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Top 1000 Vocabulary Words 1000 words

May 19, 2011 By Vocabulary.com Vocabulary.com Moderator
The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL.
To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list to work with.

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Definitions Notes & Examples Words Only
  1. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
  2. minute
    a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  3. accord
    concurrence of opinion
  4. evident
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  5. practice
    a customary way of operation or behavior
  6. intend
    have in mind as a purpose
  7. concern
    something that interests you because it is important or affects you
  8. commit
    engage in or perform
  9. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
  10. approach
    move towards
  11. establish
    set up or found
  12. utter
    without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
  13. conduct
    (behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
  14. engage
    consume all of one's attention or time
  15. obtain
    come into possession of
  16. scarce
    deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
  17. policy
    a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
  18. straight
    having no deviations
  19. stock
    a supply of something available for future use
  20. apparent
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  21. property
    something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
  22. fancy
    not plain; decorative or ornamented
  23. concept
    an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
  24. court
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  25. appoint
    assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to
  26. passage
    the act of passing from one state or place to the next
  27. vain
    characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
  28. instance
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
  29. coast
    the shore of a sea or ocean
  30. project
    a planned undertaking
  31. commission
    the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions
  32. constant
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  33. circumstances
    your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
  34. constitute
    form or compose
  35. level
    a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  36. affect
    have an effect upon
  37. institute
    set up or lay the groundwork for
  38. render
    give or supply
  39. appeal
    earnest or urgent request
  40. generate
    bring into existence
  41. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
  42. range
    a variety of different things or activities
  43. campaign
    several related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal (usually within geographical and temporal constraints)
  44. league
    an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action
  45. labor
    any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
  46. confer
    present
  47. grant
    let have
  48. dwell
    inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of
  49. entertain
    provide entertainment for
  50. contract
    a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
  51. earnest
    characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
  52. yield
    give or supply
  53. wander
    to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
  54. insist
    be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
  55. knight
    originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
  56. convince
    make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
  57. inspire
    serve as the inciting cause of
  58. convention
    the act of convening
  59. skill
    an ability that has been acquired by training
  60. harry
    make a pillaging or destructive raid on (a place), as in wartimes
  61. financial
    involving financial matters
  62. reflect
    to throw or bend back (from a surface)
  63. novel
    an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  64. furnish
    provide or equip with furniture
  65. compel
    force somebody to do something
  66. venture
    any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
  67. territory
    a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
  68. temper
    a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
  69. bent
    used of the back and knees; stooped
  70. intimate
    imply as a possibility
  71. undertake
    enter upon an activity or enterprise
  72. majority
    the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part
  73. assert
    to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  74. crew
    an organized group of workmen
  75. chamber
    a natural or artificial enclosed space
  76. humble
    marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
  77. scheme
    an elaborate and systematic plan of action
  78. keen
    intense or sharp
  79. liberal
    showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
  80. despair
    a state in which all hope is lost or absent
  81. tide
    the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
  82. attitude
    a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
  83. justify
    show to be right by providing justification or proof
  84. flag
    emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
  85. merit
    the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance)
  86. manifest
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  87. notion
    a general inclusive concept
  88. scale
    an ordered reference standard
  89. formal
    being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)
  90. resource
    a source of aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
  91. persist
    be persistent, refuse to stop
  92. contempt
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  93. tour
    a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
  94. plead
    appeal or request earnestly
  95. weigh
    have a certain weight
  96. mode
    how something is done or how it happens
  97. distinction
    a discrimination between things as different and distinct
  98. inclined
    at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position
  99. attribute
    an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
  100. exert
    put to use
  101. oppress
    come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
  102. contend
    compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  103. stake
    a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
  104. toil
    work hard
  105. perish
    pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
  106. disposition
    your usual mood
  107. rail
    a horizontal bar (usually of wood or metal)
  108. cardinal
    a variable color averaging a vivid red
  109. boast
    show off
  110. advocate
    a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  111. bestow
    give as a gift
  112. allege
    report or maintain
  113. notwithstanding
    despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
  114. lofty
    of imposing height; especially standing out above others
  115. multitude
    a large indefinite number
  116. steep
    having a sharp inclination
  117. heed
    paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
  118. modest
    marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
  119. partial
    being or affecting only a part; not total
  120. apt
    being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
  121. esteem
    the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)
  122. credible
    capable of being believed
  123. provoke
    provide the needed stimulus for
