Master Academic Vocabulary List: 1250 Entries of Definitions and Usage Phrases
Master Vocabulary: Entries A to C
abhorrent: causing disgust, detestable. Example: an abhorrent crime
accrue: to accumulate over time. Example: interest accrues daily
adjourn: to suspend a meeting to continue later. Example: court is adjourned until Monday
ailment: a minor illness. Example: a common stomach ailment
allay: to calm fears or concerns. Example: allay her fears
anemic: lacking vitality; suffering from anemia. Example: anemic sales growth
antagonistic: hostile, opposed. Example: an antagonistic tone
appall: to shock or horrify. Example: appalled by the filth
appraise: to assess the value of. Example: appraise the diamond
apprehend: to arrest; to understand. Example: apprehend the suspect
aptitude: natural talent. Example: an aptitude for math
audacity: shameless nerve. Example: the audacity to ask for more
aversion: a strong dislike. Example: an aversion to crowds
avert: to turn away; to prevent. Example: avert disaster
balk: to hesitate or refuse. Example: balked at the price
bane: a cause of misery. Example: the bane of my existence
banter: playful teasing talk. Example: friendly of ice banter
bemoan: to lament. Example: bemoan rising prices
bequeath: to leave in a will. Example: bequeathed her estate to charity
bigotry: intolerance of other groups. Example: stand against bigotry
blight: a disease or thing that spoils. Example: urban blight
bluff: to fake strength; a cliff. Example: he's just bluf ing
bogus: fake, fraudulent. Example: a bogus passport
boisterous: noisy and rowdy. Example: a boisterous crowd
brash: boldly tactless. Example: a brash young trader
bravado: false show of boldness. Example: pure bravado, no substance
brazen: bold and shameless. Example: a brazen lie
bridle: horse headgear; to show resentment. Example: bridled at the insult
budge: to move slightly; to yield. Example: the door wouldn't budge
camaraderie: friendly team spirit. Example: locker-room camaraderie
candor: frank honesty. Example: refreshing candor
carriage: a horse-drawn vehicle; posture. Example: a dancer's elegant carriage
cast: to throw; to assign roles. Example: cast in the lead role
catalyst: a trigger of change. Example: a catalyst for reform
caustic: corrosive; bitterly sarcastic. Example: a caustic remark
cavalier: arrogantly offhand. Example: cavalier about safety
cessation: a stopping. Example: a cessation of hostilities
chasten: to subdue through discipline. Example: chastened by defeat
chisel: a carving tool; to cheat. Example: chisel the marble
circumspect: cautious, prudent. Example: circumspect about naming sources
circumvent: to get around a rule. Example: circumvent the regulations
clench: to close tightly. Example: clenched fists
clique: an exclusive small group. Example: the popular clique
clout: influence; a hard hit. Example: political clout
commensurate: proportionate. Example: salary commensurate with experience
commiserate: to express sympathy. Example: commiserated over the loss
conception: forming of an idea; start of pregnancy. Example: from conception to launch
concussion: brain injury from impact. Example: sidelined with a concussion
condone: to tacitly accept wrongdoing. Example: we don't condone violence
confound: to utterly confuse; to disprove. Example: confounded the experts
conjure: to summon; to evoke. Example: conjured childhood memories
connoisseur: an expert judge of taste. Example: a wine connoisseur
consignment: a shipped batch; pay-when-sold goods. Example: a consignment of books
considerably: significantly. Example: considerably cheaper
contentious: likely to cause argument. Example: a contentious issue
contrite / contrition: deeply remorseful / remorse. Example: a contrite apology
cornerstone: an essential foundation. Example: the cornerstone of trust
corps: an organized group (silent "ps"). Example: the diplomatic corps
corroborate: to confirm with evidence. Example: witnesses corroborated her story
covert: secret, hidden. Example: a covert operation
Master Vocabulary: Entries D to G
crunch: to crush noisily; a critical moment. Example: when it comes to the crunch
culprit: the one responsible. Example: the culprit was caught
curtail: to cut short. Example: curtail spending
debrief: to question after a mission. Example: debriefed the returning agents
defect: a flaw; to desert one's country. Example: defected to the West
defraud: to cheat of money. Example: defrauded investors of millions
deluge: a flood; to overwhelm. Example: deluged with complaints
denigrate: to unfairly criticize. Example: denigrate a rival's work
denounce: to publicly condemn. Example: denounced the attack
deter: to discourage from acting. Example: cameras deter thieves
detract: to lessen the value of. Example: noise detracts from the meal
discerning: perceptive, of good taste. Example: a discerning eye
disparage: to belittle. Example: disparaged his ef orts
disparate: fundamentally different. Example: disparate data sources
distraught: extremely upset. Example: distraught at the news
divulge: to reveal a secret. Example: refused to divulge sources
dupe: to deceive; a person tricked. Example: duped by the scam
dwelling: a residence. Example: a modest dwelling
dwindle: to shrink gradually. Example: savings dwindled to nothing
echelon: a rank or level. Example: the upper echelons of power
eclipse: to outshine; to block light. Example: eclipsed her rivals
edify: to instruct or uplift. Example: meant to edify, not entertain
elicit: to draw out a response. Example: elicited laughter
emanate: to issue from a source. Example: warmth emanated from the fire
embitter: to make resentful. Example: embittered by failure
engender: to give rise to. Example: engender trust
engrossed: completely absorbed. Example: engrossed in her book
enmity: deep hostility. Example: long-standing enmity
entice: to tempt with appeal. Example: enticed by the aroma
entitle: to give a right to. Example: entitled to a refund
eschew: to deliberately avoid. Example: eschews publicity
evade: to cleverly escape. Example: evaded the question
exacerbate: to make worse. Example: exacerbated the shortage
exonerate: to clear of blame. Example: exonerated by new evidence
exorbitant: unreasonably high. Example: exorbitant hotel prices
expropriate: to seize property by authority. Example: land expropriated for the highway
extol: to praise highly. Example: extolled its virtues
exude: to ooze; to radiate. Example: exudes confidence
flak: anti-aircraft fire; heavy criticism. Example: drew flak from critics
flounder: to struggle clumsily. Example: floundering without a leader
flunk: to fail (a test). Example: flunked the exam
forage: to search for food. Example: bears foraging for berries
foray: a first venture; a raid. Example: a foray into new markets
forlorn: pitifully sad; hopeless. Example: a forlorn stray puppy
fraught: filled with (trouble); anxious. Example: fraught with danger
frenetic: frantically energetic. Example: the frenetic trading floor
frisk: to pat-down search. Example: frisked at the gate
frivolous: not serious; trivial. Example: a frivolous lawsuit
gall: bold impudence; to irritate. Example: the gall to demand a raise
garnish: to decorate food; to seize wages. Example: garnished with parsley
glean: to gather bit by bit. Example: gleaned a few facts
gloat: to relish smugly. Example: gloating over the win
glut: an oversupply. Example: an oil glut
gregarious: sociable. Example: a gregarious host
grudge: lingering resentment. Example: holds a grudge
gullible: easily fooled. Example: gullible enough to believe it
Master Vocabulary: Entries H to L
hamper: to hinder; a basket. Example: fog hampered the rescue
harness: to control and use. Example: harness solar power
harrowing: deeply distressing. Example: a harrowing escape
hobble: to limp; to hinder. Example: hobbled on crutches
homeopathy: dilution-based alternative medicine. Example: tried homeopathy for allergies
hub: a center of activity. Example: a financial hub
hunch: an intuition; to bend over. Example: a hunch he was lying
hurtle: to rush at high speed. Example: hurtled down the slope
idly: lazily, purposelessly. Example: sat idly by
illicit: illegal, forbidden. Example: illicit drug trade
illustrious: famously distinguished. Example: an illustrious career
immaculate: spotless, flawless. Example: an immaculate white shirt
impalpable: untouchable; hard to grasp. Example: an impalpable tension
impasse: a deadlock. Example: talks reached an impasse
impassive: showing no emotion. Example: an impassive face
incarcerate: to imprison. Example: incarcerated for years
incinerate: to burn completely. Example: incinerate the waste
incision: a surgical cut. Example: a small incision
incoherent: unclear, disjointed. Example: incoherent with rage
inculcate: to instill by repetition. Example: inculcate good habits
incur: to bring upon oneself. Example: incurred heavy debts
indiscretion: an unwise act. Example: a youthful indiscretion
infer: to conclude from evidence. Example: inferred from his tone
infuse: to fill with a quality; to steep. Example: infused with new energy
ingratiate: to curry favor. Example: ingratiate himself with the boss
insatiable: impossible to satisfy. Example: an insatiable appetite
instigate: to provoke, initiate. Example: instigated the riot
intercept: to catch in transit. Example: intercepted the pass
interject: to interrupt with a remark. Example: "Not true!" she interjected
intrepid: fearless. Example: an intrepid explorer
irradiation: exposure to radiation. Example: food irradiation kills bacteria
