111 Strong, Rhetorically Precise Strategic Actions (Pearl Verbs))

Mr. DeCubellis (United States of America)
IMPORTANT: Study the DEFINITIONS until you have them down cold. Only after you have memorized the definitions should you do and read the practice exercises. Don't skip that first step, or you will pay dearly on the test. Al

DIRECTIONS: This list provides AP-friendly alternatives to ho-hum potatoes such as," "states," "writes," "as quoted in," etc. These pearls are usually much more than simple synonyms though--they demonstrate you understand the nuanced subtleties of what a rhetor is doing, why she is doing it, and how.

As you study, change each word to the present tense, since that is how you will use it in your RA (e.g., "accentuate" becomes "accentuates").

Lastly, in addition to learning and using words from this list, learn (and banish from your academic vocabulary) these potatoes: "a lot," "very", "many," "things," "lots," "stuff," "ways," "really," "interesting," "absolutely," "amazing" "awesome," "interesting," "bad," "great," "definitely," "extremely," "nice," "wonderful.
109 words 262 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. accentuate
    stress or single out as important
    That said, I’m all for a little filler or Botox — I’ve definitely done that and still do — but you’re supposed to accentuate the positive. New York Times (Mar 26, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  2. add
    join or combine or unite with others
    He added it was important that public debate on the topic was conducted "on the basis of fact rather than supposition". BBC (Jun 25, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  3. advocate
    speak, plead, or argue in favor of
    He is measured in temperament, advocates for strong ties with traditional U.S. allies, and is socially liberal. Washington Post (Jun 17, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  4. affirm
    declare solemnly and formally as true
    NOTE: Compare carefully in intensity with amplify, suggest, and allege. ← Don't assume these are listed in order of intensity. Ascertain such an assumption for yourself after comparing their definitions carefully.
    NOTE: Compare carefully in intensity with amplify, suggest, and allege. ← Don't assume these are listed in order of intensity. Ascertain such an assumption for yourself after comparing their definitions carefully.
  5. allege
    report or maintain
    NOTE: Compare carefully in intensity with amplify, suggest, and affirm.
    NOTE: Compare carefully in intensity with amplify, suggest, and affirm.
  6. allow
    afford possibility
    She allowed that that matter was serious. But it turned out to be harmless.
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  7. allude
    make an indirect reference to
    Yet with fans of the original show in mind, the new “Twilight Zone” is jam-packed with Easter eggs alluding to the first series, though the producers won’t get specific about where to find them. Los Angeles Times (Mar 30, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  8. amplify
    exaggerate or make bigger
    Academics Review amplified those complaints under the guise of being an independent association. The Guardian (Jun 2, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  9. analogize
    draw a comparison to show a similarity in some respect
    For one thing, if you’re going to analogize partisan politics to World War II—and we don’t recommend it—shouldn’t the other party be the Germans? Wall Street Journal (Aug 5, 2016)
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  10. analyze
    consider in detail in order to discover essential features
    And if you analyze the details, “Carroll’s claim, for a number of reasons, actually rests upon a significantly stronger foundation than Broaddrick’s,” George Conway notes. Slate (Jun 22, 2019)
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  11. ascertain
    establish after a calculation, investigation, or study
    On Monday evening, Kurz said that ascertaining the origin of the video was as important as its content. The Guardian (May 20, 2019)
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  12. assess
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    Critics point that there are no well-defined criteria in assessing restaurants. BBC (Jun 25, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  13. assail
    attack someone physically or emotionally
