Barrons GRE High-Frequency 333 Words Vocabulary List

WORD MEANINGAbate subside , or moderateAberrant abnormal, or deviantAbeyance suspended actionAbscond depart secretly and hideAbstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperateAdmonish warn; reproveAdulterate make impure by adding inferior or tainted substancesAesthetic artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautifulAggregate gather; accumulateAlacrity cheerful promptness; eagernessAlleviate relieveAmalgamate combine; unite in one bodyAmbiguous unclear or doubtful in meaningAmbivalence the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional

attitudesAmeliorate improveAnachronism something or someone misplaced in timeAnalogous comparableAnarchy absence of governing body; state of disorderAnomalous abnormal; irregularAntipathy aversion; dislikeApathy lack of caring; indifferenceAppease pacify or soothe; relieveApprise informApprobation approvalAppropriate v. acquire; take possession of for one’s own useArduous hard; strenuousArtless without guile; open and honestAscetic practicing self-denial; austereAssiduous diligentAssuage v. ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)Attenuate make thinnerAudacious daring; boldAustere forbiddingly stern; severely simple and unornamentedAutonomous self-governing; independentAver assert confidently or declare; as used in law, state formally as

a fact

Banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originalityBelie contradict; give a false impression

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Beneficent kindly; doing goodBolster support; reinforceBombastic pompous; using inflated languageBoorish rude; insensitiveBurgeon grow forth; send out budsBurnish make shiny by rubbing; polishButtress v. support; prop up

Capricious unpredictable; fickleCastigation punishment; severe criticismCatalyst agent that increases the pace of a chemical actionCaustic burning; sarcastically bitingChicanery trickery; deceptionCoagulate thicken; congeal; clotCoda concluding section of a musical or literary composition;

summarizes or concludesCogent convincingCommensurate adj. corresponding in extent, degree, etc.; proportionateCompendium brief, comprehensive summaryComplaisant trying to please; overly polite; obligingCompliant yielding; conforming to requirementsConciliatory reconciling; soothingCondone overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuseConfound confuse; puzzleConnoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art; a lover of artContention claim; thesisContentious quarrelsomeContrite penitentConundrum riddle; difficult problemConverge approach; tend to meet; come togetherConvoluted coiled around; involved; intricateCraven cowardly

Daunt intimidate; frightenDecorum propriety; orderliness and good taste in mannersDefault failure to actDeference courteous regard for another’s wishesDelineate portray; depict; sketchDenigrate blackenDeride ridicule; make fun ofDerivative unoriginal; obtained from another sourceDesiccate dry upDesultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at randomDeterrent Something that discourages; hindranceDiatribe n. bitter scolding; invectiveDichotomy split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)Diffidence ShynessDiffuse adj. wordy, rambling, spread out (like a gas)

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Digression Wandering away from the subjectDirge Lament with musicDisabuse correct a false impression; undeceiveDiscerning mentally quick and observant; having insightDiscordant not harmonious; conflictingDiscredit defame; destroy confidence in; disbelieveDiscrepancy lack of consistency; differenceDiscrete adj. separate; unconnected; consisting of distinct partsDisingenuous lacking genuine candor; insincereDisinterested unprejudicedDisjointed lacking coherence; separated at the jointsDismiss eliminate from consideration; rejectDisparage belittleDisparate adj. basically different; unrelatedDissemble v. disguise; pretendDisseminate distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)Dissolution disintegration; looseness in moralsDissonance discord; opposite of harmonyDistend expand; swell outDistill purify; refine; concentrateDiverge vary; go in different directions from the same pointDivest strip; depriveDocument provide written evidenceDogmatic opinionated; arbitrary; doctrinalDormant sleeping; lethargic; latentDupe someone easily fooled

Ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasmEclectic selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate

sourcesEfficacy power to produce desired effectEffrontery impudence; shameless boldness; sheer nerve;

presumptuousnessElegy poem or song expressing lamentationElicit draw out by discussionEmbellish adorn; ornament; enhance, as a storyEmpirical based on experienceEmulate imitate; rivalEndemic prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific

area or countryEnervate weakenEngender cause; produceEnhance increase; improveEphemeral short-lived; fleetingEquanimity calmness of temperament; composureEquivocate lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truthErudite learned; scholarlyEsoteric hard to understand; known only to the chosen few

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Eulogy expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone’s death

Euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant oneExacerbate worsen; embitterExculpate clear from blameExigency urgent situation; pressing needs or demands; state of

requiring immediate attentionExtrapolation projection; conjecture

Facetious joking (often inappropriately); humorousFacilitate help bring about; make less difficultFallacious false; misleadingFatuous brainless; inane; foolish, yet smugFawning trying to please by behaving obsequiously, flattering, or

cringingFelicitous apt; suitably expressed; well chosenFervor glowing ardor; intensity of feelingFlag droop; grow feebleFledgling inexperiencedFlout reject; mock; show contempt forFoment stir up; instigateForestall prevent by taking action in advanceFrugality thrift; economyFutile useless; hopeless; ineffectual

Gainsay denyGarrulous loquacious; talkative; wordyGoad urge onGouge overchargeGrandiloquent pompous; bombastic; using high-sounding languageGregarious sociableGuileless without deceitGullible easily deceived

Harangue long, passionate, and vehement speechHomogeneous of the same kindHyperbole exaggeration; overstatement

Iconoclastic attacking cherished traditionsIdolatry worship of idols; excessive admirationImmutable unchangeableImpair injure; hurtImpassive without feeling; imperturbable; stoicalImpede hinder; blockImpermeable impervious; not permitting passage through its substanceImperturbable calm; placidImpervious impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressedImplacable incapable of being pacified

