AP Lang Vocabs (spooky month)

malevolence

(noun)

the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm.

synonyms: malice, hostility, cruelty, hatred

tenuous

(adj)

lacking strength, permanence, or resilience

synonyms: fragile, slight, breakable, frail

innocuous

(adj)

not causing or being capable of causing injury or hurt

synonyms: harmless, benign, innocent, safe, inoffensive

impervious

(adj)

1. as in tight: not allowing penetration (as by gas, liquid, or light)

2. as in dense: impossible to get through or into

synonyms: tight, impermeable, thick, dense, unaffected, resistant

distraught

(adj)

feeling overwhelming fear or worry

synonyms: agitated, worried, frightened, devastated

cognizant

(adj)

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind

synonyms: aware, conscious, mindful

impetuous

(adj)

acting or done quickly and without thought; controlled by emotion rather than thought

synonyms: impulsive, reckless, hasty

propensity

(noun)

1. as in tendency: an established pattern of behavior

2. as in inclination: a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

synonyms: tendency, inclination, habit, affinity

idiosyncrasy

(noun)

an odd or peculiar habit

synonyms: trick, trait, characteristic, oddity

veracity

(noun)

1. as in integrity: devotion to telling the truth

2. as in accuracy: the quality or state of being very accurate

synonyms: integrity, honesty, truthfulness, accuracy, precision

quietus

(noun)

1. as in release: a freeing from an obligation or responsibility

2. as in death: the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities

synonyms: release, discharge, exemption, (death, demise)

extortion

(noun)

the exaction of a grossly excessive charge for goods or services

synonyms: cheating, highway robbery, overcharging

fruition

(noun)

the state of being actual or complete

synonyms: realization, accomplishment, success, fulfillment

Introspection

(noun)

examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

synonyms: self-reflection, self-examination

vicarious

(adj)

experiencing an emotion, thrill, or life event through someone else rather than going through it yourself

synonyms: indirect, secondhand, substitute

coagulate

(verb)

to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly

gel, gelatinize, stiffen, group together

quibble

(verb)

1. as in to complain: to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant

2. as in to argue: to express different opinions about something often angrily

synonyms: complain, nitpick, argue, fight

(noun)

as in objection

synonyms: objection, challenge, protest

curtail

(verb)

to make less in extent or duration

synonyms: shorten, reduce

myriad

(adj)

1. as in various: being of many and various kinds

2. as in countless: too many to be counted

synonyms: various, many, countless, multifarious

efface

(verb)

to destroy all traces of

synonyms: erase, eradicate, abolish

conflagration

(noun)

1. as in inferno: a destructive burning

2. as in hostilities: a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

synonyms: inferno, fire, hostilities, war, conflict

imminent

(adj)

1. as in impending: giving signs of immediate occurrence

2. as in upcoming: being soon to appear or take place

synonyms: impending, forthcoming

acquiescence

(noun)

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others

synonyms: obedience, submissiveness, assent

bequeath

(verb)

to give by means of a will

synonyms: leave (as in giving), will, pass (down)

commodity

(noun)

1. as in object: one that has a real and independent existence

2. as in goods: (commodities) products that are bought and sold in business

synonyms: object, entity, product, goods, supply

paramour

(noun)

a person with who someone is having a romantic or sexual relationship and especially a secret or improper relationship

synonyms: lover, girlfriend, boyfriend [affair]

hackneyed

(adj)

used or heard so often as to be dull

synonyms: stereotyped, tired

(verb)

to use so much as to make less appealing

synonyms: stereotyped, exhausted, overused, cliché

ostentatious

(adj)

1. as in loud: excessively showy

2. as in arrogant: self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance

synonyms: loud, noisy, arrogant, high-minded, showy, flashy

eloquent

(adj)

1. as in articulate: able to express oneself clearly and well

2. as in suggestive: clearly conveying special meaning as one's mood)

3. as in formal: very dignified in form, tone, or style

synonyms: articulate, suggestive, expressive, formal, cultured

zenith

(noun)

at the highest part or point

synonyms: peak, top, apex

tactile

(adj)

relating to the sense of touch

synonyms: physical, toucable

placebo

(noun)

an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (such as a drug)

synonyms: fake pill, inactive drug

corpulent

(adj)

having an excess of body fat

synonyms: plump, fat

juxtaposition

(noun)

the state of being next to one another

synonyms: proximity, immediacy, adjacency

hallowed

(adj)

1. as in venerable: deserving honor and respect especially by reason of age

2. as in sacred: set apart or worthy of veneration by association with God

3. as in holy: not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with

synonyms: sacred, venerated. holy

(verb)

to make holy through prayers or ritual

synonyms: blessed, dedicated, sanctified

corrugated

(verb/adj)

to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves

synonyms: creased, folded

placate

(verb)

to lessen the anger or agitation of

synonyms: appease, calm, mollify

taciturn

(adj)

