of pivoting 180 degrees (n/v)
aboveboard: in an honest, open way
abovementioned: referred to above
abracadabra: a magic word spoken to supposedly ensure success; gibberish
abrade: to wear away
abrasive: rough, coarse, harsh
abreast: side by side; up to a certain level of knowledge
abridge: to shorten by leaving important parts
abrogate: to revoke formally
abscess: infected and inflamed tissue
abscission: cutting off
abscond: to escape especially to avoid arrest
absentminded: not paying attention to what is going on
absolution: forgiveness, pardon
absolve: to set free from duty or blame
abstain: to keep oneself from doing something
abstemious: marked by temperance in indulgence
abstention: nonparticipation
abstract: a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance; summary (n/v)
abstracted: preoccupied and inattentive
abstruse: hard to understand; obscure
absurd: ridiculous
abulia: lack of motivation
abut: to touch or be adjacent to something along one side
abuzz: full of activity or talk
abysmal: being terrible, awful or extremely bad
abyss: something that is immeasurably deep or infinite
academic: hypothetical or theoretical and not expected to produce an immediate or practical result
acarpous: producing no fruit
accede: to give consent or agreement to something
accentuate: to stress, single out as important; to emphasize
accession: the assumption of an important position, usually a position of power
acclimate: to get to used to different things; to familiarize
acclivity: an upward slope on a hill
accolade: applause
accommodate: to provide a place for living
accomplice: partner in crime
accord: an agreement or treaty
accordion: an air-driven musical instrument
accost: to approach or confront
accountable: responsible; capable of being explained
accoutrement: clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing
accredit: to give somebody the authority to perform a function
accrete: to grow larger
accrue: to increase in amount or value
acculturate: to take on other culture
accursed: doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune
acerbic: sour or bitter in taste
acerbity: bitterness
acetic: vinegary
achromatic: colorless
acme: zenith
acolyte: a follower or assistant
acoustic: relating to, involving, or typical of sound, hearing, or the study of sound
acquiesce: to agree or go along well
acreage: land measured in acres
acrid: strong and sharp, harsh or corrosive in tone
acrimonious: full of or displaying anger and resentment
acrimony: bitterness and resentment
acrophobia: fear of heights
actionable: giving cause for a legal action
activist: a campaigner; forward looking or advanced
actuary: an insurance statistician
actuate: to induce or start, to activate
acumen: shrewdness shown by keen insight
ad hoc: improvised, done for a particular purpose without considering wider issues; for one specific case
ad infinitum: endlessly
ad nauseam: to an extreme or annoying extent
adage: a traditional saying
adamant: utterly unyielding
addendum: something that is or has been added
addle: to befuddle
addlepated: with a mind that is muddled and confused
adduce: to offer as evidence
adept: skilled
adherence: obedience and loyalty
adieu: a farewell
adipose: containing fat, fat
adjacent: neighboring
adjudge: to make declaration about, to declare
adjudicate: to decide legally, to judge
adjunct: something inessential added
adjuration: an earnest appeal or request
adjure: to order solemnly
adjutant: an assistant officer
ad-lib: unprepared, to improvise (v/n)
admiral: naval commander; a highly colored butterfly
admissible: allowable, allowed to be done
admonish: to warn or urge; to advise
admonition: a mild but earnest rebuke, an advice or caution
ado: a rapid bustling commotion, a fuss
adobe: earthen brick
adonis: an extremely handsome young man
adoration: great love and esteem, worship
adorn: make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.; to decorate
adrenaline: a hormone secreted in the adrenal gland that raises blood pressure, produces a rapid heartbeat
adrift: floating without direction; without a purpose
adroitly: skillfully
adulate: to flatter in an obsequious manner
adulterate: to contaminate or make impure
adultery: extramarital sex
adumbrate: to outline or sketch in an obscure way
advent: the arrival of something important
adventitious: accidental
adventurous: daring to participate in something risky
adversary: someone who offers opposition
adversity: hardship and suffering
advert: to refer to something; advertisement
advisable: worth doing
advisory: giving advice (adj/n); optional
advocacy: active verbal support for a cause or position
advocate: to support (v/n)
adze: an edge tool used to cut and shape wood
aegis: protection or support
aerial: being or related to mid-air; above air
aerie: a nook built in a high inaccessible place
aeronautic: relating to aircraft or their flight
aesthetic: the branch of philosophy dealing with the study of aesthetic values such as the beautiful and the sublime
afar: at, to, or from a great distance
affable: diffusing warmth and friendliness
affected: intended to impress others
affection: love and friendliness
affidavit: sworn written statement
affiliate: to associate or link together
affinity: the force attracting atoms to each other
affix: to attach; to stick
afflatus: creative inspiration, usually thought of as divine
afflict: to cause pain or suffering to
affray: a fight or brawl
affront: an open insult or giving of offense to somebody (n/v)
aficionado: an enthusiast on something
afield: away
afire: on fire
aforementioned: previously mentioned
aforesaid: named earlier
afoul: into conflict, entangled
afresh: again but in a new or different way
aft: toward or at the rear of a ship, submarine, or aircraft
agape: with the mouth wide open in surprise or wonder
agent provocateur: a secret agent who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts for arrest
agglomerate: to pile or heap together (v/n)
agglutinate: to adhere (v/adj)
aggrandize: to exaggerate or enlarge
aggravate: to annoy one; to make something worse
aggregate: to collect together (v/n)
aggregation: a total or collection of different things added together, or the process of adding them together
aggress: to attack first
aggrieve: to give pain to one
aghast: stuck with horror
agile: nimble
agiotage: currency exchanging; stock and foreign currency speculation
agitate: nervous and troubled
agitator: somebody who attempts to arouse feeling or interest for or against something, especially a political cause
agnate: related on the father's side
agnostic: one denying the existence of something
agog: very interested
agonistic: striving to overcome in argument
agoraphobia: fear of open or public places
agrarian: relating to rural and farming
ahoy: a greeting to attract
aide-de-camp: military assistant
aide-mémoire: a memory aid
ailment: any type of illness, sickness
air: somebody’s distinctive quality
airborne: in the air; above ground
airhead: an intelligent person
airs: affected manners intended to impress others
airy: ventilated; carefree; graceful
ajar: slightly open
aka: also known as
akimbo: with hands on hips
akin: similar or closely related to something
al dente: cooked just long enough to be firm rather than soft
alabaster: a white gypsum (mineral)
alacrity: promptness or eager and speedy readiness
alarmist: someone spreading unnecessary fear
alas: unfortunately
albeit: even though
albescent: becoming white or whitefish
albino: a person or animal lacking normal pigmentation
alchemy: unscientific form of chemistry; enchanting power
alcove: a small room opening off a larger room
aleatory: depending on chance or contingency
alfresco: outside, outdoors
algorithm: an establish procedure for solving a problem or equation
alias: also known as
alibi: an excuse, the claim to have been somewhere else
alienate: to cause to become unfriendly or hostile
alight: to come down or settle; full of energy
aliment: to support (v/n); something that sustains
alimentary: relating to food nutrition, or digestion
alimony: financial support to ex-spouse; maintenance
all in: very tired
all out: with maximum effort
all-around: versatile, all-inclusive
allay: to calm an emotion or worry
allege: to report or maintain
allegiance: loyalty
allegory: the setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly suggestive likeness
alleviate: to provide physical relief, as from pain; to make easier
alley: a narrow passage
allocated: owed or to be paid
allot: to assign; to give in portion
alloy: combination (n/v)
allure: the power to entice or attract through personal charm (n/v)
allusive: characterized by indirect references
alluvion: flood
alms: charity
almshouse: a poorhouse or shelter for the poor and needy
aloof: physically distant or apart from somebody or something, detached
alpha: first or most important
alpinist: a mountain climber, especially one who climbs in the Alps or mountains of similar height
also-ran: losing runner; somebody unimportant
altar: a raised structure, typically a flat-topped rock or a table of wood or stone, or raised area where religious ceremonies are performed
altercate: to engage in a heated argument or confrontation
altruism: unselfishness
alumnus: a male graduate of a particular institution
amalgamate: to combine
amanuensis: a scribe; writer's assistant
amaranthine: eternal, undying
amass: to bring together
amateur: practicing for the love of it, but not as a profession.
amatory: designated to excite love
ambidextrous: with the ability to use both hands equally well, skillful in many ways
ambiguous: being vague, unclear and confusing
ambit: the extent of limit of something
ambition: the goal or aim; dream or desire
ambivalent: unsure
amble: slow walk (n/v)
amblyopia: dimness of light, without an apparent cause
ambrosial: extremely pleasing to the taste; sweet and fragrant
ambulatory: used to describe a patient who is able to walk and does not have to be kept in bed
ameliorate: to improve
amen: said or sung at the end of a prayer or hymn to affirm its content (so be it)
amenable: agreeable, willing to cooperate
amend: to make changes to something
amenity: pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions
amicable: friendly
amiss: wrong and improper
amity: friendship
amnesty: official pardon
amorous: inclined toward or displaying love
amorphous: without a shape
amortize: to reduce debt by payment
amount to: to add up to
amour: a love affair, especially one that is clandestine
amourpropre: self-esteem
ampersand: the symbol “&,” meaning “and”
amphibious: operating or living on land and in water
amphitheater: an oval large stadium with tiers of seats; an arena in which contests and spectacles are held
ample: plenty; being more than enough
amplify: to increase in size, volume or significance; to add details
amputate: to cut off a limb or other appendage of the body, especially in a surgical operation
amuck: in a murderous frenzy, out of control
amulet: a charm or talisman
anachronism: something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
anaerobic: living or active in the absence of free oxygen
anagram: a word or phrase spelled by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase (n/v)
analgesic: pain-relieving (adj/n)
analogous: similar in some respects, allowing an analogy to be drawn
anathema: an object of loathing, curse
anchor: to fasten, secure
anchorage: a place that seems to give stability or security
ancillary: providing support; auxiliary
androgynous: having both conventional masculine and feminine traits
anecdote: a story or tale that is usually funny
anemic: pale and weak
anesthetic: pertaining to or producing loss of sensation
anew: again but in a new or different way
angora: a silky wool
angst: dread
anguish: suffering or pain
angular: thin, sharp
aniline: colorless, poisonous liquid
animadvert: to comment critically or unfavorably
animalcule: microbe resembling animal
animus: hostility
annal: an entry in historical record
anneal: to make something stronger through heating
annex: an addition that extends a main building; to take illegally, as of territory
annotate: to add an explanatory notes to
annul: to make something invalid
annular: shaped like a ring
anodyne: a medication such as aspirin or codeine that relieves pain
anoint: to rub oil or ointment on a part of somebody’s body
anomalous: abnormal or strange
anon: soon; at an unspecified future time
anorexic: having a loss of appetite
antagonism: hatred
ante meridian: before noon
ante: an amount betted or gambled
antechamber: a waiting room leading to a larger room
antedate: to occur earlier than
antediluvian: ancient, obsolete
antemundane: pertaining to time before the world's creation
anterior: the forward, front
anteroom: an antechamber
anthesis: blooming of flower
anthology: a collection of writing works
anthracite: a hard coal
anthropogenic: relating to the study of the origins and development of human beings
antic: an adventure
anticlimax: a gradual decrease in importance
antidote: a medicine to counter-act a poison or disease, one bringing relief
antilogy: inconsistency or contradiction in ideas
antipathy: a feeling of dislike
antiphon: a composition sung in response
antipodal: direct opposite
antipode: direct opposite
antiquary: a collector, scholar, or seller of antiques or antiquities
antiquate: to make out of date
antiquity: ancient times
antiseptic: a substance that destroys micro-organisms that carry disease without harming body tissues; dull
antispasmodic: a drug to control spasms
antistrophe: the second form in a poem that alternates
antithesis: direct opposite
anvil: a sturdy piece of iron onto which heated metal is placed to be beaten into the required shape
apace: quickly, abreast
apathetic: indifferent, uninterested, lazy
apathy: a lack of concern of interest
apersion: false rumor, damaging report
aperture: a narrow opining
apex: the highest point of something
aphasia: inability to use or understand language (spoken or written) because of a brain lesion
aphorism: a succinct statement expressing an opinion or a general truth; a saying
aphrodisiac: arousing sexual desire
apiary: a bee house
apiece: for each
aplomb: confidence, calmness
apocalypse: a total disaster, a destruction
apocalyptic: ominous, doomed
apocryphal: probably not true, but widely believed to be true; fictional
apologia: a written defense in some belief
apoplectic: pertaining to or characteristic of apoplexy, furious
apoplexy: a sudden loss of consciousness
apostate: one who abandons his faith
apothecary: a pharmacist
apothegm: a short, witty, instructive saying
apotheosis: one having no equal, excellence
appall: to horrify
apparatus: an equipment designed to serve a specific function; a device
apparition: an appearance of a supposed ghost or something ghostly
appeal: an earnest request, attraction (n/v)
appease: to cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
appellation: the name or title by which something or somebody is known
apperception: the process whereby perceived qualities of an object are related to past experience
appertain: to belong as a proper function or part
appetite: hunger or desire (for food)
apportion: to divide something among many
apposite: relevant
apposition: act of placing side by side
appraisal: the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth, evaluation
appraise: to estimate the monetary value of
appreciable: large enough to be noticed
apprehend: to put under arrest; to perceive importance
apprise: to inform or notice
approbation: praise; official approval
appropriate: to take possessions of
appurtenance: an adjunct; an accessory
apropos: appropriate, well-timed
apt: very appropriate to something, likely
aptitude: inherent ability; power
aqueous: similar to or containing or dissolved in water
aquiline: curved down like an eagle's beak
arabesque: a complex, ornate design
arable: suitable for cultivation
arbiter: judge, supreme authority
arbitrary: random and illogical
arbitrate: to settle dispute between others, to judge
arboreal: relating to trees
arcade: a covered passageway
arcane: secret, obscure, only known to few
archaic: belonging or relating to a much earlier period, old
archetype: original model
archipelago: a group of many islands in a large body of water
archive: a depository of records (n/v)
ardent: having intense enthusiastic
ardor: fierce intensity of feelings
arduous: requiring hard work or continuous strenuous effort
argonaut: adventurers
argot: a characteristic language of a particular group
aria: an elaborate song
aridisol: a soil of arid regions that is alkaline or saline and contains only small amounts of organic material
armament: a guard or protection; a shield
armor: protective covering made of metal and used in combat
armory: an arsenal
aromatic: having a strong distinctive fragrance
arraign: to charge with an offense
arrant: extremely bad
array: a collection (n/v)
arrear: unpaid debt
arrogate: to claim something without right
arroyo: a fry gulch, a small stream
arsenal: a stockpile of weapons and military equipment
arson: malicious burning to destroy property
artesian well: a well supplying water via natural pressure
artful: skillful and clever
arthritis: a medical condition affecting a joint or joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
articulate: well spoken (adj/v)
artifice: a clever trick
artless: naïve, simple
ascend: to rise or climb
ascendancy: controlling influence
ascent: an upward slope or grade
ascertain: to uncover and verify
ascetic: self-denying, abstinent
ascribe: to attribute, to give as the cause of
aseptic: preventing infection
ashen: pallid and pale (light)
asinine: ridiculous
askance: with disapproval; with a skeptical sideway glace
askew: turned or twisted toward one side
asperity: harshness or severity
aspersion: a defamatory remark
asphyxiate: to suffocate
aspirant: somebody who seeks or hopes to attain something
aspirate: to remove with suction (v/n)
assay: the examination or analysis (n/v)
assemble: to bring together, to collect; to put together; to build
assent: to agree to something or express agreement
assert: to affirm
assertion: a strong statement that something is true
assess: to judge, to appraise
asset: any type of benefits, advantages or positive features
assiduous: diligent and constant
assimilate: to take in or absorb
assonance: similarity of sound, rhyme
assort: to keep company with; hang out with; to arrange or order by classes or categories
assorted: mixed; of many different kinds purposefully arranged
assuage: to provide physical relief, as from pain
assure: to make certain of; to make a promise; to ensure
asterisk: star-like sign or symbol (n/v)
astral: pertaining to stars
astray: off the right path, into error
astride: on top of and with a leg on each side of something
astringent: harsh, severe, stern
astute: marked by practical hardheaded intelligence; shrewd
asunder: into separate parts, pieces, or places
asylum: a shelter from danger or hardship; protection
atavistic: exhibiting the characteristics of one’s forebears
atelier: a studio or workshop where an artist works
atheist: one who does not believe in gods
athirst: wanting water
atoll: a coral island surrounding a lagoon
atomic: extremely small
atomizer: a device that converts a liquid into a fine spray
atone: to make amends for a wrong
atop: on or at the top of something
atrabilious: tending to feel very sad
atrocious: shockingly brutal or cruel; very bad
atrophy: wasting away in size or strength, lessening
attaché: a diplomat with a particular role
attain: to gain with effort, to reach
attentive: giving attention to something; considerate
attenuate: to weaken
attest: to show that something exists or is true or valid
attire: to put clothes on
attorney general: the chief law-officer of a government
attribute: quality or property; to ascribe a feature
attrition: deterioration, reduction
attune: to adjust something to something else
au fait: up to date with something
aubade: a song, poem, or piece of instrumental music celebrating or greeting the dawn
auburn: (of hair) colored a moderate brown; reddish-brown
audacity: fearless daring
augment: to enlarge or increase
augur: to predict
augury: prediction of events
august: full of solemn splendor and dignity
aura: a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
aural: of or pertaining to the ear
auricular: spoken
auspice: a favorable omen; support
auspicious: favorable
austere: stern, strict
austerity: severity and seriousness; shortage
authentic: conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief; not counterfeit or copied
authoritarian: extremely strict
autodidact: self-taught person
automaton: a robot, an independent/ complex machine
autopsy: the examination of a dead body
auxiliary: secondary, supplementary (adj/n)
avail: to make use of something useful or helpful while you have the opportunity; benefit
avant-garde: artistically new (adj/n)
avarice: greed or desire
avatar: incarnation
avenge: to get even; to get revenge
aver: to declare to be true
averse: reluctant
aversion: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred of somebody or something
avert: to turn away
avian: relating to birds
aviary: large enclosure housing birds
avid: marked by active interest and enthusiasm
avoirdupois: the amount that somebody weighs
avouch: to attest, to guarantee
avow: to state or affirm that something is a fact
avuncular: resembling an uncle, especially one who is friendly, helpful, or good-humored
awe: a feeling mixed of fear and wonder
awestruck: full of awe
awry: not in the proper position but turned or twisted to one side; amiss
axiom: a generally accepted truth
aye: an expression of assent
azalea: a flowering shrub
azure: sky blue
babble: to utter meaningless sounds
bacchanalia: riotous drunken revels
bachelor: a man who is not married, or one who has never been married
backfire: to bring in a result opposite to planned
bacterium: a microbe
bad egg: a bad person
badger: to pester
badinage: frivolous banter (playful teasing)
baffle: to confuse
bagatelle: a think of little importance
bailiwick: an area of activity or knowledge in which somebody has particular responsibility
bait: to lure or attract; to cause extreme pain by taunting
baize: a napped woolen fabric for table covers
bale: a large bundle bound for storage or transport (n/v)
baleful: wicked or threatening; deadly
balk: to stop suddenly and refuse to go on, especially when faced with an obstacle
ballad: a song that tells a story
ballast: counter-balance
ballistic: of projectiles
balm: a fragrant oily substance obtained as a resin from various plants, a nice smell
balsam: a medical preparation, oily, for healing
banal: boringly ordinary and lacking in originality
banausic: uncreative, with no art, creativity, or imagination
bandit: an armed robber who steals from travelers and other people
bandog: aggressive breed of dog
bandy: to exchange words casually
bane: something causing death, destruction, ruin
banter: teasing (n/v)
baptize: to administer baptism to (a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth)
barb: a sharp point that stick out and backwards
barcarole: a song traditionally sung by Venetian gondoliers
bard: poet
barge: to intrude rudely; to transport (v/n)
baritone: a man’s singing voice
baroque: in highly exaggerated in style
barrage: a heavy and prolonged attack
barrel: a cylindrical container that holds liquids; a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
barren: an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation; infertile
barrier: something that obstructs or separates, often by emphasizing differences; a fence
barring: apart from, expect for
barrister: a lawyer
bashful: shy
basin: a container used to hold water
bask: to take pleasure from something
bastard: something that is abnormal, inferior, or of questionable or mixed origin, not genuine
baste: to moisten during cooking; to sew; to beat one severely
bastion: somebody or something regarded as providing strong defense or support
bathos: insincere and excessively sentimental pathos
baton: a slender stick used by the conductor in orchestra
batten: a strip of wood for fastening (n/v)
batter: a thick liquid mixture of 2 or more materials beaten together, used in cookery
bauble: a trinket
bawdy: obscene; humorously vulgar; coarse and rude
bawl: to shout or cry (v/n)
bay: to bark, especially in deep, prolonged way
bazaar: a shop where a variety of goods are sold
beachhead: a bridgehead on the enemy's shoreline seized by an amphibious operation
bead: a small ball with a hole through the middle; a drop
beak: horny projecting mouth of a bird
beam: to smile warmly
bearish: moving or behaving roughly or clumsily
beast: a living organism characterized by voluntary movement; a monster
beat around the bush: to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
beatific: blissful happy
beatify: to sanctify
beatitude: state of bliss
beau: a male admirer
becalm: to make quiet
beck: a nod, wave, or similar gesture to attract attention
beckon: to signal to somebody to approach with a movement of the hand or head; to signal
becoming: proper or appropriate
bedaub: to smear with something that spoils
bedchamber: a room used primarily for sleeping purposes
bedeck: to decorate
bedizen: to dress or decorate showily
bedlam: mayhem
bedraggle: to make wet and dirty, as from rain
befall: to happen
befit: to be suitable or appropriate for somebody or something
befog: to confuse
beforehand: in advance (adv)
beget: to be the cause of something, to cause
begrudge: to envy someone else’s possession
beguile: to attract, to cause to be enamored
behemoth: huge creature
behest: an order or request
behold: see with attention
beholden: under an obligation, indebted
belabor: to insist repeatedly on something unnecessary
belated: late or delayed
beleaguer: to bother and disturb
belfry: a bell tower or a space for bells
belie: to misrepresent
belittle: to regard or portray as less important
belle: a beautiful woman
bellicose: warlike
belligerent: characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight; aggressive
bellow: to shout or roar (v/n)
bellwether: a leader
bemoan: to regret strongly
bemuse: to confuse
benchmark: standard
benediction: an expression of approval or good wishes
benefactor: someone giving aid or money
benefice: a church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service
beneficent: producing benefit
beneficiary: somebody benefiting from something
benevolence: kindness (ant. malevolence)
benighted: unenlightened
benign: having a kind and gentle disposition or appearance
benignant: gracious
benison: a blessing or benediction
bent: determined
bequeath: to hand down or leave properties for the next generation
bequest: something disposed of in a will
berate: to scold somebody vigorously and lengthily
bereave: to deprive through death
bereft: deprived, lacking
bergschrund: a crevasse formed at the head of a glacier
berserk: extremely aggressive or angry
berth: a bed on ship or train; a job in an organization; a dock for ship (n/v for all)
beseech: to implore or beg
beset: to harass, to attack from all sides
besmear: to smear something with mud, dirt or sticky substance
besmirch: to bring shame or disgrace
bespeak: to signify for something
bestial: beastly
bestow: to present something to somebody
bestrew: to scatter things over something
bestride: to stand across something or be on both sides of
bête noire: a detested person, anathema
bethink: to remind one self
betide: to happen
betimes: in good time, early
betroth: to promise one in marriage
bevel: two surfaces meeting at an angle different from 90 degrees
bevy: a group or people or animals
bewail: to lament something
bewilder: to confuse
bias: prejudice; unfairness; something favor for one side
biblical: contained in the Bible
bibliophile: one who loves books
bibulous: tending to drink too much alcohol
bicker: to argue
bide: to stay, remain, or wait
bier: a stand where a corpse is place on
bifurcate: to divide in two
bigamist: one who has two spouses at the same time.