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Implicit understood but not statedImplode burst inwardInadvertently unintentionally; by oversight; carelesslyInchoate adj. recently begun; rudimentary; elementaryIncongruity lack of harmony; absurdityInconsequential insignificant; unimportantIncorporate introduce something into a larger whole; combine; uniteIndeterminate uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefiniteIndigence povertyIndolent LazyInert inactive; lacking power to moveIngenuous naive and trusting; young; unsophisticatedInherent firmly established by nature or habitInnocuous HarmlessInsensible unconscious; unresponsiveInsinuate hint; imply; creep inInsipid lacking in flavor; dullInsularity narrow-mindedness; isolationIntractable unruly; stubborn; unyieldingIntransigence n. refusal of any compromise; stubbornnessInundate overwhelm; flood; submergeInured adj. accustomed; hardenedInvective n. abuseIrascible irritable; easily angeredIrresolute uncertain how to act; weakItinerary plan of a trip

Laconic brief and to the pointLassitude languor; wearinessLatent potential but undeveloped; dormant; hiddenLaud v. praiseLethargic drowsy; dullLevee stone embankment to prevent floodingLevity lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolityLog record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activitiesLoquacious talkativeLucid easily understood; clear; intelligibleLuminous shining; issuing light

Magnanimity GenerosityMalingerer one who feigns illness to escape dutyMalleable capable of being shaped by pounding; impressionableMaverick rebel; nonconformistMendacious lying; habitually dishonestMetamorphosis change of formMeticulous excessively careful; painstaking; scrupulousMisanthrope one who hates mankindMitigate appease; moderate

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Mollify sootheMorose ill-humored; sullen; melancholyMundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday

Negate cancel out; nullify; denyNeophyte recent convert; beginner

Obdurate adj. stubbornObsequious lavishly attentive; servile; sycophanticObviate make unnecessary; get rid ofOcclude shut; closeOfficious meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one’s servicesOnerous burdensomeOpprobrium infamy; vilificationOscillate vibrate; waverOstentatious showy; pretentious; trying to attract attention

Paragon model of perfectionPartisan one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a partyPathological pertaining to diseasePaucity ScarcityPedantic showing off learning; bookishPenchant strong inclination; likingPenury severe poverty; stinginessPerennial something long-lastingPerfidious treacherous; disloyalPerfunctory superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or

enthusiasmPermeable penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass throughPervasive spread throughoutPhlegmatic calm; not easily disturbedPiety devoutness; reverence for GodPlacate pacify; conciliatePlasticity ability to be moldedPlatitude n. trite remark; commonplace statementPlethora excess; overabundancePlummet fall sharplyPorous full of pores; like a sievePragmatic practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with the

practical worth or impact of somethingPreamble introductory statementPrecarious uncertain; riskyPrecipitate adj. rash, premature, hasty, suddenPrecursor forerunnerPresumptuous arrogant; taking libertiesPrevaricate liePristine characteristic of earlier times; primitive; unspoiledProbity uprightness; incorruptibility

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Problematic doubtful; unsettled; questionable; perplexingProdigal wasteful; reckless with moneyProfound deep; not superficial; completeProhibitive tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; inclined

to prevent or forbidProliferate grow rapidly; spread; multiplyPropensity natural inclinationPropitiate appeasePropriety fitness; correct conductProscribe ostracize; banish; outlawPungent stinging; sharp in taste or smell; caustic

Qualified limited; restrictedQuibble minor objection or complaintQuiescent at rest; dormant; temporarily inactive

Rarefied made less dense (of a gas)Recalcitrant obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unrulyRecant disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly

confess errorRecluse hermit; lonerRecondite abstruse; profound; secretRefractory stubborn; unmanageableRefute disproveRelegate banish to an inferior position; delegate; assignReproach express disapproval or disappointmentReprobate person hardened in sin; devoid of a sense of decencyRepudiate disown; disavowRescind cancelResolution DeterminationResolve determination; firmness of purposeReticent reserved; uncommunicative; inclined to silenceReverent respectful; worshipful

Sage person celebrated for wisdomSalubrious healthfulSanction approve; ratifySatiate satisfy fullySaturate soak thoroughlySavor enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or qualitySecrete hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an

organismShard fragment, generally of potterySkeptic doubter; person who suspends judgment until having

examined evidence supporting a point of viewSolicitous worried; concernedSoporific sleep-causing; marked by sleepinessSpecious seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often

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intentionally)Spectrum colored band produced when a beam of light passes through

a prismSporadic occurring irregularlyStigma token of disgrace; brandStint v. be thrifty; set limitsStipulate make express conditions; specifyStolid dull; impassiveStriated marked with parallel bands; groovedStrut pompous walkStrut supporting barSubpoena writ summoning a witness to appearSubside settle down; descend; grow quietSubstantiate establish by evidence; verify; supportSupersede cause to be set aside; replace; make obsoleteSupposition hypothesis; surmise

Tacit understood; not put into wordsTangential peripheral; only slightly connected; digressingTenuous thin; rare; slimTirade extended scolding; denunciation; harangueTorpor lethargy; sluggishness; dormancyTortuous winding; full of curvesTractable docile; easily managedTransgression violation of a law; sinTruculence aggressiveness; ferocity

Vacillate waver; fluctuateVenerate revereVeracious truthfulVerbose wordyViable practical or workableViscous sticky, glueyVituperative adj abusive; scoldingVolatile changeable; explosive; evaporation rapidly

Warranted justified; authorizedWary very cautiousWelter turmoil; bewildering jumbleWhimsical capricious; fanciful

Zealot fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal

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AABDICATE to give up a position, right, or powerABJURE to reject, abandon formallyABLUTION act of cleansingABNEGATE to deny, renounceABROGATE to abolish or invalidate by authorityABSTEMIOUS consuming moderatelyABSTRUSE difficult to comprehendABUT to touch, to be in contact withACERBIC bitter, sharp in taste or temperACME highest point, summitACQUIESCE to agree or comply in silenceADROIT skillful, accomplished, highly competentADUMBRATE to sketch, outline in a shadowy wayAERIE nook or nest built high in the airALTRUISM unselfish concern for others’ welfareAMBULATORY itinerant; walking aroundAMORTIZE to diminish by installment paymentsANCILLARY accessory, subordinate; helpingANTEDILUVIAN prehistoric, ancient beyond measure; coming

before the biblical floodANTHROPOMORPHIC attributing human qualities to nonhumans;

having human qualitiesAPLOMB poise, confidenceAPOSTATE one who renounces a religious faithAPOTHEGM a short, instructive sayingAPOTHEOSIS deification; glorified idealARBOREAL relating to trees; living in treesASSIDUOUS diligent, persistent, hardworking

