1. Vocabulary 10B

2. insuperable (adj.) incapable of being overcome
S:invincible, insurmountable
A: surmountable, conquerable
To the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, increasing deafness was not an insuperable handicap.

3. lamentable (adj.) to be regretted or pitied
S: deplorable, regrettable, distressing
A: praiseworthy, commendable, laudable
AFTER A LONG, HARD WINTER, CITY STREETS MAY BE IN A TRULY LAMENTABLE STATE OF DISREPAIR.

4. misnomer (n.) an unsuitable or misleading name
S: misnaming, malapropism
The term world series is a misnomer because only north American teams participate in this annual event.

5. profess (v.) to affirm openly; to state belief in; to claim, pretend
S: assert, declare, proclaim, purport
A: disclaim, disavow, repudiate
My music teacher professed herself satisfied with my technical progress so far this year.

6. respite (n.) a period of relief or rest
S: interval, intermission, lull, breather
A vacation provides a respite from the worries and responsibilities of everyday life.

7. retribution (n.) a repayment; a deserved punishment
S: recompense, requital
In most ancient societies retribution was swiftly visited on those who broke their promises.

8. sinuous (adj.) winding, having many curves; lithe and flexible
S: twisting, convoluted, serpentine, supple
A: direct, straight, unbending, stiff, rigid
The trunk of the tree was almost completely encased by sinuous wisteria vines.

9. sonorous (adj.) full, deep, or rich in sound; impressive in style
S: resonant, resounding, grandiloquent
A: tinny, reedy, harsh, grating
The sonorous tolling of church bells announced the passing of the monarch.

10. vanguard
(n.) the foremost part of an army; the leading position in any field
S: forefront, cutting edge, trailblazers
A: rear guard, stragglers, laggards
If a high-tech company is to survive in today’s marketplace, it must remain in the vanguard of innovation.

11. wastrel (n.) a wasteful person, spendthrift; a good-for-nothing
S: loafer, idler, squanderer, profligate
A: skinflint, tightwad, miser
Many novels have told the sorry tale of a charming but self-destructive wastrel.