outmoded Made unfashionable or obsolete
outsider A person who does not belong to a particular group
ovation Enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud
applause)
overcome To win a victory over; to defeat
overdue Delayed beyond the proper time of arrival or payment
overestimate To appraise too highly (a person, ability, cost, etc.)
overflow To flow or run over (a limit or brim)
overhaul To make repairs or adjustments to; to modernize
overlooked Not taken into account
overnight Lasting through or extending over the whole night
overrun To invade and occupy or ravage
oversight Omission resulting from failure to notice something
overthrow To cause the downfall of
overwhelm To overcome by superior force or numbers
overwhelming Tending to overpower in thought or feeling
pains Troubles or efforts taken to accomplish something
pale Very light colored; highly diluted with white
palette A flat surface on which artists mix paints and the range of colors
used
palliative Covering by excuses and apologies
pallid Abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional
distress; pale
pander To provide gratification for others’ desires
pant To breathe quickly, spasmodically, or in a labored manner
pantomime A performance using gestures and body movements without
words
parallel Similar, analogous, or interdependent in tendency or development
paramount Having superior power and influence
paranoid Suffering from irrational fear, distrust, suspicion, or delusions of
persecution
paraphrase Rewording for the purpose of clarification
parasite An animal or plant that lives in or on another and from which it
obtains nourishment
parched Dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight
pardoned Forgiven; absolved; excused; overlooked; acquitted
pariah A person who is rejected (from society or home)
parody Humorous or satirical mimicry
partial Being or affecting only a part; not total
parting The act of dividing; the state of being parted; division; separation
partisan Affiliated with one party or faction
passengers People traveling in a vehicle (a boat, bus, car, plane, train, etc.)
who are not operating it
passion Extreme feeling or emotion; an irrational but irresistible motive
for a belief or action
passive Not active, but acted upon
pastime A subject or pursuit that occupies one’s time and thoughts
(usually pleasantly)
pasture A field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by
livestock
pathetic Deserving or inciting pity; pitiful; wretched; inspiring mixed
contempt and pity
pathfinder Someone who can find paths through unexplored territory
pathology The science of bodily diseases
patience Calm endurance of hardship, provocation, pain, delay, etc.
patient A person who requires medical care
patron A regular customer
patronizing Treating in a condescending manner
pattern A customary way of operation or behavior
peaceable Inclined or disposed to peace
peacemaking Reconciling parties that are at variance
pedantic Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning, especially its
trivial aspects
peerless Having no equal
peer A person who is of equal standing with another in a group
peevishness An irritable, petulant feeling
pellucid Transparent; able to be seen through with clarity
penalize To inflict a penalty or punishment on
penetrating Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine
distinctions; discriminating; keen
penitent Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds
penurious Not having enough money to pay for necessities; excessively
unwilling to spend
perceive To attain awareness or understanding of; to become aware of
through the senses
perceptive Having the ability to understand; keen in discernment
perfectionist A person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very
high standards
perfidious Tending to betray
performance The execution of an action
perfunctory As a formality only
peril Exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost
perilously Hazardously; dangerously
periodically In a sporadic manner
peripheral On or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary
permanence The property of being able to exist for an indefinite duration
permanent Continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change;
stable
permeated Spread or distributed throughout
permissible What is allowed
perpetrator Someone who commits or enacts wrongdoing
perpetuate To cause to last indefinitely
perplex To puzzle, bewilder, or mystify
perplexing Complicated, intricate, confusing
perplexity The state of being confused
perquisite A privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages
persecuted Wrongfully subjugated and oppressed
persevere To be persistent; to refuse to stop
persist To continue firmly or obstinately, esp. despite obstacles,
remonstrance, etc.