BBACCHANALIAN drunkenly festiveBALK to refuse, shirk; preventBEATIFIC saintly, angelicBEHEMOTH huge creatureBELIE to misrepresent; expose as falseBENISON blessingBIFURCATE divide into two partsBILIOUS easily irritated, relating to bileBONHOMIE good-natured geniality; atmosphere of good cheerBULWARK defense wall; anything serving as defense

CCAJOLE to flatter, coax, persuadeCALAMITOUS disastrous, catastrophicCALUMNY false and malicious accusation, misrepresentation,

slanderCANARD a lieCAROM to strike and reboundCAVALCADE a processionCHAGRIN shame, embarrassment, humiliationCHARLATAN quack, fakeCHATTEL piece of personal propertyCHIMERICAL fanciful, imaginary, visionary; impossible

CHOLERIC easily angered, short-temperedCHURLISH rudeCISTERN tank for rainwaterCOALESCE to grow together; cause to unite as oneCOFFER strongbox, large chest for moneyCOGNOMEN family name; any name, especially a nicknameCOMELINESS physical grace and beautyCOMMODIOUS roomy, spaciousCOMPUNCTIOUS feeling guilty or having misgivingsCONCILIATORY overcoming distrust or hostilityCONFLAGRATION big, destructive fireCONGENIAL similar in tastes and habitsCONSANGUINEOUS of the same origin; related by bloodCONTENTIOUS quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerentCONTUMACIOUS rebelliousCORPULENCE obesity, fatness, bulkinessCORRUGATE to mold in a shape with parallel grooves and ridgesCOSSET to pamper, treat with great careCOTERIE small group of persons with a similar purposeCOVEN group of witchesCURMUDGEON cranky person

DDECLIVITY downward slopeDELETERIOUS harmful, destructive, detrimentalDELUGE floodDEMAGOGUE leader or rabble-rouser who usually uses appeals

to emotion or prejudiceDENIGRATE to slur or blacken someone’s reputationDESCRY to discover or revealDIAPHANOUS allowing light to show through; delicateDICTUM authoritative statement; popular sayingDIDACTIC excessively instructiveDILUVIAL relating to a floodDIMINUTIVE smallDISCOMFIT to cause perplexity and embarrassmentDISTAFF the female branch of a familyDITHER to move or act confusedly or without clear purposeDIURNAL dailyDOCTRINAIRE rigidly devoted to theoriesDOLOR sadnessDOUGHTY courageousDROLL amusing in a wry, subtle wayDYSPEPTIC suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable

EEBULLIENT exhilarated, full of enthusiasm and high spiritsEFFLUVIA outpouring of gases or vaporsEFFULGENT brilliantly shiningEGREGIOUS conspicuously badEMEND to correct a textEMOLLIENT having soothing qualities, esp. for skinENCOMIUM warm praiseENDEMIC belonging to a particular area, inherent

GRE Vocabulary Workout400 OF THE GRE’S FAVORITE WORDS WITH DEFINITIONS

ENNUI boredom, lack of interest and energyEPICURE person with refined taste in food and wineEPITOME representative of an entire group; summaryERSATZ fakeESCHEW to abstain from, avoidEVINCE to show clearly, display, signifyEXORCISE to expel evil spiritsEXPATIATE to wander; to discuss or describe at lengthEXPIATE to atone for, make amends forEXPUNGE to erase, eliminate completelyEXPURGATE to censorEXTEMPORANEOUS unrehearsed, on the spur of the momentEXTOL to praiseEXTRAPOLATE to estimate

FFACETIOUS witty in an inappropriate wayFATUOUS stupid; smugly foolish; unconsciously foolishFEALTY intense loyaltyFECUND fertile, fruitful, productiveFETID foul-smelling, putridFEY doomedFILCH to stealFILIAL appropriate for a childFLACCID limp, flabby, weakFOLIATE to grow, sprout leavesFORSWEAR to repudiate, renounce, disclaim, rejectFRACAS noisy disputeFRACTIOUS unruly, rebelliousFRENETIC wildly frantic, frenzied, hecticFULMINATE to explode with angerFULSOME excessive, overdone, sickeningly abundantFURTIVE secret, stealthy

GGAINSAY to denyGAMBOL to dance or skip around playfullyGAUCHE crude, socially awkwardGERMINATE to begin to grow (as in a seed or idea)GIBE to make heckling, taunting remarksGLIB fluent in an insincere manner; offhand, casualGNOSTIC having to do with knowledgeGRANDILOQUENCE pompous talk, fancy but meaningless

languageGRATUITOUS free, voluntary; unnecessary and unjustifiedGUSTATORY relating to sense of taste

HHACKNEYED worn out by over-useHARANGUE a pompous speechHEGEMONY leadership, domination, usually by a countryHERETICAL opposed to an established religious orthodoxyHERMETIC tightly sealedHOARY very old; whitish or gray from ageHUSBAND to farm; manage carefully and thriftily

IIDIOSYNCRASY peculiarity of temperament, eccentricityIGNOMINIOUS disgraceful and dishonorableILK type or kind

