GRE Word List

The words are taken from Magoosh list.

Jump to Letters: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

To see example in a sentence, click on the word.

A

Aberrant: Markedly different from an accepted norm
Aberration: A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
Abjure: To renounce or give up a belief, cause, or claim
Aboveboard: Honest, open, and straightforward
Abrogate: To abolish, annul, or repeal formally
Abstain: To refrain from doing something, especially voluntarily
Abstruse: Difficult to understand; obscure
Abysmal: Extremely bad or appalling
Acme: The highest point or peak of something
Adamant: Unyielding in attitude or opinion, especially in the face of opposition
Adjudicate: To make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or dispute
Admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly
Admonitory: Serving as a warning or caution
Advocate: To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
Advocate: A person who publicly supports a cause or policy
Aesthete: A person who has a deep appreciation for art or beauty
Aesthetic: Relating to beauty or artistic expression
Aesthetic: Concerned with the appreciation of beauty or art
Affable: Friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to
Affluent: Having a great deal of wealth or abundance
Afford: To have the financial means to do or buy something
Alacrity: Brisk and cheerful readiness
Altruism: The selfless concern for the well-being of others
Amalgam: A mixture or combination of different elements
Ambiguous: Having more than one possible meaning; unclear or inexact
Ambivalent: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
Ameliorate: To improve or make something better
Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded
Amiable: Having a friendly and pleasant manner
Amorphous: Lacking a clear shape or structure; vague or ill-defined
Amply: In a way that is plentiful or abundant
Amuck: In a frenzied, chaotic, or uncontrollable state
Anachronism: Something that is out of place in time, especially something that belongs to an earlier time
Analogous: Comparable in certain respects, typically to clarify an argument or idea
Anathema: A person or thing that is detested or loathed
Anemic: Lacking in color, vitality, or interest; weak
Animosity: Strong hostility or dislike
Anodyne: A pain-relieving drug or something that soothes or relieves pain
Anodyne: Soothing or relieving pain, stress, or discomfort
Anomalous: Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected
Anomaly: Something that deviates from the norm or expectations
Antedated: Occurred or existed before something else; preceded in time
Antic: A playful or silly act or gesture, often in an exaggerated or absurd manner
Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion
Antiquated: Outdated or no longer in use due to age
Antithetical: Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible
Apathetic: Lacking interest, enthusiasm, or concern
Apathy: Lack of emotion, interest, or concern
Apex: The top or highest point of something
Aphorism: A concise statement of a general truth or principle
Aphoristic: Relating to an aphorism or resembling an aphorism in style
Aplomb: Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation
Apocryphal: Of doubtful authenticity or origin, though widely circulated as being true
Apogee: The highest point or peak of something, especially in terms of achievement
Apostate: A person who renounces or abandons their religious or political beliefs
Apothegm: A brief, concise, and instructive saying or remark
Apotheosis: The highest point in the development of something; a culmination or climax
Appease: To bring peace or calm, often by satisfying demands
Appreciable: Large or important enough to be noticed or measured
Apprehension: A fearful anticipation or anxiety about the future
Approbatory: Expressing approval or praise
Appropriate: To take something for one’s own use, often without permission
Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances
Appurtenant: Related or attached to something, often used in legal contexts
Arbitrary: Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system
Arcane: Known or understood by only a few people; obscure
Arch: Deliberately playful and mischievous
Archaic: Old-fashioned or outdated
Arduous: Involving a lot of effort and hard work
Arrant: Complete or utter (often used to emphasize something negative)
Arriviste: A person who has recently risen to a position of power or influence, often in a way considered vulgar or self-serving
Arrogate: To take or claim something without justification
Artful: Crafty or skillful, often with the intent to deceive
Artful: Skillfully crafted or designed
Artifice: A clever or cunning device or trick, often used to deceive
Artless: Without deceit or guile; innocent and sincere
Artlessness: Innocence and sincerity; lack of deceit or cunning
Ascendancy: The state of having more power, influence, or control over others
Ascetic: Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for religious reasons
Ascetic: A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence
Ascribe: To attribute something to a cause or source
Askance: With a sideways glance, typically showing suspicion or disapproval
Asperity: Harshness or severity, especially in tone or manner
Assail: To attack or assault violently or aggressively
Assiduously: With great care and perseverance
Assuage: To ease or lessen something, such as pain or distress
Atavism: The reappearance of a characteristic in an organism that had disappeared generations ago
Attenuate: To reduce in force, intensity, or severity
Audacious: Bold, daring, or fearless, especially in a reckless way
Audacity: The willingness to take bold risks, often showing disrespect for social norms
Augment: To make something greater by adding to it
Auspicious: Conducive to success; favorable
Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
Austere: Plain and simple, without luxury or adornment
Austere: Having a stark, grim, or serious nature
Autocratic: Relating to a system of government where one person has absolute power
Autocratic: Characterized by a domineering or dictatorial manner
Autonomously: Acting independently or without external control
Avarice: Extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Avaricious: Having an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions
Avert: To turn away or prevent something from happening
Avert: To prevent the occurrence of something undesirable
Avid: Having a strong interest or enthusiasm for something

B

Badger: To harass or annoy persistently
Baleful: Threatening harm; menacing
Balk: To hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking
Banal: Lacking originality, freshness, or novelty
Banality: The condition of being trite, overused, or uninspired
Banish: To send someone away from a place as a punishment
Base: Morally low; lacking in honor or ethics
Bastardization: The act of corrupting or debasing something by altering it
Beatific: Showing or producing great happiness or bliss
Becoming: Attractive or suitable to the person or situation
Beg: To ask for something humbly or earnestly
Begrudge: To resent or envy someone for having something
Begrudge: To give reluctantly or with a sense of ill-will
Behooves: To be necessary or proper for someone
Belie: To give a false impression of something
Belittle: To make someone or something seem less impressive or important
Bellicose: Having a strong desire to fight or argue
Belligerent: Hostile and aggressive
Bemoan: To express sorrow or dissatisfaction about something
Benighted: In a state of moral or intellectual darkness
Benign: Kind and gentle; having a favorable or positive outcome
Benign: Not harmful or dangerous
Bereft: Deprived or lacking something
Bereft: Feeling sorrowful or lacking due to a loss
Besiege: To surround and overwhelm, often with requests or demands
Besmirch: To damage or stain the reputation of someone or something
Besotted: Infatuated or obsessed with something or someone
Besotted: Completely in love or intoxicated
Betray: To reveal or expose something or someone as a result of treachery
Bilious: Relating to bile; bad-tempered or irritable
Blatant: Completely obvious or conspicuous, often in an offensive way
Bleak: Cold, barren, or lacking in hope or enthusiasm
Blinkered: Having narrow or limited perspective
Bolster: To support or strengthen something
Boon: A thing that is helpful or beneficial
Boon: A timely or fortunate benefit
Boorish: Rude, insensitive, or uncouth in behavior
Bowdlerize: To remove or alter content deemed offensive or inappropriate, especially from a book or film
Brazen: Bold, shameless, or audacious in a way that is disrespectful
Bridle: To restrain or control, especially in terms of emotions or actions
Bridle: To show or express irritation or offense, often in a subtle manner
Bristle: To react angrily or defensively
Broadside: A strong verbal attack or criticism
Bromide: A trite or unoriginal remark intended to soothe or placate
Brook: To tolerate or endure something unpleasant
Browbeat: To intimidate or dominate someone with stern or overbearing behavior
Brusquely: In a blunt, curt, or ungracious manner
Buck: To resist or oppose something, especially an authority or system
Bucolic: Relating to the countryside or rural life; idyllic and peaceful
Bumbling: Clumsy or awkward in movement or behavior
Burgeon: To grow or expand rapidly
Buttress: To support or strengthen something, especially an argument or structure
Byzantine: Complex and intricate, often in a way that is deceptive or difficult to understand