  124. tread
    put down or press the foot, place the foot
  125. ascertain
    learn or discover with certainty
  126. fare
    the sum charged for riding in a public conveyance
  127. cede
    give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  128. perpetual
    continuing forever or indefinitely
  129. decree
    a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  130. contrive
    make or work out a plan for; devise
  131. derived
    formed or developed from something else; not original
  132. elaborate
    marked by complexity and richness of detail
  133. substantial
    having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
  134. frontier
    a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
  135. facile
    arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
  136. cite
    make reference to
  137. warrant
    formal and explicit approval
  138. sob
    weep convulsively
  139. rider
    a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
  140. dense
    hard to pass through because of dense growth
  141. afflict
    cause physical pain or suffering in
  142. flourish
    grow vigorously
  143. ordain
    invest with ministerial or priestly authority
  144. pious
    having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  145. vex
    cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  146. gravity
    (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
  147. suspended
    (of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
  148. conspicuous
    obvious to the eye or mind
  149. retort
    a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
  150. jet
    a hard black form of lignite that takes a brilliant polish and is used in jewelry or ornamentation
  151. bolt
    a screw that screws into a nut to form a fastener
  152. assent
    to agree or express agreement
  153. purse
    a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
  154. plus
    on the positive side or higher end of a scale
  155. sanction
    official permission or approval
  156. proceeding
    (law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
  157. exalt
    praise, glorify, or honor
  158. siege
    the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
  159. malice
    feeling a need to see others suffer
  160. extravagant
    recklessly wasteful
  161. wax
    any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water
  162. throng
    a large gathering of people
  163. venerate
    regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
  164. assail
    attack someone physically or emotionally
  165. sublime
    of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
  166. exploit
    use or manipulate to one's advantage
  167. exertion
    use of physical or mental energy; hard work
  168. kindle
    catch fire
  169. endow
    give qualities or abilities to
  170. imposed
    set forth authoritatively as obligatory
  171. humiliate
    cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  172. suffrage
    a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
  173. ensue
    issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
  174. brook
    a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
  175. gale
    a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
  176. muse
    reflect deeply on a subject
  177. satire
    witty language used to convey insults or scorn
  178. intrigue
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  179. indication
    the act of indicating or pointing out by name
  180. dispatch
    the act of sending off something
  181. cower
    crouch or curl up
  182. wont
    an established custom
  183. tract
    an extended area of land
  184. canon
    a collection of books accepted as holy scripture especially the books of the Bible recognized by any Christian church as genuine and inspired
  185. impel
    urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
  186. latitude
    an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
  187. vacate
    leave behind empty; move out of
  188. undertaking
    any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
  189. slay
    kill intentionally and with premeditation
  190. predecessor
    one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
  191. delicacy
    the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance
  192. forsake
    leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
  193. beseech
    ask for or request earnestly
  194. philosophical
    of or relating to philosophy or philosophers
  195. grove
    a small growth of trees without underbrush
  196. frustrate
    hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
  197. illustrious
    widely known and esteemed
  198. devices
    an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase `left to your own devices'
  199. pomp
    cheap or pretentious or vain display
  200. entreat
    ask for or request earnestly
  201. impart
    bestow a quality on
  202. propriety
    correct or appropriate behavior
  203. consecrate
    give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
  204. proceeds
    the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
  205. fathom
    a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
  206. objective
    the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
  207. clad
    having an outer covering especially of thin metal
  208. partisan
    a fervent and even militant proponent of something
  209. faction
    a dissenting clique
  210. contrived
    showing effects of planning or manipulation
  211. venerable
    profoundly honored
  212. restrained
    under restraint
  213. besiege
    surround so as to force to give up
  214. manifestation
    a clear appearance
  215. rebuke
    an act or expression of criticism and censure
  216. insurgent
    in opposition to a civil authority or government
  217. rhetoric
    study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)
  218. scrupulous
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  219. ratify
    approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
  220. stump
    the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled
  221. discreet
    marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
  222. imposing
    used of a person's appearance or behavior; befitting an eminent person
  223. wistful
    showing pensive sadness
  224. mortify
    cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  225. ripple
    a small wave on the surface of a liquid
  226. premise
    a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
  227. subside
    sink to a lower level or form a depression
  228. adverse
    in an opposing direction
  229. caprice
    a sudden desire
  230. muster
    gather or bring together
  231. comprehensive
    including all or everything
  232. accede
    yield to another's wish or opinion
  233. fervent
    characterized by intense emotion
  234. cohere
    cause to form a united, orderly, and aesthetically consistent whole
  235. tribunal
    an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  236. austere
    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
  237. recovering
    returning to health after illness or debility
  238. stratum
    one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
  239. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  240. arbitrary
    based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
  241. exasperate
    make furious
  242. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
  243. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  244. edifice
    a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
  245. elude
    escape, either physically or mentally
  246. pervade
    spread or diffuse through
  247. foster
    providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
  248. admonish
    take to task
  249. repeal
    cancel officially
  250. retiring
    of a person who has held and relinquished a position or office
  251. incidental
    (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
  252. acquiesce
    to agree or express agreement
  253. slew
    (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  254. usurp
    seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  255. sentinel
    a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
  256. precision
    the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
  257. depose
    force to leave (an office)
  258. wanton
    lewd or lascivious woman
  259. odium
    hate coupled with disgust
  260. precept
    rule of personal conduct
  261. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  262. fray
    wear away by rubbing
  263. candid
    openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness
  264. enduring
    unceasing
  265. impertinent
    improperly forward or bold
  266. bland
    lacking taste or flavor or tang
  267. insinuate
    give to understand
  268. nominal
    relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name
  269. suppliant
    humbly entreating
  270. languid
    lacking spirit or liveliness
  271. rave
    talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
  272. monetary
    relating to or involving money
  273. headlong
    with the head foremost
  274. infallible
    incapable of failure or error
  275. coax
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  276. explicate
    elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
  277. gaunt
    very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  278. morbid
    suggesting the horror of death and decay
  279. ranging
    wandering freely
  280. pacify
    cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  281. pastoral
    relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle
  282. dogged
    stubbornly unyielding
  283. ebb
    the outward flow of the tide
  284. aide
    someone who acts as assistant
  285. appease
    make peace with
  286. stipulate
    specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
  287. recourse
    act of turning to for assistance
  288. constrained
    lacking spontaneity; not natural
  289. bate
    flap the wings wildly or frantically; used of falcons
  290. aversion
    the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away
  291. conceit
    the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
  292. loath
    (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
  293. rampart
    an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
  294. extort
    obtain by coercion or intimidation
  295. tarry
    leave slowly and hesitantly
  296. perpetrate
    perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
  297. decorum
    propriety in manners and conduct
  298. luxuriant
    produced or growing in extreme abundance
  299. cant
    a slope in the turn of a road or track; the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force
  300. enjoin
    give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority
  301. avarice
    reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
  302. edict
    a formal or authoritative proclamation
  303. disconcert
    cause to lose one's composure
  304. symmetry
    balance among the parts of something
  305. capitulate
    surrender under agreed conditions
  306. arbitrate
    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
  307. cleave
    separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
  308. append
    fix to; attach
  309. visage
    the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
  310. horde
    a vast multitude
  311. parable
    a short moral story (often with animal characters)
  312. chastise
    censure severely
  313. foil
    hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
  314. veritable
    not counterfeit or copied
  315. grapple
    come to terms with
  316. gentry
    the most powerful members of a society
  317. pall
    burial garment in which a corpse is wrapped
  318. maxim
    a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
  319. projection
    the act of expelling or projecting or ejecting
  320. prowess
    a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
  321. dingy
    thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
  322. semblance
    an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
  323. tout
    advertize in strongly positive terms
  324. fortitude
    strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
  325. asunder
    into parts or pieces
  326. rout
    an overwhelming defeat
  327. staid
    characterized by dignity and propriety
  328. beguile
    attract; cause to be enamored
  329. purport
    have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming
  330. deprave
    corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
  331. bequeath
    leave or give by will after one's death
  332. enigma
    something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  333. assiduous
    marked by care and persistent effort
  334. vassal
    a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
  335. quail
    small gallinaceous game birds
  336. outskirts
    outlying areas (as of a city or town)
  337. bulwark
    an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
  338. swerve
    turn sharply; change direction abruptly
  339. gird
    bind with something round or circular
  340. betrothed
    pledged to be married
  341. prospective
    of or concerned with or related to the future
  342. advert
    give heed (to)
  343. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  344. rudiment
    the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  345. deduce
    reason by deduction; establish by deduction
  346. halting
    disabled in the feet or legs
  347. ignominy
    a state of dishonor
  348. ideology
    an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
  349. pallid
    abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress
  350. chagrin
    strong feelings of embarrassment
  351. obtrude
    push to thrust outward
  352. audacious
    disposed to venture or take risks
  353. construe
    make sense of; assign a meaning to
  354. ford
    cross a river where it's shallow
  355. repast
    the food served and eaten at one time
  356. stint
    supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
  357. fresco
    a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
  358. dutiful
    willingly obedient out of a sense of duty and respect
  359. hew
    make or shape as with an axe
  360. parity
    functional equality
  361. affable
    diffusing warmth and friendliness
  362. interminable
    tiresomely long; seemingly without end
  363. pillage
    steal goods; take as spoils
  364. foreboding
    a feeling of evil to come
  365. rend
    tear or be torn violently
  366. livelihood
    the financial means whereby one lives
  367. deign
    do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
  368. capricious
    determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
  369. stupendous
    so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
  370. chaff
    material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  371. innate
    present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development
  372. reverie
    an abstracted state of absorption
  373. wrangle
    an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)
  374. crevice
    a long narrow opening
  375. ostensible
    appearing as such but not necessarily so
  376. craven
    lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
  377. vestige
    an indication that something has been present
