abridge shorten

abroad overseas

THE
abrogate cancel
abrupt ending suddenly
abscess infected and inflamed tissue
abscond to run away (secretly)
absolve acquit, free from blame
abstain refrain

WORDS
A acclimate accustom oneself to a
a cappella without accompaniment
à la carte priced separately
a priori reasoning based on general
principles
aback unexpected, surprised
abacus counting device
abandon desert, forsake
abase degrade
abash humiliate, embarrass
abate lessen, subside
abatement alleviation
abbey monastery
abbreviate shorten
abdicate relinquish power or
position
abdomen belly
abduct kidnap
aberrant abnormal
abet aid, encourage (typically of
crime)
abeyance postponement
abhor detest
abide submit, endure
abject wretched
abjure renounce
ablate cut away
ablution cleansing
abode home
abolish annul, eliminate
abominable detestable
aboriginal indigenous, native
abortive unsuccessful
abound be plentiful
abreast side-by-side
abstract theoretical, intangible
abstruse difficult to understand
abut touch, border on
abysmal deficient, sub par
abyss chasm
academy school
accede yield, agree
accentuate emphasize
accession attainment of rank
accessory attachment, accomplice
acclaim recognition, fame
climate, adjust
acclivity ascent, incline
accolade applause, tribute
accommodate adapt, assist, house
10 Vocabulary 4000
accomplice one who aids a
lawbreaker
accord agreement
accost to approach and speak to
someone aggressively
accouter equip, clothe
accredit authorize
accrete grow larger
accrue accumulate
accumulate amass
acerbic caustic, bitter (of speech)
acme summit, zenith
acolyte assistant (usually to clergy)
acoustic pertaining to sound
acquaint familiarize
acquiesce agree passively
acquit free from blame
acrid pungent, caustic, choking
acrimonious caustic, resentful
acrophobia fear of heights
actuate induce, start
acumen insight
acute sharp, intense
ad nauseam to a ridiculous degree
ad-lib improvise
adage proverb
adamant insistent
adapt adjust to changing conditions
adaptable pliable
addendum appendix, supplement
adduce offer as example aggrieved unjustly injured
adept skillful aghast horrified
adhere stick to agile nimble
adherent supporter agitate stir up
adieu farewell agnate related on the father’s side
adipose fatty agnostic not knowing whether God
adjacent next to exists
adjourn suspend, discontinue agrarian pertaining to farming
adjudicate judge agronomy science of crop
adjunct addition production
administer manage air discuss, broadcast
admissible allowable airs pretension
admonish warn gently akimbo with hands on hips
ado fuss, commotion akin related
Adonis a beautiful man al fresco outdoors
adroit skillful alacrity swiftness
adulation applause, worship albatross large sea bird
adulterate contaminate, corrupt albino lacking pigmentation
adumbration overshadow alcove recess, niche
advent arrival of something important alias assumed name
adventitious accidental, extrinsic alibi excuse
adversary opponent alienate estrange, antagonize
adverse unfavorable, opposing alight land, descend, to happen to
adversity hardship find a place to rest
advise give counsel allay to reassure
advocate urge, support allege assert without proof
aegis that which protects, sponsorship allegiance loyalty
aerial pertaining to the air allegory fable
aerobics exercise allegro fast
aesthetic pleasing to the senses, alleviate lessen, assuage
beautiful alliteration repetition of the same
affable friendly sound
affect influence allocate distribute
affectation pretense, showing off allot allocate, ration
affidavit sworn written statement allude refer to indirectly
affiliate associate ally unite for a purpose
affiliation connection, association almanac calendar with additional
affinity fondness information
affix fasten alms charity
affliction illness aloof arrogant, detached
affluent abundant, wealthy altercation argument
affray brawl altitude height
affront insult alto low female voice
aficionado devotee, ardent follower altruism benevolence, generosity
afoul entangled, in trouble amalgamation mixture
aft rear amass collect
aftermath consequence ambient surrounding, environment
agape wonder ambiguous unclear
agenda plan, timetable ambivalence conflicting emotions
agent provocateur agitator ambulatory able to walk
aggrandize exaggerate ameliorate improve
aggravate worsen amenable agreeable
aggregate total, collect amend correct
aggressor attacker amenities courtesies, comforts
aggrieve mistreat amenity pleasantness
amiable friendly apartheid racial segregation
amid among apathetic unconcerned, uninterested
amiss wrong, out of place apathy indifference
amity friendship, good will ape mimic
amnesty pardon aperture opening
amoral without morals apex highest point
amorous loving, sexual aphasia speechless
amorphous shapeless aphorism maxim
amortize pay by installments aplomb poise
amphibious able to operate in water apocalyptic ominous, doomed
and land apocryphal of doubtful authenticity
amphitheater oval-shaped theater apoplexy stroke
amuck murderous frenzy apostate one who abandons one’s
amulet charm, talisman faith
amuse entertain apotheosis deification
anachronistic out of historical order appall horrify
anaerobic without oxygen apparition phantom
anagram a word formed by appease pacify
rearranging the letters of another word appellation title
analgesic pain-soother append affix
analogous similar apposite apt
analogy point by point comparison apprehensive anxious, worried
anarchist terrorist, nihilist apprise inform
anarchy absence of government, chaos approbation approval
anathema curse, abomination apropos appropriate
anecdote story apt suitable
aneurysm bulging in a blood vessel aptitude ability
angst anxiety, dread aquatic pertaining to water
animadversion critical remark arbiter judge
animated exuberant arbitrament final judgment
animosity dislike arbitrary tyrannical, capricious
animus hate arcane secret, difficult to understand
annals historical records archaic antiquated
annex to attach, to take possession of archetype original model, epitome
annihilate destroy archipelago group of island
annotate to add explanatory notes archives public records
annul cancel ardent passionate
annular ring-shaped ardor passion
anodyne pain soothing arduous hard
anoint consecrate, apply ointment argonauts gold-seekers, adventurers
anomalous abnormal argot specialized vocabulary, jargon
anonymity state of being aria operatic song
anonymous arid dry, dull
antagonistic hostile aristocrat nobleman
antagonize harass armada fleet of ships
antechamber waiting room armistice truce
antediluvian ancient, obsolete arraign indict
anthology collection array arrangement
anthrax disease, bacterium arrears in debt
antic caper, prank arrogate seize without right
antipathy repulsion, hated arroyo gully
antipodal exactly opposite arsenal supply, stockpile of weapons
antiquated outdated, obsolete artful skillful, cunning
antiquity ancient times articulate well-spoken
antithesis direct opposite artifice trick
artless naive, simple authorize grant, sanction
ascend rise automaton robot
ascendancy powerful state autonomous self-governing
ascertain discover auxiliary secondary, supportive
ascetic self-denying avail assistance
ascribe to attribute avant garde vanguard
aseptic sterile avarice greed
ashen pale avatar incarnation
asinine stupid averse loath, reluctant
askance to view with suspicion avert turn away
askew crooked avian pertaining to birds
aspersion slander avid enthusiastic
asphyxiate suffocate avocation hobby
aspirant contestant avouch attest, guarantee
aspiration ambition avow declare
assail attack avuncular like an uncle
assassin murderer awry crooked
assent agree axiom self-evident truth
assert affirm aye affirmative vote
assess appraise azure sky blue
assiduous hard-working
assimilate absorb, integrate
assonance partial rhyme
B
babbittry smugness
assuage lessen (pain) bacchanal orgy, drunken celebration
astral pertaining to stars badger pester
astringent causing contraction, badinage banter
severe bagatelle nonentity, trifle
astute wise bailiwick area of concern or business
asunder apart, into separate parts baleen whalebone
asylum place of refuge baleful hostile, malignant
asymmetric uneven balk hesitate
atavistic exhibiting the characteristics balky hesitant
of one’s forebears ballad song
atelier workshop ballast counterbalance
atoll reef ballistics study of projectiles
atomize vaporize balm soothing ointment
atone make amends banal trite
atrophy the wasting away of muscle bandy exchange
attenuate weaken, assuage bane poison, nuisance
attest testify barbarian savage
attire dress bard poet
attribute ascribe baroque ornate
attrition deterioration, reduction barrister lawyer
atypical abnormal bask take pleasure in, sun
au courant well informed, chic basso low male voice
audacity boldness bastion fort
audient listening, attentive bathos sentimentality
audition tryout batten fasten, board up
augment increase, supplement battery physical attack
augur predict bauble trinket
august noble, majestic beatify sanctify
aura atmosphere, emanation beatitude state of bliss
auspices patronage, protection beckon lure
auspicious favorable becoming proper
austere harsh, Spartan bedlam uproar
befit to be suitable bivouac encampment
beget produce, procreate blandish flatter, grovel
begrudge resent, envy blasé bored with life
beguile deceive, seduce blasphemy insulting God
behemoth monster bleak cheerless, forlorn
behest command blight decay
beholden in debt, obliged bliss happiness
belabor assail verbally, dwell on blithe joyous
belated delayed, overdue bloated swollen
beleaguer besiege bode portend
belfry bell tower bogus forged, false
belie misrepresent, disprove bogy bugbear
belittle disparage boisterous noisy
bellicose warlike bolt move quickly and suddenly
belligerent combative bombast pompous speech
bellow shout bon vivant gourmet, epicure
bellwether leader, guide bona fide made in good faith
bemoan lament bonanza a stroke of luck
bemused bewildered boon payoff, windfall
benchmark standard boor vulgar person
benediction blessing bootless unavailing
benefactor patron booty loot, stolen goods
benevolent kind botch bungle
benign harmless bourgeois middle class
bent determined bovine cow-like
bequeath will boycott abstain in protest
bequest gift, endowment bracing refreshing
berate scold brackish salty
bereave to rob, to deprive somebody of brandish display menacingly
a love one, especially through death bravado feigned bravery
bereft deprived of bravura technically difficult, brilliant
berserk crazed with anger brawn strength
beseech implore, beg brevity shortness of expression
beset harass, encircle brigand robber
besiege beleaguer, surround brink edge, threshold
besmirch slander, sully broach bring up a topic for
bespeak attest conversation
bestial beast-like, brutal bromide cliché
bestow offer, grant brook tolerate
betrothed engaged browbeat to bully
bevy group brusque curt
bibliography list of sources of bucolic rustic
information buffet blow, pummel
bicameral having two legislative buffoon fool, joker
branches bulwark fortification
bicker quarrel buncombe empty, showy talk
biennial occurring every two years buoyant floatable, cheerful
bilateral two-sided burgeon sprout
bilious ill-tempered burlesque farce
bilk swindle burly husky