persistent Existing for a long or longer than usual time, or continuous
persnickety Fussy about small details
personify To be the embodiment
perspicacity Intelligence manifested by being astute; the capacity to draw
sound conclusions
persuade To cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of
action
persuasion An opinion held with complete assurance
persuasive Having the power to induce action or belief
pertinent Having a clear, decisive relevance to the matter at hand
perusal The act of carefully viewing or examining
pervasive Spread throughout
perverse Turned away from what is right or good; corrupt
pessimist One who emphasizes adverse aspects, conditions, and
possibilities
pest A persistently annoying person, or that which is troublesome,
noxious, mischievous, or destructive
pesticide An agent used to destroy pests such as insects and rodents
pestilence Something that is destructive or pernicious
petal One of the modified, often brightly colored leaves of the corolla of
a flower
petroleum Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil; a dark brown or greenish
inflammable liquid
petty Having secondary rank or importance
pharmacist A person licensed to engage in the profession of preparing and
dispensing medical drugs
phenomenon An observable fact or event
philanthropic Generous in assistance to the poor
philosophies The most general beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual
or group
phlegmatic Showing little emotion
photography The act of taking and printing photographs
physician A person skilled in the art of healing
physics The physical processes and phenomena of a particular system
pick A small thin device (of metal, plastic, or ivory) used to pluck a
stringed instrument
pictorial Of or expressed in a picture or pictures
pierce To penetrate or cut through with a sharp instrument
pillagers Persons who take spoils or plunder
pinioned Bound fast, especially having the arms restrained
pioneer One the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
pitch The property of sound that changes with variation in the
frequency of vibration
pitiful Eliciting compassion
pity To feel pity or compassion for; to have sympathy with
placate To soothe or mollify especially by concessions
plagiarism The act of passing off as one’s own the ideas or writings of
another
plague n: A disease with a high death rate; v: to cause worry or distress
to
plateau A flat surface, especially a broad, level, elevated area of land; a
table-land
platoon A military unit that is a subdivision of a company
plausible Apparently reasonable and valid; within the realm of credibility
playwright A person who writes plays
plea An earnest entreaty
pleading Arguing for or against a claim
pleated Folded
pledge A binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something
plentiful Existing in great number or quantity; an abundant supply
plight An unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation
plotted Planned in advance
plow v: To break and turn over earth; n: a farm tool used to break the
soil
ploy An opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the
speaker; a
maneuver in a game or conversation
pluck To strip of feathers
pluralism The doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or
elements
policy Management or procedure based primarily on material interest
pompous Puffed up with vanity; ostentatious, showy, pretentious
ponderous Extremely dull
portended Foretold; predicted
portfolio A portable case for holding loose papers, prints, drawings, etc.
portrait A pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face
portray To assume or act the character of (“She portrays Lady Macbeth”)
portrayal The process of representing by or as if by a picture
pose To present for attention or consideration
possession The act of having or taking into control
posterity The offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
postpone To hold back to a later time
postscript Textual matter that is added onto a publication, usually at the
end
postulate To assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary
potentate Someone who rules unconstrained by law
potential Existing in possibility; capable of development into actuality
potter One that makes earthenware
practical Capable of being put to use or account
practice Rehearsal before an actual performance or application
practitioners Those engaged in the actual use or exercise of any art or
profession
pragmatist A person who takes a practical approach to problems
pranks Mischievous tricks
preach To advocate earnestly
preamble A preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution
precedence The fact of preceding in time; priority of importance
precedent An earlier occurrence of something similar
precinct A district of a city or town marked out for administrative
purposes
precious Highly esteemed or cherished
precisely In a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly
conforms to a fact or condition
precocious Exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age
preconception An opinion formed without adequate evidence
predator Any animal that lives by preying on other animals; one that preys,
destroys, or devours
predatory Characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding; living by
preying on other animals
predecessor One who precedes in time
predict To declare or indicate in advance
predictable Possible to foretell
prediction A declaration or indication in advance
predilection An established preference for something
predominant Most frequent or common
prefigure To show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or
likeness
preliminary Coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to
something else; introductory or preparatory
premature Too soon or too hasty
preparation The action or process of making something ready
prepossessing Creating a favorable impression
prescribed Set down as a rule or guide; fixed or established especially by
order or command
prescription A written direction for the preparation and use of a medicine
preservative A chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or
decomposition
preserve To keep or maintain in unaltered condition; to cause to remain or
last
pressurize To confine the contents of something under a pressure greater
than that of the outside atmosphere
prestigious Having an illustrious reputation
presumptuous Excessively forward
pretentious Expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance,
worth, or stature
pretext A purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order
to cloak the real intention
prevent To deprive of power or hope of acting or succeeding; to keep from
happening or existing
prey Animal hunted or caught for food
primarily For the most part
primary Of first rank, importance, or value
primate Any of an order of mammals including humans, apes, monkeys,
and related forms
primitivism Belief in the superiority of a simple way of life close to nature
principal Most important, consequential, or influential
principle A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be
used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
procedure A particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
processed Subjected to a special process or treatment
proclaim To declare publicly, esp. insistently, proudly, or defiantly
procrastinate To postpone doing what one should be doing
procurement The act of getting possession of something
prodigious Of the nature of a prodigy; marvelous; wonderful; portentous
productive Having the quality or power of producing, especially in abundance
productivity Rate of production, especially of food
profane Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
professionalism The expertness and behavior characteristic of a professional
