aboriginal :: being the first of its kind in a region: primitive: native abortive :: unsuccessful: fruitless abstemious :: temperate: sparing in drink, etc. abstruse :: obscure: profound: difficult to understand acetic :: vinegary acidulous :: slightly sour: sharp: caustic acquiescent :: accepting passively acrid :: sharp: bitterly pungent acrimonious :: stinging: caustic actuarial :: calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics adamant :: hard: inflexible addle :: rotten: muddled; crazy adept :: expert at adipose :: fatty adroit :: skillful adventitious :: accidental: casual adverse :: unfavorable: hostile aesthetic :: artistic: dealing with or capable off appreciation of the beautiful affected :: artificial: pretended agape :: openmouthed aggregate :: sum: total aghast :: horrified albeit :: although alimentary :: supplying nourishment alluvial :: pertaining to soil deposits left by rivers, etc. aloof :: apart; reserved ambiguous :: doubtful in meaning ambulatory :: able to walk amenable :: readily managed; willing to be led amiable :: agreeable; lovable amicable :: friendly amorphous :: shapeless amphibian :: able to live both on land in water ample :: abundant amuck :: in a state of rage analogous :: comparable ancillary :: serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary animated :: lively anomalous :: abnormal; irregular anonymous :: having no name antediluvian :: antiquated; ancient anthropoid :: manlike apathetic :: indifferent apocryphal :: not genuine; sham apposite :: appropriate; fitting apprehensive :: fearful; discerning aquiline :: curved; hooked arable :: fit for plowing arbitrary :: fixed or decided; despotic archaic :: antiquated arduous :: hard; strenuous aromatic :: fragrant arrant :: thorough; complete; unmitigated ascetic :: practicing self-denial; austere ashen :: ash-colored asinine :: stupid askance :: with a sideways or indirect look askew :: crookedly; slanted; at an angle assiduous :: diligent astral :: relating to the stars astute :: wise; shrewd astringent :: binding; causing contraction atheistic :: denying the existence of God athwart :: across; in opposition atypical :: not normal auspicious :: favoring success austere :: strict; stern autonomous :: self-governing auxiliary :: helper, additional or subsidiary averse :: reluctant avid :: greedy; eager for avuncular :: like an uncle awry :: distorted; crooked azure :: sky blue bacchanalian :: drunken baleful :: deadly; destructive balmy :: mild; fragrant banal :: hackneyed; commonplace; trite baneful :: ruinous; poisonous bantering :: good-natured ridiculing baroque :: highly ornate beatific :: giving bliss; blissful belated :: delayed bellicose :: warlike benevolent :: generous; charitable benighted :: overcome by darkness benign :: kindly; favorable; not malignant bereft :: deprived of; lacking berserk :: frenzied bicameral :: two-chambered, as a legislative body biennial :: every two years bilious :: suffering from indigestion; irritable bizarre :: fantastic; violently contrasting bland :: soothing; mild blasphemous :: profane; impious blatant :: loudly offensive bleak :: cold; cheerless blighted :: suffering from a disease; destroyed blithe :: gay; joyous bloated :: swollen or puffed as with water or air bogus :: counterfeit; not authentic boisterous :: violent; rough; noisy bombastic :: pompous; using inflated language bootless :: useless bountiful :: generous; showing bounty brazen :: insolent bristling :: rising like bristles; showing irritation brusque :: blunt; abrupt bucolic :: rustic; pastoral bumptious :: self-assertive buxom :: plump; vigorous; jolly cadaverous :: like a corpse; pale callous :: hardened; unfeeling calorific :: heat-producing canny :: shrewd; thrifty capacious :: spacious capricious :: fickle; incalculable captious :: faultfinding carnal :: fleshly carnivorous :: meat-eating carping :: finding fault catholic :: broadly sympathetic; liberal caustic :: burning; sarcastically biting celestial :: heavenly celibate :: unmarried; abstaining from sexual intercourse centigrade :: measure of temperature used widely in Europe centrifugal :: radiating; departing from the center cerebral :: pertaining to the brain of intellect chaffing :: bantering; joking chaotic :: in utter disorder chary :: cautiously watchful chaste :: pure checkered :: marked by changes in fortune chimerical :: fantastic; highly imaginative choleric :: hot-tempered chronic :: long established as a disease churlish :: boorish; rude ciliated :: having minute hairs circuitous :: roundabout circumspect :: prudent; cautious clairvoyant :: having foresight clandestine :: secret clarion :: shrill trumpetlike sound climactic :: relating to the highest point cogent :: convincing cognate :: allied by blood; of the same or kindred nature coincident :: occurring at the same time colossal :: huge combustible :: easily burned comely :: attractive; agreeable commensurate :: equal in extent commodious :: spacious and comfortable compatible :: harmonious; in harmony with complacent :: self-satisfied complaisant :: trying to please; obliging compliant :: yielding concentric :: having a common center concise :: brief and compact concurrent :: happening at the same time condign :: adequate; deservedly severe congenital :: existing at birth conjugal :: pertaining to marriage connubial :: pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state consummate :: complete contentious :: quarrelsome contiguous :: adjacent to; touching upon contingent :: conditional contrite :: penitent contumacious :: disobedient; resisting authority conversant :: familiar with convivial :: festive; gay; characterized by joviality copious :: plentiful corporeal :: bodily; material corpulent :: very fat corrosive :: eating away by chemicals or disease cosmic :: pertaining to the universe; vast covert :: secret; hidden; implied covetous :: avaricious; eagerly desirous of coy :: shy; modest; coquettish crabbed :: sour; peevish crass :: very unrefined; grossly insensible craven :: cowardly crestfallen :: dejected; dispirited cryptic :: mysterious; hidden; secret culinary :: relating to cooking cursory :: casual; hastily done dank :: damp culpable :: deserving blame dauntless :: bold debonair :: friendly; aiming to please deciduous :: falling of as of leaves decorous :: proper decrepit :: worn out by age deducible :: derived by reasoning defeatist :: attitude of one who is ready to accept defeat as a natural outcome definitive :: final; complete defunct :: dead; no longer in use or existence deleterious :: harmful delusive :: deceptive; raising vain hopes demoniac :: fiendish demure :: grave; serious; coy deprecatory :: disapproving deranged :: insane derelict :: abandoned derogatory :: expressing a low opinion despicable :: contemptible destitute :: extremely poor desultory :: aimless; jumping around devious :: going astray; erratic devoid :: lacking devout :: pious dexterous :: skillful diabolical :: devilish diaphanous :: sheer; transparent digressive :: wandering away from the subject dilatory :: delaying dire :: disastrous discernible :: distinguishable; perceivable discerning :: mentally quick and observant; having insight disconsolate :: sad discordant :: inharmonious; conflicting discrete :: separate; unconnected discursive :: digressing; rambling disheveled :: untidy disingenuous :: not naive; sophisticated disinterested :: unprejudiced disjointed :: disconnected disparate :: basically different; unrelated dispirited :: lacking in spirit disputatious :: argumentative; fond of argument dissolute :: loose in morals distrait :: absentminded distraught :: upset; distracted by anxiety diurnal :: daily divers :: several; differing diverse :: differing in some characteristics; various docile :: obedient; easily managed dogmatic :: positive; arbitrary dolorous :: sorrowful dormant :: sleeping; lethargic; torpid dorsal :: relating to the back of an animal doughty :: courageous dour :: sullen; stubborn droll :: queer and amusing dubious :: doubtful earthy :: unrefined; coarse ebullient :: showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm ecclesiastic :: pertaining to the church eerie :: weird effectual :: efficient effeminate :: having womanly traits effete :: worn out; exhausted; barren efflorescent :: flowering effulgent :: brilliantly radiant effusive :: pouring forth; gushing egregious :: gross; shocking elegiacal :: like an elegy; mournful elusive :: evasive; baffling; hard to grasp elusory :: tending to deceive expectations; elusive emaciated :: thin and wasted eminent :: high; lofty enamored :: in love encomiastic :: praising; eulogistic ephemeral :: short-lived; fleeting equable :: tranquil; steady; uniform equivocal :: doubtful; ambiguous errant :: wandering erudite :: learned; scholarly esoteric :: known only to the chosen few estranged :: separated ethereal :: light; heavenly; fine ethnic :: relating to races eulogistic :: praising euphonious :: pleasing in sound evanescent :: fleeting; vanishing evasive :: not frank; eluding execrable :: very bad exemplary :: serving as a model; outstanding exiguous :: small; minute exorbitant :: excessive exotic :: not native; strange expeditiously :: rapidly and efficiently extant :: still in existence extemporaneous :: not planned; impromptu extraneous :: not essential; external extrinsic :: external; not inherent; foreign exuberant :: abundant; effusive; lavish facetious :: humorous; jocular facile :: easy; expert factious :: inclined to form factions; causing dissension factitious :: artificial; sham fain :: gladly fallacious :: misleading fallible :: liable to err fallow :: plowed but not sowed; uncultivated fancied :: imagined; unreal fanciful :: whimsical; visionary fantastic :: unreal; grotesque; whimsical fastidious :: difficult to please; squeamish fatuous :: foolish; inane fawning :: courting favor by cringing and flattering feasible :: practical felicitous :: apt; suitably expressed; well chosen fell :: cruel; deadly fervent :: ardent; hot fervid :: ardent fetid :: malodorous fickle :: changeable; faithless fictitious :: imaginary filial :: pertaining to a son daughter finicky :: too particular; fussy finite :: limited fitful :: spasmodic; intermittent flaccid :: flabby flagging :: weak; drooping flagrant :: conspicuously wicked flamboyant :: ornate fledgling :: inexperienced florid :: flowery; ruddy foolhardy :: rash foppish :: vain about dress and appearance forensic :: suitable to debate or courts of law formidable :: menacing; threatening fortuitous :: accidental; by chance fractious :: unruly frantic :: wild fraudulent :: cheating; deceitful fraught :: filled frenetic :: frenzied; frantic frenzied :: madly excited frigid :: intensely cold frolicsome :: prankish; gay froward :: disobedient; perverse; stubborn frowzy :: slovenly; unkempt; dirty fulsome :: disgustingly excessive funereal :: sad; solemn furtive :: stealthy fustian :: pompous; bombastic garbled :: mixed up; based on false or unfair selection garish :: gaudy genteel :: well-bred; elegant germane :: pertinent; bearing upon the case at hand ghastly :: horrible glib :: fluent glossy :: smooth and shining glutinous :: sticky; viscous gluttonous :: greedy for food gnarled :: twisted gory :: bloody gossamer :: sheer; like cobwebs hazardous :: dangerous hazy :: slightly obscure heedless :: not noticing; disregarding heinous :: atrocious; hatefully bad heterogeneous :: dissimilar hibernal :: wintry hindmost :: furthest behind hirsute :: hairy histrionic :: theatrical hoary :: white with age homespun :: domestic; made at home homogeneous :: of the same kind horticultural :: pertaining to cultivation of gardens humane :: kind humdrum :: dull; monotonous humid :: damp hypercritical :: excessively exacting hypocritical :: pretending to be virtuous; deceiving hypothetical :: based on assumptions or hypotheses iconoclastic :: attacking cherished traditions igneous :: produced by fire; volcanic ignoble :: of lowly origin; unworthy ignominious :: disgraceful illimitable :: infinite immaculate :: pure; spotless imminent :: impending; near at hand immune :: exempt immutable :: unchangeable impassive :: without feeling; not affected by pain impeccable :: faultless impecunious :: without money impending :: nearing; approaching impenitent :: not repentant imperious :: domineering impermeable :: impervious; not permitting passage through its substance impertinent :: insolent impervious :: not penetrable; not permitting passage through impetuous :: violent; hasty; rash impious :: irreverent implacable :: incapable of being pacified implicit :: understood but not stated impolitic :: not wise impregnable :: invulnerable impromptu :: without previous preparation improvident :: thriftless inalienable :: not to be taken away; nontransferable inane :: silly; senseless inanimate :: lifeless inarticulate :: speechless; producing indistinct speech incarnate :: endowed with flesh; personified incessant :: uninterrupted inchoate :: recently begun; rudimentary; elementary incipient :: beginning; in an early stage incisive :: cutting; sharp inclement :: stormy; unkind inclusive :: tending to include all incognito :: with identity concealed; using an assumed name incommodious :: not spacious incompatible :: inharmonious inconsequential :: of trifling significance incontrovertible :: indisputable incorporeal :: immaterial; without a material body incorrigible :: uncorrectable indefatigable :: tireless indigenous :: native indigent :: poor indisputable :: too certain to be disputed indomitable :: unconquerable indubitably :: beyond a doubt indulgent :: humoring; yielding; lenient ineffable :: unutterable; cannot be expressed in speech inept :: unsuited; absurd; incompetent inexorable :: relentless; unyielding; implacable infallible :: unerring infamous :: notoriously bad infinitesimal :: very small inflated :: enlarged with air or gas ingenuous :: naive; young; unsophisticated inherent :: firmly established by nature or habit inimical :: unfriendly; hostile iniquitous :: unjust; wicked innate :: inborn innocuous :: harmless inordinate :: unrestrained; excessive insatiable :: not easily satisfied; greedy inscrutable :: incomprehensible; not to be discovered insensate :: without feeling insidious :: treacherous; stealthy; sly insipid :: tasteless; dull insolent :: haughty and contemptuous insular :: like an island; narrow-minded insuperable :: insurmountable; invincible insurgent :: rebellious interminable :: endless intermittent :: periodic; on and off intransigent :: refusing any compromise intrepid :: fearless intrinsic :: belonging to a thing in itself; inherent introvert :: inclined to think more about oneself inured :: accustomed; hardened inverse :: opposite inveterate :: deep-rooted; habitual invidious :: designed to create ill will or envy invulnerable :: incapable of injury irascible :: irritable; easily angered iridescent :: exhibiting rainbowlike colors ironical :: resulting in an unexpected and contrary manner irreconcilable :: incompatible; not able to be resolved irrelevant :: not applicable; unrelated irremediable :: incurable; uncorrectable irreparable :: not able to be corrected or repaired irreverent :: lacking proper respect irrevocable :: unalterable itinerant :: wandering; traveling jaded :: fatigued; surfeited jaundiced :: yellowed; prejudiced; envious jocose :: giving to joking jocular :: said or done in jest jocund :: merry judicious :: wise; determined by sound judgment lackadaisical :: affectedly languid laconic :: brief and to the point laggard :: slow; sluggish lambent :: flickering; softly radiant laminated :: made of thin plates or scales languid :: weary; sluggish; listless lascivious :: lustful latent :: dormant; hidden lateral :: coming from the side laudatory :: expressing praise lavish :: liberal; wasteful lecherous :: impure in thought and act; lustful; unchaste lethal :: deadly lethargic :: drowsy; dull lewd :: lustful libelous :: defamatory; injurious to the good name of a person libidinous :: lustful licentious :: wanton; lewd; dissolute limpid :: clear linguistic :: pertaining to language lithe :: flexible; supple livid :: lead-colored; black and blue; enraged loath :: averse; reluctant loquacious :: talkative lucent :: shining lucid :: bright; easily understood lucrative :: profitable lugubrious :: mournful luminous :: shining; issuing light lunar :: pertaining to the moon lurid :: wild; sensational luscious :: pleasing to taste or smell lustrous :: shining luxuriant :: fertile; abundant; ornate macabre :: gruesome; grisly Machiavellian :: crafty; double-dealing magnanimous :: generous magniloquent :: boastful; pompous malevolent :: wishing evil malicious :: dictated by hatred or spite malignant :: having an evil influence; virulent malleable :: capable of being shaped by pounding mammoth :: gigantic mandatory :: obligatory maniacal :: raving mad manifest :: understandable; clear marital :: pertaining to marriage maritime :: bordering on the sea; nautical martial :: warlike maternal :: motherly maudlin :: effusively sentimental mauve :: pale purple meddlesome :: interfering mediocre :: ordinary; commonplace mellifluous :: flowing smoothly; smooth mendacious :: lying; false menial :: suitable for servants; low mercantile :: concerning trade mercenary :: interested in money or gain mercurial :: fickle; changing meretricious :: flashy; tawdry metallurgical :: pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores metaphysical :: pertaining to speculative philosophy meticulous :: excessively careful migrant :: changing its habitat; wandering migratory :: wandering mincing :: affectedly dainty mobile :: movable; not fixed modish :: fashionable molten :: melted momentous :: very important monetary :: pertaining to money monotheism :: belief in one God moot :: debatable morbid :: given to unwholesome thought; gloomy mordant :: biting; sarcastic; stinging moribund :: at the point of death morose :: ill-humored; sullen motley :: parti-colored; mixed muggy :: warm and damp multiform :: having many forms multilingual :: having many languages mundane :: worldly as opposed to spiritual munificent :: very generous musky :: having the odor of musk musty :: stale; spoiled by age mutable :: changing in form; fickle mutinous :: unruly; rebellious natal :: pertaining to birth nebulous :: cloudy; hazy nefarious :: very wicked niggardly :: meanly stingy; parsimonious nocturnal :: done at night noisome :: foul smelling; unwholesome nomadic :: wandering noncommittal :: neutral; unpledged; undecided notorious :: outstandingly bad; unfavorably known noxious :: harmful nugatory :: futile; worthless nutrient :: providing nourishment obdurate :: stubborn obese :: fat oblique :: slanting; deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line obnoxious :: offensive obsequious :: slavishly attentive; servile; sycophantic obsolete :: outmoded obtrusive :: pushing toward obtuse :: blunt; stupid occult :: mysterious; secret; supernatural odious :: hateful odoriferous :: giving off an order odorous :: having an odor officious :: meddlesome; excessively trying to please olfactory :: concerning the sense of smell ominous :: threatening omnipotent :: all-powerful omniscient :: all-knowing omnivorous :: eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything onerous :: burdensome opalescent :: iridescent opaque :: dark; not transparent opportune :: timely; well chosen opprobrious :: disgraceful ornate :: excessively decorated; highly decorated ostensible :: apparent; professed; pretended ostentatious :: showy; pretentious overt :: open to view palatable :: agreeable; pleasing to the taste palatial :: magnificent pallid :: pale; wan palpable :: tangible; easily perceptible paltry :: insignificant; petty parsimonious :: stingy; excessively frugal passive :: not active; acted upon pastoral :: rural patent :: open for the public to read; obvious pathetic :: causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching pecuniary :: pertaining to money pedantic :: showing off learning; bookish pell-mell :: in confusion; disorderly pellucid :: transparent; limpid; easy to understand pendant :: hanging down from something pendent :: suspended; jutting; pending penitent :: repentant pensive :: dreamily thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness penurious :: stingy; parsimonious peremptory :: demanding and leaving no choice perennial :: lasting perfidious :: basely false perforce :: of necessity perfunctory :: superficial; listless; not thorough peripatetic :: walking about; moving permeable :: porous; allowing passage through pernicious :: very destructive perpetual :: everlasting perspicacious :: having insight; penetrating; astute pert :: impertinent; forward pertinacious :: stubborn; persistent pertinent :: suitable; to the point perverse :: stubborn; intractable pervious :: penetrable pestilential :: causing plague; baneful petulant :: touchy; peevish phlegmatic :: calm; not easily disturbed pied :: variegated; multicolored pious :: devout piquant :: pleasantly tart-tasting; stimulating piscatorial :: pertaining to fishing pithy :: concise; meaty placid :: peaceful; calm plaintive :: mournful plauditory :: approving; applauding plebeian :: common; pertaining to the common people plenary :: complete; full plenipotentiary :: fully empowered plumb :: checking perpendicularity; vertical poignant :: keen; piercing; severe politic :: expedient; prudent; well devised polyglot :: speaking several languages portentous :: ominous; serious portly :: stately; stout posthumous :: after death potential :: expressing possibility; latent practicable :: feasible practical :: based on experience; useful pragmatic :: practical; concerned with practical values precarious :: uncertain; risky precedent :: preceding in time, rank, etc. precipitate :: headlong; rash precipitous :: steep precocious :: developed ahead of time predatory :: plundering preeminent :: outstanding; superior prefatory :: introductory preposterous :: absurd; ridiculous pretentious :: ostentatious; ambitious prim :: very precise and formal; exceedingly proper primordial :: existing at the beginning of time; rudimentary pristine :: characteristic of earlier times; primitive; unspoiled privy :: secret; hidden; not public prodigal :: wasteful; reckless with money prodigious :: marvelous; enormous profligate :: dissipated; wasteful; licentious prolific :: abundantly fruitful prolix :: verbose; drawn out promiscuous :: mixed indiscriminately; haphazard; irregular prone :: inclined to; prostrate propitious :: favorable; kindly propulsive :: driving forward prosaic :: commonplace; dull provident :: displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies prurient :: based on lascivious thoughts puerile :: childish pugnacious :: combative; disposed to fight puissant :: powerful; strong; potent pulmonary :: pertaining to the lungs punctilious :: laying stress on niceties of conduct or form; precise pungent :: stinging; caustic punitive :: punishing puny :: insignificant; tiny; weak pusillanimous :: cowardly; fainthearted putrid :: foul; rotten; decayed querulous :: fretful; whining quiescent :: at rest; dormant quixotic :: idealistic but impractical quizzical :: bantering; comical; humorously serious rabid :: like a fanatic; furious rampant :: rearing up on hind legs; unrestrained rancid :: having the odor of stale fat rapacious :: excessively grasping; plundering rarefied :: made less dense of a gas raucous :: harsh and shrill ravening :: rapacious; seeking prey ravenous :: extremely hungry recalcitrant :: obstinately stubborn reciprocal :: mutual; exchangeable; interacting recondite :: abstruse; profound; secret recumbent :: reclining; lying down completely or in part recurrent :: occurring again and again redolent :: fragrant; odorous; suggestive of an odor redoubtable :: formidable; causing fear redundant :: superfluous; excessively wordy; repetitious refractory :: stubborn; unmanageable refulgent :: radiant regal :: royal remediable :: reparable remedial :: curative; corrective remiss :: negligent remunerative :: compensating; rewarding reparable :: capable of being repaired repellent :: driving away; unattractive replete :: filled to capacity; abundantly supplied reprehensible :: deserving blame resonant :: echoing; resounding; possessing resonance resplendent :: brilliant; lustrous restive :: unmanageable; fretting under control retentive :: holding; having a good memory retroactive :: of a law which dates back to a period before its enactment retrograde :: going backwards; degenerating rheumy :: pertaining to a discharge from nose and eyes ribald :: wanton; profane rife :: abundant; current risible :: inclined to laugh; ludicrous risqué :: verging upon the improper; off-color roan :: brown mixed with gray or white robust :: vigorous; strong rococo :: ornate; highly decorated roseate :: rosy; optimistic rubicund :: having a healthy reddish color; ruddy; florid ruddy :: reddish; healthy-looking rudimentary :: not developed; elementary rueful :: regretful; sorrowful; dejected ruthless :: pitiless sacerdotal :: priestly sacrilegious :: desecrating; profane sacrosanct :: most sacred; inviolable sadistic :: inclined to cruelty saffron :: orange-colored; colored like the autumn crocus sagacious :: keen; shrewd; having insight salient :: prominent saline :: salty sallow :: yellowish; sickly in color salubrious :: healthful salutary :: tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome sanguinary :: bloody sanguine :: cheerful; hopeful sapid :: savory; tasty; relishable sapient :: wise; shrewd sardonic :: disdainful; sarcastic; cynical saturnine :: gloomy scrupulous :: conscientious; extremely thorough scurrilous :: obscene; indecent sebaceous :: oily; fatty secular :: worldly; not pertaining to church matters; temporal sedate :: composed; grave sedentary :: requiring sitting sedulous :: diligent sensual :: devoted to the pleasures of the senses; carnal; voluptuous sententious :: terse; concise; aphoristic serrated :: having a saw-toothed edge servile :: slavish; cringing shoddy :: sham; not genuine; inferior sidereal :: relating to the stars simian :: monkeylike sinister :: evil sinuous :: winding; bending in and out; not morally honest skittish :: lively; frisky sleazy :: flimsy; unsubstantial slovenly :: untidy; careless in work habits solicitous :: worried; concerned solvent :: able to pay all debts somnolent :: half asleep sonorous :: resonant spasmodic :: fitful; periodic spatial :: relating to space specious :: seemingly