Core dSAT Vocabulary_Set 33

Admonish

Definition: To tell someone strongly that something they have done is wrong.

Synonyms: reprimand, rebuke, scold, chastise.

Acumen

Definition: The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, especially in a particular area such as business or politics.

Synonyms: insight, discernment, expertise, astuteness.

Abstain

Definition: To not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad.

Synonyms: refrain, withhold, avoid, eschew.

Abjure

Definition: To promise formally that you will give up a particular belief, activity, etc.

Synonyms: renounce, reject, relinquish, forsake.

Abate

Definition: To become less strong, or to make something less strong.

Synonyms: diminish, decrease, lessen, reduce.

Perspicacious

Definition: Quick to notice and understand things.

Synonyms: insightful, perceptive, astute, discerning.

Inchoate

Definition: Only recently or partly formed, or not completely developed or clear.

Synonyms: incipient, embryonic, rudimentary, nascent.

Iconoclast

Definition: Someone who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely accepted.

Synonyms: heretic, rebel, maverick, nonconformist.

Hyperbole

Definition: A way of speaking or writing that makes someone or something sound bigger, better, more, etc., than they are.

Synonyms: exaggeration, overstatement, embellishment, magnification.

Gregarious

Definition: Liking to be with other people.

Synonyms: sociable, outgoing, friendly, affable.

Eschew

Definition: To avoid something intentionally, or to give something up.

Synonyms: abstain from, refrain from, avoid, shun.

Anomaly

Definition: Something that is noticeable because it is different from what is usual.

Synonyms: aberration, deviation, irregularity, oddity.

Zenith

Definition: The highest point reached by a celestial or other object.

Synonyms: peak, summit, apex, acme.

Voluble

Definition: Talking a lot, especially in a rapid and enthusiastic way.

Synonyms: talkative, loquacious, garrulous, verbose.

Tyro

Definition: A person who has only recently started doing something.

Synonyms: novice, beginner, neophyte, newcomer.

Surfeit

Definition: An amount that is too large, or is more than is needed.

Synonyms: excess, abundance, glut, overabundance.

Replete

Definition: Filled with something, especially something that gives pleasure or comfort.

Synonyms: full, filled, packed, laden.

Redress

Definition: To put right something that is wrong, or to compensate for damage or suffering.

Synonyms: remedy, rectify, correct, amend.

Quotidian

Definition: Ordinary and not interesting or unusual.

Synonyms: mundane, everyday, routine, commonplace.

Quixotic

Definition: Having or showing ideas that are different and unusual but not practical or likely to succeed.

Synonyms: idealistic, impractical, visionary, romantic.

Placate

Definition: To stop someone from feeling angry.

Synonyms: appease, pacify, mollify, soothe.

Paragon

Definition: A person or thing that is perfect or has a lot of a particular good quality.

Synonyms: epitome, model, ideal, exemplar.

Nuance

Definition: A very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound, etc.

Synonyms: subtlety, shade, distinction, refinement.

Noisome

Definition: Smelly, unpleasant, or offensive.

Synonyms: foul, malodorous, noxious, repulsive.

Nascent

Definition: Just beginning to develop or exist.

Synonyms: emerging, budding, incipient, embryonic.

Mollify

Definition: To make someone less angry or upset.

Synonyms: appease, pacify, placate, soothe.

Inimical

Definition: Harmful or limiting to something.

Synonyms: hostile, unfriendly, adverse, detrimental.

Germane

Definition: Relevant and appropriate.

Synonyms: pertinent, related, applicable, connected.

Foment

Definition: To cause trouble or make people fight, especially by giving them reasons to argue about something.

Synonyms: provoke, incite, stimulate, instigate.

Diffident

Definition: Shy and not wanting to make people notice you or talk about you.

Synonyms: hesitant, reserved, timid, shy.

Cacophony

Definition: A mixture of loud unpleasant sounds.

Synonyms: discord, noise, clamor, racket.

Variegated

Definition: Having patches or spots of different colors or types.

Synonyms: multicolored, diversified, varied, motley.

Solicitous

Definition: Showing care and helpful attention to someone.

Synonyms: concerned, attentive, caring, considerate.

Sanction

Definition: Official permission or approval for an action.

Synonyms: approval, authorization, permission, consent.

Rescind

Definition: To make a law, agreement, order, or decision no longer have any (legal) power.

Synonyms: revoke, cancel, annul, repeal.

Recant

Definition: To say that you no longer have the same opinion or belief, especially in public.

Synonyms: retract, renounce, withdraw, disavow.

Quandary

Definition: A state of not being able to decide what to do, because you are uncertain about the possible results of your actions.

Synonyms: dilemma, predicament, perplexity, conundrum.