person
proficiency The quality of having great facility and competence
profound Having intellectual depth and insight
progress A forward or onward movement
prohibition Decree that prohibits something
prohibitive Tending to discourage; preventive; hindering
prohibit To forbid by authority
proliferate To grow rapidly (“Pizza parlors proliferate in this area”)
prolific Marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity
prominence The quality, state, or fact of being conspicuous
promulgate To make known by open declaration; to proclaim
pronouncement A usually formal declaration of opinion
propaganda Ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s
cause or to damage an opposing cause
propagate To transmit characteristics from one generation to the next; to
reproduce; to extend
propel To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force; to move or
cause to move
prophet An authoritative person who divines the future
proponents People who plead for a cause or idea
proprietor One who has the legal right or exclusive title to something
propriety Appropriateness of behavior or morals
prosaic Lacking wit or imagination
prose Ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
prosperity An economic state of growth with rising profits and full
employment
protagonist The principal character in a work of fiction
protégé A person whose career is furthered by, and who receives support
and protection from, an influential patron
protein The total nitrogenous material in plant or animal substances
protracted Drawn out or lengthened in time or (rarely) in space; continued;
prolonged
province An administrative district or division of a country
provocative Serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provoke To incite to anger
proximity The property of being close together
prudent Careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
psychiatrist A scientist who studies the branch of medicine dealing with
mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders
psychological Of or relating to the branch of medicine that deals with mental,
emotional, or behavioral disorders
publicize To bring to the attention of the people at large
pugnacious Tough and callous by virtue of experience
pun The humorous use of a word to suggest different meanings, or of
words of the same sound and different meanings
punctiliousness Strict attention to minute details; meticulousness
punctual Acting, arriving or performing exactly at the time appointed
pundits Learned experts or teachers
punitive Inflicting punishment
purging An act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other
undesired elements
purpose Something set up as an object or end to be attained
purposefulness The quality of having a definite purpose or
objective
pursuit The act of following in order to overtake
putrid Decomposed; rotten
quagmire Soft, miry land that shakes or yields under the foot
quaint Attractively old-fashioned (“houses with quaint thatched roofs”)
qualities Peculiar and essential characteristics
quandary A state of perplexity or doubt
quarantine A state of enforced isolation
quarrel A usually verbal conflict between antagonists
quarrelsome Exhibiting a tendency to dispute
quell To be subdued or abated; to yield; to abate
querulous Habitually complaining (“a querulous child”)
query A question in the mind
quest An act or instance of seeking
quiescence A state of quiet
quill A stiff, hollow, protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog
radiant Giving off or as if giving off light; beaming; effulgent (“a radiant
sunrise”)
radiation 1: The physical phenomenon of radiating energy in the form of
waves or particles; 2: the act of radiating
radical Tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views
radically In an extreme manner
rakish Dashingly or carelessly unconventional
rally A mass meeting intended to arouse group enthusiasm
rancor Bitter, deep-seated ill will
rancorous Showing deep-seated resentment
range To change or be different within limits
ranger An official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area
of forest
rank Degree of dignity, eminence, or excellence; position in civil or
social life; station; degree; grade
rant To talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
rare Seldom done, found, or occurring; uncommon
rarely Not often
rascal A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
rash Requiring sudden action; pressing; urgent
raspy Unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
rational Consistent with, based on, or using reason
rationalize To bring into accord with reason, or cause something to seem
reasonable
raucous Unpleasantly loud and harsh
ravage To affect destructively
ravenous Very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification
raw In the natural unprocessed condition; having the surface exposed
and painful (“a raw wound”)
razing The event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled
reaction The act or process or an instance of responding; a response
reactionary Extremely conservative
realism Fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life
reality A real event, entity, or state of affairs
reasonable Not extreme or excessive
rebate A refund of some fraction of the amount paid
rebellion Refusal to accept some authority, code, or convention
rebellious Resisting treatment or management
rebels Participants in a rebellion
rebuff To reject or criticize sharply; to snub
rebuke To criticize sharply; to reprimand
recalling Bringing back to mind
recipient One that receives
reciprocate To act, feel, or give in return
reciprocity A mutual exchange of privileges
reclamation The conversion of waste land into land suitable for habitation or
cultivation
reclusive Withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
recognize To acknowledge formally
reconcile To bring into consonance or accord; to make peace
reconciliation The action of restoring to friendship or harmony
reconstructing Establishing or assembling again
reconstruction The act of establishing or reassembling
recovery The act, process, or an instance of regaining, reclaiming, or
recuperating
recrimination Retaliatory accusation
recuperate To get over an illness or shock
recursive Of, relating to, or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself
indefinitely or until a specified condition is met
redoubtable Formidable; inspiring fear
redundancy Superfluous repetition
redundant Exceeding what is normal or necessary
reef A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
refinement A highly developed state
reflect To express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection
reflection 1: The return of light or sound waves from a surface; 2: a
thought, idea, or opinion formed as a result of meditation
reform A removal or correction of an abuse, a wrong, or an error
reformer One that works for or urges change for the better
refrain A recurring phrase or number of lines, esp. at the ends of stanzas
refurbish To restore and redecorate; to brighten up
refute To prove wrong by argument or evidence; to show to be false or
erroneous
regale Provide with sumptuous or abundant food or drink; to entertain
lavishly
regard To consider and appraise, usually from a particular point of view
regeneration Renewal or restoration of a body or bodily part after injury or as a
normal process
region An administrative area, division, or district
regret Sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s control or power
to repair
regulation A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
rehabilitate To help to restore to a former state (e.g., of health or good repute)
rehearse To recite or repeat in private for experiment and improvement
prior to public performance
reign The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the
