Essential word for gre

1. aberrant

   markedly different from an accepted norm

   Hitler’s derived personality profile also suggested that he probably had schizophrenic tendencies, including excessive grandiosity and
   aberrant thinking.Scientific American (Dec 19, 2011)

2. abeyance

   temporary cessation or suspension

   “Usually, at the conclusion of the proceedings, final disposition was held in
   abeyance, and the alien would remain on bond,” Ms. Galvin wrote.New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)

3. abscond

   run away, often taking something or somebody along

   Police have said they are seeking help in locating a prisoner who
   absconded from a healthcare facility in Belfast.

4. abstemious

   marked by temperance in indulgence

   Garnishes were simple,
   abstemious yet effective players on the plate: squash risotto, puréed fennel, bacon-onion jam.New York Times (Nov 20, 2010)

5. abstruse

   difficult to understand

6. absurd

   inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
7. abyss

   a bottomless gulf or pit

8. acquiesce

   agree or express agreement

9. adamant

   very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem

10. adept

    having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
11. admonish

    scold or reprimand; take to task

12. adulate

    flatter in an obsequious manner

    The main man at SOM was David Childs, now aged 70, prominent for decades in American architecture but never
    adulated like its more glamorous stars.

13. adulation

    exaggerated flattery or praise

14. adulterate

    make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
15. adumbrate

    describe roughly or give the main points or summary of

16. adverse

    in an opposing direction

17. aesthete

    one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art

18. affable

    diffusing warmth and friendliness

19. affliction

    a cause of great suffering and distress
20. affluent

    having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

21. aggrandize

    embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of

    Beyond facial and vocal signs of disapproval, there are sometimes bizarre, exaggerated movements, like abrupt stops or
    aggrandized sidesteps.New York Times (Nov 7, 2011)

22. agitate

    move or cause to move back and forth

23. agog

    highly excited

24. alacrity

    liveliness and eagerness

    Thus far, although perhaps somewhat lacking in
    alacrity of persecution, no serious charges could be laid against him.Lea, Henry Charles
25. allegation

    a formal accusation against somebody

26. allegiance

    the act of binding yourself to a course of action

27. ally

    a friendly nation

28. amalgamate

    bring or combine together or with something else
29. ambiguous

    having more than one possible meaning

30. ambivalent

    uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow

31. ambrosial

    worthy of the gods

32. ameliorate

    make better

33. amenable

    disposed or willing to comply

34. anachronism

    locating something at a time when it couldn’t have existed

35. analgesic

    capable of relieving pain

36. annex

    attach to

    Opponents say Ma’s moves will make it easier for Beijing leaders to eventually
    annex Taiwan, which they view as province of China.Forbes (Jan 13, 2012)

37. annotate

    add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments

38. annul

    cancel officially
39. anomalous

    deviating from the general or common order or type

40. antediluvian

    of or relating to the period before the biblical flood

41. antipathy

    a feeling of intense dislike

42. antiseptic

    thoroughly clean and free of disease-causing organisms

43. aphoristic

    terse and witty and like a maxim
44. apocryphal

    being of questionable authenticity

45. apparition

    a ghostly appearing figure

46. appraise

    consider in a comprehensive way

47. apprehension

    fearful expectation or anticipation

48. apprise

    inform somebody of something
49. approbation

    official acceptance or agreement

50. aptitude

    inherent ability

51. aqueous

    similar to or containing or dissolved in water

52. arable

    capable of being farmed productively

53. arbitrate

    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
54. arduous

    characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion

55. articulate

    express or state clearly

56. ascetic

    someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline

57. ascribe

    attribute or credit to

58. asperity

    harshness of manner
59. aspersion

    a disparaging remark

60. aspiration

    a cherished desire

61. assess

    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of

62. assuage

    provide physical relief, as from pain

63. astringent

    tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
64. astute

    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

65. atone

    turn away from sin or do penitence

66. atrophy

    a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse

67. attentive

    taking heed

68. attenuate

    become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
69. audacious

    disposed to venture or take risks

70. augment

    enlarge or increase

71. auspicious

    indicating favorable circumstances and good luck

    Five years later, the corporate law world is again abuzz over the firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf, but for less
    auspicious reasons.New York Times (Mar 15, 2012)

72. austere

    of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor

73. avarice

    reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth

74. aver

    declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true

75. averse

    strongly opposed

76. avert

    turn away or aside

77. avid

    marked by active interest and enthusiasm

78. baleful

    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

79. balk

    refuse to proceed or comply

80. banal

    repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

    Nor is it his material, which sticks to deft takes on relatively
    banal subjects like chain stores or hipster attitudes.New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)

81. baneful

    evil or sinister

82. banter

    light teasing repartee
83. barefaced

    with no effort to conceal

84. bask

    expose oneself to warmth and light, as for relaxation

85. belie

    be in contradiction with

86. bellicose

    having or showing a ready disposition to fight

87. benevolent

    showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding
88. benign

    kind in disposition or manner

89. bilk

    cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money

    So-called boiler-rooms, where corrupt brokers
    bilked investors by manipulating stocks, were giving way to insider-trading.

90. bizarre

    conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

91. blandishment

    flattery intended to persuade
92. bleak

    unpleasantly cold and damp

93. blithe

    carefree and happy and lighthearted

94. blunder

    an embarrassing mistake

95. board

    a stout length of sawn timber

96. bog

    wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation
97. bogus

    fraudulent; having a misleading appearance

98. bolster

    support and strengthen

99. bombast

    pompous or pretentious talk or writing

    But he lost his nerve as a coproducer, going for stadium
    bombast instead of the unadorned grit these stories of hard times demand.

