Word List

Aberrant

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Meaning:Departing from an accepted standard or normal course.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈber-ənt/

Synonym:Abnormal

Antonym:Normal

Sample:The laboratory results showed aberrant behavior in the cells after the treatment.

Abeyance

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Meaning:A state of temporary disuse or suspension.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈbā-əns/

Synonym:Dormancy

Antonym:Continuation

Sample:The construction project was held in abeyance until the funding was secured.

Abstemious

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Meaning:Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.

Pronunciation:/əb-ˈstē-mē-əs/

Synonym:Temperate

Antonym:Gluttonous

Sample:The monk lived an abstemious life, consuming only what was necessary for survival.

Aesthetic

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Meaning:Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.

Pronunciation:/es-ˈthe-tik/

Synonym:Artistic

Antonym:Unattractive

Sample:The new building was designed with a modern aesthetic that complemented the city skyline.

Alacrity

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Meaning:Brisk and cheerful readiness.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈla-krə-tē/

Synonym:Eagerness

Antonym:Reluctance

Sample:She accepted the job offer with alacrity, excited to start her new career.

Alleviate

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Meaning:To make suffering or a problem less severe.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈlē-vē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Relieve

Antonym:Aggravate

Sample:The doctor prescribed medicine to alleviate the patient's chronic back pain.

Amalgamate

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Meaning:To combine or unite to form one organization or structure.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈmal-ɡə-ˌmāt/

Synonym:Merge

Antonym:Separate

Sample:The two small tech firms decided to amalgamate to better compete with larger corporations.

Ambiguous

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Meaning:Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.

Pronunciation:/am-ˈbi-ɡyə-wəs/

Synonym:Equivocal

Antonym:Clear

Sample:The ending of the movie was intentionally ambiguous, leaving the audience to decide the hero's fate.

Ambivalence

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Meaning:The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

Pronunciation:/am-ˈbi-və-ləns/

Synonym:Uncertainty

Antonym:Certainty

Sample:She felt a sense of ambivalence about moving to a new city for work.

Ameliorate

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Meaning:To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt/

Synonym:Improve

Antonym:Worsen

Sample:The new laws were intended to ameliorate the living conditions in the inner city.

Anachronism

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Meaning:A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈna-krə-ˌni-zəm/

Synonym:Misplacement

Antonym:Synchronism

Sample:Seeing a typewriter in a modern high-tech office felt like a total anachronism.

Analogous

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Meaning:Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way which makes clearer the nature of the things compared.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈna-lə-ɡəs/

Synonym:Comparable

Antonym:Dissimilar

Sample:The wings of a bird are analogous to the fins of a fish in terms of their function for movement.

Anarchy

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Meaning:A state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority.

Pronunciation:/ˈa-nər-kē/

Synonym:Chaos

Antonym:Order

Sample:After the revolution, the country fell into a state of anarchy for several months.

Anomalous

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Meaning:Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈnä-mə-ləs/

Synonym:Atypical

Antonym:Standard

Sample:The scientist noted an anomalous result in the experiment that required further investigation.

Antipathy

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Meaning:A deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion.

Pronunciation:/an-ˈti-pə-thē/

Synonym:Hostility

Antonym:Affinity

Sample:There has always been a strong antipathy between the two rival sports teams.

Apathy

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Meaning:Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Pronunciation:/ˈa-pə-thē/

Synonym:Indifference

Antonym:Enthusiasm

Sample:Voter apathy is a major concern for politicians during local elections.

Apprise

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Meaning:To inform or tell someone.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈprīz/

Synonym:Notify

Antonym:Conceal

Sample:Please apprise me of any changes to the schedule as soon as possible.

Approbation

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Meaning:Approval or praise.

Pronunciation:/ˌa-prə-ˈbā-shən/

Synonym:Commendation

Antonym:Criticism

Sample:The opera singer's performance was met with high levels of public approbation.

Appropriate

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Meaning:Suitable or proper in the circumstances; also, to take something for one's own use without permission.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈprō-prē-ət/

Synonym:Fitting

Antonym:Inappropriate

Sample:It is important to wear appropriate attire when attending a formal wedding.

Arcane

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Meaning:Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Pronunciation:/är-ˈkān/

Synonym:Esoteric

Antonym:Commonplace

Sample:The professor spent years studying arcane rituals of ancient civilizations.

Arduous

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Meaning:Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

Pronunciation:/ˈär-jə-wəs/

Synonym:Laborious

Antonym:Effortless

Sample:The hikers began the arduous climb up the steep mountain trail.

Artless

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Meaning:Without guile or deception; natural and simple.

Pronunciation:/ˈärt-ləs/

Synonym:Ingenuous

Antonym:Disingenuous

Sample:Her artless charm made everyone in the room feel immediately comfortable.

Ascetic

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Meaning:Characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈse-tik/

Synonym:Austere

Antonym:Sybaritic

Sample:He adopted an ascetic lifestyle, giving away all his worldly possessions.

Aspersion

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Meaning:An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈspər-zhən/

Synonym:Slander

Antonym:Adulation

Sample:The politician cast aspersions on his opponent's character during the debate.

Assiduous

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Meaning:Showing great care and perseverance.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈsi-jə-wəs/

Synonym:Diligent

Antonym:Lazy

Sample:Through assiduous research, the student was able to uncover new facts about the historical event.

Attenuate

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Meaning:To reduce the force, effect, or value of.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈten-yə-ˌwāt/

Synonym:Weaken

Antonym:Strengthen

Sample:Earplugs can help attenuate the loud noise of the construction site.

Audacious

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Meaning:Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

Pronunciation:/ȯ-ˈdā-shəs/

Synonym:Daring

Antonym:Timid

Sample:The explorer made an audacious plan to cross the desert alone.

Austere

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Meaning:Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries.

Pronunciation:/ȯ-ˈstir/

Synonym:Stark

Antonym:Ornate

Sample:The monk's room was austere, containing only a bed and a small wooden desk.

Aver

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Meaning:To state or assert to be the case.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈvər/

Synonym:Affirm

Antonym:Deny

Sample:The witness was willing to aver that she saw the defendant at the scene.

Banal

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Meaning:So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.

Pronunciation:/bə-ˈnäl/

Synonym:Trite

Antonym:Original

Sample:The movie's plot was banal and followed every predictable cliché.

Belie

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Meaning:To fail to give a true notion or impression of something; to disguise or contradict.

Pronunciation:/bi-ˈlī/

Synonym:Contradict

Antonym:Reveal

Sample:His calm expression belied the intense nervousness he felt inside.

Beneficent

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Meaning:Generous or doing good.

Pronunciation:/bə-ˈne-fə-sənt/

Synonym:Charitable

Antonym:Malevolent

Sample:The wealthy businessman was known for his beneficent donations to local schools.

Bombastic

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Meaning:High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated.

Pronunciation:/bäm-ˈbas-tik/

Synonym:Pompous

Antonym:Understated

Sample:The politician's bombastic speech failed to address the actual concerns of the citizens.

Boorish

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Meaning:Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.

Pronunciation:/ˈbu̇r-ish/

Synonym:Uncouth

Antonym:Refined

Sample:His boorish behavior at the dinner party embarrassed his hosts.

Burgeon

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Meaning:To begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish.

Pronunciation:/ˈbər-jən/

Synonym:Thrive

Antonym:Wither

Sample:The small town began to burgeon after the new factory opened.

Burnish

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Meaning:To polish something, especially metal, by rubbing.

Pronunciation:/ˈbər-nish/

Synonym:Shine

Antonym:Dull

Sample:He used a soft cloth to burnish the silver candlesticks until they gleamed.

Buttress

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Meaning:A source of defense or support; to provide support for.

Pronunciation:/ˈbə-trəs/

Synonym:Reinforce

Antonym:Undermine

Sample:The lawyer used physical evidence to buttress her client's alibi.

Cacophonous

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Meaning:Involving or producing a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Pronunciation:/ka-ˈkä-fə-nəs/

Synonym:Raucus

Antonym:Harmonious

Sample:The cacophonous noise of the city traffic made it hard to sleep.

Cant

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Meaning:Hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature.