    NOTE: Compare intensity of conflict with challenge, differ, and repudiate.
    Note: Compare intensity of conflict with challenge, differ, and repudiate.
  14. attest
    provide evidence for
    But college admissions experts said that in some communities, it is well known which psychologists will provide paperwork attesting to disabilities like A.D.H.D. — for thousands of dollars. New York Times (Mar 14, 2019)
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  15. avoid
    stay away from
    It’s made players more sensitive and eager to avoid the appearance of evil. Golf Digest (Jun 25, 2019)
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  16. bolster
    support and strengthen
    Although the analogy is tempting, following its logic would stunt the kind of innovations in higher education we need to bolster the nation and the livelihood of millions. Fox News (Jun 24, 2019)
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  17. bombard
    address continuously, as if with a barrage
    Rather than bombarding college graduates with utter pessimism, commencement speakers would be better served to highlight the reasons for them to be optimistic – because there are quite many. Fox News (Jun 6, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  18. challenge
    questioning a statement and demanding an explanation
    Brunetti challenged a neighboring provision prohibiting the registration of “immoral” or “scandalous” trademarks. Washington Post (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  19. characterize
    describe or portray the qualities or peculiarities of
    “I think it’s fair to characterize Johnson & Johnson as a kingpin in our opioid crisis,” he said. The Guardian (Jun 23, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  20. claim
    an assertion that something is true or factual
    She called the claim that Republicans weren’t involved in the process “hogwash.” Washington Times (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  21. clarify
    make clear and comprehensible
    Biden’s effort to clarify his comments in an interview at the South Carolina Democratic Convention on Saturday made it worse, not better. Fox News (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  22. compare
    examine and note the similarities or differences of
    He even compared the minor league conditions to those of a military boot camp. Fox News (Jun 25, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  23. conclude
    decide by reasoning
    The report concludes that his murder was deliberate and premeditated. Reuters (Jun 19, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  24. confront
    oppose, as in hostility or a competition
    Then a Pensacola News Journal columnist confronted him with the audio clip. Washington Times (Jun 12, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  25. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    Local governments are expected to consider property tax breaks. Washington Times (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  26. contest
    make the subject of dispute, disagreement, or litigation
    Eyewitness accounts and evidence at the scene were contested. BBC (Jun 21, 2019)
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  27. critique
    appraise or judge in an analytical way
    But she, too, offers a blistering critique of the nexus of big money and politics. The New Yorker (Jun 18, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  28. defend
    protect against a challenge or attack
    Cusack initially defended the tweet against social media critics, accusing Israel of atrocities against Palestinians. Seattle Times (Jun 18, 2019)
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  29. define
    explain the meaning of a word
    In his book, Neiwert defines Alt-America as “a mental space beyond fact or logic, where the rules of evidence are replaced by paranoia.” Seattle Times (Jun 21, 2019)
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  30. defy
    resist or confront with resistance
    We’re beyond the point where Fox is simply allowing its star hosts the impunity to defy ethical standards and promote bigotry. Salon (Jun 7, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  31. delineate
    show the form or outline of
    The clean lines of that cartoonish tale are easy to delineate. New York Times (Apr 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

