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85 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Aberration
(noun) For her, such a low grade on an exam was an aberration. |
Definition: The act of departing from the right, normal, or usual course.
Synonym: wandering, deviation, divergence Antonym: conformity, normality |
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Ablution
(noun) In baptism, the water ablutions our sins. |
Definition: A cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual.
Synonym: baptism, cleansing, purification Antonym: impurity, contamination, alloying |
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Ascertain
(verb) The information can be ascertained by anyone with a computer. |
Definition: To find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine
Synonym: confirm, determine, divine Antonym: disprove, invalidate, |
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Austere
(adjective) They lived an austere life in the country. |
Definition: Rigorously self- disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent
Synonym: forbidding, ascetic, harsh Antonym: flexible, gentle, luxurious |
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Baneful
(adjective) The legislation could have a baneful effect on the poor. |
Definition:destructive, pernicious
Synonym: harmful, destructive, fatal Antonym:advantageous, beneficial, fortunate |
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Benefaction
(noun) The generous benefaction from an anonymous donor meant the animal shelter could stay open. |
Definition: An act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed
Synonym: aid, contribution, relief Antonym: injury, loss |
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Blight
(noun) The city's spreading urban blight. |
Definition: any cause of impairment, destruction, ruin, or frustration
Synonym: decay, disease, withering Antonym: cleanliness, purification, prosperity |
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Castigation
(verb) The author castigated the prime minister as an ineffective leader. |
Definition: to punish in order to correct
Synonym: discipline, penalty, scolding Antonym: reward, pardon, forgive |
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Covetousness
(adjective) One aggressive bargain hunter had much covetousness when he rushed to make grab for the last marked-down TV. |
Definition:inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; greedy
Synonym: greedy, selfish, acquisitive Antonym: benevolent, giving, generous |
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Disheveled
(adjective) His wrinkled suit gave him a disheveled appearance. |
Definition: hanging loosely or in disorder;unkempt
Synonym: dirty, messy, disarrayed Antonym: clean, tidy, orderly |
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Goads
(noun) The threat of legal action has powerful goads to companies that have ignored the regulations. |
Definition: something that encourages, urges,or drives; a stimulus
Synonym: impulse, pressure, spur Antonym: hate, restraint, discouragement |
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Haughtily
(adjective) He rejected their offer with a tone of haughty disdain. |
Definition:disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant; supercilious
Synonym: egotistic, snooty, on high horse Antonym: humble, shy, meek |
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Hedonist
(noun) Then the hedonist in her revolted against that ascetic vision. |
Definition: a person whose life is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification.
Synonym: sensualist, debauchee Antonym: puritan, ascetic |
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Indolence
(adjective) A general feeling of indolence usually overtakes them during summer vacation. |
Definition: having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful
Synonym:procrastination, laziness, idle Antonym: diligence, active, enthusiastic |
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Insolence
(adjective) Amazed that parents would tolerate such insolence from their teenaged children. |
Definition: boldly rude or disrespectful;contemptuously impertinent; insulting
Synonym: brass, gall, sass Antonym: modesty, respect, humility |
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Jocular
(adjective) He was a jocular man who could make the most serious people smile. |
Definition: given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting;waggish;facetious
Synonym: playful, lighthearted, teasing Antonym: depressed, serious, solemn |
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Palliative
(adjective) Travel is like a palliative against depression for him. |
Definition: to try to mitigate or conceal the gravity of (an offense) by excuses,apologies;extenuate
Synonym: apology, vindication, defense Antonym: charge, indictment, sentence |
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Presage
(noun) I had a nagging presage that the results of my medical tests would not be good. |
Definition: something that portends or foreshadows a future event; an omen,prognostic, or warning indication.