Pronunciation:/ˈkant/

Synonym:Insincerity

Antonym:Sincerity

Sample:The public grew tired of the political cant that never resulted in real action.

Capricious

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Meaning:Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

Pronunciation:/kə-ˈpri-shəs/

Synonym:Fickle

Antonym:Consistent

Sample:The weather in the mountains is capricious, changing from sun to snow in minutes.

Castigation

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Meaning:Severe criticism or punishment.

Pronunciation:/ˌkas-tə-ˈɡā-shən/

Synonym:Reprimand

Antonym:Praise

Sample:The director's castigation of the actors led to a very tense atmosphere on set.

Catalyst

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Meaning:A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.

Pronunciation:/ˈka-tə-list/

Synonym:Stimulus

Antonym:Inhibitor

Sample:The new law acted as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Causality

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Meaning:The relationship between cause and effect.

Pronunciation:/kȯ-ˈza-lə-tē/

Synonym:Etiology

Antonym:Randomness

Sample:Scientists are trying to establish the causality between the chemical leak and the local illness.

Chicanery

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Meaning:The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.

Pronunciation:/shi-ˈkā-nə-rē/

Synonym:Deception

Antonym:Honesty

Sample:The lawyer was accused of using chicanery to win the high-profile case.

Coagulate

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Meaning:To change from a fluid to a thickened or solid state.

Pronunciation:/kō-ˈa-ɡyə-ˌlāt/

Synonym:Clot

Antonym:Liquefy

Sample:Blood begins to coagulate to form a scab when you get a cut.

Commensurate

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Meaning:Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.

Pronunciation:/kə-ˈmen(t)-shə-rət/

Synonym:Proportionate

Antonym:Disproportionate

Sample:The salary will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and skills.

Compendium

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Meaning:A collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject.

Pronunciation:/kəm-ˈpen-dē-əm/

Synonym:Anthology

Antonym:Expansion

Sample:The book is a compendium of all the known species of birds in the region.

Complaisant

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Meaning:Willing to please others; obliging.

Pronunciation:/kəm-ˈplā-sənt/

Synonym:Amiable

Antonym:Obstinate

Sample:She was too complaisant, often agreeing to things she didn't actually want to do.

Conciliatory

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Meaning:Intended or likely to placate or pacify.

Pronunciation:/kən-ˈsi-lē-ə-ˌtȯr-ē/

Synonym:Appeasing

Antonym:Antagonistic

Sample:The manager took a conciliatory tone to resolve the dispute between the employees.

Concomitant

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Meaning:Something that naturally accompanies or follows something else.

Pronunciation:/kən-ˈkɑː-mə-tənt/

Synonym:Accompanying

Antonym:Separate

Sample:Stress is often a concomitant effect of working long hours without rest.

Confound

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Meaning:To confuse or bewilder someone; to mix up.

Pronunciation:/kən-ˈfaʊnd/

Synonym:Perplex

Antonym:Clarify

Sample:The complex instructions seemed to confound the new employees.

Contentious

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Meaning:Causing or likely to cause argument or disagreement.

Pronunciation:/kən-ˈten(t)-shəs/

Synonym:Disputed

Antonym:Agreeable

Sample:The policy change became a contentious issue among the board members.

Conundrum

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Meaning:A confusing and difficult problem or question.

Pronunciation:/kə-ˈnən-drəm/

Synonym:Puzzle

Antonym:Solution

Sample:Finding a balance between work and family life can be a real conundrum.

Conventional

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Meaning:Based on or following traditional rules or methods.

Pronunciation:/kən-ˈven(t)-shə-nəl/

Synonym:Traditional

Antonym:Unconventional

Sample:She chose a conventional approach to solving the problem.

Convoluted

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Meaning:Extremely complex and difficult to follow.

Pronunciation:/ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd/

Synonym:Intricate

Antonym:Simple

Sample:The instructions for the board game were so convoluted that we gave up playing.

Cosmology

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Meaning:The science of the origin and development of the universe.

Pronunciation:/käz-ˈmä-lə-jē/

Synonym:Astronomy

Antonym:N/A

Sample:Modern cosmology uses advanced telescopes to study the Big Bang theory.

Craven

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Meaning:Contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.

Pronunciation:/ˈkrā-vən/

Synonym:Timorous

Antonym:Brave

Sample:The soldier was dismissed for his craven behavior during the battle.

Credence

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Meaning:Belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Pronunciation:/ˈkrē-dəns/

Synonym:Acceptance

Antonym:Denial

Sample:The new evidence gave credence to the theory that the painting was a forgery.

Decorum

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Meaning:Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈkȯr-əm/

Synonym:Etiquette

Antonym:Impropriety

Sample:The judge insisted on strict decorum in the courtroom at all times.

Deference

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Meaning:Humble submission and respect.

Pronunciation:/ˈde-fə-rəns/

Synonym:Respect

Antonym:Disrespect

Sample:He bowed his head in deference to the elderly queen.

Delineate

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Meaning:To describe or portray something precisely.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈli-nē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Outline

Antonym:Confuse

Sample:The contract clearly delineates the responsibilities of each partner.

Demotic

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Meaning:Denoting or relating to the kind of language used by ordinary people; popular or colloquial.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈmä-tik/

Synonym:Vernacular

Antonym:Formal

Sample:The politician used demotic language to connect with the working-class voters.

Demur

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Meaning:To raise doubts or objections or show reluctance.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈmər/

Synonym:Object

Antonym:Accept

Sample:Most of the committee agreed, but one member chose to demur.

Denigrate

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Meaning:To criticize unfairly; disparage.

Pronunciation:/ˈde-ni-ˌɡrāt/

Synonym:Belittle

Antonym:Extol

Sample:It is unprofessional to denigrate your colleagues behind their backs.

Denouement

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Meaning:The final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

Pronunciation:/ˌdā-nü-ˈmäⁿ/

Synonym:Resolution

Antonym:Beginning

Sample:The film's denouement was unexpected and left the audience in shock.

Derivative

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Meaning:Imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈri-və-tiv/

Synonym:Unoriginal

Antonym:Original

Sample:Critics panned the new song as a derivative work that sounded exactly like a 90s pop hit.

Desiccate

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Meaning:To remove the moisture from something; to dry out.

Pronunciation:/ˈde-si-ˌkāt/

Synonym:Dehydrate

Antonym:Hydrate

Sample:The intense heat of the desert will quickly desiccate any exposed vegetation.

Desultory

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Meaning:Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.

Pronunciation:/ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē/

Synonym:Aimless

Antonym:Systematic

Sample:He made a desultory attempt to clean the house, but soon gave up to watch TV.

Diatribe

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Meaning:A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.

Pronunciation:/ˈdī-ə-ˌtrīb/

Synonym:Tirade

Antonym:Eulogy

Sample:The journalist launched into a diatribe against the government's new tax policy.

Dichotomy

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Meaning:A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

Pronunciation:/dī-ˈkä-tə-mē/

Synonym:Split

Antonym:Unity

Sample:There is a clear dichotomy between the director's public image and his private behavior.

Diffidence

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Meaning:Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.

Pronunciation:/ˈdi-fə-dəns/

Synonym:Timidity

Antonym:Confidence

Sample:Despite his talent, his diffidence prevented him from performing in front of large crowds.

Diffuse

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Meaning:Spread out over a large area; not concentrated.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈfyüs/

Synonym:Scattered

Antonym:Concentrated

Sample:The light from the lamp was diffuse, casting soft shadows across the room.

Disabuse

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Meaning:To persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken.

Pronunciation:/ˌdis-ə-ˈbyüz/

Synonym:Enlighten

Antonym:Deceive

Sample:I had to disabuse him of the notion that the project would be easy to complete.

Discordant

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Meaning:Disagreeing or incongruous; harsh and jarring because of a lack of harmony.

Pronunciation:/dis-ˈkȯr-dənt/

Synonym:Clashing

Antonym:Harmonious

Sample:The discordant notes of the out-of-tune piano were painful to hear.

Discrepancy

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Meaning:A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

Pronunciation:/dis-ˈkre-pən-sē/

Synonym:Inconsistency

Antonym:Consistency

Sample:The accountant found a major discrepancy between the bank statement and the company's records.

Discrete

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Meaning:Individually separate and distinct.