supreme authority
reintegrate To restore; to bring again together into a whole
reject To throw away; to discard; to refuse to accept or consider
relative Not absolute or independent; comparative
relevance The relation of something to the matter at hand
relief Removal or lightening of something oppressive
relieve To free from a burden; to give aid or help to
relishing Appreciating with taste and discernment
reluctance The quality of feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or
unwillingness
reluctant Feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness
remarkable Worthy of being or likely to be noticed, especially as being
uncommon or extraordinary
remedial Tending or intended to rectify or improve
remedy That which corrects or counteracts an evil of any kind, e.g., a
cure for a disease
remorseful Motivated by a sense of guilt for past wrongs
remote Located far away
remuneration The act of paying for goods or services; recompense for losses
render To cause to be; to become
renounce To refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further
renowned Widely known and esteemed
renunciation The rejection of something or someone as invalid
repeal To recall; to call back
repel To cause aversion in; to repulse
repetition A doing or saying again
replenish To fill or build up again
replica A copy exact in all details
replicate To make, do, or perform again
reprehensible Bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
representation An artistic likeness or image
reprieve A temporary relief from harm or discomfort
reprimand A severe or formal reproof
reprisal The regaining of something (as by recapture)
reprise To repeat the performance of
repudiated Disowned; disavowed; rejected; denied
repulsive Cold; forbidding; offensive (“he has repulsive manners”)
reputable Having a good reputation; held in esteem
reputation Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
requested Asked for
resentful Full of or inclined to feel indignant or ill will
resentment Strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury
experienced
resigned Having come to accept
resilient Recovering readily from adversity or depression
resistance An opposing or retarding force
resisted Withstood the force or effect of
resolute Firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and
determination
resolution A formal expression of opinion, will, or intent, agreed to by a vote
respectability The quality of being decent or correct in character or behavior
resplendent Having great beauty and splendor
restitution A sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
restive Being in a tense state; marked by restlessness
restoration A bringing back to a former position or condition
restrain To prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something
restrict To confine within bounds
resuscitation Revival from apparent death or from unconsciousness
retain To keep in mind or memory; to keep in possession or use
retaliation Action taken in return for an injury or offense
retention The act of keeping in one’s possession
retiree Someone who has concluded or withdrawn from one’s working or
professional career
retract To draw back or in
retreat To move back or away
retribution The dispensing or receiving of punishment or reward
retroactive Made effective as of a date prior to enactment
revel To celebrate noisily; to engage in wild festivities
revelation An act of revealing to view or making known
revere To regard with profound respect and affection, mingled with awe
or fear
reverence Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as
for a holy being or place
revile To subject to verbal abuse
revise To look over again in order to correct or improve
revision The act of rewriting or altering something
revolt To renounce allegiance or subjection
revolution The overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the
substitution of another by the governed
revolutionary Markedly new or introducing radical change
revolutionize To fundamentally change the way of thinking about or visualizing
something
rhapsodize To say with great enthusiasm
rhythm An ordered, recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in
the flow of sound and silence in speech
ridicule To subject to laughter
rigid Incapable of or resistant to bending
rigorously Strictly; harshly; precisely
ritual The established form for a ceremony
rival One who is in pursuit of or striving for the same object or goal as
another; a competitor
rivals Those striving for competitive advantage
role A part played by an actor, singer, or dancer
romantic Marked by expressions of love or affection
rooted Fixed or implanted by or as if by roots
route A traveled way
rural Of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
ruse A crafty trick
sadden To make or become unhappy
sagacious Acutely insightful and wise
salutation A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter
salve Anything that remedies, heals, or soothes
salvo A spirited verbal attack
sanctimonious Affecting piousness; hypocritically devout
sanction A formal decree
sanctioned Given official authorization or approval to
sanguine Marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness
sarcasm Witty language used to convey insults or scorn
satirize To censure or ridicule by means of sarcasm; to humorously
expose and discredit vice or folly
savory Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell
scandal Loss of or damage to reputation caused by actual or apparent
violation of morality or propriety
scapegoat Someone punished for the errors of others
scarcest Least plentiful or abundant
scathing Marked by harshly abusive criticism
scenery A picturesque view or landscape
scheme To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot
scholarship A grant-in-aid to a student
scorch To burn so as to affect color or taste
script The written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast
scrumptious Extremely pleasing to the sense of taste
scrupulous Careful to avoid doing wrong
scrutinize To examine closely; to inspect or observe with critical attention; to
regard narrowly
scurry To move about or proceed hurriedly
seance A meeting of spiritualists (“The seance was held in the medium’s
parlor”)
secondhand Acquired after being used by another; not new
secrete To generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
security Freedom from danger
sedative A drug that reduces excitability and induces calm
sedentary Not migratory; settled
seedling Young plant or tree grown from a seed
segment A separate piece of something
seldom In few instances; rarely
semaphore An apparatus for visual signaling with lights or mechanically
moving arms
sense A particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation
sensitive Receptive to sense impressions; understanding of the feelings of
others
sentiment 1: Personal belief that is not founded on proof or certainty; 2: an
attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling
sequential In regular succession without gaps
serenade A complimentary vocal or instrumental performance, esp. a
romantically inspired one given outdoors at night for a woman
serendipity The faculty of making fortunate discoveries of things you were not
looking for
serene Calm; peaceful
serenity The quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness;
quietness; stillness; peace
serpentine Coiling; meandering; writhing
serviceable Fit for use
servile Submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior
setback A step backward; cessation of progress
severity Rigorous restraint, punishment, or requirement
shallow Lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension; lacking in
depth of knowledge or feeling
sharecropper A tenant farmer especially in the southern U.S.