C

Cadaverous: Resembling a corpse; pale, gaunt, or emaciated
Callow: Inexperienced and immature
Calumny: False and defamatory statements made to damage someone’s reputation
Canard: A false or misleading story or report
Candid: Open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression
Candidness: The quality of being frank, honest, and straightforward
Capitulate: To surrender or give in to demands
Capricious: Subject to sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior
Cardinal: Of primary importance; fundamental
Carping: Constantly finding fault, often in a petty or trivial manner
Castigate: To reprimand or criticize severely
Cataclysm: A large-scale, disastrous event or upheaval
Catalyst: A person or thing that causes a significant change or event
Catholic: Universal in scope; including a wide range of ideas or influences
Cavalier: Showing a lack of concern or seriousness, especially toward important matters
Cede: To give up or surrender something, especially land or rights
Celerity: Swiftness or speed in movement or action
Censor: To examine and remove or suppress material considered offensive or inappropriate
Censure: To express severe disapproval of, typically in a formal statement
Cerebral: Relating to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional
Chagrin: A feeling of distress or embarrassment caused by failure or disappointment
Chagrin: Distress or regret caused by a particular event
Champion: A person who strongly supports or defends a cause or person
Charlatan: A fraud or someone who pretends to have knowledge or skills they do not possess
Chary: Being cautious or wary, especially about risks or dangers
Chastise: To scold or criticize severely
Chauvinism: Excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one’s own group, typically to the detriment of others
Chauvinist: A person who believes in or displays excessive loyalty to their own group, often with disdain for others
Check: To examine or verify something; to stop or limit progress
Check: A restriction or control placed on something
Checkered: Marked by periods of success and failure, often in a way that is disreputable
Chimera: A fantastical or unrealistic idea, often one that is impossible to achieve
Chivalrous: Courteous, gallant, and honorable, especially toward women
Choleric: Quick-tempered, irritable, or easily angered
Chortle: A joyful, hearty laugh
Churlish: Rude, boorish, or surly
Circumscribe: To limit or restrict the scope or extent of something
Circumvent: To find a way around or avoid something, often by deceit or trickery
Clemency: Mercy or leniency, especially toward someone who has committed a crime
Coalesce: To come together or unite to form one whole
Cogent: Clear, logical, and convincing
Cohesive: Forming a unified whole, well-integrated and harmonious
Collusion: Secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially to deceive others
Colossal: Extremely large or impressive in size or degree
Commendable: Deserving praise or admiration
Commensurate: Corresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionate
Complacent: Self-satisfied, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or shortcomings
Complaisant: Willing to please others; obliging
Complementary: Mutually enhancing or completing each other
Complicit: Involved with others in illegal or wrongful activities
Compound: To combine or mix elements together
Concede: To admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly
Concede: To yield or give in, often after resistance
Concede: To grant or allow something, often in a discussion or negotiation
Conciliate: To calm down or win over, especially by appeasing or reconciling
Concomitant: Occurring or existing at the same time; accompanying
Conducive: Helping to bring about a particular result or outcome
Conflagration: A large destructive fire
Conflate: To combine or mix two or more things together, often resulting in confusion or distortion
Confound: To confuse or perplex someone or something
Confound: To cause surprise or bewilderment in someone, especially by contradicting expectations
Conniving: Engaged in secret or deceitful plotting
Consecrate: To make or declare something sacred or holy
Conspicuous: Attracting attention because of being noticeable or prominent
Constituent: Part of a whole; a component or element of something
Constituent: A person who is represented by an elected official
Constraint: A limitation or restriction on something
Construe: To interpret or understand something in a particular way
Consummate: To complete or perfect something, especially in a skilled or expert manner
Consummate: Extremely skilled or accomplished
Contemptuous: Showing disdain or a lack of respect for something or someone
Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument or conflict
Contingent: Dependent on or determined by something else
Contingent: Subject to chance or unpredictable factors
Contrite: Feeling or expressing remorse or regret for wrongdoing
Contrition: The state of feeling remorseful or repentant
Contrive: To plan or devise something, often in a clever or deceitful way
Conundrum: A confusing or difficult problem or question
Convivial: Friendly, sociable, and marked by
Convoluted: Extremely complex and difficult to follow

Copious: Abundant in quantity or number; overflowing

Cornucopia: An abundant, overflowing supply of something, especially food

Corollary: A direct or natural consequence or result

Corroborate: To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding

Cosmopolitan: Familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures

Cosseted: Treated with excessive care or indulgence

Coterminous: Having the same boundaries or extent in time or space

Countermand: To revoke or cancel a previous order or command

Cow: To frighten or intimidate someone into submission

Craven: Very cowardly; lacking courage

Credence: Belief in or acceptance of something as true

Creditable: Worthy of praise or recognition; commendable

Credulity: The tendency to believe something too readily or easily

Crestfallen: Feeling downcast or disappointed, especially after a failure

Cryptic: Having a hidden or ambiguous meaning; mysterious

Crystallize: To make something clear or definite; to form into a solid structure

Culminate: To reach the highest point or final stage of something

Culpability: The state of being responsible for a wrong or fault

Cumbersome: Large or heavy and difficult to handle or manage

Cupidity: Excessive greed, especially for wealth

Curmudgeon: A bad-tempered or surly person, especially an old one

D

Dearth: A scarcity or lack of something

Debase: To lower in status, quality, or character

Debonair: Suave, charming, and sophisticated

Debunk: To expose the falseness or hollowness of something

Decimation: The destruction or killing of a large portion of a population or group

Decorous: Proper, dignified, and socially acceptable

Decorum: Behavior that is socially correct, dignified, and polite

Decry: To publicly denounce or criticize

Deferential: Showing respect and submission to another person’s authority

Defray: To pay for or cover the costs of something

Degrade: To lower in dignity or quality; to treat someone with disrespect

Deign: To do something that one considers to be beneath their dignity

Delegate: To assign a task or responsibility to someone else

Deleterious: Having a harmful effect; damaging

Deliberate: Intentional; done with careful thought or consideration

Delineate: To describe or portray something precisely

Demean: To lower someone’s dignity or reputation

Demonstrative: Showing feelings or emotions openly

Demur: To raise doubts or objections; to hesitate

Demure: Modest, reserved, or shy in manner or behavior

Denigrate: To criticize or belittle someone or something unfairly

Denote: To indicate or represent something explicitly

Denouement: The final resolution or clarification of a story’s plot

Derelict: In a state of disrepair or neglect; abandoned

Derelict: Someone who is abandoned or neglected; homeless

Deride: To mock or ridicule someone or something

Derisive: Expressing contempt or mockery

Derivative: Copied or based on something else; unoriginal

Derive: To obtain or deduce something from a source

Derive: To trace or obtain from a source

Derogative: Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

Desecrate: To treat a sacred place or thing with disrespect or violence

Desiccated: Thoroughly dried out; lacking moisture

Desideratum: A thing that is needed or wanted

Despot: A ruler with absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way

Destitute: Lacking the basic necessities of life

Destitute: Poverty-stricken; without means of support

Deter: To discourage or prevent from an action

Deter: To make someone less likely to do something

Detrimental: Harmful or damaging

Devolve: To transfer responsibility or power to someone else

Devolve: To degenerate or deteriorate into a worse state

Diabolical: Relating to or characteristic of the devil; evil

Diatribe: A bitter and abusive verbal attack

Dictatorial: Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in a way that is not open to discussion

Didactic: Intended to teach, particularly in a moralizing or instructive way

Differentiate: To recognize or show the difference between things

Differentiate: To make distinct or specialized

Diffident: Shy, lacking self-confidence

Dilapidated: In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect

Dilatory: Slow to act; intended to cause delay

Dilettante: A person who takes up an activity for amusement but lacks serious commitment or knowledge

Diligent: Showing steady, earnest, and energetic effort

Diminutive: Extremely small in size

Diminutive: Relating to a word or suffix that conveys smallness

Disabuse: To free someone from a misconception or false belief

Disaffected: Discontented or dissatisfied, especially with authority

Discord: Disagreement or conflict

Discreet: Careful and prudent in speech or behavior, especially to avoid causing offense

Discrete: Separate or distinct

Discriminate: To recognize or show the difference between things

Discursive: Covering a wide range of topics in a conversation or piece of writing

Disenfranchise: To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights

Disheartened: Feeling discouraged or lacking in hope

Disingenuous: Not sincere or honest

Disinterested: Having no personal interest in something; impartial

Disparate: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison

Dispassionate: Not influenced by strong feelings or emotions

Dispatch: To send off or deal with something promptly

Dispatch: The act of sending someone or something to a specific destination

Dispensation: Exemption from a rule or law

Dissemble: To conceal one’s true feelings or intentions

Disseminate: To spread or distribute something widely

Dissipate: To scatter or disperse something, or to waste or squander something

Dissipate: To disappear or cause something to disappear gradually

Dissolution: The process of formally ending or dissolving something

Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

Dog: To follow or track someone persistently

Dogmatic: Assertive in an opinionated or doctrinal way, without consideration for other viewpoints

Doleful: Expressing sorrow or melancholy

Dolorous: Feeling or showing sorrow or grief

Doughty: Brave and persistent, especially in the face of difficulty

Dovetail: To fit together harmoniously or combine well

Dupe: To deceive or trick someone into believing something false

Dupe: A person who is deceived or tricked

Duplicity: Deceitfulness or double-dealing, especially by pretending to have one set of intentions while secretly having another

Duress: Threats, violence, or other forms of coercion used to force someone to act against their will

E

Ebullient: Full of energy, enthusiasm, or excitement

Eccentric: Unconventional or slightly strange in behavior or appearance

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

Economical: Using resources in a careful and efficient manner, avoiding waste

Edifying: Providing moral or intellectual instruction

Effacing: Erasing or wiping out; making oneself inconspicuous

Effervescent: Bubbling with high spirits, enthusiasm, or energy

Efficacious: Effective in producing the desired result

Effrontery: Shameless boldness or audacity

Egotist: A person who is excessively self-centered or self-absorbed

Egregious: Outstandingly bad or shocking

Eke: To manage to get or make something last longer, often with difficulty

Elaborate: Involving many careful details or parts

Elaborate: To explain something in greater detail

Elegiac: Relating to or expressing sorrow, often in a poetic or melancholic manner

Elicit: To draw out or bring forth a response, answer, or reaction

Elucidate: To make something clear or explain it in detail

Elude: To escape from or avoid something, often in a clever or tricky way

Elusive: Hard to find, catch, or define

Embellish: To make something more attractive by adding decorative details

Embriolded: Involved deeply in a conflict or issue

Embryonic: In an early or undeveloped stage

Eminent: Famous, well-known, and respected in a particular field

Empathetic: Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of others

Empiricism: The theory that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and evidence

Emulate: To imitate or strive to equal or surpass someone or something, often as a form of admiration

Enamor: To be filled with a feeling of love or admiration for someone or something

Encumber: To restrict or weigh down, often causing difficulty or hindrance

Endemic: Native to or characteristic of a particular region or environment

Enervate: To weaken or drain energy, vitality, or strength

Engender: To cause or give rise to something, especially a feeling or situation

Enjoin: To direct or instruct someone to do something, often with authority or urgency

Enmity: State of mutual hostility, hatred, or animosity

Enormity: Extreme seriousness, wickedness, or vast scale of something, often negative

Enthrall: To captivate or hold the attention of someone completely

Entice: To attract or tempt someone to do something through appeal or persuasion

Entrenched: Firmly established and difficult to change or remove

Enumerate: To mention or list items one by one

Enumerate: To count, list, or itemize in a sequential manner

Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short period of time; fleeting

Epigram: A short, witty, or clever remark, often with a satirical or humorous tone

Epiphany: A sudden realization or insight, often leading to a new understanding

Eponym: A person after whom a place, thing, or concept is named

Equitable: Fair and impartial, treating all parties justly

Equivocal: Open to more than one interpretation, often deliberately vague or ambiguous

Equivocate: To speak or act in a way that is intentionally ambiguous or unclear

Eradicate: To completely eliminate or destroy something, often with thoroughness

Err: To make a mistake or be incorrect

Errant: Straying from the proper course or standards; wandering

Erratic: Unpredictable or inconsistent in behavior, movement, or quality

Ersatz: Artificial or substitute, often inferior to the original

Erudite: Having or showing extensive knowledge gained from reading or studying

Eschew: To deliberately avoid or abstain from something

Esoteric: Intended for or understood by only a small, specialized group

Espouse: To adopt or support a particular belief, cause, or idea

Estimable: Worthy of admiration or respect; admirable

Ethereal: Light, airy, or delicate; not of this world

Euphoria: A feeling of intense happiness or well-being

Evanescent: Quickly fading or disappearing, especially in a brief or fleeting way

