Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Abate To reduce in Subside, Diminish Intensify, Increase

degree or intensity

Abdicate To give up a Resign, Renounce Retain, Assume

position of power

Aberration A departure from Anomaly, Deviation Normality,

what is normal or Conformity
expected

Abhor To regard with Detest, Loathe Admire, Love

hatred

Abjure To formally reject Renounce, Embrace, Accept

Forswear

Abrogate To repeal or do Abolish, Nullify Enact, Approve

away with

Abstain To refrain from Refrain, Avoid Indulge, Partake

doing something

Abstruse Difficult to Obscure, Esoteric Clear, Obvious

understand

Accolade An award or honor Praise, Tribute Criticism, Reproach

Accost To approach and Confront, Address Avoid, Ignore

speak to boldly

Acquiesce To accept without Agree, Comply Disagree, Protest

protest

Acrimony Bitterness or Bitterness, Hostility Harmony, Courtesy

harshness in
speech or
behavior

Adage A short proverb or Maxim, Proverb None

saying
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Adamant Refusing to Stubborn, Resolute Flexible, Yielding

change one's mind

Adept Very skilled Expert, Proficient Inept, Unskilled

Admonish To warn or Scold, Reprove Praise, Commend

reprimand

Adroit Skillful and clever Clever, Proficient Clumsy, Inept

Adulation Excessive Flattery, Worship Criticism, Disdain

admiration or
praise

Adversity Difficult or Hardship, Prosperity, Comfort

unpleasant Misfortune
situation

Affable Friendly and easy Amiable, Genial Rude, Unfriendly

to talk to

Alacrity Eagerness or Readiness, Zeal Apathy, Reluctance

willingness

Allege To claim without Assert, Accuse Deny, Refute

proof

Alleviate To make less Ease, Mitigate Aggravate, Intensify

severe

Allude To refer indirectly Hint, Imply Declare, Specify

Altercation A noisy argument Quarrel, Dispute Agreement,

Harmony

Ambiguous Open to more than Vague, Unclear Clear, Certain

one interpretation

Ambivalent Having mixed Conflicted, Decided,

feelings Uncertain Unequivocal

Amiable Having a friendly Friendly, Pleasant Hostile, Unfriendly

and pleasant
manner
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Amicable Peaceful, without Friendly, Hostile, Unfriendly

conflict Harmonious

Amorphous Lacking definite Shapeless, Defined, Structured

shape Formless

Anachronism Something out of Misplacement, Timely,

its time period Chronological error Contemporary

Anarchy Absence of Lawlessness, Order, Government

government Chaos

Anecdote A short amusing or Tale, Narrative Long story,

interesting story Chronicle

Animosity Strong hostility Hatred, Enmity Friendship, Goodwill

Antipathy Deep-seated Aversion, Disgust Affection, Sympathy

dislike

Apathy Lack of interest or Indifference, Enthusiasm,

concern Disinterest Concern

Apex The highest point Peak, Summit Bottom, Base

Apprehend To arrest or grasp Capture, Free, Misunderstand

mentally Understand

Arduous Requiring much Difficult, Laborious Easy, Effortless

effort

Articulate Able to express Eloquent, Mumble, Inarticulate

ideas clearly Expressive

Ascend To go up or rise Climb, Rise Descend, Fall

Aspire To have a strong Desire, Aim Dislike, Despise

desire

Assuage To make less Relieve, Alleviate Aggravate, Intensify

intense

Astute Clever and Sharp, Insightful Foolish, Naive

perceptive
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Atrophy Gradual decline in Wasting, Growth, Strength

effectiveness Deterioration

Audacious Fearless and Bold, Brave Timid, Cowardly

daring

Auspicious Favorable; Promising, Unlucky,

promising success Fortunate Inauspicious

Austere Strict or severe Stern, Harsh Gentle, Indulgent

Avarice Extreme greed Greed, Cupidity Generosity,

Contentment

Avert To prevent or turn Prevent, Avoid Allow, Encourage

away

Banal Lacking originality Trite, Original, Fresh

Commonplace

Bane A cause of great Curse, Scourge Blessing, Boon

distress or
annoyance

Belie To give a false Misrepresent, Reveal, Represent

impression Contradict

Belligerent Hostile and Aggressive, Peaceful, Friendly

aggressive Combative

Benign Gentle and kind Kind, Harsh, Malevolent

Benevolent

Bequeath To leave by will Leave, Bestow Disinherit, Keep

Berate To scold harshly Rebuke, Scold Praise,

Compliment
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Blatant Obvious and Flagrant, Subtle, Concealed

offensive Obvious

Bolster To support or Support, Weaken,

strengthen Reinforce Undermine

Brevity Concise and exact Conciseness, Verbosity,

use of words Shortness Lengthiness

Bucolic Relating to the Rustic, Pastoral Urban,

countryside Metropolitan

Buttress A support or Support, Weaken,

reinforcement Strengthen Undermine

Cacophony A harsh, discordant Dissonance, Harmony, Melody

mixture of sounds Noise

Cajole To persuade by Coax, Persuade Dissuade, Repel

flattery

Candor The quality of being Frankness, Deceit, Dishonesty

honest and Honesty
transparent

Capitulate To surrender or give Surrender, Yield Resist, Defend

in

Capricious Given to sudden Fickle, Steady, Consistent

changes in mood or Unpredictable
behavior

Caustic Severely critical or Sarcastic, Biting Gentle, Kind

sarcastic

Censure To express Criticize, Praise, Commend

disapproval Condemn

Chastise To punish or criticize Scold, Praise,

harshly Reprimand Compliment

Chicanery Deception or Trickery, Deceit Honesty,

trickery Truthfulness
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Coerce To force someone to Force, Compel Persuade,