jeopardy: danger, risk. Example: his career is in jeopardy
juror: a jury member. Example: an impartial juror
languish / languid / languor: to waste away / sluggish / dreamy tiredness. Example: the bill languished in committee
larva: an insect's juvenile stage. Example: a butterfly larva
lineup: an assembled group; ID parade. Example: picked him out of a police lineup
lull: a quiet pause; to soothe. Example: a lull in the storm
Master Vocabulary: Entries M to R
malaise: vague unease. Example: economic malaise
margin: an edge; a difference. Example: won by a narrow margin
meekly: submissively. Example: meekly accepted the blame
memento: a keepsake. Example: a memento of the trip
midwife: a childbirth assistant. Example: delivered by a midwife
mileage: distance; benefit gained. Example: got mileage out of that joke
morsel: a small bite. Example: not a morsel left
mortify: to embarrass deeply. Example: mortified by the typo
mount: to climb; to increase. Example: pressure is mounting
mutter: to speak low and unclearly. Example: muttered under his breath
myriad: countless. Example: myriad possibilities
nimble: quick and agile. Example: nimble fingers
nudge: a gentle push. Example: a nudge in the ribs
obstetrician: a pregnancy doctor. Example: her obstetrician's checkup
offshoot: a branch or derivative. Example: an of shoot of the company
onrush: a forward surge. Example: the onrush of floodwater
onslaught: a fierce attack. Example: an onslaught of criticism
overrun: to swarm over; to exceed. Example: overrun with weeds
pander: to cater to base desires. Example: pander to the crowd
penitent: repentant. Example: a penitent sinner
percolate: to filter; to spread slowly. Example: the rumor percolated through the of ice
perforation: a punched hole. Example: tear along the perforation
perpetrate: to commit (a crime). Example: perpetrated the fraud
petrify: to paralyze with fear; turn to stone. Example: petrified of snakes
pilfer: to steal small things. Example: pilfering of ice supplies
pitch: a sales talk; to throw. Example: pitched the idea to investors
plausible: believable. Example: a plausible excuse
plenary: full, all-member. Example: a plenary session
plight: a dire situation. Example: the plight of refugees
posthumous: after death. Example: a posthumous award
precept: a guiding rule. Example: lived by that precept
precursor: a forerunner. Example: a precursor to revolution
procurement: obtaining goods. Example: defense procurement contracts
prosecution: the charging side in court. Example: the prosecution rests
prosecutor: the charging lawyer. Example: the prosecutor demanded jail time
provision: a contract clause; supplies. Example: a provision for early exit
proviso: an attached condition. Example: agreed, with one proviso
prudence: careful judgment. Example: financial prudence
psychiatric: of mental-illness treatment. Example: a psychiatric evaluation
quizzical: mildly puzzled. Example: a quizzical look
racial: relating to race. Example: racial equality
ransack: to search destructively. Example: burglars ransacked the flat
ratification: formal approval. Example: awaiting Senate ratification
readily: willingly, easily. Example: readily agreed
rebuke: a sharp scolding. Example: a stern rebuke
recant: to withdraw a stated belief. Example: recanted his confession
recoup: to recover losses. Example: recoup the investment
rectify: to put right. Example: rectify the error
recuperate: to recover health. Example: recuperating from surgery
reel: to stagger; a spool. Example: reeling from the shock
regain: to get back. Example: regain consciousness
regale: to entertain richly. Example: regaled us with stories
rehash: to recycle old material. Example: a rehash of the same plot
reinstate: to restore to a post. Example: reinstated after appeal
relegate: to demote. Example: relegated to the bench
repatriate: to send back to one's country. Example: repatriated after the war
repeal: to revoke a law. Example: repeal the tax
respite: a brief relief. Example: a weekend respite
revel: to delight in; festivities. Example: revels in the attention
reverberate: to echo; to ripple onward. Example: the blast reverberated for miles
rife: widespread (negative). Example: rife with corruption
rift: a crack; a falling-out. Example: a rift between partners
rodent: a gnawing mammal. Example: a rodent problem
rout: a crushing defeat. Example: a rout
rowdy: noisy and disorderly. Example: rowdy fans
rummage: to search messily. Example: rummaged through her bag
Master Vocabulary: Entries S to Z
savor: to enjoy fully. Example: savor every bite
savvy: shrewd know-how. Example: tech-savvy
scalp: head skin; to resell tickets high. Example: scalping World Cup tickets
scuttle: to scurry; to sink deliberately. Example: rats scuttled past; scuttled the deal
secede: to withdraw formally. Example: seceded from the union
secrete: to release (a substance); to hide. Example: glands secrete hormones
senescence: aging. Example: cellular senescence
sequester: to isolate. Example: the jury was sequestered
shun: to deliberately avoid. Example: shunned by former friends
slab: a thick flat piece. Example: a slab of marble
slam: to shut hard; to criticize. Example: critics slammed the film
slash: to cut sweeping; to cut drastically. Example: prices slashed
slouch: to droop in posture. Example: stop slouching
snub: a deliberate slight. Example: snubbed at the party
solace: comfort in distress. Example: found solace in music
solicit: to ask for. Example: solicit donations
spate: a sudden burst of events. Example: a spate of robberies
squabble: to bicker. Example: squabbled over the bill
squander: to waste recklessly. Example: squandered his fortune
squeamish: easily nauseated. Example: too squeamish for gore
staggering: astonishing. Example: a staggering sum
stake: a share; money risked. Example: a stake in the company
stammer: to speak with halting repeats. Example: stammered an apology
staunch: firmly loyal; to stop bleeding. Example: a staunch ally
stifle: to suppress; to suffocate. Example: stifled a yawn
stipulation: a specified condition. Example: a stipulation in the contract
straddle: to span both sides. Example: straddles the border
stump: a tree base; to baffle. Example: the riddle stumped everyone
stutter: to repeat sounds in speech. Example: stuttered when nervous
subdue: to bring under control. Example: subdued the intruder
subvert: to undermine a system. Example: subvert the process
surcharge: an extra fee. Example: a credit-card surcharge
swindle: to cheat of money. Example: swindled out of savings
swirl: to spiral. Example: leaves swirled in the wind
tacit: unspoken but understood. Example: a tacit agreement
tatter: a torn shred. Example: clothes in tatters
taunt: to mock provocatively. Example: taunted by rivals
teeming: swarming with. Example: teeming with tourists
throng: a dense crowd. Example: a throng of fans
trample: to stamp on. Example: trampled the flowerbed
unrelenting: never easing. Example: unrelenting heat
vehement: passionately forceful. Example: a vehement denial
vent: to release (emotion, air). Example: vented his frustration
vet: to screen carefully. Example: thoroughly vetted candidates
vilify: to attack in words. Example: vilified by the press
vindicate: to clear of blame; prove right. Example: vindicated by the verdict
wager: a bet. Example: wagered on it
waive: to give up a right. Example: waived the fee
wane: to fade gradually. Example: interest waned
wanton: unprovoked, reckless. Example: wanton destruction
watershed: a turning point. Example: a watershed moment
wayward: unruly, unpredictable. Example: a wayward teenager
wrangle: to argue noisily; herd cattle. Example: wrangled over details
wreak: to inflict (damage). Example: wreak havoc
zest: keen enjoyment; citrus peel. Example: a zest for life
Advanced Vocabulary Intercepts
espouse: to adopt or champion (a cause). Example: espoused nonviolence
reverie: a daydream. Example: lost in reverie
muffle: to deaden sound. Example: muf led a cough
assuage: to soothe (a bad feeling). Example: assuage his guilt
devious: cunningly deceitful. Example: a devious scheme
render: to cause to become; to provide. Example: rendered him speechless
stigma: a mark of shame. Example: the stigma of bankruptcy
strut: to walk proudly. Example: strutted across the stage
acclaim: enthusiastic public praise. Example: won critical acclaim
libel: written defamation. Example: sued for libel
imminent: about to happen. Example: an imminent storm
rubble: demolition debris. Example: searched the rubble
charlatan: a fraud claiming expertise. Example: the healer was a charlatan
invertebrate: an animal without a backbone. Example: insects are invertebrates
stark: bare, blunt; utter. Example: a stark contrast
mustar: to summon up. Example: mustered the courage
parity: equality. Example: pay parity
tepid: lukewarm; unenthusiastic. Example: a tepid response
embezzle: to steal entrusted money. Example: embezzled company funds
onus: the burden of responsibility. Example: the onus is on you
deride: to ridicule. Example: derided as nonsense
inveterate: habitually ingrained. Example: an inveterate gambler
exponent: an advocate; skilled practitioner. Example: a leading exponent of jazz piano
predispose: to incline in advance. Example: genes predispose to disease
keystone: the piece everything depends on. Example: the keystone of the strategy
mandate: authority to act; to require. Example: a mandate for reform
clamor: loud demand. Example: a clamor for resignation
mollify: to calm someone's anger. Example: mollified the angry customer