bight: a wide curving bend in a shoreline, forming a bay; a loop or slack curve in a rope
bigot: narrow-minded, prejudiced person
bile: anger
bilge: the rounded portion of a ship's hull
bilious: unsettled in the stomach, as if about to vomit; bad-tempered and irritable
bilk: to defraud, cheat or elude
billet-doux: love letter
billingsgate: rude or offensive language
billow: to surge or rise
biodegradable: naturally decaying
biopsy: removal of living tissue for examination
biped: an animals with two feet
birthright: a privilege or possession into which one is born
bite the dust: to die, especially in or as a result of a fight
bittersweet: both bitter and sweet at the same time; causing happiness and sadness at the same time
bivouac: temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers (n/v)
blab: to speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
blackmail: extortion of money by threats to divulge discrediting information (n/v)
blanch: turn pale, as if in fear; to cook
bland: tasteless; boring
blandish: to coax with flattery
blasé: bored or unimpressed; not easily excited
blasphemy: speech which offends religious sentiments
blatant: obvious; noisy
blazon: to make widely known
bleach: the whiteness that results from removing the color from something (n/v)
bleak: hopeless or forlorn; lonely and isolated
blemish: a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (n/v)
blench: to turn pale, as if in fear; to draw back
blighted: destroyed
blindside: to attack or hit on or from the side where the attacked person's view is obstructed
bliss: total happiness
blithe: carefree, joyous
bloat: to swell and expand
blond: pale; light-colored
bloodcurdling: extremely alarming terrifying
blot: to make a spot or mark onto (v/n)
blotch: an irregularly shaped spot or mark
blouse: a woman’s loose-fitting shirt
bloviate: to orate verbosely and pompously
blowhard: somebody who boasts but is considered ineffectual
blue-collar: of manual workers
blunder: a serious or embarrassing mistake, usually the result of carelessness or ignorance
blunt: dull; not sharp
blush: to feel embarrassed; to redden
bluster: to speak loudly, boisterously, or arrogantly, or to say something in this way
boatswain: a subordinate officer of a vessel
bodice: the part of a dress above the waist
boggle: to astonish or confuse somebody, or to become astonished or confused
bole: the trunk of a tree
bolero: a Spanish dance
boll: a round pod or seed-capsule
bolster: to strengthen something through support or encouragement
bolt: to fasten (v/n); a discharge of lightning; to run off
bombast: language that is full of long or pretentious words, used to impress others
bombastic: using high-sounding but meaningless language
bombinate: to make a humming or buzzing noise
bon mot: a clever remark
bon ton: good taste, style, or manners
bona fide: undertaken in good faith; not counterfeit or copied
bonhomie: easy good-humored friendliness
boomerang: to return to the initial position from where it came; a curved piece of wood that boomerangs
boon: blessing, something to be thankful about
boorish: rude
bootless: having little or no success
bop: a dance (n/v); to hit somebody, especially on the head
borborygmus: stomach rumbling due to hunger
bore: to make hole in something
bork: to deny Senate confirmation of a nominee, especially for a U.S. Supreme Court or federal judgeship
borough: a district of a city
bosom: the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept; to hug
botanize: to study plants
botch: to do something very badly out of clumsiness or lack of care
bottleneck: a narrowing that reduces the flow through a channel (n/v)
bouquet: a bunch of cut flowers that have been specially chosen or arranged
bourgeois: middle class, conventional person (n/adj)
bout: a period when one team is on the offensive; a boxing match; matches or contests
bovine: relating to cows
bowdlerize: to remove parts of a work of literature that are considered indecent
bowler: the player who bowls the ball in cricket; player in bowling
bowyer: somebody who makes or sells bows for archery
bra: an undergarment designed to support and shape a woman’s breasts
brabble: to argue over petty things
brace: to prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
brae: hillside
braid: a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair; to make by braiding or interlacing
brail: a small net used to draw fish into a boat (n/v)
bramble: a type of flower in the rose family
brand: to class somebody or something as bad, illegal, or undesirable, often arbitrarily
branded: marked or labeled by a distinctive word or symbol indicating exclusive rights
brandish: to wave something about
brash: impolite, rude
brassiere: bra
bravado: a swaggering show of courage
bravo: well done
bravura: dazzling artistic flair
brawn: very strong muscles, especially on the arms and legs
bray: a loud and harsh sound
braze: to make something out of brass or decorate something with brass
brazen: harsh, extremely bold
brazier: a metal container for hot coals; brass worker
breach: to break a law or promise (v/n)
breadth: an ability to understand a broad range of topics, wideness
breech: back of gun barrel; buttocks
breed: a special lineage; to have young
brethren: members of the same family, group, class, or community
brevity: shortness
brew: to prepare; to develop; drink
bric-a-brac: small, ornamental objects that are of interest or sentimental value but of little monetary value
bridgehead: an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
brig: a two-masted sailing ship
brigade: a group or an unit
brigand: a bandit
brigantine: a two-masted sailing ship
brim: to be completely full; the edge
brimstone: sulfur
brine: water saturated with salt
brio: energy or vigor
bristle: a short stiff hair on an animal or plant or a mass of short stiff hairs growing
Britannia: symbol of Britain
Briticism: something typically British
brittle: fragile, harsh
broach: to mention or suggest for the first time
broad: wide, large, big; wide-ranging (ant. restricted)
Brobdingnagian: enormous
brocade: a heavy fabric of silk, cotton, or wool woven with a raised design, often using metallic threads
brogan: a heavy ankle-high work boot
brogue: a regional accent
brokerage: the business of making sales and purchases for a commission
bromide: a saying that lacks originality or significance
bromine: a dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor
brooch: a piece of jewelry that is fastened to a garment
brotherhood: people engaged in a particular occupation
brow: the peak of a hill
browbeat: to bully or intimidate somebody sternly
brummagem: cheap and showy, meretricious
brunt: the main force or effect of something, for example, a blow or an attack
brusque: marked by rudeness or peremptory shortness
brutish: cruel, ruthless, or insensitive
buccaneer: someone who robs at sea; a pirate, an adventure
buckboard: an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels; has a seat attached
buckled: collapsed usually after pressure
buckler: armor carried on the arm to intercept blows
bucolic: of or pertaining to countryside
bud: a partially opened flower; to develop
buffoon: clown
buffoonery: silly behavior
bugle: a brass instrument like the trumpet without valves
bulbous: rounded
bulk: the property of something that is great in magnitude (n/v)
bullock: a young domestic bull
bulrush: a waterside plant
bulwark: anything that gives security or protection
bum: useless (adj/n); to bed
bumble: to speak in a hesitant or muddled way
bumper: a glass filled to the brim; large
bumpkin: not very intelligent or interested in culture
bumptious: full of self-conceit
bungle: to cause something to fail through carelessness or incompetence
bunkum: insincere or empty talk that’s merely for effect
burden: an onerous or difficult concern; to weight down with a load
burgeon: to sprout or flourish
burgher: a citizen
burlap: coarse cloth woven from jute, hemp, or a similar rough thread
burlesque: to make a parody of (v/n)
burly: muscular and heavily built
burnish: to polish
burnout: exhaustion (n/v)
bursar: a treasurer
busker: a person who entertains people for money in public places, as by singing or dancing
buss: to kiss (v/n)
bustle: to move or cause to move energetically or busily (v/n)
busybody: somebody who tends to meddle with other people’s business
butte: a hill
buttonhole: to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of
buttress: to reinforce or support
by-law: a rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs
byzantine: extremely complex or intricate
cabal: a group of conspirators or plotters, particularly one formed for political purposes
caboose: the end part of a train
cache: to save up as for future use (v/n)
cacophonous: having an unpleasant sound
cadaverous: resembling a corpse
cadence: rhythmical flow or movement
cadenza: a brilliant solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music
cadge: to scrounge or beg something from somebody
cadre: a core group of political activists or revolutionaries
caesura: pause or break in line of verse
caitiff: cowardly
cajole: to coax
calamitous: having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin
calamity: a disaster or mishap
calculated: deliberately planned or thought in advance
calf: a young cow
caliber: quality or character
calibrate: to mark with a standard scale
calico: a coarse cotton
caliper: an instrument for measuring the distance between two points (n/v)
calisthenics: a light exercise designed to promote general fitness
callipygian: having well-shaped buttocks
callous: unsympathetic; cruel
callow: immature, lacking sophistication
calumny: slander
calvary: any experience that causes intense suffering
calve: to give birth
camaraderie: friendship
cameo: engraving or carving in low relief on a stone
camouflage: to disguise or hide
canard: a deliberately false report or rumor
canary: of a bright but delicate yellow
candid: characterized by directness in manner or speech; in an open way
candor: frankness or openness
canine: relating to dogs
canister: a small can
canny: shrewd enough not to be easily deceived
canon: a general rule, principle, or standard
canorous: richly melodious
cant: boring talk filled with clichés and platitudes
cantankerous: easily angered and difficult to get along with
cantata: vocal musical work
canteen: a place where food is served; a small container used by campers
canto: part of poem
cantonment: military training camp
cap-a-pie: at all points from head to foot
capitulation: the act of surrendering (under agreed conditions)
caprice: impulsive tendency
capricious: tending to make sudden and unpredictable changes
capsize: to overturn
capsule: a container, a pill, a summary (n/v)
captious: overly critical
carabiner: an oblong metal ring with a spring clip; used in mountaineering to attach a rope to a piton or to connect two ropes
carapace: self-protection that shelters one as a shell
carbine: a rifle
cardinal: main, most important
cardiovascular: relating to both the heart and the blood vessels
caress: to touch or stroke somebody or something affectionately (v/n)
caret: mark to show missing test (^)
caricature: a pictorial representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect, travesty (n/v)
carnage: widespread and indiscriminate slaughter or massacre, especially of human beings
carnal: relating to or consisting of the body, sensual
carotid: a large artery on either side of the neck that supplies blood to the head
carouse: to drink and become noisy, especially in a group
carp: to complain
carrion: dead and rotting flesh
carton: a box of cardboard paper
cascade: to fall like a waterfall
casket: a coffin; a small and often ornate box for holding jewels or other valuables
cast off: to get rid of something (v/adj)
cast: to put or send forth; a group of actors
caste: the division of society, group
castigate: to criticize
castoff: something that or somebody who has been rejected or abandoned because no longer considered useful or attractive
castrate: to take away the strength, power, force, or vigor of somebody or something
casus belli: cause of war
cataclysm: a disaster; a devastating flood
cataleptic: actual or apparent unconsciousness
catapult: to hurl as if with a sling
cataract: an eye disease; a waterfall
catastrophe: disaster
catastrophic: extremely harmful; bringing physical or financial ruin
categorical: absolute, certain, and unconditional, with no room for doubt, question, or contradiction
catharsis: an experience or feeling of spiritual release
cathartic: a purging medicine; emotionally purging
cathode: negatively charged electrode
catholic: free from provincial prejudices; broad
cat-o-nine-tails: a whip (instrument) with nine knotted cords
caucus: a private meeting
causal: indicating or expressing a cause
caustic: corroding (adj/n); sarcastic
cauterize: to burn with heated iron
cavalier: given to haughty disregard of others; a gallant or courtly gentleman
cavalry: soldiers on horseback
caveat: a warning against certain acts
cavern: any large dark enclosed space
cavil: to make objections about something on small and unimportant points
cavort: to behave in a physically lively and uninhibited way
cede: to pass title to
celerity: quickness in movement or in doing something
celibacy: act of abstaining from sex
cement: to confirm or unite
censor: to examine or edit (v/n)
censorious: inclined or eager to criticize people or things
censure: strong disapproval or harsh criticism
centurion: a captain of army
cereal: pertaining to edible grain
cerebral: of the front brain, intellectual
cerebrate: to think the mind to think or reason
cerebration: the process of thinking (especially thinking carefully)
ceremonious: very formal
certitude: assurance, freedom from doubt
cessation: stop
cession: the surrender or ceding of something
chafe: to wear away or irritate
chaff: to tease one lightheartedly
chagrin: a feeling of vexation or humiliation due to disappointment about something
chameleon: changeable person (n/adj)
chancery: a court with jurisdiction in equity
channel: to direct, guide, or convey something
chap: to become or make skin sore and cracked by exposure to wind or cold; gentleman
chaperone: one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people
charade: an absurdly false or pointless act or situation
charisma: the ability to inspire enthusiasm, interest or affection in others
charitable: generous to people in need
charlatan: one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
charming: pleasing or delighting; delightful; captivating
charred: having been burned so as to affect color or taste
charter: a contract (n/v), to rent
chary: cautiously reluctant to do something
chasm: a deep hole in the earth
chastise: to punish for misbehavior
chastity: celibacy, pureness
chateau: an impressive country house (or castle) in France
chattel: movable property
chatterbox: somebody who talks a lot, especially about unimportant things
check: to hold back
cheek: soft part of face; bad manner
chemise: a type of long loose dress, sometimes loosely belted at the waist or hip
cherish: to feel or show great love or care for somebody
cherubic: having a sweet nature befitting an angel
chic: stylish and elegant
chicanery: cheating or deception
chichi: trying too hard or too obviously to be modish
chide: to reproach or scold somebody gently
chiffon: a sheer fabric
chimerical: fanciful
chink: a narrow opening
chisel: an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge (n/v)
chitter: to make high-pitched sounds, as of birds
choler: anger, wrath
cholera: an intestinal disease that can cause vomiting and diarrhea
choreography: act of composing ballets and dance
chortle: to laugh quietly or with restraint (v/n)
chouse: to defeat someone in an expectation through trickery or deceit
christen: to administer baptism to
chronic: something that’s none-ending
chronicle: to record in chronological order (v/n)
chthonic: of the underworld
chubby: pleasantly or charmingly plump, especially in the way that healthy babies and toddlers often are
chum: a close friend
chunky: containing lumps or small pieces
churning: moving with or producing or produced by vigorous agitation shaking violently
chute: sloping channel through which things can descend; a parachute
cinch: something that can be done or achieved with very little effort
cipher: a written code; zero
circuitous: lengthy because very indirect
circumambient: surrounding
circumlocution: indirect expression, saying
circumnavigate: to sail around something
circumspect: cautious
circumstance: a condition that affects what happens or how somebody reacts in a particular situation
circumvent: to go around restriction
citadel: a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle
claimant: somebody who is claiming or receiving something
clairvoyant: perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses; foreseeing the future
clamber: to climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling (v/n)
clammy: cold and damp
clamor: a loud harsh or strident noise ; a loud, confused voice
clamorous: demanding attention loudly and insistently
clan: group or tribe with shared aim
clandestine: conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods; secret
clang: to make loud ringing noise
clangor: a clang, or a repeated loud clanging
clannish: very loyal to one’s group and hostile to others
clarion: a medieval trumpet
clasp: to grasp; a fastener
claustrophobia: an irrational fear of being in a confined or enclosed space
claustrophobic: unpleasantly or uncomfortably confined
cleansing: cleaning
clearance: permission to do something; removing unwanted objects; extent of an opening
clearheaded: able to think clearly
cleft: a small indentation in a surface
clench: to hold in a tight grasp
cliché: a phrase or word that has lost its original effectiveness or power from overuse
client: dependent; one who is under the protection of another
clientele: the clients or customers of a professional organization or business, considered as a group
clincher: the factor that decides the outcome of something, for example, an argument or a contest
clinical: scientifically detached; unemotional
clinquant: glittering with gold or silver
cloak: anything that covers or conceals (n/v)
clog: to block a tube or opening gradually with dirt or dust (v/n); a heavy shoe traditionally made of wood
closefisted: stingy, reluctant to spend money
close-hauled: with the sails set for sailing toward the direction from which the wind is blowing
clothier: somebody who sells clothes or cloth at retail
cloying: overly sweet, excessive
club: to unite or gather together
clump: to come together as in a cluster or flock; (v/n)
coagulate: to form one big mass
coalesce: to merge or cause things to merge into a single body or group
coalition: combination in a body or mass
coarse: being rough, vulgar and bad-mannered
coax: to influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
cobweb: the web spun by a spider to catch its prey
cock: to tilt or slant to one side
cocky: overly self-confident or self-assertive
codeine: a white crystalline drug used as a painkiller and to relieve coughing
codicil: an additional part of a will
coerce: to force one to do something
coeval: having the same age, duration, or date of origin
coffin: box for corpse
cogent: forceful and convincing to the intellect and reason
cogitative: thinking deeply about or seriously considering something
cognate: similar
cognizant: fully aware or having knowledge of something
cognoscenti: connoisseurs or experts
cohesive: sticking, holding, or working together to form a united whole
cohort: a company of companions or supporters; a legion or an army
coif: a close-fitting linen cap worn by women (n/v)
coil: a loop (n/v)
coin: to invent or devise a word or phrase (v/n)
col: a low point of mountain ridge, often forming a pass between two peaks
collateral: security; serving to support or corroborate
colleague: an associate you work with; coworker
collective: done by or characteristic of individuals acting together
collegian: a college student
collier: a coal miner
colligate: to make a logical or causal connection
colloquialism: an informal word or phrase that is more common in conversation than in formal speech or writing
colloquy: a formal conversation or discussion
collude: to work secretly with somebody
collusion: conspiracy
colossal: unusually or impressively large
colossus: something enormous
columbarium: place for storing funeral urns containing the ashes of the dead
comely: attractive
comestible: something edible, usually a cooked food (n/adj)
comity: a state or atmosphere of harmony or mutual civility and respect
commence: to start, begin
commend: to praise somebody or something in a formal way
commendable: worthy of high praise
commensurate: of the same size or extent
commentary: a series of notes explaining or interpreting a written text
commerce: trade (n)
commercialize: exploit for maximal profit, usually by sacrificing quality
commingle: to blend or mix two or more things, or become mixed or blended
commissariat: an army department responsible for organizing food and supplies
commission: a special group delegated to consider some matter (n/v)
committal: the official act of consigning a person to confinement; commitment
commodity: product or goods
commotion: turmoil and disturbance; disorder
communal: for or by a group rather than individuals
commune: to communicate intimately with
communion: sharing thoughts and feelings; unity
commute: to travel; to put something less severe in replace
comparable: similar
compassion: kindness and sympathy; care
compatible: able to exist and perform in harmonious or agreeable combination
compatriot: somebody from the same country as another
compelling: overpowering, irresistible in effect
compensate: to make up for; to pay back
competent: properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient; capable
complacent: satisfied
complaisant: exhibiting a desire or willingness to please
complement: to make complete or perfect
complexion: the character of something or the way it appears
compliant: ready to conform or agree to do something
complication: a difficult or confused state
complicity: involvement with another in doing something illegal or wrong
complimentary: conveying or resembling a compliment; costless
comply: to obey or conform to something
component: a part or section of the whole
comport: to behave in a certain way; to agree upon
compos mentis: of sound mind, sane
composure: calm and steady control over the emotions
comprehensive: complete, covering many things or a wide area
comprise: to include
compromise: to settle an agreement
compulsive: caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
compulsory: something required or essential (ant. optional)
compunction: feelings of shame and regret about doing something wrong
computation: the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical methods
comrade: a companion
con: to deceit (v/n); to examine
concatenation: the linking of things together
concede: to grant; to admit or acknowledge something, often grudgingly or with reluctance
conceited: characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
conceive: to imagine or visualize something fictional; to created an idea
conception: an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
concession: the act of conceding or yielding, allowance
conciliate: to attempt to make compatible, to appease
conciliatory: peace-making
concise: using as few words as possible to give the necessary information
conclusive: forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question
concoct: to make up or invent; to prepare or produce
concomitant: happening or existing along with or at the same time as something else
concord: agreement
concupiscence: powerful feelings of physical desire
concur: to have the same opinion or reach agreement on a specified point
concurrent: occurring or operating at the same time
concussion: any violent blow; injury to the brain caused by a blow
condense: to abridge
condescend: behave in a patronizing manner; proud
condign: well deserved and completely appropriate
condition: to train somebody, to give treatment
condone: to regard something that is considered immoral or wrong in a tolerant way, to forgive
conducive: favorable, tending to encourage or bring about a good or intended result
conduit: a passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass
confab: a chat or casual discussion (n/v)
confabulate: to discuss or have a chat about something
confectionery: a food rich in sugar; candy shop
confer: to discuss something with somebody, to give honor or title to somebody
confess: to admit, make a clean breast of
confessor: a priest who hears confession and gives absolution
confidant: someone to whom private matters are confided
confide: to reveal in private; tell confidentially
configure: to set up or arrange parts
confine: boundary, bound
conflagration: a large destructive fire
confluence: flowing together of streams
conform: to adapt oneself to different conditions; to be in harmonious
conformation: something’s structure
conformity: behaving or thinking in a socially acceptable or expected way
confound: to puzzle or confuse somebody; to cause a confused situation to become even more confused
confrere: a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate
congenial: pleasant and suitable to somebody’s character or taste or to a situation
congenital: existing at birth
congeries: a collection or assortment of things
congest: to block so movement is slow
congregate: to gather into a crowd
congregation: people attending worship
congruous: appropriate to or suitable for a particular thing or situation
conical: relating to or resembling a cone
conifer: cone-bearing tree
conjecture: an inference; something not supported by facts
conjoin: to unite or link things
conjugal: relating to marriage or to husbands and wives
conjure: to call forth, with or as if by magic; to do magic tricks
conk: to hit somebody, especially on the head(v/n)
connive: to be in collusion
connoisseur: an expert in a particular field
connotation: an idea that is implied or suggested
connote: to imply or suggest something in addition to the main or literal meaning
connubial: dealing with or relating to marriage
consanguineous: descended from the same family or ancestors
conscientious: very careful (ant. careless)
conscript: to force into military service
consecrate: to declare a place holy
consensus: agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole
consent: to give permission or approval for something to happen
consequential: having important issues or results
conservatism: a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes
conservatory: a music institution; greenhouse
considerate: thoughtful of other people’s wants
consign: to deliver or transfer; to get rid of
consolation: comfort
console: to bring to spirits up; to cheer up
consolidate: to merge into one; to strengthen
consort: a partner or companion
conspicuous: obvious to the eye or mind
conspire: to act in unison or agreement and in secret towards a deceitful or illegal purpose
constable: a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff
consternation: fear resulting from the awareness of danger; dismay
constituency: the inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body
constitutional: a short walk, taken regularly for health reasons
constraint: compulsion, repression of feelings
constriction: a restriction or limitation
construe: to interpret
consuetude: established usage
consul: a diplomat
consulate: consul’s office
consultant: an expert who gives advice
consultation: a meeting to decide or discuss
consummate: to bring into conclusion; supreme or perfect
contagion: infection
contagious: easily diffused or spread as from one person to another
contaminated: impure
contemplate: to consider or plan; to look at
contemplative: persistently or morbidly thoughtful
contemporaneous: happening at the same time
contemporary: person belonging to the same period; modern, current and up to date (ant. old)
contempt: a feeling of dislike and disrespect
contemptuous: showing contempt, disdainful
contention: an opinion or claim stated in the course of an argument
contentious: controversial, arguable
contiguous: adjoining
continence: self control and restraint
contingent: depending on something that may or may be available
continual: frequent (continuous=nonstop)
continuance: continuation
contort: to twist out of natural shape
contraband: illegal imports; smuggled goods
contrail: an artificial cloud created by an aircraft
contraption: a device that is very useful for a particular job
contravene: to violate; to contradict something
contretemps: mishap, an unfortunate occurrence
contrite: apologetic
contrivance: a cleverly made device or machine, especially one that is unusual
contrive: to accomplish something by being clever and creative
contrived: not spontaneous, artificial
controversial: marked by or capable of arousing controversy (argument)
contumacy: flagrant disobedience or rebelliousness
contumely: insulting, scornful, or contemptuous language or treatment
contuse: to bruise a body part
contusion: bruise
conundrum: something puzzling, confusing, or mysterious
conurbation: a large urban area created when neighboring towns spread into and merge with each other
convalesce: to recover after sickness
convenience: the state of being suitable or opportune
convent: a religious residence especially for nuns
convention: usual or customary practices
converge: to meet and join together
convergence: coming together
conversant: knowing about something, or familiar with it, from experience or study
converse: to talk; the polar opposite (n/adj)
convex: with a surface that curves outward
convey: to make known; pass on, of information; to express, pass on, carry
conveyance: movement; transportation
conviction: a belief or opinion that is held firmly
convivial: sociable or friendly; welcoming
convocation: a large formal assembly
convoluted: very complicated
convolve: curl, wind, or twist together
convoy: a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often with an escort for protection
convulse: to shake
convulsive: sudden, jerky, or uncontrollable
cope: to struggle against something
copious: large in number or quantity
copse: a dense growth of bushes
copulate: to mate
coquette: a woman who flirts
cordial: warm- friendly and affectionate
cordon: a piece of ribbon worn for decoration; a barrier
corduroy: a heavy cotton fabric with a ribbed nap running lengthwise
corkscrew: to move in a spiral or zigzag course (v/adj)
cormorant: large marine bird; somebody greedy
cornice: to decorate or finish a wall or building
cornucopia: abundance
corollary: the consequence or result of an act
corona: a ring of light visible around a luminous body, especially the Moon
coronation: the ceremony of installing a new monarch
coronet: small crown
corporation: a company recognized by law as a single body with its own powers and liabilities
corporeal: concerning the physical body
corps: a body of people associated together
corpse: a dead body, carcass
corpulent: fat, fleshy
corpuscle: a very small particle of anything
correlate: to have a mutual or complementary relationship
corrigible: capable of being corrected or set right
corroborate: to confirm
corrode: to cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid
corrosive: capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
corrugate: to become folded into parallel ridges and troughs
corrupt: to change the mind to a worse condition
corsage: a flower on dress
corset: a woman's close-fitting foundation garment
coruscate: to give off flashes of bright light
coruscation: a sudden brilliant display of wit
cosmetic: beautifying (n/adj)
cosmic: universal; outer space; vast and huge
cosmonaut: a Russian astronaut
cosmopolitan: worldly, having wide interests
cosmos: the whole university thought of as an ordered and integrated whole
cosset: to pamper
costive: constipated, or causing constipation
cot: a small bed that folds up for storage or transport
coterie: a small exclusive group of people who share the same interests
cottage: a small house with a single story
couch: to express something using a particular style or choice of words
counsel: an advice; to give advice or to support
countenance: face or expression; to tolerate, accept, or give approval to something
counter: to say in defense
counterfeit: fake, false
counterpart: the corresponding person; the matching part
countervail: to offset, to exert counteracting effect
counting-house: business accounting department
courageous: brave and daring
courser: a dog trained for coursing; hunter with courser; a swift horse
court: to seek the affections or to attract
courteous: polite
courtesy: good manners
covenant: a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action (n/v)
covert: secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
covet: a strong desire to possess something that belongs to somebody else
covey: a group or flock
cow: to intimidate or frighten somebody into submission
cower: to crouch and tremble in fear
coxcomb: a conceited man with an excessive interest in clothes and fashion
coxswain: one who steers a rowboat
coy: affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
cozen: to deceive, cheat, or defraud somebody
cradle: a crib; to hold or support (v/n)
crag: steep rough part of mountain
craggy: rocky and rough
crampon: an iron spike attached to the shoe to prevent slipping on ice when walking or climbing
crane: to stretch (the neck) so as to see better; lifts and moves heavy objects
cranium: the skull of a vertebrate, especially the part that covers the brain
crank: a device consisting of an arm or handle, to start, move, or operate something by turning a crank
cranky: grouchy, disagreeable and easily irritated
crapulous: regularly overindulging in good food and, especially, alcoholic drink
crass: coarse and insensitive
crate: to pack boxes for protection; the boxes used for protection
crater: a hollow depression
craven: cowardly
creak: to make a high-pitched, screeching noise (v/n)
creamery: an establishment where dairy products are prepared or sold
credence: acceptance, believability
credential: an official document
credibility: the ability to inspire belief or trust
credible: believable
creditable: praiseworthy
credo: statement of principles or beliefs
credulity: the tendency to believe something too readily
creed: a formal summary of the principles of the Christian faith
creep: to move slowly, stealthily or furtively
crepuscular: like twilight; dim
crestfallen: disappointed or humiliated, especially after being enthusiastic or confident
cretin: a stupid, vulgar or insensitive person
crevasse: a deep fissure
crevice: a long narrow depression in a surface
crimson: of deep rich red color
cringe: to shrink in fear
crisis: an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty; a crucial stage or turning point
criterion: singular of criteria
critic: a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis; a reviewer
critique: to evaluate and criticize; to review critically
crockery: pottery dishes
crocuse: a small perennial plant that grows from a corm and has white, purple, or yellow flowers in early spring
crow: to boast in triumph
crucible: container for melting something; a severe trial or ordeal
crude: not refined, lacking grace
crunch: the sound of something crunching; to press or grind with a crunching noise; a crisis
crush: temporary love of an adolescent
crustacean: hard-shelled creature
crusty: brusque and surly and forbidding
crux: the main feature; a vital part; the bottom line
cryptic: deliberately mysterious and seeming to have a hidden meaning
cryptogram: coded message
cubicle: a work area that is partly separated from the rest of a room in an office or library
cudgel: a heavy stick used as a weapon
cue: a signal or indication
culinary: relating to food or cooking
cull: to pick or select
culminate: to reach the top; to come to an end
culpable: guilty, deserving blame or punishment for a wrong
culprit: someone who perpetrates wrongdoing, offender
cult: a sect or group (religious)
culvert: underground duct
cum: together with
cumbersome: difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
cunctation: delay, hesitation or procrastination in the performance of something
cunning: shrewdness in deception
cupidity: greed; stinginess and selfishness
curator: the administrative head of a museum, gallery, or other collection
curio: an object that is valued and often collected for its interest or rarity
curmudgeon: a crusty old person full of stubborn ideas
cursory: hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
curt: marked by rude or peremptory shortness; brief and to the point; effectively cut short
curtail: to cut short or limit
curtsy: to bend the knees, with one foot behind the other, as a gesture of respect
curvature: the quality of being curved
cuticle: an edge of hard skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail
cutthroat: ruthless in competition
cycloid: resembling a circle
cygnet: a young or baby swan
cynical: believing the worst of human nature and motives
cynosure: center of attention; guide
dab: to tap or touch gently (v/n)
dabble: to have a casual or superficial interest in something
dabbler: somebody whose involvement with something is superficial rather than serious
dacha: a Russian country house
daedal: complex or intricate
daffodil: of a brilliant yellow color; a European plant that has yellow trumpet-shaped flowers
dagger: a short pointed knife; something that torments or wounds somebody; a reference mark; look daggers at one= to look one in hostile way
dainty: delicate and pretty, overly nice (adj/n)
dally: to behave carelessly or indifferently; to waste time
damask: a reversible fabric, usually of cotton, linen, or silk, with a pattern woven into it
damp: moist (n/adj/v)
damper: a depressing restraint; wet
dandy: a fashionable man too concerned with clothes
dap: to fish by bobbing the bait lightly on the surface of the water
dapper: neat, smart in dress appearance
dapple: to mark with patches of color (v/n)
daredevil: somebody who does risky things, unmindful of danger
daresay: to guess or suppose
dark horse: somebody about whom very little is known or who tends to be reticent
darkling: in darkness; without clarity
dastard: somebody who is cowardly, mean, and treacherous
datum: singular of data
daub: to cover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it
daunt: to frighten someone
dawdle: to walk or move slowly and reluctantly or idly
dawn: to become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
daze: to overcome as with astonishment or disbelief; to stun (v/n)
dazzle: brightness (n/v); to amaze
de facto: in fact, whether with a legal right or not
deadbeat: somebody who does not pay money that is owed; somebody who is lazy and disreputable
dearth: lack
debacle: something that becomes a disaster, defeat, or humiliating failure
debauch: to corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; a wild gathering
debilitate: to sap strength of somebody or something
debonair: having gentle or courteous bearing or manner, elegant
debris: the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
debunk: to expose while ridiculing, especially of pretentious or false claims and ideas
decadent: in a process of decline or decay, immoral
decamp: to leave a place abruptly or secretly
deceit: dishonesty
deceive: to mislead; to trick
decency: behavior or an attitude that conforms to the commonly accepted standards
deciduous: shredding leaves in fall
decimate: to destroy large proportion of something
decipher: decode
decisive: settling something, crucial
declaim: to make a formal forceful speech about something, or say something in a formal and dramatic way
declension: process of changing ends of words to express different gender
declivity: a downward slope or bend
decorous: suitable for the conditions or circumstances
decorum: dignity or correctness that is socially expected
decouple: to disconnect or separate
decoy: to lure to a trap
decree: an order with the power of legislation issued by a ruler or other person or group with authority
decrepit: in old and poor condition
decry: to express strong disapproval of; to criticize
deduce: to come to a conclusion, often without all the necessary or relevant information
deed: a notable achievement; a signed legal document
defalcate: to misuse funds; embezzle
defamatory: harmful to somebody’s good name, character, or reputation
defame: to harm one’s reputation
defect: a state or not being perfect; having flaw; to desert
defenestrate: to throw something or somebody out of a window
defer: to put something off until a later time
deference: respect, submission to wishes of others
defiance: open and bold resistance to authority
deficient: inadequate in amount or degree; lacking
defile: to corrupt or ruin something; a narrow passage
deform: to become, or make something become, distorted, damaged, or disfigured
defraud: to deceive or take advantage of
defray: to provide money to pay for part or all of the cost of something
defunct: no longer operative, valid, or functional
defuse: to make less dangerous
defy: to challenge
degenerate: to become worse
deification: the condition of having been made a god or goddess
deify: to make somebody into a god
deign: to do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
deist: belief in God on reason not revelation
deity: a god or goddess
dejected: in a low spirit
delectable: delightful or delicious treats
delegate: to assign a task to someone
deleterious: with a harmful or damaging effect on somebody or something
deliberate: to think about carefully
delineate: to describe or explain
deliquesce: to melt or become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
delirious: irrational as a temporary result of a physical condition, extremely excited or emotional
deluge: sudden heavy downpour
delusion: a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea
delusive: leading to a belief in something untrue or unreal
delve: to make a detailed search; to examine a subject in detail
demagogue: a political leader who gains power by appealing to people’s emotions
demarcate: to decide on and fix land boundaries
demean: to reduce somebody to a much lower status in a humiliating way
demeanor: outward behavior
demented: entirely irrational, wild
demerit: a mark for failure or bad conduct
demigod: a person with great powers and abilities
demise: death (n/v)
demobilize: to let go from military service
demographic: the stat data of the human population, with age, income, etc.
