Free GRE Vocabulary Practice

To renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or responsibility

"The king chose to abdicate the throne rather than face a revolution."

Departing from what is normal or expected; deviating from the standard

"The scientist noted the aberrant data point and investigated whether it was caused by equipment malfunction."

To formally reject or renounce a belief, cause, or claim

"After years of advocating for the policy, the senator publicly abjured his former position."

Exist in great numbers; be plentiful

"Theories abound about the cause of the mass extinction, but few are supported by fossil evidence."

Shortened or condensed while retaining the essential content

"The abridged edition of the novel omits several subplots but preserves the central narrative arc."

Not self-indulgent, especially regarding eating and drinking; moderate

"Her abstemious lifestyle stood in stark contrast to the lavish habits of her peers."

Difficult to understand; obscure

"The philosopher's abstruse arguments about consciousness left even his colleagues struggling to follow."

Existing in large quantities; plentiful

"Archaeological sites in the region are abundant, suggesting a thriving civilization once inhabited the valley."

Agreeing to a demand, request, or treaty; giving consent

"After months of resistance, the board ended up acceding to the shareholders' demand for greater transparency."

Makes more noticeable or prominent; emphasizes

"The stark lighting in the gallery accentuates the rough texture of the sculptor's bronze figures."

An award or privilege granted as a special honor or acknowledgment of merit

"The researcher received the highest accolade in her field for groundbreaking work in genetics."

To provide an explanation or justification for

"Researchers struggled to account for the sudden decline in the bird population along the eastern seaboard."

Sharp and forthright in speech or manner; biting; caustic

"The critic's acerbic review of the opera spared neither the director's vision nor the lead soprano's performance."

Excessively interested in acquiring money or material things; greedy

"The acquisitive collector amassed over three thousand rare manuscripts in a single decade."

Excessive interest in acquiring money or material things; greediness

"Her acquisitiveness extended beyond material goods to an insatiable hunger for knowledge and credentials."

An area of land, typically measured in acres

"The disputed acreage along the border became the flashpoint for a decades-long territorial conflict."

Bitterness or ill feeling; harsh and angry language or behavior

"The acrimony between the two factions made any compromise impossible."

Vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change

"Her activism on behalf of migrant workers earned her both admiration and fierce political opposition."

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions; keen insight

"The CEO's financial acumen allowed her to navigate the company through three consecutive recessions."

Modified versions of something adjusted for a new purpose

"Film adaptations of classic novels rarely satisfy readers who cherish the original prose."

To allow for; to be open to the possibility of

"The evidence is so overwhelming that it does not admit of any alternative explanation."

Warned or reprimanded firmly; urged earnestly

"The judge admonished the attorney for repeatedly interrupting opposing counsel during cross-examination."

Relating to the adrenal glands, which produce hormones including adrenaline

"The adrenal response to sudden danger can sharpen reflexes but impair long-term decision-making."

Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind

"The diplomat was adroit at navigating complex international negotiations."

To make something poorer in quality by adding another substance

"Unscrupulous merchants would adulterate expensive spices with cheaper fillers."

Involving conflict or opposition between parties

"The adversarial nature of the two-party system often prevents meaningful legislative compromise."

To publicly recommend or support; a person who pleads for a cause

"She continued to advocate for criminal justice reform throughout her career."

Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

"The building's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, drawing tourists from around the world."

A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty

"The aesthetics of Japanese garden design emphasize simplicity, asymmetry, and the beauty of natural materials."

The quality of being friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to

"The diplomat's affability masked a shrewd and calculating mind that rarely conceded a negotiating point."

Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress

"His British accent was merely an affectation, adopted after a single semester abroad."

To increase the power, status, or wealth of; to make appear greater

"The dictator sought to aggrandize himself through elaborate public monuments."

Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land; agricultural

"The country's agrarian economy left it vulnerable to droughts that devastated crop yields."

Brisk and cheerful readiness; eager willingness

"The volunteers accepted the challenging assignment with surprising alacrity."

Estranged; made to feel isolated or withdrawn from

"The artist's uncompromising vision alienated mainstream audiences but earned devoted followers among critics."

Including or covering everything or everyone; comprehensive to the highest degree

"The historian's all-encompassing study of the Roman Empire spans politics, economics, religion, and daily life."

Claims or assertions, typically without proof, that someone has done something wrong

"The allegations of financial impropriety forced the university president to resign before any formal investigation began."

To make a problem or suffering less severe; to relieve

"International aid organizations rushed supplies to the region in an effort to alleviate the famine's worst effects."

An indirect or passing reference to something

"The poet's allusion to the myth of Icarus underscores the novel's theme of overreaching ambition."

Containing or characterized by indirect references

"Her allusive prose rewards careful readers who recognize echoes of Shakespeare, Milton, and the King James Bible."

Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant; detached

"The professor remained aloof during department meetings, contributing only when directly addressed."

The state of being distant or detached in manner

"What some interpreted as aloofness was actually a profound shyness that the novelist never fully overcame."

To combine or unite to form one organization or structure

"The two companies decided to amalgamate in order to compete more effectively in the global market."

Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning; unclear

"The contract language was deliberately ambiguous, allowing both parties to claim compliance."

The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something

"The memoir captures the author's ambivalence toward her hometown—a place she both loved and longed to escape."

To make something bad or unsatisfactory better; to improve

"Urban planners proposed a network of green spaces to ameliorate the effects of extreme heat in the city center."

Made something bad or unsatisfactory better; improved

"The new irrigation system ameliorated the chronic water shortages that had plagued the farming community for decades."

Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled; susceptible

"The committee proved amenable to revising the policy once presented with compelling new data."

Without a clearly defined shape or form; vague and unorganized

"The committee's goals remained amorphous, lacking any concrete plan of action."

Belonging to a period other than the one being portrayed; outdated

"The novel's characters use smartphones in a story supposedly set in the 1950s, an anachronistic error the editor missed."

Comparable in certain respects; similar or equivalent in function

"The structure of an atom was once considered analogous to a miniature solar system, though this model has since been refined."

Relating to the physical structure of a body or organism

"Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings reveal a scientific curiosity far ahead of his time."

Providing supplementary or additional help and support; subsidiary

"The research paper's ancillary findings about diet and sleep proved more influential than its main thesis."

Not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so

"The politician's anodyne remarks failed to address the substantive concerns of voters."

Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected

"The star's unusual brightness was dismissed as an anomaly until a second telescope confirmed the observation."

Preceded in time; came before in chronological order

"The cave paintings antedated the arrival of agriculture in the region by several thousand years."

Relating to the belief that moral law is not binding; opposing established rules or authorities

"The antinomian faction within the colony rejected all civil authority, insisting that grace alone governed morality."

A deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion

"His antipathy toward modern art was well known among his colleagues."

Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible

"The two philosophers held antithetical views on free will, yet their debates advanced the field enormously."

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern; indifferent

"Voter turnout dropped to historic lows as an increasingly apathetic electorate lost faith in both parties."

Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

"The administration mistook the public's apathy for approval and was blindsided by the backlash that followed."

Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true

"The story about the cherry tree is almost certainly apocryphal, yet it persists in popular culture."

A vigorous and pioneering advocate of a particular cause or idea

"She became an apostle of sustainable architecture, lecturing worldwide on carbon-neutral building design."

Pacifying or placating by acceding to demands; bringing peace to

"Appeasing the rival faction only emboldened them to make more extreme demands in subsequent negotiations."

Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

"The crew grew apprehensive as storm clouds gathered on the horizon with no harbor in sight."

Approval or praise; official sanction

"The young artist sought the approbation of the established critics."

A body of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater

"The massive aquifer beneath the Great Plains supplies drinking water to millions but is being depleted faster than it recharges."

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system

"The grading system appeared arbitrary, with identical essays receiving wildly different marks from different reviewers."

Understood by few; mysterious or secret

"The professor's lectures on arcane mathematical theories attracted only the most dedicated students."

Relating to the scientific study of material remains from past human cultures

"Archaeological evidence suggests that the site was continuously inhabited for over six thousand years."

Very old or old-fashioned; belonging to an earlier period

"The archaic language of the legal code made it nearly incomprehensible to modern readers."

Enthusiasm or passion; intense feeling

"She pursued her research with an ardor that inspired her graduate students."

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

"The arduous trek through the mountain pass tested even the most experienced members of the expedition."

A self-contained piece for one voice, usually in an opera

"The soprano's aria in the second act brought the audience to tears with its haunting simplicity."

An exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities; overbearing pride

"The general's arrogance blinded him to the tactical advantages his opponents possessed in the rugged terrain."

To express clearly and effectively

"The witness was able to articulate the sequence of events with remarkable precision despite the trauma she had endured."

Objects made by humans, typically of historical or cultural interest

"The artifacts recovered from the shipwreck provided an invaluable window into medieval maritime trade."

Found out for certain; determined with confidence through investigation

"The detective ascertained the suspect's alibi through a painstaking review of security camera footage."

Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence

"The philosopher lived an ascetic life, owning nothing beyond a few books and simple clothing."

Attributed to or regarded as belonging to

"Historians have long ascribed the empire's decline to military overextension, though economic factors also played a role."

To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to satisfy or relieve

"Nothing could assuage his guilt over the error that had cost the company millions."

Surprisingly impressive or notable; shocking

"The telescope revealed an astounding number of previously unknown galaxies in a single patch of sky."

Having an ability to accurately assess situations and turn them to one's advantage; shrewd

"The astute investor recognized the market trend months before her competitors."

In conflict or disagreement

"The committee's recommendations were at odds with the conclusions reached by the independent auditors."

The act of achieving or reaching a goal or level

"Her attainment of fluency in four languages by age twenty opened doors in the diplomatic corps."

The process of reducing the force, effect, or value of something; weakening

"The attenuation of the radio signal at greater distances limited the probe's ability to transmit data back to Earth."

