Vocabulary Cartoon of The Day

VOCABULARY
CARTOON
OF THE DAY
180 Reproducible Cartoons That Help Kids
Build a ROBUST and PRODIGIOUS Vocabulary
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
NEW YORK TORONTO LONDON AUCKLAND SYDNEY

MEXICO CITY NEW DELHI HONG KONG BUENOS AIRES
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the activity sheets from this book for classroom
use. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write
to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
Cover design by Maria Lilja

Illustrations by Marc Tyler Nobleman
Interior design by Josu Castilleja
ISBN 0-439-51769-9
Copyright 2005 by Marc Tyler Nobleman
All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05
I N T ROD UCT ION
W elcome to FunnyBone Books: Vocabulary Cartoon of the
Day! Cartoons pack more value than many people realize.
Good ones require both verbal and visual literacy. The best ones
are an inseparable blend of language and image; they cannot be
understood if one of those two elements is removed. Theyre an
odd little fusion of puzzle, story, and art. And all this is conveyed
in the time it takes to read this sentence.
Best of all, cartoons are funny. Humor is consistently one of the

most effective ways to grab peoples attentionand improve their
memory. We usually remember what makes us laugh. Advertisers
know this. Politicians know this. Kids especially know this. As
an educator, you must know it, too, or else you wouldnt have
read this far.
Some teachers and parents worry that our children have been
hit by an epidemic of short attention spans. Whether or not thats
true, this book turns short attention spans into a learning tool.
However, kids wont see it comingor wont mind if they do.
The 180 vocabulary words in this book comprise of verbs, nouns,
and adjectives. Theyre all in common use. Many were gathered
from the pages of mainstream news and entertainment magazines
that kids will soon be reading, if they arent already. In other
words, this is living language. Though some of the words have
multiple meanings, only one meaning is defined, typically the most
popular one.
A speaker at a 2002 Society of Childrens Book Writers and

Illustrators conference said that in 1945, the average schoolchilds
vocabulary included 10,000 words. Today, that number has
dwindled to 2,500. Ideally, by the end of this book, were back
up at least to 2,680and hopefully counting.
Welcome to the positive side of short attention spans. Its time to

learn by laughing.
4 Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources
This school map you drew might confound
VOCAB UL ARY our new students, considering its a school
ON OF T HE DAY in ancient Egypt.
CA RTO
1
confound
(verb)
To confound
means to confuse or
mix someone up.
Grandpa, I think you misconstrue how

VOCAB UL ARY e-mail works. You dont need to put a
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO stamp on the computer screen.
2
misconstrue
(verb)
To misconstrue
means to get the
wrong idea about
something.
When it comes to
whats cool, my dad
gets it but my mom VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
is oblivious. CA RTO
3
oblivious
(adjective)
A person who is
oblivious does not
know or is not aware
of whats happening.
You dont have to be too

canny to outsmart this cat. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
4
canny
(adjective)
Someone who
is canny is
clever or smart.
Is this an overt attempt to get a better grade,
or do you think Im not eating healthily enough?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
5
overt
(adjective)
Overt means
something that
is open to view;
not secret.
From now on, we need to meet in

a more covert location.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
6
covert
(adjective)
Something covert
is not shown
openly; secret.
All you need to do is sit still, look at me, and
smile for an interminable length of time. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
7
interminable
(adjective)
Interminable means
something that seems
forever, as if theres
no end in sight.
When we built it, we were going more for

look than longevity. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
8
longevity
(noun)
Longevity means
a long life.
The lunch ladies may look scary, but theyre
VOCAB UL ARY benign. Im not so sure about the lunch, however.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
9
benign
(adjective)
Something that
is benign
is harmless.
VOCAB UL ARY Actually, Im an innocuous breed of shark.

ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
10
innocuous
(adjective)
Something that is
innocuous is safe
and harmless.
Im an infallible speller, as
long as the words are three
letters or less.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
11
infallible
(adjective)
A person who is
infallible never
makes a mistake.
My vocabulary is extensive. Its my spelling

thats incorrigible. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
12
incorrigible
(adjective)
If something is
incorrigible, it is
unable to be corrected.
Hes so loquacious, he keeps talking even
VOCAB UL ARY after everyone else has left the room.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
13
loquacious
(adjective)
Someone who
is loquacious
talks too much.
Im the most verbose person youll ever meet,

or run into, or encounter, or come across. But
VOCAB UL ARY I probably said that already.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
14
verbose
(adjective)
Someone who
is verbose uses
more words than
is necessary.
This is the most benevolent
planet Ive ever visited. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
15
benevolent
(adjective)
Benevolent means
kind and caring.
Thats the kind of duplicitous thinking

