English / Vocabulary List in English

A a cappella without accompaniment
à la carte priced separately
a priori reasoning based on general principles
aback
unexpected, surprised
abacus counting device
abandon desert, forsake
abase degrade
abash humiliate, embarrass
abate lessen, subside
abatement alleviation
abbey monastery
abbreviate shorten
abdicate relinquish power or position
abdomen belly
abduct kidnap
aberrant abnormal
abet aid, encourage (typically of crime)
abeyance
postponement
abhor detest
abide submit, endure
abject wretched
abjure renounce
ablate cut away
ablution cleansing
abode home
abolish annul, eliminate
abominable detestable
aboriginal indigenous, native
abortive unsuccessful
abound be plentiful
abreast side-by-side
abridge shorten
abroad overseas
abrogate cancel
abrupt ending suddenly
abscess infected and inflamed tissue
abscond to run away (secretly)
absolve acquit, free from blame
abstain refrain
abstract theoretical, intangible
abstruse difficult to understand
abut touch, border on
abysmal deficient, sub par
abyss chasm
academy school
accede yield, agree
accentuate emphasize
accession attainment of rank
accessory attachment, accomplice
acclaim recognition, fame
acclimate accustom oneself to a
climate, adjust acclivity ascent, incline
accolade applause, tribute
accommodate adapt, assist, house
accomplice one who aids a lawbreaker
accord agreement
accost to approach and speak to someone aggressively
accouter equip, clothe
accredit authorize
accrete grow larger
accrue accumulate
accumulate amass
acerbic caustic, bitter (of speech)
acme summit, zenith
acolyte assistant (usually to clergy) a
coustic pertaining to sound
acquaint familiarize
acquiesce agree passively
acquit free from blame
acrid pungent, caustic, choking
acrimonious caustic, resentful
acrophobia fear of heights
actuate induce, start
acumen insight
acute sharp, intense
ad nauseam to a ridiculous degree
ad-lib improvise
adage proverb
adamant insistent
adapt adjust to changing conditions
adaptable
pliable
addendum appendix, supplement
adduce offer as example
adept skillful
adhere stick to
adherent supporter
adieu farewell
adipose fatty
adjacent next to
adjourn suspend, discontinue
adjudicate judge
adjunct addition
administer manage
admissible allowable
admonish warn gently
ado fuss, commotion
Adonis a beautiful man
adroit skillful
adulation applause, worship
adulterate contaminate, corrupt
adumbration overshadow
advent arrival of something important
adventitious accidental, extrinsic
adversary opponent
adverse unfavorable, opposing
adversity hardship
advise give counsel
advocate urge, support
aegis that which protects, sponsorship
aerial
pertaining to the air
aerobics exercise
ity fondness
affix fasten
affliction illness
affluent abundant, wealthy
affray brawl
affront insult
aficionado devotee, ardent follower
afoul entangled, in trouble
aft rear
aftermath consequence
agape wonder
agenda timetable
agent provocateur
agitator
aggrandize exaggerate
aggravate worsen
aggregate total, collect
aggressor attacker
aggrieve mistreat
aggrieved unjustly injured
aghast horrified
agile nimble
agitate stir up
agnate related on the father’s side
agnostic
not knowing whether God exists
agrarian pertaining to farming
agronomy science of crop production
air discuss, broadcast airs pretension
akimbo with hands on hips
akin related
al fresco outdoors

alacrity swiftness
albatross large sea bird
albino lacking pigmentation
alcove recess, niche
alias assumed name
alibi excuse
alienate estrange, antagonize
alight land, descend, to happen to find a place to rest
allay
to reassure
allege assert without proof
allegiance loyalty
allegory fable
allegro fast
alleviate lessen, assuage
alliteration repetition of the same sound
allocate distribute
allot allocate, ration
allude refer to indirectly
ally unite for a purpose
almanac calendar with additional
information alms charity
aloof arrogant, detached
altercation argument
altitude height
alto low female voice
altruism benevolence, generosity
amalgamation mixture
amass collect
ambient surrounding, environment
ambiguous unclear
ambivalence conflicting emotions
ambulatory able to walk
ameliorate improve
amenable agreeable
amend correct
amenities courtesies, comforts
amenity pleasantness
amiable friendly
amid among
amiss wrong, out of place
amity friendship, good will
amnesty pardon
amoral without morals
amorous loving, sexual
amorphous shapeless
amortize pay by installments
amphibious able to operate in water and land
amphitheater oval-shaped theater
amuck murderous frenzy
amulet charm, talisman
amuse entertain
anachronistic out of historical order
anaerobic without oxygen
anagram a word formed by rearranging the letters of another word
analgesic
pain-soother
analogous similar
analogy point by point comparison
anarchist terrorist, nihilist
anarchy absence of government, chaos
anathema curse, abomination
anecdote story
aneurysm bulging in a blood vessel
angst anxiety, dread
animadversion critical remark
animated exuberant
animosity dislike
animus hate
annals historical records
annex to attach, to take possession of
annihilate
destroy
annotate to add explanatory notes
annul cancel
annular ring-shaped
anodyne pain soothing
anoint consecrate, apply ointment
anomalous abnormal
anonymity state of being anonymous
antagonistic hostile
antagonize harass
antechamber waiting room
antediluvian ancient, obsolete
anthology collection
anthrax disease, bacterium
antic caper, prank
antipathy repulsion, hated
antipodal
exactly opposite
antiquated outdated, obsolete
antiquity ancient times
antithesis
direct opposite
apartheid
racial segregation
apathetic unconcerned, uninterested
apathy indifference
ape
mimic
aperture
opening
apex
highest point
aphasia
speechless
aphorism
maxim
aplomb
poise
apocalyptic ominous, doomed
apocryphal of doubtful authenticity
apoplexy stroke
apostate one who abandons one’s faith
apotheosis deification
appall
horrify
apparition
phantom
appease
pacify
appellation
title
append
affix apposite apt
apprehensive
anxious, worried
apprise inform
approbation approval
apropos
appropriate
apt
suitable
aptitude ability
aquatic pertaining to water
arbiter judge
arbitrament final judgment
arbitrary
tyrannical, capricious
arcane
secret, difficult to understand
archaic
antiquated
archetype original model, epitome
archipelago
group of island
archives
public records
ardent passionate
ardor
passion
arduous
hard
argonauts gold-seekers, adventurers
argot
specialized vocabulary, jargon
aria
operatic song
arid dry, dull
aristocrat
nobleman
armada
fleet of ships
armistice
truce
arraign
indict
array arrangement
arrears in debt
arrogate seize without right
arroyo gully
arsenal supply, stockpile of weapons
artful skillful, cunning
articulate
well-spoken
artifice
trick
artless naive, simple
ascend rise
ascendancy powerful state
ascertain discover
ascetic
self-denying
ascribe
to attribute
aseptic
sterile
ashen
pale
asinine stupid
askance to view with suspicion
askew crooked
aspersion slander
asphyxiate suffocate
aspirant contestant aspiration ambition assail attack assassin murderer assent agree
assert affirm
assess appraise
assiduous hard-working
assimilate absorb, integrate assonance partial rhyme assuage lessen (pain)
astral pertaining to stars
astringent causing contraction, severe
astute wise
asunder apart, into separate parts asylum place of refuge asymmetric uneven
atavistic exhibiting the characteristics of one’s forebears
atelier workshop atoll reef atomize vaporize
atone make amends
atrophy the wasting away of muscle
attenuate weaken, assuage
attest testify attire dress attribute ascribe
attrition deterioration, reduction
atypical abnormal
au courant well informed, chic
audacity boldness
audient
listening, attentive
audition
tryout
augment increase, supplement
augur predict
august noble, majestic
aura atmosphere, emanation
auspices patronage, protection
auspicious
favorable
austere harsh, Spartan
authorize
grant, sanction
automaton
robot
autonomous self-governing
auxiliary
secondary, supportive
avail
assistance
avant garde vanguard
avarice greed
avatar incarnation
averse loath, reluctant
avert turn away
avian pertaining to birds
avid enthusiastic
avocation hobby
avouch
attest, guarantee
avow
declare
avuncular
like an uncle awry crooked
axiom self-evident truth aye affirmative vote
azure
sky blue