tenacious: persistently determined. Example: a tenacious defender
imperative: vitally necessary. Example: it is imperative we act now
tantamount: equivalent to. Example: tantamount to a confession
endemic: native/prevalent in a place. Example: corruption is endemic there
traverse: to cross. Example: traversed the desert
ember: a glowing coal. Example: dying embers
obliterate: to destroy utterly. Example: obliterated by the blast
purported: alleged, unproven. Example: the purported benefits
legislature: the law-making body. Example: passed by the legislature
ravage: to devastate. Example: ravaged by the hurricane
plow: to turn soil; push through. Example: plowed the field
sedentary: sitting-heavy, inactive. Example: a sedentary desk job
tout: to promote aggressively. Example: touted as the next big thing
regimen: a prescribed routine. Example: a strict exercise regimen
whim: a sudden fancy. Example: bought it on a whim
adamant: refusing to budge. Example: adamant about not selling
dank: cold and damp. Example: a dank basement
penitentiary: a prison. Example: the state penitentiary
pester: to nag or annoy repeatedly. Example: pestered for ice cream
cranky: irritable. Example: cranky before cof ee
garner: to earn, collect. Example: garnered praise
requisite: required. Example: the requisite skills
staid: sedate and unadventurous. Example: a staid old firm
exquisite: delicately beautiful. Example: exquisite craftsmanship
snide: indirectly mocking. Example: a snide remark
trepidation: anxious dread. Example: approached with trepidation
grievance: a cause for complaint. Example: filed a grievance
plunder: to loot. Example: plundered the coast
quell: to suppress. Example: quell the riot
spearhead: to lead (a campaign). Example: spearheaded the reform
coalesce: to merge into one. Example: coalesced into a movement
heist: a big robbery. Example: a bank heist
rebuff: a blunt rejection. Example: rebuf ed his of er
squarely: directly. Example: blame falls squarely on him
defuse: to reduce tension; disarm. Example: defused the standof
levy: to impose (a tax). Example: levied new tarif s
scuff: to scrape (shoes, floor). Example: scuf ed his new shoes
zooplankton: tiny drifting aquatic animals. Example: whales feed on zooplankton
blunder: a careless mistake. Example: a costly blunder
inquisitive: curious. Example: an inquisitive child
perverse: contrary, stubbornly wrong. Example: a perverse pleasure in chaos
interminable: seemingly endless. Example: an interminable meeting
petulant: childishly sulky. Example: a petulant outburst
induct: to formally admit. Example: inducted into the Hall of Fame
salvage: to rescue from ruin. Example: salvaged the deal
adjunct: a non-essential add-on. Example: an adjunct professor
ramification: a complex consequence. Example: legal ramifications
burgeon: to grow rapidly. Example: a burgeoning industry
bicker: to argue pettily. Example: siblings bickering
billow: to swell in waves. Example: smoke billowed up
gallant: brave, chivalrous. Example: a gallant rescue
rumple: to crease, mess up. Example: a rumpled suit
acrid: sharply bitter (smell). Example: acrid smoke
feign: to fake. Example: feigned surprise
limp: to walk unevenly; floppy. Example: limped of the field
adept: highly skilled. Example: adept at negotiation
innocuous: harmless. Example: an innocuous question
reprisal: retaliation. Example: feared reprisals
shoddy: cheaply inferior. Example: shoddy workmanship
covet: to crave another's possession. Example: coveted his neighbor's car
flaunt: to show off. Example: flaunted his wealth
ringleader: the leader of wrongdoers. Example: the gang's ringleader
blanch: to go pale; briefly boil. Example: blanched at the bill
impound: to seize legally. Example: the car was impounded
drool: to dribble saliva; to gush over. Example: drooling over the menu
collation: collecting/combining data; a light meal. Example: collation of survey results
momentous: hugely significant. Example: a momentous decision
inter: to bury. Example: interred in the family plot
palatable: pleasant to taste/accept. Example: a more palatable option
clandestine: secret, illicit. Example: clandestine meetings
jurisdiction: legal authority/territory. Example: outside our jurisdiction
wince: to flinch at pain. Example: winced at the needle
dilapidated: falling apart. Example: a dilapidated farmhouse
prescient: foreseeing the future. Example: a prescient warning
quandary: a dilemma. Example: in a quandary about the of er
obnoxious: offensively unpleasant. Example: obnoxious behavior
rapport: a harmonious connection. Example: built rapport with clients
encapsulate: to sum up concisely. Example: encapsulates the book's theme
overt: open, unconcealed. Example: overt hostility
rampage: a violent spree. Example: went on a rampage
uncouth: crude, unmannerly. Example: uncouth table manners
cinch: an easy certainty; to fasten. Example: the test was a cinch
emaciated: starved-thin. Example: emaciated prisoners
affront: an open insult. Example: an af ront to her dignity
felony: a serious crime. Example: charged with a felony
somber: gloomy, solemn. Example: a somber funeral
annulment: voiding of a marriage. Example: sought an annulment
demur: to object mildly. Example: demurred at the extra work
gorge: a steep valley; to stuff oneself. Example: gorged on cake
peddle: to hawk goods/ideas. Example: peddling conspiracy theories
revile: to abuse verbally. Example: reviled by the press
renege: to break a promise. Example: reneged on the deal
splurge: to spend lavishly. Example: splurged on dinner
dawdle: to move idly slowly. Example: stop dawdling, we're late
fumble: to handle clumsily. Example: fumbled with his keys
niggle: a nagging small worry. Example: a niggling doubt
lambaste: to criticize harshly. Example: lambasted by reviewers
voraciously: with greedy eagerness. Example: reads voraciously
ameliorate: to improve (a bad state). Example: ameliorate working conditions
surmise: to guess. Example: I can only surmise
veer: to swerve. Example: veered of the road
brandish: to wave threateningly. Example: brandished a knife
pigment: a coloring substance. Example: skin pigment
snarl: to growl; a tangle. Example: the dog snarled; traf ic snarl
meander: to wind, wander. Example: the river meanders
probationary: on a trial period. Example: a probationary employee
thrust: a forceful push; the gist. Example: the thrust of his argument
blemish: a flaw. Example: a blemish on his record
diabolic: fiendishly evil. Example: a diabolic plot
grueling: exhaustingly demanding. Example: a grueling marathon
barrage: an overwhelming stream. Example: a barrage of questions
contingency: a possible future event. Example: a contingency plan
disseminate: to spread (information). Example: disseminate the findings
hasten: to hurry; bring sooner. Example: hastened his downfall
collateral: loan security; secondary. Example: the house as collateral
impediment: an obstacle. Example: a speech impediment
reclusive: solitary. Example: a reclusive author
abscond: to flee secretly. Example: absconded with the funds
embolden: to give courage. Example: emboldened by success
lanky: awkwardly tall and thin. Example: a lanky teenager
ponderous: heavy, laborious. Example: ponderous prose
snitch: to inform on; an informer. Example: snitched to the police
informant: one who supplies information. Example: a confidential informant
ratify: to formally approve. Example: ratified the treaty
peruse: to read carefully. Example: perused the contract
pretext: a false cover reason. Example: a pretext for war
underwrite: to guarantee financially. Example: underwrote the loan
abject: utterly wretched. Example: abject poverty
clobber: to hit hard; to trounce. Example: clobbered
interim: temporary, in-between. Example: an interim CEO
recluse: a person living in seclusion. Example: a billionaire recluse
compunction: a guilty scruple. Example: no compunction about lying
impervious: unaffected; impenetrable. Example: impervious to criticism
sectarian: sect-based (conflict). Example: sectarian violence
craze: a fad. Example: the latest fitness craze
insignia: a badge of rank. Example: an of icer's insignia
stunt: a daring feat; to hinder growth. Example: a publicity stunt; stunted growth
bestow: to confer (an honor). Example: bestowed a knighthood
desolate: bleak, abandoned. Example: a desolate landscape
prognosis: a medical forecast. Example: a positive prognosis
implore: to beg. Example: implored him to stay
usher: to guide in; to begin. Example: ushered in a new era
enliven: to make lively. Example: music enlivened the party
exorcism: ritual expulsion of spirits. Example: performed an exorcism
stolid: unemotional, steady. Example: a stolid expression
fiendish: wickedly cruel; devilishly hard. Example: a fiendish puzzle
prevaricate: to dodge the truth. Example: stop prevaricating and answer
broach: to raise (a topic). Example: broached the subject of money
exasperate: to intensely irritate. Example: exasperated by delays
scrawl: to write messily. Example: scrawled his signature
indictment: a formal criminal charge; damning sign. Example: a grand jury indictment
pesky: annoying. Example: pesky mosquitoes
senile: mentally declined with age. Example: senile confusion
deduce: to reason out. Example: deduced he was lying
ferociously: savagely fiercely. Example: fought ferociously
charade: an absurd pretense. Example: their marriage was a charade
dazzle: to blind with light; to awe. Example: dazzled the audience
malign: to slander; harmful. Example: maligned his reputation
preside: to be in charge. Example: presided over the trial