demography: the branch of sociology that studies the characteristics of human populations
demolition: destruction and annihilation
demon: a cruel wicked and inhuman person
demulcent: soothing substance
demure: looking or behaving in a modest manner with reserve or seriousness
demurrage: the detention of cargo carrier
den: a comfort room for reading
denigrate: to disparage
denizen: somebody who lives in a particular country or area
denotation: the most specific or literal meaning of a word
denote: to have something as a specified meaning
denouement: final revelation, outcome
dense: slow to learn; complex and intricate
dent: a depression scratched or carved into a surface; (v/n)
dentifrice: a paste or similar compound for cleaning teeth
denude: to strip, to lay bare
deplore: to find extremely unacceptable, to regret
deponent: a testifier; passive and active
depopulate: to remove the inhabitants from
deport: to expel or banish
deportment: style of moving, manner
deposition: testimony written
depository: a place where something is kept for safekeeping or storage
deprave: to have a morally bad influence on somebody
depravity: moral perversion, impairment of virtue and moral principles
deprecate: to denounce
depredate: to plunder
deprive: to take away; to remove (ant. provide)
derange: to make disorderly; to unbalance
derelict: deserted
deride: to ridicule or show contempt for somebody or something
derisible: deserving contempt or ridicule
derision: mocking scorn
derisive: abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule
derivative: copied from somewhere and not original
dermatology: the branch of medicine that deals with the skin and diseases affecting the skin
derogatory: disparaging
derrick: an apparatus for hoisting and swinging great weights
descry: to catch sight of something
desecrate: to show disrespect; to violate something holy
desiccate: to remove the moisture from something or become free of moisture
desideratum: something desired
desist: to cease or stop doing something
desolate: bare, uninhabited, and deserted
desolation: lonely grief; the state of being decayed or destroyed; unhappiness
despair: to lose all the hope; the state of hopelessness despair in the face of obstacles
desperado: a bold violent criminal
despicable: worthy of contempt
despise: to regard with loathing and contempt
despoil: to plunder
despondent: lacking hope
despotic: ruled by or characteristic of a despot (dictator)
destitution: extreme poverty
desuetude: the condition of not being in use
desultory: happening in a random, disorganized, or unmethodical way
detach: to separate or remove; to isolate (ant. attach)
detain: to cause to be slowed down or delayed; to hold back
deter: to discourage or refrain someone in an action
deteriorate: to get worse; to weaken and decline (ant. improve)
determinate: limited
deterrent: something that deters
detest: to dislike somebody or something very much
detriment: a loss or disadvantage
detritus: debris or discarded material
detrude: to force something down, out, or away
deus ex machina: any active agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an insoluble difficulty
deviant: abnormal or nonstandard
deviation: a change or difference from what’s ordinary
devilry: wicked and cruel behavior
deviltry: cruel or evil behavior or actions
devious: characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive
devise: to plan
devitalize: to deprive something of its strength or vigor
devoid: completely lacking
devour: to eat quickly; to take in eagerly
devout: pious, sincere
dexterous: physically skillful
diabolic: showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil, evil
diacritic: a mark above or below a printed letter that indicates a change in the way it is to be pronounced or stressed
diagnose: to determine or distinguish the nature of a problem or an illness through a diagnostic analysis
dialectic: the tension that exists between two conflicting or interacting forces, elements, or ideas
diaphanous: delicate or gauzy, so as to be transparent
diatribe: bitter criticism
dictum: an authoritative declaration; a pronouncement
didactic: containing a political or moral message, teaching
differentia: a distinguishing trait between subclass
diffident: shy and timid
diffuse: to spread through
digerati: computer experts
dignitary: a person holding high, dignified position; an important or influential person
digraph: a pair of letters that represents a single speech sound
digress: to move off the central topic
dilapidate: to cause something to decay
dilate: to become wider
dilatory: tending to waste time or move slowly, intended to decay
dilemma: quandary; a problem
dilettante: somebody who is interested in an art or a specialized field of knowledge but who has only a superficial understanding of it
diligent: hard-working; working with care
dillydally: to waste time by being too slow, doing nothing, or being unable to decide what to do
dilute: to get thinner; to reduce
diminution: the change toward something smaller or lower; lessening
diminutive: very small or much smaller than is usual
dimwit: somebody who is unintelligent or slow to understand
diphthong: the sound produced by combining two vowels in to a single syllable
diplomat: a person who deals tactfully with others
dire: causing fear or dread or terror
directrix: line used for creating geometrical figure
dirge: funeral hymn
disavowal: refutation
disband: to cause to break up or function
disburden: to gain relief by taking burden off
disburse: to pay out money, especially from a fund
discern: to see something that is not very clear or obvious
discernible: able to be seen, recognized, or understood
discharge: to release or free
disciple: someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another, follower
disciplinary: relating to the enforcing of rules and the punishing of people who break them
disclose: to reveal; to make known
discomfit: to make somebody feel confused, uneasy, or embarrassed
disconcert: to distress and disturb
disconsolate: miserable or disappointed and unable to be cheered up
discontented: dissatisfied
discord: disagreement or strife between people, things, or situations
discordant: not in harmony
discount: to bar from attention or consideration
discountenance: to look upon with disfavor (v/n)
discourse: a serious and lengthy speech or piece of writing; serious conversation
discredit: to harm the reputation of, dishonor
discreet: careful to avoid offending people
discrepancy: a distinct difference between two things
discrepant: opposite
discrete: completely separate and unconnected
discretion: the good judgment and sensitivity needed to avoid embarrassing or upsetting others
discretionary: giving somebody the freedom to make a decision according to individual circumstances
discursive: lengthy with digressions
disdain: disrespect; contempt; scorn
disencumber: to relieve somebody or something of a burden or problem
disengage: to become detached
diseur: a man who recites dramatic monologues
disfigure: to mar the appearance of somebody or something
disgorge: to pour out liquid, gas, or other contents in a gushing stream
disgrace: to bring shame on; to degrade (ant. honor)
disgruntled: displeased, annoyed
dishabille: a state where somebody is partially undressed or dressed very casually
dishearten: to take away the enthusiasm of; to discourage
dishevel: to disarrange or rumple (~led= disordered)
disillusion: freeing from false belief or illusions
disincline: to make unwilling
disinfectant: a chemical that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause disease
disingenuous: giving a false impression of sincerity or simplicity
disinherit: to change a will so as to deprive somebody of an inheritance
disintegrate: to lose wholeness
disintegration: breaking into pieces
disinterested: without prejudice; unbiased
disjunctive: serving to divide, or having the effect of dividing
dislocate: to put out of place (ant. restore)
dislodge: to remove; to dislocate
dismantle: to take apart
dismay: loss of confidence; the feeling of
dismissive: indicating rejection, especially showing contempt or indifference
disorient: to cause somebody to feel lost or confused, especially with regard to direction or position
disown: to refuse or no longer acknowledge a connection with somebody or something
disparage: to belittle (ant. praise)
disparate: very different
disparity: lack of equality between things or people
dispassionate: not influenced by emotion or personal feelings
dispel: to force to go away
dispensary: clinic where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed
dispensation: an exemption from some rule or obligation
dispense: to give out
disperse: to scatter; to cause to separate and go in different directions
disposition: personality, settlement
dispossess: to take away possession or occupancy of something, especially property
disquiet: a lack of peace resulting from anxiety
disreputable: lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
dissemble: to put on a false appearance in order to conceal facts, feelings, or intentions
disseminate: to spread
dissension: disagreement or difference of opinion, especially when leading to open conflict
dissent: to disagree; difference of opinion
dissertation: long essay
disservice: an action that causes harm or difficulty
dissever: to separate
dissident: a dissenter; a rebel
dissimulate: to hide something by pretense
dissipate: to scatter and disappear
dissolute: lacking moral restraint; indulging in sensual pleasures or vices
dissolution: breakdown into parts
dissolution: breakdown of something into parts
dissonance: the act of reducing the selling price of merchandise
dissuade: to persuade somebody not to do something or not to believe, think, or feel something
distal: situated farthest from point of attachment or origin, as of a limb or bone
distemper: a viral disease that affects various animals, especially dogs and cats
distend: to swell or stretch
distention: the state of being stretched beyond normal dimensions
distinctive: having characteristics that distinguish one thing from others
distrain: to legally take something in place of a debt payment
distraught: extremely upset
distress: suffering and trouble; to upset
dither: to be agitated and indecisive
dithyrambic: passionately emotional or wildly enthusiastic
diurnal: in the daytime; happening every day
divagate: to wander off the subject under discussion
divan: a sofa without a back, and sometimes without arms
divert: to turn away, to switch; to distract
divest: to take away something; to separate from
divination: a prophecy or prediction
divine: heavenly and great; to discover
divisive: causing disagreement
divulge: to reveal information, especially information that was previously secret
doable: can be done; achievable
docile: easily handled or managed
docket: a list of pending cases in a court (n/v)
doctrinaire: dogmatic
doctrine: a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group
document: to provide with written evidence
documentary: a film or TV program presenting the facts about a person or event
dodder: to walk unsteadily
dodgy: of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk; marked by skill in deception
dogged: stubborn and determined
doggerel: trivial, awkward, often comically bad verse
dogma: doctrine
dogmatic: prone to expressing strongly held beliefs and opinions
dogmatize: to make positive assertions without supporting them by argument or evidence
doleful: very sad and mournful
dolor: intense sadness
dolt: an unintelligent person
domain: territory over which rule or control is exercised
domestic: of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation; of or relating to the home
domicile: the house, apartment, or other place where somebody lives
domineer: to rule tyrannically
doodad: a thing whose name you cannot remember or do not know.
dopey: lacking activities; stupid
doppelganger: a ghostly double of a living person that haunts its living counterpart
dormant: not active but capable of becoming active, latent
dormer: a window for a room within the roof space that is built
dote: to show extreme fondness
doublet: one of a pair of like things
douceur: something given as a tip or a bribe
doughty: brave and determined
dour: gloomy and sullen
dovetail: to fit neatly together or combine smoothly and efficiently
dowry: money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage
drab: uninteresting to look at because of a lack of color or brightness
drachma: a modern and ancient Greek coin
drag your feet: to dillydally
draggle: to make wet and muddy. as if being dragged in mud
dragnet: a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths; police hunt for criminal
dragoon: cavalryman
drained: emptied
dramatist: playwright
dramatize: adapt something for stage; exaggerate
drape: to cover
drastic: having a powerful effect or far-reaching consequences
dreary: lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise; dull
drippy: wet with light rain; leaking in drops; soft or weak
droll: amusing in a wry or odd way
drone: to talk on and on in a dull way
drool: to show excessive appreciation of something or somebody really liked or wanted
droop: a shape that sags (n/v)
dross: waste matter
drowsy: almost asleep or very lightly asleep
drub: to beat or thrash; to hammer or pound
drudge: to work hard (v/n)
dual: consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs
dubious: uncertain about an outcome or conclusion
ductile: malleable enough to be worked
dudgeon: a fit of anger and irritation
duffel: a large cylindrical bag of heavy cloth; for carrying personal belongings
dulcet: extremely pleasant in a gentle way
dun: to press or harass somebody persistently for the settlement of a debt (v/n); gloomy
dunce: an unintelligent person
dung: the solid excrement of animals; to cover with dung
dupe: to fool; the victim of deceit
duplex: having two parts
duplicity: unfaithfulness and betrayal
durance: the period of duration of something
dust: to remove small particles of dirt and lint from something, usually by wiping with a cloth; to sprinkle something with a powdery substance
duteous: obedient or submitting to duty
dutiable: subject to import tax
dutiful: obedient
dwelling: a place to live
dwindle: to shrink or decrease
dysfunctional: failing to function properly
dyslexia: impaired ability to learn to read
dyspeptic: having acid indigestion; bad-tempered
dystopia: an imaginary place where everything is depressing
earnest: intensely serious and sincere
earthenware: pottery made of fairly coarse-textured baked clay
earthly: of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven; possible
ease: to get better; something that requires little difficulty; to improve
ebb: to flow back or recede (v/n)
ebullient: full of cheerful excitement or enthusiasm
eccentric: unconventional
ecclesiastic: a member of the clergy
ecclesiastical: of a church
echt: not fake or counterfeit
eclectic: selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
eclipse: to exceed in importance, to darken
ecstasy: joy, happiness and bliss
edacious: voracious, or devoted to gluttony
edema: an abnormal buildup of serous fluid between tissue cells
edict: proclamation
edifice: a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
edify: to improve the morals or knowledge of somebody
educe: to elicit, draw out
efface: to remove or obliterate something by rubbing; to behave humbly
effeminacy: similar to or imitating a woman or girl; the trait of being effeminate; softness
effervesce: to give off gas in small bubbles, often producing foam and a hissing sound
effervescent: lively and excited; bubbly
effete: depleted of vitality, force, or effectiveness
efficacious: effective
efficacy: effectiveness
efflorescence: being flowery; loss of water from crystal
effluvia: waste; odorous fumes given off by waste
effluvium: an unpleasant smell or harmful fumes
effrontery: impudence
effulgence: brightness or a brilliant light radiating from something
effusion: unrestrained outpouring
effusive: giving or involving an extravagant of feelings in writing or speech; demonstrative
egalitarian: believing in equality
egghead: an intellectual
egotism: selfishness; lack of consideration for others
egregious: bad, blatant, or ridiculous to an extraordinary degree
egress: the act of coming or going out from or of leaving a place
eidetic: recalled or reproduced with startling accuracy, clarity, and vividness
eke out: to make something last with sparing use
elaborate: to work with many details; very complicated and rich with details
élan: vigor and enthusiasm, often combined with self-confidence
elation: a feeling of joy and pride
electrode: a conductor used to make electrical contact with some part of a circuit
electrolysis: chemical change, especially decomposition, produced in an electrolyte by an electric current
electrotype: a metallic copy of any surface
eleemosynary: of or for charity
elegance: a combination of graceful stylishness, distinction, and good taste in appearance, behavior
elegy: poem or song expressing grief
elephantine: moving in a slow and heavy or awkward way; enormous
elevate: to raise something up; to promote
elf: small mischievous person
elicit: to bring something latent or potential out
elite: a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status (n/adj)
ellipsis: omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
elliptical: characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements
elocution: the art of speaking clearly and well, with correct enunciation
elongate: to make something longer, or become longer
eloquent: skilled or fluent in expression
elucidate: to explain or clarify something
elusive: difficult to find or catch
Elysium: any ideally delightful or blissful place or condition
emaciated: extremely thin; starving
emanate: to flow forth or proceed, as from some source
emancipation: freeing someone from the control of another
embargo: ban on commerce or trade
embark: to proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
embattled: under attack or subject to controversy
embed: to fix firmly
embellish: to beautify something
embezzle: to misuse entrusted money or property
emblazon: to deck in glaring colors; to set off conspicuously; to display pompously; to decorate
emblem: a figure that identifies something
embody: to exemplify in visible form
embolden: to give courage; to make bold
embolism: occlusion of a blood vessel
emboss: to stamp or decorate
embrasure: an opening (in a wall or ship or armored vehicle) for firing through
embroider: to decorate with needlework; to add details
embroil: to entangle into strife
emcee: master of ceremonies
emerald: a green colored gemstone
emeritus: retired from active service but retained to an honorary position
emigrate: to leave to another country (emigrate from, immigrant to)
eminent: standing above the others in rank; famous/ important
emissary: a representative
emollient: softening or soothing, especially to the skin
emolument: any payment for work
emote: to display exaggerated emotions
empathetic: having complete understanding of another’s feelings
emphasis: the special importance of something
emphatic: spoken with emphasis
empirical: based on observation and experiment
emporium: a large retail store
emulate: to strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
en masse: in a group, all together
enact: to make proposed legislation into law
enamor: to inspire with ardent love
encamp: to live in or as if in a tent
enchant: to charm one; to cast a spell
enclose: to surround or encircle, to include
encomium: a formal expression of praise
encore: an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand (n/v)
encroach: to advance beyond the usual limit
encrust: to cover something with a hard thick coating
encumber: to hamper or impede somebody or something
encyclical: intended for wide distribution
endear: to make something affectionately loved
endeavor: to try to do something; effort
endemic: native, characteristic of an area
endive: leafy plant used in salads
endorse: to approve formally
endow: to give qualities or abilities to; to award
endue: to endow somebody or something with an ability or quality
enervate: to weaken
enfeeble: to debilitate
enfranchise: to grant freedom to; as from slavery or servitude
engender: to create or arise
engender: to produce or create
engraft: to set or implant deeply and firmly
engross: to take up somebody’s whole attention
engulf: to flow over or cover completely
enjoin: to command somebody to do something or behave in a certain way
enlighten: to give clarifying information to somebody
enlist: to enroll somebody in a branch of the armed forces, or join the armed forces
enliven: to invigorate
enmity: intense hatred
ennoble: to dignify
ennui: boredom
enormity: extreme evil or moral offensiveness
enraged: extremely angry
enrapture: to fill somebody with delight
enrichment: act of making fuller or more meaningful or rewarding; a gift
ensconce: establish firmly in a position
enshrine: to keep sacred
enshroud: to cover as if with a shroud
ensnare: to lure somebody into a bad situation from which it is difficult to escape
ensue: to result or develop
entail: to have as consequence
entangle: to put into difficult situation
entente: friendly understanding between countries
enterprise: an undertaking requiring courage and energy; willingness to do dangerous actions
enterprising: full of energy and ideas
enthrall: to hold spellbound, to charm
enthrone: to crown one on throne
enthuse: to have, or make somebody feel, great excitement or interest
entice: to attract
entitle: to qualify
entity: an object
entomology: study of insects
entourage: a group of special employees who go with a high-ranking
entrails: internal organs of the human
entrance: to fascinate
entreaty: earnest or urgent request; a serious and passionate request
entrée: the principal dish of a meal; the right to enter
entrench: to defend or protect something by surrounding it with trenches
entropy: a measure of the disorder that exists in a system
entwine: to twist things together, or to twist something round something else
enumerate: to name a number of things on a list one by one
enunciate: to speak clearly
eon: a long period of time
ephemera: something short-lived or of no lasting significance
ephemeral: enduring a very short time
epic: long narrative poem, account of heroic exploits
epicure: somebody who has developed a refined taste for food
epicurean: devoted to pleasure
epicycle: a circle that rolls upon the external or internal circumference of another circle
epicycloid: curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the outside of the circumference of another circle
epidermis: outer layer of skin
epigone: an inferior imitator of some distinguished writer or artist of musician
epigram: a concise, witty, and often paradoxical remark or saying
epiphany: a divine manifestation
episodic: loosely connected, divided into incidents, occurring at intervals
epitaph: an inscription on a tombstone or monument commemorating the person buried there
epithet: insult, nickname
epitome: a perfect example
epitomize: to be a highly representative example of something
epizootic: epidemic among animals of a single kind within a particular region
epoch: a point of time marking a new era
epochal: highly significant or momentous
epode: a species of lyric poems
eponym: person for whom something is named
equable: calm and not easily disturbed
equanimity: calm temperament
equine: of horses
equipoise: a balanced state; to counterbalance
equitable: characterized by justice or fairness and impartiality toward those involved
equivocal: ambiguous
eradicate: to remove
erasure: the complete removal or destruction of something
erect: to construct, build, or erect; upright in position or posture
eremite: hermit
ergo: therefore or consequently
erotic: arousing sexual feelings
errand: business to be transacted by a messenger
errant: behaving in an unacceptable manner
erratic: having no fixed course; irregular, unpredictable
erroneous: incorrect, based on an incorrect assumption, or containing something that is incorrect
ersatz: imitating or presented as a substitute for something of superior quality
erstwhile: former, previous
erudite: having or showing profound knowledge
escalate: to increase in extent or intensity; to worsen
escargot: snail used as food
escarpment: a long steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or ridge
eschew: to avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
esculent: edible, fit to be eaten
esoteric: beyond most people’s understanding knowledge
esoteric: hard to understand, known to only a few
espouse: to advocate; to marry
esprit de corps: pride in belonging to something
espy: to catch sight of or detect something
esquire: a title of dignity, or courtesy
essential: necessary; very important
estate: a landed property, usually of considerable size; the whole is one’s possessions
esteem: the condition of being honored; to regard highly; think much of
estimable: deserving respect or admiration
estrange: to alienate
estuary: the wide mouth of a river
et cetera: and so on (etc.)
etch: to create a design or drawing on the surface of something
eternal: continuing forever or indefinitely
ether: the air
ethereal: very highly refined, airy
etiolate: to cause to appear pale
eugenic: relating to selective breeding, permitting reproduction of only those individuals with genetic characteristics judged desirable
eulogy: a spoken or written laudation of a person's life or character
euphonious: having a pleasant sound
euphoria: a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
euthanasia: the act of killing someone painlessly especially one suffering from an incurable illness
evanescent: fleeting, brief
evangelical: marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause
evasion: an escape; a nonpayment; avoidance
evert: to turn an organ or other body part outward or inside out
evict: to expel or eject without recourse to legal process; to force to leave
evince: to indicate something by action or implication
eviscerate: to remove the vital parts of something
evoke: to bring to mind a memory or feeling, especially from the past
ewe: a female sheep
exacerbate: to make worse
exacting: requiring concentration and strict attention to detail
exalt: to raise somebody or something in rank, position, or esteem
exaltation: feeling of great joy
exasperate: to make furious or worse; to infuriate
excavate: to remove earth or soil by digging or scooping out
excerpt: a passage selected from a larger work
excess: a state of being more than enough; more than needed or required
excessively: very; extremely
excoriate: to denounce
excrescence: something that bulges out, outgrowth
excruciate: to cause extreme pains of
exculpate: to acquit
excursion: a journey taken for pleasure
excursus: a lengthy digression from the main topic
execrable: extremely bad or of very low quality
execrate: to feel loathing for somebody or something
execute: to carry out and run
exegesis: Biblical exposition or interpretation
exemplary: serving as a model, outstanding
exempt: excused (adj/v); excepted
exertion: effort; activity; use of physical or mental energy; hard work
exhalation: a scent, a vapor, or fumes given off by something; a scent, a vapor, or fumes given off by something
exhaustive: complete, through
exhibitionistic: compulsively attracting attention to yourself
exhilarating: exciting; filled with emotion
exhort: to urge to do something
exhume: to dig up, to reintroduce something
exigent: needing immediate action
exiguous: limited, scanty or meager
exile: the sending people away from his country (n/v)
exodus: a mass departure from a place or country
exonerate: to declare officially one is not guilty
exorbitant: very expensive, excessive
exorcise: to get rid of oppressive feeling
exotic: foreign
expanse: a large area of land
expatiate: to speak or write about something at length
expatriate: to settle in another country (v/n)
expectorate: to cough up and spit forth, clearing passages
expedience: taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others
expedient: suitable to achieve a particular end, practical
expedite: to ensure that something takes place or is dealt with more quickly than usual, to speed up
expeditious: characterized by or acting with speed and efficiency
expendable: not worth preserving
expenditure: an amount of money spent, as a whole or on a particular thing
expiate: to atone for wrongdoing
expletive: an exclamation, especially a swearword; a word that carries no meaning but has a grammatical function in a sentence
explicate: to explain something, especially a literary text, in a detailed and formal way
explicit: open and precise
exploit: to use or manipulate to one's advantage
exponent: somebody who supports a cause and speaks in favor of it
exposition: a systematic interpretation or explanation
expostulate: to express disagreement
expound: to describe and explain something in detail
expropriate: to confiscate
expunge: to remove
expurgate: to edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
exquisite: intense or sharp; of extreme beauty
extant: still in existence
extemporaneously: without preparing
extempore: with little or no preparation
extent: the area in which something extends
extenuate: to diminish the gravity or importance of
extermination: total annihilation
extirpate: to completely get rid of, kill off, or destroy something or somebody considered undesirable
extol: to praise
extort: to obtain something by force or coercion
extradite: to return somebody accused of a crime by a different legal authority to that authority for trial or punishment
extrajudicial: outside the jurisdiction of a court
extraordinary: beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
extrapolate: to infer something unknown from facts
extravagant: going beyond what is reasonable
extravaganza: any lavishly staged or spectacular entertainment
extricate: to remove, especially from a difficult position
extrinsic: that is not an essential part of something
extrovert: outgoing person
extrude: to force or squeeze something out
exuberant: having high spirits; abundant
exude: to release (a liquid) in drops or small quantities; to radiate
exult: to be extremely happy or joyful about something
fable: a short moral story (often with animal characters)
fabricate: to construct, to invent something that is not true
facade: the face or front of a building
facet: any one of the several parts or possible aspects of something
facetious: amusing in tone; teasing
facilitate: to simplify a process
facsimile: an exact copy of something
faction: a group that is a minority within a larger group and has specific interests or beliefs that are not always in harmony with the larger group
factious: liable to cause, taking part in, or typical of conflict within a group
factotum: somebody who does many jobs
fad: a temporary fashion by a group
fairy: small supernatural creature
fait accompli: something that is already done or decided and seems unalterable
fallacious: untrue
fallacy: something that is believed to be truth but is erroneous
fallible: open for error
fallow: land broken up and left to become mellow or rest; undeveloped but potentially useful
falsify: to alter fraudulently
falter: to be unsure or weak; to hesitate (v/n)
fanatic: a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm
fancier: somebody especially interested in or enthusiastic about something
fanciful: not based on fact; dubious; imaginary
fanciless: without ideas or imagination
fancy: to imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind; to have particular liking or desire for
fanfare: a noisy display to draw attention; a showy outward display
fantasize: to portray in the mind; to dream
farcical: ridiculous, nonsensical
fare: to proceed or get along
farewell: a departure; final good-bye
farrago: a confused mixture of things
fastidious: giving and careful attention to detail; hard to please
fatalism: the belief that people are powerless against fate, or the attitude of resignation and passivity that sometimes results from this belief
fatality: a death resulting from an accident or a disaster
fathom: to understand
fatidic: seeming to foretell the future
faun: one of a class of deities of the woods and herds represented as half human, with goats feet
faux: fake
faux-pas: social blunder
faveolate: with a honeycomb or pitted pattern
fawn: a young deer; yellowish brown; to try to please
faze: to disturb the composure of
fealty: faithfulness; allegiance, fidelity
fearsome: causing fear or dread or terror
feasibility: the degree to which something can be carried out or achieved
feasible: possible, plausible
feat: a notable achievement
febrile: relating to, involving, or typical of fever
feckless: careless; not fit to assume responsibility
fecundity: the ability to produce many different and original ideas, richness
federate: to be formally associated, as by treaty
fedora: a soft felt hat with a brim and a crease along the length of its crown
feeble: being weak and frail
feign: to pretend; to fake
feint: any sham, pretense, or deceptive movement
feisty: spirited and lively
felicitous: appropriate, pleasant, fortunate
felicity: profound happiness
fell: to make to fall
felony: a serious crime
feminize: to give a (more) feminine, effeminate, or womanly quality or appearance to
feral: gone wild, undomesticated
fernery: the place where ferns grow
ferocious: being violent and fierce
ferret: persistent searcher (n/v)
fervent: ardent in feelings
fervid: showing passionate enthusiasm
fervor: great intensity, passion
festoon: to adorn with flowers
fetid: stinking like something rotten
fetish: something in which special attention is given
fetter: a means of confinement or restraint (n/v)
feud: long violent dispute (n/v)
feverish: affected by or having the symptoms of a fever
fez: a man's felt cap in the shape of a flat-topped cone
fiancée: the woman to whom a man is engaged to be married
fiasco: a completely failure
fiat: an order issued by legal authority
fickle: characterized by erratic changeableness or instability
fictive: relating to fiction
fiddle: to commit fraud and steal from one's employer
fidelity: loyalty
fidget: to move uneasily
fiducial: based on or relating to faith or trust
fiend: an evil person
fierce: being violent and intense
fiery: glowing hot
filch: to steal something furtively, usually a small item or amount of little value
filibuster: political delaying tactic
fillet: a piece of boneless meat
filthy: being extremely dirty
fin de siecle: relating to or characteristic of the end of a century
finery: elaborate adornment, especially fine clothing and accessories
finesse: subtly skillful handling of a situation
finicky: exacting especially about details
firmament: the sky
fiscal: relating to financial matters in general
fishmonger: fish seller
fissure: a long narrow depression in a surface
fitful: in bursts; starting and stopping irregularly
fit-out: to equip with required items
fixture: an object with a fixed position and function
flab: excess or unwanted fat on somebody’s body
flabbergast: to amaze or astonish somebody completely