B
babbittry
smugness
bacchanal orgy, drunken celebration
badger pester
badinage banter
bagatelle nonentity, trifle
bailiwick area of concern or business
baleen whalebone
baleful hostile, malignant
balk hesitate
balky
hesitant
ballad
song
ballast counterbalance
ballistics study of projectiles
balm soothing ointment
banal trite
bandy exchange
bane poison, nuisance
barbarian
savage
bard
poet
baroque ornate
barrister lawyer
bask take pleasure in, sun
basso
low male voice
bastion fort
bathos sentimentality
batten
fasten, board up
battery
physical attack
bauble
trinket
beatify sanctify beatitude state of bliss beckon lure
becoming proper bedlam uproar befit to be suitable
beget produce, procreate begrudge resent, envy beguile deceive, seduce behemoth monster behest command beholden in debt, obliged
belabor assail verbally, dwell on
belated delayed, overdue beleaguer besiege belfry bell tower
belie misrepresent, disprove
belittle disparage
bellicose warlike
belligerent combative bellow shout bellwether leader, guide bemoan lament bemused bewildered benchmark standard benediction blessing benefactor patron
benevolent kind benign harmless bent determined bequeath will
bequest gift, endowment
berate scold
bereave to rob, to deprive somebody of a love one, especially through bereft deprived of berserk crazed with anger beseech implore, beg beset harass, encircle
besiege beleaguer, surround
besmirch slander, sully
bespeak attest
bestial beast-like, brutal
bestow offer, grant betrothed engaged bevy group
bibliography list of sources of
information bicameral having two legislative branches
bicker quarrel
biennial occurring every two years
bilateral two-sided bilious ill-tempered bilk swindle
biodegradable naturally decaying
biopsy removing tissue for examination biped two-footed animal bistro tavern, cafe bivouac encampment blandish flatter, grovel blasé bored with life
blasphemy insulting God bleak cheerless, forlorn blight decay
bliss happiness blithe joyous bloated swollen bode portend
bogus forged, false bogy bugbear boisterous noisy
bolt move quickly and suddenly bombast pompous speech bon vivant gourmet, epicure bona fide made in good faith bonanza a stroke of luck
boon payoff, windfall
boor vulgar person
bootless unavailing
booty loot, stolen goods
botch bungle
bourgeois middle class
bovine cow-like
boycott abstain in protest
bracing refreshing
brackish salty
brandish display menacingly
bravado feigned bravery
bravura technically difficult, brilliant brawn strength
brevity shortness of expression
brigand robber
brink edge, threshold
broach bring up a topic for conversation bromide cliché brook tolerate browbeat to bully brusque curt
bucolic rustic
buffet blow, pummel buffoon fool, joker bulwark fortification
buncombe empty, showy talk
buoyant floatable, cheerful burgeon sprout burlesque farce
burly husky
buttress support
C cabal a group of conspirators
cabaret night club cache hiding place cachet prestige
cacophony dissonance, harsh noise
cadaver corpse cadaverous haggard cadence rhythm
cadet a student of a military academy cadge beg
cadre small group cajole encourage, coax calamity disaster calculating scheming
caliber ability, character callous insensitive callow inexperienced calumny slander camaraderie fellowship canaille rabble
canard hoax
candid frank, unrehearsed
candor frankness
canine pertaining to dogs
canon rule
cant insincere speech
cantankerous peevish cantata musical composition canvass survey
capacious spacious
capillary thin tube
capital most significant, pertaining to wealth capitol legislative building
capitulate surrender
capricious fickle, impulsive
caption title
captious fond of finding fault in others
captivate engross, fascinate
carafe bottle
carbine rifle
carcinogenic causing cancer
carcinoma tumor
cardinal chief
cardiologist one who studies the heart
careen swerve
carrion decaying flesh cartographer mapmaker cascade waterfall
cashmere fine wool from Asia
Cassandra unheeded prophet
castigate criticize
castrate remove the testicles
casuistry specious reasoning
cataclysm catastrophe
catastrophic disastrous categorical absolute, certain cathartic purgative, purifying catholic universal, worldly caucus meeting
cause célèbre celebrated legal case caustic scathing (of speech) cauterize to sear
cavalier disdainful, nonchalant
caveat warning
caveat emptor buyer beware
cavil quibble
cavort frolic
cede transfer ownership, relinquish celestial heavenly
celibate abstaining from sex
cenotaph empty tomb, monument
censorious condemning speech
censure condemn
ceramics pottery
cerebral pertaining to the brain
cessation a stoping
chafe abrade
chagrin embarrassment chalice goblet champion defend chaperon escort
charade pantomime, sham charlatan quack, imposter chartreuse greenish yellow chary cautious
chaste pure, virgin chasten castigate chateau castle cheeky brass, forward cherub cupid
cherubic sweet, innocent
chicanery trickery
hide scold
chimerical imaginary, dreamlike
choleric easily angered
chortle laugh, snort
chronic continual (usually of illness) chronicle a history, record chronology arrangement by time churl a boor
chutzpah gall
Cimmerian dim, unlit cipher zero, nobody, a code circa about (of time) circuitous roundabout
circumcise remove the foreskin
circumlocution roundabout expression
circumspect cautious circumvent evade, thwart citadel fortress
citation summons to appear in court
clamor noise
clan extended family
clandestine secret
claustrophobia fear of enclosed places
cleave split
cleft split
clemency forgiveness
clique a small group
cloister refuge, monastery
clone duplicate clout influence cloven split
cloy glut, to sicken by excess cloyed jaded
co-opt preempt, usurp
coagulate thicken
coalesce combine
coda concluding passage
coddle pamper
codicil supplement to a will
coercion force
coffer strong box
cogent well-put, convincing
cogitate ponder
cognate from the same source
cognizant aware, mindful cognomen family name cohabit live together cohere stick together cohort an associate coiffure hairdo
collaborate work together
collar seize, arrest
collateral securities for a debt colloquial informal speech colloquy conference
collusion conspiracy
colonnade row of columns
comatose ;stupor
combine unite, blend commandeer seize for military use commemorate observe commend praise
commensurate proportionate
commiserate empathize
commissary food store
commission authorization to perform a task
commodious spacious commodity product commodore naval officer communion fellowship
commutation exchange, substitution
commute lessen punishment
compact covenant
compassion kindness
compatible well-matched, harmonious
compatriot countryman
compelling convincing, persuasive
compendium summary compensate make up for compensatory redeeming competence skillfulness compile collect
complacent self-satisfied, oblivious
to coming danger compliant submissive, conforming complicity guilt by association comport to conduct oneself composed cool, self-possessed compound augment
comprehensive thorough comprise consist of compulsive obsessive compulsory obligatory
compunction remorse concatenate link concave curving inward concede yield, grant
concerted done together, intensive
effort conch spiral shell
conciliatory reconciling, restoring goodwill
concise brief
conclusive convincing, ending doubt
concoct devise
concomitant accompanying, concurrent
concord accord
concordat agreement
concourse throng, open space for a gathering
concubine mistress
concur agree
concurrent simultaneous condescend patronize, talk down to condiment seasoning
condolence commiseration
condone overlook wrong doing, pardon
conducive helping
conduit pipe
confabulate discuss, give a fictitious account of a past event confection candy confederacy alliance confer bestow conference meeting confidant trusted friend
confide trust another (with secrets)
confiscate seize
conflagration large fire
confluence flowing together
confound bewilder
confront challenge confuse perplex confute disprove congeal solidify congenial friendly
congenital inborn, existing from birth
congeries pile
congruence conformity coniferous bearing cones conjecture hypothesis, speculation conjugal pertaining to marriage
conjure summon
connive conspire
connoisseur an expert, gourmet consanguineous related by blood conscientious honorable, upright conscription draft, enlistment
consecrate make holy
consecutive one after another
consensus general agreement
considered well thought-out, contemplated
consign assign
consolation comfort, solice
console comfort
consolidate unite, strengthen
consonant harmonious consort spouse consortium cartel
conspicuous obvious
conspire plot
constellation arrangement of stars consternation anxiety, bewilderment constrained confined
construe interpret
consummate perfect
contagion infectious agent
contemplate meditate contempt disdain contend struggle contented satisfied
contentious argumentative
contiguous adjacent, abutting
continence self-control contingent conditional contort twist contraband illicit goods contraction shrinkage
contractual related to a contract contrariety opposition contrast difference, comparison contravene oppose
contretemps unfortunate occurrence
contrite apologetic
contrive arrange, artificial
controversial subject to dispute
controvert dispute contumacy disobedience contusion bruise
puzzle, enigma convene assemble (a group) conventional customary, standard converge come together conversant familiar
converse opposite convex curving outward convey communicate
conviction strongly held belief
convivial sociable, festive convocation gathering convoke convene, summon
convoluted twisted, complicated
copious abundant coquette a flirt cordial friendly
cordon bond, chain, barrier
cornucopia cone-shaped horn filled with fruit
corollary consequence
coronation crowning of a sovereign
corporeal of the body corps group of people corpulent fat corroborate confirm cortege procession coruscate sparkle
cosmopolitan worldly, sophisticated
cosset coddle
coterie small group countenance facial expression countermand overrule
counterstrike strike back
countervail counterbalance
coup master stroke, sudden takeover coup de grâce final stroke, a blow of mercy
court-martial military trial
courtesan prostitute
courtier member of the king’s court
covenant agreement, pact
covert secret
covet desire
cower showing fear
crass crude crave desire craven cowardly credence belief credenza buffet
credulity gullibility credulous believing creed belief
crescendo becoming louder crestfallen dejected crevice crack
cringe cower
criterion a standard used in judging critique examination, criticism croon sing
cruet bottle
crux gist, key
cryptic mysterious, puzzling cubism a style of painting cudgel club
culinary pertaining to cooking
cull pick out, select
culminate climax culpable blameworthy culprit offender
culvert drain
cumbersome unwieldy
cumulative accumulate
cupidity greed
curb restrain, block curmudgeon boor, bad-tempered curriculum course of study curry seek favor by flattery
cursory hasty curt abrupt, rude curtail shorten cyclone storm
cynical scornful of the motives or
sincerity of others cynosure celebrity, center of attention
czar Russian emperor