  378. plumb
    exactly vertical
  379. reticent
    reluctant to draw attention to yourself
  380. propensity
    a natural inclination
  381. chide
    censure severely or angrily
  382. espouse
    choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  383. raiment
    especially fine or decorative clothing
  384. intrepid
    invulnerable to fear or intimidation
  385. seemly
    according with custom or propriety
  386. allay
    lessen the intensity of or calm
  387. fitful
    occurring in spells and often abruptly
  388. erode
    remove soil or rock
  389. unaffected
    undergoing no change when acted upon
  390. canto
    a major division of a long poem
  391. docile
    easily handled or managed
  392. patronize
    assume sponsorship of
  393. teem
    be teeming, be abuzz
  394. estrange
    remove from customary environment or associations
  395. spat
    a quarrel about petty points
  396. warble
    sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below
  397. mien
    dignified manner or conduct
  398. sate
    fill to satisfaction
  399. constituency
    the body of voters who elect a representative for their area
  400. patrician
    a person of refined upbringing and manners
  401. parry
    impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  402. practitioner
    someone who practices a learned profession
  403. ravel
    disentangle
  404. infest
    occupy in large numbers or live on a host
  405. actuate
    put in motion or move to act
  406. surly
    inclined to anger or bad feelings with overtones of menace
  407. convalesce
    get over an illness or shock
  408. demoralize
    confuse or put into disorder
  409. devolve
    pass on or delegate to another
  410. alacrity
    liveliness and eagerness
  411. waive
    do without or cease to hold or adhere to
  412. unwonted
    out of the ordinary
  413. seethe
    foam as if boiling
  414. scrutinize
    examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
  415. diffident
    showing modest reserve
  416. execrate
    curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment
  417. implacable
    incapable of being placated
  418. pique
    a sudden outburst of anger
  419. mite
    any of numerous very small to minute arachnids often infesting animals or plants or stored foods
  420. encumber
    hold back
  421. uncouth
    lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
  422. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
  423. expiate
    make amends for
  424. cavalier
    a gallant or courtly gentleman
  425. banter
    light teasing repartee
  426. bluster
    blow hard; be gusty, as of wind
  427. debase
    corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
  428. retainer
    a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment
  429. subjugate
    make subservient; force to submit or subdue
  430. extol
    praise, glorify, or honor
  431. fraught
    filled with or attended with
  432. august
    profoundly honored
  433. fissure
    a long narrow depression in a surface
  434. knoll
    a small natural hill
  435. callous
    having calluses; having skin made tough and thick through wear
  436. inculcate
    teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
  437. nettle
    any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus Urtica or family Urticaceae)
  438. blanch
    turn pale, as if in fear
  439. inscrutable
    of an obscure nature
  440. tenacious
    stubbornly unyielding
  441. thrall
    the state of being under the control of another person
  442. exigency
    a pressing or urgent situation
  443. disconsolate
    sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled
  444. impetus
    a force that moves something along
  445. imposition
    the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)
  446. auspices
    kindly endorsement and guidance
  447. sonorous
    full and loud and deep
  448. exploitation
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
  449. bane
    something causing misery or death
  450. dint
    interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of'
  451. ignominious
    (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
  452. amicable
    characterized by friendship and good will
  453. onset
    the beginning or early stages
  454. conservatory
    a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts
  455. zenith
    the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  456. voluble
    marked by a ready flow of speech
  457. yeoman
    in former times was free and cultivated his own land
  458. levity
    a manner lacking seriousness
  459. rapt
    feeling great rapture or delight
  460. sultry
    sexually exciting or gratifying
  461. pinion
    wing of a bird
  462. axiom
    (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident
  463. descry
    catch sight of
  464. retinue
    the group following and attending to some important person
  465. functionary
    a worker who holds or is invested with an office
  466. imbibe
    take in liquids
  467. diversified
    having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety
  468. maraud
    raid and rove in search of booty
  469. grudging
    petty or reluctant in giving or spending
  470. partiality
    an inclination to favor one group or view or opinion over alternatives
  471. philology
    the humanistic study of language and literature
  472. wry
    humorously sarcastic or mocking
  473. caucus
    meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
  474. permeate
    spread or diffuse through
  475. propitious
    presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
  476. salient
    having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
  477. propitiate
    make peace with
  478. excise
    remove by cutting
  479. betoken
    be a signal for or a symptom of
  480. palatable
    acceptable to the taste or mind
  481. upbraid
    express criticism towards
  482. renegade
    someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw
  483. hoary
    showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
  484. pedantic
    marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects
  485. coy
    modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
  486. troth
    a solemn pledge of fidelity
  487. encroachment
    any entry into an area not previously occupied
  488. belie
    be in contradiction with
  489. armada
    a large fleet
  490. succor
    assistance in time of difficulty
  491. imperturbable
    not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure
  492. irresolute
    uncertain how to act or proceed
  493. knack
    a special way of doing something
  494. unseemly
    not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
  495. accentuate
    to stress, single out as important
  496. divulge
    make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
  497. brawn
    possessing muscular strength
  498. burnish
    polish and make shiny
  499. palpitate
    beat rapidly
  500. promiscuous
    casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior
  501. dissemble
    behave unnaturally or affectedly
  502. flotilla
    a fleet of small craft
  503. invective
    abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
  504. hermitage
    the abode of a hermit
  505. despoil
    steal goods; take as spoils
  506. sully
    make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
  507. malevolent
    wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
  508. irksome
    so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
  509. prattle
    speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
  510. subaltern
    a British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain
  511. welt
    a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
