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Aggregate 1997 words

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  1. prescient
    perceiving the significance of events before they occur
  2. iniquity
    absence of moral or spiritual values
  3. disenfranchisement
    the act of withdrawing certification or terminating a franchise
  4. expropriation
    taking out of an owner's hands (especially taking property by public authority)
  5. triumvirate
    a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority
  6. parlance
    a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
  7. demarcate
    set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something
  8. ancillary
    furnishing added support
  9. transgression
    the act of transgressing; the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
  10. incantation
    a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect
  11. prognostication
    a sign of something about to happen
  12. idempotent
    unchanged in value following multiplication by itself
  13. heuristic
    a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
  14. rhetoric
    study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
  15. mnemonic
    of or relating to or involved the practice of aiding the memory
  16. orator
    a person who delivers a speech or oration
  17. resonance
    having the character of a loud deep sound; the quality of being resonant
  18. syllogism
    deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
  19. anergy
    reduction or lack of an immune response to a specific antigen
  20. indictment
    an accusation of wrongdoing
  21. incisive
    having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
  22. epigrammatic
    terse and witty and like a maxim
  23. mutiny
    open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
  24. inquisitive
    inquiring or appearing to inquire
  25. venerable
    profoundly honored
  26. proponent
    a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  27. confute
    prove to be false
  28. cohesion
    the state of cohering or sticking together
  29. vanguard
    the leading units moving at the head of an army
  30. avant-garde
    radically new or original
  31. gilded
    made from or covered with gold
  32. beleaguer
    annoy persistently
  33. candor
    the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
  34. pantomime
    a performance using gestures and body movements without words
  35. egalitarian
    favoring social equality
  36. disposition
    your usual mood
  37. trawl
    a long fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys)
  38. levy
    impose and collect
  39. unabated
    continuing at full strength or intensity
  40. vernacular
    the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
  41. harbinger
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  42. misanthropic
    hating mankind in general
  43. dreary
    lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
  44. quip
    a witty saying
  45. interdict
    an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district
  46. pilfer
    make off with belongings of others
  47. eclectic
    selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
  48. ramification
    a development that complicates a situation
  49. nexus
    the means of connection between things linked in series
  50. chastise
    censure severely
  51. moxie
    fortitude and determination
  52. copious
    large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)
  53. expound
    add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
  54. aloof
    remote in manner
  55. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  56. virile
    characterized by energy and vigor
  57. enamor
    attract; cause to be enamored
  58. elide
    leave or strike out
  59. connive
    form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
  60. impedance
    a material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms
  61. hapless
    deserving or inciting pity
  62. majestic
    having or displaying great dignity or nobility
  63. jettison
    throw away, of something encumbering
  64. pundit
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  65. accoutrement
    clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing
  66. conflate
    mix together different elements
  67. auspicious
    auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
  68. Faustian
    pertaining to or resembling or befitting Faust or Faustus especially in insatiably striving for worldly knowledge and power even at the price of spiritual values
  69. denotation
    the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to
  70. exalt
    praise, glorify, or honor
  71. revel
    take delight in
  72. parry
    impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  73. transfix
    to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
  74. demure
    affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
  75. comely
    according with custom or propriety
  76. adorn
    make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  77. machinate
    arrange by systematic planning and united effort
  78. dally
    behave carelessly or indifferently
  79. pine
    a coniferous tree
  80. discrete
    constituting a separate entity or part
  81. crux
    the most important point
  82. misnomer
    an incorrect or unsuitable name
  83. obviate
    do away with
  84. compunction
    a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
  85. inimitable
    defying imitation; matchless
  86. provocation
    something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
  87. audit
    examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
  88. covenant
    (Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
  89. dastardly
    despicably cowardly
  90. beguile
    attract; cause to be enamored
  91. infamy
    a state of extreme dishonor
  92. cardinalate
    cardinals collectively
  93. abstruse
    difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
  94. rationale
    (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
  95. harrowing
    extremely painful
  96. interminable
    tiresomely long; seemingly without end
  97. attrition
    the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction
  98. rebuke
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  99. lament
    a cry of sorrow and grief
  100. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  101. reprehensible
    bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
  102. canard
    a deliberately misleading fabrication
  103. impute
    attribute or credit to
  104. spate
    a sudden forceful flow
  105. reticence
    the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
  106. imbibe
    take in liquids
  107. symbiotic
    used of organisms (especially of different species) living together but not necessarily in a relation beneficial to each
  108. symbiosis
    the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
  109. abrasive
    causing abrasion
  110. callow
    young and inexperienced
  111. menial
    used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
  112. transitory
    lasting a very short time
  113. sectarianism
    a narrow-minded adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination
  114. repartee
    adroitness and cleverness in reply
  115. proselytism
    the practice of proselytizing
  116. astute
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  117. disparity
    inequality or difference in some respect
  118. incessant
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  119. dissonance
    disagreeable sounds
  120. abhor
    find repugnant
  121. unabated
    continuing at full strength or intensity
  122. seminal
    pertaining to or containing or consisting of semen
  123. demagogue
    a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices
  124. demagogic
    characteristic of or resembling a demagogue
  125. resentment
    a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  126. pique
    a sudden outburst of anger
  127. platitude
    a trite or obvious remark
  128. jingoism
    fanatical patriotism
  129. surmise
    infer from incomplete evidence
  130. adjunct
    something added to another thing but not an essential part of it
  131. cavalier
    a gallant or courtly gentleman
  132. procure
    get by special effort
  133. canonize
    declare (a dead person) to be a saint
  134. quip
    a witty saying
  135. swatch
    a sample piece of cloth
  136. stupendous
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  137. stifle
    impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
  138. exhort
    spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
  139. resilient
    recovering readily from adversity, depression, or the like
  140. stringent
    demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
  141. comport
    behave in a certain manner
  142. antecedent
    a preceding occurrence or cause or event
  143. noumenon
    the intellectual conception of a thing as it is in itself, not as it is known through perception
  144. talisman
    a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
  145. mensch
    a decent responsible person with admirable characteristics
  146. swoon
    pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
  147. abject
    of the most contemptible kind
  148. abase
    cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  149. accost
    speak to someone
  150. apoptosis
    a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself; a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animal's survival
  151. prose
    ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
  152. metrical
    the rhythmic arrangement of syllables
  153. fiat
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  154. bluster
    blow hard; be gusty, as of wind
  155. vacuous
    devoid of matter
  156. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  157. inexorable
    not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  158. federate
    unite on a federal basis or band together as a league
  159. pontificate
    administer a pontifical office
  160. diminutive
    a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness
  161. lacuna
    an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
  162. fervent
    characterized by intense emotion
  163. screed
    a long monotonous harangue
  164. vex
    cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  165. garrote
    an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
  166. conflate
    mix together different elements
  167. hegemony
    the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others
  168. folly
    the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
  169. firmament
    the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  170. divisive
    dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion)
  171. hoopla
    blatant or sensational promotion
  172. vignette
    a brief literary description
  173. epistle
    a specially long, formal letter
  174. precedence
    status established in order of importance or urgency
  175. wanton
    lewd or lascivious woman
  176. lewd
    suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
  177. secular
    someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
  178. dietetic
    of or relating to the diet
  179. dialectic
    a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction
  180. calisthenics
    light exercises designed to promote general fitness
  181. transude
    release (a liquid) in drops or small quantities
  182. amble
    walk leisurely
  183. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  184. placenta
    the vascular structure in the uterus of most mammals providing oxygen and nutrients for and transferring wastes from the developing fetus
  185. astound
    affect with wonder
  186. nefariously
    in a nefarious manner or to a nefarious degree
  187. juncture
    the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
  188. opine
    express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  189. masonic
    of or relating to stonemasons or masonry
  190. fraternity
    a social club for male undergraduates
  191. sorority
    a social club for female undergraduates
  192. monastery
    the residence of a religious community
  193. interrogate
    pose a series of questions to
  194. atomic
    of or relating to or comprising atoms
  195. discreet
    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
  196. circumspect
    heedful of potential consequences
  197. moniker
    a familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name)
  198. affliction
    a cause of great suffering and distress
  199. prodigious
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  200. capacious
    large in capacity
  201. tract
    an extended area of land
  202. forceps
    an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
  203. extricate
    release from entanglement of difficulty
  204. ventral
    toward or on or near the belly (front of a primate or lower surface of a lower animal)
  205. ectopic
    exhibiting ectopia
  206. chaste
    abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse
  207. sequester
    keep away from others
  208. figuratively
    in a figurative sense
  209. fixation
    the activity of fastening something firmly in position
  210. acme
    the highest point (of something)
  211. literal
    limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
  212. basify
    turn basic and less acidic
  213. confound
    be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  214. repudiate
    refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
  215. peruse
    examine or consider with attention and in detail
  216. cleave
    separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
  217. pedigree
    the descendants of one individual
  218. fray
    wear away by rubbing
  219. substantiated
  220. medieval
    relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
  221. infringe
    advance beyond the usual limit
  222. vigilante
    member of a vigilance committee
  223. faze
    disturb the composure of
  224. disconcert
    cause to lose one's composure
  225. travesty
    a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
  226. inquest
    an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
  227. ascertain
    learn or discover with certainty
  228. noxious
    injurious to physical or mental health
  229. skittish
    unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)
  230. emphatic
    spoken with emphasis
  231. aficionado
    a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer
  232. consecrated
    made or declared or believed to be holy; devoted to a deity or some religious ceremony or use
  233. excommunicate
    exclude from a church or a religious community
  234. twaddle
    pretentious or silly talk or writing
  235. padlock
    a detachable lock; has a hinged shackle that can be passed through the staple of a hasp or the links in a chain and then snapped shut
  236. unitary
    having the indivisible character of a unit
  237. fable
    a short moral story (often with animal characters)
  238. legalese
    a style that uses the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law
  239. vociferous
    conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  240. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
  241. clamorous
    conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  242. tedium
    the feeling of being bored by something tedious
  243. amortize
    liquidate gradually
  244. aggrandize
    add details to
  245. induction
    the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time)
  246. filibuster
    (law) a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches
  247. contravene
    go against, as of rules and laws
  248. prohibition
    the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)
  249. obstructionism
    deliberate interference
  250. provision
    the activity of supplying or providing something
  251. stark
    severely simple
  252. lucid
    (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
  253. glean
    gather, as of natural products
  254. buffet
    a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
  255. scraggly
    lacking neatness or order
  256. pigeonhole
    a small compartment
  257. foil
    hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
  258. refutation
    the act of determining that something is false
  259. gruesome
    shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
  260. affix
    attach to
  261. empiricism
    (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
  262. anticipate
    regard something as probable or likely
  263. precursor
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  264. forerunner
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  265. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  266. impinge
    impinge or infringe upon
  267. countermove
    an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.