I like to see.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
16
duplicitous
(adjective)
Duplicitous means
tricky and dishonest.
My mom takes excessive measures
so I wont scrape my knee.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
17
excessive
(adjective)
Something
thats excessive
goes beyond
the usual limit.
I can overlook the movies mediocrity since

VOCAB UL ARY the action figures are so cool.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
18
mediocrity
(noun)
Mediocrity is the
state of being
ordinary or average.
No wonder shes sullenher brother used
her coin collection to buy more stamps for
VOCAB UL ARY
his stamp collection. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
19
sullen
(adjective)
A person who is
sullen is sulky or
quietly in a bad mood.
I chose him because they say the bigger VOCAB UL ARY

ON OF T HE DAY
the dog, the better the disposition. CA RTO
20
disposition
(noun)
Disposition
means personality
or character.
Ive heard about this team. If they lose
VOCAB UL ARY
to us, theyll gloat that their mascot is
CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY faster than ours in the wild.
21
gloat
(verb)
People who gloat

are happy about other
peoples failure.
I can dispel rumors that the Earth

VOCAB UL ARY is flat. My new theory is that its
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO shaped like a banana.
22
dispel
(verb)
To dispel means to
get rid of something
by driving it away.
I have an aversion to acorns, but still have
this nagging urge to gather something. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
23
aversion
(noun)
Aversion means
a strong dislike
toward something.
My son has an affinity for snakes. He also has

an affinity for leaving their cage door open. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
24
affinity
(noun)
Affinity means a
fondness for or attraction
toward something.
New ghosts actually get a choice
of sheet patterns, though most
VOCAB UL ARY have a predilection for plain white.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
25
predilection
(noun)
Predilection
means a preference
for something.
Part of me has a penchant for algae and

VOCAB UL ARY the other part for hamburgers.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
26
penchant
(noun)
Penchant means
a strong liking
for something.
Ponderous dinosaurs plus rain equals
easy drinking for us. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
27
ponderous
(adjective)
Something that
is ponderous is
heavy and massive.
Being a behemoth has its pros and cons.

Hes always picked first for football games VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
but he never wins at hide-and-seek. CA RTO
28
behemoth
(noun)
A behemoth is
something extremely
large and powerful.
Its a shame all that pulchritude on
top is spoiled by such a hideous face.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
29
pulchritude
(noun)
Pulchritude
means beauty.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
30
salient
(adjective)
If something is
salient, it stands out
or is noticeable.
I understand your indignation, but I cant
change the fact that the Dress as a Sandwich,
VOCAB UL ARY
Get a Free Sandwich promotion is over. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
31
indignation
(noun)
Indignation means
anger, especially over
something thats unfair.
Once or twice I can understand, but theres

real cause for chagrin when youve bumped VOCAB UL ARY
into the bowl as much as he has. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
32
chagrin
(noun)
Chagrin is an
uneasy feeling of
disappointment
or humiliation.
Youve got it backwards. Next time, check the
VOCAB UL ARY hieroglyphics before you try to impersonate
CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY one of the gods.
33
impersonate
(verb)
To impersonate
means to mimic
or pretend to be
someone else.
Since our ghost moved from the attic to the

VOCAB UL ARY kitchen, he has developed a prodigious appetite.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
34
prodigious
(adjective)
Something that is
prodigious is enormous
or extraordinarily great
in size or quantity.
My first few potions werent potent, but
Im starting to get the hang of it. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
35
potent
(adjective)
Something that is
potent is powerful
and effective.
This repository is only for my eyes of newt!

Who put their wings of bat in here, too? VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
36
repository
(noun)
A repository is a
place or container
for storing things.
Im unflappable, except when it comes to
VOCAB UL ARY spiders, snakes, thunder, ghosts, broccoli,
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO and my own shadow.
37
unflappable
(adjective)
Someone who is
unflappable has a
lot of self-control
and is not easily
upset or frightened.
Hes not being stoic. He ate garlic bread and

VOCAB UL ARY doesnt want anybody to smell his breath.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
38
stoic
(adjective)
Someone who is
stoic does not show
any feeling, whether
its pleasure or pain.
My diorama may appear to be nothing more than
an idyllic scene. But those chipmunks are actually
plotting to take over the world. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
39
idyllic
(adjective)
Idyllic describes
something thats
pleasant and peaceful.
I dont want future generations to think

we were all austere. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
40
austere
(adjective)
Something thats
austere looks
harsh or severe.
The more mendacious he is, the more
VOCAB UL ARY clothes I can hang out to dry.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
41
mendacious
(adjective)
Someone who is
mendacious is given
to lying or falsehood.
I dont know where you heard that cats have

nine lives, but it doesnt seem plausible enough
VOCAB UL ARY to me that Id jump.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
42
plausible
(adjective)
Something that is
plausible seems
reasonably true
but may not be.
Hey, bro, how do I look? Dont be afraid to be candid. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
43
candid
(adjective)
Someone who is
candid is honest
and sincere.
Ill ignore that last barb about my hat,

except to say that you have no feeling
VOCAB UL ARY
for presidential history. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
44
barb
(noun)
A barb is a negative
or insulting comment.
For my next exploit, I will bend this steel
VOCAB UL ARY bar with my bare hands.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
45
exploit
(noun)
An exploit
is a daring or
heroic act.
So much for the claim that this mountain

