Monday, July 8, 2013

GRE Word List Essential (900+ words)

  1. aberrant
    markedly different from an accepted norm
    Hitler’s derived personality profile also suggested that he probably had schizophrenic tendencies, including excessive grandiosity and aberrant thinking.
    Scientific American (Dec 19, 2011)
  2. abeyance
    temporary cessation or suspension
    “Usually, at the conclusion of the proceedings, final disposition was held in abeyance, and the alien would remain on bond,” Ms. Galvin wrote.
    New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
  3. abscond
    run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
    Police have said they are seeking help in locating a prisoner who absconded from a healthcare facility in Belfast.
    BBC (May 1, 2011)
  4. abstemious
    marked by temperance in indulgence
    Garnishes were simple, abstemious yet effective players on the plate: squash risotto, puréed fennel, bacon-onion jam.
    New York Times (Nov 20, 2010)
  5. abstruse
    difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
    Other artists produce maddeningly abstruse drawings that relate to their better-known performances.
    New York Times (Mar 24, 2011)
  6. absurd
    inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
  7. abyss
    a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
  8. acquiesce
    to agree or express agreement
    American officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced.
    New York Times (Mar 9, 2012)
  9. adamant
    very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
  10. adept
    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
  11. admonish
    take to task
  12. adulate
    flatter in an obsequious manner
    The main man at SOM was David Childs, now aged 70, prominent for decades in American architecture but never adulated like its more glamorous stars.
    The Guardian (Jul 30, 2011)
  13. adulation
    servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
  14. adulterate
    corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
  15. adumbrate
    describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of
    He vaguely adumbrated what it was out of which she came.
    Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
  16. adverse
    in an opposing direction
  17. aesthete
    one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature
  18. affable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  19. affliction
    a cause of great suffering and distress
  20. affluent
    having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
  21. aggrandize
    add details to
    Beyond facial and vocal signs of disapproval, there are sometimes bizarre, exaggerated movements, like abrupt stops or aggrandized sidesteps.
    New York Times (Nov 7, 2011)
  22. agitate
    move or cause to move back and forth
  23. agog
    highly excited
  24. alacrity
    liveliness and eagerness
    Thus far, although perhaps somewhat lacking in alacrity of persecution, no serious charges could be laid against him.
    Lea, Henry Charles
  25. allegation
    (law) a formal accusation against somebody (often in a court of law)
  26. allegiance
    the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
  27. ally
    a friendly nation
  28. amalgamate
    to bring or combine together or with something else
  29. ambiguous
    having more than one possible meaning
  30. ambivalent
    uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
  31. ambrosial
    worthy of the gods
  32. ameliorate
    to make better
  33. amenable
    disposed or willing to comply
  34. anachronism
    something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
  35. analgesic
    capable of relieving pain
  36. annex
    attach to
    Opponents say Ma’s moves will make it easier for Beijing leaders to eventually annex Taiwan, which they view as province of China.
    Forbes (Jan 13, 2012)
  37. annotate
    add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
  38. annul
    cancel officially
  39. anomalous
    deviating from the general or common order or type
  40. antediluvian
    of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
  41. antipathy
    a feeling of intense dislike
  42. antiseptic
    thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms
  43. aphoristic
    terse and witty and like a maxim
    His best writing has always had an aphoristic quality, and that’s true here.
    New York Times (May 10, 2011)
  44. apocryphal
    being of questionable authenticity
  45. apparition
    a ghostly appearing figure
  46. appraise
    consider in a comprehensive way
  47. apprehension
    fearful expectation or anticipation
  48. apprise
    inform (somebody) of something
  49. approbation
    official approval
    “Perhaps,” he said, “painting him was one way of trying to elicit more love and approbation.”
    New York Times (Apr 13, 2012)
  50. aptitude
    inherent ability
  51. aqueous
    similar to or containing or dissolved in water
    The fact that an aqueous solution of these ashes affects the coloured parts of many plants was also noticed in early times.
    Muir, M. M. Pattison (Matthew Moncrieff Pattison)
  52. arable
    (of farmland) capable of being farmed productively
  53. arbitrate
    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
  54. arduous
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
  55. articulate
    express or state clearly
  56. ascetic
    someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
  57. ascribe
    attribute or credit to
  58. asperity
    harshness of manner
    "Standin' an' looking at the blessed thing won't clear away this raffle," said the Old Man withasperity.
    Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
  59. aspersion
    a disparaging remark
  60. aspiration
    a cherished desire
  61. assess
    evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
  62. assuage
    provide physical relief, as from pain
  63. astringent
    tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
  64. astute
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  65. atone
    turn away from sin or do penitence
    Regulators can begin to atone for their past laxity by helping the working group now.
    New York Times (Mar 1, 2012)
  66. atrophy
    a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
  67. attentive
    taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
  68. attenuate
    become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
  69. audacious
    disposed to venture or take risks
  70. augment
    enlarge or increase
  71. auspicious
    auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
    Five years later, the corporate law world is again abuzz over the firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf, but for less auspicious reasons.
    New York Times (Mar 15, 2012)
  72. austere
    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
  73. avarice
    reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
  74. aver
    to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  75. averse
    (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
  76. avert
    turn away or aside
  77. avid
    marked by active interest and enthusiasm
  78. baleful
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  79. balk
    refuse to comply
  80. banal
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
    Nor is it his material, which sticks to deft takes on relatively banal subjects like chain stores or hipster attitudes.
    New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)
  81. baneful
    deadly or sinister
  82. banter
    light teasing repartee
  83. barefaced
    with no effort to conceal
  84. bask
    be exposed
  85. belie
    be in contradiction with
  86. bellicose
    having or showing a ready disposition to fight
  87. benevolent
    showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
  88. benign
    kindness of disposition or manner
  89. bilk
    cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
    So-called boiler-rooms, where corrupt brokers bilked investors by manipulating stocks, were giving way to insider-trading.
