1. simplistic (adjective)
Variants: simplistically (adverb)
Definition: oversimplified; avoiding or ignoring complexities
Synonym: unsophisticated, naive
Antonym: sophisticated, complicated
His simplistic plan for economic improvement failed to account for foreign investment and the GNP.

2. incredulous (adjective)
Variants: incredulously (adverb); incredulousness (noun)
Definition: unwilling or unable to believe; showing disbelief
Synonym: skeptical
Antonym: credulous, gullible
The politician’s lavish promises provoked incredulous responses rather than the admiration he sought.

3. ascetic (adjective) Variants: ascetically (adverb)
Definition: Reflecting self-denial (as in religious discipline); choosing minimal comforts
Synonyms: austere, Spartan
Antonym: self-indulgent, hedonistic
Her modest room reflected the ascetic values she advocated.

4. vicarious (adjective)
vicariously (adverb), vicariousness (noun)
Definition: Experienced through someone else rather than first hand; endured as substitute for someone else; delegated
synonym: second-hand [experience]
antonym: actual [experience]
Because she loved her son, she found vicarious pleasure in his tremendous successes.

5. allocation (noun)
Variants: allocate (verb), allocatable (adjective); allocator (noun)
Definition: the act of setting aside for a special purpose; designation
Synonym: allotment, apportionment
Antonym: abandonment
Sentence: The mayor insisted the park district include an allocation of land in order to build a playground.
The mayor insisted the parked district allocate land for a playground.

6. admonish (transitive verb)
Variants: admonishment (noun)
Definition: To caution, criticize, or counsel gently against
Synonym: chastise, reproach, rebuke
Antonym: approve, commend, praise
The anti-tobacco lobbyist admonished the President for his inability to quit smoking.

7. presumptuous (adjective)
presumptuously (adv.), presumptuousness (noun)
overconfident, excessively forward, taking too much for granted
Syn: arrogant
Ant: humble, modest
Darcy’s presumptuous manner understandably offends Elizabeth Bennet.

8. subversive (adjective,noun)
variants: subvert (verb), subversively (adverb)
Definition: tending or seeking to subvert, overthrow or destroy (an established government, institution, belief, etc)
Synonym: rebellious, disloyal
Antonym: loyal, faithful
Sentence: The Canadian government—indeed, the majority of Canadian citizens—believed the Nisei to be subversive operatives.

9. vacuous (adjective) Variants: vacuously (adverb)
Definition: without contents, empty
Synonym: bare, blank, devoid
Antonym: full, abundant
Sentence: When the class looked at her with vacuous stares, the teacher knew the lesson had failed.

10. avocation (noun) Variants: avocational (adjective)
Definition: something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, especially for pleasure
Synonym: pastime, hobby
Antonym: job, occupation
Sentence: Oddly enough, the math teacher’s avocation was the study of Old Norse epics.

11. impetus (noun) Variants: Definition: a moving force; impulse, stimulus
Synonym: encouragement, incentive, motivation
Antonym: hindrance, block
Sentence: Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches were the impetus behind the civil rights movement.

12. reticent (adjective) Variants: reticently (adverb), reticence (noun)
Definition: inclined to keep one’s thoughts and feelings to oneself, secretive, quiet
Synonym: reluctant, restrained, reserved
Antonym: communicative, forward, unrestrained
Sentence: The reticent student hid in the back row, unwilling to participate in the class discussion.

13. physiognomy (noun)
Variants: physiognomic (adj), physiognomically (adv)
Definition: The features of somebody’s face especially used as indicators of character or temperament.
Synonym: aspect, look, visage
Antonym: none
Sentence: In Great Expectations, Pip is frightened by the convict, for his physiognomy is menacing.

14. insipid (adjective) Variants: insipidness (noun), insipidly (adverb)
Definition: without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities
Synonym: bland, dull
Antonym: exhilarating
Sentence: Cauliflower’s insipid taste requires cheese or spices to make it palatable.