VOCAB UL ARY is indomitable.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
46
indomitable
(adjective)
Something that is
indomitable cannot
be conquered.
I want to instill in you the belief that you can
do anything. Just remember to dress warmly, VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
look both ways, and say please before doing it. CA RTO
47
instill
(verb)
To instill means to
put a feeling or idea into
someones mind slowly.
This video game is too didactic. It doesnt

even give your scoreyou have to add up
VOCAB UL ARY
your points yourself. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
48
didactic
(adjective)
Something that
is didactic is
designed to teach.
I now see where your daughter gets her generous
VOCAB UL ARY demeanor, though she just brings me apples.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
49
demeanor
(noun)
Demeanor is
someones behavior
toward others.
Raising your hand to ask a question is a sign

VOCAB UL ARY of deferencein a classroom. You dont need
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO to do it all the time.
50
deference
(noun)
Deference means
respect for an older or
more superior person.
You think youre spry just because you jumped
over a candlestick? Try climbing a beanstalk VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
sometime. CA RTO
51
spry
(adjective)
Someone who
is spry is
nimble or lively.
When I said I feel more intrepid when youre

with me, I meant when youre in front of me. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
52
intrepid
(adjective)
A person who is
intrepid is fearless
and brave.
Eating more vegetables is a great start. But
VOCAB UL ARY to feel truly robust, you might want to cut
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO back on cupcakes and donuts for side dishes.
53
robust
(adjective)
A person who
is robust feels
healthy and strong.
Why doesnt cooking put you in the same

VOCAB UL ARY buoyant mood it puts me in?
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
54
buoyant
(adjective)
A person who feels

buoyant is happy
and cheerful.
My job requires precisionone wrong move
and Im advertising the new movie starring
Tom Hanky instead of Tom Hanks. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
55
precision
(noun)
Precision means
exactness or accuracy.
Our policy explaining the types of items

that are appropriate for Show and Tell is
VOCAB UL ARY
apparently too nebulous. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
56
nebulous
(adjective)
If something is
nebulous, it is not
clear or specific.
I dont have time to get into the whole story. I
need a segue between Humpty Dumpty sitting
VOCAB UL ARY on the wall and Humpty broken beyond repair.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
57
segue
(noun)
A segue is a
smooth transition
from one thing
to another.
During a lapse in the conversation, I offered

to entertain everyone by juggling. But they
VOCAB UL ARY said they preferred the awkward silence.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
58
lapse
(noun)
A lapse is a
temporary pause
or interruption.
Fancy hotels that put a mint on the pillow dont
impress me. If the whole bed was made entirely
of chocolatenow that would be opulent. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
59
opulent
(adjective)
Something that
is opulent shows
wealth or luxury.
I dont mind that its only a curtain. Its

still a sublime view. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
60
sublime
(adjective)
Something that is
sublime is impressive
and puts one in awe.
Be true and be you is my mantra. Polly want
VOCAB UL ARY a cracker is just something I say a lot.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
61
mantra
(noun)
A mantra is a
phrase that sometimes
expresses a major
belief and is
often repeated.
Dont make me reiterate it. I already

VOCAB UL ARY forgot what I just said.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
62
reiterate
(verb)
To reiterate means
to repeat or say
something again.
I can abide with the bread touching the vegetables
and the vegetables touching the meat, but I freak VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
out when the meat touches the bread. CA RTO
63
abide
(verb)
To abide means
to tolerate or put up
with something.
Weve only been inside for thirty seconds.

How can you be wistful for recess already? VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
64
wistful
(adjective)
A person who is
wistful is longing
for something.
I dont understand why my parents ask me
VOCAB UL ARY on a perennial basis how school is. They
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO should knowthey used to go, too.
65
perennial
(adjective)
If something
is perennial,
it is ongoing or
constantly repeated.
Studying astronomy has left an indelible

impression on meright here, when I got
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY too close to a meteor shower.
CA RTO
66
indelible
(adjective)
Something that is
indelible cannot be
removed or erased.
My parents like to cull old photos from our
albums and put them on displaybut only
VOCAB UL ARY
if theyre highly embarrassing. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
67
cull
(verb)
To cull means to
pick out from a group.
This sweater would complement the pants