D dab touch lightly
dais platform
dally procrastinate, linger dank cold and damp dauntless courageous
de facto actual, in effect
de jure legally
de rigueur very formal, compulsory
deadpan expressionless dearth scarcity debacle a rout, defeat debase degrade debauch corrupt
debauchery indulgence
debilitate weaken
debonair sophisticated, affable debrief interrogate, inform debunk refute, expose
debutante a girl debuting into
society decadence decay (e.g. moral or cultural)
decant pour
decapitate kill by beheading decathlon athletic contest deceive trick
deciduous shedding leaves decimate destroy decipher decode
decline decrease in number
decommission take a ship out of service
decorous seemly, dignified decorum protocol, etiquette decree official order decrepitude enfeeblement decry castigate
deduce conclude deduct subtract deem judge
deface mar, disfigure defamation (noun) slander defame (verb) slander
defeatist one who is resigned to
defeat defer postpone
deference courteously yielding to another
deficit shortage
defile pollute, corrupt
definitive conclusive, final
deflect turn aside deflower despoil defraud swindle defray pay
deft skillful defunct extinct degrade demean dehydrate dry out deign condescend
deity a god delectable delicious delegate authorize delete remove
deleterious harmful
deliberate ponder
delineate draw a line around, describe delinquent negligent, culpable delirium mental confusion, ecstasy delude deceive
deluge a flood
delve dig, explore (of ideas)
demagogue a politician who appeals to base instincts demean degrade demeanor behavior demented deranged demise death
demobilize disband
demography study of human populations
demoralize dishearten
demote lower in rank
demur take (mild) exception, balk demure sedate, reserved denigrate defame
denizen dweller denomination class, sect denote signify, stand for denouement resolution
denounce condemn denude strip bare depart leave
depict portray
deplete exhaust deplore condemn deploy arrange forces
deportment behavior, posture
deposition testimony
depravity immorality, wickedness
deprecate belittle
depredation preying on, plunder
deprive take away deracinate uproot derelict negligent deride ridicule
derisive mocking derogatory degrading derrick crane
desecrate profane, defile desiccate dehydrate designate appoint desist stop desolate forsaken
despicable contemptible despise loathe despondent depressed
despot tyrant
destitute poor
desuetude disuse
desultory without direction in life detached emotionally removed detain confine
détente truce
detention confinement
deter discourage, prevent deterrent hindrance, disincentive detract lessen, undermine detractor one who criticizes
detrimental harmful detritus debris devastate lay waste deviate turn away from devise plan
devoid empty
devotee enthusiast, follower
devout pious
diabolical devilish
dialectic pertaining to debate diaphanous sheer, translucent diatribe long denunciation dicey risky
dichotomy a division into two parts
dictate command
dictum saying didactic instructional diffident shy digress ramble
dilapidated neglected
dilate enlarge
dilatory procrastinating dilemma a difficult choice dilettante amateur, dabbler diligent hard-working diminution reduction diocese district
dire dreadful
dirigible airship, blimp disabuse correct disaffect alienate disarray disorder disavow deny, disown disband disperse disburse pay out discernible visible
discerning observant disclaim renounce disconcert confuse
disconsolate inconsolable discord lack of harmony discourse conversation discreet prudent
discrepancy difference, disagreement
discrete separate
discretion prudence, the ability to make well-reasoned decisions discriminating able to see differences
discursive rambling disdain contempt disengage release, detach disfigure mar, ruin disgruntled disappointed dishevel muss disinclination unwillingness disingenuous deceptive, insincere disinter unearth
disinterested impartial
disjointed disconnected, incoherent
dismal gloomy
dismantle take apart
dismay dread
disparage belittle
disparate various
disparity difference, inequality dispassionate impartial dispatch send
dispel cause to banish disperse scatter dispirit discourage
disposition attitude, temper
dispossess take away possessions disputatious fond of arguing dispute debate
disquietude anxiety
disquisition elaborate treatise
disrepute disgrace
dissemble pretend, hide true beliefs
disseminate distribute
dissent disagree with the majority
dissertation lecture dissidence disagreement dissipate scatter, squander
dissolute profligate, immoral
dissolution disintegration dissonance discord dissuade deter
distend swell
distortion misinterpret, lie
distract divert
distrait preoccupied, absent-minded
distraught distressed
distrust suspect
dither move without purpose
diurnal daily diva prima donna diverge branch off diverse varying
diversion pastime diversity variety divest strip, deprive
dividend distributed profits
divine foretell
divisive causing conflict
divulge disclose
docile domesticated, trained
dock curtail doctrinaire dogmatic document verify dodder tremble dogged persistent doggerel poor verse
dogmatic certain, unchanging in
opinion dolce sweetly and gently doldrums dullness doleful sorrowful
dolorous gloomy
domicile home
dominion area of authority
don assume, put on donor contributor dormant asleep dossier file dotage senility doting attending
double-entendre having two
meanings one of which is sexually suggestive doughty resolute, unafraid
dour sullen
dowager widow doyen dean of a group draconian harsh dregs residue, riffraff drivel inane speech droll amusing
drone speak in a monotonic voice dubious doubtful
ductile stretchable
dudgeon resentment, indignant humor
duenna governess duet twosome dulcet melodious
dupe one who is easily trick, victim duplicity deceit, treachery
duress coercion
dynamic energetic

E
ebb
recede
ebullient exuberant eccentric odd, weird ecclesiastical churchly echelon degree, rank éclat brilliance
eclectic from many sources ectoderm top layer of skin ecumenical universal, promoting unity
edict order edifice building edify instruct
editorialize express an opinion
educe draw forth, evoke efface obliterate effeminate unmanly effervescence exuberance
effete worn out efficacious effective efficacy effectiveness effigy likeness, mannequin effloresce to bloom
effrontery insolence effulgent brilliant effusion pouring forth egocentric self-centered egregious grossly wrong egress exit
ejaculate exclaim
eke supplement with great effort, strain elaboration detailed explanation
elate raise spirits
electorate voters
eleemosynary pertaining to charity
elegant refined, exquisite elegiac sad elephantine large
elicit provoke
elide omit elite upper-class
ellipsis omission of words
eloquent
well-spoken elucidate make clear, explain elude evade
elusive evasive
emaciated underfed, gaunt
emancipate liberate emasculate castrate, dispirit embargo restriction embellish exaggerate, adorn embezzlement theft
emblazon imprint, brand embody personify embrace accept, adopt
embrangle embroil
embroil involve with trouble embryonic rudimentary, nascent emend correct
emergent appearing
emeritus retired, but retaining title eminent distinguished, famous emissary messenger
emote to display exaggerated emotion empathy compassion, sympathy
employ make use of empower enable, grant emulate imitate
enact decree, ordain
enamored charmed, captivated enate related on the mother’s side encapsulate condense
enchant charm
enclave area enclosed within another region encomium praise
encompass contain, encircle encore additional performance encroach trespass
encumber burden encyclopedic comprehensive endear enamor
endeavor attempt, strive
endemic peculiar to a particular region
endocrinologist one who studies glands of internal secretion
endoderm within the skin endorse approve endowment property, gift
endure to suffer without giving up
enervate weaken
enfranchise liberate, grant the right to vote
engaging enchanting, charming engender generate, prompt engrave carve into a material
engross captivate engulf overwhelm enhance improve
enigmatic puzzling enjoin urge, order, forbid enlighten inform
enlist join enmity hostility, hatred
ennoble exalt
ennui boredom, world-weariness enormity large, tragic
ensemble musical group enshroud cover, obscure ensnare trap, lure
ensue follow immediately entail involve, necessitate enterprise undertaking enthrall mesmerize
entice lure
entomology the study of insects entourage assemblage, staff entreat plead
entrench fortify entrepreneur businessman enumerate count
enviable desirable
envision imagine, visualize
envoy messenger
eon long period of time
ephemeral short-lived
epic majestic, a long narrative poem epicure gourmet
epidemic spreading rapidly
epidemiology study of the spread of disease
epigram saying
episode incident
epistemology the branch of philosophy dealing with knowledge
epithet name, appellation
epoch era
epoxy glue
equable even-tempered equanimity composure, poise equine pertaining to horses equitable fair
equivocate make intentionally
ambiguous era period of time eradicate abolish ergo therefore
erode wear away
err mistake, misjudge errant wandering
erratic constantly changing erroneous mistaken ersatz artificial
erudite learned erupt burst forth escalate intensify
escapade adventure
escarpment a steep slope
eschew avoid
esoteric known by only a few esplanade boardwalk espouse advocate
esteem respect esthetic artistic estimable meritorious estrange alienate eternal endless
ethereal light, airy
ethical conforming to accepted standards of behavior
ethos beliefs of a group etiquette manners etymology study of words
euphemism genteel expression
euphoria elation
euthanasia mercy-killing
evade avoid
evanescent fleeting, very brief
evangelical proselytizing
evasive elusive
eventful momentous eventual ultimate, coming eventuate bring about
evidential pertaining to evidence evince attest, demonstrate eviscerate disembowel
evoke draw forth evolution gradual change ewe female sheep
ex officio by virtue of position
exacerbate worsen
exact use authority to force payment exacting demanding, difficult
exalt glorify exasperate irritate excerpt selection, extract excision removal exclaim shout
exclude shut out exclusive prohibitive excommunicate expel excruciate torture execrable abominable
execute put into effect
exegesis interpretation
exemplary outstanding
exempt excuse
exhaustive thorough
exhibitionist one who draws attention to himself
exhort strongly urge
exhume uncover
exigency urgency
exiguous scanty
exile banish
exodus departure, migration exonerate free from blame exorbitant expensive exorcise expel
expanse extent of land
expansive sweeping
expedient advantageous
expedite hasten
expel drive out
expertise knowledge, ability
expiate atone
expletive curse, invective
expliate atone
explicate explain
explicit definite, clear exploit utilize, milk expose divulge, reveal expostulate protest expound explain
expropriate dispossess, confiscate
expunge erase
exquisite beautifully made extant existing extemporize improvise extent scope
extenuate mitigate
extirpate seek out and destroy
extol praise highly
extort obtain under duress extract to pull out, exact extradite deport, deliver
extraneous not essential
extrapolate infer
extremity farthest point, boundary
extricate disentangle
extroverted outgoing extrude force out exuberant joyous exude emit
exult rejoice

F
fabrication
a lie
facade mask, front of a building
facet aspect
facetious joking, sarcastic
facile easy
facilitate make easier facility skill facsimile duplicate faction clique, sect
factious causing disagreement
factitious artificial factotum handyman fallacious false fallacy false belief
fallow unproductive, unplowed falsetto high male voice falter waver
fanaticism excessive zeal
fane temple
fanfare publicity
farcical absurd, ridiculous
farrago mixture
fascism totalitarianism, extreme nationalism fastidious meticulous fatal resulting in death fathom understand
fatuity foolishness fatuous inane, stupid fauna animals
faux pas false step, mistake
fealty loyalty
feasible likely to succeed
feat deed, remarkable achievement febrile feverish, delirious feckless incompetent
fecund fertile feign pretend felicity happiness
felonious criminal
femme fatale a woman who leads men to their destruction
fend ward off
feral untamed, wild
ferment turmoil
ferret rummage through
fertile fruitful
fervor intensity
fester decay, to make someone increasingly bitter festive joyous
festoon decorate
fete to honor with an event
fetid stinking
fetters shackles
fey eccentric, whimsical fiasco debacle
fiat decree
fickle always changing one’s mind fictitious invented, imaginary fidelity loyalty
figment falsehood, fantasy
filch steal
filial son
filibuster long speech
fillip stimulus
finale conclusion finesse skill firebrand agitator firmament sky fiscal monetary
fitful starting and stopping irregularly fjord coastal inlet
flabbergasted amazed, bumdfounded
flagellate whip flagrant outrageous, blatant
flail whip, to thrash something around uncontrollably and menacingly fledgling just beginning, struggling flippant pert, glib, dismissive florid ruddy, ornate
flout to show disregard for the law or rules fluctuate waver, vary
foible weakness, minor fault
foil defeat, thwart foist palm off a fake foment instigate
font source, fountainhead, set of type forage search for food
foray raid
forbear abstain, restrain oneself
force majeure superior force foreboding ominous foreclose exclude
forensic pertaining to debate
foresight ability to predict the future
forestall thwart, preempt
forgo relinquish (usually voluntarily) forsake abandon
forswear deny
forthright frank
forthwith immediately fortify strengthen fortitude resilience, courage fortuitous lucky
foster encourage, cultivate
founder sink. fail fracas noisy fight fragile easily broken
fragmented broken into fragments
fraternity brotherhood
fraught filled
frenetic harried, neurotic
fret worry
fritter squander
frivolity playfulness frolic romp, play frond bending tree
frugal thrifty
fruitful productive
fruition realization, completion fruitless unprofitable, barren fulminate denounce, menace fulsome excessive, insincere fuming angry
furlough leave of absence
furor commotion
furtive stealthy fusillade bombardment futile hopeless


