Aa

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)
acoustic
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
aesthetic
pleasing to the senses, beautiful
affable
friendly
affect
influence
affectation
pretense, showing off
affidavit
sworn written statement
affiliate
associate
affiliation
connection, association
affinity
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
plan, 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 14
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

Bb

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 death 18
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 20
buttress
support

Cc

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 22
chide
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 24
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, condealiisimd
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
condealiisim
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
conundrum
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

Dd

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 30
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 32
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

Ee

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

Ff

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

Gg

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

Hh

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

Ii

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
intractable
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
irrelevant
unrelated, immaterial
irreparable
cannot be repaired
irresolute
hesitant, uncertain
irrevocable
cannot be rescinded
isosceles
having two equal sides
itinerant
wandering
itinerary
route

Jj

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

Kk

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

Ll

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

Mm

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

Nn

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

Oo

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 62
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, highstrung
ovum
egg, cell

Pp

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 72
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

Qq

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

Rr

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

Ss

Sabbath
day of rest
sabbatical
vacation
saber
sword
sabotage
treason, destruction 82
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 90
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

Tt

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 92
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 94
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

Uu

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 96
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

Vv

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 98
vulnerable
susceptible
vulpine
fox-like, cunning

Ww

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

Xx

xenophillic
attraction to strangers
xenophobia
fear of foreigners
xylophone
musical percussion instrument

Yy

yarn
story, tale
yearn
desire strongly
yen
desire, yearning
yore
long ago
Young Turks
reformers

Zz

zeal
earnestness, passion
zealot
fanatic
zenith
summit
zephyr
gentle breeze