The act of ascribing a work or remark to a particular author or source

"The painting's attribution to Rembrandt has been questioned by several art historians who point to inconsistencies in technique."

Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks; impudent

"The audacious plan to restructure the entire department met with both admiration and resistance."

Made greater in size, extent, or quality; supplemented

"The orchestra's sound was augmented by a chorus of sixty voices for the finale of the symphony."

Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries

"The monastery's austere stone walls and bare furnishings reflected the monks' commitment to simplicity."

Severity or strictness of manner or attitude; extreme plainness and simplicity of style; conditions of reduced spending

"Years of government austerity left hospitals underfunded and schools struggling to retain qualified teachers."

Relating to or characteristic of an author

"The novel's shifting perspectives make it difficult to determine the authorial stance on the central moral dilemma."

Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom

"The authoritarian regime suppressed dissent through censorship, surveillance, and the imprisonment of political opponents."

Official permission or approval to do something

"Construction could not begin without authorization from both the city planning board and the environmental agency."

Made use of; took advantage of

"She availed herself of the university's extensive archives to reconstruct the lost history of the community."

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain

"The novel paints a portrait of corporate avarice at the expense of environmental responsibility."

Extreme eagerness or enthusiasm; keen interest

"The young scholar pursued rare manuscripts with an avidity that impressed even the most seasoned bibliophiles."

With great interest, enthusiasm, or eagerness

"He avidly consumed every new publication on quantum mechanics, filling notebook after notebook with questions."

Away from the expected course; amiss

"The carefully planned experiment went awry when a power outage corrupted the data at a critical stage."

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring; trite

"The critic dismissed the film's dialogue as banal and predictable."

Sent away from a place as an official punishment; expelled

"The dissident was banished from the country and spent twenty years in exile before the regime fell."

Charming or enchanting, often in a deceptive way

"The beguiling simplicity of the theory concealed deep mathematical complexities that took decades to unravel."

Contradicts; gives a false impression of; misrepresents

"The calm surface of the lake belies the powerful currents that have claimed several swimmers over the years."

Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight

"The ambassador's bellicose rhetoric alarmed neighboring nations."

Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight

"The ambassador's belligerent tone during the summit alarmed delegates who had come expecting constructive dialogue."

Puzzled, confused, or bewildered

"The professor looked bemused when a student challenged the foundational premise of the entire lecture."

Gentle, kindly; not harmful in effect

"What initially appeared to be a benign policy shift turned out to have far-reaching economic consequences."

The quality of being gentle, kind, or harmless

"The queen's reputation for benignity endeared her to subjects who had suffered under her predecessor's harsh rule."

Surrounded and harassed; troubled persistently

"Besieged by reporters after the verdict, the attorney offered only a brief statement before retreating indoors."

Relating to the systematic description of books and other published works

"The appendix contains a comprehensive bibliographical survey of every major study on the topic since 1950."

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or in the world generally

"The coral reef's extraordinary biodiversity makes it one of the most scientifically valuable ecosystems on the planet."

The branch of biology that deals with the geographical distribution of plants and animals

"Biogeography helps explain why marsupials thrived in Australia but not on other continents."

The regions of the earth's surface and atmosphere occupied by living organisms; the global ecological system

"Human activity is altering the biosphere at a rate unprecedented in the geological record."

Very strange or unusual, especially in a way that provokes unease

"The artist's bizarre juxtaposition of industrial machinery and pastoral landscapes provoked both confusion and admiration."

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper

"His blithe disregard for the safety regulations eventually led to a serious accident."

Fake; not genuine; fraudulent

"The academic journal retracted the paper after discovering that its data was entirely bogus."

To support, strengthen, or reinforce

"The senator cited three new studies to bolster her argument for increased funding in early childhood education."

Supported or strengthened; propped up

"The discovery of additional fossils bolstered the hypothesis that the species had migrated across the land bridge."

High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated and pretentious in language

"The senator's bombastic speeches impressed few of his more thoughtful colleagues."

Yielded or submitted to

"The company bowed to public pressure and withdrew the controversial advertisement within hours of its release."

To wave or flourish something as a threat or display

"The dictator would brandish military threats whenever neighboring countries criticized his human rights record."

Restraining or controlling; checking the freedom of

"The author chafed at the publisher's edits, bridling at what she saw as unnecessary interference with her prose."

Water saturated or strongly impregnated with salt

"Life in the deep ocean brine pools has adapted to salinity levels that would kill most organisms."

Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life

"The painter was known for his bucolic landscapes depicting idyllic farm life."

A system of government or administration marked by excessive red tape and rigid procedures

"The grant application required navigating a labyrinth of bureaucracy that discouraged all but the most determined researchers."

To begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish

"The tech industry continued to burgeon throughout the decade, creating millions of new jobs."

To strengthen or support (an argument, idea, or structure)

"New archaeological findings buttress the theory that trade routes connected the two ancient civilizations."

Projecting supports built against a wall to reinforce or brace it

"The cathedral's massive stone buttresses transfer the weight of the vaulted ceiling outward to the ground."

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

"The cacophony of car horns, construction, and shouting vendors defined the city soundscape."

The making of false and defamatory statements about someone; slander

"The candidate accused her opponent of spreading calumny to damage her reputation."

The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

"Voters appreciated the candidate's candor, even when his views were controversial."

To cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to surrender

"After months of negotiation, the company finally capitulated to the union's demands."

Given to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior

"The capricious funding decisions of the arts council left theater companies unable to plan more than a season ahead."

Animals that feed on other animals; meat-eaters

"Large carnivores play a critical role in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem balance."

To reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly

"The editorial castigated the government for its slow response to the crisis."

A person or thing that precipitates an event or change

"The economic downturn served as a catalyst for sweeping regulatory reform."

Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way; capable of burning or corroding

"Her caustic review of the novel left its author devastated."

A warning or proviso; a qualification or limitation

"The study's authors included an important caveat: the results may not generalize to populations outside the sample."

To express severe disapproval of, especially in a formal statement

"The ethics committee voted to censure the senator for violating campaign finance rules."

The concentration of control or authority in a single entity or center

"The centralization of power in the capital weakened local governance and bred resentment in the provinces."

A V-shaped or zigzag pattern used as decoration or insignia

"The mosaic floor featured a repeating chevron pattern that archaeologists traced to second-century Roman workshops."

The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose

"The investigation revealed years of financial chicanery at the highest levels of the corporation."

The part of a church between the nave and the altar, typically enclosed, where the choir sings

"The choir of the medieval cathedral was reserved for clergy, separated from the nave where the congregation gathered."

Restricted in scope or range; limited; bounded

"The monarch's authority was circumscribed by a constitution that granted considerable power to the parliament."

Wary and unwilling to take risks; careful to consider all circumstances

"A circumspect leader, she consulted advisors from across the political spectrum before making any major decision."

Finds a way around; avoids or bypasses

"The new regulation circumvents the loophole that corporations had exploited to avoid paying taxes."

Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech

"Even in the heat of the debate, both candidates maintained a level of civility that impressed the moderators."

Mercy; lenience, especially toward an offender or enemy

"The defense attorney pleaded for clemency, citing the defendant's age and lack of prior offenses."

Relating to the clergy or religious officials

"The clerical hierarchy resisted the reforms, viewing them as a threat to the church's traditional authority."

To cover or conceal; to hide or disguise

"Diplomatic language can cloak aggressive intentions behind a veneer of cooperation and goodwill."

Covered or concealed; disguised

"The proposal was cloaked in the rhetoric of fiscal responsibility, but its true aim was to cut social services."

To come together and form one mass or whole; to unite

"Several grassroots movements coalesced into a single powerful political party."

To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats

"The regime coerced citizens into signing loyalty pledges under threat of imprisonment."

Logically consistent; forming a unified, intelligible whole

"The defense attorney failed to present a coherent alternative theory that could account for all the evidence."

Newly invented words or phrases; linguistic creations

"Shakespeare's coinages—words like 'assassination' and 'lonely'—have become so common that their origin surprises most people."

A composition made by combining diverse elements

"The filmmaker's work is a collage of documentary footage, animation, and staged reenactments."

Relating to the shared responsibility and cooperation among colleagues

"The department fostered a collegial atmosphere in which junior faculty felt comfortable sharing ideas with senior professors."

A conflict between opposing ideas, interests, or forces

"The collision between traditional farming practices and modern agribusiness reshaped the rural economy."

Established a settlement in and exercised control over a foreign territory

"European powers colonized vast territories in Africa during the nineteenth century, redrawing borders with little regard for existing cultures."

Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion

"The salary offered was not commensurate with the level of experience required for the position."

Trade; the exchange of goods and services between groups

"The ancient port city thrived on commerce, trading silk and spices with merchants from three continents."

Shared by all members of a community; for common use

"The communal gardens provided fresh produce and, more importantly, a gathering place for the neighborhood."

Similar in size, degree, or nature; able to be compared

"No comparable study has been conducted on this scale, making the findings difficult to validate independently."

Evoking interest or attention in a powerfully irresistible way

"The documentary presents a compelling case that systemic reforms are needed in the criminal justice system."

A feeling of smug self-satisfaction with oneself or one's situation, unaware of potential dangers

"The team's early success bred complacency, and by midseason their performance had deteriorated sharply."

Combining in such a way as to enhance or improve each other; completing

"The two researchers brought complementary skills to the project—one excelled in theory, the other in laboratory technique."

Added to in a way that enhances or improves

"The historian's archival research was complemented by extensive fieldwork at the archaeological site."

The act of obeying rules, requests, or commands

"The factory was shut down for failure to maintain compliance with federal emissions standards."

Expressing praise and admiration

"The review was almost entirely complimentary, praising the author's prose, structure, and depth of research."

A constituent part; one of the individual parts that make up a larger whole

"Trust is a critical component of any successful negotiation between parties with a history of conflict."

Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something; thorough

"The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, and environmental costs of the proposed dam."

To keep from sight or discovery; to hide

"The dense canopy of the rainforest can conceal entire species from researchers working at ground level."

In a way that is imaginable or possible

"The mutation could conceivably confer an advantage in environments where temperatures fluctuate dramatically."

Something conceded or acknowledged, especially in an argument, while maintaining the overall position

"The author's concession that her earlier model was flawed lent credibility to her revised theory."

Relating to or making a concession; acknowledging a point while maintaining the main argument

"The essay's concessive opening paragraph acknowledges the strengths of the opposing view before systematically dismantling it."

Intended to placate or pacify; aimed at making peace

"After days of heated debate, the leader struck a conciliatory tone in his closing remarks."

Naturally accompanying or associated; occurring together

"Rapid industrialization and its concomitant environmental damage transformed the region."

To change from a gas or vapor to a liquid; to become denser or more concentrated

"Water vapor in the atmosphere will condense into droplets when it encounters cooler air at higher altitudes."

To accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive

"The university refused to condone the use of artificial intelligence to produce student essays."

To combine two or more ideas, texts, or sets of information, often erroneously treating distinct things as identical

"Critics argue that the study conflates correlation with causation, a common error in epidemiological research."

Acting as a hidden variable that distorts the apparent relationship between other variables

"Age was a confounding variable that the researchers failed to control for in their analysis of health outcomes."

Overcrowded; blocked or clogged with traffic

"Congested urban highways have prompted city planners to invest heavily in public transit alternatives."

An opinion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form such an opinion

"Without hard evidence, any explanation at this point is merely conjecture."

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning

"The word 'regime' carries a negative connotation that 'administration' does not, even when describing the same government."

To imply or suggest in addition to the literal meaning

"In literary criticism, the color red can connote passion, danger, or revolution depending on context."

General agreement among a group of people

"After three days of debate, the committee reached a consensus that the endangered species deserved full legal protection."

Following as a result or effect; important, significant

"The ruling was the most consequential Supreme Court decision on privacy rights in over a decade."

The process of making something stronger or more solid; stabilization of memories

"The consolidation of several small school districts into one large system promised efficiency but sacrificed community identity."

Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice

"The artist's conspicuous absence from the gallery opening fueled speculation about a rift with the curator."

Severely restricted the scope, extent, or activity of; compelled or forced

"Limited funding constrained the researchers to a much smaller sample size than they had originally planned."

Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete in every detail

"A consummate professional, she handled the crisis with poise and efficiency."

Asserted or maintained as a position in an argument

"The defense attorney contended that the prosecution's timeline was physically impossible given the distance involved."

Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

"The contentious proposal to rezone the neighborhood divided the community."

The act of placing something in an appropriate context for proper understanding

"The museum's contextualization of colonial artifacts alongside indigenous accounts offered a more balanced historical narrative."

To violate or go against (a law, treaty, or principle)

"The proposed legislation would contravene several international treaties the country had signed decades earlier."

Feeling or expressing remorse at having done wrong

"The contrite executive issued a public apology for the company's lapses in safety."

A confusing and difficult problem or question

"The energy crisis presents a conundrum: how to maintain growth while reducing emissions."

The quality of being based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; conformity

"The novelist's early work was marked by a conventionality that gave no hint of the radical experimentation to come."

To come together from different directions so as to meet; to tend toward a common result

"Several lines of evidence converge to support the evolutionary hypothesis."

A firmly held belief or opinion

"She argued with such conviction that even her skeptics found themselves reconsidering long-held assumptions."

Extremely complex and difficult to follow; intricately twisted

"The tax code has become so convoluted that even accountants specializing in it disagree on basic interpretations."

Abundant in supply or quantity; plentiful

"The biographer drew on copious correspondence between the two writers to reconstruct their intellectual friendship."

A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things, especially a statistical one

"The study found a strong correlation between childhood reading habits and academic performance in college."

Confirmed or gave support to (a statement, theory, or finding)

"Eyewitness testimony corroborated the forensic evidence, strengthening the prosecution's case considerably."

Confirming or giving support to a statement, theory, or finding

"The newly discovered letters provide corroborating evidence for the historian's controversial thesis."

Familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures

"The cosmopolitan city attracted artists, entrepreneurs, and scholars from every continent."

Working against; opposing and neutralizing an effect

"The medication works by counteracting the inflammation that triggers the patient's chronic pain."

An example that disproves or contradicts a general claim

"A single counterexample is sufficient to disprove a universal claim in formal logic."

Contrary to what common sense or intuition would suggest

"The finding that wider highways can increase congestion is counterintuitive but well supported by traffic research."

A thing that forms a pleasing or notable contrast to something else; a complementary or opposing element

"The novel uses the daughter's optimism as a counterpoint to the father's deep-rooted cynicism."

Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help

"Punishing employees for honest mistakes proved counterproductive, as it discouraged them from reporting errors."

Offsetting the effect of something; compensating

"Countervailing economic pressures—rising wages on one hand, falling demand on the other—left businesses in a difficult position."

Having craters (bowl-shaped depressions) on the surface

"The cratered surface of the moon preserves a record of billions of years of asteroid impacts."

Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible

"The credulous investors failed to question the fund manager's unrealistic promises of returns."

Sad and disappointed; dejected

"The crestfallen candidate conceded the election shortly after midnight, thanking supporters through tears."

(Of writing or description) Clear, concise, and to the point

"The journalist's crisp prose conveyed complex policy debates in language any reader could follow."

An early 20th-century art movement that fragmented objects into geometric forms and depicted them from multiple viewpoints simultaneously

"Cubism shattered the conventions of perspective that had dominated Western painting since the Renaissance."

To reach a climax or point of highest development

"Years of research culminated in a paper that transformed the field of molecular biology."

Deserving blame; at fault

"The investigation found the supervisor equally culpable for the safety violations."

Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

"Even a cursory examination of the data revealed significant flaws in the methodology."

Reduced in extent or quantity; cut short

"Civil liberties were curtailed during the wartime emergency, a decision that historians continue to debate."

Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity

"The columnist took a cynical view of the politician's sudden interest in education reform during an election year."

A distrustful and contemptuous attitude toward the motives of others

"Years of broken promises had bred a deep cynicism among voters who once believed in the democratic process."

To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive

"The sheer scale of the project did not daunt the experienced architect."

A scarcity or lack of something

"The dearth of qualified applicants forced the university to extend its hiring deadline."

A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco

"The product launch was a debacle, with software glitches rendering the device unusable."

Exposing the falseness or hollowness of a myth, belief, or idea

"The scientist devoted her career to debunking pseudoscientific claims about the healing powers of crystals."

Giving an appearance or impression different from the truth; misleading

"The deceptive calm of the river masked a treacherous undertow that had caught many swimmers off guard."

Settling an issue; producing a definite result; conclusive

"The battle proved decisive, ending a conflict that had dragged on for nearly a decade."

In the form of a declaration; relating to factual information or explicit memory

"The opening paragraph makes a bold, declarative statement that the rest of the essay spends two hundred pages defending."

To diminish in quality, strength, or condition; to become worse

"Fish populations in the river began to decline sharply after the upstream factory expanded its operations."

Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety; etiquette

"The judge demanded decorum in her courtroom, silencing the unruly spectators."

Humble submission and respect; yielding to the judgment of another

"Out of deference to the senior professor, the young researcher withheld her criticism."

Showing deference; respectful and yielding to the judgment of another

"The junior diplomat's deferential manner during the negotiations concealed a sharp tactical mind."

Done or reached decisively and with authority; providing a final, authoritative answer

"Her biography of the composer is widely regarded as the definitive account of his life and work."

To turn aside or cause to change direction; to divert

"The spokesperson attempted to deflect attention from the scandal by emphasizing the company's charitable donations."

Break down; deteriorate in quality or structure over time

"Ultraviolet radiation causes plastics to degrade, releasing microparticles that contaminate soil and water."

Causing harm or damage

"The study demonstrated the deleterious effects of prolonged screen time on children's sleep."

To describe or portray precisely; to outline or sketch

"The treaty attempted to delineate the boundary between the two nations along the mountain ridge."

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to prejudices rather than rational argument

"Historians often cite the rise of the demagogue as a warning about the fragility of democracy."

To set the boundaries or limits of; to distinguish

"Stone walls built centuries ago still demarcate the ancient property lines visible in aerial photographs."

Outward behavior or bearing

"The witness's calm demeanor under cross-examination impressed the jury more than any single piece of evidence."

(noun) An objection; (verb) to raise doubts or objections; to show reluctance

"When asked to endorse the proposal without reading it, the senator raised a firm demur."

The literal, dictionary definition of a word (as opposed to connotation)

"The denotation of 'home' is simply a dwelling, but its connotation encompasses warmth, safety, and belonging."

To publicly declare to be wrong or evil; to condemn openly

"Human rights organizations denounced the government's use of force against peaceful demonstrators."

To express disapproval of; to belittle

"She tended to deprecate her own achievements, attributing her success to luck."

To express contempt for; to ridicule or mock

"Critics derided the proposal as impractical and hopelessly idealistic."

Capable of being obtained or deduced from a source

"The equation's key insight is that the entire system's behavior is derivable from just three initial conditions."

Imitative of the work of another; not original; lacking originality

"Critics dismissed the album as derivative, noting its heavy borrowing from earlier jazz recordings."

To remove the moisture from something; to dry out completely

"The prolonged drought desiccated the once-fertile farmland."

Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; occurring randomly or intermittently

"Their desultory conversation touched on many topics but explored none in depth."

Separate; aloof and objective; not involved emotionally

"The journalist maintained a detached perspective, reporting the facts without editorializing about either side."

