amphitheater (BRITISH = amphitheatre) = oval-shaped theater
anathema = curse, ban
annul = cancel, nullify
anodyne = pain soothing
anoint = consecrate, to apply oil, especially as a sacred rite
anonymity = state of being anonymous, having no name
antediluvian = ancient, obsolete, pre historic
antithesis = direct opposite
apathetic = unconcerned, indifferent
aphasia = inability to speak or use words
aphorism = maxim, old saying
aplomb = poise, confidence
apocryphal = a doubtful authenticity, not genuine, fictional
apostate = one who abandons one's faith
apotheosis = Deification, glorification
approbation = praise, official approval
archaic = Antiquated, from an earlier time
archipelago = group of islands
ardor (BRITISH = ardour) = great emotion or passion
arraign = indict, to call to court to answer a charge
arrogate = seize without right, to demand or claim arrogantly
ascendancy = powerful state
ascribe = to attribute
ashen = resembling ashes, or deathly pale
asinine = stupid
askance = to view with suspicion, scornfully
askew = crooked, tilted
aspersion = slander, false rumor, damaging report
assail = attack
assent = to express agreement
assiduous = hard-working, diligent, persistent
assuage = lessen (pain), to make less severe, ease
astringent = causing contraction, severe, harsh
asunder = apart, into different parts
atone = make amends for a wrong
august = noble, dignified, awe-inspiring, venerable
avow = declare
awry = crooked, askew, amiss
axiom = self-evident truth, premise, postulate
bacchanal = orgy, drunkenly festive
baleful = hostile, malignant, harmful with evil intentions
balk = hesitate, refuse, shirk, prevent
banal = trite, overly common
bane = poison, nuisance, something causing ruin
bastion = fort, fortification, stronghold
beguile = deceive, seduce, mislead
behemoth = monster, huge creature
beleaguer = besiege, to harass, plague
berate = to scold harshly
bestial = beast-like, brutal
bestow = to give as a gift, grant
bevy = group
bicker = quarrel, to have a petty argument
bilious = ill-tempered
bilk = swindle, cheat, defraud
blandish = to coax with flattering, grovel
blight = decay, afflict, destroy
blithe = Joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought
bombast = pompous speech
bourgeois = middle class
broach = bring up a topic of conversation
brusque = curt, rough and abrupt in manner
bulwark = fortification
burgeon = sprout or flourish
burly = husky, brawny
cabal = plot, a secret group seeking to overturn something
cadaver = corpse, dead body
cajole = encourage, coax, flatter
calumny = Slander, false and malicious accusation
canard = hoax, a lie
candor (BRITISH = candour) = frankness, honesty of expression
canvass = survey, examine thoroughly
capricious = fickle, impulsive, whimsical, without much thought
careen = swerve, to lean on one side
castigate = criticize, punish, chastise
cataclysm = catastrophe, disaster
cathartic = purgative, purifying, cleansing
catholic = universal, worldly
caucus = a small group within an organization or a meeting of such a group
cavil = quibble, raise trivial objections
cede = transfer ownership, to surrender possession of something
censorious = condemning speech, severely critical
chagrin = shame, embarrassment, humiliation
chalice = goblet, cup
chary = cautious, watchful, extremely shy
cherubic = sweet, innocent
chicanery = trickery, fraud, deception
chide = scold, express disapproval
chimerical = imaginary, impossible
choleric = easily angered, short-tempered
circumlocution = roundabout expression
circumspect = cautious, wary
circumvent = evade, avoid, to go around
citadel = fortress or stronghold
clamor (BRITISH = clamour) = noisy outcry
cleave = to split or separate, to stick, adhere
clemency = forgiveness, merciful leniency
cloister = refuge, to confine, seclude
coalesce = combine, to grow together
coddle = to pamper, baby, treat indulgently
cogent = well-put, convincing, logically forceful
cognate = from the same source, related
cognomen = family name, any name, nickname
colloquy = conference
collusion = conspiracy, collaboration, complicity
commodious = spacious
complicity = guilt by association, knowing partnership in wrong doing
compunction = remorse, regret
concur = To agree
conflagration = large fire, big, destructive fire
confluence = flowing together, meeting of two streams, meeting place
confound = bewilder, to baffle, perplex
congeal = solidify, as a liquid freezing, to become thick or solid
conjecture = hypothesis, speculation, prediction
conjure = summon, to evoke a spirit, cast a spell