100. boor

     a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking refinement

101. breach

     an opening, especially a gap in a dike or fortification

102. brisk

     quick and energetic

103. brittle

     having little elasticity

104. brood

     hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing

105. burgeon

     grow and flourish

106. burlesque

     a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor

107. buttress

     a support usually of stone or brick

108. cadge

     obtain or seek to obtain by wheedling
109. cajole

     influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

110. calisthenics

     light exercises designed to promote general fitness

111. cant

     a slope in the turn of a road or track

112. caprice

     a sudden desire

113. captor

     a person who entraps and holds someone else

114. castigate

     inflict severe punishment on

115. catalyst

     substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction

116. caustic

     capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action

117. cavern

     a large cave or a large chamber in a cave

118. censor

     a person authorized to suppress unacceptable material

119. censure

     harsh criticism or disapproval

120. cessation

     a stopping

121. charter

     a document creating an institution and specifying its rights

122. chary

     characterized by great caution

123. chicanery

     the use of tricks to deceive someone

124. circumlocution

     an indirect way of expressing something

125. circumspect

     careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk

126. claim

     assert or affirm strongly

127. clot

     a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid

128. clumsy

     lacking grace in movement or posture

129. coagulant

     an agent that produces coagulation

     They were all suitable
     coagulants when used in quantity calculated from the discovered acidity, but produced rubber darker than ordinary when air-dried.Morgan, Sidney

130. coerce

     cause to do through pressure or necessity

131. cogent

     powerfully persuasive

132. cognizance

     the state or act of having knowledge of

133. coherent

     marked by an orderly and consistent relation of parts

134. collusion

     secret agreement

135. commensurate

     corresponding in size or degree or extent

     “He was terribly hyper, ambitious,” Mr. Evtushenkov said — and thus, he implied, forgot the rule about operating
     commensurate with political influence.New York Times (May 4, 2012)

136. commentator

     an expert who observes and remarks on something

137. complacent

     contented to a fault with oneself or one’s actions

138. complaisant

     showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others

139. composure

     steadiness of mind under stress

140. concede

     give over

141. conceit

     the trait of being unduly vain

142. concession

     the act of yielding

143. conciliatory

     making or willing to make concessions

144. concoct

     make something by mixing

145. concur

     happen simultaneously

146. condescend

     behave in a patronizing manner

147. conducive

     tending to bring about; being partly responsible for

148. confidential

     given in secret

149. confine

     place limits on

150. conflagration

     a very intense and uncontrolled fire

     There are concerns that the conflict could cause a regional
     conflagration that sucks in neighboring countries.Time (Mar 27, 2012)

151. conflate

     mix together different elements

152. confound

     be confusing or perplexing to

153. confrontation

     discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions

154. congruent

     corresponding in character or kind

155. conifer

     a type of tree or shrub bearing cones

156. conjecture

     believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

157. conjure

     summon into action or bring into existence

158. conscript

     enroll into service compulsorily

159. consensus

     agreement in the judgment reached by a group as a whole

160. consign

     give over to another for care or safekeeping

161. console

     give moral or emotional strength to

162. conspicuous

     obvious to the eye or mind

163. conspire

     act in agreement and in secret towards a deceitful purpose

164. consternation

     sudden shock or dismay that causes confusion

165. contend

     compete for something

166. contentious

     showing an inclination to disagree

167. contingent

     determined by conditions or circumstances that follow

168. contrite

     feeling or expressing pain or sorrow

169. controversial

     marked by or capable of causing disagreement

170. convoke

     call together

171. convoluted

     highly complex or intricate

172. corporal

     affecting the body as opposed to the mind or spirit

173. corroborate

     give evidence for

174. covert

     secret or hidden

175. covet

     wish, long, or crave for

176. cower

     crouch or curl up

177. coy

     affectedly shy especially in a playful or provocative way

178. crave

     have an appetite or great desire for

179. craven

     lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful

180. crease

     an angular indentation made by folding

181. credulity

     tendency to believe readily

182. crockery

     ceramic dishes used for serving food

183. culpable

     deserving blame or censure as being wrong or injurious

184. curb

     the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess

185. dabble

     bob under so as to feed off the bottom of a body of water

186. dampen

     lessen in force or effect

187. dangle

     hang freely

188. dazzle

     cause to lose clear vision, especially from intense light

189. dearth

     an insufficient quantity or number

190. debacle

     a sudden and complete disaster

191. debilitate

     make weak

192. decorous

     characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste

193. decorum

     propriety in manners and conduct

194. decree

     a legally binding command or decision

195. decry

     express strong disapproval of

196. dedication

     complete and wholehearted fidelity

197. defer

     yield to another’s wish or opinion

198. deference

     courteous regard for people’s feelings

199. defiance

     a hostile challenge

200. defiant

     boldly resisting authority or an opposing force

201. deft

     skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

202. delineate

     represented accurately or precisely

203. deluge

     a heavy rain

204. demote

     assign to a lower position; reduce in rank

205. demur

     politely refuse or take exception to

206. denounce

     speak out against

207. denunciation

     a public act of condemnation

208. deposition

     the act of putting something somewhere

209. deprivation

     the disadvantage that results from losing something

210. deprive

     take away

211. descry

     catch sight of

212. desiccate

     lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless

213. desperate

     a person who is frightened and in need of help

214. despicable

     morally reprehensible

215. detached

     no longer connected or joined

216. deter

     turn away from as by fear or persuasion

217. devoid

     completely wanting or lacking

218. diatribe

     thunderous verbal attack

219. dichotomy

     a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses

220. diffident

     showing modest reserve

221. digress

     wander from a direct or straight course

222. dilettante

     an amateur engaging in an activity without serious intention

223. diligent

     quietly and steadily persevering in detail or exactness

224. din

     a loud, harsh, or strident noise

225. dirge

     a song or hymn of mourning as a memorial to a dead person

226. disabuse

     free somebody from an erroneous belief

227. disassemble

     take apart

228. disburse

     expend, as from a fund

229. discomfit

     cause to lose one’s composure

230. discourse

     an extended communication dealing with some particular topic

231. discreet

     marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

232. discrete

     constituting a separate entity or part

233. disdain

     lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

234. disguise

     any attire that conceals the wearer’s identity

235. disinterested

     unaffected by concern for one’s own welfare

236. dislodge

     remove or force from a position previously occupied

237. disparate

     fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind

238. disparity

     inequality or difference in some respect

239. dispassionate

     unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice

240. dispel

     cause to separate and go in different directions

241. disprove

     show to be false

242. disrobe

     get undressed

243. dissemble

     behave unnaturally or affectedly

244. dissent

     a difference of opinion

245. distend

     cause to expand as if by internal pressure

246. distract

     draw someone’s attention away from something

247. distraught

     deeply agitated especially from emotion

248. divest

     take away possessions from someone

249. divulge

     make known to the public information previously kept secret

250. docile

     easily handled or managed

251. dogmatic

     pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative

252. doleful

     filled with or evoking sadness

253. dormant

     inactive but capable of becoming active

254. drab

     a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown

255. drawl

     a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels

256. droll

     comical in an odd or whimsical manner

257. drone

     make a monotonous low dull sound

258. drought

     a shortage of rainfall

259. dubious

     fraught with uncertainty or doubt

260. dumbfound

     be a mystery or bewildering to

261. dupe

     fool or hoax

262. dwarf

     a person who is markedly small

263. dwindle

     become smaller or lose substance

264. ebullient

     joyously unrestrained

265. eclectic

     selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas

266. efface

     remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing

267. efficacious

     giving the power to produce an intended result

268. effrontery

     audacious behavior that you have no right to

269. egalitarian

     favoring social equality

270. egregious

     conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible

271. elicit

     call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response

272. eloquence

     powerful and effective language

273. elucidate

     make clear and comprehensible

274. elusive

     skillful at evading capture

275. embellish

     make more attractive, as by adding ornament or color

276. embrace

     squeeze tightly in your arms, usually with fondness

277. emissary

     someone sent to represent another’s interests

278. emollient

     a substance with a soothing effect when applied to the skin

     Unlike his
     emollient predecessor, Sir Rod Eddington, Walsh has an uncompromising style and has proved willing to confront unions head-on, with decidedly mixed results.

279. enchant

     cast a spell over someone or something

280. encomium

     a formal expression of praise

281. encroach

     advance beyond the usual limit

282. encumber

     hold back, impede, or weigh down

283. endeavor

     attempt by employing effort

284. endorse

     approve of

285. enervate

     weaken physically, mentally, or morally

286. engender

     call forth

287. engrossed

     giving or marked by complete attention to

288. enigma

     something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

289. enlist

     join the military

290. ensign

     a person who holds a commissioned rank in the U.S. Navy

291. enthral

     hold spellbound

292. entrenched

     dug in

293. ephemeral

     anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day

294. epistemology

     the philosophical theory of knowledge

295. epistle

     a specially long, formal letter

296. epithet

     descriptive word or phrase

297. epitome

     a standard or typical example

298. equivocate

     be deliberately ambiguous or unclear

299. equivocation

     intentional vagueness or ambiguity

300. eradicate

     destroy completely, as if down to the roots

301. erratic

     liable to sudden unpredictable change

302. erudite

     having or showing profound knowledge

303. eschew

     avoid and stay away from deliberately

304. esoteric

     understandable only by an enlightened inner circle

305. espouse

     choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.

306. espy

     catch sight of

307. ethos

     the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era

308. euphemism

     an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one

309. euphoria

     a feeling of great elation

310. evanescent

     short-lived; tending to vanish or disappear

311. evict

     expel or eject without recourse to legal process

312. evoke

     call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response

313. exacerbate

     make worse

314. exculpate

     pronounce not guilty of criminal charges

315. exemplary

     worthy of imitation

316. exemplify

     be characteristic of

317. exhort

     spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts

318. exigent

     demanding immediate attention

319. exonerate

     pronounce not guilty of criminal charges

320. exorbitant

     greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

321. expend

     use up or consume fully

322. expiate

     make amends for

323. explicit

     precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable

324. exploit

     use or manipulate to one’s advantage

325. extant

     still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost

326. extempore

     with little or no preparation or forethought

327. extensive

     large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

328. extent

     the point or degree to which something extends

329. extol

     praise, glorify, or honor

330. extravagant

     recklessly wasteful

331. exuberant

     joyously unrestrained

332. facetious

     cleverly amusing in tone

333. faddish

     intensely fashionable or popular for a short time

     In the West investing in fine wine instead of equities, bonds or commodities has become something of a
     faddish way to diversify one’s portfolio.

334. fallacious

     containing or based on incorrect reasoning

335. fallacy

     a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning

336. falter

     move hesitatingly, as if about to give way

337. fanatical

     marked by excessive enthusiasm for a cause or idea

338. fathom

     a linear unit of measurement for water depth

339. fawn

     a young deer

340. feckless

     generally incompetent and ineffectual

341. feign

     make believe with the intent to deceive

342. felicitate

     express congratulations

343. felon

     someone who has been legally convicted of a crime

344. fervent

     characterized by intense emotion

345. fervid

     characterized by intense emotion

346. fervor

     feelings of great warmth and intensity

347. feud

     a bitter quarrel between two parties

348. fickle

     liable to sudden unpredictable change

349. fidget

     move restlessly

350. finicky

     fussy, especially about details

351. flamboyant

     tending to attract attention; marked by ostentatious display

352. flatter

     praise somewhat dishonestly

353. flaunt

     display proudly

354. fledgling

     young bird that has just become capable of flying

355. flimsy

     a thin strong lightweight translucent paper

356. flinch

     draw back, as with fear or pain

357. flippant

     showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness

358. flirt

     talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions

359. flop

     fall loosely

360. florid

     elaborately or excessively ornamented

361. flounder

     move clumsily or struggle to move, as in mud or water

362. flout

     treat with contemptuous disregard

363. fluffy

     like down or as soft as down

364. fluke

     a stroke of luck

365. flustered

     thrown into a state of agitated confusion

366. foible

     a minor weakness or peculiarity in someone’s character

367. foment

     try to stir up

368. foment

     try to stir up

369. foolhardy

     marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

370. foppish

     overly concerned with extreme elegance in dress and manner

371. foreclosure

     proceedings initiated to repossess the collateral for a loan

372. forestall

     keep from happening or arising; make impossible

373. forge

     create by hammering

374. forgery

     criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument

375. formidable

     extremely impressive in strength or excellence

376. forthright

     directly and without evasion; not roundabout

377. fortuitous

     lucky; occurring by happy chance

378. foster

     providing nurture though not related by blood or legal ties

379. fracas

     a noisy quarrel

380. fraud

     intentional deception resulting in injury to another person

381. frenzy

     state of violent mental agitation

382. fret

     be agitated or irritated

383. frivolous

     not serious in content, attitude, or behavior

384. frown

     a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

385. fulminate

     cause to explode violently and with loud noise

386. furtive

     secret and sly

387. gaffe

     a socially awkward or tactless act

388. gainsay

     take exception to

389. garner

     assemble or get together

390. garrulous

     full of trivial conversation

391. gauche

     lacking social polish

     It was not that long ago he appeared
     gauche and unco-ordinated, every bit a former second-row camping out on the wing.

392. gaudy

     tastelessly showy

393. gavel

     a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge

394. ghastly

     shockingly repellent; inspiring horror

395. gird

     bind with something round or circular

396. gist

     the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

397. glib

     artfully persuasive in speech

398. gloat

     dwell on with satisfaction

399. goad

     stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick

400. gorge

     a deep ravine, usually with a river running through it

401. gossamer

     a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture

402. gouge

     an impression in a surface, as made by a blow

403. gravel

     rock fragments and pebbles

404. gravity

     the force of attraction between all masses in the universe

405. grazing

     the act of grazing

406. gregarious

     temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others

407. grill

     a framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate

408. grovel

     show submission or fear

409. grudging

     petty or reluctant in giving or spending

410. grumble

     make complaining remarks or noises under one’s breath

411. guarded

     cautious and reserved

412. guile

     shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception

413. guileless

     innocent and free of deceit

414. gullible

     naive and easily deceived or tricked

415. hackneyed

     repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse

416. hallucinate

     have illusions; perceive what is not actually there

417. hamper

     prevent the progress or free movement of

418. hapless

     unfortunate and deserving pity

419. harangue

     a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion

420. harbor

     a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo

421. herbaceous

     characteristic of a nonwoody herb or plant part

422. heretic

     a person whose religious beliefs conflict with church dogma

423. heretical

     departing from accepted beliefs or standards

424. heterodox

     characterized by departure from accepted standards

425. hoax

     something intended to deceive

426. holster

     a sheath for carrying a handgun

427. homeopathy

     a method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated

428. hyperbole

     extravagant exaggeration

429. hypocritical

     professing feelings or virtues one does not have

430. iconoclast

     someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions

431. idiosyncrasy

     a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual

432. idolatrous

     relating to or practicing idolatry

433. illicit

     contrary to accepted morality or convention

434. imbibe

     take in liquids

435. imbue

     spread or diffuse through

436. immutable

     not subject or susceptible to change or variation

437. impair

     make worse or less effective

438. impassive

     having or revealing little emotion or sensibility

439. impecunious

     not having enough money to pay for necessities

440. impede

     be a hindrance or obstacle to

441. impediment

     something immaterial that interferes with action or progress

442. imperative

     requiring attention or action

443. imperious

     having or showing arrogant superiority

444. impervious

     not admitting of passage or capable of being affected

445. impetuous

     characterized by undue haste and lack of thought

446. implacable

     incapable of being appeased or pacified

447. imposture

     pretending to be another person

448. impregnable

     incapable of being attacked or tampered with

449. impromptu

     with little or no preparation or forethought

450. improvidence

     a lack of prudence, care, or foresight

451. improvise

     manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand

452. impudent

     improperly forward or bold

453. impugn

     attack as false or wrong

454. impunity

     exemption from punishment or loss

455. inadvertent

     happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally

456. inauspicious

     boding ill

457. inchoate

     only partly in existence; imperfectly formed

458. incidence

     the relative frequency of occurrence of something

459. incipient

     only partly in existence; imperfectly formed

460. incongruous

     lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness

461. incorrigible

     impervious to correction by punishment

462. incursion

     the act of entering some territory or domain

463. indelible

     not able to be forgotten, removed, or erased

464. indict

     accuse formally of a crime

465. indigenous

     originating where it is found

466. indignant

     angered at something unjust or wrong

467. induce

     cause to act in a specified manner

468. indulge

     yield to; give satisfaction to

469. ineffable

     defying expression or description

470. inept

     generally incompetent and ineffectual

471. inextricable

     incapable of being disentangled or untied

472. infiltrate

     pass through an enemy line in a military conflict

473. inflammable

     easily ignited

474. infuse

     fill, as with a certain quality

475. ingenious

     showing inventiveness and skill

476. ingenuous

     lacking in sophistication or worldliness

477. ingrained

     deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held

478. inimical

     tending to obstruct or cause harm

479. iniquitous

     characterized by injustice or wickedness

480. innocuous

     not injurious to physical or mental health

481. inopportune

     not suitable for a purpose

482. inquisitive

     given to questioning

483. insatiate

     impossible to satisfy

484. insensible

     barely able to be perceived

485. insignia

     a badge worn to show official position

486. insinuate

     suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand

487. insipid

     lacking interest or significance or impact

488. insular

     relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island

489. intact

     undamaged in any way

490. interregnum

     the time between two reigns or governments

491. intransigent

     impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, or reason

492. intrepid

     invulnerable to fear or intimidation

493. intricate

     having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

494. intrigue

     a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends

495. inundate

     fill or cover completely, usually with water

496. inured

     made tough by habitual exposure

497. invective

     abusive language used to express blame or censure

498. invert

     turn inside out or upside down

499. invigorate

     give life or energy to

500. invoke

     request earnestly; ask for aid or protection

501. irascible

     quickly aroused to anger

502. irate

     feeling or showing extreme anger

503. jamb

     a vertical side piece of a door or window frame

504. jeer

     laugh at with contempt and derision

505. jeopardy

     a source of danger

506. jest

     activity characterized by good humor

507. jocular

     characterized by jokes and good humor

508. jovial

     full of or showing high-spirited merriment

509. judicious

     marked by the exercise of common sense in practical matters

510. lackluster

     not having brilliance or vitality

511. laconic

     brief and to the point

512. lasso

     a long noosed rope used to catch animals

513. latitude

     an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator

514. laudable

     worthy of high praise

515. lavish

     very generous

516. leash

     restraint consisting of a rope used to restrain an animal

517. leaven

     a substance used to produce fermentation in dough

518. lethargic

     deficient in alertness or activity

519. lethargy

     inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy

520. levee

     an embankment built to prevent a river from overflowing

521. leviathan

     the largest or most massive thing of its kind

522. levy

     impose and collect

523. libertine

     unrestrained by convention or morality

524. ligneous

     consisting of or resembling wood

     The interior is filled with a powder that under the microscope appears to be made up of
     ligneous filaments mixed with a few spores.Lloyd, C. G.

525. limerick

     a humorous rhymed verse form of five lines

     “It was no problem,” said Ms. Campbell, who lives in Lake Oswego, Ore., and uses her iPad daily to write
     limericks and reread classic novels.New York Times (Sep 1, 2010)

526. limp

     walk impeded by some physical injury

527. linen

     a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant

528. literal

     limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text

529. lizard

     relatively long-bodied reptile with legs and a tapering tail

530. loafer

     a person who is idle and does no work

531. loll

     be lazy or idle

532. loom

     a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile

533. lope

     run easily

534. loquacious

     full of trivial conversation

535. lucid

     transparently clear; easily understandable

536. lucrative

     producing a sizeable profit

537. ludicrous

     inviting ridicule

538. lugubrious

     excessively mournful

539. lull

     make calm or still

540. lumber

     the wood of trees prepared for use as building material

541. luminous

     softly bright or radiant

542. lustrous

     reflecting light

543. mace

     a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of office

544. macerate

     soften and cause to disintegrate as a result

545. magnanimity

     nobility and generosity of spirit

546. malapropism

     misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar

547. malevolent

     wishing or appearing to wish evil to others

548. malign

     speak unfavorably about

549. malingerer

     someone shirking duty by feigning illness or incapacity

     Stanford failed tests designed to expose
     malingerers, a psychologist testified yesterday in Houston.

550. manifest

     clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

551. martial

     suggesting war or military life

552. martinet

     someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms

553. maverick

     someone who exhibits independence in thought and action

554. meager

     deficient in amount or quality or extent

555. meddle

     intrude in other people’s affairs or business

556. mediocre

     moderate to inferior in quality

557. mend

     restore by putting together what is torn or broken

558. mendacious

     given to lying

559. mercenary

     a person hired to fight for another country than their own

560. mercurial

     liable to sudden unpredictable change

561. metaphysics

     the philosophical study of being and knowing

562. meticulous

     marked by precise accordance with details

563. mettle

     the courage to carry on

564. mettlesome

     having a proud, courageous, and unbroken spirit

565. minuscule

     very small

566. mirth

     great merriment

567. misanthrope

     someone who dislikes people in general

568. misnomer

     an incorrect or unsuitable name

569. misogynist

     a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular

570. mistrust

     regard with suspicion

571. mitigate

     lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

572. moat

     ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water

573. mollify

     cause to be more favorably inclined

574. mollycoddle

     treat with excessive indulgence

     The behaviorist John B. Watson argued that
     mollycoddled toddlers grew into weak and whiny adults.Slate (Dec 7, 2010)

575. molt

     cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers

576. morose

     showing a brooding ill humor

577. mosaic

     design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass

578. mundane

     found in the ordinary course of events

579. nadir

     the lowest point of anything

580. narcotic

     a drug that produces numbness or stupor

581. nausea

     the state that precedes vomiting

582. nefarious

     extremely wicked

583. neglect

     leave undone or leave out

584. neuralgia

     acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves

585. nocturnal

     belonging to or active during the night

586. noisome

     causing or able to cause nausea

587. nonchalant

     marked by casual unconcern or indifference

588. nondescript

     lacking distinct or individual characteristics

589. nonplused

     filled with bewilderment

     Mr. Reginald Kent looked rather
     nonplused and Mr. Tucker handed me his gun to hold while he rolled in the leaves for very joy.Speed, Nell

590. note

     a brief written record

591. notion

     a general inclusive concept

592. oaf

     an awkward, foolish person

593. obdurate

     stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing

594. obeisance

     bending the head or body in reverence or submission

595. obelisk

     a stone pillar tapering towards a pyramidal top

596. obese

     excessively large

597. obfuscate

     make obscure or unclear

598. obituary

     a notice of someone’s death

599. objurgate

     censure severely

600. objurgation

     rebuking a person harshly

     Then more blows, a general rising up of that part of the congregation, and a pouring out of profane
     objurgations that was surprising.McBride, R. E.

601. oblation

     the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity

602. obligatory

     required by compulsion or convention

603. oblique

     slanting or inclined in direction or course or position

604. obliquity

     the quality of being deliberately vague or deceptive

605. obliterate

     remove completely from recognition or memory

606. oblivion

     the state of being disregarded or forgotten

607. obloquy

     state of disgrace resulting from public abuse

608. obnoxious

     causing disapproval or protest

609. obscure

     not clearly understood or expressed

610. obsequious

     attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery

611. obsession

     an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something

612. obsidian

     glass formed by the cooling of lava without crystallization

613. obsolete

     no longer in use

614. obstetrician

     a physician specializing in childbirth

615. obstreperous

     noisily and stubbornly defiant

616. obtrude

     push to thrust outward

617. obtrusive

     sticking out; protruding

618. obtuse

     of an angle, between 90 and 180 degrees

619. obviate

     do away with

620. obvious

     easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

621. occult

     supernatural forces and events and beings collectively

622. oculist

     a person skilled in testing for defects of vision

623. odious

     extremely repulsive or unpleasant

624. odium

     hate coupled with disgust

625. odoriferous

     emitting a smell, especially an unpleasant smell

626. odorous

     having a characteristic aroma

627. offal

     viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal

628. offertory

     the offerings of the congregation at a religious service

     It is very difficult to say whether they should be read before or after the
     offertory and prayer for the Church Militant.Unknown

629. officious

     intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

630. ogle

     stare or look at, especially with amorous intentions

631. olfactory

     of or relating to the sense of smell

632. oligarchy

     a political system governed by a few people

633. ominous

     threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

634. omnipotent

     having unlimited power

635. omnipresent

     existing everywhere at once

636. omniscient

     knowing, seeing, or understanding everything

637. omnivorous

     feeding on both plants and animals

638. onerous

     burdensome or difficult to endure

639. onomatopoeia

     using words that imitate the sound they denote

640. onslaught

     an offensive against an enemy

641. onus

     a burdensome or difficult concern

642. opalescent

     having a play of lustrous rainbow colors

643. opaque

     not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy

644. opiate

     a narcotic drug

645. opportune

     suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose

646. opportunist

     a person who places expediency above principle

647. opprobrious

     expressing offensive reproach

648. opprobrium

     a state of extreme dishonor

649. optician

     a worker who makes glasses for remedying defects of vision

650. optimum

     most desirable possible under a restriction

651. optometrist

     a person skilled in testing for defects of vision

652. opulence

     wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living

653. opus

     a musical work that has been created

654. oratorio

     a musical composition for voices and orchestra

655. ordinance

     an authoritative rule

656. orientation

     the act of determining one’s position

657. orifice

     an opening, especially one that opens into a bodily cavity

658. orison

     reverent petition to a deity

659. ornate

     marked by complexity and richness of detail

660. ornithologist

     a scientist who studies birds

661. ornithology

     the branch of zoology that studies birds

662. orotund

     overly formal and pompous in style

     It may, of course, vary in pitch, but tones of low pitch that are intended to be impressive are most suitably rendered in
     orotund quality.Ontario. Ministry of Education

663. orthography

     representing the sounds of a language by written symbols

664. oscillate

     move or swing from side to side regularly

665. ossified

     set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior or beliefs

     But voters like George Pappas, 37, a physical therapist, say they’re equally as angry at the
     ossified politics at home.

666. ostensible

     appearing as such but not necessarily so

667. ostentatious

     intended to attract notice and impress others

668. ostracism

     the act of excluding someone from society by general consent

669. ostracize

     expel from a community or group

670. outgrowth

     the gradual beginning or coming forth

671. outmoded

     no longer in fashion

672. outset

     the time at which something is supposed to begin

673. overhaul

     make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to

674. overt

     open and observable; not secret or hidden

675. overture

     orchestral music at the beginning of an opera or musical

676. overweening

     presumptuously arrogant

677. overwrought

     deeply agitated especially from emotion

678. pan

     shallow container made of metal

679. panegyric

     formally expressing praise

680. paragon

     a perfect embodiment of a concept

681. parasite

     an animal or plant that lives in or on a host

682. parquetry

     a patterned wood inlay used to cover a floor

     He seemed like a clumsy circus hero as he scraped his feet over the
     parquetry and attempted to kiss her hand.Huneker, James

683. pathology

     the branch of medical science that studies diseases

684. paucity

     an insufficient quantity or number

685. pebble

     a small smooth rounded rock

686. peccadillo

     a petty misdeed

     Mr. Hurd’s supposed
     peccadilloes were a smoke screen for the real reason they got rid of an executive they didn’t trust and employees didn’t like.New York Times (Aug 13, 2010)

687. pedant

     a person who pays too much attention to formal rules

688. pedantry

     an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning

689. pedestrian

     a person who travels by foot

690. peer

     look searchingly

691. penchant

     a strong liking or preference

692. penury

     a state of extreme poverty or destitution

693. perch

     an elevated place serving as a seat

694. peremptory

     putting an end to all debate or action

695. perennial

     lasting an indefinitely long time

696. perfidious

     tending to betray

697. perfidy

     an act of deliberate betrayal

698. perfunctory

     hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

699. pernicious

     exceedingly harmful

700. perpetuate

     cause to continue or prevail

701. perplex

     be a mystery or bewildering to

702. pertinent

     being of striking appropriateness

703. pervade

     spread or diffuse through

704. pestilence

     any epidemic disease with a high death rate

705. petition

     a formal request that something be submitted to an authority

706. petulance

     an irritable feeling

707. petulant

     easily irritated or annoyed

708. philanthropist

     someone who makes charitable donations

709. phlegmatic

     showing little emotion

710. pillage

     steal goods; take as spoils

711. pine

     a coniferous tree

712. piquant

     having an agreeably pungent taste

713. pique

     call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response

714. pitch

     the high or low quality of a sound

715. pith

     spongelike central cylinder of the stems of flowering plants

716. placate

     cause to be more favorably inclined

717. placid

     calm and free from disturbance

718. plaintiff

     a person who brings an action in a court of law

719. plaintive

     expressing sorrow

720. platitude

     a trite or obvious remark

721. plea

     a humble request for help from someone in authority

722. plead

     appeal or request earnestly

723. plethora

     extreme excess

724. plod

     walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

725. pluck

     pull lightly but sharply

726. plumb

     exactly vertical

727. plummet

     drop sharply

728. polemic

     a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma

729. polymath

     a person of great and varied learning

     Often described as a
     polymath, Sunstein is fluent in political science and churns out books.Slate (Apr 12, 2010)

730. ponderous

     having great mass and weight and unwieldiness

731. posit

     take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom

732. posture

     the arrangement of the body and its limbs

733. practitioner

     someone who carries out a learned profession

734. preamble

     a preliminary introduction, as to a statute or constitution

735. precarious

     not secure; beset with difficulties

736. precedence

     status established in order of importance or urgency

737. precious

     of high worth or cost

738. precipice

     a very steep cliff

739. precipitate

     bring about abruptly

740. precipitous

     extremely steep

741. preclude

     make impossible, especially beforehand

742. precursor

     something indicating the approach of something or someone

743. predilection

     a predisposition in favor of something

744. predisposition

     an inclination to interpret statements in a particular way

745. preen

     clean with one’s bill

746. premise

     a statement that is held to be true

747. prerogative

     a right reserved exclusively by a person or group

748. prescience

     the power to foresee the future

749. presume

     take to be the case or to be true

750. presumption

     a premise that is taken for granted

751. presumptuous

     going beyond what is appropriate, permitted, or courteous

752. prevaricate

     be deliberately ambiguous or unclear

753. pristine

     immaculately clean and unused

754. probity

     complete and confirmed integrity

755. proclamation

     a formal public statement

756. proclivity

     a natural inclination

757. prodigal

     recklessly wasteful

758. prodigality

     the trait of spending extravagantly

759. prodigious

     great in size, force, extent, or degree

760. prodigy

     an unusually gifted or intelligent person

761. profligate

     unrestrained by convention or morality

762. profound

     situated at or extending to great depth

763. profundity

     the quality of being physically deep

764. profuse

     produced or growing in extreme abundance

765. prolong

     lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer

766. prompt

     according to schedule or without delay

767. prone

     having a tendency

768. propensity

     a natural inclination

769. propitiate

     make peace with

770. proposition

     a suggestion offered for acceptance or rejection

771. propriety

     correct behavior

772. prosaic

     lacking wit or imagination

773. protracted

     relatively long in duration

774. provocation

     a means of arousing or stirring to action

775. provocative

     serving or tending to excite or stimulate

776. prudent

     marked by sound judgment

777. prune

     cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of

778. pucker

     gather something into small wrinkles or folds

779. pugnacious

     ready and able to resort to force or violence

780. pundit

     an expert who publicly gives opinions via mass media

781. pungent

     strong and sharp to the sense of taste or smell

782. pusillanimous

     lacking in courage, strength, and resolution

783. putrefy

     decay with an offensive smell

784. quack

     the sound made by a duck

785. quaff

     swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught

786. qualm

     uneasiness about the fitness of an action

787. quarantine

     isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease

788. quash

     declare invalid

789. quenching

     the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning

790. quibble

     evade the truth of a point by raising irrelevant objections

791. quiescence

     a state of possibly temporary inaction or dormancy

792. quintessential

     representing the perfect example of a class or quality

793. quiver

     shake with fast, tremulous movements

794. quotidian

     found in the ordinary course of events

795. ramification

     a consequence, especially one that causes complications

796. rampant

     occurring or increasing in an unrestrained way

797. ranger

     an official responsible for managing an area of forest

798. rarefy

     lessen the density or solidity of

799. rash

     imprudently incurring risk

800. rationale

     an explanation of the fundamental reasons

801. recalcitrant

     stubbornly resistant to authority or control

802. recant

     formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief

803. recede

     pull back or move away or backward

804. reciprocal

     concerning each of two or more persons or things

805. reckless

     marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

806. recluse

     one who lives in solitude

807. recompense

     make payment to

808. recondite

     difficult to understand

809. recourse

     act of turning to for assistance

810. redeem

     exchange or buy back for money; under threat

811. redoubtable

     inspiring fear

812. refractory

     stubbornly resistant to authority or control

813. refurbish

     improve the appearance or functionality of

814. reinstate

     bring back into original existence, function, or position

815. rejoicing

     a feeling of great happiness

816. remorse

     a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed

817. rescind

     cancel officially

818. reticent

     reluctant to draw attention to yourself

819. reverberate

     ring or echo with sound

820. rigor

     excessive sternness

821. rotundity

     the roundness of a 3-dimensional object

     The greater bulk of the latter is situated immediately beneath the skin, and occasions that beautiful
     rotundity so much admired in children.Blacklock, Ambrose