The state of being objective, aloof, or emotionally uninvolved

"Scientific detachment is essential when evaluating data, especially when the results challenge one's own hypothesis."

To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or value

"Without proper conservation, the medieval frescoes will continue to deteriorate from exposure to moisture and light."

Having exact and discernible limits or form; precisely fixed

"The contract's language was deliberately determinate, leaving no ambiguity about each party's obligations."

Tending to cause harm; damaging

"Chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to be detrimental to both cognitive function and cardiovascular health."

Highly destructive; causing severe shock, distress, or damage

"The hurricane's devastating impact on the coastal communities took years and billions of dollars to repair."

To identify the nature of a problem or condition through examination

"Early efforts to diagnose the disease were hampered by the similarity of its symptoms to several common infections."

Resembling a diagram; schematic and simplified rather than realistic

"The architect's diagrammatic sketches captured the building's spatial logic more effectively than the detailed blueprints."

A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something

"The columnist launched a diatribe against the proposed legislation."

Divisions or contrasts between two things that are represented as being opposed or different

"The philosopher argued that the rigid dichotomies between nature and culture, mind and body, were fundamentally misleading."

A division or contrast between two things represented as being opposed or entirely different

"The dichotomy between rural and urban values has long shaped political discourse."

To determine or control; to prescribe authoritatively

"Economic realities, rather than ideological preferences, often dictate the policies a government can pursue."

Intended to teach or instruct, often excessively moralistic

"The novel's didactic tone undermines its literary merit, as characters exist only to deliver moral lessons."

The practice of conveying instruction and moral teaching, often excessively

"The playwright rejected didacticism in favor of presenting moral ambiguity and letting audiences draw their own conclusions."

Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence

"His diffidence in social settings contrasted sharply with the confidence he displayed in the laboratory."

Spread out over a large area; not concentrated; lacking clarity

"The essay's argument is so diffuse that the reader loses track of the central thesis by the third paragraph."

Temporary departures from the main subject in speech or writing

"The lecturer's frequent digressions into personal anecdotes, while entertaining, left little time for the scheduled material."

Slow to act; intended to cause delay

"The committee's dilatory tactics prevented the bill from reaching a vote before the recess."

A person who cultivates an area of interest without real commitment or knowledge; an amateur

"Serious scholars dismissed him as a dilettante who lacked the rigor for genuine research."

A lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite; a mournful song

"The haunting dirge echoed through the cathedral during the memorial service."

To persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken

"The professor sought to disabuse her students of the common misconception about evolutionary theory."

A state of dissatisfaction, especially with people in authority or a system of control

"Growing disaffection among the rank and file led to a wave of strikes across the industrial sector."

Strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds

"The community expressed its disapprobation of the proposal by attending the town hall meeting in record numbers."

Perceive or recognize clearly; distinguish with difficulty

"Only a trained eye can discern the subtle differences between the genuine artifact and the forgery."

Able to be perceived or recognized; distinguishable

"No discernible pattern emerged from the data, suggesting that the phenomenon may be genuinely random."

Having or showing good judgment; perceptive

"The discerning reader will notice subtle allusions to classical mythology throughout the novel."

To make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed; to thwart or defeat

"The unexpected question from the audience visibly discomfited the keynote speaker."

Disagreeing or incongruous; characterized by conflict

"The discordant views within the committee made it impossible to reach consensus."

Caused to seem false or unreliable; undermined the good reputation of

"The theory was thoroughly discredited after multiple laboratories failed to replicate the original results."

Causing harm to the good reputation of; proving unworthy of trust

"The leaked emails played a role in discrediting the organization's claims of political neutrality."

A lack of agreement or consistency between facts or claims

"The discrepancy between the official statistics and the independent survey raised questions about data collection methods."

The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of consideration; contempt

"The aristocrat made no effort to conceal her disdain for what she considered the vulgarity of commercial art."

The act of freeing from complication or difficulty

"The disentanglement of the author's personal beliefs from her fictional characters' views remains a challenge for scholars."

Angry or dissatisfied; discontented

"Disgruntled employees leaked internal documents that revealed unsafe working conditions at the plant."

To conceal the true nature of something

"Satire can disguise serious political commentary as humor, reaching audiences that might otherwise tune out."

Not candid or sincere; giving a false appearance of simple frankness

"The company's claim to have discovered the contamination voluntarily struck regulators as disingenuous, given the pending lawsuit."

Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; impartial and unbiased

"The dispute required a disinterested mediator who had no stake in the outcome."

Impartiality; lack of self-interest or bias (NOT the same as "uninterestedness")

"The judge's disinterestedness in the case was questioned when reporters discovered her financial ties to one of the parties."

Disturbance from a proper or original position; disruption

"The rapid dislocation of traditional communities during industrialization created social upheaval that lasted generations."

Regarded or represented as being of little worth; belittled

"The architect's contemporaries disparaged his designs as impractical, but today his buildings are celebrated as visionary."

Essentially different in kind; markedly distinct

"The study attempted to synthesize findings from disparate fields, including neuroscience, linguistics, and anthropology."

Not influenced by strong emotion; able to be rational and impartial

"A dispassionate analysis of the evidence reveals that both sides of the debate have overstated their case."

To cause to vanish; to drive away (a doubt, feeling, or belief)

"The discovery of the fossil record dispelled the long-held belief that the species had originated on a different continent."

To manage without; to get rid of

"The new manufacturing process allowed the company to dispense with several costly intermediate steps."

The action or process of distributing or spreading things over a wide area

"Wind-driven dispersal of seeds allows certain plant species to colonize areas far from the parent organism."

The moving of something from its place or position; the replacing of one thing by another

"The displacement of indigenous languages by colonial tongues remains one of the most lasting effects of imperialism."

Taking the place of; pushing aside

"Automation is displacing workers in sectors that once provided stable middle-class employment."

A person's inherent qualities of mind and character; temperament

"The child's cheerful disposition endeared her to teachers and classmates alike."

To make ineligible or unfit; to declare not meeting requirements

"A single procedural error was enough to disqualify the laboratory's results from inclusion in the meta-analysis."

Inducing feelings of anxiety or worry; unsettling

"The report's disquieting conclusions about rising sea levels prompted calls for immediate policy action."

Lack of attention to or concern for something

"The company's blatant disregard for environmental regulations resulted in a record-setting fine from federal authorities."

To conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend

"The diplomat's ability to dissemble made it impossible to determine his true position."

To spread or scatter widely, especially information or knowledge

"The internet has made it possible to disseminate research findings to a global audience within hours of publication."

The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously held or officially sanctioned

"The lone dissent on the court argued that the majority opinion fundamentally misread the constitutional provision."

Not alike; different

"Although the two ecosystems appear dissimilar on the surface, they share remarkably similar food web structures."

The breaking up or disintegration of something; the closing down of an assembly

"The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 redrew the political map of an entire continent."

Lack of harmony or agreement; a tension between conflicting elements

"The cognitive dissonance experienced by voters who supported contradictory policies was widely studied."

To swell or expand from internal pressure

"The balloon will distend as the gas inside it heats and expands under direct sunlight."

Purified by the process of evaporation and condensation

"The author distilled decades of research into a slim volume accessible to any educated reader."

In a way that is characteristic and distinguishing; uniquely

"The architect's use of curved glass facades made her buildings distinctively recognizable across the city skyline."

The act of twisting or altering something from its true meaning or proportions

"The memoir's critics accused it of deliberate distortion, claiming key events were presented out of context."

Incorrect answer choices designed to mislead

"On the GRE, distractors are designed to resemble the correct answer closely enough to test genuine understanding."

The process or state of separating or moving apart; difference of opinions

"The divergence in economic performance between the two regions widened dramatically after the trade agreement took effect."

Tending to develop in different directions; differing from each other

"The committee members held such divergent opinions that reaching a unanimous recommendation proved impossible."

Seeking to impose a doctrine without regard to practical considerations; rigidly ideological

"His doctrinaire approach to economics ignored the messy realities of the global marketplace."

A person who makes documentary films or photographs documenting real life

"The documentarian spent five years embedded in the community before filming a single frame of footage."

The tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence

"The scientist's dogmatism about her theory prevented her from considering evidence that might have led to a breakthrough."

Feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress

"The cellist's dolorous interpretation of the elegy moved several audience members to tears."

Temporarily inactive; in a state of rest or suspension

"The volcano had been dormant for centuries before showing signs of renewed activity."

Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; of questionable value

"The startup's claims of revolutionary technology struck investors as dubious once they examined the patents more closely."

Cheerful and full of energy; enthusiastic

"The ebullient crowd erupted in applause when the results were announced."

Unconventional and slightly strange; deviating from the norm

"The eccentric mathematician lived in near-total seclusion, communicating with colleagues only through handwritten letters."

To surpass in importance or achievement; to obscure or overshadow

"The younger scientist's groundbreaking discoveries threatened to eclipse the contributions of her more famous mentor."

Surpassed or outshone; made to seem less important

"The scandal eclipsed the administration's genuine policy achievements, dominating headlines for months."

Coordinated or harmonized in their environmental relationships and interactions

"The migratory patterns of the birds are ecologically synchronized with the blooming cycle of the wildflowers they pollinate."

Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement

"The team was ecstatic when the probe successfully landed on the asteroid after a seven-year journey."

Representing a number of different groups or viewpoints; universal or broad in scope (originally: promoting unity among Christian churches)

"The conference adopted an ecumenical approach, inviting scholars from every major school of thought to present their findings."

The ability to produce a desired or intended result; effectiveness

"Clinical trials are required to demonstrate the efficacy of a new drug before it can be approved."

Insolent or impertinent behavior; shameless boldness

"The employee had the effrontery to demand a raise after being reprimanded for chronic tardiness."

The quality of expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained way

"The critic's effusiveness about the debut novel struck some readers as excessive, setting unrealistic expectations."

Relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities

"The commune was founded on egalitarian principles, with every member sharing equally in both labor and decision-making."

Outstandingly bad; shocking; remarkably terrible

"The report highlighted the most egregious violations of environmental regulations."

To develop or present in further detail; to add more information

"The professor asked the student to elaborate on her thesis, which he found provocative but insufficiently supported."

The process of developing something in further detail

"The theory requires further elaboration before it can be tested against the full range of available data."

Ecstatically happy; in high spirits

"The researchers were elated when the clinical trial produced results that exceeded even their most optimistic projections."

All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election

"The electorate was deeply polarized, with no single issue capable of uniting voters across party lines."

To evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact

"The prosecutor's carefully worded questions were designed to elicit a confession."

The complete removal or getting rid of something

"The elimination of lead from gasoline is one of the twentieth century's most significant public health achievements."

To make something clear; to explain or shed light on

"The professor's examples helped elucidate the complex theorem for the students."

Fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass

"Cultural assumptions are embedded in language in ways that native speakers rarely notice."

Fame or recognized superiority within a particular sphere; high rank or distinction

"The historian achieved such eminence in the field that her interpretations shaped an entire generation of scholarship."

Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession; outstanding

"The conference attracted eminent scholars from universities around the world."

Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

"The hypothesis, however elegant, must be supported by empirical evidence before it can be accepted as theory."

Matched or surpassed by imitation; strived to equal

"Younger painters emulated her bold use of color, though none quite captured the emotional intensity of her originals."

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly

"The biography reads more like an encomium than a balanced account of the leader's life."

Native to or restricted to a certain place; regularly found among particular people or in a certain area

"Corruption was endemic in the regime, permeating every level of government."

The act of approving, supporting, or sustaining

"The scientist's endorsement of the new vaccine carried enormous weight with a skeptical public."

Lasting over a long period; durable

"The philosopher's enduring influence can be traced in debates that continue to shape political theory three centuries later."

To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken

"The oppressive heat enervated the workers, slowing production to a crawl."

To cause or give rise to a feeling, situation, or condition

"The policy change engendered widespread resentment among the affected communities."

Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious

"The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile has inspired countless interpretations, none of which has achieved scholarly consensus."

To make something more entertaining, interesting, or lively

"Personal anecdotes can enliven an otherwise dry academic lecture and help students retain key concepts."

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of excitement; boredom

"The existentialist novel captured the profound ennui of postwar European intellectuals."

Involves (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence

"Rebuilding the city's infrastructure entails not just financial investment but also years of careful urban planning."

Firmly established and difficult to change

"Entrenched interests in the energy sector have repeatedly blocked legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions."

Lasting for a very short time; transient; fleeting

"Social media posts are ephemeral by nature, yet their consequences can be lasting and far-reaching."

A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type

"The museum is considered the epitome of modern architectural design."

Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation

"She faced the devastating news with remarkable equanimity, calmly reassuring her colleagues."

Fair and impartial; just

"The mediator proposed an equitable division of resources that gave each community access to clean water."

The condition of being equal or interchangeable in value, function, or meaning

"The mathematician proved the equivalence of the two theorems, showing that each could be derived from the other."

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain or questionable

"The results of the experiment were equivocal, supporting neither hypothesis definitively."

To destroy completely; to put an end to

"The global campaign to eradicate polio has been one of public health's greatest successes."

Wrong; incorrect; based on error

"The map was based on erroneous survey data, placing the mountain range nearly fifty miles from its actual location."

Having or showing great knowledge or learning

"The erudite professor could lecture on topics ranging from Renaissance art to quantum physics."

To deliberately avoid using; to abstain from

"The author chose to eschew conventional narrative structure in favor of a fragmented approach."

Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge

"The journal publishes articles on topics so esoteric that its readership numbers in the low hundreds."

Adopted or supported (a cause, belief, or way of life)

"The reformer espoused the cause of universal suffrage at a time when the idea was considered dangerously radical."

To demonstrate or prove the existence of

"The prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was present at the scene."

The state of being alienated or separated in feeling

"The estrangement between the two former allies lasted nearly a decade before a mutual friend brokered reconciliation."

The study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who create it

"Her work in ethnomusicology documented musical traditions that were at risk of disappearing within a single generation."

The characteristic spirit, attitudes, or guiding beliefs of a community, era, or movement

"The company's ethos of innovation encourages employees to experiment freely, even at the risk of occasional failure."

A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt

"Calling layoffs a 'workforce restructuring' is a common corporate euphemism."

Characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness

"The nation was euphoric after winning the World Cup, with celebrations lasting well into the following week."

To bring or recall to the conscious mind; to call forth

"The composer's use of minor keys and sparse orchestration was designed to evoke a sense of solitude and longing."

To make a problem, situation, or feeling worse

"Cutting the budget for flood defenses would only exacerbate the damage caused by increasingly severe storms."

Made a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse; aggravated

"The housing crisis was exacerbated by speculative investment that drove prices far beyond what local families could afford."

Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or resources; rigorously precise

"Restoring a Renaissance fresco is an exacting process that demands years of specialized training."

A statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is

"To say the discovery revolutionized the field would be an exaggeration, but it certainly opened promising new avenues."

Systematically dug up for archaeological study

"The team excavated a burial chamber containing jewelry, pottery, and tools dating to the third millennium BCE."

To a very great degree; extremely

"The enzyme is exceedingly sensitive to temperature changes, losing its catalytic function above forty degrees."

Criticizing severely; censuring harshly

"The editorial delivered an excoriating critique of the government's failure to prepare for the pandemic."

The process of discharging waste matter from the body

"The kidneys play a vital role in the excretion of metabolic waste products from the bloodstream."

To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing

"New DNA evidence was used to exculpate the defendant after fifteen years of imprisonment."

Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind

"The school's exemplary test scores attracted national attention and prompted other districts to study its methods."

Pressing; demanding immediate attention or action

"The exigent circumstances of the flood required an immediate evacuation order."

To absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing

"The inquiry completely exonerated the officer of any misconduct."

(Of a species) introduced from another country or region; non-native

"Exotic species introduced by trading ships have displaced native plants throughout the island's coastal ecosystems."

The quality of being convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral; political advantage or self-serving convenience

"The decision was driven by political expedience rather than any genuine concern for the welfare of constituents."

Convenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral; serving one's immediate interest

"The quick fix was expedient in the short term but created structural problems that took years to resolve."

To make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly

"The new software was designed to expedite the processing of insurance claims."

Based on or derived from experience rather than theory

"The program emphasizes experiential learning, placing students in real-world settings rather than traditional classrooms."

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for doubt

"The contract makes explicit that either party may terminate the agreement with thirty days' written notice."

Able to be taken advantage of or used for one's benefit

"The software vulnerability was potentially exploitable by attackers, prompting an emergency patch from the developer."

At an increasingly rapid rate; by a very large amount

"Data storage costs have decreased exponentially over the past three decades, transforming entire industries."

Taken away (property) from the owner, typically by the state or an authority

"The government expropriated farmland along the river to build a dam, compensating owners at below-market rates."

Still in existence; surviving

"Only three extant copies of the original manuscript are known to exist."

Spoken or done without preparation; impromptu

"Her extemporaneous remarks at the press conference proved more compelling than her prepared statement."

To praise enthusiastically

"The review extolled the novel's innovative structure and richly drawn characters."

Praised enthusiastically and at length

"The poet was extolled by contemporaries as the voice of a generation, though later critics were less generous."

Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with; not essential

"The editor stripped the manuscript of extraneous detail, leaving only the passages that advanced the central argument."

The act of extending known data or reasoning beyond what is directly observed or stated

"The report's conclusions rely on an extrapolation from limited data that some experts consider overly optimistic."

Excessive or unnecessary spending; lack of restraint in expenditure

"The palace's extravagance stood in stark contrast to the poverty visible in the streets surrounding it."

Filled with energy, excitement, and cheerfulness; lavishly abundant

"The exuberant crowd spilled out of the stadium and into the streets, singing and waving flags."

Invented or concocted in order to deceive; manufactured artificially

"The journalist was fired after editors discovered that key quotes in the article had been fabricated."

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant

"His facetious remarks during the meeting were not appreciated by the board members."

To make an action or process easy or easier; to help bring about

"The mediator's role was to facilitate productive dialogue between the opposing parties."

Based on a mistaken belief; embodying a fallacy; logically unsound

"The argument that correlation implies causation is a classic example of fallacious reasoning."

(Of farmland) plowed and harrowed but left unsown for a period to restore its fertility

"The farmer left the eastern fields fallow for a season, allowing the depleted soil to recover its nutrients."

Imaginative and unrealistic; existing only in fantasy; over-elaborate

"The architect's fanciful design featured towers shaped like seashells and bridges that mimicked ocean waves."

Imaginative or fanciful; remote from reality; bizarre

"The novel's fantastical elements—talking animals, floating cities—serve as allegories for real political struggles."

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; meticulous

"The fastidious editor reviewed every footnote and citation in the manuscript."

Excessive attention to detail and accuracy; meticulous care

"The curator's fastidiousness about proper lighting conditions preserved the collection's fragile watercolors for future generations."

To understand (a difficult problem or enigmatic person) after much thought

"Economists still struggle to fathom how the obscure financial instrument triggered a worldwide recession."

Silly and pointless; devoid of intelligence

"The interviewer's fatuous questions wasted the time of the distinguished panelists."

The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period

"The island's fauna includes several species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a priority for conservation."

Relating to the animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period

"The faunal assemblage recovered from the site indicates a diverse ecosystem that supported both large predators and grazing herds."

Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently

"The engineers determined that the bridge design was technically feasible but would require an unprecedented span."

Producing or capable of producing an abundance; highly fertile; intellectually productive

"The fecund imagination of the novelist produced over thirty books in as many years."