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  32. denigrate
    attack the good name and reputation of someone
    More broadly, Trump’s mad desire to denigrate Obama shows his fundamental insecurity. The Guardian (May 8, 2018)
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  33. depict
    give a description of
    That is how suburbs often are depicted in popular culture: places of repressed, putty-colored respectability where the population is white; the houses, cookie-cutter; and the housewives, incredibly desperate. Los Angeles Times (Jun 25, 2019)
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  34. develop
    be gradually disclosed or unfolded
    What develops is a twisty examination of memory and truthfulness, with more than one character hiding some deeply disturbing stuff. Seattle Times (Jun 21, 2019)
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  35. differentiate
    mark as distinct
    In his field, it is important to differentiate a fad from a trend, he explains. Salon (Jun 11, 2019)
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  36. differ
    have dissimilar or unlike opinions
    This is where the Iranian and US accounts differ. The Guardian (Jun 21, 2019)
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  37. dispel
    force to go away
    She also dispelled the stereotype that poorer, less-educated people gossip more than those who are wealthier and better educated. Washington Times (May 14, 2019)
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  38. dispute
    take exception to
    The company also disputed the New York Times' investigation, citing unspecified "factual inaccuracies" in the reporting. BBC (Jun 25, 2019)
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  39. dissuade
    turn away from by persuasion
    But they’re quick to dissuade readers from assuming that they are concerned about individual neuroses, beginning with the title of the first chapter: “This is Not a Self-Help Book.” Seattle Times (Jan 23, 2019)
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  40. downplay
    understate the importance or quality of
    In their reports, the lawsuit alleges, the officers downplayed the severity of his “apparent minor injuries.” Seattle Times (Feb 23, 2019)
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  41. dramatize
    exaggerate or add details to
    While “Late Night” approaches these themes mildly and cautiously, it nonetheless discerns and dramatizes some of the current-day entertainment industry’s most urgent themes and conflicts. The New Yorker (Jun 6, 2019)
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  42. elevate
    raise from a lower to a higher position
    Thomas also said demonstrably erroneous decisions should not be “elevated” over federal statutes, as well as the Constitution, merely because they are precedents. Reuters (Jun 17, 2019)
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  43. elicit
    call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
    Aware that his story will reliably elicit shock and tears, Greene at one point bitterly calls himself “a rock star of grief.” Washington Post (May 8, 2019)
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  44. elucidate
    make clear and comprehensible
    Its madcap humor and biting satire dissect and elucidate the horrors of war. Los Angeles Times (Jun 1, 2019)
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  45. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    Attack the president head-on, or emphasize a more positive alternative vision? Washington Post (Jun 18, 2019)
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  46. enumerate
    specify individually
    Which is next to a sign with enumerated instructions of what to do. Internment
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  47. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    McFly said he tried to explain the situation — and a city official even showed up to vouch for him — but police wouldn't budge. Fox News (Jun 24, 2019)
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  48. exemplify
    clarify by giving an illustration of
    Read as "Clarify by giving an example of." Ignore the "illustration" part of the definition.
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  49. extrapolate
    draw from specific cases for more general cases
    The estimates are extrapolated from the 2010 census using administrative records on births, deaths and other information. Washington Post (Apr 21, 2019)
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  50. forewarn
    notify of danger in advance or beforehand
    That’s one problem with dystopian fiction: forewarned is not always forearmed. The New Yorker (May 29, 2017)
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  51. fortify
    make strong or stronger
    Where in “The Emperor of Ocean Park” the historical digressions weighed down the narrative, here they fortify it, reminding us of the deep paradoxes of segregation. Washington Post (Dec 7, 2018)
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  52. hint
    intimate by indirect suggestion
    He also hinted at the current upheaval at Homeland Security, describing his tenure as a “challenging time.” Los Angeles Times (May 28, 2019)
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  53. evoke
    call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
    In times of tragedy or triumph, songs evoke passion, ideals and dreams for the future; lyrics span a range of emotions, from sorrow and distress to joy and exhilaration. Washington Times (Jun 17, 2019)
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  54. establish
    set up or lay the groundwork for
    But the report found insufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and Moscow. Reuters (Jun 19, 2019)
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  55. identify
    give the name or characteristics of
    Officials haven’t identified the postal worker or his or her route. Washington Times (Jun 25, 2019)
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  56. illustrate
    depict with a visual representation
    The suit also claimed FanDuel copied diagrams illustrating possible bets and odds. Seattle Times (Jun 24, 2019)
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  57. imagine
    form a mental image of something that is not present
    He imagined it as a vast dome-shaped stadium, with walls painted to form a map of the world. The New Yorker (Jun 24, 2019)
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  58. impel
    urge or force to an action; constrain or motivate
    Social issues also impel the work of certain younger Brooklyn artists. New York Times (Apr 21, 2016)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  59. indicate
    be a signal for or a symptom of
    “She is trying to sell a new book — that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section.” Seattle Times (Jun 21, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  60. interpret
