Word Knowledge vocabulary flashcards

to become less strong or intense

Similar: lessen, subside, diminish

Flights resumed once the snowstorm began to abate late in the afternoon.

To end a law, rule, or practice completely and officially

Similar: do away with entirely, eliminate, scrap

The city council voted to abolish the parking fee at the public library.

happening suddenly and without any warning

Similar: sudden, unexpected, hasty

The bus made an abrupt stop, and several passengers grabbed the rails to keep their balance.

existing in large amounts; more than enough

Similar: plentiful, ample, bountiful

Ripe apples were abundant in the orchard, so the family filled three baskets in an hour.

correct in every detail; exactly true or right

Similar: free of errors, correct, precise

The navigator's accurate map reading got the convoy to the bridge right on time.

having a sharp, sour taste or chemical quality like vinegar

Similar: sour, tart, sharp

The chemist added baking soda to neutralize the acidic solution in the beaker.

refusing to change your mind or give in

Similar: firmly set, unyielding, determined

My father was adamant that nobody would drive the car until the brakes were replaced.

the ability to adjust easily to new conditions or changes

Similar: flexibility, versatility, adjustability

Soldiers stationed overseas need adaptability to handle new foods, climates, and customs.

a change made so something fits a new use or situation

Similar: modification, adjustment, alteration

The movie was an adaptation of a famous novel, with several scenes changed for the screen.

very good at doing something because of practice or talent

Similar: skilled, expert, proficient

After years in the motor pool, Ramirez is adept at diagnosing engine trouble by sound alone.

good enough or enough in amount for a particular need

Similar: sufficient, enough, satisfactory

The cabin had adequate firewood to last through the weekend storm.

right beside or next to something

Similar: next to, neighboring, bordering

Our hotel room was adjacent to the elevator, so we heard it ding all night.

stopped a meeting or session to continue it at a later time

Similar: suspended, postponed, recessed

The safety committee adjourned at five and agreed to finish the discussion next week.

To give or apply a medicine, treatment, or test to someone

Similar: give, dispense, apply

The proctor will administer the written exam to all applicants in the main hall.

warned or criticized someone firmly for doing something wrong

Similar: scolded, reprimanded, rebuked

The foreman admonished the new hire for leaving his safety goggles in the truck.

causing harm or creating difficulty

Similar: harmful, unfavorable, damaging

Adverse weather delayed the bridge construction by nearly three weeks.

giving suggestions and guidance but not making final decisions

Similar: consulting, counseling

A panel of teachers serves on an advisory committee for the school board.

publicly spoke in favor of or recommended a plan or idea

Similar: supported, championed, backed

The nurse advocated longer rest breaks for staff working double shifts.

pleasant, friendly, and easy to talk to

Similar: friendly, amiable, approachable

The affable mechanic explained every repair and always asked about our kids.

had an influence on or caused a change in

Similar: influenced, changed, impacted

The long drought affected crop prices across the whole region for two years.

Health problems or sicknesses, usually minor ones

Similar: illnesses, sicknesses, disorders

The ship's medic treated common ailments such as seasickness, sunburn and sore throats.

to make a problem or pain less severe

Similar: ease, relieve, reduce

An ice pack helped alleviate the swelling in the mechanic's sprained wrist.

to give out or set aside resources or jobs for particular uses

Similar: assign, distribute, allot

The city will allocate extra funds to repair potholes before winter.

cool and reserved, keeping apart from others

Similar: distant, standoffish, detached

The aloof cat ignored the guests and watched the party from the top of the bookshelf.

unclear because it could be understood in more than one way

Similar: open to more than one meaning, unclear, vague

The road sign was ambiguous, so half the convoy turned left and half turned right.

pleasant, friendly, and easy to like

Similar: friendly, good-natured, genial

Our amiable mail carrier always stops to chat about the weather and the local team.

without a clear shape, form, or structure

Similar: lacking a definite shape, shapeless, vague

An amorphous cloud of smoke drifted over the field after the controlled burn.

enough or more than enough for what is needed

Similar: plentiful, sufficient, abundant

The new apartment has ample closet space for all our winter coats.

breaking a problem into parts and examining each one logically

Similar: methodical, logical, systematic

Her analytical approach to budgeting showed exactly where the household money was going each month.

to study something closely, part by part, to understand it

Similar: examine, study, inspect

The chemist will analyze the water samples to find out what is making people sick.

A small outer room through which people pass to reach a main room

Similar: small room leading into a larger one, waiting room, lobby

Patients wait in the anteroom while the dentist finishes preparing the exam room.

able to kill germs and prevent infection

Similar: germ-killing, disinfecting, sterilizing

The dentist rinsed my mouth with an antiseptic solution before the procedure.

a lack of interest, care, or enthusiasm

Similar: lack of interest, indifference, unconcern

Employee apathy grew after months of overtime, and few people showed up to the safety meeting.

grew in worth or price over time

Similar: increased in value, gained value, rose

The rare coins in my grandfather's collection appreciated steadily while they sat in a drawer for decades.

a period of learning a trade by working under a skilled worker

Similar: period of training, traineeship, internship

He completed a four-year apprenticeship before earning his license as a plumber.

living or growing in or near water

Similar: living in water, water-dwelling, water-based

The pet store sells aquatic plants that help keep fish tanks clean.

a person whose job is to collect, organize, and protect historical records

Similar: record keeper, curator, keeper of records

The museum archivist found a stack of letters written by soldiers during the Civil War.

Requiring great effort and endurance, very hard and tiring

Similar: exhausting, grueling, strenuous

Hauling supplies up the steep trail to the ranger station was an arduous all-day job.

having very little rain or moisture; extremely dry

Similar: dry, parched, desert-like

Only cactus and tough shrubs grow in the arid valley east of the mountains.

The guns, missiles, and other weapons carried by a military force or vehicle

Similar: weapons, arms, weaponry

The destroyer's armament included deck guns, torpedo tubes and guided missiles.

acting as if you are better or more important than others

Similar: conceited, haughty, cocky

The arrogant pilot ignored the checklist, insisting he had flown the route a hundred times.

able to put thoughts into clear, well-chosen words

Similar: able to express ideas clearly, eloquent, well-spoken

The articulate pilot calmly explained the delay so every passenger understood what was happening.

A skilled worker who makes things by hand with traditional methods

Similar: craftsperson, craftsman, maker

A local artisan carved the oak front door for their new home, finishing every panel by hand.

stated something firmly and confidently as true

Similar: declared, claimed, maintained

The pilot asserted that the engine warning light had come on before takeoff.

quick to notice and understand things, especially to gain an advantage

Similar: perceptive, shrewd, sharp

An astute traveler checked the train schedule twice and caught the error in the printed timetable.

to succeed in reaching a goal or level, usually after effort

Similar: reach, achieve, accomplish

It took the electrician four years of training to attain the rank of master.

willing to take daring risks, sometimes to the point of rudeness

Similar: bold, daring, brazen

The pilot made an audacious landing on a short gravel strip in the middle of a storm.

loud or clear enough for people to hear

Similar: able to be heard, hearable, perceptible

The engine's faint knock was audible only when the mechanic put his ear close to it.

to make something larger or greater by adding to it

Similar: increase, add to, boost

The lab ordered extra microscopes to augment its equipment for the new semester.

very simple and plain, with no comfort or decoration

Similar: severely plain, stark, spartan

The field barracks were austere, with metal cots, a single bulb, and concrete floors.

real and truly what it claims to be, not a copy or fake

Similar: genuine, real, original

The jeweler confirmed that the old ring was authentic gold, not a cheap imitation.

the freedom to make your own decisions and act on your own

Similar: independence, self-rule, freedom

The research team was given full autonomy to choose which experiments to run.

a fair middle point between two competing needs or goals

Similar: middle ground, compromise, equilibrium

Working parents often try to strike a balance between long shifts and time at home.

the sloping land along the edge of a river or lake

Similar: shore, edge, riverside

We pitched our tents on the grassy bank just above the waterline.

to put up with or endure something unpleasant

Similar: tolerate, endure, stand

Some recruits could hardly bear the desert heat during their first week of training.

a short prayer asking for divine favor, often at the end of a service

Similar: blessing, prayer, invocation

The pastor offered a benediction for the fishing fleet before the boats left the harbor.

kind, generous, and wanting to help others

Similar: kind, charitable, generous

A benevolent neighbor paid for the repairs after the storm wrecked our fence.

happening once every two years

Similar: every two years, two-yearly

Our base hosts a biennial family reunion day, so the next one is not until two summers from now.

Able to speak or use two languages well

Similar: using two languages, two-language, fluent in two languages

The airport posts bilingual signs in English and French at every gate.

a written story of someone's life, told by another person

Similar: written account of a person's life, life story, profile

On the long flight home, she read a biography of a famous bridge engineer.

done openly and impossible to miss, usually something wrong

Similar: obvious, flagrant, glaring

Parking in the fire lane was a blatant violation, and the officer wrote a ticket immediately.

gloomy and without hope or cheer

Similar: dismal, grim, hopeless

With the factory closing, the job outlook in the small town seemed bleak.

saying something plainly and directly, without softening it

Similar: plainly direct, frank, straightforward

The drill sergeant gave a blunt assessment: the platoon's rifle scores were the worst on the base.

daily meals provided as part of a stay or job

Similar: meals, food, meal plan

The training camp covers room and board for all new recruits.

loud, rowdy, and full of energy

Similar: noisy and lively, rowdy, rambunctious

The boisterous family reunion in the backyard kept the neighbors awake until midnight.

to support or strengthen something

Similar: boost, reinforce, shore up

The coach praised every player after practice to bolster their confidence before the playoffs.

the dull, restless feeling of having nothing interesting to do

Similar: tedium, dullness, monotony

On the twelve-hour train ride, the kids battled boredom with card games and puzzles.

easily damaged or shattered if dropped or hit

Similar: fragile, delicate, brittle

Wrap the breakable dishes in newspaper before packing them in the moving truck.

to give someone the key facts or instructions they need

Similar: inform, update, fill in

The site manager will brief the new electricians on the wiring plan before they start work.

quick and full of energy

Similar: quick, lively, rapid

Business at the hardware store was brisk the morning before the big snowstorm arrived.

hard but fragile, so it snaps or breaks apart under stress

Similar: easily cracked, fragile, breakable

The old rubber seal on the shed door was so brittle that it crumbled in my hand.

having a color somewhat like soil or coffee

Similar: somewhat brown, tan, rust-tinged

The old map had turned brownish at the edges after years in the attic.

Short and blunt in speech or manner, often seeming a bit rude

Similar: abrupt and curt, blunt, gruff

The dispatcher's brusque replies over the radio kept the channel clear during the busy rescue.

planning carefully and selfishly to get what you want

Similar: scheming, cunning, manipulative

The calculating employee flattered the boss only to win the corner office.

to set or adjust an instrument so its readings are accurate

Similar: adjust, tune, standardize

The technician must calibrate the thermometer before the lab starts its experiments.

showing no concern or sympathy for other people's pain

Similar: unfeeling, heartless, cold

The manager's callous reply to the injured worker shocked everyone in the warehouse.

honest and direct in what one says, even if it is uncomfortable

Similar: frank, open, straightforward

My supervisor gave me a candid review that pointed out exactly where I needed to improve.

grouchy and quick to argue or complain about everything

Similar: bad-tempered, grumpy, quarrelsome

Our cantankerous landlord complained about the noise even when we were whispering in the kitchen.

money or wealth used to start or grow a business

Similar: investment funds, funding, assets

The two mechanics saved for years to raise enough capital to open their own garage.

taking care to avoid risks or danger

Similar: careful, wary, prudent

The electrician was cautious around the old wiring, testing each line before touching it.

the official routes or procedures that requests must pass through

Similar: official routes, proper procedures, chain of command

Leave requests must go through the usual channels, starting with your squad leader.

an amount of money asked for a service or item

Similar: fee, cost, price

The hotel added a small charge for using the gym after ten at night.

given a duty or responsibility to carry out

Similar: given the duty, tasked, entrusted

The corporal was charged with keeping the supply room locked and inventoried.

to stop or slow the progress of something

Similar: halt, curb, restrain

Doctors gave the patient strong antibiotics to check the spread of the infection.

silly or immature in a way that suits a young kid, not an adult

Similar: immature, juvenile, babyish

Slamming the door after losing the card game was a childish reaction.

a written account of events listed in the order they happened

Similar: record of events in time order, history, log

My grandmother kept a chronicle of every family road trip in a stack of notebooks.

arranged in the order in which events happened

Similar: arranged in time order, sequential, time-ordered

The maintenance log lists every repair in chronological order, starting with the oldest.

to travel all the way around something, especially by boat

Similar: sail completely around, go around

The young sailor hoped to circumnavigate the globe alone before her thirtieth birthday.

careful to think about risks and consequences before acting

Similar: cautious, wary, prudent

A circumspect traveler, he kept copies of his passport in two different bags.

to avoid a rule or obstacle by finding a way around it

Similar: get around, evade, bypass

Some travelers try to circumvent baggage fees by wearing several layers of clothing.

done in secret, often because it is not allowed

Similar: secret, covert, hidden

The smugglers used clandestine routes through the mountains to avoid border patrols.

the quality of being easy to see or understand

Similar: clearness, plainness, precision

The new camera's lens gives remarkable clarity, even in dim light.

filled with too many things in an untidy way

Similar: messy, disorganized, crowded

His cluttered garage was so full of boxes that he could not fit the car inside.

To write a document or book together with someone else

Similar: write jointly, cowrite, collaborate on

Two nurses agreed to coauthor a guide on caring for patients after heart surgery.

to live or exist together peacefully in the same place or time

Similar: live side by side, get along

Our cat and the new puppy learned to coexist after a few tense weeks.

clear, logical, and persuasive

Similar: convincing, compelling, sound

The scientist offered cogent evidence that the river pollution came from the old mine.

organized logically so the parts fit together and make sense

Similar: logical and clear, orderly, consistent

After a night of rest, the injured soldier gave a coherent account of the accident.

an event in which two things hit each other hard, at least one of them moving

Similar: crash, impact, smashup

The two forklifts had a minor collision in the narrow warehouse aisle.

a strong skill or deep knowledge of a subject

Similar: mastery, grasp, expertise

Her command of advanced math made her the obvious choice to tutor the engineering students.

Spoke well of someone publicly for doing something good

Similar: praised, applauded, honored

The fire chief commended the young firefighter for pulling two children from the burning apartment.

close enough in amount or quality to be considered alike

Similar: roughly similar, equivalent, matching

The two apartments had comparable rent, so we chose the one closer to the base.

forced or pushed someone to do something

Similar: forced, obliged, required

A flat tire compelled the travelers to spend the night in a small roadside motel.

having enough skill and knowledge to do a job well

Similar: capable, skilled, qualified

We hired a competent plumber who fixed the leak quickly and cleaned up afterward.

having a strong desire to win or be the best

Similar: eager to win, ambitious, driven

My competitive little sister insists on keeping score even when we play cards for fun.

to collect information or items from different sources and put them together

Similar: assemble, gather, collect

The researcher will compile the survey results into a single report for the board.

too satisfied with yourself to notice dangers or problems

Similar: smugly unconcerned, self-satisfied, careless

The complacent guards stopped checking badges, and a stranger walked right into the depot.

to act according to a rule, order, or request

Similar: obey, follow, conform

Every contractor on the job must comply with the fire safety code before starting work.

calm and in control of your feelings

Similar: calm, collected, poised

Even as the flood waters rose, the dispatcher stayed composed and directed rescue boats.

made a bad situation even worse by adding to it

Similar: worsened, aggravated, intensified

Heavy rain compounded the delays caused by the broken crane at the construction site.

Covering every part or detail of a subject, leaving nothing out

Similar: thorough, complete, all-inclusive

Before deployment, each soldier received a comprehensive medical exam, from eyesight and hearing to blood work.

required by a rule or law; not optional

Similar: required, mandatory, obligatory

Attending the safety briefing is compulsory for every sailor before the ship leaves port.

admitted defeat or accepted that one had lost

Similar: admitted losing, yielded, surrendered

Down to his last two pieces, the chess club captain conceded the match and shook hands with the winner.

planned and carried out together by several people working as one

Similar: joint, combined, coordinated

Through a concerted effort, the neighbors cleared the fallen trees from the road by noon.

short and to the point without extra words

Similar: brief and clear, succinct, compact

The lab manual gives concise steps, so students can set up the experiment quickly.

came to a finish or close

Similar: ended, finished, wrapped up

The concert concluded with fireworks, and the crowd slowly walked back to their cars.

settling a question so there is no more doubt

Similar: decisive, definite, convincing

The DNA test gave conclusive proof that the bones belonged to the missing explorer.

to have the same opinion as someone else

Similar: agree, see eye to eye, assent

The two doctors concur that the patient needs surgery as soon as possible.

shared the same opinion or judgment

Similar: agreed, accepted, assented

The two doctors concurred that the patient needed surgery right away.

acting as if others are less smart or important than you

Similar: patronizing, superior, talking down

The tour guide's condescending remarks made the travelers feel like small children on a field trip.

to carry out or perform an activity or task

Similar: perform, carry out, do

The safety team will conduct a surprise inspection of the welding shop on Monday.

allows heat, electricity, or sound to pass through it

Similar: transmits, carries, channels

Aluminum conducts heat quickly, which is why it is used for cooking pans.

careful to do work well and fulfill your responsibilities

Similar: dutiful, diligent, responsible

A conscientious nurse double-checked every dosage before giving medicine to her patients.

Careful and moderate, choosing low figures or safe options to avoid risk

Similar: cautious, careful, moderate

The contractor gave a conservative estimate, assuming the drywall job would take two extra days.

standing out so that it is easy to notice

Similar: easily noticed, obvious, prominent

Road workers wear conspicuous orange vests so drivers can spot them from far away.

Made dirty or unsafe by mixing with something harmful

Similar: polluted, tainted, infected

The lab threw out the contaminated samples and started the test over with fresh cultures.

pleased and satisfied with things as they are

Similar: satisfied, pleased, at ease

After a long hike, the campers were content with simple beans and bread for dinner.

happening again and again with short breaks between

Similar: frequently repeated, recurring, repeated

The continual beeping of the smoke alarm's low battery kept us awake all night.

an unbroken, consistent link from one part or time to the next

Similar: consistent connection, consistency, flow

The outgoing commander briefed her replacement in detail to ensure continuity in the unit's operations.

going on without any pause or break

Similar: unbroken, nonstop, constant

The factory runs a continuous production line that operates twenty-four hours a day.

to come together or call people together for a meeting

Similar: assemble, gather, meet

The union leaders will convene on Friday to discuss the new contract offer.

to pass along a message, feeling, or idea to someone

Similar: communicate, express, relay

The radio operator had to convey the captain's orders to every squad in the field.

warm and polite in a friendly way

Similar: friendly, gracious, warm

The new neighbors sent a cordial note inviting us over for a backyard barbecue.

meant to repair a fault or set something right

Similar: intended to fix a problem, remedial, fixing

The doctor recommended corrective lenses after the eye exam showed blurry distance vision.

to act against something to reduce or cancel its effect

Similar: offset, neutralize, balance

The farmer added lime to the soil to counteract its high acidity.

Having the opposite effect of what was intended

Similar: defeating its own purpose, self-defeating, harmful

Yelling at a frightened dog is counterproductive, because it only makes the animal more anxious.

willing to face danger or pain without giving in to fear

Similar: brave, bold, fearless

The courageous firefighter climbed the ladder to rescue a child from the third floor.

polite, respectful, and considerate toward other people

Similar: polite, respectful, gracious

The courteous bus driver waited for the elderly passenger to sit down before pulling away.

able to come up with new and original ideas

Similar: imaginative, artistic, original

The baker came up with a creative cake shaped like a battleship for the sailor's party.

able to be believed or trusted

Similar: believable, plausible, reliable

The scientist's findings were credible because other labs got the same results.

too ready to believe what others say, easily fooled

Similar: overly trusting, gullible, naive

The credulous tourist paid a stranger twenty dollars for a fake museum ticket.

made in a simple, rough way without much skill or care

Similar: roughly made, rough, makeshift

The scouts carved a crude spoon from a branch when they forgot their utensils.

large, heavy, or awkward, and therefore hard to use or carry

Similar: bulky and clumsy, unwieldy, awkward

The old radio set was so cumbersome that two soldiers had to carry it.

belonging to or happening at the present time

Similar: present, existing, up-to-date

Check that your current address is on file before the base housing office mails your keys.

Done quickly and without attention to detail

Similar: hasty and shallow, superficial, quick

A cursory look at the tires seemed fine, but a closer check revealed a nail in the tread.

to cut short or reduce the amount of something

Similar: reduce, cut back, limit

The drought forced the town to curtail lawn watering to two days a week.

a person who rides a bicycle

Similar: bicycle rider, biker, rider

The delivery driver slowed down to give the cyclist plenty of room on the narrow road.

believing that people act mainly out of selfishness

Similar: distrustful of motives, suspicious, skeptical

Years of broken promises made the voters cynical about every new campaign pledge.

a lack or too small an amount of something needed

Similar: shortage, scarcity, lack

A dearth of rain this spring left the farmers worried about their corn crop.

willing to lie or trick others

Similar: dishonest, deceptive, sneaky

The deceitful contractor took the deposit and never returned to finish the roof.

to move power or decisions away from one main center to several groups

Similar: spread out control, delegate, disperse

The company chose to decentralize hiring so each store manager could pick their own staff.

able to make choices quickly and firmly

Similar: resolute, firm, determined

A decisive pilot quickly chose to land at the nearest airport when the engine light came on.

figured out or concluded by reasoning from the available facts

Similar: concluded by reasoning, inferred, worked out

The electrician deduced that a loose wire, not the breaker, was causing the flickering lights.

To lower the intensity of a tense or dangerous situation

Similar: calm down, defuse, ease

Police officers are trained to deescalate tense standoffs by speaking slowly and calmly.

Having a flaw that keeps it from working properly

Similar: faulty, broken, flawed

The electrician found a defective switch that kept tripping the breaker in the kitchen.

quick and skillful with the hands or in action

Similar: skillful, nimble, adroit

With deft fingers, the seamstress repaired the torn uniform in under five minutes.

having lost too much water from the body or a substance

Similar: dried out, parched, thirsty

The campers packed dehydrated meals that only needed boiling water to be ready.

thought through slowly and carefully before acting

Similar: carefully considered, intentional, calculated

The engineer took deliberate steps to test each weld before approving the bridge for traffic.

long, careful thought or talk before reaching a decision

Similar: careful discussion, consideration, debate

After much deliberation, the couple decided to buy the smaller house near the school.

specific finished items or results promised under an agreement

Similar: promised work products, outputs, results

The software team listed its deliverables for the quarter: a mobile app, a manual, and training videos.

proved something by showing it clearly in action

Similar: showed with proof, proved, displayed

The chemist demonstrated the reaction by mixing the two liquids in front of the class.

Criticized strongly and openly as wrong or evil

Similar: condemned, attacked, criticized

The union leader denounced the unsafe working conditions in a speech outside the factory gates.

to go away from a place, especially to begin a trip

Similar: leave, set out, exit

Our train will depart from platform four at exactly noon.

able to be trusted to do what is needed, every time

Similar: reliable, trustworthy, steady

My dependable old pickup has started on cold winter mornings for fifteen years straight.

the state of needing someone or something for support

Similar: reliance, need, attachment

The town's dependence on a single factory hurt badly when the plant shut down.

Reduced so much that little or nothing is left

Similar: used up, exhausted, drained

With the generator's fuel nearly depleted, the cabin crew switched off every light they could spare.

to drop in worth or price over time

Similar: lose value, decline, cheapen

Laptops depreciate quickly because newer, faster models come out every year.

a sunken area or hollow in a surface

Similar: hollow, dip, pit

The truck tire left a deep depression in the soft soil of the field.

showing scorn or making fun of someone

Similar: mocking, scornful, jeering

The scientist ignored the derisive laughter from critics and kept testing her new theory.

causing a lot of damage or harm

Similar: damaging, harmful, ruinous

Termites can be very destructive, eating through the wooden frame of a house.

calm and not emotionally involved in a situation

Similar: emotionally uninvolved, objective, impersonal

The detached tone of the dispatcher helped keep the frightened caller calm during the fire.

to discourage someone from doing something, often through fear

Similar: discourage, prevent, stop

A barking dog in the yard helps deter burglars from approaching the house.

to become worse in condition or quality over time

Similar: worsen, decay, decline

If the roof leak is not fixed, the ceiling beams will deteriorate and need replacing.

Destroyed completely, causing severe and widespread damage

Similar: utterly ruined, wrecked, demolished

The hailstorm devastated the farmer's corn crop, flattening every stalk in the field.

Lacking self-confidence and hesitant to speak up or stand out

Similar: shy, timid, self-doubting

The diffident new intern rarely asked questions, though her written work was excellent.

falling apart because of age, damage, or lack of care

Similar: run-down, decrepit, shabby

The crew spent the summer restoring a dilapidated lighthouse on the rocky coast.

working hard and carefully, with steady effort and attention to detail

Similar: hardworking, industrious, conscientious

The diligent mechanic checked every bolt on the truck twice before signing off on the repair.

to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another fluid

Similar: water down, thin, weaken

Always dilute the cleaning concentrate with water before mopping the barracks floor.

to see or notice something with effort

Similar: make out, detect, perceive

Through the dusty windshield, the driver could hardly discern the road signs ahead.

Separated one thing from another, breaking the link between them

Similar: detached, unplugged, separated

Before cleaning the blender, she disconnected it from the wall outlet.

careful about what one says or does so as not to embarrass or reveal secrets

Similar: tactful, careful, prudent

The hotel staff were discreet and never mentioned which celebrities were staying upstairs.

showing that you think something is unworthy or beneath you

Similar: scornful, contemptuous, sneering

The chef gave a disdainful look at the frozen vegetables the supplier had delivered.

not favoring any side because of no personal stake

Similar: impartial, neutral, unbiased

The two neighbors asked a disinterested surveyor to settle where the fence line should go.

not faithful to a person, group, or cause one should support

Similar: unfaithful, treacherous, false

Selling company secrets to a competitor was a disloyal act that cost him his job.

told someone they may leave; sent people away

Similar: sent away, released, let go

After the final inspection, the platoon sergeant dismissed the troops for the weekend.

special in a way that makes something easy to recognize

Similar: characteristic, unique, recognizable

The old diesel truck had a distinctive rattle that let us know when Dad was home.

in a way that is clear and easy to notice

Similar: clearly, plainly, unmistakably

I distinctly remember locking the front door before we left for the airport.

widely respected and honored for achievement

Similar: eminent, renowned, celebrated

A distinguished surgeon visited the hospital to teach residents a new heart procedure.

to tell information that was meant to stay private

Similar: reveal, disclose, let slip

The soldier would not divulge the unit's travel route, even to his own family.

calm and easy to control or teach

Similar: easily led, obedient, tame

The docile sheepdog let the toddlers climb all over him without a single growl.

had an amount taken away from it as a penalty

Similar: reduced, cut, deducted

The team was docked two points for turning in its project a day late.

insisting your beliefs are right and refusing to consider other views

Similar: rigidly opinionated, inflexible, closed-minded

The dogmatic coach would not try any new plays, even after five losses in a row.

temporarily not active or growing, but able to become active later

Similar: inactive, sleeping, inert

The seeds stay dormant in the cold soil until the spring rains arrive.

an early, unfinished version of a piece of writing or plan

Similar: rough version, first try, sketch

The architect sent a draft of the floor plan so the family could suggest changes.

to clean and cover an injury with a bandage or protective pad

Similar: bandage, bind, treat

At the campsite, Dad showed us how to dress a cut using gauze and tape from the first-aid kit.

a practice exercise that trains people in what to do

Similar: practice exercise, exercise, rehearsal

The flight crew ran an emergency landing drill before the new season began.

feeling unsure or suspicious that something is true

Similar: doubtful, skeptical, unsure

Mom was dubious when my brother said he had finished all his homework in ten minutes.

a place where a person or family lives, such as a house

Similar: home, residence, house

The census worker visited every dwelling on the island, from cabins to apartment blocks.

strong interest and readiness to do something

Similar: enthusiasm, keenness, zeal

The children's eagerness to open their presents woke the whole house at dawn.

relating to money, jobs, trade, and wealth

Similar: financial, commercial, business-related

The new highway brought economic growth to the small town, with new stores and jobs.

saving money by costing little or using resources carefully

Similar: inexpensive, thrifty, cost-effective

A small hatchback is an economical choice for long daily commutes.

extremely happy and excited

Similar: overjoyed, thrilled, elated

The farmer was ecstatic when the long drought finally ended with a soaking rain.

to cause something to happen or bring it into being

Similar: bring about, cause, produce

The new mayor promised to effect real improvements in the city's public transit system.

producing the result that was wanted

Similar: successful, productive, useful

The new cough medicine was effective, and I slept through the night.

overflowing with praise or emotion, often more than needed

Similar: gushing, lavish, overflowing

The chef was embarrassed by the critic's effusive review, which called his soup a miracle.

able to stretch or adjust and then return to normal

Similar: flexible, adjustable, stretchy

The travel company offers an elastic booking policy, letting customers change dates without fees.

extremely happy and excited, usually because of good news or success

Similar: overjoyed, thrilled, ecstatic

She was elated when the letter arrived saying she had been accepted to flight school.

old, past middle age

Similar: aged, older, senior

The volunteers deliver hot meals to elderly residents who cannot easily leave home.

to bring out a response, answer, or reaction from someone

Similar: draw out, evoke, extract

The teacher's joke failed to elicit even a smile from the tired students.

able to speak or write in a clear, moving, and convincing way

Similar: fluent and persuasive, articulate, expressive

The chaplain gave an eloquent tribute that left many of the sailors in tears.

difficult to find, catch, or explain

Similar: hard to pin down, slippery, evasive

The source of the leak in the ship's hull proved elusive for the entire voyage.

the ability to understand and share another person's feelings

Similar: understanding of feelings, compassion, sympathy

The nurse's empathy helped the nervous patient feel calm before surgery.

completely covered or closed inside a protective layer

Similar: enclosed, wrapped, sealed

The ancient insect was encased in a drop of amber that the scientist held up to the light.

words or actions that give someone confidence and hope to keep going

Similar: support, backing, inspiration

With encouragement from her coworkers, Dana signed up for the welding certification exam.

to drain someone's energy or strength, leaving them tired and weak

Similar: weaken, exhaust, sap

Weeks of night shifts began to enervate the nurses, so the hospital hired extra staff.

to make sure rules or laws are followed

Similar: make people obey, apply, uphold

The lifeguards enforce the no-running rule around the pool to prevent slips and injuries.

able to be backed up and carried out by law or authority

Similar: able to be legally upheld, binding, valid

A lease must be signed by both parties to be enforceable if a dispute arises.

to think about or be willing to look at an idea or offer

Similar: consider, weigh, think over

The colonel would not entertain any request for leave until the inspection was complete.

Fixed so firmly in place that it is very hard to change

Similar: firmly fixed, deep-rooted, ingrained

Old habits were so entrenched at the shop that the new tracking software took a year to catch on.

calm, steady composure, especially under stress

Similar: calmness, composure, poise

The flight attendant answered the angry passenger with equanimity and never raised her voice.

at the same distance from two or more points

Similar: equally far from, halfway, centered

We picked a diner equidistant from both our houses so neither of us drove far.

to destroy something completely so it no longer exists

Similar: wipe out, eliminate, stamp out

The farmer used crop rotation to eradicate the pests that had ruined last year's harvest.

Slowly wore away by wind, water, or other forces

Similar: worn away, weathered, eaten away

Spring floods eroded the riverbank until the old fence posts toppled into the water.

changing often without any regular pattern

Similar: unpredictable, irregular, inconsistent

The truck's erratic steering made the driver pull over and check the tires.

broke out suddenly and forcefully, like noise or anger bursting forth

Similar: burst out, exploded, broke out

Laughter erupted in the break room when the forklift driver told his story about the stuck pallet.

to go along with someone to guide or protect them

Similar: accompany, guide, conduct

A nurse will escort each patient from the waiting room to the X-ray lab.

To leave a dangerous place quickly for safety

Similar: leave, clear out, vacate

When the fire alarm sounded, all workers had to evacuate the warehouse and gather in the parking lot.

dodging questions or avoiding giving a clear, direct reply

Similar: avoiding direct answers, vague, dodging

When asked about the missing tools, the contractor gave an evasive answer about a busy week.

easy to see or understand

Similar: obvious, clear, plain

It was evident from the empty fuel gauge that the generator had run all night.

to make a problem, illness, or bad situation even worse

Similar: worsen, aggravate, intensify

Scratching the rash will only exacerbate the itching, the nurse warned.

requiring great care, precision, and effort to satisfy

Similar: demanding, strict, rigorous

The lab has exacting standards, and every sample must be measured to the thousandth of a gram.

kept from entering or taking part in something

Similar: kept out, barred, left out

Pets are excluded from the hotel's pool area for health reasons.

To push air out of the lungs

Similar: breathe out, expire, blow out

The diver learned to exhale slowly while rising toward the surface.

a state of being extremely tired and drained of energy

Similar: extreme tiredness, fatigue, weariness

The marathon runner collapsed from exhaustion just a few yards past the finish line.

covering every detail or possibility completely

Similar: thorough, complete, comprehensive

Before the move, we made an exhaustive list of every box and item in the house.

Far more than is fair or reasonable, usually describing a price

Similar: excessively high, outrageous, inflated

The hotel near the airport charged an exorbitant rate, so the traveler slept in a cheaper motel downtown.

the act of growing larger in size or scope

Similar: enlargement, growth, extension

The hospital's expansion will add a new emergency wing and fifty more beds.

friendly, open, and talkative in a relaxed way

Similar: open and talkative, outgoing, sociable

After a good meal, Grandpa grew expansive and told us stories about his navy days.

to make a process happen faster

Similar: speed up, hasten, accelerate

The clerk offered to expedite my passport application because my trip was in two weeks.

meant to make something clear or easier to understand

Similar: clarifying, descriptive, illustrative

The manual includes explanatory diagrams showing how to assemble each part of the bookshelf.

Stated clearly and in full detail, leaving no room for confusion

Similar: clearly stated, specific, unmistakable

The pharmacist gave explicit directions: take one tablet every eight hours with food.

sends goods to another country to be sold there

Similar: sends out for sale, ships abroad, sells overseas

The small coastal town exports fresh lobster to restaurants across Europe and Asia.

to remove or pull something out, often with effort

Similar: pull out, remove, draw out

The mechanic used a special tool to extract the broken bolt from the engine block.

full of energy, excitement, and happiness

Similar: joyfully energetic, high-spirited, elated

The exuberant puppy raced around the yard, barking at every leaf that blew past.

to make a task or process easier or smoother

Similar: make easier, ease, help along

Color-coded labels on every bin facilitate quick restocking in the busy parts warehouse.

firmly and tightly, so that it cannot move

Similar: firmly, tightly, securely

The truck's wheels were stuck fast in the thick mud after the storm.

very demanding about details, cleanliness, or correctness

Similar: hard to please, picky, exacting

The fastidious homeowner made the painters redo a wall because of one faint brush mark.

possible to do in a practical way

Similar: workable, practical, doable

The mechanic said fixing the old truck was feasible, but a replacement might cost less.

lacking physical strength or force; not effective

Similar: weak, frail, faint

The flashlight gave only a feeble glow because its batteries were nearly dead.

a written number or amount

Similar: number, amount, digit

The accountant circled the figure that showed how much the company spent on fuel.

to finish something by settling the last details

Similar: complete, wrap up, settle

We will finalize our travel plans once the airline confirms the flight times.

made of extremely small pieces or particles; very thin

Similar: very small, powdery, tiny

A fine layer of desert sand covered every vehicle in the motor pool by morning.

strong criticism or blame directed at someone

Similar: criticism, attack, blame

The airline came under fire from travelers after canceling hundreds of holiday flights.

a business or company, often one offering professional services

Similar: company, business, agency

She took a job at a small law firm right after finishing school.

to become tired, weaker, or less active

Similar: weaken, fade, droop

Interest in the science fair began to flag after the judges ran two hours behind schedule.

bold, colorful, and eager to draw attention

Similar: showy, flashy, dazzling

The flamboyant tour guide wore a purple cape and told jokes at every stop.

To attack or move around the side of an enemy force

Similar: attack from the side, outflank, go around

During the training exercise, one squad tried to flank the defenders by crawling through the tall grass.

thin, poorly made, and easily broken or damaged

Similar: weak, fragile, rickety

The flimsy tent collapsed as soon as the wind picked up at the campsite.

to keep going up and down or changing irregularly

Similar: rise and fall, vary, swing

Temperatures in the desert fluctuate wildly, from scorching afternoons to near-freezing nights.

the ability to see future needs and prepare for them

Similar: planning ahead, prudence, anticipation

Her foresight in buying a generator kept the family warm during the winter power outage.

Told about a danger or problem before it happened

Similar: warned in advance, alerted, tipped off

The foreman forewarned the crew that the crane inspection would shut down work on Friday.

made stronger, especially to resist attack or damage

Similar: reinforced, strengthened, braced

The engineers fortified the old barn with steel beams before the heavy snow season.

a small part broken off or separated from something larger

Similar: piece, shard, scrap

The welder wore goggles because a fragment of hot metal could fly into his eye.

having a pleasant, sweet smell

Similar: sweet-smelling, perfumed, aromatic

The bakery near the train station sold fragrant cinnamon rolls that travelers could smell from the platform.

physically weak and easily hurt, often because of age or illness

Similar: weak, feeble, delicate

My frail grandmother needs help carrying groceries up the stairs now.

silly or unimportant, not worth serious attention

Similar: lacking serious purpose, trivial, petty

The judge dismissed the frivolous lawsuit over a neighbor's wind chimes in five minutes.

careful to avoid wasting money or resources

Similar: thrifty, economical, sparing

Living on a frugal budget, the young couple packed lunches instead of eating out.

producing no useful result despite effort

Similar: unproductive, useless, futile

After a fruitless afternoon of fishing, we bought dinner at the dock market.

Suddenly moved people to act with energy and enthusiasm

Similar: stirred to action, roused, energized

News of the flooded shelter galvanized the neighborhood, and dozens of volunteers showed up with sandbags.

a scientist who studies rocks, soil, and how the earth formed

Similar: earth scientist, rock expert

The oil company hired a geologist to decide where to drill the next well.

having to do with the natural heat found deep underground

Similar: relating to heat inside the earth, earth-heated

Iceland uses geothermal energy from hot springs to heat many of its homes.

very serious and worrying

Similar: serious, severe, critical

The commander warned that a fuel leak on the flight deck was a grave danger.

a position or opinion someone defends and refuses to give up

Similar: position, stance, standpoint

Even when the customer shouted, the young clerk held her ground and followed store policy.

extremely hard and tiring, draining a person's strength

Similar: exhausting, punishing, brutal

The recruits finished a grueling twenty-mile march carrying full packs over steep hills.

to keep a feeling or thought in your mind for a long time

Similar: hold onto, nurse, bear

The veteran still seemed to harbor resentment toward the unit that had taken credit for his work.

a situation of severe difficulty, pain, or lack of basic needs

Similar: suffering, adversity, privation

The family endured great hardship after the flood destroyed their home and crops.

done too quickly and without enough care

Similar: rushed and careless, hurried, rash

His hasty packing meant he arrived at the airport without his passport.

acting as if you are better than other people

Similar: arrogant, snobbish, proud

The haughty guest snapped his fingers at the waiters and complained about everything.

something that could cause harm, injury, or damage

Similar: danger, risk, threat

The spilled oil on the garage floor was a slipping hazard until we cleaned it up.

likely to cause harm or injury

Similar: dangerous, risky, unsafe

Icy roads make driving hazardous, so the base delayed the morning formation.

to lead or be in charge of a group or project

Similar: direct, lead, manage

An experienced nurse will head the new night-shift team at the clinic.

to make it harder for someone or something to make progress

Similar: hold back, obstruct, impede

Road construction will hinder traffic on the highway for most of the summer.

so important that it will be remembered for a long time

Similar: momentous, landmark, significant

The signing of the peace treaty was a historic day for both nations.

someone who collects and hides away large amounts of things

Similar: person who stockpiles, collector, squirrel

My uncle is a hoarder whose garage is packed with old newspapers and broken radios.

the same in makeup or character all the way through

Similar: the same throughout, uniform, consistent

The baker mixed the dough until it was homogeneous, with no streaks of flour left.

a large number or crowd of things or people

Similar: large number, multitude, array

Moving overseas brought a host of challenges, from new paperwork to learning a foreign language.

having a lot of water vapor in the air, feeling damp and sticky

Similar: moist, muggy, damp

The greenhouse stays warm and humid so the tropical plants can thrive.

relating to the science of water and how it moves through land and air

Similar: concerned with the study of water, water-related

Engineers used hydrological data on rainfall and runoff to design the new storm drains.

a dangerous condition in which the body gets far too cold

Similar: dangerously low body temperature, exposure

The fisherman developed hypothermia after falling into the icy lake in his heavy clothes.

holding high hopes and principles, often without regard for practical limits

Similar: guided by lofty principles, visionary, romantic

The idealistic young officer believed every soldier in his unit could earn top marks.

not moving or not able to move

Similar: unable to move, motionless, still

Stuck in the deep mud, the heavy truck sat immobile until the tow crew arrived.

treating all sides fairly without favoring anyone

Similar: unbiased, neutral, fair

An impartial referee was brought in from another county to call the championship game.

Impossible to travel over or through

Similar: blocked, closed, impenetrable

Heavy snow made the mountain pass impassable, so the truckers waited in town until the plows came.

too slight or faint to be noticed by the senses

Similar: undetectable, unnoticeable, invisible

The leak in the tire was so slow that the pressure drop was imperceptible over a single day.

acting quickly without thinking carefully first

Similar: impulsive, rash, reckless

In an impetuous moment, he quit his job and booked a one-way flight to Alaska.

hinted at something without stating it directly

Similar: suggested, hinted, indicated

By glancing at the clock, my boss implied that the meeting had run long enough.

to suggest something without stating it directly

Similar: suggest without saying, hint, indicate

Her silence seemed to imply that she disagreed with the new travel policy.

having great value, meaning, or effect

Similar: significant, key, major

Drinking enough water is important when working outside on a hot construction site.

easily swayed or shaped by others, especially when young

Similar: easily influenced, suggestible, naive

Parents worry that impressionable kids will copy the risky stunts they see in online videos.

Rough and unpleasant, with rain, snow, cold, or wind

Similar: stormy, harsh, foul

Flights were grounded because of inclement weather, with sleet and high winds across the region.

not able or willing to believe something

Similar: unable to believe, disbelieving, skeptical

The mechanic was incredulous when the car ran fine after sitting unused for ten years.

having no interest or concern about something

Similar: uncaring, unconcerned, apathetic

The indifferent mechanic shrugged when I told him the brakes were squealing again.

angry because one has been treated unfairly or insulted

Similar: angered by unfair treatment, resentful, offended

The traveler was indignant when the airline charged her twice for the same bag.

to cause something to happen or begin

Similar: bring about, cause, trigger

Spinning too fast on the carnival ride can induce nausea in some riders.

lacking skill and doing things badly

Similar: clumsy, incompetent, unskilled

The inept painter dripped paint all over the carpet and missed half the trim.

reached an idea by reasoning from clues or facts

Similar: concluded, deduced, figured

From the empty food bowl and scattered crumbs, she inferred that the dog had raided the pantry.

Able to catch fire and burn very easily

Similar: easily set on fire, flammable, combustible

Store inflammable solvents in a metal cabinet far from the welding area.

giving useful facts or knowledge

Similar: instructive, educational, enlightening

The museum tour was informative, and the kids learned a lot about early aircraft.

showing original and inventive thinking

Similar: clever, inventive, resourceful

The farmer rigged an ingenious watering system from old bike parts and garden hose.

present from birth rather than learned

Similar: inborn, natural, inherent

The young pilot had an innate sense of direction that never seemed to fail her.

using new ideas or methods that have not been tried before

Similar: original, groundbreaking, inventive

The farmer used an innovative watering system that cut his water bill in half.

to carve, engrave, or write words on a surface

Similar: carve or write, engrave, etch

The jeweler will inscribe the couple's wedding date inside each of the gold rings.

suggested something negative in an indirect, sly way

Similar: hinted at something unpleasant, implied, suggested

The neighbor insinuated that my dog had dug up his flower bed, though he had no proof.

stated or demanded something firmly and would not back down

Similar: kept demanding firmly, demanded, maintained

The drill sergeant insisted that every bunk be made with tight corners before breakfast.

rude and showing a lack of respect, especially toward authority

Similar: disrespectful, rude, impudent

The insolent customer mocked the cashier and refused to wait in line.

an official who checks things to make sure they meet standards

Similar: examiner, checker, auditor

The health inspector checked the restaurant's freezer temperatures during the surprise visit.

looks at something carefully to check its condition or find problems

Similar: examines closely, checks, scrutinizes

Every spring, the landlord inspects the furnace and smoke detectors in each apartment.

stopped or caught something before it reached its destination

Similar: stopped on the way, blocked, seized

Customs agents intercepted the package of illegal goods at the airport warehouse.

Serving only for a short period until a lasting choice is made

Similar: temporary, acting, stopgap

While the roof was repaired, the family used a tarp as an interim cover against the rain.

a person taking part in a conversation with you

Similar: conversation partner, speaker, respondent

During the job interview, my interlocutor asked thoughtful questions about my mechanical training.

stopping and starting again at uneven times

Similar: on and off, sporadic, fitful

Intermittent rain delayed the bridge repairs for most of the week.

stopped something for a moment by breaking into it

Similar: broke in on, disrupted, cut off

A loud thunderclap interrupted our dinner conversation and made the dog bark.

Taking place only among members of the same school or group

Similar: within one school, in-house, internal

The base runs an intramural softball league in which units play only against each other.

located in or given into a muscle

Similar: within a muscle

The veterinarian gave the horse an intramuscular injection in its neck.

brave and willing to face danger

Similar: fearless, courageous, daring

Intrepid explorers crossed the frozen ice cap on skis, pulling their supplies on sleds.

good at finding clever new ways to solve problems

Similar: resourceful, clever, ingenious

The inventive camper used a soda can and some wire to build a small cooking stove.

having no connection to the matter being discussed

Similar: unrelated, beside the point, off-topic

During the job interview, questions about her hobbies seemed irrelevant to the welding position.

impossible to undo or change back to how it was

Similar: unable to be undone, permanent, final

Cutting the beam too short was an irreversible error, so we had to order new lumber.

Final and impossible to undo or take back

Similar: impossible to cancel, permanent, binding

Once she signed the papers, the sale of the farm was irrevocable.

one printed copy or edition of a magazine or newspaper

Similar: edition, number, copy

The latest issue of the base newsletter featured a story about our medical team.

Cheerful and friendly, often joking and laughing

Similar: good-humored, cheerful, jolly

The jovial cook greeted every hiker with a joke and a heaping plate of pancakes.

full of great joy and celebration, especially after a success

Similar: joyful, triumphant, overjoyed

The jubilant family hugged at the airport when their son returned from deployment.

showing good judgment and wise decisions

Similar: sensible, wise, prudent

The judicious use of water kept the hikers supplied until they reached the next spring.

having a good enough reason to be accepted or defended

Similar: defensible, warranted, excusable

Spending extra on safety boots is justifiable for anyone working on a construction site.

a reason or explanation offered to show something is right

Similar: reason given, explanation, grounds

The pilot's justification for turning back was a warning light on the fuel gauge.

very interested in something and excited to do it

Similar: eager, enthusiastic, avid

My nephew is keen to learn welding and watches every video he can find.

very rich, costly, and generous, often more than needed

Similar: extravagant, luxurious, opulent

The hotel suite was lavish, with marble floors, a hot tub, and a private chef.

a heavy, soft, gray metal that can be poisonous

Similar: a heavy metal, heavy metal

Old paint in the barracks was tested for lead before the renovation crew started sanding.

relaxed and done without any rush

Similar: unhurried, relaxed, easygoing

After the deployment ended, they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the hotel balcony.

to make something longer

Similar: extend, stretch, draw out

The city plans to lengthen the runway so larger cargo planes can land.

Slow, tired, and lacking energy

Similar: sluggish, drowsy, listless

The summer heat left the whole work crew lethargic by mid-afternoon.

the chance that something will happen

Similar: probability, odds, chance

Wearing a seat belt greatly reduces the likelihood of serious injury in a car crash.

Extremely angry, so upset it shows on the face

Similar: furious, enraged, irate

The homeowner was livid when the contractor left the job half finished and stopped answering calls.

easy to understand because it is expressed plainly

Similar: clear, understandable, plain

The professor gave a lucid explanation of how batteries store energy, and everyone followed along.

generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone weaker

Similar: generous-spirited, big-hearted, gracious

The winning candidate gave a magnanimous speech thanking her opponent for a fair race.

the great size, strength, or importance of something

Similar: size or strength, extent, scale

The crew did not grasp the magnitude of the wildfire until they saw it from the air.

awkward and lacking skill in handling things or people

Similar: clumsy, inept, bungling

His maladroit attempt to fix the sink left water all over the kitchen floor.

wanting to cause harm or evil to others

Similar: wishing harm to others, spiteful, evil

The hacker had malevolent intentions, planning to lock the hospital's records for ransom.

To fail to operate the way it is supposed to

Similar: work improperly, fail, break down

If the smoke detector begins to malfunction, replace its battery or the whole unit.

meant to hurt or harm someone on purpose

Similar: spiteful, hateful, vicious

A malicious hacker deleted the company's files just to cause trouble.

able to be bent, pressed, or formed without breaking

Similar: easily shaped, pliable, workable

Gold is so malleable that a goldsmith can hammer it into sheets thinner than paper.

official authority or an order given to carry out a task

Similar: authority to act, order, commission

The task force had a mandate from headquarters to cut supply delays by half.

learned a skill so thoroughly that one can do it very well

Similar: became expert at, perfected, learned fully

By the end of basic training, he had mastered taking apart and reassembling his rifle.

too small in amount or quality; barely enough

Similar: scanty, sparse, inadequate

The intern lived on a meager salary and shared a tiny apartment with two roommates.

the average found by adding numbers and dividing by how many there are

Similar: average, arithmetic average

The mean of the platoon's run times dropped by a full minute after training.

quiet and gentle, and quick to obey or give in

Similar: submissive, timid, docile

The meek passenger said nothing when a stranger took her reserved seat on the train.

doing things in a careful, orderly, step-by-step way

Similar: systematic, orderly, organized

The methodical detective reviewed every phone record before interviewing a single suspect.

showing great care and attention to every small detail

Similar: thorough, precise, careful

The meticulous lab technician labeled every sample and logged each measurement to three decimal places.

so tiny that it cannot be seen without magnification

Similar: extremely small, tiny, minute

Microscopic dust particles can scratch a camera lens if it is wiped with a dirty cloth.

extremely small in size or amount

Similar: tiny, microscopic, slight

The lab technician measured a minute amount of lead in the drinking water sample.

understood something wrongly, giving it the wrong meaning

Similar: misinterpreted, misunderstood, misread

The tourist misconstrued the hand signal and turned left onto a one-way street.

To form a wrong opinion or estimate about something

Similar: estimate wrongly, miscalculate, misread

Hikers often misjudge how long the descent will take and end up walking in the dark.

a name or label that is wrong or misleading

Similar: inaccurate name, wrong name, mislabel

The name lead pencil is a misnomer, since the core is actually made of graphite.

to make something bad less severe, painful, or serious

Similar: lessen, ease, reduce

Engineers built sea walls to mitigate the damage that storm surges cause to the harbor.

to bring something up to current standards or styles

Similar: update, renovate, upgrade

The factory plans to modernize its assembly line with new robotic arms.

to make some changes to something without replacing it entirely

Similar: change, alter, adjust

The cook had to modify the recipe because we ran out of butter.

having many different colors

Similar: varicolored, colorful, rainbow

The tile setter laid a multicolored mosaic on the bathroom floor.

dull and everyday, not exciting or special

Similar: ordinary, routine, commonplace

Folding laundry and paying bills filled his mundane Sunday afternoon.

a person who plans and tracks the route of a ship, plane, or vehicle

Similar: route planner, pilot, wayfinder

During the road trip, my sister acted as navigator and read the map from the passenger seat.

so small or minor that it does not matter

Similar: insignificant, trivial, minimal

The weight of the extra antenna had a negligible effect on the drone's flight time.

active mainly during the night rather than the day

Similar: active at night, night-active

Raccoons are nocturnal, so they raid trash cans after everyone has gone to bed.

Calm and relaxed in a way that shows little worry or interest

Similar: unconcerned, casual, indifferent

She gave a nonchalant shrug when the flight was delayed, then calmly opened her book at the gate.

failure to follow a rule, order, or official requirement

Similar: failure to meet requirements, violation, disobedience

The landlord received a warning for noncompliance after skipping the yearly smoke alarm inspection.

Not necessary or needed for the main work to continue

Similar: not required, unnecessary, optional

To lighten the pack for the long hike, he left every nonessential item at base camp.

writing about real people, events, and facts rather than invented stories

Similar: factual writing, fact-based writing

My uncle reads mostly nonfiction, especially books about mountain climbing and space travel.

Someone who has just started learning a skill or activity

Similar: beginner, newcomer, rookie

As a novice at the climbing gym, he started on the easiest wall with an instructor nearby.

Poisonous or damaging to health, especially when breathed in

Similar: harmful, toxic, poisonous

The chemistry lab has a fume hood so students never breathe the noxious gases their experiments release.

A fertile, green spot in a desert where water can be found

Similar: desert water source, watering hole, spring

The caravan rested at an oasis, where palm trees shaded a small pool of fresh water.

to say that you disagree with or oppose something

Similar: oppose, protest, disapprove

Several drivers object to the new rule requiring them to log every rest stop.

something you are working or aiming to achieve

Similar: goal, aim, target

Our objective for this quarter is to cut shipping delays in half.

the quality of judging fairly, based on facts rather than feelings

Similar: impartiality, fairness, neutrality

Scientists value objectivity, so they record results even when the data disagree with their hopes.

no longer used or useful because something newer has replaced it

Similar: outdated, out of date, antiquated

The lab threw out its obsolete microscopes after the new digital models arrived.

refusing to change your mind or behavior

Similar: stubborn, unyielding, headstrong

The obstinate mule refused to cross the creek no matter how hard the rancher pulled.

something that blocks a path, passage, or flow

Similar: blockage, barrier, clog

The convoy halted while engineers cleared a fallen-tree obstruction from the mountain road.

to leave something out on purpose or by accident

Similar: leave out, skip, exclude

The recipe card seemed to omit the baking time, so we guessed and checked often.

having unlimited power and able to do anything

Similar: all-powerful, almighty, supreme

The dictator acted as if he were omnipotent, but the people eventually forced him out.

knowing everything there is to know

Similar: all-knowing, all-seeing

The new manager seemed omniscient, somehow aware of every problem before anyone reported it.

heavy, difficult, and tiring to carry out

Similar: burdensome, demanding, taxing

Filling out the onerous customs forms took longer than the flight itself.

a tendency to expect good things to happen

Similar: hopefulness, confidence, positivity

Despite the rain, the farmers' optimism about a good harvest stayed high.

having to do with how a group is arranged and run

Similar: relating to how a group is structured, structural, administrative

The new chart showed the organizational layout of the hospital, from department heads to nurses.

neatly arranged and kept in good order

Similar: orderly, tidy, neat

The supply room was so organized that new soldiers could find any item within seconds.

designed to attract attention and impress others with wealth or style

Similar: showy, flashy, pretentious

The ostentatious hotel lobby had gold-plated railings and a chandelier the size of a car.

Guessed that an amount or quality was larger than it really was

Similar: guessed too high, overrated, overvalued

The cook overestimated how hungry the crew would be and threw out a whole pot of stew.

a mistake made by failing to notice or remember something

Similar: careless omission, slip, lapse

Forgetting to sign the lease was an oversight that delayed our move by a week.

to make someone who is upset or angry become calm

Similar: calm, soothe, placate

The father tried to pacify the crying baby by humming a quiet song.

very dry, or badly in need of something to drink

Similar: extremely thirsty, dried out, dehydrated

After eight hours of roofing in the sun, the workers were parched and grabbed the water jug.

the approval of a proposed law by a lawmaking body

Similar: approval, enactment, adoption

Veterans groups lobbied for months to secure passage of the new benefits law.

strong love for and loyalty to one's own country

Similar: love of country, national pride, loyalty

Flags lined Main Street as the town showed its patriotism during the Fourth of July parade.

not yet settled or decided; still waiting for action

Similar: awaiting a decision, undecided, unresolved

My travel reimbursement is still pending, so I cannot pay off the hotel bill yet.

able to be noticed or sensed, even if slightly

Similar: noticeable, detectable, visible

There was a perceptible chill in the air as the sun dropped behind the ridge.

the way someone sees, understands, or thinks about something

Similar: view, impression, opinion

A friendly front desk staff can change a guest's perception of the entire hotel.

quick to notice and understand things others miss

Similar: observant, sharp, insightful

A perceptive teacher noticed that the quiet student was struggling to see the board.

happening again and again at regular, set times

Similar: occurring at regular intervals, recurring, regular

Periodic fire drills help the factory workers know exactly where to go in an emergency.

likely to go bad or rot quickly unless kept cold

Similar: likely to spoil, spoilable, short-lived

Grocery trucks keep perishable items like meat and dairy refrigerated during delivery.

the crime of knowingly telling a lie after swearing to tell the truth

Similar: lying under oath, false testimony

The contractor was charged with perjury after lying to the judge about the building permits.

to allow something to happen or make it possible

Similar: allow, let, enable

The base rules do not permit visitors on the flight line without an escort.

continuing firmly toward a goal despite difficulty

Similar: determination, perseverance, tenacity

Through persistence, the mechanic finally traced the strange engine noise to a loose bolt.

continuing firmly in spite of difficulty or opposition; refusing to give up

Similar: determined, tenacious, relentless

A persistent salesman called the office every day until the manager finally agreed to meet.

directly related to the matter being discussed or handled

Similar: relevant, applicable, related

The lawyer asked the witness to share only facts pertinent to the case.

sulky and bad-tempered in a childish way

Similar: childishly sulky, peevish, cranky

The petulant passenger slammed his tray table shut when told the flight had no more snacks.

giving money or time to help other people and good causes

Similar: generous giving to help others, charity, benevolence

The plumber's quiet philanthropy funded free heating repairs for elderly neighbors every winter.

the degree of steepness or angle of a surface

Similar: slope, incline, angle

The roofer measured the pitch of the garage roof before ordering shingles for the job.

calm and peaceful with little movement or disturbance

Similar: still, calm, tranquil

The old horse had a placid nature, so the children could ride him safely.

a wide, flat area of land with few trees

Similar: flat grassland, prairie, flatland

The train crossed a dusty plain for hours before the first hills appeared.

a factory or industrial building where something is made or processed

Similar: factory, mill, works

The power plant outside town supplies electricity to nearly fifty thousand homes.

seeming reasonable and likely to be true

Similar: believable, credible, reasonable

The scientist offered a plausible reason for the strange readings: a loose sensor wire.

existing in large amounts; more than enough

Similar: abundant, ample, bountiful

Fresh fish is plentiful in the coastal village, so meals there are cheap.

thought about something carefully and for a while

Similar: considered, weighed, mulled over

The carpenter pondered the crooked doorframe before deciding how to fix it.

light or small enough to be carried around easily

Similar: easily carried, movable, handheld

We brought a portable generator on the camping trip to charge our phones.

the place where a guard or soldier is assigned to stay

Similar: assigned station, position, station

The lifeguard stayed at her post until the beach closed at sunset.

wrote a date on a document that is later than the actual day

Similar: marked with a later date, dated ahead

The contractor postdated the invoice so payment would fall in the next budget month.

Happening in the period after a medical operation

Similar: after surgery, post-surgical

The vet explained the dog's postoperative care, including rest and a cone to protect the stitches.

focused on what works in real life rather than on theory

Similar: practical, realistic, sensible

A pragmatic plumber used a temporary clamp to stop the leak until the new pipe arrived.

not secure and likely to fall or fail at any moment

Similar: unstable, risky, shaky

The stack of paint cans on the top shelf looked precarious after the truck hit a pothole.

prepared by cooking ahead of time, needing only reheating

Similar: cooked beforehand, ready-made

Hikers carried precooked bacon because it kept well and needed no frying on the trail.

something that came before and led the way to a later thing

Similar: forerunner, predecessor, ancestor

Early hand-cranked calculators were a precursor of the modern computer.

to say ahead of time what will happen in the future

Similar: foretell, forecast, anticipate

Engineers use sensors to predict when a jet engine part will need replacing.

Done ahead of time to stop an expected problem or attack

Similar: done to prevent an expected threat, preventive, precautionary

The city made a preemptive move, clearing storm drains before the heavy rains arrived.

To hand over money for something before receiving it

Similar: pay in advance, pay ahead, pay up front

Drivers at this station must prepay inside before the pump will start.

to formally give or hand something to someone

Similar: hand over, award, give

The plant manager will present safety certificates to the crew at Friday's meeting.

expected to happen or be true based on the evidence

Similar: likely, expected, plausible

With dark clouds rolling in over the airfield, a flight delay seemed probable to the waiting crew.

getting a lot of useful work done

Similar: accomplishing a lot, efficient, fruitful

The team had a productive meeting and settled every item on the agenda in an hour.

to officially forbid something by a rule or law

Similar: forbid, ban, bar

Most airlines prohibit passengers from carrying large bottles of liquid onto the plane.

an object that is thrown, fired, or sent flying through the air

Similar: object sent flying, missile, flying debris

During range training, recruits learned how wind can push a projectile off its intended path.

a person who argues in favor of an idea or plan

Similar: supporter, advocate, backer

The chief engineer was a proponent of switching the fleet to electric trucks.

keeping someone or something safe from harm or injury

Similar: shielding, guarding, defensive

Before cutting the steel pipe, the plumber pulled on protective gloves and safety goggles.

Set for now but likely to change once more information comes in

Similar: subject to change, tentative, temporary

The crew chief posted a provisional flight schedule, warning pilots it might shift after the weather briefing.

showing good judgment and care, especially about risks or the future

Similar: sensible, wise, careful

It is prudent to save part of every paycheck in case the car breaks down.