do something Encourage

Cogent Clear, logical, and Persuasive, Weak,

convincing Convincing Unconvincing

Complacent Showing smug Self-satisfied, Concerned, Eager

satisfaction with Unconcerned
oneself

Concise Giving a lot of Brief, Succinct Lengthy, Wordy

information clearly
and briefly

Concur To agree Agree, Consent Disagree, Dissent

Condone To accept or allow Forgive, Condemn, Oppose

behavior that is Overlook
morally wrong

Conducive Making a situation Helpful, Unfavorable,

likely or possible Favorable Harmful

Conflagration A large destructive Blaze, Inferno Calm, Quenching

fire

Connoisseur An expert in matters Expert, Amateur, Novice

of taste Specialist

Consensus General agreement Agreement, Disagreement,

Harmony Conflict

Conspicuous Clearly visible Noticeable, Hidden,

Obvious Inconspicuous

Contrite Feeling remorse Remorseful, Unrepentant,

Apologetic Shameless

Conundrum A confusing and Puzzle, Riddle Solution, Clarity

difficult problem
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Convoluted Extremely complex Complicated, Simple,

Twisted Straightforward

Copious Abundant in supply Plentiful, Ample Scarce, Meager

or quantity

Corpulent Fat, obese Overweight, Slim, Lean

Obese

Corroborate To confirm or Confirm, Contradict,

support with Validate Disprove
evidence

Credible Believable Reliable, Unbelievable,

Plausible Implausible

Cryptic Mysterious or Mysterious, Clear, Obvious

obscure Enigmatic

Cursory Hasty and not Superficial, Thorough, Detailed

thorough Quick

Daunt To intimidate or Intimidate, Deter Encourage,

discourage Embolden

Debacle A complete failure Fiasco, Disaster Success, Triumph

Debilitate To weaken Weaken, Strengthen,

Enfeeble Empower

Debunk To expose as false Disprove, Confirm, Validate

Discredit

Decry To publicly Condemn, Praise, Applaud

denounce Criticize

Deference Respectful Respect, Regard Disrespect,

submission Defiance

Deft Skillful and quick in Skillful, Nimble Clumsy, Awkward

movement
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Delineate To describe in detail Describe, Confuse, Distort

Outline

Demur To raise doubts or Object, Protest Accept, Agree

objections

Denounce To condemn openly Condemn, Praise, Endorse

Criticize

Deplete To use up resources Exhaust, Drain Replenish, Restore

Depravity Moral corruption Corruption, Vice Virtue, Morality

Deprecate To express Criticize, Belittle Approve, Praise

disapproval

Deride To ridicule or mock Ridicule, Mock Praise, Admire

Despot A ruler with Tyrant, Dictator Democrat,

absolute power Egalitarian

Detriment Harm or damage Harm, Damage Benefit, Advantage

Devious Dishonest or Dishonest, Honest,

deceptive Sneaky Straightforward

Didactic Intended to teach Instructive, Uninformative,

Educational Uneducational

Diligent Showing care in Hardworking, Lazy, Negligent

work Industrious

Discerning Having good Perceptive, Oblivious, Unaware

judgment Insightful

Discrepancy Lack of Difference, Consistency,

compatibility or Inconsistency Agreement
similarity
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Disdain Contempt or scorn Contempt, Scorn Respect,

Admiration

Disparage To belittle or speak Belittle, Criticize Praise, Compliment

negatively

Disparity A great difference Inequality, Equality, Similarity

Difference

Disseminate To spread widely Distribute, Conceal, Suppress

Spread

Dissident A person who Rebel, Protester Conformist,

opposes official Supporter
policy

Dissuade To persuade not to Discourage, Persuade,

do something Prevent Encourage

Diverge To go in different Separate, Converge, Unite

directions Deviate

Divulge To reveal Disclose, Reveal Conceal, Hide

something private
or secret

Dogged Showing Determined, Weak, Indecisive

persistence Tenacious

Dogmatic Arrogantly certain Opinionated, Flexible,

Rigid Open-minded

Dubious Hesitating or Doubtful, Certain, Definite

doubting Suspicious

Eccentric Unconventional and Odd, Unusual Conventional,

slightly strange Normal

Eclectic Deriving ideas from Diverse, Varied Narrow, Specific

diverse sources

Egregious Outstandingly bad Shocking, Good, Excellent

Appalling
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Elated Extremely happy Joyful, Overjoyed Miserable,