ILLUSORY unreal, deceptiveIMBUE to infuse; dye; wet, moistenIMPECUNIOUS poor, having no moneyIMPERIOUS arrogantly self-assured, domineering, overbearingIMPOLITIC unwiseIMPROMPTU spontaneous, without rehearsalIMPUGN to call into question, attack verballyINCARNATE having bodily formINCENDIARY combustible, flammable, burning easilyINCULCATE to teach; impress in the mindINCULPATE to blame; charge with a crimeINDEFATIGABLE never tiredINDIGENT very poorINDOLENT habitually lazy, idleINDUBITABLE unquestionableINERT unable to move, tending to inactivityINFALLIBLE incapable of making a mistakeINGENIOUS original, clever, inventiveINGRATIATE to bring oneself purposely into another’s good

gracesINGRESS entranceINNUENDO indirect and subtle criticism, insinuationINSIDIOUS sly, treacherous, deviousINSUPERABLE insurmountable, unconquerableINTERDICT to forbid, prohibitINTERLOCUTOR someone taking part in a dialogueINTERLOPER trespasser; meddler in others’ affairsINTERNECINE deadly to both sidesINTERPOLATE to insert; change by adding new words or materialINTERSTICE a space between thingsINTIMATION clue, suggestionINTREPID fearlessINTRINSIC inherent, internalINURE to harden; accustom; become used toINVETERATE confirmed, long-standing, deeply rootedINVIDIOUS likely to provoke ill will, offensiveITINERANT wandering from place to place, unsettled

JJIBE to shift suddenly from one side to the otherJINGOISM belligerent support of one’s countryJOCULAR jovial, playful, humorousJUGGERNAUT huge force destroying everything in its pathJURISPRUDENCE philosophy of law

KKISMET fateKNELL sound of a funeral bell; omen of death or failure

LLACHRYMOSE tearfulLAMBASTE disapprove angrilyLAPIDARY relating to precious stonesLARGESS generosity; giftLASSITUDE lethargy, sluggishnessLEGERDEMAIN trickeryLEVITY humor, frivolity, gaietyLEXICON dictionary, list of wordsLIBIDINOUS lustfulLICENTIOUS immoral; unrestrained by society

LIMPID clear and simple in styleLINIMENT medicinal liquid used externally to ease painLIONIZE to treat as a celebrityLISSOME easily flexed, limber, agileLUGUBRIOUS sorrowful, mournful

MMACABRE gruesome, producing horrorMACHINATION plot or schemeMALAPROPISM humorous misuse of a wordMALEVOLENT ill-willed; causing evil or harm to othersMANIFOLD diverse, varied; comprised of many partsMARTINET strict disciplinarian; one who rigidly follows rulesMAUDLIN overly sentimentalMAWKISH sickeningly sentimentalMEGALOMANIA mental state with delusions of wealth and powerMENDACIOUS dishonestMENDICANT beggarMERCURIAL quick, shrewd, and unpredictableMERITORIOUS deserving reward or praiseMINATORY menacing, threateningMNEMONIC relating to memory; designed to assist memoryMOLT to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodicallyMORDACIOUS caustic, bitingMOTE small particle, speckMULTIFARIOUS diverseMUNIFICENT generous

NNADIR lowest pointNASCENT starting to develop, coming into existenceNEBULOUS vague, cloudyNECROMANCY black magicNEFARIOUS vicious, evilNEOLOGISM new word or expressionNEOPHYTE novice, beginnerNIHILISM belief that existence and all traditional values are

meaninglessNOISOME stinking, putridNOXIOUS harmful, unwholesomeNUMISMATICS coin collecting

OOBFUSCATE to confuse, obscureOBSTREPEROUS troublesome, boisterous, unrulyOMNIPOTENT having unlimited powerOMNISCIENT having infinite knowledgeOSCILLATE to move back and forthOUSTER expulsion, ejection

PPAEAN a song of praise or thanksgivingPALLIATE to make less serious, easePANACEA cure-allPANEGYRIC elaborate praise; formal hymn of praisePANOPLY impressive arrayPARLEY discussion, usually between enemiesPAROCHIAL of limited scope or outlook, provincialPARSIMONY stinginessPASTICHE piece of literature or music imitating other works

PAUCITY scarcity, lackPECCADILLO minor sin or offensePECULATION theft of money or goodsPENCHANT inclinationPENULTIMATE next to lastPENUMBRA partial shadowPERAMBULATE walk aboutPERIPHRASTIC using circumlocutionPERNICIOUS very harmfulPERSPICACIOUS shrewd, astute, keen-wittedPERTINACIOUS persistent, stubbornPHALANX massed group of soldiers, people, or thingsPHILISTINE narrow-minded person, someone lacking

appreciation for art or culturePLAIT to braidPLANGENT resounding; plaintivePLAUDIT applausePNEUMATIC relating to air; worked by compressed airPOLEMIC controversy, argument; verbal attackPOLYGLOT speaker of many languagesPOSIT to put in position; to suggest an ideaPRECEPT principle; lawPRECURSOR forerunner, predecessorPREDILECTION preference, likingPRESCIENT having foresightPRIVATION lack of usual necessities or comfortsPROBITY honesty, high-mindednessPROGENITOR originator, forefather, ancestor in a direct linePROGNOSTICATE to predictPROLIFIC productive, fertilePROLIX tedious; wordyPROMULGATE to make known publiclyPROPINQUITY nearnessPROPITIOUS favorable, advantageousPROSELYTIZE to induce someone to convert to a particular belief

or religionPROSTRATE lying face downward, lying flat on the groundPROTAGONIST main character in a play or story, heroPROVIDENT prudent, frugalPROVINCIAL rustic, unsophisticated, limited in scopePRURIENT lustful, exhibiting lewd desiresPUERILE childish, immature, sillyPULCHRITUDE beautyPUNDIT an authority or criticPUSILLANIMOUS cowardly

QQUERULOUS inclined to complain, irritableQUOTIDIAN occurring daily; commonplace

RRACONTEUR a witty, skillful storytellerRAILLERY lighthearted jestingRANCOR bitter hatredRAPACIOUS greedy; predatoryRAPPROCHEMENT reestablishing a cordial relationshipRAZE to tear down, demolishRECALCITRANT resisting authority or controlRECIDIVISM tendency to repeat previous behaviorRECONDITE relating to obscure learning; known to only a fewRECREANT disloyal; cowardly

REDRESS relief from wrong or injuryREJOINDER responseRENEGE to go back on one’s wordRENITENT resisting pressure, obstinateREPAST mealREPROBATE morally unprincipled personREQUITE to return or repayRESPITE interval of reliefRESTIVE impatient, uneasy, restlessRETINUE group of attendants with an important personREVELRY boisterous festivityRIBALD humorous in a vulgar wayRIPOSTE a retortROCOCO very highly ornamentedROTUND round in shape; fatRUMINATE to contemplate, reflect upon