concerted: coordinated. Example: a concerted ef ort
diffident: shy, unconfident. Example: dif ident about performing
jumble: a disorderly mix. Example: a jumble of papers
rebate: a partial refund. Example: a rebate
soggy: wetly soft. Example: soggy cereal
jubilee: a milestone anniversary. Example: the golden jubilee
tarnish: to dull; to stain a reputation. Example: tarnished his legacy
redress: to right a wrong; compensation. Example: redress the injustice
inane: silly, meaningless. Example: inane small talk
resuscitate: to revive. Example: resuscitated the patient
abstention: refraining (from voting). Example: three abstentions in the vote
revamp: to renovate. Example: revamped the website
incongruous: out of place. Example: a suit incongruous at the beach
epiphany: a sudden insight. Example: had an epiphany in the shower
wrench: a turning tool; a painful pull. Example: leaving was a wrench
superfluous: unnecessary extra. Example: cut the superfluous details
deterrent: something that discourages. Example: a deterrent to crime
foment: to stir up (unrest). Example: fomented rebellion
rendition: a performance/interpretation. Example: a soulful rendition of the anthem
caliber: quality level; bullet size. Example: a player of that caliber
dainty: delicately small. Example: dainty teacups
insipid: flavorless, dull. Example: insipid soup
propitious: favorable. Example: a propitious moment to launch
dispensation: an exemption; distribution. Example: a special dispensation from the rule
meddle: to interfere. Example: meddling in others' af airs
scrimp: to economize hard. Example: scrimped and saved
contention: dispute; a claim. Example: a bone of contention
pique: wounded-pride irritation; to arouse. Example: piqued my curiosity
swill: to gulp; pig slop. Example: swilling cheap beer
heave: to haul with effort. Example: heaved the trunk upstairs
efficacy: effectiveness. Example: the vaccine's ef icacy
venerable: respected for age/wisdom. Example: a venerable institution
excursion: a short pleasure trip. Example: a day excursion to the coast
figment: an imagined thing. Example: a figment of your imagination
flippant: inappropriately unserious. Example: a flippant reply
jest: a joke. Example: said in jest
obtrusive: unpleasantly noticeable. Example: obtrusive ads
thwart: to foil. Example: thwarted the robbery
repudiate: to reject, can disown. Example: repudiated the claims
consecrate: to make sacred. Example: consecrated the chapel
ebullience: bubbling enthusiasm. Example: her ebullience was infectious
onerous: burdensome. Example: onerous paperwork
sow: to plant; to spread. Example: sow doubt
culpability: blameworthiness. Example: admitted his culpability
snip: a quick small cut. Example: a snip of the scissors
misgiving: a doubt. Example: misgivings about the plan
morass: a bog; an entangling mess. Example: a morass of red tape
conciliatory: peace-making. Example: a conciliatory tone
spur: an incentive; to urge on. Example: spurred by competition
impregnable: unassailable. Example: an impregnable fortress
outstrip: to surpass. Example: demand outstripped supply
stymie: to block progress. Example: stymied by regulations
maim: to injure permanently. Example: maimed in the blast
purvey: to supply. Example: purveyors of fine cheese
smear: to smudge; to defame. Example: a smear campaign
parry: to deflect (a blow, question). Example: parried every question
shrub: a small bushy plant. Example: trimmed the shrubs
smother: to suffocate; cover thickly. Example: smothered in cheese
flagrant: blatantly offensive. Example: a flagrant foul
meager: scanty. Example: a meager salary
rein: a control strap; to restrain. Example: given free rein
premonition: a foreboding feeling. Example: a premonition of disaster
embroil: to entangle in conflict. Example: embroiled in a lawsuit
foremost: leading, first. Example: the world's foremost expert
encumber: to weigh down. Example: encumbered with debt
juncture: a critical point in time. Example: at this critical juncture
pallid: sickly pale. Example: a pallid complexion
warden: a supervising officer. Example: the prison warden
suave: smoothly charming. Example: a suave diplomat
douse: to drench; extinguish. Example: doused the flames
imprudent: unwise. Example: an imprudent purchase
upend: to overturn. Example: upended the industry
larceny: theft. Example: charged with grand larceny
precipitate: to trigger suddenly; hasty. Example: precipitated the crisis
bask: to soak in warmth/praise. Example: basking in the glory
quaint: charmingly old-fashioned. Example: a quaint village
adroit: deftly skillful. Example: adroit handling of the crisis
beckon: to summon by gesture; to lure. Example: beckoned me over
incense: fragrant smoke; to enrage. Example: incensed by the decision
pare: to trim down. Example: pared the budget
advent: the arrival (of something big). Example: the advent of the internet
contravene: to violate (a rule). Example: contravened safety laws
insolent: rudely disrespectful. Example: an insolent reply
insurgency: an armed revolt. Example: crushing the insurgency
creed: a belief system. Example: people of every creed
pundit: a media expert. Example: political pundits predicted it
menial: lowly, unskilled. Example: menial chores
virulent: dangerously severe; venomous. Example: a virulent strain
repose: rest. Example: a face in repose
seditious: inciting rebellion. Example: seditious pamphlets
absolve: to free from blame. Example: absolved of all charges
prerogative: an exclusive right. Example: that's your prerogative
agape: mouth wide open. Example: stood with mouth agape
havoc: chaos and destruction. Example: the storm wreaked havoc
prod: to poke; to urge. Example: needed a prod to finish
decrepit: worn out with age. Example: a decrepit old bus
predilection: a fondness. Example: a predilection for sweets
expiate: to atone for. Example: expiate his sins
proliferate: to multiply rapidly. Example: apps proliferated overnight
stopgap: a temporary fix. Example: a stopgap measure
drab: dull, dreary. Example: drab gray walls
faze: to unsettle. Example: nothing fazes her
kindred: similar in nature; kin. Example: a kindred spirit
scruple: a moral hesitation. Example: no scruples about cheating
knack: a natural skill. Example: a knack for languages
amenable: cooperative, open to. Example: amenable to suggestions
demean: to degrade. Example: demeaning treatment
commotion: noisy disturbance. Example: a commotion in the hallway
extort: to obtain by threats. Example: extorted protection money
quench: to satisfy (thirst); extinguish. Example: quenched his thirst
arbitrate: to judge a dispute neutrally. Example: arbitrated the contract dispute
hoard: to stockpile secretly. Example: hoarded toilet paper
torrid: scorching; passionate. Example: a torrid af air
dearth: a scarcity. Example: a dearth of talent
mangle: to crush and mutilate. Example: mangled in the machine
teeter: to wobble on the edge. Example: teetering on the brink
valiant: heroically brave. Example: a valiant ef ort
affliction: a cause of suffering. Example: a painful af liction
fortitude: courage under hardship. Example: endured with fortitude
hush: silence; to quiet. Example: a hush fell over the room
streak: a line; a run of luck; a trait. Example: a winning streak
dealership: an authorized sales business. Example: a car dealership
constriction: a tightening. Example: constriction in his chest
ram: to crash into; a male sheep. Example: rammed the gate
tingle: a prickling sensation. Example: fingers tingled with cold
accost: to confront boldly. Example: accosted by a stranger
distend: to swell. Example: a distended belly
intractable: unmanageable, stubborn. Example: an intractable problem
statutory: required by law. Example: statutory holidays
cursory: hasty, superficial. Example: a cursory glance
vociferous: loudly insistent. Example: vociferous protests
debar: to officially exclude. Example: debarred from practice
wriggle: to squirm. Example: wriggled out of the deal
entreaty: an earnest plea. Example: ignored her entreaties
defector: one who deserts to the other side. Example: a North Korean defector
attuned: sensitively aware of. Example: attuned to market shifts
scrupulous: meticulously honest/careful. Example: scrupulous record-keeping
decorum: dignified propriety. Example: courtroom decorum
flimsy: weak, unconvincing. Example: a flimsy excuse
unabashedly: without shame. Example: unabashedly sentimental
foliage: plant leaves. Example: autumn foliage
cajole: to coax with flattery. Example: cajoled him into coming
fervor: passionate intensity. Example: religious fervor
pounce: to spring on prey. Example: the cat pounced
trance: a dazed half-conscious state. Example: in a trance
diorama: a 3D scene model. Example: a museum diorama
kickback: an illicit payment. Example: took kickbacks from contractors
scour: to scrub; search thoroughly. Example: scoured the city for him
truculent: aggressively defiant. Example: a truculent teenager
ebb: to recede. Example: his strength ebbed away
elocution: clear expressive speech. Example: elocution lessons
mutinous: rebellious. Example: a mutinous crew
chuckle: a quiet laugh. Example: chuckled at the joke
concoct: to mix up; to invent. Example: concocted an alibi
malevolent: wishing harm. Example: a malevolent glare
tangle: a twisted mess. Example: a tangle of wires
canine: of dogs; a pointed tooth. Example: canine loyalty
credulity: over-readiness to believe. Example: strained my credulity
gnaw: to chew persistently; to worry. Example: gnawed the bone
amity: friendly relations. Example: amity between nations