flaccid: soft, limp, or lacking firmness
flag: to droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
flagging: weak from exhaustion; diminishing
flagrant: very obvious and contrary to standards of conduct or morality
flail: to swing
flair: a natural ability or aptitude; distinctive and stylish elegance
flamboyant: showy and dashing in a self-satisfied way
flank: the border, side; to be located at the side; to pass the border
flannel: a soft light woolen fabric; sweet talk
flare: to burst out suddenly in anger
flashy: tastelessly showy; marked by conspicuous display
flask: containers used in labs
flattered: over-praised; pleased
flattery: sweet talk
flatulence: accumulation of gas in the stomach
flatulent: having or showing excessive self-importance
flaunt: to show off or display
flay: to whip or beat severely; to criticize harshly
flea: a small leaping bloodsucking insect
fledging: a young bird
fledgling: young bird
fleece: to take too much money from somebody by cheating or overcharging; wool (n/v)
fleeting: passing swiftly
flesh: the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
flexion: the bending of something or its bent state
flibbertigibbet: a silly, irresponsible, or scatterbrained person
flighty: unreliable, capricious, and constantly changing opinions
flimsy: poorly made; easily broken or damaged
flinch: to make an involuntary movement in response to pain or something frightening or shocking
fling: to throw with force
flippant: showing a lack of seriousness that is thought inappropriate
flirt: to talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
floe: a sheet of floating ice smaller than an ice field
flog: to beat a person or animal very hard
flop: a total failure (n/v)
florid: elaborately or excessively ornamented
flotilla: a fleet of boats
flotsam: the floating wreckage of a ship
flounce: to move with exaggerated angry swaggering motions showing displeasure or indignation
flounder: to make uncontrolled movements, to be in serious difficulty
flout: to show contempt by openly ignoring law or convention
fluctuation: variation; instability
flue: a shaft, tube, or pipe used as an outlet to carry smoke, gas, or heat from a chimney or furnace
fluffy: soft and light
fluidity: the property of flowing easily; smoothness
flummox: to leave somebody confused or perplexed and unable to react
flurry: a rapid bustling commotion
fluster: to confuse; to cause to be nervous or upset (v/n)
flux: instability
foal: a young horse (n/v)
fodder: coarse food for animals (n/v); expendable things
foible: minor weakness or bad habit
foist: to force somebody to accept something undesirable
foliage: the leaves of a plant or tree
folio: a sheet of a paper folded once, or of a size adapted to folding once
folklore: the traditional, beliefs, ad customs of the common people
folly: a lack of understanding or sense, foolishness
foment: to try to stir up public opinion, to agitate
fondle: to stroke, handle, or touch something or somebody gently, in a loving or affectionate way
foolhardy: showing boldness or courage but not wisdom or good sense
footage: the amount of film that has been shot
foothold: an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
footless: lacking a firm foundation or basis or skill
foozle: to bungle something
fop: a man who is so obsessed by fashion and vain about his own appearance
forage: food for animals; search (n/v); raid by soldiers (n/v)
foray: a sudden short attack (n/v)
forbearance: patience, tolerance
ford: to cross in shallow water (v/n)
forebear: a person from whom you are descended, ancestor
forebode: to portend or predict
foreboding: a feeling of evil to come
foreclose: to shut out
forecourt: an open area at the front of a building
forefather: a male ancestor
forego: to precede
foreground: the part that appears the nearest
forejudge: to judge before hearing evidence
foreordain: to predetermine
forepeak: the front part of ship
forerun: to serve as an indication of or anticipate something that is to happen
forerunner: predecessor, somebody or something showing future
foresail: the main square sail
foresee: to know or see about beforehand
foreshore: the part of the seashore between the high-water mark and the low-water mark
forestall: to keep from happening or arising; have the effect of preventing; to prevent
forethought: thought for the future, consideration
forfend: to prevent something happening
forge: a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering (n/v)
forgo: to abstain from
formidable: exciting fear; offering serious difficulties
forswear: to reject strongly
forthcoming: approaching, helpful, available
forthright: with directness, immediately, outspoken
fortify: to strengthen
fortitude: strength and endurance
fortuitous: accidental
fosse: a wide ditch, trench
foster: to advance; to care for; to bring up
founder: to become filled with water and sink, or to make something sink
fowl: chicken
fracas: a noisy quarrel or fight
fractious: irritable and likely to complain or misbehave
fracture: to crack or break, a rupture
fragrance: a distinctive odor that is pleasant
frail: weak
frankincense: aromatic resin
frap: to tie something down or together, with ropes
fraternity: society of common people
fraternize: to associate; to mix together
fraud: the crime of obtaining money via deception
fraudulent: not honest, true, or fair, and intended to deceive people
fraught: marked by distress
fray: fight, to unravel
frazzle: to exhaust physically or emotionally (v/n)
freckle: a small brownish spot on the skin; to become freckled
freelance: a self-employed person working, or available to work, for a number of employers, rather than being committed to one,
freeload: to impose upon one's generosity without sharing the cost
freethinker: one who rejects authority or inspiration in religion
frenetic: characterized by feverish activity, confusion, and hurry
frenulum: a small stiff bristle on the hind wing of moths that keeps the forewings and hind wings together during flight
frenzy: fury and anger; turmoil
frequent: to be a regular or frequent visitor to a certain place
fret: agitation resulting from active worry
fretful: easily worried
frigid: cold
frill: a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim; unnecessary addition
fringe: the outside boundary or surface of something
frippery: something of little value or importance
frisson: a brief moment of intense excitement
frivolous: not serious in content or attitude or behavior
frizz: to form into tight curls
frolicsome: playful
frond: a large leaf divided into many thin sections that is found on many flowerless plants
froth: a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid (n/v)
froward: difficult to deal with
frowzy: dirty
frugal: avoiding waste; thrifty
fruit: the product or consequence of something done
fruition: completion, a state or point in which something has come to maturity or had a desired outcome
fugacious: fleeting, brief
fulgent: shining intensely
fulminate: to speak scathingly, to explode
fulsome: excessively flattering
fumble: to search awkwardly
fume: to be mad, angry, or furious; a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas (n/v)
fumigate: to subject to the action of smoke or fumes, especially for disinfection
funambulist: one who walks while balancing on a suspended rope
fungible: freely exchangeable for or replaceable
furbish: to polish
furlong: a measure of distance, one-eighth of a mile
furlough: to leave from duty (v/n)
furnish: to supply
furrier: fur dealer
furrow: a narrow groove
further: to promote the growth of
furtive: done in a way that is intended to escape notice
fusillade: rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms (n/v)
fustian: bombastic; cotton fabric
fustigate: to beat somebody with a club
futile: producing no result or effect; useless
futurism: the belief that the meaning of life should be sought in the future
fuzzy: not clearly thought out or set out
gadget: a device that is very useful for a particular job
gaffe: a clumsy social mistake or breach of etiquette
gag: a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter; to prevent from speaking out
gaily: merrily and unthinkingly
gainsay: to deny something
gait: a person's manner or way of walking
gala: a special festive occasion that typically includes food and entertainment
gale: a very strong wind
gall: impudent boldness, anger (n/v)
gallant: courteous and thoughtful, especially toward women; chivalrous
galleon: a large sailing ship
gallows: place where criminals are executed
galore: in abundance
galvanism: current electricity produced by chemical reaction
galvanize: to stimulate somebody or something into great activity through shock
gambado: leather foot protector
gambol: to leap or skip about playfully (v/n)
gamely: in a plucky manner
gamut: the entire range of something
gangling: tall and thin, with a loose awkward gait
gangrenous: suffering, infected or diseased
gantry: a structure over railroad tracks holding things; place where criminals are executed
gaping: wide open and deep
garb: to provide with clothes or put clothes on
garble: to make false by mutilation or addition; garbled- lacking orderly continuity
gargantuan: huge
garish: tastelessly showy
garnish: to decorate (v/n); to take a debtor's wages on legal orders, such as for child support
garniture: ornament, something that decorates or embellishes something
garrote: to execute by strangling
garrulous: talkative
garrulous: talking a great deal, especially on trivial ones
gastronome: a connoisseur of good food
gastronomy: the art of preparing and serving appetizing food
gauche: lacking social polish; uncouth
gaudy: tastelessly showy
gaunt: extremely thin
gauzy: so thin as to transmit light
gawky: awkward and clumsy, often because of being tall and not well coordinated
gecko: a harmless lizard
gelatinous: semi-solid
gelid: exceedingly cold
gendarme: a police officer in France
genealogy: successive generations of kin
generality: the quality or state of being general
generalize: to draw general inferences
generic: applying generally, not specifically
generous: free in giving other people things
genesis: origin, creation
genial: diffusing warmth and friendliness, friendly
genitive: serving to express or indicate possession
genteel: having or displaying refinement and good manners
gentile: someone who is not Jewish
genuflect: to kneel, as in worship
genuine: not fake or counterfeit, real, sincere
germane: relevant
germinate: to begin to develop
gestation: pregnancy, development
gesticulate: to gesture
gesture: motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling (n/v)
get ahold of: to obtain; to regain emotional control after shocks
gewgaw: a showy but inexpensive object, especially an ornament
ghee: clarified butter, especially as used in Indian cooking
gibberish: meaningless language
gibbous: to describe the moon or a planet before and after it is full, when it has more than half its disk illuminated; bulging outward, or swollen
gibe: to taunt (v/n)
giddy: lacking seriousness
gimcrack: showy or superficially appealing, but badly made and worthless
gimmick: a dishonest trick
gingerly: carefully
gist: essence
glabrous: smooth and lacking hairs or bristles
gladden: to make joyous
glade: an area in a wood or forest without trees or bushes
glazier: someone whose job is to install glass, especially in windows and doors
gleam: to shine brightly and continuously (v/n)
glib: speaking in a smooth, easy manner
glimmer: to emit a faint or intermittent light, to present to small extent
glint: to glitter and shine
glissade: a gliding ballet step in which one foot slides forward, backward, or to one side
gloaming: twilight, the period of fading light after sunset but before dark
gloat: to be smugly happy (v/n)
globoid: ball-shaped
gloom: darkness
glossy: having a smooth, gleaming surface
glower: an angry stare (n/v)
glut: oversupply (n/v)
glutinous: having a sticky consistency
glutton: one who habitually eats with greed
gnash: to grind your teeth
gnaw: to bite or chew on with the teeth; to worry
gnomic: resembling or containing proverbs or other short pithy sayings that express basic truths
goad: to push or driven; to annoy
gob: a lump of a soft or wet substance; informal term for the mouth; a navy man
gobble: to eat something quickly and greedily
godforsaken: depressing, deserted, or empty
goodwill: friendly disposition toward somebody or something
Gordian: extremely intricate
gore: to wound by piercing with a sharp or penetrating object or instrument
gorge: a narrow pass; to overeat or eat immodestly
gospel: something told or accepted as absolutely true
gossamer: a soft sheer gauzy fabric, something delicate, light or flimsy (n/adj)
gossip: a report or a rumor about something else
gouge: an impression in a surface (n/v)
gourd: a hard-skinned fruit
gourmand: somebody who loves food and often eats excessively or greedily
gourmet: somebody who has an expert knowledge and an enjoyment of good food and drink
governess: a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
gown: evening dress; a loose robe
gracious: showing kindness and courtesy
gradation: a step, degree, rank or relative position in an order of series
graffiti: inscriptions and other decorations scratched or drawn on walls or other public surfaces
grandee: somebody with power to persuade
grandeur: the quality of being great and very impressive
grandiloquent: pompous, lofty manner
grandiose: impressive and magnificent
grant: to allow; any monetary aid
grantee: somebody to whom something is transferred in a legal transaction
grantor: the maker of a deed
granule: a small grain or particle
graphologist: a handwriting expert
grapple: to wrestle; to struggle to grab
grate: a frame of iron bars to hold a fire; a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something (n/v)
grateful: feeling or showing gratitude; thankful and gratifying
gratuitous: unnecessary, free, not requiring benefit or compensation in return
gratuity: that which is given without demand or claim
gravamen: the most serious part of an accusation or charge; grievance
grave: serious, somber
gravel: small pieces of rocks and pebbles larger than sand
gravid: in an advanced stage of pregnancy
gravitas: seriousness of behavior
greed: desire/ avarice
gregarious: tending to form a group with others of the same kind
grenadier: a soldier armed with grenades
grievous: causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
grim: cruel; stern; harsh; frightful
grimace: contorted twisting of the face that expresses disgust or pain
grinch: someone who spoils the fun of another’s
grind: to press with a crunching noise; a drudge
grindstone: an abrasive wheel that sharpens or polishes something
grippe: influenza
grisly: shockingly repellent; inspiring horror; ghastly
grit: small pieces of sand or stone
gritty: courageous, resolute, or persistent; containing sand
grizzle: to be in a huff; be silent or sullen; to complain whiningly
grog: a mixture of alcohol, especially rum, and water, now often served hot with sugar and lemon juice
groggy: feeling weak or dizzy, especially because of illness
grok: to understand something completely by intuition
groom: to prepare (someone) for a future role or function; to give a neat appearance to
grotesquely: in a strange way
grotto: a cave, especially one with interesting natural features, cavern
grotty: distastefully dirty, shabby, or in poor condition
grouch: to complain or grumble (v/n)
groundless: without a basis in reason or fact
growling: uttering or emit low dull rumbling sounds; a gruff or angry utterance
grudge: a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation; to resent
gruel: a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal)
gruesome: causing horror or fright
grumble: a loud low dull continuous noise (n/v)
grunt: to issue a grunting, low, animal-like noise (v/n)
guffaw: to laugh noisily
guile: shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
guinea: old unit of British currency
guise: a false outward appearance, style of appearance
gulch: ravine, valley
gullet: the passage between the pharynx and the stomach, throat
gullible: tending to trust people, hence easily tricked
gully: a channel or small valley, especially one carved out by persistent heavy rainfall
gumption: the courage to take what action is needed
gurgle: to flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise; to make noise like gurgling water
gush: to flow out, or to send a liquid out, rapidly and in large quantities
gustatory: having to do with the sense of taste
gusto: hearty enjoyment
guy: to support or anchor something using ropes, cables, or chains
guzzle: to drink something greedily, or consume something rapidly and in large quantities
gynecocracy: political dominance by women
gynecology: the branch of medicine that deals with women’s health
gyrate: to move with a circular or spiral motion, especially around a fixed central point
gyroscope: rotating mechanism that offers resistance to turns in any direction
haberdasher: dealer in men’s clothing
habituate: to make psychologically or physically used
habitué: somebody who visits a place regularly
hack: to cut or chop something by striking it with short repeated blows (v/n)
hackney: a vehicle; -neyed= overfamiliar
hackwork: commissioned work, done usually by formula and within standards
hag: an ugly evil-looking old woman
haggard: appearing worn and exhausted, gaunt
haggle: to argue about price
hagiography: biography of saint
hail: to welcome or greet somebody upon meeting (v/n)
halcyon: calm and peaceful
hale: free from infirmity or illness, sound
halfhearted: with little enthusiasm
halitosis: bad breath
hallmark: a mark showing that something is of high quality
hallow: to render holy by means of religious rites; to make sacred
hallucinate: to imagine seeing, hearing, or otherwise sensing people, things, or events that are not present or actually occurring at the time
halt: to stop; to bring to an end
hamlet: a community of people smaller than a village
hamper: a basket; to hinder/ to get in the way
handicap: to injure permanently; something that hinders or is a disadvantage to somebody or something
handicapped: physically or mentally challenged
handy: useful or easy to use
hanger: the storage area for a plane
hanger-on: parasite, one who depends on another for support without reciprocating
hank: a coil of rope or wool or yarn
haphazard: marked by great carelessness; having no plan
hapless: unlucky or unfortunate
happenstance: a chance occurrence or event
happy-go-lucky: taking things easily, carefree
harangue: noisy attacking speech
harbinger: indicators, omen
hardhearted: lacking in feeling or compassion, pitiless and cold
hardihood: boldness and daring
hardy: sufficiently robust to withstand fatigue, hardship, or adverse physical conditions
harlot: a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
harpoon: a spear used for hunting whales and large fish
harridan: a scolding (even vicious) old woman
harrow: a cultivator that pulverizes or smoothes the soil (n/v)
harrowing: extremely painful, disturbing
harrumph: to clear the throat, or make a noise that resembles the sound of clearing the throat
harry: to annoy continually or chronically
hash: to chop up; confusion (n/v)
hassle: an angry disturbance (n/v)
hasten: to hurry
hasty: fast
haughty: behaving in a superior, condescending, or arrogant way; proud
haunch: the hip and buttock and upper thigh in human beings
hauteur: a haughty manner, feeling, or quality
haven: a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
havoc: widespread damage, destruction, or devastation
hawthorn: any of various usually thorny trees or shrubs
haywire: functioning erratically, or not functioning at all
hazy: foggy
headstrong: self-willed and determined not to follow orders or advice
heal: to cure; to return to a healthy condition
heap: a collection of objects laid on top of each other (n/v)
hearth: a place where a fire can be built
heartless: cold-blooded; cruel
heartrending: causing or marked by grief or anguish
hearty: sincere and expressed in a cheerful, enthusiastic way
heathen: a person who does not acknowledge your God (n/adj)
heave: to raise or lift with effort
heavenly: of or belonging to heaven or god; of or relating to the sky
heckle: to interrupt somebody with shouting
hectic: marked by intense agitation or emotion; chaotic
hector: to bully
hedge: to avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
hedonist: a person pursuing often excess pleasure
heed: to pay attention to (v/n)
hegemony: authority or control
heifer: a young cow
heinous: shockingly brutal or cruel
heir: legal inheritor of something
helm: a position of leadership or control within an organization
hem: the edge or the border (n/v)
hemorrhage: the loss of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, either internally or externally
hence: from now on (adv); therefore
henchman: a loyal and trusted follower or subordinate
henpeck: to scold or find fault with constantly
herald: a sign of what will happen (n/v)
heraldry: of study of coats of arms and the symbols and conventions connected with them
herbarium: a collection of dried plants scientifically arranged for study
heretical: against established views
heretofore: hitherto
hermetic: protected from outside influence
hermit: a loner; one who lives by himself
hernia: the protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it, a rupture
heterodox: unorthodox, unconventional
hew: to make or shape as with an axe (v/adj)
heyday: time of greatest success
hiatus: a break in something where there should be continuity; a gap
hibiscus: a type of plant
hidebound: narrow-minded and conservative
hideous: grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror; dreadful
high-flier: a person of great ability and ambition
highhanded: overbearing, bossy
hillock: a small hill
hilt: the handle of a sword, knife, or dagger
hinder: to hold back
hinge: a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other (n/v)
hipshot: with one hip lower than the other
hirsute: covered with hair
hiss: to make a sound like a loud continuous “s”
histrionic: characteristic of acting or a stage performance; overdramatic
hitch: to connect two things so that one can move the other; an obstacle
hitchhike: to get a ride from a passing vehicle, usually by standing at the side of the road and holding out the hand with the thumb raised
hitherto: up until now or then, previously
hoard: to save up as for future use (v/n)
hoarfrost: ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
hoary: old and stale from overuse; white
hoax: deception (n/v)
hobble: to put restrictions on somebody or something to slow or prevent progress; to walk haltingly and unsteadily, taking short steps
hobbledehoy: an awkward, gawky young fellow
hobnob: to socialize in a familiar manner with somebody
Hobson's choice: a choice between what is offered and nothing at all
hodgepodge: jumble- a mixture of several unrelated things
hogwash: worthless stuff or nonsense
hoist: to raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help (v/n)
holistic: relating to a whole
holster: a belt with loops or slots for carrying small hand tools; a sheath for a handgun
homage: a show of reverence and respect toward somebody
homespun: simple and unpretentious
homey: feeling as comfortable and familiar as somebody’s own home
homonym: a word agreeing in sound with but different in meaning from another
hone: a stone used to sharpen things (n/v)
honeycomb: a collection of hexagonal cells constructed of wax by bees
honeymoon: a period of time spent alone together by a newly-married couple, usually immediately following the wedding or reception
honk: to make a loud noise (v/n)
honorarium: fee for a profession person for service
hoodwink: to deceive or trick someone
hoof: the foot of an ungulate mammal; to walk
hooky: truancy
hooligan: a young person who is violent or prone to committing crimes
hoot: to cry or make loud sounds (v/n)
horde: a large, moving crowd
horology: the study or science of measuring time; clock-making
horripilation: the standing on end of somebody’s hair, for example, because of fear or cold
hors de combat: so badly injured as to be unable to continue
hortatory: marked by strong urging
hosanna: a cry of praise to God
hosiery: socks and stockings
hospitality: kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
hostel: an inexpensive inn or place of lodging
hostile: of or relating to enemy-like; harsh
howdy: used as a greeting
hub: a center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation; a focal point around which events revolve
hubris: excessive pride or arrogance
huckster: aggressive salesperson (n/v)
huddle: to crowd or draw together; ~led= crouched
huffy: quick to take offense; roused to anger
hugger-mugger: a state of confusion; secret
hulking: of great size (adj/v)
hullabaloo: noisy excitement or fuss
humane: marked by kindness or consideration
humanize: to make gentle or refined
humbug: something nonsense or deception (n/v)
humdrum: dull because of being too familiar and lacking variety
hump: to carry something heavy with difficulty; something that bulges out or is protuberant
hunch: a strong feeling or guess
hung-over: suffering from the aftereffects of drinking too much alcohol or using drugs
hunker: to sit on one's heels
husband: to use cautiously and frugally
husbandry: farming
hussar: a cavalry soldier
hustler: a small-time operator who engages in illegal activities
hybrid: a cross or mix
hydra: many-headed monster, persistent trouble
hydrous: containing water
hygiene: the science dealing with preservation of health and cleanliness
hypnotic: of sleep; attracting and fascinating
hypnotize: to fascinate
hypochondriac: somebody with imaginary illness (n/adj)
hypocrisy: insincerity
hypodermic: needle for injection
hypothermic: dangerously low body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold
hypothetical: based on hypothesis
hypoxic: an inadequacy in the oxygen reaching the body’s tissues
hysterical: marked by excessive or uncontrollable emotion
ibuprofen: a drug used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
ichthyology: study of fish
iconoclast: somebody challenging tradition, destroyer of religious images
ideal: perfect; standard
idee fixe: a fixed idea or obsession
ideology: a system of social beliefs
idiosyncrasy: a peculiarity
idyllic: serenely beautiful, untroubled, and happy
iffy: subject to accident or chance or change, uncertain
ignoble: dishonorable. shameful
ignominious: shameful
ignoramus: an ignorant person
ilk: kind or sort or variety
illuminate: to give light; to make clear; to provide with understandings
illusory: deceptive, imaginary
imbecile: a person of subnormal intelligence
imbecility: a stupid mistake, an insult term on someone’s level of intellect
imbibe: to absorb something, to drink alcohol
imbroglio: complicated situation
imbrue: to saturate something, to stain something
imbue: to make something or someone rich with a particular quality
immaculate: completely neat and clean
immaterial: of no importance; makes no difference; unimportant
immerse: completely cover something in liquid
immersion: involvement in something that completely occupies all the time, energy, or concentration available
imminent: being about to happen
immoderate: exceeding normal or appropriate bounds
immortalize: to cause to last or to be known or remembered throughout a great or indefinite length of time
immure: to imprison somebody
imp: mischievous child; a small demon
impair: to make worse or less effective
impale: to pierce with a sharp stake or point
impart: to make known
impartial: not biased
impassive: not showing emotion
impeccable: faultless
impecunious: not having enough money to pay for necessities
impediment: an impairment, obstacle
impel: to force to do something
impend: to be about to happen; to be imminent
impenitent: having or showing no regret or sorrow for sin or misbehavior
imperative: very important or essential; necessity
imperil: endanger
imperious: arrogant, haughty
impertinence: impudence
impertinent: showing a bold or rude lack of respect, especially to a superior
imperturbable: unable to be disturbed
impetuous: characterized by undue haste; marked by violent force
impetus: something that provides energy or motivation to accomplish something
impish: naughtily or annoyingly playful, mischievous
implacable: not easily calmed or pacified, inexorable
implement: to put into practice or action
implicate: to associate
implication: an inference or a suggestion
implicit: implied
implore: to beg
imply: to suggest
impolitic: unwise
importunate: continually asking for something, especially in a forceful, insistent, or troublesome manner
importune: to pester and annoy presently
impose: to be in the way; to disturb
imposing: impressive
impostor: somebody who pretends to be somebody else in order to deceive or cheat
impotent: powerless
impound: to seize
impoverish: to make poor and weaken
imprecation: the calling of a curse, a slanderous accusation
impregnable: impossible to break into
impregnate: to infuse or fill completely; to fill, as with a certain quality
impresario: director of a theater
improbable: not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
impromptu: unplanned or unprepared
impropriety: an indecent or improper act; rudeness
improvisation: a creation spoken or written or composed without preparing
improvise: to substitute, to do unprepared
impudent: marked by casual disrespect
impugn: to call into question, to attack verbally
impulse: a force that starts a motion; a desire
impulsive: inclined to act on sudden urges
impunity: freedom from punishment
impute: to attribute qualities to
in absentia: while not present
inadvertent: done unintentionally or without thinking
inadvisable: not recommended, unwise
inamorata: lover or beloved woman
inane: stupid, pointless, absurd
inanimate: not alive, not active, energetic, or lively
inapt: not suitable, unskilled
inarticulate: expressing oneself poorly
inbred: innate
incandescent: glowing with heat
incapacitate: to disqualify somebody or make somebody legally ineligible
incapacity: lack of ability, force, or effectiveness
incarcerate: to imprison
incarnadine: red, especially blood red
incarnate: having a bodily form, especially a human form
incendiary: containing highly flammable substances that will cause a fire on impact
incense: to anger
incentive: a positive motivational influence
inception: the beginning of something
incessant: occurring so frequently as to seem ceaseless or uninterrupted
incest: sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry
inchmeal: little by little (adv)
inchoate: just beginning to develop, imperfectly formed
incidental: not essential, minor
incinerate: to burn thoroughly to destroy
incipient: beginning to appear or develop
incision: a depression scratched or carved into a surface; a cut
incisive: very penetrating and clear and sharp in operation, keen
incisor: a tooth for cutting or gnawing; located in the front of the mouth in both jaws
incite: to stir up
inclement: unpleasant and stormy (ant. pleasant)
inclined: likely to
incognito: with the identity disguised or hidden, for example, under an assumed name
incoherent: not clearly expressed or well thought out, and consequently difficult to understand
incompetent: someone who is not competent to take effective action; useless or hopeless
inconsolable: unable to be comforted
incontrovertible: certain, undeniable, and not open to question
incorporate: to include or contain; have as a component
incorrigible: impossible to change
incredulity: disbelief
incredulous: not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
inculcate: to fix something firmly in somebody’s mind through frequent and forceful repetition
incumbent: currently in office; presently serving
incur: to come into or acquire
incursion: a raid
indebted: owing money to somebody; owing a favor
indecent: offending public moral standards or improper
indefatigable: never showing any sign of getting tired or of relaxing an effort
indefensible: permitting no excuse, unable to be protected
indefinitely: for unspecified length of time, vaguely
indelible: cannot be removed, washed away or erased
indeterminate: not known exactly, vague, unspecified
indict: to charge or accuse someone
indifferent: uninterested, unconcerned
indigenous: native
indigent: poor and needy; impoverished
indignant: angry at unfairness
indignation: anger caused by something unjust
indignity: a humiliating loss of dignity or self-esteem
indistinct: vague
indoctrinate: to teach doctrines to; to instruct
indolence: laziness and apathy
indolent: disinclined to work or exertion, lazy
indubitable: unable to be doubted, unquestionable
induce: to cause to do; to persuade
induct: to formally bring in
indulge: to spoil; to treat with pamper
indulgent: lenient
indurate: to become fixed or established
industrious: hard-working
inebriate: to make intoxicated
ineffable: indescribable
ineffectual: not competent, decisive, or authoritative enough to achieve desired aims
inept: unable to handle job, totally inappropriate
inequity: lack of fairness or justice
inert: inactive
inevitable: being sure to happen; certain
inexcusable: unforgivable
inexhaustible: showing no sign of tiring, everlasting
inexorable: unstoppable, adamant and pitiless
inexpedient: not suitable or advisable
inexplicable: difficult or impossible to explain or account for
inextensible: impossible to stretch to a greater length
infatuation: foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration
infectious: easily spread; communicable
infernal: very annoying, relating to hell or the underworld
infest: to be present in such numbers as to be a source of annoyance, trouble, or danger
infidel: heathen
infiltrate: to gradually enter or sneak into
infinitesimal: exceedingly small
infirmary: place for the care of sick people
infirmity: a weakness or failing in somebody’s character
infirmity: lack of strength and vitality
inflammation: swelling, redness, heat, and pain produced in an area of the body as a reaction to injury or infection
inflammatory: provocative
inflated: excessively high; pretentious
inflict: to impose; to cause to be put up with
influx: the process of flowing in, arrival
infraction: violation of a rule or regulation
infrastructure: the basic structure or features of a system or organization, communication
infringe: to violate a law
infuse: to fill
infusion: administering of a liquid through a drip feed, the liquid fed in that way
ingenious: skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends
ingénue: an innocent, inexperienced, unworldly young woman
ingenuity: the power of creative imagination
ingenuous: showing innocence and a lack of worldly experience; appearing honest and direct
ingest: to absorb something into the body
ingot: a metal casting that is shaped for easy working or for recasting, typically in an oblong
ingrain: to impress a feeling, belief, or experience firmly and indelibly in somebody’s mind
ingrate: person who shows no gratitude
ingratiate: to gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
