AP Vocab. List #20

2025 AP. Lang Vocabulary List #20

affluent

having a great deal of money; wealthy and prosperous, often characterized by a high standard of living.

antiquity

the ancient past, particularly the period before the middle ages; can also refer to the quality of being old or ancient.

blandishment

a gentle and persuasive action or remark intended to influence someone; flattery or enticement.

chasten

to correct or discipline someone, often through punishment, in order to improve their behavior.

civility

the act of showing respect and politeness towards others; the quality of being courteous and considerate.

congenial

having an agreeable nature; friendly, pleasant, and compatible with others.

deft

demonstrating skill and grace in physical movements; typically refers to quick, nimble, and precise actions.

dispatch

the act of sending something with speed and efficiency; the prompt execution of tasks or communication.

embroil

to involve someone in a complicated situation or conflict; to throw into disorder or confusion.

expurgate

to cleanse a text by removing objectionable or inappropriate parts; to purify by omission.

garner

to gather, collect, or accumulate items or information, often for use or benefit.

heretical

describing beliefs or practices that go against established doctrine or accepted religious standards; often seen as controversial.

iconoclast

a person who challenges or opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions, often viewed as a rebel or critic.

irreproachable

describing someone or something that is faultless; beyond criticism and entirely reliable.

mercurial

subject to sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or mind; often describes someone who is changeable.

nuance

a subtle or slight distinction or variation in meaning, opinion, or attitude; often refers to complexities that are not immediately obvious.

partisan

a person who shows an extreme or sometimes blind allegiance to a particular group, cause, or ideology, often to the exclusion of other viewpoints.

pious

exhibiting a sincere and devoted reverence for a deity; often implies a moral or virtuous character.

raucous

characterized by loud and harsh sounds, often disruptive or unpleasant.

repugnant

causing a strong feeling of disgust or aversion; deeply offensive or distasteful.

satiric

a form of humor or criticism that exposes human folly or vice to ridicule, often through exaggeration or irony.

sporadic

occurring in irregular or scattered instances; not constant or uniform in frequency.

succulent

juicy and tender, often used to describe certain plants that have fleshy tissues adapted for storing water.

terrestrial

pertaining to the earth or land; organisms that live or grow primarily on land rather than in water.

ungainly

describing a lack of grace or coordination in movement or posture; often appears awkward.