    BusinessWeek (Dec 22, 2011)
  90. bizarre
    conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
  91. blandishment
    flattery intended to persuade
  92. bleak
    unpleasantly cold and damp
  93. blithe
    carefree and happy and lighthearted
  94. blunder
    an embarrassing mistake
  95. board
    a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
  96. bog
    wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
  97. bogus
    fraudulent; having a misleading appearance
  98. bolster
    support and strengthen
  99. bombast
    pompous or pretentious talk or writing
    But he lost his nerve as a coproducer, going for stadium bombast instead of the unadorned grit these stories of hard times demand.
    Chicago Tribune (Mar 2, 2012)
  100. boor
    a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
  101. breach
    an opening (especially a gap in a dike or fortification)
  102. brisk
    quick and energetic
  103. brittle
    having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
  104. brood
    hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
  105. burgeon
    grow and flourish
  106. burlesque
    a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
  107. buttress
    a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
  108. cadge
    obtain or seek to obtain by cadging or wheedling
  109. cajole
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  110. calisthenics
    light exercises designed to promote general fitness
  111. cant
    a slope in the turn of a road or track; the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force
  112. caprice
    a sudden desire
    At length, when they were fully out of earshot, Manners himself stopped, thinking that he had humoured his companion's caprices far enough.
    James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
  113. captor
    a person who captures and holds people or animals
  114. castigate
    inflict severe punishment on
  115. catalyst
    (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
  116. caustic
    of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
  117. cavern
    a large cave or a large chamber in a cave
  118. censor
    a person who is authorized to read publications or correspondence or to watch theatrical performances and suppress in whole or in part anything considered obscene or politically unacceptable
  119. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  120. cessation
    a stopping
  121. charter
    a document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
  122. chary
    characterized by great caution and wariness
    Many, perhaps chary of the misspelling bell, backed away slowly after their word.
    New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)
  123. chicanery
    the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
  124. circumlocution
    an indirect way of expressing something
  125. circumspect
    heedful of potential consequences
  126. claim
    assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
  127. clot
    a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
  128. clumsy
    lacking grace in movement or posture
  129. coagulant
    an agent that produces coagulation
    They were all suitable coagulants when used in quantity calculated from the discovered acidity, but produced rubber darker than ordinary when air-dried.
    Morgan, Sidney
  130. coerce
    to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
  131. cogent
    powerfully persuasive
  132. cognizance
    having knowledge of
  133. coherent
    marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts
  134. collusion
    secret agreement
  135. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
    “He was terribly hyper, ambitious,” Mr. Evtushenkov said — and thus, he implied, forgot the rule about operating commensurate with political influence.
    New York Times (May 4, 2012)
  136. commentator
    an expert who observes and comments on something
  137. complacent
    contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
  138. complaisant
    showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
  139. composure
    steadiness of mind under stress
  140. concede
    give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  141. conceit
    the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
  142. concession
    the act of conceding or yielding
  143. conciliatory
    making or willing to make concessions
  144. concoct
    make a concoction (of) by mixing
  145. concur
    happen simultaneously
  146. condescend
    behave in a patronizing and condescending manner
  147. conducive
    tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
  148. confidential
    (of information) given in confidence or in secret
  149. confine
    place limits on (extent or access)
  150. conflagration
    a very intense and uncontrolled fire
    There are concerns that the conflict could cause a regional conflagration that sucks in neighboring countries.
    Time (Mar 27, 2012)
  151. conflate
    mix together different elements
  152. confound
    be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  153. confrontation
    discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions
  154. congruent
    corresponding in character or kind
  155. conifer
    any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones
  156. conjecture
    to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
  157. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
  158. conscript
    enroll into service compulsorily
  159. consensus
    agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole
  160. consign
    give over to another for care or safekeeping
  161. console
    give moral or emotional strength to
  162. conspicuous
    obvious to the eye or mind
  163. conspire
    act in unison or agreement and in secret towards a deceitful or illegal purpose
  164. consternation
    fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  165. contend
    compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  166. contentious
    inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
  167. contingent
    determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
  168. contrite
    feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
  169. controversial
    marked by or capable of arousing controversy
  170. convoke
    call together
  171. convoluted
    rolled longitudinally upon itself
  172. corporal
    affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
  173. corroborate
    give evidence for
  174. covert
    secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
  175. covet
    wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
  176. cower
    crouch or curl up
  177. coy
    modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
  178. crave
    have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
  179. craven
    lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
  180. crease
    an angular or rounded shape made by folding
  181. credulity
    tendency to believe readily
  182. crockery
    tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively
  183. culpable
    deserving blame or censure as being wrong or evil or injurious
  184. curb
    the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
  185. dabble
    bob forward and under so as to feed off the bottom of a body of water
  186. dampen
    lessen in force or effect
  187. dangle
    hang freely
  188. dazzle
    brightness enough to blind partially and temporarily
  189. dearth
    an insufficient quantity or number
  190. debacle
    a sudden and violent collapse
  191. debilitate
    make weak
  192. decorous
    characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
  193. decorum
    propriety in manners and conduct
  194. decree
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  195. decry
    express strong disapproval of
  196. dedication
    complete and wholehearted fidelity
  197. defer
    yield to another's wish or opinion
  198. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  199. defiance
    a hostile challenge
  200. defiant
    boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
  201. deft
    skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
  202. delineate
    represented accurately or precisely
  203. deluge
    a heavy rain
  204. demote
    assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
  205. demur
    take exception to
  206. denounce
    speak out against
  207. denunciation
    a public act of denouncing
  208. deposition
    the act of putting something somewhere
  209. deprivation
    the disadvantage that results from losing something
  210. deprive
    take away
  211. descry
    catch sight of
  212. desiccate
    lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
  213. desperate
    a person who is frightened and in need of help
  214. despicable
    morally reprehensible
  215. detached
    no longer connected or joined
  216. deter
    turn away from by persuasion
  217. devoid
    completely wanting or lacking
  218. diatribe
    thunderous verbal attack
  219. dichotomy
    being twofold; a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
  220. diffident
    showing modest reserve
  221. digress
    wander from a direct or straight course
  222. dilettante
    an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
  223. diligent
    quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness
  224. din
    a loud harsh or strident noise
  225. dirge
    a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
  226. disabuse
    free somebody (from an erroneous belief)
  227. disassemble
    take apart into its constituent pieces
  228. disburse
    expend, as from a fund
  229. discomfit
    cause to lose one's composure
  230. discourse
    an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
  231. discreet
    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
  232. discrete
    constituting a separate entity or part
  233. disdain
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  234. disguise
    any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
  235. disinterested
    unaffected by self-interest
  236. dislodge
    remove or force from a position of dwelling previously occupied
  237. disparate
    fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
  238. disparity
    inequality or difference in some respect
  239. dispassionate
    unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
  240. dispel
    to cause to separate and go in different directions
  241. disprove
    prove to be false
  242. disrobe
    get undressed
  243. dissemble
    behave unnaturally or affectedly
  244. dissent
    a difference of opinion
  245. distend
    cause to expand as it by internal pressure
  246. distract
    draw someone's attention away from something
  247. distraught
    deeply agitated especially from emotion
  248. divest
    take away possessions from someone
  249. divulge
    make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
  250. docile
    easily handled or managed
  251. dogmatic
    of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
  252. doleful
    filled with or evoking sadness
  253. dormant
    inactive but capable of becoming active
  254. drab
    a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
  255. drawl
    a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
  256. droll
    comical in an odd or whimsical manner
  257. drone
    an unchanging intonation
  258. drought
    a shortage of rainfall
  259. dubious
    fraught with uncertainty or doubt
  260. dumbfound
    be a mystery or bewildering to
  261. dupe
    fool or hoax
  262. dwarf
    a plant or animal that is atypically small
  263. dwindle
    become smaller or lose substance
  264. ebullient
    joyously unrestrained
  265. eclectic
    selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
  266. efface
    remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
  267. efficacious
    marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect
  268. effrontery
    audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
  269. egalitarian
    favoring social equality
  270. egregious
    conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
  271. elicit
    call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  272. eloquence
    powerful and effective language
  273. elucidate
    make clear and (more) comprehensible
  274. elusive
    skillful at eluding capture
  275. embellish
    make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  276. embrace
    squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
  277. emissary
    someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
  278. emollient
    toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
    Unlike his emollient predecessor, Sir Rod Eddington, Walsh has an uncompromising style and has proved willing to confront unions head-on, with decidedly mixed results.
    The Guardian (Nov 20, 2010)
  279. enchant
    cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
  280. encomium
    a formal expression of praise
  281. encroach
    advance beyond the usual limit
  282. encumber
    hold back
  283. endeavor
    attempt by employing effort
  284. endorse
    be behind; approve of
  285. enervate
    weaken mentally or morally
  286. engender
    make children
  287. engrossed
    giving or marked by complete attention to
  288. enigma
    something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  289. enlist
    join the military
  290. ensign
    a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
  291. enthral
    hold spellbound
  292. entrenched
    dug in
  293. ephemeral
    anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
  294. epistemology
    the philosophical theory of knowledge
  295. epistle
    a specially long, formal letter
  296. epithet
    descriptive word or phrase
  297. epitome
    a standard or typical example
  298. equivocate
    be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
  299. equivocation
    intentionally vague or ambiguous
  300. eradicate
    destroy completely, as if down to the roots
  301. erratic
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
  302. erudite
    having or showing profound knowledge
  303. eschew
    avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  304. esoteric
    confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
  305. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  306. espy
    catch sight of
  307. ethos
    (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
  308. euphemism
    an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
  309. euphoria
    a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
  310. evanescent
    tending to vanish like vapor
  311. evict
    expel or eject without recourse to legal process
  312. evoke
    call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  313. exacerbate
    make worse
  314. exculpate
    pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
  315. exemplary
    worthy of imitation
  316. exemplify
    be characteristic of
  317. exhort
    spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
  318. exigent
    demanding attention
  319. exonerate
    pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
  320. exorbitant
    greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
  321. expend
    use up, consume fully
  322. expiate
    make amends for
  323. explicit
    precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
  324. exploit
    use or manipulate to one's advantage
  325. extant
    still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
  326. extempore
    with little or no preparation or forethought
  327. extensive
    large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
  328. extent
    the point or degree to which something extends
  329. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  330. extravagant
    recklessly wasteful
  331. exuberant
    joyously unrestrained
  332. facetious
    cleverly amusing in tone
  333. faddish
    intensely fashionable for a short time
    In the West investing in fine wine instead of equities, bonds or commodities has become something of a faddish way to diversify one’s portfolio.