  268. propriety
    correct or appropriate behavior
  269. enshrine
    enclose in a shrine
  270. receptacle
    a container that is used to put or keep things in
  271. overmuch
    very great in quantity; overabundant
  272. subsume
    contain or include
  273. adherent
    someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
  274. faculty
    one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
  275. agonize
    suffer agony or anguish
  276. excruciating
    extremely painful
  277. testament
    strong evidence for something
  278. dispensation
    the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
  279. parley
    a negotiation between enemies
  280. impresario
    a sponsor who books and stages public entertainments
  281. Lothario
    a successful womanizer; a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
  282. decimate
    kill one in every ten, as of mutineers in Roman armies
  283. apace
    with rapid movements
  284. pestering
    causing irritation or annoyance
  285. intrepid
    invulnerable to fear or intimidation
  286. tepid
    moderately warm
  287. tenure
    the term during which some position is held
  288. interdisciplinary
    drawing from or characterized by participation of two or more fields of study
  289. acrimony
    a rough and bitter manner
  290. fractious
    easily irritated or annoyed
  291. propagation
    the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production
  292. formative
    minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function
  293. victuals
    a source of materials to nourish the body
  294. perennial
    lasting three seasons or more
  295. decry
    express strong disapproval of
  296. trope
    language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
  297. rendition
    a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
  298. transliterate
    rewrite in a different script
  299. amnesty
    a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
  300. dicey
    of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk
  301. mediate
    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
  302. fortnight
    a period of fourteen consecutive days
  303. spearhead
    the head and sharpened point of a spear
  304. unfurl
    unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state
  305. status quo
    the existing state of affairs
  306. defalcate
    appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use
  307. contingent
    determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
  308. contingency
    the state of being contingent on something
  309. condone
    excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
  310. glib
    artfully persuasive in speech
  311. voluble
    marked by a ready flow of speech
  312. piety
    righteousness by virtue of being pious
  313. prevail
    be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
  314. climate
    the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
  315. immersion
    the act of wetting something by submerging it
  316. Episcopalian
    a member of the Episcopal church
  317. absolve
    grant remission of a sin to
  318. incarcerate
    lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
  319. contrive
    make or work out a plan for; devise
  320. nefarious
    extremely wicked
  321. blotter
    absorbent paper used to dry ink
  322. languish
    become feeble
  323. expatriate
    a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  324. usury
    the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest
  325. conjecture
    to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
  326. dissertation
    a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
  327. basin
    a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
  328. unison
    corresponding exactly
  329. meek
    humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  330. denigrate
    charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
  331. haughty
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  332. high-handed
    given to haughty disregard of others
  333. corollary
    (logic) an inference that follows directly from the proof of another proposition
  334. amend
    make amendments to
  335. asinine
    devoid of intelligence
  336. facet
    a distinct feature or element in a problem
  337. pallor
    unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
  338. salutary
    tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health
  339. allay
    lessen the intensity of or calm
  340. trounce
    beat severely with a whip or rod
  341. tizzy
    an excited state of agitation
  342. confer
    present
  343. discourse
    an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
  344. libel
    a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
  345. replete
    filled to satisfaction with food or drink
  346. wholly
    to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
  347. posit
    take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
  348. assailant
    someone who attacks
  349. sown
    sprinkled with seed
  350. nary
    (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never a'
  351. nubile
    of girls or women who are eligible to marry
  352. stickler
    someone who insists on something
  353. carnal
    of or relating to the body or flesh
  354. vaunt
    show off
  355. megalomaniac
    a pathological egotist
  356. homogeneous
    all of the same or similar kind or nature
  357. apoplectic
    pertaining to or characteristic of apoplexy
  358. quadrant
    any of the four areas into which a plane is divided by two orthogonal coordinate axes
  359. magistrate
    a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
  360. bloodletting
    formerly used as a treatment to reduce excess blood (one of the four humors of medieval medicine)
  361. tribunal
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  362. bilious
    relating to or containing bile
  363. malefactor
    someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
  364. palaver
    loud and confused and empty talk
  365. artifice
    a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
  366. assuage
    provide physical relief, as from pain
  367. corpulent
    excessively fat
  368. tome
    a (usually) large and scholarly book
  369. emblazon
    decorate with heraldic arms
  370. simulcast
    a broadcast that is carried simultaneously by radio and television (or by FM and AM radio)
  371. machination
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  372. dissolution
    separation into component parts
  373. sinew
    a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  374. vitriolic
    harsh or corrosive in tone
  375. gestation
    the period during which an embryo develops (about 266 days in humans)
  376. blastocyst
    the blastula of a placental mammal in which some differentiation of cells has occurred
  377. blastula
    early stage of an embryo produced by cleavage of an ovum; a liquid-filled sphere whose wall is composed of a single layer of cells; during this stage (about eight days after fertilization) implantation in the wall of the uterus occurs
  378. Albert
    prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)
  379. aplomb
    great coolness and composure under strain
  380. ennui
    the feeling of being bored by something tedious
  381. prosaic
    lacking wit or imagination
  382. celluloid
    highly flammable substance made from cellulose nitrate and camphor; used in e.g. motion-picture and X-ray film; its use has decreased with the development of nonflammable thermoplastics
  383. major key
    a key whose harmony is based on the major scale
  384. interlocutor
    a person who takes part in a conversation
  385. dalliance
    the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
  386. extant
    still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
  387. unrequited
    not returned in kind
  388. insidiously
    in a harmfully insidious manner
  389. vermilion
    a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
  390. terrarium
    a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
  391. coalescence
    the union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts
  392. resonate
    sound with resonance
  393. carpet loom
    a loom for weaving carpeting
  394. refractory
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  395. foible
    a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  396. feral
    wild and menacing
  397. acrimonious
    marked by strong resentment or cynicism
  398. swathe
    wrap in swaddling clothes
  399. arraign
    accuse of a wrong or an inadequacy
  400. Luddite
    any opponent of technological progress
  401. entomology
    the branch of zoology that studies insects
  402. prevalent
    most frequent or common
  403. banal
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  404. emulsifier
    a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion
  405. brouhaha
    a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits
  406. ellipsis
    omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
  407. cutlass
    a short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors
  408. doubloon
    a former Spanish gold coin
  409. marooned
    cut off or left behind
  410. scuttle
    an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship
  411. harbinger
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  412. acrylamide
    a white crystalline amide of propenoic acid can damage the nervous system and is carcinogenic in laboratory animals
  413. inebriated
    stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
  414. bionic
    of or relating to bionics
  415. languish
    become feeble
  416. neophyte
    any new participant in some activity
  417. momentous
    of very great significance
  418. puerile
    displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
  419. miscarriage
    a natural loss of the products of conception
  420. Zionist
    a Jewish supporter of Zionism
  421. contusion
    an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
  422. capillary
    any of the minute blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules
  423. altercation
    noisy quarrel
  424. unabashed
    not embarrassed
  425. anaphylactic
    related to the hypersensitivity known as anaphylaxis
  426. colloquial
    characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
  427. stiletto
    a small dagger with a tapered blade
  428. authorized
    sanctioned by established authority
  429. perturbed
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)
  430. colostomy
    a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
  431. auteur
    a filmmaker who has a personal style and keeps creative control over his or her works
  432. eugenics
    the study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding (especially as applied to human mating)
  433. coddle
    cook in nearly boiling water
  434. cosset
    treat with excessive indulgence
  435. consummate
    having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
  436. amorous
    inclined toward or displaying love
  437. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  438. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
  439. pervasive
    spreading or spread throughout
  440. antithetical
    sharply contrasted in character or purpose
  441. pretext
    something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
  442. acclimate
    get used to a certain climate
  443. sophisticate
    make less natural or innocent
  444. snide
    expressive of contempt
  445. dross
    worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
  446. marginalise
    relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of specific groups of people
  447. permeate
    spread or diffuse through
  448. warren
    a colony of rabbits
  449. diatribe
    thunderous verbal attack
  450. subsist
    support oneself
  451. cumbersome
    difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
  452. dissuade
    turn away from by persuasion
  453. ruminate
    reflect deeply on a subject
  454. aberration
    a state or condition markedly different from the norm
  455. ephemeral
    anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
  456. contemporaneous
    occurring in the same period of time
  457. symbiosis
    the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
  458. antibiosis
    an association between organisms that is harmful to one of them or between organisms and a metabolic product of another
  459. polemic
    a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
  460. consortium
    an association of companies for some definite purpose
  461. profusion
    the property of being extremely abundant
  462. heterogeneous
    consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature
  463. clout
    (boxing) a blow with the fist
  464. bedevil
    be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  465. elucidate
    make clear and (more) comprehensible
  466. burgeon
    grow and flourish
  467. ambient
    completely enveloping
  468. tout
    advertize in strongly positive terms
  469. labyrinth
    complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
  470. orthogonal
    having a set of mutually perpendicular axes; meeting at right angles
  471. arbitrage
    a kind of hedged investment meant to capture slight differences in price; when there is a difference in the price of something on two different markets the arbitrageur simultaneously buys at the lower price and sells at the higher price
  472. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  473. adherent
    someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
  474. forgoing
    the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)
  475. procession
    the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)
  476. corral
    a pen for cattle
  477. didactic
    instructive (especially excessively)
  478. metronome
    clicking pendulum indicates the exact tempo of a piece of music
  479. intractable
    not tractable; difficult to manage or mold
  480. solder
    join or fuse with solder
  481. parable
    a short moral story (often with animal characters)
  482. oligopoly
    (economics) a market in which control over the supply of a commodity is in the hands of a small number of producers and each one can influence prices and affect competitors
  483. dimorphic
    occurring or existing in two different forms
  484. en masse
    all together
  485. idyllic
    suggestive of an idyll; charmingly simple and serene
  486. picturesque
    suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
  487. palliation
    easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause
  488. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  489. egregious
    conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
  490. reconcile
    come to terms
  491. burnish
    polish and make shiny
  492. subversive
    in opposition to a civil authority or government
  493. extraneous
    not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
  494. stringently
    in a stringent manner
  495. columnar
    having the form of a column
  496. gnomic
    relating to or containing gnomes
  497. patriarch
    the male head of family or tribe
  498. parsimony
    extreme stinginess
  499. raster
    the rectangular formation of parallel scanning lines that guide the electron beam on a television screen or a computer monitor
  500. composite
    consisting of separate interconnected parts
  501. machismo
    exaggerated masculinity
  502. vie
    compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  503. oxymoron
    conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence')
  504. fussy
    exacting especially about details
  505. gentrification
    the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of low-income residents)
  506. misanthropy
    hatred of mankind
  507. cantankerous
    stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate
  508. titular
    existing in name only
  509. resolute
    firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
  510. terse
    brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  511. heed
    paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
  512. adjure
    command solemnly
  513. implication
    something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
  514. homonym
    two words are homonyms if they are pronounced or spelled the same way but have different meanings
  515. dynamo
    generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature
  516. lamentation
    the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
  517. rabble
    a disorderly crowd of people
  518. adorned
    provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
  519. consternation
    fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  520. disputant
    a person who disputes; who is good at or enjoys controversy
  521. articulate
    express or state clearly
  522. hospitable
    disposed to treat guests and strangers with cordiality and generosity
  523. thenceforth
    from that time on
  524. codify
    organize into a code or system, such as a body of law
  525. monopsony
    (economics) a market in which goods or services are offered by several sellers but there is only one buyer
  526. paragon
    an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
  527. anathema
    a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