biodegradable naturally decaying buttress support
biopsy removing tissue for
examination
biped two-footed animal
C
cabal a group of conspirators
bistro tavern, cafe cabaret night club
cache hiding place catastrophic disastrous
cachet prestige categorical absolute, certain
cacophony dissonance, harsh noise cathartic purgative, purifying
cadaver corpse catholic universal, worldly
cadaverous haggard caucus meeting
cadence rhythm cause célèbre celebrated legal case
cadet a student of a military academy caustic scathing (of speech)
cadge beg cauterize to sear
cadre small group cavalier disdainful, nonchalant
cajole encourage, coax caveat warning
calamity disaster caveat emptor buyer beware
calculating scheming cavil quibble
caliber ability, character cavort frolic
callous insensitive cede transfer ownership, relinquish
callow inexperienced celestial heavenly
calumny slander celibate abstaining from sex
camaraderie fellowship cenotaph empty tomb, monument
canaille rabble censorious condemning speech
canard hoax censure condemn
candid frank, unrehearsed ceramics pottery
candor frankness cerebral pertaining to the brain
canine pertaining to dogs cessation a stoping
canon rule chafe abrade
cant insincere speech chagrin embarrassment
cantankerous peevish chalice goblet
cantata musical composition champion defend
canvass survey chaperon escort
capacious spacious charade pantomime, sham
capillary thin tube charlatan quack, imposter
capital most significant, pertaining chartreuse greenish yellow
to wealth chary cautious
capitol legislative building chaste pure, virgin
capitulate surrender chasten castigate
capricious fickle, impulsive chateau castle
caption title cheeky brass, forward
captious fond of finding fault in cherub cupid
others cherubic sweet, innocent
captivate engross, fascinate chicanery trickery
carafe bottle chide scold
carbine rifle chimerical imaginary, dreamlike
carcinogenic causing cancer choleric easily angered
carcinoma tumor chortle laugh, snort
cardinal chief chronic continual (usually of illness)
cardiologist one who studies the chronicle a history, record
heart chronology arrangement by time
careen swerve churl a boor
carrion decaying flesh chutzpah gall
cartographer mapmaker Cimmerian dim, unlit
cascade waterfall cipher zero, nobody, a code
cashmere fine wool from Asia circa about (of time)
Cassandra unheeded prophet circuitous roundabout
castigate criticize circumcise remove the foreskin
castrate remove the testicles circumlocution roundabout
casuistry specious reasoning expression
cataclysm catastrophe circumspect cautious
circumvent evade, thwart
citadel fortress
citation summons to appear in court
clamor noise
clan extended family
clandestine secret
claustrophobia fear of enclosed
places
cleave split
cleft split
clemency forgiveness
clique a small group
cloister refuge, monastery
clone duplicate
clout influence
cloven split
cloy glut, to sicken by excess
cloyed jaded
co-opt preempt, usurp
coagulate thicken
coalesce combine
coda concluding passage
coddle pamper
codicil supplement to a will
coercion force
coffer strong box
cogent well-put, convincing
cogitate ponder
cognate from the same source
cognizant aware, mindful
cognomen family name
cohabit live together
cohere stick together
cohort an associate
coiffure hairdo
collaborate work together
collar seize, arrest
collateral securities for a debt
colloquial informal speech
colloquy conference
collusion conspiracy
colonnade row of columns
comatose stupor
combine unite, blend
commandeer seize for military use
commemorate observe
commend praise
commensurate proportionate
commiserate empathize
commissary food store
commission authorization to
perform a task
commodious spacious
commodity product
commodore naval officer
communion fellowship
commutation exchange,
substitution
commute lessen punishment
compact covenant
compassion kindness
compatible well-matched, harmonious
compatriot countryman
compelling convincing, persuasive
compendium summary
compensate make up for
compensatory redeeming
competence skillfulness
compile collect
complacent self-satisfied, oblivious
to coming danger
compliant submissive, conforming
complicity guilt by association
comport to conduct oneself
composed cool, self-possessed
compound augment
comprehensive thorough
comprise consist of
compulsive obsessive
compulsory obligatory
compunction remorse
concatenate link
concave curving inward
concede yield, grant
concerted done together, intensive
effort
conch spiral shell
conciliatory reconciling, restoring
goodwill
concise brief
conclusive convincing, ending doubt
concoct devise
concomitant accompanying,
concurrent
concord accord
concordat agreement
concourse throng, open space for a
gathering
concubine mistress
concur agree
concurrent simultaneous
condescend patronize, talk down to
condiment seasoning
condolence commiseration
condone overlook wrong doing,
pardon
conducive helping
conduit pipe
confabulate discuss, give a
fictitious account of a past event
confection candy contort twist
confederacy alliance contraband illicit goods
confer bestow contraction shrinkage
conference meeting contractual related to a contract
confidant trusted friend contrariety opposition
confide trust another (with secrets) contrast difference, comparison
confiscate seize contravene oppose
conflagration large fire contretemps unfortunate occurrence
confluence flowing together contrite apologetic
confound bewilder contrive arrange, artificial
confront challenge controversial subject to dispute
confuse perplex controvert dispute
confute disprove contumacy disobedience
congeal solidify contusion bruise
congenial friendly conundrum puzzle, enigma
congenital inborn, existing from birth convene assemble (a group)
congeries pile conventional customary, standard
congruence conformity converge come together
coniferous bearing cones conversant familiar
conjecture hypothesis, speculation converse opposite
conjugal pertaining to marriage convex curving outward
conjure summon convey communicate
connive conspire conviction strongly held belief
connoisseur an expert, gourmet convivial sociable, festive
consanguineous related by blood convocation gathering
conscientious honorable, upright convoke convene, summon
conscription draft, enlistment convoluted twisted, complicated
consecrate make holy copious abundant
consecutive one after another coquette a flirt
consensus general agreement cordial friendly
considered well thought-out, cordon bond, chain, barrier
contemplated cornucopia cone-shaped horn filled
consign assign with fruit
consolation comfort, solice corollary consequence
console comfort coronation crowning of a sovereign
consolidate unite, strengthen corporeal of the body
consonant harmonious corps group of people
consort spouse corpulent fat
consortium cartel corroborate confirm
conspicuous obvious cortege procession
conspire plot coruscate sparkle
constellation arrangement of stars cosmopolitan worldly, sophisticated
consternation anxiety, bewilderment cosset coddle
constrained confined coterie small group
construe interpret countenance facial expression
consummate perfect countermand overrule
contagion infectious agent counterstrike strike back
contemplate meditate countervail counterbalance
contempt disdain coup master stroke, sudden takeover
contend struggle coup de grâce final stroke, a blow
contented satisfied of mercy
contentious argumentative court-martial military trial
contiguous adjacent, abutting courtesan prostitute
continence self-control courtier member of the king’s court
contingent conditional covenant agreement, pact
covert secret dearth scarcity
covet desire debacle a rout, defeat
cower showing fear debase degrade
crass crude debauch corrupt
crave desire (D) phenomenal (E) accountable
craven cowardly debauchery indulgence
credence belief debilitate weaken
credenza buffet debonair sophisticated, affable
credulity gullibility debrief interrogate, inform
credulous believing debunk refute, expose
creed belief debutante a girl debuting into
crescendo becoming louder society
crestfallen dejected decadence decay (e.g. moral or
crevice crack cultural)
cringe cower decant pour
criterion a standard used in judging decapitate kill by beheading
critique examination, criticism decathlon athletic contest
croon sing deceive trick
cruet bottle deciduous shedding leaves
crux gist, key decimate destroy
cryptic mysterious, puzzling decipher decode
cubism a style of painting decline decrease in number
cudgel club decommission take a ship out of
culinary pertaining to cooking service
cull pick out, select decorous seemly, dignified
culminate climax decorum protocol, etiquette
culpable blameworthy decree official order
culprit offender decrepitude enfeeblement
culvert drain decry castigate
cumbersome unwieldy deduce conclude
cumulative accumulate deduct subtract
cupidity greed deem judge
curb restrain, block deface mar, disfigure
curmudgeon boor, bad-tempered defamation (noun) slander
curriculum course of study defame (verb) slander
curry seek favor by flattery defeatist one who is resigned to
cursory hasty defeat
curt abrupt, rude defer postpone
curtail shorten deference courteously yielding to
cyclone storm another
cynical scornful of the motives or deficit shortage
sincerity of others defile pollute, corrupt
cynosure celebrity, center of attention definitive conclusive, final
czar Russian emperor deflect turn aside

D
deflower despoil
defraud swindle
dab touch lightly defray pay
dais platform deft skillful
dally procrastinate, linger defunct extinct
dank cold and damp degrade demean
dauntless courageous dehydrate dry out
de facto actual, in effect deign condescend
de jure legally deity a god
de rigueur very formal, compulsory delectable delicious
deadpan expressionless delegate authorize
delete remove despot tyrant
deleterious harmful destitute poor
deliberate ponder desuetude disuse
delineate draw a line around, describe desultory without direction in life
delinquent negligent, culpable detached emotionally removed
delirium mental confusion, ecstasy detain confine
delude deceive détente truce
deluge a flood detention confinement
delve dig, explore (of ideas) deter discourage, prevent
demagogue a politician who appeals deterrent hindrance, disincentive
to base instincts detract lessen, undermine
demean degrade detractor one who criticizes
demeanor behavior detrimental harmful
demented deranged detritus debris
demise death devastate lay waste
demobilize disband deviate turn away from
demography study of human devise plan
populations devoid empty
demoralize dishearten devotee enthusiast, follower
demote lower in rank devout pious
demur take (mild) exception, balk diabolical devilish
demure sedate, reserved dialectic pertaining to debate
denigrate defame diaphanous sheer, translucent
denizen dweller diatribe long denunciation
denomination class, sect dicey risky
denote signify, stand for dichotomy a division into two parts
denouement resolution dictate command
30 Vocabulary 4000 dictum saying
denounce condemn didactic instructional
denude strip bare diffident shy
depart leave digress ramble
depict portray dilapidated neglected
deplete exhaust dilate enlarge
deplore condemn dilatory procrastinating
deploy arrange forces dilemma a difficult choice