    make sense of; assign a meaning to
    New contenders are also likely to interpret this outcome as a window of opportunity. The Guardian (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  61. intensify
    make stronger or more marked
    Corte said she feared the arrest would not stop other armed vigilantes from traveling to the border, especially as Trump intensifies his anti-immigrant rhetoric on the campaign trail. The Guardian (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  62. juxtapose
    place side by side
    It's interesting the way that you juxtapose these stories in your book. Salon (May 22, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  63. justify
    show to be right by providing proof
    The judge rejected that logic and also said the BLM hadn’t justified the about-face. Washington Times (Jun 21, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  64. lampoon
    ridicule with satire
    The film includes references to book burning and goose stepping, and it lampoons fascism’s inherent violence. Washington Post (May 15, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  65. list
    name individually; give the names of
    The list includes shelter, food, heating, lighting, clothing and footwear, and basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste. BBC (Jun 25, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  66. maintain
    state categorically
    Wheeler maintained that, when the new measure is fully implemented, it will reduce carbon emissions in the power sector by 34% below 2005 levels, roughly equal to the goals of the Clean Power Plan. Seattle Times (Jun 19, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  67. motivate
    give an incentive for action
    “He motivated her maybe like other coaches hadn’t before,” Crooks said. Los Angeles Times (Jun 17, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  68. muse
    reflect deeply on a subject
    Real people don’t spend a lot of time musing on the broader historical context of their everyday lives. Slate (Apr 29, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  69. observe
    watch with care or pay close attention to
    As George Carlin observed, "Look at the president. He's exactly what the American people deserve." Salon (Jun 11, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  70. opine
    express one's view openly and without fear or hesitation
    On his podcast, “Behind the Curtain With Jack Burkman,” Burkman opined not long ago about the “terrible rise of feminism” as one of the great dangers facing America. Washington Post (Jun 4, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  71. overstate
    enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
    NOTE: Compare intensity with recount, portray, and downplay. ← These are not necessarily in order of intensity. Sort them by scrutinizing their definitions.
    NOTE: Compare intensity with recount, portray, and downplay. ← These are not necessarily in order of intensity. Sort them by scrutinizing their definitions.
  72. personify
    attribute human qualities to something
    In the 80s - as with everything - more was definitely more and Brooke Shields's eyebrows personified perfectly the decade's maxim. BBC (Aug 1, 2018)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  73. ponder
    reflect deeply on a subject
    Her expression is sober as she ponders the Arctic’s future — and her own. Washington Post (Jun 11, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  74. portray
    depict in words
    That depends on which D.C. the author is trying to portray: the storied halls of power? Washington Post (Jun 11, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  75. depict
    give a description of
    Seeing my family’s immigrant experience depicted so aptly in this novel sent shivers through me. Slate (Jun 10, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  76. presume
    take liberties or act with too much confidence
    “Someone used to play this loud, terrible music and my boyfriend presumed it was him,” says Andy. The Guardian (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  77. promote
    make publicity for; try to sell
    The company, which admitted no wrongdoing, is barred from promoting its drugs through sales visits or experts through 2026. Washington Post (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  78. purport
    have the often misleading appearance of being or intending
    While it purports to offer certainty about family relationships and personal identity, in fact what it markets is a toxic mistrust of women. Salon (Jun 23, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  79. qualify
    make more specific
    Brady felt both surprise and some relief as the doc qualified his statement about everyone being dead. Qualifiers are limiters. They appear before nouns and include "some," "few," "often," largely," rather," etc. Qualifiers protect against making sweeping generalizations and help guard a claim from being attacked.
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  80. question
    a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  81. rationalize
    defend, explain, or make excuses for by reasoning
    Others adapt and rationalize their unsavory work by taking on the occasional pro bono case. Slate (Apr 10, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  82. recite
    read out in elocution
    Forty-two Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars and alumni each recited a word that symbolized Robinson. Los Angeles Times (Apr 16, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  83. recollect
    recall knowledge from memory
    Later he was never able to recollect the sequences and details of that dream: attempts to remember it produced nothing more than a tangle of dark images, underexposed in the darkroom of his mind. American Gods
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  84. recount
    narrate or give a detailed account of
    Christy Beam recounts her daughter’s story in a book called Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing. Fox News (Jun 16, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  85. refute
    overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
    NOTE: Ignore the "argument" part of the definition. To overthrow an argument's underlying logic is to "rebut." To "refute" is to provide contravening details, facts, or evidence. Both are strategies for taking down an argument, but they attack it in different ways.
    NOTE: Ignore the "argument" part of the definition. To overthrow an argument's underlying logic is to "rebut." To "refute" is to provide contravening details, facts, or evidence. Both are strategies for taking down an argument, but they attack it in different ways.
  86. regard
    an attitude of admiration or respect
    Mutombo is regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history and is a well-known philanthropist in his native Congo. Seattle Times (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  87. reinforce