sharpshooter A good marksman
shed To eject (as seed or spores) from a natural receptacle
sheer Complete and without restriction or qualification; pure,
unadulterated; thin or transparent
shift To change the place, position, or direction of
shoddiness Hastily or poorly done
shortsighted Lacking the ability to look forward
shroud That which clothes, covers, conceals, or protects
shun To avoid and stay away from deliberately; to stay clear of
significant Having meaning
silhouette The outline of a body viewed as circumscribing a mass
simulate To give or assume the appearance or effect of, often with the
intent to deceive
sincerity Honesty of mind
single-minded Having one driving purpose or resolve
siren A warning signal that is a loud wailing sound
sketch A rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or
scene and often made as a preliminary study
sleekness A smooth, well-groomed look; elegance; stylishness
slight Small of its kind or in amount
sluggard An habitually lazy person
smudge A blurry spot or streak
snivel To speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly
emotional manner
sociologist A scientist who studies society, social institutions, and social
relationships
solemnize To observe or perform with dignity or gravity
soliciting Approaching with a request or plea
solicitous Showing interest or concern
solidarity Unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on
communal interests
solidify To make solid or compact
soluble Capable of being dissolved in some solvent (usually water)
solution A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances
80
somber So shaded as to be dark and gloomy
soothing Having a sedative effect
sought Tried to acquire or gain
sound Based on thorough knowledge and experience
sour To cause or permit to become harsh or unkindly
source 1: A point of origin or procurement; 2: a firsthand document or
primary reference work
spatial Pertaining to, involving, or having the nature of space
species A class of individuals having common attributes and designated
by a common name
specimen An example regarded as typical of its class
speculate To believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
speculative Marked by questioning curiosity
spirited Full of energy, animation, or courage
sponsor One who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing
spontaneity Arising from a momentary impulse
spontaneously In a manner proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency
without external constraint
sprawling Causing to spread out carelessly or awkwardly
spur A goad to action; stimulus
spurious Not genuine; false
squander To spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully; to dissipate (a fortune,
etc.) wastefully
squelch To suppress or crush completely (“Squelch any sign of dissent”)
stability The strength to stand or endure
stagnation A state of inactivity
staid Characterized by dignity and propriety
stalk The stem or main axis of a plant
stamina The ability to sustain a prolonged, stressful effort or activity
stance Intellectual or emotional attitude
standards Things set up and established by authority as a rule for the
measure of quantity, weight, value, or quality
staple A commodity for which the demand is constant
stature Height or size of the body
statute An act passed by a legislative body
stealth The act of avoiding detection by proceeding furtively, secretly, or
imperceptibly
stereotype A person or thing that conforms to an unjustifiably fixed, usually
standardized,
mental picture
sterilized Made incapable of germination
stevedore A laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
stifle To smother, muffle, cut off, or repress
stimulus Something that rouses or incites to activity
stoic Not affected by or showing passion or feeling
strain To exert to the utmost
strains Groups of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut
physiological distinctions
strategies Careful plans or methods
strenuous Marked by or calling for energy or stamina
stretches Unbroken periods of time
stride A long step
strive To exert much effort or energy
struggle To make strenuous or violent efforts against opposition
stub To strike against an object, as of one’s toe or foot
stump To cause to be perplexed or confounded
sturdy Having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
style Mode of expressing thought in language, whether oral or written
subdued Restrained in style or quality
subjective Taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias
submerge To put under water
submissiveness The trait of being willing to yield to the will of another person or a
superior force
submit To yield to governance or authority
subsequently In a successive manner
subsidize To furnish with a subsidy; to purchase the assistance of by the
payment of a subsidy; to aid or promote
substantially To a degree largely but not wholly that which is specified
substantiated Supported with proof or evidence; verified
substantive Considerable in amount or numbers
substitution The act of putting one person or thing in the place of another
subtitle Translation of foreign dialogue usually displayed at the bottom of
the screen or stage
subtle Delicately constituted or constructed; nice; fine; delicate;
tenuous; finely woven
subversive Characterized by a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine
a government or political system
subvert To overturn or overthrow from the foundation
successor A person or thing that succeeds another; a person who inherits
some title or office
sue To seek justice or right from, by legal process