    Economist (Jan 20, 2011)
  334. fallacious
    containing or based on a fallacy
  335. fallacy
    a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
  336. falter
    move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
  337. fanatical
    marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
  338. fathom
    a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
  339. fawn
    a young deer
  340. feckless
    generally incompetent and ineffectual
  341. feign
    make believe with the intent to deceive
  342. felicitate
    express congratulations
  343. felon
    someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
  344. fervent
    characterized by intense emotion
  345. fervid
    characterized by intense emotion
  346. fervor
    feelings of great warmth and intensity
  347. feud
    a bitter quarrel between two parties
  348. fickle
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
  349. fidget
    move restlessly
  350. finicky
    exacting especially about details
  351. flamboyant
    marked by ostentation but often tasteless
  352. flatter
    praise somewhat dishonestly
  353. flaunt
    display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
  354. fledgling
    young bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying
  355. flimsy
    a thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies
  356. flinch
    draw back, as with fear or pain
  357. flippant
    showing inappropriate levity
  358. flirt
    talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
  359. flop
    fall loosely
  360. florid
    elaborately or excessively ornamented
  361. flounder
    walk with great difficulty
  362. flout
    treat with contemptuous disregard
  363. fluffy
    like down or as soft as down
  364. fluke
    a stroke of luck
  365. flustered
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)
  366. foible
    a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  367. foment
    try to stir up public opinion
  368. foment
    try to stir up public opinion
  369. foolhardy
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
  370. foppish
    affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
  371. foreclosure
    the legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default
  372. forestall
    keep from happening or arising; make impossible
  373. forge
    create by hammering
  374. forgery
    criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud
  375. formidable
    extremely impressive in strength or excellence
  376. forthright
    directly and without evasion; not roundabout
  377. fortuitous
    occurring by happy chance
  378. foster
    providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
  379. fracas
    noisy quarrel
  380. fraud
    intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
  381. frenzy
    state of violent mental agitation
  382. fret
    be agitated or irritated
  383. frivolous
    not serious in content or attitude or behavior
  384. frown
    a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
  385. fulminate
    cause to explode violently and with loud noise
  386. furtive
    secret and sly or sordid
  387. gaffe
    a socially awkward or tactless act
  388. gainsay
    take exception to
  389. garner
    store grain
  390. garrulous
    full of trivial conversation
  391. gauche
    lacking social polish
    It was not that long ago he appeared gauche and unco-ordinated, every bit a former second-row camping out on the wing.
    The Guardian (Feb 19, 2011)
  392. gaudy
    tastelessly showy
  393. gavel
    a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge
  394. ghastly
    shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
  395. gird
    bind with something round or circular
  396. gist
    the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  397. glib
    artfully persuasive in speech
  398. gloat
    dwell on with satisfaction
  399. goad
    stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
  400. gorge
    a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
  401. gossamer
    a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
  402. gouge
    an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
  403. gravel
    rock fragments and pebbles
  404. gravity
    (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
  405. grazing
    the act of grazing
  406. gregarious
    instinctively or temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
  407. grill
    a framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate
  408. grovel
    show submission or fear
  409. grudging
    petty or reluctant in giving or spending
  410. grumble
    make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
  411. guarded
    prudent
  412. guile
    shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
  413. guileless
    free of deceit
  414. gullible
    naive and easily deceived or tricked
  415. hackneyed
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  416. hallucinate
    perceive what is not there; have illusions
  417. hamper
    prevent the progress or free movement of
  418. hapless
    deserving or inciting pity
  419. harangue
    a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
  420. harbor
    a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
  421. herbaceous
    characteristic of a nonwoody herb or plant part
  422. heretic
    a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church
  423. heretical
    characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
  424. heterodox
    characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
  425. hoax
    something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
  426. holster
    a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
  427. homeopathy
    a method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated
  428. hyperbole
    extravagant exaggeration
  429. hypocritical
    professing feelings or virtues one does not have
  430. iconoclast
    someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
  431. idiosyncrasy
    a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  432. idolatrous
    relating to or practicing idolatry
  433. illicit
    contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention
  434. imbibe
    take in liquids
  435. imbue
    spread or diffuse through
  436. immutable
    not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature
  437. impair
    make worse or less effective
  438. impassive
    having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
  439. impecunious
    not having enough money to pay for necessities
  440. impede
    be a hindrance or obstacle to
  441. impediment
    something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
  442. imperative
    requiring attention or action
  443. imperious
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  444. impervious
    not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
  445. impetuous
    characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
  446. implacable
    incapable of being placated
  447. imposture
    pretending to be another person
  448. impregnable
    immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
  449. impromptu
    with little or no preparation or forethought
  450. improvidence
    a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources
  451. improvise
    manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand
  452. impudent
    improperly forward or bold
  453. impugn
    attack as false or wrong
  454. impunity
    exemption from punishment or loss
  455. inadvertent
    happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
  456. inauspicious
    not auspicious; boding ill
  457. inchoate
    only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
  458. incidence
    the relative frequency of occurrence of something
  459. incipient
    only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
  460. incongruous
    lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
  461. incorrigible
    impervious to correction by punishment
  462. incursion
    the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)
  463. indelible
    cannot be removed or erased
  464. indict
    accuse formally of a crime
  465. indigenous
    originating where it is found
  466. indignant
    angered at something unjust or wrong
  467. induce
    cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
  468. indulge
    yield (to); give satisfaction to
  469. ineffable
    defying expression or description
  470. inept
    generally incompetent and ineffectual
  471. inextricable
    not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied
  472. infiltrate
    pass through an enemy line; in a military conflict
  473. inflammable
    easily ignited
  474. infuse
    fill, as with a certain quality
  475. ingenious
    showing inventiveness and skill
  476. ingenuous
    lacking in sophistication or worldliness
  477. ingrained
    (used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
  478. inimical
    not friendly
  479. iniquitous
    characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin
  480. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  481. inopportune
    not opportune
  482. inquisitive
    inquiring or appearing to inquire
  483. insatiate
    impossible to satisfy
  484. insensible
    barely able to be perceived
  485. insignia
    a badge worn to show official position
  486. insinuate
    give to understand
  487. insipid
    lacking interest or significance or impact
  488. insular
    relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island
  489. intact
    undamaged in any way
  490. interregnum
    the time between two reigns, governments, etc.