15. tedium (noun) Variants: tedious (adjective), tediously (adverb)
Definition: quality or condition of being wearisome or boring
Synonym: dullness, monotony
Antonym: entertainment, excitement, diversion
Sentence: In order to take the tedium out of exercise, aerobic instructors rely on loud, exciting music.

16. cajole (verb) Variants: cajolery(noun), cajolingly(adverb)
Definition: to persuade by flattery or promises
Synonym: wheedle, coax, flatter
Antonym: bully, force, repel
Sentence: The boy cajoled her into giving him some of her cookies.

17. blasé (adjective) Variants: none
Definition: not impressed or worried by something, usually because of previous experience
Synonym: unconcerned, nonchalant
Antonym: uptight, worried
Sentence: Paris Hilton’s blasé attitude towards spending money is typical of the very wealthy: they do not have to worry about paying bills.

18. indolent (adjective) Variants: indolence (n), indolently (adv)
Definition: Lethargic and not showing any interest. Also describes a disease that is slow to develop and causes no pain.
Synonym: sluggish, apathetic, lazy
Antonym: industrious, productive
Sentence: It is difficult to move from summer’s indolence to the necessary productivity of the school year.

19. choleric (adjective) Variants: choler (noun)*, cholerically (adverb)
*NOT cholera—that’s a disease!
Definition: showing or tending to show anger or irritation
Synonym: bad-tempered, irascible
Antonym: phlegmatic, impassive
Sentence: Ivan Ilyich’s choleric manner intimidates his family.

20. phlegmatic (adjective)
Variants: phlegmatically (adverb)
Definition: unemotional, difficult to excite to action or display of emotion
synonym: indifferent, undemonstrative
antonym: energetic, lively
Sentence: Obasan’s phlegmatic approach to life irritates the crusading Emily.

21. impasse (noun ) Variants: none
Definition: predicament from which there is no escape; impassible road or way
Synonym: stalemate, deadlock
Antonym: progress
Sentence: After days of deliberation, the jury reached an impasse, necessitating a new trial.

22. adulation (noun) Variants: adulate (verb)
Definition: excessive flattery or adoration
Synonym: obsequiousness, sycophancy
Antonym: insult, offense
Sentence: Robert Pattinson is the object of young girls’ adulation.

23. censure (noun, verb) Variants: censure (transitive verb)
Definition: judgment involving condemnation
Synonym: rebuke, reproach
Antonym: honor, acclamation
Sentence: Following the lawyer’s emotional outburst, the judge had no choice but to censure him.

24. dissimulation (noun)
Variants: dissimulate (verb), dissimulative (adjective), dissimulator (noun)
Definition: act of deceiving/concealing true feelings and intentions
synonym: deception, deceit, disguise, dissembling
antonym: frankness, honesty, truthfulness
Sentence: As he becomes more desperately ill, Ivan Ilyich finds dissimulation more difficult, and his family is frightened by the anger he reveals.

25. droll (adjective)
variants: droller, drollest (more adjectives), drolly (adverb)
definition: humorous, amusing in an odd way
synonym: amusing, clownish, comical
antonym: serious
sentence: The professor entertained the class with his droll impersonations of literary characters.

26. expectorate (verb) variants: expectoration (noun), expectorant (noun)
definition: to expel matter, esp. phlegm
synonym: flush out, eject
antonym: inject, inhale, consume
sentence: The doctor instructed the patient to expectorate regularly to speed healing.

27. surfeit (noun) variants: surfeiter (I have never seen this!)
definition: too great an amount or supply; excess; overindulgence, esp. in food or drink
synonym: satiate, excess, surplus
antonym: deficit, insufficiency
sentence: In the child’s opinion, his plate held a surfeit of vegetables.

28. corroborate (trans. verb)
variants: corroboration, corroborative, corroborant
definition: to make more certain the validity of, confirm, support
synonym: confirm, support, substantiate
antonym: contradict
Sentence: To corroborate the rumor about Malfoy, the trio made a Polyjuice potion.