inherent: present at birth but not necessarily hereditary, natural
inhospitable: not welcoming or friendly
inhume: to bury a dead body
inimical: not favorable, hostile
inimitable: impossible to imitate
iniquitous: wicked, sinful, evil
iniquity: great or extreme immorality
initial: relating to or being beginning; placed at the beginnings
initiate: to set going; to begin; to instruct
initiative: having the readiness to take the first steps
injudicious: lacking in judgment or discretion
injunction: a court order
inkling: a vague idea or suspicion about a fact, event, or person
innate: being talented through inherited qualities; natural
innocuous: inoffensive; harmless; safe
innuendo: insinuation, hint of something improper
innumerable: too many to be counted
inoculate: to protect somebody against disease
inordinate: excessive; to be unreasonable from going beyond
inquest: formal investigation
inquire: to ask
inquisition: a severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals)
inquisitive: showing curiosity
inroad: an encroachment or intrusion
insanity: madness; mental illness
insatiable: impossible to satisfy
inscribe: to write
inscription: writing, dedication
inscrutable: of an obscure nature
insensate: without feeling, cold and heartless
insertion: a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted
insidious: beguiling but harmful
insight: at or within a reasonable distance for seeing
insightful: exhibiting insight or clear and deep perception
insignia: a badge of authority or membership of a group; an identifying mark
insinuate: to imply; to creep in
insinuation: a sly suggestion
insipid: dull and bland; boring and flavorless
insolent: boldly disrespectful
insomnia: the inability to sleep
insouciant: cheerfully unconcerned or unworried about something
inspiration: a product of your creative thinking and work; idea
instigate: to incite or stir up
instigator: someone who deliberately foments trouble
instill: to impress ideas, principles, or teachings gradually on somebody’s mind
instinctive: natural
instructive: conveying knowledge
instrumental: making something happen
insubordination: refusing to obey orders or submit to authority
insular: limited in outlook, removed form others
insulate: to place or set apart, to isolate
insulation: a material that reduces or prevents the transmission of heat or sound or electricity
insuperable: unable to be overcome
insure: to be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
insurgent: rebel (n/adj)
insurrection: rebellion, uprising
intact: undamaged in any way, whole, together
integrity: the conduction of being free from defect or damage
integument: protective layer
intelligible: understandable
intemperance: excessive indulgence
intension: meaning of expression; intensity
intently: with strained or eager or great attention
inter: to bury someone
intercede: to act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
intercession: interceding
interdict: a prohibitive order
interlock: to fit or fasten two or more things together closely and firmly, to link
interlocutor: someone who takes part in a discussion or conversation
interloper: someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
interlude: a relatively short period of time between two longer periods
interminable: endless
intermit: to discontinue doing something temporarily
intermittent: happening or coming from time to time, irregular
intern: to force to stay in an area; a medical school graduate getting experience in a hospital
internecine: mutually destructive
interpolate: to insert something usually unnecessary, into existing elements
interpose: to interrupt by saying something
interregnum: a temporary halting of the usual operation of government or control
interstice: a small space between two things
intervale: a low tract of land between hills, especially along a river
intervene: to take some action or get involved in something in order to change what is happening
intervening: standing between or separating two objects or areas; occurring or falling between events or points in time
interweave: to connect closely
intestate: having made no legally valid will before death or not disposed of by a legal will
intimate: having close relations; personal and private
intimation: a subtle hint or sign of something
intimidate: to make timid or fearful
intone: to utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
intoxicate: to make drunk
intractable: not easily managed or manipulated
intramural: carried on within the bounds of an institution or community
intransigence: firm or unreasonable refusal even to consider changing a decision or attitude
intransigent: refusing to compromise
intrepid: brave; fearless; bold
intricate: complicated; full of details
intrigue: to arouse the curiosity
intrinsic: essential, inherent, build-in, natural
intrinsically: with respect to its inherent nature
intromit: to allow to enter; grant entry to
introspect: to observe and analyze one's own thoughts and feelings
introvert: to fold inwards or inside
intrude: to break in interrupt
intubate: to insert a tube through the vocal cords and into the windpipe in order to provide somebody’s lungs with oxygen
intuitive: known directly and instinctively, without being discovered or consciously perceived
inundate: to overwhelm with a huge quantity; to flood
inure: to cause to accept or become hardened to
invariably: almost always
invective: abusive language
inveigh: to speak out angrily in criticism or protest at something
inveigle: to persuade somebody into doing something
inventory: a list of items with description and quantity
invert: to reverse arrangement
inveterate: firmly established, especially with respect to a habit or attitude
invidious: tending to provoke envy, resentment, or ill will
invigorate: to strengthen and stimulate
invincible: unbeatable or too difficult to overcome
inviolable: unbreakable, secure from attack
invoke: to ask or appeal for something
involution: complication
involve: to make complex or intricate or complicated
invulnerable: unable to be hurt
iota: a very small amount of something
irascible: easily provoked to anger or outbursts of temper
irate: feeling great anger
ire: anger
irenic: favoring, operating toward peace
iridescent: having rainbow colors, lustrous
irk: to irritate or vex (ant. please)
ironhanded: with strict, harsh, or despotic control
irony: the use of words that mean the opposite of what one really intends
irradiate: to light something up
irrational: illogical
irredeemable: hopeless
irrefragable: indisputable
irrefrangible: incapable of being broken
irresistible: not able to be resisted or successfully opposed
irresolute: incapable of deciding, indecisive
irreverence: disrespect
irreverent: disrespectful in a gentle or humorous way
irruption: a sudden invasion
islet: a small island
isochronous: with the same frequency or periodicity, measured or occurring at the same time
itinerant: traveling from place to place to work (adj/n)
itinerary: a proposed route of travel
itinerate: to go from place to place
izzard: the letter “z”
jaded: bored through overexpose to something
jargon: language that is used by a particular group, profession, or culture
jaundice: illness causing yellow skin
jaunt: a trip or break
jaunty: happy, carefree, and confident, casual
jeer: to shout or laugh at somebody or something as an expression of disgust, scorn, or other displeasure
jejune: uninteresting and intellectually undemanding; insipid
jeremiad: a long recitation of mournful complaints
jest: joke (n/v)
jettison: to throw something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
jibe: to be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics; to shift
jiffy: the shortest of moments
jig: a lively folk dance (n/v)
jiggle: a slight irregular shaking motion (n/v)
jingle: metallic tinkle (n/v)
jingoism: belligerent nationalism
jittery: feeling nervous or agitated
jocose: with playing joking disposition
jocular: intended to be funny, intended to be funny
jocund: cheerful and full of good humor
joey: a baby kangaroo
joinery: the visible finished woodwork in a building
jolt: to shake or jerk suddenly and violently, or to make somebody or something shake or jerk suddenly and violently
jostle: to push or shove
jounce: to bounce up and down and rock from side to side while moving
joust: medieval tournament (n/v), to engage in contest
jovial: cheerful
jubilant: joyful
judgmental: critical
judicature: an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
judicious: showing wisdom, good sense, or discretion
juggernaut: a crushing force
juggle: to deal with simultaneously, to try to fit into a schedule, to manipulate to deceive
jugular: relating to the neck or throat
juju: object with supposed magical powers
jumar: a clip or clamp used in rock climbing or ice climbing
jumble: to mix things together indiscriminately so that they are no longer neat or ordered
jumble: to put things out of order
junket: a trip taken at somebody else’s expense
junta: a small governing body, especially after a revolutionary seizure of power
jurisprudence: the branch of philosophy concerned with the law and the principles that lead courts to make the decisions they do
justice: the quality of being just or fair
justify: show to be reasonable or right by providing justification or proof
juvenescent: becoming young, growing youthful
juvenilia: works as writings produced in writer’s youth
juxtaposition: positioning close together
kaleidoscope: an optical toy in a tube; it produces symmetrical patterns as bits of colored glass are reflected by mirrors
keel: to walk as if unable to control one's movements
keen: sharp and intense
keepsake: a small item or gift kept because it evokes memories of somebody or something
keister: the buttocks
kernel: the edible content of a nut or fruit stone, the grain of a cereal that contains a seed, the central or most important part
kestrel: a small falcon
kettle: a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
kiln: a specialized oven or furnace used for industrial processes such as firing clay for pottery
kindle: to start a fire
kinesthesia: the perception or sensing from movement of the body
kinfolk: relatives (plural noun)
kink: twist in the body (n/v)
kismet: fate or destiny
kith: friend
kitsch: artistic vulgarity
kleptomaniac: somebody with an obsessive desire to steal
knack: an easy, clever way of doing something or handling a problem
knacker: somebody who makes a living by buying unwanted buildings, demolishing them, and selling their materials for scrap
knackered: totally exhausted, broken-down, or about to collapse
knavery: cunning behavior
knead: to mix and work into a homogeneous mass, to massage (v/n)
knickknack: small decorative ornament or object
knight errant: a man preoccupied with ideas of adventure and romance
knighthood: chivalry and honor
knit: to bring people or things together, or come together, in a close association
knotty: complex, hard to solve
kvetch: to complain incessantly
labial: of or relating to the lips of the mouth
laborious: requiring a great deal of effort
laborious: toilsome; working very hard
labyrinth: a maze
labyrinthine: complex and complicated
lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly (v/adj)
lachrymose: tearful
lackadaisical: lacking spirit or liveliness; lazy
lackey: somebody excessive willing to obey another’s orders
lackluster: lacking luster or shine; dull
laconic: brief and to the point; effectively cut short
lactation: the production of milk
lacteal: relating to milk or its production
lactic: relating to or derived from milk
lacuna: a gap of place where something is missing
lad: a boy or man
laden: loaded
ladle: a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; used to transfer liquids (n/v)
lag: to fall behind; (v/n)
laggard: somebody who or something that falls behind and does not keep up with others
lagniappe: an unexpected bonus
lagoon: a partly enclosed area of sea water
lambent: softly gleaming or glowing
lament: to express grief verbally; (v/n)
lampoon: to ridicule with satire
land of Nod: place of sleep and dreams
languid: unenergetic; lazy
languish: to be neglected or deprived
languor: tiredness
lank: long and thin and often limp
lanky: tall and thin and having long slender limbs
lapse: a mistake resulting from inattention; a gradual fall; (n/v)
larceny: the act of taking something from someone unlawfully/ theft
lard: soft white semisolid fat obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the hog; (n/v)
large-hearted: showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
largess: generous giving to other who may seem inferior
lascivious: lewd, lustful
lash: to beat severely with a whip or rod; (v/n)
lass: a girl or young woman
lassitude: a state of weariness accompanied by listlessness or apathy
last-ditch: done or taken when all other options have been exhausted
latent: potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
lateral: on the side (adj/n)
lath: a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster or to make latticework
lathe: machine tool for shaping metal or wood
latter: near the end; the second of two or the second mentioned of two
lattice: crisscross framework
laud: to praise, glorify, or honor
laudation: high praise
laudatory: expressing praise
laundress: woman doing washing
laureate: award winner, deserving honor
laurel: a group of various aromatic trees
lavatory: a room equipped with toilet facilities; a bathroom
lave: to wash something
lavish: characterized by extravagance and profusion
lax: lacking in rigor or strictness; not firm
laxative: a mild cathartic; stimulating evacuation of feces (bowels in the stomach)
lea: grassland
lead astray: to teach immoral behavior to
leaven: to make food rise by mixing yeast in, to enliven (n/v)
lecherous: expressing or displaying lewdness in a way regarded as distasteful
leer: to look at slyly
leery: suspicious or cautious
legerdemain: sleight of hand, deftness
legging: protective covering for lower leg
legislation: laws, making of laws
legitimate: being in compliance with the law; reasonable
leitmotif: main recurring theme
lenient: not strict; compassionate
leonine: like a lion
lesion: any visible abnormal structural change in a bodily part. a cut
lesser: of less size or importance; smaller in size or amount or value
lest: for fear that
lethal: capable of or causing death
leviathan: something extremely large, monster
levity: flippancy, lightheartedness
levy: to impose and collect by force
lewd: showing an inordinate interest in sex or sexual excitement
lexical: of or relating to words or dictionaries
lexicon: dictionary
libation: liquid poured out as a religious offering, drink
libel: defamation (n/v)
liberate: to release and set free
libertine: a free thinker, usually used disparagingly, one without moral restraint
libidinous: expressing or having strong sexual desires
licentious: immoral, unrestrained by society
licit: lawful
liege: sovereign (n/adj)
lien: legal claim on somebody’s property
lieu: place or stead; in lieu- instead of something else already mentioned or that is usual in the current situation
ligature: something that is used for binding things or tying things up
lighthearted: happy and relaxed with no worries
ligneous: of or like wood
liken: to compare
Lilliputian: small person or thing (n/adj)
lilt: to articulate in a very careful and rhythmic way
limb: the body part
limn: to draw or paint a picture of somebody or something, especially in outline
limp: to walk lamely; shamble
limpid: clear
lineage: the descendants of one individual
linen: a high-quality paper made of linen fibers or with a linen finish; a fabric woven
linger: to remain
lingo: language, vernacular
lingua: the tongue
linguist: one who is acquainted with several languages
liniment: a liquid preparation for rubbing on the skin in cases of bruises
lintel: horizontal beam or support used as a finishing piece over a door or window
lionize: to glorify
liquefaction: the process of liquefying something or the state or having been liquefied
liqueur: strong highly flavored sweet liquor usually drunk after a meal
liquidate: to pay a debt; to kill
liquor: any alcoholic or intoxicating liquid
lisle: a fabric woven with lisle thread (a strong tightly twisted cotton thread)
lissome: gracefully flexible
list: to lean to one side
listless: lacking energy, interest, or the willingness to make an effort
lithe: supple, easily bent
lithography: a method of printing from a metal or stone surface
litigate: to engage in legal proceedings; litigant= (n) and someone in litigation
litigious: quarrelsome
litotes: understatement for rhetorical effect
litter: waster and trash (n/v); offspring (n/v)
littoral: of or relating to a coastal or shore region (adj/n)
liturgy: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
livid: ash-colored looking from illness or emotion
loam: a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
loath: unwilling; reluctant to do something new
loathe: to find repugnant
lobbyist: a person acting for a special interest who tries to influence decisions
lobotomy: destruction or removal of the prefrontal lobes of the cortex of the brain
locative: indicating place, or the place where an action occurs
loch: lake
lode: deposit of ore
lodgment: accumulation or blockage; lodging
lofty: of imposing height; especially standing out above others; having or displaying great dignity or nobility
logistics: handling an operation that involves providing labor and materials be supplied as needed
logjam: deadlock, river blockage
logorrhea: excessive talkativeness
loll: to lounge in a relaxed way
longevity: long duration of life, career span
long-winded: tediously wordy in speech or writing
lookout: a person employed to watch for something to happen; to be vigilant
loom: to become visible; to be about to happen
lope: to run in a relaxed and easy way, taking long strides
loquacious: full of trivial conversation; talkative
lot: a parcel of land having fixed boundaries; a group
lotus: a genius of plant family
lough: a lake
lounge: to lie or sit lazily; public room for relaxing
louse: an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody’s behavior and attitude toward others; a small wingless parasitic insect
lout: an awkward stupid person
lucent: transparent
lucid: transparently clear; easily understandable
lucrative: profitable; worthwhile; beneficial
lucre: money
lucubration: long hard study, especially at night
ludicrous: ridiculous
lugubrious: lachrymose
lukewarm: feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm; warm
lumber: to walk with heavy clumsiness
luminary: a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
luminous: softly bright or glowing
lump: a large piece of something without definite shape
lunatic: a crazy person
lunge: to make a thrusting forward movement; to attack
lupine: any of various annual or perennial plants that have tall spikes of flowers and seeds; wolf like
lurch: to roll or pitch suddenly to one side
lurid: shocking
lurk: to go out of view
luscious: with a rich, sweet, and juicy taste; desirable
lush: growing vigorous, with rich taste
lustrous: shining
lute: an old stringed instrument like a guitar
luxuriant: marked by complexity and richness of detail
luxuriate: to enjoy by taking the luxury and comfort that something offers
lyre: a plucked string instrument
macabre: gruesome
macadam: broken stone used in paved surface
macerate: to soften
machete: a large heavy broad-bladed knife used as a weapon or as a tool for cutting
machination: an artful or skillful plot or scheme
machismo: an exaggerated sense or display of masculinity
macrocosm: a complex structure considered as a single entity that contains numerous similar smaller-scale structures
madrigal: an unaccompanied part-song for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form (n/v)
maelstrom: an exceptionally large or violent whirlpool
magisterial: offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
magistrate: a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice
magnanimous: generous
magnate: the person of power or influence
magnitude: the property of relative size or extent
maharaja: a great Hindu prince
maiden: an unmarried girl; first, initiative
maize: corn, a strong yellow color
majestic: having or displaying great dignity or nobility
maladroit: clumsy
malady: a physical or psychological disorder or disease
malaise: physical discomfort early in an illness
malaria: an infectious disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes
malcontent: a person who is discontented or disgusted
malediction: the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil
malefactor: someone who has committed a crime
malevolent: wanting to cause harm
malfunction: to fail to function in the correct or normal way, or stop working altogether
malice: the quality of threatening evil; hatred
malign: to speak unfavorably about, evil or harmful
malignant: likely to cause death; evil in result
malinger: to feign illness
malleable: capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
mallet: a hammer
malodorous: smelling unpleasant
maltreat: to treat badly
malversation: misconduct in public office
manacle: a handcuff (n/v)
mandate: a document giving an official instruction or command (n/v)
mandible: the lower jaw of a person or animal, usually containing a single bone
mane: long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck
mangle: to tear and crush
mangy: scruffy, dirty and shabby
mania: obsession and desire
maniacal: wildly insane
manicure: professional care for the hands and fingernails (n/v)
manifest: clear to see or understand (adj/v)
manifestation: an act of showing or demonstrating something
manifesto: a public declaration of intentions
manifold: various
mannerism: a distinctive behavioral trait, an idiosyncrasy; exaggerated or affected style or habit
man-of-war: a warship; a jellyfish
manor: a landed estate
manqué: having wanted unsuccessfully to be or do something, want-to-be
manse: a large and imposing house
mansuetude: gentleness
mantel: shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
mantic: prophetic
mantle: to cover (v/n)
mantra: a sacred word, chant, or sound that is repeated during meditation
manumission: emancipation
manumit: to free somebody from slavery
manure: animal excrement, often mixed with straw, used as fertilizer for soil
mar: to spoil or detract from something
maraud: raid for plunder
mare: female equine animal
marginalize: to relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of specific groups of people
marimba: a percussion instrument with wooden bars, like a xylophone
marksman: somebody who is able or trained to shoot accurately, especially with a firearm
maroon: to put somebody ashore on a lonely island or coast and leave the person there with no means of escape
marshal: to place in proper rank
martial: of or relating to military; warlike
martinet: a strict military disciplinarian
martyr: somebody who chooses to die rather than deny religious or political beliefs
marvel: something that inspires awe, amazement, or admiration (n/v)
masonry: built of stone or brick
masquerade: a party of guests wearing costumes and masks (m/v)
mast: a vertical spar for supporting sails; a vertical pole
masterpiece: a success; a work of art
masticate: to chew food
materialism: a desire for wealth and material possessions; the theory that physical matter is the only reality
materialist: somebody concerned about possessions
materialize: to become real or become fact, to appear
matinee: a theatrical performance held during the daytime
matriculate: to enroll
matrimony: the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life
matrix: a substance in which something is embedded or enclosed; situation in which something develops
matron: a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified; a head nurse
maturity: state of being mature; full development; experience
matutinal: of the morning
maudlin: overly sentimental
maul: to injure badly by beating; to criticize
mausoleum: tomb, a large gloomy oppressive room or building
maven: somebody who is an expert or knowledgeable enthusiast in a particular field
maverick: someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action (n/adj)
maw: informal term for the mouth
mawkish: over-sentimental; bland or unappetizing in taste or smell
maxim: a saying that widely accepted; a machine gun
mayhem: absolute chaos or severe disruption
mead: an alcoholic drink; meadow
meadow: grassy field
meager: deficient in amount or quality or extent; not enough
mealy-mouthed: hesitant to state facts or opinions simply and directly
meander: to follow an indirect route or course, to wander slowly and aimlessly (v/n)
medallion: a large medal
meddlesome: intrusive in a offensive manner, interfering
mediate: to arbitrate
mediocre: average, adequate but not very good
mediocrity: a quality that is acceptable but not very good
medley: a mixture or assortment of various things
meek: showing mildness or quietness of nature
megalomania: the enjoyment of having power over other people and the craving for more of it
melancholic: characterized by or causing or expressing sadness
melancholy: sad and depressed (adj/n)
mélange: a collection of things of different kinds
meld: to cause various things to combine or blend and become one thing or substance, or be combined or blended in this way
melee: a noisy riotous fight
meliorate: to become better, or make something better
mellifluous: smooth
mellow: soft in color or tone
melodious: pleasing to hear
melodramatic: having the excitement and emotional appeal, histrionic
memoir: an account of the author's personal experiences
memorandum: a written proposal or reminder
menace: something that is a possible source of danger, threat (n/v); nuisance
menagerie: wild animal exhibit
mend: to heal or recover
mendacious: untruthful
mendicant: livings on alms, beggar
menial: used of unskilled work; unskilled
mentor: a wise and trusted guide and advisor (n/v)
mercantile: relating to merchants or trading
mercenary: motivated solely by a desire for money; professional soldiers (n/adj)
merchet: in feudal times, a sum of money paid by a tenant to his lord so that his daughter could marry
merciful: compassionate and kind; fortunate
mercurial: liable to sudden unpredictable change
mere: being nothing more than specified
meretricious: attracting attention in a vulgar manner
merit: any admirable quality or attribute (n/v)
meritable: deserving reward or praise
meritorious: deserving reward or praise; commendable
merriment: cheerfulness
mesmerize: to absorb somebody’s attention, to hypnotize
messieurs: gentlemen
metallic: sharp and hard
metallurgy: the science and technology of metals
metamorphosis: the passing from one shape to another
metaphysics: the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the nature of being and beings, existence, time and space, and causality
mete: a line that indicates a boundary
metempsychosis: reincarnation
methodical: systematic or painstaking
meticulous: careful
métier: somebody’s occupation or trade
metonymy: a figure of speech that consists in the naming of a thing by one of its attributes
mettle: courage, spirit, or strength of character of character
miasma: pollution or infectious particles in the air
microcosm: a miniature copy of something, especially when it represents or stand for a larger whole
midget: a person who is abnormally small; very small
midwife: somebody trained to help deliver babies and offer support and advice to pregnant women; someone helping to create something
mien: somebody’s general appearance
milieu: the surrounding or environment that someone lives in and is influenced by
mill: to move about in a confused manner; to crush to powder
millet: a grass cultivated for forage and cereal
mimeograph: to duplicate in a copying machine
minatory: menacing or threatening
mind-boggling: mentally overwhelming, unbelievable
mingle: to mix gently
miniature: being on a very small scale
minion: an assistant servant
ministry: government department or building
minuscule: extremely small or completely insignificant
minute: very small or insignificant
minutiae: a small or minor detail
misanthrope: one who hates people in general
misanthropic: somebody who hates humankind in general, or dislikes and distrusts other people and tends to avoid their company
miscible: mixable
miscreant: somebody who does wrong, infidel
misdeed: wicked act
miser: a stingy hoarder of money and possessions; collector
misery: a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune; suffering; unhappiness
misgiving: uneasy feeling
mishap: an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
mislay: to lose something temporarily, especially forgetting where it was put
misnomer: unsuitable name
misogamy: hatred of marriage
misogyny: hatred of women
missal: a book that contains all the prayers and hymns used for the celebration of masses
missive: a letter or written communication
misty: lacking clearness
miter: the junction of two bodies at an equally divided angle
mitigate: to alleviate
mnemonic: memory aid, such as a phrase or other technique (n/adj)
moan: to indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure; groan
moat: a ditch around a castle or fort, dug to give protection from invaders (n/v)
mobocracy: political control exercised by a mob, a place where a mob has politic control
moccasin: a soft leather shoe
mock: to treat with an emotion involving anger; fake (adj.)
moderator: the presiding officer of a meeting
modesty: diffidence (ant. arrogance)
modicum: a small amount
modish: fashionable, stylish
modulate: to change sound or wave characteristics
moiety: one of two parts
moil: hard work (n/v)
mold: to form new shapes (v/n)
molehill: a mound of earth like a hill
molest: to harass
mollify: to calm or soothe somebody who is angry or upset
molt: to lose feathers, fur, or skin
momentous: of very great significance monetary, relating to money
monetary: relating to money
mongrel: animal of mixed breed, strange mixture (n/adj)
monition: warning of danger
monitor: to keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance; to examine
monitory: communicating a warning
monocracy: rule by one person
monogram: a design of one or more letters, usually the initials of a name, used to decorate or identify an object
monograph: a scholarly article, paper or book on a single topic
monolithic: large unchanging
monologue: long speech
monopolize: to have complete control of an industry or service and prevent other companies or people from participating
monopoly: control of market supply
monsieur: a French title of respect, equivalent to Mr.
monstrosity: an object, animal, or person that is very unpleasant or frightening to look at
monstrous: abnormally large; shockingly brutal or cruel
moor: to fix a boat, ship, or aircraft to one place with cables, chains, or an anchor, or to be secured in this way
moot: open to argument, arguable (n/adj)
moraine: accumulated earth and stones deposited by a glacier
morale: the conditions of the mind or feelings of an individual
moralize: to interpret the moral meaning of; to speak as if delivering a sermon
morass: area of soggy ground
moratorium: a formally agreed period during which a specific activity is halted or postponed
morbid: showing a strong interest in unpleasant or gloomy subjects
mordacious: deliberately bitter or critical, and intended to hurt somebody’s feelings
mordant: sharply sarcastic or bitingly critical
moribund: on the point of dying
morose: being miserable, sad and gloomy
morphology: the science of organic forms
morro: a hill or headland with a rounded outline
morsel: a small piece of something, especially of food
mortar: a cannon, to fire a cannon
mortify: to degrade or abase
mosaic: art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
mosey: to walk unhurriedly
moss: tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
mot juste: exactly the right word or words to express something
motley: composed of heterogeneous or inharmonious elements
mottle: to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
motto: a favorite saying of a sect or political group
moue: a look of discontent with the lips pressed together and forward
mountebank: somebody who deceives other people
muddle: a confused multitude of things (n/v)
muffle: to conceal or hide; to quiet or deaden
mug: the human face; to rob with the threat of violence
mulatto: an offspring of a Black and a White parent
muleteer: mule driver
muliebrity: the condition of being a woman
mulish: stubborn and unwilling to cooperate or listen to suggestions
mull: to think over
multifarious: of great variety, diverse
multitude: a large number or mass
mumble: to talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
munch: to chew noisily; a big bite
mundane: ordinary
munificent: very generous
mural: of or relating to walls, a painting that is applied to a wall surface
murky: dark and gloomy
musculature: the muscular system of an organism
muse: to think about something in a deep and serious or dreamy and abstracted way
mushy: soggy and soft
musing: a calm lengthy intent consideration
muster: to gather or bring together (v/n)
mutable: capable of or tending to change in form or quality or nature
mutate: to undergo or make something undergo change
mutilate: to cut off or destroy a necessary part; to make imperfect
mutiny: to refuse to obey authority
mutter: to murmur or talk softly
mutual: given and received in equal parts
myopia: shortness of sight
myriad: a large indefinite number; countless
mysticism: obscure or irrational thought, a religion based on communion with an ultimate reality
mystify: to puzzle somebody
mystique: an aura of heightened value or interest or meaning surrounding a person or thing
mythical: imaginary, like myth
nab: to steal or seize
nabob: somebody who is very rich or powerful
nadir: the lowest point
nag: to irritate and annoy; to disturb
naive: being simple; showing lack of experiment
naïveté: simplicity
namesake: a person with the same name as someone else
naphtha: a light, colorless, volatile, inflammable oil used as a solvent
narcissism: self-admiration
narcolepsy: condition with controllable sleeping
narrow-minded: capable of being shocked easily; lacking tolerance
nasal: of or in or relating to the nose
nascent: just beginning to develop
natal: of birth
naturalistic: representing what is real; not abstract or ideal
naught: a quantity of no importance; complete failure
naughty: badly behaved; disobedient
nausea: the state that precedes vomiting, sickness
nauseate: to sicken, to feel disgust
nauseous: loathsome, causing sickness in stomach
nautical: relating to navigation
navel: the depression on the abdomen where the umbilical cord of the fetus was attached
naysayer: somebody who votes no or who speaks against something
nebulous: not clear, distinct, or definite
necrology: a list of people who have died in a certain place or time
necromancer: one who practices the art of foretelling the future by means of communicating with the dead
necropolis: a cemetery, especially a large, elaborate , or ancient one
necrosis: the death of cells in a tissue or organ caused by disease or injury.