reasonable but incorrect spectral :: ghostly splenetic :: spiteful; irritable; peevish sporadic :: occurring irregularly sportive :: playful spurious :: false; counterfeit squalid :: dirty; neglected; poor stagnant :: motionless; stale; dull staid :: sober; sedate stellar :: pertaining to the stars stentorian :: extremely loud stolid :: dull; impassive striated :: marked with parallel bands strident :: loud and harsh stringent :: binding; rigid sublime :: exalted; noble; uplifting sub rosa :: in strict confidence; privately subsequent :: following; later subservient :: behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious subsidiary :: subordinate; secondary subversive :: tending to overthrow or ruin succinct :: brief; terse; compact succulent :: juicy; full of richness sultry :: sweltering sumptuous :: lavish; rich sundry :: various; several superannuated :: retired on pension because of age supercilious :: contemptuous; haughty superficial :: trivial; shallow supine :: lying on back suppliant :: entreating; beseeching supposititious :: assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical surly :: rude; cross surreptitious :: secret sycophantic :: servilely flattering sylvan :: pertaining to the woods; rustic synchronous :: similarly timed; simultaneous with synthetic :: artificial; resulting from synthesis tacit :: understood; not put into words taciturn :: habitually silent; talking little tactile :: pertaining to the organs or sense of touch tainted :: contaminated; corrupt tautological :: needlessly repetitious tawdry :: cheap and gaudy temporal :: not lasting forever; limited by time; secular tenacious :: holding fast tentative :: provisional; experimental tenuous :: thin; rare; slim tepid :: lukewarm terrestrial :: on the earth terse :: concise; abrupt; pithy tertiary :: third testy :: irritable; short-tempered therapeutic :: curative thermal :: pertaining to heat titanic :: gigantic titular :: nominal holding of title without obligations torpid :: dormant; dull; lethargic tortuous :: winding; full of curves touchy :: sensitive; irascible toxic :: poisonous tractable :: docile transient :: fleeting; quickly passing away; staying for a short time translucent :: partly transparent transparent :: permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected tremulous :: trembling; wavering trenchant :: cutting; keen trite :: hackneyed; commonplace truculent :: aggressive; savage tumid :: swollen; pompous; bombastic turbid :: muddy; having the sediment disturbed turgid :: swollen; distended ubiquitous :: being everywhere; omnipresent ulterior :: situated beyond; unstated ultimate :: final; not susceptible to further analysis unassuaged :: unsatisfied; not soothed unassuming :: modest unbridled :: violent uncanny :: strange; mysterious unconscionable :: unscrupulous; excessive uncouth :: outlandish; clumsy; boorish unctuous :: oily; bland; insincerely suave unearthly :: not earthly; weird unequivocal :: plain; obvious unfaltering :: steadfast unfeigned :: genuine; real ungainly :: awkward unimpeachable :: blameless and exemplary unique :: without an equal; single in kind unkempt :: disheveled; with uncared for appearance unmitigated :: harsh; severe; not lightened unruly :: disobedient; lawless unseemly :: unbecoming; indecent unsullied :: untarnished untenable :: unsupportable unwitting :: unintentional; not knowing unwonted :: unaccustomed urbane :: suave; refined; elegant uxorious :: excessively devoted to one's wife vacuous :: empty; inane vainglorious :: boastful; excessively conceited vapid :: insipid; inane variegated :: many-colored vaunted :: boasted; bragged; highly publicized vehement :: impetuous; with marked vigor venal :: capable of being bribed venerable :: deserving high respect venial :: forgivable; trivial ventral :: abdominal venturous :: daring veracious :: truthful verbose :: wordy verdant :: green; fresh vernal :: pertaining to spring versatile :: having many talents; capable of working in many fields vicarious :: acting as a substitute; done by a deputy vindictive :: revengeful virile :: manly virulent :: extremely poisonous viscid :: sticky; adhesive viscous :: sticky; gluey visionary :: produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical vitriolic :: corrosive; sarcastic vituperative :: abusive; scolding vivacious :: animated; gay vociferous :: clamorous; noisy volatile :: evaporating rapidly; lighthearted; mercurial voluble :: fluent; glib voluptuous :: gratifying the senses voracious :: ravenous vying :: contending waggish :: mischievous; humorous; tricky wan :: having a pale or sickly color; pallid wanton :: unruly; unchaste; excessive wary :: very cautious whimsical :: capricious; fanciful; quaint wily :: cunning; artful winsome :: agreeable; gracious; engaging witless :: foolish; idiotic wizened :: withered; shriveled worldly :: engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual abysmal :: bottomless acephalous :: headless adulterated :: made impure or spoiled by the addition of inferior materials affable :: courteous afferent :: carrying toward the center agrarian :: pertaining to land or its cultivation amoral :: nonmoral analgesic :: causing insensitivity to pain anthropomorphic :: having human form or characteristics apocalyptic :: prophetic; pertaining to revelations apropos :: with reference to; properly aseptic :: preventing putrefaction or blood poisoning by killing bacteria auroral :: pertaining to the aurora borealis beholden :: obligated; indebted bestial :: beastlike; brutal bifurcated :: divided into two branches; forked blasé :: bored with pleasure or dissipation boorish :: rude; clownish brackish :: somewhat saline brindled :: tawny or grayish with streaks or spots callow :: unfledged; youthful capillary :: having a very fine bore centripetal :: tending toward the center colloquial :: pertaining to conversational or common speech comatose :: in a coma; extremely sleepy convoluted :: coiled around; involved; intricate crepuscular :: pertaining to twilight crotchety :: eccentric; whimsical cursive :: flowing, running décolleté :: having a low-necked dress degraded :: lowered in rank; debased deliquescent :: capable of absorbing moisture from the air and becoming liquid demotic :: pertaining to the people didactic :: teaching; instructional dispassionate :: calm; impartial distaff :: female doddering :: shaky; infirm from old age dulcet :: sweet sounding dynamic :: active; efficient embryonic :: undeveloped; rudimentary emeritus :: retired but retained in an honorary capacity empirical :: based on experience empyreal :: celestial; fiery endemic :: prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area enigmatic :: obscure; puzzling equitable :: fair; impartial erotic :: pertaining to passionate love eugenic :: pertaining to the improvement of race ex officio :: by virtue of one's office explicit :: definite; open febrile :: feverish fiduciary :: pertaining to a position of trust fluted :: having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar) fulgent :: beaming; radiant garrulous :: loquacious; wordy gauche :: clumsy; boorish generic :: characteristic of a class or species germinal :: pertaining to a germ; creative hermetically :: sealed by fusion so as to be airtight hortatory :: encouraging hyperborean :: situated in extreme north; arctic; cold idiosyncratic :: private; peculiar to an individual illusive :: deceiving impalpable :: imperceptible; intangible imperturbable :: calm; placid imponderable :: weightless importunate :: urging; demanding impotent :: weak; ineffective incongruous :: not fitting; absurd incontinent :: lacking self-restraint; licentious incredulous :: withholding belief; skeptical inductive :: pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general ineluctable :: irresistible; not to be escaped insouciant :: indifferent; without concern or care interlocutory :: conversational; intermediate, not final internecine :: mutually destructive intractable :: unruly; refractory irksome :: repetitious; tedious irrefragable :: not to be disproved; indisputable jejune :: lacking interest; barren; meager kinetic :: producing motion lachrymose :: producing tears laudable :: praiseworthy; commendable lissome :: agile; lithe ludicrous :: laughable; trifling maladroit :: clumsy; bungling manifold :: numerous; varied mawkish :: sickening; insipid militant :: combative; bellicose minatory :: threatening morganatic :: describing a marriage between a member of a royal family and a commone myopic :: nearsighted nascent :: incipient; coming into being nautical :: pertaining to ships or navigation neap :: lowest nubile :: marriageable obligatory :: binding; required obstreperous :: boisterous; noisy omnipresent :: universally present; ubiquitous optimum :: most favorable orotund :: having a round, resonant quality; inflated speech overweening :: presumptuous; arrogant parlous :: dangerous; perilous passé :: old-fashioned; past the prime pathological :: pertaining to disease pejorative :: having a deteriorating or depreciating effect on the meaning of a word pendulous :: hanging; suspended pennate :: having wings or feathers personable :: attractive perspicuous :: plainly expressed pharisaical :: pertaining to the Pharisees; self-righteous; hypocritical physiological :: pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms picaresque :: pertaining to rogues in literature piebald :: mottled; spotted plangent :: plaintive; resounding sadly platonic :: purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire plausible :: having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious postprandial :: after dinner potable :: suitable for drinking prehensile :: capable of grasping or holding premonitory :: serving to warn prognathous :: having projecting jaws prophylactic :: used to prevent disease provincial :: pertaining to a province; limited psychopathic :: pertaining to mental derangement purblind :: dim-sighted; obtuse putative :: supposed; reputed queasy :: easily nauseated; squeamish reactionary :: recoiling from progress; retrograde recherché :: choice, sought after; rare resilient :: elastic; having the power of springing back resurgent :: rising again after defeat, etc. reticulated :: covered with a network; having the appearance of a mesh rustic :: pertaining to country people; uncouth saltatory :: relating to leaping sanctimonious :: displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness sartorial :: pertaining to tailors sensuous :: pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses septic :: putrid; producing putrefaction sequacious :: eager to follow; ductile serried :: standing shoulder to shoulder; crowded sibylline :: prophetic; oracular simpering :: smirking somatic :: pertaining to the body; physical sophomoric :: immature; shallow staccato :: played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound stalwart :: strong, brawny; steadfast statutory :: created by statute or legislative action stereotyped :: fixed and unvarying representation stertorous :: having a snoring sound stilted :: bombastic; inflated suave :: smooth; bland subjective :: occurring or taking place within the subject; unreal subliminal :: below the threshold substantive :: essential; pertaining to the substance sudorific :: pertaining to perspiration sumptuary :: limiting or regulating expenditures supernal :: heavenly; celestial supple :: flexible; pliant tantamount :: equal taut :: tight; ready temerarious :: rash tendentious :: having an aim; designed to further a cause tenebrous :: dark; gloomy tessellated :: inlaid; mosaic timorous :: fearful; demonstrating fear traumatic :: pertaining to an injury caused by violence tutelary :: protective; pertaining to a guardianship unilateral :: one-sided untoward :: unfortunate; annoying ursine :: bearlike; pertaining to a bear valedictory :: pertaining to farewell verbatim :: word for word vermicular :: pertaining to a worm vertiginous :: giddy; causing dizziness viable :: capable of maintaining life vitreous :: pertaining to or resembling glass abettor :: encourager abeyance :: suspended action ablution :: washing abstinence :: restraint from eating or drinking accessory :: additional object: useful but not essential thing acclivity :: sharp upslope of a hill accolade :: award of merit accomplice :: partner in crime accord :: agreement accretion :: growth: increase acme :: top: pinnacle acoustics :: science of sound: quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in acquittal :: deliverance from a charge acumen :: mental keenness adage :: wise saying: proverb addiction :: compulsive, habitual need adjuration :: solemn urging adulation :: flattery: admiration adumbration :: foreshadowing: outlining adversity :: poverty: misfortune affiliation :: joining: associating with affinity :: kinship affirmation :: solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath affluence :: abundance: wealth affray :: public brawl agglomeration :: collection: heap agility :: nimbleness agnostic :: one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god alacrity :: cheerful promptness alchemy :: medieval chemistry alias :: an assumed name alimony :: payment by a husband to his divorced wife allegory :: story in which characters are