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ABOUT DISHA PUBLICATION

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Disha Publication, we strive to bring out the best guidebooks that students would find to be the
most useful for all kind of competitive exam.

SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS

SYNONYMS because it carries a certainty with it, which is not the case with
bodes.
Synonyms are words that are similar or have related meaning to
another word. Synonyms related questions are asked in CDS exam 3 : When a videotape of her meeting was played back
to test the grasp of vocabulary. to her and she was asked to explain her presence there, she
The format of question is fixed. A word is given and you have to started prevaricating.
pick its synonym, or you may be given a sentence in which a word (a) Speaking evasively (b) Speaking violently
is highlighted. If you have not used the word before or dont
(c) Lying furiously (d) Throwing a tantrum
know the meaning of it, just read the sentence and try to figure it
out. After you have done this, from the options, choose the word Solution (a): Prevaricate means be deliberately ambiguous or
that is the synonym of this highlighted word. unclear in order to mislead withhold information. Thus, option
(a) seems the best choice.
Examples
4 : The crowd became restive when the minister
Direction for Examples 1 to 5 : For each of the underlined words
below, four options are provided. Pick the word that is closest in failed to appear even by 10 p.m.
meaning in the given context. (a) Violent (b) Angry
1: The police officer appears oblivious to the (c) Restless (d) Distressed
opprobrium generated by his blatantly partisan conduct. Solution (c): Restive means being in a tense state. It is an
adjective and has a connotation that the noun/pronoun that it
(a) Harsh criticism would be describing would be restless or not at ease. Restive
(b) Acute distrust implies anxiousness and hence option (c) is the best choice.
(c) Bitter enmity
5 : Manohars ostensible job was to guard the building
(d) Stark oppressiveness
at night.
Solution (a): Opprobrium refers to the state of extreme dishonour
or a state of disgrace from public abuse. This word can be (a) Apparent (b) Blatant
considered as an opposite to getting attention from doing (c) Ostentatious (d) Insidious
something good, i.e., bad behaviour results in opprobrium. Solution (a): Ostensible means appearing as such but not
Opprobrium is synonymous with censure, which means harsh necessarily so. The closest option has to be option (a).
criticism. The given statement means that the police offer seemed
to lack awareness of the opprobrium he had created by conducting Direction for Examples 6 to 9 : In the given examples, there is a
himself in a biased manner. Therefore, option (a) is right. bold word that does not make sense. Choose the synonym of the
word from the options.
2 : It appears to many that the US war on terrorism
6 : Women squat, heads covered, beside huge piles
portends trouble in the Gulf.
of limp fodder and blunk oil lamps, and just about all the cows in
(a) Introduces (b) Evokes the three towns converge upon this spot. Sinners, supplicants
(c) Spells (d) Bodes and yes, even scallywags hand over a few coins for a crack at
Solution (d): Portend means be a sign of something to come, redemption and a handful of grass.
esp. something important or bad, which is closest in meaning to (a) shining (b) bright
Bodes. Option (a) and option (b) are not foretelling and hence
(c) sputtering (d) effulgent
can be discarded. Option (c) is a close one, but can be discarded

Solution (c): Going with the tone of the paragraph, we can see
that only some adjective that has a negative connotation can fit
in the sentence. This is true only in option (c), sputtering (the
noise of something spattering or sputtering).
7 : It is klang to a sensitive traveller who walks
through this great town, when he sees the streets, the roads, and
cabin doors crowded with beggars, mostly women, followed by
three, four, or six children, all in rags and importuning every
passenger for alms.
(a) amusing (b) irritating
(c) disgusting (d) distressing
Solution (c): The degree of anguish caused by the different scenes
as described by the narrator, is very high for a sensitive traveller.
Thus, the best option is option (c), disgusting.
ANTONYMS
Antonyms are words that are opposite in meaning to each other,
antonyms of words are asked in CDS exam to test vocabulary
power of the aspirants. A word is given and you are asked to
choose its antonym from given choices.
Sometimes the question format is designed in such a manner that
a word is highlighted and is used in a sentence; If you have not
seen the word before or dont know the meaning of it, just read
the sentence and try to figure it out for yourself. After you have
done this, from the options, choose the word that is either exact
or close antonym of this highlighted word.
Examples
Direction for Examples 8 to 12 : For each of the underlined
words below, four options are provided. Pick the word that is
farthest in meaning in the given context.
8 : A specious argument is not simply a false one
but one that has the ring of truth.
(a) Deceitful (b) Fallacious
(c) Credible (d) Deceptive
Solution (c): Specious means plausible but false, a specious
argument for example, would be one which seems to be good,
true, logical or reasonable, but is not so. It is evident that such a
statement, or something that is specious, cannot be even
considered to be close to credible. Option (c) is right. A specious
argument would be (a) deceitful, i.e. untrustworthy and fraudulent.
It would also be (b) fallacious, because that argument is false,
even though it might not seem so. It would be (c) deceptive too,
as you would feel or think that it is right/good and you will be
deceived, because actually it is wrong/bad.
9 : The new mass transit system may obviate the
need for the use of personal cars.
(a) Prevent (b) Forestall
(c) Preclude (d) Bolster
Solution (d) : Obviate means to prevent something from taking
place, or to eliminate the requirement of something. The given
statement indicates that obviate refers to eliminate a need or
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requirement. It says that the mass transit system may eliminate
the need for personal vehicles. Option (d) is right, because bolster
means increasing the amount, or supporting or strengthening,
which is of course just the opposite of what obviate means. Option
(a) is wrong, because it is expected that the mass transit system
may prevent the use of personal vehicles, so it is a similar word.
Option (b) is wrong because forestall means to keep or prevent
something from happening and in the context, it would mean to
prevent the need for using personal modes of transportation.
Option (c) is wrong, because preclude can be considered a
synonym of forestall or obviate.
10 : Some words fall into disuse as technology makes
objects obsolete.
(a) Prevalent (b) Discarded
(c) Obliterated (d) Unfashionable
Solution (a): Disuse is used to describe the state or condition of
something that has not been used and is neglected, which is
exactly the context mentioned in the question. Option (a) is correct,
because prevalent means very common, so that is just the
opposite of what disuse means. Option (b) is wrong, because
discarded means thrown away or neglected or not given
importance. Option (c) is wrong too, because obliterated is a
similar word: to obliterate, means to remove or completely get rid
of something, which is also what disuse could mean. Option (d)
is wrong too, because unfashionable means not in current use,
i.e. not according to the current fashion.
11 : The evidence was constructed from very
parsimonious scraps of information.
(a) Frugal (b) Penurious
(c) Thrifty (d) Altruistic
Solution (d): Even though Altruistic (showing unselfish concern
for the welfare of others) is not an exact antonym of parsimonious
(excessively unwilling to spend), still, they seem close to being
opposites where money is concerned. Frugal, penurious and
thrifty are similar to or are synonyms of the given word.
12 : When I suggested that war is a method of
controlling population, my father remarked that I was being
facetious.
(a) Jovian (b) Jovial
(c) Jocular (d) Joking
Solution (a): Being facetious means being entertaining, or
provoking laughter. In the given context, when the narrator
suggests that wars are a way of controlling population, his father
considers it a joke and terms it as a laughable thought. Option (a)
is right, because Jovian means something related or in accordance
with a Roman deity, Jupitar, (the planet Jupiter). So, it is clearly
out of context here. Option (b) is wrong, because jovial can be
used to describe someone who shows good humour, which is a
similar word to the given one. Option (c) is wrong, because a
jocular person is someone who makes a lot of jokes and is often
happy. Option (d) is wrong too because joking as explained already,
is a similar word to the given one.