  512. wreak
    cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
  513. tenable
    based on sound reasoning or evidence
  514. inimitable
    defying imitation; matchless
  515. depredation
    an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding
  516. amalgamate
    to bring or combine together or with something else
  517. immutable
    not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature
  518. proxy
    a person authorized to act for another
  519. dote
    shower with love; show excessive affection for
  520. reactionary
    extremely conservative
  521. rationalism
    the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
  522. endue
    give qualities or abilities to
  523. discriminating
    showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment especially in matters of taste
  524. brooch
    a decorative pin worn by women
  525. pert
    characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
  526. disembark
    go ashore
  527. aria
    an elaborate song for solo voice
  528. trappings
    (usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
  529. abet
    assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  530. clandestine
    conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
  531. distend
    cause to expand as it by internal pressure
  532. glib
    artfully persuasive in speech
  533. pucker
    to gather something into small wrinkles or folds
  534. rejoinder
    a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
  535. spangle
    adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing
  536. blighted
    affected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity
  537. nicety
    conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety
  538. aggrieve
    cause to feel sorrow
  539. vestment
    gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy
  540. urbane
    showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience
  541. defray
    bear the expenses of
  542. spectral
    resembling or characteristic of a phantom
  543. munificent
    very generous
  544. dictum
    an authoritative declaration
  545. fad
    an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  546. scabbard
    a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet
  547. adulterate
    corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
  548. beleaguer
    annoy persistently
  549. gripe
    complain
  550. remission
    (law) the act of remitting (especially the referral of a law case to another court)
  551. exorbitant
    greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
  552. invocation
    the act of appealing for help
  553. cajole
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  554. inclusive
    including much or everything; and especially including stated limits
  555. 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
  556. abase
    cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  557. obviate
    do away with
  558. hurtle
    move with or as if with a rushing sound
  559. unanimity
    everyone being of one mind
  560. mettle
    the courage to carry on
  561. interpolate
    insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby
  562. surreptitious
    marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
  563. dissimulate
    hide (feelings) from other people
  564. ruse
    a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
  565. specious
    plausible but false
  566. revulsion
    intense aversion
  567. hale
    exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health
  568. palliate
    lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
  569. obtuse
    of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
  570. querulous
    habitually complaining
  571. vagary
    an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
  572. incipient
    only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
  573. obdurate
    stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
  574. grovel
    show submission or fear
  575. refractory
    stubbornly resistant to authority or control
  576. dregs
    sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
  577. ascendancy
    the state that exists when one person or group has power over another
  578. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  579. pundit
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  580. commiserate
    to feel or express sympathy or compassion
  581. alcove
    a small recess opening off a larger room
  582. assay
    a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.
  583. parochial
    relating to or supported by or located in a parish
  584. conjugal
    of or relating to marriage or to the relationship between a wife and husband
  585. abjure
    formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
  586. frieze
    an architectural ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band between the architrave and the cornice
  587. ornate
    marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
  588. inflammatory
    arousing to action or rebellion
  589. machination
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  590. mendicant
    practicing beggary
  591. meander
    to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
  592. bullion
    a mass of precious metal
  593. diffidence
    lack of self-confidence
  594. makeshift
    done or made using whatever is available
  595. husbandry
    the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
  596. podium
    a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  597. dearth
    an insufficient quantity or number
  598. granary
    a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  599. whet
    sharpen by rubbing, as on a whetstone
  600. imposture
    pretending to be another person
  601. diadem
    an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty
  602. fallow
    left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
  603. hubbub
    loud confused noise from many sources
  604. dispassionate
    unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
  605. harrowing
    extremely painful
  606. askance
    with suspicion or disapproval
  607. lancet
    a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
  608. rankle
    gnaw into; make resentful or angry
  609. ramify
    have or develop complicating consequences
  610. gainsay
    take exception to
  611. polity
    the form of government of a social organization
  612. credence
    the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
  613. indemnify
    secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for
  614. ingratiate
    gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
  615. declivity
    a downward slope or bend
  616. importunate
    expressing earnest entreaty
  617. passe
    out of fashion
  618. whittle
    cut small bits or pare shavings from
  619. repine
    express discontent
  620. flay
    strip the skin off
  621. larder
    a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
  622. threadbare
    having the nap worn away so that the threads show through
  623. grisly
    shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
  624. untoward
    not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
  625. idiosyncrasy
    a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
  626. quip
    a witty saying
  627. blatant
    without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
  628. stanch
    stop the flow of a liquid
  629. incongruity
    the quality of disagreeing; being unsuitable and inappropriate
  630. perfidious
    tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
  631. platitude
    a trite or obvious remark
  632. revelry
    unrestrained merrymaking
  633. delve
    turn up, loosen, or remove earth