Evasive: Deliberately avoiding or avoiding directness, often to elude something

Evasive: Likely to evade, dodge, or escape from something or someone

Evenhanded: Fair and impartial in treatment, without bias

Exacerbate: To worsen or intensify a situation or problem

Exacting: Requiring great attention, effort, or precision

Exalt: To raise in rank, dignity, or power; to praise or glorify

Exasperate: To irritate or provoke someone to a great degree

Excoriate: To criticize or condemn severely

Excruciating: Intensely painful or agonizing

Execrate: To detest or curse vehemently

Exegesis: A critical or explanatory interpretation of a text

Exemplar: A model or pattern of excellence

Exemplify: To illustrate or clarify by example

Exemplify: To serve as a typical example of something

Exhort: To strongly encourage or urge someone to take action

Exiguity: Smallness or lack of sufficient quantity or space

Exonerate: To clear someone of blame or fault

Exorbitant: Unreasonably high or excessive, especially in price or cost

Expansive: Wide-ranging or covering a large area; sociable or open in communication

Expound: To explain or present in detail

Expunge: To erase, remove, or eliminate something completely

Expurgate: To remove offensive or inappropriate material from a text

Extant: Still in existence, surviving, or remaining

Extenuating: Making a situation or offense seem less serious or more forgivable

Extrapolate: To infer or estimate something based on existing data or trends

F

Facetious: Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor

Facile: Easy to achieve or attain; superficial or shallow

Factious: Relating to a group or faction causing conflict or dissension

Factitious: Artificially created or developed, not natural

Fallacious: Based on a mistaken belief or faulty reasoning

Fastidious: Very attentive to detail, hard to please, or difficult to satisfy

Fawn: To seek favor through excessive flattery or exaggerated affection

Feckless: Lacking initiative or strength of character, ineffective

Fecund: Capable of producing an abundance of offspring or results; fertile

Fell: Fierce, savage, or destructive

Ferret: To search or hunt out, especially in a persistent or determined manner

Fete: A large or elaborate celebration or party

Fickle: Likely to change or fluctuate unpredictably, especially in regard to loyalty or affection

Finagle: To obtain something through manipulation or dishonest means

Firebrand: A person who causes trouble or incites conflict

Flag: To signal or indicate, especially by lowering or losing energy

Fledgling: A young bird that has just acquired feathers for flight; a beginner or novice

Fleece: To deceive or cheat someone, often out of money

Flippant: Disrespectfully casual or lacking seriousness

Flounder: To struggle or move clumsily; to be uncertain or fail

Flummox: To bewilder or confuse someone

Flush: To redden or become warm, especially from emotion or exertion

Flux: Continuous change or movement

Foible: A minor weakness or flaw in someone’s character

Foment: To instigate or stir up trouble or unrest

Foolhardy: Recklessly bold or daring without regard for consequences

Forlorn: Desolate or abandoned; feeling lonely and hopeless

Forthcoming: About to happen; willing to be open and cooperative

Forthcoming: Willing to provide information or be open about something

Forthright: Direct and straightforward in speech or behavior

Fortuitous: Happening by chance or luck, often in a fortunate way

Fractious: Prone to causing trouble or being difficult to manage

Frivolous: Not having any serious purpose or value; silly

Frugal: Prudent or economical in spending money or resources

Frustrate: To prevent something from happening or to cause annoyance or disappointment

Furtive: Secretive or stealthy, often due to guilt or fear of being caught

Futile: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless

G

Gaffe: A mistake or blunder, especially a social mistake

Gainsay: To deny or contradict something; to oppose

Gall: To irritate or annoy someone; bold and impudent behavior

Gall: To irritate or annoy someone; bold and impudent behavior

Galvanize: To shock or excite someone into taking action

Gambit: A strategic move or action, often with some risk involved

Garrulous: Excessively talkative, especially about trivial matters

Gauche: Lacking social grace or sensitivity; awkward

Genial: Friendly and cheerful in manner

Genteel: Refined, polite, and respectable, often in an exaggerated way

Germane: Relevant and appropriate to the subject being discussed

Gerrymander: To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one group

Glean: To gather or collect information or materials bit by bit

Glib: Fluent and voluble, but often insincere or superficial

Glut: An excessive quantity of something; to flood or oversupply

Glut: An excessive quantity of something; to flood or oversupply

Goad: To provoke or urge someone to take action, often with irritation

Gossamer: Something delicate, light, or flimsy, often used to describe fine or thin materials

Graft: To implant or insert, often used in the context of unethical practices or corruption

Grandiloquent: Using pompous or extravagant language to impress others

Gregarious: Enjoying the company of others; sociable

Grovel: To act in a servile or submissive manner, often in a desperate attempt to please

Guffaw: A loud and boisterous laugh

Guileless: Free from deceit or cunning; innocent and straightforward

Gumption: Shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness

H

Hackneyed: Overused and lacking originality; trite

Hagiographic: Excessively flattering or idealizing someone, especially in a biographical context

Hail: To greet or acclaim enthusiastically; to call out in order to attract attention

Halcyon: Characterized by peace, happiness, and tranquility

Hamper: To obstruct or impede the progress or movement of something

Hamstrung: To severely restrict or limit someone’s ability to act or function

Haphazard: Characterized by lack of planning or order; random

Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture

Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture

Harried: Feeling distressed or harassed due to demands or pressure

Haughty: Arrogantly superior and disdainful

Hauteur: Arrogance or disdain; a haughty manner

Hector: To bully or harass someone

Hedge: To avoid giving a direct answer or commitment; to limit or qualify a statement

Hegemony: Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others

Heretic: A person who holds beliefs that are contrary to the established religious or societal norms

Heyday: The period of greatest success, popularity, or power

Histrionic: Overly dramatic or emotional, often with an intent to attract attention

Hoary: Gray or white with age; old and venerable

Hobble: To restrict or hinder movement, often in a way that causes difficulty

Hodgepodge: A confusing mixture of different elements; a jumble

Hoodwink: To deceive or trick someone

Hound: To harass or pursue relentlessly

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall

Humdrum: Monotonous and dull; lacking excitement or variety

I

Iconoclast: A person who attacks or criticizes traditional beliefs, institutions, or values

Iconoclastic: Characterized by an attack on established beliefs or institutions

Idiosyncrasy: A characteristic or habit that is peculiar to an individual or group

Ignoble: Not honorable in character or purpose

Ignominious: Deserving or causing public shame or disgrace

Illicit: Illegal or forbidden by law, rules, or custom

Illustrious: Highly distinguished or famous, especially in a particular field

Imbibe: To drink (especially alcohol); to absorb or soak up knowledge or information

Imbroglio: A complicated and confusing situation or disagreement

Immaterial: Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance

Immure: To enclose or imprison someone against their will

Immutable: Unchanging over time; unalterable

Impartial: Not biased or partial; treating all people or situations equally

Impeccable: Without fault or error; flawless

Impecunious: Having little or no money; poor

Impede: To obstruct or delay the progress or movement of something

Impending: About to happen; looming

Imperious: Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogantly domineering

Impermeable: Not allowing fluid to pass through; not penetrable

Impertinent: Not showing proper respect; rude or impolite

Impervious: Not allowing something to pass through or affect; immune

Impetuous: Acting or done quickly without thought or care; impulsive

Implacable: Unable to be calmed down or appeased

Implausible: Not seeming reasonable or probable

Implicate: To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or wrongdoing

Implicate: To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or wrongdoing

Imponderable: Impossible to estimate or assess; difficult to consider

Importuned: To ask persistently or forcefully for something

Impregnable: Unable to be defeated, overcome, or penetrated

Improvident: Not planning for the future; wasteful or careless with resources

Imprudent: Lacking good judgment or wisdom; rash

Impudent: Shamelessly bold or disrespectful; rude

Impugn: To attack or challenge the truth, validity, or integrity of something

Impute: To attribute (a wrongdoing or fault) to someone or something

Inadvertent: Not intentional; unintentional

Inanity: Foolishness or silliness; lack of sense or meaning

Inarticulate: Unable to express oneself clearly or effectively in speech or writing

Incense: To make very angry; to enrage

Incessant: Continuing without interruption; unceasing

Inchoate: Just begun and not fully formed or developed

Incisive: Clear, sharp, and direct; having a sharp mental focus

Inclement: Severe, harsh, or unkind (often referring to weather)

Inclement: Severe, harsh, or unkind (often referring to weather)

Incongruous: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects

Incontrovertible: Not able to be denied or disputed; indisputable

Incorrigible: Incapable of being corrected, reformed, or improved

Incumbent: Holding a particular position or office; obligatory or required

Indecorous: Lacking proper decorum; inappropriate or improper behavior

Indict: To formally accuse or charge someone with a crime

Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy

Indigenous: Native to a particular place or environment

Indigent: Poor or needy; lacking basic necessities of life

Indigent: Poor or needy; lacking basic necessities of life

Indignant: Feeling or showing anger or strong displeasure due to something unjust or wrong

Industrious: Hardworking and diligent in accomplishing tasks

Ineffable: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words

Ineluctable: Impossible to avoid or escape; inescapable

Inequity: Lack of fairness or justice; unfairness

Inexorable: Relentless or unstoppable; unable to be persuaded or moved

Infelicitous: Unfortunate or inappropriate; awkwardly expressed

Inflammable: Capable of catching fire easily; highly flammable

Ingenuity: The quality of being clever, original, and inventive

Ingenuous: Innocent, candid, and sincere; naïve

Ingratiate: To gain favor or approval by deliberate efforts

Inimical: Hostile or harmful; showing opposition or ill will

Inimitable: Impossible to imitate or copy; unique

Inkling: A vague idea or slight suspicion

Innocuous: Harmless; not likely to cause any injury or offense

Inscrutable: Impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious

Insidious: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects

Insipid: Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest; dull

Insolent: Showing a rude or arrogant lack of respect

Insolvent: Unable to pay debts; bankrupt

Insouciance: Casual lack of concern; indifference

Insufferable: Too extreme to be endured; unbearable

Intermittent: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous

Internecine: Relating to conflict within a group or organization; mutually destructive

Intimate: Closely acquainted, personal, or private

Intimation: A hint or suggestion of something

Intransigent: Unwilling to change one’s views or to agree

Intrepid: Fearless and adventurous; courageous

Inundate: To overwhelm or flood with a large amount of something

Inure: To become accustomed to something unpleasant or difficult

Invective: Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

Inveterate: Having a particular habit or quality that is long-established and unlikely to change

Invidious: Likely to arouse resentment or anger in others

Inviolable: Never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored; sacred

Inviolate: Free or safe from injury or violation

Involved: Complex or complicated; emotionally engaged

Irascible: Easily angered or irritated; short-tempered

Irk: To irritate or annoy

Irrefutable: Impossible to disprove; indisputable

Irresolute: Uncertain or indecisive; lacking determination

Irrevocable: Not able to be changed, undone, or reversed

Itinerant: Traveling from place to place, especially for work

J

Jargon: Specialized or technical language used by a particular group

Jaundice: A medical condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes

Jejune: Lacking in substance or significance; dull or boring

Jejune: Lacking maturity or experience; simplistic

Jingoism: Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy

Jingoist: A person with extreme patriotic beliefs, often in support of war or aggression

Jocular: Characterized by joking or humor; playful

Jovial: Cheerful and good-humored

Jubilant: Showing great joy, satisfaction, or triumph

Juggernaut: A massive, unstoppable force or entity

Junta: A military or political group that rules after taking power by force

Juxtapose: To place different things side by side for comparison or contrast

K

Kowtow: To act in an excessively subservient manner

L

Laborious: Requiring much effort and hard work

Lacerate: To tear or cut something, especially the skin

Lachrymose: Given to tears or weeping; tearful

Laconic: Using few words; brief and concise

Lambast: To criticize harshly and publicly

Lampoon: To publicly mock or ridicule

Languid: Weak, tired, or lacking energy

Languish: To suffer from being in an unpleasant situation or state

Largess: Generosity in giving, especially gifts or money

Lascivious: Feeling or displaying an excessive desire for sexual pleasure

Laudable: Worthy of praise or admiration

Leery: Feeling cautious or suspicious

Lethargic: Lacking energy or enthusiasm; sluggish

Limpid: Clear and transparent, especially of liquids

Lionize: To treat someone as a celebrity; to praise or idolize

Litany: A long list, often one that is repetitive or tedious

Loath: Reluctant or unwilling

Lucid: Clear and easy to understand

Lugubrious: Looking or sounding sad and dismal

M

Macabre: Having a quality of gruesome or disturbing horror

Machinate: To scheme or plot in a secretive or deceptive way

Magisterial: Having an air of authority or superiority

Magnanimous: Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person

Maintain: To assert or state something, often strongly or firmly

Maladroit: Clumsy or awkward in action or behavior

Malady: A disease or ailment

Malapropism: The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one

Malevolent: Having or showing a wish to do evil to others

Malfeasance: Wrongdoing, especially by a public official

Malingerer: Someone who pretends to be ill or injured to avoid work or duty

Malleable: Capable of being shaped or influenced

Malodorous: Having a bad or unpleasant smell

Martial: Relating to war or the military

Martinet: A strict disciplinarian, especially in the military

Maudlin: Excessively sentimental, often through tears or self-pity

Maunder: To talk in a rambling or incoherent way

Maverick: An independent-minded person, especially one who does not follow the usual rules or conventions

Mawkish: Excessively sentimental, to the point of being sickly

Maxim: A general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct

Meander: To wander or move aimlessly

Melancholy: A deep, persistent sadness

Melee: A confused fight or struggle

Mellifluous: Having a smooth, rich, and sweet sound

Mendacity: The quality of being untruthful or dishonest

Mendicant: A beggar or someone who relies on charity

Mercurial: Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

Mesmerize: To capture the complete attention of someone, often as if by magic

Meteoric: Resembling the sudden and dramatic rise or fall of a meteor

Meticulous: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

Mettlesome: Having a brave or determined spirit

Misanthrope: A person who dislikes or distrusts humanity

Misattribute: To incorrectly assign or ascribe something to a person, cause, or source

Misconstrue: To interpret something incorrectly

Miscreant: A person who behaves badly or criminally

Miser: A person who hoards wealth and spends as little as possible

Moment: Significance or importance

Moot: Open to debate or argument; unresolved

Mordant: Sharply critical or sarcastic

Moribund: At the point of death; in terminal decline

Morose: Sullen and ill-tempered

Morph: To undergo transformation or change

Mulct: To defraud or swindle; to impose a fine

Mundane: Ordinary, everyday, or dull

Mundane: Relating to the world rather than the spiritual

Munificent: Very generous

Muted: Quiet, soft, subdued

Myopic: Short-sighted; lacking foresight or perspective

Myriad: A countless or extremely large number

N

Nadir: The lowest point of something, particularly in a figurative sense

Negligible: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering

Nettlesome: Causing annoyance or difficulty

Noisome: Having an unpleasant odor or being harmful to health

Nonchalant: Casual, indifferent, or unconcerned

Nonplussed: Confused, unsure of how to respond

Nuance: A subtle difference or distinction

O

Obdurate: Stubbornly resistant to influence or persuasion

Objurgate: To scold or rebuke harshly

Obliging: Willing to help or assist others; cooperative

Oblique: Not straightforward or direct; slanting or angled

Obscure: Unclear or difficult to understand; hidden or unknown

Obscure: To make something unclear or less visible

Obsequious: Excessively eager to please or serve others; servile

Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action

Obstreperous: Noisy and difficult to control

Obtain: To acquire or gain possession of something

Obtuse: Slow to understand or perceive; lacking sharpness

Officious: Excessively eager to offer unwanted services or advice

Opaque: Not allowing light to pass through; not transparent

Opulence: Great wealth, luxury, or abundance

Ornate: Elaborately decorated or adorned

Ossify: To become rigid or inflexible in thinking or behavior

Ostentatious: Showy or extravagant in a way that is meant to attract attention

Ostracize: To exclude or banish someone from a group or society

Overweening: Excessively arrogant or self-important

P

Palatable: Acceptable or pleasant to the taste or mind

Palaver: Talk that is long-winded, empty, or insincere

Palimpsest: A manuscript or document that has been erased and rewritten, often multiple times

Panacea: A universal remedy or solution for all problems

Panache: Flair, style, or distinctive elegance

Panegyric: A formal public praise or tribute

Paradoxical: Seemingly self-contradictory or absurd but potentially true

Paragon: A model of excellence or perfection

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

Pariah: An outcast or someone who is despised or rejected by others

Parochial: Limited or narrow in scope, often relating to a parish or local area

Parsimonious: Extremely frugal or unwilling to spend money

Parvenu: A person who has recently acquired wealth or social status but is considered an outsider

Pastoral: Relating to the countryside or rural life; idealized or romanticized view of rural life

Patent: Clearly evident or obvious; a legal right granted for an invention

Patronize: To treat with condescension or as if one is superior

Paucity: A scarcity or lack of something

Pecuniary: Relating to or involving money

Pedantic: Excessively concerned with minor details or formal rules

Pedestrian: Lacking imagination, dull, or ordinary

Peevish: Quick to show annoyance or irritation

Pejorative: Expressing disapproval or negative connotations

Pellucid: Transparent or clear in meaning or appearance

Penurious: Poor, destitute, or unwilling to spend money

Penurious: Very poor or lacking in resources

Percipient: Having an ability to perceive or understand things clearly

Peremptory: Not allowing refusal or contradiction; authoritative

Perennial: Continuing or lasting for a long time, often used for plants that grow year after year

Perfidy: Faithlessness, betrayal, or treachery

Perfunctory: Done with minimal effort or enthusiasm; routine

Peripatetic: Wandering or traveling from place to place

Pernicious: Having a harmful or destructive effect

Perpetuate: To make something continue or last indefinitely

Perquisite: A special privilege or benefit received in addition to regular income or salary

Perspicacious: Having keen insight or perception

Pertinent: Relevant or directly related to the matter at hand

Perturb: To disturb or unsettle, especially in a way that causes anxiety

Peruse: To read carefully or thoroughly

Petulant: Childishly sulky or bad-tempered

Phantasmagorical: Having a surreal or dreamlike quality; fantastical

Philistine: A person who is indifferent or hostile to culture, art, or intellectual pursuits

Phlegmatic: Having a calm, composed, or unemotional demeanor

Picayune: Of little value or importance; petty

Pillory: A device for public punishment; to publicly shame or criticize

Pine: To feel intense longing or desire, often accompanied by sadness

Pinnacle: The highest point or peak of something

Piquant: Having a pleasantly sharp taste or stimulating interest

Pith: The essential or central part of something

Pithy: Concise and forcefully expressive

Pittance: A small or inadequate amount, especially of money

Placate: To calm or soothe someone, often by appeasing them

Placid: Calm and peaceful; without disturbance

Platitude: A remark or statement that is trite or overused, lacking in originality

Plodding: Moving or proceeding slowly and steadily, often without excitement

Ploy: A clever or deceitful tactic or maneuver used to achieve a goal

Plucky: Having courage or determination in difficult situations

Poignant: Evoking a strong feeling of sadness, pity, or regret

Polemic: A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

Pollyannaish: Overly optimistic or excessively positive, often unrealistically so

Ponderous: Slow, heavy, or clumsy; often referring to writing or speech that is overly serious or dull

Pontificate: To speak in a pompous or self-important manner

Portentous: Having a foreboding or ominous quality; something that signifies a warning or indication

Posit: To assume or assert something as a fact, often as the basis for an argument

Powwow: A meeting or conference, often for discussion or decision-making

Pragmatic: Practical and focused on actual results rather than theory or ideals

Precarious: Unstable, uncertain, or dangerous

Precedent: An earlier event or action that serves as an example or guide for future occurrences

Precipitate: To cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely

Precipitate: To move or act with suddenness or urgency, often with little thought

Precipitous: Steep or abrupt; occurring suddenly with little warning

Preclude: To prevent something from happening or make it impossible

Precocious: Having developed certain abilities or talents at an earlier age than usual

Predilection: A preference or liking for something

Preempt: To take action in order to prevent an event from happening or to gain an advantage

Preemptive: Intended to prevent or forestall a future action

Prescience: Knowledge of events before they happen; foresight

Presentiment: A feeling or intuition about a future event, often one that is unfavorable

Presumption: An assumption or belief that something is true based on evidence or reasoning

Presumption: The act of assuming something is true without proof

Presumptuous: Taking liberties or making assumptions in a way that is arrogant or overconfident

Prevail: To be victorious or dominant in a particular situation

Prevail: To prove more powerful or influential in a conflict or situation

Prevaricate: To speak or act in an evasive or dishonest way to avoid the truth

Primacy: The state of being the most important or influential

Pristine: In an original, pure, or unspoiled condition

Pristine: Clean and fresh as if new; unaffected by human influence

Probity: Strong moral principles, integrity, and honesty

Prodigal: Wastefully extravagant, especially with money

Prodigious: Impressively large or great in extent, size, or degree

Profligate: Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

Profligate: Excessively wasteful or immoral in behavior

Profuse: Produced or existing in large amounts

Profusion: An abundance or large quantity of something

Prognostication: A prediction or forecast, especially about the future

Prolific: Producing a large number of works, results, or offspring

Prolixity: The quality of being excessively long-winded or wordy

Promulgate: To make an idea, belief, or law known and widely accepted

Propitiate: To win or regain the favor of someone by pleasing them

Propitious: Indicating a good chance of success; favorable

Proponent: A person who advocates for or supports a particular idea or cause

Prosaic: Lacking imagination or creativity; dull and ordinary

Proscribe: To forbid or prohibit, especially by law or authority

Proselytize: To attempt to convert someone to a particular belief, religion, or opinion

Protean: Readily changing form or character; versatile

Provident: Preparing for the future; prudent or thrifty

Provincial: Limited in scope; narrow-minded; relating to a specific region or province

Provisional: Temporary or conditional, not permanent

Puerile: Childish or immature in a way that is inappropriate or trivial

Pugnacious: Eager or quick to fight or argue

Puissant: Powerful or mighty

Punctilious: Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

Pundit: An expert or learned person, especially one who is frequently consulted

Pyrrhic: Achieved at too great a cost, often one that outweighs the victory itself

Q

Quail: To show fear or apprehension, to shrink or cower

Qualify: To limit or modify in meaning, to meet the requirements or conditions

Qualify: To meet certain criteria or to add to a statement to make it more specific

Qualm: A feeling of doubt, uneasiness, or moral concern

Quandary: A state of uncertainty or dilemma

Querulous: Complaining or whining, often in a petulant or annoying way

Quip: A witty remark or a clever, often sarcastic, comment

Quisling: A traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country

Quixotic: Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic or impractical in pursuit of ideals

Quotidian: Occurring daily; commonplace or ordinary

R

Raconteur: A person who tells stories or anecdotes in an entertaining way

Raffish: Displaying a carefree or unconventional attitude, often in a way that is slightly disreputable

Raft: A large number or collection of something

Raillery: Good-natured, playful ridicule or banter

Rakish: Having a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable appearance

Rankle: To cause persistent irritation or anger

Rapprochement: The establishment or resumption of harmonious relations

Rarefied: Concerned with a select or elite group; esoteric or refined

Rash: Showing a lack of careful consideration of the possible consequences; reckless

Ravenous: Extremely hungry or eager for something

Rebuke: To criticize or reprimand someone sharply

Recapitulation: A summary or restatement of the main points

Reconcile: To restore friendly relations or resolve a dispute

Recondite: Little known or obscure, especially pertaining to complex or scholarly knowledge

Recrimination: An accusation made in response to an accusation, especially in a dispute

Recrudesce: To break out or recur after a period of inactivity

Redoubtable: Formidable, especially as an opponent

Redress: To correct a wrong or provide compensation

Refractory: Stubborn or resistant to authority or control

Refute: To disprove or counter an argument or assertion

Relegate: To assign or demote to a lower position or status

Remiss: Negligent or careless in the performance of a duty

Remonstrate: To protest or object strongly

Renege: To go back on a promise or contract

Replete: Filled or well-supplied with something

Reprisal: An act of retaliation or revenge

Reproach: To express disapproval or disappointment with someone or something

Reprobate: Morally unprincipled or corrupt

Repudiate: To reject or disown, especially formally or with conviction

Rescind: To revoke, cancel, or repeal a decision, law, or contract

Reservation: A doubt or concern, often about something not fully understood or agreed upon

Resignation: The acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable; formal submission

Resolve: To make a firm decision about something

Respite: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

Restive: Restless, difficult to control, or impatient under restriction

Resurgent: Rising or reviving after a period of inactivity or decline

Reticent: Reluctant to speak or express one’s thoughts

Retiring: Shy, reserved, or inclined to avoid social contact

Retract: To withdraw or take back something previously stated or committed to

Reverent: Showing deep respect or veneration

Ribald: Offensive, coarse, or vulgar in speech or behavior

Rile: To irritate or provoke someone, especially to anger

Robust: Strong, healthy, or able to withstand difficult conditions

Row: A serious dispute or argument; a line or tier of things or people

Rudimentary: Basic, primitive, or in an early stage of development

Rustic: Relating to the countryside; simple, rural, or unsophisticated

S

Sagacious: Having keen insight and sound judgment; wise

Sanctimonious: Making a show of being morally superior to others; self-righteous

Sanction: A penalty or punishment for disobedience; or, to approve or authorize something

Sanction: A formal authorization or approval, or the imposition of a penalty

Sangfroid: Calmness or composure, especially under stress or pressure

Sanguine: Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation

Sardonic: Mocking, cynical, or scornfully derisive

Sartorial: Relating to clothing or style of dress

Saturnine: Gloomy, morose, or sullen in temperament

Savvy: Shrewdness, practical knowledge, or understanding

Savvy: Practical ability or intelligence

Savvy: Knowledgeable or perceptive in understanding practical matters

Schadenfreude: Taking pleasure in the misfortune of others

Scintillating: Sparkling, shining, or brilliantly clever

Screed: A long, often tedious or boring written piece

Scrupulous: Having strong moral principles, or being diligent and thorough in one’s work

Scrupulous: Very careful to do things correctly, especially in terms of ethics

Sedulous: Showing dedication and diligence in work or effort

Semblance: An outward appearance or form, often one that is misleading

Sententious: Expressing a moralistic or pompous attitude, often in a self-righteous manner

Sentimental: Having or displaying tender feelings, often excessively so

Serendipity: The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way

Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled

Simulacrum: An image or representation of something; a superficial or insubstantial likeness

Simulacrum: An imitation or representation of something

Sinecure: A job or position that requires little or no work, often with a good salary

Slapdash: Done in a hasty or careless manner

Smattering: A small amount or superficial knowledge of something

Smug: Excessively self-satisfied, often in a way that is irritating to others

Snide: Indirectly mocking or derogatory in a way that is often unpleasant

Snub: To treat someone with disdain or a lack of respect

Solecism: A grammatical mistake or a breach of good manners or social etiquette

Solicitous: Showing concern or care for someone’s well-being

Solicitude: Concern or anxiety for the welfare of someone

Soporific: Causing sleep or drowsiness; boring

Sordid: Morally dirty or base; sleazy or dishonorable

Spartan: Marked by simplicity and lack of luxury; disciplined

Specious: Seemingly true or plausible but actually false

Specious: Misleading in appearance, especially misleadingly attractive

Spendthrift: One who spends money recklessly or extravagantly

Splenetic: Irritable; easily angered

Sporadic: Occurring irregularly or infrequently

Spurious: False, fake, or not genuine

Spurn: To reject disdainfully or with contempt

Squander: To waste something (especially money or time) recklessly

Squelch: To silence or suppress forcibly

Staid: Serious, sober, and unadventurous in behavior or appearance

Stalwart: Loyal, reliable, and hardworking

Start: To suddenly move or react in surprise or alarm

Staunch: Loyal and committed in attitude

Steadfast: Firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or resolve

Stem: To stop or restrict the flow of something

Stipend: A regular and fixed payment, often for services or living expenses

Stolid: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation

Stringent: Strict, precise, and exacting

Stultify: To make ineffective or useless; to cause to lose enthusiasm

Stymie: To block or hinder the progress of

Subsume: To include or absorb something into a larger category or group

Subsume: To classify under a general principle or heading

Subterfuge: Deceit used in order to achieve one’s goal; trickery

Subversive: Intended to undermine or overthrow authority or an established system

Sullen: Gloomy, morose, or sulky in mood

Summit: The highest point or peak

Summit: A meeting between high-level leaders

Supercilious: Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others

Superfluous: Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough

Superfluous: Exceeding what is sufficient or required; surplus

Supplant: To replace or take the place of, especially by force or strategy

Surfeit: An excessive amount of something; overindulgence

Surly: Bad-tempered and unfriendly

Surreptitious: Secretive or stealthy, especially to avoid notice or attention

Sybarite: A person devoted to luxury and pleasure

Sycophant: Someone who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage; a flatterer

T

Taciturn: Habitually silent or reserved; not talkative

Tact: Sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

Tantamount: Equivalent in seriousness or effect

Tarnish: To lose or cause to lose luster, reputation, or value

Tawdry: Showy but cheap and of poor quality

Taxing: Physically or mentally demanding

Telling: Revealing; significant and expressive

Telltale: Indicating or revealing information; revealing a secret

Temerity: Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity

Temperance: Moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking

Tempered: Moderated or restrained; balanced in tone or intensity

Tempestuous: Characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotions

Tenacious: Persistent; holding fast or firmly to something

Tendentious: Marked by a strong implicit point of view; biased

Tender: To offer formally; also, gentle or kind

Thoroughgoing: Involving or attending to every detail or aspect; complete

Thrifty: Careful with money; economical

Thwart: To prevent or hinder; to oppose successfully

Timorous: Fearful or timid

Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation

Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy

Tortuous: Full of twists and turns; excessively complex

Tout: To promote or praise energetically; to solicit support

Tractable: Easily managed or controlled; docile

Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent

Transitory: Temporary; lasting a very short time

Transmute: To change in form, nature, or substance

Travail: Painful or laborious effort

Travesty: A distorted or grossly inferior imitation; a mockery

Treacherous: Dangerous or deceitful; likely to betray trust

Trenchant: Vigorous or incisive in expression or style

Tribulation: Great trouble or suffering

Trite: Lacking originality or freshness; overused

Truculence: Eagerness to fight or argue; aggressiveness

Truculent: Fierce, cruel, or aggressively defiant

Truncate: To shorten by cutting off a part

Tumult: A loud, confused noise, especially caused by a crowd; chaos

Turgid: Pompous and overly complex in style or language

Turpitude: Depravity; moral corruption

Tyro: A beginner or novice

U

Umbrage: Offense or annoyance

Unassailable: Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated

Uncanny: Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way

Uncompromising: Unwilling to change one’s views or to agree

Unconscionable: Not right or reasonable; morally unacceptable

Undermine: To weaken or sabotage gradually

Underscore: To emphasize or highlight

Underwrite: To support financially

Unequivocal: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous

Unflappable: Having or showing calmness in a crisis

Unforthcoming: Not willing to divulge information

Unimpeachable: Beyond doubt or reproach; unquestionable

Unnerve: To make someone lose confidence or feel afraid

Unprecedented: Never done or known before

Unprepossessing: Not attractive or appealing in appearance

Unpropitious: Not indicating a good chance of success; unfavorable

Unruly: Disorderly and disruptive; not easily controlled

Unscrupulous: Having or showing no moral principles; dishonest

Unseemly: Not proper or appropriate; indecorous

Unstinting: Very generous; not holding back

Untenable: Not able to be maintained or defended

Untoward: Unexpected and inappropriate; inconvenient

Untrammeled: Not restricted or hampered; free

Unviable: Not capable of working successfully; not feasible

Upbraid: To scold or reproach severely

Urbane: Courteous and refined in manner

V

Vacillate: To waver between different opinions or actions

Vacuous: Lacking ideas or intelligence; empty

Vanquish: To defeat thoroughly

Variance: The quality of being different; inconsistency

Vaunted: Boasted about or praised excessively

Vehement: Showing strong feeling; forceful and passionate

Venality: The condition of being susceptible to bribery or corruption

Veneer: A thin surface layer; a deceptive outward appearance

Venerate: To regard with great respect

Venial: Easily excused or forgiven; minor

Veracious: Truthful; accurate

Verisimilitude: The appearance of being true or real

Veritable: Used as an intensifier to qualify a metaphor; real, genuine

Vicarious: Experienced through the feelings or actions of another

Vicissitude: A change of circumstances, typically unwelcome or unpleasant

Vie: To compete eagerly with someone to do or achieve something

Vilify: To speak or write about in a disparaging manner

Vindicate: To clear from blame or suspicion

Vindictive: Having or showing a strong desire for revenge

Virago: A domineering, violent, or bad-tempered woman

Vitriol: Cruel and bitter criticism

Vitriolic: Filled with bitter criticism or malice

Vituperate: To blame or insult in strong or violent language

Vociferous: Expressing opinions loudly and forcefully

Volubility: The quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly

Voracious: Having a huge appetite; excessively eager

W

Wanting: Lacking in a required or necessary quality

Wanton: Deliberate and unprovoked (especially of a cruel or violent act)

Wax: To gradually increase in size or intensity

Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful; unpredictable

Winsome: Attractive or appealing in a charming way

X

Y

Z

Zeitgeist: The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history

Zenith: The highest point; the peak