29. morose (adjective) variants: moroseness, morosely
definition: ill-tempered, gloomy, sullen
synonym: glum, gloomy, depressed
antonym: happy, cheerful
sentence: The students were morose when the teacher returned their tests.

30. auspicious (adjective)
variants: auspiciously (adv), auspiciousness (n)
definition: favored by fortune
synonym: fortunate, prosperous
antonym: ominous, unfortunate
Sentence: The couple was married on 09/09/09, as they believed the date to be an auspicious one.

31. vigilance (noun) variants: vigilant (adjective) vigilantly (adverb)
definition: keenly watchful to detect danger; wary
synonym: observant, attentive
antonym: negligent, careless
Sentence: The watchmen needed to remain vigilant to protect their camp from any surprise attacks.
The vigilance of the watchmen protected the camp from ambush.

32. recourse (noun) variants: none
definition: that which one turns to for help in desperation
synonym: refuge, resort
antonym:
sentence: Is Harry Potter’s only recourse self-sacrifice?

33. equivocal (adjective)
variants: equivocalness (n), equivocally (adv), equivocation (n)
definition: allowing the possibility of multiple meanings, susceptible to double interpretations
synonym: ambiguous, dubious, questionable, suspicious
antonym: unquestionable, definite, clear
sentence: The politician’s speech was so equivocal, and it made it impossible for the electorate to determine his stance on the issue.

34. dubious (adjective) variants: dubiously (adverb), dubiousness (noun)
definition: full of doubt or uncertainty
synonym: doubtful, questionable, unsure
antonym: certain, definite, sure, trustworthy
sentence: He enjoyed the dubious distinction of having the lowest GPA of the graduating class.

35. corporeal (adjective)
variants: corporeality (noun); corporeally (adverb)
definition: the physical body; material or physical rather than spiritual
synonym: bodily, physical
antonym: mental, spiritual
sentence: The doctor examined the corporeal remains for clues to its identity.

36. chasten (verb) variants: chastener (n)
definition: to punish in order to correct or make better; chastise; subdue; refine as to make purer
synonym: punish, discipline, correct
antonym: commend, praise
Sentence: The sadistic headmaster chastened errant students with a leather strap.

37. resolute (adjective)
variants: resolutely (adverb), resoluteness (noun)
definition: having or showing a fixed, firm purpose; determined; unwavering
synonym: faithful, unyielding
antonym: uncertain, unsure
sentence: The Second Apparition advises Macbeth to be “bloody, bold and resolute” for only a man not of woman born can harm him.

38. languid (adjective) variants: languidness (n), languidly (adv)
definition: without vigor or vitality; without spirit or interest
synonym: weak; listless; indifferent; sluggish
antonym: energetic, lively
sentence: His languid movements annoyed the movie director, who envisioned a violent, wild scene.

39. dissolute (adjective)
variants: dissolutely(adverb), dissoluteness (noun)
definition: dissipated and immoral; debauched
synonym: debauched, depraved, degenerate
antonym: decent, upright, moral
sentence: Svidrigailov’s reputation for dissolute behavior disgusts Raskolnikov.

40. extol (verb) variants: extoller (n); extolment (n)
definition: to praise highly; laud
synonym: praise, laud, acclaim
antonym: disparage, denigrate
sentence: Many journalists extol the virtues of our President.

41. amorous (adjective) variants: amorousness (n), amorously (adv)
definition: full of love, showing love or sexual desire
synonym: passionate, ardent
antonym: detached, unloving
sentence: The amorous behavior displayed in high school hallways is often disturbing.

42. scrupulous (adjective)
variants: [from scruple] scrupulously (adv), scrupulousness (n);
definition: extremely careful to do the precisely right, proper or correct thing in every last detail; obsessively hesitant in deciding what is morally right
synonym: careful, conscientious, meticulous
antonym: careless, rash
sentence: The scrupulous student double-checked all his essay’s quotations to avoid plagiarism.