G
gaffe
embarrassing mistake
gainful profitable
gainsay contradict
galvanize excite to action gambit plot, strategy gamut range, scope gargantuan large
garner gather garnish decorate garrote stranglehold garrulous talkative gauche awkward genealogy ancestry generic general genesis beginning
genetics study of heredity
genre kind, category
genteel elegant, refined genuflect kneel in reverence genuine authentic, sincere geriatrics pertaining to old age germane relevant
ghastly horrible
gibe heckle
gingivitis inflammation of the gums
gist essence (of an argument) glabrous without hair glaucoma disorder of the eye glean gather
glib insincere manner glower stare angrily glut surplus, excess
glutton one who eats too much
gnarl deform
gnome dwarf-like being goad encourage, provoke googol a very large number gorge stuff, satiate
gorgon ugly person gormandize eat voraciously gory bloody
gossamer thin and flimsy
Gothic medieval style of architecture gouge overcharge
gracious kindness, politeness
gradient incline, rising by degrees
gradual by degrees, changing slowly grandiose impressive, large granular grainy
grapple struggle
gratis free
gratitude thankfulness
gratuitous unwarranted, uncalled for
gratuity tip
gravamen the essential part of an accusation
gravity seriousness gregarious sociable grievous tragic, heinous
grimace expression of disgust or pain
grisly gruesome
grovel crawl, obey, beg
grudging reluctant
guffaw laughter
guile deceit
gullible easily deceived gusto great enjoyment guttural throaty gyrate whirl


H
habitat
natural environment
habituate accustom hackneyed trite haggard gaunt
halcyon serene
hale healthy hallucination delusion hamper obstruct hapless unlucky harangue tirade
harass torment
harbinger forerunner harbor give shelter, conceal hardy healthy
harlequin clown
harp complain incessantly harridan hag harrowing distressing harry harass
haughty arrogant
haven refuge
havoc destruction, chaos
hearsay gossip
hedonism the pursuit of pleasure in life
heed follow advice
heedless careless
hegemony authority, domination
hegira a journey to a more pleasant place heinous vile, atrocious
heliocentric having the sun as a center
helix a spiral
helots slaves
herald harbinger
herbivorous feeding on plants Herculean powerful, large hermetic airtight, sealed hermit one who lives in solitude
herpetologist one who studies
reptiles heterodox departing form established doctrines
heuristic teaching device or method
hew cut
heyday glory days, prime
hiatus interruption
hibernal wintry
hidalgo nobleman
hidebound prejudiced, provincial
hideous horrible
hie to hasten
highbrow intellectual
hirsute bearded
histrionic overly dramatic holograph written entirely by hand homage respect
homely plain
homily sermon
homogeneous uniform
homonym words that are identical in spelling and pronunciation hone sharpen
horde group
hortatory inspiring good deeds
hospice shelter
hovel shanty, cabin hoyden tomboy hubris arrogance hue color
humane compassionate
humanities languages and literature
humility humbleness
hummock knoll, mound
humus soil
husbandry management hybrid crossbreed hydrophobia fear of water
hygienic sanitary
hymeneal pertaining to marriage
hymn religious song
hyperactive overactive
hyperbole exaggeration
hypertension elevated blood pressure
hypocritical deceiving, two-faced
hypoglycemic low blood sugar
hypothermia low body temperature

I
ibidem
in the same place
ichthyology study of fish
iconoclast one who rails against sacred institutions
idiosyncrasy peculiarity idyllic natural, picturesque ignoble dishonorable
ilk class, clan
illicit unlawful illimitable limitless illusory fleeting, deceptive illustrious famous imbibe drink
imbue infuse
immaculate spotlessly clean immaterial irrelevant immense huge
immerse bathe, engross
imminent about to happen
immobile still
immolate sacrifice (especially by fire)
immunity exemption from prosecution
immure build a wall around immutable unchangeable, absolute impair injure
impale pierce
impartial not biased
impasse deadlock
impassioned fiery, emotional
impassive calm impeach accuse, charge impeccable faultless impecunious indigent impede hinder impediment obstacle impel urge, force
impending approaching, imminent
imperative vital, pressing
imperceptible slight, intangible imperialism colonialism imperil endanger
imperious domineering
impertinent insolent
imperturbable calm, unflappable impervious impenetrable, unreceptive impetuous impulsive
impetus stimulus, spark impinge encroach, touch implant instill
implausible unlikely, improbable implement carry out, execute implicate incriminate
implicit implied
implore entreat
implosion bursting inward
impolitic unwise, inappropriate
imponderable difficult to estimate import meaning, significance importune urgent request
imposing intimidating, stately imposition intrusion, burden impotent powerless impound seize
imprecation curse, inculcate impregnable invincible impresario promoter
impressionable susceptible, easily
influenced impressionism a style of painting
imprimatur sanction
impromptu spontaneous improvise invent impudence insolence impugn criticize, accuse
impulse inclination, sudden desire
impulsive to act suddenly
impunity exemption from harm
impute charge
in toto in full, entirely inadvertent unintentional inadvisable not recommended
inalienable that which cannot be taken away
inane vacuous, stupid inanimate inorganic, lifeless inaudible cannot be heard
inaugurate induct (with a ceremony)
inborn innate
incalculable immeasurable incandescent brilliant incantation chant incapacitate disable
incarcerate imprison incarnate embody, personify incendiary inflammatory incense enrage
incentive stimulus, inducement
incessant unceasing
incest sex among family members
inchoate just begun
incidental insignificant, minor
incinerate burn
incipient beginning
incision cut incisive keen, penetrating
incite foment, provoke
incivility rudeness inclement harsh, stormy inclusive comprehensive incognito disguised
incommunicado unable to
communicate with others incomparable peerless
incompatibility inability to live in harmony
inconceivable unthinkable
incongruous out of place, absurd
inconsiderate thoughtless, insensitive
inconspicuous not noticeable incontrovertible indisputable incorporate combine
incorrigible unreformable incredulous skeptical increment step, increase
incriminate accuse
incubus nightmare inculcate instill, indoctrinate inculpate accuse
incumbent obligatory incursion raid
indecent
offensive, lewd
indecorous
unseemly
indelible
permanent
indemnity
insurance
indict
charge
indifferent
unconcerned
indigenous
native
indigent
poor
indignant resentment of injustice
indiscreet lacking sound judgment, rash
indiscriminate random
indispensable vital, essential
indistinct blurry, without clear features
indolent lazy
indomitable invincible indubitable unquestionable
induce
persuade, provoke
indulge
succumb to desire
indurate
harden industrious hard-working
inebriate intoxicate
ineffable inexpressible
ineffectual futile
ineluctable inescapable inept unfit, incompetent inert inactive
inestimable priceless, immeasurable inevitable unavoidable, predestined inexorable relentless
infallible unerring infamous notorious infamy shame
infantry foot soldiers infatuate immature love infer conclude
infernal hellish infidel nonbeliever infidelity disloyalty infiltrate trespass
infinitesimal very small infirmary clinic infirmity ailment inflammatory incendiary influx inflow
infraction violation infringe encroach infuriate enrage
infuse inspire, instill
ingenious clever, resourceful
ingrate ungrateful person
ingratiate pleasing, flattering, endearing
ingress entering
inherent innate, inborn
inhibit restrain
inimical adverse, hostile
inimitable peerless
iniquitous unjust, wicked iniquity sin, injustice initiate begin
initiation induction ceremony
injunction command
inkling hint innate inborn
innervate invigorate
innocuous harmless
innovative new, useful idea innuendo insinuation
inopportune
untimely inordinate excessive
inquest
investigation
inquisition
interrogation
inquisitive
curious
insatiable gluttonous
inscribe engrave
inscrutable cannot be fully understood
insensate without feeling
insidious treacherous, sinister
insignia emblems
insinuate allude
insipid flat, dull insolent insulting insolvent bankrupt insouciant nonchalant
installment portion, payment
instant at once
instigate incite insubordinate disobedient insufferable unbearable insular narrow-minded
insuperable insurmountable
insurgent rebellious
insurrection uprising
intangible not perceptible by touch
integral essential integrate make whole integration unification
integument a covering
intelligentsia the intellectual elite of society
intensive extreme, concentrated
inter bury
intercede plead on behalf of another
intercept prevent, cut off
interdict prohibit
interject interrupt
interloper intruder interlude intermission interminable unending
internecine mutually destructive
interpolate insert
interpose insert
interregnum interval between two successive reigns
interrogate question intersperse scatter interstate between states
intervene
interfere, mediate intestate leaving no will
intimate allude to, hint
ntractable
unmanageable
intransigent
unyielding
intrepid
fearless
intricate complex
intrigue plot, mystery
intrinsic inherent
introspection self-analysis
inundate flood
inure accustom, habituate, harden invalidate disprove, nullify
invective verbal insult inveigh to rail against inveigle lure, wheedle
inventive cleaver, resourceful inverse directly opposite
inveterate
habitual, chronic invidious incurring ill-will
invincible
cannot be defeated
inviolate sacred, unchangeable
invocation calling on God
irascible irritable
irate angry
ironic oddly contrary to what is expected
irrational
illogical
irreparable cannot be repaired irresolute hesitant, uncertain irrevocable cannot be rescinded
isosceles
having two equal sides
itinerant
wandering
itinerary route
jabberwocky nonsense
jaded spent, bored with one’s situation jargon specialized vocabulary jaundiced biased, embittered jeer mock
jejune barren, unsophisticated
jest joke
jilt reject, end a relationship promptly jingoistic nationalistic, warmongering jocular humorous
jostle push, brush against
journeyman reliable worker
joust combat between knights on horses jubilant in high spirits
judicious prudent juggernaut unstoppable force jugular throat
juncture pivotal point in time junoesque stately beauty junta small ruling group
jurisdiction domain
jurisprudence law
justify excuse, mitigate
juvenescent making young, growing out of infancy and into childhood juxtapose to place side by side