deportment behavior, posture dilettante amateur, dabbler
deposition testimony diligent hard-working
depravity immorality, wickedness diminution reduction
deprecate belittle diocese district
depredation preying on, plunder dire dreadful
deprive take away dirigible airship, blimp
deracinate uproot disabuse correct
derelict negligent disaffect alienate
deride ridicule disarray disorder
derisive mocking disavow deny, disown
derogatory degrading disband disperse
derrick crane disburse pay out
desecrate profane, defile discernible visible
desiccate dehydrate discerning observant
designate appoint disclaim renounce
desist stop disconcert confuse
desolate forsaken disconsolate inconsolable
despicable contemptible discord lack of harmony
despise loathe discourse conversation
despondent depressed discreet prudent
discrepancy difference, disagreement diversion pastime
discrete separate diversity variety
discretion prudence, the ability to divest strip, deprive
make well-reasoned decisions dividend distributed profits
discriminating able to see differences divine foretell
discursive rambling divisive causing conflict
disdain contempt divulge disclose
disengage release, detach docile domesticated, trained
disfigure mar, ruin dock curtail
disgruntled disappointed doctrinaire dogmatic
dishevel muss document verify
disinclination unwillingness dodder tremble
disingenuous deceptive, insincere dogged persistent
disinter unearth doggerel poor verse
disinterested impartial dogmatic certain, unchanging in
disjointed disconnected, incoherent opinion
dismal gloomy dolce sweetly and gently
dismantle take apart doldrums dullness
dismay dread doleful sorrowful
disparage belittle dolorous gloomy
disparate various domicile home
disparity difference, inequality dominion area of authority
dispassionate impartial don assume, put on
dispatch send donor contributor
dispel cause to banish dormant asleep
disperse scatter dossier file
dispirit discourage dotage senility
disposition attitude, temper doting attending
dispossess take away possessions double-entendre having two
disputatious fond of arguing meanings one of which is sexually
dispute debate suggestive
disquietude anxiety doughty resolute, unafraid
disquisition elaborate treatise dour sullen
disrepute disgrace dowager widow
dissemble pretend, hide true beliefs doyen dean of a group
disseminate distribute draconian harsh
dissent disagree with the majority dregs residue, riffraff
dissertation lecture drivel inane speech
dissidence disagreement droll amusing
dissipate scatter, squander drone speak in a monotonic voice
dissolute profligate, immoral dubious doubtful
dissolution disintegration ductile stretchable
dissonance discord 34 Vocabulary 4000
dissuade deter dudgeon resentment, indignant
distend swell humor
distortion misinterpret, lie duenna governess
distract divert duet twosome
distrait preoccupied, absent-minded dulcet melodious
distraught distressed dupe one who is easily trick, victim
distrust suspect duplicity deceit, treachery
dither move without purpose duress coercion
diurnal daily dynamic energetic
diva prima donna
diverge branch off
diverse varying
E
ebb recede
ebullient exuberant embrangle embroil
eccentric odd, weird embroil involve with trouble
ecclesiastical churchly embryonic rudimentary, nascent
echelon degree, rank emend correct
éclat brilliance emergent appearing
eclectic from many sources emeritus retired, but retaining title
ectoderm top layer of skin eminent distinguished, famous
ecumenical universal, promoting emissary messenger
unity emote to display exaggerated
edict order emotion
edifice building empathy compassion, sympathy
edify instruct employ make use of
editorialize express an opinion empower enable, grant
educe draw forth, evoke emulate imitate
efface obliterate enact decree, ordain
effeminate unmanly enamored charmed, captivated
effervescence exuberance enate related on the mother’s side
effete worn out encapsulate condense
efficacious effective enchant charm
efficacy effectiveness enclave area enclosed within another
effigy likeness, mannequin region
effloresce to bloom encomium praise
effrontery insolence encompass contain, encircle
effulgent brilliant encore additional performance
effusion pouring forth encroach trespass
egocentric self-centered encumber burden
egregious grossly wrong encyclopedic comprehensive
egress exit endear enamor
ejaculate exclaim endeavor attempt, strive
eke supplement with great effort, strain endemic peculiar to a particular region
elaboration detailed explanation endocrinologist one who studies
elate raise spirits glands of internal secretion
electorate voters endoderm within the skin
eleemosynary pertaining to charity endorse approve
elegant refined, exquisite endowment property, gift
elegiac sad endure to suffer without giving up
elephantine large enervate weaken
elicit provoke enfranchise liberate, grant the right
elide omit to vote
elite upper-class engaging enchanting, charming
ellipsis omission of words engender generate, prompt
eloquent well-spoken engrave carve into a material
elucidate make clear, explain engross captivate
elude evade engulf overwhelm
elusive evasive enhance improve
emaciated underfed, gaunt enigmatic puzzling
T he Words 35 enjoin urge, order, forbid
emancipate liberate enlighten inform
emasculate castrate, dispirit enlist join
embargo restriction enmity hostility, hatred
embellish exaggerate, adorn ennoble exalt
embezzlement theft ennui boredom, world-weariness
emblazon imprint, brand enormity large, tragic
embody personify ensemble musical group
embrace accept, adopt enshroud cover, obscure
ensnare trap, lure estimable meritorious
ensue follow immediately estrange alienate
entail involve, necessitate eternal endless
enterprise undertaking ethereal light, airy
enthrall mesmerize ethical conforming to accepted
entice lure standards of behavior
entomology the study of insects ethos beliefs of a group
entourage assemblage, staff etiquette manners
entreat plead etymology study of words
entrench fortify euphemism genteel expression
entrepreneur businessman euphoria elation
enumerate count euthanasia mercy-killing
enviable desirable evade avoid
envision imagine, visualize evanescent fleeting, very brief
envoy messenger evangelical proselytizing
eon long period of time evasive elusive
ephemeral short-lived eventful momentous
epic majestic, a long narrative poem eventual ultimate, coming
epicure gourmet eventuate bring about
epidemic spreading rapidly evidential pertaining to evidence
epidemiology study of the spread evince attest, demonstrate
of disease eviscerate disembowel
epigram saying evoke draw forth
episode incident evolution gradual change
epistemology the branch of ewe female sheep
philosophy dealing with knowledge ex officio by virtue of position
epithet name, appellation exacerbate worsen
epoch era exact use authority to force payment
epoxy glue exacting demanding, difficult
equable even-tempered exalt glorify
equanimity composure, poise exasperate irritate
equine pertaining to horses excerpt selection, extract
equitable fair excision removal
equivocate make intentionally exclaim shout
ambiguous exclude shut out
era period of time exclusive prohibitive
eradicate abolish excommunicate expel
ergo therefore excruciate torture
erode wear away execrable abominable
err mistake, misjudge execute put into effect
errant wandering exegesis interpretation
erratic constantly changing exemplary outstanding
erroneous mistaken exempt excuse
ersatz artificial exhaustive thorough
erudite learned exhibitionist one who draws
erupt burst forth attention to himself
escalate intensify exhort strongly urge
escapade adventure exhume uncover
escarpment a steep slope exigency urgency
eschew avoid exiguous scanty
esoteric known by only a few exile banish
esplanade boardwalk exodus departure, migration
espouse advocate exonerate free from blame
esteem respect exorbitant expensive
esthetic artistic exorcise expel
expanse extent of land
expansive sweeping
expedient advantageous
expedite hasten
expel drive out
expertise knowledge, ability
expiate atone
expletive curse, invective
expliate atone
explicate explain
explicit definite, clear
exploit utilize, milk
expose divulge, reveal
expostulate protest
expound explain
expropriate dispossess, confiscate
expunge erase
exquisite beautifully made
extant existing
extemporize improvise
extent scope
extenuate mitigate
extirpate seek out and destroy
extol praise highly
extort obtain under duress
extract to pull out, exact
extradite deport, deliver
extraneous not essential
extrapolate infer
extremity farthest point, boundary
extricate disentangle
extroverted outgoing
extrude force out
exuberant joyous
exude emit
exult rejoice
fanaticism excessive zeal
fane temple
fanfare publicity
farcical absurd, ridiculous
farrago mixture
fascism totalitarianism, extreme
nationalism
fastidious meticulous
fatal resulting in death
fathom understand
fatuity foolishness
fatuous inane, stupid
fauna animals
faux pas false step, mistake
fealty loyalty
feasible likely to succeed
feat deed, remarkable achievement
febrile feverish, delirious
feckless incompetent
fecund fertile
feign pretend
felicity happiness
felonious criminal
femme fatale a woman who leads
men to their destruction
fend ward off
feral untamed, wild
ferment turmoil
ferret rummage through
fertile fruitful
fervor intensity
fester decay, to make someone
increasingly bitter
festive joyous
festoon decorate
fete to honor with an event

F
fetid stinking
fetters shackles
fabrication a lie fey eccentric, whimsical
facade mask, front of a building fiasco debacle
facet aspect fiat decree
facetious joking, sarcastic fickle always changing one’s mind
facile easy fictitious invented, imaginary
facilitate make easier fidelity loyalty
facility skill figment falsehood, fantasy
facsimile duplicate filch steal
faction clique, sect filial son
factious causing disagreement filibuster long speech
factitious artificial fillip stimulus
factotum handyman finale conclusion
fallacious false finesse skill
fallacy false belief firebrand agitator
fallow unproductive, unplowed firmament sky
falsetto high male voice fiscal monetary
falter waver fitful starting and stopping irregularly
fjord coastal inlet fuming angry
flabbergasted amazed, bumdfounded furlough leave of absence
flagellate whip furor commotion
flagrant outrageous, blatant furtive stealthy
flail whip, to thrash something around fusillade bombardment
uncontrollably and menacingly futile hopeless
fledgling just beginning, struggling
flippant pert, glib, dismissive
florid ruddy, ornate
G
gaffe embarrassing mistake
flout to show disregard for the law or gainful profitable
rules gainsay contradict
fluctuate waver, vary galvanize excite to action
foible weakness, minor fault gambit plot, strategy
foil defeat, thwart gamut range, scope
foist palm off a fake gargantuan large
foment instigate garner gather
font source, fountainhead, set of type garnish decorate
forage search for food garrote stranglehold
foray raid garrulous talkative
forbear abstain, restrain oneself gauche awkward
force majeure superior force genealogy ancestry
foreboding ominous generic general
foreclose exclude genesis beginning
forensic pertaining to debate genetics study of heredity
foresight ability to predict the genre kind, category
