This post provides a curated list of 1300+ ECPE words along with free flashcards and a printable pdf to help you learn effectively.
The ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English) is the final milestone in English language testing. It measures how well you can use English in complex, real-world situations in study, work, or discussion. The exam includes four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and all four demand not only accuracy but a strong, flexible vocabulary.
A wide vocabulary helps you in every task. In the reading and cloze sections, it helps you pick words that fit meaning and tone. In writing and speaking, it helps you sound precise and natural.
Even the listening part becomes easier when you recognise advanced words in fast speech.
The level of the exam is higher than most other exams and the words covered in this exam fall primarily under the C1 and C2 level of CEFR standard. There’s however no official list of such words, but we have compiled such a list of 1300+ words that are most relevant for the Michigan ECPE test.
In this post, you will find not only the list of words, but also the flashcards you can use to help you learn them. The flashcards are free to use and no signup is required.
ECPE Vocabulary Flashcards
Here are the flashcards for high-frequency ECPE words.
The app supports keyboard shortcuts (left/right arrows for previous/next and spacebar for flipping).
ECPE Words list
To do well in the ECPE test, you don’t need to learn thousands of rare or outdated words. The test doesn’t check how many difficult words you know but how well you can use words in real-life situations. Learning around a thousand useful, advanced words is enough to help you succeed.
In the flashcards, you won’t see direct word meanings. Instead, each word is shown in a sentence so that you can understand not just what it means, but also how it is used and what feeling or tone it carries.
The words are not listed alphabetically. They are arranged according to how often they are used, starting with the most common ones. You may find some of the first words easy, but don’t get too comfortable. Many challenging ones appear later.
Even if you learn just the first few hundred, you’ll already be much stronger in vocabulary.
ECPE words list printable pdf
At the end of this list, you will also find a link to download this entire list as a beautiful pdf, absolutely free of cost. This is how the pdf looks like:

Here’s the full list of 1300+ ECPE high-frequency words that is going to be super helpful to you.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| court | To try to win someone’s favor. |
| significant | Important or noticeable. |
| institute | To establish or start something. |
| unique | One of a kind; special. |
| novel | New and unusual. |
| index | A guide or measure. |
| convention | A large meeting; a custom. |
| universal | Applying to everyone; common. |
| offensive | Causing annoyance or anger. |
| qualified | Competent for a job; limited. |
| rail | Complain strongly, criticize loudly. |
| subsequent | Happening or coming after. |
| resort | A place for vacation or a last option. |
| objective | Not influenced by feelings. |
| innovation | New idea or method. |
| stem | To originate or stop something. |
| distinct | Clearly different or separate. |
| conventional | Following usual customs. |
| divine | Relating to God or gods. |
| coalition | A temporary alliance of groups. |
| dominant | Most important or powerful. |
| graphic | Very clear and detailed. |
| integrity | Honesty and strong moral principles. |
| vulnerable | Exposed to harm or danger. |
| implement | Put a plan into action. |
| coin | To invent a new word. |
| patent | Clearly obvious or evident. |
| partial | Incomplete or favoring one side. |
| anonymous | Unknown name or identity. |
| compromise | An agreement reached by each side giving up something. |
| harbor | To provide shelter or hold feelings. |
| conviction | Strong belief; being found guilty. |
| keen | Very sharp or enthusiastic. |
| haven | A safe or peaceful place. |
| array | An impressive display or collection. |
| provincial | Narrow-minded; unsophisticated. |
| console | Comfort someone in distress. |
| subtle | Not obvious or easy to notice. |
| testament | Proof or evidence of something. |
| assumption | Something taken for granted. |
| martial | Relating to war or fighting. |
| pronounced | Very noticeable or strong. |
| elaborate | Add more details. |
| expertise | Expert skill or knowledge. |
| resignation | Acceptance of something unavoidable. |
| aesthetic | Concerned with beauty or art. |
| theoretical | Based on ideas, not proven. |
| sheer | Complete, very steep, or thin. |
| transparent | Easy to see through or understand. |
| facilitate | Make easier. |
| integral | Essential, necessary part. |
| superb | Excellent, of very high quality. |
| maritime | Related to the sea or ships. |
| curry | Seek favor by flattery. |
| rhetoric | Art of persuasive speaking/writing. |
| secular | Not religious; worldly. |
| elegant | Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner. |
| compassion | Sympathetic pity and concern. |
| herald | Announce or show arrival. |
| profound | Very great or intense; deep. |
| robust | Strong, healthy, and vigorous. |
| sober | Not drunk or serious. |
| orthodox | Following traditional or accepted beliefs. |
| tenure | Period of holding a position. |
| wax | To increase in strength or size. |
| hail | To praise or call out. |
| nova | A star showing a sudden increase. |
| discretion | Careful, wise, and private behavior. |
| stern | Strict and serious; unyielding. |
| cardinal | Of utmost importance. |
| esteem | Respect and admiration. |
| elevation | Height above ground; moral or intellectual rise. |
| renaissance | Revival of art or learning. |
| repeal | To cancel a law. |
| irony | Unexpected, contradictory outcome or statement. |
| fringe | Outer edge or unconventional part. |
| judiciary | The judicial branch of government. |
| lethal | Sufficient to cause death. |
| correlation | A mutual relationship or connection. |
| obscure | Not known or difficult to understand. |
| therapeutic | Having healing or beneficial effects. |
| mock | Tease or make fun of. |
| arbitrary | Based on random choice, not logic. |
| synthesis | Combining parts into a whole. |
| outrage | Extreme anger and shock. |
| slaughter | The killing of many people or animals. |
| notorious | Well-known for bad reasons. |
| sage | A wise person. |
| statute | A formal written law. |
| unprecedented | Never done or known before. |
| deliberate | Done on purpose; carefully considered. |
| kindle | Start a fire; stir up emotions. |
| partisan | Strongly supporting one side. |
| ironic | Unexpected or opposite happening. |
| righteous | Morally right and good. |
| awe | Feeling of wonder and respect. |
| vent | To express strong emotion. |
| wan | Pale and sickly in appearance. |
| definitive | Conclusive or authoritative. |
| faction | A small, disagreeing group. |
| detached | Separate or disconnected; objective. |
| parody | A humorous imitation of something. |
| render | To provide or make something. |
| aboriginal | Native to a land. |
| memoir | A written account of memories. |
| catalyst | Something that causes change. |
| statutory | Required by law; legal. |
| queer | Strange, unusual, or odd. |
| foil | To prevent from succeeding. |
| stellar | Relating to stars; outstanding. |
| vivid | Clear, bright, and detailed. |
| forthcoming | About to happen or appear. |
| potent | Having great power or effect. |
| auxiliary | Providing supplementary help. |
| erotic | Relating to sexual desire. |