used as symbols: fable alloy :: a mixture as of metals allusion :: indirect reference altercation :: wordy quarrel altruism :: unselfish aid to others; generosity ambrosia :: food of the gods amenities :: agreeable manners; courtesies amnesia :: loss of memory amnesty :: pardon amphitheater :: oval building with tiers of seats amulet :: charm; talisman analogy :: similarity; parallelism anarchy :: absence of governing body; state of disorder anathema :: solemn curse andirons :: metal supports in a fireplace for cooking utensils or logs anemia :: condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles anesthetic :: substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness animadversion :: critical remark animosity :: active enmity annals :: records; history annuity :: yearly allowance anomaly :: irregularity antagonism :: active resistance anthropologist :: a student of the history and science of mankind anticlimax :: letdown in thought or emotion antipathy :: aversion; dislike antiseptic :: substance that prevents infection antithesis :: contrast; direct opposite of or to aperture :: opening; hole apex :: tip; summit; climax aphorism :: pithy maxim aplomb :: poise apogee :: highest point apostate :: one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs apothecary :: druggist apothegm :: pithy, compact saying apotheosis :: deification; glorification apparition :: ghost; phantom appellation :: name; title appurtenances :: subordinate possessions aptitude :: fitness; talent arbiter :: a person with power to decide a dispute; judge arcade :: a covered passageway, usually lined with shops archaeology :: study of artifacts and relics of early mankind archipelago :: group of closely located islands ardor :: heat; passion; zeal argot :: slang arrogance :: haughtiness artifacts :: products of primitive culture artifice :: deception; trickery artisan :: a manually skilled worker asceticism :: doctrine of self-denial asperity :: sharpness of temper aspersion :: slanderous remark aspirant :: seeker after position or status aspiration :: noble ambition asteroid :: small planet atrocity :: brutal deed atrophy :: wasting away attribute :: essential quality attrition :: gradual wearing down audacity :: boldness audit :: examination of accounts augury :: omen; prophecy austerity :: sternness; severity autocrat :: monarch with supreme power automaton :: mechanism which imitates actions of humans autopsy :: examination of a dead body; postmortem avarice :: greediness for wealth awe :: solemn wonder axiom :: self-evident truth requiring no proof bandanna :: large, bright-colored handkerchief barb :: sharp projection from fishhook, etc. barrage :: barrier laid down by artillery fire barrister :: counselor-at-law barterer :: trader bauble :: trinket; trifle benediction :: blessing benefactor :: gift giver; patron beneficiary :: person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will bete noire :: aversion; person or thing strongly disliked or avoided bigotry :: stubborn intolerance bivouac :: temporary encampment blandishment :: flattery bludgeon :: club; heavy-headed weapon bouillon :: clear beef soup bourgeois :: middle class braggadocio :: boasting bravado :: swagger; assumed air of defiance brazier :: open pan in which live coals are burned breach :: breaking of contract or duty; fissure; gap brevity :: conciseness brocade :: rich, figured fabric brochure :: pamphlet brooch :: ornamental clasp buffoonery :: clowning bullion :: gold and silver in the form of bars bulwark :: earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends buttress :: support or prop cabal :: small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests cache :: hiding place cacophony :: discord cadaver :: corpse caliber :: ability; capacity calumny :: malicious misrepresentation; slander cameo :: shell or jewel carved in relief canard :: unfounded rumor; exaggerated report candor :: frankness canker :: any ulcerous sore; any evil cant :: jargon of thieves; pious phraseology cantata :: story set to music, to be sung by a chorus canter :: slow gallop canto :: division of a long poem caparison :: showy harness or ornamentation for a horse caprice :: whim caption :: title; chapter heading; text under illustration carat :: unit of weight for precious stones; measure of fineness of gold caricature :: distortion; burlesque carmine :: rich red carnage :: destruction of life carousal :: drunken revel carrion :: rotting flesh of a dead body carte blanche :: unlimited authority or freedom cascade :: small waterfall casualty :: serious or fatal accident cataclysm :: deluge; upheaval catapult :: slingshot; a hurling machine catastrophe :: calamity catechism :: book for religious instruction; instruction by question and answer cathartic :: purgative cavalcade :: procession; parade censor :: overseer of morals; person who reads to eliminate inappropriate remark centaur :: mythical figure, half man and half horse centurion :: Roman army officer cerebration :: thought cessation :: stopping cession :: yielding to another; ceding chagrin :: vexation; disappointment chalice :: goblet; consecrated cup chameleon :: lizard that changes color in different situations charisma :: divine gift; great popular charm or appeal of a political leader charlatan :: quack; pretender to knowledge chasm :: abyss chassis :: framework and working parts of an automobile chattel :: personal property chauvinist :: blindly devoted patriot chicanery :: trickery chiropodist :: one who treats disorders of the feet circlet :: small ring; band citadel :: fortress clairvoyant :: fortuneteller claustrophobia :: fear of being locked in clavicle :: collarbone cleft :: split clemency :: disposition to be lenient; mildness, as of the weather cliché :: phrase dulled in meaning by repetition clique :: small exclusive group cloister :: monastery or convent coadjutor :: assistant; colleague cockade :: decoration worn on hat cog :: tooth projecting from a wheel cognizance :: knowledge cognomen :: family name cohesion :: force which keeps parts together cohorts :: armed band collateral :: security given for loan collation :: a light meal collier :: worker in coal mine; ship carrying coal colloquy :: informal discussion collusion :: conspiring in a fraudulent scheme comestible :: something fit to be eaten comity :: courtesy; civility compact :: agreement; contract compilation :: listing of statistical information in tabular or book form complement :: that which completes compunction :: remorse conception :: beginning; forming of an idea conclave :: private meeting concomitant :: that which accompanies condiments :: seasonings; spices conformity :: harmony; agreement conglomeration :: mass of material sticking together congruence :: correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship conifer :: pine tree; cone-bearing tree connivance :: pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance connoisseur :: person competent to act as a judge of art, etc; a lover of an art connotation :: suggested or implied meaning of an expression consanguinity :: kinship consensus :: general agreement constraint :: compulsion; repression of feelings context :: writings preceding and following the passage quoted continence :: self-restraint; sexual chastity contortions :: twistings; distortions contraband :: illegal trade; smuggling contumely :: scornful insolence; insult contusion :: bruise conveyance :: vehicle; transfer coquette :: flirt cornice :: projecting molding on building usually above columns corsair :: pirate; pirate ship cortege :: procession coterie :: group that meets socially; select circle counterpart :: a thing that completes another; things very much alike covenant :: agreement credence :: belief credulity :: belief on slight evidence creed :: system of religious or ethical belief crevice :: crack; fissure criterion :: standard used in judging crone :: hag crux :: crucial point cuisine :: style of cooking culmination :: attainment of highest point cupidity :: greed cynic :: one who is skeptical or distrustful of human motives dais :: raised platform for guests of honor dastard :: coward dearth :: scarcity debutante :: young woman making formal entrance into society decadence :: decay declivity :: downward slope decoy :: lure or bait defamation :: harming a person's reputation default :: failure to do defection :: desertion deference :: courteous regard for another's wish delineation :: portrayal delirium :: mental disorder marked by confusion delusion :: false belief; hallucination demagogue :: person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people demeanor :: behavior; bearing demise :: death demolition :: destruction denizen :: inhabitant of deposition :: testimony under oath depravity :: corruption; wickedness depredation :: plundering derision :: ridicule dermatologist :: one who studies the skin and its diseases despotism :: tyranny desuetude :: disused condition detergent :: cleansing agent detonation :: explosion detraction :: slandering; aspersion detriment :: harm; damage diadem :: crown dialectic :: art of debate dichotomy :: branching into two parts dictum :: authoritative and weighty statement diffidence :: shyness diffusion :: wordiness; spreading in all directions like a gas dilapidation :: ruin because of neglect dilemma :: problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives dilettante :: aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler diminution :: lessening; reduction in size dint :: means; effort dipsomaniac :: on who has a strong craving for intoxicating liquor disavowal :: denial; disclaiming discretion :: prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances disparity :: difference; condition of inequality dispersion :: scattering disquisition :: a formal systematic inquiry dissection :: analysis; cutting apart in order to examine dissertation :: formal essay dissonance :: discord dissuasion :: advice against distortion :: twisting out of shape diva :: operatic singer; prima donna diversity :: variety; dissimilitude divination :: foreseeing the future with aid of magic docket :: program as for trial; book where such entries are made doggerel :: poor verse dolt :: stupid person domicile :: home dotage :: senility dregs :: sediment; worthless residue dross :: waste matter; worthless impurities drudgery :: menial work duplicity :: double-dealing; hypocrisy duress :: forcible restraint, especially unlawfully eccentricity :: oddity; idiosyncrasy ecstasy :: rapture; joy; any overpowering emotion efficacy :: power to produce desired effect effigy :: dummy effrontery :: shameless boldness effusion :: pouring forth egoism :: excessive interest in one's self egotism :: conceit; vanity egress :: exit ejaculation :: exclamation elation :: a rise in spirits; exaltation embezzlement :: stealing emetic :: substance causing vomiting emolument :: salary; compensation enclave :: territory enclosed within an alien land encroachment :: gradual intrusion endearment :: fond statement endive :: species of leafy plant used in salads enigma :: puzzle ennui :: boredom enormity :: hugeness (in a bad sense) entity :: real being entree :: entrance entrepreneur :: businessman; contractor epicure :: connoisseur of food and drink epicurean :: person who devotes himself to pleasure of the senses epigram :: witty thought or saying, usually short epilogue :: short speech at conclusion of dramatic work epitaph :: inscription in memory of a dead person epithet :: descriptive word or phrase epitome :: summary; concise abstract epoch :: period of time equanimity :: calmness of temperament equestrian :: rider on horseback equinox :: period of equal days and nights; the beginning of Spring and Autumn equipage :: horse-drawn carriage equity :: fairness; justice escapade :: prank; flighty conduct escutcheon :: shield-shaped surface on which coat of arms is placed espionage :: spying esprit de corps :: comradeship; spirit eulogy :: praise euphemism :: mild expression in place of an unpleasant one ewer :: water pitcher exaction :: exorbitant demand; extortion exchequer :: treasury exigency :: urgent situation exodus :: departure expatriate :: exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land expediency :: that which is advisable or practical expostulation :: remonstrance extradition :: surrender of prisoner by one state to another extrovert :: person interested mostly in external objects and actions facade :: front of the building facet :: small plane surface of a gem; a side faction :: party; clique; dissension factotum :: handyman; person who does all kinds of work fanaticism :: excessive zeal fancier :: breeder or dealer of animals fatalism :: belief that events are determined by forces beyond one's control fauna :: animals of a period or region faux pas :: an error or slip in manners or behavior fealty :: loyalty; faithfulness fecundity :: fertility; fruitfulness feint :: trick; shift; sham blow ferment :: agitation; commotion fervor :: glowing ardor fetish :: object supposed to possess magical powers; an object of special devoti fiasco :: total failure fiat :: command fidelity :: loyalty figment :: invention; imaginary thing finale :: conclusion finesse :: delicate skill fissure :: crevice flair :: talent flick :: light stroke as with a whip flippancy :: trifling gaiety flora :: plants of a region or era flotilla :: small fleet flotsam :: drifting wreckage fluctuation :: wavering fluency :: smoothness of speech flux :: flowing; series of changes foible :: weakness; slight fault foray :: raid forbearance :: patience foreboding :: premonition of evil forte :: strong point of special talent fortitude :: bravery; courage frailty :: weakness franchise :: right granted by authority fray :: brawl freebooter :: buccaneer fresco :: painting on plaster (usually fresh) freshet :: sudden flood friction :: clash in opinion; rubbing against frieze :: ornamental band on a wall frugality :: thrift fruition :: bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization functionary :: official furor :: frenzy; great excitement fusion :: union; coalition gadfly :: animal-biting fly; an irritating person gaff :: hook; barbed fishing spear galleon :: large sailing ship gamester :: gambler gamut :: entire range garrulity :: talkativeness gauntlet :: leather glove gazette :: official periodical publication generality :: vague statement geniality :: cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy genre :: style of art illustrating scenes of common life gentility :: those of gentle birth; refinement gentry :: people of standing; class of people just below nobility gesticulation :: motion; gesture gibbet :: gallows gig :: two-wheeled carriage gist :: essence gloaming :: twilight gnome :: dwarf; underground spirit gourmand :: epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink haughtiness :: pride; arrogance hauteur :: haughtiness hawser :: large rope hedonism :: belief that pleasure is the sole aim in life heresy :: opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted relig heretic :: person who maintains opinions contrary to the doctrines of the church hermitage :: home of hermit hiatus :: gap; pause hierarchy :: body divided into ranks hieroglyphic :: picture writing hilarity :: boisterous mirth hireling :: one who serves for hire (usually contemptuously) hogshead :: large barrel holocaust :: destruction by fire holster :: pistol case homily :: sermon; serious warning hostelry :: inn hubbub :: confused uproar humility :: humbleness of spirit humus :: substance formed by decaying vegetable matter hybrid :: mongrel; mixed breed hypochondriac :: person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about il ideology :: ideas of a group people idiom :: special usage in language idiosyncrasy :: peculiarity; eccentricity idolatry :: worship of idols; excessive admiration illusion :: misleading vision imbecility :: weakness of mind imbroglio :: a complicated situation; perplexity; entanglement immobility :: state of being immovable impasse :: predicament from which there is no escape imperturbability :: calmness impetus :: moving force impiety :: irreverence; wickedness implication :: that which is hinted at or suggested import :: significance impropriety :: state of being inappropriate impunity :: freedom from punishment imputation :: charge; reproach inadvertence :: oversight; carelessness incendiary :: arsonist incentive :: spur; motive incongruity :: lack of harmony; absurdity incredulity :: a tendency to disbelief increment :: increase incubus :: burden; mental care; nightmare incumbent :: officeholder incursion :: temporary invasion indignity :: offensive or insulting treatment indolence :: laziness inference :: conclusion drawn from data infirmity :: weakness influx :: flowing into infraction :: violation ingrate :: ungrateful person inkling :: hint innovation :: change; introduction off something new innuendo :: hint; insinuation insolvency :: bankruptcy; lack of ability to repay debts insomnia :: wakefulness; inability to sleep integrity :: wholeness; purity; uprightness intellect :: higher mental powers intelligentsia :: the intelligent and educated classes (often used derogatorily) interim :: meantime interment :: burial intimidation :: fear introvert :: one who is introspective intuition :: power of knowing without reasoning invective :: abuse inviolability :: security from being destroyed, corrupted or profaned iota :: very small quantity jargon :: language used by special group; gibberish jeopardy :: exposure to death or danger jingoism :: extremely aggressive and militant patriotism jubilation :: rejoicing junket :: a merry feast or picnic junta :: group of men joined in political intrigue; cabal ken :: range of knowledge kiosk :: summerhouse; open pavilion kismet :: fate kith :: familiar friends kleptomaniac :: person who has a compulsive desire to steal knavery :: rascality knell :: tolling of a bell at a funeral; sound of the funeral bell knoll :: little round hill labyrinth :: maze lackey :: footman; toady lagniappe :: trifling present given to a customer lagoon :: shallow body of water near a sea; lake laity :: laymen; persons not connected with the clergy lapidary :: worker in precious stones largess :: generous gift lassitude :: languor; weariness latitude :: freedom from narrow limitations lesion :: unhealthy change in structure; injury levity :: lightness lexicon :: dictionary liaison :: officer who acts as go-between for two armies libertine :: debauched person; roué libretto :: text of an opera lieu :: instead of litigation :: lawsuit lode :: metal-bearing vein longevity :: long life lout :: clumsy person lucre :: money luster :: shine; gloss machinations :: schemes madrigal :: pastoral song maelstrom :: whirlpool magnate :: person of prominence or influence magnitude :: greatness; extent malediction :: curse malefactor :: criminal malingerer :: one who feigns illness to escape duty mall :: public walk manifesto :: declaration; statement of policy marauder :: raider; intruder marrow :: soft tissue filling the bones martinet :: strict disciplinarian matricide :: murder of a mother by a child matrix :: mold or die mausoleum :: monumental tomb maxim :: proverb; a truth pithily stated meditation :: reflection; thought medley :: mixture melee :: fight memento :: token; reminder mendicant :: beggar mentor :: teacher meringue :: pastry decoration made of white of eggs mesa :: high, flat-topped hill metamorphosis :: change of form metropolis :: large city mettle :: courage; spirit mews :: group of stables built around a courtyard mien :: demeanor; bearing mirage :: unreal reflection; optical illusion misadventure :: mischance; ill luck misanthrope :: one who hates mankind misapprehension :: error; misunderstanding miscegenation :: intermarriage between races miscellany :: mixture of writing on various subjects mischance :: ill luck miscreant :: wretch; villain misdemeanor :: minor crime misgivings :: doubts mishap :: accident misnomer :: wrong name; incorrect designation misogynist :: hater of women missile :: object to be thrown or projected mite :: very small object or creature; small coin mode :: prevailing style modicum :: limited quantity modulation :: toning down; changing from one key to another moiety :: half; part moodiness :: fits of depression or gloom mores :: customs mortician :: undertaker mote :: small speck motif :: theme mountebank :: charlatan; boastful pretender multiplicity :: state of being numerous murkiness :: darkness; gloom myriad :: very large number nadir :: lowest point naïveté :: quality of being unsophisticated natation :: swimming nave :: main body of a church necrology :: obituary notice; list of the dead necromancy :: black magic; dealings with the dead negation :: denial nemesis :: revenging agent neophyte :: recent convert; beginner nepotism :: favoritism to a relative nexus :: connection nib :: beak; pen point nicety :: precision; minute distinction nonchalance :: indifference; lack of interest nonentity :: nonexistence; person of no importance non sequitor :: a conclusion that does not follow from the facts stated nosegay :: fragrant bouquet nostalgia :: homesickness; longing for the past novice :: beginner numismatist :: person who collects coins oaf :: stupid, awkward person obeisance :: bow obelisk :: tall column tapering and ending in a pyramid obituary :: death notice obliquity :: departure from right principle; perversity oblivion :: forgetfulness obloquy :: slander; disgrace; infamy obsession :: fixed idea; continued brooding oculist :: physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes oligarchy :: government by a few onomatopoeia :: words formed in imitation of natural sounds onslaught :: vicious assault opiate :: sleep producer; deadener of pain optician :: maker and seller of eyeglasses optometrist :: one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects opulence :: wealth oratorio :: dramatic poem set to music ordinance :: decree orifice :: mouthlike opening; small opening ornithologist :: scientific student of birds pacifist :: one opposed to force; antimilitarist paean :: song of praise or joy palaver :: discussion; misleading speech; chatter palette :: board on which painter mixes pigments pallet :: small, poor bed panacea :: cure-all; remedy for all diseases pandemonium :: wild tumult panegyric :: formal praise panorama :: comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions pantomime :: acting without dialogue papyrus :: ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant parable :: short, simple story teaching a moral paradox :: statement that looks false but is actually correct paragon :: model of perfection parallelism :: state of being parallel; similarity paranoia :: chronic form of insanity marked by delusions grandeur paraphernalia :: equipment; odds and ends parasite :: animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant paregoric :: medicine that eases pain pariah :: social outcast parlance :: language; idiom parley :: conference parody :: humorous imitation; travesty paroxysm :: fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage parricide :: person who murders his own father; murder of a father partiality :: inclination; bias parvenu :: upstart; newly rich person pathos :: tender sorrow; pity patriarch :: father and ruler of a family or tribe patricide :: person who murders his father; murder of a father patrimony :: inheritance from father paucity :: scarcity peccadillo :: slight offense pedagogue :: teacher; dull and formal teacher pediatrician :: expert in children's diseases pelf :: stolen property; money or wealth in a contemptuous sense penance :: self-imposed punishment for sin penchant :: strong inclination; liking penumbra :: partial shadow in an eclipse penury :: extreme poverty percussion :: striking one object against another sharply perdition :: damnation; complete ruin perfidy :: violation of a trust perimeter :: outer boundary periphery :: edge, especially of a round surface perjury :: false testimony while under oath persiflage :: flippant conversation; banter perturbation :: agitation perusal :: reading perversion :: corruption; turning from right to wrong perversity :: stubborn maintenance of a wrong cause pessimism :: belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess phial :: small bottle philanthropist :: lover of mankind; doer of good philistine :: narrow-minded person; uncultured person philology :: study of language physiognomy :: face pinnacle :: peak pique :: irritation; resentment pittance :: a small allowance or wage plagiarism :: theft of another's ideas or writings passed off as original platitude :: trite remark; commonplace statement plethora :: excess; overabundance podiatrist :: doctor who treats ailments of the feet podium :: pedestal; raised platform poltroon :: coward polygamist :: one who has more than one spouse at a time portent :: sign; omen; forewarning posterity :: descendants; future generations postulate :: self-evident truth potentate :: monarch; sovereign potion :: dose of liquid potpourri :: heterogeneous mixture; medley poultice :: soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body preamble :: introductory statement precedent :: something preceding in time precept :: practical rule guiding conduct precursor :: forerunner predilection :: partiality; preference prelude :: introduction; forerunner premonition :: forewarning presentiment :: premonition; foreboding presumption :: arrogance; effrontery probity :: uprightness; incorruptibility proboscis :: long snout; nose proclivity :: inclination; natural tendency profusion :: lavish expenditure; overabundant condition progenitor :: ancestor progeny :: children; offspring prognosis :: forecasted course of a disease; prediction promontory :: headland propensity :: natural inclination propriety :: fitness; correct conduct prosody :: the art of versification protégé :: person under the protection and support of a patron protocol :: diplomatic etiquette provender :: dry food; fodder proviso :: stipulation provocation :: cause for anger or retaliation proximity :: nearness proxy :: authorized agent pseudonym :: pen name psyche :: soul; mind psychiatrist :: a doctor who treats mental diseases pulchritude :: beauty; comeliness purgatory :: place of spiritual expiation purport :: intention; meaning purveyor :: furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer purview :: scope pyromaniac :: person with an insane desire to set things on fire quack :: charlatan; impostor qualms :: misgivings quandary :: dilemma quay :: dock; landing place quietude :: tranquillity quintessence :: purest and highest embodiment quip :: taunt quirk :: startling twist; caprice qui vie :: wide awake; expectant ragamuffin :: person wearing tattered clothes ramification :: branching out; subdivision ramp :: slope; inclined plane rancor :: bitterness; hatred rapprochement :: reconciliation ratiocination :: reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises realm :: kingdom; sphere rebate :: discount recession :: withdrawal; retreat recipient :: receiver recluse :: hermit reconnaissance :: survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering recourse :: resorting to help when in trouble recreant :: coward; betrayer of faith recrimination :: countercharges rectitude :: uprightness redress :: remedy; compensation refection :: slight refreshment refectory :: dinning hall refraction :: bending of a ray of light refutation :: disproof of opponents' arguments regatta :: boat or yacht race regeneration :: spiritual rebirth regime :: method or system of government regimen :: prescribed diet and habits relevancy :: pertinence; reference to the case in hand reminiscence :: recollection remnant :: remainder rendezvous :: meeting place renegade :: deserter; apostate renunciation :: giving up; renouncing reparation :: amends; compensation repartee :: clever reply repercussion :: rebound; reverberation; reaction repertoire :: list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to presen replica :: copy repository :: storehouse reprieve :: temporary stay reprisal :: retaliation reprobation :: severe disapproval repugnance :: loathing requiem :: mass for the dead; dirge requisite :: necessary requirement rescission :: abrogation; annulment respite :: delay in punishment; interval of relief; rest restitution :: reparation; indemnification reticence :: reserve; uncommunicativeness; inclination to be silent retinue :: following; attendants retraction :: withdrawal retribution :: vengeance; compensation; punishment for offenses revelry :: boisterous merrymaking reverie :: daydream; musing revulsion :: sudden violent change of feeling; reaction rhetoric :: art of effective communication; insincere language rift :: opening; break rigor :: severity rime :: white frost rostrum :: platform for speech-making; pulpit rote :: repetition rotundity :: roundness; sonorousness of speech rubble :: fragments ruse :: trick; stratagem saga :: Scandinavian myth; any legend sangfroid :: coolness in a trying situation satiety :: condition of being crammed full; glutted state; repletion savant :: scholar savoir faire :: tact; poise; sophistication scavenger :: collector and disposer of refuse; animal that devours carrion schism :: division; split scintilla :: shred; least bit scion :: offspring scourge :: lash; whip; severe punishment scullion :: menial kitchen worker secession :: withdrawal seine :: net for catching fish semblance :: outward appearance; guise senility :: old age; feeblemindedness of old age sepulcher :: tomb serendipity :: gift for finding valuable things not searched for serenity :: calmness; placidity severance :: division; partition; separation shambles :: slaughterhouse; scene of carnage sheaf :: bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together sherbet :: flavored dessert ice shibboleth :: watchword; slogan shoal :: shallow place silt :: sediment deposited by running water simile :: comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as sinecure :: well-paid position with little responsibility sloth :: laziness sluggard :: lazy person sobriety :: soberness sojourn :: temporary stay solecism :: construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically soliloquy :: talking to oneself solstice :: point at which the sun is farthest from the equator somnambulist :: sleepwalker soupcon :: suggestion; hint; taste spangle :: small metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation stamina :: strength; staying power statute :: law stein :: beer mug stint :: supply; allotted amount; assigned portion of work stipend :: pay for services stoic :: person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain stratagem :: deceptive scheme stricture :: critical comments; severe and adverse criticism stupor :: state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness suavity :: urbanity; polish subaltern :: subordinate subsistence :: existence; means of support; livelihood subterfuge :: pretense; evasion subtlety :: nicety; cunning; guile; delicacy succor :: aid; assistance; relief summation :: act of finding the total; summary superfluity :: excess; overabundance surcease :: cessation surveillance :: watching; guarding sustenance :: means of support, food, nourishment synthesis :: combining parts into a whole talisman :: charm tantrum :: fit of petulance; caprice tedium :: boredom; weariness temerity :: boldness; rashness tempo :: speed of music tenet :: doctrine; dogma tenure :: holding of an office; time during which such an office is held terminus :: last stop of railroad theocracy :: government of a community by religious leaders thrall :: slave; bondage threnody :: song of lamentation; dirge throes :: violent anguish timidity :: lack of self-confidence or courage tirade :: extended scolding; denunciation tithe :: tax of one-tenth toga :: Roman outer robe tome :: large volume topography :: physical features of a region torso :: trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk tract :: pamphlet; a region of indefinite size tranquillity :: calmness; peace transgression :: violation of a law; sin transition :: going from one state of action to another travail :: painful labor travesty :: comical parody; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous treatise :: article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly tremor :: trembling; slight quiver trepidation :: fear; trembling agitation tribulation :: distress; suffering tribunal :: court of justice tribute :: tax levied by a ruler; mark of respect trident :: three-pronged spear trilogy :: group of three works troth :: pledge of good faith especially in betrothal truism :: self-evident truth trumpery :: objects that are showy, valueless, deceptive tryst :: meeting tumbrel :: a farm tipcart turbulence :: state of violent agitation turnkey :: jailer turpitude :: depravity tutelage :: guardianship; training tyro :: beginner; novice ultimatum :: last demand; warning umbrage :: resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult unanimity :: complete agreement unction :: the act of anointing with oil unguent :: ointment unison :: unity of pitch; complete accord usury :: lending money at illegal rates of interest vacillation :: fluctuation; wavering vagary :: caprice; whim vanguard :: forerunners; advance forces vantage :: position giving an advantage vellum :: parchment veneer :: thin layer; cover vent :: a small opening; outlet verbiage :: pompous array of words verdigris :: a green coating on copper which has been exposed to the weather verity :: truth; reality vertex :: summit vertigo :: dizziness vestige :: trace; remains viand :: food vicissitude :: change of fortune victuals :: food vigilance :: watchfulness viper :: poisonous snake virago :: shrew virtuoso :: highly skilled artist virus :: disease communicator visage :: face; appearance vogue :: popular fashion volition :: act of making a conscious choice votary :: follower of a cult whit :: smallest speck witticism :: witty saying; facetious remark wizardry :: sorcery; magic wont :: custom; habitual procedure wraith :: ghost; phantom of a living person zealot :: fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal zenith :: point directly overhead in the sky; summit zephyr :: gentle breeze; west wind aberration :: wandering or staying away; in optics, failure of rays to focus abnegation :: repudiation; self-sacrifice acerbity :: bitterness of speech and temper acquiescence :: submission; compliance adjunct :: something attached to but holding an inferior position admonition :: warning advent :: arrival aegis :: shield; defense aeon :: long period of time; an age affidavit :: written statement made under oath afflatus :: inspiration agenda :: items of business at a meeting agitation :: strong feeling; excitement agronomist :: scientist engaged in the management of land alliteration :: repetition of beginning sound in poetry amazon :: female warrior amortization :: act of reducing a debt through partial payments anachronism :: an error involving time in a story animus :: hostile feeling or intent aphasia :: loss of speech due to injury apiary :: a place where bees are kept apologue :: moral fable archetype :: prototype; primitive pattern archives :: public records; place where public records are kept arroyo :: gully astigmatism :: eye defect which prevents proper focus atavism :: resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents atelier :: workshop; studio aureole :: sun's corona; halo auscultation :: act of listening to the heart or lungs to discover abnormalities avatar :: incarnation avocation :: secondary or minor occupation bassoon :: reed instrument of the woodwind family benignity :: state of being kind, benign, gracious benison :: blessing bereavement :: state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved billingsgate :: vituperation; abusive language breviary :: book containing the daily prayers bugaboo :: bugbear; object of baseless terror bureaucracy :: government by bureaus buskin :: thick-soled half boot worn by actors of Greek tragedy calligraphy :: beautiful writing; excellent penmanship carafe :: glass water bottle; decanter carillon :: a set of bells capable of being played cartographer :: maker of maps or charts caryatid :: sculptured column of a female figure caste :: one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society casuistry :: subtle or sophisticated reasoning resulting in minute distinctions catalyst :: agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unchanged caucus :: private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine celerity :: speed; rapidity chiromancy :: art of telling fortunes by reading the hand; palmistry choreography :: art of dancing circumlocution :: indirect or roundabout expression codicil :: supplement to the body of a will colander :: utensil with perforated bottom used for straining compendium :: brief comprehensive summary complicity :: participation; involvement conch :: large seashell concordat :: agreement, usually between the papal authority and the secular conduit :: aqueduct; passageway for fluids conjecture :: surmise; guess cordon :: extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress cormorant :: greedy, rapacious bird correlation :: mutual relationship credo :: creed crescendo :: increase in the volume of sound in a musical passage cruet :: small glass bottle for vinegar, oil, etc. crypt :: secret recess or vault, usually used for burial cubicle :: small chamber used for sleeping cul-de-sac :: blind alley; trap culvert :: artificial channel for water curator :: superintendent; manager curmudgeon :: churlish, miserly individual cynosure :: the object of general attention debacle :: breaking up; downfall debenture :: bond issued to secure a loan decrepitude :: state of collapse caused by illness or old age demesne :: domain; land over which a person has full sovereignty denotation :: meaning; distinguishing by name denouement :: outcome; final development of the plot of a play desideratum :: that which is desired diatribe :: bitter scolding; invective dishabille :: in a state of undress duenna :: attendant of young female; chaperone durance :: restraint; imprisonment éclat :: brilliance; glory eclecticism :: selection of elements from various sets of opinions or systems effluvium :: noxious smell emendation :: correction of errors; improvement emollient :: soothing or softening remedy encomium :: praise; eulogy entomology :: study of insects erudition :: high degree of knowledge and learning ethnology :: study of man etymology :: study of derivation, structure and development of words excision :: act of cutting away exegesis :: explanation, especially of Biblical passages expletive :: interjection; profane oath fanfare :: call by bugles or trumpets floe :: mass of floating ice fracas :: brawl; melee frond :: fern leaf; palm or banana leaf fulcrum :: support on which a lever rests galaxy :: the Milky Way; any collection of brilliant personalities gamibit :: opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed gargoyle :: waterspout carved in grotesque figures on building gasconade :: bluster; boastfulness gastronomy :: science of preparing and serving good food genealogy :: record of descent; lineage glossary :: brief explanation of words used in the text gratuity :: tip grimace :: a facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc. hackles :: hairs on back and neck of a dog hegira :: flight, especially Mohammed's flight from Mecca the Medina hoax :: trick; practical joke hoyden :: boisterous girl hummock :: small hill husbandry :: frugality; thrift; agriculture hustings :: meetings particularly to choose candidates hyperbole :: exaggeration; overstatement