nectar: any especially sweet and delicious drink
nefarious: extremely wicked
negate: to deny the truth of something, or prove something to be false
negligee: a loose dressing gown for women
negligent: habitually careless or irresponsible
negligible: too small or unimportant to be worth considering
nemesis: something causing misery or death
neologism: a recently coined word or phrase, or a recently extended meaning of an existing word or phrase
neology: the coining or using of new words or new meaning of words
neonate: a newborn child
neophyte: beginner
neoteric: having a contemporary origin
nerve: courage, self-assurance or boldness
nescient: ignorant
nestle: to settle into comfortable position
nestling: a young bird that is not able to leave the nest yet
net: remaining after all deductions, to yield as a net profit
nettle: to irritate or annoy somebody; plant with stinging leaves
neuter: to remove the testicles or ovaries of an animal; with undeveloped, nonfunctioning, or no sexual organs
newfangled: new
newsreel: a short film about recent news events, formerly often shown before a feature film
niche: a place, job or a thing a person is best fitted in
nick: a small cut or groove (n/v)
niggard: somebody who is stingy or miserly
nigh: near in place or time, almost
nightmarish: a frightening or upsetting dream
nihilism: total rejection of social mores, belief in destruction of authority or that nothing is worthwhile
nil: a quantity of no importance, zero
nimbly: in a nimble or agile manner; with quickness and lightness and ease; agilely
ninny: an offensive term that insults one’s intelligence, common sense
nipple: the small projection of a mammary gland
nit: the egg of a parasitic insect, especially a louse
noble: possessing high ideals or excellent moral character
nocturnal: occurring at night, as opposed to during the day
nod off: to change from a waking to a sleeping state
nog: a block of wood inserted into masonry or brickwork so that something can be nailed to it
noisome: causing or able to cause nausea
nominal: in name only; small or minor; supposed
nonage: a period of youth or immaturity
nonchalance: a state of mind indicating lack of interest
nondescript: unremarkable, with no interesting or remarkable characteristics
nonentity: an insignificant person
nonpareil: eminent beyond or above comparison; model of excellence or perfection of a kind
nook: a sheltered and secluded place
norm: a standard pattern of behavior, the usual situation or circumstances
nosegay: a small bouquet of flowers
nostalgia: longing for something past
nostrum: quack and ineffective remedy
nosy: too curious about other people’s business
notion: an idea
notorious: infamous
notwithstanding: regardless of, in defiance of
novel: new
novice: beginner
noxious: harmful, poisonous
nuance: a very slight difference in meaning, feeling, tone, or color
nude: naked
nudge: to push against gently
nugatory: of no value
nuisance: annoyance
nullify: invalidate; to make useless
numbly: in a numb manner; without feeling
numismatics: coin collecting
nuptial: of or relating to a wedding
nurture: to take care for
nuthouse: a place full of noisy, boisterous, chaotic activity
nuzzle: to move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
nylon: a synthetic fabric
oaken: made of oak wood
oakum: hemp-fiber obtained by untwisting and picking out loosely the yarns of old hemp rope
obdurate: stubborn
obeisance: respectful gesture
obelisk: a character used in printing to indicate a cross reference or footnote, dagger; a stone pillar
obfuscate: deliberately make something difficult to understand
obituary: an announcement, especially in a newspaper, of somebody’s death, often with a short biography
objective: undistorted by emotion or personal bias; based on observable phenomena
objurgate: to scold somebody angrily
obligate: to force or compel somebody to do something
obligatory: required
oblige: to make it necessary for somebody to do something
oblique: slanting at an angle; indirect
obliterate: to totally destroy; to remove
oblivion: a state of being utterly forgotten
oblivious: lacking conscious awareness of
oblong: having a shape that is considerably longer than it is wide, especially a rectangular or roughly elliptical shape
obloquy: censure and disgrace
obnubilate: to make less visible or clear
obscene: offensive to the mind
obscure: to make less visible or unclear
obsequies: funeral rites
obsequious: attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery; flattering
observatory: a building equipped for scientific observations
obsession: mania, fascination
obsolescent: becoming obsolete or disappearing from use or existence by being replaced by something new
obsolete: no longer in use
obstetrics: medical care during pregnancy and childbirth
obstinate: to persist stubbornly
obstreperous: noisy and aggressively boisterous, unruly
obstruct: to stop up by an obstacle; to block
obtuse: slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
obvert: to show the other side of
obviate: to prevent
occlude: to block passage through; to absorb a liquid or gas
occult: supposedly supernatural, not understandable, secret
octet: a group or set of eight
ocular: of or relating to the eye or eyesight
oddball: a person who behaves strangely
odious: causing hatred or strong dislike
odium: intense dislike, repugnance
odoriferous: having or disusing a strong odor, especially a fragrant one
offhand: with little or no preparation or forethought; casually thoughtless or inconsiderate
officiate: to perform a ceremony or duty; to act as an officer
officious: intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
offset: something that makes up for something (n/v)
offshoot: a branch of a main stem of a plant
ogle: to look in a way with unusual attention
ogre: an ugly fairy tale; a dreaded person or thing
ointment: a greasy medicine for use on the skin
omega: the end, or the last thing in a series, the letter “z”
omelet: a dish of eaten eggs or an egg mixture cooked until just set
omen: a happening believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
ominous: being a sign of trouble to come
omission: a mistake resulting from neglect
omnibus: bus
omnipotent: having power or authority without limit
omnipresent: ubiquitous
omniscient: knowing or seeming to know everything
oncology: the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors
oneiric: relating to, experienced in, or similar to a dream
onerous: difficult; burdensome
onrush: a forceful forward rush or flow
onset: the beginning or early stages
onslaught: a violent attack
onus: a duty or responsibility, the blame for something
openhanded: generous
operetta: comic opera with dancing
opisthenar: the back of the hand
opportune: suitable or at a time that is suitable for a particular purpose
oppress: to keep down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
oppressive: imposing a harsh or cruel form of domination
opprobrium: scorn, contempt, or severe criticism
opt: to choose
opulence: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
orate: to deliver an elaborate or formal public speech
orator: a great public speaker
oratorio: a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
orchid: a flowering plant
ordain: to make a religious appointment; to order
ordeal: a difficult experience
ordinal: showing the relative position in a sequence
ordinary: the expected or commonplace condition or situation; normal
ordination: a consecration to the ministry
ordnance: military weapons systems
ordure: excrement
orgy: any act of immoderate indulgence, debauched party
orient: to determine one's position with reference to another point; the Eastern Hemisphere
orifice: an opening, especially ones in the body
ornament: something used to beautify (n/v); to adorn
ornate: excessively decorate
ornery: uncooperative and irritable
orotund: loud, clear, and strong, as in tone or voice timbre
orthodox: adhering to what is commonly accepted
orthogonal: relating to or composed of right angles
orthography: a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
orthopedics: the branch of medicine
oscillate: to be undecided about something
osculate: to kiss, to make contact or come together
ossify: to harden into bone
ossuary: a container, for the bones of the dead
ostensible: appearing as such but not necessarily so
ostentatious: marked by a vulgar display of wealth and success designed to impress people
osteopathy: treatment of skeletal problems
otiose: lazy, indolent, in no use
ottoman: a low upholstered stool used for resting the feet or as a seat
ought: to be under moral obligation to be or do
oust: to force someone out
out-and-out: thorough, complete
outcrop: the part of a rock formation that appears above the surface of the surrounding land (n/v)
outdo: to exceed or surpass
outgoing: going out or away or of the past; at ease in talking to others
outlandish: conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
outlast: to live longer than
outlaw: a notorious criminal, especially one on the run
outmoded: make unfashionable, outdated, or obsolete (v/adj)
outpost: a small group of troops stationed at a distance from the main body
outré: outlandish
outrigger: a stabilizer for a canoe
outright: without reservation or exception; absolute
outskirt: a part of the city far removed from the center
outstrip: to go beyond
overbearing: bossy, arrogant and tending to order people around
overlord: one who holds supremacy over another
overseer: supervisor
overt: open
overtone: supplementary meaning, nuance
overwrought: extremely upset, emotional, or agitated
ovine: relating to or like a sheep
pablum: worthless or oversimplified ideas
pact: mutual agreement
paean: a song of praise
pagan: a person who does not acknowledge the God (n/adj)
pageant: an elaborate representation of scenes from history etc; usually involves a parade with rich costumes
paillasse: a thin straw-filled mattress
painstaking: characterized by extreme care and great effort
palatable: edible, acceptable
palate: the upper surface of the mouth, sense of taste and flavor
palatial: grand or luxurious
palaver: to meet and discuss something
pale: light and pallid
paleontology: study of ancient life
palette: a board or tray on which an artist arranges and mixes paints
palimpsest: a manuscript written over a partly erased older manuscript in such a way that the old words can be read beneath the new
palindrome: a word, verse, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward
palinode: a formal retraction of a statement
pall: a covering that makes a place dark and gloomy (n/v)
palliate: to reduce the intensity or severity of something
pallid: abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
pallor: an unhealthy-looking paleness of complexion
palm off: to give in a deceitful way
palpable: capable of being perceived by the senses or the mind; tangible
palsy: inability to move
paltry: insignificant or unimportant
pamphleteer: to write pamphlets (v/n)
panacea: hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; cure-all
panache: a sense or display of spirited style and self-confidence
pandemonium: a fiendish or riotous uproar
pandiculation: yawning and stretching
panegyric: speech expressing high praise
pang: a short sharp pain
Panglossian: excessively and inappropriately optimistic
pangram: a sentence or other short text using every letter of the alphabet
panoply: an impressive and magnificent display or array of something
panoramic: an unobstructed view extending in all directions, especially of a landscape
pant: to breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
pantheism: worship that admits or tolerates all gods
pantograph: a mechanical device used to copy a figure or plan on a different scale
pantomime: a performance using gestures and body movements without words (n/v)
papyrus: the writing paper of the ancient Egyptians and later civilizations
parable: a short moral story (often with animal characters)
paradigm: a typical example of something
paradox: self contradiction
paragon: example of excellence
paralysis: loss of voluntary movement as a result of damage to nerve or muscle function, inactivity
paramount: having superior power and influence
paramour: one who is unlawfully or immorally a lover
paranoia: mental disorder of false suspicions
paranoid: suspicious about something
paraphernalia: assorted objects or items of equipment, often things that seem amusing, strange, or irritating
paraphrase: to rephrase and simplify
parasite: a person who flatters in exchange for free items
parcel: a plot of land; to dive and give in parts
parched: very hot and dry
pare: to cut, shave, or remove the outside from anything
pari passu: at an equal pace or rate
pariah: somebody who is despised and avoided by other people
parish: a local church community; rural community
parlance: the style of speech or writing used by people in a particular context or profession
parley: to talk or negotiate, especially with an enemy (v/n)
parlor: a living room for entertaining guests
parlous: dangerous
parochial: narrow-minded
parody: a composition mimicked from another
paronymous: a word that is derived from the same root as another word
paroxysm: a sudden and uncontrollable expression of emotion
parry: to ward off
parse: to describe the grammatical role of a word in a sentence
parsimonious: excessively unwilling to spend; prudent
parsonage: church house
part: to go one's own away; move apart; to divide
partible: able to be divided
partisan: biased support, showing unreasoning support
partition: that which separates anything into distinct parts
parvenu: a person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class
pas: a step in dancing
passible: sensitive to feeling emotions, especially when this causes pain
passive: lacking in energy or will
pastel: having a pale soft color
pastoral: rural
patch: something that covers or mends; a small area
pate: the head, especially the top of the head
patella: a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint
patent: obvious; exclusive rights
paternal: fatherly
paternity: fatherhood
pathetic: being dismal, sad and weak
pathological: pertaining to disease
pathos: the quality in something that makes people feel pity or sadness
patina: a fine coating layer
patois: a characteristic language of a particular group
patriarch: a man who is the head of a family or group
patrician: of senatorial or noble rank
patrimony: an inheritance from an ancestor, especially one’s father
patronize: to support; do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
patronymic: formed after one’s father’s name
patsy: easy victim
patter: to make a quick light tapping sound on something (v/n)
patulous: spreading
paucity: scarcity
paunch: a protruding abdomen
pauper: a person who is very poor
pave: to cover with a material such as stone or concrete to make suitable for vehicle traffic
pawn: to stake or pledge your honor, life, or word on something; hostage
pearl: a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of an oyster; much valued as a jewel
peasant: a farmer
peccadillo: a trifling offense
peccant: guilty
peck: a large quantity; to strike lightly
pectoral: relating to or located in or on the chest
peculate: to embezzle
peculiarity: characteristics of only one group
pecuniary: relating to or involving money
pedagogue: an education or school-teacher
pedagogy: the principles and methods of instruction
pedantic: too concerned with what are thought to be correct rules and details, e.g. in language
peddle: to sell goods, especially while traveling from place to place
pedestal: a base or support as for a column, statue, or vase
pedestrian: somebody who is traveling on foot; dull, ordinary, unimaginative, or uninspired
pediatrician: children’s doctor
pedomorphism: the retention of juvenile characteristics by an adult
peen: the wedge-like end of a hammer
peeper: somebody who looks secretly at somebody or something
Peeping Tom: a viewer who enjoys seeing the sex acts or sex organs of others
peer: to look closely; someone of equal standing with another
peerage: noblemen and noblewomen considered as a class or group
peeve: to make somebody feel annoyed, irritated, or resentful
peevish: irritable
pejorative: expressing criticism or disapproval
pelagic: found in open sea
pellucid: transparent, clear in meaning
pelt: to bombard; the animal’s skin
penal: of punishment
penance: self-punishment for committing sin
penchant: a strong liking, taste, or tendency for something
pendant: anything that hangs from something else, either for ornament or for use
pendulous: hanging loosely or swinging freely; undecided
penitence: regret or sorrow for having committed sins or misdeeds
pennant: a small narrow triangular flag displayed on boats and ships for identification and signaling
pennon: a long narrow flag, usually triangular, tapering, or divided at the end
penny-pinching: extreme care in spending money, reluctance to spend money unnecessarily (n/adj)
pension: retirement pay (n/v); a small hotel
pensive: persistently or morbidly thoughtful
pentad: any group or series of five
penultimate: second to last in a series or sequence
penumbra: partial shade
penurious: not having enough money to pay for necessities; stingy
penury: extreme poverty
peon: a low-paid unskilled worker
perambulate: to walk about
perambulating: walking
perceive: to become aware of through the senses
percept: the representation of what is perceived
perceptible: large enough, great enough, or distinct enough to be noticed
perch: support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (n/v)
percolate: to pass slowly or through a filter; to seep into
percussion: the sharp striking of one body against another
perdurable: extremely durable or imperishable
peregrinate: to travel around a place or from place to place
peremptory: expecting to be obeyed and unwilling to tolerate disobedience
perfectionism: a disposition to feel that anything less than perfect is unacceptable
perfervid: extremely passionate or enthusiastic
perfidious: tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character
perfidy: treachery or deceit
perforate: to puncture or make a hole
perforce: by necessity, unavoidably
perfunctory: unthinking, hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
perigee: the point in the orbit of a satellite, moon, or planet at which it comes nearest to the object it is orbiting
perilous: dangerous
peripatetic: traveling especially on foot
peripheral: at the edge, not significant
periphery: the area around the outside edge of a place
periscope: an instrument containing lenses used by people in submarines to get a good view
perish: to die out
perjure: to commit perjury
perjury: the telling of a lie after having taken an oath to tell the truth, usually in a court of law
perk: additional benefit
perky: lively, cheerful, and energetic
permissive: granting or inclined or able to grant permission; not strict in discipline; allowing liberty
pernicious: exceedingly harmful, insidious
perpetrator: someone who perpetrates wrongdoing, offender
perpetual: continuous, long-lasting (ant. temporal)
perpetuate: to make something last or be remembered
perquisite: a customary tip; a privilege
persecute: to cause to suffer
perseverance: persistent determination
persevere: to persist steadily in an action or belief
persiflage: light teasing chat
persistent: never-ceasing
personify: to be an embodiment or perfect example of something
personnel: the force of people collectively employed in some service
perspicacious: having insight
perspicuous: clear and comprehensible
perspire: to secrete sweat
pertinacious: persistent or unyielding, resolute
pertinent: having logical precise relevance
perusal: reading carefully with intent to remember
pervade: to spread or diffuse through
pervasive: spread throughout
perverse: purposely being unreasonable, unreasonably stubborn, wicked
pervious: able to be permeated
pesky: troublesome or irritating
pessimism: the feeling that things will turn out badly
pessimistic: expecting the worst; negative
pest: somebody or something that is a nuisance
pestilential: causing disease; deadly
peter: to diminish slowly and come to an end, to dwindle
petite: very small
petrify: to frighten; to harden into stone
pettifogger: somebody who argues or fusses over trivia and details
petty: inferior in rank or status
petulant: ill-tempered; easily irritated or annoyed
pew: long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation; church bench
phantasmal: a supposed being such as a ghost or a disembodied spirit that can be seen but does not have physical substance
pharmacopoeia: a book containing the formulas and methods of preparation of medicines for the use of druggists
phenomenon: a fact or occurrence that can be observed
philander: to have casual affairs with women
philanthropist: a generous person
philately: stamp collecting
philharmonic: composing or characteristic of an orchestral group; fond of music
philippic: a tirade
philistine: smug and ignorant and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values (adj/n)
philogyny: a positive and admiring attitude toward women in general
philology: the humanistic study of language and literature
philomath: a devotee of learning and scholarship
phlegmatic: showing little emotion
phonetic: having to do with speech sounds
phonic: of or relating to speech sounds
phosphorescent: glowing or emitting light
photometry: the art of measuring the intensity of light
physiognomy: the external appearance merely, the human face
physiology: the branch of the biological sciences dealing with the functioning of organisms
physique: the physical structure or organization of a person
picayune: of very little importance
piccolo: small flute
pictorial: pertaining to or consisting of pictures
picturesque: suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
piebald: having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly
piecemeal: little by little (adv)
pied: multicolored
pier: a dock; vertical support of a bridge
pierce: to stab; to puncture or make a hole
piety: righteousness by virtue of being pious
pigment: a coloring substance, color
pilfer: to steal small things
pilgrimage: a journey to a holy place, undertaken for religious reasons
pillage: to plunder a place (v/n)
pillar: a vertical column used for support or decoration (n/v)
pillory: to scorn or ridicule somebody or something openly, or expose somebody or something to scorn or ridicule
pincer: a hand tool for holding and grabbing
pinch: to squeeze tightly between the fingers (v/n)
pinchbeck: an inferior imitation
pine: to long for; to have a desire for something or someone who is not present
pinion: to restrain
pinnacle: the summit or zenith
pinto: used to describe a horse that has a coat marked with irregular patches of white and another color
pious: deeply religious
pipette: a measuring instrument consisting of a graduated glass tube used to measure or transfer precise volumes of a liquid
pippin: any of several varieties of cultivated eating or cooking apples
pique: bad mood (n/v)
piscine: relating to, characteristic of, or resembling fish
piteous: deserving pity or bringing out feelings of pity
pitfall: potential danger
pith: center or core of something
pithy: concise and full of meaning, brief
pitiable: evoking contempt
pitiful: arousing pity or contempt
pitiless: without mercy
pittance: a very small amount of something, especially a very small sum of money
pity: feeling of sympathy (n/v)
pixie: fairy or elf
placard: a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement (n/v)
placate: to calm
placid: peaceful and calm
plagiarism: taking credit for someone else's writing or ideas
plaid: a long rectangular piece of tartan material worn draped over the shoulder; a tartan or checked pattern
plaintiff: an applicant or petitioner
plaintive: expressing sadness or sounding sad
plait: easily bent
plangent: making a loud and resonant sound; expressing or suggesting sadness
planisphere: representation of sphere or night sky
plash: light splash (n/v)
plasticity: the condition of being soft and capable of being molded
platform: a raised level area of flooring for speakers, performers, or participants in a ceremony; policy
plating: a thin coating of metal deposited on a surface; to coat with a layer of metal
platitude: banal statement
plaudit: an applause; a positive feedback
plausible: reasonable
pleasantry: an agreeable or amusing remark
plebeian: common citizens or members (n/adj)
plenary: full and complete and not limited in any respect
plenipotentiary: having full power (adj/n)
pleonasm: the use of superfluous words
plethora: an excess
pleurisy: a swollen state in the membrane, often with fever
pliable: flexible, not rigid
pliant: supple, easily influenced
plight: unfortunate condition; to make a pledge (v/n)
ploy: an opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker
pluck: to take something away swiftly, often by means of skill or strength
plucky: brave
plumb: weight attached to a line, in true vertical position (n/v)’ exactly
plummet: to drop sharply
plump: fat
plunder: to take illegally; of intellectual property
plunge: to drop steeply
pluperfect: even better than perfect
plutocracy: the rule of a society by its wealthiest people
ply: to provide what is desired or needed; to travel a route regularly; one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope
poesy: poetry
poetaster: bad poet
pogrom: organized persecution of an ethnic group
poignant: causing a sharp sense of sadness, pity, or regret
poise: a state of being balanced in a stable equilibrium
polarize: to cause a division of opinion
polemic: passionate argument (n/adj)
polish: to make shiny or smooth
poltroon: an abject coward (n/adj)
polygamist: the custom of having more than one spouse at the same time
polyglot: competent in many languages (adj/n)
polyhedron: a solid geometric figure that has many faces.
polymath: a person of great and diversified learning
polymer: a natural or synthetic compound that consists of large molecules made of many chemically bonded smaller identical molecules
polytechnic: a technical school offering instruction in many industrial arts and applied sciences
pommel: the upper front part of a saddle; the knob at the hilt of a sword
pomp: a display of great splendor and magnificence; self-importance
pompous: self-important, showy (ant. modest)
ponder: to think about
ponderous: heavy and massive
pontificate: to speak in a pompous or dogmatic way
populace: the inhabitants, general public
populist: an advocate of democratic principles
pore: any tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid
porous: able to absorb fluids
porpoise: a type of mammal animal
porridge: soft food made by boiling oatmeal or other meal in water or milk until thick
portend: to foreshadow or indicate something
portent: a sign of something about to happen
portion: a section
portly: slightly overweight but dignified
posit: to put something forward for consideration
posse: sheriff’s helpers; assembled group
postdate: to put a date on that is later than the actual date; to occur later than
posterior: anterior, later
postlude: a final or concluding phase, chapter, or development
postmortem: occurring after death; discussion of an event after it has occurred
postulate: to assume or suggest that something is true or exists, especially as the basis of an argument
posy: a blooming flower, or a bunch of blooming flowers
potable: suitable for drinking
potent: having the power to influence or convince, strong
potentate: one who has the power and position to rule over others
pother: an excited state of agitation (n/v)
potion: a medicinal or magical or poisonous beverage
potpourri: a miscellaneous mixture of things
potted: drunk or intoxicated by a drug
poultry: domestic fowl
pounce: to jump or swoop suddenly toward or onto somebody or something, especially onto prey
pout: to show disappointment, anger, or resentment, usually in silence
powwow: a meeting or gathering to discuss something
practicable: capable of being done
practical: concerned with actual use or practice; sensible
pragmatic: concerned with practical matters, realistic
pragmatist: a straightforward practical way of thinking about things or dealing with problems
prairie: a treeless grassy plain
prance: to move around in a lively and carefree, but often silly or annoying, way
prandial: relating to meals
prate: to talk in a silly way and at length about nothing important (v/n)
prattle: to talk in a silly, idle, or childish way (v/n)
prattling: babbling
preach: to give sermon
precarious: unsafe, perilous
precede: to be earlier in time; go back further
precedent: an action or decision that can be subsequently used as an example for a similar decision or to justify a similar action
precept: principle
precession: the act of going forward
precipice: a very steep cliff
precipitant: done with very great haste and without due deliberation
precipitate: to make something happen suddenly and quickly
precipitous: steep
precise: sharply exact or accurate or delimited
precision: being precise
preclude: to prevent
precocious: mentally advanced for age
precursor: a forerunner
predatory: greedily eager to steal from or destroy others for gain
predecessor: a person who goes before another
predicament: a difficult situation
predicate: to affirm or base on something
predictability: the quality of being predictable; certainty
predilection: a particular liking or preference for something
predominate: main
preeminent: highly distinguished or outstanding
preempt: to act to prevent something, to make bids that blocks others
prefatory: acting as preface
preferential: giving advantage or priority to a particular person or group
preferment: promotion, appointment to a higher position or rank
pregnant: rich in significance or implication
prehensile: adapted for grasping
prejudice: bias
prelacy: the office or position of a prelate
prelate: high-ranking member of clergy
premed: a student in a premedical program
premeditate: to plan beforehand
premise: a statement given as the evidence for a conclusion
premonition: a forewarning; suspicion
preoccupy: to obsess the mind with something
preordain: to decide in advance that something will happen
preponderant: having superior power and influence
prepossess: to occupy somebody’s mind
preposterous: completely devoid of wisdom or good sense
prepubescent: at or characteristic of the stage of life just before puberty (adj/n)
prerogative: exclusive privilege
presage: portent or omen (n/v)
prescience: advance knowledge of things
prescript: a rule or regulation that has been laid down
presentiment: feeling that something will happen
preside: to be the chairperson or hold a similar position of authority
prestidigitation: sleight of hand used in performing magic tricks
prestige: importance in the eyes of people
presumably: by reasonable assumption; most likely
presume: to accept that something is virtually certain to be correct even though there is no proof of it
presumption: something believed without actual evidence
presumptive: probable
presumptuous: rude or arrogant
presupposition: to believe that a particular thing is true before there is any proof of it
pretense: the act of giving a false appearance
pretension: a dubious assertion to something; affected behavior
pretentious: self-important and ostentatious
preternatural: exceeding what is normal in nature
pretext: made-up excuse
prevalent: encountered generally especially at the present time
prevaricate: to be deliberately ambiguous
prick: to puncture the surface of something
prickle: to feel a sharp, stinging pain or to cause something such (v/n)
priggish: exaggeratedly proper, especially in an arrogant manner
prim: exaggeratedly proper; to dress primly
prima facie: at first glance; as it seems at first sight
primal: first, original; of first importance
prime: of the highest quality, of the greatest importance or the highest rank
primer: basic reading textbook
primeval: ancient or prehistoric (ant. modern)
primordial: existing at or from the very beginning
primp: to dress or groom with elaborate care
princely: rich and superior in quality, generous
principal: main or primary
principality: a territory ruled by a prince or princess
prioritize: to order things according to their importance or urgency
priority: main concern
priory: a religious community or home such as a monastery or convent
pristine: beautiful, unspoiled, immaculate
privateer: a privately owned warship
privy: hidden from general view or use; informed about something secret; bathroom
probate: proof or validity or will (n/v)
probation: a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
probe: to search
probity: absolute moral correctness
problematic: doubtful, unsettled, questionable
proclamation: a public or formal announcement
proclivity: a natural tendency to behave in a particular way
procrastinate: to postpone doing something, especially as a regular practice
procreate: to have offspring
proctor: someone who supervises students at an exam (n/v)
procure: to acquire or obtain something
prod: to poke or push; to urge
prodigal: recklessly wasteful (adj/n)
prodigious: great in amount, size, or extent, marvelous
prodigy: a child genius
profane: characterized by profanity or cursing; to violate
profess: to declare something openly
proffer: a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection; an offer
profligate: extremely extravagant or wasteful
profound: of the greatest intensity; complete; deep
profuse: plentiful
profusion: the property of being extremely abundant
progenitor: direct ancestor of someone or something
progeny: offspring of an organism
prognosticate: to predict or forecast
projectile: a weapon that is thrown or projected, a missile; impelling forward
proletarian: relating to the working class
proletariat: the working class of workers in the society
proliferation: growth by the rapid multiplication of parts
prolific: abounding
prolix: wordy
prologue: introductory statement
prolong: to make longer than usual or expected
prom: an end-of-year dance party
promenade: public place for leisure walk (n/v)
Promethean: boldly creative
prominent: having a quality that thrusts itself into attention; famous
promiscuous: sexually indiscriminate, confusedly mixed, casual and unplanned
promissory: relating to or having the character of a promise
promontory: a point of land that juts out into the sea
prompt: on time
promulgate: to declare something officially, to make something known
prone: flat; laying face down; inclined to be affected by something
pronounced: noticeable or obvious
pronto: in a prompt or rapid way
prop: to support or hold in place for support
propagation: the spreading of something (a belief or practice) into new regions
propensity: tendency
prophesy: to predict
prophetic: foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention, visionary
propinquity: nearness in space, time, or relationship
propitious: favorable and likely to lead to success
proponent: somebody who advocates something
proposition: a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false; a suggestion
propound: to put forward a suggestion or theory for others to consider
proprietary: relating to owners or ownership
proprietor: a person who owns something
proprietress: a woman proprietor
propriety: moral correctness
propulsion: the process by which an object such as an automobile, ship, aircraft, or missile is moved forward
prosaic: not fanciful or imaginative; commonplace
proscenium: the part of a theater stage that is in front of the curtain