To clear out unwanted material by forcing it out

Similar: flush out, clear, empty

The plumber opened the valve to purge air from the pipes before turning on the new boiler.

to make something clean by removing dirt or harmful substances

Similar: cleanse, filter, refine

Campers use tablets to purify stream water before drinking it.

a complicated, difficult situation that is very hard to escape from

Similar: tangled predicament, mess, bind

The building permit turned into a quagmire of paperwork that delayed construction for a year.

made a statement less absolute by adding a limit or condition

Similar: limited with conditions, restricted, modified

The mechanic qualified his estimate, saying the price would hold only if the transmission was undamaged.

the rooms or building where someone lives or stays

Similar: living space, lodging, housing

The ship's crew slept in cramped quarters below deck during the long Atlantic crossing.

a loud, unpleasant, and confusing noise

Similar: loud noise, din, clamor

The racket from the neighbor's leaf blower woke the baby from her nap.

having a strong, very unpleasant smell

Similar: foul, stinking, rotten

The rank odor of spoiled milk filled the barracks fridge after the power outage.

based on clear thinking and sound reasoning

Similar: logical, sensible, sound

Even during the emergency, the captain stayed calm and made rational choices.

to invent reasons that make a poor choice seem acceptable

Similar: make excuses for, justify, explain away

He tried to rationalize skipping the gym by saying he had walked a lot at the mall.

fair and sensible in amount, not too high or extreme

Similar: moderate, fair, affordable

The hotel near the station offered reasonable rates, so we booked two nights there.

To put something together again after it was damaged or destroyed

Similar: construct again, reconstruct, restore

The mechanic decided to rebuild the old engine rather than buy a new one.

the act of saying no to a request or offer

Similar: rejection, denial, turndown

His refusal to wear a hard hat got him sent home from the construction site.

waste material that is thrown away

Similar: trash, garbage, rubbish

Kitchen crews on the ship sort food refuse from plastics before it goes to storage.

to formally record a name or item on an official list

Similar: formally record, sign in, enroll

New residents must register their vehicles at the base office within ten days.

bad or unfortunate enough that people wish it had not happened

Similar: unfortunate, lamentable, sad

Losing the client's paperwork was a regrettable error that cost the office a contract.

to pay someone back money they spent

Similar: pay back, repay, refund

The company will reimburse employees for gas when they drive their own cars to job sites.

made something stronger by adding support or material

Similar: strengthened, braced, fortified

The crew reinforced the shelves with metal brackets so they could hold heavy tools.

the state of needing or trusting something or someone

Similar: dependence, trust, need

The town's reliance on one factory hurt badly when the plant closed.

needing someone or something for support or to work

Similar: dependent, needing, supported by

Many rural families are reliant on a single well for all their drinking water.

a person or group that takes over a duty from another

Similar: replacement, substitute, stand-in

The night nurse waited for her relief so she could finally get some sleep.

To take over a post or shift so the person on duty can leave

Similar: take over duty from, replace, stand in for

The night nurse arrived at eleven to relieve her coworker, who had been on the ward since noon.

to give up control, possession, or a right

Similar: give up, surrender, hand over

The retiring chief agreed to relinquish command of the fire station at the end of June.

in a way that shows you do not really want to do something

Similar: unwillingly, grudgingly, hesitantly

The mechanic reluctantly told the customer that the repair would cost twice the estimate.

very small or unlikely, as in a chance or possibility

Similar: slight, faint, unlikely

There is only a remote possibility that the flight will be canceled in this clear weather.

a person chosen to act or speak for a group

Similar: delegate, spokesperson, agent

Our office sent a representative to the regional training conference in Denver.

able to bounce back quickly from hardship or damage

Similar: quick to recover, tough, hardy

Resilient families in the flooded town rebuilt their homes within a single year.

strongly decided and unwilling to change one's mind or give up

Similar: firm, determined, steadfast

She stayed resolute about finishing her degree while working full-time at the hospital.

firm determination to do something

Similar: determination, willpower, grit

The rescue team's resolve kept them searching through the night despite the cold.

fairly good or large enough to be acceptable

Similar: reasonably good, decent, adequate

The small bakery earned a respectable profit in its very first year.

being the one who must answer for something and its results

Similar: accountable, answerable, liable

The pilot in command is responsible for the safety of everyone aboard the aircraft.

reacting quickly and helpfully to requests or changes

Similar: quick to react, attentive, alert

The landlord was very responsive and sent a repairman the same day we reported the leak.

bringing back energy, health, or strength

Similar: refreshing, healing, reviving

After a week of field training, a hot shower and a full night of sleep felt restorative.

kept within limits, or open only to certain people

Similar: limited, controlled, off-limits

Access to the server room is restricted to the IT staff and building security.

keeping things within tight limits or rules

Similar: limiting, confining, strict

The airline's restrictive baggage policy allowed only one small carry-on bag per passenger.

to continue to have or hold on to something

Similar: keep, hold, preserve

Good insulation helps the cabin retain heat through the cold mountain nights.

Quiet and unwilling to share thoughts or feelings

Similar: reserved, tight-lipped, quiet

The new hire was reticent at first, saying little during lunch until she got to know the crew.

took back something said or offered earlier

Similar: withdrew, took back, recanted

The newspaper retracted the story after learning that its main source had lied.

Taking effect from a date earlier than when it was approved

Similar: effective from a past date, backdated, retrospective

The tax change was retroactive, so families received refunds for the previous year as well.

to feel deep respect and admiration for someone or something

Similar: honor deeply, venerate, admire

Many young carpenters revere the old craftsman who built the town's covered bridge.

to go back over something and change it to make it better

Similar: look over and improve, edit, update

After the inspection, the electrician had to revise his wiring plan for the garage.

hard and not able to bend or be moved easily

Similar: stiff, inflexible, firm

The plumber replaced the rigid metal pipe with a flexible hose under the sink.

strong and well built, able to handle rough use

Similar: sturdy, tough, durable

Engineers chose a robust pump that could keep running through dust storms and floods.

done regularly as a normal part of a process; ordinary

Similar: usual, regular, standard

The dentist said the cleaning was routine and would take only half an hour.

a straight line of people or things placed side by side

Similar: line, file, tier

The farmer planted a long row of corn beside the fence.

to manage or be in charge of a business or operation

Similar: manage, operate, oversee

My aunt has run the hardware store on Main Street for twenty years.

to rescue something from loss or damage

Similar: save, rescue, recover

Divers worked for days to salvage the cargo from the sunken fishing boat.

punished someone officially for breaking a rule

Similar: penalized, punished, disciplined

The trade group sanctioned the contractor for ignoring safety codes and suspended his license for a year.

the overall size or extent of something

Similar: extent, size, scope

The scale of the cleanup after the hurricane required crews from four different states.

hard to find because there is not enough of it

Similar: in short supply, rare, lacking

Fresh fruit was scarce at the remote outpost, so canned peaches became a prized treat.

a lack of something because there is not enough of it

Similar: shortage, lack, deficiency

A scarcity of skilled electricians pushed wages higher across the state.

the range or extent of what something deals with or includes

Similar: range covered, extent, reach

The scope of the kitchen remodel grew once the plumber found rotten pipes under the floor.

happening or available only during certain parts of the year

Similar: occurring at certain times of year, periodic, temporary

The ski resort hires seasonal staff each winter to run the lifts.

to fasten or attach something firmly so it will not move

Similar: fasten, tie down, lock

Deckhands secure the cargo with chains before the ship heads into rough seas.

the act of taking property by legal authority or force

Similar: confiscation, capture, taking

The court ordered the seizure of the company's trucks to pay its unpaid taxes.

fairly dry, with little rain but not a true desert

Similar: somewhat dry, dry, steppe-like

Ranchers in the semiarid region rely on wells to water their cattle.

showing good judgment and common sense

Similar: practical, wise, reasonable

Packing a spare tire and a flashlight is a sensible step before any long road trip.

quick to react to even tiny changes, bumps, or forces

Similar: easily affected, delicate, responsive

The lab scale is so sensitive that a breath of air from the vent changes its reading.

a soldier or guard stationed at a spot to keep watch

Similar: guard, lookout, watchman

A sentry stood at the harbor entrance, checking each boat that came in after dark.

an agreement that ends an argument or conflict

Similar: resolution, agreement, deal

The landlord and tenant reached a settlement over the damaged carpet without going to court.

loses or drops something naturally, like hair, skin, or leaves

Similar: loses, drops, casts off

The snake sheds its skin several times a year as it grows.

the amount by which something becomes smaller

Similar: reduction in size, contraction, decrease

The builder left small gaps between the boards to allow for shrinkage as the wood dried.

Not easily convinced and wanting proof before believing something

Similar: doubtful, questioning, unconvinced

The lab director was skeptical of the startling results and asked the team to repeat the experiment.

Smooth and wet or oily, so that feet or tires slide easily

Similar: slippery, greasy, slithery

After the oil spill, the garage floor was so slick that the mechanic laid down absorbent mats.

moving or reacting slowly, with little energy

Similar: slow-moving, lethargic, listless

In the freezing cold, the old truck's engine was sluggish and took minutes to start.

Grew bigger and faster, the way a rolling ball of snow does

Similar: grew rapidly, escalated, mushroomed

A few customer complaints snowballed into a full recall of the faulty heaters.

dark, serious, and sad in mood or feeling

Similar: gloomy, grave, mournful

The ceremony honoring the fallen sailors was somber, and no one spoke above a whisper.

in good condition and strong; not damaged or weak

Similar: solid, sturdy, stable

The engineer said the ship's hull was sound despite the dents from the storm.

spread thinly with lots of empty space between

Similar: thinly scattered, meager, few

Traffic on the highway was sparse at three in the morning, so the drive went quickly.

happening only now and then, without a steady pattern

Similar: irregular, occasional, scattered

Sporadic gunfire echoed across the valley, but the patrol reached the outpost without trouble.

a coil of metal that stretches or compresses and bounces back

Similar: coiled metal part, coil

The gunsmith replaced the worn spring inside the rifle's magazine.

Not genuine or valid, though made to look real

Similar: false, fake, bogus

The scientist rejected the spurious data point, which came from a broken sensor.

Basic everyday items, especially foods, that people need and use regularly

Similar: basic supplies, essentials, basics

Before the blizzard, shoppers stocked up on staples like bread, milk, eggs and canned soup.

not moving; staying in one place

Similar: motionless, still, unmoving

She rode a stationary bike in the gym while watching the news.

firmly loyal or determined and not easily changed

Similar: firm and unwavering, loyal, resolute

Through two deployments, her steadfast support kept the family strong at home.

the quality of being firm, balanced, and not shaking

Similar: stability, firmness, balance

A surgeon needs great steadiness of hand during delicate operations.

serious and strict, showing disapproval

Similar: strict, severe, harsh

The shop foreman gave a stern warning about wearing hard hats at all times.

unwilling to spend or share money or things

Similar: tightfisted, cheap, miserly

The stingy restaurant owner refused to buy his cooks a new oven.

a supply of goods kept ready for use or sale

Similar: supply, inventory, store

The field kitchen keeps a stock of canned food in case deliveries are delayed.

to make something stronger or more solid

Similar: reinforce, fortify, bolster

Daily stretching and light weights can strengthen the muscles that support your lower back.

to remove or cross out something from a list or record

Similar: delete, remove, cross out

The editor asked me to strike the last paragraph because the article ran too long.