  528. penance
    voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing
  529. posit
    take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
  530. suffusion
    the process of permeating or infusing something with a substance
  531. wrought
    shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
  532. muster
    gather or bring together
  533. dictum
    an authoritative declaration
  534. pronounce
    speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
  535. folklore
    the unwritten lore (stories and proverbs and riddles and songs) of a culture
  536. genesis
    a coming into being
  537. test bed
    a place equipped with instruments for testing (e.g. engines or machinery or computer programs etc.) under working conditions
  538. shepherd
    a herder of sheep (on an open range); someone who keeps the sheep together in a flock
  539. adage
    a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  540. fellowship
    the state of being with someone
  541. quandary
    state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
  542. fervor
    feelings of great warmth and intensity
  543. capricious
    determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
  544. malleable
    capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
  545. preponderant
    having superior power and influence
  546. pertinent
    being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
  547. encumber
    hold back
  548. flux
    a flow or discharge
  549. latent
    potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
  550. elixir
    a substance believed to cure all ills
  551. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  552. innate
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
  553. acclimate
    get used to a certain climate
  554. decree
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  555. sentient
    endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
  556. posterity
    all future generations
  557. quintessence
    the purest and most concentrated essence of something
  558. prod
    to push against gently
  559. prune
    cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
  560. compartmentalize
    separate into isolated compartments or categories
  561. atrophy
    a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
  562. propagate
    multiply sexually or asexually
  563. zenith
    the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  564. abstain
    choose not to consume
  565. Helix
    type genus of the family Helicidae
  566. phoneme
    (linguistics) one of a small set of speech sounds that are distinguished by the speakers of a particular language
  567. amorphous
    having no definite form or distinct shape
  568. aptitude
    inherent ability
  569. progenitor
    an ancestor in the direct line
  570. delineate
    represented accurately or precisely
  571. acrid
    strong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
  572. livelihood
    the financial means whereby one lives
  573. Borneo
    3rd largest island in the world; in the western Pacific to the north of Java; largely covered by dense jungle and rain forest; part of the Malay Archipelago
  574. edict
    a formal or authoritative proclamation
  575. obsequious
    attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
  576. determinism
    (philosophy) a philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes; often understood as denying the possibility of free will
  577. shrewd
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  578. fidelity
    the quality of being faithful
  579. flophouse
    a cheap lodging house
  580. malevolence
    wishing evil to others
  581. literati
    the literary intelligentsia
  582. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
  583. foliage
    the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  584. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
  585. adulation
    servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
  586. pallid
    abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
  587. precept
    rule of personal conduct
  588. implacable
    incapable of being placated
  589. sordid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  590. emancipate
    free from slavery or servitude
  591. mercenary
    a person hired to fight for another country than their own
  592. civil engineer
    an engineer trained to design and construct and maintain public works (roads or bridges or harbors etc.)
  593. discern
    detect with the senses
  594. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  595. Maxim
    English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916)
  596. aphoristic
    terse and witty and like a maxim
  597. ignoble
    completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose
  598. squalid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  599. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
  600. premise
    a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  601. palaver
    loud and confused and empty talk
  602. jibe
    shift from one side of the ship to the other
  603. moratorium
    suspension of an ongoing activity
  604. brunt
    main force of a blow etc
  605. mirth
    great merriment
  606. concede
    give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  607. crass
    (of persons) so unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
  608. inane
    devoid of intelligence
  609. syllogism
    deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
  610. precarious
    not secure; beset with difficulties
  611. rancorous
    showing deep-seated resentment
  612. abject
    of the most contemptible kind
  613. explicable
    capable of being explicated or accounted for
  614. pander
    arrange for sexual partners for others
  615. demarcation
    the boundary of a specific area
  616. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  617. insolent
    marked by casual disrespect
  618. imperious
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  619. nascent
    being born or beginning
  620. equivocal
    open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
  621. pithy
    concise and full of meaning
  622. impunity
    exemption from punishment or loss
  623. arduous
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
  624. fragility
    quality of being easily damaged or destroyed
  625. convulsive
    affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm
  626. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
  627. concourse
    a coming together of people
  628. imposition
    the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
  629. drawl
    a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
  630. semblance
    an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
  631. brusque
    marked by rude or peremptory shortness
  632. equanimity
    steadiness of mind under stress
  633. Jesuit
    having qualities characteristic of Jesuits or Jesuitism
  634. coefficient
    a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic
  635. tribulation
    an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event
  636. reprimand
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  637. refract
    subject to refraction
  638. exasperate
    make furious
  639. automation
    the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware
  640. inkling
    a slight suggestion or vague understanding
  641. infallible
    incapable of failure or error
  642. expedient
    appropriate to a purpose; practical
  643. exult
    feel extreme happiness or elation
  644. pervasive
    spreading or spread throughout
  645. cognizance
    having knowledge of
  646. ingot
    metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling
  647. stillborn
    (of newborn infant) showing no signs of life at birth; not liveborn
  648. superlative
    highest in quality
  649. luminous
    softly bright or radiant
  650. splendor
    the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
  651. dismal
    causing dejection
  652. extraneous
    not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
  653. sanction
    official permission or approval
  654. depravity
    moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
  655. reprisal
    a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
  656. reprobate
    a person without moral scruples
  657. reprieve
    postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
  658. propitious
    presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
  659. extricate
    release from entanglement of difficulty
  660. scrupulous
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  661. disparate
    fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
  662. undulate
    move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
  663. cogent
    powerfully persuasive
  664. remiss
    failing in what duty requires
  665. sinew
    a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  666. furtively
    in a furtive manner
  667. tenement
    a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
  668. forlorn
    marked by or showing hopelessness
  669. bromide
    a trite or obvious remark
  670. meager
    deficient in amount or quality or extent
  671. shellac
    lac purified by heating and filtering; usually in thin orange or yellow flakes but sometimes bleached white
  672. abhor
    find repugnant
  673. axiom
    (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident
  674. arbiter
    someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
  675. exalt
    praise, glorify, or honor
  676. derision
    the act of deriding or treating with contempt
  677. toil
    work hard
  678. ostentation
    pretentious or showy or vulgar display
  679. bodice
    part of a dress above the waist
  680. earnest
    characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
  681. stout
    having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
  682. austere
    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
  683. conquest
    the act of conquering
  684. expurgate
    edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
  685. expatriate
    a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  686. causality
    the relation between causes and effects
  687. reverent
    feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
  688. simper
    smile affectedly or derisively
  689. hallmark
    a mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity
  690. countenance
    the appearance conveyed by a person's face
  691. ascetic
    someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
  692. steadfast
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  693. knavery
    lack of honesty; acts of lying or cheating or stealing
  694. prodigious
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  695. intonation
    the act of singing in a monotonous tone
  696. impregnable
    immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
  697. taut
    pulled or drawn tight
  698. rouse
    cause to become awake or conscious
  699. iridescent
    varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles
  700. ignominiously
    in a dishonorable manner or to a dishonorable degree
  701. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  702. impropriety
    the condition of being improper
  703. vaunt
    show off
  704. wrest
    obtain by seizing forcibly or violently, also metaphorically
  705. idyll
    a short poem descriptive of rural or pastoral life
  706. benevolent
    showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
  707. discourse
    an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
  708. buttress
    a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
  709. rectitude
    righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest
  710. impertinence
    the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
  711. dreary
    lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
  712. aptly
    with competence; in a competent capable manner
  713. serfdom
    the state of a serf
  714. quaint
    attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)
  715. concession
    the act of conceding or yielding
  716. inexorable
    not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  717. perceptible
    capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
  718. pious
    having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  719. impassive
    having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
  720. pretense
    the act of giving a false appearance
  721. folly
    the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
  722. tribunal
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  723. curtail
    terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end or its full extent
  724. precedent
    an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
  725. volition
    the act of making a choice
  726. suave
    having a sophisticated charm
  727. immolate
    offer as a sacrifice by killing or by giving up to destruction
  728. mink
    slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet; valued for its fur
  729. affable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  730. reproach
    express criticism towards
  731. elation
    a feeling of joy and pride
  732. shawl
    cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders
  733. benefactor
    a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)
  734. inordinate
    beyond normal limits
  735. diversion
    a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
  736. abasement
    depriving one of self-esteem
  737. tenet
    a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
  738. inviolate
    (of a woman) having the hymen unbroken
  739. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  740. Stoic
    pertaining to Stoicism or its followers
  741. postulate
    maintain or assert
  742. vanquish
    come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
  743. peculiar
    beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
  744. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
  745. inquisitive
    inquiring or appearing to inquire
  746. squalor
    sordid dirtiness
  747. listless
    lacking zest or vivacity
  748. lull
    make calm or still
  749. edifice
    a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
  750. fissure
    a long narrow depression in a surface
  751. culvert
    a transverse and totally enclosed drain under a road or railway
  752. primness
    excessive or affected modesty
  753. deplore
    express strong disapproval of
  754. quaver
    give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency
  755. placid
    (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
  756. patrician
    a person of refined upbringing and manners
  757. pestilence
    any epidemic disease with a high death rate
  758. avid
    marked by active interest and enthusiasm
  759. rein
    one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
  760. slovenly
    negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt
  761. dilapidation
    the process of becoming dilapidated
  762. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  763. disheveled
    in disarray; extremely disorderly
  764. emaciated
    very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  765. pliable
    capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
  766. stringent
    demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
  767. intransigent
    impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
  768. doting
    extravagantly or foolishly loving and indulgent
  769. ceaseless
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  770. amiss
    in an improper or mistaken or unfortunate manner
  771. flout
    treat with contemptuous disregard
  772. treble
    three times as great or many
  773. sullenly
    in a sullen manner
  774. plight
    a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
  775. affront
    a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect
  776. meek
    humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  777. decorous
    characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
  778. sardonic
    disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
  779. retrenchment
    the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable
  780. recalcitrant
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  781. haughtily
    in a haughty manner
  782. amiable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  783. racketeer
    someone who commits crimes for profit (especially one who obtains money by fraud or extortion)
  784. oratory
    addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous)
  785. dialectically
    in a dialectic manner
  786. blight
    any plant disease resulting in withering without rotting
  787. treatise
    a formal exposition
  788. somnambulist
    someone who walks about in their sleep
  789. repose
    freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
  790. Judas
    (New Testament) the Apostle who betrayed Jesus to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver
  791. emissary
    someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
  792. superfluous
    more than is needed, desired, or required
  793. liberty
    freedom of choice
  794. pendulous
    having branches or flower heads that bend downward
  795. picker
    someone who gathers crops or fruits etc.