proscribe: to prohibit or condemn something
proselyte: a new convert to a religious faith or political doctrine
proselytize: to try to convert somebody
prosody: study of poetic structure
prospect: the possibility of future success; survey or examination
prospectus: catalog, an official document giving details about something
prosperity: the condition of enjoying great wealth, success, or good fortune
prostrate: throw down flat, as on the ground
protagonist: the main character
protean: able to change form
protégé: a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron
protocol: etiquette of state occasions, record or draft of agreement
protomartyr: the first martyr for a particular cause
protoplasm: contents of living cell
prototype: a standard or typical example
protract: to prolong or extend; to expand
protuberance: something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from a form
protuberant: curving outward
protuberate: to swell out from surroundings
provenance: origin
proverb: a short well-known saying that expresses an obvious truth and often offers advice
providence: God’s guidance, fate
provident: preparing for the future
providential: so lucky that it seems determined by providence
provincial: unsophisticated
provision: stock of food and other supplies stored for future; a stipulated condition
provisional: under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
proviso: a clause introducing a condition in a contract. stipulation
provocative: deliberately aimed at exciting or annoying people
prow: the forward part of a ship
prowess: ability or skill
prowl: to roam around an area stealthily in search of prey, food, or opportunity
proximity: closeness in space or time, nearness
proxy: substitute
prude: a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
prudence: carefulness
prudish: exaggeratedly proper
prurient: characterized by lust
pry: to look inquisitively or inquire nosily into somebody’s private affairs
psalm: a sacred song or poem of praise
psaltery: an ancient musical instrument
pseudo: fake, artificial
psych: to become scared or over stressed; to mentally prepare
psyche: that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; to become scared or stressed
psychiatry: the branch of medicine that related to mental disease
psychic: relating to the human mind; claiming or believed to have extraordinary perception
psycho: a person afflicted with psychosis (a mental disease)
psychopathic: suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder
psychotherapy: the treatment of mental disorders by psychological methods
pucker: to gather into wrinkles (v/n)
puckish: naughtily or annoyingly playful
pudding: a sweet cooked dessert with a smooth creamy texture, typically consisting of flour, milk, eggs, and flavoring
pudgy: short and overweight
puerile: childish, silly, immature
puff: to breathe out usually heavily; a strong blow
puffy: swollen, especially because of tiredness, injury, crying, or poor health
pugilism: the practice, sport, or profession of boxing
pugnacious: inclined to fight or be aggressive
puissance: power
puke: to vomit, or vomit something up
pulchritudinous: beautiful
pulmonary: concerning, affecting, or associated with the lungs
pulpit: a raised platform or stand in a church
pulverize: to make into a powder by breaking up or cause to become dust; to destroy completely
punctilious: careful and socially correct
punctual: on time
pundit: someone with knowledge and wisdom; one who expresses opinions
pungent: with a strong smell or powerfully sharp or bitter taste
punitive: relating to, done as, or imposed as a punishment
punter: someone who bets
purblind: having greatly reduced vision
purchase: a firm grip or hold on something
purgative: a purging medicine; strongly laxative
purgatory: place of suffering, miserable situation
purge: to make clean; to get rid of dirty things
purl: to stitch in knitting with thread (n/v); to flow gently (v/n)
purlieu: outlying district
purloin: to steal something
purport: to claim, seem, or profess to be something specified
purse: to draw the lips together so that they wrinkle and form a circle, usually when deep in thought or to express disapproval
pursue: to follow after in order; to chase
purveyor: a person or company supplying goods, especially foods
pushover: easy target, somebody who is easily persuaded, deceived, or defeated
pusillanimous: showing a lack of courage or determination
put out: irritated
putative: generally accepted
putrescent: decaying or rotting
putsch: a sudden planned attempt to overthrow a government using military force
pyre: pile of burning material, especially a pile of woods on which a dead body is ceremonially cremated
pyromania: the uncontrollable urge to set fire to things
pyrotechnic: relating to, used in, or involving fireworks, brilliant
python: a non-venomous constricting snake
qua: as, in the capacity or function of
quackery: the dishonesty of a charlatan
quaff: to drink quickly or heartily
quaggy: soft and watery
quagmire: a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
quail: to tremble or shrink with fear or apprehension
quaint: with a charming old-fashioned quality
qualified: limited, restricted
quandary: predicament; sticky situation
quantify: to express as a number or measure or quantity
quarantine: enforced isolation of patients suffering from a disease in order to prevent the spread (n/v)
quarry: an animal or prey hunted as game or prey
quartermaster: an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for troops
quarto: an eight-page newspaper
quash: to put a stop to something, to declare null and void
quay: a dock or a harbor
queasy: feeling with doubt
quell: suppress or crush completely
quench: to put out; to end by satisfy
querulous: habitually complaining
query: an instance of questioning; a doubt (n/v)
quest: a search for something, especially a long or difficult one
quibble: to talk about unimportant things
quicksand: a pit filled with loose wet sand into which objects are sucked down
quick-tempered: quickly aroused to anger; easily made anger
quiddity: the real nature or essential character of something
quidnunc: somebody who is nosy or gossipy
quiescence: quiet and inactive restfulness; a state of quiet inaction
quiescent: quiet
quietus: euphemisms for death, ending
quill: a pen made from a bird's feather
quinine: a type of drug used to treat something, feather
quintessence: the most essential part of everything
quintet: musical composition arranged for five voices or instruments
quip: a witty saying (n/v)
quirk: a strange and unexpected turn of events
quisling: a traitor
quite: fairly
quixotic: not sensible about practical matters; unrealistic, idealistic
quizzically: puzzled
quondam: former
quorum: a gathering of the minimal number of members of an organization to conduct business
quotidian: of the most ordinary everyday kind, daily
rabble: a noisy and unruly crowd of people
rabid: very enthusiastic or fanatical
raconteur: somebody who tells stories or anecdotes in an interesting or entertaining way
racy: full of zest or vigor, mildly indecent
radiant: bright; filled with light
radical: basic or far beyond the norm
radix: the base number; that from or on which something is developed
raffish: displaying a charming, free-spirited disregard; showy
rag: to tease; a piece of cloth
rage: sudden and extreme anger, or an outburst of strong anger
ragout: a rich slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables
rail: to complain or scold bitterly
raillery: good-humored teasing
raiment: clothing
raison d'être: the reason for being
rakish: dashingly stylish, jaunty
ramble: to talk or write aimlessly; to go for a walk for pleasure
rambling: not to the point, spread out
rambunctious: noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
ramify: to divide into branches or similar parts
ramose: having many branches or divided into many branches
rampant: unrestrained and violent, out of control
rampart: to fortify or protect something (v/n)
ramshackle: likely to fall to pieces
rancor: bitter, deeply held, and long-lasting ill will or resentment
rancorous: unforgiving, vengeful
rangy: tall and lean with long legs
rank: in bad taste; coarse
rankle: to cause bitter feelings
ransom: a sum of money demanded or paid for the release of somebody who is being held prisoner
rant: to speak in loud exaggerated manner (v/n)
rapacious: greedy
rapine: the use of force to seize somebody else’s property, plunder
rappel: to descend a steep slope or vertical face using a rope that is secured at the top and passed through a series of coils or a harness
rapport: friendly relationship
rapt: completely engrossed, blissfully happy
raptorial: seizing and devouring prey
rapture: ecstasy
rara avis: somebody or something that is rarely encountered
rascal: one who behaves mischievously
rash: thoughtless and impetuous
raspish: rough
rate: to deserve something
ratiocination: thinking or putting forward an argument about something in a strictly logical way
ration: a fixed portion that is allotted
rationale: the reasoning or principle that underlies or explains a particular course of action
rationalism: the belief that thought and action should be governed by reason
rattle: to make short sharp knocking sounds, to disconcert somebody
raucous: harsh sounding
raucous: unpleasantly loud
ravage: to ruin or violently destroy
rave: to talk wildly; a dance party (n/v); enthusiastic
raven: large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail; to eat greedily
ravenous: extremely hungry, voracious and predatory
ravine: a deep narrow valley, especially one formed by running water
ravishing: extremely delightful or beautiful
raze: to destroy or level a building or settlement completely
reactionary: extremely conservative
realism: the principle and practice of depicting people and scenes as they are believed really to exist
realm: a domain in which something is dominant; a field of knowledge
ream: a large quantity of written matter; to remove by making a hole
reap: to gather, as of natural products
rear: the back part; to bring up
rear: the farthest point; to care for (children)
reassure: to cause to feel sure; give reassurance to; to give or restore confidence in
rebarbative: serving or tending to irritate or repel
rebuff: to reject or snub something
rebuke: to criticize or reprimand somebody, usually sharply
rebut: to overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
rebuttal: refutation
recalcitrant: stubborn
recant: to deny believing in something or withdraw something previously said
recapitulate: to recap
receptive: willing to accept; quick to learn
recess: an arm off of a larger body of water; alcove
recidivism: relapsing into crime
reciprocal: mutual
reciprocate: to give or feel something mutually or in return
recitation: saying aloud in the public something memorized
reckless: marked by unthinking boldness; characterized by careless
recline: to lean back into a supported sloping or horizontal position, usually in order to rest or relax
recluse: somebody who lives alone and deliberately keeps away from other people
recognizance: a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law
recoil: to move back suddenly and violently, for example, after impact
recollection: something recalled to the mind; the ability to recall past occurrences
reconcile: to make compatible with
reconciliation: establish of harmony after conflict
recondite: obscure
reconnaissance: an observation on territories such as enemies’
reconnoiter: to explore an area in order to gather information, especially about the strength and positioning of enemy forces
reconvene: to meet again; to reassemble
recount: to tell the story or details of something
recoup: to regain something lost or an equivalent
recourse: a turning to another for assistance, alternative
recreant: disloyal to a cause or duty, cowardly (adj/n)
recrimination: accusing somebody in return
recrudesce: to break out or become active again after a dormant period
recruit: register formally as a participant or member (v/n)
rectify: to correct something right
rectitude: strong moral integrity in character or actions
recumbent: lying back or lying down
recuperate: to regain health
recur: to occur again
recurrent: happening or appearing again, especially repeatedly
recusant: somebody disobeying authority (n/adj)
redemption: improving of something, redeemed state
redivivus: revived, reborn, or brought back to life
redline: to refuse loans, insurance, or other financial services to individuals or businesses
redolent: with a strong pleasant aroma
redouble: to increase
redoubt: a castle, fortress, or other stronghold
redoubtable: formidable, with personal qualities worthy of respect or fear
redound: to have a particular consequence, usually something good or positive
redress: compensation or reparation for a loss or wrong a party has experienced
reduction: a decrease or discount
reel: to walk as if unable to control one's movements
reenact: to rebuild or renovate
refine: to produce a purer form of something by removing the impurities from it, or to become pure through such a process
refinery: an industrial site where substances are processed and purified
refractory: stubborn, rebellious, and uncontrollable
refrain: to avoid or hold yourself back from doing something
refuge: a safe place; a shelter from danger or hardship
refute: to overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
regal: majestic and royal
regale: to entertain someone
regalia: the ceremonial and symbolic objects and clothing used and worn by royalty or other holders of high office on formal occasions
regent: somebody who rules on behalf of a monarch
regime: a system or style of government
regimen: program to improve health
regiment: a military unit with a large number of people
regnant: reigning, exercising power or authority
regression: weakening
regulate: to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of; to control
regurgitate: to flow out or be ejected, especially from the mouth
rehabilitate: to restore or reform
rehash: to present or use over, with no or few changes (v/n)
reign: the period of time during which somebody, especially a king or queen, rules a nation
rein: strap for controlling horse; any means of guiding, controlling, or restraining somebody or something
reinstate: to restore to a former state, station, or authority
reiterate: to repeat
relapse: to fall back into a former mood, state, or way of life
relegate: to assign to a lower position; reduce in rank; to demote
relent: to become less strict or intense
relic: a historic object, remnant
relinquish: to release
reliquary: container for relics
relish: enjoyment (n/v)
remarkable: extraordinary
remedy: a medicine or anything that relieves pain
reminisce: to recall the past
remiss: careless or negligent about doing something that is expected
remission: reduction and decrease
remit: to send as payment; to reduce the intensity
remnant: something that remains or is left over
remonstrate: to argue in protest or opposition; to present and urge reasons in opposition
remote: situated a long way away
remunerate: to pay for work done
renal: relating to kidneys
render: to cause to become; to provide or furnish with; to give or supply
rendezvous: a meeting planned at a certain time and place
rendition: a performance of a musical composition; an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious
renegade: somebody who abandons previously held beliefs or loyalties
renounce: to give up or quit
renovate: to put in good condition again
renown: fame
renunciation: denial or rejection
reparation: compensation for something wrong, amend
repartee: witty talk or remark
repast: meal (n/v)
repellent: serving or tending to repel; causing disgust
repent: to be sorry and change ways
repentance: a feeling of regret or contrition for having done something wrong
repercussion: result of action
repertoire: the entire range of skills or aptitudes or devices used in a particular field or occupation
repertory: a storehouse where a stock of things is kept
repine: to express discontent
replenish: to refill
replete: full
repository: a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping
reprehensive: deserving blame
reprieve: to relieve or let off
reprimand: to rebuke somebody for a wrongdoing
reprisal: an act in return for harm done by another
reproachful: expressing blame; accusing
reprobate: to reject as invalid, to express strong disapproval; immoral (adj/n)
reprove: to speak to somebody in a way that shows disapproval of something he or she has done
repudiate: to reject and disapprove
repugnant: offensive and completely unacceptable
repulse: to force or drive back (v/n)
repulsive: making somebody feel disgust or very strong dislike
reputation: the views that are generally held about somebody or something
repute: estimation or character according to what people in general think
requiem: a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
requisite: necessary for relief or supply
requisition: to formally request something
requite: to revenge or retaliate
rescind: to cancel something
resemble: to be alike or similar to
resent: to dislike; to begrudge
reservation: an advance booking, for example, of a seat, table, hotel room, or a ticket on a plane, train, or bus
reserve: to keep something back for future use or for some specific purpose
residue: matter that remains after something has been removed
resigned: accepting something without protest, submissive
resilience: the ability to recover quickly from setbacks
resolute: firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
resolve: to come to or cause somebody to come to a firm decision about something
resonate: to resound or echo, or cause something to resound or echo
resound: to echo loudly; to fill with sound
respectively: in the order given, in that order
respite: a temporary delay; a brief period of rest and recovery between periods of exertion or after something disagreeable
resplendent: shining and splendid
restitution: the return of something to its rightful owner
restive: being in a tense state, impatient especially under restriction or delay
restraint: the act of controlling by restraining someone or something, limit
resumption: recommencement
resurgent: rising or becoming stronger again
resurrect: to save or bring back to life
resuscitate: to revive somebody
retail: sale in small amounts (n/v/adj)
retain: to keep possession of something
retaliate: to get revenge
retch: to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
reticent: silent and quiet
retinue: a body of people who travel with and attend an important person
retiring: shy and reserved
retort: to answer in a sharp, quick manner (n/v)
retract: to take back; to withdraw
retrench: to cut down or reduce in extent or quality
retribution: punishment, revenge
retroactive: effective to a past date
retrograde: to cause to deteriorate or move backwards
retrospect: contemplation of things past (n/v)
reveal: to disclose
revel: to celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; to engage in uproarious festivities
reveler: somebody enjoying a noisy party or celebration
reverend: worthy of adoration or reverence; a member of spiritual leader of the Church
revile: to insult
revision: the changing of a decision, estimate, statistic, or set of figures in order to correct it or make it more realistic
revive: to come, or bring somebody, back to life, consciousness, or full strength
revocable: able to be invalidated or canceled
revoke: to formally cancel something
rhapsodize: to express enthusiasm
rhapsody: an epic poem adapted for recitation
rhetoric: using language effectively to please or persuade
rhetorical: a question asked for effect that neither expects nor requires an answer
rheumy: moist, damp, wet (especially of air)
ribald: humorous but rude and vulgar, often involving jokes about sex; (adj/n)
rickety: weak and shaky
ricochet: a reflection or rebound, echo (n/v)
rictus: a fixed open-mouthed grin or grimace, especially an expression of horror
riddance: removal
riddle: to make holes in something; to spread out
rife: widespread and plentiful
rifle: to search through vigorously, to rob or plunder somebody or something
rig: to fix or manipulate; a gear; a vehicle
righteous: morally justified; respectable
rigmarole: nonsense, a set of confused and meaningless statements
rigorous: full of strictness
rile: to irritate somebody enough that it provokes anger
rind: the tissue forming the hard outer layer (of e.g. a fruit)
riparian: along riverbank
ripple: a small wave on the surface of a liquid (n/v)
risible: causing or capable of causing laughter
rite: an established ceremony prescribed by a religion, ritual
ritual: any customary observance or practice (n/adj.)
rivet: to direct one's attention on something; to fasten; a pin
rivulet: a stream
roadkill: animal killed by vehicle
roam: to wander aimlessly (v/n)
robe: a long loose outer garment worn on ceremonial occasions
robust: strong and healthy
rococo: ornate
rogue: somebody who is unscrupulous or dishonest
roil: to make turbid by stirring up the sediments of
rollick: to play in a lively way
romp: to run around or play in a boisterous way
rookery: a breeding ground for gregarious birds
roost: to sit, as on a branch (v/n)
rosy: optimistic, especially to an unreasonable degree
rot: to decompose or decay
rote: memorization by repetition
rotund: spherical in shape
rotunda: a round building, usually covered with a dome
roundabout: indirect
rouse: to stir up into action
rove: to wander or travel aimlessly
rowdy: disorderly
rubbish: worthless material that is to be disposed of; to attack
rubicund: rosy
rucksack: a large bag, usually with two straps and often with a supporting frame
ruddy: reddish
rudiment: the elementary stages of any subject
rudimentary: basic
rue: to feel remorse or sorry for
rueful: causing sorrow and regret
ruffian: a cruel and brutal fellow
ruffle: to destroy the evenness of
rum: an alcoholic liquor made from sugar cane or molasses
rumble: to make deep sound
ruminate: to chew over again; to reflect deeply on a subject
rumple: to disturb the smoothness of; to become wrinkled or crumpled or creased
run of the mill: not special in any way, ordinary
rupture: a state of being broken
ruse: a clever trick or plot used to deceive others
rustic: relating to, characteristic of, or appropriate to the country or country living
rustle: to make a dry crackling sound; to move or work quickly and energetically
rut: a furrow; (n/v)
ruthless: without mercy or pity; cruel
rutilant: shining or glowing with a red light
rye: hardy annual cereal grass
sabbatical: a time off; vacation
sabotage: deliberate destruction of or damage (n/v)
saccharine: sweet
sacrilege: blasphemy
sacrosanct: sacred, holy
sadistic: being cruel for fun
safecracker: a thief who breaks open safes to steal valuable contents
sagacious: keen and wise in judgment, acute
sage: a wise person, especially an elder
salacious: characterized by lust
salad days: the best time of youth, with innocence, and inexperience
salient: having a quality that thrusts itself into attention, most important
sallow: unnaturally pale and yellowish (adj/v)
sally: a sudden rush or spring forward (n/v)
salmagundi: a mixed salad of various ingredients
saloon: a commercial establishment serving alcoholic drinks to the general public; bar
salubrious: healthful
salutary: useful, healthful
salutatorian: the graduating student with the second highest academic rank
salvage: to save and recover; to reclaim
salve: an ointment for soothing or healing wounds or sores
salvo: rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
sancocho: stew of meat and fruit
sanctify: to render holy by means of religious rites
sanctimonious: making an exaggerated show of holiness or moral superiority
sanctuary: a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept; refuge
sane: mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
sang-froid: self-possession or calmness, especially in a dangerous or stressful situation
sanguinary: involving death or bloodshed, bloodthirsty
sanguine: cheerfully optimistic
sanitize: to clean something thoroughly by disinfecting or sterilizing it
sap: to weaken; body fluid
sapid: full of flavor
sapience: wisdom
sapling: a young tree
saponaceous: having the qualities of soap
sappy: foolish
sardonic: disdainfully or ironically mocking
sartorial: pertaining to clothes
sash: a band of material around the waist; a framework that holds the panes of a window
sashay: to walk in a way that is intended to attract attention, especially by swaying the hips or swinging the elbows
Satan: the chief spirit of evil
sated: full, satisfied
satiate: to fill to satisfaction
satin: a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
satire: the use of wit, especially irony, sarcasm, and ridicule
saturnalia: a wild celebration or orgy
satyr: a lascivious person
saucy: showing a lack of respect
saunter: to stroll
savage: to attack somebody or something violently, viciously, and without restraint (v/adj)
savor: to enjoy something with unhurried appreciation (v/n)
savory: having an appetizing taste or smell
savvy: to comprehend something; shrewdness (n/adj)
scabbard: a sheath, hanging from a belt, for a sword, dagger, or bayonet
scaffold: death by hanging or beheading as a form of punishment; a temporary framework of poles and planks that is used to support workers
scald: to burn or injure with hot liquid or steam
scalp: the skin that covers the top of the head (n/ to remove n); to sell illegally
scalpel: a surgical knife with a short, very sharp blade
scaly: rough to the touch
scamp: a mischievous person, especially a child who misbehaves in harmless or humorous ways
scamper: to run quickly or playfully
scandalous: shocking, defamatory
scant: inadequate
scanty: not much and less than is needed
scapegrace: mischievous person
scarf: a piece of cloth, worn around the neck or on the head for warmth or decoration
scathing: harsh
schadenfreude: one delighting in another person's misfortune
scheme: a secret and cunning plan, especially one designed to cause damage or harm
schism: a split or division
schlock: junk, something that has no value and is shoddily made
scholar: a learner
scintilla: a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
scintillate: to throw off sparks, to flash
scion: descendant or heir
scoff: to show great disrespect with mocking behavior
scorch: to make very hot and dry
scorn: contempt/ disrespect (ant. admiration)
scoundrel: a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately
scour: to rub and clean; to search or hunt
scowling: sullen or unfriendly in appearance; scowl=to frown
scramble: to move hurriedly; to mix up; to climb
scrawl: to write quickly and sloppily
screech: a loud high-pitched grating sound (n/v)
screed: a long and often tedious piece of writing or speech
scrim: a firm open-weave fabric used for a curtain in the theater
scrip: a certificate whose value is recognized by the payer and payee
scrounge: to collect or look around for (food)
scrub: to clean with hard rubbing; to cancel
scruffy: shabby and untidy
scrumptious: very pleasing, especially to the taste
scrunch: to make wrinkles or creases into a smooth surface
scruple: uneasiness about the fitness of an action
scrupulous: characterized by extreme care and great effort
scrutinize: to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
scrutiny: close examination
scullery: a small room next to the kitchen, where kitchen utensils are cleaned and kept and other household jobs are done
scum: a filmy layer of extraneous matter or impurities that rises to or is formed on the surface of a liquid
scurrilous: containing abusive language or defamatory allegations
scurry: to move about or proceed hurriedly, to scuttle
scurry: to move at a hurried pace, usually with small fast steps
scuttle: to run or move quickly; to spoil or wreck
scuttlebutt: rumors about somebody’s activities; drinking fountain on ship
scythe: to cut or reap something with a cutting utensil
seam: a thin layer of a rock or mineral such as a coal deposit occurring between different strata of bedrock
séance: a meeting of spiritualists
sear: to burn the surface of
sebaceous: containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
secant: cutting, especially into two parts (adj/n)
secede: to withdraw formally and completely
second: to express agreement and support for something that somebody has just said
secondhand: not directly known, previously used
secrete: to place out of sight; keep secret; to release
secretion: the process of producing a substance from the cells and fluids within a gland or organ and discharging it
sectarian: of a religious faction (adj/n)
secular: not controlled by a religious body or concerned with religious or spiritual matters
sedate: dignified, not hurried (adj/v)
sedation: a state of calm, restfulness, or drowsiness
sedative: a drug or other agent that induces sedation
sedentary: involving or requiring much sitting, inactive
sedition: words intended to incite rebellion against government, treason
seduce: to persuade to the wrong
sedulous: painstaking
seedling: a young developing plant that is grown from a seed
seedy: shabby, dirty-looking, and often disreputable
seemly: in keeping with accepted standards and appropriate to the circumstances
seep: to pass or escape through an opening very slowly and in small quantities
seer: prophet
seethe: to be in an agitated emotional state
segue: to proceed without interruption
seizure: an attack
self-aggrandizement: the ambitious or ruthless pursuit of increased personal importance, wealth, reputation, or power
self-effacing: modest and reserved to avoid drawing attention to oneself in company
self-possessed: in full control of your faculties; self-control
self-sufficient: able to provide for your own needs without help from others
semblance: outward appearance, often erroneous and misleading
seminary: a private place of education for the young
sempiternal: lasting forever
senescent: growing older by the minute
senile: forgetful, confused, or otherwise mentally less acute in later life
sensory: relating to sensation and sense organs
sensual: relating to the body and the senses, relating to physical or, especially, sexual pleasure
sensuous: appealing to or gratifying the senses
sententious: tending to use, or full of, maxims and aphorisms; concise and full of meaning
sentient: capable of feeling and perception, conscious
sentimental: affected acutely by emotional matters, often to the point of mawkishness
sentinel: a person employed to watch for something to happen
sentry: a person on duty as guards
sepulcher: a chamber that is used as a grave
sequester: to put somebody into isolation
sequestrate: to keep away from others
serenade: to sing and play for somebody (v/n)
serendipity: luck or good fortune, a natural gift for making useful discoveries by accident
serene: peaceful; clear
sergeant –major: a noncommissioned officer serving as chief administrative officer of a headquarters unit of the army
sergeant-at-arms: an officer who maintains order and executes commands
seriatim: one after another, or in a series
serpent: limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
serrate: with notches or projections like the teeth of a saw; to give something an edge that is notched like the teeth of a saw
servile: too obedient
sesquipedalian: one who uses big words (n/adj)
sever: to keep apart; to cut off or separate
severity: something hard to endure, harshness
shackle: metal bracelet for holding prisoners
shakedown: an act of extorting money from somebody using threats; to extract
shallop: a light boat with oars, sails, or both, used in shallow waters
sham: something false or empty that is purported to be genuine
shamble: to walk in awkward, unsteady way
shambles: a place or scene of disorder or destruction
shank: the long narrowest part of something such as a key or pipe, especially when it connects two functional parts
shard: a broken piece of a brittle artifact
shawl: a fabric square worn by women over the shoulders or head and shoulders or used to wrap a baby in
shear: to trim or cut
sheath: a case for the blade of a knife, sword, or other cutting implement
sheepish: showing embarrassment as a result of having done something awkward or wrong
sheer: complete, pure and unadulterated; vertical
shift: a loose-fitting dress that hangs down from the shoulders
shiftless: unwilling to make the effort to be successful or do something properly
shim: a thin wedge of material (wood or metal or stone) for driving into crevices
shimmer: to shine softly with a wavering or flickering light, or cause something to shine in this way
shipwright: a carpenter who helps build and launch wooden vessels
shirk: to avoid something or responsibility
shoal: a large group of fish; shallow water
shod: wearing footgear
shoddy: poorly or carelessly made or done
shoehorn: to squeeze something; a device to help heel into shoe
showboat: somebody who behaves flamboyantly in order to attract attention (n/v)
shrewd: marked by practical hardheaded intelligence; clever
shriek: sharp piercing cry (n/v)
shrill: with a high-pitched penetrating quality; making a high-pitched penetrating sound
shrine: a sacred place of worship associated with a holy person or event
shrivel: to shrink or weaken
shrub: a woody plant smaller than a tree
shrubbery: a group of shrubs
shudder: an involuntary vibration (n/v)
shun: to avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of; to expel
shutter: door or window cover; to close something using shutters
shuttle: to travel back and forth between two points
sibilant: producing a hissing sound
sideburn: beard grown down the side of a man's face in front of the ears
sidekick: a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
sidelong: inclining or tending to one side
sidereal: relating to stars
sidestep: to evade something
sidle: to move sideways in a sly way
sieve: an utensil with many tiny openings; a tool for separation
sift: to move as if through a sieve; to check and sort carefully (sieve)
simulacrum: a representation or image of something
sin: an action that breaks a religious law
sine qua non: a prerequisite
sinecure: paid job requiring little work
sinewy: muscular and strong
singe: to slightly burn
singular: unique, remarkable
sinuous: with graceful winding or curving movements
sinus: an opening or cavity
sip: a small drink (n/v)
sire: to make children
sirocco: hot oppressive wind
sizable: fairly large
sketchy: lacking in substance, clarity, or detail, vague
skewer: a long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted (n/v)
skiff: a small flat-bottom boat
skimpy: hardly adequate, stingy
skinflint: a selfish person who is unwilling to give or spend
skirting: avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing; avoidance
skitter: to skip along quickly and lightly
skittish: unpredictably excitable, playful
skulk: to move about in a furtive way
slab: a thick flat broad piece of something, especially when cut or trimmed
slake: to satisfy; to fill; to quench
slander: to insult or show disrespect (v/n)
slang: words, expressions, and usages that are casual, vivid, racy, or playful replacements for standard ones
slant: to be at an angle, or set something at an angle (v/n), a point of view or way of looking at something
slate: to schedule or designate something
slattern: an untidy and slovenly woman
sleazy: dirty, disreputable, or sordid in character or appearance
sledgehammer: a large heavy hammer swung with both hands.