Pronunciation:/dis-ˈkrēt/

Synonym:Detached

Antonym:Connected

Sample:The process can be broken down into several discrete steps.

Disingenuous

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Meaning:Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

Pronunciation:/ˌdis-in-ˈjen-yə-wəs/

Synonym:Deceitful

Antonym:Sincere

Sample:It was disingenuous of him to claim he didn't know about the meeting when he was the one who scheduled it.

Disinterested

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Meaning:Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; unbiased.

Pronunciation:/dis-ˈin-trə-stəd/

Synonym:Impartial

Antonym:Biased

Sample:A judge must remain a disinterested party to ensure a fair trial.

Dismiss

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Meaning:To treat as unworthy of serious consideration.

Pronunciation:/dis-ˈmis/

Synonym:Disregard

Antonym:Consider

Sample:The boss was quick to dismiss her ideas without even listening to them.

Disparage

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Meaning:To regard or represent as being of little worth.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈspa-rij/

Synonym:Belittle

Antonym:Praise

Sample:You shouldn't disparage his efforts just because he didn't win the competition.

Disparate

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Meaning:Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

Pronunciation:/ˈdi-spə-rət/

Synonym:Diverse

Antonym:Similar

Sample:The team was made up of individuals from disparate backgrounds and cultures.

Dissemble

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Meaning:To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈsem-bəl/

Synonym:Feign

Antonym:Manifest

Sample:She tried to dissemble her disappointment with a forced smile.

Disseminate

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Meaning:To spread or disperse something widely.

Pronunciation:/di-ˈse-mə-ˌnāt/

Synonym:Circulate

Antonym:Collect

Sample:The internet allows us to disseminate information to millions of people instantly.

Dissolution

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Meaning:The closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body.

Pronunciation:/ˌdi-sə-ˈlü-shən/

Synonym:Termination

Antonym:Establishment

Sample:The dissolution of the company left many employees looking for new jobs.

Dissonance

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Meaning:A lack of harmony or agreement.

Pronunciation:/ˈdi-sə-nəns/

Synonym:Conflict

Antonym:Harmony

Sample:There was a noticeable dissonance between his words and his actions.

Doctrinaire

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Meaning:Seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations.

Pronunciation:/ˌdäk-trə-ˈner/

Synonym:Dogmatic

Antonym:Pragmatic

Sample:His doctrinaire approach to management made it difficult for the team to adapt to changes.

Dogmatic

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Meaning:Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

Pronunciation:/dȯɡ-ˈma-tik/

Synonym:Opinionated

Antonym:Open-minded

Sample:She is so dogmatic about her beliefs that she refuses to listen to any opposing views.

Ebullient

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Meaning:Cheerful and full of energy.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈbu̇l-yənt/

Synonym:Exuberant

Antonym:Depressed

Sample:The ebullient crowd cheered loudly as the team won the championship.

Eclectic

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Meaning:Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈklek-tik/

Synonym:Diverse

Antonym:Narrow

Sample:His music playlist is eclectic, featuring jazz, rock, and classical pieces.

Effete

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Meaning:Overly refined, weak, or no longer capable of effective action.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈfēt/

Synonym:Decadent

Antonym:Vigorous

Sample:Critics described the empire as effete and unable to defend itself.

Efficacy

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Meaning:The ability to produce a desired or intended result.

Pronunciation:/ˈe-fə-kə-sē/

Synonym:Effectiveness

Antonym:Ineffectiveness

Sample:The study proved the efficacy of the new treatment.

Effrontery

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Meaning:Shameless boldness or impudence.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈfrən-t(ə-)rē/

Synonym:Audacity

Antonym:Modesty

Sample:She had the effrontery to interrupt the meeting without apology.

Elegy

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Meaning:A poem or song written in honor of someone who has died.

Pronunciation:/ˈe-lə-jē/

Synonym:Lament

Antonym:Celebration

Sample:The poet wrote a heartfelt elegy for his late friend.

Elicit

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Meaning:To draw out or bring forth a response or reaction.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈli-sət/

Synonym:Evoke

Antonym:Suppress

Sample:The teacher asked questions to elicit thoughtful responses from the students.

Embellish

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Meaning:To make something more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈbe-lish/

Synonym:Decorate

Antonym:Simplify

Sample:He decided to embellish the story with a few extra details to make it more exciting.

Empirical

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Meaning:Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpir-i-kəl/

Synonym:Observed

Antonym:Theoretical

Sample:The scientist provided empirical evidence to support her hypothesis.

Emulate

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Meaning:To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.

Pronunciation:/ˈem-yə-ˌlāt/

Synonym:Imitate

Antonym:Neglect

Sample:Many young athletes try to emulate their favorite professional players.

Endemic

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Meaning:Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Pronunciation:/en-ˈde-mik/

Synonym:Native

Antonym:Foreign

Sample:Malaria is endemic in some tropical regions of the world.

Enervate

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Meaning:To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken.

Pronunciation:/ˈe-nər-ˌvāt/

Synonym:Exhaust

Antonym:Energize

Sample:The intense heat of the sun began to enervate the marathon runners.

Ephemeral

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Meaning:Lasting for a very short time.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈfe-mə-rəl/

Synonym:Fleeting

Antonym:Permanent

Sample:The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, lasting only a few minutes.

Equanimity

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Meaning:Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

Pronunciation:/ˌe-kwə-ˈni-mə-tē/

Synonym:Composure

Antonym:Agitation

Sample:She handled the crisis with remarkable equanimity, never losing her cool.

Equivocate

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Meaning:To use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈkwi-və-ˌkāt/

Synonym:Prevaricate

Antonym:Be direct

Sample:The politician began to equivocate when asked about the missing funds.

Erudite

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Meaning:Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

Pronunciation:/ˈer-yə-ˌdīt/

Synonym:Scholarly

Antonym:Ignorant

Sample:The erudite professor could speak fluently on a wide range of historical topics.

Esoteric

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Meaning:Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

Pronunciation:/ˌe-sə-ˈter-ik/

Synonym:Obscure

Antonym:Common

Sample:The book was filled with esoteric references that only a few experts would understand.

Euphemism

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Meaning:A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.

Pronunciation:/ˈyü-fə-ˌmi-zəm/

Synonym:Polite term

Antonym:Dysphemism

Sample:"Passed away" is a common euphemism for "died."

Exacerbate

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Meaning:To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

Pronunciation:/ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt/

Synonym:Aggravate

Antonym:Alleviate

Sample:Scratching an insect bite will only exacerbate the itching.

Exacting

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Meaning:Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources.

Pronunciation:/ig-ˈzak-tiŋ/

Synonym:Demanding

Antonym:Easy

Sample:The coach was exacting, requiring perfect form from every athlete.

Exculpate

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Meaning:To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing.

Pronunciation:/ˈek-skəl-ˌpāt/

Synonym:Absolve

Antonym:Convict

Sample:The DNA evidence served to exculpate the man who had been wrongly accused.

Execrable

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Meaning:Extremely bad or unpleasant.

Pronunciation:/ˈek-si-krə-bəl/

Synonym:Abominable

Antonym:Excellent

Sample:The food at the restaurant was execrable, and we couldn't even finish our meal.

Exigency

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Meaning:An urgent need or demand.

Pronunciation:/ˈek-sə-jən-sē/

Synonym:Urgency

Antonym:Comfort

Sample:The exigency of the situation required immediate action from the emergency services.

Existential

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Meaning:Relating to existence, especially human existence.

Pronunciation:/ˌeɡ-zi-ˈsten-shəl/

Synonym:Ontological

Antonym:N/A

Sample:The philosopher's book explores the existential questions of life and death.

Extant

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Meaning:Still in existence; surviving.

Pronunciation:/ˈek-stənt/

Synonym:Surviving

Antonym:Extinct

Sample:There are only a few extant copies of the original manuscript.

Extraneous

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Meaning:Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.

Pronunciation:/ek-ˈstrā-nē-əs/

Synonym:Irrelevant

Antonym:Essential

Sample:Please remove any extraneous information from the report to keep it concise.

Extrapolation

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Meaning:The action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue.

Pronunciation:/ik-ˌstra-pə-ˈlā-shən/

Synonym:Projection

Antonym:Fact

Sample:Based on an extrapolation of current sales, the company expects to double its profit next year.