  796. picaresque
    involving clever rogues or adventurers especially as in a type of fiction
  797. burlap
    coarse jute fabric
  798. restitution
    the act of restoring something to its original state
  799. despoiler
    someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
  800. compulsion
    using force to cause something to occur
  801. louse
    wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  802. magnitude
    the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)
  803. altruist
    someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
  804. exultant
    joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
  805. reverence
    a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
  806. dragnet
    a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths
  807. aster
    any of various chiefly fall-blooming herbs of the genus Aster with showy daisylike flowers
  808. disgorge
    eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
  809. porthole
    a window in a ship or airplane
  810. plank
    a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
  811. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  812. constituent
    an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
  813. tyranny
    a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
  814. perjury
    criminal offense of making false statements under oath
  815. alibi
    (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  816. basting
    a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  817. lurch
    walk as if unable to control one's movements
  818. anachronism
    something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
  819. surly
    inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace
  820. impel
    urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
  821. inextricable
    not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied
  822. ratify
    approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
  823. epistemology
    the philosophical theory of knowledge
  824. vestibule
    a large entrance or reception room or area
  825. raucous
    unpleasantly loud and harsh
  826. transient
    lasting a very short time
  827. serf
    (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
  828. congenital
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
  829. unrequited
    not returned in kind
  830. tacit
    implied by or inferred from actions or statements
  831. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  832. amoral
  833. furtive
    secret and sly or sordid
  834. ceremony
    a formal event performed on a special occasion
  835. betting
    preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and especially games of chance
  836. reproof
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  837. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  838. ancillary
    furnishing added support
  839. counterculture
    a culture with lifestyles and values opposed to those of the established culture
  840. iconoclast
    someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
  841. subvert
    destroy completely
  842. samizdat
    a system of clandestine printing and distribution of dissident or banned literature
  843. clandestine
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  844. coalesce
    fuse or cause to grow together
  845. impetus
    a force that moves something along
  846. sabbatical
    a leave usually taken every seventh year
  847. backwater
    a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam
  848. divestiture
    the sale by a company of a product line or a subsidiary or a division
  849. differentiation
    a discrimination between things as different and distinct
  850. tautological
    repetition of same sense in different words
  851. armature
    coil in which voltage is induced by motion through a magnetic field
  852. colossal
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  853. quixotic
    not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic
  854. snake oil
    (medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless
  855. internecine
    (of conflict) within a group or organization
  856. stipulation
    (law) an agreement or concession made by parties in a judicial proceeding (or by their attorneys) relating to the business before the court; must be in writing unless they are part of the court record
  857. bricklayer
    a craftsman skilled in building with bricks
  858. divest
    take away possessions from someone
  859. succumb
    consent reluctantly
  860. temperamental
    subject to sharply varying moods
  861. umbilical
    relating to or resembling the umbilicus
  862. modicum
    a small or moderate or token amount
  863. levity
    a manner lacking seriousness
  864. confection
    a food rich in sugar
  865. semblance
    an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
  866. relegate
    assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
  867. novel
    an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  868. Luddite
    any opponent of technological progress
  869. staunch
    firm and dependable especially in loyalty
  870. civility
    the act of showing regard for others
  871. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
  872. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  873. mens rea
    (law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trials
  874. transistor
    a semiconductor device capable of amplification
  875. ergonomic
    of or relating to ergonomics
  876. Mytilidae
    marine mussels
  877. quagmire
    a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  878. poltergeist
    a ghost that announces its presence with rapping and the creation of disorder
  879. collocate
    have a strong tendency to occur side by side
  880. juxtapose
    place side by side
  881. fossilize
    convert to a fossil
  882. infidel
    a person who does not acknowledge your god
  883. Godspeed
    a successful journey
  884. garnishment
    a court order to an employer to withhold all or part of an employee's wages and to send the money to the court or to the person who won a lawsuit against the employee
  885. canny
    showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
  886. offhand
    with little or no preparation or forethought
  887. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  888. preemptive
    designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence
  889. auspices
    kindly endorsement and guidance
  890. magneto
    a small dynamo with a secondary winding that produces a high voltage enabling a spark to jump between the poles of a spark plug in a gasoline engine
  891. panacea
    hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists
  892. ergo
    (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  893. supersede
    take the place or move into the position of
  894. intersperse
    introduce one's writing or speech with certain expressions
  895. bodacious
    unrestrained by convention or propriety
  896. ternary
    having three units or components or elements
  897. tabula rasa
    a young mind not yet affected by experience (according to John Locke)
  898. pedestrian
    a person who travels by foot
  899. steadfast
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  900. enema
    an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
  901. declaim
    recite in elocution
  902. anthropomorphism
    the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits
  903. hidebound
    stubbornly conservative and narrow-minded
  904. paucity
    an insufficient quantity or number
  905. abominable
    unequivocally detestable
  906. litany
    any long and tedious address or recital
  907. rivet
    heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together
  908. whence
    from what place, source, or cause
  909. trireme
    ancient Greek or Roman galley or warship having three tiers of oars on each side
  910. autodidact
    a person who has taught himself
  911. rift
    a narrow fissure in rock
  912. desultory
    marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
  913. Mephistopheles
    evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul
  914. neonatology
    that branch of pediatric medicine concerned with the newborn; the diagnosis and treatment of neonates
  915. teleological
    of or relating to teleology
  916. bilk
    cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
  917. compartmentalize
    separate into isolated compartments or categories
  918. mandate
    a document giving an official instruction or command
  919. notion
    a general inclusive concept
  920. vindicate
    show to be right by providing justification or proof
  921. cadre
    a nucleus of military personnel capable of expansion
  922. anachronism
    something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
  923. ethos
    (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
  924. decant
    pour out
  925. proletariat
    a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
  926. polarize
    cause to concentrate about two conflicting or contrasting positions
  927. disparate
    fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
  928. concerted
    involving the joint activity of two or more
  929. primacy
    the state of being first in importance
  930. preeminent
    greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
  931. mettle
    the courage to carry on
  932. strident
    unpleasantly loud and harsh
  933. sibilant
    of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
  934. convene
    meet formally
  935. retrospectively
    in a manner contemplative of past events
  936. galvanize
    stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock
  937. nascent
    being born or beginning
  938. fissure
    a long narrow depression in a surface
  939. percolate
    cause (a solvent) to pass through a permeable substance in order to extract a soluble constituent
  940. equine
    resembling a horse
  941. magnanimous
    noble and generous in spirit
  942. stipulate
    specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
  943. contrived
    showing effects of planning or manipulation
  944. ontology
    the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence
  945. euphemize
    refer to something with a euphemism
  946. arrant
    without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
  947. cloak-and-dagger
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  948. proclivity
    a natural inclination
  949. precocious
    characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
  950. irascible
    quickly aroused to anger
  951. bask
    be exposed
  952. forage
    collect or look around for (food)
  953. psychosomatic
    used of illness or symptoms resulting from neurosis
  954. evocative
    serving to bring to mind
  955. antithesis
    exact opposite
  956. tangential
    of superficial relevance if any
  957. hemorrhage
    the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
  958. facility
    a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry
  959. faculty
    one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
  960. hematology
    the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
  961. a fortiori
    with greater reason; for a still stronger, more certain reason
  962. solid-state
    consisting of semiconductor materials and components and related devices
  963. caveat
    a warning against certain acts
  964. plasticity
    the property of being physically malleable; the property of something that can be worked or hammered or shaped without breaking
  965. serial
    pertaining to or occurring in or producing a series
  966. meander
    to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
  967. plume
    the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
  968. annals
    a chronological account of events in successive years
  969. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  970. building code
    set of standards established and enforced by local government for the structural safety of buildings
  971. moribund
    being on the point of death; breathing your last
  972. velleity
    a mere wish, unaccompanied by effort to obtain
  973. ad hominem
    appealing to personal considerations (rather than to fact or reason)
  974. vilify
    spread negative information about
  975. ulterior
    lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
  976. contentious
    inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
  977. memorandum
    a written proposal or reminder
  978. osculation
    the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
  979. meddle
    intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
  980. providence
    the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources
  981. cessation
    a stopping
  982. maladaptive
    showing faulty adaptation
  983. charlatan
    a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
  984. quackery
    medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
  985. onus
    an onerous or difficult concern
  986. secularist
    an advocate of secularism; someone who believes that religion should be excluded from government and education
  987. consonance
    the property of sounding harmonious
  988. antipathy
    a feeling of intense dislike
  989. somatic
    affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
  990. stultify
    deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
  991. succour
    assistance in time of difficulty
  992. bereaved
    sorrowful through loss or deprivation
  993. dissemble
    behave unnaturally or affectedly
  994. quasi
    having some resemblance
  995. balk
    refuse to comply
  996. onerous
    not easily borne; wearing
  997. subjugation
    forced submission to control by others
  998. hubris
    overbearing pride or presumption
  999. prescient
    perceiving the significance of events before they occur
  1000. iniquity
    absence of moral or spiritual values
  1001. disenfranchisement
    the act of withdrawing certification or terminating a franchise
  1002. expropriation
    taking out of an owner's hands (especially taking property by public authority)
  1003. triumvirate
    a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority
  1004. parlance
    a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
  1005. demarcate
    set, mark, or draw the boundaries of something
  1006. ancillary
    furnishing added support
  1007. transgression
    the act of transgressing; the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
  1008. incantation
    a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect
  1009. prognostication
    a sign of something about to happen
  1010. idempotent
    unchanged in value following multiplication by itself
  1011. heuristic
    a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
  1012. rhetoric
    study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
  1013. mnemonic
    of or relating to or involved the practice of aiding the memory
  1014. orator
    a person who delivers a speech or oration
  1015. resonance
    having the character of a loud deep sound; the quality of being resonant
  1016. syllogism
    deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
  1017. anergy
    reduction or lack of an immune response to a specific antigen
  1018. indictment
    an accusation of wrongdoing
  1019. incisive
    having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
  1020. epigrammatic
    terse and witty and like a maxim
  1021. mutiny
    open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
  1022. inquisitive
    inquiring or appearing to inquire
  1023. venerable
    profoundly honored
  1024. proponent
    a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  1025. confute
    prove to be false
  1026. cohesion
    the state of cohering or sticking together
  1027. vanguard
    the leading units moving at the head of an army
  1028. avant-garde
    radically new or original
  1029. gilded
    made from or covered with gold
  1030. beleaguer
    annoy persistently
  1031. candor
    the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
  1032. pantomime
    a performance using gestures and body movements without words
  1033. egalitarian
    favoring social equality
  1034. disposition
    your usual mood
  1035. trawl
    a long fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys)
  1036. levy
    impose and collect
  1037. unabated
    continuing at full strength or intensity
  1038. vernacular
    the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
  1039. harbinger
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  1040. misanthropic
    hating mankind in general
  1041. dreary
    lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
  1042. quip
    a witty saying
  1043. interdict
    an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district
  1044. pilfer
    make off with belongings of others
  1045. eclectic
    selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
  1046. ramification
    a development that complicates a situation
  1047. nexus
    the means of connection between things linked in series
  1048. chastise
    censure severely
  1049. moxie
    fortitude and determination
  1050. copious
    large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)
  1051. expound
    add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
  1052. aloof
    remote in manner
  1053. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  1054. virile
    characterized by energy and vigor
  1055. enamor
    attract; cause to be enamored
  1056. elide
    leave or strike out
  1057. connive
    form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
  1058. impedance
    a material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms
  1059. hapless
    deserving or inciting pity
  1060. majestic
    having or displaying great dignity or nobility
  1061. jettison
    throw away, of something encumbering
  1062. pundit
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  1063. accoutrement
    clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing
  1064. conflate
    mix together different elements
  1065. auspicious
    auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
  1066. Faustian
    pertaining to or resembling or befitting Faust or Faustus especially in insatiably striving for worldly knowledge and power even at the price of spiritual values
  1067. denotation
    the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to
  1068. exalt
    praise, glorify, or honor
  1069. revel
    take delight in
  1070. parry
    impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  1071. transfix
    to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
  1072. demure
    affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
  1073. comely
    according with custom or propriety
  1074. adorn
    make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  1075. machinate
    arrange by systematic planning and united effort
  1076. dally
    behave carelessly or indifferently
  1077. pine
    a coniferous tree
  1078. discrete
    constituting a separate entity or part
  1079. crux
    the most important point
  1080. misnomer
    an incorrect or unsuitable name
  1081. obviate
    do away with
  1082. compunction
    a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
  1083. inimitable
    defying imitation; matchless
  1084. provocation
    something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
  1085. audit
    examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
  1086. covenant
    (Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
  1087. dastardly
    despicably cowardly
  1088. beguile
    attract; cause to be enamored
  1089. infamy
    a state of extreme dishonor
  1090. cardinalate
    cardinals collectively
  1091. abstruse
    difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
  1092. rationale
    (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
  1093. harrowing
    extremely painful
  1094. interminable
    tiresomely long; seemingly without end
  1095. attrition
    the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction
  1096. rebuke
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  1097. lament
    a cry of sorrow and grief
  1098. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  1099. reprehensible
    bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
  1100. canard
    a deliberately misleading fabrication
  1101. impute
    attribute or credit to
  1102. spate
    a sudden forceful flow
  1103. reticence
    the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
  1104. imbibe
    take in liquids
  1105. symbiotic
    used of organisms (especially of different species) living together but not necessarily in a relation beneficial to each
  1106. symbiosis
    the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
  1107. abrasive
    causing abrasion
  1108. callow
    young and inexperienced
  1109. menial
    used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
  1110. transitory
    lasting a very short time
  1111. sectarianism
    a narrow-minded adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination
  1112. repartee
    adroitness and cleverness in reply
  1113. proselytism
    the practice of proselytizing
  1114. astute
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  1115. disparity
    inequality or difference in some respect
  1116. incessant
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  1117. dissonance
    disagreeable sounds
  1118. abhor
    find repugnant
  1119. unabated
    continuing at full strength or intensity
  1120. seminal
    pertaining to or containing or consisting of semen
  1121. demagogue
    a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices
  1122. demagogic
    characteristic of or resembling a demagogue
  1123. resentment
    a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  1124. pique
    a sudden outburst of anger
  1125. platitude
    a trite or obvious remark
  1126. jingoism
    fanatical patriotism
  1127. surmise
    infer from incomplete evidence
  1128. adjunct
    something added to another thing but not an essential part of it
  1129. cavalier
    a gallant or courtly gentleman
  1130. procure
    get by special effort
  1131. canonize
    declare (a dead person) to be a saint
  1132. quip
    a witty saying
  1133. swatch
    a sample piece of cloth
  1134. stupendous
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  1135. stifle
    impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
  1136. exhort
    spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
  1137. resilient
    recovering readily from adversity, depression, or the like
  1138. stringent
    demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
  1139. comport
    behave in a certain manner
  1140. antecedent
    a preceding occurrence or cause or event
  1141. noumenon
    the intellectual conception of a thing as it is in itself, not as it is known through perception
  1142. talisman
    a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
  1143. mensch
    a decent responsible person with admirable characteristics
  1144. swoon
    pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
  1145. abject
    of the most contemptible kind
  1146. abase
    cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  1147. accost
    speak to someone
  1148. apoptosis
    a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself; a cell suicide mechanism that enables metazoans to control cell number and eliminate cells that threaten the animal's survival
  1149. prose
    ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
  1150. metrical
    the rhythmic arrangement of syllables
  1151. fiat
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  1152. bluster
    blow hard; be gusty, as of wind
  1153. vacuous
    devoid of matter
  1154. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  1155. inexorable
    not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  1156. federate
    unite on a federal basis or band together as a league
  1157. pontificate
    administer a pontifical office
  1158. diminutive
    a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness
  1159. lacuna
    an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
  1160. fervent
    characterized by intense emotion
  1161. screed
    a long monotonous harangue
  1162. vex
    cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  1163. garrote
    an instrument of execution for execution by strangulation
  1164. conflate
    mix together different elements
  1165. hegemony
    the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others
  1166. folly
    the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
  1167. firmament
    the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  1168. divisive
    dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion)
  1169. hoopla
    blatant or sensational promotion
  1170. vignette
    a brief literary description
  1171. epistle
    a specially long, formal letter
  1172. precedence
    status established in order of importance or urgency
  1173. wanton
    lewd or lascivious woman
  1174. lewd
    suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
  1175. secular
    someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
  1176. dietetic
    of or relating to the diet
  1177. dialectic
    a contradiction of ideas that serves as the determining factor in their interaction
  1178. calisthenics
    light exercises designed to promote general fitness
  1179. transude
    release (a liquid) in drops or small quantities
  1180. amble
    walk leisurely
  1181. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  1182. placenta
    the vascular structure in the uterus of most mammals providing oxygen and nutrients for and transferring wastes from the developing fetus
  1183. astound
    affect with wonder
  1184. nefariously
    in a nefarious manner or to a nefarious degree
  1185. juncture
    the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
  1186. opine
    express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  1187. masonic
    of or relating to stonemasons or masonry
  1188. fraternity
    a social club for male undergraduates
  1189. sorority
    a social club for female undergraduates
  1190. monastery
    the residence of a religious community
  1191. interrogate
    pose a series of questions to
  1192. atomic
    of or relating to or comprising atoms
  1193. discreet
    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
  1194. circumspect
    heedful of potential consequences
  1195. moniker
    a familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name)
  1196. affliction
    a cause of great suffering and distress
  1197. prodigious
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  1198. capacious
    large in capacity
  1199. tract
    an extended area of land
  1200. forceps
    an extractor consisting of a pair of pincers used in medical treatment (especially for the delivery of babies)
  1201. extricate
    release from entanglement of difficulty
  1202. ventral
    toward or on or near the belly (front of a primate or lower surface of a lower animal)
  1203. ectopic
    exhibiting ectopia
  1204. chaste
    abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse
  1205. sequester
    keep away from others
  1206. figuratively
    in a figurative sense
  1207. fixation
    the activity of fastening something firmly in position
  1208. acme
    the highest point (of something)
  1209. literal
    limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
  1210. basify
    turn basic and less acidic
  1211. confound
    be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  1212. repudiate
    refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
  1213. peruse
    examine or consider with attention and in detail
  1214. cleave
    separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
  1215. pedigree
    the descendants of one individual
  1216. fray
    wear away by rubbing
  1217. substantiated
  1218. medieval
    relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
  1219. infringe
    advance beyond the usual limit
  1220. vigilante
    member of a vigilance committee
  1221. faze
    disturb the composure of
  1222. disconcert
    cause to lose one's composure
  1223. travesty
    a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
  1224. inquest
    an inquiry into the cause of an unexpected death
  1225. ascertain
    learn or discover with certainty
  1226. noxious
    injurious to physical or mental health
  1227. skittish
    unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)
  1228. emphatic
    spoken with emphasis
  1229. aficionado
    a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer
  1230. consecrated
    made or declared or believed to be holy; devoted to a deity or some religious ceremony or use
  1231. excommunicate
    exclude from a church or a religious community
  1232. twaddle
    pretentious or silly talk or writing
  1233. padlock
    a detachable lock; has a hinged shackle that can be passed through the staple of a hasp or the links in a chain and then snapped shut
  1234. unitary
    having the indivisible character of a unit
  1235. fable
    a short moral story (often with animal characters)
  1236. legalese
    a style that uses the abstruse technical vocabulary of the law
  1237. vociferous
    conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  1238. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
  1239. clamorous
    conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  1240. tedium
    the feeling of being bored by something tedious
  1241. amortize
    liquidate gradually
  1242. aggrandize
    add details to
  1243. induction
    the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time)
  1244. filibuster
    (law) a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches
  1245. contravene
    go against, as of rules and laws
  1246. prohibition
    the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)
  1247. obstructionism
    deliberate interference
  1248. provision
    the activity of supplying or providing something
  1249. stark
    severely simple
  1250. lucid
    (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
  1251. glean
    gather, as of natural products
  1252. buffet
    a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
  1253. scraggly
    lacking neatness or order
  1254. pigeonhole
    a small compartment
  1255. foil
    hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
  1256. refutation
    the act of determining that something is false
  1257. gruesome
    shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
  1258. affix
    attach to
  1259. empiricism
    (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
  1260. anticipate
    regard something as probable or likely
  1261. precursor
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  1262. forerunner
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  1263. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  1264. impinge
    impinge or infringe upon
  1265. countermove
    an attack by a defending force against an attacking enemy force in order to regain lost ground or cut off enemy advance units etc.