consanguinity = related by blood, kinship
consecrate = make holy, dedicate to a goal, to declare sacred
construe = interpret or to explain
continence = self-control, self-restraint
contrite = apologetic, deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
contusion = A bruise
conundrum = enigma, puzzle or problem with no solution, riddle
convivial = sociable, festive, fond of eating, drinking, and people
convoke = convene, summon, to call together
coquette = woman who flirts
corroborate = to confirm, verify
coterie = small group, group of people with a common interest or purpose
countenance = facial expression, to favor, support
cower = showing fear, to cringe in fear
crass = crude, unrefined
craven = cowardly
credence = Belief, acceptance of something as true or real
creed = Belief or principle
cringe = cower, to shrink in fear
culpable = blameworthy, guilty, responsible for wrong
cupidity = greed
curmudgeon = boor, cranky person
dally = procrastinate, to act playfully or waste time
debase = to degrade, or lower in quality or stature
debauch = to corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty
debutante = a girl debuting into society
decadence = deterioration, decay (e.g. moral or cultural)
decapitate = kill by beheading
deciduous = shedding leaves, short-lived, temporary
decorous = seemly, proper, tasteful, socially correct
decry = castigate, to belittle, openly condemn
deference = courteously yielding to another, respect, honor
defile = pollute, to make unclean or dishonor
deft = skillful, dexterous
defunct = extinct, no longer existing, dead
deleterious = harmful, destructive, detrimental
deluge = a flood, to submerge, overwhelm
demagogue = An unprincipled politician, leader
demean = to degrade, humiliate, humble
demur = take exception, to express doubts or objections
denigrate = defame, to slur or blacken someone's reputation
depravity = immorality, sinfulness
deprecate = belittle, disparage
deride = To ridicule, to mock, make fun of
desecrate = profane, to abuse something sacred
desiccate = dehydrate, to dry completely
despondent = depressed, feeling discouraged and dejected
desultory = without direction in life, at random, rambling, unmethodical
diatribe = long denunciation, bitter verbal attack
dichotomy = a division into two parts
didactic = instructional
dilettante = amateur, dabbler
disabuse = correct, to free from a misconception
disburse = pay out
disconsolate = inconsolable, unable to be consoled, extremely sad
discrete = separate, distinct
discursive = rambling, wandering from topic to topic
disdain = to regard with scorn and contempt
disingenuous = deceptive, sly and crafty
disjointed = disconnected, incoherent, being separated
disparage = belittle, speak disrespectfully about
disparate = various, dissimilar, different in kind
disparity = difference, contrast, dissimilarity
dispirit = discourage, to dishearten, make dejected
dissipate = scatter
distend = swell, inflate, bloat
distraught = distressed, very worried
docile = domesticated, trained, tame
dotage = senility, mental decline
dour = sullen and gloomy, stern and severe
droll = amusing in a wry
dulcet = melodious, pleasant sounding
duplicity = deceit, treachery, dishonesty, double -dealing
duress = coercion, imprisonment
ebb = recede, to fade away
ebullient = exuberant, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
eclectic = joyful
edify = instruct morally and spiritually
efface = To obliterate
effrontery = insolence
effulgent = brilliant
elicit = provoke
elucidate = make clear, clarify
emaciated = underfed, gaunt
embroil = involve, cause to fall into disorder
emend = correct
encomium = warm praise
encumber = burden, to hinder, restrict motion
endemic = Peculiar to some specified country or people
enervate = weaken, sap strength from
engender = generate, to produce
enigmatic = puzzling, inexplicable
enjoin = urge, order, command
ennui = boredom, lack of interest and energy
enthrall (BRITISH = enthral) = mesmerize, to captivate, enchant
entreat = plead, beg
epicure = gourmet, person with refined taste in food and wine
epigram = saying, short, witty saying or poem
epithet = name, appellation, phrase
equine = pertaining to horses
erode = wear away, to diminish
errant = wandering, mistaken
eschew = avoid, to abstain from
espouse = to support or advocate
estranged = alienated, separated
euthanasia = mercy-killing
evanescent = fleeting, very brief, short-lived
evince = attest, demonstrate, to show clearly
exacerbate = worsen
exasperate = irritate, vex
