somnambulate
Definition: (verb) To walk or perform another act while asleep or in a sleeplike condition. Synonyms: sleepwalk. Usage: We had to put special locks on …
Category: Today’s Word
Today’s Word
lollygag
Definition: (verb) To waste time by puttering aimlessly; dawdle. Synonyms: footle, hang around, mill about, tarry, loiter, lounge, lurk, linger, loaf. Usage: I spent my …
gazunder
verb tr.: To reduce the amount of an offer after it has been accepted by the seller.
glower
Definition: (noun) A sullen or angry stare. Synonyms: glare. Usage: His frown deepened into a glower of resentment. Discuss
pot-valor
noun: Boldness or courage induced by the consumption of alcohol.
timorous
Definition: (adjective) Full of apprehensiveness; timid. Synonyms: trepid, fearful. Usage: The timorous child huddled alone in the corner while the rest of his classmates played …
grinagog
noun: One who is always grinning.
wamble
Definition: (verb) Move unsteadily or with a weaving or rolling motion. Synonyms: waggle. Usage: As John wambled into the kitchen for his morning coffee, his …
al desko
adverb: At one’s desk.
palpitate
Definition: (verb) Shake with fast, tremulous movements. Synonyms: quake, quiver. Usage: The encounter with the robber made me palpitate with fear, and hours passed before …
gazump
verb tr.: 1. To raise the price after accepting an offer from a buyer. 2. To offer a higher price to a seller on something …
gadget
Definition: (noun) A device or control that is very useful for a particular job. Synonyms: appliance, contraption, contrivance, gizmo, widget, convenience. Usage: David has this …
choler
Definition: (noun) An irritable petulant feeling. Synonyms: crossness, fretfulness, fussiness, peevishness. Usage: I felt quite amused at his unwarranted choler, and while he stumped indignantly …
pitiless
Definition: (adjective) Without mercy or pity. Synonyms: remorseless, ruthless. Usage: He looked into the pitiless eyes of his enemy and knew then that this would …
dead hand
noun: 1. The stifling influence of something, especially of the past on the present. 2. The perpetual ownership of property by institutions, such as churches.
renovate
Definition: (verb) Restore to a previous or better condition. Synonyms: restitute. Usage: This old farmhouse may look ramshackle now, but it will be the epitome …
ironfisted
adjective: 1. Ruthless; tyrannical. 2. Stingy; tight-fisted.
winded
Definition: (adjective) Out of breath, as from strenuous exercise. Synonyms: pursy, blown. Usage: After crossing the finish line, the winded runner fell to the ground …
backhanded
adjective: 1. Indirect or ambiguous, having double meaning; sarcastic or malicious. 2. Performed with the back of the hand facing forward.
well-founded
Definition: (adjective) Based on sound reasoning or evidence. Synonyms: tenable. Usage: In order to survive as an organization, we must be willing to accept well-founded …
repugnant
adjective: Distasteful; offensive; objectionable.
absolutism
Definition: (noun) A form of government in which all power is vested in a single ruler or other authority. Synonyms: dictatorship, monocracy, one-man rule, totalitarianism, …
handfast
noun: A contract or agreement, especially about a betrothal or marriage. verb tr.: To engage to be married or to bind in wedlock.
cenotaph
Definition: (noun) A monument built to honor people whose remains are interred elsewhere or whose remains cannot be recovered. Synonyms: empty tomb. Usage: On the …
undergird
Definition: (verb) Make secure underneath. Synonyms: brace up. Usage: We need to undergird the ship if we hope to keep it from breaking apart in …
embellish
Definition: (verb) Add details to. Synonyms: aggrandize, pad, embroider, lard, dramatize, blow up. Usage: My friends are always suspicious of my stories, because I tend …
precocious
adjective: Exhibiting advanced development at an early age.
abhorrence
Definition: (noun) Hate coupled with disgust. Synonyms: detestation, execration, loathing, odium, abomination. Usage: I took her hand and violently dashed it from me, with an …
hoary
adjective: 1. Gray or white, as from age. 2. Ancient. 3. Trite.
comely
Definition: (adjective) Very pleasing to the eye. Synonyms: bonny, sightly, fair. Usage: The door was opened by a comely young woman, with ruddy cheeks and …
superbious
adjective: Proud; insolent.
warmonger
Definition: (noun) A person who advocates war or warlike policies. Synonyms: militarist. Usage: After a fiery speech in which he called for the destruction of …
hapless
adjective: Unfortunate.
egocentric
Definition: (adjective) Limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs. Synonyms: self-centered. Usage: My sister is so egocentric that when I broke …
ambivert
noun: One having characteristics of both extrovert and introvert.
stepper
Definition: (noun) A professional dancer. Synonyms: hoofer. Usage: My petite friend Anna has made a name for herself as a gifted stepper, proving that you …
wherefore
Definition: (noun) The cause or intention underlying an action or situation. Synonyms: why. Usage: We know the how, but to catch the killer, we must …
chintzy
Definition: (adjective) Embarrassingly stingy. Synonyms: cheap. Usage: I cannot afford to spend much on her gift, but if I wait for things to go on …
natch
adverb: Naturally; of course.
forsake
Definition: (verb) Leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch. Synonyms: desert, desolate, abandon. Usage: I pity the man who would …