Facetious

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Meaning:Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.

Pronunciation:/fə-ˈsē-shəs/

Synonym:Flippant

Antonym:Serious

Sample:Stop being facetious and take this matter seriously.

Fallacious

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Meaning:Based on a mistaken belief.

Pronunciation:/fə-ˈlā-shəs/

Synonym:Erroneous

Antonym:Correct

Sample:The argument was based on fallacious reasoning and was easily debunked.

Fatuous

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Meaning:Silly and pointless.

Pronunciation:/ˈfa-chə-wəs/

Synonym:Inane

Antonym:Sensible

Sample:He made a fatuous comment that showed he hadn't been listening to the discussion.

Felicitous

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Meaning:Well chosen or suited to the circumstances; pleasing and fortunate.

Pronunciation:/fi-ˈli-sə-təs/

Synonym:Apt

Antonym:Inappropriate

Sample:The speaker's felicitous choice of words made the complex topic easy to understand.

Fledgling

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Meaning:A person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped.

Pronunciation:/ˈflej-liŋ/

Synonym:Novice

Antonym:Veteran

Sample:The fledgling company is still trying to find its place in the market.

Foment

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Meaning:To instigate or stir up an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action.

Pronunciation:/fō-ˈment/

Synonym:Incite

Antonym:Quell

Sample:The rebels tried to foment a revolution against the ruling government.

Forestall

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Meaning:To prevent or obstruct an anticipated event or action by taking advance action.

Pronunciation:/fȯr-ˈstȯl/

Synonym:Preempt

Antonym:Facilitate

Sample:The company took measures to forestall a hostile takeover.

Fractious

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Meaning:Irritable and quarrelsome; difficult to control.

Pronunciation:/ˈfrak-shəs/

Synonym:Grumpy

Antonym:Affable

Sample:The fractious child refused to go to bed and kept crying.

Frugality

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Meaning:The quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness.

Pronunciation:/frü-ˈɡa-lə-tē/

Synonym:Thrift

Antonym:Extravagance

Sample:Her frugality allowed her to save enough money to buy a house in just five years.

Fulminate

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Meaning:To express vehement protest.

Pronunciation:/ˈfu̇l-mə-ˌnāt/

Synonym:Rail

Antonym:Commend

Sample:The editorial began to fulminate against the new environmental regulations.

Gainsay

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Meaning:To deny or contradict a fact or statement.

Pronunciation:/ˌɡān-ˈsā/

Synonym:Dispute

Antonym:Confirm

Sample:No one could gainsay the fact that she was the best candidate for the job.

Garrulous

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Meaning:Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

Pronunciation:/ˈɡer-ə-ləs/

Synonym:Loquacious

Antonym:Taciturn

Sample:The garrulous neighbor kept me talking for an hour about her garden.

Grandiloquent

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Meaning:Pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress.

Pronunciation:/ɡran-ˈdi-lə-kwənt/

Synonym:Magniloquent

Antonym:Simple

Sample:The grandiloquent prose of the novel made it difficult to get through.

Gregarious

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Meaning:Fond of company; sociable.

Pronunciation:/ɡri-ˈɡer-ē-əs/

Synonym:Outgoing

Antonym:Reclusive

Sample:She is a gregarious person who loves attending parties and meeting new people.

Guileless

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Meaning:Devoid of guile; innocent and without deception.

Pronunciation:/ˈɡīl-ləs/

Synonym:Ingenuous

Antonym:Deceitful

Sample:His guileless nature made him easy to trust, but also easy to take advantage of.

Gullible

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Meaning:Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

Pronunciation:/ˈɡə-lə-bəl/

Synonym:Naive

Antonym:Skeptical

Sample:He was so gullible that he believed the prank his friends played on him.

Harangue

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Meaning:A lengthy and aggressive speech.

Pronunciation:/hə-ˈraŋ/

Synonym:Tirade

Antonym:Panegyric

Sample:The coach gave the team a long harangue after their poor performance.

Heterodox

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Meaning:Not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs.

Pronunciation:/ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌdäks/

Synonym:Unconventional

Antonym:Orthodox

Sample:The scientist's heterodox theories were initially met with skepticism by his peers.

Histrionic

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Meaning:Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style.

Pronunciation:/ˌhis-trē-ˈä-nik/

Synonym:Melodramatic

Antonym:Understated

Sample:Her histrionic reaction to the small spider was quite unnecessary.

Homily

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Meaning:A religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.

Pronunciation:/ˈhä-mə-lē/

Synonym:Sermon

Antonym:N/A

Sample:The priest delivered a moving homily about the importance of forgiveness.

Homogeneous

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Meaning:Of the same kind; alike.

Pronunciation:/ˌhō-mə-ˈjē-nē-əs/

Synonym:Uniform

Antonym:Heterogeneous

Sample:The neighborhood was very homogeneous, with all the houses looking exactly the same.

Hyperbole

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Meaning:Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Pronunciation:/hī-ˈpər-bə-lē/

Synonym:Exaggeration

Antonym:Understatement

Sample:"I've told you a million times" is a common example of hyperbole.

Iconoclastic

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Meaning:Characterized by attack on cherished beliefs or institutions.

Pronunciation:/ī-ˌkä-nə-ˈkla-stik/

Synonym:Irreverent

Antonym:Traditional

Sample:The artist's iconoclastic style challenged the traditional views of the art world.

Ideological

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Meaning:Based on or relating to a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning economic or political theory and policy.

Pronunciation:/ˌī-dē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl/

Synonym:Dogmatic

Antonym:Pragmatic

Sample:The two parties have deep ideological differences that make compromise difficult.

Idolatry

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Meaning:Extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.

Pronunciation:/ī-ˈdä-lə-trē/

Synonym:Adoration

Antonym:Contempt

Sample:The fans' idolatry of the pop star was evident in their constant screaming.

Igneous

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Meaning:Relating to or involving volcanic processes.

Pronunciation:/ˈiɡ-nē-əs/

Synonym:Volcanic

Antonym:N/A

Sample:Granite is a common type of igneous rock formed from cooled magma.

Immutable

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Meaning:Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈmyü-tə-bəl/

Synonym:Unchangeable

Antonym:Variable

Sample:The laws of physics are considered to be immutable.

Impassive

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Meaning:Not feeling or showing emotion.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpa-siv/

Synonym:Expressionless

Antonym:Emotional

Sample:The guard remained impassive, even as the crowd shouted insults at him.

Impermeable

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Meaning:Not allowing fluid to pass through.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl/

Synonym:Watertight

Antonym:Permeable

Sample:The raincoat is made of an impermeable material that keeps you dry.

Imperturbable

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Meaning:Unable to be upset or excited; calm.

Pronunciation:/ˌim-pər-ˈtər-bə-bəl/

Synonym:Composed

Antonym:Excitable

Sample:Despite the chaos around her, she remained imperturbable and focused on her work.

Impervious

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Meaning:Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpər-vē-əs/

Synonym:Unaffected

Antonym:Vulnerable

Sample:He seemed impervious to criticism, continuing his work without any sign of distress.

Implacable

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Meaning:Unable to be placated; relentless; unstoppable.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpla-kə-bəl/

Synonym:Unappeasable

Antonym:Placable

Sample:The two families were locked in an implacable feud that had lasted for generations.

Implicit

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Meaning:Implied though not plainly expressed.

Pronunciation:/im-ˈpli-sət/

Synonym:Inherent

Antonym:Explicit

Sample:There was an implicit agreement between them that they would help each other.

Inadvertently

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Meaning:Without intention; accidentally.

Pronunciation:/ˌin-əd-ˈvər-tənt-lē/

Synonym:Unintentionally

Antonym:Deliberately

Sample:I inadvertently deleted the important file while cleaning up my computer.

Inchoate

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Meaning:Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈkō-ət/

Synonym:Formless

Antonym:Developed

Sample:Her ideas for the novel were still inchoate and needed more thought.

Incongruity

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Meaning:The state of being out of keeping or inharmonious.

Pronunciation:/ˌin-kən-ˈɡrü-ə-tē/

Synonym:Inconsistency

Antonym:Harmony

Sample:There was a strange incongruity between his expensive suit and his worn-out shoes.

Indeterminate

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Meaning:Not exactly known, established, or defined.

Pronunciation:/ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nət/

Synonym:Vague

Antonym:Definite

Sample:The date of the event is still indeterminate, but it will likely be in the spring.

Indigence

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Meaning:A state of extreme poverty.

Pronunciation:/ˈin-di-jəns/

Synonym:Penury

Antonym:Wealth

Sample:The charity provides food and shelter to those living in indigence.

Indolent

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Meaning:Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

Pronunciation:/ˈin-də-lənt/

Synonym:Slothful

Antonym:Industrious

Sample:The indolent student spent all day playing video games instead of studying.

Ineluctable

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Meaning:Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.

Pronunciation:/ˌi-ni-ˈlək-tə-bəl/

Synonym:Inevitable

Antonym:Avoidable

Sample:Death is an ineluctable part of the human experience.

Inert

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Meaning:Lacking the ability or strength to move.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈnərt/

Synonym:Motionless

Antonym:Active

Sample:The chemical is inert and will not react with other substances.

Ingenuous

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Meaning:Innocent and unsuspecting.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈjen-yə-wəs/

Synonym:Naive

Antonym:Disingenuous

Sample:Her ingenuous nature made her believe everything she was told.

Inherent

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Meaning:Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈhir-ənt/

Synonym:Innate

Antonym:Acquired

Sample:There are inherent risks involved in any type of surgery.

Innocuous

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Meaning:Not harmful or offensive.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈnä-kyə-wəs/

Synonym:Harmless

Antonym:Harmful

Sample:The spider looked scary, but it was actually quite innocuous.

Insensible

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Meaning:Without one's mental faculties, typically a result of violence or intoxication; unconscious.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈsen-sə-bəl/

Synonym:Unconscious

Antonym:Conscious

Sample:He was knocked insensible by the blow to his head.

Insinuate

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Meaning:To suggest or hint something bad or reprehensible in an indirect and unpleasant way.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈsin-yə-ˌwāt/

Synonym:Imply

Antonym:State plainly

Sample:Are you trying to insinuate that I stole the money?

Insipid

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Meaning:Lacking flavor; lacking vigor or interest.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈsi-pəd/

Synonym:Bland

Antonym:Flavorful

Sample:The soup was insipid and needed more salt and pepper.

Insularity

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Meaning:Ignorance of or lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience.

Pronunciation:/ˌin-sə-ˈler-ə-tē/

Synonym:Narrow-mindedness

Antonym:Open-mindedness

Sample:The town's insularity made it difficult for newcomers to feel welcome.

Intractable

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Meaning:Hard to control or deal with.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl/

Synonym:Unmanageable

Antonym:Manageable

Sample:The problem proved to be intractable, despite our best efforts to solve it.

Intransigence

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Meaning:Refusal to change one's views or to agree about something.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈtran(t)-sə-jəns/

Synonym:Stubbornness

Antonym:Flexibility

Sample:The negotiations failed due to the intransigence of both parties.

Inundate

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Meaning:To overwhelm someone with things or people to be dealt with; to flood.

Pronunciation:/ˈi-nən-ˌdāt/

Synonym:Overwhelm

Antonym:Drain

Sample:The office was inundated with phone calls after the announcement.

Inured

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Meaning:Accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈnu̇rd/

Synonym:Hardened

Antonym:Sensitive

Sample:After years of living in the city, she became inured to the constant noise.

Invective

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Meaning:Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.

Pronunciation:/in-ˈvek-tiv/

Synonym:Abuse

Antonym:Praise

Sample:The politician's speech was filled with invective against his opponents.

Irascible

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Meaning:Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈra-sə-bəl/

Synonym:Irritable

Antonym:Easygoing

Sample:The irascible old man yelled at the children for playing on his lawn.

Irresolute

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Meaning:Showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain.

Pronunciation:/i-ˈre-zə-ˌlüt/

Synonym:Indecisive

Antonym:Decisive

Sample:She stood irresolute at the crossroads, not knowing which way to go.

Juxtapose

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Meaning:To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

Pronunciation:/ˌjək-stə-ˈpōz/

Synonym:Contrast

Antonym:Separate

Sample:The artist chose to juxtapose bright colors with dark shadows in her painting.

Laconic

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Meaning:Using very few words.

Pronunciation:/lə-ˈkä-nik/

Synonym:Concise

Antonym:Verbose

Sample:His laconic reply suggested that he wasn't interested in continuing the conversation.

Lassitude

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Meaning:A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

Pronunciation:/ˈla-sə-ˌtüd/

Synonym:Lethargy

Antonym:Vigor

Sample:A feeling of lassitude came over him after the long day of work.

Laud

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Meaning:To praise highly, especially in a public context.

Pronunciation:/ˈlȯd/

Synonym:Extol

Antonym:Criticize

Sample:The critics began to laud the young actor's performance in the new play.

Lethargic

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Meaning:Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.

Pronunciation:/lə-ˈthär-jik/

Synonym:Sluggish

Antonym:Energetic

Sample:I felt lethargic all day after not getting enough sleep last night.

Levity

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Meaning:Humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect.

Pronunciation:/ˈle-və-tē/

Synonym:Frivolity

Antonym:Seriousness

Sample:The teacher's joke provided a moment of levity during the stressful exam.

Limpid

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Meaning:Clear and transparent; unclouded.

Pronunciation:/ˈlim-pəd/

Synonym:Lucid

Antonym:Murky

Sample:The water in the mountain stream was limpid and cold.

Loquacious

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Meaning:Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.

Pronunciation:/lō-ˈkwā-shəs/

Synonym:Talkative

Antonym:Taciturn

Sample:The loquacious barber kept me entertained with stories while he cut my hair.

Lucid

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Meaning:Expressed clearly; easy to understand.

Pronunciation:/ˈlü-səd/

Synonym:Clear

Antonym:Confusing

Sample:The professor gave a lucid explanation of the complex scientific theory.

Magnanimity

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Meaning:The fact or condition of being magnanimous; generosity.

Pronunciation:/ˌmaɡ-nə-ˈni-mə-tē/

Synonym:Generosity

Antonym:Meanness

Sample:He showed great magnanimity by forgiving his rival after the competition.

Malinger

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Meaning:To exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work.

Pronunciation:/mə-ˈliŋ-ɡər/

Synonym:Shirk

Antonym:Work hard

Sample:He was accused of trying to malinger to avoid going on the business trip.

Malleable

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Meaning:Able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; easily influenced.

Pronunciation:/ˈma-lē-ə-bəl/

Synonym:Pliable

Antonym:Rigid

Sample:Gold is a very malleable metal that can be easily shaped into jewelry.

Maverick

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Meaning:An unorthodox or independent-minded person.

Pronunciation:/ˈma-və-rik/

Synonym:Individualist

Antonym:Conformist

Sample:The young politician was seen as a maverick who wasn't afraid to challenge his own party.

Mendacious

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Meaning:Not telling the truth; lying.

Pronunciation:/men-ˈdā-shəs/

Synonym:Dishonest

Antonym:Truthful

Sample:The witness gave a mendacious account of the events that occurred that night.

Meretricious

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Meaning:Apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity.

Pronunciation:/ˌmer-ə-ˈtri-shəs/

Synonym:Tawdry

Antonym:Genuine

Sample:The meretricious decorations in the hotel lobby looked cheap and tacky.

Metamorphosis

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Meaning:A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.

Pronunciation:/ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs/

Synonym:Transformation

Antonym:Stagnation

Sample:The caterpillar underwent a metamorphosis to become a beautiful butterfly.

Metaphysical

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Meaning:Relating to metaphysics (the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things).

Pronunciation:/ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zi-kəl/

Synonym:Abstract

Antonym:Physical

Sample:The poet's work explores metaphysical themes of time and existence.

Meticulous

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Meaning:Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Pronunciation:/mə-ˈti-kyə-ləs/

Synonym:Precise

Antonym:Careless

Sample:She is meticulous about her work, checking every detail twice before submitting it.

Misanthrope

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Meaning:A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

Pronunciation:/ˈmi-sən-ˌthrōp/

Synonym:Cynic

Antonym:Philanthropist

Sample:The old hermit was a misanthrope who lived alone in the woods for decades.

Misogynist

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Meaning:A person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women.

Pronunciation:/mə-ˈsä-jə-nist/

Synonym:Woman-hater

Antonym:Philogynist

Sample:The author was criticized for the misogynist themes in his latest novel.

Mitigate

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Meaning:To make less severe, serious, or painful.

Pronunciation:/ˈmi-tə-ˌɡāt/

Synonym:Alleviate

Antonym:Aggravate

Sample:The government took steps to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis.

Mollify

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Meaning:To appease the anger or anxiety of someone.

Pronunciation:/ˈmä-lə-ˌfī/

Synonym:Placate

Antonym:Enrage

Sample:The manager tried to mollify the angry customer with a full refund.

Morose

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Meaning:Sullen and ill-tempered.

Pronunciation:/mə-ˈrōs/

Synonym:Gloomy

Antonym:Cheerful

Sample:He became morose after losing his job and refused to talk to anyone.

Mundane

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Meaning:Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Pronunciation:/ˌmən-ˈdān/

Synonym:Ordinary

Antonym:Extraordinary

Sample:She was tired of her mundane routine and wanted to travel the world.

Neophyte

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Meaning:A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.

Pronunciation:/ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt/

Synonym:Beginner

Antonym:Expert

Sample:As a neophyte in the world of coding, she found the first few lessons quite challenging.

Obdurate

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Meaning:Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

Pronunciation:/ˈäb-də-rət/

Synonym:Stubborn

Antonym:Compliant

Sample:Despite the evidence against him, he remained obdurate in his refusal to confess.

Obsequious

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Meaning:Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.

Pronunciation:/əb-ˈsē-kwē-əs/

Synonym:Servile

Antonym:Assertive

Sample:The waiter's obsequious behavior was more annoying than helpful.

Obviate

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Meaning:To remove a need or difficulty.

Pronunciation:/ˈäb-vē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Preclude

Antonym:Require

Sample:The new software will obviate the need for manual data entry.

Occlude

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Meaning:To stop, close up, or obstruct.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈklüd/

Synonym:Block

Antonym:Open

Sample:A blood clot can occlude an artery and cause a heart attack.

Officious

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Meaning:Assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈfi-shəs/

Synonym:Meddlesome

Antonym:Unobtrusive

Sample:The officious security guard kept telling people where they could and couldn't stand.

Onerous

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Meaning:Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.

Pronunciation:/ˈä-nə-rəs/

Synonym:Burdensome

Antonym:Easy

Sample:The task of cleaning the entire house by herself was onerous.

Opprobrium

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Meaning:Harsh criticism or censure.

Pronunciation:/ə-ˈprō-brē-əm/

Synonym:Disgrace

Antonym:Praise

Sample:The politician faced public opprobrium after the scandal was revealed.

Oscillate

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Meaning:To move or swing back and forth at a regular speed.

Pronunciation:/ˈä-sə-ˌlāt/

Synonym:Sway

Antonym:Remain still

Sample:The fan began to oscillate, cooling the entire room.

Ostentatious

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Meaning:Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.

Pronunciation:/ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shəs/

Synonym:Showy

Antonym:Modest

Sample:Her ostentatious jewelry was clearly meant to show off her wealth.

Paragon

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Meaning:A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.

Pronunciation:/ˈper-ə-ˌɡän/

Synonym:Model

Antonym:Flaw

Sample:She is considered a paragon of virtue by everyone who knows her.

Partisan

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Meaning:A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.

Pronunciation:/ˈpär-tə-zən/

Synonym:Supporter

Antonym:Neutral

Sample:The newspaper was criticized for its partisan coverage of the election.

Pathological

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Meaning:Involving, caused by, or of the nature of a physical or mental disease.

Pronunciation:/ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl/

Synonym:Diseased

Antonym:Healthy

Sample:He is a pathological liar who can't help but make up stories.

Paucity

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Meaning:The presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity.

Pronunciation:/ˈpȯ-sə-tē/

Synonym:Scarcity

Antonym:Abundance

Sample:There is a paucity of information about the ancient civilization.

Pedantic

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Meaning:Excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.

Pronunciation:/pi-ˈdan-tik/

Synonym:Precise

Antonym:Informal

Sample:His pedantic corrections of my grammar were quite annoying.

Pellucid

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Meaning:Translucently clear.

Pronunciation:/pə-ˈlü-səd/

Synonym:Transparent

Antonym:Opaque

Sample:The pellucid water of the lake allowed us to see the fish swimming at the bottom.

Penchant

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Meaning:A strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something.

Pronunciation:/ˈpen-chənt/

Synonym:Liking

Antonym:Dislike

Sample:She has a penchant for collecting vintage postcards from all over the world.

Penury

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Meaning:Extreme poverty; destitution.

Pronunciation:/ˈpen-yə-rē/

Synonym:Indigence

Antonym:Wealth

Sample:He lived in penury for most of his life, struggling to afford even the basics.

Perfidious

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Meaning:Deceitful and untrustworthy.

Pronunciation:/pər-ˈfi-dē-əs/

Synonym:Treacherous

Antonym:Faithful

Sample:The perfidious advisor betrayed the king's secrets to his enemies.

Perfunctory

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Meaning:Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

Pronunciation:/pər-ˈfəŋk-tə-rē/

Synonym:Cursory

Antonym:Thorough

Sample:He gave a perfunctory nod to his colleagues as he walked past them.

Permeable

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Meaning:Allowing liquids or gases to pass through it.

Pronunciation:/ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl/

Synonym:Porous

Antonym:Impermeable

Sample:The soil is permeable, allowing rainwater to soak into the ground.

Pervasive

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Meaning:Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

Pronunciation:/pər-ˈvā-siv/

Synonym:Widespread

Antonym:Rare

Sample:The pervasive smell of smoke filled the entire building.

Phlegmatic

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Meaning:Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

Pronunciation:/fleɡ-ˈma-tik/

Synonym:Calm

Antonym:Emotional

Sample:He remained phlegmatic, even when he was told that he had lost his job.

Piety

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Meaning:The quality of being religious or reverent.

Pronunciation:/ˈpī-ə-tē/

Synonym:Devotion

Antonym:Impiety

Sample:Her piety was evident in her daily prayers and regular church attendance.

Placate

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Meaning:To make someone less angry or hostile.

Pronunciation:/ˈplā-ˌkāt/

Synonym:Pacify

Antonym:Provoke

Sample:The government tried to placate the protesters with promises of reform.

Plasticity

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Meaning:The quality of being easily shaped or molded.

Pronunciation:/pla-ˈsti-sə-tē/

Synonym:Malleability

Antonym:Rigidity

Sample:The plasticity of clay makes it an ideal material for sculpting.

Platitude

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Meaning:A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful.

Pronunciation:/ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd/

Synonym:Cliché

Antonym:Originality

Sample:His speech was filled with platitudes about hard work and success.

Plethora

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Meaning:A large or excessive amount of something.

Pronunciation:/ˈple-thə-rə/

Synonym:Abundance

Antonym:Scarcity

Sample:There is a plethora of information available on the internet about any topic.

Pragmatic

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Meaning:Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Pronunciation:/praɡ-ˈma-tik/

Synonym:Practical

Antonym:Idealistic

Sample:She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem, focusing on what could be done immediately.

Precarious

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Meaning:Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

Pronunciation:/pri-ˈker-ē-əs/

Synonym:Unstable

Antonym:Secure

Sample:The ladder was in a precarious position, leaning against the wall at a steep angle.

Precipitate

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Meaning:To cause an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable, to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

Pronunciation:/pri-ˈsi-pə-ˌtāt/

Synonym:Trigger

Antonym:Delay

Sample:The sudden increase in interest rates could precipitate an economic recession.

Precursor

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Meaning:A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner.

Pronunciation:/prē-ˈkər-sər/

Synonym:Forerunner

Antonym:Successor

Sample:The invention of the steam engine was a precursor to the Industrial Revolution.

Presumptuous

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Meaning:Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

Pronunciation:/pri-ˈzəmp-chə-wəs/

Synonym:Arrogant

Antonym:Modest

Sample:It was presumptuous of him to assume that he would be invited to the wedding.

Prevaricate

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Meaning:To speak or act in an evasive way.

Pronunciation:/pri-ˈver-ə-ˌkāt/

Synonym:Equivocate

Antonym:Be direct

Sample:The witness began to prevaricate when asked about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.

Pristine

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Meaning:In its original condition; unspoiled.

Pronunciation:/ˈpri-ˌstēn/

Synonym:Immaculate

Antonym:Spoiled

Sample:The beach was pristine, with white sand and crystal-clear water.

Probity

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Meaning:The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.

Pronunciation:/ˈprō-bə-tē/

Synonym:Integrity

Antonym:Dishonesty

Sample:The judge was known for his probity and fairness in all his rulings.

Problematic

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Meaning:Constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty.

Pronunciation:/ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik/

Synonym:Difficult

Antonym:Easy

Sample:The new policy proved to be problematic, leading to many complaints from employees.

Prodigal

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Meaning:Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.

Pronunciation:/ˈprä-di-ɡəl/

Synonym:Extravagant

Antonym:Frugal

Sample:The prodigal son spent all his inheritance on expensive cars and parties.

Profound

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Meaning:Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.

Pronunciation:/prə-ˈfaʊnd/

Synonym:Deep

Antonym:Superficial

Sample:The book had a profound impact on my way of thinking about the world.

Proliferate

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Meaning:To increase rapidly in numbers; multiply.

Pronunciation:/prə-ˈli-fə-ˌrāt/

Synonym:Multiply

Antonym:Decrease

Sample:Small businesses began to proliferate in the area after the new shopping mall opened.

Propensity

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Meaning:An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

Pronunciation:/prə-ˈpen-sə-tē/

Synonym:Tendency

Antonym:Aversion

Sample:He has a propensity for getting into trouble whenever he goes out with his friends.

Propitiate

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Meaning:To win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person by doing something that pleases them.

Pronunciation:/prō-ˈpi-shē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Appease

Antonym:Provoke

Sample:The ancient people offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods and ensure a good harvest.

Propriety

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Meaning:The state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

Pronunciation:/prə-ˈprī-ə-tē/

Synonym:Decorum

Antonym:Impropriety

Sample:She always behaved with the utmost propriety, even in difficult situations.

Proscribe

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Meaning:To forbid, especially by law.

Pronunciation:/prō-ˈskrīb/

Synonym:Forbid

Antonym:Allow

Sample:The new law will proscribe the use of certain chemicals in food production.

Qualified

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Meaning:Officially recognized as being trained to perform a particular job; also, not absolute; limited.

Pronunciation:/ˈkwä-lə-ˌfīd/

Synonym:Certified / Limited

Antonym:Unqualified / Absolute

Sample:She is a highly qualified doctor with years of experience in her field.

Quiescent

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Meaning:In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.

Pronunciation:/kwī-ˈe-sənt/

Synonym:Dormant

Antonym:Active

Sample:The volcano has been quiescent for hundreds of years, but it could erupt at any time.

Rarefied

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Meaning:Distant from the lives and concerns of ordinary people; also, of lower pressure than usual.

Pronunciation:/ˈrer-ə-ˌfīd/

Synonym:Exalted

Antonym:Common

Sample:He lived in the rarefied world of high finance, far removed from the struggles of everyday life.

Recalcitrant

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Meaning:Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈkal-si-trənt/

Synonym:Uncooperative

Antonym:Cooperative

Sample:The recalcitrant student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.

Recant

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Meaning:To say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered heretical.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈkant/

Synonym:Retract

Antonym:Affirm

Sample:The witness was forced to recant his testimony after new evidence came to light.

Recondite

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Meaning:Little known; abstruse.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-kən-ˌdīt/

Synonym:Obscure

Antonym:Well-known

Sample:The book was filled with recondite information that only a few experts would understand.

Refractory

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Meaning:Stubborn or unmanageable; resistant to a process or stimulus.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈfrak-tə-rē/

Synonym:Stubborn

Antonym:Manageable

Sample:The refractory patient refused to take his medicine, despite the doctor's orders.

Refute

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Meaning:To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; disprove.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈfyüt/

Synonym:Disprove

Antonym:Prove

Sample:The scientist was able to refute the old theory with new experimental data.

Relegate

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Meaning:To consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-lə-ˌɡāt/

Synonym:Downgrade

Antonym:Promote

Sample:The team was relegated to the second division after a poor season.

Reproach

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Meaning:To address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈprōch/

Synonym:Rebuke

Antonym:Praise

Sample:She looked at him with reproach after he forgot her birthday.

Reprobate

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Meaning:An unprincipled person.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-prə-ˌbāt/

Synonym:Rogue

Antonym:Saint

Sample:He was seen as a reprobate who spent all his time drinking and gambling.

Repudiate

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Meaning:To refuse to accept or be associated with.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈpyü-dē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Reject

Antonym:Accept

Sample:The company issued a statement to repudiate the claims made in the news article.

Rescind

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Meaning:To revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, order, or agreement.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈsind/

Synonym:Cancel

Antonym:Enforce

Sample:The government decided to rescind the new tax law after widespread protests.

Resolute

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Meaning:Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-zə-ˌlüt/

Synonym:Determined

Antonym:Irresolute

Sample:She remained resolute in her decision to start her own business, despite the risks.

Resolved

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Meaning:Firmly determined to do something.

Pronunciation:/ri-ˈzälvd/

Synonym:Determined

Antonym:Undecided

Sample:He was resolved to finish the marathon, even if he had to walk the last few miles.

Reticent

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Meaning:Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-tə-sənt/

Synonym:Reserved

Antonym:Outgoing

Sample:She was reticent about her past, rarely talking about her childhood.

Reverence

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Meaning:Deep respect for someone or something.

Pronunciation:/ˈre-və-rəns/

Synonym:Respect

Antonym:Disrespect

Sample:The students showed great reverence for their teacher, listening carefully to every word.

Sage

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Meaning:A profoundly wise person.

Pronunciation:/ˈsāj/

Synonym:Wise person

Antonym:Fool

Sample:The young man sought advice from the old sage who lived on the mountain.

Salubrious

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Meaning:Health-giving; healthy.

Pronunciation:/sə-ˈlü-brē-əs/

Synonym:Healthy

Antonym:Unhealthy

Sample:The mountain air was salubrious, making us feel refreshed and energized.

Salutary

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Meaning:Producing good effects; beneficial.

Pronunciation:/ˈsal-yə-ˌter-ē/

Synonym:Beneficial

Antonym:Harmful

Sample:The experience was a salutary lesson for him, teaching him the importance of hard work.

Sanction

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Meaning:A threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule; also, official permission or approval.

Pronunciation:/ˈsaŋk-shən/

Synonym:Penalty / Approval

Antonym:Reward / Prohibition

Sample:The government imposed economic sanctions on the country for violating international law.

Sartorial

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Meaning:Relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress.

Pronunciation:/sär-ˈtȯr-ē-əl/

Synonym:Tailored

Antonym:N/A

Sample:He was known for his sartorial elegance, always wearing perfectly tailored suits.

Satiate

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Meaning:To satisfy a desire or an appetite to the full.

Pronunciation:/ˈsā-shē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Satisfy

Antonym:Starve

Sample:The large meal was enough to satiate even the hungriest of guests.

Sensual

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Meaning:Relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical, especially sexual, pleasure.

Pronunciation:/ˈsen-shə-wəl/

Synonym:Physical

Antonym:Spiritual

Sample:The movie was criticized for its overly sensual scenes.

Sensuous

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Meaning:Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect.

Pronunciation:/ˈsen-shə-wəs/

Synonym:Aesthetic

Antonym:Intellectual

Sample:The garden was a sensuous delight, with beautiful flowers and fragrant scents.

Sentient

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Meaning:Able to perceive or feel things.

Pronunciation:/ˈsen-shē-ənt/

Synonym:Conscious

Antonym:Insentient

Sample:Many people believe that animals are sentient beings that deserve to be treated with respect.

Skeptic

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Meaning:A person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions.

Pronunciation:/ˈskep-tik/

Synonym:Doubter

Antonym:Believer

Sample:He is a skeptic who refuses to believe anything without scientific proof.