43. ponderous (adjective)
variants: ponderously (adverb), ponderousness (noun)
definition: very heavy; unwieldy because of weight
synonym: heavy, weighty, dull and labored
antonym: light
sentence: Marley’s Ghost tells Ebenezer Scrooge that the chain Scrooge bears is a ponderous one.

44. brevity (noun) related: brief (adjective), briefly (adverb)
definition: the quality of being brief or concise
synonym: conciseness, terseness
antonym: length
sentence: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

45. deportment (noun) variants: deport (verb)
definition: the manner of conducting or bearing oneself
synonym: manner, bearing, posture, behavior
antonym: none
sentence: Because she was a mature 12 year old, the girl’s deportment did not accurately reflect her age.

46. prodigal (adjective) variants: prodigally (adverb), prodigality (noun)
definition: exceedingly, recklessly wasteful
synonym: wasteful, extravagant
antonym: cautious, thrifty
sentence: The prodigal shopper saved no money for the gas she desperately needed for her return home.

47. intercession (noun)
related: intercede (verb), intercessional (adjective)
definition: the act of interceding, pleading or prayer on behalf of another
synonym: intervention, mediation
antonym: none
sentence: The marriage counselor’s intercession was necessary for the fighting couple.

48. solicitous (adjective)
variants: solicitously (adverb), solicitude (noun)
definition: showing care, attention or concern
synonym: attentive, considerate
antonym: uncaring, unconcerned
sentence: Although it was second semester senior year, she maintained a solicitous attitude towards her grades.

49. primeval (adjective) variants:
definition: of the earliest times or ages
synonym: primordial, primal, primitive
antonym: modern
sentence: Sally walked in the primeval forest, where ancient groves awed her.

50. deprecate (transitive verb)
related: deprecatingly (adverb), deprecation (noun)
definition: to feel and express disapproval of
synonym: denounce, denigrate
antonym: approve, praise
sentence: The staunch Republican deprecated the policies of the Democratic Congress.

51. capitulate (verb) variants: capitulation (noun)
definition: to surrender, especially on conditions agreed upon
synonym: acquiesce, submit, yield
antonym: stand firm, remain resolute
sentence: The class proposed watching a movie, and the exhausted teacher willingly capitulated.

52. sardonic (adjective) variants: sardonically (adverb)
definition: bitterly ironic, derisively mocking
synonym: scornful, satirical, caustic
antonym: respectful
sentence: Despite his thirst for knowledge, the tough teenager maintained a sardonic attitude towards school when he was with his friends.

53. furtive (adjective) related: furtively (adverb), furtiveness (noun)
definition: done by stealth
synonym: secretive, sly, surreptitious
antonym: open, direct
sentence: Modestly lowering her eyes, the girl continued to shoot furtive glances towards the handsome new student.

54. ethereal (adjective) variants: ethereally (adverb); etherealize (verb)
definition: light, delicate; heavenly
synonym: unearthly, airy
antonym: earthly, substantial
sentence: The singer’s ethereal voice made it hard to believe she was a mere mortal.

55. confound (verb) variants: confounded (adjective)
definition: to mix up or lump together indiscriminately; to make feel confused; to damn: used as a mild oath
synonym: puzzle, confuse
antonym: clarify
sentence: The rapid-fire delivery of the lecture confounded all the students.

56. wry (adjective) related: wryly (adverb), wryness (noun)
definition: made by twisting or distorting the features (a wry face); dry, ironic (as in humor)
synonym: ironic, cynical
antonym: straight-forward
sentence: Her wry expression signaled her amusement with the awkward situation.
sentence: Taking his words at face value, the audience misunderstood his wry remarks.

57. veracity (noun) variants: veraciously (adverb); veracious (adjective)
definition: habitual truthfulness; honesty
synonym: truth
antonym: dishonesty, false
sentence: The man’s known veracity made him a reliable witness.

58. magnanimous (adjective)
variants: magnanimously (adverb), magnanimity (noun)
definition: noble in mind, generous in overlooking injury or insult
synonym: generous, high-minded
antonym: petty, small-minded
sentence: Darcy’s magnanimous efforts on Lydia’s behalf endears him to Elizabeth.