K
kaleidoscope
series of changing events
keen of sharp mind
ken purview, range of comprehension kindle arouse, inspire
kindred similar, related by blood
kinetic pertaining to motion kismet fate, the will of Allah kite bad check
kitsch trashy art
kleptomania impulse to steal
knave con man
knead massage, to fold, press, and stretch a substance into a uniform mass knell sound of a bell
Koran holy book of Islam kowtow behave obsequiously kudos acclaim
L labyrinth maze
lacerate tear, cut
lachrymose tearful
lackey servant
laconic brief, terse
lactic derived from milk lacuna a missing part, gap laggard loafer, slacker
lagniappe bonus
laity laymen
lambent softly radiant
lament mourn
lamina layer
lampoon satirize languish weaken lanyard short rope larceny theft
largess generous donation lascivious lustful lassitude lethargy
latent potential, dormant laudatory commendable laurels fame, success lave wash
lavish extravagant lax loose, careless laxity carelessness
layman nonprofessional lectern reading desk leery cautious, doubtful
legacy
bequest legerdemain trickery legible readable
legislate
make laws legitimate lawful lenient forgiving
lethargic drowsy, sluggish
levee embankment, dam leviathan a monster levity frivolity
liable legally responsible
liaison relationship, affair
libertarian one who believes in complete freedom
libertine roué, rake
libidinous lustful licentious lewd, immoral lien financial claim
lieutenant one who acts in place of
another ligature bond
ligneous woodlike
Lilliputian very small
limerick poem
limn portray, describe
limpid transparent, clearly understood linchpin something that is indispensable
lineage ancestry
linguistics study of language
liquidate eliminate
lissome agile, supple
listless lacking spirit or interest
litany list
lithe supple
litigate contest with a lawsuit
litotes two negative statement that cancel to make a positive statement liturgy ceremony livid enraged loath reluctant
loathe abhor, dislike
lofty high
logistics means of supplying troops
logo symbol
logy sluggish
loquacious talkative lothario rake, womanizer lout goon, hoodlum lucid clearly understood lucrative profitable lucre money, profit ludicrous absurd
lugubrious extremely sad
luminous bright lupine wolf-like lure entice
lurid ghastly, sensational luster gloss,sheen luxuriant lush, lavish
lynch to execute by hanging without a trial

M

macabre
gruesome
Machiavellian politically crafty, cunning
machination plot macrobiosis longevity macroscopic visibly large maelstrom whirlpool
magisterial arbitrary, dictatorial
magnanimous generous, kindhearted
magnate a powerful, successful person (especially of business) magnitude size
magnum opus masterpiece maim injure, disfigure maladjusted disturbed maladroit clumsy
malady illness
malaise uneasiness, weariness
malapropism comical misuse of a word
malcontent one who is forever dissatisfied
malediction curse
malefactor evildoer
malevolence bad intent, malice
malfeasance wrong doing (especially by an official of government) malice spite
malign defame
malignant virulent, pernicious
malinger shirk
malleable moldable, tractable
malodorous fetid mammoth huge manacle shackle mandate command
mandatory obligatory
mandrill baboon
mania madness, obsession manifest obvious, evident manifesto proclamation manifold multiple, diverse
manslaughter killing another
person without malice manumit set free manuscript unpublished book mar damage
marauder plunderer marginal insignificant marionette puppet maroon abandon marshal array, mobilize
martial warlike martinet disciplinarian martyr sacrifice, symbol
masochist one who enjoys pain
masticate chew
mastiff large dog mastodon extinct elephant maternal motherly maternity motherhood matriarch matron
matriculate enroll (usually in school)
matrix array
matutinal early, morning maudlin weepy, sentimental maul rough up
mausoleum tomb
maverick a rebel, individualist mawkish sickeningly sentimental mayhem mutilation, chaos
mea culpa my fault
meager scanty meander roam, ramble median middle mediocre average medley mixture
megalith ancient stone monument melancholy reflective, gloomy melee riot
mellifluous sweet sounding melodious melodic memento souvenir
memoir autobiography
memorabilia things worth remembering
memorandum note
menagerie zoo
mendacity untruth
mendicant beggar
menial humble, degrading mentor teacher mercantile commercial
mercenary calculating, venal
mercurial changeable, volatile
metamorphosis a change in form
mete distribute
meteoric swift, dazzling meteorology science of weather methodical systematic, careful
meticulous extremely careful, precise
metier occupation
metonymy the substitution of a phrase for the name itself
mettle
courage, capacity for bravery
miasma
toxin fumes mien appearance, bearing migrate travel
milieu environment militant combative, activist militate work against
milk extract
millennium thousand-year period
minatory threatening mince chop, moderate minion subordinate minstrel troubadour minuscule small
minute very small minutiae trivia mirage illusion
mire marsh, a situation that is difficult to escape from mirth jollity
misanthrope hater of mankind
misappropriation use dishonestly
misbegotten illegitimate, obtained by dishonest means
miscarry abort
miscegenation intermarriage between races
miscellany mixture of items misconstrue misinterpret miscreant evildoer
misgiving doubt, hesitation misnomer wrongly named misogyny hatred of women
misshapen deformed
missive letter
mitigate lessen the severity
mnemonics that which aids the memory
mobilize assemble for action mobocracy rule by mob modicum pittance
modish chic
module unit
mogul powerful person
molest bother, sexually assault
mollify appease
molten melted
momentous of great importance
monocle eyeglass monolithic large and uniform monologue long speech
monstrosity distorted, abnormal form
moot disputable, no longer relevant moral ethical
morale spirit, confidence
morass swamp, difficult situation moratorium postponement mordant biting, sarcastic
mores moral standards moribund near death morose sullen
morphine painkilling drug
morsel bite, piece mortify humiliate mosque temple
mote speck
motif artistic theme
motive reason for doing something
motley diverse mottled spotted motto slogan, saying
mountebank charlatan mousy drab, colorless muckraker reformer
muffle stifle, quiet
mulct defraud
multifarious diverse, many-sided
multitude throng
mundane ordinary
munificent generous murmur mutter, mumble muse ponder
muster to gather one’s forces
mutability able to change
mute silent mutilate maim mutiny rebellion
mutter murmur, grumble muzzle restrain, stifle myopic narrow-minded myriad innumerable
myrmidons loyal followers mystique mystery, aura mythical fictitious

N
nadir
lowest point
narcissism self-love narrate tell, recount nascent incipient natal related to birth
nativity the process of birth naturalize grant citizenship ne’er-do-well loafer, idler nebulous indistinct necromancy sorcery
nefarious evil
negate cancel
negligible insignificant
nemesis implacable foe
neologism newly coined expression
neonatal newborn
neophyte beginner nepotism favoritism nervy brash
nether under nettle irritate neurotic disturbed
neutralize offset, nullify
nexus a link between two or more people or things nicety euphemism
niche nook, an activity that well suits a person’s talents niggardly stingy
nimble spry
nirvana bliss, the attainment of spiritual enlightenment
noctambulism
sleepwalking nocturnal pertaining to night
nocturne
serenade
noisome harmful, disgusting nomad wanderer
nomenclature
terminology nominal slight, in name only
nominate propose, recommend somebody for a position nominee candidate
nonchalant casual
noncommittal neutral, circumspect
nondescript lacking distinctive features
nonentity person of no significance nonesuch paragon, one in a thousand
nonpareil
unequaled, peerless
nonpartisan
neutral, uncommitted
nonplus
confound, befuddle
notable remarkable, noteworthy
noted famous
notorious wicked, widely known
nouveau riche newly rich
nova bright star novel new, unique novice beginner
noxious toxic
nuance shade, subtlety nub crux, crucial point nubile marriageable
nugatory useless, worthless
nuisance annoyance
nullify void
nullity nothingness numismatics coin collecting nurture nourish, foster nymph goddess
O oaf awkward person
obdurate unyielding, hardhearted obeisance homage, deference obelisk tall column, monument
obese fat
obfuscate bewilder, muddle obituary eulogy objective (adj.) unbiased
objective (noun) goal objectivity impartiality oblation offering, sacrifice obligatory required, compulsory oblige compel
obliging accommodating, considerate
oblique indirect obliquity perversity obliterate destroy oblong elliptical, oval obloquy slander obscure vague, unclear
obsequious fawning, servile
obsequy funeral ceremony
observant watchful
obsolete outdated
obstinate stubborn
obstreperous noisy, unruly
obtain gain possession obtrusive forward, meddlesome obtuse stupid
obviate make unnecessary
Occident the West
occlude block
occult mystical, secret, relating to the supernatural or witchcraft octogenarian person in her eighties
ocular optic, visual
ode poem
odious despicable odoriferous pleasant odor odyssey journey
offal inedible parts of a butchered animal offertory church collection officiate supervise officious forward, obtrusive offset counterbalance
ogle flirt
ogre monster, demon oleaginous oily oligarchy aristocracy olio medley
ominous threatening
omnibus collection, compilation
omnipotent all-powerful
omniscient all-knowing onerous burdensome onslaught powerful attack
ontology the study of the nature of
existence onus burden
opaque nontransparent operative working operetta musical comedy opiate narcotic
opine think, express an opinion opportune well-timed, appropriate oppress persecute
oppressive burdensome
opprobrious abusive, scornful
opprobrium disgrace
oppugn assail
opt decide, choose
optimum best condition optional elective opulence wealth
opus literary work or musical composition oracle prophet oration speech orator speaker orb sphere
orchestrate organize
ordain appoint
orderly neat, arranged ordinance law ordnance artillery
orient align, familiarize
orison prayer
ornate lavishly decorated
ornithology study of birds
orthodox conventional oscillate waver, swing ossify harden
ostensible apparent, seeming
ostentatious pretentious ostracize banish, shun otherworldly spiritual otiose idle
ouster ejection outmoded out-of-date outré eccentric outset beginning ovation applause overrule disallow
overture advance, proposal overweening arrogant, forward overwhelm overpower
overwrought overworked, high- strung
ovum egg, cell