execrable = very bad, abominable, utterly detestable
exemplary = outstanding, serving as an example
exhort = strongly urge
exhume = uncover, to remove from a grave
exonerate = free from blame
exorcise = to expel evil spirits
expedient = advantageous, convenient, efficient
expiate = atone, make amends for
expunge = erase, eliminate completely
extenuate = To diminish the gravity or importance of
extol = praise highly
extraneous = not essential, unnecessary
extricate = Disentangle, free
exuberant = joyous, happy
exude = emit, ooze
exult = rejoice
facetious = joking, sarcastic, witty
facile = very easy
fallow = unproductive, unplowed
fastidious = meticulous, careful with details
fathom = understand, to measure the depth of
fatuous = inane, stupid
fealty = Loyalty
fecund = fertile, fruitful, productive
feign = pretend, give a false impression
fetid = foul-smelling, putrid, stinking
fickle = always changing one's mind
fidelity = Loyalty
filch = steal something of little value
filial = of a son or daughter
fitful = irregular
flagrant = outrageous, shameless
fledgling = just beginning, struggling
flippant = Having a light, pert, trifling disposition
florid = ruddy, with too much decoration
flout = to show disregard for the law or rules
foible = weakness, minor fault
foist = palm off a fake
foment = instigate
fortuitous = happening by luck, fortunate
foster = encourage
fracas = noisy fight
fraught = filled
frenetic = harried, neurotic
frond = bending tree
fulminate = denounce, menace
fulsome = excessive, insincere
furtive = stealthy
gainsay = to deny
gargantuan = large
garner = gather
garrulous = talkative, loquacious, wordy
gauche = awkward, crude
genre = kind, category
gibe = heckle
glib = insincere manner
glower = stare angrily
goad = encourage
gossamer = thin and flimsy
gouge = overcharge, scoop out
grimace = expression of disgust
grovel = crawl, obey
guile = deceit, trickery
hackneyed = trite
hapless = unlucky
harangue = a pompous speech
harbinger = forerunner
haughty = arrogant
hedonism = the pursuit of pleasure in life
heinous = shocking, wicked
hermetic = airtight, sealed
hew = to cut with an ax
hiatus = interruption
hone = sharpen
illimitable = limitless
imbue = infuse, dye, wet
immure = build a wall around
impair = injure
impassive = calm, without feeling
impeccable = faultless
impecunious = indigent, having no money
imperious = domineering
impertinent = insolent, rude
imperturbable = calm
impervious = Impenetrable
impetuous = quick to act without thinking
implausible = unlikely, inconceivable
impolitic = unwise
importune = urgent request
impregnable = totally safe from attack
impugn = criticize
inadvertent = unintentional
inane = vacuous, stupid
incandescent = brilliant
incarcerate = to put in a jail
incendiary = burning easily, flammable
inchoate = just begun
incipient = beginning to exist
incisive = keen, penetrating
incognito = disguised
incommunicado = unable to communicate with others
incontrovertible = Indisputable
inculcate = instill, indoctrinate, to teach
incumbent = obligatory, required
incursion = raid
indict = charge with a crime
indigenous = Native
indigent = very poor
indolent = lazy
indomitable = invincible, fearless
indubitable = unquestionable
inexorable = relentless, inflexible
infallible = incapable of making a mistake
infernal = hellish
infirmity = ailment, disease
ingrate = ungrateful person
ingratiate = pleasing, flattering, endearing
inimical = adverse, hostile, unfriendly
innocuous = Harmless
innuendo = indirect and subtle criticism
inscrutable = cannot be fully understood
insinuate = to suggest, imply, say indirectly
insipid = flat, dull, lacking flavor
insolent = insulting
insular = narrow-minded, isolated
insuperable = insurmountable
insurgent = rebellious
insurrection = uprising, rebellion
inter = bury
interdict = prohibit
interloper = intruder, meddler in others' affairs
interminable = unending
internecine = mutually destructive
intransigent = uncompromising
intrepid = fearless
inundate = flood
invective = verbal insult
inveigh = to rail against, protest strongly
inveterate = habitual, chronic, long-standing
invidious = incurring ill-will
irascible = irritable
itinerant = Wandering, unsettled
jaded = spent, bored with one's situation
juggernaut = unstoppable force
kismet = fate
knell = sound of a funeral bell
lachrymose = tearful
lampoon = satirize, to attack with satire
larceny = theft of property
largess = generous donation
legerdemain = trickery
levity = Frivolity, humor
libertine = one without moral restraint
licentious = lewd, immoral