  1266. propriety
    correct or appropriate behavior
  1267. enshrine
    enclose in a shrine
  1268. receptacle
    a container that is used to put or keep things in
  1269. overmuch
    very great in quantity; overabundant
  1270. subsume
    contain or include
  1271. adherent
    someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
  1272. faculty
    one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
  1273. agonize
    suffer agony or anguish
  1274. excruciating
    extremely painful
  1275. testament
    strong evidence for something
  1276. dispensation
    the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
  1277. parley
    a negotiation between enemies
  1278. impresario
    a sponsor who books and stages public entertainments
  1279. Lothario
    a successful womanizer; a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
  1280. decimate
    kill one in every ten, as of mutineers in Roman armies
  1281. apace
    with rapid movements
  1282. pestering
    causing irritation or annoyance
  1283. intrepid
    invulnerable to fear or intimidation
  1284. tepid
    moderately warm
  1285. tenure
    the term during which some position is held
  1286. interdisciplinary
    drawing from or characterized by participation of two or more fields of study
  1287. acrimony
    a rough and bitter manner
  1288. fractious
    easily irritated or annoyed
  1289. propagation
    the act of producing offspring or multiplying by such production
  1290. formative
    minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function
  1291. victuals
    a source of materials to nourish the body
  1292. perennial
    lasting three seasons or more
  1293. decry
    express strong disapproval of
  1294. trope
    language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
  1295. rendition
    a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
  1296. transliterate
    rewrite in a different script
  1297. amnesty
    a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
  1298. dicey
    of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk
  1299. mediate
    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
  1300. fortnight
    a period of fourteen consecutive days
  1301. spearhead
    the head and sharpened point of a spear
  1302. unfurl
    unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state
  1303. status quo
    the existing state of affairs
  1304. defalcate
    appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use
  1305. contingent
    determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
  1306. contingency
    the state of being contingent on something
  1307. condone
    excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
  1308. glib
    artfully persuasive in speech
  1309. voluble
    marked by a ready flow of speech
  1310. piety
    righteousness by virtue of being pious
  1311. prevail
    be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
  1312. climate
    the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
  1313. immersion
    the act of wetting something by submerging it
  1314. Episcopalian
    a member of the Episcopal church
  1315. absolve
    grant remission of a sin to
  1316. incarcerate
    lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
  1317. contrive
    make or work out a plan for; devise
  1318. nefarious
    extremely wicked
  1319. blotter
    absorbent paper used to dry ink
  1320. languish
    become feeble
  1321. expatriate
    a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  1322. usury
    the act of lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest
  1323. conjecture
    to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
  1324. dissertation
    a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
  1325. basin
    a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
  1326. unison
    corresponding exactly
  1327. meek
    humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  1328. denigrate
    charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
  1329. haughty
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  1330. high-handed
    given to haughty disregard of others
  1331. corollary
    (logic) an inference that follows directly from the proof of another proposition
  1332. amend
    make amendments to
  1333. asinine
    devoid of intelligence
  1334. facet
    a distinct feature or element in a problem
  1335. pallor
    unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
  1336. salutary
    tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health
  1337. allay
    lessen the intensity of or calm
  1338. trounce
    beat severely with a whip or rod
  1339. tizzy
    an excited state of agitation
  1340. confer
    present
  1341. discourse
    an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
  1342. libel
    a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
  1343. replete
    filled to satisfaction with food or drink
  1344. wholly
    to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
  1345. posit
    take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
  1346. assailant
    someone who attacks
  1347. sown
    sprinkled with seed
  1348. nary
    (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never a'
  1349. nubile
    of girls or women who are eligible to marry
  1350. stickler
    someone who insists on something
  1351. carnal
    of or relating to the body or flesh
  1352. vaunt
    show off
  1353. megalomaniac
    a pathological egotist
  1354. homogeneous
    all of the same or similar kind or nature
  1355. apoplectic
    pertaining to or characteristic of apoplexy
  1356. quadrant
    any of the four areas into which a plane is divided by two orthogonal coordinate axes
  1357. magistrate
    a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
  1358. bloodletting
    formerly used as a treatment to reduce excess blood (one of the four humors of medieval medicine)
  1359. tribunal
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  1360. bilious
    relating to or containing bile
  1361. malefactor
    someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
  1362. palaver
    loud and confused and empty talk
  1363. artifice
    a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
  1364. assuage
    provide physical relief, as from pain
  1365. corpulent
    excessively fat
  1366. tome
    a (usually) large and scholarly book
  1367. emblazon
    decorate with heraldic arms
  1368. simulcast
    a broadcast that is carried simultaneously by radio and television (or by FM and AM radio)
  1369. machination
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  1370. dissolution
    separation into component parts
  1371. sinew
    a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  1372. vitriolic
    harsh or corrosive in tone
  1373. gestation
    the period during which an embryo develops (about 266 days in humans)
  1374. blastocyst
    the blastula of a placental mammal in which some differentiation of cells has occurred
  1375. blastula
    early stage of an embryo produced by cleavage of an ovum; a liquid-filled sphere whose wall is composed of a single layer of cells; during this stage (about eight days after fertilization) implantation in the wall of the uterus occurs
  1376. Albert
    prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)
  1377. aplomb
    great coolness and composure under strain
  1378. ennui
    the feeling of being bored by something tedious
  1379. prosaic
    lacking wit or imagination
  1380. celluloid
    highly flammable substance made from cellulose nitrate and camphor; used in e.g. motion-picture and X-ray film; its use has decreased with the development of nonflammable thermoplastics
  1381. major key
    a key whose harmony is based on the major scale
  1382. interlocutor
    a person who takes part in a conversation
  1383. dalliance
    the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
  1384. extant
    still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
  1385. unrequited
    not returned in kind
  1386. insidiously
    in a harmfully insidious manner
  1387. vermilion
    a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
  1388. terrarium
    a vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
  1389. coalescence
    the union of diverse things into one body or form or group; the growing together of parts
  1390. resonate
    sound with resonance
  1391. carpet loom
    a loom for weaving carpeting
  1392. refractory
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  1393. foible
    a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  1394. feral
    wild and menacing
  1395. acrimonious
    marked by strong resentment or cynicism
  1396. swathe
    wrap in swaddling clothes
  1397. arraign
    accuse of a wrong or an inadequacy
  1398. Luddite
    any opponent of technological progress
  1399. entomology
    the branch of zoology that studies insects
  1400. prevalent
    most frequent or common
  1401. banal
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  1402. emulsifier
    a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion
  1403. brouhaha
    a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits
  1404. ellipsis
    omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
  1405. cutlass
    a short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors
  1406. doubloon
    a former Spanish gold coin
  1407. marooned
    cut off or left behind
  1408. scuttle
    an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship
  1409. harbinger
    something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
  1410. acrylamide
    a white crystalline amide of propenoic acid can damage the nervous system and is carcinogenic in laboratory animals
  1411. inebriated
    stupefied or excited by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
  1412. bionic
    of or relating to bionics
  1413. languish
    become feeble
  1414. neophyte
    any new participant in some activity
  1415. momentous
    of very great significance
  1416. puerile
    displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
  1417. miscarriage
    a natural loss of the products of conception
  1418. Zionist
    a Jewish supporter of Zionism
  1419. contusion
    an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
  1420. capillary
    any of the minute blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules
  1421. altercation
    noisy quarrel
  1422. unabashed
    not embarrassed
  1423. anaphylactic
    related to the hypersensitivity known as anaphylaxis
  1424. colloquial
    characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
  1425. stiletto
    a small dagger with a tapered blade
  1426. authorized
    sanctioned by established authority
  1427. perturbed
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)
  1428. colostomy
    a surgical operation that creates an opening from the colon to the surface of the body to function as an anus
  1429. auteur
    a filmmaker who has a personal style and keeps creative control over his or her works
  1430. eugenics
    the study of methods of improving genetic qualities by selective breeding (especially as applied to human mating)
  1431. coddle
    cook in nearly boiling water
  1432. cosset
    treat with excessive indulgence
  1433. consummate
    having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
  1434. amorous
    inclined toward or displaying love
  1435. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  1436. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
  1437. pervasive
    spreading or spread throughout
  1438. antithetical
    sharply contrasted in character or purpose
  1439. pretext
    something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
  1440. acclimate
    get used to a certain climate
  1441. sophisticate
    make less natural or innocent
  1442. snide
    expressive of contempt
  1443. dross
    worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
  1444. marginalise
    relegate to a lower or outer edge, as of specific groups of people
  1445. permeate
    spread or diffuse through
  1446. warren
    a colony of rabbits
  1447. diatribe
    thunderous verbal attack
  1448. subsist
    support oneself
  1449. cumbersome
    difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
  1450. dissuade
    turn away from by persuasion
  1451. ruminate
    reflect deeply on a subject
  1452. aberration
    a state or condition markedly different from the norm
  1453. ephemeral
    anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
  1454. contemporaneous
    occurring in the same period of time
  1455. symbiosis
    the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
  1456. antibiosis
    an association between organisms that is harmful to one of them or between organisms and a metabolic product of another
  1457. polemic
    a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
  1458. consortium
    an association of companies for some definite purpose
  1459. profusion
    the property of being extremely abundant
  1460. heterogeneous
    consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature
  1461. clout
    (boxing) a blow with the fist
  1462. bedevil
    be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  1463. elucidate
    make clear and (more) comprehensible
  1464. burgeon
    grow and flourish
  1465. ambient
    completely enveloping
  1466. tout
    advertize in strongly positive terms
  1467. labyrinth
    complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
  1468. orthogonal
    having a set of mutually perpendicular axes; meeting at right angles
  1469. arbitrage
    a kind of hedged investment meant to capture slight differences in price; when there is a difference in the price of something on two different markets the arbitrageur simultaneously buys at the lower price and sells at the higher price
  1470. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  1471. adherent
    someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
  1472. forgoing
    the act of renouncing; sacrificing or giving up or surrendering (a possession or right or title or privilege etc.)