59. felicity (noun) related: felicitous (adjective), felicitously (adverb)
definition: happiness, bliss; quality or knack of appropriate, pleasing expression in writing, speaking, painting, etc.
synonym: joy; aptness
antonym: sorrow; inappropriateness
sentence: Her felicitous responses to the interviewers secured the job for her.
Her face reflected her felicitous reaction to his proposal.

60. nuance (noun) variants: nuanced (adjective)
definition: a slight or delicate variation in tone, color, meaning
synonym: shade of difference, hint
antonym: one-dimensional
sentence: The nuances of literature are often only appreciated by those who read widely.

61. malady (noun) variants:
definition: disease, illness (often used figuratively)
synonym: sickness, problem
antonym: health
sentence: Ivan Ilyich’s malady is his unhealthy obsession with social standing.

62. corpulent (adjective)
related: corpulence (noun), corpulently (adverb)
definition: fat and fleshy
synonym: obese
antonym: slim
sentence: Mitch urged his corpulent teacher to be a contestant on The Biggest Loser.

63. brazen (adjective) variants: brazenly (adverb); brazenness (noun)
definition: showing no shame; like brass in color or other qualities
synonym: impudent, shameless
antonym: timid, diffident
sentence: “She made brazen overtures to a man who hadn’t a friend in this town, until she came here!”

64. exonerate (verb) variants: exoneration (noun); exonerative (adjective)
definition: to relieve of (a duty, an obligation); to free from a charge or the imputation of guilt
synonym: absolve, vindicate
antonym: condemn, blame
sentence: Having heard no persuasive evidence, the jury exonerated the suspect.

65. inscrutable (adjective)
related: inscrutability (noun), inscrutably (adverb)
definition: not easily understood; unfathomable
synonym: mysterious, enigmatic
antonym: easily understood, transparent
sentence: Her inscrutable expression baffled her husband, who could not figure out the appropriate response.

66. inundate (verb) variants: inundation (noun)
definition: to flood; to overwhelm someone with a huge quantity of duties, chores, responsibilities, etc.
synonym: flood, deluge, overwhelm
antonym:
sentence: Following his victory, Obama’s campaign headquarters was inundated with job applications.

67. epistle (noun) related: epistolary (adjective)
definition: letter, usually a formal one; literary work in the form of a letter
synonym: letter, missive
antonym:
sentence: Pompous Mr. Collins promises to send a speedy epistle to thank the Bennets for their hospitality.

68. jocund (adjective) related: jocundly(adverb), jocundity (noun)
definition: cheerful
synonym: cheerful, genial
antonym: grumpy
sentence: Razumikhin’s jocund manner uplifts others’ spirits and endears him to most characters.

69. resplendent (adjective)
related: resplendence (noun), resplendently (adverb)
definition: shining brightly, full of splendor
synonym: dazzling, splendid
antonym: dull
sentence: In the distance, on a hilltop, stood the resplendent castle known as Camelot.

70. affront (trans. verb.; noun)
related: none
definition: to insult openly or purposely; an open or intentional insult
synonym: offend, insult
antonym: compliment, praise
sentence: Milkman’s affront to Hagar’s self esteem was more than she could bear.

71. torrid (adjective) related: torridness (noun); torridly (adverb)
definition: 1) dried by or subjected to intense heat, esp. of the sun; 2) highly passionate
synonym: 1) scorching; 2) ardent
antonym: 1) temperate; 2) cool
sentence: 1) The only sensible response to the torrid afternoon was a lengthy nap in the cool shade.
2)The students were shocked by the author’s graphic depiction of the torrid affair.

72. vexation (noun) related: vex (verb); vexatious (adjective)
definition: something that causes annoyance or distress
synonym: annoyance, aggravation
antonym: satisfaction
sentence: A series of vexations—alarm clock failure, misplaced keys, frozen garage door—made him late for work.