Frequently Used SAT Words

Lesson One
1) Abandon (n.) total lack of inhibition
Synonym(s): *recklessness
Antonym(s): restraint, self-control, moderation
Sentence:
2) Abase (v.) to humble, disgrace, or humiliate
Synonym(s): *degrade, *debase
Sentence:
3) Abate (v.) to diminish or put an end to
Synonym(s): *decrease, *reduce, moderate
Sentence:
4) Aberration (n.) something different from the usual or normal
Synonym(s): *deviation, *anomaly
Antonym(s): the standard, norm
Sentence:
5) Abhor (v.) to strongly loathe or hate
Synonym(s):* abominate, *detest, execrate
Antonym(s): love, adore
Sentence:
6) Abjure (v.) to reject or take back; to formally abandon
Synonym(s): *recant, *retract, foreswear
Sentence:
7) Abrogate (v.) to abolish or invalidate by authority; to cancel or make void
Synonym(s): *void, *nullify, rescind, annul, or revoke
Antonym(s): authorize, sanction, approve
Sentence:
8) Absolve (v.) to forgive or free from blame
Synonym(s): *acquit, *exonerate, exculpate
Antonym(s): indict, prosecute, charge, or to find guilty
Sentence:
9) Abstruse (adj.) difficult to understand
Synonym(s): *abstract, , *enigmatic, recondite
Antonym(s): simplistic, crude, basic
Sentence:
10) Accolade (n.) praise or distinction for meritorious achievements
Synonym(s):, *kudos, *acclaim, plaudits, esteem
Sentence:

11) Acerbic (adj.) bitter, sharp in taste or temper

Synonym(s): *acrimonious, *caustic, mordant
Antonym(s): amicable, amiable, affable, sweet
Sentence:
12) Acme (n.) the highest point
Synonym(s): *apex, *summit, pinnacle, zenith, vertex, climax
Antonym(s) nadir, trough (lowest point)
Sentence:
13) Acquiesce (v.) to agree or comply quietly; to give in without complaint
Synonym(s): *accede, *assent
Antonym(s): challenge, disagree, defy
Sentence:
14) Acumen (n.) mental sharpness or brightness
Synonym(s):, *astuteness, sagacity, discernment
Sentence:
15) Adage (n.) a brief statement expressing a truth
Synonym(s): *axiom, *aphorism, maxim, , apothegm, proverb
Sentence:

Lesson Two
16) Alleviate (v.) to lessen or soften the harmful effects of
Synonym(s): *mitigate, *assuage, allay, mollify
Antonym(s): instigate, irritate, exacerbate
Sentence:
17) Ameliorate (v.) to make better or improve
Synonym(s): *amend, *rectify
Antonym(s): exacerbate, aggravate
Sentence:
18) Amiable (adj.) friendly, pleasant, likeable
Synonym(s): *amicable, *genial, affable, cordial,
Antonym(s): nasty, malicious, spiteful
Sentence:
19) Amorphous (adj.) having no definite form
Synonym(s): *nondescript
Antonym(s): definite, distinct, unambiguous
Sentence:
20) Anachronistic (adj.) something chronologically inappropriate; out of time and place
Sentence:

21) Antipathy (n.) a strong dislike or hostility

Synonym(s):, *aversion,* repugnance, abhorrence
Antonym(s): fondness, liking
Sentence:
22) Apathetic (adj.) having no emotion or feeling
Synonym(s):, *indifferent, *stoic, dispassionate
Antonym(s): passionate, fervent, ardent, avid
Sentence:
23) Arduous (adj.) very difficult to overcome or accomplish
Synonym(s): *strenuous, *laborious
Antonym(s): effortless, easy
Sentence:
24) Assail (v.) to attack
Synonym(s): *assault
Sentence:
25) Assiduous (adj.) persistent, hard-working
Synonym(s): *diligent, sedulous
Antonym(s): lazy, languid
Sentence:
26) Auspicious (adj.) favorable; forecasting a promising future
Synonym(s): *propitious
Antonym(s): ominous, foreboding, portentous, menacing
Sentence:
27) Avarice (n.) excessive greed
Synonym(s): *covetousness, rapacity, cupidity
Antonym(s): generosity, kind-heartedness
Sentence:
28) Banal (adj.) overly common, tasteless
Synonym(s): *trite, *insipid, hackneyed, prosaic,
Antonym(s): extraordinary
Sentence:
29) Beguile (v.) to deceive, mislead, or charm
Synonym(s): *swindle, *dupe, delude,
Sentence:
30) Bellicose (adj.) aggressive, tending to fight
Synonym(s): *belligerent, *pugnacious, truculent
Antonym(s): pacific, conciliatory, appeasing
Sentence:

Lesson Three
31) Benign (adj.) kindly, gentle, harmless
Synonym(s): *benevolent
Antonym(s): malignant, malevolent
Sentence:
32) Berate (v.) to put down harshly
Synonym(s): *rebuke, *chide, chastise, castigate
Antonym(s): praise, laud, extol, honor
Sentence:
33) Bilk (v.) to cheat, deceive, or trick
Synonym(s): *defraud, *swindle, filch, dupe
Sentence:
34) Blandish (v.) to coax with flattery, persuade
Synonym(s): *cajole
Sentence:
35) Brazen (adj.) bold or shameless
Synonym(s):* brass, *impudent
Antonym(s): modest, reserved, meek
Sentence:
36) Buttress (v.) to reinforce or support
Synonym(s): *bolster
Sentence:
37) Capitulate (v.) to yield or surrender
Synonym(s): *relent
Antonym(s): remain firm
Sentence:
38) Charlatan (n.) a quack, fraud
Synonym(s): *imposter
Sentence:
39) Circuitous (adj.) winding, indirect
Synonym(s):, *serpentine, *sinuous, oblique
Antonym(s): terse, curt, direct
Sentence:
40) Coerce (v.) to force
Synonym(s): *compel
Sentence:

41) Clandestine (adj.) secretive

Synonym(s): *furtive, *surreptitious, covert, stealthy
Antonym(s): overt, obvious
Sentence:
42) Concord (n.) agreement
Synonym(s): *accord, *concurrence
Antonym(s): disagreement, discord
Sentence:
43) Congenital (adj.) hereditary, since birth
Synonym(s): *inherent, *inborn, innate, intrinsic
Sentence:
44) Conjecture (n.) speculation, guess, prediction
Synonym(s): *inference
Sentence:
45) Contentious (adj.) causing discontent; quarrelsome
Synonym(s): *litigious, polemical
Antonym(s): conciliatory, peace-making
Sentence:

Lesson Four
46) Peevish (adj.) irritable, complaining
Synonym(s): *petulant
Antonym(s): placid, calm
Sentence:
47) Curmudgeon (n.) a cranky person
Synonym(s): *miser
Sentence:
48) Convivial (adj.) sociable, fond of eating and drinking together
Synonym(s): *gregarious
Antonym(s): antisocial
Sentence:
49) Convoke (v.) to call together, summon
Synonym(s): *muster, *convene
Antonym(s): disperse
Sentence:
50) Convoluted (adj.) twisted, involved
Synonym(s): *perplexing, complicated
Antonym(s): straightforward, uncomplicated
Sentence:

51) Cursory (adj.) hastily done

Synonym(s): *perfunctory, hurried
Antonym(s): patient, painstakingly
Sentence:
52) Curt (adj.) brief and to the point
Synonym(s): *laconic, *terse, succinct, pithy, concise
Antonym(s): loquacious, verbose, garrulous
Sentence:
53) Debilitate (v.) to weaken
Synonym(s): *enfeeble, *enervate
Antonym(s): strengthen, fortify, enliven
Sentence:
54) Debunk (v.) to discredit or disprove
Synonym(s): *demystify
Antonym(s): uphold
Sentence:
55) Decorous (adj.) proper, tasteful, socially correct
Synonym(s): *staid, *demure
Antonym(s): gauche, vulgar, uncouth
Sentence:
56) Decry (v.) to censure or belittle
Synonym(s): *deprecate, *vilify, deplore
Antonym(s): praise, extol
Sentence:
57) Defer (v.) to show respect or submit to anothers wishes
Sentence:
58) Defile (v.) to dirty, spoil, or disgrace
Synonym(s): *adulterate, *sully, besmirch, debase
Antonym(s): sanctify, deify
Sentence:
59) Deft (adj.) skillful, dexterous
Synonym(s): *adroit, *adept
Antonym(s): clumsy, inept
Sentence:
60) Defunct (adj.) no longer in existence
Synonym(s): *obsolete
Sentence:

Lesson Five
61) Destitute (adj.) extremely poor
Synonym(s): *indigent, *impoverished, impecunious
Antonym(s): lavish, extravagance
Sentence:
62) Desultory (adj.) aimless
Synonym(s): *random, *unfocused, haphazard
Antonym(s): focused, ordered, structured
Sentence:
63) Deter (v.) to discourage from happening
Synonym(s): *dissuade, *daunt
Antonym(s): encourage, foster
Sentence:
64) Didactic (adj.) excessively instructive
Synonym(s): *educational, informative, edifying
Sentence:
65) Dilatory (adj.) slow, tending to delay
Synonym(s): *procrastinating, *laggard, tardy
Antonym(s): alacritous, on task
Sentence:
66) Dirge (n.) funeral song
Synonym(s): *elegy, *requiem
Sentence:
67) Discursive (adj.) wandering from topic to topic
Synonym(s): *rambling
Antonym(s):
Sentence:
68) Dilemma (n.) a difficulty
Synonym(s): *quandary, *predicament, impasse, mire
Sentence:
69) Doleful (adj.) sad, mournful
Synonym(s): *melancholy, *dismal
Antonym(s): cheerful, jovial
Sentence:
70) Dormant (adj.) at rest, inactive, latent
Synonym(s): *torpid,*fallow, quiescent, comatose
Antonym(s): active, vigorous
Sentence:

71) Dour (adj.) sullen and gloomy

Synonym(s): *sour, *severe
Antonym(s): effusive, demonstrative
Sentence:
72) Disavow (v.) to take back
Synonym(s): *disown, *renounce, deny, reject
Antonym(s): accept
Sentence:
73) Drivel (n.) stupid talk
Synonym(s): *nonsense, foolishness, idiocy
Sentence:
74) Dulcet (adj.) pleasing, soothing to the ear
Synonym(s): *sonorous, *euphonious
Antonym(s): cacophony, dissonance, disharmony
Sentence:
75) Duress (n.) threat of force or intimidation
Synonym(s): *compulsion, *coercion, pressure
Sentence:

Lesson Six
76) Eclectic (adj.) selecting the best from various sources
Synonym(s): *assorted, *various
Antonym(s): uniform, consistent, homogeneous
Sentence:
77) Edict (n.) law, command, public order
Sentence:
78) Efface (v.) to delete or erase
Synonym(s): annul, *obliterate, *expunge
Sentence:
79) Effrontery (n.) rude boldness
Synonym(s): audacity, impudence
Antonym(s): shy, meek, timid, submissive
Sentence:
80) Effusive (adj.) expressing emotion without restraint
Synonym(s): ebullient, *demonstrative, *gushing
Antonym(s): emotionless, unemotional, impassive
Sentence:
81) Egregious (adj.) a flagrant error

Synonym(s): *glaring, gross, *conspicuous

Sentence:
82) Elegy (n.) a mournful poem usually about the dead
Sentence:
83) Elucidate (v.) to explain or clarify; to make clear
Synonym(s): *explicate, expound, *illuminate
Antonym(s): muddle, confuse
Sentence:
84) Embellish (v.) to adorn or make elegant; enhance
Synonym(s): ornament, *decorate, *exaggerate
Sentence:
85) Embezzle (v.) to steal money in violation of a trust; to commit fraud or to cheat
Synonym(s): *misappropriate, *misuse
Sentence:
86) Embroil (v.) to involve in conflict or difficulties
Synonym(s): *entangle, *enmesh
Antonym(s): submit, pacify
Sentence:
87) Emend (v.) to correct a text
Synonym(s): *amend, *alter
Sentence:
88) Emollient (adj.) having soothing qualities, especially for skin
Synonym(s):* soothing
Antonym(s): coarse, rough
Sentence:
89) Engender (v.) to produce, cause, or bring about
Synonym(s): *stimulate, *provoke
Antonym(s): hinder, thwart, frustrate, foil
Sentence:
90) Enmity (n.) hatred or hostility
Synonym(s): *antagonism, *ill will
Antonym(s): love, cordiality, geniality, affability
Sentence:

Lesson Seven
91) Ennui (n.) boredom, lack of energy
Synonym(s): *languor,* tedium
Antonym(s): vigor, vitality
Sentence:
92) Enormity (n.) something terrible
Synonym(s): *atrocity, horror, *extent
Sentence:
93) Ensconce (v.) to settle comfortably into a place
Synonym(s): *entrench, install, *establish
Sentence:
94) Entreat (v.) to beg or implore
Synonym(s): plead, *beseech, *importune
Sentence:
95) Epitome (n.) representative of an entire group
Synonym(s): summary, essence, *embodiment, *archetype
Sentence:
96) Equivocal (adj.) to be uncertain; subject to differing interpretations
Synonym(s): *ambiguous, *unclear, nebulous, misleading
Antonym(s): defined, certain, unambiguous
Sentence:
97) Erudite (adj.) learned, scholarly
Synonym(s): *cultured, *well-educated
Antonym(s): unintelligent, dull
Sentence:
98) Espouse (v.) to give support for
Synonym(s): *advocate, *promote, champion
Antonym(s): deny, block
Sentence:
99) Ethereal (adj.) not earthly, ghostly
Synonym(s): *spiritual, *delicate, eerie
Antonym(s): mundane, common
Sentence:
100) Euphemism (n.) use of an inoffensive phrase to replace an offensive one
Sentence:
101) Evade (v.) to avoid; to elude
Synonym(s): *dodge, *shirk
Antonym(s): remain, take on
Sentence:

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102) Exacerbate (v.) to aggravate; intensify the bad qualities of something; to make bad a situation worse
Synonym(s): *embitter
Antonym(s): to lesson, mollify
Sentence:
103) Expedient (adj./n.) useful for effecting a desired result
Synonym(s): *convenient, practical, *efficient
Sentence:
104) Explicit (adj.) clearly defined, specific
Synonym(s): *unambiguous, *unequivocal
Antonym(s): vague, unclear, implicit
Sentence:
105) Expurgate (v.) to censor
Synonym(s): clean up, *purge, *abridge
Antonym(s): to permit, allow
Sentence:

Lesson Eight
106) Extenuate (v.) to lessen the seriousness of
Synonym(s): *mitigate
Sentence:
107) Extort (v.) to obtain something by threats
Synonym(s): *wrest, *force
Sentence:
108) Fallow (adj.) uncultivated, unused
Synonym(s): *uncultivated, *seedless
Antonym(s): worn out, used up
Sentence:
109) Fastidious (adj.) careful with details
Synonym(s): *fussy, *particular, choosy
Antonym(s): careless, sloppy
Sentence:
110) Fatuous (adj.) complacently stupid; foolishly self-satisfied
Synonym(s): *idiotic, *childish
Antonym(s): self-aware, not satisfied
Sentence:
111) Fawn (v.) to flatter excessively
Synonym(s): *grovel
Sentence:

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112) Feckless (adj.) ineffective, weak

Synonym(s): *careless, *irresponsible
Sentence:
113) Fecund (adj.) fertile, productive
Synonym(s): *fruitful
Antonym(s): infertile, sterile, barren
Sentence:
114) Feign (v.) to pretend; give false impression
Synonym(s): *fake, *simulate
Antonym(s): to be genuine
Sentence:
115) Felicitous (adj.) suitable, appropriate
Synonym(s): *fortunate, *lucky, blessed
Antonym(s): cursed, unlucky
Sentence:
116) Florid (adj.) gaudy, extremely ornate
Synonym(s): *ruddy, flushed, *gaudy
Antonym(s): plain, ordinary
Sentence:
117) Foible (n.) a minor weakness or character flaw
Synonym(s): *fault, *shortcoming
Sentence:
118) Foment (v.) to arouse; to whip up to a furor
Synonym(s): *excite, *provoke
Antonym(s): deaden, soften
Sentence:
119) Forlorn (adj.) dreary, deserted
Synonym(s): unhappy, *hopeless, *despairing
Antonym(s): happy, contented
Sentence:
120) Forte (n.) strong point, something a person does well
Sentence:

Lesson Nine
121) Fractious (adj.) unruly, rebellious; irritable
Synonyms: *obstreperous, *boisterous
Antonyms: placid, agreeable
Sentence:

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122) Frenetic (adj.) wildly frantic

Synonyms: *frenzied, *hectic
Antonyms: calm
Sentence:
123)

Garner (v.) to gather and store

Synonyms: harbor, *maintain, *harvest
Sentence:

124)

Garrulous (adj.) talkative, verbose

Synonyms: *loquacious, *voluble, diffuse
Antonyms: terse, curt, taciturn
Sentence:

125)

Glower (v.) to stare angrily at someone

Synonyms: *glare
Sentence:

126)

Goad (v.) to prod, urge

Synonyms: galvanize, *incite, *provoke
Antonyms: thwart, hinder
Sentence:

127)

Grandiose (adj.) exaggerated and pretentious

Synonyms: *ostentatious, *elaborate
Antonyms: common, trite, miniscule
Sentence:

128)

Gratuitous (adj.) needless, uncalled for; free

Synonyms: *unnecessary, *unjustified
Sentence:

129)

Grimace (n.) (v.) a facial expression showing disgust or pain; to grimace

Sentence:

130)

Guile (n.) trickery, deception

Synonyms: *cunning, *deceit
Antonyms: honesty, blunt, straightforwardness
Sentence:

131)

Gustatory (adj.) relating to sense of taste

Sentence:

132)

Hackneyed (adj.) worn out by overuse

Synonyms: *trite, commonplace, *mundane
Antonyms: grandiose, elaborate
Sentence:

13

133)

Harbinger (n.) a precursor or a sign of things to come

Synonyms: *omen; *herald
Sentence:

134)

Hiatus (n.) a gap, break, or interruption

Sentence:

135)

Hoary (adj.) white with age; very old

Synonyms: *ancient, snow-white, *silvery
Sentence:

Lesson 10
136)

Hone (v.) to sharpen

Synonyms: *improve, *whet
Antonyms: to weaken, dull
Sentence:

137)

Hyperbole (n.) purposeful exaggeration for an effect

Sentence:

138)

Hypochondriac (n.) one who has an unfounded belief that he or she is ill
Sentence:

139)

Iconoclast (n.) one who attacks traditional beliefs

Sentence:

140)

Ignoble (adj.) dishonorable

Synonyms: shameful, *base, *reprehensible
Antonyms: honorable, noble
Sentence:

141)

Impeccable (adj.) flawless, without fault

Synonyms: pristine, *immaculate, *irreproachable
Antonyms: defective, deficient, faulty; blameworthy
Sentence:

142)

Imperative (adj.) mandatory; authoritative, imperious

Synonyms: *peremptory, *compulsory, obligatory
Antonyms: nonessential
Sentence:

143)

Imperious (adj.) arrogantly self-assured

Synonyms: *bossy,*domineering, imperative,
Antonyms: considerate, easy, gentle, kindly

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144)

Impious (adj.) not devout in religion

Synonyms: *irreverent, *profane, unhallowed, unholy
Antonyms: pious
Sentence:

145)

Impugn (v.) to attack verbally

Synonyms: *assail, *contradict, accuse
Antonyms: advocate; authenticate
Sentence:
146) Inane (adj.) foolish, silly, vacuous
Antonyms: *expressive, *meaningful, pregnant, significant
Sentence:

147)

Incessant (adj.) continuous, never ending

Synonyms: *ceaseless, constant,* interminable
Antonyms: intermittent
Sentence:

148)

Incendiary (adj.) combustible, provocative

Synonyms: *inflammatory
Sentence:

149)

Incognito (adj.) in disguise

Synonyms: *furtive
Antonyms: blatant, conspicuous
Sentence:

150)

Indefatigable (adj.) tireless

Synonyms: *inexhaustible, *unflagging
Antonyms: fatigable, beatable
Sentence:

Lesson 11
151)

Indolent (adj.) habitually lazy, idle

Synonyms: *lackadaisical, *languid, lethargic, listless
Antonyms: energetic, industrious
Sentence:

152)

Indomitable (adj.) fearless, unconquerable

Synonyms: *invincible, *resolute
Antonyms: calm, weak, fatigued
Sentence:

153)

Inept (adj.) clumsy, incompetent

Synonyms: *awkward, *bumbling, bungling,
Antonyms: competent
Sentence:

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154)

Inexorable (adj.) obdurate, relentless

Synonyms: *implacable, unyielding, inflexible, *ineluctable
Sentence:

155)

Innocuous (adj.) harmless, inoffensive

Synonyms: *banal, bland, flat, inane, *innocent
Antonyms: harmful
Sentence:

156)

Intrepid (adj.) fearless

Synonyms: bold, courageous, *daring, *dauntless
Antonyms: cowardly, fearful
Sentence:

157)