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination)

synonyms: silent, restrained

zealous

(adj)

feeling or showing strong and energetic support for a person, cause, etc.; filled with zeal

synonyms: enthusiastic, passionate

voracious

(adj)

1. as in greedy: having a huge appetite

2. as in avid: showing urgent desire or interest

synonyms: greedy, avid, excited

mutinous

(adj)

taking part in a rebellion

synonyms: rebellious, traitorous

volumnous

(adj)

of a size greater than average of its kind

synonyms: large, oversize

abscond

(verb)

to leave a place secretly and suddenly, usually to avoid arrest, legal action, or punishment, or to run away with stolen money or property

synonyms: flee, escape

anomaly

(noun)

something that is different from the normal, usual, or expected pattern

synonyms: abnormality, irregularity, oddity

capricious

(adj)

showing sudden, unexpected changes in attitude, behavior, or mood

synonyms: unpredictable, impulsive

effrontery

(noun)

Shocking or rude behavior that displays a total lack of shame, respect, or propriety, often acting as though one has a right to something they clearly do not

synonyms: audacity, nerve, shameless

exigent

(adj)

1. Needing urgent attention and prompt action that cannot be ignored

2. Demanding much from others; exacting or hard to satisfy

synonyms: urgent, critical, demanding

filibuster

a legislative tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by speaking at great length or using other dilatory procedures

(noun) An instance or the use of extreme delaying tactics in a legislative assembly, or the long speech itself.

(verb) To engage in a filibuster or to obstruct legislation through prolonged speaking and stalling.

synonyms: obstructing, delay, procrastination

noxious

(adj)

- Physically harmful, destructive, or toxic to living things (such as poisonous gases or waste).

- Harmful or corrupting to the mind, morals, or behavior.

- Extremely disagreeable or foul.

synonyms: toxic, harmful, unwholesome

perspicacious

(adj)

Having a keen ability to see through and understand what is obscure, puzzling, or not obvious.

synonyms: perceptive, insightful, keen

recant

(verb)

to publicly and formally withdraw or disavow a previous held belief, statement, or opinion

synonyms: retract, withdraw

relegate

(verb)

to move someone or something to a lower, less important rank, position, or place

synonyms: demote, downgrade, exile

stymie

to stop, block, or prevent someone from reaching a goal or finishing a task

(verb) To stand in the way of or hinder progress.

(noun) An obstacle, a difficult situation, or a specific old golf scenario where an opponent's ball blocks the path to the hole

synonyms: block, frustrate, hinder

virulent

(adj)

extremely dangerous, highly infectious, or full of bitter malice.

synonyms: deadly, infectious, malicious

chary

(adj)

Characterized by great caution, wariness, or a hesitant reluctance to give, act, or spend freely.

synonyms: cautious, prudent, hesitant

bucolic

(adj)

relating to the pleasant, peaceful aspects of the countryside, rural life, or herdsmen

(noun) A pastoral poem or a country resident

synonyms: rural, countryside

esoteric

(adj)

describes something meant for or understood by only a small group of people with special knowledge or interest

synonyms: obscure, arcane, unique

impecunious

(adj)

Lacking funds, habitually poor, or strapped for cash

synonyms: penniless, broke

inveigle

(verb)

to persuade, win over, or trick someone into doing something using charm, flattery, or artful talk

synonyms: persuade, entice

stoic

Not affected by or showing passion, feeling, joy, or grief; firmly restrained when facing trouble.

(adj) Describing a person, action, or state of being calm and unemotional during difficult times

(noun) A person who manages pain or distress without showing feelings, or a follower of the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism.

synonyms: calm, unemotional, impassive

munificent

(adj)

extremely generous, especially in giving gifts, money, or help

synonyms: liberal, openhanded

rancor

(noun)

that means a deep, lasting feeling of bitterness, hatred, or ill will

synonyms: bitterness, malice

irascible

(adj)

having or showing a tendency to be easily angered or provoked into a state of rage

synonyms: irritable, short-tempered

reticent

(adj)

unwilling to share thoughts or feelings; tending to keep quiet or hold back

synonyms: quiet, shy, reserved, private

bombastic

(adj)

high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated, pompous, or overly dramatic in speech or writing

synonyms: pompous, showy, wordy, inflated

trite

(adj)

overused and lacking originality or freshness; dull because it has been said or done too many times

synonyms: overused, boring, common, predictable

mollify

(verb)