Well chosen or suited to the circumstances; apt and pleasing

"The ambassador's felicitous choice of words defused what could have been a diplomatic incident."

Having or displaying a passionate intensity

"The fervent supporters lined up hours before the rally to secure front-row positions."

Complete failures, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way

"A series of diplomatic fiascoes damaged the nation's reputation and strained relationships with longtime allies."

Impressive delicacy and skill; subtle handling of a situation

"The conductor led the orchestra with a finesse that brought out subtleties in the score no one had noticed before."

Obsessively focused on or attached to something; unable to shift attention

"The researcher became so fixated on one hypothesis that she overlooked data pointing to a far simpler explanation."

New and inexperienced; a person or organization that is immature or inexperienced

"The fledgling startup secured its first round of funding after only three months."

Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly

"The comet's appearance was fleeting, visible to the naked eye for only three nights before fading from view."

Excessively elaborate or ornate; having a red or flushed complexion

"The senator's florid oratory impressed audiences in the nineteenth century but reads as overwrought to modern ears."

The action of floating on or in a liquid; an experiment testing buoyancy

"The engineers tested the raft's flotation capacity before allowing passengers aboard for the river crossing."

To openly disregard a rule, law, or convention

"Corporations that flout environmental regulations risk not only fines but also lasting damage to their public image."

Short for flying buttresses; the arched supports on the exterior of a Gothic building

"The flyers of Notre-Dame transfer the weight of the vault across open space to massive outer piers."

Arched exterior supports that transfer the thrust of a roof or vault to an outer pier, characteristic of Gothic architecture

"The flying buttresses of Chartres Cathedral allowed architects to replace solid walls with vast stained-glass windows."

A sheet of paper folded once to make two leaves; a large-format page

"The rare folio edition of Shakespeare's plays sold at auction for a record-breaking sum."

Relating to the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community

"The composer drew on folkloric melodies from her native region, weaving them into a symphonic framework."

To instigate or stir up an undesirable sentiment or course of action

"The propaganda was designed to foment distrust among different ethnic groups."

Appearing unfriendly or threatening; discouraging approach

"The mountain's forbidding north face, sheer and ice-covered, had never been successfully climbed."

Prevented or obstructed in advance; anticipated and acted against

"Quick diplomatic intervention forestalled a military confrontation that both sides would later agree they wanted to avoid."

Creating or devising methodically; expressing in a systematic way

"The committee spent months formulating a policy that could satisfy both environmentalists and the mining industry."

To abandon or renounce; to give up or turn away from

"The scientist refused to forsake her unpopular theory, and vindication came when new evidence proved her right."

Direct and outspoken; straightforward and honest

"Her forthright assessment of the problem, though uncomfortable, was exactly what the team needed."

Happening by accident or chance rather than design; fortunate

"The discovery of the manuscript in a secondhand bookshop was entirely fortuitous—no one had been looking for it."

Encouraged or promoted the development of something

"The mentorship program fostered a sense of belonging among first-generation college students who might otherwise have felt isolated."

Easily irritated; unruly and difficult to control

"The fractious coalition threatened to splinter over disagreements about tax policy."

The quality of being irritable, quarrelsome, or difficult to control

"The fractiousness of the coalition government made it nearly impossible to pass any significant legislation."

Broken pieces; incomplete remnants of a larger object

"Only fragments of the original manuscript survive, but they are enough to reconstruct the author's central argument."

Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness; triviality

"The philosopher condemned the court's frivolity at a time when the nation faced existential threats on every border."

Not having any serious purpose or value; trivial

"The judge dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous, noting that the plaintiff had no legal standing to bring the claim."

The quality of being economical with money or food; careful management of resources

"Her frugality during the lean years enabled the family to weather economic downturns that ruined their neighbors."

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt; secretive

"The furtive glances between the two executives suggested they were concealing something."

To deny or contradict a fact or statement; to speak against

"No one could gainsay the effectiveness of the new treatment, given the overwhelming evidence."

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

"The garrulous neighbor could turn a simple greeting into a thirty-minute conversation."

Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward

"His gauche attempt at humor during the formal dinner offended several guests."

Nervously awkward and ungainly quality of movement

"The adolescent gawkiness of the young dancer gave way, almost overnight, to a graceful command of the stage."

A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter

"The novel defies easy classification, blending elements of science fiction, historical drama, and philosophical essay into a new genre."

Relevant to a subject under consideration; pertinent

"The judge ruled that the evidence was not germane to the case and could not be admitted."

Massive, slow-moving bodies of ice formed from compacted snow on land

"As glaciers retreat due to rising temperatures, they expose landscapes that have been buried under ice for millennia."

Provoked or annoyed to stimulate some action or reaction

"Goaded by the opposition's taunts, the usually composed minister made an intemperate remark she later regretted."

Courteous, kind, and pleasant; showing grace and good manners

"The host was unfailingly gracious, making even the most reserved guests feel welcome at the reception."

Pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner

"The grandiloquent prose style of the Victorian novelist felt overwrought to modern readers."

Uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted

"The reviewer criticized the film for its gratuitous violence, which added nothing to the plot."

Giving cause for alarm; serious; weighty

"The inspector issued a grave warning about the bridge's structural integrity, recommending its immediate closure."

Relating to the force of attraction between masses

"The gravitational pull of Jupiter shields the inner planets from many asteroids that might otherwise strike Earth."

Fond of company; sociable; tending to live in groups

"The gregarious sales director thrived at networking events and industry conferences."

Sly or cunning intelligence; craftiness

"The negotiator used guile rather than force to achieve favorable terms."

Lacking originality through overuse; trite; cliched

"The speech relied on hackneyed phrases about 'innovation' and 'synergy' that left the audience thoroughly bored."

A lengthy and aggressive speech; to lecture someone aggressively

"The manager's harangue about punctuality lasted twenty minutes and demoralized the entire staff."

Things that foreshadow or announce what is coming; precursors

"The early frost and unusually large acorn crop were harbingers of the brutal winter that followed."

To be in agreement or accord with

"The new wing of the museum was designed so that its modern lines harmonized with the original neoclassical facade."

Struck with a barbed spear used for hunting large aquatic animals

"Nineteenth-century whalers harpooned their prey from small boats launched from the decks of larger sailing vessels."

The floor of a fireplace; a structure for containing fire

"The ancient hearth at the center of the dwelling contained charcoal that could be radiocarbon dated."

Areas (usually pits or fireplaces) used for cooking or heating with fire

"Stone-lined hearths found at the excavation site suggest that the inhabitants used fire for both cooking and warmth."

Qualified or limited with conditions or restrictions; cautiously stated

"The scientist's hedged conclusions—full of qualifiers and caveats—reflected the genuine uncertainty of the data."

Devoted to the pursuit of pleasure; self-indulgent

"The novel's protagonist abandons a hedonistic lifestyle in Rome to pursue spiritual meaning in a remote monastery."

To pay attention to; to take notice of

"Investors who failed to heed the economist's warnings about the housing bubble suffered catastrophic losses."

Animals that feed on plants

"Large herbivores like elephants shape their environment by toppling trees and creating clearings that benefit other species."

Complete and airtight; insulated or protected from outside influences

"The community maintained a hermetic existence, cut off from modern society."

Diverse in character or content; composed of different or dissimilar elements

"The city's heterogeneous population, drawn from dozens of countries, made it a vibrant center of cultural exchange."

A state of inactivity or dormancy (used metaphorically here for a practice that had gone dormant)

"The art form had entered a kind of hibernation in the early twentieth century before a dramatic revival in the 1960s."

The practice of accumulating and storing a supply of something, often secretly

"Panic buying led to the hoarding of essential supplies, leaving store shelves empty for weeks."

Excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance

"The CEO's hubris in dismissing all outside advice led directly to the company's spectacular collapse."

Lacking excitement or variety; dull and monotonous

"The memoir transforms the humdrum details of small-town life into a meditation on the nature of happiness."

Proposed explanations or assumptions made on the basis of limited evidence, to be tested further

"Several competing hypotheses have been proposed to explain the sudden disappearance of the Mayan civilization."

Supposed but not necessarily true; based on or serving as a hypothesis

"The philosopher posed a hypothetical scenario involving a runaway trolley to illustrate competing ethical frameworks."

As a supposition; in theory, for the sake of argument

"Even hypothetically, the scenario raises difficult questions about the limits of individual liberty in a pandemic."

The challenging or overthrowing of established beliefs, customs, or institutions

"The movement's iconoclasm extended beyond art to challenge the political and religious establishments of the day."

A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

"The iconoclast challenged every assumption the discipline had held for generations."

Attacking or challenging cherished beliefs or established institutions

"The filmmaker's iconoclastic approach to the genre earned equal measures of praise and condemnation."

Relating to the interpretation of visual images, symbols, and their cultural meanings

"The iconographic analysis revealed that the painting's symbols were drawn from both Christian and pagan traditions."

Regarded or represented as perfect or better than in reality; simplified beyond practical use

"The poet's idealized vision of rural life bore little resemblance to the harsh realities faced by actual farmers."

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory

"The regime's official ideology demanded loyalty to the state above all personal and family obligations."

Peculiar or individual characteristics, mannerisms, or habits

"The composer's idiosyncrasies—his insistence on conducting barefoot, for example—became the stuff of legend."

Peculiar to an individual; distinctively personal and unconventional

"Her idiosyncratic writing style, full of sentence fragments and invented punctuation, divided critics sharply."

Not honorable in character or purpose; morally base

"The historian argued that the war was fought for ignoble reasons disguised as righteous ones."

Opposed to liberal principles; restrictive; not generous

"The new legislation drew condemnation from civil liberties groups who described it as illiberal and authoritarian."

Lack of generosity; narrowness; unwillingness to give or share

"The patron's illiberality was legendary; despite vast wealth, he refused to fund even modest public improvements."