    make stronger
    These results counter a so-called backfire effect, in which debating a science denier may actually reinforce people’s misconceptions. Scientific American (Jun 25, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  88. reject
    refuse to accept
    Garguilo also rejected the family’s argument that the case was filed too late. Los Angeles Times (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  89. repudiate
    reject as untrue, unfounded, or unjust
    Kennedy urged us to be unselfish, but broad sectors of the American public now repudiate Kennedy’s rhetoric. Washington Post (Jun 9, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  90. ridicule
    language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate
    Most recently, Biden was ridiculed for tweeting an image of an interlocking “friendship bracelet,” baring his and the former president’s name in honor of Best Friends Day. Fox News (Jun 12, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  91. solidify
    make firm or more firm
    Cronkite’s audience for the moon landing surpassed the combined total for NBC and ABC and solidified his status as the dominant figure in TV news for the next decade. Los Angeles Times (Jun 21, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  92. suggest
    imply as a possibility
    Another red flag is a shallow social-media presence, which suggests an invented identity. The New Yorker (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  93. summarize
    briefly present the main points of something
    “To recap there, it seems the president obstructed justice. Then obstructed justice again to try to obstruct the investigation into his obstruction of justice,” Oliver summarized. The Guardian (Jun 17, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  94. support
    provide with evidence or authority or make more certain
    "That detail does not support your reason at all. If anything, it refutes your reason."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  95. sympathize
    feel or express compassion
    "Hitler initially pretended to sympathize with Stalin’s food shortage, but later betrayed his confidence when German troops marched on Moscow."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  96. understate
    represent as less significant or important
    "My teenage son always tries to understate the dangers of drunk driving, but he has never experienced just how dangerous it really is."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  97. vacillate
    move or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern
    "If you vacillate between two positions, there is no way you will win the debate."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  98. harangue
    a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
    [ huh RANG ] "In an effort to recruit warriors, the tribal leader harangued one of the neighboring tribes."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  99. hector
    talk to or treat someone in a bossy or bullying way
    "For nine days in Europe and the Middle East, Trump shoved, hectored and lectured, betraying confidences and demonstrating an ignorance of world affairs." --from The Helena Independent Record
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  100. heckle
    challenge aggressively
    "A group of pranksters stood outside of the school so that they could heckle the principal has he gave his back to school speech. They scored big points with their friends. But lost points with the faculty, who agreed to write a college recommendation for nary a single prankster."
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  101. defuse
    remove the triggering device from
    To make less harmful, potent, or tense, as in, "By telling him, 'It's not you--it's me,' she defused most of his anger before breaking up with him." Do not confuse with the adjective "diffuse." "Disinterested mediators help to defuse conflicts between squabbling spouses for a more peaceful divorce that's less stressful for the entire family. And less expensive. "
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  102. rebut
    prove to be false or incorrect
    Different from "refute," which is to offer a fact the trumps another. To "rebut" is to dismantle an argument's logic.
    NOTE: To overthrow an argument's underlying logic is to "rebut." To "refute" is to provide contravening details, facts, or evidence. Both are strategies for taking down an argument, but they attack it in different ways.
  103. dismantle
    take apart into its constituent pieces
    I think most children grow up and, by necessity, dismantle the myths of their parents. The New Yorker (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  104. raise
    put forward for consideration or discussion
    But emails and other dealings by the Crafts with Canadian and U.S. officials raise questions about their neutrality and possible overlaps of interest between government representative and coal tycoon, Canter and environmental advocates say. Seattle Times (Jun 24, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  105. forestall
    keep from happening or arising; make impossible
    “I’m sorry to hear that” seems to forestall the “It’s not your fault” response most of the time; I’d recommend that or something like “That sounds terrible/frustrating/painful,” as an alternative. Slate (Jul 17, 2017)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  106. sanitize
    make less offensive by removing objectionable features
    Nguyen, heeding the advice of his mother in the play’s first scene to write true and hard, doesn’t sanitize his parents’ story. Los Angeles Times (Apr 9, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  107. sidestep
    avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
    In a separate TV appearance, though, the national security advisor carefully sidestepped his own views on Kim’s culpability. Los Angeles Times (Mar 3, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  108. demonize
    characterize as dangerous or wicked
    And central to this effort is demonizing his “primary opponent,” the press. The New Yorker (Sep 6, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
  109. lionize
    assign great social importance to
    Users on 8chan frequently lionize mass gunmen using jokey internet vernacular, referring to their body counts as “high scores” and creating memes praising the killers. New York Times (Aug 4, 2019)
    Which mode or format would this action most likely serve a rhetor strategically?

    Explain | Describe | Narrate | Argue | Exemplify | Define | Compare | Contrast | Classify | Analyze Cause and Effect Analyze a Process |

    Least likely?

    Which words on this list is this one similar to in intensity or purpose? To what degree?
Created on Mon May 23 08:57:23 EDT 2016 (updated Mon Oct 23 14:27:25 EDT 2023)

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