Insidious (adj.) sly, treacherous, devious

Synonyms: *crafty, disingenuous, *duplicitous
Antonyms: straightforward
Sentence:

158)

Insipid (adj.) bland, tasteless, trite

Synonyms: *banal, inane, *innocuous
Antonyms: interesting
Sentence:

159)

Intransigent (adj.) uncompromising, refusing to yield to another

Synonyms: firm, *obdurate, *resolute,
Antonyms: acquiescing, flexible, pliant, swayable, yielding
Sentence:

160)

Inundate (v.) cover with water, overwhelm

Synonyms: *overwhelm, *swamp, flood
Antonyms:
Sentence:

161)

Invective (n.) verbal abuse

Synonyms: *accusation, berating, blasphemy, *castigation,
Antonyms: praise
Sentence:

162)

Irascible (adj.) easily angered, quick in temper

Synonyms: testy, *petulant, *irritable
Antonyms: civil, kind, peaceable, sweet
Sentence:

163)

Irrevocable (adj.) conclusive, irreversible

Synonyms: changeless, constant, *final, *immutable
Antonyms: temporary
Sentence:

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164)

Jocular (adj.) jovial, playful, humorous

Synonyms: amusing, *blithe, *merry,
Antonyms: serious, solemn
Sentence:

165)

Judicious (adj.) sensible, wise, prudent

Synonyms: *astute, *cautious
Antonyms: careless, ill-advised
Sentence:

Lesson 12
166)

Labyrinth (n.) a maze

Sentence:

167)

Laggard (n.) dawdler, loafer, lazy person

Synonyms: *slacker, *loiterer
Antonyms: go-getter, opportunist
Sentence:

168)

Lament (v.) to deplore, grieve, or mourn over

Synonyms: bawl, *bemoan, *bewail
Antonyms: celebrate, rejoice
Sentence:

169)

Lampoon (n.) (v.) a satire or caricature; to attack with satire, or mock harshly
Synonyms: *burlesque, *parody
Sentence:

170)

Latent (adj.) present but hidden

Synonyms: covert, *lurking, *dormant
Antonyms: active, manifest, obvious
Sentence:

171)

Languid (adj.) lacking energy

Synonyms: indifferent, *listless, *lethargic, indolent
Antonyms: active, energetic
Sentence:

172)

Laudable (adj.) worthy of praise, meritorious

Synonyms: *commendable
Antonyms: blameworthy, shameful
Sentence:

173)

Leery (adj.) suspicious

Synonyms: *cautious, dubious, skeptical, *wary
Antonyms: trustful

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Sentence:
174)

Levity (n.) humor, frivolous

Synonyms: *facetiousness, *flippancy,
Antonyms: gravity, seriousness
Sentence:

175)

Libertarian (n.) one who believes in unrestricted freedom

Synonyms: *individualistic, open-minded, *permissive
Antonyms: autocratic, despotic
Sentence:

176)

Licentious (adj.) immoral, unrestrained by society

Synonyms: *amoral, disorderly, *dissolute
Antonyms: moral, virtuous
Sentence:

177)

Libidinous (adj.) given to or expressing lust

Synonyms: *lascivious, *lewd, lecherous, bawdy, wanton, salacious
Antonyms: chaste, pure
Sentence:

178)

Limpid (adj.) clear, transparent

Synonyms: *comprehensible, intelligible,*lucid
Antonyms: muddy, opaque
Sentence:

179)

Lionize (v.) to treat as a celebrity

Synonyms: *idolize, *glorify
Antonyms: disregard, forget, ignore, overlook
Sentence:

180)

Lurk (v.) to prowl or sneak

Synonyms: conceal oneself, *creep, *crouch, go furtively
Sentence:

Lesson 13
181)

Livid (adj.) reddened with anger

Synonyms: *enraged, *incensed, indignant
Antonyms: happy
Sentence:

182)

Lucid (adj.) clear and easily understood

Synonyms: *comprehendible, comprehensible, *limpid
Antonyms: ambiguous, muddled, opaque
Sentence:

183)

Lugubrious (adj.) sorrowful, mournful

Synonyms: *depressed, crestfallen, dispirited, *melancholy
Antonyms: cheerful, elated, euphoric, exhilarated

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184)

Sentence:
Lurid (adj.) harshly shocking, sensational
Synonyms: exaggerated, *extreme, *startling
Antonyms: discreet, subtle
Sentence:

185)