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ONE WORD - A SMALL COLLECTION

Abdicate - Renounce a throne or high office Apprentice - A person who works under someone to learn
Abolish - Do away with that person's skill
Accelerate - Move faster Arboreal - Those who live in trees
Accomplice - One associated with another especially in Armistice - (or cease-fire or truce) An agreement to stop
wrong-doing fighting
Acoustics - Science of the production, transmission, Ascetic - One who avoids physical pleasures and
reception and effects of sound comforts
Acrobat - An athlete who performs acts requiring skill Astrology - The art of understanding the influence of
and agility and coordination heavenly bodies on human affairs
Adolescence - The period of life from puberty to maturity Astronomy - Scientific study of heavenly bodies
Actuary - One who calculates insurance and annuity Aviary - A place for keeping birds
premium etc. Backlog - It means an accumulation of arrears.
Adulterate - Make impure by the addition of inferior Example: I must clear my heavy backlog of
substance work.
Aggression - Unprovoked attack of one country or person Backwater - A part of a river out of the main stream,
by another where the water does not move
Amnesty - General pardon Barbarian - An uncivilised person
Abattoir - A building where animals are killed for meat Barbecue - A metal flame on which meat etc. is cooked
(or slaughterhouse) over an open fire
Ad hoc - arranged or happening when necessary and Barometer - An instrument for measuring the air pressure
not planned in advance Beverage - A liquid for drinking
Aeronautics - The science of the operation and flight of Bibliography - A list of writings on a subject
aircraft Biennial - Happening once every two years
Aesthete - A person with a highly developed sense of Bigamy - System of two marriages
beauty aesthetics Biodata - (or Resume or Curriculum Vitae) A short
Agnostic - One who believes that nothing can be written account of one's education and past
known about God employment
Agoraphobia - Fear of open spaces in public places Black Hole - An area in outer space into which
Alibi - It is Latin for elsewhere. It is actually a plea everything near it, including light, is pulled
of having been elsewhere at the time of Bleach - Make white or pale by means of chemicals
commission of an act. But it is now used in or sunlight
the sense of an excuse. Example: He offered Blue Blood - The quality of being a noble person by birth
no alibi for his absence from duty. Blueprint - The word originated in the engineering
Alimony - Compensatory allowance given to wife after industry where it means the final stage of
divorce paper design. So it may mean the final plan
Allergic - Allergy means, a heightened sensitivity to or layout. Example: The blueprint of the
a substance as food, medicine etc. Allergic Five-Year Plan is ready.
means having an aversion to. Example: He Bonsai - The art of growing a plant in a pot that is
is allergic to hard work. prevented from reaching its natural size
Altruist - One who is habitually kind to others Bon Vivant - One who likes good wine and food and
Alumnus - A former student of a school or college cheerful companions
Ambivalent - A simultaneous attraction towards and Bookworm - (or nerd) One who is too fond of reading
repulsion from an object, person or action; and study
Example: The attitude of educated Indians Botany - The scientific study of plants
to love-marriages is ambivalent Bottleneck - It is a narrow passage, a place, stage or
Anachronism - That which appears to be old fashioned and condition that checks progress. Example:
does not belong to the present time We must remove all bottlenecks in the swift
Anarchy - Lawlessness and disorder caused by implementation of policies.
absence of control Boulevard - A broad street having trees on each side
Anecdote - A short interesting or amusing story Bourgeois - Belonging to the middle class
Anthology - A collection of poems or writings Bric-a-brac - Small objects kept for decoration
Aphorism - (or maxim) A wise saying in a few words Bullion - Bars of gold or silver
Aphrodisiac - A medicine drug causing sexual excitement Bust - A piece of sculpture showing a person's
Apiary - A place where bees are kept head, shoulders, and upper chest
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Cabal -A small group of people who make secret Creativity - The ability to produce new and original
plans for political action ideas
Calligraphy - The art of beautiful writing by hand Criminology - The scientific study of crime and criminals
Canine - Of a dog Crossroads - A point at which an important decision must
Cannibal - One who eats human flesh be taken
Cardiac - Connected with the heart Cruise - A sea voyage for pleasure
Catch-22 - A situation from which one is prevented Cuisine - A style of cooking
from escaping by something that is part of Daredevil - One who is prepared to take dangerous risks
the situation itself D-day - A day on which an important operation is
Celestial - Of the sky or heaven to begin
Cerebral - Connected with the brain Debacle - A sudden complete failure
Chalet - A wooden house with a steeply sloping roof Decanter - A container for holding alcoholic drinks,
Charlatan - One who deceives others by falsely especially wine
claiming to have a skill Defeatism - The practice of thinking in a way that shows
Celibacy - One who does not indulge in carnal an expectation of being unsuccessful
pleasure Deficit - The amount by which something is less
Clean sweep - A complete victory than what is needed
Cloak-and-Dagger - Stories that deal with adventure and exciting Dja vu - The feeling of remembering something that
mystery in fact one is experiencing for the first time
Clot - A half-solid mass or lump formed from a Depression - A lon g per iod of seriously reduced
liquid, especially blood business activity and high unemployment;
Clubfoot - A badly-shaped foot twisted out of position A mental state characterized by a pessimistic
from birth sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack
Coagulate - Change from a liquid into a solid by chemical of activity
action Designate - Chosen for an office but not yet officially
Cold war - Severe political struggle between countries, placed in it
Disarmament - Reduction of weapons by a government
without actual fighting
Dissection - Cutting up the body of a plant or animal for
Colloquial - Suitable for ordinary, informal, or familiar
studying
conversation
Dividend - The money which is divided among
Colonnade - A row of pillars supporting a roof or arches
shareholders
Coma - A state of long unnatural deep or
Dome - A rounded roof on a building
unconsciousness
Dormitory - A large room containing a number of beds
Combustible - (or Inflammable) that can catch fire and burn
Down-and-out - One who is suffering from lack of money,
easily
work, etc., and is unable to change the
Comrade - A close companion who shares difficult situation
work Dragnet - A system of connected actions and
Congenital - Existing at or from one's birth methods for catching criminals
Connotation - The feeling or ideas that are suggested by Dregs - Sediment in a liquid that sinks to the bottom
a word and is thrown away
Consortium - A combination of several companies, banks, Drudgery - Hard uninteresting work
etc. for a common purpose Dutch - Of the Netherlands (Holland)
Consul - A person appointed by a government to Eagle-eyed - Looking with very keen attention and
protect and help its citizens and its interests noticing small details
in trade in a foreign city Eaves - The edges of a roof which come out beyond
Contemporary - A person living at the same time as another the walls
Contretemps - An unlucky and unexpected event, socially Eddy - A circular movement of water, wind, dust,
uncomfortable position with someone etc.
Corinthian - Typical of the most richly decorated style Elastic - Able to spring back into shape after being
of ancient Greek buildings stretched
Corrigendum - Something (to be) made correct in a printed Electrocute - To kill by passing electricity through the
book body
Counterfeit - Made exactly like something real in order to Embargo - An official order forbidding trade with
deceive another country
Countervailing - Acting with equal force but opposite effect Empirical - Based on practical experience of the world
Couture - The business of making and selling we see and feel
fashionable women's clothes Enigmatic - That which is mysterious and very hard to
Cradle - A small bed for a baby understand
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Entomology - The scientific study of insects Glacier - A mass of ice moving very slowly down a
Epic - A long narrative poem mountain valley
Epicurean - Lover of physical/material Glut - A larger supply than is necessary
Ergonomics - The study of the conditions in which Goatee - A little pointed beard on the bottom of the
people work most effectively with machines chin
Estuary - The wide lower part or mouth of a river Go-Getter - One who is forceful, determined, and likely
Evaporate - To change into steam and disappear to succeed in getting what one wants
Evolution - Gradual development from simpler forms Good Samaritan - One who helps others in trouble, without
Excise - Tax on goods produced and used inside a thinking of oneself
country Gorge - A deep narrow valley with steep sides
Expletive - An often meaningless word used for Graffiti - Drawings or writing on a wall
swearing Grange - A large country house with Farm buildings
Expressionism - A style of painting which expresses feelings Green Belt - A stretch of land, around a town or city,
rather than describing objects and where buildings are not allowed, so that
experiences fields, woods, etc. remain
Extrovert - One who likes to spend time with others Grunt - Short deep rough sound of a pig
Facet - Any of the many flat sides of a cut jewel Gubernatorial - Of a governor
Faeces - The solid waste material passed from the Guinea pig - A person who is subject of some kind of test
bowels Halitosis - A condition in which one has bad breath
Fallacy - A false idea or belief Handbook - A short book giving all the most important
Farce - A light humorous play full of silly things information about a subject
happening Hangar - A big building where aircraft are kept
Farrier - One who makes and fits shoes for horses between flights
Febrile - Of or caused by fever Harpoon - A spear with a long rope, used for hunting
Felony - A serious crime such as murder or armed large sea animals
robbery Haven - A place of calm and safety
Fianc - (feminine fiance) the person one is going Headgear - A covering for the head
to marry Headstrong - Determined to do what one wants in spite
Filament - A thin thread of all advice
Flogging - Severe beating with a whip or stick Heat-stroke - Fever and weakness caused by too much
Flora - All the plants of a particular place, country, heat
or period Heirloom - A valuable object passed on for generations
Fluvial - Of, found in, or produced by rivers Herbivore - A plant-eating animal
Foible - A small rather strange and stupid personal Hide - An animal's skin, when removed, to be used,
habit for leather
Foolscap - A large size of paper, especially writing Hinterland - The inner part of a country
paper Histrionics - Behaviour resembling a theatrical
Foray - A sudden rush into enemy country performance
Foreman - A skilled and experienced worker in charge Holocaust - Great destruction and the loss of many lives
of other workers Holster - A leather holder for a pistol
Fortnight - Two weeks Hooligan - A noisy rough person who causes trouble
Fourth Estate - Newspapers and their writers, considered Hothead - One who does things too quickly, without
with regard to their political influence thinking
Freckle - A small flat brown spot on the skin Hub - The central part of a wheel
Freight - Goods carried by ship, train. plane, etc. Hump - A lump on the back of a camel
Frill - A decorative edge to a piece of material Ideology - A set of ideas on which a political or
Frontispiece - A picture or photograph at the beginning economic system is based
of a book Idolatry - The worship of idols
Fumigate - To clear of disease, bacteria etc. by means Illegible - Difficult or impossible to read
of chemical smoke Immortal - That which will never die
Furrow - A long narrow track cut by a plough Implacable - Impossible to satisfy, change, or make less
Galaxy - A large group of stars angry
Gastronomy - The art and science of cooking and eating Improvident - One who does not save for future
good food Incarnate - In physical form rather than in the form of a
Gelatine - A clear substance used for making jellies spirit or idea
Geocentric - Having the Earth as the central point Incorporeal - Without a body or form
Gigolo - A man who is paid to be a woman's lover Inedible - Not suitable for eating
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Inflate - To fill with air or gas until swelled Malcontent - One who is dissatisfied with the existing
Ingest - To take into the stomach state of affairs
Innate - Being talented through inherited qualities Male Chauvinist - A man who believes that men are better than
Inseminate - To put male seed into a female women
Intelligentsia - Those who are highly educated and often Malign - To speak evil of, especially to do so falsely
concern themselves with ideas and new and severely
developments Mane - The long hair on the back of a horse's neck
Intestate - Not having made a will Manual - A book giving information about how to do
Invective - A forceful attacking speech used for something
blaming someone Market Forces - The free operation of business and trade
Invoice - A list of goods supplied, stating quantity without govt. controls
and price Mascot - Chosen as a symbol or thought to bring
Irreproachable - So good that no blame at all could be given good luck
Journal - A serious magazine produced by a specialist Massacre - The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing
society of human beings
Junta - A council or assembly that deliberates in Materialism - Too great interest in money & material, etc,
secret upon the affairs of government rather than spiritual matters
Juxtapose - To place side by side or close together Mechanics - The science of the action of forces on
Kennel - A small hut for a dog objects
Kimono - A long loose garment made of silk Megalomania - The belief that one is more important or
Knuckle - The joint between the finger and the hand powerful than one really is
Lackey - One who behaves like a servant by always Mercantile - Of trade and business
obeying Meteorology - The scientific study of weather conditions
Lead Time - The time taken in planning and producing a Midriff - The part of the human body between the
new product chest and the waist
Lecher - One who continually looks for sexual Militia - Those trained as soldiers but not belonging
pleasure to a regular army
Leonine - Of or like a lion Miniature - A very small painting
Levee - An embankment beside a river or stream or Mirage - The appearing of objects which are not
an arm of the sea, to prevent floods really there
Levy - An official demand and collection, Misnomer - A name wrongly or mistakenly applied
especially of a tax Moccasin - A simple shoe made of leather
Libertarian - One who believes that people should have Modus Operandi - A method of doing something typical of
freedom of expression someone
Lien - A legal claim or hold on employment or Mogul - A person of very great power, wealth and
property, as security for a debt or charge. importance
Limerick - A humorous short poem with five lines Monarchy - Rule by a king or queen
Linchpin/ - An important member which keeps the Monomaniac - One who keeps thinking of one particular
Lynchpin whole group together idea only
Literati - People with great knowledge of literature Moralistic - Having unchanging narrow ideas about
Livery - Uniform of a special type for servants right and wrong
Locale - A place where something particular Morbid - Having or expressing a strong interest in
happens sad or unpleasant things
Logger - One whose job is to cut down trees Motto - A few words taken as the guiding principle
Loom - A machine on which thread is woven into Multinational - A company having operations in many
cloth different countries
Lore - Old beliefs, not written down, about a Mundane - Dull / Ordinary
particular subject Mycology - The scientific study of fungi (plural of
Lowbrow - One who has no interest in literature, art, fungus)
etc. Namesake - A person with the same name as yours is
Lullaby - A pleasant song used for causing children your namesake
to sleep Nautical - Of sailors, ships, or sailing
Machete - A knife with a broad heavy blade Necromancy - The practice which claims to learn about
Magnum Opus - A great work of art, theatre, film, etc. the future by talking with the dead
Malady - That which is wrong with a system Nemesis - Just and unavoidable punishment
Malaise - A feeling of pain without any particular pain Newfangled - New (idea, machine, etc.) but neither
or appearance of disease necessary nor better
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Nihilism - The belief that nothing has meaning or Patent - The right to make or sell a new invention
value Paunch - A man's fat stomach
Nodding - A very slight familiarity Peanuts - Too small a sum of money
Acquaintance Peeping Tom - One who secretly looks at others when they
Nosegay - A small bunch of flowers, to be carried or are undressing
worn on a dress Penance - Making oneself willingly suffer for one's
Notary - A public official who makes written wrongs
statements official Perdition - Everlasting punishment after death
No-win Situation - That which will end badly whichever choice Perjury - A lie told on purpose in court
one makes Persona non Grata - One who is not acceptable or welcome
Nursery - A place where small children are taken care Petrology - The scientific study of rocks
of or where young plants are grown for sale Phonetics - The study and science of speech sounds
Oar - A long pole used for rowing a boat Phylum - A main division of animals or plants
Obstetrics - The branch of medicine concerned with Pigment - The natural colouring matter of plants and
childbirth animals
Obtrude - To be pushed or to push oneself into undue Pillion - A seat for a second person on a motorcycle
prominence. Pithead - The entrance to a coalmine
Obtrusive - Tending to be pushed or to push oneself Placate - To bring from a state of angry or hostile
into undue prominence feeling to one of patience or friendliness.
Obviate - To clear away or provide for, as an objection Plaintiff - One who brings a charge against someone
or difficulty in a court
Odoriferous - Having a smell Platitude - A written or spoken statement that has been
Off-White - White with some grey or yellow made often before and is not interesting
Oligarchy - A collective government formed by a few Platonic - A friendly, not sexual, relationship between
persons a man and a woman
One-Upmanship - The art of getting an advantage over others Plebeian - Of the lower social classes
without actually cheating Poetaster - A writer of inferior quality poems
Ontology - The branch of philosophy concerned with Poker Face - A face that shows nothing of what one is
the nature of existence thinking or feeling
Operational - Being in effect or operation Porcine - Of or like a pig
Research organised in order to make them more Pork - Meat from pigs
efficient Portend - To indicate as being about to happen,
Opprobrium - The state of being scornfully reproached especially by previous signs
or censured Post-Haste - In a great hurry
Orderly - A soldier who attends an officer Pot-Boiler - A book of low quality produced quickly to
Ornithology - The scientific study of birds make money
Ostentation - A display dictated by vanity and intended Powder Keg - Something dangerous that might explode
to invite applause or flattery. Prcis - A shortened form of a piece of writing
Ostracism - The state of not being included in a group Prescient - Able to imagine or guess what will probably
Outcast - A person who is rejected (from society or happen
home) Prevaricate - To use ambiguous or evasive language for
Overhaul - Thorough examination and repair if the purpose of deceiving or diverting
necessary attention.
Pacemaker - A small machine that regularises heartbeats Prey - An animal that is hunted and eaten by
Palaeography - The study of ancient writing systems another
Panacea - A remedy or medicine proposed for or Prima Donna - The main woman singer in an opera
professing to cure all diseases. company
Panache - Being able to do things in a confident and Prodigal - One who is wasteful or extravagant,
elegant way. especially in the use of money or property.
Panegyric - A speeds or a piece of writing praising Profile - A side view of someone's head /face
somebody or something Projection - Something that sticks out from a surface
Pariah - One who is not accepted by society Propellant - An explosive for firing a bullet or a rocket
Parricide - Act of murdering one's father, mother or Protagonist - First actor in a play; it means one who takes
other close relative the leading part in a drama, novel or any
Parting Shot - A last remark made at the moment of leaving other sphere.
Passive Smoking - The breathing in of smoke from the Proscribe - To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with
cigarettes that others are smoking condemnation or denunciation.
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Prosody - The rules by which the patterns of sounds Rosary - A string of beads used for counting prayers
and rhythms are arranged in poetry Roving eye - Sexual interests that pass quickly from one
Postscript (or P.S.) - A note added at the end of a letter person to another
Pulmonary - Of or having an effect on the lungs Rubber Stamp - One who acts only to make official the
Punctilious - Strictly observant of the rules or forms decisions already made by another
prescribed by law or custom Ruling - An official decision of a court
Punter - One who makes a bet on horse race Rung - Any of the cross-bars that form the steps
Pus - A thick yellowish liquid produced in an of a ladder
infected wound Saboteur - One who practices sabotage
Putsch - A sudden secretly planned attempt to Salve - (or Ointment) An oily substance for putting
remove a government by force on a cut, wound, etc.
Palmistry - The art of telling one's character or future Sapient - Wise and full of deep knowledge
by examining one's hands and palms Scaffolding - A structure built from poles and boards for
Quartet - Four singers or musicians performing workmen to stand on
together Scalp - The skin on the top of the human head
Quixotic - Trying to do the impossible, often so as to Sceptical - Unwilling to believe a claim or promise
help others, while getting oneself into Scraps - Pieces of food not eaten at a meal and
danger thrown away
Raconteur - One who is good at telling stories in an Scuba - An instrument used for breathing while
interesting way swimming underwater
Raillery - Friendly joking at someone's weaknesses Seam - A line of stitches joining two pieces of cloth,
Realpolitik - Politics based on practical facts rather than leather, etc.
on moral or ideological aims Sedentary - Anything done while sitting down
Rebuff - Reject outright and bluntly Seer - A person with unusual powers of foresight
Recant - To withdraw formally one's belief (in Seismic - Of or caused by earthquakes
something previously believed or Seller's Market - Where there are not many goods for sale
Sensationalism - The intentional producing of excitement or
maintained)
shock
Recumbent - Lying down on the back or side
Septic - Infected with disease bacteria
Red-Handed - In the act of doing something wrong
Sexagenarian - One who is between 60 and 69 years old
Redundant - Exceeding what is natural, usual or
Sexism - The belief that one sex is not as good as the
necessary.
other
Reflation - A govt. policy of increasing the amount of
Shaman - A priest believed to have magical powers
money used to increase the demand for
and able to cure people
goods or services
Shibboleth - A once-important custom which no longer
Relic - Something old that reminds us of the past has much meaning
Renaissance - A renewal of interest in some particular kind Shoot - A new growth from a plant
of art, literature, etc., a period of revival Short-change - To give back less than what actually should
during 15th and 16th centuries in Europe be given back
Renal - Of the kidneys Siamese twins - Those joined together from birth at some
Rescind - To make void, as an act, by the enacting part of their bodies
authority or by a superior authority. Side Effect - An unwanted effect happening in addition
Resonance - Sound produced in one object by sound to the intended one
waves from another Sill - The flat piece at the base of a window
Retribution - A justly deserved penalty Singsong - A repeated rising and falling of the voice in
Revisionism - The questioning of the main beliefs of an speaking
already existing political system Skyscraper - A very tall modern city building
Rhyme - To end with the same sound, including a Sleeping Partner- A partner in a business who takes no active
vowel part
Ringleader - One who leads others to do wrong or make Slip-up - A slight unintentional mistake
trouble Small Fry - A young or unimportant person
Riviera - A warm stretch of coast on the Smokestack - The tall chimney of a factory or a ship
Mediterranean sea; popular with holiday Snippet - A short piece from something spoken or
makers written
Rodent - A small herbivore with strong sharp long Socialite - A person well known for going to
front teeth fashionable parties
Rolling Stone - One who travels around a lot and has no Sociology - The scientific study of societies and human
fixed address or responsibilities behaviour in groups
 9
Solidarity - Loyal agreement of interests, aims, or Teller - One who is employed to receive and pay
principles among a group out money in a bank
Somnambulism - The habit of walking about while asleep Tenure - The act, right, or period of holding land or a
SOS - An urgent message from someone in trouble job
Souvenir - An object kept as a reminder of something Territorial waters - The sea near a country's coast over which
Spatial - Connected with space it has legal control
Spectacle - A grand public show or scene Testamentary - Of or done according to a will
Spindle - A machine part round which something Thatch - Roof covering of straw, reeds, etc.
turns Thermal - Of heat
Splinter - A small sharp-pointed piece of wood, glass Thorax - The part between the neck and the
or metal broken off abdomen
Sportsmanship - A spirit of honest fair play Thrombosis - Having a clot in a blood vessel or the heart
Sprig - A small end of a stem or branch with leaves Topiary - The art of cutting trees and bushes into
Stallion - A fully-grown male horse kept for breeding decorative shapes of animals and birds
Standard-bearer - An important leader in a moral argument or Touchstone - Something used as a test or standard
movement Tract - A short piece dealing with a religious or
Statesman - A political leader who is respected as being moral subject
wise, honourable, and fair-minded Traitor - One who is disloyal to one's country
Stellar - Of the stars Transient - Lasting a very short time
Sticking Point - Something that prevents an agreement Transmogrify - To change completely as if by magic
Stock Broker - One whose job is buying and selling shares Transpire - To happen or occur or become known.
and debentures for others Example: It transpired at the meeting that
Stoic - One who is indifferent to joys or sorrows he was going to be our next President.
Treatise - A serious book or article that examines a
Stooge - One who habitually does what another
particular subject
person wants
Tribunal - A court of people officially appointed to
Stratagem - A trick to deceive an enemy
deal with special matters.
Strategist - A person skilled in planning, especially of
Troglodyte - One who lives in a cave
military movements
Trousseau - The personal outfit of a bride; clothes and
Stride - A long step in walking; significant progress
accessories and linens
(especially in the phrase "make strides")
Tunnel Vision - A condition in which one can see only
Strobe Light - A light which goes on and off very quickly
straight ahead
Subcutaneous - Beneath the skin
Turf - A surface made up of earth and a thick
Sub judice - A legal case being considered in court
covering of grass
Subsidy - Money paid by the government to reduce Tutelage - The act of training or the state of being
prices under instruction
Superannuated - Too old for work Tyrant - A ruler with complete power, who rules
Surety - One who takes responsibility for the cruelly and unjustly
behaviour of someone Tyro - One slightly skilled in or acquainted with
Surreal - Having a strange dreamlike unreal quality any trade or profession
Swarm - A large group of insects moving in a mass Underling - A person of low rank in relation to another
Sweet Tooth - A liking for sweet and sugary things Undermanned - Not having enough workers
Sword of - Something bad that may happen at any time Unguent - A thick oily substance used on the skin to
Damocles heal it
Tactile - Of the sense of touch Unisex - Of one type used by both male and female
Take-home Pay - Wages left after all taxes, deductions, etc., Upholstery - A comfortable covering and filling for a seat
have been made Valise - A small bag used while travelling
Tannery - A place where animal skin is made into Vase - A decorative container used to put flowers
leather in
Tarot - A set of 22 cards used for telling the future Vendor - A seller of small articles that can be carried
Tautology - Needless repetition of meaning in other about
words; example: audible to the ear, return Vertebrate - A living creature which has a backbone
back, One after another in succession, etc. Vicissitude - A variation in circumstances or fortune at
Taxonomy - The system of putting plants and animals different times in your life or in the
into various classes development of something
Technocrat - A highly skilled specialist in charge of an Vinous - Of or pertaining to wine
organisation Voluntary - Done willingly, without being forced
 10
Wade - To walk through water Wholesale - The business of selling goods to
Walkout - Leaving a meeting as an expression of shopkeepers
disapproval Wit - The ability to say clever and amusing things
Wardrobe - A large cupboard in which one hangs up Wizard - One who has magic powers
clothes Word Blindness - (or dyslexia) Difficulty in seeing the
Wasteland - Empty, unproductive, usually barren land difference between shapes of letters
Waterloo - A severe defeat after a time of unusual Workaholic - One who likes to work too hard
success Working - Enough pr actical knowledge to do
something
Weakling - One who lacks physical strength or
Knowledge
strength of character
Wreckage - The broken parts of a destroyed thing
Wean - To transfer (the young) from dependence Wretch - An unfortunate or unhappy person
on mother's milk to another form of Xenophobia - Fear of strange or foreign people, customs,
nourishment etc.
Weather-beaten - Marked or damaged by the force of wind, Yeoman Service - Great and loyal service, help, or support
sun, rain etc. Yuppie - A young person in a professional job with
Wheeler-dealer - One who is skilled at making profitable or a high income
successful deals Zeitgeist - The intellectual and moral tendencies that
Whirlpool - A place with circular currents of water which characterize any age or epoch
can pull objects down into it Zoology - The scientific study of animals

WORD LIST

Given below is a list of words placed in alphabetical order. Each Apprehend : Seize, fear, arrest
word is followed by a few of its synonyms. Note these words Arbitrary : Despotic, wayward
whenever you come across them. You should be familiar with Assent : Agree, consent, acquiesce
most of the words for which synonyms are given if you have done Astonish : Astound, surprise, amaze, bewilder
all the exercises till this point thoroughly. So, this list will give Audacious : Bold, courageous, daring
you synonyms for the words which you know. Thus learning will Aversion : Dislike, detestation, hostility, hatred
be easier. Base : Mean, low, ignoble
Abandon : Leave, desert, forsake Beg : Implore, ask, beseech, solicit
Abase : Degrade, disgrace, humiliate Behaviour : Conduct, deportment, way, demeanour
Abhor : Hate, loathe, detest Brave : Courageous, intrepid, bold, daring,
Abridge : Shorten, abbreviate valiant
Absolute : Unalterable, unrestricted, unconditional Brisk : Active, fast, quick, busy, alert
Absurd : Ridiculous, silly, foolish Brittle : Frail, fragile
Abundant : Ample, plentiful Brutal : Animal, savage, beastly, cruel
Accessory : Additional, auxiliary, subsidiary Burglar : Thief, bandit, brigand, stealer
Adept : Proficient, skilled, expert Bystander : Spectator, onlooker, beholder
Adherent : Follower, stickler Calculate : Estimate, count, reckon, compute
Callous : Hard, indifferent, cold-blooded
Adhesive : Sticky, glue, gum
Calm : Cool, confident, quiet, serene, tranquil
Admire : Praise, adore, esteem
Cancel : Annual, withdraw, revoke, delete
Adore : Respect, idolise, worship, admire
Candid : Sincere, straightforward, frank
Adversity : Misery, misfortune
Captive : Prisoner, confined, jailed, bonded
Affliction : Distress, sorrow, sadness
Cause : Make, originate, induce, generate,
Alien : Foreign, stranger, unknown
create
Alive : Lively, vivacious, living
Censor : Cut off, prohibit, ban
Alleviate : Relieve, lighten, ease
Censure : Blame, condemn, reprove, reprimand
Alms : Gratuity, donation, grant
Character : Letter, emblem, type, nature,
Amend : Improve, change, emend
disposition, quality
Amicable : Suitable, friendly, lovable, amiable
Charity : Philanthropy, benevolence
Anxiety : Eagerness, misgiving, worry
Chaste : Pure, immaculate, virgin, refined
Apathy : Indifference, neutrality
Chatter : Babble, ramble, talk, discourse
Appalling : Terrific, terrifying, dreadful, horrible
Cheat : Defraud, gull, outwit, dupe
Apposite : Apt, suitable, well chosen
Cite : Quote, mention, name, adduce
Appraise : Evaluate, estimate
 11
Clothes : Apparel, attire, dress, garb Denomination : Name, appellation, designation
Colossal : Huge, gigantic, enormous, big Denounce : Accuse, malign, criticise, defame,
Commence : Begin, start condemn
Commensurate : Equivalent, suitable, applicable, Deny : Contradict, refuse, disavow, withhold
proportionate Deride : Ridicule, mock, taunt
Conceal : Hide, cover, shelter, disguise Descant : Discourse, expatiate, enlarge
Confess : Admit, acknowledge, reveal, agree Desire : Wish, long for, crave, covet
Confuse or : Mix, perplex, astonish, Amaze, bewilder Desolate : Lonely, deserted, solitary, devastated
confound Despise : Condemn, dislike
Consequent : Following, resultant, outcome Despondency : Despair, dejection, hopelessness
Conspiracy : Plot, intrigue, treason Despotic : Arbitrary, tyrannical, illegal
Convict : Felon, culprit, criminal, guilty Destitute : Needy, poor, miserable, indigent
Cowardly : Craven, dastardly, fearful, poltroon Destruction : Ruin, demolition, ravage
Coy : Modest, shy, reserved Detain : Lock in, arrest, hold, custody
Crafty : Artful, adroit, dexterous, cunning, Detest : Despise, abhor, dislike
deceitful Dethrone : Depose, remove (from office)
Crazy : Mad, insane, silly Devastate : Ruin, demolition, ravage
Credence : Belief, faith, trust, confidence Devoid : Lacking, empty, vacant
Crisis : Turning point, emergency, decisive Devout : Religious, reverent
moment Dexterity : Adroitness, cleverness, skill
Criterion : Test, touchstone, standard, yardstick Diabolical : Fiendish, devilish, wicked
Criticism : Analysis, review, stricture Diatribe : Tirade, denunciation
Cruel : Brutal, unmerciful, beastly, savage Dictatorial : Tyrannical, arbitrary, despotic
Cynical : Captious, incredulous, sarcastic, Diffident : Hesitating, doubtful, distrusting
morose Digression : Excursion, deviation, misguidance
Danger : Hazard, risk, peril Diligence : Care, industry, effort
Dash : Run, rush, fly Dire : Terrible, awful, horrible, miserable
Dawn : Daybreak, appear, sunrise, begin Disapprove : Condemn, reject, disallow
Deadly : Fatal, lethal, destructive Disavow : Deny, refuse
Dearth : Scarcity, lack, want Disciple : Follower, learner, student
Debase : Degrade, defame, disparage, humiliate Disclose : Reveal, tell, uncover, divulge
Decay : Decompose, rot, decline in power, Disconsolate : Sad, cheerless, miserable
wealth, waste, wither, fade Discredit : Disbelieve, doubt, disgrace
Decease : Death, demise, end Disgust : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation
Deceit : Fraud, cheating, forgery Dismay : Disappointment, discouragement
Decipher : Translate, interpret, solve, explain Disorder : Disease, illness, untidiness,
Decorum : Decency, etiquette, propriety, gravity uncleanliness
Decree : Law, edict, ordinance, mandate, Disown : Disclaim, deny, renounce
judgement Disparage : Debase, decry, defame
Defamation : Calumny, disparagement, debasement Dispose : Adjust, arrange, incline
Defection : Abandonment, desertion Dispute : Argument, controversy, altercation
Defer : Postpone, delay Disregard : Neglect, overlook, disrespect
Deference : Respect, reverence, honour Dissolute : Corrupt, mean, lax, licentious
Deformity : Disfigurement, malformation, ugliness Distaste : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation
Dejected : Depressed, distressed, downhearted, Distorted : Blurred, maligned, changed, disguised,
downcast deformed, misrepresented
Delectable : Charming, delightful, Distress : Affliction, depression, misery
pleasant Divert : Turn aside, deflect, deviate
Delegate : Commission, depute, authorise Divine : Heavenly, metaphysical, godlike
Deliberate : Knowingly done, intentional, forcible Divulge : Reveal, uncover, disclose
Delicacy : Softness, nicety, slenderness, Docile : Amenable, tractable, submissive
refinement, purity Doctrine : Precept, principle, teaching
Delusion : Illusion, fancy, error, false belief Dogmatic : Categorical, authoritative, firm, preachy
Demeanour : Behaviour, conduct, bearing Dolt : Blockhead, stupid, fool, idiot, dullard
Demise : Death, decease Domicile : Dwelling, home, residence
Demolish : Break, destroy, annihilate Dotage : Senility, imbecility
Demure : Modest, coy, humane Downright : Simple, unquestionable, blunt, frank
 12
Dread : Apprehend, fear Evidence : Testimony, proof, witness
Drench : Soak, wet Evince : Show, manifest, demonstrate
Drowsy : Sleepy, comatose, lazy, lethargic Exact : Extort, oppress, loot
Dubious : Suspicious, doubtful, unreliable Exaggerate : Amplify, overstate
Ductile : Pliant, yielding, flexible Excerpt : Extract, quotations
Dupe : Cheat, befool, steal Exile : Expulsion, banishment, expatriation
Dwindle : Shrink, diminish, decrease Exonerate : Acquit, absolve, release
Earnest : Eager, ardent, intent, anxious, sincere Exorbitant : Excessive, too much, very high
Eccentric : Irregular, anomalous, abnormal, odd Extinguish : Quench, terminate, destroy, put out
Economise : Save, retrench Extravagant : Excessive, lavish, stylish
Ecstasy : Trance, enchantment, rapture Exuberant : Abundant, plentiful
Efface : Blot out, obliterate, destroy Exult : Triumph, rejoice, delight
Effeminate : Womanly, weak, unmanly Fable : Story, legend, myth, fiction
Efficacy : Energy, virtue, potence Fabricate : Construct, forge, invent
Egotistic : Self-centred, egoist, self-conceited Fabulous : Fictitious, mythical, exaggerated
Egregious : Conspicuously bad, sinful, monstrous, Facile : Fluent, ready, glib (of writing), pliable,
shocking docile, tractable
Elaborate : Explain, discuss, elucidate Faction : Clique, cabal, discord, section
Elevated : Elated, promoted, upgraded, risen Fallacy : Deception, illusion, mistake
Eliminate : Remove, replace, dismiss, discard Falter : Waver, hesitate, delay, flounder
Eloquence : Oratory, rhetoric, finery (of speech) Famine : Hunger, starvation, scarcity of food
fluency of expression Fanatical : Bigoted, enthusiastic
Emanate : Originate, proceed, spring, issue Fancy : Liking, conception, craving, whim
Emancipate : Free, deliver, liberate Farcical : Droll, comic, extravagant
Embarrass : Vex, confuse, entangle Fascinate : Charm, bewitch, attract
Embezzle : Steal, peculate, cheat Fastidious : Particular, over-nice, squeamish
Embody : Incorporate, include, comprise Fatal : Deadly, lethal, mortal
Emolument : Salary, wage, remuneration Fatigue : Weakness, exhaustion, tiredness
Emulate : Compete, rival, vie against, copy Feeble : Weak, frail, dim
Enchant : Charm, bewitch, hypnotise Felicitate : Congratulate, compliment
Encompass : Surround, encircle Felicity : Joy, happiness, good luck
Encounter : Come across, combat, fight Felon : Criminal, sinner, guilty, bandit
Encroach : Trespass, intrude, invade Ferment : Excite, agitate
Endeavour : Attempt, effort, aspiration Ferocity : Fierceness, vehemence, fanaticism
Endorse : Back, approve, ratify Fervent : Glowing, heated, impassioned
Endurance : Patience, continuance, fortitude Fervour : Warmth, glow, vehemence
Enfranchise : Liberate, free, (also: give right to vote) Festivity : Gaiety, merry-making
Enlighten : Illuminate, edify, elaborate Fetter : Shackle, bind, imprison
Enmity : Hostility, hatred, animosity Feud : Dispute, broil, strife
Enormous : Big, huge, colossal, gigantic Fickle : Changeable, vacillating, varying
Enrage : Infuriate, madden, incense, irritate Fiendish : Devilish, diabolical, malignant
Ensue : Succeed, follow, result Figurative : Typical, imaginative, emblematic,
Entangle : Ravel, involve, perplex metaphorical
Enterprise : Undertaking, venture, endeavour Filthy : Dirty, foul, nasty
Enthusiasm : Zeal, ardour, interest Fissure : Crevice, rift, narrow opening
Entice : Allure, tempt, seduce, attract Flaccid : Soft, loose, weak
Entreat : Beseech, implore, beg Flatter : Adore, please, praise
Entwine : Encircle, surround, encompass Fleece : Rob, despoil, cheat
Enumerate : Count, number one by one Flexible : Variable, pliable, changeable
Enunciate : Declare, publish, propound, reveal Flimsy : Transparent, thin, trivial, tenuous
Envoy : Legate, messenger, ambassador Flounder : Stumble, falter, wallow, struggle
Epoch : Era, time, age Fluctuate : Undulate, waver, vacillate
Equivocal : Doubtful, Ambiguous, uncertain Flutter : Flip, quiver, ruffle, agitate
Eradicate : Root out, extirpate, annihilate Folly : Absurdity, silliness, imprudence,
Erroneous : Wrong, false foolishness
Erudite : Learned, scholarly, lettered Fondle : Caress, touch, rub
Esteem : Admire, appreciate, adore, respect Foray : Incursion, inroad, venture
Eulogy : Laudation, praise, extolling, felicitation Forbearance : Abstaining, refraining
 13
Forbid : Prohibit, disallow, debar Herculean : Colossal, laborious, excessive
Forebode : Betoken, indicate, augur Heterogeneous: Dissimilar, unlike, different, diverse,
Forlorn : Disconsolate, cheerless, distressed, varied
abandoned, lonely Hideous : Terrific, horrible, filthy
Formidable : Dreadful, difficult, hard to overcome Hilarious : Exceedingly, funny, boisterously merry,
Fragile : Weak, feeble, slender, delicate amusing, joyous
Fragrant : Odorous, balmy, soothing Hindrance : Impediment, hampering, obstruction,
Frailty : Weakness, delicacy, obstacle
fragileness Histrionic : Theatrical, dramatic
Frantic : Frenzied, mad, distracted Hoax or : Dupe, cheat, befool
Fraudulent : Dishonest, cheating, deceitful Humbug
Fray : Battlefield, combat, brawl Homage : Deference, salute, worshipping
Frisk : Skip, dance, caper, frolic Horizon : Verge, limit, skyline
Frivolous : Vain, foolish, trivial Hostile : Adverse, opposing, inimical
Frugal : Economical, thrifty Hover : remain in one place in the air, remain
Futile : Useless, hopeless, in vain suspended, linger
Gaiety : Hilarity, jollity, festivity Humane : Compassionate, caring, benevolent
Gainsay : Contradict, dispute, controvert, deny Humiliate : Abase, insult, mock, defy
Gallantry : Courage, bravery, heroism Humorous : Amusing, laughable, comical
Garbage : Filth, waste, useless, throwaway, trash Hypocrisy : Pretence, imposture, deceit
Garner : Accumulate, collect, gather Idolise : Adore, worship, admire
Garrulous : Prattling, chattering Illegal or Illicit : Unlawful, prohibited
Gawky : Awkward, clumsy Illogical : Inconsequent, irrational
Gay : Happy, merry, joyous Imitate : Copy, follow, mimic, emulate
Generous : Noble, magnanimous, kind, liberal Immaculate : Spotless, stainless, perfect
Genteel : Well-bred, well-cultured, polite, refined Immature : Crude, childish, unseasoned
Genuine : True, authentic, real Imminent : Impending, near, due, threatening
Ghastly : Horrible, horrifying, horrific Immodest : Indecent, indelicate, unchaste
Ghost : Phantom, spirit, spectre Immortal : Everlasting, undying, endless
Glimmer : Shine, flash, gleam Impassioned : Fervent, frenzied, fanatical
Glimpse : Glance, (quick) look, (brief) view Impeachment : Imputation, accusation
Glisten : Shine, beam, glow Implicit : Implied, assumed, inferred
Gloom : Depression, melancholy, loneliness Impostor : Cheat, conman, charlatan
Glutinous : Sticky, viscous Impracticable : Impossible, (merely) theoretical
Gluttonous : Greedy, gorging, voracious Impressive : Striking, affecting, extraordinary
Grandeur : Splendour, magnificence, glory Impunity : Exemption (from punishment)
Grapple : Grasp, clutch, seize Inane : Empty, silly, idiotic
Gratification : Satisfaction, enjoyment Inarticulate : Voiceless, indistinct, inexpressive
Gravity : Seriousness, importance, calmness Incense : Infuriate, enrage, anger
Greed : Avarice, ravenous, envious, covetous Incessant : Unceasing, continual
Grievance : Hardship, complaint, trouble Incognito : (Identity) Concealed, secretly, stealthily
Grotesque : Horrifying, contorted, bizzare, whimsical Inculcate : Instil, enforce, pass on, generate
Grudge : Grievance, begrudge, resent Inculpate : Blame, incriminate
Gullible : Simple, easy, pliable, credulous Incumbent : Compulsory, obligatory, binding
Incursion : Inroad, foray, venture
Hallucination : Delusion, illusion, nightmare
Indefatigable : Tireless, assiduous
Hamper : Impede, block, fetter, bind
Indict : Accuse, charge
Hapless : Unfortunate, unlucky
Indiscriminate : Mixed, undistinguished, confused,
Harangue : a lengthy speech, oration
wanton
Hardship : Trouble, adversity, difficulty Indolence : Apathy, inactivity, laziness,
Haughty : Arrogant, overbearing, imperious sluggishness, lethargy
Havoc : Devastation, destruction, ruin Industrious : Busy, active, tireless
Hearty : Sincere, warm, ardent Inevitable : Unavoidable, certain, sure
Heave : Raise, lift Inexorable : Relentless, indefatigable
Hedge : Fence, hem Infallible : Unfailing, unerring, certain
Heed : Advise, note, consider, mind Infectious : Catching, contaminating, corrupting,
Heinous : Atrocious, odious, wicked transmittable
Hem : Border, edge, fringe, outskirt Infer : Gather, conclude, deduce
 14
Influence : Authority, effect, power Levity : Frivolity.
Infringe : Break, violate, transgress, encroach Libel : Defamation.
Ingredient : Constituent, component, element Licentious : Wanton.
Inherent : Inborn, innate, built-in Lithe : Supple.
Inhibition : Restraint, check Loquacious : Talkative.
Iniquitous : Unjust, wrong, unfair Lustrous : Shining.
Initiate : Start, begin, inchoate Malaise : A condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
Innocuous : Harmless, mild, innocent Malevolence : Ill-will.
Insanity : Madness, lunacy, mania Malleable : Pliant.
Insidious : Deceitful, treacherous Mawkish : Sickening or insipid.
Instantaneous : Immediate, Sudden, quick Mellifluous : Sweetly or smoothly flowing.
Instigate : Arouse, misguide, provoke Mendacious : Untrue
Intact : Untouched, unscathed, whole, Mendicant : A beggar.
unbroken, undamaged, unimpaired, Mesmerize : To hypnotize.
entire Meticulous : Over-cautious.
Integrity : Oneness, entirety, completeness, Mettle : Courage.
honesty, wholeness, soundness Mien : The external appearance or manner of a
Intellectual : Intelligent, rational, learned person.
Intentional : Deliberate, intended, Moderation : Temperance.
Intercourse : Intimacy, association, communication Modicum : A small or token amount.
Intermission : Suspension, stoppage, pause, Mollify : To soothe.
cessation, interval Mordant : Biting.
Intervene : Interpose, mediate Moribund : On the point of dying.
Intimate : Close, tender, friendly or informal, Morose : Gloomy.
advertise, inform Multifarious : Having great diversity or variety.
Intolerable : Unendurable, unbearable Mundane : Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or
Intransigent : Uncompromising, inflexible celestial.
Intrepid : Brave, fearless Munificent : Extraordinarily generous.
Intricate : Complex, difficult, complicated Myriad : A vast indefinite number.
Intuition : Insight, premonition, instinct Nadir : The lowest point.
Inveterate : Habitual, deep-rooted Nefarious : Wicked in the extreme.
Involuntary : Compulsory, unwilled, reflex Negligent : Apt to omit what ought to be done.
Irksome : Annoying, disagreeable, tedious Neophyte : Having the character of a beginner.
Irresolute : Wavering, confused, vacillating Noxious : Hurtful.
Itinerant : Travelling (on a circuit), wandering, Nugatory : Having no power or force.
nomadic Obdurate : Impassive to feelings of humanity or
Jaded : Tired, weary pity.
Jargon : cant, technical language, gibberish Obfuscate : To darken; to obscure.
Jocose : Jocular, humorous Oblique : Slanting; said of lines.
Jocular : Inclined to joke Obstreperous : Boisterous.
Jovial : Merry Odious : Hateful.
Judicious : Prudent. Odium : A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of
Juxtaposition : Closeness, nearness dislike and disgust.
Kiosk : Stand (open on one side), booth Ominous : Portentous.
Knead : Work up (into dough), press, squeeze Onerous : Burdensome or oppressive.
Lacerate : Tear (tissue toughly), mangle Onus : A burden or responsibility.
Lachrymose : Given to shedding tears. Palate : The roof of the mouth.
Lackadaisical : Listless. Palatial : Magnificent.
Laconic : (Briskly) Short, concise, pithy Palliate : To cause to appear less guilty.
Languid : Listless, spiritless Palpable : Perceptible by feeling or touch.
Languish : Die (with hunger or desire), weaken, Panoply : A full set of armour.
droop Paragon : A model of excellence.
Lascivious : Lustful. Pariah : A member of a degraded class; a social
Lassitude : Weariness, tiredness
outcast.
Latent : Hidden, concealed
Paroxysm : A sudden outburst (of any kind of
Laudable : Praiseworthy.
activity).
Legacy : A bequest.
Paucity : Fewness.
Legitimate : Genuine, lawful
 15
Pellucid : Translucent. Puerile : Childish.
Penchant : A bias in favour of something. Pugnacious : Quarrelsome
Penurious : Excessively sparing in the use of money. Puissant : Powerful, influential, mighty
Penury : Indigence. Punctilious : Exact (in formalities), ceremonious,
Peremptory : Precluding question or appeal. conscientious
Perfidy : Treachery. Pungency : The quality of affecting the sense of
Perfunctory : Half-hearted. smell.
Peripatetic : Walking about. Pusillanimous : Without spirit or bravery.
Perjury : A solemn assertion of a falsity. Putrefy : Decay, rot, decompose
Permeate : To pervade. Pyre : A heap of combustibles arranged for
Pernicious : Tending to kill or hurt. burning a dead body.
Persiflage : Banter. Qualm : A fit of nausea.
Perspicacity : Acuteness or discernment. Quandary : Doubt, dilemma, plight
Perturbation : Mental excitement or confusion. Quibble : An utterly trivial distinction or objection.
Petulant : Displaying impatience. Quiescence : Being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive
Phlegmatic : Not easily roused to feeling or action. Quirk : Twist, quibble, deviation
Pique : To excite a slight degree of anger in. Quixotic : (Foolishly) Chivalrous, unrealistic,
Plea : An argument (to obtain some desired whimsical
action). Rabble : Throng (of the vulgar), crowd, proletariat
Plenary : Entire. Rabid : Furious, mad, fanatical
Plethora : Excess; superabundance. Raconteur : A person skilled in telling stories.
Poignant : Severely painful or acute to the spirit. Raillery : Jesting (language), banter, ridicule
Polyglot : Speaking several tongues. Ramify : To divide or subdivide into branches or
Ponderous : Unusually weighty or forcible. subdivisions.
Portent : Anything that indicates what is to Rampant : Rife, widespread
happen. Ramshackle : Dilapidated, tumbledown, rickety
Pragmatic : Practical(values), empirical Rapacious : Seize by force, avaricious
Precarious : Critical, dangerous Raucous : Harsh.
Preclude : To prevent. Recalcitrant : Stubborn, refractory
Precocious : Advanced (in development), over- Recluse : One who lives in retirement or seclusion.
forward, premature Recondite : Incomprehensible to one of ordinary
Predilection : Preference, partiality, inclination understanding.
Predominate : To be chief in importance, quantity, or Recuperate : To recover.
degree. Redoubtable : Formidable.
Preposterous : (Very) Absurd, ridiculous Redundant : Wordy, repetitious, superfluous, needless
Prerogative : (Special) Right, privilege Refractory : Not amenable to control.
Presage : To foretell. Regale : To give unusual pleasure.
Prescience : Knowledge of events before they take Regicide : The killing of a king or sovereign.
place. Reiterate : To say or do again and again.
Preternatural : Extraordinary. Relapse : To suffer a return of a disease after
Prim : Stiffly proper. partial recovery.
Pristine : Primitive. Relegate : Assign a lower position, banish, demote
Probity : Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed. Repast : A meal; figuratively, any refreshment.
Proclivity : A natural inclination. Repine : To indulge in fretfulness and
Procrastination: Delay. faultfinding.
Prodigious : Large, immense Reprisal : (Injury in) Return, retaliation, revenge
Profligate : Immoral, wanton, reckless, dissolute, Reprobate : One abandoned to depravity and sin.
licentious Repudiate : Disavow, disclaim
Profuse : Produced or displayed in overabundance. Resilience : The power of springing back to a former
Prolix : Verbose. position
Promiscuous : Indiscriminate, impure, casual Resonance : Able to reinforce sound by sympathetic
Propinquity : Nearness, proximity vibrations.
Propitious : Kindly disposed. Respite : Interval of rest.
Prosaic : Unimaginative. Restive : Resisting control.
Protagonist : Leading character), hero(ine) Revere : To regard with worshipful veneration.
Providential : Fortunate, lucky Reverent : Humble.
Prudence : Caution. Rotund : Round from fullness or plumpness.
 16
Ruffian : A lawless or recklessly brutal fellow. Timorous : Lacking courage.
Ruminate : To chew over again, as food previously Torpid : Dull; sluggish; inactive.
swallowed and regurgitated. Torrid : Excessively hot.
Sagacious : Wise, shrewd, astute Tortuous : Abounding in irregular bends or turns.
Salacious : Obscene, foul, indecent, lecherous Tractable : Easily led or controlled.
Salubrious : Healthful; promoting health. Transgress : To break a law.
Salutary : (Morally) Healthy, salubrious, beneficial Transitory : Existing for a short time only.
Sanguine : Ardent, confident, optimistic Travail : Hard or agonizing labour.
Sardonic : Ironical, scornful, derisive Travesty : A grotesque imitation.
Satiate : Gratify (fully), surfeit, saturate Trenchant : Cutting deeply and quickly.
Satyr : A very lascivious person. Trepidation : Nervous uncertainty of feeling.
Savour : To perceive by taste or smell. Trite : Made commonplace by frequent
Schism : Disjunction, split repetition.
Scribble : Hasty, careless writing. Truculence : Ferocity.
Sedition : Plotting (against government), Truculent : Having the character or the spirit of a
incitement, insurgence savage.
Sedulous : Persevering in effort or endeavour. Turbid : In a state of turmoil; muddled
Severance : Separation. Turgid : Swollen.
Sinecure : Any position (having emoluments with Turpitude : Depravity.
few or no duties). Ubiquitous : Being present everywhere.
Sinuous : Curving in and out. Umbrage : A sense of injury.
Sluggard : A person habitually lazy or idle. Unctuous : Oily.
Solace : Comfort in grief, trouble, or calamity. Undulate : To move like a wave or in waves.
Solvent : Having sufficient funds to pay all debts. Untoward : Causing annoyance or hindrance.
Somniferous : Tending to produce sleep. Upbraid : To reproach as deserving blame.
Somnolent : Sleepy. Vagary : A sudden desire or action
Soporific : Causing sleep; also, something that Vainglory : Excessive, pretentious, and
demonstrative vanity.
causes sleep.
Valorous : Courageous.
Sordid : Filthy, morally degraded
Vapid : Having lost sparkling quality and
Specious : Plausible.
flavour.
Spurious : Not genuine.
Variegated : Having marks or patches of different
Squalid : Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken
colours; also, varied.
appearance.
Vehement : Very eager or urgent.
Stanch : To stop the flowing of; to check.
Venal : Mercenary, corrupt.
Stingy : Cheap, unwilling to spend money.
Veneer : Outside show or elegance.
Stolid : Having or revealing little emotion or
Venial : That may be pardoned or forgiven, a
sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
forgivable sin.
Submerge : To place or plunge under water.
Veracious : Habitually disposed to speak the truth.
Subterfuge : Evasion.
Veracity : Truthfulness.
Succinct : Concise.
Verbiage : Use of many words without necessity
Sumptuous : Rich and costly.
Verbose : Wordy
Supercilious : Exhibiting haughty and careless
Verdant : Green with vegetation.
contempt.
Veritable : Real, true, genuine
Superfluous : Being more than is needed.
Vestige : (A visible) trace, mark, or impression (of
Supernumerary: Superfluous.
something absent, lost, or gone).
Supersede : To displace.
Virago : Loud talkative women, strong statured
Supine : Lying on the back.
women
Supplicate : To beg.
Virtue : Rare, curious, or beautiful quality.
Suppress : To prevent from being disclosed or
Visage : The face, countenance, or look of a
punished.
person.
Surcharge : An additional amount charged.
Vitiate : To contaminate
Surfeit : To feed to fullness or to satiety.
Vituperate : To overwhelm with wordy abuse.
Susceptibility : A specific capability of feeling or
Vivify : To endue with life.
emotion.
Vociferous : Making a loud outcry
Taciturn : Disinclined to conversation.
Volatile : Changeable.
Taut : Stretched tight.
Voluble : Having great fluency in speaking.
Temerity : Foolhardy disregard of danger ;
Whimsical : Capricious.
recklessness.
Winsome : Attractive.
Terse : Pithy.