Category: Today’s Word

Definition: (verb) Realize beforehand. Synonyms: foreknow, foresee, anticipate. Usage: Sadly, I did not previse the trouble that would arise from showing up at my ex-wife's …

Definition: (adjective) Incapable of being justified or explained. Synonyms: unwarrantable, indefensible. Usage: No matter how hard the candidate's aides tried, they could not spin his …

Definition: (adjective) Marked by utter benignity; resembling or befitting an angel or saint. Synonyms: angelic, saintly. Usage: As I focused on her beatific smile, I …

adjective: Pretentious; affected; dandyish.

Definition: (noun) The failure to obey. Synonyms: disobedience. Usage: After seemingly ignoring her boss's requests for months, Sue was finally fired for noncompliance. Discuss

noun: 1. Nonsense. 2. Deception. verb tr.: 1. To deceive. 2. To swindle.

Definition: (noun) A feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed). Synonyms: compunction, remorse. Usage: There came to her a chill self-reproach that she had …

noun: Pretentiously artistic or sophisticated.

Definition: (adjective) (Informal) Splendid; fine. Synonyms: bully, corking, cracking, dandy, nifty, smashing, swell, groovy, keen, great. Usage: Martha and I are in the middle of …

verb intr.: To associate socially, especially with people of higher status.

Definition: (adjective) Unhurried and relaxed. Synonyms: mellow. Usage: The interview was so laid-back that it felt more like I was chatting with a friend than …

noun: Noisy excitement, showy display, or extravagant actions, especially when executed in an effort to distract or confuse.

Definition: (verb) Move back and forth very rapidly. Synonyms: flicker, flutter, quiver, waver. Usage: The hummingbird flittered from one flower to the next, darting instinctively …

Definition: (adjective) Capable of being distributed. Synonyms: apportionable. Usage: Although our department's budget was increased this year, only a small portion of the funds are …

Definition: (verb) Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly. Synonyms: befuddle, confuse, discombobulate, fox, bedevil, throw. Usage: For many years …

noun: Excessive talking.

Definition: (verb) To bring or combine together or with something else. Synonyms: amalgamate, mingle, unify. Usage: Chef Gordon is famous for his ability to commix …

adjective: Inducing tears.

Definition: (adjective) Having hair on the cheeks and chin. Synonyms: bearded, whiskered. Usage: I returned from the camping trip malodorous and barbate, in desperate need …

noun: Rule by the wealthy.

Definition: (noun) Any substance that can be used as food. Synonyms: eatable, edible, pabulum, victual. Usage: The kitchen table was laden with meats, cheeses, and …

adjective: 1. Having an abnormally small head. 2. Small-minded.

Definition: (noun) A worker who holds or is invested with an office. Synonyms: official. Usage: The functionary next in consequence to the agent was the …

Definition: (adjective) <i>(Used informally)</i> Associated on close terms. Synonyms: buddy-buddy, thick. Usage: The bartender is chummy with his regular customers. Discuss

adjective: Relating to the essential nature of something or someone.

Definition: (adjective) Easily excused or forgiven. Synonyms: pardonable, forgivable. Usage: He was given a slap on the wrist for the venial offense. Discuss

noun: One who reconciles persons at odds with each other; a peacemaker.

Definition: (adjective) Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy. Synonyms: prideful, sniffy, supercilious, swaggering, haughty, lordly, overbearing, disdainful. …

noun: One who acts as if they know everything, dismissing others’ ideas or advice.

Definition: (noun) A correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted …

noun: A fool; one lacking good sense.

Definition: (noun) Clock that measures time by the escape of water. Synonyms: water clock, water glass. Usage: The Wicked Witch dared not use a clepsydra, …

noun: A remedy to any problem.

Definition: (noun) Beating with a whip or strap or rope as a form of punishment. Synonyms: flogging, lashing, tanning. Usage: The poor servant boy bore …

noun: One who destroys good things.

Definition: (adjective) Requiring or showing effort. Synonyms: heavy. Usage: He knocked again, harder than before, for behind him he heard the steps and the labored …

Definition: (noun) The termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations). Synonyms: dissolution. Usage: The breakup of the Soviet Union had long-term consequences …

Definition: (noun) The public sale of something to the highest bidder. Synonyms: auction. Usage: Most of George's possessions will be sold at vendue to help …

adverb: To some place; somewhere.

Definition: (verb) Fill with sublime emotion. Synonyms: beatify, exhilarate, tickle pink, exalt, thrill. Usage: He receives your propositions with an enthusiasm which cheers, and plunges …