  491. intransigent
    impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
  492. intrepid
    invulnerable to fear or intimidation
  493. intricate
    having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
  494. intrigue
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  495. inundate
    fill or cover completely, usually with water
  496. inured
    made tough by habitual exposure
  497. invective
    abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
  498. invert
    turn inside out or upside down
  499. invigorate
    give life or energy to
  500. invoke
    request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection
  501. irascible
    quickly aroused to anger
  502. irate
    feeling or showing extreme anger
  503. jamb
    upright consisting of a vertical side member of a door or window frame
  504. jeer
    laugh at with contempt and derision
  505. jeopardy
    a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  506. jest
    activity characterized by good humor
  507. jocular
    characterized by jokes and good humor
  508. jovial
    full of or showing high-spirited merriment
  509. judicious
    marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters
  510. lackluster
    lacking brilliance or vitality
  511. laconic
    brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  512. lasso
    a long noosed rope used to catch animals
  513. latitude
    an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
  514. laudable
    worthy of high praise
  515. lavish
    very generous
  516. leash
    restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
  517. leaven
    a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
  518. lethargic
    deficient in alertness or activity
  519. lethargy
    inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
  520. levee
    a pier that provides a landing place on a river
  521. leviathan
    the largest or most massive thing of its kind
  522. levy
    impose and collect
  523. libertine
    unrestrained by convention or morality
  524. ligneous
    consisting of or containing lignin or xylem
    The interior is filled with a powder that under the microscope appears to be made up of ligneousfilaments mixed with a few spores.
    Lloyd, C. G.
  525. limerick
    a humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba
    “It was no problem,” said Ms. Campbell, who lives in Lake Oswego, Ore., and uses her iPad daily to write limericks and reread classic novels.
    New York Times (Sep 1, 2010)
  526. limp
    walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
  527. linen
    a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  528. literal
    limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
  529. lizard
    relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
  530. loafer
    person who does no work
  531. loll
    be lazy or idle
  532. loom
    a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile
  533. lope
    run easily
  534. loquacious
    full of trivial conversation
  535. lucid
    (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
  536. lucrative
    producing a sizeable profit
  537. ludicrous
    incongruous;inviting ridicule
  538. lugubrious
    excessively mournful
  539. lull
    make calm or still
  540. lumber
    the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
  541. luminous
    softly bright or radiant
  542. lustrous
    reflecting light
  543. mace
    spice made from the dried fleshy covering of the nutmeg seed
  544. macerate
    soften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result
  545. magnanimity
    liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
  546. malapropism
    the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar
  547. malevolent
    wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
  548. malign
    speak unfavorably about
  549. malingerer
    someone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacity
    Stanford failed tests designed to expose malingerers, a psychologist testified yesterday in Houston.
    BusinessWeek (Dec 21, 2011)
  550. manifest
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  551. martial
    suggesting war or military life
  552. martinet
    someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
  553. maverick
    someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
  554. meager
    deficient in amount or quality or extent
  555. meddle
    intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
  556. mediocre
    moderate to inferior in quality
  557. mend
    restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
  558. mendacious
    given to lying
  559. mercenary
    a person hired to fight for another country than their own
  560. mercurial
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
  561. metaphysics
    the philosophical study of being and knowing
  562. meticulous
    marked by precise accordance with details
  563. mettle
    the courage to carry on
  564. mettlesome
    having a proud and unbroken spirit
  565. minuscule
    very small
  566. mirth
    great merriment
  567. misanthrope
    someone who dislikes people in general
  568. misnomer
    an incorrect or unsuitable name
  569. misogynist
    a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
  570. mistrust
    regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
  571. mitigate
    lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
  572. moat
    ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
  573. mollify
    cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  574. mollycoddle
    treat with excessive indulgence
    The behaviorist John B. Watson argued that mollycoddled toddlers grew into weak and whiny adults.
    Slate (Dec 7, 2010)
  575. molt
    cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
    The challenging crabs had recently molted, so perhaps it wanted a good position to regain its bacterial covering.
    Scientific American (Dec 5, 2011)
  576. morose
    showing a brooding ill humor
  577. mosaic
    art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
  578. mundane
    found in the ordinary course of events
  579. nadir
    an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
  580. narcotic
    a drug that produces numbness or stupor; often taken for pleasure or to reduce pain; extensive use can lead to addiction
  581. nausea
    the state that precedes vomiting
  582. nefarious
    extremely wicked
  583. neglect
    leave undone or leave out
  584. neuralgia
    acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
  585. nocturnal
    belonging to or active during the night
  586. noisome
    causing or able to cause nausea
  587. nonchalant
    marked by blithe unconcern
  588. nondescript
    lacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and uninteresting
  589. nonplused
    filled with bewilderment
    Mr. Reginald Kent looked rather nonplused and Mr. Tucker handed me his gun to hold while he rolled in the leaves for very joy.
    Speed, Nell
  590. note
    a brief written record
  591. notion
    a general inclusive concept
  592. oaf
    an awkward stupid person
  593. obdurate
    stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
  594. obeisance
    bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
  595. obelisk
    a stone pillar having a rectangular cross section tapering towards a pyramidal top
  596. obese
    excessively fat
  597. obfuscate
    make obscure or unclear
  598. obituary
    a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
  599. objurgate
    censure severely
  600. objurgation
    rebuking a person harshly
    Then more blows, a general rising up of that part of the congregation, and a pouring out of profaneobjurgations that was surprising.
    McBride, R. E.
  601. oblation
    the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity
  602. obligatory
    required by obligation or compulsion or convention
  603. oblique
    slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
  604. obliquity
    the quality of being deceptive
  605. obliterate
    remove completely from recognition or memory
  606. oblivion
    the state of being disregarded or forgotten
  607. obloquy
    a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
  608. obnoxious
    causing disapproval or protest
  609. obscure
    not clearly understood or expressed
  610. obsequious
    attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
  611. obsession
    an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
  612. obsidian
    acid or granitic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava without crystallization; usually dark, but transparent in thin pieces
  613. obsolete
    no longer in use
  614. obstetrician
    a physician specializing in obstetrics
  615. obstreperous
    noisily and stubbornly defiant
  616. obtrude
    push to thrust outward
  617. obtrusive
    sticking out; protruding
  618. obtuse
    of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
  619. obviate
    do away with
  620. obvious
    easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
  621. occult
    supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
  622. oculist
    a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
  623. odious
    unequivocally detestable
  624. odium
    hate coupled with disgust
  625. odoriferous
    emitting an odor
  626. odorous
    having odor or a characteristic odor
  627. offal
    viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often considered inedible by humans
  628. offertory
    the offerings of the congregation at a religious service
    It is very difficult to say whether they should be read before or after the offertory and prayer for the Church Militant.
    Unknown
  629. officious
    intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
  630. ogle
    look at with amorous intentions
  631. olfactory
    of or relating to olfaction
  632. oligarchy
    a political system governed by a few people
  633. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  634. omnipotent
    having unlimited power
  635. omnipresent
    being present everywhere at once
  636. omniscient
    infinitely wise
  637. omnivorous
    feeding on both plants and animals
  638. onerous
    not easily borne; wearing
  639. onomatopoeia
    using words that imitate the sound they denote
  640. onslaught
    (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
  641. onus
    an onerous or difficult concern
  642. opalescent
    having a play of lustrous rainbow colors
  643. opaque
    not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
  644. opiate
    a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
  645. opportune
    suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
  646. opportunist
    a person who places expediency above principle
  647. opprobrious
    expressing offensive reproach
  648. opprobrium
    a state of extreme dishonor
  649. optician
    a worker who makes glasses for remedying defects of vision
  650. optimum
    most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied
  651. optometrist
    a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
  652. opulence
    wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
  653. opus
    a musical work that has been created
  654. oratorio
    a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
  655. ordinance
    an authoritative rule
  656. orientation
    the act of orienting
  657. orifice
    an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
  658. orison
    reverent petition to a deity
  659. ornate
    marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
  660. ornithologist
    a zoologist who studies birds
  661. ornithology
    the branch of zoology that studies birds
  662. orotund
    ostentatiously lofty in style
    It may, of course, vary in pitch, but tones of low pitch that are intended to be impressive are most suitably rendered in orotund quality.
    Ontario. Ministry of Education
  663. orthography
    a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
  664. oscillate
    move or swing from side to side regularly
  665. ossified
    set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs
    But voters like George Pappas, 37, a physical therapist, say they're equally as angry at the ossifiedpolitics at home.
    Time (May 1, 2012)
  666. ostensible
    appearing as such but not necessarily so
  667. ostentatious
    intended to attract notice and impress others
  668. ostracism
    the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
  669. ostracize
    expel from a community or group
  670. outgrowth
    the gradual beginning or coming forth
  671. outmoded
    out of fashion
  672. outset
    the time at which something is supposed to begin
  673. overhaul
    make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to
  674. overt
    open and observable; not secret or hidden
  675. overture
    orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
  676. overweening
    presumptuously arrogant
  677. overwrought
    deeply agitated especially from emotion
  678. pan
    shallow container made of metal
  679. panegyric
    formally expressing praise
  680. paragon
    an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
  681. parasite
    an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
  682. parquetry
    a patterned wood inlay used to cover a floor
    He seemed like a clumsy circus hero as he scraped his feet over the parquetry and attempted to kiss her hand.
    Huneker, James
  683. pathology
    the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases
  684. paucity
    an insufficient quantity or number
  685. pebble
    a small smooth rounded rock
  686. peccadillo
    a petty misdeed
    Mr. Hurd’s supposed peccadilloes were a smoke screen for the real reason they got rid of an executive they didn’t trust and employees didn’t like.
    New York Times (Aug 13, 2010)
  687. pedant
    a person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
  688. pedantry
    an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
  689. pedestrian
    a person who travels by foot
  690. peer
    look searchingly
  691. penchant
    a strong liking
  692. penury
    a state of extreme poverty or destitution
  693. perch
    an elevated place serving as a seat
  694. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  695. perennial
    lasting three seasons or more
  696. perfidious
    tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
  697. perfidy
    an act of deliberate betrayal
  698. perfunctory
    hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
  699. pernicious
    exceedingly harmful
  700. perpetuate
    cause to continue or prevail
  701. perplex
    be a mystery or bewildering to
  702. pertinent
    being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
  703. pervade
    spread or diffuse through
  704. pestilence
    any epidemic disease with a high death rate
  705. petition
    a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
  706. petulance
    an irritable petulant feeling
  707. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
  708. philanthropist
    someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
  709. phlegmatic
    showing little emotion
  710. pillage
    steal goods; take as spoils
  711. pine
    a coniferous tree
  712. piquant
    having an agreeably pungent taste
  713. pique
    a sudden outburst of anger
  714. pitch
    the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  715. pith
    soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
  716. placate
    cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  717. placid
    (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
  718. plaintiff
    a person who brings an action in a court of law
  719. plaintive
    expressing sorrow
  720. platitude
    a trite or obvious remark
  721. plea
    a humble request for help from someone in authority
  722. plead
    appeal or request earnestly
  723. plethora
    extreme excess
  724. plod
    walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
  725. pluck
    pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion
  726. plumb
    exactly vertical
  727. plummet
    drop sharply
  728. polemic
    a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
  729. polymath
    a person of great and varied learning
    Often described as a polymath, Sunstein is fluent in political science and churns out books.