suffice To be adequate, either in quality or quantity
sufficient Enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
suggest To mention or imply as a possibility
suggestive Having a covert or special meaning
sullen Showing a brooding ill humor
sully To place under suspicion or cast doubt upon (“sully someone’s
reputation”)
summarize To tell in or reduce to a succinct covering of the main points
superficial Presenting only an appearance; without substance or significance
superficiality Lack of depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling
superfluity Extreme excess
superfluous Extra; unnecessary
superiority The quality or state of being above another in rank, station, or
office
supernatural Not existing in nature, or not subject to explanation according to
natural laws; not physical or material
superstitious Full of beliefs or practices that result from ignorance, fear of the
unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of
causation
supervisor One who supervises or has charge and direction of
supplanted Removed or displaced by stratagem; displaced and taken the
place of; superseded
supplication The act of making a humble entreaty; humble and earnest prayer,
as in worship
supportive Furnishing support or assistance
suppressed Put down by force
suppression The act of putting down by authority or force
supreme Highest in rank or authority
surfeit The quality of being overabundant; an excess
surpass To transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of
surrender To give up completely or agree to forgo; to yield
surreptitious Marked by quiet, caution, secrecy, or stealth; taking pains to
avoid being observed
surrogates People appointed to act in place of others; substitutes
survey To take a poll; to measure the size of a piece of land
surveyor One who views and examines for the purpose of ascertaining the
condition, quantity, or quality of anything
suspicion An impression that something might be the case
sustaining Bearing; upholding; supporting
swagger To walk with a lofty, proud gait, often in an attempt to impress
others
swarm To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together
swerve The act of turning aside suddenly
swiftly With great speed
swindle To cheat or defraud grossly
syllabus A summary outline of a discourse, treatise, course of study, or
examination requirements
symbiosis The relation between two different kinds of organisms that are
interdependent (each gains benefits from the other)
symbolize To represent, express, or identify by a symbol (an image or
picture)
symmetry Correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on
opposite sides of an axis or dividing line
sympathize To share in suffering or grief
symphony A large orchestra
symptom Subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance
synopsis A condensed statement or outline
syntax The part of grammar dealing with the construction of sentences
synthetic Of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis
tactful Having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in
dealing with others
tactile Perceptible by touch; of or relating to the sense of touch
tagged Supplied with an identifying marker
taint To contaminate morally; to touch or affect slightly with something
bad
tale An account describing incidents or events
talented Showing a natural aptitude for something
talisman A trinket or piece of jewelry thought to be a protection against evil
tangential Of superficial relevance
tanned Converted into leather
tattoo A design made on the skin by pricking and staining
taunting Aggravating by deriding, mocking, or criticizing
taut Pulled or drawn tight
technology The practical application of science to commerce or industry
tedious Tiresome because of length or dullness
tedium Boredom; the state of being tiresomely long or wearisome
temerity Audacity
temperament One’s characteristic mood
temperance Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural
appetites and passions
temple An edifice for the worship of a deity
temptation A cause or occasion of enticement
tenaciously With obstinate determination
tenacity Persistent adherence to a belief or a point of view; fortitude
tenant Someone who pays rent to use land or a building owned by
someone else
tendency A proneness to a particular kind of thought or action
tension Extreme strain of mind or excitement of feeling; intense effort
tentacles Elongated, flexible, limb-like extensions used by an animal for
feeling, grasping, or locomotion
tentative Under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
tenuous Having little substance or significance
tepid Lacking in passion, force, or zest
term A word or expression that has a precise meaning peculiar to its
use
terminate To bring to an end
terrestrial Of, relating to, or inhabiting the land as opposed to the sea or air
testable Capable of being or liable to be subjected to judgment or test
testimony A solemn statement made under oath
text The main body of a written work
textile A woven or knit cloth
theme A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic
work
theology The study of religious faith or practice
theoretical Confined to speculation, often in contrast to practical applications
theories Analyses of a set of facts in their relation to one another
theory A concept that is not yet verified, but that if true would explain
certain facts or phenomena
therapeutic Tending to cure or restore to health
thermal Of, relating to, or caused by heat
thesis A proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof
thicket A wood or a collection of closely set trees, shrubs, etc.