P
pachyderm
elephant
pacifist one who opposes all violence
pacify appease
pact agreement
paean a song of praise
pagan heathen, ungodly
page attendant
pageant exhibition, show
pains great effort, attention to detail painstaking taking great care, thorough palatial grand, splendid
palaver babble, nonsense
Paleolithic stone age
paleontologist one who studies fossils
pall to become dull or weary palliate assuage pallid pale, sallow palpable touchable
palpitate beat, throb palsy paralysis paltry scarce
pan criticize
panacea cure-all
panache flamboyance pandemic widespread, plague pandemonium din, commotion
pander cater to people’s baser instincts panegyric praise
pang short sharp pain
panoply full suit of armor
panorama vista pant gasp, puff pantomime mime
pantry
storeroom papyrus paper parable allegory
paradigm
a model
paragon standard of excellence
parameter limit paramount chief, foremost
paramour
lover
paranoid obsessively suspicious,
demented paranormal supernatural parapet rampart, defense
paraphernalia
equipment paraphrase restatement parcel package
parchment
paper
pare peel
parenthetical in parentheses
pariah outcast parish fold, church parity equality
parlance local speech parlay increase parley conference parochial provincial
parody imitation, ridicule
parole release
paroxysm outburst, convulsion
parrot mimic
parry avert, ward off parsimonious stingy parson clergyman
partake share, receive, consume
partial incomplete
partiality bias
parting farewell, severance partisan supporter partition division
parvenu newcomer, social climber
pasquinade satire passé outmoded passim here and there pastel pale pasteurize disinfect pastoral rustic
patent obvious paternal fatherly pathetic pitiful
pathogen agent causing disease
pathogenic causing disease
pathos emotion patrician aristocrat patrimony inheritance patronize condescend
patronymic a name formed form the
name of a father patter walk lightly paucity scarcity
paunch stomach pauper poor person pavilion tent
pawn (noun) tool, stooge
pawn (verb) pledge
pax peace
peaked wan, pale, haggard peal reverberation, outburst peccadillo a minor fault peculate embezzle peculiar unusual peculiarity characteristic
pedagogical pertaining to teaching
pedagogue dull, formal teacher
pedant pedagogue pedantic bookish peddle sell
pedestrian common pedigree genealogy peerage aristocracy
peevish cranky
pejorative insulting
pell-mell in a confused manner
pellucid transparent
pen write
penance atonement penchant inclination pend depend, hang
pending not decided, awaiting
penitent repentant pensive sad penurious stingy penury poverty
peon common worker per se in itself perceptive discerning percolate ooze, permeate
perdition
damnation peregrination wandering peremptory dictatorial
perennial enduring, lasting
perfectionist purist, precisionist perfidious treacherous (of a person) perforate puncture
perforce by necessity
perfunctory careless
perigee point nearest to the earth
perilous dangerous peripatetic walking about periphery outer boundary perish die
perishable decomposable
perjury lying
permeate spread throughout permutation reordering pernicious destructive, evil peroration conclusion perpendicular at right angles perpetrate commit
perpetual continuous, everlasting perpetuate cause to continue perpetuity eternity
perplex puzzle, bewilder perquisite reward, bonus persecute harass persevere persist, endure persona social facade
personable charming, friendly
personage official, dignitary
personify embody, exemplify
personnel employees
perspicacious keen
perspicacity discernment, keenness
persuasive convincing pert flippant, bold pertain to relate
pertinacious persevering
pertinent relevant
perturbation agitation peruse read carefully pervade permeate
pessimist cynic, naysayer
pestilence disease
petite small
petition a written request
petrify calcify, shock
petrology study of rocks pettifogger unscrupulous lawyer petty trivial, niggling
petulant irritable, peevish
phantasm apparition
phenomena unusual natural events
philanthropic charitable
philanthropist altruist
philatelist stamp collector
philippic invective
Philistine barbarian
philosophical contemplative
phlegmatic sluggish
phobia fear
phoenix rebirth
physic laxative, cathartic physique frame, musculature picaresque roguish, adventurous
picayune trifling piecemeal one at a time pied mottled, brindled piety devoutness
pilfer steal
pillage plunder
pillory punish by ridicule
pine languish, to long for someone or something pinnacle highest point
pious devout, holy piquant tart-tasting, spicy pique sting, arouse interest
piscine
pertaining to fish piteous sorrowful, pathetic pithy concise
pitiable miserable, wretched
pittance alms, driblet
pittance trifle
pivotal crucial
pixilated eccentric, possessed
placard poster placate appease placid serene
plagiarize pirate, counterfeit plaintive expressing sorrow platitude trite remark
platonic nonsexual
plaudit acclaim
pleasantry banter, persiflage plebeian common, vulgar plebiscite referendum
plenary full
plentiful abundant
pleonasm redundancy, verbosity
plethora overabundance
pliable flexible pliant supple, flexible plight sad situation plucky courageous plumb measure
plummet sudden shart fall plutocrat wealthy person plutonium radioactive material poach steal
podgy fat
podium stand, rostrum
pogrom massacre, mass murder poignant pungent, sharp, heartbreaking polemic a controversy
polity methods of government
poltroon dastard
polychromatic many-colored
polygamist one who has many wives
ponder muse, reflect ponderous heavy, bulky pontiff bishop
pontificate to speak at length
pootroon coward
porcine pig-like
porous permeable, spongy
porridge stew portend signify, augur portent omen
portly large portmanteau suitcase posit stipulate
posterior rear, subsequent posterity future generations posthaste hastily
posthumous after death postulate supposition, premise potent powerful
potentate sovereign, king
potion brew potpourri medley potter aimlessly busy pragmatic practical prate babble
prattle chatter
preamble introduction
precarious dangerous, risky
precedent an act that serves as an example
precept principle, law precinct neighborhood precipice cliff
precipitate cause precipitous steep précis summary precise accurate, detailed preclude prevent
precocious more developed than is
expected at a particular age preconception prejudgment, prejudice precursor forerunner
predacious plundering predecessor one who proceeds predestine foreordain predicament quandary
predicate to base an opinion on something
predilection inclination
predisposed inclined preeminent supreme preempt commandeer preen groom
prefabricated ready-built prefect magistrate preference choice preferment promotion
prelate
primate, bishop preliminary introductory prelude introduction premeditate plan in advance premonition warning prenatal before birth
preponderance predominance prepossessing appealing, charming preposterous ridiculous prerequisite requirement
prerogative right, privilege
presage omen
prescribe urge
presentable acceptable, well-mannered
preside direct, chair
pressing urgent
prestidigitator magician prestige reputation, renown presume assume, deduce
presumptuous assuming,
overconfident presuppose assume pretense affectation, excuse pretentious affected, inflated
preternatural abnormal, supernatural
pretext excuse
prevail triumph
prevailing common, current
prevalent widespread prevaricate lie prick puncture
priggish pedantic, affected prim formal, prudish primal first, beginning primate head, master
primogeniture first-born child
primp groom
princely regal, generous prismatic many-colored, sparkling pristine pure, unspoiled
privation hardship
privy aware of private matters probe examine
probity integrity
problematic uncertain, difficult
proboscis snout
procedure method, process
proceeds profit
proclaim announce
proclivity inclination procreate beget proctor supervise procure acquire procurer pander
prod urge
prodigal wasteful
prodigious marvelous, enormous
prodigy a person with extraordinary ability or talent profane blasphemous
profess affirm, admit
proffer bring forward for consideration
proficient skillful
profiteer extortionist profligate licentious, prodigal profound deep, knowledgeable profusion overabundance
progenitor ancestor
progeny children
prognosis forecast prognosticate foretell progressive advancing, liberal
proletariat
working class proliferate increase rapidly prolific fruitful, productive prolix long-winded
prologue introduction
prolong lengthen in time promenade stroll, parade promethean inspirational
promiscuous sexually indiscreet promontory headland, cape prompt induce
prompter reminder
promulgate publish, disseminate prone inclined, predisposed propaganda publicity, misinformation propellant rocket fuel
propensity inclination prophet prognosticator prophylactic preventive propinquity nearness propitiate satisfy
propitious auspicious, favorable
proponent supporter, advocate proportionate commensurate proposition offer, proposal
propound
propose proprietor manager, owner propriety decorum
prosaic uninspired, flat
proscenium platform, rostrum proscribe prohibit proselytize recruit, convert
prosody study of poetic structure
prospective expected, imminent
prospectus brochure
prostrate supine
protagonist main character in a story
protean changing readily
protégé ward, pupil
protocol code of diplomatic etiquette
proton particle protract prolong protuberance bulge provender food proverb maxim proverbial well-known
providence foresight, divine
protection provident having foresight, thrifty
providential fortunate province bailiwick, district provincial intolerant, insular provisional temporary
proviso stipulation provisory conditional provocation incitement provocative titillating provoke incite
prowess strength, expertise
proximity nearness proxy substitute, agent prude puritan
prudence discretion, carefulness
prudent cautious, using good judgment
prudish puritanical
prurient lewd
pseudo false
pseudonym alias
psychic pertaining the psyche or mind
psychopath madman psychotic demented puberty adolescence
puckish impish, mischievous
puerile childish pugilism boxing pugnacious combative puissant strong
pulchritude beauty
pulp paste, mush
pulpit platform, priesthood
pulsate throb pulverize crush pun wordplay
punctilious meticulous
pundit learned or politically astute person pungent sharp smell or taste
punitive punishing
puny weak, small
purblind obtuse, stupid purgative cathartic, cleansing purgatory limbo, netherworld purge cleanse, remove
puritanical prim
purlieus environs, surroundings
purloin steal
purport claim to be
purported rumored purposeful determined pursuant following, according purvey deliver, provide
purview range of understanding, field
pusillanimous cowardly
putative reputed
putrefy decay
putsch a sudden attempt to overthrow a government pygmy dwarf
pyrotechnics fireworks
pyrrhic a battle won with unacceptable losses

Q
quack
charlatan
quadrennial occurring every four years
quadrille square dance quadruped four foot animal quaff drink
quagmire difficult situation
quail shrink, cower
quaint old-fashioned, charming
qualified limited
qualms misgivings quandary dilemma quantum quantity, particle
quarantine detention, confinement
quarry prey, game quarter residence, district quash put down, suppress quasi seeming, almost quaver tremble
quay wharf queasy squeamish queer odd
quell suppress, allay quench extinguish, slake querulous complaining
questionnaire survey, feedback
queue line
quibble bicker
quicken revive, hasten
quiddity essence, an unimportant or trifling distinction quiescent still, motionless quietus a cessation of activity quill feather, pen
quip joke
quirk eccentricity, a strange and unexpected turn of events quiver tremble
quixotic impractical, romantic
quizzical odd, questioning
quorum the minimum number people who must be present to hold a meeting quota a share or proportion
quotidian daily