| metaphor | Figure of speech, comparison. |
| proxy | A person representing another. |
| solitary | Living or being alone. |
| covenant | A formal, binding agreement. |
| lust | Strong desire, especially sexual. |
| linguistic | Related to language or linguistics. |
| pedestrian | Dull, ordinary, or uninspired. |
| vogue | Current fashion or popularity. |
| ample | Enough or more than enough. |
| analogy | A comparison between two things. |
| severity | Seriousness or harshness. |
| apex | The highest point or peak. |
| wrath | Extreme anger or fury. |
| chronicle | Record events in order. |
| manipulate | To control skillfully or unfairly. |
| scotch | To decisively put an end to. |
| rigorous | Strict, precise, and thorough. |
| skeptical | Doubting, not easily convinced. |
| vengeance | Punishment for a wrong. |
| communal | Shared by a group. |
| defect | A flaw or imperfection. |
| malicious | Intending to do harm. |
| cite | Refer to a source. |
| advent | Arrival of a significant thing. |
| rant | To speak loudly and angrily. |
| peripheral | Related to the outer edge. |
| provisional | Temporary; conditional. |
| suppress | Forcibly stop or prevent. |
| trivial | Of little importance; insignificant. |
| dire | Extremely serious or urgent. |
| demise | A person’s death. |
| formidable | Inspiring fear or respect. |
| obsolete | No longer in use; outdated. |
| satire | Humor used to criticize society. |
| undermine | Weaken gradually; erode support. |
| quarantine | A period of isolation. |
| rift | A serious break or split. |
| restraint | Control over one’s actions. |
| corpus | A collection of writings. |
| endorse | Support or approve publicly. |
| cache | A hidden store of items. |
| affiliation | Connection; association. |
| vile | Extremely unpleasant or evil. |
| presume | To suppose something is true. |
| gale | Very strong wind. |
| comprise | To be made up of. |
| militant | Aggressive, eager for conflict. |
| mantle | A covering or a responsibility. |
| exquisite | Extremely beautiful or elegant. |
| perpetual | Never ending or changing. |
| overthrow | Remove from power by force. |
| resentment | Bitter indignation at unfair treatment. |
| affinity | A natural liking or attraction. |
| reminiscent | Reminding of something. |
| hypothetical | Based on a guess or theory. |
| prosperous | Successful and thriving; wealthy. |
| caste | Fixed social class or rank. |
| quarry | An excavated pit or hunted animal. |
| cerebral | Related to the brain or intellect. |
| hale | Strong and healthy. |
| muse | To think deeply or reflect. |
| fetish | An object of excessive devotion. |
| eccentric | Unusual or peculiar behavior. |
| constituent | A part of a whole. |
| liaison | Communication for cooperation. |
| venom | Poison; bitter malice. |
| adhere | Stick firmly; follow rules. |
| latitude | Freedom to act or choose. |
| concession | A thing granted. |
| indicative | Serving as a sign. |
| discrete | Separate and distinct. |
| dissent | Strong disagreement with an idea. |
| lucrative | Bringing in much money. |
| savvy | Having practical knowledge. |
| culinary | Related to cooking or the kitchen. |
| arrogance | Excessive pride; haughtiness. |
| rampant | Spreading unchecked; unrestrained. |
| lush | Luxuriant, abundant growth. |
| longevity | Long life or existence. |
| covert | Secret or hidden. |
| haunt | Visit a place as a ghost. |
| menace | A threat or danger. |
| fugitive | Person fleeing from law. |
| flair | A distinctive style or aptitude. |
| seismic | Relating to earthquakes; very significant. |
| sentimental | Based on feelings, not reason. |
| persist | To continue despite difficulty. |
| celestial | Relating to the sky or heavens. |
| rationale | A set of reasons or logic. |
| amenities | Desirable features; comforts. |
| fidelity | Faithfulness and loyalty. |
| mediocre | Not very good, average. |
| tyranny | Cruel, oppressive rule. |
| alleviate | Make suffering less severe. |
| perennial | Lasting a very long time. |
| discriminate | To distinguish or treat unfairly. |
| benign | Gentle, kind; harmless. |
| deposition | Sworn testimony out of court. |
| pivotal | Extremely important; crucial. |
| reconcile | To make friendly again. |
| despise | To hate or scorn. |
| havoc | Widespread destruction; great disorder. |
| avid | Enthusiastic and keen. |
| dubious | Doubtful or questionable. |
| myriad | A very large number. |
| pragmatic | Practical and realistic. |
| remorse | Deep regret for a wrong. |
| intellect | Ability to think and reason. |
| attire | Formal or special clothing. |
| concurrent | Happening at the same time. |
| retrospective | Looking back on past events. |
| sublime | Extremely excellent, inspiring awe. |
| terrestrial | Relating to the Earth. |
| concede | To admit or yield. |
| abolish | To formally end a system or practice. |
| defiance | Open refusal to obey. |
| ecstasy | Overwhelming feeling of joy. |
| badger | To pester persistently. |
| existential | Relating to existence or being. |
| turbulent | Wild, stormy, chaotic. |
| breadth | Width or range of knowledge. |
| lineage | Ancestry or family descent. |
| martyr | Someone who dies for beliefs. |
| plight | A dangerous or difficult situation. |
| suffice | To be enough or adequate. |
| vigorous | Strong, healthy, full of energy. |
| concise | Brief and to the point. |
| spectral | Like a ghost, ghostly. |
| implicit | Understood without being stated. |
| pinnacle | Highest point of success. |
| sham | Something fake or false. |
| subordinate | Lower in rank or importance. |
| tentative | Not definite or final. |
| heed | Pay attention to advice. |
| stout | Strong, sturdy, or bulky. |
| reconnaissance | Preliminary survey or exploration. |
| dorsal | On the back of an animal. |
| parry | To deflect or evade a blow. |
| restrained | Kept under control; held back. |
| invincible | Too strong to be defeated. |
| inadvertently | Unintentionally or carelessly. |
| mundane | Ordinary, dull, and unexciting. |
| sanction | Official permission or punishment. |
| stereotype | An oversimplified, common idea. |
| sterile | Free from germs; unable to produce. |
| stringent | Strict, precise, and demanding rules. |
| enact | To make into law. |
| manifestation | Clear sign or showing. |
| bogus | Fake; not genuine. |
| devoid | Completely without; empty of. |
| solitude | The state of being alone. |
| ubiquitous | Found everywhere, common. |
| lavish | Very rich and elaborate. |
| muster | To gather or assemble. |
| facade | The front of a building; a false front. |
| insightful | Having deep understanding. |
| ominous | Suggesting future bad events. |
| traverse | To travel across or through. |
| embark | Begin a journey or venture. |
| gorge | To eat a lot greedily. |
| authoritative | Having power or knowledge. |
| diffusion | The spreading of something. |
| cohort | A group of people. |
| intermittent | Stopping and starting often. |
| maxim | Short statement of truth. |
| melancholy | Deep, long-lasting sadness. |
| pervasive | Spreading widely throughout an area. |
| stamina | Endurance; physical or mental strength. |
| negligible | So small it’s unimportant. |
| obnoxious | Extremely unpleasant; annoying. |
| hysteria | Uncontrolled extreme emotion. |
| rightful | Having a just or lawful claim. |
| adversity | Difficulties; misfortune. |
| tainted | Contaminated or polluted. |
| exemplary | Serving as a perfect example. |
| affidavit | A sworn written statement. |
| eclectic | Diverse and wide-ranging. |
| endemic | Common or restricted to a place. |
| rustic | Simple, rural, or plain. |
| surpass | Be greater or better than. |
| transient | Lasting for only a short time. |
