Scripps Spelling Bee Prep

Quackliness (United States of America)
This is for all grades to practice for the Spelling Bee. I hope this helps you. If you finish this, try my second part of it, then my third, or vice versa.
Second-http://www.vocabulary.com/lists/686837#view=notes
Third- http://www.vocabulary.com/lists/706989#view=notes
500 words 96 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. Aachen
    a city in western Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders
  2. aalii
    a small Hawaiian tree with hard dark wood
  3. Aalto
    Finnish architect and designer of furniture (1898-1976)
  4. Aar
    a river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine
  5. abalone
    a large edible marine gastropod with an ear-shaped shell
  6. abeyance
    temporary cessation or suspension
  7. abjure
    formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
  8. absolutism
    a form of government in which the ruler is unconstrained
  9. adversary
    someone who offers opposition
    The students are united by shared suffering, and by a common adversary. New York Times (Nov 10, 2014)
  10. aggrandizement
    the act of increasing the prestige or power of something
  11. alimentary
    of or providing nourishment
  12. alliterative
    having the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable
  13. anachronism
    locating something at a time when it couldn't have existed
  14. anesthetic
    a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations
  15. anomie
    lack of moral standards in a society
  16. ante
    the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  17. apiary
    a shed containing a number of beehives
  18. aplomb
    great coolness and composure under strain
    I wish I had handled it with aplomb. New York Times (May 18, 2014)
  19. apostate
    not faithful to religion or party or cause
  20. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
    Virga still feels apprehensive when visiting an unfamiliar zoo. New York Times (Jul 3, 2014)
  21. apprise
    inform somebody of something
  22. aptitude
    inherent ability
  23. aptitude
    inherent ability
    I was recently asked in an interview, what is more valued by companies – aptitude or attitude?  Forbes (Sep 12, 2014)
  24. arbitrary
    based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
  25. arboreal
    of or relating to or formed by trees
  26. arboreal salamander
    yellow-spotted brown salamander of California woodlands
  27. archaic
    so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
  28. archaicism
    the use of an archaic expression
  29. astringent
    tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
  30. attentive
    taking heed
    You make sure to be extra attentive to your friend. Time (Oct 2, 2014)
  31. augment
    enlarge or increase
  32. auroral
    characteristic of the dawn
  33. auteur
    a filmmaker who has a personal style
  34. automaton
    a mechanism that can move independently of external control
  35. autumnal
    of or characteristic of or occurring in the fall
  36. autumnal equinox
    the first moment of fall, when the sun is directly above the equator
  37. avowal
    a statement asserting the truth of something
  38. Baal
    any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples; the Hebrews considered Baal a false god
  39. bacchanalian
    used of riotously drunken merrymaking
  40. balderdash
    trivial nonsense
  41. barricade
    block off with barriers
    The Secret Service ordered nearby streets and parking lots barricaded for security. Washington Times (Dec 1, 2014)
  42. barrister
    a British lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law
  43. bated
    diminished or moderated
  44. belie
    be in contradiction with
  45. belligerently
    in the manner of someone eager to fight
  46. bemuse
    cause to be confused emotionally
  47. benignant
    pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
  48. betoken
    be a signal for or a symptom of
  49. bevy
    a flock of birds
  50. biddable
    willing to carry out the wishes of another without protest
  51. bifurcated
    divided into or made up of two parts
  52. bluff
    deceive someone about your strength or intentions
    Sporting a pith helmet, Nixon observed that “whoever is talking the loudest is pretty sure to be bluffing.” New York Times (Sep 19, 2014)
  53. bluster
    be gusty, as of wind
  54. borough
    an English town
  55. bourgeoisie
    a socioeconomic group that is neither wealthy nor poor
  56. brackish
    slightly salty
    Brackish water can be used, but freshwater is easier and less costly. New York Times (May 14, 2014)
  57. braggadocio
    vain and empty boasting
  58. brandish
    move or swing back and forth
  59. brandish
    move or swing back and forth
    Hart brandished a “Free Hugs” sign as he stood alone in front of a police barricade. MSNBC (Nov 30, 2014)
  60. cadet
    a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  61. caldera
    a large crater caused by the violent explosion of a volcano
  62. calico
    coarse cloth with a bright print
  63. canard
    a deliberately misleading fabrication
  64. canon
    a collection of books accepted as holy scripture
  65. carafe
    a bottle with a stopper
  66. cash cow
