Advanced Vocabulary: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage (20 Words)

Atrophy

(n.) The gradual decline or wasting away of body tissue, an organ, or an ability due to lack of use or nourishment. | Synonyms: Degeneration, deterioration, wasting, decline. — (v.) To gradually decline in effectiveness, vigor, or size through underuse or neglect. | Synonyms: Wither, shrivel, dwindle, languish.

Bastion

(n.) A fortified place, or an institution, person, or area that strongly defends or upholds particular principles, attitudes, or activities. | Synonyms: Stronghold, bulwark, citadel, mainstay.

Concord

(n.) Agreement, harmony, or a state of peaceful relations between people, groups, or things. | Synonyms: Accord, consensus, rapport, unison.

Consummate

(adj.) Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect in every way. | Synonyms: Accomplished, masterful, quintessential, exemplary. — (v.) To bring a project or transaction to agreement. | Synonyms: Finalize, ratify, conclude, execute.

Disarray

(n.) A state of disorganization, untidiness, or confusion. | Synonyms: Turmoil, upheaval, disorder, bedlam. — (v.) To throw into a state of disorder or confusion. | Synonyms: Unsettle, disrupt, scramble, disorganize.

Exigency

(n.) An urgent need, demand, or crisis that requires immediate action or attention. | Synonyms: Emergency, predicament, imperative, necessity.

Flotsam

(n.) Floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo, or useless, discarded odds and ends. | Synonyms: Debris, detritus, remnants, clutter.

Frenetic

(adj.) Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way. | Synonyms: Hectic, frantic, feverish, manic.

Glean

(v.) To extract or collect information, facts, or leftover crops bit by bit from various sources. | Synonyms: Gather, cull, deduce, harvest.

Grouse

(v.) To complain pettily or grumble persistently about something trivial. | Synonyms: Grumble, carp, cavil, fuss, murmur, bemoan. — (n.) A petty complaint, or a plump, medium-sized game bird. | Synonyms: Quibble, grievance, critique/criticism.

Incarcerate

(v.) To imprison or confine someone in a jail or enclosed space. | Synonyms: Detain, immure, intern, impound.

Incumbent

(adj.) Necessary for someone as a duty or responsibility, or currently holding an official position. | Synonyms: Obligatory, mandatory, binding, sitting. — (n.) The current holder of an office or official post. | Synonyms: Officeholder, occupant, bearer, representative.

Jocular

(adj.) Fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful in tone. | Synonyms: Facetious, jovial, bantering, waggish.

Ludicrous

(adj.) So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing or ridiculous. | Synonyms: Absurd, preposterous, farcical, outlandish.

Mordant

(adj.) Having or showing a sharp or critical quality, especially regarding humor or wit. | Synonyms: Scathing, caustic, trenchant, acerbic.

Nettle

(v.) To irritate, annoy, or provoke someone. | Synonyms: Vex, irk, pique, exasperate. — (n.) A wild plant covered in stinging hairs that cause skin irritation when touched.

Pecuniary

(adj.) Relating to or consisting of money. | Synonyms: Monetary, fiscal, financial, commercial.

Pusillanimous

(adj.) Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. | Synonyms: Cowardly, fainthearted, craven, spineless.

Recumbent

(adj.) Lying down, especially in a position of comfort or rest. | Synonyms: Reclining, supine, prone.

Stratagem

(n.) A clever plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end. | Synonyms: Ploy, artifice, maneuver, subterfuge.