I just got for my birthdayboth hideous, VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
but in the same way. CA RTO
68
complement
(verb)
To complement
means to match things
that go together.
Its not the cell phone. He doesnt sound
VOCAB UL ARY coherent in person either.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
69
coherent
(adjective)
Someone who
is coherent is
clear and easy
to understand.
Since I got my foot stuck in the door,

VOCAB UL ARY everyone tells me how gallant I am.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
70
gallant
(adjective)
A gallant person is
courteous and noble.
The female students voted for a rabbit as class
mascot, while the boys wanted a mutant hybrid VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
of a shark, tiger, and snake. CA RTO
71
hybrid
(noun)
A hybrid is a mix
of different breeds
or varieties.
Im just trying to brighten up the terrain. VOCAB UL ARY

ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
72
terrain
(noun)
Terrain is a
piece of land.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY Its been so long since I left that I forgot
CA RTO
73 what the impetus was for coming here.
impetus
(noun)
An impetus is
something that
spurs one to
move, change,
or speed up.
Its the culmination of lots of hard work

VOCAB UL ARY two percent by me, the rest by Mother Nature.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
74
culmination
(noun)
Culmination
means the end
result or climax.
I certainly wont appear dexterous to
whoever finds me. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
75
dexterous
(adjective)
Dexterous describes
someone who is nimble,
skillful, and clever.
I dont speak any other languages, but I

am proficient in Chinese checkers. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
76
proficient
(adjective)
Someone who is
proficient has
mastered a
particular skill.
I have a knack for fetching, but I dont see
VOCAB UL ARY how Ill ever be able to make a living with it.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
77
knack
(noun)
A knack is a
clever way of
doing something;
a special talent.
I started walking upright on a lark. I didnt

VOCAB UL ARY think anyone else would do it.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
78
lark
(noun)
A lark is something
done just for fun.
We may play the worst music, but
we banter better than any other
VOCAB UL ARY
disc-jockey team in town. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
79
banter
(verb)
To banter means
to speak playfully
or teasingly.
That was an impressive harangue, Michael,

but I still dont think the administration will
replace the schools water fountains with VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
chocolate-milk fountains. CA RTO
80
harangue
(noun)
A harangue is a
speech delivered with
strong feelings.
I was able to coax him to come out of
VOCAB UL ARY his shell, but I still cant get him to
ON OF T HE DAY catch a Frisbee.
CA RTO
81
coax
(verb)
To coax means to
persuade gently.
Want to come over after school? Dont

VOCAB UL ARY worry, I wont coerce you into listening
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO to my piano lesson again.
82
coerce
(verb)
To coerce
means to force.
While Ms. Loonin is out, Ill be your substitute teacher.
Other classes have called me Ersatz Mr. Katz.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
83
ersatz
(adjective)
Ersatz is a substitute
or an imitation of
something else.
This museum isnt known for its

historical research. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
84
remnant
(noun)
A remnant is a
remainder or a surviving
piece of something.
REMNANT:
either
9th century Scottish plate
or
14th century Italian helmet
You said to clean up only things we spill.
VOCAB UL ARY However, in the name of veracity, I
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO confess that I threw that.
85
veracity
(noun)
Veracity means
truthfulness.
Im guessing theres a discrepancy between

the seating chart and reality, though it is
VOCAB UL ARY possible that everyone in this class is
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO named Space Monkey.
86
discrepancy
(noun)
Discrepancy
means a difference
or inconsistency.
It seems like every time we comply with a
rule, a new one comes along to get used to. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
87
comply
(verb)
To comply means
to follow a rule or
obey a request.
For the next few years, Ill need some leeway

to style my hair in a way that may be different
than what was allowed in your own childhood. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
88
leeway
(noun)
Leeway is the
flexibility or freedom
to do things.
Before you choose me, do you agree to walk
me every day, in sickness and in health, in
VOCAB UL ARY beautiful and in inclement weather, as long
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO as we both shall live?
89
inclement
(adjective)
Something that
is inclement is
severe or rough. In
describing weather,
it means stormy.
Somehow the car wash sensed it could

bamboozle me into giving them business.
VOCAB UL ARY I dont even have a car.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
90
bamboozle
(verb)
To bamboozle
means to trick
or deceive.
Its only on February 2nd that I use my
shadow to prognosticate. All other times VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
I prefer more conventional methods.
91
prognosticate
(verb)
To prognosticate
means to predict
the future.
I envision a day when the world will finally

be at peace. We might even get out of VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
school early. CA RTO
92
envision
(verb)
To envision
means to imagine or
picture something
in ones head.
Not every fairy has the finesse to fly, get the
tooth from under the pillow, and leave a quarter
VOCAB UL ARY without waking the child. What makes you think
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO youre right for this job?
93
finesse
(noun)
Finesse is the
ability to handle a
delicate situation.
Now we know that it is possible to