sleek: smooth and shiny
sleight of hand: skill or dexterity with the hands in performing magic tricks
slender: small or slight in width in proportion to height or length; limited
slick: a slippery smoothness (n/v)
slink: to walk stealthily
slither: to pass or move unobtrusively or smoothly
sliver: a thin layer (n/v)
slogan: a favorite saying of a sect or political group
slop: a liquid that has spilled or overflowed (n/v)
sloth: laziness
slouch: an incompetent person; usually used in negative constructions; to walk slovenly
sloven: a coarse obnoxious person
slovenly: negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt
slowly or very little
slugabed: somebody who likes to stay in bed later than other people
sluggish: inactive and
slumber: to be asleep or in a state of inactivity or rest
sly: marked by skill in deception
small beer: something of little or no importance
smaragdine: any green gemstone, for example, an emerald
smatter: to work with in a non-serious manner; to speak with spotty or superficial knowledge
smattering: a small number or amount
smear: to spread over, or spread something liquid or greasy over something
smite: to inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, or a weapon; to affect suddenly with deep feeling
smolder: to burn slowly and without a flame
smooch: to kiss and caress somebody (v/n)
smother: to cover thickly; to become suffocated
smudge: a container in which material is burned to produce smoke; to smear or blur something by rubbing it
snarl: to utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone (v/n)
snazzy: attractively new, bright, or fashionable
snide: sarcastic
snivel: to weep with sniffling
snob: somebody who looks down on others and feels superior
snort: to laugh loudly
snub: to treat somebody rudely; to bring something to a stop
sobriety: abstinence from or moderation in the use of alcohol or drugs
sobriquet: a familiar name for a person
sodden: thoroughly wet (adj/v)
soigné: neat and smart in dress and appearance
soiree: a party of people assembled in the evening
solace: comfort in time of trouble
solder: an alloy with a low melting point used to join electrical components together (n/v)
solecism: breach of good manners
solemn: earnest, demonstrating sincerity and gravity
solicit: to ask for
solicitous: expressing an attitude of concern and consideration
soliloquy: speech you make to yourself
solipsism: belief in self as only reality
solitude: loneness and isolation
solvent: having enough money to cover expenses and debts
somnambulate: to sleepwalk
somniferous: making somebody, or designed to make somebody, feel sleepy
somniloquism: uttering speech while asleep
somnolent: drowsy, sleepy
sonic: relating to, using, or producing sound or sound waves
sonorous: producing or possessing sound
soothing: making more comfortable
soothsayer: somebody who attempts to predict the future
sop: to give a conciliatory gift or bribe to; to dip into liquid
sophism: apparently clever but flawed argument
sophistical: clever-sounding but flawed
sophistry: flawed method of argumentation
sophomoric: immature
soporific: causing sleep or drowsiness
sorcery: the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world
sordid: morally degraded, squalid
sortie: a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
sotto voce: in a soft voice, so as not to be overheard
sough: to make a soft rustling, sighing, or murmuring sound, like the wind in trees (v/n)
soundly: free from damage
soupcon: tiny amount, bit
sovereign: monarch, independent, outstanding
sow: to plant seeds for growing
sparing: careful in spending or using
sparrow: a small dull-colored songbird
Spartan: marked by stern discipline, frugality, simplicity, or courage\
spasm: a sudden burst of energy
spasmodic: occurring at uneven intervals
spate: outpouring
spay: to surgically remove an animal’s ovaries and adjacent parts of the uterus
spearhead: a leader (n/v); the head of a spearhead
specialize: to specify or make specific mention of something
specie: money in the form of coins
species: a kind, sort, or variety of something
specimen: an example regarded as typical of its class
specious: plausible but false
speck: a very small mark or stain
speckle: a small spot or mark, often a small irregular patch of contrasting color (n/v)
spectacle: a phenomenon that seen, especially one that is unusual
specter: a ghostly presence or apparition
spectral: like or being a phantom; ghostly
speculation: a conclusion, theory, or opinion based on incomplete information or evidence
spellbound: with attention and interest held completely, as if under the influence of a spell
spendthrift: someone who spends money prodigally; a waster
spew: to vomit something that has been eaten
spick and span: completely neat and clean
spindrift: spray that blows from the surface of the sea
spinster: a woman who has never married
spiral: a flat curve or series of curves that constantly increase or decrease in size
spirit: a strong alcoholic beverage
spiteful: showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite; hateful
spontaneously: instantly
spooky: scared; frightened
spoonerism: an accidental transposition of initial consonant sounds or parts of words
sporadically: occurring occasionally at intervals that have no apparent pattern
spore: a small usually single-celled reproductive body
sport: to wear or display in a proud manner
sporting: fair; risking
spotty: inconsistent in quality
sprawl: to spread out
sprightly: full of life and vigor
springy: bouncing back into shape
sprinkle: to scatter small drops of a liquid or particles of a fine or powdery substance
sprout: to begin to grow
sprout: to grow or cause something or somebody to grow; a new growth on a plant
spruce: appearing neat and tidy (adj/v)
spur: to incite or stimulate
spurious: being different from what it claims to be
spurn: to reject somebody or something with disdain
sputter: to say in an agitated manner
squalid: dirty and shabby because of neglect and lack of money
squalor: shabbiness, filth, degradation
squander: to waste; to spend thoughtlessly; to throw away
squarely: in a direct or forceful way
squat: a small worthless amount; to crouch
squatter: one who settles on land without permission or right
squawk: to utter a loud harsh cry
squire: to escort or go out with a man or a woman (v/n); rural landowner
staggering: with the effect of shocking or astounding people
stagnant: not flowing or moving
stagy: exaggerated or artificial in manner, as if in a play
staid: characterized by dignity and propriety
stake: to risk or gamble; investment
stale: not so strong or energetic
stalk: to follow stealthily
stall: a small area selling or dispensing food; to stop or delay
stallion: un-castrated adult male horse
stalwart: strong and sturdy
stammer: to speak with involuntary stops and much repeating
stampede: to rush or sprint (usually a mad or wild dash) (v/n)
stanch: to stop; firm
stanchion: a vertical pole, bar, or beam used to support something (n/v)
starchy: rigidly formal
statecraft: the art of governing or managing the affairs of a country well
stately: dignified or grand
state-of-the-art: the most advanced level of knowledge and technology currently achieved in any field at any given time
statuesque: like a statue, especially in having classical beauty, elegance, or proportions
stature: the standing height of somebody or something; somebody’s standing or level of achievement
statute: an enacted law
staunch: firm; loyal
stead: the position or role customarily occupied or served by another
steadfast: firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve
stealthy: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
stellar: involving stars
stench: a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
stencil: a cut-out model or guide; a pattern
stentorian: loud, powerful or declamatory in tone
sterile: barren and bare
sterilize: to kill all living microorganisms in order to make something incapable of causing infection; to neuter
sterling: highest in quality
sternly: with sternness; in a severe manner
stew: to be deeply troubled or agitated
stickler: to dispute stubbornly about trivial matters
stifle: to impair somebody’s breathing or find it hard to breathe
stigmatize: to label somebody or something as socially undesirable
stiletto: a small dagger with a narrow tapering blade
stilt: a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
stimulate: to make active; to fire up
stimulus: incentive
stipend: allowance
stipulate: to specify something such as a condition when making an agreement or an offer
stir: emotional agitation and excitement
stock: to have on hand, to keep; repeated too often; over-familiar through overuse
stocky: having a broad strong-looking physique, and usually short in stature
stoic: someone who is seemingly indifferent to emotions (n/adj)
stolid: unemotional
stomp: to tread heavily
stonemason: worker with stone
stony: showing unfeeling resistance to tender feelings
stoop: to bend the top half of the body forward and downward
stormy petrel: one who brings discord or appears at the onset of trouble; a rebel
stout: strong and substantial; an euphemisms for 'fat'
stow: to put or hide away
straddle: to sit or stand so that one leg is on one side and the other leg is on the other side of something or somebody
straightforward: not hard to understand; truthful to the point
strain: deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces, difficulty
strait: strict and severe (adj/n)
strait-laced: excessively strict of morals, prudish
strangle: to choke to death
strapping: tall and powerfully built
stratagem: an elaborate or deceitful scheme contrived to deceive or evade
stratify: to form, arrange, or deposit in layers
stratum: any of several parallel layers or levels of something
stray: to wander; a lost or wandering person
streak: a distinctive characteristic
strenuous: requiring great effort, energy, stamina, or strength
strewn: being distributed here and there without order; scattered strapping; big and strong
stricture: a severe criticism or strongly critical remark; limit or restriction
strident: loud, harsh sound; strongly expressed
strife: bitter and sometimes violent conflict, struggle, or rivalry
stringent: strictly controlled or enforced
stripling: a boy in his early teenage years, who has not yet grown to his full size
stroll: a leisurely walk; to walk
stronghold: a place that is fortified or that can be easily be defended
strung: very tired, tense, and overwrought
strut: a proud stiff pompous gait (n/v)
stub: a short part of something that is left after the main part has been removed or used
stubble: material consisting of seed coverings that have been separated from the seeds
studious: giving to diligent study; showing careful attention
stuffy: lacking fresh air
stultify: to diminish somebody’s interest and liveliness
stunt: something dangerous that is done as a challenge or to entertain people (n/v)
stupefy: to amaze and stun
stupendous: impressively large, excellent, or great in extent or degree
stupor: dazed state, unconsciousness
sty: an enclosure in which hogs are kept
stymie: to hinder the progress of, a problem
suasion: persuasion
suave: smooth
subdue: to put down by force or intimidation
subjacent: lying under or just below something
subjection: domination; forced submission to control by others
subjective: based on somebody’s opinions or feelings rather than on facts or evidence
subjugate: to dominate, to put under control
sublimate: to purify, refine or change something undesirable
sublime: so awe-inspiringly beautiful as to seem almost heavenly
subliminal: below the threshold of conscious perception; subconscious
sublingual: under the tongue
sublunary: situated between the earth and the moon; worldly or mundane
submerge: to go under water; to sink; to fill or cover completely, usually with water
submersible: designed for use under water
submissive: ready to submit to others, obedient
subsequent: following in time, order, place
subservient: to eager to obey others; secondary in importance
subside: to sink into a lower level
subsidiary : having secondary importance or occupying a subordinate position
subsidize: to supply capital to or for
subsist: to manage to live
substantial: large in amount; firmly constructed
substantiate: to establish by evidence
substantive: with practical importance
subtend: to extend to the direct opposite
subterfuge: sneaky strategy; tricks
subterranean: being or operating under the surface of the earth, existing or carried on in secret
subtle: be difficult to detect or grasp by the mind; working or spreading in a hidden way
subtrahend: number to be subtracted
subversive: rebellious; not following
subvert: to cause the downfall of; to destroy completely
succinct: showing or expressed with brevity and clarity, with no wasted words; brief
succor: to help for somebody or something
succulent: juicy and tasty, interesting
suckle: to take milk from a mother’s breast, teat, or udder, or to allow a young child or animal to feed on milk from the breast, teat, or udder
sufferance: tolerance of something prohibited; endurance of difficulty or pain
suffice: to be enough
suffuse: to fill with a glow
sui generis: unique, or in a class of its own
suitor: a man who is trying to persuade a woman to marry him
sulky: angrily silent
sullen: showing bad temper or hostility by a refusal to talk
sully: to spoil or make dirty
summarily: done instantly, without delay
summon: to call in an official matter, such as to attend court
sumptuous: splendid or luxurious
sunder: to break something apart
superannuated: retired; too worn; out-of-date
supercilious: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
supererogatory: performed to an extent beyond what is required or expected
superficial: not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually; insincere
superfluous: extra, unnecessary
superintend: to be in charge of something
superlative: excellent, of the highest quality or degree
supernumerary: exceeding the usual number
supersede: to replace something less efficient, to succeed something or somebody
superstitious: showing ignorance or the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance
supine: lying face upward; lethargic
supplant: to oust someone
supplicant: humble petitioner
supplicate: to humbly address requests
supposition: conjecture, hypothesis that is taken for granted
suppress: to put down by force or authority; to hold back
supremacy: the highest rank, power or authority
surcease: an end or cessation
surcharge: to overcharge (v/n)
surety: certainty; something clearly established and guaranteed
surfeit: excess
surly: bad-tempered, unfriendly, rude, and somewhat threatening
surmise: to guess (v/n)
surmount: to deal with a difficulty successfully
surname: last name
surpass: to be great, better; to exceed
surreal: dreamlike
surreptitiously: secretly
surrogate: substitute
surveillance: close observation of a person or group
susceptible: easily influenced or affected by something
sustain: to withstand or maintain; to experiment a setback
susurrus: the indistinct sound of people whispering
suture: to stitch and sew
svelte: pleasantly, fashionably slim
swaddle: to wrap
swagger: bold, arrogant stride
swan: to assert; to wander about idly
swarthy: with dark complexion
swathe: to wrap in swaddling clothes
sweeping: on a large scale
swelter: to be uncomfortably hot
swerve: to veer and change direction
swindle: to obtain something from somebody, especially money, by deception or fraud
swine: a pig or hog; an offensive term on one's behavior
swollen: past participle of swell
swoon: to pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain (v/n)
sybarite: somebody devoted to luxury and the gratification of sensual desires
sycophantic: attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
syllabus: outline of a subject, course, lecture, or treatise
sylph: a woman or girl who is slight and graceful
sylvan: relating to, typical of, or found in a forest (adj/n)
symphonic: harmonious in sound, color, or composition
synchronized: things corresponding; matching
syndicate: an association of individuals united for the prosecution of some enterprise
syneresis: the contraction of two vowels into a diphthong; liquid separation in gel
synod: an ecclesiastical council
synthesize: to combine different elements into new whole
systematic: carried out in a methodical and organized manner
table: to postpone discussion of something
tableau: picture, an arrangement of inanimate figures representing a scene from real life
tabloid: a small-format popular newspaper with a simple style
taboo: forbidden to be used, mentioned, or approached because of social or cultural rather than legal prohibitions
tabularize: to tabulate
tabulate: to put into a table
tacit: understood or implied without being stated openly
taciturn: inclined to silence
tack: a sharp nail; the direction of sailing; to fasten
tact: consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offence (ant. clumsiness)
tactic: a planned action for some purpose
tactile: of or relating to or proceeding from the sense of touch; tangible
taint: the state of being contaminated
take for granted: to consider as true or real; to underestimate
talisman: a lucky charm
tallow: a hard fatty substance extracted from the fat of sheep and cattle and used to make candles and soap (n/v)
tame: to correct by punishment or discipline; very restrained or quiet
tang: the taste experience when a savory condiment is taken into the mouth, flavor
tangent: going off the main topic
tangential: almost irrelevant
tangible: able to be touched or perceived through the sense of touch
tannery: workplace where skins and hides are tanned
tantalize: to tease or torment one by letting them see but not have something
tantamount: the same as, equal
tapering: gradually narrowed toward a point
tapestry: a heavy textile with a woven design; used for curtains and upholstery
tarmac: a paved surface having compressed layers of broken rocks held together with tar (n/v)
tarnish: to become dull
tartan: a cloth having a crisscross design
tattle: to tell a secret
tattletale: a person who tattles
taut: tough, tight and tense
taw: to turn skins into white leather; large marble
tawdry: cheap, of little value
tawny: of brownish orange color
taxidermy: the art or skill of preparing, stuffing, and presenting dead animal skins so that they appear lifelike
tchotchke: a trinket or piece of bric-a-brac
teal: greenish-blue color
tearful: filled with or marked by tears; showing sorrow
teat: the small projection of a mammary gland
technicality: a detail that is considered insignificant
tedious: boring
teem: to be full to overflowing
teensy: very small
teeter: to wobble
telepathy: apparent communication from one mind to another without using sensory perceptions
telescope: to crush together or collapse; to make smaller
telling a yarn: phrase meaning telling a story
telltale: someone who gossips indiscreetly (n/adj)
temerity: reckless confidence that might be offensive
temper: a sudden outburst of anger; to moderate and alleviate
temperament: a prevailing or dominant quality of mind that characterizes somebody
temperamental: subject to sharply varying moods
temperance: the trait of avoiding excesses
temperate: not extreme in behavior, moderate, calm
tempest: a severe storm with very high winds and often rain, hail, or snow
temporal: not eternal, of or relating to or limited by time
temporize: to draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
tempt: to make someone think of doing wrong; to risk the dangers
tenable: with reasonable arguments to support it
tenacious: persistent, unyielding, with adhesiveness
tendentious: trying to influence opinion
tender: to present something formal or official, in the form of a document
tendril: a slim, wispy, curling, or winding piece of something, especially hair
tenebrous: dark, murky, or obscured by shadows
tenement: a rundown apartment house barely meeting minimal standards (poorly made)
tenet: a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof; a religious belief
tenor: the direction in which something is steadily moving
tentage: tents in general or as a group
tentative: unsettled in mind or opinion, hesitant, cautious
tenuous: weak
tenure: the occupation of an official position, or the length of time a position is occupied
tepid: moderately warm; unenthusiastic
tercentenary: 300th anniversary (n/adj)
tergiversate: to change sides of opinions
termagant: violently abusive and quarrelsome
terminology: the expressions and words, or a set of expressions and words, used by people involved in a specialized activity or field of work
terminus: the very last stop or end
terse: brief and to the point; effectively cut short; curt
testament: proof or evidence; will
testator: a person who makes a will
testily: in a petulant, irritably manner
tether: restraint consisting of a rope; tie with a tether
thatch: a plant material such as straw or rushes used as roofing on a house.(n/v)
thaumaturgy: the performance of miracles or magic
theatrical: a performance of play; of or relating to the theater
theodolite: an optical instrument consisting of a rotating telescopic sight, used by a surveyor to measure horizontal and vertical angles
theorist: someone who theorizes (especially in science or art); philosopher
therapeutic: used in treating disease
thereabout: near that time, date, or place; approximately
thicket: a dense growth of bushes
thingamabob: something whose name is either forgotten or not known
thingamajig: something whose name is either forgotten or not known
thingy: something whose name is either forgotten or not known
thorough: painstakingly careful and accurate
thoroughbred: having a list of ancestors as proof of being a purebred animal (adj/n)
thoroughfare: a public road from one place to another
thrall: the state of being under the control of another person
threadbare: shabby and poor, overused so no longer convincing
threnody: a song, poem, or speech of lament for the dead
thrice: three times over
thrifty: careful and diligent in the use of resources; economical
thrive: to grow vigorously and healthily; to grow stronger
throb: a deep pulsating type of pain; to tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
throe: a spasm of pain
throng: a great number of people crowded together
thrust: the force used in pushing (n/v)
thug: somebody, especially a criminal, who is brutal and violent
thwack: a hard blow with a flat object (n/v)
thwart: to frustrate something
tidbit: a small, usually bite-sized, piece of delicious food
tidings: news
tier: layer; row
tightfisted: stingy, disinclined to spend money
till: to work land in order to make it ready for cultivation
tilth: cultivation
timbre: the distinctive property of a complex sound
timely: happening or done at the right time or an appropriate time
timorous: timid, showing fear or hesitancy
tincture: an indication that something has been present (n/v)
tinge: to add a slight amount of color to something (v/n)
tingle: an almost pleasurable sensation of fright; an itching
tinker: to do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
tinkle: a series of light metallic ringing sounds
tinny: of very poor quality; sharp or harsh
tinsel: glittering material
tipple: to drink moderately but regularly
tipsy: very drunk
tirade: a speech of violent denunciation
titan: a powerful person
titillate: to excite or stimulate somebody pleasurably, usually in a mildly sexual way
titivate: to spruce up
titter: to laugh in a nervous manner
tittle-tattle: light informal conversation for social occasions (n/v)
tittup: to move in a lively prancing way
titular: being such in name only, supposed
tizzy: an excited state of agitation
toady: a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage (n/v)
tocsin: alarm, warning
togs: clothes of any kind
tomboy: a girl who dresses or behaves in a way regarded as boyish, especially a girl who enjoys rough boisterous play
tome: a book, especially a large heavy book on a serious subject
tongue-in-cheek: not seriously, in a bantering fashion (adv/adj)
tonnage: a tax imposed on ships that enter the US torment; unbearable physical pain
tonsorial: pertaining to hair or haircutting
toothsome: delicious; attractive
torpidity: torpor
torpor: inactivity resulting from torpidity and lack of vigor or energy
torrent: a violent flow; a violently fast stream of water
torrid: full of passion, scorching hot
torso: the upper part of the human body, not including the head and arms
tort: civil wrongdoing
tortuous: with many turns or bends, intricate, devious
totter: to walk unsteadily, to be unstable
touchstone: a standard by which something is judged
tow: to drag or pull; a rope used for pulling
tractable: being very easy to control or persuade
traduce: to say very critical or disparaging things about somebody
trajectory: the curved path of something passed or thrown
trammel: something that limits a person’s freedom (n/v)
tramp: vagrant; to step in heavily
trance: a dream
tranquil: characterized by absence of emotional agitation, free from disturbance
tranquility: clam
transact: to conduct business
transcend: to go beyond limit
transcribe: to write out an exact copy of something
transfix: to fascinate
transformation: a qualitative change
transfuse: to transfer something by pouring
transgression: any act that violates the law; overstepping a limit
transient: passing with time, transitory
transitive: needing or usually taking a direct object
transitory: not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time
translucent: almost transparent; allowing light to pass through diffusely
transmogrify: to change form grotesquely
transmute: to change from one form, nature, substance, or state into another
transpire: to come to light; become known; to happen
transplant: to move somebody or something to another place
transposition: reversal of order
traumatize: to cause somebody to experience severe emotional shock
travail: hard or agonizing labor (n/v)
traverse: to travel or move across, over, or through an area or a place
travesty: a distorted or debased version of something, grotesque imitation (n/v)
treacherous: betraying trust or confidence
treason: an act of deliberate betrayal
treatise: a formal exposition
trek: hike walk (n/v)
tremor: involuntary vibration
tremulous: trembling
trenchant: direct, incisive, and deliberately hurtful
trendy: relating to or exemplifying the latest fashion
trepidation: fear
trestle: supporting framework
triage: the process of prioritizing sick or injured people for treatment according to the seriousness of the condition or injury
tribulation: great difficulty, affliction, or distress
tribute: compliment. evidence attesting good; tax
trifle: a small amount
trinity: a group of three
trinket: small item of little value; something trivial
trite: overused and consequently lacking in interest or originality
trivial: unimportant
trivialize: to reduce the important or value of something
troubadour: poet or singer
truckle: to behave in a weak or servile way
truculent: aggressively defiant
trudge: to walk wearily or laboriously
trundle: to roll along
truss: to secure with or as if with ropes; to bind
tryst: an arrangement to meet, especially one made privately or secretly
tubular: having hollow tubes (as for the passage of fluids)
tuft: bunch or clump of things of things
tumble: to fall suddenly and awkwardly, especially rolling over and over, or cause something to fall in this way
tumor: an abnormal uncontrolled growth or mass of body cells, which may be malignant or benign and has no physiological function
tunic: a loose wide-necked garment that extends to the hip or knee turquoise; a blue gem
turbid: confused and muddled, muddy
turbulent: marked by disturbances, changes, and unrest
turgid: pompous, boring, and overcomplicated
turpitude: extreme immorality or wickedness
turret: a small rounded tower that projects from a wall or corner of a large building such as a castle
tutelage: teaching
tutelary: acting in the role of a protector or guardian
twang: the sharp resonating noise (n/v)
tweak: twist or squeeze
twinge: a sudden brief stab of pain
twitch: a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition (n/v)
two-time: to carry on a romantic relationship with two people at the same time
typical: having all or most of the characteristics shared by others of a type and therefore suitable as an example of the type
typography: the activity or business of preparing texts for printing
tyro: a novice, beginner
ubiquitous: being present everywhere at once
ukase: an edict
ulterior: existing in addition to or being other than what is apparent or assumed
ultimate: final; most extreme; vital; supreme
ultimatum: a final peremptory demand
ululate: to howl or wail, in grief or in jubilation
umbrage: offence; giver of shade
unabashed: not ashamed or embarrassed
unabated: still as forceful or intense as before
unalloyed: in a pure state
unanimous: in complete agreement
unassuming: acting in a way that does not assume superiority, modest
unbecoming: not right or proper
unbelief: a rejection of belief
unbidden: not invited; unasked
unbosom: to relieve oneself of troubling information
unbridled: freely and openly expressed, unrestrained
uncalled-for: beyond what is necessary or expected, especially in being unjustifiably unkind or impolite
uncanny: eerie
uncoil: to release something, or be released, from a coiled or wound position; to undo
uncommitted: not dedicated, casual
unconditional: with not conditions or limitations
unconscionable: shocking and morally unacceptable
unconstrained: at liberty
uncorroborated: unsupported by evidence
uncouth: ill-mannered
uncritical: accepting without analyzing
unction: anointing with oil; earnestness
unctuous: excessively ingratiating; oil, fatty, greasy
undaunted: not shocked
undeniably: unquestionably
undercurrent: a feeling, opinion, force, or tendency that is felt to be present in somebody, but that is not openly shown
underhanded: marked by deception, secret, sly, deceitful
underlying: positioned beneath something else, fundamental
undermine: to weaken
understudy: a substitute actor (n/v)
undertake: to make a pledge to do something
underwrite: to issue insurance, to lend support to
undeviating: remaining loyal or constant
undiluted: pure
undue: excessive or very inappropriate
undulate: to move sinuously like waves (v/adj)
unduly: excessively
unequivocal: allowing for no doubt; unambiguous
unflagging: remaining strong and unchanging
unforgiving: intolerant
ungainly: lacking grace in movement or posture
unguent: a healing or soothing ointment
ungulate: having hoofs
uniformity: a condition in which everything is regular and unvarying; consistency
unique: radically distinctive and without equal; sole
unmediated: without the interposition of other agencies or conditions
unnerving: to cause to lose courage
unprecedented: having no earlier parallel or equivalent
unpretentious: natural and modest
unravel: to disentangle, to make understandable
unrequited: not returned in kind; unanswered
unruly: difficult to control, manage, discipline, or govern
unsentimental: facing difficulties with determination
unsettle: to disrupt or upset somebody
unsettling: disturbing the composure of; worrying
untapped: unused
untoward: causing misfortunate, inappropriate
unwarranted: unnecessary
unwary: easily fooled or surprised
unwieldy: heavy and awkward
unyielding: not giving in to persuasion, pressure, or force
unyoke: to untie something, to disconnect connected things
upbeat: full of optimism or cheerfulness; an increase in happiness, prosperity, or favorable activity
upbraid: to scold someone
upbringing: the way somebody has been brought up, or trained and educated early in life
upcast: a throwing upward; an air passage
upheaval: disturbance
upheave: to raise or lift up
uphold: to maintain or support
upholstery: covering on a piece of a furniture
upkeep: maintenance
uplift: to raise or lift somebody or something (v/n)
uproarious: uncontrollably noisy; marked by or causing boisterous merriment or convulsive laughter
uproot: to pull up or displace
upshot: the end result or outcome of something
upstart: one with newly acquired status, but is thought not to deserve it (n/v)
upturn: an upward movement or trend as in business activity, improvement
urbanity: sophistication, courtesy
urchin: mischievous child
urinate: to discharge urine from the body
urn: an ornamental vase that usually has a foot or a pedestal
ursine: relating to pr typical of bears
usher: to escort or guide (v/n)
usurp: to seize and take control without authority and possibly with force
usury: lending of money at an exorbitant rate or interest
utilitarian: stressing and believing in usefulness
utilitarianism: the ethical doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the criterion of the virtue of action
utopian: a perfect society
utter: to say; complete
uxorious: excessively devoted or submissive to your wife
vaccinate: to immunize somebody
vacillate: to waver and hesitate
vacuous: having no content or idea; stupid
vagary: unpredictable change
vagrant: homeless wanderer (n/adj)
vain: ineffective and useless
vainglorious: excessively proud or boastful
vainglory: excessive pride
vale: valley that often has a stream running through it; farewell
valedictorian: the student who delivers the valedictory address at graduation
valedictory: a statement or speech of farewell
valetudinarian: somebody who has persistent ill health
valiant: having or showing valor or braveness
validity: having a solid foundation or justification
valor: the qualities of a hero or heroine; courage, heroism
valve: a device that controls the movement of liquids or gases through piping or other passages by opening or closing ports and channels
vanguard: the leading position
vanity: feelings of excessive pride; the quality of being valueless or futile
vanquish: to defeat or conquer in battle
vantage: a position that provides an advantage
vapid: lacking taste or flavor or tang, insipid
variegate: to change the appearance of, especially by marking with different colors
varnish: paint that provides a hard glossy transparent coating (n/v)
varsity: a team representing a college or university
vase: an open container, usually tall and rounded, used for displaying cut flowers or as an ornament
vassal: slave, dependent landowner in feudal society
vaudeville: a variety show with songs and comic acts etc.
vault: to leap or spring over something; an arched structure
veer: to change direction, especially suddenly
vegetal: typical of vegetables
vegetate: to live or behave in a dull, inactive, or undemanding way
vehement: marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently
veil: a garment that covers the head and face; (m/v)
velvet: smooth and mellow
venal: corrupt, willing to do things for money
vendible: fit to be sold (adj/n)
veneer: appearance, coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood (n/v)
venerable: worthy of respect
venerate: to regard somebody with profound respect
venereal: passed on through sex (infection or disease)
vengeful: seek revenge or to cause injury
venial: minor sin, forgivable
venison: deer meat
venomous: extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom
veracity: truthfulness
verbatim: using identical words (adj/adv)
verbiage: excess of words
verbose: talkative
verdant: lush green
verdure: vivid green of plants
verisimilitude: the appearance of being true or real
veritable: not counterfeit or copied
verity: the quality of being true or real
vermillion: bright red; scarlet
vermin: destructive animals or insects
vernacular: language or a particular group
versatile: with many uses, changeable
vertiginous: causing dizziness, especially because of being very high or exposed
vertigo: a reeling sensation, feeling about to fall
verve: lively vigorous spirit
vest: to provide with power and authority; sleeveless garment
vestige: a trace or sign of something that is no longer present
vet: to examine
vex: to annoy
vexillology: study of flags
via: by way of
viable: able to be done or worth doing
vial: a small glass bottle
viand: a choice or delicious dish
vibrant: vibrating
vicarious: suffered or done by one person as a substitute for another; indirect; open
vice versa: the other way around
vice: an immoral or wicked habit or characteristic
viceroy: governor representing a sovereign in a colony
vicinity: neighborhood; surrounding area
vicious: cruel and spiteful
vicissitude: variability, unexpected changes
victual: food prepared for humans to eat
vie: to compete for something
vigil: a devotional watch; a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
vigilant: carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger; watchful
vignette: a brief scene from a movie or play or writing
vile: morally disgusting, miserable or unpleasant
vilify: to make malicious and abusive statements about somebody
villain: evil character, contemptible person
vim: exuberant vitality and energy
vindicate: to clear somebody or something of blame, to justify something
vindictive: looking for revenge or done through a desire for revenge
vinery: greenhouse for grapes
vintage: no longer fashionable or modern; the year in which the grapes used in making a particular wine were harvested
virago: a woman who is strong and brave
virgin: a person who has never had sex; being used or worked for the first time
virile: masculine, characterized by energy and vigor
virtu: love for fine arts or objects
virtual: being almost but not perfect
virtuoso: a skilled expert
virtuous: having or showing moral goodness or righteousness
virulent: strong and bitter
visage: the appearance conveyed by a person's face
visceral: intuitive, of the guts
viscid: gluey
viscous: having the properties of glue
vise: a holding device attached to a workbench
visionary: a person with unusual powers of foresight
visor: transparent front of helmet used as a screen
vista: a scenic or panoramic view
vital: necessary and important
vitiate: to ruin
vitriol: bitter hatred
vitriolic: expressing bitter hatred
vituperate: to attack somebody in harshly abusive or critical language
vituperative: insulting
vivacious: vigorous and active; lively
vivisection: the dissection of living animal
vocable: word as merely sounds or letters
vocalize: to use the voice to express something
vocation: somebody’s job
vocative: indicating somebody or something directly addressed
vociferate: to shout something out loudly
vociferous: loud, noisy, vehement
vogue: the current type of fashion or style
void: an empty space, especially a large empty space, invalid
voile: thin, sheer fabric
volant: able to fly
volatile: evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures; tending to vary often or widely
volition: the ability to make conscious choices or decisions
voluble: talking or spoken easily and at length
voluminous: having great size, capacity, or fullness
voluptuous: giving or suggesting ample, unrestrained pleasure to the senses
vomit: to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
voracious: craving food in great quantities, very eager
vortex: a whirling mass of water; something like whirlpool
votary: one bound by vows to a religion or life of worship or service
votive: symbolizing wish
voucher: a card, token, or other document that can be exchanged for goods and services in place of money
voyeur: somebody who is sexually excited by looking at other people’s naked bodies or the sexual acts in which they participate
vulgar: rude and bad-mannered; of ordinary people’s language, tasteless
vulpine: typical of a fox
wade: to walk through relatively shallow water
waft: to move gently; to float
wag: a witty amusing person who makes jokes; to move from side to side
wager: the act of gambling; to stake
waif: an abandoned animal; straying animal
wail: to make mournful cry
waive: to lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime; to release
wallow: to move heavily and clumsily
walrus: a large Arctic sea mammal related to seals and sea lions
wampum: decorative beads used as money
wan: to become pale and sickly (v/adj)
wanderlust: a strong desire to travel
wane: to show a decreasing illuminated surface
wangle: to get something using indirect and sometimes deceitful methods
wanton: immoral; reckless; undisciplined
ward off: to prevent the occurrence of; to avert or turn away from
ward: an administrative or electoral division of an area such as a city, town, or county; to guard or protect
warehouse: a large store, especially one where goods are sold wholesale (n/v)
warp: to become or make something twisted out of shape
wary: marked by keen caution and watchful prudence; cautious
washbasin: a bowl or basin for washing the face and hands or small articles
wassail: festive salutation, to drink in celebration
wastrel: somebody regarded as wasteful, spendthrift, or lazy
waver: to become unsteady; to show doubt
wayfarer: a traveler, especially somebody who makes a journey on foot
wayworn: worn out or weary from traveling
weak-kneed: lacking will power or resolution
weal: a general state of well-being, prosperity, and happiness
wean: to give food other than mother’s milk
weary: tired
wee: very small
welfare: a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous
wellbeing: happiness
well-bred: of good upbringing, with good manners
well-to-do: having a good income or enough money to live comfortably
welt: to beat severely with a whip or rod
wheedle: to influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
wheeze: to breathe with difficulty
whelp: young animal, especially the young of carnivorous mammals
whereabout: in, at, or near what location, the approximate place where somebody or something is
whereupon: at which point, or as a result
wherewith: with which (exp. tools wherewith the deed was done)
wherewithal: the necessary means (wealth)
whet: to sharpen; to hone; to stimulate
whim: passing impulse
whimsical: full of silly, fanciful ideas
whit: a small amount
whittle: to cut thin piece of wood with a knife
wholehearted: hearty, sincere; characterized by enthusiasm, passion, or commitment
wholesale: relating to the buying and selling of goods in quantity at discounted prices, done on a large scale
wholesome: beneficial to physical health, morally beneficial
whopping: very big or great
wicked: morally bad in principle or practice; evil
widget: a device that is very useful for a particular job
wield: to use or exercise
wiggle: to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
wile: the use of tricks to deceive someone
will: determination; a statement of how properties are distributed
willful: deliberate, stubborn
willpower: the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior; determination
wilt: to lose strength; limp
wily: crafty, cunning
wimble: a tool used for boring holes
windfall: a sudden happening that brings good fortune
windpipe: tube bringing air to lungs
winsome: charming, especially because of a naive, innocent quality
wintry: bleak, cheerless or unfriendly
wiry: thin and stiff
wisecrack: witty remark; to make a comment, usually ironic
wishy-washy: incapable of making firm decisions
wisp: a thin and light piece
wistful: full of longing or unfulfilled desire, pensive, regretful
wistful: yearning for something
wit: an amusing person who makes jokes; humor
witchcraft: the art or exercise of magical powers
wither: to shrivel or become weak
witless: lacking intelligence or common sense
witling: somebody who aspires to be witty
witticism: a message who has the power to evoke laughter
witting: done deliberately or intentionally
witty: combining clever conception and facetious expression
wizen: to wither or dry up, or make something wither or dry up
woebegone: feeling or looking distressed or sorrowful
woeful: sad; mournful
woo: to seek the affection or love of a woman in order to marry her
woozy: weak and unsteady or dizzy
worldly: experienced in and knowledgeable about human society and its ways
wrangle: to quarrel noisily, angrily or disruptively; an instance of intense argument
wrath: fierce anger
wreak: to cause something violent and destructive
wreath: flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes; to encircle with or as if with a wreath
wrest: to obtain by seizing forcibly or violently, also metaphorically
wretched: miserable; shameful, vile
wriggle: to wiggle
wrinkle: to rumple and crease (v/n)
writ: a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
writhe: to twist and squirm
wrought: shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass
wry: humorously sarcastic or mocking
wunderkind: somebody who is extremely successful at a young age
xanthopsia: visual defect in which objects appear to have a yellowish hue
xanthosis: an abnormal yellow discoloration of the skin
xanthous: similar to the color of an egg yolk, yellowish
xenial: pertaining to hospitality or relations with friendly visitors
xenophobia: an irrational fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
xeric: being deficient in moisture
xeroma: abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eyes
xerophytic: adapted to a xeric environment
xerostomia: an abnormal lack of saliva in the mouth, caused by disease, poisoning, or some drugs
xerotes: the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid
yak: noisy talk (n/v)
yap: to talk continuously about trivial things, often in a loud or high-pitched voice
yardarm: an end of the yard used to support a sail
yare: easy to handle and responsive, ready and quick
yataghan: a Turkish sword with no handle guard and a single-edged blade that curves inward then outward
yearling: a young child an animal in its second year
yegg: a burglar, especially a safecracker
yelp: to bark or cry sharply
yettie: young Internet entrepreneur
yob: a young hooligan
yoke: to join together; an oppression
yore: the time that has elapsed
yowl: to cry out mournfully or as an expression of pain
zany: crazy but funny
zapper: an electrical device that can injure or kill by means of electric currents
zarf: a metal frame for holding a cup
zealot: someone passionately devoted to a cause
zealous: actively and unreservedly enthusiastic
zeitgeist: the intellectual ideas or moral tendencies prevalent in a period and place
zenith: the highest point, summit
zephyr: a gentle breeze
zest: excitement; keenness
zilch: zero, nothing
zoonosis: an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans

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User:Gzhao91

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