limpid = transparent, clearly understood
lissome (BRITISH = lissom) = agile, supple
lithe = moving and bending with ease
loathe = abhor, hate
loquacious = Talkative
lugubrious = sad, sorrowful
lurid = glowing, shocking
macabre = gruesome
machination = plot or scheme
maelstrom = whirlpool, agitated state of mind
malapropism = comical misuse of a word
malcontent = one who is forever dissatisfied
malediction = curse
malefactor = evildoer, culprit
malodorous = fetid, foul-smelling
manifold = multiple, diverse
martial = warlike, pertaining to the military
martinet = strict disciplinarian
masochist = one who enjoys pain
maudlin = weepy, sentimental
maverick = a person who resists adherence to a group
mawkish = sickeningly sentimental
meander = to wander aimlessly without direction
mendicant = beggar
mercurial = changeable, volatile, quick
mettle = courage, capacity for bravery
minatory = threatening
mirth = jollity, laughter
miscreant = one who behaves criminally
missive = letter or note
modicum = a small amount
mollify = to calm or make less severe
moot = disputable, previously decided
mordant = biting, sarcastic
mores = moral standards, customs
moribund = near death
mote = speck, small particle
motley = diverse, many colored
multifarious = diverse, many-sided
munificent = generous
myriad = innumerable
nascent = incipient, coming into existence
natal = related to birth
necromancy = sorcery, black magic
Nemesis = implacable foe, often victorious opponent
neologism = new word or expression
neophyte = beginner
nether = located under or below
nettle = irritate
niggardly = stingy
noisome = harmful, stinking
nonentity = person of no significance
obdurate = unyielding
obeisance = homage, deference
obfuscate = bewilder, muddle, to confuse
oblique = indirect
obliterate = destroy
obloquy = slander, abusive language
obsequious = fawning, servile, overly submissive
obsequy = funeral ceremony
obstinate = stubborn
obstreperous = noisy, unruly, troublesome
obtuse = stupid, dull
occlude = block, to shut
odious = despicable, hateful
onerous = burdensome
opprobrious = abusive, disgraceful
ordain = appoint
ossify = harden
ostensible = apparent, seeming
ostentatious = pretentious, showy
overweening = arrogant, forward
pacifist = one who opposes all violence
paean = a song of praise
palaver = babble, nonsense
pall = to become dull or weary
palliate = to make less serious, ease
pallid = pale, sallow, lacking color or liveliness
palpable = touchable, obvious, real
paltry = scarce, pitifully small or worthless
panache = flamboyance, flair
pandemic = spread over a whole area or country
panegyric = praise
panoply = full suit of armor
paragon = model of excellence or perfection
pariah = outcast
parley = conference, discussion
parry = avert, ward off, reflect
partisan = supporter
pathos = emotion, feeling of sadness
patrician = aristocrat
patrimony = inheritance or heritage derived from one's father
peccadillo = a minor fault
pedagogue = dull, formal teacher
pedant = a person who is too interested in formal rules and small unimportant details
pejorative = insulting, having bad connotations
pellucid = transparent, easily understood
penance = voluntary suffering to repent for a wrong
penchant = inclination
penitent = repentant
pensive = sad
perdition = damnation, complete ruin
peremptory = dictatorial
perennial = enduring, lasting
perfidious = treacherous ( of a person )
perfunctory = careless, done in a routine way
peripatetic = moving from place to place
pernicious = destructive
pert = flippant, bold
pertinacious = persevering
pertinent = Relevant, applicable
philistine = barbarian, narrow-minded person
phlegmatic = sluggish, someone who is calm
pillory = punish by ridicule
pique = sting, arouse interest
pithy = concise, to the point
pittance = alms, trifle
placid = Serene, calm
platitude = trite remark, stale
plebeian = common, vulgar
plethora = overabundance
poignant = pungent, sharp, emotionally moving
polemic = a controversy
portend = omen
portly = large, dignified
potentate = sovereign, king
prattle = chatter, foolish talk
precept = principle, law
precipice = cliff, edge
precipitous = steep
precocious = advanced
precursor = forerunner
predilection = inclination, preference
premeditate = plan in advance
preponderance = predominance
preposterous = ridiculous, illogical
presage = omen, indicate in advance
privation = lack of usual necessities or comforts
probity = integrity, complete honesty
proclivity = inclination, tendency
prodigal = wasteful
prodigious = marvelous, enormous