  634. extenuate
    lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
  635. polemic
    a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
  636. enrapture
    hold spellbound
  637. virtuoso
    someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  638. glower
    look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval
  639. mundane
    found in the ordinary course of events
  640. fatuous
    devoid of intelligence
  641. incorrigible
    impervious to correction by punishment
  642. postulate
    maintain or assert
  643. gist
    the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  644. vociferous
    conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  645. purvey
    supply with provisions
  646. baleful
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
  647. gibe
    laugh at with contempt and derision
  648. dyspeptic
    suffering from dyspepsia
  649. prude
    a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
  650. luminary
    a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
  651. amenable
    disposed or willing to comply
  652. willful
    done by design
  653. overbearing
    having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
  654. dais
    a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  655. automate
    make automatic or control or operate automatically
  656. enervate
    weaken mentally or morally
  657. wheedle
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
  658. gusto
    vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
  659. bouillon
    a clear seasoned broth
  660. omniscient
    infinitely wise
  661. apostate
    not faithful to religion or party or cause
  662. carrion
    the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food
  663. emolument
    compensation received by virtue of holding an office or having employment (usually in the form of wages or fees)
  664. ungainly
    lacking grace in movement or posture
  665. impiety
    unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god
  666. decadence
    the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
  667. homily
    a sermon on a moral or religious topic
  668. avocation
    an auxiliary activity
  669. circumvent
    surround so as to force to give up
  670. syllogism
    deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
  671. collation
    assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence
  672. haggle
    an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)
  673. waylay
    wait in hiding to attack
  674. savant
    someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
  675. cohort
    a band of warriors (originally a unit of a Roman Legion)
  676. unction
    anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
  677. adjure
    command solemnly
  678. acrimony
    a rough and bitter manner
  679. clarion
    loud and clear
  680. turbid
    (of liquids) clouded as with sediment
  681. cupidity
    extreme greed for material wealth
  682. disaffected
    discontented as toward authority
  683. preternatural
    existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
  684. eschew
    avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  685. expatiate
    add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
  686. didactic
    instructive (especially excessively)
  687. sinuous
    curved or curving in and out
  688. rancor
    a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  689. puissant
    powerful
  690. homespun
    made of cloth spun or woven in the home
  691. embroil
    force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action
  692. pathological
    of or relating to the practice of pathology
  693. resonant
    characterized by resonance
  694. libretto
    the words of an opera or musical play
  695. flail
    an implement consisting of handle with a free swinging stick at the end; used in manual threshing
  696. bandy
    discuss lightly
  697. gratis
    costing nothing
  698. upshot
    a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
  699. aphorism
    a short pithy instructive saying
  700. redoubtable
    inspiring fear
  701. corpulent
    excessively fat
  702. benighted
    overtaken by night or darkness
  703. sententious
    concise and full of meaning
  704. cabal
    a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
  705. paraphernalia
    equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
  706. vitiate
    make imperfect
  707. adulation
    servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
  708. quaff
    to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
  709. unassuming
    not arrogant or presuming
  710. libertine
    unrestrained by convention or morality
  711. maul
    injure badly by beating
  712. adage
    a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  713. expostulation
    an exclamation of protest or remonstrance or reproof
  714. tawdry
    tastelessly showy
  715. trite
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  716. hireling
    a person who works only for money
  717. ensconce
    fix firmly
  718. egregious
    conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
  719. cogent
    powerfully persuasive
  720. incisive
    having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
  721. errant
    straying from the right course or from accepted standards
  722. sedulous
    marked by care and persistent effort
  723. incandescent
    emitting light as a result of being heated
  724. derelict
    a person without a home, job, or property
  725. entomology
    the branch of zoology that studies insects
  726. execrable
    unequivocally detestable
  727. sluice
    conduit that carries a rapid flow of water controlled by a sluicegate
  728. moot
    of no legal significance (as having been previously decided)
  729. evanescent
    tending to vanish like vapor
  730. vat
    a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids
  731. dapper
    marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
  732. asperity
    harshness of manner
  733. flair
    a shape that spreads outward
  734. mote
    (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
  735. circumspect
    heedful of potential consequences
  736. inimical
    not friendly
  737. apropos
    of an appropriate or pertinent nature
  738. gruel
    a thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal)
  739. gentility
    elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
  740. disapprobation
    an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable
  741. cameo
    engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)
  742. gouge
    an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
  743. oratorio
    a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
  744. inclement
    (of weather or climate) severe
  745. scintilla
    a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  746. confluence
    a place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers)
  747. squalor
    sordid dirtiness
  748. stricture
    severe criticism
  749. emblazon
    decorate with heraldic arms
  750. augury
    an event that is experienced as indicating important things to come
  751. abut
    lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
  752. banal
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  753. congeal
    become gelatinous
  754. pilfer
    make off with belongings of others
  755. malcontent
    discontented as toward authority
  756. sublimate
    change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting
  757. eugenic
    pertaining to or causing improvement in the offspring produced
  758. lineament
    the characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin
  759. firebrand
