The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

JAMES B M. (United States of America)

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.

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consider
think about carefully; weigh
minute
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
accord
concurrence of opinion
evident
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
practice
a customary way of operation or behavior
intend
have in mind as a purpose
concern
something that interests you because it is important
commit
engage in or perform
issue
some situation or event that is thought about
approach
move towards
establish
set up or found
utter
without qualification
conduct
the way a person behaves toward other people
engage
consume all of one's attention or time
obtain
come into possession of
scarce
deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
policy
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
straight
having no deviations
stock
a supply of something available for future use
apparent
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
property
something owned
fancy
not plain; decorative or ornamented
concept
an abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances
court
an assembly to conduct judicial business
appoint
assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to
passage
the act of moving from one state or place to the next
vain
having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
instance
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
coast
the shore of a sea or ocean
project
a planned undertaking
commission
the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions
constant
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
circumstances
one's overall condition in life
constitute
form or compose
level
a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
affect
have an influence upon
institute
set up or lay the groundwork for
render
give or supply
appeal
earnest or urgent request
generate
bring into existence
theory
a belief that can guide behavior
range
a variety of different things or activities
campaign
related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal
league
an association of states or individuals for common action
labor
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
confer
present
grant
let have
dwell
inhabit or live in
entertain
provide amusement for
contract
a binding agreement that is enforceable by law
earnest
characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one's opinions
yield
give or supply
wander
move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course
insist
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
knight
a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry
convince
make realize the truth or validity of something
inspire
serve as the inciting cause of
convention
the act of meeting formally
skill
an ability that has been acquired by training
harry
make a pillaging or destructive raid on, as in wartimes
financial
involving fiscal matters
reflect
throw or bend back from a surface
novel
an extended fictional work in prose
furnish
provide with objects or articles that make a room usable
compel
force somebody to do something
venture
an undertaking with an uncertain outcome
territory
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
temper
a characteristic state of feeling
bent
stooped (used of the back and knees)
intimate
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
undertake
enter upon an activity or enterprise
majority
the main part
assert
declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
crew
an organized group of workers
chamber
a natural or artificial enclosed space
humble
marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
scheme
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
keen
intense or sharp
liberal
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
despair
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
tide
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level
attitude
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings
justify
show to be right by providing proof
flag
a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
merit
the quality of being deserving
manifest
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
notion
a general inclusive concept
scale
an ordered reference standard
formal
in accord with established conventions and requirements
resource
aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
persist
refuse to stop
contempt
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
tour
a route all the way around a particular place or area
plead
appeal or request earnestly
weigh
have a certain heft
mode
how something is done or how it happens
distinction
a discrimination between things as different
inclined
at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position
attribute
a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity
exert
put to use
oppress
come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
contend
compete for something
stake
a strong wooden or metal post driven into the ground
toil
work hard
perish
pass from physical life
disposition
your usual mood
rail
a horizontal bar, usually of wood or metal
cardinal
a vivid red color
boast
talk about oneself with excessive pride or self-regard
advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
bestow
give as a gift
allege
report or maintain
notwithstanding
despite anything to the contrary
lofty
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
multitude
a large indefinite number
steep
having a sharp inclination
heed
careful attention
modest
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
partial
being or affecting only a segment
apt
being of striking appropriateness and relevance
esteem
the condition of being honored
credible
capable of being believed
provoke
provide the needed stimulus for
tread
put down, place, or press the foot
ascertain
learn or discover with confidence
fare
the sum charged for riding in a public conveyance
cede
give over
perpetual
continuing forever or indefinitely
decree
a legally binding command or decision
contrive
make or work out a plan for; devise
derived
formed or developed from something else; not original
elaborate
marked by complexity and richness of detail
substantial
real; having a material or factual existence
frontier
a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country
facile
arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
cite
make reference to
warrant
formal and explicit approval
sob
weep convulsively
rider
a traveler who actively sits and travels on an animal
dense
having high compaction or concentration
afflict
cause physical pain or suffering in
flourish
grow vigorously
ordain
invest with ministerial or priestly authority
pious
having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
vex
disturb, especially by minor irritations
gravity
the force of attraction between all masses in the universe
suspended
supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
retort
a quick reply to a question or remark
jet
a hard black form of lignite that takes a brilliant polish
bolt
a screw that screws into a nut to form a fastener
assent
agree or express agreement
purse
a container used for carrying money and small personal items
plus
on the positive side or higher end of a scale
sanction
official permission or approval
proceeding
a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
exalt
praise, glorify, or honor
siege
an action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place
malice
the desire to see others suffer
extravagant
recklessly wasteful
wax
substance solid at normal temperature and insoluble in water
throng
a large gathering of people
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence
assail
attack someone physically or emotionally
sublime
of high moral or intellectual value
exploit
use or manipulate to one's advantage
exertion
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
kindle
catch fire
endow
give qualities or abilities to
imposed
set forth authoritatively as obligatory
humiliate
cause to feel shame
suffrage
a legal right to vote
ensue
take place or happen afterward or as a result
brook
a natural stream of water smaller than a river
gale
a strong wind moving 34–40 knots
muse
reflect deeply on a subject
satire
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
intrigue
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
indication
the act of pointing out by name
dispatch
the act of sending off something
cower
crouch or curl up
wont
an established custom
tract
an extended area of land
canon
a collection of books accepted as holy scripture
impel
urge or force to an action; constrain or motivate
latitude
an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
vacate
leave behind empty; move out of
undertaking
any piece of work that is attempted
slay
kill intentionally and with premeditation
predecessor
one who goes before you in time
delicacy
the quality of being exquisitely fine in appearance
forsake
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
beseech
ask for or request earnestly
philosophical
relating to the investigation of existence and knowledge
grove
a small growth of trees without underbrush
frustrate
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
illustrious
widely known and esteemed
device
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
pomp
cheap or pretentious or vain display
entreat
ask for or request earnestly
impart
bestow a quality on
propriety
correct behavior
consecrate
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
proceeds
the income or profit arising from a transaction
fathom
a linear unit of measurement for water depth
objective
the goal intended to be attained
clad
having an outer covering especially of thin metal
partisan
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
faction
a dissenting clique
contrived
showing effects of planning or manipulation
venerable
profoundly honored
restrained
under control
besiege
surround so as to force to give up
manifestation
a clear appearance
rebuke
an act or expression of criticism and censure
insurgent
in opposition to a civil authority or government
rhetoric
study of the technique for using language effectively
scrupulous
characterized by extreme care and great effort
ratify
approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation
stump
the base part that remains after a tree has been felled
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
imposing
befitting an important, distinguished, or powerful person
wistful
showing pensive sadness
mortify
cause to feel shame
ripple
a small wave on the surface of a liquid
premise
a statement that is held to be true
subside
wear off or die down
adverse
in an opposing direction
caprice
a sudden desire
muster
summon up, call forth, or bring together
comprehensive
including all or everything
accede
yield to another's wish or opinion
fervent
characterized by intense emotion
cohere
cause to form a united, orderly, and consistent whole
tribunal
an assembly to conduct judicial business
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor
recovering
returning to health after illness or debility
stratum
one of several parallel layers of material
conscientious
characterized by extreme care and great effort
arbitrary
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
exasperate
make furious
conjure
summon into action or bring into existence
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
edifice
a structure that has a roof and walls
elude
escape, either physically or mentally
pervade
spread or diffuse through
foster
providing nurture though not related by blood or legal ties
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
repeal
cancel officially
retiring
of a person who has held and relinquished a position
incidental
minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature
acquiesce
agree or express agreement
slew
a large number or amount or extent
usurp
seize and take control without authority
sentinel
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
precision
the quality of being exact
depose
force to leave an office
wanton
a lewd or immoral person
odium
hate coupled with disgust
precept
a rule of personal conduct
deference
courteous regard for people's feelings
fray
wear away by rubbing
candid
openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
enduring
unceasing
impertinent
improperly forward or bold
bland
lacking taste or flavor or tang
insinuate
suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand
nominal
relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name
suppliant
humbly entreating
languid
lacking spirit or liveliness
rave
talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
monetary
relating to or involving money
headlong
with the upper or anterior part of the body foremost
infallible
incapable of failure or error
coax
influence or persuade by gentle and persistent urging
explicate
elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses
gaunt
very thin, especially from disease or hunger or cold
morbid
suggesting the horror of death and decay
ranging
wandering freely
pacify
ease the anger, agitation, or strong emotion of
pastoral
devoted to raising sheep or cattle
dogged
stubbornly unyielding
ebb
the outward flow of the tide
aide
someone who acts as an assistant
appease
make peace with
stipulate
make an express demand or provision in an agreement
recourse
act of turning to for assistance
constrained
lacking spontaneity; not natural
bate
moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
aversion
a feeling of intense dislike
conceit
the trait of being unduly vain
loath
strongly opposed
rampart
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
extort
obtain by coercion or intimidation
tarry
leave slowly and hesitantly
perpetrate
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
luxuriant
produced or growing in extreme abundance
cant
a slope in the turn of a road or track
enjoin
give instructions to or direct somebody to do something
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
edict
a formal or authoritative proclamation
disconcert
cause to lose one's composure
symmetry
balance among the parts of something
capitulate
surrender under agreed conditions
arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
cleave
separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
append
fix to; attach
visage
the human face
horde
a vast multitude
parable
a short moral story
chastise
scold or criticize severely
foil
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
veritable
not counterfeit or copied
grapple
work hard to come to terms with or deal with something
gentry
the most powerful members of a society
pall
burial garment in which a corpse is wrapped
maxim
a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
projection
the act of expelling or ejecting
prowess
a superior skill learned by study and practice
dingy
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
semblance
the outward or apparent appearance or form of something
tout
advertise in strongly positive terms
fortitude
strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity
asunder
into parts or pieces
rout
an overwhelming defeat
staid
characterized by dignity and propriety
beguile
attract; cause to be enamored
purport
have the often misleading appearance of being or intending
deprave
corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
bequeath
leave or give, especially by will after one's death
enigma
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
assiduous
marked by care and persistent effort
vassal
a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
quail
a small game bird
outskirts
area relatively far from the center, as of a city or town
bulwark
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
swerve
turn sharply; change direction abruptly
gird
bind with something round or circular
betrothed
pledged to be married
prospective
of or concerned with or related to the future
advert
a public promotion of some product or service
peremptory
putting an end to all debate or action
rudiment
the elementary stage of any subject
deduce
reason from the general to the particular
halting
proceeding in a fragmentary, hesitant, or ineffective way
ignominy
a state of dishonor
ideology
an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group
pallid
pale, as of a person's complexion
chagrin
strong feelings of embarrassment
obtrude
push to thrust outward
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
construe
make sense of; assign a meaning to
ford
cross a river where it's shallow
repast
the food served and eaten at one time
stint
supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
fresco
a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
dutiful
willingly obedient out of a sense of respect
hew
make or shape as with an axe
parity
functional equality
affable
diffusing warmth and friendliness
interminable
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
pillage
steal goods; take as spoils
foreboding
a feeling of evil to come
rend
tear or be torn violently
livelihood
the financial means whereby one supports oneself
deign
do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
capricious
determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
stupendous
so great in size, force, or extent as to elicit awe
chaff
material consisting of seed coverings and pieces of stem
innate
present at birth but not necessarily hereditary
reverie
an abstracted state of absorption
wrangle
quarrel noisily, angrily, or disruptively
crevice
a long narrow opening
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
vestige
an indication that something has been present
plumb
exactly vertical
reticent
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
propensity
a natural inclination
chide
scold or reprimand severely or angrily
espouse
choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.
raiment
especially fine or decorative clothing
intrepid
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
seemly
according with custom or propriety
allay
lessen the intensity of or calm
fitful
occurring in spells and often abruptly
erode
remove soil or rock
unaffected
undergoing no change when acted upon
canto
a major division of a long poem
docile
easily handled or managed
patronize
provide support for
teem
be full of or abuzz with
estrange
remove from customary environment or associations
spat
a quarrel about petty points
warble
sing or play with trills
mien
a person's appearance, manner, or demeanor
sate
fill to contentment
constituency
the body of voters who elect a representative for their area
patrician
a person of refined upbringing and manners
parry
impede the movement of
practitioner
someone who carries out a learned profession
ravel
disentangle or separate out
infest
occupy in large numbers or live on a host
actuate
put in motion
surly
unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation
convalesce
get over an illness or shock
demoralize
lower someone's spirits; make downhearted
devolve
pass on or delegate to another
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
waive
do without or cease to hold or adhere to
unwonted
out of the ordinary
seethe
foam as if boiling
scrutinize
examine carefully for accuracy
diffident
showing modest reserve
execrate
curse or declare to be evil or anathema
implacable
incapable of being appeased or pacified
pique
call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
mite
small arachnid that infests animals, plants, or stored foods
encumber
hold back, impede, or weigh down
uncouth
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
petulant
easily irritated or annoyed
expiate
make amends for
cavalier
showing a lack of concern or seriousness
banter
light teasing repartee
bluster
be gusty, as of wind
debase
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
retainer
an appliance that holds teeth in position after treatment
subjugate
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
extol
praise, glorify, or honor
fraught
filled with or attended with
august
profoundly honored
fissure
a long narrow depression in a surface
knoll
a small natural mound
callous
emotionally hardened
inculcate
teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
nettle
plant having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation
blanch
turn pale, as if in fear
inscrutable
difficult or impossible to understand
tenacious
stubbornly unyielding
thrall
the state of being under the control of another person
exigency
a pressing or urgent situation
disconsolate
sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed
impetus
a force that makes something happen
imposition
the act of enforcing something
auspices
kindly endorsement and guidance
sonorous
full and loud and deep
exploitation
an act that victimizes someone
bane
something causing misery or death
dint
force or effort
ignominious
deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
amicable
characterized by friendship and good will
onset
the beginning or early stages
conservatory
a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts
zenith
the highest point of something
voluble
marked by a ready flow of speech
yeoman
a free man who cultivates his own land
levity
a manner lacking seriousness
rapt
feeling great delight and interest
sultry
attractive and suggesting hidden passion
pinion
wing of a bird
axiom
a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof
descry
catch sight of
retinue
the group following and attending to some important person
functionary
a worker who holds or is invested with an office
imbibe
take in liquids
diversified
having variety of character or form or components
maraud
raid and rove in search of plunder
grudging
petty or reluctant in giving or spending
partiality
an inclination to favor one group or view over alternatives
philology
the humanistic study of language and literature
wry
humorously sarcastic or mocking
caucus
meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
permeate
spread or diffuse through
propitious
presenting favorable circumstances
salient
conspicuous, prominent, or important
propitiate
make peace with
excise
remove by cutting
betoken
be a signal for or a symptom of
palatable
acceptable to the taste or mind
upbraid
express criticism towards
renegade
someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw
hoary
having gray or white hair as with age
pedantic
marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning
coy
affectedly shy especially in a playful or provocative way
troth
a solemn pledge of fidelity
encroachment
any entry into an area not previously occupied
belie
be in contradiction with
armada
a large fleet
succor
assistance in time of difficulty
imperturbable
marked by extreme calm and composure
irresolute
uncertain how to act or proceed
knack
a special way of doing something
unseemly
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
accentuate
stress or single out as important
divulge
make known to the public information previously kept secret
brawn
the trait of possessing muscular strength
burnish
polish and make shiny
palpitate
beat rapidly
promiscuous
casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior
dissemble
behave unnaturally or affectedly
flotilla
a fleet of small craft
invective
abusive language used to express blame or censure
hermitage
the abode of a recluse
despoil
plunder or steal goods
sully
make dirty or spotty
malevolent
wishing or appearing to wish evil to others
irksome
tedious or irritating
prattle
speak about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly
subaltern
British commissioned army officer below the rank of captain
welt
a raised mark on the skin
wreak
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
tenable
based on sound reasoning or evidence
inimitable
matchless
depredation
an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding
amalgamate
bring or combine together or with something else
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation
proxy
a person authorized to act for another
dote
shower with love; show excessive affection for
reactionary
extremely conservative or resistant to change
rationalism
the doctrine that reason is the basis for regulating conduct
endue
give qualities or abilities to
discriminating
showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment
brooch
a decorative pin
pert
characterized by a lightly saucy or impudent quality
disembark
exit from a ship, vehicle, or aircraft
aria
an elaborate song for solo voice
trappings
ornaments; embellishments to or characteristic signs of
abet
assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
clandestine
conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
distend
cause to expand as if by internal pressure
glib
artfully persuasive in speech
pucker
gather something into small wrinkles or folds
rejoinder
a quick reply to a question or remark
spangle
adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material
blighted
affected by something that prevents growth or prosperity
nicety
conformity with some standard of correctness or propriety
aggrieve
cause to feel distress
vestment
a gown worn by the clergy
urbane
showing a high degree of refinement
defray
bear the expenses of
spectral
resembling or characteristic of a phantom
munificent
given or giving freely, generously, or without restriction
dictum
an authoritative declaration
fad
an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
scabbard
a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet
adulterate
make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
beleaguer
annoy persistently
gripe
complain
remission
an abatement in intensity or degree
exorbitant
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
invocation
the act of appealing for help
cajole
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
inclusive
encompassing much or everything
interdict
command against
abase
cause to feel shame
obviate
do away with
hurtle
move with or as if with a rushing sound
unanimity
everyone being of one mind
mettle
the courage to carry on
interpolate
insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby
surreptitious
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
dissimulate
hide feelings from other people
ruse
a deceptive maneuver, especially to avoid capture
specious
plausible but false
revulsion
intense aversion
hale
exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health
palliate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
obtuse
of an angle, between 90 and 180 degrees
querulous
habitually complaining
vagary
an unexpected and inexplicable change in something
incipient
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
grovel
show submission or fear
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
dregs
sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
ascendancy
the state when one person or group has power over another
supercilious
having or showing arrogant superiority
pundit
an expert who publicly gives opinions via mass media
commiserate
feel or express sympathy or compassion
alcove
a small recess opening off a large room or garden
assay
a test of a substance to determine its components
parochial
relating to or supported by or located in a parish
conjugal
relating to the relationship between a wife and husband
abjure
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
frieze
an ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band
ornate
marked by complexity and richness of detail
inflammatory
inciting action or rebellion
machination
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
mendicant
a pauper who lives by begging
meander
move or cause to move in a winding or curving course
bullion
a mass of precious metal
diffidence
lack of self-assurance
makeshift
done or made using whatever is available
husbandry
the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
podium
a platform raised above the surrounding level
dearth
an insufficient quantity or number
granary
a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
whet
sharpen by rubbing
imposture
pretending to be another person
diadem
an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty
fallow
left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
hubbub
loud confused noise from many sources
dispassionate
unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
harrowing
causing extreme distress
askance
with suspicion or disapproval
lancet
a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade
rankle
make resentful or angry
ramify
have or develop complicating consequences
gainsay
take exception to
polity
the form of government of a social organization
credence
the mental attitude that something is believable
indemnify
secure against future loss, damage, or liability
ingratiate
gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
declivity
a downward slope or bend
importunate
making persistent or urgent requests
passe
out of fashion
whittle
cut small bits or pare shavings from
repine
express discontent
flay
strip the skin off
larder
a small storeroom for storing foods or wines
threadbare
thin and tattered with age
grisly
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper
idiosyncrasy
a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual
quip
a witty saying
blatant
without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
stanch
stop the flow of a liquid
incongruity
the quality of disagreeing
perfidious
tending to betray
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
revelry
unrestrained merrymaking
delve
turn up, loosen, or remove earth
extenuate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or degree of
polemic
a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
enrapture
hold spellbound
virtuoso
someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
glower
look angry or sullen as if to signal disapproval
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
incorrigible
impervious to correction by punishment
postulate
maintain or assert
gist
the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
vociferous
conspicuously and offensively loud
purvey
supply with provisions
baleful
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
gibe
laugh at with contempt and derision
dyspeptic
suffering from indigestion
prude
a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum
luminary
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
willful
done by design
overbearing
having or showing arrogant superiority
dais
a platform raised above the surrounding level
automate
operate or make run by machines rather than human action
enervate
weaken physically, mentally, or morally
wheedle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
gusto
vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
bouillon
a clear seasoned broth
omniscient
knowing, seeing, or understanding everything
apostate
not faithful to religion or party or cause
carrion
the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food
emolument
compensation received by virtue of holding an office
ungainly
lacking grace in movement or posture
impiety
unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god
decadence
the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
homily
a sermon on a moral or religious topic
avocation
an auxiliary activity
circumvent
surround so as to force to give up
syllogism
reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
collation
assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence
haggle
an instance of intense argument (as in bargaining)
waylay
wait in hiding to attack
savant
a learned person
cohort
a band of warriors
unction
anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
adjure
command solemnly
acrimony
a rough and bitter manner
clarion
loud and clear
turbid
clouded as with sediment
cupidity
extreme greed for material wealth
disaffected
discontented as toward authority
preternatural
existing outside of or not in accordance with nature
eschew
avoid and stay away from deliberately
expatiate
add details to clarify an idea
didactic
instructive, especially excessively
sinuous
curved or curving in and out
rancor
a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
puissant
powerful
homespun
made of cloth woven in one's household
embroil
force into some kind of situation or course of action
pathological
relating to the study of diseases
resonant
characterized by a loud deep sound
libretto
the words of an opera or musical play
flail
an implement with a handle and a free swinging stick
bandy
discuss lightly
gratis
costing nothing
upshot
a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
aphorism
a short pithy instructive saying
redoubtable
inspiring fear
corpulent
excessively large
benighted
overtaken by darkness
sententious
concise and full of meaning
cabal
a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue
paraphernalia
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
vitiate
make imperfect
quaff
swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
unassuming
not arrogant
libertine
unrestrained by convention or morality
maul
injure badly
adage
a condensed but memorable saying embodying an important fact
expostulation
an exclamation of protest, opposition, or criticism
tawdry
tastelessly showy
trite
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
hireling
a person who works only for money
ensconce
fix firmly
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
cogent
powerfully persuasive
incisive
demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
errant
straying from the right course or from accepted standards
sedulous
marked by care and persistent effort
incandescent
emitting light as a result of being heated
derelict
a person without a home, job, or property
entomology
the branch of zoology that studies insects
execrable
unequivocally detestable
sluice
conduit that carries a rapid flow of water
moot
of no legal significance, as having been previously decided
evanescent
short-lived; tending to vanish or disappear
vat
a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids
dapper
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
asperity
harshness of manner
flair
a natural talent
mote
a tiny piece of anything
circumspect
careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
inimical
tending to obstruct or cause harm
apropos
of a suitable, fitting, or pertinent nature
gruel
a thin porridge
gentility
elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression
disapprobation
an expression of strong disapproval
cameo
engraving or carving in low relief on a stone
gouge
an impression in a surface, as made by a blow
oratorio
a musical composition for voices and orchestra
inclement
severe, of weather
scintilla
a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
confluence
a place where things merge or flow together
squalor
sordid dirtiness
stricture
a principle that restricts the extent of something
emblazon
decorate with heraldic arms
augury
an event indicating important things to come
abut
lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
banal
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
congeal
solidify, thicken, or come together
pilfer
make off with belongings of others
malcontent
dissatisfied as toward authority
sublimate
change directly from a solid into a vapor without melting
eugenic
causing improvement in the offspring produced
lineament
the characteristic parts of a person's face
firebrand
a piece of wood that has been burned or is burning
fiasco
a complete failure or collapse
foolhardy
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
retrench
tighten one's belt; use resources carefully
ulterior
lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed
equable
not varying
inured
made tough by habitual exposure
invidious
containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
unmitigated
not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity
concomitant
following or accompanying as a consequence
cozen
be dishonest with
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
dormer
a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof
pontifical
proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope
disport
occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
apologist
a person who argues to defend some policy or institution
abeyance
temporary cessation or suspension
enclave
an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct
improvident
not supplying something useful for the future
disquisition
an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion
categorical
relating to or included in a class or classes
placate
cause to be more favorably inclined
redolent
having a strong pleasant odor
felicitous
exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style
gusty
blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
natty
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
pacifist
someone opposed to violence as a means of settling disputes
buxom
healthily plump and vigorous
heyday
the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
herculean
extremely difficult; requiring great strength
burgeon
grow and flourish
crone
an ugly, evil-looking old woman
prognosticate
make a prediction about; tell in advance
lout
an awkward, foolish person
simper
smile in an insincere, unnatural, or coy way
iniquitous
characterized by injustice or wickedness
rile
disturb, especially by minor irritations
sentient
endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness
garish
tastelessly showy
readjustment
the act of correcting again
erstwhile
belonging to some prior time
aquiline
curved down like an eagle's beak
bilious
relating to a digestive juice secreted by the liver
vilify
spread negative information about
nuance
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
gawk
look with amazement
refectory
a communal dining-hall, usually in a monastery
palatial
relating to or being a large and stately residence
mincing
affectedly dainty or refined
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought
emboss
raise in a relief
proletarian
belonging to or characteristic of the working class
careen
move at high speed and in an uncontrolled way
debacle
a sudden and complete disaster
sycophant
a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
crabbed
annoyed and irritable
archetype
something that serves as a model
cryptic
having a secret or hidden meaning
penchant
a strong liking or preference
bauble
cheap showy jewelry or ornament
mountebank
a flamboyant deceiver
fawning
attempting to win favor by flattery
hummock
a small natural mound
apotheosis
model of excellence or perfection of a kind
discretionary
having the ability to act according to your own judgment
pithy
concise and full of meaning
comport
behave in a certain manner
checkered
patterned with alternating squares of color
ambrosia
the food and drink of the gods
factious
dissenting with the majority opinion
disgorge
eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
filch
make off with belongings of others
wraith
a ghostly figure, especially one seen shortly before death
demonstrable
capable of being proved
pertinacious
stubbornly unyielding
emend
make corrections to
laggard
someone who takes more time than necessary
waffle
a batter cake baked and pressed between two patterned metal plates
loquacious
full of trivial conversation
venial
warranting only temporal punishment
peon
a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
effulgence
the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
lode
a deposit of valuable ore
fanfare
a short lively tune played on brass instruments
dilettante
an amateur engaging in an activity without serious intention
pusillanimous
lacking in courage, strength, and resolution
ingrained
deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
quagmire
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
reprobation
severe disapproval
mannered
having unnatural behavioral attributes
squeamish
easily disturbed or disgusted by unpleasant things
proclivity
a natural inclination
miserly
characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity
vapid
lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
mercurial
liable to sudden unpredictable change
perspicuous
transparently clear; easily understandable
nonplus
be a mystery or bewildering to
enamor
attract
hackneyed
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
spate
a sudden forceful flow
pedagogue
someone who educates young people
acme
the highest point of something
masticate
bite and grind with the teeth
sinecure
a job that involves minimal duties
indite
produce a literary work
emetic
a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
temporize
draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
unimpeachable
beyond doubt or reproach
genesis
a coming into being
mordant
harshly ironic or sinister
smattering
a slight or superficial understanding of a subject
suavity
the quality of being charming and gracious in manner
stentorian
very loud or booming
junket
dessert made of sweetened milk coagulated with rennet
appurtenance
equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles
nostrum
patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable
immure
lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
astringent
tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
unfaltering
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
tutelage
attention and management implying responsibility for safety
testator
a person who makes a will
elysian
relating to the abode of the blessed after death
fulminate
cause to explode violently and with loud noise
fractious
easily irritated or annoyed
pummel
strike, usually with the fist
manumit
free from slavery or servitude
unexceptionable
completely acceptable; not open to reproach
triumvirate
a group of three people responsible for civil authority
sybarite
a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
jibe
shift from one side of the ship to the other
magisterial
of or relating to a civil officer who administers the law
roseate
of something having a dusty purplish pink color
obloquy
state of disgrace resulting from public abuse
hoodwink
conceal one's true motives from
striate
marked with stripes
arrogate
seize and take control without authority
rarefied
of high moral or intellectual value
chary
characterized by great caution
credo
any system of principles or beliefs
superannuated
too old to be useful
impolitic
lacking tact, shrewdness, or prudence
aspersion
a disparaging remark
abysmal
exceptionally bad or displeasing
poignancy
a quality that arouses emotions, especially pity or sorrow
stilted
artificially formal or stiff
effete
excessively self-indulgent, affected, or decadent
provender
food for domestic livestock
endemic
native to or confined to a certain region
jocund
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
procedural
of or relating to processes
rakish
marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
skittish
unpredictably excitable, especially of horses
peroration
the concluding section of a rhetorical address
nonentity
a person of no influence
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
viscid
having the sticky properties of an adhesive
doggerel
a comic verse of irregular measure
sleight
adroitness in using the hands
rubric
category name
plenitude
a full supply
rebus
a puzzle consisting of pictures representing words
wizened
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
whorl
a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles
fracas
a noisy, angry argument or fight between people
iconoclast
someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions
saturnine
bitter or scornful
madrigal
an unaccompanied partsong for several voices
discursive
tending to cover a wide range of subjects
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
moribund
being on the point of death
modicum
a small or moderate or token amount
connotation
an idea that is implied or suggested
adventitious
associated by chance and not an integral part
recondite
difficult to understand
zephyr
a slight wind
countermand
cancel officially
captious
tending to find and call attention to faults
cognate
related by blood
forebear
a person from whom you are descended
cadaverous
of or relating to a corpse
foist
force onto another
dotage
mental infirmity as a consequence of old age
nexus
the means of connection between things linked in series
choleric
characterized by anger
garble
distort or make false by mutilation or addition
bucolic
devoted to raising sheep or cattle
denouement
the outcome of a complex sequence of events
animus
a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
overweening
presumptuously arrogant
tyro
someone new to a field or activity
preen
clean with one's bill
largesse
liberality in bestowing gifts
retentive
having the capacity to hold something
unconscionable
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
badinage
frivolous banter
insensate
devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation
sherbet
a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar
beatific
resembling or befitting an angel or saint
bemuse
cause to be confused emotionally
microcosm
a miniature model of something
factitious
not produced by natural forces; artificial or fake
gestate
be pregnant with
traduce
speak unfavorably about
sextant
an instrument for measuring angular distance
coiffure
the arrangement of the hair
malleable
capable of being shaped or bent
rococo
having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation
fructify
make productive or fruitful
nihilist
someone who rejects all theories of morality
ellipsis
a mark indicating that words have been omitted
accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
codicil
a supplement to a will
roil
make turbid by stirring up the sediments of
grandiloquent
lofty in style
inconsequential
lacking worth or importance
effervescence
the process of bubbling as gas escapes
stultify
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless
tureen
a large deep serving dish with a cover
pellucid
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
euphony
any pleasing and harmonious sounds
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
veracious
habitually speaking the truth
pendulous
hanging loosely or bending downward
exegesis
an explanation or critical interpretation
effluvium
a foul-smelling outflow or vapor
apposite
being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
viscous
having a relatively high resistance to flow
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
vintner
someone who sells wine
halcyon
a mythical bird said to breed at the winter solstice
anthropomorphic
suggesting human features for animals or inanimate things
turgid
ostentatiously lofty in style
malaise
a feeling of mild sickness or depression
polemical
of or involving dispute or controversy
gadfly
any of various large flies that annoy livestock
atavism
a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
contusion
an injury in which the skin is not broken
parsimonious
excessively unwilling to spend
dulcet
pleasing to the ear
reprise
a repetition of a short musical passage
anodyne
capable of relieving pain
bemused
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements

Created on Mon Oct 29 15:43:28 EDT 2012