SSACROSANCT extremely sacred; beyond criticismSAGACIOUS shrewd, wiseSALACIOUS lustfulSALUBRIOUS healthfulSANGUINE ruddy; cheerfully optimisticSAPIENT wiseSCABBARD sheath for sword or daggerSCINTILLA very small amountSCINTILLATE to sparkle, flashSCURRILOUS vulgar, low, indecentSEDITION behavior promoting rebellionSENESCENT aging, growing oldSENTIENT aware, conscious, able to perceiveSEPULCHRAL typical of a place of burialSERAPHIC angelic, pure, sublimeSHIRK to avoid a task due to laziness or fearSIMPER to smirk, smile foolishlySINECURE well-paying job or office that requires little or no workSINUOUS winding; intricate, complexSLAKE to quench or moderateSLOVENLY untidy, messySOJOURN visit, staySOLECISM grammatical mistakeSOLIPSISM belief that the self is the only realitySOMNAMBULIST sleepwalkerSONOROUS producing a full, rich soundSOPHIST person good at arguing deviouslySPORTIVE frolicsome, playfulSQUALID filthy; morally repulsiveSTAID self-restrained, strait-lacedSTENTORIAN extremely loudSTRIATE striped, groovedSTRINGENT imposing severe, rigorous standardsSTYMIE to block or thwartSUBTERFUGE trick or tactic used to avoid somethingSULLY to soil, stain, tarnish; taintSUPERCILIOUS arrogant, haughty, overbearing, condescendingSURLY rude and bad-temperedSURREPTITIOUS characterized by secrecySYBARITE person devoted to pleasure and luxurySYCOPHANT self-serving flatterer, yes-manSYNCOPATION temporary irregularity in musical rhythm

TTABLEAU vivid description, striking incident or sceneTALISMAN something producing a magical effectTANTAMOUNT equivalent in value or significance; amounting toTEMERITY recklessnessTEMPORAL relating to time; chronologicalTENABLE defensible, reasonableTENET belief, doctrineTENUOUS weak, insubstantialTHRENODY a sad poem or songTRAMMEL to impede or hamperTRENCHANT acute, sharp, incisive; forceful, effectiveTRITE shallow, superficialTRUCULENT savage and cruel; fierce; ready to fightTURGID swollen, bloatedTURPITUDE inherent vileness, foulness, depravityTYRO beginner, novice

UUMBRAGE offense, resentmentUNCTUOUS greasy, oily; smug and falsely earnestUNFETTERED free, unrestrainedUNSULLIED cleanUNTOWARD not favorable; unrulyURBANE courteous, refined, suaveUSURY lending money at exorbitant rates

VVACUOUS empty, void; lacking intelligence, purposelessVARIEGATED varied; marked with different colorsVIRILE manly, having qualities of an adult maleVISCOUS thick, syrupy, and stickyVITIATE reduce in value or effectivenessVITRIOLIC burning, caustic; sharp, bitterVITUPERATE to abuse verballyVOCIFEROUS loud, vocal, and noisyVOLUBLE speaking much and easily, talkative; glib

WWASPISH easily irritatedWIZENED withered, shriveled, wrinkledWRAITH a ghost

XXENOPHOBIA fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers

ZZENITH highest point, summit

Hit-parade Group 1 aberrant deviating from the normalacrity eager and enthusiastic willingnessanomaly deviation from the normal order, form, or rule; abnormalityapprobation an expression of approval or praiseassuage to ease or lessen; to appease or pacifyaudacious daring and fearless; recklessly bold

capriciousinclined to change one's mind impulsively; erratic; unpredictable

censure to criticize severely; to officially rebukechicanery trickery or subterfugeconnoisseur an informed and astute judge in matters of taste; expertdiscordant conflicting; dissonant or harsh in sounddisparate fundamentally distinct or dissimilareloquent well-spoken; expressive; articulateenervate to weaken; to reduce in vitality

ennuidissatisfaction and restlessness resulting from boredom or apathy

equivocate to use ambiguous language with a deceptive intentexculpate exonerate; to clear of blameexigent urgent; pressing; requiring immediate action or attention

filibusterintentional obstruction, esp. using prolonged speechmaking to delay legislative action

ingenuous artless; frank and candid; lacking in sophisticationinured accustomed to accepting something undesirableirascible easily angered; prone to temperamental outburstslaud to praise highly

magnanimitythe quality of being generously noble in mind and heart, esp. in forgiving

martial associated with war and the armed forcesmundane of the world; typical of or concerned with the ordinarynascent coming into being; in early developmental stagesnebulous vague; cloudy; lacking clearly defined form

neologisma new word, expression, or usage; the creation or use of new words or senses

noxious harmful; injurious

obtuselacking sharpness of intellect; not clear or precise in thought or expression

obviate to anticipate and make unnecessaryonerous troubling; burdensome

parodya humorous imitation intended for ridicule or comic effect, esp. in literature and art

perennialrecurrent through the year or many years; happening repeatedly

perfunctory cursory; done without care or interestprattle to babble meaninglessly; to talk in an empty and idle manner

prescienceforeknowledge of events; knowing of events prior to their occurring

prevaricate to deliberately avoid the truth; to misleadrefute to disprove; to successfully argue againstrelegate to forcibly assign, esp. to a lower place or positionsolicitous concerned and attentive; eagersporadic occurring only occasionally, or in scattered instancesstatic not moving, active, or in motion; at reststupefy to stun, baffle, or amazetortuous winding; twisting; excessively complicatedtruculent fierce and cruel; eager to fight

voracioushaving an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit; ravenous

waver to move to and fro; to sway; to be unsettled in opinion

Hit-parade Group 2 abscond to depart clandestinely; to steal off and hideameliorate to make better or more tolerablearduous strenuous; taxing; requiring significant effort

asceticone who practices rigid self-denial, esp. as an act of religious devotion

austere without adornment; bare; severely simple; asceticaxiom a universally recognized principleaxiomatic taken as a given; possessing self-evident truth