822. salvage

     rescuing a ship or its crew from a shipwreck or a fire

823. sate

     fill to contentment

824. saturnine

     bitter or scornful

825. savant

     a learned person

826. scattered

     lacking orderly continuity

827. sedulous

     marked by care and persistent effort

828. shatter

     break into many pieces

829. shirk

     avoid one’s assigned duties

830. shrill

     having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones

831. shuck

     material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

832. shun

     avoid and stay away from deliberately

833. shunt

     a conductor diverting a fraction of current from a device

834. simper

     smile in an insincere, unnatural, or coy way

835. sinister

     wicked, evil, or dishonorable

836. sip

     drink in sips

837. skeptical

     marked by or given to doubt

838. sketchy

     giving only major points; lacking completeness

839. skiff

     a small boat propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

840. slack

     not tense or taut

841. sloppy

     lacking neatness or order

842. slur

     utter indistinctly

843. smother

     deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing

844. sober

     not affected by a chemical substance, especially alcohol

845. somber

     serious and gloomy in character

846. sordid

     foul and run-down and repulsive

847. specious

     plausible but false

848. spell

     write or name the letters that comprise the accepted form of

849. spendthrift

     someone who spends money freely or wastefully

850. spine

     the series of vertebrae forming the backbone

851. sporadic

     recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances

852. spurious

     plausible but false

853. squalid

     foul and run-down and repulsive

854. squander

     spend thoughtlessly; throw away

855. squelch

     suppress or crush completely

856. stake

     a strong wooden or metal post driven into the ground

857. stark

     severely simple

858. startle

     surprise greatly

859. steadfast

     marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

860. steep

     having a sharp inclination

861. stickler

     someone who insists on something

862. stiff

     incapable of or resistant to bending

863. stifled

     held in check with difficulty

864. stigma

     a symbol of disgrace or infamy

865. stigmatize

     condemn or openly brand as disgraceful

866. stint

     supply sparingly and with restricted quantities

867. stipulate

     make an express demand or provision in an agreement

868. stockade

     fortification consisting of a fence set firmly for defense

869. stoop

     bend one’s back forward from the waist on down

870. strain

     exert much effort or energy

871. stray

     wander from a direct course or at random

872. striate

     marked with stripes

873. strive

     attempt by employing effort

874. strut

     walk in a proud, confident way

875. subdue

     put down by force or intimidation

876. suborn

     incite to commit a crime or an evil deed

877. subpoena

     a writ issued to compel the attendance of a witness

878. subsequent

     following in time or order

879. subside

     wear off or die down

880. substantial

     real; having a material or factual existence

881. succumb

     give in, as to overwhelming force, influence, or pressure

882. supplant

     take the place or move into the position of

883. supplicate

     ask for humbly or earnestly, as in prayer

884. susceptible

     yielding readily to or capable of

885. sway

     move back and forth

886. swift

     moving very fast

887. swindle

     (offensive) deprive of by deceit

888. syncopated

     stressing a normally weak beat

889. tacit

     implied by or inferred from actions or statements

890. taciturn

     habitually reserved and uncommunicative

891. tamp

     press down tightly

892. tangential

     of superficial relevance if any

893. tangible

     perceptible by the senses, especially the sense of touch

894. tantalize

     harass with persistent teasing or baiting

895. tapestry

     a wall hanging of heavy fabric with pictorial designs

896. tarnish

     make or become dirty or dull, as by exposure to air

897. taut

     pulled or drawn tight

898. temperate

     not extreme

899. tenable

     based on sound reasoning or evidence

900. tentative

     hesitant or lacking confidence; unsettled in mind or opinion

901. tepid

     moderately warm

902. tirade

     a speech of violent denunciation

903. topple

     fall down, as if collapsing

904. torment

     intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain

905. torpid

     in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation

906. torpor

     a state of motor and mental inactivity

907. tout

     advertise in strongly positive terms

908. traitor

     a person who says one thing and does another

909. trample

     tread or stomp heavily or roughly

910. transgress

     act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises

911. treacherous

     dangerously unstable and unpredictable

912. tremor

     an involuntary vibration, as if from illness or fear

913. trenchant

     having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought

914. trepidation

     a feeling of alarm or dread

915. truce

     a state of peace agreed to between opponents

916. truculence

     stubborn and defiant aggressiveness

     He shoved his horse past me and up to Miss Bennett, his red moustache bristling,
     truculence in every outline of his heavy shoulders.Ross, Martin

917. turpitude

     a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice

918. tyro

     someone new to a field or activity

919. unequivocal

     admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding

920. untenable

     incapable of being defended or justified

921. untoward

     not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper

922. uphold

     stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals

923. uproar

     a state of commotion and noise and confusion

924. usurp

     seize and take control without authority

925. vacillate

     be undecided about something

926. vagary

     an unexpected and inexplicable change in something

927. vagrant

     a wanderer with no established residence or means of support

928. valiant

     having or showing heroism or courage

929. vanity

     feelings of excessive pride

930. varnish

     a coating that provides a hard, lustrous finish to a surface

931. vehemence

     intensity or forcefulness of expression

932. venerable

     profoundly honored

933. venerate

     regard with feelings of respect and reverence

934. veracious

     habitually speaking the truth

935. veracity

     unwillingness to tell lies

936. verdant

     characterized by abundance of vegetation and green foliage

937. veritable

     not counterfeit or copied

938. vertigo

     a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall

939. vex

     disturb, especially by minor irritations

940. viable

     capable of life or normal growth and development

941. vicious

     having the nature of evildoing

942. vigilance

     the process of paying close and continuous attention

943. vigor

     forceful exertion

944. vilify

     spread negative information about

945. vindicate

     show to be right by providing justification or proof

946. vindictive

     disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge

947. vituperate

     spread negative information about

948. vituperative

     marked by harshly abusive criticism

     Tennessee Williams’s later work would be lucky to be deemed problematic, so
     vituperative have commentators been in their appraisals over time.New York Times (May 17, 2011)

949. vogue

     a current state of general acceptance and use

950. volubility

     the quality of being facile in speech and writing

951. voluptuous

     displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses

952. voracious

     devouring or craving food in great quantities

953. vulnerable

     capable of being wounded or hurt

954. wan

     pale, as of a person’s complexion

955. wardrobe

     a piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes

956. wary

     marked by keen caution and watchful prudence

957. waver

     pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

958. weary

     physically and mentally fatigued

959. welter

     a confused multitude of things

960. wheedle

     influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

961. whimsical

     determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity

     Dessert is an afterthought at Topaz Thai: her daughter, Aliyah, concocts some
     whimsical confections, like fried Oreos and brownies served with ice cream.New York Times (Mar 9, 2012)

962. wile

     the use of tricks to deceive someone

963. withhold

     hold back; refuse to hand over or share

964. zealot

     a fervent and even militant proponent of something

     Tyranny likes courtiers, flatterers, followers, fawners, and superstition wants believers, disciples,
     zealots, hypocrites, and subscribers.Ingersoll, Robert Green

965. zenith

     the highest point of something

     Performance increased at a slower pace after age 20, reaching a
     zenith of 83 percent correct responses for study volunteers between ages 30 and 34.

966. zephyr

     a slight wind

     Thy
     zephyrs soft, thy falling showers, No more have charms for me; Maternal Summer, too, adieu!—Ballou, Maturin Murray

Created on May 10, 2012
(updated August 10, 2012)