adjunct
something added to something else as helpful but not essential
synonyms: associate, addition, accessory
antonyms: follower, imitator, emulator
adjunct
added or connected in a subordinate capacity
bellwether
leading sheep of a flock to the slaughterhouse; a leader to a violent end
synonyms: ringleader, initiator
caterwaul
to howl or screech like a cat; to quarrel
synonyms: to whine
caterwaul
a harsh or noisy cry; a racket
synonyms: a screech
chimerical
absurd; impossible; wildly fantastic
synonyms: visionary, quixotic, pie-in-the-sky
antonyms: realistic, down-to-earth, practicable
effete
lacking in wholesome vigor or energy; worn-out or exhausted; sterile or unable to produce; out-of-date
synonyms: decadent, enfeebled
antonyms: thriving, burgeoning, vigorous, dynamic
fait accompli
an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed, fact, or action
synonyms: accomplished fact
antonyms: open-minded, tolerant, progressive, liberal
hidebound
narrow-minded and rigid, especially in opinions or prejudices; stubbornly and unthinkingly conservative
synonyms: intolerant, inflexible
hierarchy
any system of things or people arranged or graded one above another in order of rank, wealth, class, etc.
synonyms: chain of command
laissez-faire
a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference, especially with individual freedom of choice and action
synonyms: non-interventional, nonrestrictive, hands off
liturgy
a religious service or rite; the form of a ritual or other act of public worship
synonyms: observance
morass
a patch of low, soft, wet ground; a swamp; a confusing situation in which one is entrapped, as in quicksand
synonyms: bog
antonyms: solid ground, bedrock, terra firma
noisome
offensive or disgusting; foul-smelling; harmful or injurious
synonyms: fetid, noxious, vile, loathsome
antonyms: wholesome, sweet-smelling
oblivious
forgetful; unaware
synonyms: insensible
antonyms: aware, cognizant, mindful, alert
poltroon
a base coward
synonyms: craven, dastard, “chicken”
antonyms: stalwart, gallant
proselyte
a convert; a disciple
synonyms: novice, neophyte
antonyms: master, teacher, guide, guru
quasi
resembling but not actually being; seemingly but not actually or completely
synonyms: kind of, as if
antonyms: totally, completely, actually, in fact
raillery
good-humored ridicule; teasing
synonyms: persiflage
ribald
irreverently mocking; coarse, vulgar, or indecent in language
synonyms: risqué
antonyms: seemly, proper, decorous
supine
lying flat on one’s back; listless or lethargic; apathetic or passive
synonyms: prone, prostrate, inert
antonyms: upright, erect, perpendicular, vertical
vignette
a short description or sketch; a picture or illustration with edges that gradually shade off, a decorative design on the title page of a book or at the beginning or end of a chapter
synonyms: thumbnail sketch, anecdote
antonyms: epic, full-length treatment