bucolicrustic and pastoral; characteristic of rural areas and their inhabitants

canonicalfollowing or in agreement with accepted, traditional standards

contentiousargumentative; quarrelsome; causing controversy or disagreement

convoluted complex or complicatedculpable deserving blamedisabuse to undeceive; to set righteclectic composed of elements drawn from various sourceseffrontery extreme boldness; presumptuousnessephemeral brief; fleetingerudite very learned; scholarlyeulogy a speech honoring the deadextemporaneous improvised; done without preparationfacetious playful; humorousfulminate to loudly attack or denouncehyperbole an exaggerated statement, often used as a figure of speechlucid clear; easily understood

oscillationthe act or state of swinging back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm

paean a song or hymn of praise and thanksgivingpenurious penny-pinching; excessively thrifty; ungenerousperfidy intentional breach of faith; treacherypernicious extremely harmful; potentially causing deathperspicacious acutely perceptive; having keen discernment

piousextremely reverent or devout; showing strong religious devotion

precipitate acting with excessive haste or impulseprecipitate to cause or happen before anticipated or requiredprecursor one that precedes and indicates or announces anotherpredilection a disposition in favor of something; preferenceprolific producing large volumes or amounts; productivequalms misgivings; reservations; causes for hesitancyquiescence stillness; motionlessness; quality of being at restrecant to retract, esp. a previously held beliefredoubtable awe-inspiring; worthy of honorreticent quiet; reserved; reluctant to express thoughts and feelings

satirea literary work that ridicules or criticizes a human vice through humor or derision

sordid characterized by filth, grime, or squalor; foulsqualid sordid; wretched and dirty as from neglectsquander to waste by spending or using irresponsiblystoic indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain; steadfaststymie to block; thwartsupplant to take the place of; supersedesynthesis the combination of parts to make a wholetorpid lethargic; sluggish; dormanttorque a force that causes rotation

ubiquitousexisting everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; widespread

veracity truthfulness; honestyvilify to defame; to characterize harshly

virulentextremely harmful or poisonous; bitterly hostile or antagonistic

Hit-parade Group 3 abate to lessen in intensity or degreeaccolade an expression of praiseadulation excessive praise; intense adoration

aestheticdealing with, appreciative of, or responsive to art or the beautiful

avarice greed, esp. for wealthburgeon to grow rapidly or flourishcacophony harsh, jarring, discordant sound; dissonance

canonan established set of principles or code of laws, often religious in nature

castigation severe criticism or punishment

catalysta substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without itself changing

catalyst a person or thing that causes changecaustic burning or stinging; causing corrosionchary wary; cautious; sparingcogent appealing forcibly to the mind or reason; convincingcomplaisance the willingness to comply with the wishes of otherscontrite regretful; penitent; seeking forgivenessdearth smallness of quantity or number; scarcity; a lackdemur to question or opposedidactic intended to teach or instruct

discretioncautious reserve in speech; ability to make responsible decisions

disinterested indifferent; free from self-interestdogmatic stubbornly opinionated

ebulliencethe quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts and feelings

elegy a mournful poem, esp. one lamenting the deademollient soothing, esp. to the skin; making less harshempirical based on observation or experimentenigmatic mysterious; obscure; difficult to understandesoteric intended for or understood by a small, specific groupexonerate to remove blamefallacy an invalid or incorrect notion; a mistaken belieffurtive marked by stealth; covert; surreptitiousgregarious sociable; outgoing; enjoying the company of other peopleharangue to deliver a pompous speech or tiradeheretical violating accepted dogma or conventionimpecunious lacking funds; without moneyincipient beginning to come into being or to become apparentinert unmoving; lethargic; sluggishinnocuous harmless; causing no damageintransigent refusing to compromiseinveigle to obtain by deception or flatterymorose sad; sullen; melancholyodious evoking intense aversion or dislikeopaque impenetrable by light; not reflecting lightperuse to examine with great carepreen to dress up; to primp; to groom oneself with elaborate careprodigious abundant in size, force, or extent; extraordinaryputrefy to rot; to decay and give off a foul odorquaff to drink deeply

sanctionauthoritative permission or approval; a penalty intended to enforce compliance

urbane sophisticated; refined; elegantviscous thick; sticky

Hit-parade Group 4 acerbic having a sour or bitter taste or characteramalgamate to combine several elements into a wholeamenable agreeable; responsive to suggestionbolster to provide support or reinforcementbombast self-important or pompous writing or speechbombastic pompous; grandiloquentcredulous tending to believe too readily; gulliblediatribe a harsh denunciationfawn to flatter or praise excessivelyfervent greatly emotional or zealousflout to demonstrate contempt for, as in a rule or conventionfortuitous happening by fortunate accident or chancegarrulous pointlessly talkative; talking too muchgermane relevant to the subject at hand; appropriate in subject matter

glibmarked by ease or informality; nonchalant; lacking in depth; superficial

halcyon calm and peacefulhubris arrogant presumption or prideidolatrous given to intense or excessive devotion to somethingimminent about to happen; impendingimperturbable marked by extreme calm, impassivity and steadinessimpetuous hastily or rashly energetic; impulsive and vehementimplacable not capable of being appeased or significantly changedindifferent having no interest or concern; showing no bias or prejudiceintrepid steadfast and courageouslaconic using few words; tersemalleable capable of being shaped or formed; tractable; pliable

maverickan independent individual who does not go along with a group or party

mendacity the condition of being untruthful; dishonestymercurial characterized by rapid and unpredictable change in moodmeticulous characterized by extreme care and precision; attentive to detailmollify to calm or soothe; to reduce in emotional intensityobdurate unyielding; hardhearted; intractableobfuscate to deliberately obscure; to make confusingobsequious exhibiting a fawning attentivenessobstinate stubborn; hardheaded; uncompromisingopprobrium disgrace; contempt; scornostentatious characterized by or given to pretentiousness

pedanticthe parading of learning; excessive attention to minutiae and formal rules