Synonym:premonition, sign, prophecy Antonym: neglect, hindsight, ignorance |
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Respite
(noun) The bad weather has continued without respite. |
Definition: a delay or cessation for a time,especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief
Synonym: recess, break, hiatus Antonym: advance, start, continuation |
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Soothsayer
(noun) A soothsayer predicted that I would meet the man of my dreams online. |
Definition: a person who professes to foretell events
Synonym: medium, oracle, psychic Antonym: |
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Supplicate
(verb) The minister reminded his flock that God is a being to be obeyed and worshiped always and not just someone to be supplicated in times of trouble |
Definition: to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition
Synonym: appeal, beg, desire Antonym: answer, give, refuse |
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Surfeited
(noun) We ended up with a surfeit of volunteers who simply got in each other's way. |
Definition: excess; an excessive amount
Synonym: surplus, saturation, overkill Antonym: lack, need, want |
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Tarries
(noun) His appointment was for noon; he tarries, I fear, in the city. |
Definition: a stay; sojourn
Synonym: dwell, linger, remain Antonym: depart, move, rush |
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Vehement
(adjective) The proposal has faced vehement opposition from many teachers. |
Definition: strongly emotional; intense or passionate
Synonym: angry, furious, impassioned Antonym: apathetic, meek, peaceful |
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Venerable
(adjective) The proposal has faced vehement opposition from many teachers. |
Definition:commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity;worthy of veneration or reverence, as because of high office or noble character
Synonym: esteemed, admirable, dignified Antonym: common, disrespected, unimpressive |
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Ad-infinitum
(adverb) These corrupt bankers think that they can continue blowing up the bubble ad infinitum. |
Definition:to infinity; endlessly; without limitSynonym: ceaselessly, endlessly, foreverAntonym:brief, ceasing, ending
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Apportion
(verb) Apportion the expenses between the parties involved |
Definition: to distribute or allocate proportionally; divide and assign according to some rule of proportional distribution
Synonym: administer, assign, deal Antonym: join, unite, combine |
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Bona fide
(adjective) She has established her position as a bona fide celebrity. |
Definition: made, done, presented, etc., in good faith; without deception or fraud
Synonym: actual, authentic, honest Antonym: uncertain, false, fictitious |
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Buoyant
(adjective) The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance. |
Definition: not easily depressed; cheerful
Synonym: lively, lighthearted, joyful Antonym: apathetic, gloomy, lifeless |
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Clique
(noun) |
Definition: a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set
Synonym: clan, gang, posse Antonym: individual |
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Concede
(verb) |
Definition: to acknowledge as true, just, orproper; admit
Synonym: accept, admit, allow Antonym: deny, dispute, refuse |
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Congenial
(adjective) |
Definition: agreeable, suitable, or pleasing in nature or character
Synonym: agreeable, compatible, fit Antonym: aloof, cold, disagreeable |
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Lofty
(adjective) |
Definition: exalted in rank, dignity, or character;eminent
Synonym: haughty, insolent, snooty Antonym: below, humble, modest |
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Migration
(noun) |
Definition: to shift, as from one system, modeof operation, or enterprise to another
Synonym: exodus, flight, journey Antonym: idleness, inaction |
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Perceive
(verb) |
Definition: to become aware of, know, oridentify by means of the senses
Synonym: distinguish, identify, recognizeAntonym: ignore, miss, neglect |
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Perverse
(adjective) |
Definition: persistent or obstinate in what iswrong
Synonym: contradictory, abnormal, corruptAntonym: decent, moral, reasonable |
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Prelude
(noun) |
Definition: a preliminary to an action, event,condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
Synonym:introduction, prologue, foreword Antonym: conclusion, end, epilogue |
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Rancid
(adjective) |
Definition: having a rank, unpleasant, stalesmell or taste, as through decomposition, especially of fats or oils
Synonym: contaminated, moldy, pollutedAntonym: fresh, new, pure |
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Rustic
(noun) |
Definition: an unsophisticated country personSynonym: austere, country, primitive
Antonym: sophisticated, cultured, polished |
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Sever
(verb) |
Definition: to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
Synonym: detach, disconnect, separateAntonym: combine, join, unify |
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Sordid
(adjective) |
Definition: morally ignoble or base; vileSynonym: nasty, shameful, sleazy
Antonym: clean, decent, good |
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Untenable
(adjective) |
Definition: incapable of being defended, as anargument, thesis, etc.; indefensible.
Synonym: illogical, unsound, flawed Antonym: rational, sensible, true |
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Versatile
(adjective) |
Definition: capable of or adapted for turning easily from one to another of various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc.
Synonym: adaptable, functional, resourcefulAntonym: limited, unable |
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Vindicate
(verb) |
Definition: to clear, as from an accusation, imputation, suspicion, or the like
Synonym: justify, clear, free Antonym: blame, charge, convict |
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Wane
(verb) |
Definition: to decline in power, importance, prosperity
Synonym: decrease, dwindle, fade Antonym: expand, increase, strengthen |
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Annex
(verb) |
Definition: to attach, append, or add, especially to something larger or more important.Synonym: add, connect, join
Antonym: subtract, separate |
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Cleave
(verb) |
Definition: to cut off; sever
Synonym: detach, divide, leave Antonym: attach, combine, link |
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Cordial
(adjective) |
Definition: courteous and gracious; friendly; warm
Synonym: affectionate, amicable, cheerfulAntonym: cold, insincere, rude |
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Cornerstone
(noun) |
Definition:something that is essential, indispensable, or basic
Synonym: essential, anchor, base Antonym:insignificant, unnecessary |
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Debacle
(noun) |
Definition:a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall orrout
Synonym: breakdown, disaster, failure Antonym: accomplishment, blessing, miracle |
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Devitalize
(verb) |
Definition: to deprive of vitality or vital properties; make lifeless; weaken.
Synonym: diminish, debilitate, weaken Antonym: aid, assist, strengthen |
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Embroil
(verb) |
Definition: to throw into confusion; complicate.Synonym: compromise, disorder, troubleAntonym: calm, clarify, order
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Exonerate
(verb) |
Definition: to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame;exculpate
Synonym: acquit, discharge, pardon Antonym: blame, convict, punish |
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Glib
(adjective) |
Definition: readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so
Synonym: articulate, eloquent, loquacious Antonym: quiet, silent, tongue-tied |
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Haphazard
(adjective) |
Definition: characterized by lack of order or planning, by irregularity, or by randomness; determined by or dependent on chance.Synonym: aimless, careless, disorganizedAntonym: careful, deliberate, methodical
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Improvise
(verb) |
Definition: to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation
Synonym: ad-lib, concoct, wing it Antonym: design, plan, prepare |
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Incite
(verb) |
Definition: to stir, encourage, or urge on; stimulate or prompt to action
Synonym: arouse, encourage, inspire Antonym: block, discourage, prevent |
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Influx
(noun) |
Definition: act of flowing in.