imprimatur :: permission to print or publish a book incantation :: singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula incarnation :: act of assuming a human body and human nature incidence :: falling on a body; a casual occurrence inebriety :: habitual intoxication inertia :: state of being inert or indisposed to move ingenue :: an artless girl; an actress who plays such parts integument :: outer covering or skin interstices :: chinks; crevices intransigence :: state of stubborn unwillingness to compromise irony :: hidden sarcasm or satire isotope :: varying form of an element itinerary :: plan of a trip jeremiad :: lament; complaint juncture :: crisis; joining point jurisprudence :: science of law kaleidoscope :: tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors languor :: lassitude; depression larceny :: theft lechery :: gross lewdness; lustfulness lectern :: reading desk lexicographer :: compiler of a dictionary libido :: emotional urges behind human activity limbo :: region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; a prison litany :: supplicatory prayer litotes :: understatement for emphasis lubricity :: slipperiness; evasiveness malcontent :: person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs mammal :: a vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young mandate :: order; charge marsupial :: one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch mayhem :: injury to body melange :: medley; miscellany metaphor :: implied comparison miasma :: swamp gas; odor of decaying matter microcosm :: small world milieu :: environment; means of expression millennium :: thousand-year period; period of happiness and prosperity minaret :: slender tower attached to a mosque minion :: a servile dependent molecule :: the smallest part of a homogeneous substance momentum :: quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus moor :: marshy wasteland moratorium :: legal delay of payment mugwump :: defector from a party murrain :: plague; cattle disease nirvana :: the ideal state in Buddhist teachings nuance :: shade of difference in meaning or color objurgation :: severe rebuke; scolding oblation :: the Eucharist; pious donation obsidian :: black volcanic rock obstetrician :: physician specializing in delivery of babies Occident :: the West odium :: repugnance; dislike offal :: waste; garbage offertory :: collection of money at religious ceremony onus :: burden; responsibility opportunist :: individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage opprobrium :: infamy; vilification opus :: work orientation :: act of finding oneself in society orison :: prayer ornithology :: study of birds orthography :: correct spelling pachyderm :: thick-skinned animal paddock :: saddling enclosure at race track; lot for exercising horses palimpsest :: parchment used for second time after original writing has been erased palliation :: act of making less severe or violent panoply :: full set of armor paramour :: illicit lover paranoiac :: mentally unsound person suffering from delusions parapet :: low wall at edge of roof or balcony parity :: equality; close resemblance parturition :: delivery; childbirth pastiche :: imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing patina :: green crust on old bronze works; tone slowly taken by varnished painti patois :: local or provincial dialect peculation :: embezzlement; theft pedant :: scholar who overemphasizes book learning or technicalities pediment :: triangular part above columns in Greek buildings peregrination :: journey perigee :: point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth peristyle :: series of columns surrounding a building or yard peroration :: conclusion of an oration perquisite :: any gain above stipulated salary perspicuity :: clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity phobia :: morbid fear plebiscite :: expression of the will of a people by direct election polemic :: controversy; argument in support of point of view polity :: form of government of nation or state porphyry :: igneous rock containing feldspar or quartz crystals preciosity :: overrefinement in art or speech preponderance :: superiority of power, quantity, etc. prerogative :: privilege; unquestionable right prestige :: impression produced by achievements or reputation primogeniture :: seniority by birth projectile :: missile proletarian :: member of the working class propellants :: substances which propel of drive forward propinquity :: nearness; kinship proscenium :: part of stage in front of curtain prototype :: original work used as a model by others provenance :: origin or source of something psychosis :: mental disorder pterodactyl :: extinct flying reptile pundit :: learned Hindu; any learned man; authority on a subject quadruped :: four-footed animal quagmire :: bog; marsh quarantine :: isolation of person or ship to prevent spread of infection quorum :: number of members necessary to conduct a meeting rampart :: defensive mound of earth rationalization :: bringing into conformity with reason recidivism :: habitual return to crime recrudescence :: reopening of a wound or sore recusant :: person who refuses to comply rendition :: translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc. reprobate :: person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency residue :: remainder; balance rood :: crucifix rotunda :: circular building or hall covered with a dome salver :: tray sarcophagus :: stone coffin, often highly decorated satellite :: small body revolving around a larger one satire :: use of ridicule, irony, or sarcasm to expose folly, vice, etc. satrap :: petty ruler working for a superior despot satyr :: half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysos sciolism :: quackery; superficial information screed :: long, tiresome harangue senescence :: state of growing old seraph :: high-ranking, six-winged angel similitude :: similitude; using comparisons such as similes, etc. sirocco :: warm, sultry wind blown Africa to southern Europe skeptic :: doubter slander :: defamation; utterance o false and malicious statements slattern :: untidy or slovenly person sleight :: dexterity sluice :: artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water smattering :: slight knowledge sobriquet :: nickname solace :: comfort in trouble sophist :: teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning sophistication :: artificiality; unnaturalness; act of employing sophistry in reasoning soporific :: sleep producer spate :: sudden flood spatula :: broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing spectrum :: colored band produced when beam of light passes through a prism spoliation :: pillaging; depredation spoonerism :: accidental transposition of sounds in successive words spume :: froth; foam stalemate :: deadlock stigma :: token of disgrace; brand stratum :: layer of earth's surface; layer of society subsidy :: direct financial aid by government, etc. supernumerary :: person or thing in excess of what is necessary; extra suture :: stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision syllogism :: logical formula utilizing a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion symmetry :: arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity talon :: claw of bird tarantula :: venomous spider tarn :: small mountain lake tatterdemalion :: ragged fellow tautology :: unnecessary repetition; pleonasm teleology :: doctrine of final causes tenacity :: firmness; persistency; adhesiveness tergiversation :: evasion; fickleness termagant :: shrew; scolding, brawling woman terminology :: terms used in a science or art terrapin :: American marsh tortoise testator :: maker of a will thaumaturgist :: miracle worker; magician theosophy :: wisdom in divine things thyme :: aromatic plant used for seasoning timbre :: quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument tocsin :: alarm bell tonsure :: shaving of the head, especially by person entering religious orders tortilla :: flat cake made of cornmeal, etc. touchstone :: stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion trajectory :: path taken by a projectile treacle :: syrup obtained in refining sugar trencherman :: good eater triolet :: eight-line stanza troglodyte :: cave dweller trope :: figure of speech tundra :: rolling, treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America tureen :: deep table dish for holding soup ukase :: official decree, usually Russian usufruct :: right of enjoying things belonging to another usurpation :: act of seizing power and rank of another utopia :: imaginary land with perfect social and political system valance :: short drapery hanging above window frame valetudinarian :: invalid vampire :: ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living vassal :: in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord vendetta :: feud; private warfare vivisection :: act of dissecting living animals warranty :: guarantee; assurance by seller wastrel :: profligate welkin :: sky whorl :: ring of leaves around stem; ring yeoman :: man owning small estate; middle-class farmer yokel :: country bumpkin abase :: lower: humiliate abash :: embarrass abdicate :: renounce: give up abhor :: detest abjure :: renounce upon oath abominate :: loathe: hate abrade :: wear away by friction: erode abrogate :: abolish abscond :: depart secretly and hide absolve :: pardon an offense accelerate :: move faster accost :: approach and speak first to a person accoutre :: equip accrue :: come about by addition acknowledge :: recognize: admit actuate :: motivate adapt :: alter: modify adduce :: present as evidence adhere :: stick fast to admonish :: warn: reprove adulterate :: make impure by mixing with baser substances advocate :: urge: plead for aggrandize :: increase or intensify agitate :: stir up: disturb alienate :: make hostile: separate allay :: calm: pacify allege :: state without proof alleviate :: relieve allocate :: assign allude :: refer indirectly amalgamate :: combine; unite in one body amass :: collect amble :: move at an easy pace ameliorate :: improve amplify :: enlarge amputate :: cut off part of body; prune annihilate :: destroy annul :: make void appease :: pacify; soothe append :: attach appraise :: estimate value of apprehend :: arrest a criminal; dread; perceive apprise :: inform arraign :: charge in court; indict ascertain :: find out for certain ascribe :: refer; attribute; assign assail :: assault assay :: analyze; evaluate asseverate :: make a positive statement or solemn declaration assuage :: ease; lessen pain attenuate :: make thin; weaken attest :: testify; bear witness augment :: increase authenticate :: prove genuine aver :: state confidently avouch :: affirm; proclaim avow :: declare openly babble :: chatter idly badger :: pester; annoy baffle :: frustrate; perplex balk :: foil bate :: let down; restrain batten :: grow fat; thrive upon others bedizen :: dress with vulgar finery bedraggle :: wet thoroughly beguile :: delude; cheat; amuse behoove :: suited to; incumbent upon belabor :: beat soundly; assail verbally beleaguer :: besiege berate :: scold strongly besmirch :: soil; defile bestow :: confer betroth :: become engaged to marry blazon :: decorate with an heraldic coat of arms bode :: foreshadow; portend bolster :: support; prop up broach :: open up bungle :: spoil by clumsy behavior burgeon :: grow forth; send out buds burlesque :: give an imitation that ridicules burnish :: make shiny by rubbing; polish cajole :: coax; wheedle calumniate :: slander canvass :: determine votes, etc. caparison :: put showy ornamentation on a horse capitulate :: surrender castigate :: punish cauterize :: burn with hot iron or caustic cavil :: make frivolous objections cede :: transfer; yield title to censure :: blame; criticize chafe :: warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing champ :: chew noisily chastise :: punish chide :: scold circumscribe :: limit; confine circumvent :: outwit; baffle cite :: quote; commend clamber :: climb by crawling cleave :: split asunder coalesce :: combine; fuse coerce :: force; repress cogitate :: think over cohere :: stick together collaborate :: work together collate :: examine in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order commandeer :: to draft for military purpose; to take for public use commiserate :: feel or express pity or sympathy for comport :: bear one's self; behave compute :: reckon; calculate concatenate :: link as in a chain conciliate :: pacify; win over concoct :: prepare by combining; make up in concert condescend :: bestow courtesies with a superior air condole :: express sympathetic sorrow condone :: overlook; forgive confiscate :: seize; commandeer congeal :: freeze; coagulate consecrate :: dedicate; sanctify consort :: associate with construe :: explain; interpret contaminate :: pollute contemn :: regard with contempt; disregard contravene :: contradict; infringe on controvert :: oppose with arguments; contradict convene :: assemble convoke :: call together corroborate :: confirm countermand :: cancel; revoke cower :: shrink quivering, as from fear cull :: pick out; reject curry :: dress; treat leather; seek favor curtail :: shorten; reduce dally :: triffle