R
rabble
crowd
rabid mad, furious racketeer gangster, swindler raconteur storyteller radical revolutionary raffish rowdy, dashing
rail rant, harangue raiment clothing rake womanizer rally assemble
rambunctious boisterous ramification consequence rampage run amuck rampant unbridled, raging ramrod rod
rancid rotten rancor resentment randy vulgar
rankle cause bitterness, resentment rant rage, scold
rapacious grasping, avaricious
rapidity speed rapier sword rapine plunder
rapport affinity, empathy rapprochement reconciliation rapture bliss
rash hasty, brash rasp scrape ratify approve
ration allowance, portion rationale justification ravage plunder, ruin ravish captivate, charm
raze destroy or level a building realm kingdom, domain
realpolitik cynical interpretation of politics
reap harvest
rebuff reject, snub
rebuke criticize, reprimand
rebus picture puzzle
rebuttal reply, counterargument
recalcitrant stubbornly resisting the authority of another
recant retract a previous statement recapitulate restate, summarize recede move back
receptacle container
receptive open to ideas
recidivism habitual criminal activity recipient one who receives reciprocal mutual, return in kind recital performance, concert recitation recital, lesson
reclusive solitary recoil flinch, retreat recollect remember
recompense repay, compensate reconcile adjust, balance recondite mystical, profound reconnaissance surveillance
reconnoiter to survey, to scout
(especially for military purposes) recount recite
recoup recover recourse appeal, resort recreant cowardly
recrimination countercharge, retaliation
recruit draftee
rectify correct, to make right recumbent reclining recuperation recovery recur repeat, revert
redeem buy back, justify, restore
yourself to favor or to good opinion redeemer savior
redemption salvation redolent fragrant redoubt fort
redoubtable formidable, steadfast
redress restitution, compensation
redundant repetitious
reek smell
reel stagger, to lurch backward as though struck by a blow referendum vote refined purified, cultured reflux ebb refraction bending, deflection
refractory obstinate, disobedient
refrain abstain
refurbish remodel, renovate refute disprove, contradict regal royal
regale entertain
regalia emblems
regime a government
regiment infantry unit
regrettable lamentable, unfortunate
regurgitate vomit, repeat rehash wearily discuss again reign rule, influence
rein curb, restrain reincarnation rebirth reiterate repeat, say again rejoice celebrate rejoinder answer, retort
rejuvenate make young again
relapse recurrence (of illness)
relegate assign to an inferior position
relent soften, yield relentless unstoppable relic antique
relinquish release, renounce
relish savor remedial corrective remiss negligent
remit forgive, send payment remnant residue, fragment remonstrance protest
remorse guilt
remuneration compensation renaissance rebirth renascent reborn
rend to tear apart render deliver, provide rendezvous a meeting
rendition version, interpretation
renege break a promise
renounce disown
renown fame
rent tear, rupture
reparation amends, atonement
repartee witty conversation
repatriate to send back to the native land
repellent causing aversion repent atone for repercussion consequence repertoire stock of works repine fret
replenish refill replete complete replica copy
replicate duplicate
repose rest
reprehensible blameworthy
repress suppress
reprieve temporary suspension
reprimand rebuke reprisal retaliation reprise repetition reproach blame reprobate miscreant reprove rebuke repudiate disavow
repugnant distasteful, revolting
repulse repel
repulsive repugnant
repute status, reputation, esteem reputed supposed, presumed, alleged requiem rest, a mass for the dead requisite necessary
requisition order, formal demand
requite to return in kind
rescind revoke reserve self-control reside dwell
residue remaining part
resigned accepting of a situation
resilience ability to recover from an illness or a setback resolute determined
resolution determination resolve determination resonant reverberating resort recourse
resound echo
resourceful inventive, skillful respectively in that order respire breathe
respite rest, temporary delay resplendent shining, splendid restitution reparation, amends
restive
nervous, uneasy resurgence revival resurrection rebirth resuscitate revive
retain keep
retainer advance fee retaliate revenge retch vomit reticent reserved
retiring modest, unassuming
retort quick reply
retrench cut back, economize
retribution reprisal retrieve reclaim retrograde regress
retrospective reminiscent, display
revamp recast
reveille bugle call revel frolic, take joy in revelry merrymaking revenue income revere honor
reverent respectful
reverie daydream
revert return to a former state revile denounce, defame revision new version
revive renew revoke repeal revulsion aversion rhapsody ecstasy
rhetoric elocution, grandiloquence
rheumatism inflammation
ribald coarse, vulgar
rickety shaky, ramshackle ricochet carom, rebound rife widespread, abundant riffraff dregs of society rifle search through and steal
rift a split, an opening, disagreement righteous upright, moral
rigor harshness, precise and exacting rime crust
riposte counterthrust risible laughable risqué off-color, racy rivet engross
robust vigorous rogue scoundrel roister bluster romp frolic
roseate rosy, optimistic roster list of people rostrum podium
roué libertine
rouse awaken, provoke
rout vanquish, cause to retreat rubicund ruddy complexion ruck the common herd rudiment beginning, kernel rue regret
ruffian brutal person ruminate ponder rummage hunt, grope runel stream
ruse trick
rustic rural
S Sabbath day of rest sabbatical vacation saber sword
sabotage treason, destruction
saccharine sugary, overly sweet tone
sacerdotal priestly sack pillage sacrament rite
sacred cow idol, taboo sacrilege blasphemy sacrosanct sacred saddle encumber
sadist one who takes pleasure in
hurting others safari expedition saga story
sagacious wise
sage wise person
salacious licentious
salient prominent
saline salty
sallow sickly complected sally sortie, attack salutary good, wholesome salutation salute, greeting salvation redemption salve medicinal ointment salvo volley, gunfire sanctify consecrate
sanctimonious self-righteous
sanction approval
sanctuary refuge
sang-froid coolness under fire
sanguinary gory, murderous
sanguine cheerful sans without sapid interesting
sapient wise
sarcophagus stone coffin scornful scornful, sarcastic sartorial pertaining to clothes satanic pertaining to the Devil satchel bag
sate satisfy fully satiate satisfy fully satire ridicule
saturate soak
saturnine gloomy
satyr demigod, goat-man
saunter stroll savanna grassland savant scholar
savoir-faire tact, polish
savor enjoy, relish
savory appetizing
savvy perceptive, shrewd
scabrous difficult
scant inadequate, meager
scapegoat one who takes blame for others
scarify criticize
scathe injure, denounce
scepter a rod, staff
scheme plot, system, diagram
schism rift
scintilla speck scintillate sparkle scion offspring
scoff jeer, dismiss scone biscuit scorn disdain, reject
scoundrel unprincipled person
scour clean by rubbing, search
scourge affliction
scruples misgivings scrupulous principled, fastidious scrutinize examine closely scurf dandruff
scurrilous abusive, insulting
scurry move quickly
scuttle to sink (a ship) scythe long, curved blade sear burn
sebaceous like fat secede withdraw secluded remote, isolated seclusion solitude sectarian denominational
secular worldly, nonreligious
secure make safe
sedation state of calm
sedentary stationary, inactive sedition treason, inciting rebellion seduce lure
sedulous diligent
seedy rundown, ramshackle
seemly proper, attractive
seethe fume, resent
seismic pertaining to earthquakes seismology study of earthquakes self-effacing modest
semantics study of word meanings
semblance likeness
seminal fundamental, decisive
semper fidelis always loyal senescence old age senescent aging
seniority privilege due to length of
service sensational outstanding, startling
sensible wise, prudent sensory relating to the senses sensualist epicure
sensuous appealing to the senses,
enjoying luxury sententious concise sentient conscious sentinel watchman sepulcher tomb sequacious dependent
sequel continuation, epilogue
sequester segregate
seraphic angelic
serendipity a knack for making fortunate discoveries
serene peaceful
serpentine winding and twisting
serried saw-toothed
serum vaccine
servile slavish
servitude forced labor sessile permanently attached session meeting
settee seat, sofa
sever cut in two
severance division
shallot onion sham pretense, imposter shambles disorder, mess shard sharp fragment of glass sheen luster
sheepish shy, embarrassed shibboleth password shirk evade (work)
sliver fragment, shaving
shoal reef
shoring supporting
shortcomings personal deficiencies
shrew virago
shrewd clever, cunning shrill high-pitched shun avoid, spurn shunt turn aside
shyster unethical lawyer sibilant a hissing sound sibling brother or sister
sickle semicircular blade sidereal pertaining to the stars sidle move sideways, slither siege blockade
sierra mountain range sieve strainer signatory signer signet a seal
silhouette outline, profile
silo storage tower simian monkey simile figure of speech simper smile, smirk
simulacrum vague likeness
sinecure position with little responsibility
sinewy fibrous, stringy
singe burn just the surface of something singly one by one, individually singular unique, extraordinary sinister evil, malicious sinistral left-handed
siphon extract, tap sire forefather, to beget siren temptress
site location
skeptical doubtful skinflint miser skirmish a small battle
skittish excitable, wary, jumpy
skulk sneak about
skullduggery trickery
slake quench
slander defame
slate list of candidate slaver drivel, fawn slay kill
sleight dexterity, skill slew an abundance slither slide, slink slogan motto
sloth laziness
slovenly sloppy
smattering superficial knowledge
smelt refine metal smirk smug look smite strike, afflict smock apron
snare trap
snide sarcastic, spiteful snippet morsel, small piece snivel whine, sniff
snub ignore, slight
snuff extinguish
sobriety composed, abstinent, sober
sobriquet nickname
socialite one who is prominent in society
sociology study of society sodality companionship sodden soaked
sojourn trip, stopover solace consolation, comfort solder fuse, weld
solecism ungrammatical construction
solemn serious, somber solemnity seriousness solicit request
solicitous considerate, concerned
soliloquy monologue solstice furthest point soluble dissolvable solvent financially sound
somatic pertaining to the body
somber gloomy, solemn somnambulist sleepwalker somnolent sleepy
sonnet short poem
sonorous resonant, majestic
sop morsel, compensation, offering sophistry specious reasoning soporific sleep inducing soprano high female voice sordid foul, ignoble
sorority sisterhood soubrette actress, ingenue souse a drunk
sovereign monarch
spar fight
spasmodic intermittent, fitful spate sudden outpouring spawn produce
specimen sample
specious false but plausible reasoning
spectacle public display spectral ghostly spectrum range, gamut
speculate conjecture
speleologist one who studies caves
spew eject
spindle shaft
spindly tall and thin spinster old maid spire pinnacle spirited lively
spirituous alcohol, intoxicating
spite malice, grudge
spittle spit splay spread apart
spleen resentment, wrath splenetic peevish splurge indulge
spontaneous extemporaneous sporadic occurring irregularly sportive playful
spry nimble
spume foam, froth
spurious false, counterfeit
spurn to reject a person with scorn squalid filthy squall rain storm squander waste
squelch crush, stifle
stagnant stale, motionless
staid demure, sedate
stalwart pillar, strong, loyal stamina vigor, endurance stanch loyal
stanchion prop, foundation stanza division of a poem stark desolate
startle surprise
stately impressive, noble static inactive, immobile statue regulation
staunch loyal stave ward off steadfast loyal
stealth secrecy, covertness steeped soaked, infused stenography shorthand
stentorian loud or declamatory in tone
sterling high quality
stern strict
stevedore longshoreman
stifle suppress
stigma mark of disgrace
stiletto dagger stilted formal, stiff stimulate excite
stint limit, assignment
stipend payment stipulate specify, arrange stodgy stuffy, pompous
stoic indifferent to pain or pleasure stoke prod, fuel stole long scarf stolid impassive stout stocky strait distress
stratagem trick, military tactic stratify form into layers stratum layer
striate to mark with stripes stricture censure, restriction strife conflict
striking impressive, attractive
stringent severe, strict strive endeavor studious diligent
stultify inhibit, enfeeble stunted arrested development stupefy deaden, dumfound stupendous astounding stupor lethargy
stylize formalize, artificial artistic style stymie hinder, thwart suave smooth, charming sub rosa in secret
subcutaneous beneath the skin
subdue conquer subjugate suppress sublet subcontract
sublimate to redirect forbidden
impulses (usually sexual) into socially accepted activities sublime lofty, excellent sublunary earthly submit yield, acquiesce
subordinate lower in rank subsequent succeeding, following subservient servile, submissive subside diminish
subsidiary subordinate subsidize financial assistance substantiate verify substantive substantial
subterfuge cunning, ruse subterranean underground subvert undermine
succor help, comfort
succulent juicy, delicious succumb yield, submit suffice adequate
suffrage vote
suffuse pervade, permeate
suggestive thought-provoking, risqué
sullen sulky, sour
sully stain
sultry sweltering
summon call for, arraign sumptuous opulent, luscious sunder split
sundry various
superb excellent
supercilious arrogant supererogatory wanton, superfluous superfluous overabundant
superimpose cover, place on top of
superintend supervise superlative superior supernumerary subordinate supersede supplant
supervene ensue, follow
supervise oversee
supine lying on the back supplant replace supplication prayer
suppress subdue surfeit overabundance surly rude, crass surmise to guess surmount overcome surname family name surpass exceed, excel surreal dreamlike
surreptitious secretive
surrogate substitute
surveillance close watch susceptible vulnerable suspend stop temporarily sustenance food susurrant whispering suture surgical stitch
svelte slender
swank fashionable
swarthy dark (as in complexion)
swatch strip of fabric
sweltering hot
swivel a pivot
sybarite pleasure-seeker
sycophant flatterer, flunky syllabicate divide into syllables syllabus schedule
sylph a slim, graceful girl
sylvan rustic
symbiotic cooperative, working in close association symmetry harmony, congruence symposium panel (discussion) symptomatic indicative synagogue temple
syndicate cartel
syndrome set of symptoms
synod council
synopsis brief summary
synthesis combination
systole heart contraction
T tabernacle temple
table postpone
tableau scene, backdrop taboo prohibition tabulate arrange
tacit understood without being spoken taciturn untalkative tactful sensitive tactics strategy tactile tangible taint pollute
talion punishment
tally count
talon claw
tandem two or more things together
tang strong taste
tangential peripheral
tangible touchable tantalize tease tantamount equivalent taper candle
tariff tax on imported or exported
goods tarn small lake tarnish taint tarry linger
taurine bull-like
taut tight
tautological repetitious
tawdry gaudy
technology body of knowledge
tedious boring, tiring teem swarm, abound temerity boldness temperate moderate tempest storm
tempestuous agitated
tempo speed
temporal pertaining to time
tempt entice
tenable defensible, valid tenacious persistent tendentious biased
tenement decaying apartment building
tenet doctrine
tensile stretchable
tentative provisional
tenuous thin, insubstantial
tenure status given after a period of time tepid lukewarm
terminal final
terminology nomenclature
ternary triple
terpsichorean related to dance terrain the feature of land terrapin turtle
terrestrial earthly terse concise testament covenant testy petulant tether tie down
theatrics histrionics
theologian one who studies religion
thesaurus book of synonyms
thesis proposition, topic
thespian actor thews muscles thorny difficult thrall slave threadbare tattered thrive prosper
throes anguish
throng crowd throttle choke thwart to foil
tiara crown
tidings news, information
tiff fight
timbre tonal quality, resonance timorous fearful, timid tincture trace, vestige, tint tinsel tawdriness
tirade scolding speech titan accomplished person titanic huge
titer laugh nervously tithe donate one-tenth titian auburn
titillate arouse
titular in name only, figurehead
toady fawner, sycophant tocsin alarm bell, signal toil drudgery
tome large book
tonal pertaining to sound
topography science of map making
torment harass
torpid lethargic, inactive torrid scorching, passionate torsion twisting
torus doughnut shaped object
totter stagger touchstone standard tousled disheveled tout praise, brag
toxicologist one who studies poisons
tractable docile, manageable
traduce slander
tranquilize calm, anesthetize transcribe write a copy transfigure transform, exalt transfix impale
transfuse insert, infuse transgression trespass, offense transient fleeting, temporary
transitory fleeting translucent clear, lucid transpire happen transpose interchange trauma injury
travail work, drudgery
traverse cross
travesty caricature, farce treatise book, dissertation trek journey
trenchant incisive, penetrating
trepidation fear triad group of three tribunal court tributary river
trite commonplace, insincere
troglodyte cave dweller trollop harlot troublous disturbed trounce thrash
troupe group of actors truckle yield truculent fierce, savage trudge march, slog
truism self-evident truth
truncate shorten
truncheon club
tryst meeting, rendezvous
tumbler drinking glass
tumefy swell
tumult commotion turbid muddy, clouded turgid swollen turpitude depravity
tussle fight
tussock cluster of glass tutelage guardianship twain two twinge pain tyrannical dictatorial tyranny oppression tyro beginner
U ubiquitous omnipresent, pervasive
ulterior hidden, covert
ultimatum demand ululate howl, wail umbrage resentment
unabashed shameless, brazen
unabated ceaseless unaffected natural, sincere unanimity agreement
unassuming modest
unavailing useless, futile unawares suddenly, unexpectedly unbecoming unfitting unbridled unrestrained
uncanny mysterious, inexplicable unconscionable unscrupulous uncouth uncultured, crude unctuous insincere
undermine weaken underpin support underscore emphasize understudy a stand-in underworld criminal world
underwrite agree to finance,
guarantee undue unjust, excessive undulate surge, fluctuate unduly excessive
unequivocal unambiguous,
categorical unexceptionable beyond criticism
unfailing steadfast, unfaltering
unfathomable puzzling, incomprehensible
unflagging untiring, unrelenting
unflappable not easily upset
unfrock discharge
unfurl open up, spread out
ungainly awkward
uniformity sameness
unilateral action taken by only one party
unimpeachable exemplary
unison together
unkempt disheveled unmitigated complete, harsh unmoved firm, steadfast
unprecedented without previous occurrence
unremitting relentless unsavory distasteful, offensive unscathed unhurt
unseat displace
unseemly unbecoming, improper
unstinting generous
unsullied spotless, pure
unsung neglected, not receiving just recognition untenable cannot be achieved untoward perverse, unseemly unwarranted unjustified unwieldy awkward unwitting unintentional
upshot result
urbane refined, worldly
ursine bear-like
usurp seize, to appropriate
usury lending money at high rates utilitarian pragmatic, useful utopia paradise
utter complete
uxorious a doting husband

