convolute
Definition: (verb) Practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive. Synonyms: pervert, sophisticate, twist. Usage: Her lawyer …
Category: Today’s Word
Today’s Word
roughshod
adjective: 1. Domineering; bullying; brutal. 2. Having horseshoes with projecting nails or calks to prevent slipping. adverb: In a domineering or harsh manner.
bootless
Definition: (adjective) Unproductive of success. Synonyms: fruitless, futile, sleeveless, vain. Usage: He would like to have done with life and its vanity altogether—so bootless and …
sabotage
verb tr.: To disrupt, damage, or destroy, especially in an underhanded manner. noun: An instance of such subversion.
grotesque
Definition: (adjective) Characterized by ludicrous, repulsive, or incongruous distortion, as of appearance or manner. Synonyms: monstrous. Usage: The addition of the grotesque, intentionally distorted sculpture …
malcontent
Definition: (adjective) Discontented as toward authority. Synonyms: disaffected, ill-affected, rebellious. Usage: The film follows three malcontent teenagers as they gather a following of like-minded peers …
deadening
Definition: (adjective) So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness. Synonyms: boring, ho-hum, irksome, tedious, tiresome, wearisome, dull, slow. Usage: He envied Joe, down …
gainpain
noun: 1. A long thick glove: gauntlet. 2. A hired soldier: mercenary.
minatory
Definition: (adjective) Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments. Synonyms: menacing, ominous, sinister, baleful, forbidding. Usage: Number 3, Lauriston Gardens wore an ill-omened and minatory …
scaldabanco
noun: A fiery speaker, especially a preacher.
coterie
Definition: (noun) An exclusive circle of people with a common purpose. Synonyms: clique, ingroup, camp, pack. Usage: This little coterie of friends was composed of …
cache-sexe
noun: A small garment to cover the genitals.
go-between
Definition: (noun) A negotiator who acts as a link between parties. Synonyms: intercessor, intermediary, mediator. Usage: A skilled go-between can prove invaluable to businesses when …
skitterbrook
noun: A coward.
pommel
Definition: (verb) Strike, usually with the fist. Synonyms: biff. Usage: Arthur now uses the school's back entrance because bullies are often loitering in the front, …
amuse-gueule
noun: A small item of food served as an appetizer.
luster
Definition: (noun) The visual property of something that shines with reflected light. Synonyms: sheen, shininess. Usage: Distant masses of plants and flowers, mingled in ever-varying …
abductor
Definition: (noun) Someone who unlawfully seizes and detains a victim (usually for ransom). Synonyms: kidnapper, snatcher. Usage: Until dark the Englishman searched the nearby jungle …
consanguineous
Definition: (adjective) Related by blood. Synonyms: kin, cognate. Usage: Howard felt like an outsider in his adoptive family, as if he were somehow intruding on …
prissy
adjective: Overly prim and precise so as to appear prudish or finicky.
clamorous
Definition: (adjective) Conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry. Synonyms: strident, vociferous, blatant. Usage: The clamorous din of voices filled the air, and the …
shero
noun: A woman admired for her courage, achievements, or noble qualities.
well-timed
Definition: (adjective) Done or happening at the appropriate or proper time. Synonyms: seasonable, timely. Usage: When there were quarrels, his kindly smile and well-timed jests …
cremains
noun: Ashes remaining after cremation of a body.
bugaboo
Definition: (noun) An imaginary monster used to frighten children. Synonyms: bogeyman, booger, bugbear. Usage: For me no terrors resided in the thought of bugaboos and …
meeple
noun: A game piece shaped in a stylized human form.
recline
Definition: (verb) Lean in a comfortable resting position. Synonyms: recumb, repose. Usage: After a particularly stressful day at work, Paige was eager to get into …
hermaphrodite
noun: 1. An animal or plant having both male and female reproductive organs. 2. Someone or something having opposite qualities or characteristics. adjective: 1. Having …
ill-gotten
Definition: (adjective) Obtained illegally or by improper means. Synonyms: dirty. Usage: There is a proverb which says that ill-gotten gains never prosper, and the Prince …
wrapper
Definition: (noun) A loose dressing gown for women. Synonyms: housecoat, negligee, peignoir. Usage: She wore a faded old wrapper, and her gray hair was decidedly …
long-suffering
Definition: (adjective) Patiently bearing continual wrongs or trouble. Synonyms: enduring. Usage: It called to him across that leagues-wide savannah, and was like a benediction to …
inveigle
verb tr.: To get something or to persuade someone to do something by deception or flattery.
satiate
Definition: (verb) Fill to satisfaction. Synonyms: replete, sate, fill. Usage: There is enough cake to satiate all of our party guests. Discuss
nanny state
noun: A government regarded as having an excessive interest in the welfare of its citizens, as evidenced by public health measures, safety regulations, etc.
forbearance
Definition: (noun) Good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence. Synonyms: longanimity, patience. Usage: Nevertheless, his army rebelled in Spain; this arose from nothing but his too …
carny
noun: 1. A person who works in a carnival. 2. A carnival: a traveling amusement show. 3. The jargon used by carnival workers.
step-down
Definition: (noun) A reduction in amount or size. Synonyms: diminution, decrease. Usage: Having just declared bankruptcy, Lester admitted that his grand plans for renovating his …
moribund
adjective: 1. Nearing death. 2. Stagnant; lacking vigor or vitality.
lamentation
Definition: (noun) A cry of sorrow and grief. Synonyms: wail, plaint. Usage: It was pitiful to see him press his throat with his fat hand …
legionnaire
noun: A member of a legion (a group of soldiers or former soldiers).