Depressed

Elusive Difficult to find or Evasive, Slippery Clear, Definite

catch

Emaciated Abnormally thin or Skinny, Gaunt Healthy, Plump

weak

Emulate To imitate with the Imitate, Copy Differ, Neglect

intent to equal or
surpass

Enervate To weaken Weaken, Exhaust Energize,

Strengthen

Engender To cause or give Cause, Produce Prevent, Stop

rise to

Enhance To improve the Improve, Boost Diminish, Reduce

quality of

Enigma A puzzle or mystery Mystery, Riddle Solution,

Explanation

Ennui Boredom or Boredom, Tedium Interest,

dissatisfaction Excitement

Entice To attract by Lure, Tempt Repel, Deter

offering pleasure

Enumerate To list one by one List, Itemize Estimate, Guess

Envelop To surround Surround, Expose, Uncover

completely Encase

Ephemeral Lasting for a very Temporary, Permanent, Lasting

short time Fleeting

Equanimity Calmness in a Composure, Agitation, Anxiety

difficult situation Serenity

Equivocal Open to multiple Ambiguous, Clear, Definite

interpretations Vague
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Eradicate To completely Eliminate, Establish, Build

destroy Remove

Erratic Unpredictable or Irregular, Consistent,

inconsistent Inconsistent Predictable

Erudite Having great Learned, Ignorant,

knowledge Scholarly Uneducated

Esoteric Intended for or Obscure, Common, Familiar

understood by a Abstract
small group

Ethereal Extremely delicate Delicate, Airy Earthy, Dense

or light

Eulogy Speech in praise of Tribute, Praise Criticism, Blame

someone

Euphemism Mild word Polite term, Dysphemism,

substituted for a Understatement Direct term
harsh one

Exacerbate To make worse Worsen, Improve, Alleviate

Aggravate

Exalt To praise highly Glorify, Praise Criticize, Condemn

Exculpate To clear from blame Exonerate, Blame, Accuse

Acquit

Exemplary Serving as a model Ideal, Unworthy,

Commendable Dishonorable

Exhaustive Thorough and Thorough, Incomplete,

complete Comprehensive Superficial
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Exhort Strongly Urge, Advise Deter, Discourage

encourage or
urge

Exonerate To free from Acquit, Absolve Blame, Condemn

blame or guilt

Expedite To speed up the Accelerate, Delay, Hinder

process Hasten

Explicit Stated clearly and Clear, Definite Vague, Ambiguous

in detail

Expound To explain in Elaborate, Confuse, Obscure

detail Clarify

Extol To praise Praise, Applaud Criticize, Blame

enthusiastically

Facetious Treating serious Flippant, Serious, Grave

issues with humor Humorous

Fallacy A mistaken belief Misconception, Truth, Accuracy

Error

Fathom To understand Comprehend, Misunderstand,

fully Grasp Confuse

Feasible Possible and Possible, Impossible,

practical Attainable Impractical

Fervent Having or Passionate, Apathetic, Indifferent

showing strong Enthusiastic
feeling

Flagrant Shockingly Blatant, Glaring Subtle, Concealed

noticeable or
obvious

Flippant Not showing a Frivolous, Respectful, Serious

serious attitude Disrespectful

Fortuitous Happening by Accidental, Planned, Intentional

chance Lucky
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Frivolous Not having any Trivial, Silly Serious, Important

serious purpose

Frugal Economical in use Thrifty, Wasteful,

or spending Economical Extravagant

Futile Incapable of Useless, Effective, Fruitful

producing useful Pointless
results

Garrulous Excessively Talkative, Reticent, Quiet

talkative Loquacious

Gaudy Showy in a Flashy, Tacky Simple, Elegant

tasteless way

Genial Friendly and Amiable, Warm Unfriendly, Cold

cheerful

Glutton One who eats Overeater, Moderate eater

excessively Gourmand

Grandiose Impressive and Magnificent, Humble, Modest

imposing in Pompous
appearance

Gratuitous Given freely; Unjustified, Necessary,

unnecessary Unnecessary Warranted

Gregarious Sociable Friendly, Reserved,

Outgoing Introverted

Guile Sly or cunning Deceit, Trickery Honesty, Frankness

intelligence

Gullible Easily fooled or Naive, Trusting Suspicious, Skeptical

deceived

Hackneyed Lacking originality Clichéd, Fresh, Original

Overused

Haphazard Lacking order or Random, Systematic, Orderly

planning Unorganized
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Idiosyncrasy A peculiar trait Quirk, Peculiarity Normality,

Commonness

Harangue A long, angry Tirade, Diatribe Praise, Eulogy

speech

Haughty Arrogantly Arrogant, Proud Humble, Modest

superior

Heinous Shockingly evil Atrocious, Admirable, Noble

Wicked

Heresy Belief contrary to Dissent, Orthodoxy, Belief

orthodox religion Unorthodoxy

Hiatus A pause or gap Break, Continuation,

Interruption Continuity

Homogeneous Of the same kind Uniform, Similar Heterogeneous,

Diverse

Hyperbole Exaggerated Exaggeration, Understatement,

statements Overstatement Minimization

Hypocrite A person who Pretender, Honest person,

pretends to have Deceiver Sincere
morals

Iconoclast One who attacks Critic, Rebel Conformist,

established Traditionalist
beliefs

Ignominy Public shame or Disgrace, Honor, Glory

disgrace Dishonor

Illicit Forbidden by law Illegal, Unlawful Legal, Lawful

Immaculate Perfectly clean or Spotless, Dirty, Imperfect

pure Flawless

Imminent About to happen Approaching, Distant, Unlikely

Impending
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Immutable Unchanging over Fixed, Changeable, Flexible

time Unchangeable

Impasse A deadlock or Deadlock, Breakthrough,

standoff Standstill Solution

Impede To obstruct or Obstruct, Delay Assist, Facilitate

hinder

Imperative Absolutely Essential, Urgent Optional,

necessary Unimportant

Impervious Not affected or Resistant, Vulnerable, Exposed

hurt by Immune

Implacable Unable to be Unyielding, Compassionate,

calmed down Ruthless Yielding

Implicit Implied but not Implied, Tacit Explicit, Expressed

stated

Impugn To dispute the Challenge, Support, Confirm

truth Dispute

Inane Silly or stupid Foolish, Absurd Intelligent,

Sensible

Incessant Continuing without Constant, Intermittent,

pause Unending Occasional

Incisive Clear and direct Sharp, Vague, Dull

Penetrating

Incongruous Not in harmony or Inappropriate, Fitting,

keeping with Out of place Consistent
surroundings

Incredulous Unwilling or unable to Skeptical, Gullible, Trusting

believe something Doubtful
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Indigent Poor; needy Impoverished, Rich, Wealthy

Destitute

Indolent Lazy; avoiding activity Idle, Slothful Energetic,

Industrious

Ineffable Too great to be Inexpressible, Expressible,

expressed in words Indescribable Describable

Inept Lacking skill or ability Incompetent, Capable, Skilled

Unskilled

Inexorable Impossible to stop or Relentless, Flexible, Lenient

persuade Unyielding

Infamous Famous for a bad Notorious, Honorable,

quality or deed Disreputable Reputable

Infer To deduce from Conclude, Misunderstand,

evidence Deduce Confuse

Ingenious Clever, original, and Creative, Unimaginative,

inventive Inventive Dull

Ingenuous Innocent and Naive, Sincere Deceitful,

unsuspecting Dishonest

Inhibit To restrain or hinder Prevent, Encourage,

Restrain Promote

Innocuous Harmless Harmless, Harmful,

Inoffensive Dangerous

Insatiable Impossible to satisfy Greedy, Satisfied,

Voracious Content

Insidious Proceeding in a Treacherous, Harmless,

gradual, harmful way Deceptive Honest

Insolent Showing rude and Rude, Impudent Respectful,

arrogant lack of Polite
respect
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Instigate To provoke or start Incite, Provoke Halt, Suppress

Intrepid Fearless and Brave, Cowardly,

adventurous Courageous Fearful

Intricate Very complicated or Complex, Simple,

detailed Complicated Straightforward

Inundate To flood or overwhelm Flood, Drain,

Overwhelm Underwhelm

Inure To become Harden, Soften, Sensitize

accustomed to Accustom
something
undesirable

Invective Insulting or abusive Abuse, Vitriol Praise,

language Compliment

Irascible Easily angered Irritable, Calm,

Short-tempered Easygoing

Irate Extremely angry Furious, Calm, Pleased

Enraged

Irrefutable Impossible to deny or Undeniable, Questionable,

disprove Certain Doubtful

Itinerant Traveling from place Wandering, Settled,

to place Nomadic Stationary

Jeopardy Danger of loss, harm, Danger, Risk Safety, Security

or failure

Juxtapose To place side by side Compare, Separate, Divide

for comparison Contrast

Keen Sharp or eager Eager, Dull, Apathetic

Enthusiastic
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Kudos Praise and honor Praise, Credit Criticism, Blame

Lament To express sorrow or Mourn, Grieve Rejoice,

regret Celebrate

Languid Lacking energy or Weak, Listless Energetic, Active

enthusiasm

Laud To praise highly Praise, Criticize,

Commend Condemn

Lavish Rich, elaborate, or Extravagant, Sparse, Modest

luxurious Opulent

Lethargic Sluggish and Lazy, Inactive Energetic, Active

apathetic

Levity Humor or lack of Humor, Frivolity Seriousness,

seriousness Gravity

Lucid Expressed clearly Clear, Confusing,

Understandable Vague

Lucrative Producing a great Profitable, Unprofitable,

deal of profit Gainful Worthless

Ludicrous So foolish it's funny Absurd, Sensible,

Ridiculous Reasonable

Magnanimous Very generous or Generous, Noble Petty, Mean

forgiving

Malicious Intending to do harm Spiteful, Kind,

Malevolent Benevolent

Malleable Easily influenced or Flexible, Pliable Rigid, Inflexible

shaped

Mandate An official order or Order, Directive Suggestion,

command Request

Meager Lacking in quantity or Scanty, Abundant,

quality Insufficient Plentiful
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Mellifluous Sweet or musical; Melodious, Harsh, Grating

pleasant to hear Harmonious

Meticulous Showing great Precise, Careless,

attention to detail Thorough Negligent

Mirth Great joy, amusement Glee, Joy Sadness,

Sorrow

Mitigate To make less severe Alleviate, Ease Aggravate,

Intensify

Mollify To calm or soothe Appease, Pacify Agitate, Irritate

Morose Sullen or gloomy Depressed, Cheerful, Joyful

Melancholy

Mundane Lacking interest; dull Boring, Ordinary Exciting,

Extraordinary

Myopic Short-sighted; lacking Narrow-minded, Far-sighted,

foresight Shortsighted Farsighted

Nefarious Wicked or criminal Evil, Villainous Good, Virtuous

Negligent Failing to take proper Careless, Careful,

care Irresponsible Attentive

Nemesis A long-standing rival Enemy, Ally, Friend

or retribution Opponent

Nettle To irritate or annoy Irritate, Provoke Soothe, Calm

Nonchalant Feeling or appearing Calm, Anxious,

casually calm Unconcerned Concerned
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Notorious Famous for Infamous, Renowned,

something bad Disreputable Honorable

Novice A beginner Beginner, Expert,

Amateur Professional

Nullify To cancel out or Invalidate, Validate,

invalidate Cancel Confirm

Obdurate Stubbornly refusing Stubborn, Flexible,

to change Unyielding Submissive

Obfuscate To make unclear or Confuse, Clarify, Simplify

unintelligible Complicate

Oblique Indirect or not Indirect, Evasive Direct,

straightforward Straightforward

Obliterate To destroy completely Destroy, Preserve,

Eliminate Maintain

Obscure Not well known or Unclear, Vague Clear, Obvious

hard to understand

Obstinate Very stubborn Stubborn, Obedient,

Headstrong Compliant

Obtuse Slow to understand Dull, Insensitive Sharp,

or perceive Quick-witted

Odious Extremely unpleasant Hateful, Delightful,

or repulsive Disgusting Pleasant

Ominous Giving the impression Threatening, Promising,

something bad will Menacing Auspicious
happen

Omnipotent All-powerful Almighty, Powerless,

Supreme Weak
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Omniscient All-knowing All-wise, Ignorant,

Knowledgeable Unknowing

Onerous Involving great effort Burdensome, Easy, Effortless

or difficulty Difficult

Opulent Rich and luxurious Lavish, Poor, Simple

Luxurious

Ornate Elaborately Decorated, Plain, Simple

decorated Fancy

Orthodox Conforming to Traditional, Unorthodox,

traditional beliefs Conservative Radical

Ostensible Stated or appearing Apparent, Real, Genuine

to be true Seeming

Ostentatious Showy; designed to Flashy, Modest, Humble

impress Pretentious

Ostracize To exclude from a Exclude, Shun Include,

group Welcome

Palliate To make less severe Relieve, Alleviate Worsen,

without removing the Aggravate
cause

Palpable Able to be touched or Tangible, Intangible,

felt Perceptible Indefinite

Paragon A model of Ideal, Perfect Imperfection,

excellence example Flaw

Pariah A social outcast Outcast, Exile Insider, Member

Parsimonious Unwilling to spend Stingy, Miserly Generous,

money Extravagant

Partisan Strong supporter of a Supporter, Opponent,

party or cause Follower Neutral
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Paucity Smallness of quantity Scarcity, Abundance,

Shortage Plenty

Pedantic Overly concerned Nitpicky, Bookish Carefree,

with rules or minor Informal
details

Penchant A strong liking or Liking, Dislike, Aversion

tendency Preference

Penitent Feeling remorse for Remorseful, Unrepentant,

wrongdoing Apologetic Defiant

Perfunctory Carried out with Superficial, Thorough,

minimal effort Hasty Careful

Pernicious Causing great harm Harmful, Beneficial,

Destructive Harmless

Perpetuate To make something Maintain, Stop, End

continue indefinitely Preserve

Perspicacious Having a ready Insightful, Unaware,

insight into things Perceptive Ignorant

Pertinent Relevant or Relevant, Irrelevant,

applicable Appropriate Unrelated

Pervasive Spreading widely Widespread, Rare, Scattered

throughout an area Prevalent

Petulant Childishly sulky or Irritable, Peevish Cheerful,

bad-tempered Pleasant

Phlegmatic Calm and Calm, Stoic Emotional,

unemotional in Excitable
temperament

Pious Devoutly religious Devout, Spiritual Irreverent,

Impious

Placate To make someone Calm, Soothe Agitate, Enrage

less angry
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Plausible Seeming Believable, Implausible,

reasonable or Likely Unbelievable
probable

Poignant Evoking sadness Touching, Unemotional,

or regret Moving Indifferent

Pragmatic Dealing with things Practical, Impractical, Idealistic

sensibly Realistic

Precarious Not securely held Unstable, Risky Secure, Safe

or in position

Preclude Prevent from Prevent, Hinder Allow, Encourage

happening

Predilection A preference or Liking, Dislike, Aversion

special liking Preference

Prescient Having foresight Prophetic, Shortsighted,

Visionary Unaware

Pretentious Attempting to Showy, Modest, Humble

impress with more Pompous
than possessed

Proclivity A natural Tendency, Dislike, Aversion

inclination Inclination

Prodigal Wastefully Wasteful, Thrifty, Frugal

extravagant Lavish

Proficient Skilled and Skilled, Expert Incompetent,

competent Unskilled

Profligate Recklessly Extravagant, Economical, Thrifty

wasteful Wasteful

Profound Very great or Deep, Intense Superficial, Shallow

intense

Profuse Abundant Plentiful, Lavish Scarce, Sparse

Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Prolific Producing much Productive, Unproductive, Barren

Fruitful

Prosaic Lacking Dull, Mundane Imaginative, Creative

imagination

Protean Versatile, able to Adaptable, Inflexible,

change easily Flexible Unchanging

Prudent Acting with care Wise, Cautious Reckless, Careless

and thought

Puerile Childishly silly Immature, Mature, Sensible

Juvenile

Pugnacious Eager to fight Aggressive, Peaceful, Friendly

Combative

Punctilious Very careful about Meticulous, Careless, Negligent

details Precise

Quagmire A difficult situation Predicament, Solution, Agreement

Dilemma

Quandary A state of Dilemma, Certainty, Clarity

confusion Uncertainty

Querulous Complaining in a Whiny, Petulant Cheerful, Easy-going

whining manner

Quixotic Unrealistically Idealistic, Realistic, Practical

idealistic Romantic

Rancor Bitter resentment Bitterness, Friendship, Kindness

Hatred

Raucous Making a loud and Noisy, Rowdy Quiet, Soft

harsh noise

Rebuff To reject bluntly Reject, Snub Accept, Welcome

Rebuke Express sharp Reprimand, Praise, Compliment

disapproval Scold
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Recalcitrant Stubbornly Unruly, Defiant Obedient,

uncooperative Cooperative

Recapitulate To summarize Sum up, Elaborate, Expand

Review

Reclusive Avoiding the Solitary, Sociable, Outgoing

company of others Isolated

Redundant No longer needed Superfluous, Essential, Necessary

or useful Unnecessary

Refute To prove wrong Disprove, Confirm, Support

Contradict

Relegate Dismiss to a lower Demote, Promote, Elevate

rank or position Downgrade

Remiss Negligent in duty Careless, Diligent, Careful

Negligent

Repercussion An unintended Consequence, Cause, Reason

consequence Effect

Reproach To express Criticize, Blame Praise, Commend

disapproval

Rescind To revoke or Revoke, Annul Enforce, Validate

cancel

Resilient Able to recover Tough, Strong Fragile, Weak

quickly

Resolute Admirably Firm, Steadfast Weak, Indecisive

determined

Respite A short period of Break, Interval Continuation,

rest Persistence

Reticent Not revealing one's Reserved, Talkative, Outgoing

thoughts Silent

Reverent Showing deep Respectful, Disrespectful, Rude

respect Devout
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Robust Strong and healthy Sturdy, Weak, Frail

Vigorous

Rudimentary Basic, elementary Basic, Advanced, Complex

Fundamental

Sagacious Having good Wise, Clever Foolish, Unwise

judgment

Sanctimonious Making a show of Self-righteous, Humble, Sincere

being morally Hypocritical
superior

Sanguine Optimistic in bad Hopeful, Pessimistic, Gloomy

situations Positive

Sardonic Grimly mocking or Sarcastic, Respectful, Kind

cynical Scornful

Scathing Bitterly severe Harsh, Biting Mild, Gentle

criticism

Scrupulous Extremely careful Meticulous, Careless, Dishonest

and precise Honest

Secede Withdraw formally Break away, Join, Unite

from an alliance or Separate
organization

Serene Calm, peaceful, Tranquil, Agitated, Turbulent

and untroubled Unperturbed

Servile Excessively willing Submissive, Assertive, Dominant

to serve Obsequious

Skeptical Doubtful about Distrustful, Credulous, Trusting

something Doubting

Solicitous Showing concern Attentive, Indifferent,

or care Concerned Unconcerned
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Solitary Done or existing Alone, Isolated Social,

alone Accompanied

Somber Dark or dull in Gloomy, Cheerful, Bright

tone Mournful

Sophistry Deceptive Fallacy, Logic, Truth

reasoning Deception

Specious Misleading in Deceptive, Genuine, Real

appearance False

Sporadic Occurring at Intermittent, Constant, Regular

irregular intervals Irregular

Spurious Not genuine or False, Fake Authentic, Real

true

Stagnant Not flowing or Still, Inactive Flowing, Active

moving

Stark Complete or Harsh, Bare Pleasant, Vague

absolute; harsh in
appearance

Static Lacking in Stationary, Still Dynamic, Active

movement

Staunch Loyal and Loyal, Steadfast Disloyal, Unreliable

committed

Steadfast Firm and Resolute, Fickle, Wavering

unwavering Constant

Stoic Enduring pain Indifferent, Expressive,

without showing Unemotional Emotional
feelings

Strident Loud and harsh Shrill, Raucous Soft, Mellow

Stymie To hinder or block Obstruct, Thwart Aid, Assist

Subjugate Bring under Conquer, Liberate, Free

domination Suppress
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Sublime Of such Majestic, Noble Inferior, Lowly

excellence to
inspire awe

Subtle Delicate or difficult Faint, Elusive Obvious, Overt

to detect

Succinct Brief and clearly Concise, Terse Wordy, Lengthy

expressed

Supercilious Behaving as Arrogant, Humble, Modest

though superior Haughty

Superfluous More than Excessive, Necessary,

necessary Redundant Essential

Suppress To put an end to Quash, Subdue Encourage, Promote

forcibly

Surmise To suppose Guess, Assume Know, Prove

without evidence

Surreptitious Kept secret, Secretive, Open, Transparent

especially Stealthy
because it
wouldn’t be
approved

Tacit Understood or Implicit, Explicit, Expressed

implied without Unspoken
being stated

Taciturn Reserved or Quiet, Reticent Talkative, Chatty

uncommunicative

Tangible Perceptible by Touchable, Intangible, Abstract

touch Concrete

Tantamount Equivalent in Equal, Different, Unequal

seriousness Equivalent

Tenuous Very weak or Fragile, Flimsy Strong, Firm

slight
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Terse Sparing in the use Concise, Brief Wordy, Lengthy

of words

Thwart To prevent Block, Foil Support, Facilitate

someone from
doing something

Timid Lacking in Shy, Fearful Bold, Confident

courage or
confidence

Tirade A long, angry Rant, Diatribe Compliment, Praise

speech

Torpid Mentally or Sluggish, Active, Energetic

physically inactive Lethargic

Tractable Easy to control or Docile, Obedient Stubborn,

influence Intractable

Transient Lasting for a short Temporary, Permanent, Lasting

time Fleeting

Trepidation A feeling of fear Anxiety, Dread Confidence,

Composure

Trivial Of little value or Insignificant, Significant,

importance Minor Important

Ubiquitous Present Omnipresent, Rare, Scarce

everywhere Ever-present

Uncanny Strange or Eerie, Weird Normal, Ordinary

mysterious

Unfathomable Impossible to Incomprehensibl Clear,

understand e, Deep Understandable

Unprecedented Never done or Extraordinary, Common, Ordinary

known before Novel

Upbraid To scold severely Reprimand, Praise, Compliment

Rebuke
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Usurp Take a position Seize, Take over Relinquish, Give up

illegally or by force

Vacillate To waver between Hesitate, Dither Decide, Determine

options

Vague Not clearly Unclear, Clear, Definite

expressed Ambiguous

Venerate To regard with great Revere, Honor Disrespect, Dishonor

respect

Veracity Truthfulness Honesty, Falsehood, Dishonesty

Accuracy

Verbose Using too many Wordy, Concise, Terse

words Redundant

Versatile Able to adapt or be Adaptable, Inflexible, Unadaptable

adapted Resourceful

Viable Capable of working Feasible, Impractical, Impossible

successfully Workable

Vicarious Experienced through Indirect, Direct, Primary

another Secondhand

Vilify To speak ill of Defame, Praise, Compliment

Slander

Vindicate To clear of blame Justify, Accuse, Condemn

Exonerate

Virtuous Having high moral Ethical, Immoral, Wicked

standards Righteous

Virulent Extremely severe or Deadly, Toxic Harmless, Benign

harmful

Viscous Thick and sticky Gooey, Syrupy Runny, Watery

Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Volatile Likely to change Unstable, Stable, Steady

suddenly Erratic

Voracious Very eager or Ravenous, Satisfied, Full

greedy Gluttonous

Vulnerable Capable of being Exposed, Protected, Invincible

harmed Susceptible

Wane To decrease Diminish, Grow, Increase

gradually Decline

Wary Cautious about Careful, Alert Reckless, Careless

possible dangers

Whimsical Playfully unusual Fanciful, Serious, Predictable

Quirky

Wither To dry up or weaken Shrivel, Fade Bloom, Thrive

Witty Clever and amusing Humorous, Dull, Boring

Smart

Woeful Full of sorrow Miserable, Joyful, Cheerful

Dismal

Wretched Extremely bad or Miserable, Blessed, Cheerful

unhappy Pathetic

Zealous Showing great Passionate, Apathetic, Indifferent

enthusiasm Fervent

Zenith The highest point Peak, Pinnacle Nadir, Bottom

Zest Enthusiasm and Eagerness, Apathy, Indifference

energy Excitement

Abdicate To give up a position Resign, Seize, Claim

of power Relinquish

Aberration A deviation from Anomaly, Normality, Regularity

normal Deviation
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Abhorrent Inspiring disgust Repulsive, Admirable, Pleasant

Detestable

Absolve To free from guilt or Acquit, Blame, Condemn

blame Exonerate

Abstain To choose not to do Refrain, Avoid Indulge, Participate

something

Accentuate To emphasize Highlight, Downplay, Minimize

Stress

Acquiesce To accept reluctantly Consent, Refuse, Protest

Agree

Acrid Having a strong and Bitter, Pungent Pleasant, Sweet

unpleasant smell or
taste

Acrimonious Angry and bitter Hostile, Friendly, Harmonious

Caustic

Adage A traditional saying Proverb, Novelty, Coinage

Maxim

Adamant Firm and unyielding Stubborn, Flexible, Yielding

Inflexible

Adept Very skilled Proficient, Incompetent, Unskilled

Expert

Admonish To warn or Caution, Scold Praise, Approve

reprimand

Adroit Skillful and clever Dexterous, Clumsy, Inept

Proficient

Adulation Excessive praise Flattery, Criticism, Disdain

Worship

Aesthetic Concerned with Artistic, Unattractive,

beauty Attractive Displeasing
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Affable Friendly and easy to Amiable, Rude, Unfriendly

talk to Genial

Affluent Having a lot of Wealthy, Poor, Destitute

money Prosperous

Aggrandize To increase power Exaggerate, Belittle, Diminish

or reputation Magnify

Aggregate A whole formed by Total, Individual, Part

combining parts Collection

Alacrity Eagerness and Readiness, Reluctance,

enthusiasm Willingness Indifference

Allay To lessen fear or Calm, Soothe Agitate, Intensify

concern

Alleviate To reduce or ease Relieve, Aggravate, Intensify

Mitigate

Amass To collect or gather Accumulate, Scatter, Disperse

Collect

Ambiguous Open to more than Vague, Clear, Certain

one meaning Unclear

Ambivalent Having mixed Uncertain, Decisive, Clear

feelings Conflicted

Amiable Having or displaying Friendly, Hostile, Unfriendly

a friendly manner Cordial

Amnesty A general pardon for Pardon, Penalty, Punishment

offenses Forgiveness

Anarchy Absence of Lawlessness, Order, Government

government or Chaos
control
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Animosity Strong hostility Hatred, Affection, Friendship

Antagonism

Apathy Lack of interest or Indifference, Interest, Concern

concern Unconcern

Apex The top or highest Peak, Summit Base, Bottom

part

Apprehensive Fearful about the Anxious, Confident, Unconcerned

future Worried

Arduous Difficult and tiring Hard, Laborious Easy, Effortless

Articulate Able to speak Expressive, Mumble, Inarticulate

clearly Fluent

Ascend To rise or go up Climb, Rise Descend, Drop

Aspire To strive for a goal Desire, Aim Dismiss, Despise

Assail To attack violently Assault, Defend, Praise

Criticize

Assert To state clearly and Declare, Affirm Deny, Reject

firmly

Assess To evaluate Appraise, Ignore, Overlook

Judge

Assimilate To absorb or Incorporate, Exclude, Reject

integrate Adjust

Astute Clever and Shrewd, Smart Foolish, Inept

perceptive

Atone To make amends Compensate, Worsen, Offend

Redeem

Audacious Bold and daring Brave, Timid, Cowardly

Courageous
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Auspicious Conducive to Favorable, Unlucky, Inauspicious

success Promising

Austere Severe or strict in Stern, Harsh Gentle, Indulgent

manner

Autonomous Independent, Sovereign, Free Dependent, Subordinate

self-governing

Avarice Extreme greed for Greed, Cupidity Generosity, Charity

wealth

Banal Lacking originality Trite, Original, Unique

Commonplace

Beguile To deceive or charm Mislead, Trick Enlighten, Disenchant

Belie To contradict Misrepresent, Prove, Support

Disprove

Belligerent Hostile and Aggressive, Peaceful, Friendly

aggressive Combative

Benign Gentle; not harmful Kind, Harmless Malignant, Harmful

Bequeath To leave in a will Inherit, Leave Disown, Deny

Blatant Obvious and Obvious, Subtle, Hidden

offensive Flagrant

Blithe Carefree and Cheerful, Jovial Depressed, Gloomy

cheerful

Bolster To support or Reinforce, Undermine, Weaken

strengthen Boost

Brazen Shamelessly bold Impudent, Humble, Shy

Brash

Bucolic Relating to Rustic, Rural Urban, Metropolitan

countryside

Benevolent Kind and generous Kindhearted, Malevolent, Cruel

Charitable
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Cacophony Harsh sounds Dissonance, Harmony, Melody

Discord

Cajole To persuade with Coax, Persuade Demand, Force

flattery

Candid Honest and Frank, Open Deceptive, Dishonest

straightforward

Capitulate To surrender Yield, Submit Resist, Defend

Caustic Sarcastic or Biting, Cutting Mild, Gentle

corrosive

Censure To criticize harshly Condemn, Praise, Commend

Reprimand

Chastise To scold or punish Reprimand, Reward, Encourage

Discipline

Chronic Continuing for a Persistent, Temporary, Acute

long time Long-term

Circuitous Indirect Roundabout, Direct, Straightforward

Meandering

Coerce To force someone Compel, Persuade, Encourage

by threat Intimidate

Cogent Convincing Persuasive, Weak, Ineffective

Logical

Complacent Self-satisfied Smug, Content Concerned, Dissatisfied

Concise Brief and to the Terse, Compact Wordy, Long-winded

point

Concur To agree Agree, Consent Disagree, Oppose

Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms

Vivid Producing strong Bright, Clear Dull, Faint

impressions

Conducive Helpful or favorable Beneficial, Harmful, Unfavorable

Helpful

Easily seen or Noticeable, Hidden, Inconspicuous

noticed Obvious

Construe To interpret Explain, Define Misunderstand, Confuse

Falter To lose strength or Hesitate, Waver Persist, Continue

momentum

Dauntless Showing Fickle, Stable, Constant

fearlessness and Unpredictable
determination

Inevitable Certain to happen Unavoidable, Avoidable, Uncertain

Certain

Emulate To imitate with the Imitate, Copy Neglect, Ignore

intent to equal or
surpass

Deter To discourage from Hinder, Prevent Encourage, Promote

doing something

Hinder To create difficulties, Obstruct, Facilitate, Help

delay or obstruct Hamper

Insipid Lacking flavor or Dull, Bland Interesting, Exciting

interest

Myriad A countless or Multitude,Innum Few, Limited

extremely great erable
number

Impeccable Perfect or without Flawless, Imperfect, Faulty

fault Spotless
​