with; procrastinate daunt :: intimidate dawdle :: loiter; waste time debase :: reduce to lower state debauch :: corrupt; make intemperate debilitate :: weaken; enfeeble decant :: pour off gently decry :: disparage defalcate :: misuse money held in trust defile :: pollute; profane deflect :: turn aside deign :: condescend delete :: erase; strike out delude :: deceive demean :: degrade; humiliate demur :: delay; object depict :: portray depilate :: remove hair deplete :: reduce; exhaust deploy :: bring (forces, arguments, etc.) into effective action deprecate :: disapprove regretfully depreciate :: lessen in value deride :: scoff at descant :: discuss fully descry :: catch sight of desecrate :: profane; violate the sanctity of desiccate :: dry up despise :: scorn despoil :: plunder deviate :: turn away from devolve :: deputize; pass to others dilate :: expand disclaim :: disown; renounce claim to discomfit :: put to rout; defeat; disconcert disconcert :: confuse; upset; embarrass disdain :: treat with scorn or contempt disgruntle :: make discontented dismember :: cut into small parts disparage :: belittle disport :: amuse dissemble :: disguise; pretend disseminate :: scatter like seeds dissimulate :: pretend; conceal by feigning dissipate :: squander dissuade :: advise against distend :: expand; swell out diverge :: vary; go in different directions from the same point divest :: strip; deprive divulge :: reveal doff :: take off edify :: instruct; correct morally educe :: draw forth; elicit efface :: rub out effervesce :: bubble over; show excitement elicit :: draw out by discussion elucidate :: explain; enlighten emanate :: issue forth emancipate :: set free embellish :: adorn emblazon :: deck in brilliant colors embroil :: throw into confusion; involve in strife; entangle emend :: correct; correct by a critic emulate :: rival; imitate encompass :: surround encumber :: burden endue :: provide with some quality; endow energize :: invigorate; make forceful and active enervate :: weaken engender :: cause; produce engross :: occupy fully enhance :: advance; improve enrapture :: please intensely ensconce :: settle comfortably enthrall :: capture; enslave environ :: enclose; surround equivocate :: lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth erode :: eat away eschew :: avoid evince :: show clearly evoke :: call forth exasperate :: vex exculpate :: clear from blame exhort :: urge exhume :: dig out of the ground; remove from a grave exonerate :: acquit; exculpate expatiate :: talk at length expiate :: make amends for a sin expunge :: cancel; remove expurgate :: clean; remove offensive parts of a book extenuate :: weaken mitigate extirpate :: root up extol :: praise; glorify extort :: wring from; get money by threats, etc. extricate :: free; disentangle extrude :: force or push out exude :: discharge; give forth fabricate :: build; lie facilitate :: make less difficult feign :: pretend ferret :: drive or hunt out of hiding fester :: generate pus fete :: honor at a festival fetter :: shackle filch :: steal flagellate :: flog; whip flail :: thresh grain by hand; strike or slap flaunt :: display ostentatiously flay :: strip off skin; plunder fleck :: spot flout :: reject; mock fluster :: confuse foist :: insert improperly; palm off foment :: stir up; instigate foster :: rear; encourage fritter :: waste fructify :: bear fruit frustrate :: thwart; defeat fulminate :: thunder; explode gainsay :: deny galvanize :: stimulate by shock; stir up gambol :: skip; leap playfully gape :: open widely garner :: gather; store up garnish :: decorate gibber :: speak foolishly gibe :: mock glaze :: cover with a thin and shiny surface glean :: gather leavings gloat :: express evil satisfaction; view malevolently glut :: overstock; fill to excess goad :: urge on gorge :: stuff oneself gouge :: tear out harrow :: break up ground after plowing; torture harry :: raid hibernate :: sleep throughout the winter imbibe :: drink in imbue :: saturate; fill immolate :: offer as a sacrifice impair :: worsen; diminish in value impale :: pierce impeach :: charge with crime in office; indict importune :: beg earnestly imprecate :: curse; pray that evil will befall improvise :: compose on the spur of the moment impugn :: doubt; challenge; gainsay incapacitate :: disable incarcerate :: imprison incite :: arouse to action incriminate :: accuse incubate :: hatch; scheme inculcate :: teach indemnify :: make secure against loss; compensate for loss indenture :: bind as servant or apprentice to master indict :: charge indite :: write; compose infringe :: violate; encroach ingratiate :: become popular with inhibit :: prohibit; restrain insinuate :: hint; imply instigate :: urge; start; provoke integrate :: make whole; combine; make into one unit inter :: bury intimate :: hint intrude :: trespass; enter as an uninvited person inundate :: overflow; flood inveigle :: lead astray; wheedle iterate :: utter a second time; repeat jettison :: throw overboard lacerate :: mangle; tear lampoon :: ridicule languish :: lose animation; lose strength lave :: wash limn :: portray; describe vividly liquidate :: settle accounts; clear up loathe :: detest lope :: gallop slowly macerate :: waste away maim :: mutilate; injure malign :: speak evil of; defame manipulate :: operate with the hands masticate :: chew meander :: to wind or turn in its course mediate :: settle a dispute through the services of an outsider memorialize :: commemorate mete :: measure; distribute militate :: work against mitigate :: appease mollify :: soothe molt :: shed or cast off hair or feathers mortify :: humiliate; punish the flesh muddle :: confuse; mix up mulct :: defraud a person of something muse :: ponder mutilate :: maim nauseate :: cause to become sick; fill with disgust nettle :: annoy; vex nurture :: bring up; feed; educate obfuscate :: confuse; muddle objurgate :: scold; rebuke severely obliterate :: destroy completely obtrude :: push into prominence obviate :: make unnecessary; get rid of ogle :: glance coquettishly at; make eyes at oscillate :: vibrate pendulumlike; waver ossify :: change or harden into bone ostracize :: exclude from public favor; ban palliate :: ease pain; make less guilty of offensive palpitate :: throb; flutter pander :: cater to the low desires of others paraphrase :: restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author parry :: ward off a blow peculate :: steal; embezzle permeate :: pass through; spread perpetrate :: commit an offense perturb :: disturb greatly petrify :: turn to stone philander :: make love lightly; flirt pillage :: plunder pillory :: punish by placing in a wooden frame and subjecting to ridicule pinion :: restrain placate :: pacify; conciliate pommel :: beat portend :: foretell; presage prate :: speak foolishly; boast idly prattle :: babble precipitate :: throw headlong; hasten preclude :: make impossible; eliminate preponderate :: be superior in power; outweigh presage :: foretell prevaricate :: lie procrastinate :: postpone; delay profane :: violate; desecrate prognosticate :: predict promulgate :: make known by official proclamation or publication propagate :: multiply; spread propitiate :: appease propound :: put forth for analysis prorogue :: dismiss parliament; end officially proscribe :: ostracize; banish; outlaw prostrate :: stretch out full on ground protract :: prolong protrude :: stick out pulsate :: throb purge :: clean by removing impurities; to clear of charges purloin :: steal quaff :: drink with relish quail :: cower; lose heart quell :: put down; quiet quibble :: equivocate; play on words rant :: rave; speak bombastically rationalize :: reason; justify an improper act ravage :: plunder; despoil raze :: destroy completely recant :: repudiate; withdraw previous statement recapitulate :: summarize reciprocate :: repay in kind reconcile :: make friendly after quarrel; correct inconsistencies rectify :: correct recuperate :: recover reek :: emit odor regale :: entertain rehabilitate :: restore to proper condition reimburse :: repay reiterate :: repeat rejuvenate :: make young again relegate :: banish; consign to inferior position relinquish :: abandon relish :: savor; enjoy remonstrate :: protest rend :: split; tear apart render :: deliver; provide; represent renounce :: abandon; discontinue; disown; repudiate renovate :: restore to good condition; renew replenish :: fill up again reprimand :: reprove severely repudiate :: disown; disavow requite :: repay; revenge rescind :: cancel resuscitate :: revive retaliate :: repay in kind usually for bad treatment retrieve :: recover; find and bring in reverberate :: echo; resound revile :: slander; vilify ruminate :: chew the cud; ponder rummage :: ransack; thoroughly search rusticate :: banish to the country; dwell in the country salvage :: rescue from loss sate :: satisfy to the full; cloy satiate :: surfeit; satisfy fully saturate :: soak saunter :: stroll slowly savor :: have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality scintillate :: sparkle; flash scuttle :: sink seethe :: be disturbed; boil sequester :: retire from public life; segregate; seclude shackle :: chain; fetter sheathe :: place into a case shimmer :: glimmer intermittently simulate :: feign skimp :: provide scantily; live very economically skulk :: move furtively and secretly slake :: quench; sate slough :: cast off spawn :: lay eggs squander :: waste stanch :: check flow of blood stigmatize :: brand; mark as wicked stymie :: present an obstacle; stump subjugate :: conquer; bring under control sublimate :: refine; purify substantiate :: verify; support suffuse :: spread over sully :: tarnish; soil sunder :: separate; part supersede :: cause to be set aside; replace supplicate :: petition humbly; pray to grant a favor surfeit :: cloy; overfeed surmise :: guess swathe :: wrap around; bandage swelter :: be oppressed by heat tantalize :: tease; torture with disappointment temporize :: avoid committing oneself; gain time tether :: tie with a rope throttle :: strangle thwart :: baffle; frustrate tipple :: drink alcoholic beverages frequently toady :: flatter for favors traduce :: expose to slander transcend :: exceed; surpass transcribe :: copy transmute :: change; convert to something different transpire :: exhale; become known; happen traverse :: go through or across trek :: travel; migrate undulate :: move with a wavelike motion unearth :: dig up upbraid :: scold; reproach validate :: confirm; ratify veer :: change in direction vegetate :: live in a monotonous way venerate :: revere vent :: express; utter vie :: contend; compete vilify :: slander vindicate :: clear of charges vitiate :: spoil the effect of; make inoperative vouchsafe :: grant condescendingly; guarantee waive :: give up temporarily; yield wane :: grow gradually smaller wheedle :: cajole; coax; deceive by flattery whet :: sharpen; stimulate wreak :: inflict wrest :: pull away; take by violence abut :: border upon; adjoin accede :: agree acclimate :: adjust to climate adjure :: request solemnly advert :: refer to anneal :: reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling annotate :: comment; make explanatory notes arrogate :: claim without reasonable grounds assimilate :: absorb; cause to become homogeneous belittle :: disparage; depreciate blanch :: bleach; whiten bowdlerize :: expurgate compromise :: adjust; endanger the interests or reputation of coruscate :: glitter; scintillate cozen :: cheat; hoodwink; swindle decimate :: kill, usually one out of ten denigrate :: blacken disabuse :: correct a false impression; undeceive enjoin :: command; order; forbid ensue :: follow eviscerate :: disembowel; remove entrails exacerbate :: worsen; embitter excoriate :: flay; abrade execrate :: curse; express abhorrence for exorcise :: drive out evil spirits flinch :: hesitate; shrink genuflect :: bend the knee as in worship germinate :: cause to sprout; sprout gerrymander :: change voting district lines in order to favor a political party gestate :: evolve, as in prenatal growth grovel :: crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate hew :: cut to pieces with ax or sword hoodwink :: deceive; delude hypothecate :: mortgage; pledge as security imbrue :: drench, stain, especially with blood immure :: imprison; shut up in confinement implement :: supply what is needed; furnish with tools imply :: suggest a meaning not expressed; signify impute :: attribute; ascribe incarnadine :: stain crimson or blood-color infer :: deduce; conclude interdict :: prohibit; forbid invalidate :: weaken; destroy inveigh :: denounce; utter censure or invective manumit :: emancipate; free from bondage maunder :: talk incoherently; utter drivel mesmerize :: hypnotize nonplus :: bring to a halt by confusion preempt :: appropriate beforehand probe :: explore with tools proselytize :: convert to a religion or belief ramify :: divide into branches or subdivisions refurbish :: renovate; make bright by polishing reprove :: censure; rebuke scarify :: make slight incisions in; scratch slither :: slip or slide stultify :: cause to appear foolish or inconsistent superimpose :: place over something else suppurate :: create pus titillate :: tickle truckle :: curry favor; act in an obsequious way truncate :: cut the top off welter :: wallow