future genteel elegant, refined
forestall thwart, preempt genuflect kneel in reverence
forgo relinquish (usually voluntarily) genuine authentic, sincere
forsake abandon geriatrics pertaining to old age
forswear deny germane relevant
forthright frank ghastly horrible
forthwith immediately gibe heckle
fortify strengthen gingivitis inflammation of the gums
fortitude resilience, courage gist essence (of an argument)
fortuitous lucky glabrous without hair
foster encourage, cultivate glaucoma disorder of the eye
founder sink. fail glean gather
fracas noisy fight glib insincere manner
fragile easily broken glower stare angrily
fragmented broken into fragments glut surplus, excess
fraternity brotherhood glutton one who eats too much
fraught filled gnarl deform
frenetic harried, neurotic gnome dwarf-like being
fret worry goad encourage, provoke
fritter squander googol a very large number
frivolity playfulness gorge stuff, satiate
frolic romp, play gorgon ugly person
frond bending tree gormandize eat voraciously
frugal thrifty gory bloody
fruitful productive gossamer thin and flimsy
42 Vocabulary 4000 Gothic medieval style of architecture
fruition realization, completion gouge overcharge
fruitless unprofitable, barren gracious kindness, politeness
fulminate denounce, menace gradient incline, rising by degrees
fulsome excessive, insincere gradual by degrees, changing slowly
grandiose impressive, large heliocentric having the sun as a
granular grainy center
grapple struggle helix a spiral
gratis free helots slaves
gratitude thankfulness herald harbinger
gratuitous unwarranted, uncalled for herbivorous feeding on plants
gratuity tip Herculean powerful, large
gravamen the essential part of an hermetic airtight, sealed
accusation hermit one who lives in solitude
gravity seriousness herpetologist one who studies
gregarious sociable reptiles
grievous tragic, heinous heterodox departing form established
grimace expression of disgust or pain doctrines
grisly gruesome heuristic teaching device or method
grovel crawl, obey, beg hew cut
grudging reluctant heyday glory days, prime
guffaw laughter hiatus interruption
guile deceit hibernal wintry
gullible easily deceived hidalgo nobleman
gusto great enjoyment hidebound prejudiced, provincial
guttural throaty hideous horrible
gyrate whirl hie to hasten

H
highbrow intellectual
hirsute bearded
habitat natural environment histrionic overly dramatic
habituate accustom holograph written entirely by hand
hackneyed trite homage respect
haggard gaunt homely plain
halcyon serene homily sermon
hale healthy homogeneous uniform
hallucination delusion homonym words that are identical in
hamper obstruct spelling and pronunciation
hapless unlucky hone sharpen
harangue tirade horde group
harass torment hortatory inspiring good deeds
harbinger forerunner hospice shelter
harbor give shelter, conceal hovel shanty, cabin
hardy healthy hoyden tomboy
harlequin clown hubris arrogance
harp complain incessantly hue color
harridan hag humane compassionate
harrowing distressing humanities languages and literature
harry harass humility humbleness
haughty arrogant hummock knoll, mound
haven refuge humus soil
havoc destruction, chaos husbandry management
hearsay gossip hybrid crossbreed
hedonism the pursuit of pleasure in hydrophobia fear of water
life hygienic sanitary
heed follow advice hymeneal pertaining to marriage
heedless careless hymn religious song
hegemony authority, domination hyperactive overactive
hegira a journey to a more pleasant hyperbole exaggeration
place hypertension elevated blood
heinous vile, atrocious pressure
hypocritical deceiving, two-faced
hypoglycemic low blood sugar
hypothermia low body temperature
I
ibidem in the same place
ichthyology study of fish
iconoclast one who rails against
sacred institutions
idiosyncrasy peculiarity
idyllic natural, picturesque
ignoble dishonorable
ilk class, clan
illicit unlawful
illimitable limitless
illusory fleeting, deceptive
illustrious famous
imbibe drink
imbue infuse
immaculate spotlessly clean
immaterial irrelevant
immense huge
immerse bathe, engross
imminent about to happen
immobile still
immolate sacrifice (especially by fire)
immunity exemption from
prosecution
immure build a wall around
immutable unchangeable, absolute
impair injure
impale pierce
impartial not biased
impasse deadlock
impassioned fiery, emotional
impassive calm
impeach accuse, charge
impeccable faultless
impecunious indigent
impede hinder
impediment obstacle
impel urge, force
impending approaching, imminent
imperative vital, pressing
imperceptible slight, intangible
imperialism colonialism
imperil endanger
imperious domineering
impertinent insolent
imperturbable calm, unflappable
impervious impenetrable, unreceptive
impetuous impulsive
impetus stimulus, spark
impinge encroach, touch
implant instill
implausible unlikely, improbable
implement carry out, execute
implicate incriminate
implicit implied
implore entreat
implosion bursting inward
impolitic unwise, inappropriate
imponderable difficult to estimate
import meaning, significance
importune urgent request
imposing intimidating, stately
imposition intrusion, burden
impotent powerless
impound seize
imprecation curse, inculcate
impregnable invincible
impresario promoter
impressionable susceptible, easily
influenced
impressionism a style of painting
imprimatur sanction
impromptu spontaneous
improvise invent
impudence insolence
impugn criticize, accuse
impulse inclination, sudden desire
impulsive to act suddenly
impunity exemption from harm
impute charge
in toto in full, entirely
inadvertent unintentional
inadvisable not recommended
inalienable that which cannot be
taken away
inane vacuous, stupid
inanimate inorganic, lifeless
inaudible cannot be heard
inaugurate induct (with a ceremony)
inborn innate
incalculable immeasurable
incandescent brilliant
incantation chant
incapacitate disable
incarcerate imprison
incarnate embody, personify
incendiary inflammatory
incense enrage
incentive stimulus, inducement
incessant unceasing
incest sex among family members
inchoate just begun
incidental insignificant, minor
incinerate burn
incipient beginning
incision cut
incisive keen, penetrating inevitable unavoidable, predestined
incite foment, provoke inexorable relentless
incivility rudeness infallible unerring
inclement harsh, stormy infamous notorious
inclusive comprehensive infamy shame
incognito disguised infantry foot soldiers
incommunicado unable to infatuate immature love
communicate with others infer conclude
incomparable peerless infernal hellish
incompatibility inability to live infidel nonbeliever
in harmony infidelity disloyalty
inconceivable unthinkable infiltrate trespass
incongruous out of place, absurd infinitesimal very small
inconsiderate thoughtless, insensitive infirmary clinic
inconspicuous not noticeable infirmity ailment
incontrovertible indisputable inflammatory incendiary
incorporate combine influx inflow
incorrigible unreformable infraction violation
incredulous skeptical infringe encroach
increment step, increase infuriate enrage
incriminate accuse infuse inspire, instill
incubus nightmare ingenious clever, resourceful
inculcate instill, indoctrinate ingrate ungrateful person
inculpate accuse ingratiate pleasing, flattering,
incumbent obligatory endearing
incursion raid ingress entering
indecent offensive, lewd inherent innate, inborn
indecorous unseemly inhibit restrain
indelible permanent inimical adverse, hostile
indemnity insurance inimitable peerless
indict charge iniquitous unjust, wicked
indifferent unconcerned iniquity sin, injustice
indigenous native initiate begin
indigent poor initiation induction ceremony
indignant resentment of injustice injunction command
indiscreet lacking sound judgment, inkling hint
rash innate inborn
indiscriminate random innervate invigorate
indispensable vital, essential innocuous harmless
indistinct blurry, without clear innovative new, useful idea
features innuendo insinuation
indolent lazy inopportune untimely
indomitable invincible inordinate excessive
indubitable unquestionable inquest investigation
induce persuade, provoke inquisition interrogation
indulge succumb to desire inquisitive curious
indurate harden insatiable gluttonous
industrious hard-working inscribe engrave
inebriate intoxicate inscrutable cannot be fully
ineffable inexpressible understood
ineffectual futile insensate without feeling
ineluctable inescapable insidious treacherous, sinister
inept unfit, incompetent insignia emblems
inert inactive insinuate allude
inestimable priceless, immeasurable insipid flat, dull
insolent insulting
insolvent bankrupt
insouciant nonchalant
installment portion, payment
instant at once
instigate incite
insubordinate disobedient
insufferable unbearable
insular narrow-minded
insuperable insurmountable
insurgent rebellious
insurrection uprising
intangible not perceptible by touch
integral essential
integrate make whole
integration unification
integument a covering
intelligentsia the intellectual elite
of society
intensive extreme, concentrated
inter bury
intercede plead on behalf of another
intercept prevent, cut off
interdict prohibit
interject interrupt
interloper intruder
interlude intermission
interminable unending
internecine mutually destructive
interpolate insert
interpose insert
interregnum interval between two
successive reigns
interrogate question
intersperse scatter
interstate between states
intervene interfere, mediate
intestate leaving no will
intimate allude to, hint
intractable unmanageable
intransigent unyielding
intrepid fearless
intricate complex
intrigue plot, mystery
intrinsic inherent
introspection self-analysis
inundate flood
inure accustom, habituate, harden
invalidate disprove, nullify
invective verbal insult
inveigh to rail against
inveigle lure, wheedle
inventive cleaver, resourceful
inverse directly opposite
inveterate habitual, chronic
invidious incurring ill-will
invincible cannot be defeated
inviolate sacred, unchangeable
invocation calling on God
irascible irritable
irate angry
ironic oddly contrary to what is
expected
irrational illogical
irrelevant unrelated, immaterial
irreparable cannot be repaired
irresolute hesitant, uncertain
irrevocable cannot be rescinded
isosceles having two equal sides
itinerant wandering
itinerary route
J
jabberwocky nonsense
jaded spent, bored with one’s
situation
jargon specialized vocabulary
jaundiced biased, embittered
jeer mock
jejune barren, unsophisticated
jest joke
jilt reject, end a relationship promptly
jingoistic nationalistic, warmongering
jocular humorous
jostle push, brush against
journeyman reliable worker
joust combat between knights on
horses
jubilant in high spirits
judicious prudent
juggernaut unstoppable force
jugular throat
juncture pivotal point in time
junoesque stately beauty
junta small ruling group
jurisdiction domain
jurisprudence law
justify excuse, mitigate
juvenescent making young, growing
out of infancy and into childhood
juxtapose to place side by side
K
kaleidoscope series of changing
events
keen of sharp mind
ken purview, range of comprehension
kindle arouse, inspire
kindred similar, related by blood
kinetic pertaining to motion liaison relationship, affair
kismet fate, the will of Allah libertarian one who believes in