Maelstrom (n.) whirlpool, turmoil, agitated state of mind

Synonyms: *bedlam, *anarchy, tumult,
Antonyms: calm, peace, quiet
Sentence:

186)

Magnanimous (adj.) generous

Synonyms: *altruistic, *beneficent, benevolent,
Antonyms: mean-spirited, selfish
Sentence:

187)

Maladroit (adj.) clumsy, tactless, poorly skilled

Synonyms: *blundering, bumbling, *bungling,
Antonyms: adroit, skillful
Sentence:

188)

Malediction (n.) curse, imprecation

Synonyms: *anathema, *damnation, curse word
Antonyms: benediction, blessing
Sentence:

189)

Malinger (v.) evade responsibility by pretending to be ill

Synonyms: *shirk, circumlocute, *dodge,
Antonyms: confront, encounter, meet, face
Sentence:

190)

Mar (v.) damage, deface, spoil

Synonyms: *blight, hurt, detract, *disfigure
Antonyms: enhance, improve
Sentence:

191)

Martinet (n.) strict disciplinarian, one who rigidly follows the rules
Synonyms: *absolutist, *authoritarian, enforcer
Sentence:

192)

Maudlin (adj.) overly sentimental, mawkish

Synonyms: *gushing, *sentimental
Antonyms: austere, undemonstrative
Sentence:

193)

Mercurial (adj.) changeable, unpredictable

Synonyms: temperamental, *fickle, *impulsive
Antonyms: constant, steady
Sentence:

19

194)

Mirth (n.) frivolity, gaiety, laughter

Synonyms: *cheerfulness
Antonyms: seriousness, solemnity
Sentence:

195)

Mitigate (v.) to soften, lessen, or make milder

Synonyms: *abate, *diminish
Antonyms: increase, intensify, instigate,
Sentence:

Lesson 14
196)

Mollify (v.) to make calm or less severe

Synonyms: *allay, *appease, assuage
Antonyms: aggravate, enrage
Sentence:

197)

Morose (adj.) gloomy, sullen

Synonyms: *pessimistic, *dolorous
Antonyms: cheerful, happy
Sentence:

198)

Morbid (adj.) gruesome, relating to disease, abnormally gloomy

Synonyms: *brooding, *morose, grisly
Antonyms: cheerful
Sentence:

199)

Mottle (v.) mark with spots; dapple

Sentence:

200)

Mundane (adj.) worldly, commonplace

Synonyms: *banal, commonplace, *humdrum, prosaic
Antonyms: extraordinary, prodigious
Sentence:

201)

Mutable (adj.) changeable

Synonyms: *erratic, *fickle, fitful, mercurial, volatile
Antonyms: constant, dependable, predictable, stable, steadfast, steady
Sentence:

202)

Myriad (adj.) immense number, countless, measureless

Synonyms: immeasurable, *incalculable, infinite, *multitudinous,
Antonyms: finite
Sentence:

203)

Nefarious (adj.) vicious, evil, wicked

Synonyms: *depraved, heinous, *iniquitous, villainous,
Antonyms: admirable, good

20

Sentence:
204)

Noisome (adj.) stinking, putrid

Synonyms: *fetid, *foul, nauseating
Antonyms: pleasant
Sentence:

205)

Nuance (n.) shade of meaning, extremely subtle

Synonyms: *degree, *distinction, gradation, hint
Antonyms: denotation, literal meaning
Sentence:

206)

Noxious (adj.) harmful, poisonous

Synonyms: *fetid, pernicious, *toxic, virulent
Antonyms: innocuous, pleasant
Sentence:

207)

Nondescript (adj.) lacking interesting or distinctive qualities; dull

Synonyms: commonplace, ordinary, *unexceptional, *unremarkable
Antonyms: distinctive, extraordinary
Sentence:

208)

Nullify (v.) to make legally invalid; to counteract the effect of

Synonyms: *abolish, *abrogate, annul, invalidate,
Antonyms: authorize, confirm, validate, ratify
Sentence:

209)

Novice (n.) a beginner, an apprentice

Synonyms: *neophyte, *tyro, greenhorn
Antonyms: expert, master, professional, virtuoso
Sentence:

210)

Notoriety (n.) unfavorable fame

Synonyms: *infamy, dishonor, *disrepute, opprobrium
Antonyms: anonymity, low profile, obscurity
Sentence:

21

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