VOCAB UL ARY botch a snowman.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
94
botch
(verb)
To botch something
means to do something
badly or mess it up.
Moving to Hawaii is exciting, but its only
fair to warn you: the number of school snow
cancellations will drastically subside. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
95
subside
(verb)
To subside means
to decrease or
become less.
Sweetie, I appreciate your help, but a nap is

usually all it takes to assuage a headache. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
96
assuage
(verb)
To assuage
means to reduce,
lessen, or relieve
something that pains.
Lets see if this will deter kids from
VOCAB UL ARY drinking too much soda.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
97
deter
(verb)
To deter means
to discourage
or prevent.
VOCAB UL ARY Until we know if its friendly, lets

ON OF T HE DAY eschew making eye contact.
CA RTO
98
eschew
(verb)
To eschew means
to avoid something.
Sams horse must eat oats is a mnemonic
I use to remember the Great Lakes: Superior,
Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. For that VOCAB UL ARY
same reason I also named my gerbil Shmeo. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
99
mnemonic
(noun)
A mnemonic is
a formula or rhyme
used to help
remember something.
These humans dont seem to know that

my moniker is Sir Grorraw Furrlar, Prince
VOCAB UL ARY
of Hounds. They keep calling me Peanut. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
100
moniker
(noun)
A moniker is a
name or nickname.
We havent been able to discern any
VOCAB UL ARY microscopic life up here.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
101
discern
(verb)
To discern
means to detect
or recognize.
VOCAB UL ARY I have an inkling that were boarding

ON OF T HE DAY alphabetically.
CA RTO
102
inkling
(noun)
An inkling is a
slight clue or hint.
I like it like this. If youre looking for VOCAB UL ARY
camaraderie, try the next island over. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
103
camaraderie
(noun)
Camaraderie means
a spirit of friendship,
especially in a group.
Membership benefits comprise a pamphlet,

a bumper sticker, and a clothespin. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
104
comprise
(verb)
To comprise
means to consist of
or to include.
After I lost a five-dollar bill, nothing could
VOCAB UL ARY console meuntil I found a ten-dollar bill.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
105
console
(verb)
To console
means to comfort
or help someone
feel less upset.
While Im grounded, Ill contemplate what

VOCAB UL ARY
I did wrong. If you buy me a new computer,
CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY Ill even write an essay about it.
106
contemplate
(verb)
To contemplate
means to consider
or think about
something for a while.
This book is so prosaic that Id rather read
the owners manual for a vacuum cleaner. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
107
prosaic
(adjective)
Something that is
prosaic is dull and
unimaginative.
In my house, we divvy up kitchen responsibilities.

My parents cook and clean, and I embellish
the fridge door. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
108
embellish
(verb)
To embellish means
to make something
more beautiful by
decorating it.
Unless you clean out your locker, youll
VOCAB UL ARY soon see life-forms flourish in there
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO that belong in the science lab.
109
flourish
(verb)
To flourish
means to thrive or
grow successfully.
The guy next to me talked on his cell

phone throughout the whole movie. Then,
VOCAB UL ARY to exacerbate the situation, he asked
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO to borrow mine when his battery died.
110
exacerbate
(verb)
To exacerbate
means to make
things worse.
If Im having a hard day, why should I have
to wait till I get home to immerse myself VOCAB UL ARY
in a warm bath? CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
111
immerse
(verb)
To immerse means to
plunge into something
(often water) and be
covered completely.
Im bored with water. Think well ever get VOCAB UL ARY

ON OF T HE DAY
a chance to imbibe anything else? CA RTO
112
imbibe
(verb)
To imbibe
means to drink.
We have more results to go over, but our
preliminary findings suggest youre allergic
VOCAB UL ARY either to tests or to scientists.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
113
preliminary
(adjective)
Something that
is preliminary
is introductory
or opening for
something else.
I was on the brink of a major breakthrough

in my research when I accidentally switched
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY my DNA with a gorillas.
CA RTO
114
brink
(noun)
Brink means
edge or verge.
The din in here makes crying useless. For
maximum attention, wait till youre the only VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
newborn in the room before you start bawling. CA RTO
115
din
(noun)
Din means a loud,

continuous noise.
I finally found the source of the incessant noise

youve been hearing, and its not a ghost. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
116
incessant
(adjective)
Something that is
incessant is continuous
without interruption.
Im trying to curb my desire to return
VOCAB UL ARY home right away. I want to enjoy all the
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO free publicity for a little while longer.
117
curb
(verb)
To curb means
to control
or restrain.
Its hard to forbear when it comes to