kite bad check complete freedom
kitsch trashy art libertine roué, rake
kleptomania impulse to steal libidinous lustful
knave con man licentious lewd, immoral
knead massage, to fold, press, and lien financial claim
stretch a substance into a uniform mass lieutenant one who acts in place of
knell sound of a bell another
Koran holy book of Islam ligature bond
kowtow behave obsequiously ligneous woodlike
kudos acclaim Lilliputian very small

L
limerick poem
limn portray, describe
labyrinth maze limpid transparent, clearly
lacerate tear, cut understood
lachrymose tearful linchpin something that is
lackey servant indispensable
laconic brief, terse lineage ancestry
lactic derived from milk linguistics study of language
lacuna a missing part, gap liquidate eliminate
laggard loafer, slacker lissome agile, supple
lagniappe bonus listless lacking spirit or interest
laity laymen litany list
lambent softly radiant lithe supple
lament mourn litigate contest with a lawsuit
lamina layer litotes two negative statement that
lampoon satirize cancel to make a positive statement
languish weaken liturgy ceremony
lanyard short rope livid enraged
larceny theft loath reluctant
largess generous donation loathe abhor, dislike
lascivious lustful lofty high
lassitude lethargy logistics means of supplying troops
latent potential, dormant logo symbol
laudatory commendable logy sluggish
laurels fame, success loquacious talkative
lave wash lothario rake, womanizer
lavish extravagant lout goon, hoodlum
lax loose, careless lucid clearly understood
laxity carelessness lucrative profitable
layman nonprofessional lucre money, profit
lectern reading desk ludicrous absurd
leery cautious, doubtful lugubrious extremely sad
legacy bequest luminous bright
legerdemain trickery lupine wolf-like
legible readable lure entice
legislate make laws lurid ghastly, sensational
legitimate lawful luster gloss,sheen
lenient forgiving luxuriant lush, lavish
lethargic drowsy, sluggish lynch to execute by hanging without a
levee embankment, dam trial
leviathan a monster
levity frivolity M
liable legally responsible macabre gruesome
Machiavellian politically crafty,
cunning
machination plot
macrobiosis longevity
macroscopic visibly large
maelstrom whirlpool
magisterial arbitrary, dictatorial
magnanimous generous, kindhearted
magnate a powerful, successful
person (especially of business)
magnitude size
magnum opus masterpiece
maim injure, disfigure
maladjusted disturbed
maladroit clumsy
malady illness
malaise uneasiness, weariness
malapropism comical misuse of a
word
malcontent one who is forever
dissatisfied
malediction curse
malefactor evildoer
malevolence bad intent, malice
malfeasance wrong doing (especially
by an official of government)
malice spite
malign defame
malignant virulent, pernicious
malinger shirk
malleable moldable, tractable
malodorous fetid
mammoth huge
manacle shackle
mandate command
mandatory obligatory
mandrill baboon
mania madness, obsession
manifest obvious, evident
manifesto proclamation
manifold multiple, diverse
manslaughter killing another
person without malice
manumit set free
manuscript unpublished book
mar damage
marauder plunderer
marginal insignificant
marionette puppet
maroon abandon
marshal array, mobilize
martial warlike
martinet disciplinarian
martyr sacrifice, symbol
masochist one who enjoys pain
masticate chew
mastiff large dog
mastodon extinct elephant
maternal motherly
maternity motherhood
matriarch matron
matriculate enroll (usually in school)
matrix array
matutinal early, morning
maudlin weepy, sentimental
maul rough up
mausoleum tomb
maverick a rebel, individualist
mawkish sickeningly sentimental
mayhem mutilation, chaos
mea culpa my fault
meager scanty
meander roam, ramble
median middle
mediocre average
medley mixture
megalith ancient stone monument
melancholy reflective, gloomy
melee riot
mellifluous sweet sounding
melodious melodic
memento souvenir
memoir autobiography
memorabilia things worth
remembering
memorandum note
menagerie zoo
mendacity untruth
mendicant beggar
menial humble, degrading
mentor teacher
mercantile commercial
mercenary calculating, venal
mercurial changeable, volatile
metamorphosis a change in form
mete distribute
meteoric swift, dazzling
meteorology science of weather
methodical systematic, careful
meticulous extremely careful,
precise
metier occupation
metonymy the substitution of a
phrase for the name itself
mettle courage, capacity for bravery
miasma toxin fumes
mien appearance, bearing
migrate travel
milieu environment
militant combative, activist
militate work against moribund near death
milk extract morose sullen
millennium thousand-year period morphine painkilling drug
minatory threatening morsel bite, piece
mince chop, moderate mortify humiliate
minion subordinate mosque temple
minstrel troubadour mote speck
minuscule small motif artistic theme
minute very small motive reason for doing something
minutiae trivia motley diverse
mirage illusion mottled spotted
mire marsh, a situation that is difficult motto slogan, saying
to escape from mountebank charlatan
mirth jollity mousy drab, colorless
misanthrope hater of mankind muckraker reformer
misappropriation use dishonestly muffle stifle, quiet
misbegotten illegitimate, obtained mulct defraud
by dishonest means multifarious diverse, many-sided
miscarry abort multitude throng
miscegenation intermarriage between mundane ordinary
races munificent generous
miscellany mixture of items murmur mutter, mumble
misconstrue misinterpret muse ponder
miscreant evildoer muster to gather one’s forces
misgiving doubt, hesitation mutability able to change
misnomer wrongly named mute silent
misogyny hatred of women mutilate maim
T he Words 59 mutiny rebellion
misshapen deformed mutter murmur, grumble
missive letter muzzle restrain, stifle
mitigate lessen the severity myopic narrow-minded
mnemonics that which aids the myriad innumerable
memory myrmidons loyal followers
mobilize assemble for action mystique mystery, aura
mobocracy rule by mob mythical fictitious
modicum pittance
modish chic
module unit
N
nadir lowest point
mogul powerful person narcissism self-love
molest bother, sexually assault narrate tell, recount
mollify appease nascent incipient
molten melted natal related to birth
momentous of great importance nativity the process of birth
monocle eyeglass naturalize grant citizenship
monolithic large and uniform ne’er-do-well loafer, idler
monologue long speech nebulous indistinct
monstrosity distorted, abnormal necromancy sorcery
form nefarious evil
moot disputable, no longer relevant negate cancel
moral ethical negligible insignificant
morale spirit, confidence nemesis implacable foe
morass swamp, difficult situation neologism newly coined expression
moratorium postponement neonatal newborn
mordant biting, sarcastic neophyte beginner
mores moral standards nepotism favoritism
nervy brash
nether under
nettle irritate
neurotic disturbed
neutralize offset, nullify
nexus a link between two or more
people or things
nicety euphemism
niche nook, an activity that well
suits a person’s talents
niggardly stingy
nimble spry
nirvana bliss, the attainment of
spiritual enlightenment
noctambulism sleepwalking
nocturnal pertaining to night
nocturne serenade
noisome harmful, disgusting
nomad wanderer
nomenclature terminology
nominal slight, in name only
nominate propose, recommend
somebody for a position
nominee candidate
nonchalant casual
noncommittal neutral, circumspect
nondescript lacking distinctive
features
nonentity person of no significance
nonesuch paragon, one in a thousand
nonpareil unequaled, peerless
nonpartisan neutral, uncommitted
nonplus confound, befuddle
notable remarkable, noteworthy
noted famous
notorious wicked, widely known
nouveau riche newly rich
nova bright star
novel new, unique
novice beginner
noxious toxic
nuance shade, subtlety
nub crux, crucial point
nubile marriageable
nugatory useless, worthless
nuisance annoyance
nullify void
nullity nothingness
numismatics coin collecting
nurture nourish, foster
nymph goddess
O
oaf awkward person
obdurate unyielding, hardhearted
obeisance homage, deference
obelisk tall column, monument
obese fat
obfuscate bewilder, muddle
obituary eulogy
objective (adj.) unbiased
objective (noun) goal
objectivity impartiality
oblation offering, sacrifice
obligatory required, compulsory
oblige compel
obliging accommodating, considerate
oblique indirect
obliquity perversity
obliterate destroy
oblong elliptical, oval
obloquy slander
obscure vague, unclear
obsequious fawning, servile
obsequy funeral ceremony
observant watchful
obsolete outdated
obstinate stubborn
obstreperous noisy, unruly
obtain gain possession
obtrusive forward, meddlesome
obtuse stupid
obviate make unnecessary
Occident the West
occlude block
occult mystical, secret, relating to
the supernatural or witchcraft
octogenarian person in her eighties
ocular optic, visual
ode poem
odious despicable
odoriferous pleasant odor
odyssey journey
offal inedible parts of a butchered
animal
offertory church collection
officiate supervise
officious forward, obtrusive
offset counterbalance
ogle flirt
ogre monster, demon
oleaginous oily
oligarchy aristocracy
olio medley
ominous threatening
omnibus collection, compilation
omnipotent all-powerful
omniscient all-knowing
onerous burdensome
onslaught powerful attack
ontology the study of the nature of pacifist one who opposes all
existence violence
onus burden pacify appease
opaque nontransparent pact agreement
operative working paean a song of praise
operetta musical comedy pagan heathen, ungodly
opiate narcotic page attendant
opine think, express an opinion pageant exhibition, show
opportune well-timed, appropriate pains great effort, attention to detail
oppress persecute painstaking taking great care, thorough
oppressive burdensome palatial grand, splendid
opprobrious abusive, scornful palaver babble, nonsense
opprobrium disgrace Paleolithic stone age
oppugn assail paleontologist one who studies
opt decide, choose fossils
optimum best condition pall to become dull or weary
optional elective palliate assuage
opulence wealth pallid pale, sallow
opus literary work or musical palpable touchable
composition palpitate beat, throb
oracle prophet palsy paralysis
oration speech paltry scarce
orator speaker pan criticize
orb sphere panacea cure-all
orchestrate organize panache flamboyance
ordain appoint pandemic widespread, plague
orderly neat, arranged pandemonium din, commotion
ordinance law pander cater to people’s baser
ordnance artillery instincts
orient align, familiarize panegyric praise
orison prayer pang short sharp pain
ornate lavishly decorated panoply full suit of armor
ornithology study of birds panorama vista
orthodox conventional pant gasp, puff
oscillate waver, swing pantomime mime
ossify harden pantry storeroom
ostensible apparent, seeming papyrus paper
ostentatious pretentious parable allegory
ostracize banish, shun paradigm a model
otherworldly spiritual paragon standard of excellence
otiose idle parameter limit
ouster ejection paramount chief, foremost
outmoded out-of-date paramour lover
outré eccentric paranoid obsessively suspicious,
outset beginning demented
ovation applause paranormal supernatural
overrule disallow parapet rampart, defense
overture advance, proposal paraphernalia equipment