Solicitous

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Meaning:Showing interest or concern.

Pronunciation:/sə-ˈli-sə-təs/

Synonym:Concerned

Antonym:Indifferent

Sample:She was very solicitous about her friend's health, calling her every day to check on her.

Soporific

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Meaning:Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep.

Pronunciation:/ˌsä-pə-ˈri-fik/

Synonym:Sleep-inducing

Antonym:Stimulating

Sample:The professor's long lecture had a soporific effect on the students.

Specious

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Meaning:Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

Pronunciation:/ˈspē-shəs/

Synonym:Misleading

Antonym:Genuine

Sample:The politician's argument was specious, sounding good but lacking any real substance.

Sporadic

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Meaning:Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated.

Pronunciation:/spə-ˈra-dik/

Synonym:Occasional

Antonym:Frequent

Sample:There were sporadic reports of violence in the city after the election.

Stigma

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Meaning:A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Pronunciation:/ˈstiɡ-mə/

Synonym:Disgrace

Antonym:Honor

Sample:There is still a stigma attached to mental illness in many parts of the world.

Stipulate

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Meaning:To demand or specify a requirement, typically as part of a bargain or agreement.

Pronunciation:/ˈsti-pyə-ˌlāt/

Synonym:Specify

Antonym:Generalize

Sample:The contract stipulates that the work must be completed by the end of the month.

Stolid

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Meaning:Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.

Pronunciation:/ˈstä-ləd/

Synonym:Unemotional

Antonym:Emotional

Sample:He remained stolid, even as the crowd cheered and shouted around him.

Striated

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Meaning:Marked with long, thin parallel streaks or bands.

Pronunciation:/ˈstrī-ˌā-təd/

Synonym:Striped

Antonym:Plain

Sample:The rock was striated with different colors, showing the layers of sediment.

Substantiate

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Meaning:To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.

Pronunciation:/səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Prove

Antonym:Disprove

Sample:The lawyer was able to substantiate her client's alibi with physical evidence.

Subsume

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Meaning:To include or absorb something in something else.

Pronunciation:/səb-ˈsüm/

Synonym:Include

Antonym:Exclude

Sample:The new department will subsume the functions of the two smaller ones.

Supersede

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Meaning:To take the place of a person or thing previously in authority or use.

Pronunciation:/ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd/

Synonym:Replace

Antonym:Retain

Sample:The new technology will eventually supersede the old one.

Supposition

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Meaning:A belief held without proof or certain knowledge; an assumption or hypothesis.

Pronunciation:/ˌsə-pə-ˈzi-shən/

Synonym:Assumption

Antonym:Fact

Sample:His argument was based on pure supposition, with no evidence to support it.

Tacit

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Meaning:Understood or implied without being stated.

Pronunciation:/ˈta-sət/

Synonym:Implied

Antonym:Explicit

Sample:There was a tacit agreement between them that they would help each other.

Taciturn

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Meaning:Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Pronunciation:/ˈta-sə-ˌtərn/

Synonym:Reserved

Antonym:Talkative

Sample:He was a taciturn man who rarely spoke unless he had something important to say.

Tangential

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Meaning:Relating to or along a tangent; diverging from a previous course or line; peripheral.

Pronunciation:/tan-ˈjen-shəl/

Synonym:Peripheral

Antonym:Central

Sample:The speaker's comments were tangential to the main topic of the discussion.

Tenuous

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Meaning:Very weak or slight.

Pronunciation:/ˈten-yə-wəs/

Synonym:Weak

Antonym:Strong

Sample:The link between the two events was tenuous at best.

Tirade

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Meaning:A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.

Pronunciation:/ˈtī-ˌrād/

Synonym:Diatribe

Antonym:Praise

Sample:The manager launched into a tirade against the employees for their poor performance.

Torpor

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Meaning:A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

Pronunciation:/ˈtȯr-pər/

Synonym:Lethargy

Antonym:Vigor

Sample:A feeling of torpor came over him after the long day of work.

Tortuous

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Meaning:Full of twists and turns; excessively lengthy and complex.

Pronunciation:/ˈtȯr-chə-wəs/

Synonym:Twisting

Antonym:Straight

Sample:The road up the mountain was tortuous, with many sharp bends.

Tractable

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Meaning:Easy to control or influence.

Pronunciation:/ˈtrak-tə-bəl/

Synonym:Manageable

Antonym:Intractable

Sample:The problem proved to be tractable, and we were able to solve it quickly.

Transgression

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Meaning:An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.

Pronunciation:/tranz-ˈɡre-shən/

Synonym:Offense

Antonym:Obedience

Sample:He was punished for his transgression of the school rules.

Truculence

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Meaning:Eagerness or quickness to argue or fight; aggressiveness.

Pronunciation:/ˈtrə-kyə-ləns/

Synonym:Aggressiveness

Antonym:Gentleness

Sample:His truculence made it difficult for him to get along with his colleagues.

Turgid

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Meaning:Swollen and distended or congested; also, tediously pompous or bombastic.

Pronunciation:/ˈtər-jəd/

Synonym:Swollen / Pompous

Antonym:Deflated / Simple

Sample:The river was turgid after the heavy rain, overflowing its banks.

Untenable

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Meaning:Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

Pronunciation:/ˌən-ˈte-nə-bəl/

Synonym:Indefensible

Antonym:Defensible

Sample:The politician's position became untenable after the scandal was revealed.

Vacillate

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Meaning:To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.

Pronunciation:/ˈva-sə-ˌlāt/

Synonym:Waver

Antonym:Be decisive

Sample:She began to vacillate between the two job offers, not knowing which one to choose.

Vapid

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Meaning:Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging.

Pronunciation:/ˈva-pəd/

Synonym:Dull

Antonym:Stimulating

Sample:The conversation was vapid, with no one having anything interesting to say.

Venerate

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Meaning:To regard with great respect; revere.

Pronunciation:/ˈve-nə-ˌrāt/

Synonym:Revere

Antonym:Despise

Sample:Many people venerate the old man for his wisdom and kindness.

Veracious

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Meaning:Speaking or representing the truth.

Pronunciation:/və-ˈrā-shəs/

Synonym:Truthful

Antonym:Mendacious

Sample:The witness gave a veracious account of the events that occurred that night.

Verbose

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Meaning:Using or expressed in more words than are needed.

Pronunciation:/vər-ˈbōs/

Synonym:Wordy

Antonym:Concise

Sample:His verbose explanation of the problem only served to confuse everyone.

Viable

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Meaning:Capable of working successfully; feasible.

Pronunciation:/ˈvī-ə-bəl/

Synonym:Feasible

Antonym:Impossible

Sample:The company is looking for a viable solution to the problem of waste disposal.

Viscous

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Meaning:Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid.

Pronunciation:/ˈvi-skəs/

Synonym:Thick

Antonym:Runny

Sample:Honey is a viscous liquid that flows slowly.

Vitiate

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Meaning:To spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of.

Pronunciation:/ˈvi-shē-ˌāt/

Synonym:Impair

Antonym:Improve

Sample:The new law could vitiate the effectiveness of the existing environmental regulations.

Vituperative

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Meaning:Bitter and abusive.

Pronunciation:/vī-ˈtü-pə-rə-tiv/

Synonym:Abusive

Antonym:Commendatory

Sample:The politician launched into a vituperative attack against his opponent.

Volatile

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Meaning:Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

Pronunciation:/ˈvä-lə-təl/

Synonym:Unstable

Antonym:Stable

Sample:The stock market is very volatile, with prices changing rapidly every day.

Whimsical

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Meaning:Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

Pronunciation:/ˈwim-zi-kəl/

Synonym:Fanciful

Antonym:Serious

Sample:The children's book was filled with whimsical illustrations of talking animals.

Zealot

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Meaning:A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.

Pronunciation:/ˈze-lət/

Synonym:Fanatic

Antonym:Moderate

Sample:He was seen as a zealot who was willing to do anything for his cause.

Zephyr

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Meaning:A soft gentle breeze.

Pronunciation:/ˈze-fər/

Synonym:Breeze

Antonym:Gale

Sample:A gentle zephyr blew through the open window, cooling the room.