    a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning
  760. fiasco
    a sudden and violent collapse
  761. foolhardy
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
  762. retrench
    tighten one's belt; use resources carefully
  763. ulterior
    lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
  764. equable
    not varying
  765. inured
    made tough by habitual exposure
  766. invidious
    containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
  767. unmitigated
    not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier
  768. concomitant
    following or accompanying as a consequence
  769. cozen
    be false to; be dishonest with
  770. phlegmatic
    showing little emotion
  771. dormer
    a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window
  772. pontifical
    proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
  773. disport
    occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
  774. apologist
    a person who argues to defend or justify some policy or institution
  775. abeyance
    temporary cessation or suspension
  776. enclave
    an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct from the foreign territory that surrounds it
  777. improvident
    not provident; not providing for the future
  778. disquisition
    an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion
  779. categorical
    relating to or included in a category or categories
  780. placate
    cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  781. redolent
    having a strong pleasant odor
  782. felicitous
    exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style
  783. gusty
    blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
  784. natty
    marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
  785. pacifist
    someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes
  786. buxom
    (of a female body) healthily plump and vigorous
  787. heyday
    the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
  788. herculean
    extremely difficult; requiring the strength of a Hercules
  789. burgeon
    grow and flourish
  790. crone
    an ugly evil-looking old woman
  791. prognosticate
    make a prediction about; tell in advance
  792. lout
    an awkward stupid person
  793. simper
    smile affectedly or derisively
  794. iniquitous
    characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin
  795. rile
    cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  796. sentient
    endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
  797. garish
    tastelessly showy
  798. readjustment
    the act of adjusting again (to changed circumstances)
  799. erstwhile
    belonging to some prior time
  800. aquiline
    curved down like an eagle's beak
  801. bilious
    relating to or containing bile
  802. vilify
    spread negative information about
  803. nuance
    a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
  804. gawk
    look with amazement; look stupidly
  805. refectory
    a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery)
  806. palatial
    relating to or being a palace
  807. mincing
    affectedly dainty or refined
  808. trenchant
    having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
  809. emboss
    raise in a relief
  810. proletarian
    belonging to or characteristic of the proletariat
  811. careen
    pitching dangerously to one side
  812. debacle
    a sudden and violent collapse
  813. sycophant
    a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
  814. crabbed
    annoyed and irritable
  815. archetype
    something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies
  816. cryptic
    having a secret or hidden meaning
  817. penchant
    a strong liking
  818. bauble
    cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing
  819. mountebank
    a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
  820. fawning
    attempting to win favor by flattery
  821. hummock
    a small natural hill
  822. apotheosis
    model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
  823. discretionary
    having or using the ability to act or decide according to your own discretion or judgment
  824. pithy
    concise and full of meaning
  825. comport
    behave in a certain manner
  826. checkered
    patterned with alternating squares of color
  827. ambrosia
    (classical mythology) the food and drink of the gods; mortals who ate it became immortal
  828. factious
    dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion)
  829. disgorge
    eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
  830. filch
    make off with belongings of others
  831. wraith
    a mental representation of some haunting experience
  832. demonstrable
    capable of being demonstrated or proved
  833. pertinacious
    stubbornly unyielding
  834. emend
    make improvements or corrections to
  835. laggard
    someone who takes more time than necessary; someone who lags behind
  836. waffle
    pancake batter baked in a waffle iron
  837. loquacious
    full of trivial conversation
  838. venial
    warranting only temporal punishment
  839. peon
    a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
  840. effulgence
    the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
  841. lode
    a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
  842. fanfare
    (music) a short lively tune played on brass instruments
  843. dilettante
    an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
  844. pusillanimous
    lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
  845. ingrained
    (used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
  846. quagmire
    a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  847. reprobation
    severe disapproval
  848. mannered
    having unnatural mannerisms
  849. squeamish
    excessively fastidious and easily disgusted
  850. proclivity
    a natural inclination
  851. miserly
    (used of persons or behavior) characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
  852. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  853. mercurial
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
  854. perspicuous
    (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
  855. nonplus
    be a mystery or bewildering to
  856. enamor
    attract; cause to be enamored
  857. hackneyed
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  858. spate
    a sudden forceful flow
  859. pedagogue
    someone who educates young people
  860. acme
    the highest point (of something)
  861. masticate
    grind and knead
  862. sinecure
    an office that involves minimal duties
  863. indite
    produce a literary work
  864. emetic
    a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
  865. temporize
    draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
  866. unimpeachable
    beyond doubt or reproach
  867. genesis
    a coming into being
  868. mordant
    harshly ironic or sinister
  869. smattering
    a slight or superficial understanding of a subject
  870. suavity
    the quality of being bland and gracious or ingratiating in manner
  871. stentorian
    used of the voice
  872. junket
    dessert made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet
  873. appurtenance
    equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
  874. nostrum
    patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
  875. immure
    lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
  876. astringent
    tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
  877. unfaltering
    marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
  878. tutelage
    attention and management implying responsibility for safety
  879. testator
    a person who makes a will
  880. elysian
    relating to the Elysian Fields