to calm someone down or make them less angry or upset

synonyms: calm, soothe, comfort, ease

affable

(adj)

friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to

synonyms: friendly, kind, warm, easygoing

cantankerous

(adj)

bad-tempered, difficult to deal with, and always ready to argue or complain

synonyms: grumpy, cranky, stubborn, argumentative

altruistic

(adj)

caring about the well-being of others and helping them without expecting anything in return

synonyms: selfless, generous, kind, giving

parsimonious

(adj)

extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources; very cheap or stingy

synonyms: stingy, cheap, miserly, tight

quagmire

(noun)

a soft, muddy area of ground that sinks underfoot, or a difficult situation that is hard to escape from

synonyms: swamp, bog, mess, trap

nefarious

(adj)

openly wicked or evil; criminal in a way that shows bad intentions

synonyms: evil, wicked, bad, sinister

castigate

(verb)

to criticize or punish someone harshly

synonyms: scold, criticize, blame, punish

antediluvian

(adj)

extremely old-fashioned or out of date; also, belonging to the time before the biblical Great Flood

synonyms: ancient, outdated, old-fashioned, prehistoric

serendipitous

(adj)

happening by chance in a lucky or pleasant way

synonyms: lucky, fortunate, accidental, fateful

urbane

(adj)

polite, confident, and smooth in manner, especially in social situations; showing good manners and refinement

synonyms: polished, smooth, polite, refined

pariah

(noun)

a person who is rejected or avoided by others, usually because they are disliked or looked down on

synonyms: outcast, outsider, reject, loner

indulgent

(adj)

allowing someone to have or do what they want, or giving in to your own wishes and pleasures too easily

synonyms: lenient, generous, soft, permissive

chimerical

(adj)

existing only in the imagination; unrealistic or impossible to achieve

synonyms: imaginary, unreal, fantastic, dreamlike

fatuous

(adj)

silly and pointless, often in a way that shows a lack of thought or intelligence

synonyms: silly, foolish, dumb, pointless

chicanery

(noun)

the use of tricks or clever but dishonest schemes to get what you want

synonyms: trickery, deceit, cheating, fraud

bane

(noun)

a cause of ongoing trouble, annoyance, or ruin; something that makes life difficult

synonyms: curse, nuisance, plague, pest

bellicose

(adj)

eager to fight or start arguments; aggressive and hostile

synonyms: hostile, aggressive, combative, warlike

pragmatic

(adj)

dealing with things in a sensible, realistic way based on what works rather than on ideas or theories

synonyms: practical, realistic, sensible, down-to-earth

quixotic

(adj)

extremely idealistic and unrealistic, often in a way that is impractical or romantic

synonyms: idealistic, unrealistic, dreamy, impractical

recondite

(adj)

hard to understand because it is known by only a few people; deep, obscure, or very specialized

synonyms: obscure, difficult, hidden, complex

sedulous

(adj)

showing steady, careful effort and determination; working hard and not giving up

synonyms: diligent, hardworking, careful, persistent

tacit

(adj)

understood or meant without being said out loud

synonyms: unspoken, implied, silent, understood

vituperate

(verb)

to criticize or insult someone using harsh, angry language

synonyms: insult, rant, scold, attack

acerbic

(adj)

sharp and harsh in tone or manner, especially in a bitter or cutting way; also, sour or biting in taste

synonyms: harsh, sharp, bitter, cutting

alchemy

(noun)

an early form of chemistry, practiced in the Middle Ages, that tried to turn ordinary metals into gold; also, a mysterious process that changes something into something better

synonyms: magic, transformation, sorcery

anachronism

(noun)

something that belongs to a different time period than the one it appears in, such as an old-fashioned object or idea in the modern day, or a modern object in a historical story

synonyms: misplacement, relic, throwback

desiccate

(verb)

to remove all the water or moisture from something; to dry out completely

synonyms: dry, dehydrate, parch, wither

conundrum

(noun)

a confusing problem or question that is hard to solve; also, a riddle

synonyms: puzzle, riddle, dilemma, mystery

wistful

(adj)

feeling a quiet, gentle sadness, often while longing for something in the past or something that cannot be had

synonyms: longing, sad, nostalgic, dreamy

embroil

(verb)

to pull someone into an argument, fight, or messy situation

synonyms: involve, tangle, drag in, mix up

contumacious

(adj)

stubbornly refusing to obey authority or follow rules

synonyms: rebellious, defiant, stubborn, disobedient

surreptitious

(adj)

done in a secret or sneaky way to avoid being noticed

synonyms: secret, sneaky, hidden, stealthy

malingerer

(noun)

a person who pretends to be sick or hurt in order to avoid work or duty

synonyms: faker, slacker, shirker