overweening arrogant, forward paraphrase restatement
overwhelm overpower parcel package
overwrought overworked, highstrung parchment paper
ovum egg, cell pare peel

P
parenthetical in parentheses
pariah outcast
pachyderm elephant parish fold, church
parity equality pedestrian common
parlance local speech pedigree genealogy
parlay increase peerage aristocracy
parley conference peevish cranky
parochial provincial pejorative insulting
parody imitation, ridicule pell-mell in a confused manner
parole release pellucid transparent
paroxysm outburst, convulsion pen write
parrot mimic penance atonement
parry avert, ward off penchant inclination
parsimonious stingy pend depend, hang
parson clergyman pending not decided, awaiting
partake share, receive, consume penitent repentant
partial incomplete pensive sad
partiality bias penurious stingy
parting farewell, severance penury poverty
partisan supporter peon common worker
partition division per se in itself
parvenu newcomer, social climber perceptive discerning
pasquinade satire percolate ooze, permeate
passé outmoded perdition damnation
passim here and there peregrination wandering
pastel pale peremptory dictatorial
pasteurize disinfect T he Words 67
pastoral rustic perennial enduring, lasting
patent obvious perfectionist purist, precisionist
paternal fatherly perfidious treacherous (of a person)
pathetic pitiful perforate puncture
pathogen agent causing disease perforce by necessity
pathogenic causing disease perfunctory careless
pathos emotion perigee point nearest to the earth
patrician aristocrat perilous dangerous
patrimony inheritance peripatetic walking about
patronize condescend periphery outer boundary
patronymic a name formed form the perish die
name of a father perishable decomposable
patter walk lightly perjury lying
paucity scarcity permeate spread throughout
paunch stomach permutation reordering
pauper poor person pernicious destructive, evil
pavilion tent peroration conclusion
pawn (noun) tool, stooge perpendicular at right angles
pawn (verb) pledge perpetrate commit
pax peace perpetual continuous, everlasting
peaked wan, pale, haggard perpetuate cause to continue
peal reverberation, outburst perpetuity eternity
peccadillo a minor fault perplex puzzle, bewilder
peculate embezzle perquisite reward, bonus
peculiar unusual persecute harass
peculiarity characteristic persevere persist, endure
pedagogical pertaining to teaching persona social facade
pedagogue dull, formal teacher personable charming, friendly
pedant pedagogue personage official, dignitary
pedantic bookish personify embody, exemplify
peddle sell personnel employees
perspicacious keen
perspicacity discernment, keenness
persuasive convincing
pert flippant, bold
pertain to relate
pertinacious persevering
pertinent relevant
perturbation agitation
peruse read carefully
pervade permeate
pessimist cynic, naysayer
pestilence disease
petite small
petition a written request
petrify calcify, shock
petrology study of rocks
pettifogger unscrupulous lawyer
petty trivial, niggling
petulant irritable, peevish
phantasm apparition
phenomena unusual natural events
philanthropic charitable
philanthropist altruist
philatelist stamp collector
philippic invective
Philistine barbarian
philosophical contemplative
phlegmatic sluggish
phobia fear
phoenix rebirth
physic laxative, cathartic
physique frame, musculature
picaresque roguish, adventurous
picayune trifling
piecemeal one at a time
pied mottled, brindled
piety devoutness
pilfer steal
pillage plunder
pillory punish by ridicule
pine languish, to long for someone
or something
pinnacle highest point
pious devout, holy
piquant tart-tasting, spicy
pique sting, arouse interest
piscine pertaining to fish
piteous sorrowful, pathetic
pithy concise
pitiable miserable, wretched
pittance alms, driblet
pittance trifle
pivotal crucial
pixilated eccentric, possessed
placard poster
placate appease
placid serene
plagiarize pirate, counterfeit
plaintive expressing sorrow
platitude trite remark
platonic nonsexual
plaudit acclaim
pleasantry banter, persiflage
plebeian common, vulgar
plebiscite referendum
plenary full
plentiful abundant
pleonasm redundancy, verbosity
plethora overabundance
pliable flexible
pliant supple, flexible
plight sad situation
plucky courageous
plumb measure
plummet sudden short fall
plutocrat wealthy person
plutonium radioactive material
poach steal
podgy fat
podium stand, rostrum
pogrom massacre, mass murder
poignant pungent, sharp, heartbreaking
polemic a controversy
polity methods of government
poltroon dastard
polychromatic many-colored
polygamist one who has many
wives
ponder muse, reflect
ponderous heavy, bulky
pontiff bishop
pontificate to speak at length
pootroon coward
porcine pig-like
porous permeable, spongy
porridge stew
portend signify, augur
portent omen
portly large
portmanteau suitcase
posit stipulate
posterior rear, subsequent
posterity future generations
posthaste hastily
posthumous after death
postulate supposition, premise
potent powerful
potentate sovereign, king
potion brew
potpourri medley
potter aimlessly busy
pragmatic practical
prate babble
prattle chatter
preamble introduction
precarious dangerous, risky
precedent an act that serves as an
example
precept principle, law
precinct neighborhood
precipice cliff
precipitate cause
precipitous steep
précis summary
precise accurate, detailed
preclude prevent
precocious more developed than is
expected at a particular age
preconception prejudgment, prejudice
precursor forerunner
predacious plundering
predecessor one who proceeds
predestine foreordain
predicament quandary
predicate to base an opinion on
something
predilection inclination
predisposed inclined
preeminent supreme
preempt commandeer
preen groom
prefabricated ready-built
prefect magistrate
preference choice
preferment promotion
prelate primate, bishop
preliminary introductory
prelude introduction
premeditate plan in advance
premonition warning
prenatal before birth
preponderance predominance
prepossessing appealing, charming
preposterous ridiculous
prerequisite requirement
prerogative right, privilege
presage omen
prescribe urge
presentable acceptable, well-mannered
preside direct, chair
pressing urgent
prestidigitator magician
prestige reputation, renown
presume assume, deduce
presumptuous assuming,
overconfident
presuppose assume
pretense affectation, excuse
pretentious affected, inflated
preternatural abnormal, supernatural
pretext excuse
prevail triumph
prevailing common, current
prevalent widespread
prevaricate lie
prick puncture
priggish pedantic, affected
prim formal, prudish
primal first, beginning
primate head, master
primogeniture first-born child
primp groom
princely regal, generous
prismatic many-colored, sparkling
pristine pure, unspoiled
privation hardship
privy aware of private matters
probe examine
probity integrity
problematic uncertain, difficult
proboscis snout
procedure method, process
proceeds profit
proclaim announce
proclivity inclination
procreate beget
proctor supervise
procure acquire
procurer pander
prod urge
prodigal wasteful
prodigious marvelous, enormous
prodigy a person with extraordinary
ability or talent
profane blasphemous
profess affirm, admit
proffer bring forward for consideration
proficient skillful
profiteer extortionist
profligate licentious, prodigal
profound deep, knowledgeable
profusion overabundance
progenitor ancestor
progeny children
prognosis forecast
prognosticate foretell
progressive advancing, liberal
proletariat working class
proliferate increase rapidly
prolific fruitful, productive
prolix long-winded prowess strength, expertise
prologue introduction proximity nearness
prolong lengthen in time proxy substitute, agent
promenade stroll, parade prude puritan
promethean inspirational prudence discretion, carefulness
promiscuous sexually indiscreet prudent cautious, using good
promontory headland, cape judgment
prompt induce prudish puritanical
prompter reminder prurient lewd
promulgate publish, disseminate pseudo false
prone inclined, predisposed pseudonym alias
propaganda publicity, misinformation psychic pertaining the psyche or
propellant rocket fuel mind
propensity inclination psychopath madman
prophet prognosticator psychotic demented
prophylactic preventive puberty adolescence
propinquity nearness puckish impish, mischievous
propitiate satisfy puerile childish
propitious auspicious, favorable pugilism boxing
proponent supporter, advocate pugnacious combative
proportionate commensurate puissant strong
proposition offer, proposal pulchritude beauty
propound propose pulp paste, mush
proprietor manager, owner pulpit platform, priesthood
propriety decorum pulsate throb
prosaic uninspired, flat pulverize crush
proscenium platform, rostrum pun wordplay
proscribe prohibit punctilious meticulous
proselytize recruit, convert pundit learned or politically astute
prosody study of poetic structure person
prospective expected, imminent pungent sharp smell or taste
prospectus brochure punitive punishing
prostrate supine puny weak, small
protagonist main character in a story purblind obtuse, stupid
protean changing readily purgative cathartic, cleansing
protégé ward, pupil purgatory limbo, netherworld
protocol code of diplomatic etiquette purge cleanse, remove
proton particle puritanical prim
protract prolong purlieus environs, surroundings
protuberance bulge purloin steal
provender food purport claim to be
proverb maxim purported rumored
proverbial well-known purposeful determined
providence foresight, divine pursuant following, according
protection purvey deliver, provide
provident having foresight, thrifty purview range of understanding, field
providential fortunate pusillanimous cowardly
province bailiwick, district putative reputed
provincial intolerant, insular putrefy decay
provisional temporary putsch a sudden attempt to overthrow
proviso stipulation a government
provisory conditional pygmy dwarf
provocation incitement pyrotechnics fireworks
provocative titillating pyrrhic a battle won with
provoke incite unacceptable losses
Q
quack charlatan
quadrennial occurring every four
years
quadrille square dance
quadruped four foot animal
quaff drink
quagmire difficult situation
quail shrink, cower
quaint old-fashioned, charming
qualified limited
qualms misgivings
quandary dilemma
quantum quantity, particle
quarantine detention, confinement
quarry prey, game
quarter residence, district
quash put down, suppress
quasi seeming, almost
quaver tremble
quay wharf
queasy squeamish
queer odd
quell suppress, allay
quench extinguish, slake
querulous complaining
questionnaire survey, feedback
queue line
quibble bicker
quicken revive, hasten
quiddity essence, an unimportant or
trifling distinction
quiescent still, motionless
quietus a cessation of activity
quill feather, pen
quip joke
quirk eccentricity, a strange and
unexpected turn of events
quiver tremble
quixotic impractical, romantic
quizzical odd, questioning
quorum the minimum number people
who must be present to hold a meeting
quota a share or proportion
quotidian daily
R recital performance, concert
rabble crowd
rabid mad, furious
racketeer gangster, swindler
raconteur storyteller
radical revolutionary
raffish rowdy, dashing
rail rant, harangue
raiment clothing
rake womanizer