    Slate (Apr 12, 2010)
  730. ponderous
    having great mass and weight and unwieldiness
  731. posit
    take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
  732. posture
    the arrangement of the body and its limbs
  733. practitioner
    someone who practices a learned profession
  734. preamble
    a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
  735. precarious
    not secure; beset with difficulties
  736. precedence
    status established in order of importance or urgency
  737. precious
    of high worth or cost
  738. precipice
    a very steep cliff
  739. precipitate
    bring about abruptly
  740. precipitous
    extremely steep
  741. preclude
    make impossible, especially beforehand
  742. precursor
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  743. predilection
    a predisposition in favor of something
  744. predisposition
    an inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
  745. preen
    clean with one's bill
  746. premise
    a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  747. prerogative
    a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
  748. prescience
    the power to foresee the future
  749. presume
    take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
  750. presumption
    an assumption that is taken for granted
  751. presumptuous
    excessively forward
  752. prevaricate
    be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
  753. pristine
    immaculately clean and unused
  754. probity
    complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles
  755. proclamation
    a formal public statement
  756. proclivity
    a natural inclination
  757. prodigal
    recklessly wasteful
  758. prodigality
    the trait of spending extravagantly
  759. prodigious
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  760. prodigy
    an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
  761. profligate
    unrestrained by convention or morality
  762. profound
    situated at or extending to great depth; too deep to have been sounded or plumbed
  763. profundity
    the quality of being physically deep
  764. profuse
    produced or growing in extreme abundance
  765. prolong
    lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
  766. prompt
    according to schedule or without delay; on time
  767. prone
    having a tendency (to); often used in combination
  768. propensity
    a natural inclination
  769. propitiate
    make peace with
  770. proposition
    a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection
  771. propriety
    correct or appropriate behavior
  772. prosaic
    lacking wit or imagination
  773. protracted
    relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
  774. provocation
    something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
  775. provocative
    serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy
  776. prudent
    careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
  777. prune
    cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
  778. pucker
    to gather something into small wrinkles or folds
  779. pugnacious
    tough and callous by virtue of experience
  780. pundit
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  781. pungent
    strong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
  782. pusillanimous
    lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
  783. putrefy
    become putrid; decay with an offensive smell
  784. quack
    the harsh sound of a duck
  785. quaff
    to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
  786. qualm
    uneasiness about the fitness of an action
  787. quarantine
    isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
  788. quash
    declare invalid
  789. quenching
    the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning
  790. quibble
    evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
  791. quiescence
    a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
  792. quintessential
    representing the perfect example of a class or quality
  793. quiver
    shake with fast, tremulous movements
  794. quotidian
    found in the ordinary course of events
  795. ramification
    a development that complicates a situation
  796. rampant
    unrestrained and violent
  797. ranger
    an official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area of forest
  798. rarefy
    lessen the density or solidity of
  799. rash
    imprudently incurring risk
  800. rationale
    (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
  801. recalcitrant
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  802. recant
    formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
  803. recede
    pull back or move away or backward
  804. reciprocal
    concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
  805. reckless
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
  806. recluse
    one who lives in solitude
  807. recompense
    make payment to; compensate
  808. recondite
    difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
  809. recourse
    act of turning to for assistance
  810. redeem
    exchange or buy back for money; under threat
  811. redoubtable
    inspiring fear
  812. refractory
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  813. refurbish
    make brighter and prettier
  814. reinstate
    bring back into original existence, use, function, or position
  815. rejoicing
    a feeling of great happiness
  816. remorse
    a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
  817. rescind
    cancel officially
  818. reticent
    reluctant to draw attention to yourself
  819. reverberate
    ring or echo with sound
  820. rigor
    excessive sternness
  821. rotundity
    the roundness of a 3-dimensional object
    The greater bulk of the latter is situated immediately beneath the skin, and occasions that beautiful rotundity so much admired in children.