VOCAB UL ARY a second piece of this delicious pie. Are
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
you done with that?
118
forbear
(verb)
To forbear means
to hold back or go
without something.
My parents wont augment my allowance
now that the software I created has
sold a million copies. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
119
augment
(verb)
To augment
means to add on to
or increase.
As soon as the sign went up, our customers

were quick to inundate us with suggestions.
The most common has been Get a box to VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
hold the suggestions. CA RTO
120
inundate
(verb)
To inundate
means to overwhelm
or to flood.
Ive missed the palpable tension of the
VOCAB UL ARY game since they changed the regulation
ON OF T HE DAY height of the net.
CA RTO
121
palpable
(adjective)
Something that
is palpable can
easily be felt.
Its just one of those arcane features that

VOCAB UL ARY
every old house has.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
122
arcane
(adjective)
Something that is
arcane is hidden
or mysterious.
Youre my big brother. That doesnt mean
youre my prototype. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
123
prototype
(noun)
A prototype is an
original or early
version of something
on which later
versions are based.
Seems like it was just yesterday when

I carved this, and already its obsolete.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
124
obsolete
(adjective)
Something that is
obsolete is
old-fashioned and
no longer useful.
The only thing that makes me bristle
VOCAB UL ARY more than seeing the kids track in mud
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO is when I do it myself.
125
bristle
(verb)
To bristle means
to react by
showing anger.
If you irk your parents by asking for a

VOCAB UL ARY glass of water every bedtime, you might
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO get one of these, too.
126
irk
(verb)
To irk means
to annoy.
When it comes to asking questions, shes
indefatigable. But when it comes to VOCAB UL ARY
answering them, shes quickly exhausted. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
127
indefatigable
(adjective)
Someone who
is indefatigable
is not capable
of being tired out.
Ive never seen such tenacity when it

comes to keeping the environment clean. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
128
tenacity
(noun)
Tenacity is the
determination to
keep doing what
one believes in.
Its a good start, but he wants even more
VOCAB UL ARY brevity in his name. How about just the dot?
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
129
brevity
(noun)
Brevity is
the shortness
of something.
I have a copious collection of bookmarks

VOCAB UL ARY but only one book.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
130
copious
(adjective)
Copious means
plentiful or containing
a large amount.
Four dollars, eleven centsmy talent is
the ability to gauge how much money is
VOCAB UL ARY
lost in a couch without lifting a cushion. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
131
gauge
(verb)
To gauge means to
guess or estimate the
contents or capacity
of something.
Earth Day might make the others feel

left out. Lets designate April 23 as
VOCAB UL ARY
Rest of the Planets Day. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
132
designate
(verb)
To designate means
to choose something for
a specific purpose.
Would you help me disseminate these
VOCAB UL ARY flyers? Im asking students to reduce
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO the amount of paper they use.
133
disseminate
(verb)
When you
disseminate
something, you
distribute or
spread it around.
When you push this button, the ultrasonic sound

that will emanate drives away mosquitoes. Only
VOCAB UL ARY problem is, other animals seem to love it.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
134
emanate
(verb)
To emanate
means to flow out
of something.
We dont just impose late fines anymore. Now
we also give a quiz to make sure you actually
read the book you held onto for so long. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
135
impose
(verb)
To impose means to
establish or bring about
something by force.
If my mom can take advantage of my filing

skills on Take Our Daughters to Work Day, she
can compensate me in the form of a Take Our VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
Daughters to the Mall Day. CA RTO
136
compensate
(verb)
To compensate
means to make up
for something with
another thing
thats equivalent.
Mom, youve made smart investments for
me so far, but Im feeling bullish enough to
VOCAB UL ARY take over from here.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
137
bullish
(adjective)
Someone who is
feeling bullish
is confident
and optimistic.
Despite your tepid reaction to my science

report, I hope you know more about sea
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY cucumbers than you did an hour ago.
CA RTO
138
tepid
(adjective)
Tepid means
lukewarm;
unenthusiastic or
lacking passion.
You should exemplify good posture
at all times, but remember to watch VOCAB UL ARY
your head, too. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
139
exemplify
(verb)
To exemplify means
to show or demonstrate
by example.
His rain dances are inimitable. The best

I can do is make someone spill his drink. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
140
inimitable
(adjective)
Something that is
inimitable cannot be
imitated or matched.
I just finished the Raisin Bran box. Tomorrow
VOCAB UL ARY Ill start to peruse Corn Flakes.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
141
peruse
(verb)
To peruse means
to read carefully.
I talk about ivory-billed woodpeckers a

lot, but since I actually know nothing
VOCAB UL ARY about them, I also digress a lot.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
142
digress
(verb)
To digress means
to stray or get off
the subject one
was talking or
writing about.
The scientists can propel
me using their voices. But
I can do what I want when VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
Im out of earshot. CA RTO
143
propel
(verb)
To propel means
to move something
forward or ahead.
Im sure justice will prevail no matter what,

but you should know that you have your
suit on inside out. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
144
prevail
(verb)
To prevail means
to succeed or triumph.
Sorry, but due to space restrictions, the
quota for people wearing sombreros in
VOCAB UL ARY
CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY this elevator is one.
145
quota
(noun)
A quota is
the amount or
proportion allowed
for certain things,
such as a place.
After the newspaper did a story about me,