To light up; to clarify or make understandable

"The newly translated documents illuminate aspects of medieval life that were previously understood only through speculation."

To clarify, explain, or shed light on a subject

"The discovery of the private diaries illuminated the writer's creative process in ways her published work never could."

Copying or following a model; lacking originality

"Early critics dismissed jazz as merely imitative of European musical forms, a judgment that history has thoroughly overturned."

The quality of being vivid, direct, and without intervening medium

"The war correspondent's dispatches had an immediacy that transported readers directly to the front lines."

About to happen; impending

"With floodwaters rising by the hour, the danger to downstream communities was imminent."

Unable to be moved; fixed and rigid

"The negotiator found her counterpart immovable on the key issue, forcing the talks to stall."

Enclosed or confined against one's will; walled in

"The political prisoners were immured in a fortress so remote that escape was virtually unthinkable."

Unchanging over time; unable to be altered

"The laws of thermodynamics are considered immutable, governing everything from engine design to the fate of the universe."

Equal treatment of all sides; lack of bias or prejudice

"The tribunal's impartiality was called into question when one of the judges was found to have a financial interest in the outcome."

A situation in which no progress is possible; a deadlock

"The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise on the key issue."

Filled with or showing great emotion or feeling

"The senator delivered an impassioned speech on the Senate floor, drawing on personal experience to advocate for the bill."

In accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless

"Her impeccable credentials made her the obvious choice for the position."

The quality of being impossible to understand or get through

"The legal document's impenetrability frustrated homeowners who simply wanted to understand their mortgage terms."

In a way that is so slight, gradual, or subtle as to be impossible to perceive

"The glacier moves imperceptibly, advancing only a few inches each day, yet its cumulative force reshapes entire valleys."

In a manner befitting an emperor; in a domineering, arrogantly overbearing way

"The director imperiously dismissed suggestions from the cast, insisting that every scene be performed exactly as she envisioned."

Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by

"The senator seemed impervious to criticism, maintaining her position despite intense public pressure."

Acting or done quickly without thought or care; rash; impulsive

"The young officer's impetuous charge into enemy territory cost the regiment dearly in both lives and strategic position."

Acting quickly and without thought or care; rashly

"She impetuously signed the contract without reading the fine print and spent the next year regretting it."

Unable to be placated or appeased; relentless

"The implacable opposition of the conservative faction doomed the reform effort."

Implied though not plainly expressed; understood but not directly stated

"There was an implicit understanding among the staff that disagreeing publicly with the director could end one's career."

Not likely to be true or to happen; unexpected

"The novel's plot hinges on an improbable coincidence that stretches the reader's willingness to suspend disbelief."

The act of creating or performing spontaneously without preparation

"Jazz thrives on improvisation, with musicians building spontaneous melodies over established harmonic structures."

Created and performed spontaneously or without preparation

"The troupe's improvisational comedy drew its humor from audience suggestions, making every show unique."

Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash

"The treasurer's imprudent investments of pension funds in volatile markets left retirees facing an uncertain future."

To dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a statement or motive

"The attorney sought to impugn the credibility of the key witness."

When looking back on a past event or situation; with hindsight

"In retrospect, the warning signs of the financial crisis were abundant, but few analysts connected the dots at the time."

Lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient; not good enough

"The city's inadequate sewage system could not handle the volume of water produced by the unprecedented rainfall."

Continuing without pause or interruption; ceaseless

"The incessant noise from the construction site made it impossible for residents to sleep or concentrate."

Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary

"The inchoate movement lacked clear leadership but showed signs of growing momentum."

Accompanying but not a major part of; occurring by chance in connection with something else

"The composer's incidental music for the play became more famous than the drama it was written to accompany."

Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; sharp and penetrating

"Her incisive critique of the study revealed several methodological flaws."

Not leading to a firm conclusion; not decisive

"The autopsy results were inconclusive, leaving investigators without a definitive cause of death."

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings; inconsistent or out of place

"The sleek modern skyscraper looked incongruous among the centuries-old stone buildings of the historic district."

Not important or significant; trivial

"What seemed like an inconsequential decision at the time—choosing one route over another—altered the course of the expedition."

The inability to make a decision quickly; vacillation

"The general's indecision at the critical moment allowed the enemy to regroup and mount a devastating counterattack."

Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper

"The diplomat's indecorous remark at the state dinner created an international incident that took weeks to smooth over."

Compensated for harm or loss; secured against legal liability

"The insurance policy indemnified the homeowner against losses from fire, flood, and earthquake."

Having no particular interest or concern; apathetic

"The committee appeared indifferent to the concerns raised by residents who would be most affected by the rezoning."

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

"Indigenous farming techniques, refined over thousands of years, have recently attracted the attention of sustainable agriculture researchers."

Impossible to see or clearly distinguish; imperceptible

"The difference in quality between the two recordings was indiscernible to all but the most trained audiophiles."

Not able to be identified as different or distinct

"The forger's copies were virtually indistinguishable from the originals, fooling experts for nearly a decade."

Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy

"The indolent student relied on natural talent rather than effort to pass his courses."

Brought about or stimulated; (in this context) traffic generated as a result of new road capacity

"The new highway lanes, rather than reducing congestion, induced additional traffic that quickly filled the expanded road."

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; unspeakable

"The ineffable beauty of the aurora borealis left the travelers speechless."

Lacking the power to move or act; having no effect

"Noble gases are chemically inert, rarely reacting with other elements under normal conditions."

Impossible to stop or prevent; impossible to persuade by request or entreaty

"The inexorable march of technological change has transformed every aspect of modern life."

An intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something

"What began as an infatuation with the city's nightlife gradually deepened into a genuine appreciation for its culture."

Deducing or concluding from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements

"By inferring the author's intent from contextual clues, the scholar reconstructed the likely meaning of the damaged passage."

Exaggeration; the act of expanding something beyond reasonable or accurate limits

"The politician's inflation of the threat level was designed to justify increased military spending."

Relating to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, perceived as heat

"Infrared telescopes can detect heat signatures from celestial objects invisible to optical instruments."

To actively break the terms of a law or agreement; to violate

"The patent holder argued that the competitor's product would infringe on intellectual property rights worth millions."

The introduction of a new element or quality; an injection (as of capital)

"The infusion of venture capital allowed the startup to hire top engineers and accelerate product development."

Innocent and unsuspecting; candid and frank

"The ingenuous young diplomat was unprepared for the duplicity she encountered at the summit."

Hindered, restrained, or prevented (an action or process)

"Fear of public ridicule inhibited many scientists from pursuing research on topics considered fringe."

Hindering or restraining; preventing or holding back

"The regulation had the unintended effect of inhibiting the very innovation it was supposed to promote."

Tending to obstruct or cause harm; hostile; unfriendly

"The invasive species proved inimical to the survival of native amphibians, outcompeting them for food and habitat."

Showing very poor judgment; unwise

"The manager's injudicious comments to the press revealed confidential details about the merger negotiations."

Inborn; natural; existing from birth rather than acquired

"The debate over whether musical ability is innate or acquired has persisted for centuries without a definitive answer."

Not harmful or offensive; harmless

"The seemingly innocuous email attachment contained malware that compromised the entire network."

A new method, idea, product, or way of doing something

"The printing press was an innovation that transformed not just publishing but the very structure of knowledge and power."

Introducing new ideas or methods; featuring new approaches; original and creative

"The startup's innovative approach to recycling converts ocean plastic into durable building materials."

To an unusually or disproportionately large degree; excessively

"The project consumed an inordinately large share of the department's budget, leaving other initiatives underfunded."

A written or carved text; here, the artist's written claim

"The inscription on the ancient stele recorded a peace treaty between two rival city-states."

Impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious

"The judge's inscrutable expression gave no indication of how she would rule."

The quality of not being genuine or honest in expressing feelings

"Voters detected an undercurrent of insincerity in the candidate's sudden pivot to populist rhetoric."

Lacking flavor; lacking vigor or interest; dull

"The insipid dialogue made the film unwatchable despite its impressive visual effects."

Relating to or prompted by instinct; done without conscious thought; innate

"The goalkeeper's instinctive dive to the left saved what would have been the winning goal."

Able to be understood; comprehensible

"The translator's challenge was to render the poet's dense symbolism intelligible to readers in a different cultural context."

Having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate

"His intemperate outburst at the press conference drew widespread condemnation."

The act of making something stronger or more extreme

"The intensification of the conflict along the border prompted the United Nations to deploy additional peacekeepers."

Able to be exchanged with each other; essentially identical

"The parts were designed to be interchangeable, so that a broken component could be replaced without custom fabrication."

Indirect suggestions or hints of something

"The first chapter offers only intimations of the tragedy to come, hinting at secrets that unravel slowly."

Unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behavior that differ from one's own

"The regime's intolerance of dissent extended even to the mildest criticism published in obscure academic journals."

Hard to control or deal with; stubbornly resistant

"The conflict proved intractable, resisting decades of peace negotiations and international intervention."

Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree; stubborn

"The union's intransigent stance on wages left management with no choice but to bring in a federal mediator."

Fearless; adventurous and brave

"The intrepid journalist traveled to the conflict zone to report firsthand on the situation."

Belonging naturally; essential; inherent

"The gemstone's intrinsic value lies not in its size but in the rarity of its deep blue color."

An inherent quality of lacking seriousness or being trivially silly

"The critic dismissed the entire genre on the grounds of its intrinsic frivolity, a judgment many readers found unfair."

Knowledge or insight gained without conscious reasoning; instinctive understanding

"The detective's intuition told her something was wrong with the alibi, long before the evidence confirmed it."

To overwhelm someone with things to be dealt with; to flood

"After the announcement, the office was inundated with phone calls from concerned citizens."

Accustomed to something unpleasant; hardened

"Decades of covering war zones had inured the journalist to scenes that would shock most civilians."