  1473. procession
    the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)
  1474. corral
    a pen for cattle
  1475. didactic
    instructive (especially excessively)
  1476. metronome
    clicking pendulum indicates the exact tempo of a piece of music
  1477. intractable
    not tractable; difficult to manage or mold
  1478. solder
    join or fuse with solder
  1479. parable
    a short moral story (often with animal characters)
  1480. oligopoly
    (economics) a market in which control over the supply of a commodity is in the hands of a small number of producers and each one can influence prices and affect competitors
  1481. dimorphic
    occurring or existing in two different forms
  1482. en masse
    all together
  1483. idyllic
    suggestive of an idyll; charmingly simple and serene
  1484. picturesque
    suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
  1485. palliation
    easing the severity of a pain or a disease without removing the cause
  1486. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  1487. egregious
    conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
  1488. reconcile
    come to terms
  1489. burnish
    polish and make shiny
  1490. subversive
    in opposition to a civil authority or government
  1491. extraneous
    not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
  1492. stringently
    in a stringent manner
  1493. columnar
    having the form of a column
  1494. gnomic
    relating to or containing gnomes
  1495. patriarch
    the male head of family or tribe
  1496. parsimony
    extreme stinginess
  1497. raster
    the rectangular formation of parallel scanning lines that guide the electron beam on a television screen or a computer monitor
  1498. composite
    consisting of separate interconnected parts
  1499. machismo
    exaggerated masculinity
  1500. vie
    compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  1501. oxymoron
    conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence')
  1502. fussy
    exacting especially about details
  1503. gentrification
    the restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of low-income residents)
  1504. misanthropy
    hatred of mankind
  1505. cantankerous
    stubbornly obstructive and unwilling to cooperate
  1506. titular
    existing in name only
  1507. resolute
    firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination
  1508. terse
    brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  1509. heed
    paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
  1510. adjure
    command solemnly
  1511. implication
    something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
  1512. homonym
    two words are homonyms if they are pronounced or spelled the same way but have different meanings
  1513. dynamo
    generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature
  1514. lamentation
    the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
  1515. rabble
    a disorderly crowd of people
  1516. adorned
    provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
  1517. consternation
    fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  1518. disputant
    a person who disputes; who is good at or enjoys controversy
  1519. articulate
    express or state clearly
  1520. hospitable
    disposed to treat guests and strangers with cordiality and generosity
  1521. thenceforth
    from that time on
  1522. codify
    organize into a code or system, such as a body of law
  1523. monopsony
    (economics) a market in which goods or services are offered by several sellers but there is only one buyer
  1524. paragon
    an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
  1525. anathema
    a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
  1526. penance
    voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing
  1527. posit
    take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
  1528. suffusion
    the process of permeating or infusing something with a substance
  1529. wrought
    shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
  1530. muster
    gather or bring together
  1531. dictum
    an authoritative declaration
  1532. pronounce
    speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
  1533. folklore
    the unwritten lore (stories and proverbs and riddles and songs) of a culture
  1534. genesis
    a coming into being
  1535. test bed
    a place equipped with instruments for testing (e.g. engines or machinery or computer programs etc.) under working conditions
  1536. shepherd
    a herder of sheep (on an open range); someone who keeps the sheep together in a flock
  1537. adage
    a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  1538. fellowship
    the state of being with someone
  1539. quandary
    state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
  1540. fervor
    feelings of great warmth and intensity
  1541. capricious
    determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
  1542. malleable
    capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
  1543. preponderant
    having superior power and influence
  1544. pertinent
    being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
  1545. encumber
    hold back
  1546. flux
    a flow or discharge
  1547. latent
    potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
  1548. elixir
    a substance believed to cure all ills
  1549. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  1550. innate
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
  1551. acclimate
    get used to a certain climate
  1552. decree
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  1553. sentient
    endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
  1554. posterity
    all future generations
  1555. quintessence
    the purest and most concentrated essence of something
  1556. prod
    to push against gently
  1557. prune
    cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
  1558. compartmentalize
    separate into isolated compartments or categories
  1559. atrophy
    a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
  1560. propagate
    multiply sexually or asexually
  1561. zenith
    the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  1562. abstain
    choose not to consume
  1563. Helix
    type genus of the family Helicidae
  1564. phoneme
    (linguistics) one of a small set of speech sounds that are distinguished by the speakers of a particular language
  1565. amorphous
    having no definite form or distinct shape
  1566. aptitude
    inherent ability
  1567. progenitor
    an ancestor in the direct line
  1568. delineate
    represented accurately or precisely
  1569. acrid
    strong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
  1570. livelihood
    the financial means whereby one lives
  1571. Borneo
    3rd largest island in the world; in the western Pacific to the north of Java; largely covered by dense jungle and rain forest; part of the Malay Archipelago
  1572. edict
    a formal or authoritative proclamation
  1573. obsequious
    attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
  1574. determinism
    (philosophy) a philosophical theory holding that all events are inevitable consequences of antecedent sufficient causes; often understood as denying the possibility of free will
  1575. shrewd
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  1576. fidelity
    the quality of being faithful
  1577. flophouse
    a cheap lodging house
  1578. malevolence
    wishing evil to others
  1579. literati
    the literary intelligentsia
  1580. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
  1581. foliage
    the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  1582. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
  1583. adulation
    servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
  1584. pallid
    abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
  1585. precept
    rule of personal conduct
  1586. implacable
    incapable of being placated
  1587. sordid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  1588. emancipate
    free from slavery or servitude
  1589. mercenary
    a person hired to fight for another country than their own
  1590. civil engineer
    an engineer trained to design and construct and maintain public works (roads or bridges or harbors etc.)
  1591. discern
    detect with the senses
  1592. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  1593. Maxim
    English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916)
  1594. aphoristic
    terse and witty and like a maxim
  1595. ignoble
    completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose
  1596. squalid
    foul and run-down and repulsive
  1597. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
  1598. premise
    a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  1599. palaver
    loud and confused and empty talk
  1600. jibe
    shift from one side of the ship to the other
  1601. moratorium
    suspension of an ongoing activity
  1602. brunt
    main force of a blow etc
  1603. mirth
    great merriment
  1604. concede
    give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  1605. crass
    (of persons) so unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
  1606. inane
    devoid of intelligence
  1607. syllogism
    deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
  1608. precarious
    not secure; beset with difficulties
  1609. rancorous
    showing deep-seated resentment
  1610. abject
    of the most contemptible kind
  1611. explicable
    capable of being explicated or accounted for
  1612. pander
    arrange for sexual partners for others
  1613. demarcation
    the boundary of a specific area
  1614. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  1615. insolent
    marked by casual disrespect
  1616. imperious
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  1617. nascent
    being born or beginning
  1618. equivocal
    open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
  1619. pithy
    concise and full of meaning
  1620. impunity
    exemption from punishment or loss
  1621. arduous
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
  1622. fragility
    quality of being easily damaged or destroyed
  1623. convulsive
    affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions; resembling a spasm
  1624. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
  1625. concourse
    a coming together of people
  1626. imposition
    the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
  1627. drawl
    a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
  1628. semblance
    an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
  1629. brusque
    marked by rude or peremptory shortness
  1630. equanimity
    steadiness of mind under stress
  1631. Jesuit
    having qualities characteristic of Jesuits or Jesuitism
  1632. coefficient
    a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic
  1633. tribulation
    an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event
  1634. reprimand
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  1635. refract
    subject to refraction
  1636. exasperate
    make furious
  1637. automation
    the act of implementing the control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware
  1638. inkling
    a slight suggestion or vague understanding
  1639. infallible
    incapable of failure or error
  1640. expedient
    appropriate to a purpose; practical
  1641. exult
    feel extreme happiness or elation
  1642. pervasive
    spreading or spread throughout
  1643. cognizance
    having knowledge of
  1644. ingot
    metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling
  1645. stillborn
    (of newborn infant) showing no signs of life at birth; not liveborn
  1646. superlative
    highest in quality
  1647. luminous
    softly bright or radiant
  1648. splendor
    the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
  1649. dismal
    causing dejection
  1650. extraneous
    not belonging to that in which it is contained; introduced from an outside source
  1651. sanction
    official permission or approval
  1652. depravity
    moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
  1653. reprisal
    a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
  1654. reprobate
    a person without moral scruples
  1655. reprieve
    postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
  1656. propitious
    presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
  1657. extricate
    release from entanglement of difficulty
  1658. scrupulous
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  1659. disparate
    fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
  1660. undulate
    move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
  1661. cogent
    powerfully persuasive
  1662. remiss
    failing in what duty requires
  1663. sinew
    a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  1664. furtively
    in a furtive manner
  1665. tenement
    a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards
  1666. forlorn
    marked by or showing hopelessness
  1667. bromide
    a trite or obvious remark
  1668. meager
    deficient in amount or quality or extent
  1669. shellac
    lac purified by heating and filtering; usually in thin orange or yellow flakes but sometimes bleached white
  1670. abhor
    find repugnant
  1671. axiom
    (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident
  1672. arbiter
    someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
  1673. exalt
    praise, glorify, or honor
  1674. derision
    the act of deriding or treating with contempt
  1675. toil
    work hard
  1676. ostentation
    pretentious or showy or vulgar display
  1677. bodice
    part of a dress above the waist
  1678. earnest
    characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
  1679. stout
    having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
  1680. austere
    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
  1681. conquest
    the act of conquering
  1682. expurgate
    edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
  1683. expatriate
    a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  1684. causality
    the relation between causes and effects
  1685. reverent
    feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
  1686. simper
    smile affectedly or derisively
  1687. hallmark
    a mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity
  1688. countenance
    the appearance conveyed by a person's face
  1689. ascetic
    someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
  1690. steadfast
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  1691. knavery
    lack of honesty; acts of lying or cheating or stealing
  1692. prodigious
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  1693. intonation
    the act of singing in a monotonous tone
  1694. impregnable
    immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
  1695. taut
    pulled or drawn tight
  1696. rouse
    cause to become awake or conscious
  1697. iridescent
    varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles
  1698. ignominiously
    in a dishonorable manner or to a dishonorable degree
  1699. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  1700. impropriety
    the condition of being improper
  1701. vaunt
    show off
  1702. wrest
    obtain by seizing forcibly or violently, also metaphorically
  1703. idyll
    a short poem descriptive of rural or pastoral life
  1704. benevolent
    showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
  1705. discourse
    an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
  1706. buttress
    a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
  1707. rectitude
    righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest
  1708. impertinence
    the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
  1709. dreary
    lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
  1710. aptly
    with competence; in a competent capable manner
  1711. serfdom
    the state of a serf
  1712. quaint
    attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)
  1713. concession
    the act of conceding or yielding
  1714. inexorable
    not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  1715. perceptible
    capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
  1716. pious
    having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  1717. impassive
    having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
  1718. pretense
    the act of giving a false appearance
  1719. folly
    the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
  1720. tribunal
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  1721. curtail
    terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end or its full extent
  1722. precedent
    an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
  1723. volition
    the act of making a choice
  1724. suave
    having a sophisticated charm
  1725. immolate
    offer as a sacrifice by killing or by giving up to destruction
  1726. mink
    slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet; valued for its fur
  1727. affable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  1728. reproach
    express criticism towards
  1729. elation
    a feeling of joy and pride
  1730. shawl
    cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders
  1731. benefactor
    a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)
  1732. inordinate
    beyond normal limits
  1733. diversion
    a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
  1734. abasement
    depriving one of self-esteem
  1735. tenet
    a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
  1736. inviolate
    (of a woman) having the hymen unbroken
  1737. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  1738. Stoic
    pertaining to Stoicism or its followers
  1739. postulate
    maintain or assert
  1740. vanquish
    come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
  1741. peculiar
    beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
  1742. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
  1743. inquisitive
    inquiring or appearing to inquire
  1744. squalor
    sordid dirtiness
  1745. listless
    lacking zest or vivacity
  1746. lull
    make calm or still
  1747. edifice
    a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
  1748. fissure
    a long narrow depression in a surface
  1749. culvert
    a transverse and totally enclosed drain under a road or railway
  1750. primness
    excessive or affected modesty
  1751. deplore
    express strong disapproval of
  1752. quaver
    give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency
  1753. placid
    (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
  1754. patrician
    a person of refined upbringing and manners
  1755. pestilence
    any epidemic disease with a high death rate
  1756. avid
    marked by active interest and enthusiasm
  1757. rein
    one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
  1758. slovenly
    negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt
  1759. dilapidation
    the process of becoming dilapidated
  1760. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  1761. disheveled
    in disarray; extremely disorderly
  1762. emaciated
    very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  1763. pliable
    capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
  1764. stringent
    demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
  1765. intransigent
    impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
  1766. doting
    extravagantly or foolishly loving and indulgent
  1767. ceaseless
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  1768. amiss
    in an improper or mistaken or unfortunate manner
  1769. flout
    treat with contemptuous disregard
  1770. treble
    three times as great or many
  1771. sullenly
    in a sullen manner
  1772. plight
    a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
  1773. affront
    a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect
  1774. meek
    humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  1775. decorous
    characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
  1776. sardonic
    disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
  1777. retrenchment
    the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable
  1778. recalcitrant
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  1779. haughtily
    in a haughty manner
  1780. amiable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  1781. racketeer
    someone who commits crimes for profit (especially one who obtains money by fraud or extortion)
  1782. oratory
    addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous)
  1783. dialectically
    in a dialectic manner
  1784. blight
    any plant disease resulting in withering without rotting
  1785. treatise
    a formal exposition
  1786. somnambulist
    someone who walks about in their sleep
  1787. repose
    freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
  1788. Judas
    (New Testament) the Apostle who betrayed Jesus to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver
  1789. emissary
    someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
  1790. superfluous
    more than is needed, desired, or required
  1791. liberty
    freedom of choice
  1792. pendulous
    having branches or flower heads that bend downward
  1793. picker
    someone who gathers crops or fruits etc.