VOCAB UL ARY droves of people contacted me. They wanted to
ON OF T HE DAY know how they could get into the newspaper, too.
CA RTO
146
droves
(noun)
The word droves

refers to a large
group, like a crowd.
Breakfast in bed on my birthday brings
me felicity, but in the future, Id prefer it
VOCAB UL ARY
on top of the covers. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
147
felicity
(noun)
Felicity is another
word for happiness.
Why didnt you tell us you had a qualm about

heights before we started on this plan?
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
148
qualm
(noun)
A qualm is a feeling
of uneasiness, like
being uncomfortable
about something.
Im annoyed by bad hair days, but
VOCAB UL ARY I loathe bad face days.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
149
loathe
(verb)
To loathe means
to dislike strongly
or despise.
I extol your ability to learn from your

mistakes. But to pass your test tomorrow,
VOCAB UL ARY youll have to learn from books, too.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
150
extol
(verb)
To extol means
to praise highly.
Jims only in third grade but hes got enough
clout with the fifth graders to sit at their VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
lunch table. CA RTO
151
clout
(noun)
Clout means
influence or power.
Maybe hes not a predator. Maybe

VOCAB UL ARY
hes just a mouse devotee. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
152
devotee
(noun)
A devotee is
someone who
is a loyal fan
or follower.
Our teachers always exhort us to
VOCAB UL ARY follow our dreams. Last night I dreamt
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO I went to school without any pants.
153
exhort
(verb)
To exhort means to
encourage or advise.
Somehow the chimpanzee that escaped

VOCAB UL ARY from the zoo has been able to elude capture.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
154
elude
(verb)
To elude means
to avoid or escape
from something.
Please use discretion when buying me a
birthday presentno toys that clash with
VOCAB UL ARY
the color scheme of my room. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
155
discretion
(noun)
Discretion means
good judgment.
Your apprehension is for the wrong reason.

VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
156
apprehension
(noun)
Apprehension means
worry or anxiety.
I remember when this desert was desolate.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY It feels so crowded these days.
CA RTO
157
desolate
(adjective)
Something that
is desolate is
empty or lifeless.
All aspects of secret agent training are rigorous,

but the hardest part is remembering which pen is
VOCAB UL ARY just a pen and which is a mini-parachute.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
158
rigorous
(adjective)
Something that is
rigorous is harsh
and very difficult.
We do have a precedent for this. The last
time a principal locked himself out of his VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
office, we just gave him a new office. CA RTO
159
precedent
(noun)
A precedent is
something that has
already happened
that may be used as
an example in dealing
with a similar event.
After Danielas emotionally draining role

as Tree in her class play, she will take VOCAB UL ARY
a hiatus from acting. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
160
hiatus
(noun)
A hiatus is a
rest or a break.
When greedy men hear the name Robin
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY Hood, they quiver in fearor maybe
CA RTO
because its cold out.
161
quiver
(verb)
To quiver means
to shake or tremble.
We ran out of tape but I found lots of

other things that can also adhere my
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY posters to the wall.
CA RTO
162
adhere
(verb)
To adhere
means to stick fast,
as if by glue.
The colors and the stripes look great, but
Im not crazy about the paucity of stars.
Can we add a few more? VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
163
paucity
(noun)
Paucity means the

smallness of number.
We wanted a frugal vacation this year, so we just

switched houses with our neighbor for a week.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
164
frugal
(adjective)
Frugal means
thrifty or
inexpensive.
Sunshine may be a boon for you,
but its always bad news for me.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
165
boon
(noun)
A boon is
a benefit or
advantage.
Somehow Declaration of Autonomy

VOCAB UL ARY doesnt sound right.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
166
autonomy
(noun)
Autonomy means
self-government
or independence.
We convene for international disasters, alien
invasions, and occasionally, a game of beach volleyball.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
167
convene
(verb)
To convene means
to come together.
You said you dont condone staying up

late to watch TVyou never said anything VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
about getting up early. CA RTO
168
condone
(verb)
To condone
means to overlook
or excuse behavior
that may be wrong.
Whenever the neighborhood kids need a
hopscotch expert, they solicit my advice.
VOCAB UL ARY So as youd expect, I have a lot of free time.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
169
solicit
(verb)
To solicit means
to call upon or
seek by request.
I actually dont like to bellow. I only do it