To make something legally or factually void; to prove wrong or unfounded

"A procedural error invalidated the election results, forcing the district to hold a costly second vote."

Never changing; constant

"The scientist's invariable routine—arriving at the lab at dawn and leaving well after midnight—became legendary."

Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

"The debate devolved into personal invective rather than substantive policy discussion."

Opposite in position, direction, order, or effect

"The study revealed an inverse relationship between screen time and academic performance among adolescents."

A reversal of the normal order or arrangement

"The temperature inversion trapped pollutants close to the ground, creating a thick smog over the city."

Deeply committed to or involved with

"The community was deeply invested in the outcome of the zoning decision, which would determine the neighborhood's character for decades."

Having a habit or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change

"An inveterate optimist, she believed every setback contained the seed of an opportunity."

Given strength or energy to

"The infusion of new talent invigorated the research group, leading to a burst of publications in top journals."

Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered

"The irascible professor was known for snapping at students who arrived late to class."

Showing a lack of respect for things normally treated with reverence

"The comedian's irreverent take on political conventions delighted younger audiences but scandalized traditionalists."

Traveling from place to place; wandering

"Itinerant musicians brought news and entertainment to remote villages."

To throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship; to abandon or discard

"The airline decided to jettison its unprofitable routes to focus on the most heavily traveled corridors."

Shows or proves to be right or reasonable

"The evidence presented so far barely justifies the sweeping conclusions the authors draw in their final chapter."

The act of placing two things side by side for comparison or contrast

"The exhibition's juxtaposition of Renaissance portraits with contemporary selfies invited viewers to reflect on how self-presentation has evolved."

A close connection or relationship, especially biological relatedness

"The anthropologist studied the kinship systems of Pacific Island societies to understand how social bonds shaped governance."

Using very few words; brief and concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious

"The laconic general was famous for his terse battle orders."

Criticizing harshly; attacking verbally with great force

"The editorial spent three columns lambasting the governor's record on education, sparing no detail."

Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others

"The philanthropist's largesse funded the construction of three new hospitals."

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy

"A pervasive lassitude settled over the office during the long, hot summer afternoons."

To praise highly; to extol

"Critics were quick to laud the director's bold visual style, though some found the screenplay lacking."

Deserving praise and commendation

"While the goals of the initiative are laudable, the execution has been deeply flawed."

Not sufficiently strict or careful; negligent

"The agency's lax oversight of the industry allowed unsafe products to reach consumers for years before a recall was issued."

Relating to the branch of government that makes laws

"The legislative battle over healthcare reform consumed the better part of two congressional sessions."

To make legitimate or lawful; to justify or validate

"Hosting the international summit was an attempt to legitimize the new government in the eyes of the world."

Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic

"The lethargic economy showed few signs of the recovery experts had predicted."

Humor or lack of seriousness, especially during a serious occasion

"A moment of levity during the tense negotiations helped ease the mood."

Clear, transparent; (of language) easily understood

"Her limpid prose style made complex scientific ideas accessible to readers with no technical background."

Treated as a celebrity; given a great deal of public attention and approval

"The explorer was lionized upon his return, celebrated in newspapers and invited to dine with heads of state."

Tending to talk a great deal; talkative

"The loquacious tour guide provided far more information than the visitors could absorb."

Expressed clearly; easy to understand; bright or luminous

"The professor was praised for her lucid explanations of otherwise impenetrable theories."

Calmed into a false sense of comfort or security; deceived into complacency

"The years of calm had lulled residents into a false sense of security, leaving them unprepared for the earthquake."

Tempts or attracts (a person or animal) to do something

"The promise of quick profits lures inexperienced investors into markets they do not fully understand."

Presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms; gruesome

"The tabloid published lurid accounts of the scandal, embellishing every detail for maximum sensational effect."

Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person

"The victor proved magnanimous in defeat's reverse, pardoning former adversaries and inviting them into the new government."

A wealthy and influential person, especially in business or industry

"The media magnate controlled newspapers, television stations, and streaming platforms."

To increase the apparent size or importance of

"The media's tendency to magnify minor disagreements into full-blown crises distorts the public's understanding of politics."

The state or condition of being malevolent; the quality of wishing evil to others

"The novel's villain is driven not by rational self-interest but by a deep, almost primal malevolence."

Wrongdoing, especially by a public official or corporate entity

"The audit uncovered years of financial malfeasance that had siphoned millions from the public pension fund."

Disposed to cause harm or suffering; virulently harmful

"The malignant influence of propaganda warped public opinion and silenced legitimate dissent."

Easily influenced; pliable; capable of being shaped or formed

"Young minds are particularly malleable, making early education critically important."

Fettered with manacles; restrained or shackled

"The prisoners were manacled and marched through the streets as a warning to anyone who might contemplate rebellion."

Clear or obvious to the eye or mind

"The flaws in the original design became manifest only after the building had been occupied for several years."

An independent-minded person; unorthodox or independent in thought and action

"The maverick scientist challenged the establishment with her unconventional theories."

Acting as an intervening mechanism between cause and effect

"Sleep appears to play a mediating role between stress exposure and long-term health outcomes."

A person who attempts to resolve a dispute between two or more parties

"The retired judge served as a mediator between the two factions, earning the trust of both sides."

The blending or merging of different elements into one

"The album represents a melding of classical Indian ragas with contemporary electronic music."

Suggesting the presence of danger; threatening

"The menacing tone of the ultimatum left little doubt that military action would follow if demands were not met."

Not telling the truth; lying; dishonest

"The investigation exposed the CEO's mendacious claims about the company's financial health."

Untruthfulness; the tendency to lie

"The witness's mendacity was exposed when surveillance footage contradicted her sworn testimony point by point."

Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes; volatile

"The director's mercurial temperament made rehearsals unpredictable—praise one moment, fury the next."

Statistical analyses that combine the results of multiple scientific studies

"Several meta-analyses combining data from hundreds of studies have confirmed the treatment's effectiveness."

Figurative; using one thing to represent another symbolically

"The author's use of the garden as a metaphorical stand-in for civilization pervades the entire novel."

The branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality

"The seminar on metaphysics explored questions about the nature of existence that science alone cannot answer."

The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather

"Advances in meteorology have dramatically improved the accuracy of weather forecasts over the past fifty years."

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

"The restorer's meticulous attention to detail preserved the painting's original colors beneath centuries of grime."

Archaeological term for refuse piles or ancient garbage heaps

"Analysis of middens at the coastal settlement revealed a diet rich in shellfish, fish, and sea birds."

A person's social environment; the physical or social setting in which something occurs

"The novel vividly evokes the intellectual milieu of 1920s Paris, where artists and writers gathered in cramped cafes."

A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding

"A common misconception about evolution is that it implies a progression from 'lower' to 'higher' organisms."

Extreme reluctance to spend money; excessive stinginess

"The tycoon's miserliness was so extreme that he reused tea bags and darned his own socks despite his vast fortune."

The process of managing badly or incompetently

"Decades of mismanagement left the once-profitable company on the brink of bankruptcy."

A false or misleading account of something

"The lawsuit alleged that the advertisement constituted a deliberate misrepresentation of the product's effectiveness."

To make less severe, serious, or painful

"The government introduced new regulations to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial waste."

Made less severe, serious, or painful; lessened

"The flood damage was mitigated by the levee system, though some low-lying areas were still inundated."

A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable

"Even a modicum of preparation would have prevented the embarrassing errors in the public presentation."

To appease the anger or anxiety of someone; to calm or soothe

"The company offered full refunds in an attempt to mollify dissatisfied customers."

Appeasing the anger or anxiety of; soothing

"The CEO's mollifying tone during the press conference did little to calm shareholders who had lost millions."

Lasting for a very short time; brief

"A momentary lapse in concentration cost the chess grandmaster the match and the tournament title."

Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety

"The monotonous landscape of the salt flats stretched to the horizon without a single distinguishing feature."

Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomy

"The morose atmosphere in the office reflected the anxiety everyone felt about the impending layoffs."

Lacking interest or excitement; dull; of this earthly world rather than heavenly

"The biographer refused to gloss over the mundane details of the artist's life, finding in them clues to her creative process."

Larger or more generous than is usual or necessary

"The munificent donation transformed the small library into a state-of-the-art research facility."

Lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight; nearsighted

"Critics called the economic plan myopic, arguing it sacrificed long-term stability for short-term gain."

Just beginning to develop; not yet fully formed; emerging

"The nascent democracy faced numerous challenges in establishing stable institutions."

Depicting subjects as they appear in nature; true to life

"The playwright's naturalistic dialogue captured the rhythms of everyday speech so faithfully that audiences felt they were eavesdropping."

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit

"The side effects of the treatment included nausea, dizziness, and fatigue that persisted for several days."

The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate the congregation

"The cathedral's nave, with its soaring columns and ribbed vaulting, could accommodate over a thousand worshippers."

In the form of a cloud or haze; vague, ill-defined, unclear

"The company's plans for expansion remained nebulous, with no concrete timeline or budget attached."

Wicked, villainous, or criminal in nature

"The investigation uncovered the nefarious scheme to defraud thousands of elderly investors."

To make ineffective; to nullify; to deny the existence or truth of

"One weak link in the chain of evidence was enough to negate the prosecution's entire argument."

Failing to take proper care in doing something; careless

"The hospital was found negligent for failing to follow established protocols during the surgical procedure."

So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant

"The difference in cost between the two options was negligible, so the committee chose the more sustainable one."

A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief; a beginner

"As a neophyte in the world of finance, she relied heavily on her experienced colleagues."

Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety

"Despite the gravity of the accusations, the defendant maintained a nonchalant demeanor."

Not biased toward any particular political party or viewpoint

"The research institute maintains a nonpartisan stance, publishing findings regardless of which political party they favor."