Synonym: arrival, invasion, penetrationAntonym: retreat, departure |
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Pallor
(noun) |
Definition: unusual or extreme paleness, as from fear, ill health, or death;wanness.
Synonym: pale, colorlessness, pasty Antonym: colored, flushed |
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Pedigree
(noun) |
Definition: an ancestral line
Synonym:line of descent; lineage; ancestryAntonym: base-born |
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Precipitous
(adjective) |
Definition: a situation of great peril, a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face.Synonym: abrupt, sharp
Antonym: calm, flat, gradual |
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Profuse
(adjective) |
Definition: abundant; in great amount
Synonym: ample, extreme, generous Antonym: lacking, sparse |
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Reconcile
(verb) |
Definition: to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent
Synonym: appease, harmonize, resolveAntonym: agitate, incite, resolve |
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Shackle
(verb) |
Definition to restrain in action, thought, etc., as by restrictions; restrict the freedom of. Synonym: bind, confine, hold
Antonym: free, release |
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Threadbare
(adjective) |
Definition: meager, scanty, or poor
Synonym: faded, ratty, tacky Antonym: fresh, new, unused |
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Abase
(verb) |
Definition: to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, orestimation;humble;degrade.Synonym: belittle, degrade, shame
Antonym: flatter, honor, praise |
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Actuate
(verb) |
Definition: to incite or move to action; impelSynonym: instigate, motivate, prompt
Antonym: discourage, hinder, repress |
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Avert
(verb) |
Definition: 1. to turn away or aside2. to ward off; prevent
Synonym: avoid, divert, look away Antonym: aid, assist, support |
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Boorish
(adjective) |
Definition: a churlish, rude, or unmannerly person
Synonym: barbaric, impolite, tasteless Antonym: mannerly, pleasant, sophisticated |
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Brunt
(noun) |
Definition: the main force or impact, as of an attack or blow
Synonym: burden, pressure, stress Antonym: easy, peaceful, relaxed |
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Combatant
(noun) |
Definition: a person or group that fightsSynonym: adversary, attacker, soldier
Antonym: ally, friend, helper |
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Dormant
(adjective) |
Definition:in a state of rest or inactivity; in abeyance
Synonym: comatose, inert, inoperative Antonym: active, alert, awake |
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Dubious
(adjective) |
Definition: doubtful; marked by or occasioning doubt
Synonym: arguable, debatable, fishy Antonym: believable, definite, probable |
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Harangue
(noun) |
Definition:a long, passionate, and vehement speech, especially one delivered before a public gathering.
Synonym: address, declamation, orationAntonym: print, writing |
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Harry
(verb) |
Definition: to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks; worry
Synonym: attack, fret, irk Antonym: appease, pacify, soothe |
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Impenitent
(adjective) |
Definition: not feeling regret about one's sin or sins
Synonym: hardened, obdurate, remorselessAntonym: guilt, remorse, regret |
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Knave
(noun) |
Definition: an unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest person
Synonym: bastard, fraud, lowlife, rascal, scallywag, Antonym: philanthropist, helper, hero, benefactor |
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Legion
(noun) |
Definition: any large group of armed men Synonym: myriad, army
Antonym: individual, few |
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Liberality
(noun) |
Definition: being liberal in giving; generosity; bounty
Synonym: benevolence, charitable, bountiful, giving, unselfishness Antonym: malevolence, meanness, selfishness, unkindness |
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Plaintiff
(noun) |
Definition: a person who brings suit in a courtSynonym: complainant, prosecutor, suerAntonym: defendant, suspect, offended, litigant
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Probe
(verb) |
Definition: to search into or examine thoroughly; question closely
Synonym: examine, explore, inquest, research, check, third degree Antonym: ignore, neglect |
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Protract
(verb) |
Definition: to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.
Synonym: prolong, continue, delay, elongate, lengthen, postpone, stall Antonym: advance, complete, expedite, finish, forward, hasten, hurry |
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Quarry
(noun) |
Definition: 1. an excavation or pit2.an abundant source or supply
Synonym: aim, chase, game, pit, prey, generous, overflow Antonym: insufficient, lacking, meager, avoid |
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Spurn
(verb) |
Definition: to reject with disdain; scorn
Synonym: disdain, disregard, refuse, reject, scorn, disapprove Antonym: accept, admire, approve, include, like, respect, welcome, compliment |
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Subterfuge
(noun) |
Definition: an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc.
Synonym: deception, sham, cheating, dishonesty, excuse, scheme Antonym: honesty, reality, sincerity, truthfulness |