rally assemble
rambunctious boisterous
ramification consequence
rampage run amuck
rampant unbridled, raging
ramrod rod
rancid rotten
rancor resentment
randy vulgar
rankle cause bitterness, resentment
rant rage, scold
rapacious grasping, avaricious
rapidity speed
rapier sword
rapine plunder
rapport affinity, empathy
rapprochement reconciliation
rapture bliss
rash hasty, brash
rasp scrape
ratify approve
ration allowance, portion
rationale justification
ravage plunder, ruin
ravish captivate, charm
raze destroy or level a building
realm kingdom, domain
realpolitik cynical interpretation of
politics
reap harvest
rebuff reject, snub
rebuke criticize, reprimand
rebus picture puzzle
rebuttal reply, counterargument
recalcitrant stubbornly resisting the
authority of another
recant retract a previous statement
recapitulate restate, summarize
recede move back
receptacle container
receptive open to ideas
recidivism habitual criminal activity
recipient one who receives
reciprocal mutual, return in kind
recitation recital, lesson
reclusive solitary
recoil flinch, retreat
recollect remember
recompense repay, compensate
reconcile adjust, balance
recondite mystical, profound
reconnaissance surveillance relinquish release, renounce
reconnoiter to survey, to scout relish savor
(especially for military purposes) remedial corrective
recount recite remiss negligent
recoup recover remit forgive, send payment
recourse appeal, resort remnant residue, fragment
recreant cowardly remonstrance protest
recrimination countercharge, remorse guilt
retaliation remuneration compensation
recruit draftee renaissance rebirth
rectify correct, to make right renascent reborn
recumbent reclining rend to tear apart
recuperation recovery render deliver, provide
recur repeat, revert rendezvous a meeting
redeem buy back, justify, restore rendition version, interpretation
yourself to favor or to good opinion renege break a promise
redeemer savior renounce disown
redemption salvation renown fame
redolent fragrant rent tear, rupture
redoubt fort reparation amends, atonement
redoubtable formidable, steadfast repartee witty conversation
redress restitution, compensation repatriate to send back to the native
redundant repetitious land
reek smell repellent causing aversion
reel stagger, to lurch backward as repent atone for
though struck by a blow repercussion consequence
referendum vote repertoire stock of works
refined purified, cultured repine fret
reflux ebb replenish refill
refraction bending, deflection replete complete
refractory obstinate, disobedient replica copy
refrain abstain replicate duplicate
refurbish remodel, renovate repose rest
refute disprove, contradict reprehensible blameworthy
regal royal repress suppress
regale entertain reprieve temporary suspension
regalia emblems reprimand rebuke
regime a government reprisal retaliation
regiment infantry unit reprise repetition
regrettable lamentable, unfortunate reproach blame
regurgitate vomit, repeat reprobate miscreant
rehash wearily discuss again reprove rebuke
reign rule, influence repudiate disavow
rein curb, restrain repugnant distasteful, revolting
reincarnation rebirth repulse repel
reiterate repeat, say again repulsive repugnant
rejoice celebrate repute status, reputation, esteem
rejoinder answer, retort reputed supposed, presumed, alleged
rejuvenate make young again requiem rest, a mass for the dead
relapse recurrence (of illness) requisite necessary
relegate assign to an inferior requisition order, formal demand
position requite to return in kind
relent soften, yield rescind revoke
relentless unstoppable reserve self-control
relic antique reside dwell
residue remaining part rift a split, an opening, disagreement
resigned accepting of a situation righteous upright, moral
resilience ability to recover from an rigor harshness, precise and exacting
illness or a setback rime crust
resolute determined riposte counterthrust
resolution determination risible laughable
resolve determination risqué off-color, racy
resonant reverberating rivet engross
resort recourse robust vigorous
resound echo rogue scoundrel
resourceful inventive, skillful roister bluster
respectively in that order romp frolic
respire breathe roseate rosy, optimistic
respite rest, temporary delay roster list of people
resplendent shining, splendid rostrum podium
restitution reparation, amends roué libertine
restive nervous, uneasy rouse awaken, provoke
resurgence revival rout vanquish, cause to retreat
resurrection rebirth rubicund ruddy complexion
resuscitate revive ruck the common herd
retain keep rudiment beginning, kernel
retainer advance fee rue regret
retaliate revenge ruffian brutal person
retch vomit ruminate ponder
reticent reserved rummage hunt, grope
retiring modest, unassuming runel stream
retort quick reply ruse trick
retrench cut back, economize rustic rural
retribution reprisal
retrieve reclaim
retrograde regress
S
Sabbath day of rest
retrospective reminiscent, display sabbatical vacation
revamp recast saber sword
reveille bugle call sabotage treason, destruction
revel frolic, take joy in saccharine sugary, overly sweet
revelry merrymaking tone
revenue income sacerdotal priestly
revere honor sack pillage
reverent respectful sacrament rite
reverie daydream sacred cow idol, taboo
revert return to a former state sacrilege blasphemy
revile denounce, defame sacrosanct sacred
revision new version saddle encumber
revive renew sadist one who takes pleasure in
revoke repeal hurting others
revulsion aversion safari expedition
rhapsody ecstasy saga story
rhetoric elocution, grandiloquence sagacious wise
rheumatism inflammation sage wise person
ribald coarse, vulgar salacious licentious
rickety shaky, ramshackle salient prominent
ricochet carom, rebound saline salty
rife widespread, abundant sallow sickly complected
riffraff dregs of society sally sortie, attack
rifle search through and steal salutary good, wholesome
salutation salute, greeting
salvation redemption
salve medicinal ointment
salvo volley, gunfire
sanctify consecrate
sanctimonious self-righteous
sanction approval
sanctuary refuge
sang-froid coolness under fire
sanguinary gory, murderous
sanguine cheerful
sans without
sapid interesting
sapient wise
sarcophagus stone coffin
scornful scornful, sarcastic
sartorial pertaining to clothes
satanic pertaining to the Devil
satchel bag
sate satisfy fully
satiate satisfy fully
satire ridicule
saturate soak
saturnine gloomy
satyr demigod, goat-man
saunter stroll
savanna grassland
savant scholar
savoir-faire tact, polish
savor enjoy, relish
savory appetizing
savvy perceptive, shrewd
scabrous difficult
scant inadequate, meager
scapegoat one who takes blame for
others
scarify criticize
scathe injure, denounce
scepter a rod, staff
scheme plot, system, diagram
schism rift
scintilla speck
scintillate sparkle
scion offspring
scoff jeer, dismiss
scone biscuit
scorn disdain, reject
scoundrel unprincipled person
scour clean by rubbing, search
scourge affliction
scruples misgivings
scrupulous principled, fastidious
scrutinize examine closely
scurf dandruff
scurrilous abusive, insulting
scurry move quickly
scuttle to sink (a ship)
scythe long, curved blade
sear burn
sebaceous like fat
secede withdraw
secluded remote, isolated
seclusion solitude
sectarian denominational
secular worldly, nonreligious
secure make safe
sedation state of calm
sedentary stationary, inactive
sedition treason, inciting rebellion
seduce lure
sedulous diligent
seedy rundown, ramshackle
seemly proper, attractive
seethe fume, resent
seismic pertaining to earthquakes
seismology study of earthquakes
self-effacing modest
semantics study of word meanings
semblance likeness
seminal fundamental, decisive
semper fidelis always loyal
senescence old age
senescent aging
seniority privilege due to length of
service
sensational outstanding, startling
sensible wise, prudent
sensory relating to the senses
sensualist epicure
sensuous appealing to the senses,
enjoying luxury
sententious concise
sentient conscious
sentinel watchman
sepulcher tomb
sequacious dependent
sequel continuation, epilogue
sequester segregate
seraphic angelic
serendipity a knack for making
fortunate discoveries
serene peaceful
serpentine winding and twisting
serried saw-toothed
serum vaccine
servile slavish
servitude forced labor
sessile permanently attached
session meeting
settee seat, sofa
sever cut in two
severance division
shallot onion
sham pretense, imposter
shambles disorder, mess
shard sharp fragment of glass
sheen luster
sheepish shy, embarrassed
shibboleth password
shirk evade (work)
sliver fragment, shaving
shoal reef
shoring supporting
shortcomings personal deficiencies
shrew virago
shrewd clever, cunning
shrill high-pitched
shun avoid, spurn
shunt turn aside
shyster unethical lawyer
sibilant a hissing sound
sibling brother or sister
sickle semicircular blade
sidereal pertaining to the stars
sidle move sideways, slither
siege blockade
sierra mountain range
sieve strainer
signatory signer
signet a seal
silhouette outline, profile
silo storage tower
simian monkey
simile figure of speech
simper smile, smirk
simulacrum vague likeness
sinecure position with little
responsibility
sinewy fibrous, stringy
singe burn just the surface of
something
singly one by one, individually
singular unique, extraordinary
sinister evil, malicious
sinistral left-handed
siphon extract, tap
sire forefather, to beget
siren temptress
site location
skeptical doubtful
skinflint miser
skirmish a small battle
skittish excitable, wary, jumpy
skulk sneak about
skullduggery trickery
slake quench
slander defame
slate list of candidate
slaver drivel, fawn
slay kill
sleight dexterity, skill
slew an abundance
slither slide, slink
slogan motto
sloth laziness
slovenly sloppy
smattering superficial knowledge
smelt refine metal
smirk smug look
smite strike, afflict
smock apron
snare trap
snide sarcastic, spiteful
snippet morsel, small piece
snivel whine, sniff
snub ignore, slight
snuff extinguish
sobriety composed, abstinent, sober
sobriquet nickname
socialite one who is prominent in
society
sociology study of society
sodality companionship
sodden soaked
sojourn trip, stopover
solace consolation, comfort
solder fuse, weld
solecism ungrammatical construction
solemn serious, somber
solemnity seriousness
solicit request
solicitous considerate, concerned
soliloquy monologue
solstice furthest point
soluble dissolvable
solvent financially sound
somatic pertaining to the body
somber gloomy, solemn
somnambulist sleepwalker
somnolent sleepy
sonnet short poem
sonorous resonant, majestic
sop morsel, compensation, offering
sophistry specious reasoning
soporific sleep inducing
soprano high female voice
sordid foul, ignoble
sorority sisterhood
soubrette actress, ingenue
souse a drunk
sovereign monarch sterling high quality
spar fight stern strict
spasmodic intermittent, fitful stevedore longshoreman
spate sudden outpouring stifle suppress
spawn produce stigma mark of disgrace
specimen sample stiletto dagger
specious false but plausible reasoning stilted formal, stiff
spectacle public display stimulate excite
spectral ghostly stint limit, assignment
spectrum range, gamut stipend payment
speculate conjecture stipulate specify, arrange
speleologist one who studies caves stodgy stuffy, pompous