Very strict and demanding, allowing almost no exceptions

Similar: strict, rigorous, tough

The clean room has stringent rules: workers must wear gowns, masks and gloves at all times.

to go or put completely below the surface of water

Similar: sink, dive, immerse

Before painting, submerge the brush in water for a few minutes to soften the bristles.

lower in rank, power, or importance

Similar: lower-ranking, secondary, junior

In the kitchen, the line cooks hold subordinate positions and follow the head chef's directions.

Not meeting the expected or required level of quality

Similar: below the required level, inferior, poor

The landlord was fined for renting out apartments with substandard wiring and plumbing.

so slight or delicate that it is hard to notice

Similar: barely noticeable, faint, slight

The chef added a subtle hint of lemon that most diners could barely taste.

a legal case brought against someone in court

Similar: lawsuit, legal action, case

The tenants filed a suit against their landlord over the broken heating system.

only on the surface, not deep or serious

Similar: shallow, minor, skin-deep

The hailstorm left only superficial dents on the car's hood, so repairs were cheap.

An additional charge added on top of the normal price

Similar: extra fee, added charge, additional cost

The moving company added a surcharge for carrying the piano up three flights of stairs.

going beyond a set amount, level, or record

Similar: exceeding, outdoing, topping

The new bridge is surpassing all expectations, carrying twice the traffic engineers predicted.

Done quietly and in hiding so that others will not notice

Similar: secret, sneaky, covert

During the long briefing, he took a surreptitious glance at his phone under the table.

stopped something for a while before letting it start again

Similar: stopped for a time, paused, halted

The airline suspended all flights until the snowstorm passed.

able to keep going for a long time without running out or causing harm

Similar: able to be maintained over time, renewable, lasting

The village switched to sustainable farming methods that keep the soil healthy for future crops.

kept going steadily for a long time without stopping

Similar: continued without letup, prolonged, constant

The bridge was built to handle sustained winds of over one hundred miles per hour.

made things happen at the same time or show the same time

Similar: set to show the same time, coordinated, aligned

The stage crew synchronized the lights and music so both changed on the same beat.

a short summary giving the main points of something longer

Similar: brief summary, outline, overview

The back cover of the novel offers a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot.

To put off discussing a matter until a later time

Similar: postpone, shelve, defer

The town council chose to table the zoning question until the engineers finished their survey.

understood without being spoken or written down

Similar: implied, unspoken, understood

The roommates had a tacit agreement that whoever cooked dinner would not have to wash the dishes.

saying things without caring whether they hurt or embarrass others

Similar: hurtfully blunt, insensitive, undiplomatic

His tactless comment about the bride's dress silenced the whole table at the wedding.

to pull something apart so that it rips

Similar: rip, split, shred

Be careful not to tear the shipping label when you peel it off the box.

boring and tiring because it is long, slow, or repetitive

Similar: tiresome, dull, monotonous

Entering hundreds of lab results into the spreadsheet by hand was tedious work.

to make something less harsh or intense

Similar: soften, moderate, tone down

The nurse tried to temper the bad news with words of hope for recovery.

refusing to give up or let go

Similar: persistent, determined, stubborn

The tenacious reporter called the agency every day for a month until she got an answer.

not settled or certain and still open to change

Similar: not yet final, provisional, uncertain

We made tentative plans to visit Grandma in July, depending on my leave dates.

weak and easily broken or lost

Similar: shaky, flimsy, fragile

The hikers kept only a tenuous radio connection with base camp in the deep canyon.

using very few words, often in a short or curt way

Similar: brief, curt, concise

The pilot sent a terse radio message: fuel low, returning to base.

careful with money and resources, avoiding waste

Similar: economical, frugal, sparing

My thrifty grandmother saved every rubber band and twist tie in a kitchen drawer.

happening at the right moment, without delay

Similar: prompt, well-timed, punctual

The plumber's timely arrival stopped the burst pipe from flooding the basement.

easily frightened and lacking confidence, especially around other people

Similar: shy, fearful, bashful

The timid new recruit barely spoke during his first week in the barracks.

working hard for a long time without getting worn out

Similar: never weary, untiring, energetic

The tireless volunteers stacked sandbags all night to protect the town from the flood.

the attitude or feeling shown in the way something is said or written

Similar: attitude, manner, mood

The captain's calm tone over the intercom reassured the nervous passengers.

A fast, powerful, rushing stream of water

Similar: violent rush of water, flood, deluge

After the dam gate opened, a torrent of water roared down the spillway.

pointed or directed something, such as a light or weapon, at a target

Similar: aimed, pointed, directed

The astronomer trained her telescope on the faint comet just above the eastern horizon.

Stretching or traveling across an entire continent

Similar: crossing a continent, coast-to-coast, cross-country

The first transcontinental railroad linked the eastern states with California in 1869.

a written copy of something that was spoken or recorded

Similar: written record, transcript, written copy

The doctor reviewed the transcription of her dictated notes before adding it to the chart.

to move or be moved from one place, job, or unit to another

Similar: move, relocate, shift

The hospital will transfer the patient to a larger trauma center by helicopter tonight.

lasting or staying only a short time

Similar: temporary, passing, brief

The airport lounge was full of transient travelers waiting for connecting flights.

sends a signal, message, or thing from one place to another

Similar: sends, broadcasts, relays

The tracking collar transmits the bear's location to researchers every hour.

clear enough that light passes through and objects behind can be seen

Similar: see-through, clear

The scientist stored the samples in transparent containers so she could watch them change color.

full of hidden or unexpected dangers; unsafe

Similar: dangerous, hazardous, perilous

Sailors avoid the treacherous channel where sharp rocks hide just below the surface.

involving or agreed upon by three sides or groups

Similar: involving three parties, three-sided

The three neighboring towns held trilateral talks about sharing one fire station.

of little value or importance

Similar: unimportant, minor, petty

The inspector ignored trivial scratches on the paint and focused on the cracked axle.

fully agreed on by every person involved, with no one opposed

Similar: agreed on by all, undisputed, united

The crew's vote to keep the night shift schedule was unanimous.

so strong or certain it cannot be attacked or doubted

Similar: impossible to challenge, undeniable, airtight

With a twenty-point lead in the final minute, the team's position was unassailable.

quiet and humble, not seeking attention or praise

Similar: modest, humble, low-key

The unassuming chemist rarely mentioned that her research had won a national award.

to sell at a lower price than a competitor

Similar: price below, underprice, beat on price

The airline undercut its competitors by offering cheaper flights to the coast all summer.

To open or loosen something that is fixed, buckled, or tied

Similar: release, undo, unbuckle

Passengers should not unfasten their seat belts until the plane has come to a full stop.

firm and steady, never changing or weakening

Similar: steadfast, constant, resolute

The nurse showed unwavering patience with every patient during the long overnight shift.

hard to move, carry, or manage because of size or shape

Similar: awkward to handle, bulky, clumsy

The unwieldy tent bag kept banging against the hikers' legs on the narrow trail.

pushed someone strongly to do something

Similar: strongly encouraged, pressed, pleaded with

The travel agent urged us to buy insurance before booking the trip during hurricane season.

Tools used for cooking, serving, or eating food

Similar: cooking tools, kitchenware, implements

Before the camping trip, she packed a pot, a frying pan and a bag of utensils.

not occupied or used by anyone; with nobody in it

Similar: empty, unoccupied, available

We parked in the only vacant spot left in the hotel garage.

not clear, exact, or detailed; leaving things uncertain

Similar: imprecise, unclear, fuzzy

The travel agent gave vague directions, so we got lost looking for the hotel.

likely to change or shift from time to time

Similar: changeable, fluctuating, inconsistent

Mountain weather is highly variable, so hikers should pack layers for sun and snow.

a change or difference from the usual or from something similar

Similar: difference, change, deviation

The thermometer showed only a small variation in temperature between morning and night.

including many different kinds or types

Similar: diverse, assorted, mixed

The base library offers a varied selection of books, movies, and magazines for every age.

extremely large in size, amount, or area

Similar: immense, huge, enormous

The cargo ship crossed a vast desert of water with no land in sight for days.

the quality of being true, honest, or accurate

Similar: truthfulness, accuracy, honesty

The reporter checked two other sources to confirm the veracity of the witness's statement.

Word for word, repeating the exact same words with no changes

Similar: exactly as written, word for word, precisely

The radio operator repeated the coordinates verbatim so the pilot could confirm there was no mistake.

Using far more words than needed to say something

Similar: wordy, long-winded, rambling

The verbose safety briefing ran forty minutes when ten would have covered every point.

to check that something is true or correct

Similar: confirm, check, make sure

The cashier had to verify my ID before selling me the cold medicine.

carefully watching for possible danger or trouble

Similar: watchful, alert, attentive

Lifeguards must stay vigilant all afternoon, even when the beach seems calm.

able to be seen with the eyes

Similar: able to be seen, in view, noticeable

Rust spots were visible on the hull once the boat was pulled out of the water.

the kind of work a person feels strongly drawn or suited to do

Similar: calling, career, life's work

Teaching welding to young apprentices turned out to be her real vocation.

likely to change suddenly and unpredictably, often for the worse

Similar: unstable, explosive, unpredictable

Fuel prices have been volatile this year, jumping up and down from week to week.

the amount or quantity of something, especially a large one

Similar: amount, quantity, load

The help desk saw a huge volume of calls after the new software update.

careful and watchful because something might be dangerous

Similar: cautious, alert, guarded

The electrician stayed wary of the old wiring and tested every line before touching it.

to make or become broader from side to side

Similar: broaden, expand, enlarge

The highway crew will widen the road to add a turning lane near the school.

to coil or wrap something around itself or another object

Similar: coil, wrap, reel

Wind the extension cord neatly around your elbow and hand before storing it in the truck.

produced or gave a crop, result, or amount

Similar: produced, generated, supplied

The new drilling method yielded twice as much oil as the old wells.

full of strong enthusiasm and energy for a cause or task

Similar: intensely eager, passionate, fervent

The zealous recruit was always first in formation and last to leave the training field.