pervade to permeate throughout

pervasive having the tendency to permeate or spread throughoutphlegmatic calm; sluggish; unemotionalpirate to illegally use or reproduceplethora an overabundance; a surpluspolemical controversial; argumentativepragmatic practical rather than idealisticrancorous characterized by bitter, long-lasting resentment

rhetoricthe art or study of effective use of language for communication and persuasion

salubrious promoting health or well-beingsedulous diligent; persistent; hard-working

solventable to meet financial obligations; able to dissolve another substance

soporific causing drowsiness; tending to induce sleep

Hit-parade Group 5aggrandize to increase in intensity, power, or prestige

alchemya medieval science aimed at the transmutation of metals, esp. base metals into gold

anachronismsomething or someone out of place in terms of historical or chronological context

astringent having a tightening effect on living tissue; harsh; severecontiguous sharing a border; touching; adjacentconvention a generally agreed-upon practice or attitude

cynicisman attitude or quality of belief that all people are motivated by selfishness

decorum polite or appropriate conduct or behaviorderision scorn; ridicule; contemptuous treatmentdesiccate to dry out or dehydrate; to make dry or dull

dilettanteone with an amateurish or superficial interest in the arts or a branch of knowledge

disparage to slight or belittledivulge to disclose something secretimmutable not capable of changeinimical damaging; harmful; injuriousintractable not easily managed or directed; stubborn; obstinateneophyte a recent convert; a beginner; novice

presumptuousoverstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy); taking liberties

pristine pure; uncorrupted; cleanprobity adherence to highest principles; uprightnessproclivity a natural predisposition or inclinationprofligate excessively wasteful; recklessly extravagant

propensity a natural inclination or tendency; penchantprosaic dull; unimaginativepungent characterized by a strong, sharp smell or tastequixotic foolishly impractical; marked by lofty romantic idealsquotidian occurring or recurring daily; commonplacerarefy to make or become thin, less dense; to refinerecondite hidden; concealed; difficult to understand; obscurerefulgent radiant; shiny; brilliantrenege to fail to honor a commitment; to go back on a promiseshard a piece of broken pottery or glasssparse thin; not dense; arranged at widely spaced intervalsspendthrift one who spends money wastefullysubtle not obvious; elusive; difficult to discerntacit implied; not explicitly statedterse brief and concise in wordingtout to publicly praise or promotetrenchant sharply perceptive; keen; penetratingunfeigned genuine; not false or hypocriticaluntenable indefensible; not viable; uninhabitable

vacillateto waver indecisively between one course of action or opinion and another; to waver

variegatedmulticolored; characterized by a variety of patches of different color

vexation annoyance; irritationvigilant alertly watchful

vituperateto use harsh condemnatory language; to abuse or censure severely or abusively; to berate

volatile readily changing to a vapor; changeable; fickle; explosive

Hit-parade Group 6acumen quick, keen, or accurate knowledge or insightadulterate to reduce purity by combining with inferior ingredients

archaicoutdated; associated with an earlier, perhaps more primitive, time

aver to state as a fact; to confirm or supportdissemble to disguise or conceal; to misleadeccentric departing from norms or conventions

endemiccharacteristic of or often found in a particular locality, region, or people

evanescent tending to disappear like vapor; vanishing

exacerbate to make worse or more severegrandiloquence pompous speech or expressionhackneyed rendered trite or commonplace by frequent usage

hedonismdevotion to pleasurable pursuits, esp. to the pleasures of the senses

hegemony the consistent dominance of one state or ideology over others

iconoclastone who attacks or undermines traditional conventions or institutions

impassive revealing no emotionimpunity immunity from punishment or penaltyinchoate in an initial stage; not fully formedinfelicitous unfortunate; inappropriateinsipid without taste or flavor; lacking in spirit; blandloquacious extremely talkativeluminous characterized by brightness and the emission of lightmalevolent having or showing often vicious ill-will, spite, or hatredmisanthrope one who hates all other humansmitigate to make or become less severe or intense; to moderateocclude to obstruct or blockpedagogy the art or profession of training, teaching, or instructingpenury poverty; destitutionpine to yearn intensely; to languish; to lose vigorpith the essential or central partpithy precise and briefplacate to appease; to calm by making concessionsplatitude a superficial remark, esp. one offered as meaningfulplummet to plunge or drop straight downprodigal recklessly wasteful; extravagant; profuse; lavishprofuse given or coming forth abundantly; extravagantproliferate to grow or increase swiftly and abundantlyqueries questions; inquiries; doubts in the mind; reservationsquerulous prone to complaining or grumbling; quarrelsomerecalcitrant obstinately defiant of authority; difficult to managerepudiate to refuse to have anything to do with; to disownrescind to invalidate; to repeal; to retract

reverentmarked by, feeling, or expressing a feeling of profound awe and respect

speciousseeming true, but actually being fallacious; misleadingly attractive

spurious lacking authenticity or validity; false; counterfeitsubpoena a court order requiring appearance and/or testimonysuccinct brief; concisesuperfluous exceeding what is sufficient or necessarysurfeit excess; overindulgencetenacity the quality of adherence or persistence to something valuedtenuous having little substance or strength; flimsy; weaktirade a long and extremely critical speech; a harsh denunciationtransient fleeting; passing quickly; brief

zealous fervent; ardent; impassioned

Beyond Hit-parade Group 1

alloy(v) to commingle; to debase by mixing with something inferior

appropriate (v) to take for one's own use; confiscatearrest (v) to suspend; to engage; holding oneaugust (adj) majestic, venerablebent (n) leaning, inclination, proclivity, tendencybroach (v) bring up, announce, begin to talk aboutbrook (v) to tolerate, endure, countenancecardinal (adj) majorchauvinist (n) a blindly devoted patriotcolor (v) to change as if by dyeing, i.e., to distort, gloss or affect

consequential(adj) pompous, self-important (primary definitions are: logically following; important)