commutation: sentence reduction. Example: a commutation of his sentence
eminence: acknowledged distinction. Example: a scholar of great eminence
glib: fluently insincere. Example: a glib salesman
dart: to move suddenly; a small missile. Example: darted across the road
felicity: great happiness; aptness. Example: domestic felicity
bellow: to roar loudly. Example: bellowed orders
fray: a fight; to wear thin. Example: joined the fray; frayed nerves
tinge: a slight trace. Example: a tinge of regret
demure: modestly reserved. Example: a demure smile
incite: to stir up (violence). Example: incited the mob
travesty: a grotesque mockery. Example: a travesty of justice
litany: a tedious recital. Example: a litany of complaints
affability: easy friendliness. Example: his natural af ability
censure: formal condemnation. Example: a vote of censure
enactment: passing of a law. Example: the enactment of the bill
diminutive: tiny. Example: a diminutive figure
morbid: unhealthily dark-minded. Example: a morbid fascination with death
incredulous: disbelieving. Example: an incredulous stare
spurn: to reject scornfully. Example: spurned his advances
zeal: fervent enthusiasm. Example: missionary zeal
stowage: storage space/act. Example: cargo stowage
wary: cautiously watchful. Example: wary of strangers
implicate: to show involvement in wrongdoing. Example: implicated in the scandal
contraband: smuggled goods. Example: seized contraband
delve: to dig into. Example: delved into the archives
precinct: a district. Example: the police precinct
delineate: to outline precisely. Example: delineated the boundaries
impel: to drive to action. Example: impelled by duty
bunker: a fortified shelter; sand trap. Example: an underground bunker
truancy: skipping school. Example: fined for truancy
cringe: to shrink in embarrassment. Example: cringed at the memory
relapse: a slide back into illness. Example: suf ered a relapse
veracity: truthfulness. Example: doubted its veracity
haggard: gaunt with exhaustion. Example: haggard after sleepless nights
furtive: sneaky, stealthy. Example: a furtive glance
outlay: money spent. Example: a large initial outlay
perjury: lying under oath. Example: convicted of perjury
dissension: internal discord. Example: dissension in the ranks
ruffle: to disturb, annoy; a frill. Example: ruf led a few feathers
forfeit: to lose as a penalty. Example: forfeited the deposit
indemnity: insurance against loss. Example: an indemnity clause
sham: a fake. Example: a sham marriage
stalwart: sturdily loyal. Example: a stalwart supporter
ardor: burning passion. Example: youthful ardor
perennial: recurring, enduring. Example: a perennial favorite
sustenance: nourishment. Example: their only sustenance
imbue: to permeate with a quality. Example: imbued with patriotism
pollination: pollen transfer in plants. Example: bees aid pollination
garble: to scramble (a message). Example: a garbled voicemail
retort: a sharp comeback. Example: a witty retort
tack: a small nail; an approach. Example: try a dif erent tack
bulge: a swelling. Example: a bulge in his pocket
pulverize: to crush to powder. Example: pulverized the opposition
ingenious: cleverly inventive. Example: an ingenious solution
jostle: to push roughly in a crowd. Example: jostled on the subway
bucolic: pleasantly rural. Example: a bucolic countryside
foist: to impose unwanted things. Example: foisted the work on me
aboveboard: honest, open. Example: everything was aboveboard
beguile: to charm, often deceptively. Example: beguiled by her smile
encroach: to intrude gradually. Example: encroaching on my time
austere: severely plain. Example: an austere monk's cell
conspicuous: highly visible. Example: conspicuous by his absence
indolence: laziness. Example: a life of indolence
shackle: a restraint chain. Example: shackled to the past
outcry: public protest. Example: a public outcry
decant: to pour off. Example: decanted the wine
waylay: to ambush. Example: waylaid on the road home
bedraggled: wet and disheveled. Example: bedraggled after the storm
canvass: to solicit votes/opinions. Example: canvassed the neighborhood
lassitude: weary lack of energy. Example: summer lassitude
petrified: frozen with fear. Example: petrified of heights
forebode: to warn of; to sense coming ill. Example: a sky that foreboded a storm
vacillate: to waver indecisively. Example: vacillated between two of ers
cavernous: vast and hollow. Example: a cavernous warehouse
implacable: impossible to appease. Example: an implacable enemy
insinuation: a sly suggestion. Example: an insinuation of fraud
celibate: abstaining from sex/marriage. Example: a celibate priest
infirmity: bodily weakness. Example: the infirmities of age
specter: a ghost; a looming threat. Example: the specter of recession
exult: to rejoice triumphantly. Example: exulted in the victory
galvanize: to jolt into action. Example: galvanized the base
reprieve: a temporary relief from punishment. Example: granted a last-minute reprieve
sullen: sulky and gloomy. Example: a sullen silence
attic: a room under the roof. Example: boxes in the attic
matrimony: marriage. Example: joined in holy matrimony
jilt: to abruptly dump a lover. Example: jilted at the altar
primate: an ape/monkey/human. Example: primates share our DNA
rankle: to keep causing resentment. Example: the snub still rankles
flout: to openly defy (rules). Example: flouted the dress code
pageant: a procession/contest. Example: a beauty pageant
sneer: a contemptuous smile. Example: sneered at the idea
insurgent: a rebel fighter. Example: insurgents attacked the base
shuffle: to drag-walk; to mix cards. Example: shuf led the deck
upstart: an arrogant newcomer. Example: an upstart rival firm
jiggle: to shake lightly. Example: jiggled the handle
sojourn: a temporary stay. Example: a sojourn in Paris
volition: one's own will. Example: left of his own volition
despondent: hopelessly dejected. Example: despondent over the loss
drench: to soak. Example: drenched by the rain
tantrum: an angry outburst. Example: threw a tantrum
crabby: grouchy. Example: crabby in the morning
levity: unserious humor. Example: a moment of levity
penchant: a strong liking. Example: a penchant for risk
diatribe: a bitter tirade. Example: launched into a diatribe
promulgate: to proclaim widely. Example: promulgated the new law
tally: a running count. Example: the final tally
extricate: to free from entanglement. Example: extricated himself from the deal
lurch: a sudden stagger. Example: the bus lurched forward
incumbent: the current office-holder; obligatory. Example: the incumbent president
rumble: a deep continuous sound. Example: thunder rumbled
dilate: to widen. Example: pupils dilated
undulate: to move in waves. Example: undulating hills
entrench: to fix firmly. Example: entrenched interests
gristle: tough cartilage in meat. Example: chewy gristle
spree: an unrestrained binge. Example: a shopping spree
arrears: overdue payments. Example: rent in arrears
chide: to scold. Example: chided for being late
garrulous: tediously talkative. Example: a garrulous cab driver
swab: an absorbent pad. Example: a throat swab
paltry: insultingly small. Example: a paltry raise
burnish: to polish. Example: burnished his image
dredge: to scoop a riverbed; dig up the past. Example: dredged up old scandals
tubby: plump. Example: a tubby cat
accede: to consent; to take office. Example: acceded to their demands
connive: to secretly conspire. Example: connived at the fraud
receptive: open to ideas. Example: receptive to feedback
bungle: to botch. Example: bungled the arrest
erudition: deep learning. Example: a work of great erudition
pernicious: subtly destructive. Example: a pernicious myth
splice: to join by overlapping. Example: spliced the two clips
acquittal: a not-guilty verdict. Example: the jury voted for acquittal
hardscrabble: poverty-hardened. Example: a hardscrabble childhood
rueful: wryly regretful. Example: a rueful smile
desultory: aimless, random. Example: desultory conversation
enamored: in love with. Example: enamored of the idea
fetter: a shackle; to restrict. Example: fettered by tradition
paucity: a scarcity. Example: a paucity of evidence
fathom: to comprehend; a depth unit. Example: can't fathom why
deferential: respectfully yielding. Example: deferential to elders
protrusion: a bump sticking out. Example: a bony protrusion
deplorable: shamefully bad. Example: deplorable conditions
rapture: ecstatic joy. Example: listened in rapture
acolyte: a devoted follower. Example: the guru's acolytes
sleek: smooth and glossy. Example: a sleek sports car
enthrall: to captivate. Example: enthralled by the tale
romp: to frolic; win easily. Example: romped to victory
surmount: to overcome. Example: surmounted every obstacle
capricious: whimsically changeable. Example: capricious weather
inimical: hostile, harmful. Example: inimical to growth
pushover: an easily beaten person/task. Example: the boss is no pushover
redolence: evocative fragrance. Example: the redolence of fresh bread
acquiesce: to comply reluctantly. Example: acquiesced to the demands
vestige: a remaining trace. Example: the last vestige of hope
deference: respectful submission. Example: in deference to her wishes
sordid: shamefully squalid. Example: the sordid details
midget: a very small person/thing (offensive for people). Example: a midget submarine
jeer: to mock loudly. Example: jeered by the crowd
fastidious: fussily meticulous. Example: fastidious about hygiene
unruly: hard to control. Example: an unruly classroom
grouch: a grumbler. Example: an old grouch
trite: worn-out, clichéd. Example: a trite ending