threat Something that is a source of danger
threshold The point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins
to be produced
throne The chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary
throng A large gathering of people
thwarted Disappointingly unsuccessful; frustrated
tidal Of, relating to, or caused by tides
time-honored Honored because of age or long usage
timeless Unaffected by time 85
timepiece An instrument or device for keeping time
timid Lacking in courage or self-confidence
timing Selection of, or the ability to select for maximum effect, the
precise moment for beginning or doing something
timorous Timid by nature or revealing timidity
toady A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal
advantage
tolerance Capacity to endure pain or hardship; endurance
tolerate To put up with
tome A volume forming part of a larger work; a large, scholarly book
topography 1: The physical or natural features of an object or entity and their
structural relationships; 2: the art of mapmaking
torment To cause severe, usually persistent or recurring distress of body
or mind
torpor Apathy or dullness; a state of inactivity with partial or total
insensibility; numbness
tourniquet A device that stops the flow of blood from an artery by applying
pressure
tout To praise or publicize loudly or extravagantly
toxic Relating to or caused by a toxin or poison
trace A barely detectable amount of a substance
tract A pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda
tradition An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought,
action, or behavior
tragic Mournful; expressive of tragedy, the loss of life, or sorrow
trail A track made by passage, especially through a wilderness
trait A distinguishing or marked feature; a peculiarity (“a trait of
character”)
traitor One who violates allegiance
tram A vehicle on rails used primarily for transporting passengers and
typically operating on city streets
tranquility A state of being free from stress or emotion; peacefulness
tranquilizer A drug used to reduce stress, tension, or mental disturbance
transformed Changed in composition or structure
transgress To act in disregard of laws and rules
transience An impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or
dying; the attribute of being brief or fleeting
transient Passing especially quickly into and out of existence
transitory Short-lived or temporary
translation A rendering from one language into another; the product of such
a rendering
translucent Almost transparent; allowing light to pass through diffusely
transmit To cause to pass over or through
transmute To change from one nature, form, or substance into another; to
transform
transparent Transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
trap A device in which something can be caught
traveler A person who changes location
traverse To travel or extend across
treachery Violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence
treason The betrayal of a trust
treatise A systematic exposition or argument in writing
tremendous Extraordinarily large in size, extent, amount, power or degree
tremor A trembling or shaking, usually from physical weakness,
emotional stress, or disease
tremulous Quivering as from weakness or fear
trepidation Uncertain agitation
trespass A violation of moral or social ethics
tribe A social group comprising numerous families, clans, or
generations
triggering Setting in motion some course of events
trinkets Cheap showy jewelry or ornaments
trite Unoriginal; overused
triumph The joy or exultation of victory or success
trivial Ordinary; commonplace; of little worth or importance
trophy Any evidence or memorial of victory or conquest
troubadour A lyric poet-musician in medieval France and Italy whose job was
to entertain through the singing and telling of tales (often dealing
with courtly love)
troupe A group of theatrical performers
truculent Defiantly aggressive
trumpet A wind instrument consisting of a conical or cylindrical (usually)
metal tube and a cup-shaped mouthpiece
truncated Cut short in duration
trust To place confidence in; to rely on; to confide or repose faith in
tumultuous Characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
tunnel A passageway through or under an obstruction
turbulent Causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
turmoil A state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion
tweed A rough woolen fabric made usually in twill weaves and used
especially for suits and coats
tyrannical Of, relating to, associated with or resembling a dictatorship
tyranny A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator
tyrant A monarch, or other ruler or master, who uses power to oppress
his subjects
ultimately In the end
unalterable Not capable of being changed or altered (“unalterable resolve”)
unanimously With the agreement and consent of all
unattainable Unreachable as an end
unattractive Lacking power to arouse interest
uncanny Seemingly supernatural; mysterious
uncensored Not subject to censorship
uncertain Not firm or secure
undeniable Unquestionably excellent or genuine; plainly true; incontestable
underdog A predicted loser in a struggle or contest
undermine To weaken or ruin by degrees
underprivileged Deprived through social or economic condition of some of the
fundamental rights of a civilized society
underscore To give extra weight to (a communication)
undesirable Not worthy of being chosen
unexampled Having no example or parallel
unfathomable Impossible to comprehend
unfetter To loose from restraint; to unchain; to unshackle; to liberate (“to
unfetter the mind”)
unfit Not adapted to a purpose
unflagging Unceasing; unfailing (“unflagging loyalty”; “unflagging good
spirits”; “unflagging courtesy”)
unforeseen Not anticipated
ungainly Lacking in smoothness or dexterity
unheralded Without warning or announcement
uniformity A condition in which everything is regular and unvarying
uninspiring Not having an animating or exalting effect
unintended Not having in mind a specific purpose or goal
union A confederation of independent individuals (as nations or
persons) for some common purpose
unique Distinctively characteristic
uniqueness The quality of being one of a kind
united Joined together; combined
unity An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality
unjustifiable Incapable of being justified or explained