    a project that generates a continuous flow of money
  67. castigate
    inflict severe punishment on
  68. catcall
    a cry expressing disapproval
  69. catharsis
    purging the body to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
  70. cavort
    play boisterously
  71. changeling
    a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy
  72. chauvinism
    fanatical patriotism
  73. Chimera
    (Greek mythology) fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head and a goat's body and a serpent's tail; daughter of Typhon
  74. chump
    a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  75. ciliated
    having a margin or fringe of hairlike projections
  76. cipher
    a secret method of writing
  77. circumference
    the size of something as given by the distance around it
    That's almost 10 times the circumference of the Earth, which is a surprisingly small 24,859.82 miles. BBC (Dec 1, 2014)
  78. cistern
    a sac or cavity containing fluid
  79. climactic
    consisting of or causing a decisive moment
  80. colonnade
    structure consisting of a row of evenly spaced columns
  81. comeuppance
    a usually negative outcome or fate that is well deserved
  82. commendable
    worthy of high praise
  83. commendation
    an official award given as formal public statement
  84. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
  85. commotion
    confused movement
    Moments later came commotion, followed by shouts of “Stop pushing me!” MSNBC (Sep 26, 2014)
  86. concatenation
    the act of linking together as in a series or chain
  87. conciliate
    gain the good will of or cause to be more favorably inclined
  88. concoction
    any foodstuff made by combining different ingredients
    There are some food combos that blend beautifully with each other to create truly tasty concoctions. US News (Sep 4, 2014)
  89. concubine
    a woman who cohabits with an important man
  90. confabulate
    talk socially without exchanging too much information
  91. confluence
    a place where things merge or flow together
  92. conformist
    someone who follows established standards of conduct
  93. confrere
    a person who is member of one's class or profession
  94. consanguinity
    relation by blood
  95. consecrate
    render holy by means of religious rites
    secr=sacer=holy
  96. conspicuous
    obvious to the eye or mind
    Today, the link is more conspicuous: highlighted in blue, it appears directly beneath the site’s login form. New York Times (Oct 23, 2014)
  97. consternation
    sudden shock or dismay that causes confusion
  98. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
  99. contortion
    a tortuous and twisted shape or position
    There was tumbling, human pyramids and bodies stretched into extraordinary contortions. BBC (Aug 25, 2013)
  100. contrariness
    deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline
  101. convulse
    move or stir about violently
  102. coroner
    an official who investigates death not due to natural causes
  103. corporeal
    having material or physical form or substance
  104. corrosive
    capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
  105. counter
    speak in response
    The seller can then accept, counter or reject the offer. US News (Dec 9, 2014)
  106. cozen
    be dishonest with
  107. cretin
    a person of subnormal intelligence
  108. crone
    an ugly, evil-looking old woman
  109. cumulative
    increasing by successive addition
  110. cunning
    shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
    Moreover, it was no secret that Cleopatra had ruthless cunning and superior intelligence. Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen
  111. dalliance
    the act of delaying and playing instead of working
  112. debris
    the remains of something that has been destroyed
    The blast rattled their homes and sent debris flying onto nearby properties, they said. Washington Times (Dec 4, 2014)
  113. decadent
    relating to indulgence in something pleasurable
  114. decimate
    kill in large numbers
    DECImate
  115. decrepitude
    a state of deterioration due to old age or long use
  116. deducible
    capable of being figured out by what is known
  117. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
  118. deferential
    showing courteous regard for people's feelings
  119. defiance
    a hostile challenge
    Schools still could expel students for violating school rules or laws and could suspend students for willful defiance of authorities in grades 4 through 12. Washington Times (Sep 27, 2014)
  120. deft
    skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
    To make it work requires a deft hand. Forbes (Sep 25, 2014)
  121. delineation
    a drawing of the outlines of forms or objects
  122. demo
    a visual presentation showing how something works
  123. depose
    force to leave an office
  124. deserts
    an outcome (good or bad) that is well merited
  125. designer drug
    a psychoactive drug deliberately synthesized to avoid anti-drug laws; mimics the effects of a banned drug; law was revised in 1986 to ban designer drugs
  126. destination
    the place designated as the end, as of a race or journey
    Airports get stacked up with planes that can’t take off for their destinations. Forbes (Dec 9, 2014)