damp (v) to diminish the intensity or check the vibration of a sounddie (n) a tool used for shapingessay (v) to test or try; attempt, experimentexact (v) to demand, call for; require, takefell (v) to cause to fall by strikingfell (adj) inhumanly cruelflag (v) to sag or droop, to become spiritless, to declineflip (adj) sarcastic, impertinentford (v) to wade across the shallow part of a stream or rivergrouse (v) to complain or grumble

guy(n/v) a rope, cord or cable attached to something as a brace or guide; to steady or reinforce using a guy (think "guide")

intimate (v) to imply, suggest or insinuatelist (v) to tilt or lean to one sidelumber (v) to move heavily and clumsilymeet (adj) fitting, propermilk (v) to exploit, to squeeze for every last ounce of

mince(v) pronounce or speak affectedly, euphemize, speak too carefully

nice (adj) exacting, fastidious, extremely preciseobtain (adj) to be established, accepted, or customaryoccult (adj) hidden, concealed, beyond comprehensionpedestrian (adj) commonplace, trite, unremarkable, quotidianpied (adj) multicolored, usually in blotchespine (v) to lose vigor (as through grief); to yearnplastic (adj) moldable, pliable, not rigidpluck (n) courage, spunk, fortitudeprize (v) to pry; to press or force with a leverrail (v) to complain about bitterly

rent (v/n) torn; past of red/an opeing or a tear caused by suchquail (v) to lose courage; turn frightenedqualify (v) to limitsap (n) a fool or nitwitscurvy (adj) contemptible, despicablesingular (adj) exceptional, unusual, oddstand (n) a group of treessteep (v) to saturate or completely soakstrut (n) the supporting structural cross-part of a wingtable (v) to remove from considerationtender (v) to proffer or offerwaffle (v) to equivocate; to change one's positionwag (n) wit; joker

Beyond Hit-parade Group 2abjure (v) to renounce or reject solemnly; to recant; to avoid

adumbrate(v) to foreshadow vaguely or intimate; to suggest or outline sketchily; to obscure or overshadow

anathema(n) a solemn or ecclesiastical (religious) curse; accursed or thoroughly loathed person or thing

anodyne(adj/n) soothing, something that assuages or allays pain or comforts

apogee (n) farthest or highest point; culmination; zenith

apostate(n) one who abandons long held religious or political convictions

apotheosis(n) deification, glorification to godliness, an exhalted example, a model of excellence or perfection

asperity (n) severity, rigor, roughness, harshness, acrimony, irritabilityasseverate (v) to aver, allege, assertassiduous (adj) diligent, hardworkingaugury (n) omen, portentbellicose (adj) belligerent, pugnacious, warlikecalumniate (v) to slander, make a false accusation

captious(adj) disposed to point out trivial faults; calculated to confuse or entrap in argument

cavil (v) to find fault without good reasoncelerity (n) speed, alacrity (think accelerate)chimera (n) an illusion; originally a fire-breathing she-monstercontumacious (adj) insubordinate, rebelliousdebacle (n) rout, fiasco, complete failuredenouement (n) an outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plotdescry (v) to discriminate or discern

desuetude (n) disusedesultory (adj) random; aimless; marked by a lack of plan or purposediaphanous (adj) transparent, gauzy

diffident(adj) (adj) reserved, shy, unassuming; lacking in self-confidence

dirge (n) a song of grief or lamentationencomium (n) glowing and enthusiastic praise; panegyric, tribute, eulogyeschew (v) to shun or avoidexcoriate (v) to censure scathingly, to upbraidexecrate (v) denounce, feel loathing for, curse, declare to be evilexegesis (n) critical examination, explicationexpiate (v) to atone or make amends forextirpate (v) to destroy, exterminate, cut out, exscindfatuous (adj) silly, inanely foolishfractious (adj) quarrelsome, rebellious, unruly, refractory, irritablegainsay (v) to deny, dispute, contradict, opposeheterodox (adj) unorthodox, heretical, iconoclasticimbroglio (n) difficult or embarrassing situationindefatigable (adj) not easily exhaustible; tireless; doggedineluctable (adj) certain; inevitableinimitable (adj) one of a kind; peerlessinsouciant (adj) unconcerned, carefree, heedlessinveterate (adj) deep rooted, ingrained, habitual

jejune(adj) vapid, uninteresting, nugatory, childish, immature, puerile

lubricious (adj) lewd, wanton, greasy, slipperymendicant (n) a beggar, supplicant

meretricious(adj) cheap, gaudy, tawdry, flashy, showy; attracting by false show

minatory (adj) menacing, threateningnadir (n) low point, perigeenonplussed (adj) baffled, bewildered, at a loss for what to do or thinkobstreperous (adj) noisily and stubbornly defiant, aggressively boisterous

ossified(adj) tending to become more rigid, conventional, sterile, and reactionary with age; literally, turned into bone

palliate(v) to make something seem less serious, to gloss over, to make less severe or intense

panegyric (n) formal praise, eulogy, encomiumparsimonious (adj) cheap, miserlypellucid (adj) transparent, easy to understand, limpidperoration (n) the concluding part of a speech; flowery, rhetorical speechplangent (adj) pounding, thundering, resoundingprolix (adj) long-winded, verbosepropitiate (v) to appease, to conciliatepuerile (adj) childish, immature, jejune, nugatorypuissance (n) power, strengthpusillanimous (adj) cowardly, cravenremonstrate (v) to protest, object

sagacious (adj) having sound judgment; perceptive, wise; like a sagesalacious (adj) lustful, lascivious, bawdysalutary (adj) remedial, wholesome, causing improvementsanguine (adj) cheerful, optimistic, confidentsaturnine (adj) gloomy, dark, sullen, morose

sententious(adj) aphoristic or moralistic; epigrammatic; tending to moralize excessively

stentorian (adj) extremely loud and powerfulstygian (adj) gloomy, darksycophant (n) toady, servile, self-seeking flatterer; parasitetendentious (adj) biased; showing marked tendenciestimorous (adj) timid, fearful, diffidenttyro (n) novice, greenhorn, rank amateurvitiate (v) to corrupt, debase, spoil, make ineffectivevoluble (adj) fluent, verbal, having easy use of spoken language