unleashed Let loose
unorthodox Breaking with convention or tradition
unpalatable Not pleasing to the taste
unparalleled Radically distinctive and without equal
unproductive Not producing desired results
unscrupulously Without motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral
principles
unsettling Having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unstable Lacking stability, fixity, or firmness
untamed Wild and uncontrolled
untenable Incapable of being defended or justified
untimely Done or happening at an unusual, improper or inopportune time
unvaried Not diversified
unwavering Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
unyielding Persistent; not giving way
uphold To give support to
urban Of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city
usurpers Those who take or make use of without right
utilitarian Having a useful function
utilize To turn to practical use or account
utopia An imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
utterance Vocal expression
vacant 1: Void of thought or knowledge (“a vacant mind”); 2: without an
occupant or incumbent
vaccine A preparation used to procure immunity from one or several
diseases
vaguely In an unclear manner
vain Having or showing undue or excessive pride in one’s appearance
or achievements
vainglorious Boastful
valid Well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force
validate To declare or make legally valid; to grant official sanction to by
marking
validity The well-grounded or justifiable nature of an instance or thing
vandalism Willful, wanton, and malicious destruction of the property of
others
vapid Lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force
vaporize To turn into gas; to convert or be converted into vapor
varied Differing from one another
variegated Having marks or patches of different colors (e.g., variegated leaves
or flowers)
variety The quality or state of having different forms or types
varnished Covered or concealed with something that gives a fair appearance
vast Very great in size, amount, degree, or intensity
vastness Unusual largeness in size or extent
veiled Having a concealing cover; muted, unclear; disguised
venal Open to corrupt influence and especially bribery
vendor Someone who exchanges goods or services for money
veneer To overlay or plate with a thin layer of wood or other material for
outer finish or decoration
venerable Impressive by reason of age
venerate To regard with reverential respect
venerated Worthy of adoration or reverence
vengeance Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or an offense
vengeful Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
venom The poisonous matter which certain animals communicate by
biting or stinging
verdant Covered with growing plants or grass
verge To move or extend in some direction or toward some condition
verified Supported or established by evidence or proof
verse Stanza of a poem or song with or without refrain
vestige A trace; a sign; a clue that something has been present
vex To cause annoyance in; to disturb, esp. by minor irritations
vicarious Experienced in the imagination through another person
vicious Dangerously aggressive
victor One that defeats an enemy or opponent
victorious Having won a victory
victory Achievement of mastery or success in any struggle or competition
vigilant Carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible
danger
vignette A short, descriptive essay or character sketch
vigorous Full of physical or mental strength or active force
vile Morally reprehensible
vilify To utter slanderous and abusive statements against
villainous Extremely wicked
vindictive Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
vine A plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by
tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground
violation An infringement of the rules
virtue The quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
virtuoso A person who has great skill at some endeavor
90
visionary One whose ideas or projects are impractical (dreamer)
vision That which is seen; an object of sight
visual Attained or maintained by sight
vital Urgently needed; absolutely necessary
vitality Lively and animated character
vivacious Lively in temper, conduct, or spirit
vivid Exhibiting the appearance of life or freshness; animated; spirited;
bright; strong; intense
vocalist A person who sings
vocation The particular occupation for which one is trained
vociferously In a loud, clamorous, or noisy manner
volatile Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures; easily
aroused; tending to erupt in violence
vulgar Lacking refinement, cultivation, or taste
vulnerable Open to attack or damage
wan Having a pale or sickly hue; languid of look; pale; pallid
waning Gradually decreasing in magnitude or extent
warring Engaged in war
wary Marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
waste Any material unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
wave Something that swells and dies away
welfare The state of doing well, especially in respect to good fortune
whim A capricious or eccentric and often sudden idea or turn of the
mind
whimsical Determined by chance, impulse or fancy rather than by necessity
or reason
whine To utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry
widespread Widely circulated or diffused
wily Cunning
withheld Held back from action
witticism A cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark
witty Combining clever conception and facetious expression
woods A dense growth of trees, usually greater in extent than a grove
and smaller than a forest
woodwork The craft of a carpenter; things made out of wood
worship To honor with extravagant love and extreme submission
wrath Intense anger (usually on an epic scale); belligerence aroused by a
real or supposed wrong
wrongdoing Activity that transgresses moral or civil law
wryly Cleverly and often with ironic or grim humor
yearn To desire strongly or persistently; to have a yen for
yield To relinquish one’s possession of
yielding Giving in return for labor expended; producing
yields Amounts or quantities produced or returned
yolk Nutritive material of an ovum, esp. the yellow mass of a bird or
reptile egg
zealous Passionate; extremely interested in pursuing something
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