  127. dialectical
    relating to reasoning by the exchange of logical arguments
  128. diamantine
    consisting of diamonds or resembling diamonds
  129. diaspora
    the dispersion of something that was originally localized
  130. dichotomy
    a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
  131. dignitary
    an important or influential person
  132. diminish
    decrease in size, extent, or range
    By Friday morning, most of the heavy rain is expected to diminish. Los Angeles Times (Dec 10, 2014)
  133. disdain
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
    In the visage of Grumpy Cat, it seems, her fans found the perfect holy expression of indifferent disdain for all things. Washington Post
  134. disentangle
    separate a twisted mass
  135. disillusion
    the act of freeing from false belief
  136. disinter
    dig up for reburial or for medical investigation
  137. dismal
    causing dejection
    It’s been a pretty dismal month, as far as world events go, but the news wasn’t all bad thanks to some very entertaining on-air mishaps. Time (Aug 28, 2014)
  138. disparage
    express a negative opinion of
  139. disparagement
    a communication that belittles somebody or something
  140. disparager
    one who disparages or belittles the worth of something
  141. dispel
    force to go away
    For most of us, dispelling the darkness is as simple as turning on a light. Time (Oct 23, 2014)
  142. dissembling
    pretending with intention to deceive
  143. dissimulation
    the act of deceiving
  144. dissipate
    cause to separate and go in different directions
  145. diversification
    the condition of being varied
  146. doddering
    mentally or physically infirm with age
  147. dogmatic
    pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
  148. dogmatic
    pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
  149. dogmatical
    characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles
  150. dogmatically
    in a narrow-minded dogmatic manner
  151. dour
    showing a brooding ill humor
  152. dystopia
    state in which the conditions of life are extremely bad
  153. earmark
    give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
  154. eavesdrop
    listen without the speaker's knowledge
    They eavesdrop on the noises that other birds make while hiding food in order to steal the stash later, new research shows. Science Magazine (Nov 21, 2014)
  155. efface
    remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
  156. effects
    property of a personal character that is portable
  157. effusive
    uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm
  158. egregious
    conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
    Prosecutors questioned him about killings and other egregious human rights abuses perpetrated by his regime. Los Angeles Times (Oct 4, 2014)
  159. elysian
    relating to the abode of the blessed after death
  160. ember
    a hot, smoldering fragment of wood left from a fire
    “Every hot spot is an ember that, if not contained, can become a new fire,” Obama said. Los Angeles Times (Dec 2, 2014)
  161. emend
    make corrections to
  162. emerge
    come out into view, as from concealment
    They say that program has helped them emerge from the shadows, making possible a work permit, a Social Security number and enhanced self-respect. Washington Post
  163. eminent
    standing above others in quality or position
  164. emulous
    characterized by or arising from imitation
  165. encroachment
    any entry into an area not previously occupied
  166. endemic
    native to or confined to a certain region
  167. endemical
    of or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality
  168. enfranchise
    grant freedom to, as from slavery or servitude
  169. engross
    consume all of one's attention or time
    I don’t know how long I was reading; I was so engrossed in the paper that I did not hear any footsteps. Long Walk to Freedom
  170. enumerate
    specify individually
  171. enumeration
    the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
  172. epaulet
    an ornamental cloth pad worn on the shoulder
  173. epicurean
    devoted to pleasure
  174. epistemology
    the philosophical theory of knowledge
  175. eponymous
    relating to a name derived from a person
  176. equable
    not varying
  177. ergonomic
    designed to maximize workers' comfort and efficiency
  178. esurient
    extremely hungry
  179. evocative
    serving to bring to mind
  180. exasperation
    a feeling of annoyance
    Like many a teenager on his school holidays, Parys is in bed, his mother explains with exasperation. The Guardian (Aug 2, 2014)
  181. exhilarate
    fill with sublime emotion
    “To see Yosemite Falls coming to life this morning is truly exhilarating,” Park Superintendent Don Neubacher said in a statement.  Los Angeles Times (Dec 3, 2014)
  182. exhortation
    an earnest attempt at persuasion
  183. exhume
    dig up for reburial or for medical investigation
  184. exigency
    a pressing or urgent situation
  185. explicate
    make plain and comprehensible
    EXPLain
  186. expostulate
    reason with for the purpose of dissuasion
  187. extirpate
    destroy completely, as if down to the roots
  188. extirpate