  1794. picaresque
    involving clever rogues or adventurers especially as in a type of fiction
  1795. burlap
    coarse jute fabric
  1796. restitution
    the act of restoring something to its original state
  1797. despoiler
    someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
  1798. compulsion
    using force to cause something to occur
  1799. louse
    wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  1800. magnitude
    the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)
  1801. altruist
    someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
  1802. exultant
    joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
  1803. reverence
    a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
  1804. dragnet
    a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths
  1805. aster
    any of various chiefly fall-blooming herbs of the genus Aster with showy daisylike flowers
  1806. disgorge
    eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
  1807. porthole
    a window in a ship or airplane
  1808. plank
    a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
  1809. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  1810. constituent
    an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system
  1811. tyranny
    a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
  1812. perjury
    criminal offense of making false statements under oath
  1813. alibi
    (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  1814. basting
    a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  1815. lurch
    walk as if unable to control one's movements
  1816. anachronism
    something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
  1817. surly
    inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace
  1818. impel
    urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
  1819. inextricable
    not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied
  1820. ratify
    approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
  1821. epistemology
    the philosophical theory of knowledge
  1822. vestibule
    a large entrance or reception room or area
  1823. raucous
    unpleasantly loud and harsh
  1824. transient
    lasting a very short time
  1825. serf
    (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
  1826. congenital
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
  1827. unrequited
    not returned in kind
  1828. tacit
    implied by or inferred from actions or statements
  1829. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  1830. amoral
  1831. furtive
    secret and sly or sordid
  1832. ceremony
    a formal event performed on a special occasion
  1833. betting
    preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and especially games of chance
  1834. reproof
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  1835. censure
    harsh criticism or disapproval
  1836. ancillary
    furnishing added support
  1837. counterculture
    a culture with lifestyles and values opposed to those of the established culture
  1838. iconoclast
    someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
  1839. subvert
    destroy completely
  1840. samizdat
    a system of clandestine printing and distribution of dissident or banned literature
  1841. clandestine
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  1842. coalesce
    fuse or cause to grow together
  1843. impetus
    a force that moves something along
  1844. sabbatical
    a leave usually taken every seventh year
  1845. backwater
    a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam
  1846. divestiture
    the sale by a company of a product line or a subsidiary or a division
  1847. differentiation
    a discrimination between things as different and distinct
  1848. tautological
    repetition of same sense in different words
  1849. armature
    coil in which voltage is induced by motion through a magnetic field
  1850. colossal
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  1851. quixotic
    not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic
  1852. snake oil
    (medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless
  1853. internecine
    (of conflict) within a group or organization
  1854. stipulation
    (law) an agreement or concession made by parties in a judicial proceeding (or by their attorneys) relating to the business before the court; must be in writing unless they are part of the court record
  1855. bricklayer
    a craftsman skilled in building with bricks
  1856. divest
    take away possessions from someone
  1857. succumb
    consent reluctantly
  1858. temperamental
    subject to sharply varying moods
  1859. umbilical
    relating to or resembling the umbilicus
  1860. modicum
    a small or moderate or token amount
  1861. levity
    a manner lacking seriousness
  1862. confection
    a food rich in sugar
  1863. semblance
    an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
  1864. relegate
    assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
  1865. novel
    an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  1866. Luddite
    any opponent of technological progress
  1867. staunch
    firm and dependable especially in loyalty
  1868. civility
    the act of showing regard for others
  1869. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
  1870. innocuous
    not injurious to physical or mental health
  1871. mens rea
    (law) criminal intent; the thoughts and intentions behind a wrongful act (including knowledge that the act is illegal); often at issue in murder trials
  1872. transistor
    a semiconductor device capable of amplification
  1873. ergonomic
    of or relating to ergonomics
  1874. Mytilidae
    marine mussels
  1875. quagmire
    a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  1876. poltergeist
    a ghost that announces its presence with rapping and the creation of disorder
  1877. collocate
    have a strong tendency to occur side by side
  1878. juxtapose
    place side by side
  1879. fossilize
    convert to a fossil
  1880. infidel
    a person who does not acknowledge your god
  1881. Godspeed
    a successful journey
  1882. garnishment
    a court order to an employer to withhold all or part of an employee's wages and to send the money to the court or to the person who won a lawsuit against the employee
  1883. canny
    showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
  1884. offhand
    with little or no preparation or forethought
  1885. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  1886. preemptive
    designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence
  1887. auspices
    kindly endorsement and guidance
  1888. magneto
    a small dynamo with a secondary winding that produces a high voltage enabling a spark to jump between the poles of a spark plug in a gasoline engine
  1889. panacea
    hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists
  1890. ergo
    (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  1891. supersede
    take the place or move into the position of
  1892. intersperse
    introduce one's writing or speech with certain expressions
  1893. bodacious
    unrestrained by convention or propriety
  1894. ternary
    having three units or components or elements
  1895. tabula rasa
    a young mind not yet affected by experience (according to John Locke)
  1896. pedestrian
    a person who travels by foot
  1897. steadfast
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  1898. enema
    an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes
  1899. declaim
    recite in elocution
  1900. anthropomorphism
    the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits
  1901. hidebound
    stubbornly conservative and narrow-minded
  1902. paucity
    an insufficient quantity or number
  1903. abominable
    unequivocally detestable
  1904. litany
    any long and tedious address or recital
  1905. rivet
    heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together
  1906. whence
    from what place, source, or cause
  1907. trireme
    ancient Greek or Roman galley or warship having three tiers of oars on each side
  1908. autodidact
    a person who has taught himself
  1909. rift
    a narrow fissure in rock
  1910. desultory
    marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
  1911. Mephistopheles
    evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul
  1912. neonatology
    that branch of pediatric medicine concerned with the newborn; the diagnosis and treatment of neonates
  1913. teleological
    of or relating to teleology
  1914. bilk
    cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
  1915. compartmentalize
    separate into isolated compartments or categories
  1916. mandate
    a document giving an official instruction or command
  1917. notion
    a general inclusive concept
  1918. vindicate
    show to be right by providing justification or proof
  1919. cadre
    a nucleus of military personnel capable of expansion
  1920. anachronism
    something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
  1921. ethos
    (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
  1922. decant
    pour out
  1923. proletariat
    a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
  1924. polarize
    cause to concentrate about two conflicting or contrasting positions
  1925. disparate
    fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
  1926. concerted
    involving the joint activity of two or more
  1927. primacy
    the state of being first in importance
  1928. preeminent
    greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
  1929. mettle
    the courage to carry on
  1930. strident
    unpleasantly loud and harsh
  1931. sibilant
    of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
  1932. convene
    meet formally
  1933. retrospectively
    in a manner contemplative of past events
  1934. galvanize
    stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock
  1935. nascent
    being born or beginning
  1936. fissure
    a long narrow depression in a surface
  1937. percolate
    cause (a solvent) to pass through a permeable substance in order to extract a soluble constituent
  1938. equine
    resembling a horse
  1939. magnanimous
    noble and generous in spirit
  1940. stipulate
    specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
  1941. contrived
    showing effects of planning or manipulation
  1942. ontology
    the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence
  1943. euphemize
    refer to something with a euphemism
  1944. arrant
    without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
  1945. cloak-and-dagger
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  1946. proclivity
    a natural inclination
  1947. precocious
    characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
  1948. irascible
    quickly aroused to anger
  1949. bask
    be exposed
  1950. forage
    collect or look around for (food)
  1951. psychosomatic
    used of illness or symptoms resulting from neurosis
  1952. evocative
    serving to bring to mind
  1953. antithesis
    exact opposite
  1954. tangential
    of superficial relevance if any
  1955. hemorrhage
    the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
  1956. facility
    a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry
  1957. faculty
    one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
  1958. hematology
    the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
  1959. a fortiori
    with greater reason; for a still stronger, more certain reason
  1960. solid-state
    consisting of semiconductor materials and components and related devices
  1961. caveat
    a warning against certain acts
  1962. plasticity
    the property of being physically malleable; the property of something that can be worked or hammered or shaped without breaking
  1963. serial
    pertaining to or occurring in or producing a series
  1964. meander
    to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
  1965. plume
    the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
  1966. annals
    a chronological account of events in successive years
  1967. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  1968. building code
    set of standards established and enforced by local government for the structural safety of buildings
  1969. moribund
    being on the point of death; breathing your last
  1970. velleity
    a mere wish, unaccompanied by effort to obtain
  1971. ad hominem
    appealing to personal considerations (rather than to fact or reason)
  1972. vilify
    spread negative information about
  1973. ulterior
    lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
  1974. contentious
    inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
  1975. memorandum
    a written proposal or reminder
  1976. osculation
    the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
  1977. meddle
    intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
  1978. providence
    the prudence and care exercised by someone in the management of resources
  1979. cessation
    a stopping
  1980. maladaptive
    showing faulty adaptation
  1981. charlatan
    a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
  1982. quackery
    medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings
  1983. onus
    an onerous or difficult concern
  1984. secularist
    an advocate of secularism; someone who believes that religion should be excluded from government and education
  1985. consonance
    the property of sounding harmonious
  1986. antipathy
    a feeling of intense dislike
  1987. somatic
    affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
  1988. stultify
    deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
  1989. succour
    assistance in time of difficulty
  1990. bereaved
    sorrowful through loss or deprivation
  1991. dissemble
    behave unnaturally or affectedly
  1992. quasi
    having some resemblance
  1993. balk
    refuse to comply
  1994. onerous
    not easily borne; wearing
  1995. subjugation
    forced submission to control by others
  1996. hubris
    overbearing pride or presumption
  1997. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans