Sophisticated words to improve vocabulary

His comment felt completely gratuitous, adding nothing helpful to the discussion.

Done without good reason; uncalled for.

She gave me a malevolent look, like she'd been waiting for me to fail.

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

The morning light was so effulgent it made the entire room glow.

Shining brightly; radiant.

His ingratiating tone made it obvious he wanted something.

Intended to gain approval or favor; charming in a way that seems insincere.

There was something unctuous in his compliments that made them feel insincere.

Excessively or insincerely flattering.

His humor is so acerbic that people can’t tell if he’s joking or just being rude.

Sharp and biting, especially in tone or style.

That was a callous response—he didn’t even try to be sympathetic.

Emotionally insensitive or unfeeling.

She maintained an obdurate stance, refusing to yield even slightly

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

She made a cogent argument that completely changed my perspective.

Clear, logical, and convincing.

His speech was so succinct—just a few words, but all of them powerful.

Brief and clearly expressed.

Her capricious moods made it hard to predict how she’d react.

Given to sudden changes in mood or behavior; unpredictable.

He carried himself with an inscrutable calm, revealing nothing of his true thoughts.

Impossible to understand or interpret; unreadable.

The writing was recondite, full of obscure references and academic jargon.

Difficult to understand; dealing with complex or obscure subject matter.

The dialogue was jejune, lacking substance and emotional depth.

Dull, simplistic, and superficial; lacking interest or maturity.

She had a perspicacious eye for detail others overlooked.

Having a keen understanding and good judgment; mentally sharp.

The lecture was soporific, and half the class struggled to stay awake.

Tending to cause sleep; boring or monotonous.

Her trenchant observations cut straight through the noise of the discussion.

Sharp, penetrating, and insightful, often in expression or criticism.

He gave a zealous defense of his beliefs, unshaken by criticism.

Showing great passion or enthusiasm for a cause or belief.

The cathedral’s vastness was numinous, filled with a quiet sense of the divine.

Having a spiritual or mysterious quality; evoking a sense of awe or sacredness.

She dressed with fastidious care.

Showing great attention to detail and accuracy; meticulous.

She screamed when the apparition floated past her.

a ghost or ghostlike image of a person.