    destroy completely, as if down to the roots
  189. extrapolation
    an inference about the future based on known facts
  190. exuberant
    joyously unrestrained
  191. exult
    feel extreme happiness or elation
  192. Fabaceae
    a large family of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs bearing bean pods; divided for convenience into the subfamilies Caesalpiniaceae; Mimosaceae; Papilionaceae
  193. Fabaceae
    a large family of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs bearing bean pods; divided for convenience into the subfamilies Caesalpiniaceae; Mimosaceae; Papilionaceae
  194. facade
    the front of a building
  195. facile
    arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
  196. fall guy
    a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  197. fallow
    left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
  198. falter
    move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
    “The rocket has faltered, but it won’t crash,” he said. New York Times (Nov 20, 2014)
  199. fealty
    the loyalty that one owes to a country, sovereign, or lord
  200. fecundity
    the state of being fertile or capable of producing offspring
  201. filigree
    delicate and intricate ornamentation
  202. flaunt
    display proudly
  203. flaunty
    inclined to flaunt
  204. flay
    strip the skin off
  205. foray
    a sudden short attack
  206. foresight
    seeing ahead; knowing in advance; foreseeing
    But nobody had the wherewithal or foresight to think that day would actually happen. MSNBC (Jul 3, 2014)
  207. fragrance
    a distinctive odor that is pleasant
    After 30 minutes in the oven, what hits you first is the enticing, warm fragrance that fills your kitchen. Washington Post
  208. fraternal
    like or characteristic of or befitting a brother
  209. friar
    male member of a religious order originally relying on alms
  210. fritter
    fried batter containing meat, vegetables, or fruit
  211. furtive
    secret and sly
    What muffled whispers do they share, what furtive games are they playing? The Guardian (Dec 18, 2012)
  212. gall
    a digestive juice secreted by the liver
  213. galvanize
    stimulate (muscles) by administering a shock
  214. germinate
    sprout; produce buds or branches
  215. gerontocracy
    a political system governed by old people
  216. gerrymander
    divide voting districts unfairly and to one's advantage
  217. gird
    bind with something round or circular
  218. gluttony
    habitual eating to excess
  219. gossamer
    a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
  220. granger
    a person who operates a farm
  221. grueling
    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
    As of Dec. 19, 22 students will have made it through a grueling curriculum that requires about 700 hours of computer code. Washington Times (Dec 10, 2014)
  222. gubernatorial
    relating to the head of a state government
  223. guillotine
    instrument of execution used for beheading people
  224. gull
    a mostly white aquatic bird found along beaches
  225. gusto
    vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
    They each approach their tasks with gusto that can only be admired, even if the results can’t. Washington Times (Aug 21, 2014)
  226. habitation
    the act of dwelling in or living permanently in a place
    Although the area is not fit for human habitation, many poor people who work in the coal mines live here. BBC (Aug 13, 2013)
  227. habitue
    a regular patron
  228. hackneyed
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  229. hasten
    speed up the progress of; facilitate
    Rather than wait for that day, he set out to hasten its arrival. Scientific American (Sep 3, 2014)
  230. headway
    forward movement
    At times, you feel like you’re struggling to run forward, going through the motions but making no headway, frozen in place. Washington Post
  231. hermetic
    completely sealed or airtight
  232. hick
    a person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture
  233. histrionic
    overly dramatic or emotional
  234. histrionic
    overly dramatic or emotional
  235. hoi polloi
    the common people generally
  236. hussar
    a member of a European light cavalry unit
  237. ignominy
    a state of dishonor
  238. illicit
    contrary to accepted morality or convention
  239. illuminate
    make free from confusion or ambiguity
    The problem is that for illuminating answers, you need to ask the right questions. New York Times (Dec 6, 2014)
  240. imbroglio
    an intricate and confusing interpersonal situation
  241. imminent
    close in time; about to occur
  242. immolate
    kill as a sacrifice, especially by fire
  243. impending
    close in time; about to occur
    First, he gives the enemy 12 days of warning about impending air attacks. Washington Post
  244. imperious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    It was a little scary how quickly he flipped from friendly to imperious. New York Times (Sep 4, 2013)
  245. inalienable
    incapable of being repudiated or transferred to another
  246. incapacitate
    make unable to perform a certain action
  247. inception
    an event that is a beginning
  248. indiscretion
    the trait of lacking good judgment or tact
  249. indulgent
    given to yielding to the wishes of someone
  250. ingenuous
    lacking in sophistication or worldliness
  251. ingenuously
    in an ingenuous manner
  252. ingenuousness
    the quality of innocent naivete
  253. ingratiating
    capable of winning favor
  254. inopportune
    not suitable for a purpose
  255. inroad
    an encroachment or intrusion
  256. insinuate
    introduce or insert in a subtle manner
    INSert
  257. intemperance
    excess in action and immoderate indulgence of appetites
  258. interdict
    command against
  259. introvert
    a person who tends to shrink from social contacts
  260. inured
    made tough by habitual exposure
  261. irascible
    quickly aroused to anger
  262. itinerant
    traveling from place to place to work
  263. jabber
    talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
    A parrot jabbered atop its cage and a monkey squealed and battered at its bronze ring, until its owner brought bananas. Bartlett, Paul Alexander
  264. jabot
    a ruffle on the front of a woman's blouse or a man's shirt
  265. jactitation
    a false boast that can harm others
  266. jargon
    technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
    Steer clear of jargon, me-too claims, and statements without substance. Forbes (Dec 5, 2014)
  267. jaundice
    yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
  268. jaundiced
    affected by yellowing of the skin
  269. jingoism
    fanatical patriotism
  270. jostle
    make one's way by pushing or shoving
    In Jerusalem, great religions have crowded and jostled their way down through millenniums. Los Angeles Times (Nov 21, 2014)
  271. judicious
    marked by the exercise of common sense in practical matters
  272. karma
    effects of one's actions that determine his or her destiny
  273. kindle
    call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
    Recently in class I saw the fire of an idea flicker in a first-year student’s eyes—and so to kindle it I cold-called him. Forbes (Sep 16, 2014)
  274. knoll
    a small natural mound
    The home, set on a quarter-acre knoll, has views of the city, the Hollywood Reservoir and the Hollywood sign. Los Angeles Times (Aug 9, 2014)
  275. kowtow
    bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
  276. kudos
    an expression of approval and commendation
  277. lackadaisical
    idle or indolent especially in a dreamy way
  278. libertarian
    an advocate of freedom of thought and speech
  279. lieu
    the post or function properly occupied or served by another
  280. limn
    make a portrait of
  281. loll
    be lazy or idle
  282. lope
    run easily
  283. luminous
    softly bright or radiant
    It was briefly one of the most luminous stars in the galaxy. New York Times (Sep 3, 2014)
  284. lummox
    an awkward, foolish person
  285. malleable
    easily influenced
    “Memory is so malleable or volatile that each time we see something, the memory is actually influenced and re-created.” Washington Times (Oct 18, 2014)
  286. Marxism
    theory that capitalism will be superseded by communism
  287. materialize
    come into being; become reality
    By the time people reach their 70s, they’re beginning to look back at the plans they made and dreams they had that never materialized. Time (Nov 25, 2014)
  288. meadow
    a field where grass or alfalfa is grown to be made into hay
  289. meander
    move or cause to move in a winding or curving course
    Instead of straight paths and noisy throngs, the new park will have meandering walkways and quiet places for picnicking nestled in gently sloping "lawn valleys." Chicago Tribune (Jul 26, 2014)
  290. mediocre
    moderate to inferior in quality
  291. menagerie
    a collection of live animals for study or display
  292. mercurial
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
  293. metaphysical
    pertaining to the philosophical study of being and knowing
  294. metaphysics
    the philosophical study of being and knowing
  295. meticulous
    marked by extreme care in treatment of details
    It's a six-page scene and very meticulous, step by step. Los Angeles Times (Aug 24, 2014)
  296. mirth
    great merriment
  297. misgiving
    uneasiness about the fitness of an action
    Quite a few said they had come despite the misgivings of parents who wanted them to focus on studying. New York Times (Sep 26, 2014)
  298. missive
    a written message addressed to a person or organization
  299. mite
    small arachnid that infests animals, plants, or stored foods
  300. mnemonic
    of or relating to the practice of aiding the memory
  301. mnemonics
    a method or system for improving the memory
  302. momentum
    an impelling force or strength
    Mitchell believed that a song’s momentum should always push upward, ascending like the slope of a mountain into the unknown. Washington Post
  303. mongoloid
    characteristic of or resembling a Mongol
  304. monotonous
    sounded or spoken in a tone unvarying in pitch
    Unfortunately, their monotonous verbiage reminds me of Charlie Brown’s teacher in the “Peanuts” TV shows. Washington Post
  305. moot
    of no legal significance, as having been previously decided
  306. morass
    a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  307. mordant
    harshly ironic or sinister
  308. motif
    a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work
  309. multitude
    a large indefinite number
    They surround you in their multitudes - hundreds, maybe thousands of them, swooping and stinging and injecting venom into your flesh. BBC (Oct 9, 2014)
  310. municipal
    relating to a self-governing district
  311. municipality
    a local district having powers of self-government
  312. muster
    summon up, call forth, or bring together
    Fans chanted and hollered and enriched the arena with as much life as they could possibly muster. New York Times (Dec 10, 2014)
  313. narcissist
    someone who is excessively self-centered
  314. narcissistic
    having an inflated idea of one's own importance
  315. narcissistic personality
    personality marked by self-love and self-absorption
  316. narrate
    give a detailed account of
    Standing amid bags of garbage, he starts sorting, tearing open plastic bags and narrating his finds. Los Angeles Times (Oct 15, 2014)
  317. negate
    make ineffective by counterbalancing the effect of
  318. nettle
    plant having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation
  319. niggardly
    petty or reluctant in giving or spending
  320. nonchalantly
    in a composed and unconcerned manner
  321. nonpareil
    model of excellence or perfection of a kind
  322. nonpareil
    model of excellence or perfection of a kind
  323. norm
    a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
  324. nubile
    (of young women) attractive and eligible to marry
  325. nubile
    (of young women) attractive and eligible to marry
  326. objectify
    treat or regard as a thing, rather than as a person
  327. obscure
    not clearly understood or expressed
    The book contains little plot, an abundance of obscure poetry and the untimely death of three protagonists. Los Angeles Times (Dec 5, 2014)
  328. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    “Evil forces around the world want to harm Americans every day,” an ominous voiceover states. Time (Oct 7, 2014)
  329. omnibus
    a vehicle carrying many passengers
  330. onerous
    burdensome or difficult to endure
  331. ontology
    the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence
  332. opprobrious
    expressing offensive reproach
  333. opprobrious
    expressing offensive reproach
  334. orthography
    representing the sounds of a language by written symbols
  335. ossify
    become bony
  336. outlandish
    noticeably or extremely unconventional or unusual
    Not everything in the show is outlandish; some events are all too realistic. New York Times (Nov 16, 2014)
  337. papacy
    the government of the Roman Catholic Church
  338. paradigm
    a standard or typical example
  339. paradox
    a statement that contradicts itself
  340. paramour
    a lover, especially a secret or illicit one
  341. parenthetical
    qualifying or explaining
  342. parenthetical expression
    an expression in parentheses
  343. parenthetically
    in a parenthetical manner
  344. parity
    functional equality
  345. patriarchal
    of a social organization with the male as the head
  346. patsy
    a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  347. pedantry
    an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
  348. pejorative
    expressing disapproval
  349. persistent
    stubbornly unyielding
    It says, “together, if we face obstacles and counter the negative with a persistent positive, we might just change the world.” Seattle Times (Dec 1, 2014)
  350. pertinent
    having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand
    You write about things that feel pertinent and urgent to you, and that varies depending on what stage of life you are going through.  MSNBC (Jul 11, 2014)
  351. philology
    the humanistic study of language and literature
  352. phylum
    the major taxonomic group of animals and plants
  353. physiognomy
    the human face
  354. piscatorial
    relating to or characteristic of the activity of fishing
  355. placate
    cause to be more favorably inclined
  356. plaque
    a tablet that commemorates a person or achievement
  357. plenteous
    affording an abundant supply
    "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." Wilson, J. M. (James Maurice)
  358. plumb
    exactly vertical
  359. polemic
    a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
  360. populism
    political doctrine that supports the rights of common people
  361. potential
    existing in possibility
    What potential global threat should policymakers pay more attention to? US News (Dec 11, 2014)
  362. precipitous
    extremely steep
  363. primogeniture
    right of inheritance belonging exclusively to the eldest son
  364. pristine
    completely free from dirt or contamination
    Back at the jail, Snow White is getting under Anna's skin a bit -- shaking her once pristine view of the princess. Los Angeles Times (Dec 8, 2014)
  365. proboscis
    a long flexible snout as of an elephant
  366. prodigality
    the trait of spending extravagantly
  367. promulgated
    formally made public
  368. prostrate
    stretched out and lying at full length along the ground
  369. provincial
    associated with an administrative district of a nation
  370. provocative
    serving or tending to excite or stimulate
  371. pugilist
    someone who fights with fists for sport
  372. pugnacious
    ready and able to resort to force or violence
  373. quantitative
    expressible as an amount that can be measured
  374. quash
    declare invalid
  375. quell
    overcome or allay
    The White House has tried to quell anxieties about the danger of Ebola spreading in the United States. Washington Post
  376. quietude
    a state of peace and quiet
  377. ravel
    disentangle or separate out
  378. recidivism
    habitual relapse into crime
  379. recluse
    one who lives in solitude
    Long before his days as the world’s most famous recluse, Howard Hughes flew planes fast and far. New York Times (Jul 14, 2014)
  380. reconcile
    come to terms
  381. rectify
    make right or correct
    corRECT
  382. recuperate
    restore to good health or strength
    Sleep is the time when your body recuperates and rebuilds from the day’s stress. US News (Jun 24, 2014)
  383. recurring
    coming back
  384. reiterate
    say, state, or perform again
  385. rejuvenate
    make younger or more youthful
  386. replenish
    fill something that had previously been emptied
    They bring in dredged sand to replenish the beach. Washington Post
  387. repose
    freedom from activity
  388. repugnant
    offensive to the mind
    The truth is that we need only look at recent human history to find real, live, utterly repugnant evil. Salon (Sep 4, 2014)
  389. repute
    the state of being held in high esteem and honor
  390. restitution
    a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
    While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to a crime victims’ fund. Washington Times (Nov 21, 2014)
  391. retina
    a light-sensitive membrane covering the back of the eyeball
  392. rhodomontade
    vain and empty boasting
  393. rhodomontade
    vain and empty boasting
  394. ribald
    humorously vulgar
  395. rife
    excessively abundant
  396. riposte
    a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying
  397. rostrum
    a platform raised above the surrounding level
  398. sabotage
    destroy property or hinder normal operations
    “We want at least a district that won’t sabotage the dreams of its youths.” Los Angeles Times (Nov 21, 2014)
  399. sacred cow
    one unreasonably protected from opposition or criticism
  400. salubrious
    promoting health
  401. scapegoat
    someone who is punished for the errors of others
  402. scarcity
    a small and inadequate amount
    Water—its scarcity, quality and the regulations affecting it—is becoming a new corporate headache. Economist (Nov 6, 2014)
  403. scatterbrain
    a flighty and disorganized person
  404. scurrilous
    expressing offensive, insulting, or scandalous criticism
  405. sedition
    an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority
  406. seditious
    inciting action or rebellion
  407. segue
    proceed without interruption, in music or talk
  408. seismic
    subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
  409. senescence
    the property characteristic of old age
  410. sensualist
    a person who enjoys sensuality
  411. serenity
    the absence of mental stress or anxiety
    The surrounding waters and beautiful pools that surround the hotel create a real sense of calm and luxurious serenity. Forbes (Jul 25, 2014)
  412. shibboleth
    a favorite saying of a sect or political group
  413. simulacrum
    a representation of a person
  414. sluggard
    an idle slothful person
  415. sociable
    friendly and pleasant
    Running with others is really sociable and great fun. BBC (Apr 10, 2014)
  416. sole
    the underside of the foot
  417. Solea
    type genus of the Soleidae
  418. solicitous
    full of anxiety and concern
  419. somatic
    characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
  420. somber
    serious and gloomy in character
    It was also the day before one of the most somber of American anniversaries: Pearl Harbor was bombed 73 years ago Sunday. Washington Post
  421. specimen
    an example regarded as typical of its class
    The researchers detected it in older starfish samples, museum specimens from as early as 1942. Reuters (Nov 17, 2014)
  422. squanderer
    a recklessly extravagant consumer
  423. stamina
    enduring strength and energy
    A 6-year-old might not want to walk the mile into Petra, but teenagers have enough physical and intellectual stamina to appreciate going to these places.­ New York Times (Dec 5, 2014)
  424. sterling
    highest in quality
  425. stimulate
    cause to act in a specified manner
  426. stressed
    suffering severe physical strain
  427. striate
    marked with stripes
  428. subside
    wear off or die down
    The virus has a history of subsiding, then flaring up again. Washington Post
  429. subtle
    difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
  430. sundry
    consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
  431. superficial
    of, affecting, or being on or near the surface
  432. suppliant
    humbly entreating
  433. surfeit
    indulge (one's appetite) to satiety
  434. svelte
    being of delicate or slender build
  435. swagger
    a proud stiff pompous gait
    The Giants had arrived here with the swagger of a team that had won two of the last four World Series titles. New York Times (Oct 3, 2014)
  436. swarthy
    naturally having skin of a dark color
  437. sybarite
    a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses
  438. taper
    diminish gradually
  439. taxonomy
    a classification of organisms based on similarities
  440. teetotalism
    abstaining from alcohol
  441. teetotalism
    abstaining from alcohol
  442. temerity
    fearless daring
  443. terse
    brief and to the point
    It’s a request to which Dipper responds, with terse eloquence, “Weird.” New York Times (Nov 21, 2014)
  444. thespian
    a theatrical performer
  445. tithe
    a levy of one tenth of something
  446. tithe barn
    barn originally built to hold tithes paid in kind and common in England
  447. tither
    someone who pays tithes
  448. titillate
    stimulate or excite
  449. topaz
    a mineral in crystals of various colors used as a gemstone
  450. toponym
    the name by which a geographical place is known
  451. torpid
    in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
  452. tout
    advertise in strongly positive terms
  453. transcript
    a written record of dictated or recorded speech
  454. transcriptase
    the enzyme that copies DNA into RNA
  455. translucent
    allowing light to pass through diffusely
    It comes in several colors, including attractive translucent ones. Washington Times (Jul 30, 2014)
  456. transpire
    come about, happen, or occur
  457. traverse
    journey across or pass over
  458. traverser
    someone who moves or passes across
  459. trite
    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  460. truculent
    defiantly aggressive
  461. tundra
    a vast treeless plain where subsoil is permanently frozen
  462. turncoat
    a disloyal person who betrays or deserts a cause
  463. uncanny
    surpassing the ordinary or normal
    The Dark Sky App tells you the weather where you are with an uncanny accuracy.  Forbes (Jun 26, 2014)
  464. undulate
    move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
  465. unkempt
    not properly maintained or cared for
  466. unkemptness
    a lack of order and tidiness; not cared for
  467. unpalatable
    not pleasant or acceptable to the taste or mind
  468. unresponsive
    not reacting to some influence or stimulus
  469. unsightly
    unpleasant to look at
    But that’s just a quibble, an unsightly pimple on what is a greater problem. The Guardian (Oct 14, 2014)
  470. urbane
    showing a high degree of refinement
  471. valence
    the capacity of something or someone to react with or affect others
  472. vapid
    lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest
  473. versatile
    able to move freely in all directions
    Eggs are among the most versatile foods and the proteins change when you heat them, beat them or mix them with other ingredients. US News (Dec 10, 2014)
  474. vigilant
    carefully observant or attentive
    Because there are so many scammers out there, banks are vigilant about verifying that you are who you say you are. Washington Post
  475. vincible
    susceptible to being defeated
  476. virulent
    extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom
  477. visceral
    relating to or affecting the internal organs
  478. vulnerable
    capable of being wounded or hurt
    Second, older cells are more vulnerable to this damage—or less able to repair themselves. Scientific American (Dec 9, 2014)
  479. waft
    be driven or carried along, as by the air
    The birds were chirping, and a warm breeze wafted through the screens. Washington Post
  480. wane
    a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  481. waver
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
    He is tough as nails, never wavers, speaks the truth and stays focused. New York Times (Oct 13, 2014)
  482. weather
    face and withstand with courage
    You even get subjected to ridicule, and you have to weather that storm. Los Angeles Times (Dec 10, 2014)
  483. writ
    a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
  484. Xanax
    an antianxiety agent of the benzodiazepine class
  485. xanthate
    a salt or ester of xanthic acid
  486. xanthemia
    excess carotene in the blood stream
  487. xanthine
    a yellowish chemical found in body fluids and tissue
  488. xenophobia
    a fear of foreigners or strangers
  489. yacca
    West Indian evergreen with medium to long leaves
  490. yahoo
    a person who is not intelligent or interested in culture
  491. Yahwe
    a name for the God of the Old Testament as transliterated from the Hebrew consonants YHVH
  492. yea
    an affirmative
  493. Zaar
    a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria
  494. zabaglione
    light foamy custard-like dessert served hot or chilled
  495. Zabrze
    an industrial city in southern Poland
  496. zaftig
    (of a female body) healthily plump and vigorous
  497. Zaglossus
    a genus of Tachyglossidae
  498. zealot
    a fervent and even militant proponent of something
  499. zenith
    the highest point of something
  500. hiatus
    an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
Created on Tue Dec 17 18:05:56 EST 2013 (updated Tue Jul 11 17:07:40 EDT 2017)

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