exhort: to urge strongly. Example: exhorted the troops
derelict: abandoned; negligent. Example: a derelict warehouse
recalcitrant: defiantly uncooperative. Example: a recalcitrant witness
dissemble: to hide true feelings. Example: dissembled to avoid suspicion
luminary: an inspiring famous figure. Example: a luminary of science
bout: a spell of activity; a match. Example: a bout of flu
escapade: a reckless adventure. Example: a teenage escapade
irresolute: indecisive. Example: irresolute at the crossroads
rancid: stale-smelling. Example: rancid butter
spoof: a parody. Example: a spoof of spy movies
indignant: angry at unfairness. Example: indignant at the accusation
wade: to walk through water/tedium. Example: waded through the report
graft: transplant; corruption. Example: political graft
perfunctory: mechanically minimal. Example: a perfunctory handshake
succulent: juicy; a fleshy plant. Example: a succulent steak
goad: to provoke into action. Example: goaded into a fight
irate: furious. Example: an irate customer
queasy: nauseous, uneasy. Example: queasy on the boat
remit: to send payment; one's scope. Example: remit the funds; outside my remit
trounce: to defeat heavily. Example: trounced
scrounge: to cadge for free. Example: scrounged a cigarette
sidestep: to dodge. Example: sidestepped the question
dangle: to hang loosely; to tempt with. Example: dangled a bonus
ignominious: publicly disgraceful. Example: an ignominious defeat
personable: pleasantly likeable. Example: a personable young rep
tether: a tying rope; to tie. Example: at the end of my tether
indelible: permanent, unerasable. Example: an indelible impression
placid: calm, unruffled. Example: a placid lake
stitch: a sewing loop; a side pain. Example: had us in stitches
cerebral: intellectual. Example: a cerebral film
coffer: a treasury chest. Example: filled the state cof ers
facetious: jokey about serious things. Example: a facetious comment
gaudy: tastelessly flashy. Example: gaudy gold trim
clutter: untidy mess. Example: a desk full of clutter
entwine: to twist together. Example: entwined fingers
infighting: internal conflict. Example: party infighting
reticent: reluctant to speak. Example: reticent about his past
uncanny: eerily remarkable. Example: an uncanny resemblance
falter: to waver, weaken. Example: her voice faltered
whine: to complain feebly. Example: whined about the rules
gripe: a minor complaint. Example: my only gripe is the price
prowl: to move stealthily. Example: a burglar on the prowl
boon: a blessing. Example: a boon to commuters
deputy: a second-in-command. Example: the deputy director
heinous: utterly wicked. Example: a heinous crime
pawn: a chess piece; someone used. Example: a pawn in their game
chunky: thick and solid. Example: a chunky sweater
flinch: to jerk back from pain. Example: didn't flinch at the shot
spawn: to generate. Example: spawned a hundred imitators
blurt: to say without thinking. Example: blurted out the secret
lousy: very bad. Example: lousy weather
haphazardly: randomly, carelessly. Example: books stacked haphazardly
luster: a soft shine; glory. Example: lost its luster
trudge: to plod heavily. Example: trudged through the snow
arduous: grindingly difficult. Example: an arduous climb
untenable: indefensible. Example: an untenable position
disavow: to deny connection with. Example: disavowed the statement
lesion: damaged tissue. Example: a skin lesion
platitude: an empty cliché. Example: comforting platitudes
consort: a royal spouse; to associate. Example: consorting with criminals
hallmark: a defining trait. Example: the hallmark of quality
presumptuous: overly bold. Example: presumptuous of me to ask
prodigious: impressively enormous. Example: a prodigious memory
groove: a channel; a rhythm/routine. Example: back in the groove
qualm: a pang of doubt. Example: no qualms about it
slur: an insult; to slur speech. Example: a radial slur; slurred words
delectable: delicious. Example: a delectable dessert
ablaze: on fire; glowing. Example: the barn was ablaze
guzzle: to gulp greedily. Example: guzzled the soda
bionic: with artificial body parts. Example: a bionic arm
stampede: a panicked rush. Example: a stampede for the exits
copious: abundant. Example: copious notes
decoy: a lure. Example: a duck decoy
stature: height; standing. Example: a scientist of great stature
alacrity: brisk eagerness. Example: accepted with alacrity
equitable: fair. Example: an equitable split
delude: to mislead. Example: deluding himself
lapse: a brief slip; to expire. Example: a lapse in judgment
nibble: a small bite. Example: nibbled at her salad
urbane: polished, worldly. Example: an urbane host
den: an animal lair; a cozy room. Example: a den of thieves
lurid: shockingly graphic. Example: lurid tabloid headlines
ludicrous: laughably absurd. Example: a ludicrous claim
strife: bitter conflict. Example: civil strife
complexion: skin tone; character. Example: a fair complexion
parch: to dry out. Example: parched earth
grapple: to wrestle with. Example: grappling with the problem
semblance: an outward appearance. Example: a semblance of order
leeway: room to maneuver. Example: some leeway on the deadline
ponder: to think deeply. Example: pondered the of er
proclivity: an inclination. Example: a proclivity for gambling
modicum: a small amount. Example: a modicum of respect
concur: to agree. Example: I concur with the diagnosis
scruffy: shabbily untidy. Example: a scruf y beard
suitor: a romantic pursuer; bidder. Example: rejected all suitors
berate: to scold angrily. Example: berated for the mistake
malady: an illness. Example: a mysterious malady
remittance: money sent. Example: monthly remittances home
insidious: subtly harmful. Example: an insidious disease
scavenge: to pick through discards. Example: scavenged for scrap metal
spurious: false, fake. Example: a spurious correlation
cordially: warmly. Example: cordially invited
impunity: freedom from punishment. Example: acted with impunity
tiny: very small. Example: a tiny apartment
egregious: outstandingly bad. Example: an egregious error
elude: to slip away from. Example: eluded capture
rig: to fraudulently fix; equipment. Example: rigged the election
antiseptic: germ-killing; sterile. Example: antiseptic wipes
disgruntled: resentfully dissatisfied. Example: a disgruntled employee
proceeds: money raised. Example: proceeds go to charity
dislodge: to knock loose. Example: dislodged the stone
derision: contemptuous mockery. Example: met with derision
expunge: to erase from record. Example: expunged from his record
taciturn: habitually silent. Example: a taciturn farmer
adulation: excessive worshipful praise. Example: the adulation of fans
consign: to hand over; doom to. Example: consigned to oblivion
paragon: a perfect model. Example: a paragon of virtue
restitution: repayment for harm. Example: ordered to pay restitution
chafe: to rub raw; to grow impatient. Example: chafed under the rules
cumbersome: awkwardly bulky/complex. Example: a cumbersome process
paralysis: inability to move/act. Example: decision paralysis
repulse: to drive back; to disgust. Example: repulsed the attack
frail: delicately weak. Example: a frail elderly man
coax: to gently persuade. Example: coaxed the cat down
odious: hateful. Example: an odious comparison
upstage: to steal attention from. Example: upstaged the bride
audacious: boldly daring. Example: an audacious plan
rendezvous: an arranged meeting. Example: a midnight rendezvous
terse: bluntly brief. Example: a terse reply
inclement: (weather) harsh. Example: inclement weather delays
subsidence: sinking of ground. Example: cracks from subsidence
disposition: temperament; arrangement. Example: a cheerful disposition
garbled: scrambled, distorted. Example: a garbled message
gluttonous: greedily overeating. Example: a gluttonous feast
exorcise: to drive out (spirits, troubles). Example: exorcised his demons
progeny: offspring. Example: their numerous progeny
affix: to attach. Example: af ix the stamp
demeanor: outward manner. Example: a calm demeanor
efficacious: effective. Example: an ef icacious remedy
rancor: bitter resentment. Example: a divorce without rancor
affable: warmly approachable. Example: an af able host
churn: to agitate; mass-produce. Example: stomach churning
showdown: a decisive confrontation. Example: a final showdown
deface: to vandalize. Example: defaced the statue
disheveled: untidily unkempt. Example: disheveled hair
bear down on: to close in threateningly. Example: the truck bore down on us
moot: debatable; irrelevant. Example: a moot point
roundabout: indirect. Example: a roundabout way of saying no
consummate: supremely skilled; to complete. Example: a consummate professional
haughty: arrogantly superior. Example: a haughty sneer
remuneration: pay. Example: generous remuneration
rustic: simply rural. Example: a rustic cabin
curtly: rudely briefly. Example: answered curtly
replete: well stocked with. Example: replete with examples
assiduous: diligently persistent. Example: assiduous preparation
judicious: wisely judged. Example: judicious use of funds
bent for: a natural inclination. Example: a bent for mathematics
emblazon: to display boldly. Example: emblazoned with the logo
lackluster: dull, uninspired. Example: a lackluster performance
snare: a trap. Example: caught in a snare
destitute: utterly impoverished. Example: left destitute by the fire
inoculate: to vaccinate; to make resistant. Example: inoculated against measles
pandemonium: wild chaos. Example: pandemonium broke out
buckle down: to get seriously to work. Example: buckled down before finals
decry: to publicly denounce. Example: decried the policy
incipient: just beginning. Example: an incipient rebellion
composure: calm self-control. Example: kept her composure
morose: gloomily sullen. Example: morose after the breakup
arcane: obscurely mysterious. Example: arcane tax rules
rub off on: to transfer by contact. Example: her optimism rubbed of on me
despicable: contemptibly vile. Example: a despicable act
sedate: calmly dignified; to drug calm. Example: a sedate pace
gaunt: hollow-thin. Example: a gaunt face
sumptuous: lavishly luxurious. Example: a sumptuous banquet
brawl: a rough noisy fight. Example: a bar brawl
subsistence: bare survival. Example: subsistence farming
conceit: vanity; a literary metaphor. Example: blinded by conceit
fork out: to pay reluctantly. Example: forked out
level with: to be frank with. Example: let me level with you
abomination: a disgusting thing. Example: an abomination of design
blurt out: to say unthinkingly. Example: blurted out the answer
come in at: to total. Example: the bid came in at
flare up: to erupt suddenly. Example: tempers flared up
rip off: to overcharge, cheat. Example: ripped of by the taxi
averse: disinclined. Example: risk-averse investors
bog down: to get stuck. Example: bogged down in details
fall in with: to join by chance; to agree. Example: fell in with a bad crowd
bawl out: to scold loudly. Example: bawled out by the coach
Phrasal Verbs & Expressions
rustle up: to whip up quickly. Example: rustled up some eggs
come down on: to punish harshly. Example: came down hard on cheating
propriety: proper behavior. Example: a stickler for propriety
beef up: to strengthen. Example: beefed up security
choke up: to be too emotional to speak. Example: choked up at the wedding
fritter away: to waste bit by bit. Example: frittered away his savings
mull over: to ponder. Example: mulling over the of er
blow away: to deeply impress. Example: the demo blew me away
buy off: to bribe. Example: bought of the inspector
crank out: to mass-produce. Example: cranks out a post a day
haul off: to cart away; wind up to hit. Example: hauled of to jail
pan out: to turn out (well). Example: the plan didn't pan out
breeze in: to stroll in casually. Example: breezed in an hour late
bunch up: to cluster together. Example: runners bunched up at the turn
dawn on: to suddenly become clear. Example: it dawned on me she was right
jockey for: to maneuver for advantage. Example: jockeying for position
run up: to accumulate (debt). Example: ran up a huge bill
cash in on: to profit from. Example: cashed in on the trend
chip away at: to erode gradually. Example: chipping away at the lead
come in for: to receive (criticism). Example: came in for heavy criticism
detract from: to lessen. Example: doesn't detract from the achievement
cast off: to discard; untie a boat. Example: cast of old habits
choke off: to cut off. Example: choked of the supply
clog up: to block. Example: leaves clogged up the drain
dwell on: to brood over. Example: don't dwell on the past
shake off: to get rid of. Example: shook of the cold
change over: to switch systems. Example: changed over to solar
clam up: to go silent. Example: clammed up under questioning
crop up: to appear unexpectedly. Example: issues kept cropping up
rope in: to recruit by persuasion. Example: roped in to volunteer
stamp out: to eradicate. Example: stamp out corruption
bear out: to confirm. Example: the data bears out the theory
chug along: to plod steadily. Example: the economy chugs along
egg on: to goad. Example: egged on by friends
gloss over: to gloss past (a flaw). Example: glossed over the losses
muscle in on: to force one's way into. Example: muscled in on the market
cop out: to dodge responsibility. Example: a total cop-out answer
lean on: to rely on; to pressure. Example: leaned on him to sign
rally around: to unite in support. Example: rallied around the family
chew out: to scold harshly. Example: chewed out by the sergeant
draw into: to pull into (a situation). Example: drawn into the argument
fork over: to hand over money. Example: forked over the rent
toy with: to consider idly. Example: toying with the idea
bow out: to withdraw gracefully. Example: bowed out of the race
cloud up: to become overcast/gloomy. Example: the sky clouded up
come around: to change one's mind; to wake. Example: he'll come around eventually
fend off: to repel. Example: fended of the attacker
kick up: to stir up. Example: kicked up a fuss
bowl over: to astonish. Example: bowled over by the news
coast along: to cruise with minimal effort. Example: coasting along at work
duck out: to slip away. Example: ducked out of the meeting
lash out: to attack suddenly. Example: lashed out at reporters
brim over: to overflow. Example: brimming over with joy
churn out: to mass-produce. Example: churns out hit after hit
deck out: to decorate/dress up. Example: decked out in holiday lights
ease up on: to go easier on. Example: ease up on the caf eine
patch up: to mend (a quarrel, wound). Example: patched up their dif erences
bargain on: to count on. Example: hadn't bargained on rain
blot out: to obscure; erase. Example: clouds blotted out the sun
defer to: to yield to (judgment). Example: deferred to the expert
pluck up: to summon (courage). Example: plucked up the courage to ask
back out: to withdraw from a deal. Example: backed out at the last minute
cart off: to haul away. Example: carted of by police
dip into: to draw from (savings); to sample. Example: dipped into her savings
harp on: to nag repeatedly about. Example: stop harping on my grades
rip through: to tear through violently. Example: the tornado ripped through town
cave in: to collapse; to yield. Example: caved in to the pressure
dole out: to distribute sparingly. Example: doled out the rations
farm out: to outsource. Example: farmed out the coding
tack on: to add as an extra. Example: tacked on a service fee
boot up: to start a computer. Example: booted up the laptop
drown out: to overpower a sound. Example: music drowned out the traf ic
knuckle down: to get to serious work. Example: knuckled down to study
pep up: to invigorate. Example: cof ee pepped me up
reel off: to recite rapidly. Example: reeled of the stats
chime in: to join a conversation. Example: chimed in with a suggestion
fawn over: to flatter excessively. Example: fawned over the celebrity
gang up on: to join forces against. Example: ganged up on the new kid
rack up: to accumulate (points, debt). Example: racked up frequent-flyer miles
throw out: to discard; expel; suggest. Example: threw out the leftovers
drone on: to talk monotonously. Example: droned on for an hour
gain on: to close the gap on. Example: the pack was gaining on him
live down: to outlive the shame of. Example: he'll never live it down
rattle off: to recite effortlessly. Example: rattled of the capitals
squeak by: to barely pass. Example: squeaked by with a C
abide by: to comply with. Example: abide by the rules
glance off: to hit and deflect. Example: the ball glanced of the post
go at: to attack/tackle vigorously. Example: went at the task with gusto
lap up: to accept eagerly. Example: lapped up the praise
peter out: to fade to nothing. Example: the trail petered out
eke out: to scrape (a living); stretch. Example: eked out a living
fly at: to attack suddenly. Example: flew at him in a rage
hem in: to box in. Example: hemmed in by traf ic
let up on: to ease pressure on. Example: the rain never let up
rake off: to skim illicit profit. Example: raked of a percentage
fizzle out: to fail after a promising start. Example: the hype fizzled out
gnaw at: to worry persistently. Example: doubt gnawed at her
keel over: to collapse suddenly. Example: keeled over from the heat
let on: to reveal. Example: didn't let on that he knew
root out: to eradicate. Example: root out the moles
belt out: to sing loudly. Example: belted out the anthem
drum up: to generate (support). Example: drummed up new business
front for: to be a cover for. Example: the shop fronted for the mob
hole up: to hide out. Example: holed up in a motel
leaf through: to browse pages. Example: leafed through the magazine
bottle up: to suppress (feelings). Example: bottled up his anger
choke back: to hold back (tears). Example: choked back tears
glance over: to skim. Example: glanced over the memo
hunker down: to dig in for the long haul. Example: hunkered down for the storm
own up: to confess. Example: owned up to the mistake
ease off: to slacken. Example: the pain eased of
goof off: to slack off. Example: goofing of at work
throw in: to add as a bonus. Example: threw in free shipping
box up: to pack in boxes. Example: boxed up the leftovers
fan out: to spread out. Example: searchers fanned out
pore over: to study intently. Example: pored over the documents
tamper with: to meddle improperly. Example: tampered with the evidence
coop up: to confine. Example: cooped up indoors all week
get across: to communicate successfully. Example: got the point across
rail against: to protest bitterly. Example: railed against the tax
talk down: to condescend to; to talk out of. Example: don't talk down to me
wash out: to be rained off; to fail. Example: the game was washed out
blare out: to sound loudly. Example: sirens blared out
shell out: to pay up. Example: shelled out for repairs
bundle up: to dress warmly. Example: bundle up, it's freezing
etch into: to engrave permanently. Example: etched into my memory
head up: to lead. Example: heads up the sales team
horse around: to roughhouse. Example: horsing around in the pool
pine for: to yearn for. Example: pining for home
fire away: to start asking freely. Example: questions? fire away
freeze up: to lock up with nerves. Example: froze up on stage
iron out: to resolve (kinks). Example: ironed out the details
sponge off: to live off others. Example: sponging of his parents
dote on: to adore excessively. Example: dotes on her grandkids
flip out: to lose it. Example: flipped out over the bill
grate on: to irritate. Example: grates on my nerves
mill about: to wander aimlessly in a crowd. Example: guests milled about the lobby
thin out: to become sparser. Example: the crowd thinned out
carve up: to divide into shares. Example: carved up the territory
foul up: to botch. Example: fouled up the order
leap out at: to be instantly obvious. Example: the typo leapt out at me
flip through: to browse quickly. Example: flipped through the channels
shove around: to bully. Example: tired of being shoved around
prop up: to artificially support. Example: propped up by subsidies
hinge on: to depend entirely on. Example: the case hinges on one witness
lop off: to chop off. Example: lopped of the dead branches
run off with: to steal/elope with. Example: ran of with the cashbox
show out: to escort to the door. Example: I'll show you out
flood in: to pour in. Example: donations flooded in
key up: to make tense. Example: keyed up before the exam
pack off: to send away briskly. Example: packed of to boarding school
scrape by: to barely get by. Example: scraping by on one salary
ward off: to fend off. Example: ward of infection
barge into: to burst in rudely. Example: barged into the meeting
put across: to convey convincingly. Example: put her case across well
snuff out: to extinguish; to end. Example: snuf ed out the candle
trump up: to fabricate (charges). Example: trumped-up charges
claw back: to recover with effort. Example: clawed back the losses
put in for: to apply for. Example: put in for a transfer
scoot over: to slide aside. Example: scoot over and make room
pipe down: to quiet down. Example: pipe down back there
taper off: to diminish gradually. Example: the rain tapered of
walk out on: to abandon. Example: walked out on the family
roll out: to launch. Example: rolled out the new app
smooth down: to flatten; to calm. Example: smoothed down her hair
tide over: to carry through a rough patch. Example: to tide you over
whisk away: to spirit off quickly. Example: whisked away by security
butt in: to interrupt rudely. Example: sorry to butt in
limber up: to warm up. Example: limbered up before the run
slip through: to escape notice. Example: slipped through the cracks
storm out: to exit in anger. Example: stormed out of the room
trim down: to slim, cut back. Example: trimmed down the budget
pick up on: to notice. Example: picked up on the tension
butter up: to flatter for favor. Example: buttering up the boss
sound off: to vent opinions loudly. Example: sounded of about politics
stave off: to hold at bay. Example: staved of bankruptcy
walk out: to leave in protest; strike. Example: workers walked out
simmer down: to calm down. Example: simmer down, everyone
hold out for: to insist on getting. Example: holding out for a better of er
stake out: to surveil; to claim. Example: staked out the suspect's house
tail off: to fade toward the end. Example: sales tailed of in winter
whip up: to make fast; to incite. Example: whipped up a quick dinner
a shred of: the tiniest amount of. Example: not a shred of evidence
draw in: to attract; (days) shorten. Example: the ad drew in customers
nod off: to doze off. Example: nodded of in the lecture
strike off: to remove from a register. Example: struck of the medical register
revel in: to delight in. Example: reveled in the chaos
crouch down: to squat low. Example: crouched down behind the wall
muscle into: to force entry into. Example: muscled into the trade
polish up: to refine. Example: polish up your resume
side with: to back in a dispute. Example: sided with the union
stub out: to crush out (a cigarette). Example: stubbed out his cigarette
dabble in: to try casually. Example: dabbled in crypto
ferret out: to dig up (facts). Example: ferreted out the truth
puzzle over: to mull confusedly. Example: puzzled over the clue
strike down: to invalidate; fell. Example: the court struck down the law
wash over: to sweep over (a feeling). Example: relief washed over her
lag behind: to trail. Example: lagging behind competitors
put upon: imposed on, exploited. Example: felt put upon by extra work
square off: to face off. Example: the rivals squared of
swear in: to install by oath. Example: sworn in as president
wear through: to wear a hole in. Example: wore through his soles
paper over: to mask (problems). Example: papered over the cracks
shoot for: to aim for. Example: shooting for a June launch
sound out: to probe opinions. Example: sounded out investors
strike on: to hit upon (an idea). Example: struck on a solution
weed out: to filter out the weak. Example: weeded out weak applicants
pick on: to bully. Example: picked on at school
sleep on it: to decide tomorrow. Example: let me sleep on it
stop off: to pause en route. Example: stopped of for gas
tower over: to loom above. Example: towers over his classmates
fade in: to appear gradually. Example: the music fades in
laden with: heavily loaded with. Example: laden with shopping bags
skirt around: to avoid (a topic). Example: skirted around the issue
wear down: to grind down. Example: wore down her resistance
chase up: to follow up on. Example: chase up the invoice
hike up: to jack up (prices). Example: hiked up the rent
plow through: to slog through. Example: plowed through the paperwork
snap off: to break off crisply. Example: snapped of a piece of chocolate
wind down: to relax; wrap up. Example: winding down the business
dash off: to write hastily; rush away. Example: dashed of a reply
float around: to circulate. Example: rumors floating around
poke around: to snoop. Example: poked around the attic
snap up: to grab eagerly. Example: snapped up the bargain
zero in on: to home in on. Example: zeroed in on the cause
own up to: to admit. Example: owned up to the error
ride out: to weather (a storm). Example: rode out the recession
scrimp on: to skimp on. Example: don't scrimp on safety
stack up: to compare; accumulate. Example: how does it stack up?
mouth off: to talk back rudely. Example: mouthed of to the ref
nail down: to pin down, finalize. Example: nailed down the terms
rip into: to tear into, berate. Example: ripped into the defense
snap out of: to shake off (a mood). Example: snap out of it
suck up: to flatter servilely; absorb. Example: sucking up to the teacher
mete out: to dispense (punishment). Example: meted out harsh penalties
rein in: to curb. Example: rein in spending
soak up: to absorb; savor. Example: soaked up the sun
swear by: to trust completely. Example: swears by green tea
keep after: to nag persistently. Example: kept after him to exercise
mess up: to botch. Example: messed up the interview
shrug off: to dismiss lightly. Example: shrugged of the criticism
tip off: to secretly warn. Example: tipped of the police
waste away: to wither. Example: wasting away from illness
launch into: to begin energetically. Example: launched into a speech
play off: to pit against each other. Example: played the two bidders of
skim off: to take the top/best; embezzle. Example: skimmed of the profits
trickle down: to filter downward slowly. Example: wealth trickling down
whisk off: to whisk away. Example: whisked of to Paris
firm up: to solidify. Example: firmed up the plans
settle on: to decide on. Example: settled on the blue one
spruce up: to smarten up. Example: spruced up the garden
wallow in: to indulge in (self-pity). Example: wallowing in self-pity
wring out: to squeeze dry; extract. Example: wrung out the towel
louse up: to ruin clumsily. Example: loused up the schedule
nose around: to snoop. Example: nosing around my desk
sort out: to organize; resolve. Example: sorted out the mix-up
spur on: to urge forward. Example: spurred on by the crowd
vouch for: to guarantee. Example: I can vouch for him
know nothing: to be ignorant of. Example: knows nothing about cars
palm off: to pass off (fakes). Example: palmed of a counterfeit
reckon on: to count on. Example: hadn't reckoned on delays
zip by: to flash past. Example: the summer zipped by
put forward: to propose. Example: put forward a motion
spin off: to split into a new entity. Example: spun of the cloud division
tear into: to attack fiercely. Example: tore into the report
trip over: to stumble on. Example: tripped over the cable
chip off: to break bits off. Example: a chip of the old block
sift through: to comb through. Example: sifted through the wreckage
sit in for: to substitute for. Example: sitting in for the host
strike up: to begin (a friendship, tune). Example: struck up a conversation
fall flat: to fail to land. Example: the joke fell flat
plug away at: to keep grinding at. Example: plugging away at the thesis
root for: to cheer for. Example: rooting for the underdog
spin out: to drag out; skid. Example: spun out the negotiations
wolf down: to devour fast. Example: wolfed down his lunch
jot down: to note quickly. Example: jotted down her number
polish off: to finish off quickly. Example: polished of the pizza
rig up: to improvise a setup. Example: rigged up a makeshift tent
stow away: to hide aboard; store. Example: stowed away on the freighter
write off: to dismiss; cancel (debt). Example: written of as a has-been", "title": "Master Academic Vocabulary List: 1250 Entries of Definitions and Usage Phrases"}