spew eject stoic indifferent to pain or pleasure
spindle shaft stoke prod, fuel
spindly tall and thin stole long scarf
spinster old maid stolid impassive
spire pinnacle stout stocky
spirited lively strait distress
spirituous alcohol, intoxicating stratagem trick, military tactic
spite malice, grudge stratify form into layers
spittle spit stratum layer
splay spread apart striate to mark with stripes
spleen resentment, wrath stricture censure, restriction
splenetic peevish strife conflict
splurge indulge striking impressive, attractive
spontaneous extemporaneous stringent severe, strict
sporadic occurring irregularly strive endeavor
sportive playful studious diligent
spry nimble stultify inhibit, enfeeble
spume foam, froth stunted arrested development
spurious false, counterfeit stupefy deaden, dumfound
spurn to reject a person with scorn stupendous astounding
squalid filthy stupor lethargy
squall rain storm stylize formalize, artificial artistic
squander waste style
squelch crush, stifle stymie hinder, thwart
stagnant stale, motionless suave smooth, charming
staid demure, sedate sub rosa in secret
stalwart pillar, strong, loyal subcutaneous beneath the skin
stamina vigor, endurance subdue conquer
stanch loyal subjugate suppress
stanchion prop, foundation sublet subcontract
stanza division of a poem sublimate to redirect forbidden
stark desolate impulses (usually sexual) into socially
startle surprise accepted activities
stately impressive, noble sublime lofty, excellent
static inactive, immobile sublunary earthly
statue regulation submit yield, acquiesce
staunch loyal subordinate lower in rank
stave ward off subsequent succeeding, following
steadfast loyal subservient servile, submissive
stealth secrecy, covertness subside diminish
steeped soaked, infused subsidiary subordinate
stenography shorthand subsidize financial assistance
stentorian loud or declamatory in tone substantiate verify
substantive substantial sycophant flatterer, flunky
subterfuge cunning, ruse syllabicate divide into syllables
subterranean underground syllabus schedule
subvert undermine sylph a slim, graceful girl
succor help, comfort sylvan rustic
succulent juicy, delicious symbiotic cooperative, working in
succumb yield, submit close association
suffice adequate symmetry harmony, congruence
suffrage vote symposium panel (discussion)
suffuse pervade, permeate symptomatic indicative
suggestive thought-provoking, risqué synagogue temple
sullen sulky, sour syndicate cartel
sully stain syndrome set of symptoms
sultry sweltering synod council
summon call for, arraign synopsis brief summary
sumptuous opulent, luscious synthesis combination
sunder split systole heart contraction
sundry various
superb excellent
supercilious arrogant
T
tabernacle temple
supererogatory wanton, superfluous table postpone
superfluous overabundant tableau scene, backdrop
superimpose cover, place on top of taboo prohibition
superintend supervise tabulate arrange
superlative superior tacit understood without being spoken
supernumerary subordinate taciturn untalkative
supersede supplant tactful sensitive
supervene ensue, follow tactics strategy
supervise oversee tactile tangible
supine lying on the back taint pollute
supplant replace talion punishment
supplication prayer tally count
suppress subdue talon claw
surfeit overabundance tandem two or more things together
surly rude, crass tang strong taste
surmise to guess tangential peripheral
surmount overcome tangible touchable
surname family name tantalize tease
surpass exceed, excel tantamount equivalent
surreal dreamlike taper candle
surreptitious secretive tariff tax on imported or exported
surrogate substitute goods
surveillance close watch tarn small lake
susceptible vulnerable tarnish taint
suspend stop temporarily tarry linger
sustenance food taurine bull-like
susurrant whispering taut tight
suture surgical stitch tautological repetitious
svelte slender tawdry gaudy
swank fashionable technology body of knowledge
swarthy dark (as in complexion) tedious boring, tiring
swatch strip of fabric teem swarm, abound
sweltering hot temerity boldness
swivel a pivot temperate moderate
sybarite pleasure-seeker tempest storm
tempestuous agitated toady fawner, sycophant
tempo speed tocsin alarm bell, signal
temporal pertaining to time toil drudgery
tempt entice tome large book
tenable defensible, valid tonal pertaining to sound
tenacious persistent topography science of map making
tendentious biased torment harass
tenement decaying apartment building torpid lethargic, inactive
tenet doctrine torrid scorching, passionate
tensile stretchable torsion twisting
tentative provisional torus doughnut shaped object
tenuous thin, insubstantial totter stagger
tenure status given after a period of touchstone standard
time tousled disheveled
tepid lukewarm tout praise, brag
terminal final toxicologist one who studies poisons
terminology nomenclature tractable docile, manageable
ternary triple traduce slander
terpsichorean related to dance tranquilize calm, anesthetize
terrain the feature of land transcribe write a copy
terrapin turtle transfigure transform, exalt
terrestrial earthly transfix impale
terse concise transfuse insert, infuse
testament covenant transgression trespass, offense
testy petulant transient fleeting, temporary
tether tie down 94 Vocabulary 4000
theatrics histrionics transitory fleeting
theologian one who studies religion translucent clear, lucid
thesaurus book of synonyms transpire happen
thesis proposition, topic transpose interchange
thespian actor trauma injury
thews muscles travail work, drudgery
thorny difficult traverse cross
thrall slave travesty caricature, farce
threadbare tattered treatise book, dissertation
thrive prosper trek journey
throes anguish trenchant incisive, penetrating
throng crowd trepidation fear
throttle choke triad group of three
thwart to foil tribunal court
tiara crown tributary river
tidings news, information trite commonplace, insincere
tiff fight troglodyte cave dweller
timbre tonal quality, resonance trollop harlot
timorous fearful, timid troublous disturbed
tincture trace, vestige, tint trounce thrash
tinsel tawdriness troupe group of actors
tirade scolding speech truckle yield
titan accomplished person truculent fierce, savage
titanic huge trudge march, slog
titer laugh nervously truism self-evident truth
tithe donate one-tenth truncate shorten
titian auburn truncheon club
titillate arouse tryst meeting, rendezvous
titular in name only, figurehead tumbler drinking glass
tumefy swell
tumult commotion
turbid muddy, clouded
turgid swollen
turpitude depravity
tussle fight
tussock cluster of glass
tutelage guardianship
twain two
twinge pain
tyrannical dictatorial
tyranny oppression
tyro beginner
U
ubiquitous omnipresent, pervasive
ulterior hidden, covert
ultimatum demand
ululate howl, wail
umbrage resentment
unabashed shameless, brazen
unabated ceaseless
unaffected natural, sincere
unanimity agreement
unassuming modest
unavailing useless, futile
unawares suddenly, unexpectedly
unbecoming unfitting
unbridled unrestrained
uncanny mysterious, inexplicable
unconscionable unscrupulous
uncouth uncultured, crude
unctuous insincere
undermine weaken
underpin support
underscore emphasize
understudy a stand-in
underworld criminal world
underwrite agree to finance,
guarantee
undue unjust, excessive
undulate surge, fluctuate
unduly excessive
unequivocal unambiguous,
categorical
unexceptionable beyond criticism
unfailing steadfast, unfaltering
unfathomable puzzling,
incomprehensible
unflagging untiring, unrelenting
unflappable not easily upset
unfrock discharge
unfurl open up, spread out
ungainly awkward
uniformity sameness
unilateral action taken by only one
party
unimpeachable exemplary
unison together
unkempt disheveled
unmitigated complete, harsh
unmoved firm, steadfast
unprecedented without previous
occurrence
unremitting relentless
unsavory distasteful, offensive
unscathed unhurt
unseat displace
unseemly unbecoming, improper
unstinting generous
unsullied spotless, pure
unsung neglected, not receiving just
recognition
untenable cannot be achieved
untoward perverse, unseemly
unwarranted unjustified
unwieldy awkward
unwitting unintentional
upshot result
urbane refined, worldly
ursine bear-like
usurp seize, to appropriate
usury lending money at high rates
utilitarian pragmatic, useful
utopia paradise
utter complete
uxorious a doting husband
V
vacillate waver
vacuous inane, empty
vagary whim
vain unsuccessful
vainglorious conceited
valediction farewell speech
valiant brave
validate affirm, authenticate
valor bravery
vanguard leading position
vanquish conquer
vapid vacuous, insipid
variance discrepancy
vassal subject, subordinate
vaunt brag
vehement adamant
venal mercenary, for the sake of
money
vendetta grudge, feud
veneer false front, facade
venerable revered
venial excusable vouchsafe confer, bestow
venom poison, spite vulgarity obscenity
venture risk, speculate vulnerable susceptible
venturesome bold, risky vulpine fox-like, cunning
venue location
veracity truthfulness
veranda porch
W
wager bet
verbatim word for word, literal waggish playful
verbose wordy waive forego
verdant green, lush wallow indulge
verdict decision, judgment wan pale, pallid, listless
vernacular common speech wane dissipate, wither
vertigo dizziness want need, poverty, lack of
vestige trace, remnant wanton lewd, abandoned, gratuitous
veto reject warrant justification
vex annoy wary guarded, cautious
viable capable of surviving, feasible wastrel spendthrift
viaduct waterway waylay ambush, accost
viand food wean remove from nursing, break a
vicious evil, cruel habit
vicissitude changing fortunes weir dam
victuals food welter confusion, hodgepodge
vie compete wheedle to coax with flattery
vigil watch, sentry duty whet stimulate
vigilant on guard whiffle vacillate
vignette scene whimsical capricious, playful
vigor vitality wield exercise control
vilify defame, malign willful deliberate, wanton
vindicate free from blame wily shrewd, crafty
vindictive revengeful wince cringe
virile manly, strong windfall bonus, boon
virtuoso highly skilled artist winnow separate
virulent deadly, poisonous, infectious winsome charmingly innocent
visage facial expression wistful sad yearning, melancholy
viscid thick, gummy wither shrivel
visitation a formal visit wizened shriveled
vital necessary woe anguish, despair
vitiate spoil, ruin wont custom, habit
vitreous glassy woo court, seek favor
vitriolic scathing wraith ghost
vituperative abusive, critical language wrath anger, fury
vivacious lively, high-spirited wreak to inflict something violent
vivid lifelike, clear wrest snatch
vivisection experimentation on wretched miserable
animals, dissection writ summons, court order
vocation occupation writhe contort, thrash about
vociferous adamant, clamoring wry twisted, ironic sense of humor
vogue fashion, chic
volant agile
volatile unstable, precarious
X
volition free will xenophillic attraction to strangers
voluble talkative xenophobia fear of foreigners
voluminous bulky, extensive xylophone musical percussion
voracious hungry instrument
votary fan, aficionado
Y
yarn story, tale
yearn desire strongly
yen desire, yearning
yore long ago
Young Turks reformers

Z
zeal earnestness, passion
zealot fanatic
zenith summit
zephyr gentle breeze