    Blacklock, Ambrose
  822. salvage
    the act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire
  823. sate
    fill to satisfaction
  824. saturnine
    bitter or scornful
  825. savant
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  826. scattered
    lacking orderly continuity
  827. sedulous
    marked by care and persistent effort
  828. shatter
    break into many pieces
  829. shirk
    avoid (one's assigned duties)
  830. shrill
    having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
  831. shuck
    material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  832. shun
    avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  833. shunt
    a conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the current
  834. simper
    smile affectedly or derisively
  835. sinister
    stemming from evil characteristics or forces; wicked or dishonorable
  836. sip
    drink in sips
  837. skeptical
    marked by or given to doubt
  838. sketchy
    giving only major points; lacking completeness
  839. skiff
    any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor
  840. slack
    not tense or taut
  841. sloppy
    lacking neatness or order
  842. slur
    utter indistinctly
  843. smother
    deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
  844. sober
    not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
  845. somber
    grave or even gloomy in character
  846. sordid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  847. specious
    plausible but false
  848. spell
    write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
  849. spendthrift
    someone who spends money prodigally
  850. spine
    the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
  851. sporadic
    recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances
  852. spurious
    plausible but false
  853. squalid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  854. squander
    spend thoughtlessly; throw away
  855. squelch
    suppress or crush completely
  856. stake
    a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
  857. stark
    severely simple
  858. startle
    to stimulate to action
  859. steadfast
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  860. steep
    having a sharp inclination
  861. stickler
    someone who insists on something
  862. stiff
    incapable of or resistant to bending
  863. stifled
    held in check with difficulty
  864. stigma
    a symbol of disgrace or infamy
  865. stigmatize
    to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
  866. stint
    supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
  867. stipulate
    specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
  868. stockade
    fortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense
  869. stoop
    bend one's back forward from the waist on down
  870. strain
    to exert much effort or energy
  871. stray
    wander from a direct course or at random
  872. striate
    marked with stria or striations
  873. strive
    attempt by employing effort
  874. strut
    to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
  875. subdue
    put down by force or intimidation
  876. suborn
    incite to commit a crime or an evil deed
  877. subpoena
    a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court
  878. subsequent
    following in time or order
  879. subside
    sink to a lower level or form a depression
  880. substantial
    having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
  881. succumb
    consent reluctantly
  882. supplant
    take the place or move into the position of
  883. supplicate
    ask for humbly or earnestly, as in prayer
  884. susceptible
    (often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of
  885. sway
    move back and forth or sideways
  886. swift
    moving very fast
  887. swindle
    deprive of by deceit
  888. syncopated
    stressing a normally weak beat
  889. tacit
    implied by or inferred from actions or statements
  890. taciturn
    habitually reserved and uncommunicative
  891. tamp
    press down tightly
  892. tangential
    of superficial relevance if any
  893. tangible
    perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
  894. tantalize
    harass with persistent criticism or carping
  895. tapestry
    a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric with pictorial designs
  896. tarnish
    make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
  897. taut
    pulled or drawn tight
  898. temperate
    not extreme
  899. tenable
    based on sound reasoning or evidence
  900. tentative
    unsettled in mind or opinion
  901. tepid
    moderately warm
  902. tirade
    a speech of violent denunciation
  903. topple
    fall down, as if collapsing
  904. torment
    intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
  905. torpid
    in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
  906. torpor
    a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility
    Just as often, though, it was in search of an anchor, approaching torpor.
    New York Times (May 6, 2011)
  907. tout
    advertize in strongly positive terms
  908. traitor
    a person who says one thing and does another
  909. trample
    tread or stomp heavily or roughly
  910. transgress
    act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
  911. treacherous
    dangerously unstable and unpredictable
  912. tremor
    an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
  913. trenchant
    having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
  914. trepidation
    a feeling of alarm or dread
  915. truce
    a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
  916. truculence
    obstreperous and defiant aggressiveness
    He shoved his horse past me and up to Miss Bennett, his red moustache bristling, truculence in every outline of his heavy shoulders.
    Ross, Martin
  917. turpitude
    a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
  918. tyro
    someone new to a field or activity
  919. unequivocal
    admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion
  920. untenable
    (of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified
  921. untoward
    not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
  922. uphold
    stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
  923. uproar
    a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  924. usurp
    seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  925. vacillate
    be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
  926. vagary
    an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
  927. vagrant
    a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
  928. valiant
    having or showing valor
  929. vanity
    feelings of excessive pride
  930. varnish
    a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface
  931. vehemence
    intensity or forcefulness of expression
  932. venerable
    profoundly honored
  933. venerate
    regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
  934. veracious
    habitually speaking the truth
  935. veracity
    unwillingness to tell lies
  936. verdant
    characterized by abundance of verdure
  937. veritable
    not counterfeit or copied
  938. vertigo
    a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
  939. vex
    cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  940. viable
    capable of life or normal growth and development
  941. vicious
    having the nature of vice
  942. vigilance
    the process of paying close and continuous attention
  943. vigor
    forceful exertion
  944. vilify
    spread negative information about
  945. vindicate
    show to be right by providing justification or proof
  946. vindictive
    disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
  947. vituperate
    spread negative information about
  948. vituperative
    marked by harshly abusive criticism
    Tennessee Williams’s later work would be lucky to be deemed problematic, so vituperative have commentators been in their appraisals over time.
    New York Times (May 17, 2011)
  949. vogue
    a current state of general acceptance and use
  950. volubility
    the quality of being facile in speech and writing
  951. voluptuous
    displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
  952. voracious
    devouring or craving food in great quantities
  953. vulnerable
    capable of being wounded or hurt
  954. wan
    become pale and sickly
  955. wardrobe
    a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
  956. wary
    marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
  957. waver
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
  958. weary
    physically and mentally fatigued
  959. welter
    a confused multitude of things
  960. wheedle
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  961. whimsical
    determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
    Dessert is an afterthought at Topaz Thai: her daughter, Aliyah, concocts some whimsicalconfections, like fried Oreos and brownies served with ice cream.
    New York Times (Mar 9, 2012)
  962. wile
    the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
  963. withhold
    hold back; refuse to hand over or share
    By doing so, we are withholding from our neediest students any reason to read at all.
    New York Times (Apr 23, 2012)
  964. zealot
    a fervent and even militant proponent of something
    Tyranny likes courtiers, flatterers, followers, fawners, and superstition wants believers, disciples,zealots, hypocrites, and subscribers.
    Ingersoll, Robert Green
  965. zenith
    the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
    Performance increased at a slower pace after age 20, reaching a zenith of 83 percent correct responses for study volunteers between ages 30 and 34.
    US News (Dec 14, 2010)
  966. zephyr
    a slight wind (usually refreshing)
    Thy zephyrs soft, thy falling showers, No more have charms for me; Maternal Summer, too, adieu!—
    Ballou, Maturin Murray

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