VOCAB UL ARY because the tourists come such a long way
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO and Id hate to disappoint them.
170
bellow
(verb)
To bellow means
to roar or shout
in a deep voice.
I mapped out the interior myself, but I
brought in a more experienced architect VOCAB UL ARY
to design the facade. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
171
facade
(noun)
A facade is the
front of a building.
Although the cover says were co-authors, we

didnt divide the work equally. I researched and
wrote the whole book while he chose the epigraph. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
172
epigraph
(noun)
An epigraph is a
quotation at the
beginning of a
book that suggests
its theme.
My dad likes to reminisce but hes not so
VOCAB UL ARY good at it. The other day he said, When I
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO was your age, I was also nine.
173
reminisce
(verb)
To reminisce
means to fondly
remember something
in the past.
I couldnt divulge my secret identity

right now even if I wanted tosomeones
VOCAB UL ARY stepping on my cape.
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
174
divulge
(verb)
To divulge
means to reveal
or make public.
Hes our most assiduous camper
the cabin wasnt there an hour ago.
VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
175
assiduous
(adjective)
A person who is
assiduous is very
hardworking and
attentive to details.
I see luminous stones on the bottom of

the pool! Oh, wait, thats just the nail
VOCAB UL ARY
polish on my toes. CA RTO
ON OF T HE DAY
176
luminous
(adjective)
Something that
is luminous is
shiny and bright.
If we combined your acumen, time, sales skills,
VOCAB UL ARY lemonade mix, table, sign, pitcher, and cups with
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO my spoon, wed make great business partners.
177
acumen
(noun)
Acumen is another
word for expertise
or intelligence.
VOCAB UL ARY My elation just decreased by one-third.

ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
178
elation
(noun)
Elation is the
state of being happy
or filled with joy.
I never stop roasting marshmallows until
the last ember has died out. VOCAB UL ARY
ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
179
ember
(noun)
An ember is a
small, glowing piece
of coal or wood.
I like your optimism, but I dont think theyll

VOCAB UL ARY
expand summer vacation to include fall, too. ON OF T HE DAY
CA RTO
180
optimism
(noun)
Optimism is the
belief in good
things happening;
positive thinking.
Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day Marc Tyler Nobleman, Scholastic Teaching Resources 94
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VOCABULARY

NEW YORK TORONTO LONDON AUCKLAND SYDNEY

Cover design by Maria Lilja

Best of all, cartoons are funny. Humor is consistently one of the

A speaker at a 2002 Society of Childrens Book Writers and

Welcome to the positive side of short attention spans. Its time to

Grandpa, I think you misconstrue how

You dont have to be too

From now on, we need to meet in

When we built it, we were going more for

VOCAB UL ARY Actually, Im an innocuous breed of shark.

My vocabulary is extensive. Its my spelling

Im the most verbose person youll ever meet,

Thats the kind of duplicitous thinking

I can overlook the movies mediocrity since

I chose him because they say the bigger VOCAB UL ARY

People who gloat

I can dispel rumors that the Earth

My son has an affinity for snakes. He also has

Part of me has a penchant for algae and

Being a behemoth has its pros and cons.

Once or twice I can understand, but theres

Since our ghost moved from the attic to the

This repository is only for my eyes of newt!

Hes not being stoic. He ate garlic bread and

I dont want future generations to think

I dont know where you heard that cats have

Ill ignore that last barb about my hat,

So much for the claim that this mountain

This video game is too didactic. It doesnt

Raising your hand to ask a question is a sign

When I said I feel more intrepid when youre

Why doesnt cooking put you in the same

A person who feels

Our policy explaining the types of items

During a lapse in the conversation, I offered

I dont mind that its only a curtain. Its

Dont make me reiterate it. I already

Weve only been inside for thirty seconds.

Studying astronomy has left an indelible

This sweater would complement the pants

Since I got my foot stuck in the door,

Im just trying to brighten up the terrain. VOCAB UL ARY

Its the culmination of lots of hard work

I dont speak any other languages, but I

I started walking upright on a lark. I didnt

That was an impressive harangue, Michael,

Want to come over after school? Dont

This museum isnt known for its

Im guessing theres a discrepancy between

For the next few years, Ill need some leeway

Somehow the car wash sensed it could

I envision a day when the world will finally

Now we know that it is possible to

Sweetie, I appreciate your help, but a nap is

VOCAB UL ARY Until we know if its friendly, lets

These humans dont seem to know that

VOCAB UL ARY I have an inkling that were boarding

Membership benefits comprise a pamphlet,

While Im grounded, Ill contemplate what

In my house, we divvy up kitchen responsibilities.

The guy next to me talked on his cell

Im bored with water. Think well ever get VOCAB UL ARY