V vacillate waver
vacuous inane, empty
vagary whim
vain unsuccessful vainglorious conceited valediction farewell speech valiant brave
validate affirm, authenticate
valor bravery
vanguard leading position
vanquish conquer vapid vacuous, insipid variance discrepancy
vassal subject, subordinate
vaunt brag
vehement adamant
venal mercenary, for the sake of money vendetta grudge, feud veneer false front, facade venerable revered
venial excusable
venom poison, spite
venture risk, speculate
venturesome bold, risky
venue location
veracity truthfulness
veranda porch
verbatim word for word, literal
verbose wordy
verdant green, lush
verdict decision, judgment vernacular common speech vertigo dizziness
vestige trace, remnant
veto reject
vex annoy
viable capable of surviving, feasible viaduct waterway
viand food
vicious evil, cruel
vicissitude changing fortunes
victuals food
vie compete
vigil watch, sentry duty vigilant on guard vignette scene
vigor vitality
vilify defame, malign vindicate free from blame vindictive revengeful
virile manly, strong
virtuoso highly skilled artist virulent deadly, poisonous, infectious visage facial expression
viscid thick, gummy
visitation a formal visit
vital necessary
vitiate spoil, ruin vitreous glassy vitriolic scathing
vituperative abusive, critical language
vivacious lively, high-spirited
vivid lifelike, clear
vivisection experimentation on animals, dissection
vocation occupation vociferous adamant, clamoring vogue fashion, chic
volant agile
volatile unstable, precarious
volition free will
voluble talkative
voluminous bulky, extensive
voracious hungry
votary fan, aficionado
vouchsafe confer, bestow
vulgarity obscenity
vulnerable susceptible
vulpine fox-like, cunning

W wager bet waggish playful waive forego wallow indulge

wan pale, pallid, listless wane dissipate, wither want need, poverty, lack of wanton lewd, abandoned, gratuitous
warrant justification wary guarded, cautious wastrel spendthrift
waylay ambush, accost
wean remove from nursing, break a habit weir dam
welter confusion, hodgepodge wheedle to coax with flattery whet stimulate
whiffle vacillate
whimsical capricious, playful
wield exercise control willful deliberate, wanton wily shrewd, crafty
wince cringe
windfall bonus, boon
winnow separate
winsome charmingly innocent wistful sad yearning, melancholy wither shrivel
wizened shriveled woe anguish, despair wont custom, habit woo court, seek favor wraith ghost
wrath anger, fury
wreak to inflict something violent wrest snatch
wretched miserable
writ summons, court order writhe contort, thrash about
wry twisted, ironic sense of humor
X xenophillic attraction to strangers
xenophobia fear of foreigners
xylophone musical percussion instrument

Y yarn story, tale
yearn desire strongly
yen desire, yearning
yore long ago
Young Turks reformers
Z zeal earnestness, passion zealot fanatic
zenith summit
zephyr gentle breeze



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