| wretched | Very unhappy or unfortunate. |
| anguish | Great suffering or pain. |
| annals | Historical records; yearly accounts. |
| beneficiary | One who receives benefits. |
| porous | Full of tiny holes. |
| pertinent | Relevant to the matter at hand. |
| satirical | Using humor to criticize. |
| sensual | Relating to physical pleasure. |
| temperament | A person’s nature or mood. |
| mischief | Playful but harmless trouble. |
| intrigue | To arouse curiosity or plot secretly. |
| equitable | Fair and impartial. |
| fodder | Food for livestock. |
| prowess | Great skill or ability. |
| unilateral | Done by one side. |
| ingenious | Clever and inventive. |
| vie | Compete eagerly for something. |
| vie | Compete eagerly for something. |
| pedestal | Base for a statue; high regard. |
| genealogy | A line of descent from ancestor. |
| maroon | To strand in a desolate place. |
| benevolent | Kind, generous, and charitable. |
| ludicrous | Ridiculous, absurd, laughable. |
| nemesis | An unbeatable opponent; a rival. |
| slander | False spoken statement causing harm. |
| subpoena | A legal order to appear. |
| vigilant | Carefully watching for dangers. |
| worldly | Experienced and sophisticated in life. |
| loom | To appear large or threatening. |
| devout | Deeply religious or sincere. |
| sleek | Smooth and glossy; graceful. |
| regal | Of or like a king or queen. |
| junta | A military or political group. |
| charisma | Compelling attractiveness or charm. |
| degenerate | To decline or worsen. |
| disdain | Feeling of strong dislike. |
| maverick | Independent person; unconventional thinker. |
| negligent | Failing to take proper care. |
| temperate | Mild, moderate, or restrained. |
| uncanny | Strange and mysterious, unusual. |
| grudge | A strong feeling of ill will. |
| adept | Skilled and proficient. |
| saline | Containing salt. |
| manifold | Many and varied types. |
| treacherous | Dangerous; not trustworthy. |
| meek | Quiet, gentle, and easily led. |
| relish | Enjoy greatly, take pleasure. |
| rendezvous | A meeting at an agreed time. |
| contentious | Likely to cause disagreement. |
| labyrinth | A confusing maze or network. |
| overt | Openly shown; not secret. |
| pious | Deeply religious; very devout. |
| smug | Excessively self-satisfied; feeling superior. |
| stagnant | Not flowing; not growing. |
| linger | Stay in a place longer. |
| intimidate | To frighten or overawe someone. |
| barb | A sharp, pointed remark. |
| viper | A venomous snake. |
| limbo | An uncertain or transitional state. |
| incur | Become subject to something unpleasant. |
| remnant | A small remaining part. |
| serenity | State of being calm; peacefulness. |
| adjunct | A supplementary addition. |
| fiasco | A complete and utter failure. |
| discrepancy | A difference or inconsistency. |
| ascertain | To find out for certain. |
| occult | Relating to supernatural powers. |
| mirage | An optical illusion. |
| ovation | An enthusiastic public applause. |
| regimen | A regulated system of diet or exercise. |
| solace | Comfort in distress; relief. |
| zeal | Great energy or enthusiasm. |
| diffuse | Spread widely or scatter. |
| pore | Read or study intently. |
| fray | A conflict or struggle. |
| adamant | Refusing to be persuaded. |
| assay | To determine the content or quality. |
| conduit | A channel for conveying fluid or electricity. |
| defunct | No longer existing or operating. |
| cohesion | The act of sticking together. |
| latent | Present but not visible / active. |
| lucid | Clear, easy to understand. |
| serene | Calm, peaceful, tranquil. |
| venerable | Highly respected due to age. |
| incense | To make someone very angry. |
| pretext | False reason to hide truth. |
| encompass | Surround and have within. |
| coercion | The act of forcing someone. |
| gruesome | Causing horror or disgust. |
| disparate | Very different or distinct. |
| revoke | To officially cancel something. |
| dank | Unpleasantly damp and cold. |
| extant | Still in existence; surviving. |
| lament | Express sorrow or regret. |
| brood | To think deeply and unhappily. |
| fathom | Understand deeply after thought. |
| inference | A conclusion from evidence. |
| hypnosis | A trance-like state. |
| cessation | A stopping, a halt. |
| enigma | A puzzling or mysterious person or thing. |
| luminous | Emitting or reflecting light. |
| meticulous | Very careful and precise. |
| recount | Tell a story or details. |
| requisite | Needed for a purpose. |
| shun | Deliberately avoid or ignore. |
| yearning | A strong desire or longing. |
| denounce | Publicly declare as wrong. |
| seduce | To tempt into doing wrong or attract strongly. |
| conducive | Making a situation likely or possible. |
| affirmation | A positive assertion. |
| estranged | No longer close to someone. |
| discern | To perceive or recognize. |
| valor | Great courage in danger. |
| vernacular | Everyday language of a region. |
| virtuous | Having high moral standards. |
| clout | Influence or power. |
| embryonic | In an early stage of development. |
| moot | Debatable; open to discussion. |
| intangible | Cannot be touched; abstract. |
| calamity | A sudden, disastrous event. |
| clandestine | Secret and hidden. |
| philanthropic | Giving money to good causes. |
| detain | Keep someone from leaving. |
| aristocracy | Highest social class; nobility. |
| entail | To involve as a necessary part. |
| mercantile | Related to trade or commerce. |
| septic | Infected with bacteria. |
| insurgent | Rebel against authority. |
| oblique | Not direct or straightforward. |
| repel | To drive back; disgust. |
| vocation | A strong calling or career. |
| defer | To postpone or yield to another. |
| consort | To associate with undesirable people. |
| demeanor | Outward behavior or manner. |
| conformity | Compliance with standards or rules. |
| deranged | Mad; insane. |
| complacent | Satisfied without effort or concern. |
| ornate | Highly decorated or fancy. |
| palpable | Easily felt or noticed. |
| perpetuate | To make something continue. |
| renounce | To formally give up. |
| sobriety | State of being sober; seriousness. |
| unravel | To undo or untangle; to solve. |
| zest | Great enthusiasm and energy. |
| devise | To plan or invent cleverly. |
| augment | To make something larger or greater. |
| gentry | People of good social position. |
| caricature | A distorted drawing or description. |
| provocation | Action or speech that provokes. |
| remission | A temporary decrease in severity. |
| lewd | Crude and offensive sexually. |
| entourage | A group of attendants or associates. |
| arduous | Requiring great effort; difficult. |
| finesse | Skillful, delicate handling. |
| perilous | Full of danger; risky. |
| respite | A short period of rest. |
| tout | To praise publicly. |
| bullion | Gold or silver in bulk. |
| dispersion | The act of spreading out. |
| intermediary | A go-between; mediator. |
| rapport | A close and harmonious relationship. |
| rudimentary | Basic, undeveloped, or simple. |
| vendetta | A long, bitter quarrel. |
| desolate | Empty, lonely, and sad. |
| embody | To represent or symbolize. |
| rapture | Intense pleasure or joy. |
| cavalier | Lack of proper concern. |
| inertia | Resistance to change or motion. |
| epiphany | A sudden, clear realization. |
| ruse | A trick or deception. |
| opus | A major artistic work. |
| severance | The action of ending a connection. |
| elixir | A magical or medicinal drink. |
| cumbersome | Large, heavy, or difficult to handle. |
| circumvent | Find a way around. |
| rife | Widespread and very common. |
| contrived | Deliberately created; not natural. |
| kindred | Similar in nature; related. |
| entice | To attract or tempt. |
| distraught | Deeply upset and agitated. |
| provenance | The origin or source. |
| sedentary | Sitting a lot; not active. |
| steadfast | Loyal, firm, and unwavering. |
| tranquil | Peaceful, calm, and quiet. |
| stoop | Bend forward and down. |
| whit | A very small part. |
| cordon | A line of people or vehicles blocking an area. |
| fluke | A stroke of luck; chance. |
| preposterous | Very silly or absurd. |
| reiterate | Say something again. |
| resonant | Deep, full sound; impactful. |
| veneer | A thin, decorative covering. |
| abode | A home or residence. |
| stately | Dignified, grand, and impressive. |
| mediate | Help resolve a dispute. |
| astral | Relating to stars. |
| resolute | Determined and unwavering. |
| grapple | Struggle to deal with something. |
| incite | To encourage harmful action. |
| adjutant | A military assistant to officer. |
| fickle | Changing frequently, especially loyalty. |
| figurative | Not literal; symbolic. |
| murky | Dark and gloomy; unclear. |
| contraband | Illegal goods, smuggled items. |
| altercation | A noisy argument or disagreement. |
| atypical | Not typical or usual. |
| momentous | Very important or significant. |
| renown | Widespread fame or honor. |
| scapegoat | One blamed for others’ faults. |
| dispense | To give out or distribute. |
| affliction | Something causing pain or suffering. |
| subsistence | Maintaining life at a minimum level. |
| enigmatic | Mysterious and puzzling. |
| solder | Join metal parts with melted alloy. |
| shambles | A state of disorder or ruin. |
| astute | Clever, sharp, and insightful. |
| copious | Very abundant; plentiful. |
| fledgling | A young, inexperienced person/thing. |
| gullible | Easily fooled or tricked. |
| pseudonym | A fake name used. |
| rebuke | To scold or criticize sharply. |
| scant | Barely enough of something. |
| semblance | Outward appearance; slight resemblance. |
| sloth | Laziness; unwillingness to work. |
| tactile | Relating to touch. |
| transcend | To go beyond limits. |
| whimsical | Playful, imaginative, and fanciful. |
| clasp | Grip firmly and tightly. |
| hereafter | From now on; in the future. |
| lurk | To hide and wait. |
| conjure | To make something appear by magic. |
| dispel | To make a doubt or belief disappear. |
| parable | A simple story teaching a moral. |
| monastic | Like monks, austere and secluded. |
| jeopardize | Put into danger. |
| dichotomy | A division into two parts. |
| diminutive | Extremely small or tiny. |
| nuance | A subtle difference in meaning. |
| penultimate | Next to the very last. |
| piety | Deep religious devotion. |
| retrograde | Moving backward; going worse. |
| revere | To feel deep respect for. |
| impart | Communicate information or knowledge. |
| remit | Send money; cancel debt. |
| rout | To defeat completely. |
| indulgent | Allowing excessive freedom. |
| executioner | One who carries out death sentences. |
| incoherent | Unclear; unintelligible. |
| marred | Impaired or disfigured. |
| heyday | The period of greatest success or popularity. |
| nascent | Beginning to exist; newly formed. |
| unruly | Difficult to control; disobedient. |
| willful | Stubbornly determined to do what one wants. |
| aloft | Up in or into the air. |
| pry | To inquire impertinently. |
| resourceful | Able to find quick, clever ways. |
| credence | Belief in something. |
| callous | Showing cruel disregard for others. |
| penchant | A strong liking or tendency. |
| verbatim | Word for word. |
| ghastly | Horrible, very unpleasant. |
| impenetrable | Impossible to pass through. |
| harrowing | Extremely distressing or painful. |
| lancet | A surgical knife. |
| egalitarian | Believing in human equality. |
| palatable | Pleasing to taste; acceptable. |
| serpentine | Winding and turning like a snake. |
| solicit | To ask for something. |
| thwart | To prevent someone from doing something. |
| tumultuous | Full of noise, confusion, and disorder. |
| jest | A joke or playful remark. |
| skirmish | A small fight or argument. |
| deviate | To stray from a path. |
| resurrect | To bring back to life. |
| nave | The central part of a church. |
| averse | Strongly opposed or disliking. |
| pundit | An expert offering opinions. |
| cauldron | A large metal pot. |
| incognito | In disguise; with identity hidden. |
| ancillary | Providing support or aid. |
| compendium | A collection of information. |
| deluge | A great flood or rush. |
| impediment | A barrier or obstacle. |
| incendiary | Causing conflict or setting things on fire. |
| meager | Small in amount; inadequate. |
| narcissism | Excessive self-admiration. |
| assimilate | To absorb and integrate. |
| fervor | Intense and passionate feeling. |
| dilapidated | Fallen into disrepair. |
| somber | Dark, gloomy, or serious. |
| arrears | Money that is overdue. |
| centurion | A Roman army officer. |
| minion | A servile follower. |
| avant-garde | New experimental art. |
| belligerent | Hostile, aggressive, and ready to fight. |
| fervent | Having strong, passionate feelings. |
| intrepid | Brave and fearless. |
| obtuse | Slow to understand; not sharp. |
| tenacious | Not easily giving up. |
| trove | A valuable collection or discovery. |
| convene | To call people together. |
| poise | Graceful and elegant bearing. |
| consummate | Perfect or highly skilled. |
| derivation | The origin of something. |
| acquittal | A judgment of not guilty. |
| disseminate | To spread information widely. |
| insular | Narrow-minded, isolated. |
| metamorphosis | A complete change of form. |
| preclude | To prevent or make impossible. |
| retract | To take back or withdraw. |
| alienate | To make someone feel isolated. |
| halting | Hesitant; stopping and starting. |
| dissonance | Lack of agreement or harmony. |
| fawn | To flatter excessively. |
| sumptuous | Luxurious, rich, and expensive. |
| wither | To shrivel, fade, or decline. |
| dazzle | To impress or blind with bright light. |
| methodical | Done according to a procedure. |
| discerning | Showing good judgment. |
| earthy | Down-to-earth; unrefined. |
| equinox | Equal day and night. |
| agnostic | One who doubts God’s existence. |
| fluency | Smooth, easy speech or skill. |
| placid | Calm and peaceful. |
| veritable | Truly, genuinely, or really. |
| ferret | To search for something. |
| exorbitant | Unreasonably high, excessive. |
| conundrum | A puzzling problem or riddle. |
| tenet | A widely held belief or principle. |
| indiscriminate | Done without careful judgment. |
| quell | Put an end to by force. |
| progeny | Offspring or descendants. |
| chalice | A large goblet or cup. |
| synchronous | Happening at the same time. |
| ephemeral | Lasting for a very short time. |
| lackluster | Lacking energy or brightness. |
| senile | Mentally impaired due to old age. |
| sultry | Hot and humid; attractive. |
| zealous | Having great energy or enthusiasm. |
| smelt | Extract metal by melting. |
| amulet | A charm against evil. |
| juggernaut | A powerful, unstoppable force. |
| savor | To enjoy something completely. |
| taint | Spoil or contaminate. |
| vindictive | Having a strong desire for revenge. |
| bestow | To give as a gift. |
| buoyant | Able to float easily. |
| rousing | Exciting, inspiring action. |
| frigid | Very cold; unemotional. |
| atrophy | To waste away or weaken. |
| clemency | Mercy; leniency. |
| elated | Extremely happy or proud. |
| exuberant | Full of energy and excitement. |
| posthumous | Occurring after someone’s death. |
| reprehensible | Deserving strong disapproval or blame. |
| underscore | To emphasize or highlight. |
| posterity | All future generations. |
| fanciful | Overimaginative or unrealistic. |
| paraphernalia | Miscellaneous articles; equipment. |
| deadlock | A standstill; stalemate. |
| behemoth | Huge powerful creature. |
| deference | Respectful submission or yielding. |
| antithesis | The exact opposite of something. |
| luster | Soft glow; sheen. |
| audacious | Bold, daring, and fearless. |
| disingenuous | Not honest, sincere, or open. |
| exacting | Demanding great care; strict. |
| dissipate | Scatter, fade, or waste. |
| enterprising | Resourceful; showing initiative. |
| incursion | A sudden hostile attack. |
| adage | A short, traditional saying. |
| haggard | Looking exhausted and unwell. |
| hubris | Excessive pride or arrogance. |
| oratory | Skillful public speaking. |
| oust | To remove from a position. |
| profess | Declare openly; claim to have. |
| ratify | To formally approve or confirm. |
| reproach | To express disapproval or blame. |
| tacit | Understood without being stated. |
| wreak | To cause great damage. |
| allusion | Indirect reference to something. |
| cleft | A split or crack. |
| impassioned | Filled with strong feelings. |
| mausoleum | A large, stately tomb. |
| gratis | Without charge; free. |
| repellent | Driving away; disgusting. |
| idiosyncratic | Peculiar; unique. |
| ambience | The character and atmosphere. |
| colloquial | Informal language. |
| divulge | To reveal secret information. |
| nepotism | Favoring relatives in hiring. |
| pall | A dark, heavy cloth for a coffin. |
| amiss | Not quite right or out of place. |
| docile | Easily managed or trained. |
| painstaking | Done with great care. |
| expatriate | Someone living outside their native country. |
| milieu | Person’s social environment. |
| corroborate | To confirm or support. |
| exacerbate | To make worse; intensify. |
| prodigious | Extremely large or impressive. |
| recluse | Person living in solitude. |
| seclusion | State of being private or hidden. |
| girth | The measurement around something. |
| noxious | Harmful or poisonous. |
| opulent | Very rich and luxurious. |
| pungent | Having a strong smell/taste. |
| replete | Completely filled; abundant. |
| repugnant | Extremely distasteful or offensive. |
| stalwart | Loyal, strong, and dependable. |
| unequivocal | Clear and unmistakable. |
| unfathomable | Impossible to understand. |
| ensue | Happen afterward or as a result. |
| hurl | To throw with great force. |
| forsake | To abandon, give up entirely. |
| accrue | Accumulate or grow over time. |
| invocation | The act of appealing to a higher power. |
| overbearing | Domineering; excessively proud. |
| dapper | Neat and stylish in appearance. |
| faze | To disturb or disconcert. |
| introspective | Examining one’s own thoughts. |
| reprimand | To scold or criticize formally. |
| suave | Charming, confident, and elegant. |
| succinct | Brief and clearly expressed. |
| exertion | Physical or mental effort. |
| disengage | Detach; separate; withdraw. |
| snub | Rebuff, ignore, or reject rudely. |
| papyrus | Ancient writing material. |
| maul | To injure badly by tearing. |
| misogynist | A person who hates women. |
| connoisseur | An expert judge in matters of taste. |
| retort | To reply sharply. |
| ulterior | Hidden reason, secret motive. |
| skeptic | One who doubts or questions. |
| affront | An insult or offense. |
| transgression | An act that goes against a law or rule. |
| divination | The act of predicting future. |
| hapless | Unlucky and unfortunate. |
| impervious | Cannot be affected or hurt. |
| annihilate | Destroy completely; wipe out. |
| dishonor | Loss of reputation or respect. |
| bountiful | Generous; abundant. |
| disjointed | Lacking connection; disconnected. |
| decorum | Proper polite behavior. |
| rescind | Cancel officially; take back. |
| supple | Bends and moves easily. |
| tirade | A long, angry speech. |
| perversion | Distortion of the original meaning. |
| lackey | A servile follower. |
| preamble | An introduction to a document. |
| chagrin | Feeling of embarrassment or distress. |
| indignant | Feeling or showing anger, especially over injustice. |
| purview | The scope of authority or concern. |
| unbridled | Not controlled or restrained. |
| boisterous | Noisy, energetic, cheerful. |
| combustible | Able to catch fire and burn. |
| quicksilver | The element mercury. |
| belittle | To make someone seem unimportant. |
| deftly | In a skillful, quick way. |
| nullify | To make something legally invalid. |
| tarnish | To make something less good. |
| touchstone | A standard for judging quality. |
| vex | To annoy or trouble someone. |
| zephyr | A soft, gentle breeze. |
| ferment | To undergo chemical breakdown or stir up unrest. |
| surly | Bad-tempered and unfriendly. |
| indisputable | Unable to be challenged. |
| indisputable | Unable to be challenged. |
| spontaneity | The quality of being unplanned. |
| ambulatory | Able to walk; walking. |
| malaise | Feeling of discomfort or unease. |
| voluminous | Large in volume or size. |
| amiable | Friendly and pleasant nature. |
| antagonism | Active hostility or opposition. |
| implore | To beg desperately. |
| negation | The denial of something. |
| apathetic | Showing no interest or emotion. |
| fallow | Unused land; not active. |
| subservient | Too eager to obey others. |
| wane | To decrease in strength or size. |
| eloquence | Skillful, powerful use of language. |
| epitaph | Inscription on a tombstone. |
| corsair | A pirate, especially Barbary. |
| flagging | Becoming tired or weak. |
| seedy | Shabby, disreputable, or squalid. |
| fissure | A long, narrow crack. |
| indelible | Permanent; cannot be removed. |
| repress | To hold back or control. |
| infantile | Of or like an infant; childish. |
| elaboration | The process of developing or explaining. |
| unassuming | Modest; not boastful. |
| incredulous | Unwilling to believe something. |
| unwieldy | Difficult to carry or manage. |
| conspire | To secretly plan together. |
| intrude | Enter without permission or welcome. |
| gruff | Rough, deep voice; rude. |
| comatose | In a deep unconscious state. |
| candor | Openness, honesty, and frankness. |
| trite | Overused and unoriginal; cliché. |
| laborious | Requiring much effort or work. |
| derision | Contemptuous ridicule or mockery. |
| multiplicity | A large number or variety. |
| capricious | Changing often and suddenly. |
| foreboding | Feeling that something bad will happen. |
| obliterate | To completely destroy. |
| preeminent | More important than all others. |
| propriety | Correct social behavior. |
| industrious | Hard-working and diligent. |
| conveyance | The act of transporting. |
| exuberance | The quality of being full of energy. |
| frieze | A decorative band on a wall. |
| seep | To flow or leak slowly. |
| paleontology | Study of fossils. |
| irate | Feeling great anger. |
| lethargic | Slow and lacking energy / enthusiasm. |
| scoff | To mock or ridicule someone. |
| visage | A person’s face or appearance. |
| bridle | To control or restrain. |
| pauper | A very poor person. |
| devolve | Pass to a lower level. |
| forthright | Direct, honest, and outspoken. |
| placate | To make someone less angry. |
| archeology | Study of human history via excavation. |
| orifice | An opening or hole. |
| credo | Statement of belief. |
| amok | In a frenzied, uncontrolled manner. |
| apolitical | Not interested in politics. |
| digress | To wander from main topic. |
| incisive | Clear, sharp, and very direct. |
| instigate | Start or provoke action. |
| scrutinize | To examine very carefully. |
| tutelage | Guidance, instruction, teaching. |
| precipice | A very steep cliff. |
| sedate | Calm, dignified, unhurried. |
| amorous | Showing, feeling sexual desire. |
| reek | Smell strongly and unpleasantly. |
| appellation | A name or title. |
| peerless | Unequaled; unrivaled. |
| laity | Non-clergy members. |
| mottled | Marked with different spots. |
| obelisk | A tapering stone pillar. |
| fester | To become worse; to rot. |
| nebulous | Unclear, vague, or ill-defined. |
| quagmire | A difficult or dangerous situation. |
| repose | A state of rest. |
| waver | To hesitate or be unsure. |
| ascribe | To attribute or assign to. |
| monotony | Lack of variety or interest. |
| hilarity | Extreme amusement; merriment. |
| impropriety | Improper conduct or behavior. |
| domicile | A place of residence. |
| shrew | A bad-tempered, scolding woman. |
| didactic | Intended to teach morals. |
| opportune | Suitable or well-timed. |
| beseech | To ask urgently and sincerely. |
| jovial | Cheerful and friendly. |
| modulate | To adjust or vary. |
| misnomer | A wrong or unsuitable name. |
| obstinate | Stubbornly refusing to change. |
| petulant | Childishly sulky or bad-tempered. |
| tribulation | Great trouble or suffering. |
| exemplify | Be a typical example of. |
| recuperate | Recover from illness or exertion. |
| patronize | To treat someone as inferior. |
| trepidation | Feeling of fear or anxiety. |
| promontory | A point of high land jutting out into sea. |
| balk | Hesitate or be unwilling to accept. |
| authenticate | To prove to be genuine. |
| excision | Surgical removal; cutting out. |
| relevancy | The state of being relevant. |
| cogent | Clear and convincing. |
| procrastinate | Delay doing something important. |
| savant | A person with great knowledge. |
| tepid | Slightly warm; not enthusiastic. |
| wistful | Having vague longing or regret. |
| revulsion | A sense of disgust. |
| carrion | The decaying flesh of dead animals. |
| gouge | To cut or scoop out; overcharge. |
| rationalization | The act of justifying actions. |
| tumult | Noisy confusion; uproar. |
| verdant | Green with vegetation. |
| putrid | Decaying and foul-smelling. |
| incongruous | Not fitting well together; out of place. |
| meander | Wander aimlessly; wind around. |
| quibble | To argue over small points. |
| undaunted | Not discouraged or afraid. |
| unearth | To discover or dig up. |
| rivet | To engross or hold attention. |
| opulence | Great wealth or luxury. |
| ogle | To stare at lustfully. |
| squalor | Filthy, wretched conditions. |
| aberrant | Departing from the normal. |
| despondent | Extremely sad and hopeless. |
| haughty | Arrogantly superior and disdainful. |
| indigent | Poor; needy; impoverished. |
| laudable | Deserving praise / approval. |
| transitory | Not permanent; lasting a short time. |
| vivacious | Lively and full of energy. |
| prostrate | Lie stretched on ground. |
| rickety | Poorly made and shaky. |
| fete | To honor or entertain lavishly. |
| dabble | To engage superficially. |
| surmise | Guess something is true. |
| terse | Brief and to the point. |
| unseemly | Not proper or appropriate. |
| depose | Remove from power suddenly. |
| abortive | Failing to produce results. |
| rejuvenate | To make someone or something feel new. |
| catharsis | The purging of emotions. |
| affable | Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to. |
| imperious | Behaving like a boss. |
| shirk | Avoid duties or responsibilities. |
| engulf | Swallow up or overwhelm. |
| goad | Provoke, prod, incite. |
| provident | Planning for the future. |
| tortuous | Full of twists and turns. |
| unobtrusive | Not noticeable; not attracting attention. |
| unwitting | Not knowing or intended. |
| confound | To confuse or perplex. |
| conjugal | Related to marriage or spouses. |
| acetic | Like vinegar; sour. |
| fastidious | Very careful about details. |
| glib | Fluent but insincere, superficial. |
| pliable | Easily bent or influenced. |
| purport | To claim to be or do. |
| unkempt | Messy or untidy in appearance. |
| abhor | Strongly dislike or hate. |
| append | Add something to the end. |
| aghast | Filled with horror or shock. |
| genteel | Polite, refined, respectable. |
| clairvoyant | A person with psychic ability. |
| nondescript | Lacking distinct features; dull. |
| assuage | To make less severe; relieve. |
| coalesce | Come together; combine. |
| engender | To cause or produce. |
| pensive | Deeply thoughtful, often sadly. |
| dutiful | Conscientious; obedient. |
| permeate | Spread throughout; pervade. |
| germinate | To begin to grow. |
| reverie | A pleasant daydream. |
| scintillating | Sparkling, brilliant, or very lively. |
| vanquish | To defeat completely. |
| variegated | Having diverse colors or forms. |
| vehement | Showing strong feeling; intense. |
| whet | To sharpen or stimulate interest. |
| clamor | A loud confused noise. |
| broach | Raise a sensitive topic. |
| dregs | The last remaining bits. |
| alcove | A recessed part of a room. |
| aspirant | Person seeking high position. |
| dais | A raised platform. |
| cognate | Related in origin. |
| extrinsic | Not inherent; external. |
| cacophony | A harsh, jarring, unpleasant sound. |
| paucity | A very small amount. |
| resurgent | Rising or growing again. |
| drudge | Do dull, hard work. |
| repulsion | A feeling of intense disgust. |
| chafing | Irritation caused by rubbing. |
| pittance | A very small amount of money. |
| discordant | Not in harmony; clashing. |
| exalt | To praise highly; glorify. |
| impetuous | Acting quickly without thinking. |
| levity | Humor or lightheartedness, especially in a serious situation. |
| quandary | A state of perplexity or doubt. |
| unabashed | Not embarrassed or ashamed. |
| wrangle | To argue or dispute. |
| sheaf | A bundle of stalks or papers. |
| jaunt | A short pleasure trip. |
| extricate | Free from difficulty. |
| flippant | Disrespectfully lighthearted. |
| insinuate | Hint at something bad. |
| pert | Impertinent or lively. |
| snide | Sarcastic; mocking; disrespectful. |
| uninhibited | Freely expressing feelings. |
| prophylactic | Preventing disease or harm. |
| diatribe | A harsh verbal attack. |
| disparage | To criticize, belittle, or insult. |
| feign | To pretend or fake. |
| penitent | Feeling or showing regret. |
| prude | A person easily shocked. |
| ravage | To cause severe damage or destruction. |
| staid | Serious, proper, and old-fashioned. |
| sate | Satisfy fully, often excessively. |
| artifice | Clever trick or deception. |
| bluster | Talk in a loud, aggressive way. |
| leery | Wary or suspicious. |
| conflagration | A large, destructive fire. |
| refurbish | To renovate or restore. |
| scrupulous | Very careful and precise. |
| inaugurate | To formally begin or officially open. |
| fleck | A small mark or spot. |
| nuptial | Relating to marriage or weddings. |
| apogee | The highest point of orbit. |
| ameliorate | Make something better; improve. |
| delineate | To clearly describe or outline. |
| demure | Quiet, shy, and modest. |
| fallible | Able to make mistakes. |
| bicker | To argue about trivial things. |
| asinine | Extremely foolish or silly. |
| impertinent | Rude or disrespectful. |
| malady | Illness, disease, problem. |
| recalcitrant | Refusing to obey authority. |
| repulse | Drive back or reject. |
| chivalrous | Courteous and honorable. |
| dissension | Disagreement, especially strong. |
| falsify | To alter to deceive. |
| miscellany | A mixture of various things. |
| vellum | Fine parchment from animal skin. |
| flail | To wave or swing wildly. |
| bandy | To exchange words or blows. |
| incipient | Beginning to happen or appear. |
| languid | Slow and relaxed; without energy. |
| solemnity | Serious and dignified behavior. |
| testy | Easily annoyed or irritable. |
| vacuous | Empty of intelligence or meaning. |
| vestige | A small remaining trace. |
| unanimity | Agreement by all people. |
| abut | To touch or be next to. |
| defame | Harm someone’s reputation. |
| dispassionate | Not influenced by strong feelings. |
| gauche | Awkward, clumsy, tactless. |
| listless | Lacking energy or enthusiasm. |
| vaunted | Boasted about or praised. |
| chastise | To scold or criticize severely. |
| rebus | Puzzle using pictures and words. |
| agglomeration | A collected mass or cluster. |
| predilection | A strong liking or preference. |
| raze | To completely tear down or demolish. |
| relent | Give in to demands. |
| uncouth | Lacking good manners, crude. |
| cavalcade | A procession of riders or vehicles. |
| feint | A deceptive movement. |
| skimp | To provide a small amount. |
| pastiche | A work imitating other styles. |
| facetious | Treating serious issues with inappropriate humor. |
| incorrigible | Unable to be corrected or reformed. |
| iterate | To repeat a process or statement. |
| emanate | To issue or spread out from. |
| admonition | A warning or gentle rebuke. |
| offal | Waste parts of an animal. |
| revelry | Lively and noisy festivities. |
| vapid | Lacking interest or spirit. |
| endearment | A word or act of affection. |
| expository | Intended to explain or describe. |
| expound | To explain systematically or in detail. |
| repentant | Feeling sincere regret. |
| benediction | A blessing, especially at end of service. |
| flay | To strip off skin. |
| acquiesce | Accept something reluctantly; agree. |
| contrite | Feeling deep guilt or sorrow. |
| forbearance | Patience and self-control. |
| lithe | Graceful, flexible, and supple. |
| ordain | To officially make someone a minister. |
| delude | To mislead, deceive. |
| blithe | Cheerful and carefree. |
| ashen | Pale with shock or fear. |
| overwrought | Too emotional or excited. |
| ponderous | Slow, heavy, and clumsy. |
| subjugate | To bring under control or rule. |
| conscript | Enlist compulsorily into armed forces. |
| satyr | A mythological forest creature. |
| homespun | Simple, plain, or unsophisticated. |
| madrigal | Unaccompanied vocal composition. |
| circumspect | Careful and cautious. |
| reverent | Feeling or showing deep respect. |
| incubate | To hatch or develop. |
| callow | Inexperienced and immature. |
| parquet | Flooring made of wood blocks. |
| salacious | Appealing to sexual desire. |
| perfunctory | Done without much care. |
| repudiate | To reject or deny completely. |
| soliloquy | A speech by one person. |
| mutilate | To inflict severe injury. |
| dictum | A formal pronouncement. |
| glutton | An excessively greedy eater. |
| limber | Flexible; agile. |
| finicky | Excessively particular or picky. |
| morose | Gloomy, sad, and ill-tempered. |
| tawdry | Cheap and showy in appearance. |
| verbose | Using too many words. |
| dilate | To make or become wider. |
| gruel | Thin porridge. |
| circuitous | Indirect and roundabout. |
| rend | To tear apart violently. |
| humdrum | Dull, monotonous, and boring. |
| canard | A false or untrue rumor. |
| consecrate | To make something sacred. |
| oscillate | To swing back and forth. |
| recant | Take back a statement. |
| supine | Lying on one’s back, face up. |
| portly | Somewhat fat or stout. |
| ductile | Able to be drawn into wire. |
| mutable | Able to be changed. |
| salutary | Beneficial or promoting health. |
| deride | To make fun of. |
| hackneyed | Overused and unoriginal. |
| enumerate | List things one by one. |
| chafe | Irritate by rubbing; annoy. |
| diminution | A reduction in size or importance. |
| botch | To carry out a task badly. |
| convivial | Friendly and lively; sociable. |
| mangle | Severely damage, often by crushing. |
| foreshadow | To hint at future events. |
| diadem | A crown or headband. |
| codify | Arrange into system. |
| pallid | Pale; lacking color or life. |
| brusque | Abrupt or offhand in speech. |
| defray | To pay for costs. |
| egoism | Excessive self-admiration. |
| dismember | To cut off limbs. |
| sanctify | Make holy or sacred. |
| missive | A letter, especially a long one. |
| libelous | Damaging someone’s reputation falsely. |
| transpire | To happen or occur. |
| desperado | A desperate or reckless criminal. |
| misadventure | An unlucky or unfortunate incident. |
| kith | One’s friends and relatives. |
| insubstantial | Lacking substance or reality. |
| boorish | Rude, ill-mannered, and unrefined. |
| luxuriant | Rich, abundant, lush growth. |
| endear | To cause to be loved. |
| interdict | To prohibit or forbid. |
| hieroglyphic | Written in ancient picture symbols. |
| intransigence | Refusal to change views. |
| rebuff | To reject sharply or rudely. |
| transgress | To break a rule or law. |
| umbrage | Feeling offended or annoyed. |
| effectual | Producing desired result; effective. |
| scanty | Small in amount, not enough. |
| memorialize | To preserve in memory. |
| lecherous | Having excessive sexual desire. |
| germane | Relevant, pertinent, appropriate. |
| eclecticism | The practice of choosing from various sources. |
| impassive | Showing no emotion or feeling. |
| neophyte | A beginner or novice. |
| perusal | Careful and close reading. |
| entreat | Ask someone earnestly. |
| infirmity | Physical or mental weakness. |
| impudence | Rudeness; disrespect. |
| screed | A long, angry speech. |
| kismet | Destiny; fate. |
| acerbic | Sharp, critical, or bitter. |
| mien | A person’s look or bearing. |
| outstrip | To surpass or exceed. |
| pediment | Triangular gable. |
| desecrate | To treat a sacred place with disrespect. |
| admonish | Warn or reprimand firmly. |
| bemoan | To express sorrow or regret. |
| fetid | Having a very bad smell. |
| inculcate | Teach persistently; instill ideas. |
| profuse | Abundant; in great quantity. |
| redolent | Smelling strongly or suggestive of. |
| cloying | Excessively sweet or sentimental. |
| dexterous | Skilled with hands or mind. |
| venerate | To deeply respect and honor. |
| gratify | To please or satisfy someone. |
| grovel | To lie or crawl humbly. |
| predispose | To make someone inclined to. |
| mannerism | A distinctive gesture or habit. |
| disenfranchise | To deprive of rights. |
| farfetched | Unlikely or improbable. |
| regale | Entertain with stories. |
| irreverence | Lack of respect. |
| indolent | Lazy; wanting to avoid activity. |
| renege | To break a promise. |
| fritter | To waste time or money. |
| jabber | To talk rapidly and excitedly. |
| germinal | Beginning; in early stage. |
| polarize | To divide into opposing groups. |
| satiate | To fully satisfy a desire. |
| loll | To sit or lie lazily. |
| digression | A temporary departure from the main subject. |
| propitious | Favorable or lucky. |
| truncate | To shorten by cutting off. |
| writhe | To twist or squirm. |
| ignoble | Not honorable in character. |
| earmark | To set aside for a specific purpose. |
| exhort | To urge strongly; encourage. |
| emancipate | To set free. |
| spendthrift | A person who spends recklessly. |
| svelte | Slender and graceful. |
| jostle | Push, elbow, or bump against. |
| impale | To pierce with a sharp object. |
| slovenly | Untidy; messy; careless in appearance. |
| surmount | Overcome a difficulty. |
| commiserate | To express sympathy. |
| incarcerate | Imprison or confine. |
| dispirited | Having lost hope or enthusiasm. |
| bantering | Characterized by playful teasing. |
| recrimination | Accusation in return. |
| brandish | Wave or flourish as a threat. |
| capacious | Having a lot of space inside. |
| decant | To pour liquid gently. |
| indubitably | Without doubt. |
| disjunction | A disconnection; a separation. |
| churlish | Rude, ill-mannered, and grumpy. |
| embroider | To decorate with needlework. |
| compunction | A feeling of guilt or regret. |
| hothead | A person prone to anger. |
| prattle | To talk foolishly or idly. |
| chide | Scold mildly; express disapproval. |
| seethe | Be filled with intense, unexpressed anger. |
| jingoism | Extreme patriotism, warlike. |
| ebullient | Full of energy and cheer. |
| platitude | A common, overused remark. |
| ruminate | To think deeply about something. |
| swarthy | Dark-skinned and complexion. |
| rueful | Expressing sorrow or regret. |
| disburse | To pay out money. |
| regicide | Killing a king. |
| sycophantic | Flattering for personal gain. |
| stymie | To prevent or hinder progress. |
| turbid | Cloudy, muddy, not clear. |
| coquette | A flirtatious woman. |
| sere | Dry and withered. |
| hirsute | Having a lot of hair. |
| blase | Unimpressed or indifferent. |
| juxtapose | Place side by side to compare. |
| meddlesome | Interfering in others’ affairs. |
| miscreant | A bad person. |
| denizen | An inhabitant of a place. |
| floe | A sheet of floating ice. |
| convulsion | Sudden violent bodily movement. |
| corpulent | Fat; bulky. |
| raconteur | A skilled storyteller. |
| ingenue | An innocent, naive young woman. |
| boor | A rude, ill-mannered person. |
| garrulous | Talkative, chatty, overly wordy. |
| loquacious | Very talkative or garrulous. |
| heedless | Careless; unmindful. |
| covetous | Showing great desire for possessions. |
| doff | Remove (an item of clothing). |
| laudatory | Expressing praise; commending. |
| desultory | Lacking a plan or purpose. |
| diffident | Lacking self-confidence. |
| actuate | Cause a machine to operate. |
| debase | Reduce in quality or value. |
| askance | With suspicion or disapproval. |
| emollient | Softening or soothing. |
| solicitous | Showing care or concern. |
| peremptory | Insisting on immediate attention. |
| harangue | A long, angry speech. |
| ransack | To search destructively. |
| pugilist | Boxer. |
| consonance | Agreement; harmony. |
| bilk | To cheat or swindle. |
| misapprehension | A mistaken belief or idea. |
| pilfer | To steal small amounts. |
| alimentary | Relating to nutrition or food. |
| crotchety | Irritable or bad-tempered. |
| hedonist | Someone who seeks pleasure. |
| limpid | Clear and transparent; easily understood. |
| hurtle | To move at high speed. |
| vertiginous | Causing dizziness, esp. from height. |
| extemporaneous | Done without preparation. |
| contortion | A twisted or distorted shape. |
| smolder | To burn slowly without flame; show suppressed emotion. |
| rakish | Having a dashing, jaunty appearance. |
| slacken | To make or become less tight. |
| gibbet | A gallows. |
| besmirch | To damage the reputation of. |
| laggard | A person who falls behind. |
| gibe | An insulting or mocking remark. |
| dawdle | To waste time; loiter. |
| gloaming | Twilight; dusk. |
| edify | Teach morally or spiritually. |
| accost | Approach and speak boldly. |
| debar | To exclude or prohibit. |
| idiosyncrasy | A peculiar habit or trait. |
| abridge | Shorten a text without losing meaning. |
| dotage | Period of old age. |
| sirocco | A hot, oppressive wind. |
| tersely | In a brief and abrupt manner. |
| clime | A region’s characteristic climate. |
| risible | Laughable; absurd. |
| argot | Slang of a specific group. |
| halfhearted | Lacking enthusiasm or effort. |
| stanch | To stop a flow, especially blood. |
| unflagging | Tireless and persistent. |
| phial | A small glass bottle. |
| ingenuous | Innocent and trusting. |
| impute | To blame someone for something. |
| exasperate | To annoy greatly; irritate. |
| perturb | To make someone anxious or unsettled. |
| superannuated | Obsolete due to age. |
| protuberance | Something that sticks out. |
| qualm | A feeling of doubt or worry. |
| hogshead | A large barrel or cask. |
| stipple | To draw or engrave in dots. |
| blackball | To exclude from a group. |
| forebear | An ancestor. |
| shyster | A dishonest lawyer. |
| sang-froid | Composure under pressure. |
| poseur | One who adopts affected mannerisms. |
| explicate | To explain in detail. |
| undulate | To move in waves. |
| epicure | A person who enjoys fine food. |
| malodorous | Having a bad smell. |
| quaff | To drink heartily. |
| avuncular | Like a kind uncle. |
| pulsate | To beat or throb rhythmically. |
| perquisite | A special benefit or perk. |
| exult | To feel extreme joy. |
| lechery | Excessive sexual desire. |
| occlude | To stop, close up, or block. |
| reprove | To express disapproval to. |
| fluster | To make someone agitated or confused. |
| doggerel | Badly written verse. |
| choleric | Bad-tempered or irritable. |
| tantalize | To torment with something desired. |
| impolitic | Unwise or imprudent. |
| gibber | To speak foolishly or unintelligibly. |
| doddering | Trembling or tottering from age. |
| rankle | To cause persistent annoyance. |
| glower | Stare with anger. |
| enthrall | To captivate or charm. |
| torpid | Slow, inactive, and sluggish. |
| interpose | To place or come between. |
| salver | Small tray. |
| lassitude | A state of feeling tired / weak. |
| lacerate | To tear or deeply cut. |
| seclude | To keep away from others. |
| encumber | Restrict or burden. |
| stupefy | To make someone confused or shocked. |
| cadaverous | Pale and gaunt. |
| euphonious | Pleasing or sweet-sounding. |
| indubitable | Certainly true; cannot be doubted. |
| adulterate | To make impure by adding. |
| acquiescent | Ready to accept; submissive. |
| provender | Food for livestock. |
| intersperse | To scatter among or between. |
| circumlocution | Using too many words. |
| pinnace | A small light boat. |
| lambent | Softly bright; flickering. |
| multiform | Having many forms. |
| misgiving | A feeling of doubt or worry. |
| badinage | Humorous light conversation. |
| foible | Minor fault or weakness. |
| abase | To humble or degrade someone. |
| mischance | Bad luck or misfortune. |
| macerate | To soften by soaking. |
| carouse | To drink alcohol and party. |
| viscid | Sticky or thick. |
| lionize | To treat as a celebrity. |
| fuddle | To confuse; to muddle. |
| upbraid | To scold or criticize strongly. |
| putrefy | To decay and rot. |
| sluggard | Lazy person; slow and idle. |
| purloin | To steal something secretly. |
| disputatious | Fond of arguing. |
| malapropism | Comical misuse of words. |
| tocsin | Alarm bell or signal. |
| jocund | Cheerful and lighthearted. |
| protract | To make something last longer. |
| manoeuver | A movement requiring skill. |
| emblazon | To display prominently or decorate. |
| votary | A person devoted to something. |
| disinter | Dig up something buried. |
| inadvertence | An oversight; unintentional act. |
| declivity | A downward slope. |
| eulogistic | Expressing high praise. |
| rotundity | Roundness; plumpness. |
| lissome | Graceful, flexible, agile. |
| dastard | A mean, cowardly person. |
| enrapture | To fill with delight. |
| venturous | Willing to take risks. |
| unwonted | Unusual, unaccustomed. |
| vagary | An unpredictable or erratic action. |
| beleaguer | To harass or besiege. |
| domineer | Assert one’s will over another. |
| acerbity | Bitterness of taste or manner. |
| repine | To fret or complain. |
| distrait | Distracted or absentminded. |
| demoniacal | Relating to demons; devilish. |
| blithesome | Lighthearted and cheerful. |
| ostracize | To exclude from a group. |
| sluggish | Slow and lacking energy. |
| disgruntle | To make someone unhappy or annoyed. |
| duteous | Conscientious in duty. |
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