profligate = licentious, prodigal, corrupt
progenitor = ancestor
progeny = children
prognosis = forecast
prognosticate = foretell
prolix = long-winded, wordy
promontory = headland, cape
promulgate = publish, disseminate
propensity = inclination
propinquity = nearness, kinship
propitiate = satisfy, to win over
propitious = auspicious, favorable
prosaic = uninspired, flat, dull
proscribe = prohibit, to condemn
proselytize (BRITISH = proselytise) = recruit, convert
protean = changing readily
protract = To prolong, extend
provident = having foresight, thrifty
prude = puritan
prudent = cautious, careful
prurient = exhibiting lewd desires
puerile = Childish
pugnacious = combative, quarrelsome
pulchritude = beauty
punctilious = careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
pungent = sharp smell or taste
purport = claim to be
pusillanimous = cowardly
quaff = to drink heartily
quagmire = difficult situation
quandary = dilemma, difficulty
quell = suppress, allay
querulous = complaining
quibble = to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
quiescent = still, motionless, at rest
Quixotic = impractical, romantic
raconteur = story teller
rampant = unbridled, raging
rancor (BRITISH = rancour) = resentment, dislike
rant = rage, scold
rapacious = grasping, avaricious, greedy
rapprochement = reconciliation
raze = destroy
recalcitrant = resisting authority or control
recant = retract a statement
recidivism = habitual criminal activity
recondite = known to only a few
recreant = coward, betrayer of faith
refractory = obstinate
regal = royal
relegate = assign to an inferior position
renege = break a promise
replete = complete
reprehensible = blameworthy, unacceptable
reproach = blame
reprobate = morally unprincipled person
reprove = to criticize or correct
repudiate = to reject as having no authority
requiem = rest, a mass for the dead
requite = to return in kind
rescind = revoke, cancel
respite = interval or relief
resplendent = shining, splendid
restitution = act of compensating for loss or damage
restive = nervous, uneasy
retort = quick replay
retrench = reorganize, to regroup
retrieve = reclaim
retrograde = regress
revelry = merrymaking
revere = honor
revile = to criticize with harsh language
revulsion = aversion
ribald = coarse, vulgar
rife = widespread, abundant
risque = off-color, racy
rostrum = stage for public speaking
ruminate = reflect upon
rustic = rural
sacrosanct = sacred
sagacious = wise
sallow = sickly yellow in color
sanguine = cheerful
sapient = wise, shrewd
sardonic = scornful
saunter = walk in a leisurely manner
savant = scholar
schism = a division or separation
scintilla = very small amount
scintillate = sparkle
scoff = ridicule
scurrilous = abusive, insulting
secular = worldly, nonreligious
sedition = treason, resistance to authority
sententious = concise, trying to appear wise
sequester = to remove or set apart
seraphic = angelic, pure
serendipity = making fortunate discoveries
servile = slavish, obedient
simian = monkey like
simper = smile foolishly, smirk
sinecure = well paid position with little responsibility
skulk = sneak about
slake = to calm down or moderate
sloth = laziness
slovenly = sloppy
sobriety = composed
sobriquet = nickname
sodden = soaked
sojourn = trip, visit
solace = consolation
solecism = ungrammatical construction
solicitous = considerate, concerned
soliloquy = A monologue
solstice = furthest point
somber (BRITISH = sombre) = Gloomy
somnambulist = sleepwalker
somnolent = Sleepy
soporific = sleep inducing
sordid = foul, ignoble, dirty and unpleasant
spawn = produce
specious = false but plausible
sporadic = occurring irregularly
sportive = playful
spurn = reject
squalid = filthy
staid = demure, sedate, boring
steadfast = loyal, immovable
stentorian = extremely loud
stigma = mark of disgrace
stilted = formal, stiff, unnatural
stoic = indifferent to pain or ple asure
stolid = impassive
stratagem = trick
stricture = negative criticism
stultify = inhibit, enfeeble
stymie = hinder, thwart
suave = smooth
sublimate = to repress impulses
sublime = lofty, excellent
subterfuge = cunning, ruse
succulent = juicy, delicious
sully = stain
supercilious = arrogant
supplant = replace
surly = rude, crass
surmise = to guess
surmount = overcome
surreptitious = secretive
sustenance = supplying the necessities of life
swarthy = dark (as in complexion)
Sybarite = pleasure-seeker, lover of luxury
sycophant = flatterer, flunky
taciturn = who does not talk much
talon = claw of an animal
tantamount = equivalent
tawdry = gaudy, cheap
temerity = boldness