  881. fulminate
    cause to explode violently and with loud noise
  882. fractious
    easily irritated or annoyed
  883. pummel
    strike, usually with the fist
  884. manumit
    free from slavery or servitude
  885. unexceptionable
    completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach
  886. triumvirate
    a group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority
  887. sybarite
    a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
  888. jibe
    shift from one side of the ship to the other
  889. magisterial
    of or relating to a magistrate
  890. roseate
    of something having a dusty purplish pink color
  891. obloquy
    a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
  892. hoodwink
    conceal one's true motives from especially by elaborately feigning good intentions so as to gain an end
  893. striate
    marked with stria or striations
  894. arrogate
    seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  895. rarefied
    of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
  896. chary
    characterized by great caution and wariness
  897. credo
    any system of principles or beliefs
  898. superannuated
    too old to be useful
  899. impolitic
    not politic
  900. aspersion
    a disparaging remark
  901. abysmal
    resembling an abyss in depth; so deep as to be unmeasurable
  902. poignancy
    a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)
  903. stilted
    artificially formal
  904. effete
    marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay
  905. provender
    food for domestic livestock
  906. endemic
    native to or confined to a certain region
  907. jocund
    full of or showing high-spirited merriment
  908. procedural
    of or relating to procedure
  909. rakish
    marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
  910. skittish
    unpredictably excitable (especially of horses)
  911. peroration
    (rhetoric) the concluding section of an oration
  912. nonentity
    a person of no influence
  913. abstemious
    marked by temperance in indulgence
  914. viscid
    having the sticky properties of an adhesive
  915. doggerel
    a comic verse of irregular measure
  916. sleight
    adroitness in using the hands
  917. rubric
    category name
  918. plenitude
    a full supply
  919. rebus
    a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words
  920. wizened
    lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
  921. whorl
    a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)
  922. fracas
    noisy quarrel
  923. iconoclast
    someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
  924. saturnine
    bitter or scornful
  925. madrigal
    an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form
  926. discursive
    proceeding to a conclusion by reason or argument rather than intuition
  927. zealot
    a fervent and even militant proponent of something
  928. moribund
    being on the point of death; breathing your last
  929. modicum
    a small or moderate or token amount
  930. connotation
    an idea that is implied or suggested
  931. adventitious
    associated by chance and not an integral part
  932. recondite
    difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
  933. zephyr
    a slight wind (usually refreshing)
  934. countermand
    cancel officially
  935. captious
    tending to find and call attention to faults
  936. cognate
    related by blood
  937. forebear
    a person from whom you are descended
  938. cadaverous
    of or relating to a cadaver or corpse
  939. foist
    to force onto another
  940. dotage
    mental infirmity as a consequence of old age; sometimes shown by foolish infatuations
  941. nexus
    the means of connection between things linked in series
  942. choleric
    characterized by anger
  943. garble
    make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
  944. bucolic
    relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle
  945. denouement
    the outcome of a complex sequence of events
  946. animus
    a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
  947. overweening
    presumptuously arrogant
  948. tyro
    someone new to a field or activity
  949. preen
    clean with one's bill
  950. largesse
    liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
  951. retentive
    having the capacity to retain something
  952. unconscionable
    greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
  953. badinage
    frivolous banter
  954. insensate
    devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation
  955. sherbet
    a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar, but also containing milk or egg-white or gelatin
  956. beatific
    marked by utter benignity; resembling or befitting an angel or saint
  957. bemuse
    cause to be confused emotionally
  958. microcosm
    a miniature model of something
  959. factitious
    not produced by natural forces
  960. gestate
    be pregnant with
  961. traduce
    speak unfavorably about
  962. sextant
    a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant
  963. coiffure
    the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
  964. malleable
    capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
  965. rococo
    having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation
  966. fructify
    make productive or fruitful
  967. nihilist
    someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief
  968. ellipsis
    omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
  969. accolade
    a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  970. codicil
    a supplement to a will; a testamentary instrument intended to alter an already executed will
  971. roil
    make turbid by stirring up the sediments of
  972. grandiloquent
    lofty in style
  973. inconsequential
    lacking worth or importance
  974. effervescence
    the process of bubbling as gas escapes
  975. stultify
    deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
  976. tureen
    large deep serving dish with a cover; for serving soups and stews
  977. pellucid
    transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
  978. euphony
    any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sounds
  979. apocryphal
    being of questionable authenticity
  980. veracious
    habitually speaking the truth
  981. pendulous
    having branches or flower heads that bend downward
  982. exegesis
    an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible)
  983. effluvium
    a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste)
  984. apposite
    being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
  985. viscous
    having a relatively high resistance to flow
  986. misanthrope
    someone who dislikes people in general
  987. vintner
    someone who sells wine
  988. halcyon
    a mythical bird said to breed at the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea and to have the power of calming the winds and waves
  989. anthropomorphic
    suggesting human characteristics for animals or inanimate things
  990. turgid
    ostentatiously lofty in style
  991. malaise
    physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
  992. polemical
    of or involving dispute or controversy
  993. gadfly
    any of various large flies that annoy livestock
  994. atavism
    a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
  995. contusion
    an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration
  996. parsimonious
    excessively unwilling to spend
  997. dulcet
    pleasing to the ear
  998. reprise
    repeat an earlier theme of a composition
  999. anodyne
    capable of relieving pain
  1000. bemused
    perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment