Etymologie, Etimología, Étymologie, Etimologia, Etymology, (griech.) etymología, (lat.) etymologia, (esper.) etimologio
US Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika, Estados Unidos de América, États-Unis d'Amérique, Stati Uniti d'America, United States of America, (esper.) Unuigintaj Statoj de Ameriko
eXterne Wortlisten, (esper.) eksteruloj vortlistoj
XDICWD - Word of the Day - www.dictionary.com

2023-

2023-10

• OCT 31, 2023 - phantasmagoria
• OCT 30, 2023 - crepuscular
• OCT 29, 2023 - haimish
• OCT 28, 2023 - dapple
• OCT 27, 2023 - unfalsifiable
• OCT 26, 2023 - smaze
• OCT 25, 2023 - sanguivorous
• OCT 24, 2023 - gaffe
• OCT 23, 2023 - panacea
• OCT 22, 2023 - concatenation
• OCT 21, 2023 - arcane
• OCT 20, 2023 - pumpernickel
• OCT 19, 2023 - shower orange
• OCT 18, 2023 - screaming-meemies
• OCT 17, 2023 - bloviate
• OCT 16, 2023 - multiverse
• OCT 15, 2023 - traipse
• OCT 14, 2023 - incunabula
• OCT 13, 2023 - macabre
• OCT 12, 2023 - lekker
• OCT 11, 2023 - invaluable
• OCT 10, 2023 - arvo
• OCT 09, 2023 - chiaroscuro
• OCT 08, 2023 - coriaceous
• OCT 07, 2023 - decision fatigue
• OCT 06, 2023 - gastrodiplomacy
• OCT 05, 2023 - aole
• OCT 04, 2023 - horripilation
• OCT 03, 2023 - nepo baby
• OCT 02, 2023 - papadum
• OCT 01, 2023 - profligate

2023-09

• SEP 30, 2023 - interlocutor
• SEP 29, 2023 - pithy
• SEP 28, 2023 - spumescent
• SEP 27, 2023 - eudemonia
• SEP 26, 2023 - Pavlovian
• SEP 25, 2023 - modicum
• SEP 24, 2023 - garrulous
• SEP 23, 2023 - bachata
• SEP 22, 2023 - receipts
• SEP 21, 2023 - selcouth
• SEP 20, 2023 - debuff
• SEP 19, 2023 - tea
• SEP 18, 2023 - eggcorn
• SEP 17, 2023 - disparate
• SEP 16, 2023 - badinage
• SEP 15, 2023 - evince
• SEP 14, 2023 - globular
• SEP 13, 2023 - skookum
• SEP 12, 2023 - schadenfreude
• SEP 11, 2023 - vicissitude
• SEP 10, 2023 - quetzal
• SEP 09, 2023 - circumlocution
• SEP 08, 2023 - sartorial
• SEP 07, 2023 - grandiloquent
• SEP 06, 2023 - jolabokaflod
• SEP 05, 2023 - extol
• SEP 04, 2023 - crapulous
• SEP 03, 2023 - morass
• SEP 02, 2023 - deep learning
• SEP 01, 2023 - egregious

2023-08

• AUG 31, 2023 - seersucker
• AUG 30, 2023 - zedonk
• AUG 29, 2023 - pogonophile
• AUG 28, 2023 - cleek
• AUG 27, 2023 - pawky
• AUG 26, 2023 - borak
• AUG 25, 2023 - luddite
• AUG 24, 2023 - obstreperous
• AUG 23, 2023 - collywobbles
• AUG 22, 2023 - antepenultimate
• AUG 21, 2023 - pulchritudinous
• AUG 20, 2023 - bedevil
• AUG 19, 2023 - brouhaha
• AUG 18, 2023 - vamoose
• AUG 17, 2023 - littoral
• AUG 16, 2023 - abscond
• AUG 15, 2023 - plaudit
• AUG 14, 2023 - palsy-walsy
• AUG 13, 2023 - cacao
• AUG 12, 2023 - fartlek
• AUG 11, 2023 - mixtape
• AUG 10, 2023 - demur
• AUG 09, 2023 - cupidity
• AUG 08, 2023 - ikigai
• AUG 07, 2023 - clout
• AUG 06, 2023 - festoon
• AUG 05, 2023 - antihero
• AUG 04, 2023 - cantankerous
• AUG 03, 2023 - empath
• AUG 02, 2023 - quiddity
• AUG 01, 2023 - zhuzh

2023-07

• JUL 31, 2023 - skullduggery
• JUL 30, 2023 - twee
• JUL 29, 2023 - legerdemain
• JUL 28, 2023 - natter
• JUL 27, 2023 - nibling
• JUL 26, 2023 - beguile
• JUL 25, 2023 - amorphous
• JUL 24, 2023 - syncope
• JUL 23, 2023 - agog
• JUL 22, 2023 - glower
• JUL 21, 2023 - ennui
• JUL 20, 2023 - supine
• JUL 19, 2023 - gourmand
• JUL 18, 2023 - mizzle
• JUL 17, 2023 - tyro
• JUL 16, 2023 - equilibrist
• JUL 15, 2023 - a vuestra salud
• JUL 14, 2023 - sternutation
• JUL 13, 2023 - ahu
• JUL 12, 2023 - indecorous
• JUL 11, 2023 - emoticon
• JUL 10, 2023 - elsewhither
• JUL 09, 2023 - deltoidal
• JUL 08, 2023 - tiramisu
• JUL 07, 2023 - turbidity
• JUL 06, 2023 - pasteurize
• JUL 05, 2023 - artiodactyl
• JUL 04, 2023 - rampart
• JUL 03, 2023 - noctilucent
• JUL 02, 2023 - Stygian
• JUL 01, 2023 - sewellel

A

• à gogo
• à la mode
• à la mode: in or according to the fashion.
• 'sblood
• ab ovo
• ab urbe condita
• abaft: to the rear of; aft of.
• abate: become less in amount
• abattoir: a slaughterhouse.
• abdicate: to give up or renounce (authority, duties, an office, etc.).
• abecedarian: a person who is learning the letters of the alphabet.
• abed: in bed.
• aberrant: abnormal.
• aberration
• abeyance: suspension; temporary cessation.
• abient
• abiogenesis: the theory that living organisms can arise spontaneously.
• abject: utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched
• abjure: to renounce, reject, or shun.
• ablactate: to wean.
• ablaut: vowel change
• ablution: the washing of the body or some part of it.
• abnegate: refuse or deny oneself; also, to give up (rights, claims, etc.).
• abominate: to detest intensely.
• aborning: (while) being produced or born.
• abrade: to scrape off.
• abrazo
• abrogate: to annul; to do away with.
• abscond: to depart secretly.
• abseil
• absquatulate: to flee; abscond.
• abstemious
• abstemious: temperate; abstinent; refraining from indulgence.
• abstergent: cleansing.
• abstinent: self-restraining
• abstruse: difficult to comprehend.
• abubble
• abulia: loss or impairment of the ability to act or to make decisions.
• aburrirse
• abusage
• abut: to be adjacent; touch or join at the edge or border.
• acabar
• accede: to agree or assent; also, to become a party.
• accelerando
• accidence: the rudiments or essentials of a subject.
• acclaim: approval
• acclimate: to accustom or become accustomed to a new climate, environment, or situation.
• accord: agreement; harmony.
• accouterment
• accrete: to grow together; adhere.
• acephalous: without a leader or ruler.
• acequia
• acerbic: sharp, biting, or acid in temper, expression, or tone.
• achromic: colorless; without coloring matter.
• acme: the highest point of something.
• acquiesce: to accept or consent passively or without objection.
• acrid: sharp and harsh; bitter.
• acrimony: bitter, harsh, or biting sharpness.
• acta: official records, as of acts, deeds, proceedings, transactions, or the like.
• acuity: acuteness of perception or vision.
• acumen: quickness or keenness of perception or discernment.
• acute: serious; pervasive
• ad absurdum
• ad hoc
• ad hockery
• ad hominem: appealing to one's prejudices or emotions rather than to one's intellect or reason.
• ad infinitum: to infinity; endlessly; without limit.
• ad rem: without digressing; in a straightforward manner.
• adage: an old saying.
• adamant: not susceptible to persuasion; unyielding.
• adamantine: utterly unyielding or firm in attitude or opinion.
• additament
• addle: mix up or confuse
• adduce: produce evidence for
• adenoidal: being characteristically pinched and nasal in tone quality.
• adiaphorous: doing neither good nor harm.
• adjuvant: serving to help or assist; auxiliary; also, a person or thing that aids or helps.
• adminicle
• admonition: gentle or friendly reproof; friendly warning.
• adrenalize
• adret: a side of a mountain receiving direct sunlight.
• adscititious: added or derived from an external source; additional.
• adulterate: to make impure
• adultescent
• adumbrate: to foreshadow; prefigure.
• advent: a coming into place, view, or being; arrival.
• adventitious: added extrinsically; not essentially inherent.
• adventive: not native and usually not yet well established, as exotic plants or animals.
• advert: to remark or comment; refer.
• adytum: a sacred place that the public is forbidden to enter; an inner shrine.
• adze
• aegis: a shield; protection.
• aeolian: of or caused by the wind; wind-blown.
• aeon: (in Gnosticism) one of a class of powers or beings conceived as emanating from the Supreme Being and performing various functions in the operations of
• aerie: a nest or dwelling built in a lofty place.
• aeromancy: the prediction of future events from observation of weather conditions.
• Aesopian
• aesthete: one who cultivates great sensitivity to beauty.
• aestival: of or belonging to the summer.
• affable: easy to speak to; also, gracious.
• affectation: exaggerated display; pretense
• afflated: having inspiration; inspired.
• afflatus: a divine inspiration.
• affray: a tumultuous assault or quarrel; a brawl.
• aficionado: an enthusiastic admirer; a fan.
• afterclap: an unexpected repercussion.
• afterglow
• agape: unselfish love of one person for another without sexual implications.
• agemate: a person of about the same age as another.
• aggiornamento
• agglomeration: a cluster or mass.
• agglutinative
• aggrandize: to make or make appear great or greater.
• aggress: to make an attack.
• aginner
• agita: agitation; anxiety.
• agitprop: propaganda.
• aglet: a metal tag at the end of a lace used for tying, as of a shoelace.
• agley: off the right line; awry; wrong.
• agnate: a relative whose connection is traceable exclusively through males.
• agnize
• agnomen: a nickname.
• agog: in eager desire.
• agon: struggle; conflict.
• agonist
• agora
• agrarian: rural; agricultural.
• agresi¢n
• agrestic: pertaining to fields or the country.
• ahistorical
• ailurophilia: a liking for cats, as by cat fanciers.
• aioli: a sauce made of oil and eggs, usually flavored with garlic, from the Provence region of France.
• al desko
• alacrity: a cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptness.
• alameda
• alamo
• alate: having wings; winged.
• albatross: large web-footed bird chiefly of the Southern Hemisphere; a worrisome burden.
• albedo: the white, inner rind of a citrus fruit.
• albumen: the white of an egg.
• alchemical: pertaining to the transformation of something common, usually of little value, into a substance of great worth.
• aleatory: pertaining to accidental causes; of luck or chance; unpredictable.
• alembic: anything that transforms, purifies, or refines.
• alexipharmic: warding off poisoning or infection; antidotal.
• alfombra
• alfresco: outdoors; outdoor.
• algid: cold; chilly.
• algod¢n
• alight: to settle or stay after descending.
• aliment: nutriment or sustenance.
• alimentation
• aliquant: contained in a number or quantity, but not dividing it evenly.
• allegiant
• alligate
• allochthonous: not formed in the region where found.
• allocution: a formal speech, especially one of an incontrovertible or hortatory nature.
• allyship
• alma mater
• almohada
• almsgiving
• alpenglow: a reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains.
• alphitomancy: the use of barley meal as a means of divination.
• also-ran: a person who loses a contest, election, or other competition.
• altercation: a heated, noisy, or angry dispute.
• altiloquent: high flown or pretentious (of language)
• altruistic: unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others.
• alveolate
• amain
• amalgam: an alloy of mercury with other metals; also, a mixture.
• amanuensis: one employed to take dictation or to copy manuscripts.
• amaranthine: unfading; everlasting.
• amative: pertaining to or disposed to love.
• amatory: expressing love
• ambages
• ambisinister: clumsy or unskillful with both hands.
• ambit: circuit or compass; also, sphere of action or influence.
• ambivert: one whose personality type is intermediate between extrovert and introvert.
• ambrosial: exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant.
• ambsace: the smallest amount or distance.
• ambulate: to walk about or move from place to place.
• ambuscade: an ambush; also, to ambush.
• ameliorate: to make or grow better.
• Ameslan: American Sign Language.
• amicable: characterized by friendliness and good will.
• amity: friendship; friendly relations.
• amok: in or into a jumbled or confused state.
• amour-propre
• amphibious
• amphiboly
• amphiscians
• amygdaliform: shaped like an almond.
• anacoluthia: lack of grammatical sequence or coherence, esp. in a sentence.
• anacoluthon: a construction involving a break in grammatical sequence.
• anagnorisis: the critical moment of recognition or discovery.
• analphabetic: not alphabetic.
• analysand: a person undergoing psychoanalysis.
• anamnesis: the recollection or remembrance of the past.
• anathema: a curse; a person or thing cursed, or intensely disliked.
• anatine: resembling a duck.
• anchorite
• ancillary: subordinate, subsidiary; auxiliary.
• andar
• andiron
• andragogy
• anecdata
• anfractuous: characterized by windings and turnings; sinuous; circuitous.
• angakok
• angst
• anhedonia
• animadversion: harsh criticism or disapproval.
• animadvert: to comment unfavorably or critically.
• animalcule: a minute animal, nearly or quite invisible to the naked eye.
• animus: a feeling of ill will; also, animating spirit; disposition.
• ankh
• anneal: to toughen or temper.
• annulate: having rings or ringlike bands.
• anodyne: serving to relieve pain.
• anoesis: a state of mind consisting of pure sensation or emotion without cognitive content.
• anomie: a sense of loneliness and anxiety.
• anon: in a short time; soon.
• anopisthograph: a manuscript, parchment, or book having writing on only one side.
• anorak
• ansa
• antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American Civil War.
• antediluvian: extremely old.
• antemeridian
• antepenultimate: third from the end.
• anthesis
• anthophilous
• anthophobia
• Anthropocene
• anthropocentric
• anthropogenic: caused or produced by humans.
• antic: ludicrous; funny.
• antigodlin
• antinome
• antipathetic: opposed, averse, or contrary.
• antipode: a direct or exact opposite.
• antiquarian: one who collects, studies, or deals in antiquities.
• antitype: something that is foreshadowed by a type or symbol.
• aoristic: indefinite; indeterminate.
• apellido
• aperture: an opening, as a hole, slit, crack, gap, etc.
• aperçu: a hasty glance; a glimpse.
• aphesis: the loss of an unstressed initial vowel or syllable.
• aphorism: a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation.
• aphotic: lightless; dark.
• aplomb: confidence; coolness.
• apocopate: to omit the final sound or sounds of a word
• apocrypha: various religious writings of uncertain origin regarded by some as inspired, but rejected by most authorities.
• apocryphal: of doubtful authority or authenticity.
• apodictic: necessarily true or logically certain.
• apogee: the highest point.
• apologia: a formal defense or justification.
• apopemptic: pertaining to leave-taking or departing; valedictory.
• apophasis: denial of one's intention to speak of a subject that is in fact named.
• apoplectic: intense enough to threaten or cause a stroke.
• aporia: difficulty determining the truth of an idea due to equally valid arguments for and against it.
• apostasy: desertion or departure from one's faith, principles, or party.
• apothegm: a short, witty, and instructive saying.
• apotheosis: a model of excellence or perfection of a kind.
• apotropaic
• apparatus
• apparition: a ghost; also, an unexpected appearance.
• appellation: a name, title, or designation.
• appellative
• appertain: to belong as a part, right, possession or attribute.
• appetence: intense desire; strong natural craving; appetite.
• apple-polish
• applesauce
• apposite: of striking appropriateness and relevance.
• apprise: to give notice to; to inform.
• approbate: to approve officially.
• approbation: formal or official approval; also, praise.
• approximate
• appurtenance: an adjunct or accessory.
• aquiline: curved like eagle's beak
• arbiter: one having the power of judging and determining.
• arbitrage: the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from price discrepancies.
• arboreal
• Arcadian
• arcane: understood or known by only a few.
• arcanum: a secret; a mystery.
• arch: cunning; crafty; sly.
• archetypal
• arctophile
• ardor
• ardor: great warmth of feeling; fervor; passion.
• arete
• argonaut
• argot
• argot: a specialized vocabulary peculiar to a particular group.
• Argus-eyed
• Argus-eyed: extremely observant; watchful.
• argy-bargy
• aright
• aright: rightly; correctly.
• ariose
• arithmancy
• armamentarium
• armamentarium: a fruitful source of devices or materials available or used for an undertaking.
• armistice
• armistice: a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties.
• armscye
• aroint
• arraign
• arraign: to call or bring before a court to answer to an indictment.
• arrant
• arrant: outright; thoroughgoing.
• arriviste
• arriviste: an upstart.
• arrodillarse
• arrogate
• arrogate: to claim or seize without right or justification.
• arroyo
• arroyo: a small steep-sided gulch with a nearly flat floor: usually dry except after heavy rains.
• arsy-varsy
• arsy-varsy: wrong end foremost; completely backward.
• artifice
• artifice: an artful trick, stratagem or device; also, cleverness, skill.
• arvo
• asafetida
• asana
• ascetic: one who practices extreme self-denial; also, austere, severe.
• ascribe
• ascribe: to attribute.
• aseptic
• aseptic: free from the germs of disease, fermentation, or putrefaction.
• askance
• askance: with suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.
• asomatous
• asperity
• asperity: roughness of surface, sound, or manner.
• asperse: to sprinkle; bespatter.
• aspersion
• aspersion: a damaging or derogatory remark.
• assay
• assay: to examine or analyze.
• asseverate
• asseverate: to affirm or declare positively or earnestly.
• assiduity
• assiduous
• assiduous: constant in application or attention.
• assoil
• assoil: to absolve; acquit; pardon.
• assuage
• assuage: to soften; to ease, or lessen.
• asterism
• astir
• astir: moving or stirring, especially with much activity or excitement.
• astringent
• astringent: sharply incisive; pungent.
• astrobleme
• astronaut
• astroturfing
• asunder
• asyndeton
• asyndeton: the omission of conjunctions.
• ataraxia
• ataraxia: a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety.
• atavism
• atavism: reversion to a remote ancestral type or to an earlier form.
• atavistic
• atavistic: reverting to or suggesting the characteristics of a remote ancestor or primitive type.
• atelier
• atelier: a workshop; a studio.
• atemporal
• athenaeum
• athleisure
• atiptoe
• atoll
• atonement
• atrabilious
• atrabilious: irritable; ill-natured.
• attar: perfume or essential oil obtained from flowers or petals.
• attenuate
• attenuate: to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value.
• atticism
• attractancy
• atweel
• au fond
• aubade
• aubade: a song greeting the dawn.
• Augean
• augur
• augury
• augury: an omen; prediction.
• august
• august: venerable; eminent.
• auld lang syne
• aumildar
• aumildar: a manager or agent.
• aureate
• aureate: characterized by an ornate style of writing or speaking.
• aureole
• aureole: a radiance surrounding the head in the representation of a sacred personage.
• auriferous
• auroral
• auscultation
• auscultation: the act of listening to sounds within the body as a method of diagnosis.
• auspicate
• auspicate: to initiate with ceremonies calculated to ensure good luck; inaugurate.
• auspicious
• auspicious: favorable; also, prosperous; fortunate.
• austral
• austral: southern.
• autarky
• autochthonous
• autochthonous: indigenous; native.
• autocrat
• autocrat: a ruler with unlimited authority.
• autodidact
• autodidact: one who is self-taught.
• automaton
• automaton: a mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own power.
• autonomy
• autoschediasm
• autoschediastical: something that is improvised or extemporized.
• autosomal
• avant-garde
• avarice
• avarice: an excessive desire of gain; greediness.
• avatar
• avatar: an incarnation.
• avenaceous
• aver
• aver: to assert as true.
• avgolemono
• avidity
• avidity: enthusiasm or dedication.
• avocation
• avoirdupois
• avoirdupois: weight; heaviness.
• avouch
• avow
• avuncular
• avuncular: resembling an uncle, as in kindness or indulgence.
• awning
• axial
• axial: situated in or on the line about which a rotating body turns.
• axilla
• axiomatic
• axiomatic: self-evident; obvious.
• azimuth
• azoth
• azoth: the universal remedy of Paracelsus.
• azure

B

• Babelism
• Babelism: a confusion, as of ideas, speech, etc.
• babushka
• baccate
• baccate: berrylike.
• bacchanalia
• bacchanalia: a revel.
• bacciferous
• backlins
• backronym
• backstairs
• badinage
• badinage: light, playful talk.
• bafflegab
• bagatelle
• bailiwick
• bailiwick: a person's specific area of knowledge, authority, interest, skill, or work.
• bakemeat
• baksheesh
• baksheesh: a tip, present, or gratuity.
• balderdash
• balderdash: senseless, stupid, or exaggerated talk or writing; nonsense.
• baleful
• baleful: full of menacing or malign influences.
• balk
• balk: to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified.
• balladmonger
• ballast
• ballon
• ballyhoo
• balmy
• balmy: mild and refreshing.
• balneal: pertaining to baths or bathing.
• balsamaceous
• balsamaceous: possessing healing or restorative qualities.
• balustrade: staircase railing
• bamboozle
• bamboozle: to deceive or get the better of someone by trickery.
• banal
• banal: commonplace; trivial.
• banal: devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite.
• banalize
• banausic
• banausic: serving utilitarian purposes only; mechanical; practical.
• bandbox
• bandbox: an area or structure that is smaller in dimensions or size than the standard.
• bandersnatch
• bandersnatch: an imaginary wild animal of fierce disposition.
• bandog
• bandog: a large and fierce dog.
• bandy
• bandy: to pass from one to another or back and forth; give and take.
• barchan
• bardolatry
• Barmecidal
• barnburner
• barnburner: something that is highly exciting or impressive.
• barnstorm
• basquetbol
• bastion
• bathetic
• bathetic: displaying or characterized by insincere emotion.
• bathos
• bathos: triteness or triviality in style.
• battology
• battology: wearisome repetition of words in speaking or writing.
• bauble
• bauble: a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw.
• beacon
• beadledom
• beamish
• beanfeast
• beastie
• beatific: giving joy
• beatinest
• beatitude
• beatitude: supreme blessedness; exalted happiness.
• beau ideal
• beau ideal: a perfect or an idealized type or model.
• beaucoup
• bedash
• bedash: to dash or spatter something all over.
• bedaub
• bedaub: to besmear; also, to overdecorate.
• bedizen
• bedizen: to dress or adorn in gaudy manner.
• bedlam
• bedlam: a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.
• bedraggle
• bedraggle: to make limp and soiled, as with rain or dirt.
• beek: to bask or warm in the sunshine or before a fire.
• beforetime
• beforetime: formerly.
• beget
• beget: especially of a male parent, to procreate or generate offspring.
• beguile
• beguile: to influence by trickery, flattery, etc.; mislead; delude.
• behemoth
• behemoth: any creature or thing of monstrous size or power.
• behindhand
• beholden
• beholden: obliged; indebted.
• behoove
• bel-esprit
• bel-esprit: a person of great wit or intellect.
• belabor
• belabor: to explain, worry about, or work more than is necessary.
• beleaguer: force to quit; upset
• belie
• belletristic
• belletristic: related to literature regarded as a fine art.
• bellicose
• bellicose: inclined to or favoring war or strife.
• bellwether
• bellwether: a leader or leading indicator.
• belly-wash
• bellyache
• belvedere
• bemoan: regret and complain
• bemused
• bemused: bewildered or confused.
• ben trovato
• benedict
• benefaction
• benefaction: the act of conferring a benefit; also, a benefit conferred.
• beneficence
• beneficence: the practice of doing good.
• benevolence
• benighted
• benignant
• benignant: kind; gracious; favorable.
• benignity
• benison
• benison: blessing; an utterance of good wishes.
• bequeath
• bequeath: to dispose of (personal property, especially money) by last will.
• berate
• berate: to scold severely or angrily.
• berceuse
• berserk
• berserk: violently or destructively frenzied; wild; crazed; deranged.
• beseech: ask for earnestly
• besot
• besot: to infatuate; obsess.
• bespeak
• bespeak: to show; indicate.
• bespoke: made to individual order; custom-made.
• bestiary
• bestiary: a collection of moralized fables about actual or mythical animals.
• bestow
• bestow: to give or confer.
• bete noire
• bete noire: something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
• betide
• betide: to happen to; come to; befall.
• betimes
• betimes: early; also, on occasion.
• bevel
• bevel: the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.
• bevy
• bevy: a group; an assembly.
• bewhiskered
• bezoar
• bezonian
• bibelot
• biblioklept
• biblioklept: a person who steals books.
• bibliophage
• bibliophage: an ardent reader; a bookworm.
• bibliophile
• bibliophobe
• bibliophobe: a person who hates, fears, or distrusts books.
• bibliopole
• bibulous
• bibulous: of, pertaining to, marked by, or given to the consumption of alcohol.
• bicameral
• biddable
• biddable: easily led or commanded; obedient.
• Bifrost
• bifurcate
• bifurcate: to divide into two branches.
• big-hearted
• bight
• bijou: something small, delicate, and exquisitely wrought.
• Bildungsroman
• Bildungsroman: a novel about the education and development of a young protagonist.
• bilious
• bilious: of or pertaining to bile; also, ill-tempered.
• bilk: defraud, cheat, or swindle.
• billet
• billet-doux
• billet-doux: a love letter.
• billet: to provide or obtain lodging.
• billet: to quarter, or place in lodgings.
• billingsgate
• billingsgate: foul, abusive language.
• billow
• billow: to rise or roll in or like a great wave; surge.
• bilocation: the state of being or the ability to be in two places at the same time.
• biomorph
• biophilia
• bipartisan
• bird-dog
• bird-dog: to follow, watch carefully, or investigate.
• birl
• birl: to spin or cause to rotate.
• birr
• birr: force; energy; vigor.
• bivouac
• bivouac: a usually temporary encampment; also, to encamp.
• blackguard
• blackguard: a scoundrel.
• blamestorming
• blanco
• blandishment
• blandishment: flattering speech or action.
• blarney
• blather
• blather: to talk or utter foolishly; blither; babble.
• blatherskite
• blatherskite: a person given to voluble, empty talk.
• bleb
• bleb: a bubble.
• blellum
• blench
• bletting
• bletting: the ripening of fruit until the desired degree of softness is attained.
• blighter
• blighter: British Slang. a chap; bloke.
• blinkered
• blithe: carefree and lighthearted.
• blithesome
• blithesome: lighthearted; merry; cheerful.
• blossom
• bloviate
• bloviate: to speak or write in a pompous manner.
• blowzy
• blowzy: having a coarse, ruddy complexion.
• bluestocking: a woman with considerable scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability.
• bobbery
• bobbery: a disturbance or a brawl.
• boffin
• boffin: a scientist or technical expert.
• Bogus
• bole
• bole: the stem or trunk of a tree.
• bolide
• bollix
• bollix: to do something badly; bungle.
• bombast
• bombast: pompous or pretentious speech or writing.
• bombinate
• bombinate: to buzz, hum, or drone.
• bon mot
• bon ton
• bon ton: the height of the fashion; fashionable society.
• bon vivant
• bon vivant: a person with refined and sociable tastes.
• bona fides
• bonanza
• bonbonniŠre
• bonbonnière
• bonce
• bonhomie
• bonhomie: a pleasant and easy manner.
• boniface
• boniface: any landlord or innkeeper.
• bonny
• bonny: pleasing to the eye.
• bonzer
• booboisie
• booboisie: a class of people regarded as stupid or foolish.
• boobook
• boobook: a small, reddish-brown spotted owl.
• boodle
• booklore
• boomlet
• boon
• boon: something to be thankful for; blessing; benefit.
• boondocks: a remote rural area.
• boondoggle
• boondoggle: to do work of little or no practical value merely to keep or look busy.
• bootless
• bootless: unavailing; useless.
• bootstrap
• borborygmi
• borborygmus
• borborygmus: a rumbling or gurgling sound caused by the movement of gas in the intestines.
• bordereau
• bordereau: a detailed memorandum, especially one in which documents are listed.
• boscage
• boscage: a mass of trees or shrubs.
• bosh
• bosh: absurd or foolish talk; nonsense.
• bosky
• bosky: covered with bushes, shrubs, and small trees; woody.
• bossdom
• bough
• bough: a branch of a tree, especially one of the larger or main branches.
• boulevardier
• boulevardier: a man-about-town.
• bouleversement
• bouleversement: complete overthrow; a reversal.
• bounteous
• boustrophedon
• boustrophedon: an ancient method of writing in which the lines run alternately from right to left and from left to right.
• bovarism
• bovarism: an exaggerated, especially glamorized, estimate of oneself.
• bowdlerize
• bowdlerize: to remove or modify the parts considered offensive.
• boŒte
• boîte: a nightclub; cabaret.
• brabble
• brabble: to argue stubbornly about trifles; wrangle.
• brachylogy
• bracketology
• brackish
• brackish: somewhat salty; also, distasteful.
• braggadocio
• braggadocio: empty boasting.
• braggart
• braggart: a person who does a lot of bragging.
• brainchild
• braird
• braird: to sprout; appear above the ground.
• brannigan: a carouse.
• brasserie
• bravado
• bravado: a real or pretended show of courage or boldness.
• bravura
• bravura: a showy display.
• brazen: shameless or impudent.
• breviloquent
• bricolage
• bricolage: construction or something constructed by using whatever materials happen to be available.
• brightwork
• brindled
• brindled: gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots.
• brinksmanship
• brio
• brio: vigor; vivacity.
• brisance
• brisance: the shattering effect of a high explosive.
• Brobdingnagian
• brogue
• brogue: any strong regional accent.
• brolly
• bromide
• bromide: a commonplace or conventional saying.
• brontide
• brouhaha
• bruit
• bruit: To report; to noise abroad.
• brumal
• brumal: wintry.
• brume
• brummagem
• brummagem: cheap and showy; also, spurious.
• brusque
• brusque: abrupt in manner; blunt; rough.
• brusquerie
• bucchero
• buckram
• bucolic
• bucolic: rustic; pastoral.
• bugbear
• bugbear: any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
• bulbous
• bulbous: bulb-shaped; bulging.
• bulwark: a protective structure
• bumbershoot
• bumptious
• bumptious: crudely, presumptuously, or noisily self-assertive.
• bunglesome
• bunkum
• burble
• burgeon
• burgeon: to grow or develop rapidly; also, to put forth new buds or greenery; sprout.
• burke: to suppress or get rid of by some indirect means.
• burled
• burled: having small knots that produce a distorted grain in wood.
• burlesque: involving ludicrous or mocking treatment of a solemn subject.
• burnish: to polish and make shiny
• bushwa
• bushwa: rubbishy nonsense; baloney; bull.
• bushwhack
• bushwhack: to defeat, especially by surprise or in an underhanded way.
• busk
• busker
• busker: a street musician or performer.
• buss
• buss: a kiss; to kiss.
• busticate
• busticate: to break into pieces.
• butte
• buttery
• buttress
• buttress: to give encouragement or support.
• butyraceous
• buzzwig
• byzantine
• byzantine: complex or intricate.

C

• cabal
• cabal: a group that seeks power usually through intrigue.
• cabeza
• caboshed
• cabotage
• cabotage: navigation or trade along the coast.
• cached: hidden, stored
• cachinnate
• cachinnate: to laugh loudly or immoderately.
• cackleberry
• cacoepy
• cacoethes
• cacoethes: an irresistible urge; mania.
• cacography
• cacography: poor penmanship.
• cacology
• cacology: defectively produced speech; socially unacceptable diction.
• cacophonous
• cacophony
• cacophony: harsh or discordant sound.
• cadence: recurrent rhythm
• cadge
• cadge: to beg; to sponge.
• cadre
• caducity
• caducous
• caesura
• caesura: a break or pause in a line of verse; also, any break or pause.
• caf‚
• cahoots
• cahoots: in partnership; in league.
• caitiff: a cowardly and mean person
• cajole
• cajole: to coax.
• cakewalk: something easily accomplished.
• calentar
• calescent
• caliente
• caliginous: misty; dim; dark.
• calliopean
• callithump: a children's parade, with prizes for the best costumes.
• callow
• callow: immature.
• calorifacient
• calorifacient: (of foods) producing heat.
• calumny
• calumny: malicious misrepresentation; slander.
• calvous
• calvous: lacking all or most of the hair on the head; bald.
• cama
• camaraderie
• camarilla
• camarilla: a group of secret and often scheming advisers.
• cambiar
• camelopard
• camelopard: a giraffe.
• Camelot
• Camelot: any idyllic place or period, especially one of great happiness.
• camion
• camp
• campanology
• campestral
• campe¢n
• campo
• canard
• canard: an unfounded or false report.
• candelabrum
• candor: honesty
• canine: doglike
• cannikin
• canny
• canny: careful; cautious; prudent.
• canonical
• canonical: authorized; recognized; accepted.
• canonize
• canonize: to glorify and honor.
• canorous
• canorous: melodious; musical.
• cansar
• cant
• cant: empty, solemn speech.
• cant: to talk hypocritically.
• cantankerous
• canticle
• canticle: a song, poem, or hymn especially of praise.
• cantillate
• canting
• cantrip
• cantrip: a magic spell; trick by sorcery.
• caoutchouc
• cap-a-pie
• cap-a-pie: from head to foot.
• capacious
• capacious: able to contain much.
• caparison
• caparison: to dress richly; deck.
• capitulate
• capitulate: to surrender under agreed conditions.
• capoeira
• capriccio
• capriccio: a caper; prank.
• caprice
• caprice: a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind or the weather.
• capricious
• capricious: whimsical; changeable.
• caprine
• caprine: of or pertaining to goats.
• capriole
• captious
• captious: disposed to find fault or raise objections.
• cara
• carapace
• carapace: a shell; a protective covering.
• cari¤o
• carking
• carne
• carom
• carom: to strike and rebound; also, a glancing off.
• carouse
• carp
• carp: to find fault or complain querulously or unreasonably.
• carpe diem
• carte blanche
• caseous
• castigate
• castigate: to punish or criticize severely.
• casuistry: specious or deceptive reasoning, esp. in questions of morality.
• cat's-paw
• cat's-paw: a person used to serve the purposes of another; tool.
• catachresis
• cataclysm
• catalyst
• cataract
• cataract: a large waterfall; also, a downpour, a flood.
• catarrh
• catarrh: inflammation of a mucous membrane with increased production of mucus.
• catastrophize
• catawampus
• catawampus: off-center; askew; awry.
• catchpenny
• catchpenny: made to sell readily at a low price, regardless of value or use.
• catechize
• catechize: to question closely.
• cater-cousin
• cater-cousin: an intimate friend.
• caterpillar
• caterwaul
• caterwaul: to make a harsh cry or screech.
• catharsis
• catharsis: the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions.
• cathartic
• cathect
• cathect: to invest emotion or feeling in an idea, object, or another person.
• cathexis
• cathexis: the investment of emotional significance in an activity, object, or idea.
• catholicon
• catholicon: a universal remedy; panacea.
• caucus
• cause célèbre
• causerie
• caustic
• cavalcade
• cavalcade: a procession.
• caveat
• caveat: a warning or caution.
• cavil
• cavil: to raise trivial objections; also, a trivial objection.
• cavort
• cavort: to bound or prance about.
• cede
• cede: to yield or formally surrender to another.
• celadon
• celadon: a pale gray-green.
• celebrar
• celerity
• celerity: quickness; swiftness.
• celestial
• celluloid
• cenotaph
• cenote
• censorious
• censorious: harshly critical.
• censure
• censure: to criticize severely; also, an expression of disapproval.
• centenarian
• cerebrate
• cerebration
• cerebration: the act or product of thinking.
• cerise
• cerise: moderate to deep red.
• cerrar
• cerveza
• cervine
• chaebol
• chaff: seed coverings; detritus
• chaffer: to bargain; haggle.
• chagrin
• chagrin: acute vexation or embarrassment.
• chambray
• chambray: a fine cloth of cotton, silk, or linen, commonly of plain weave with a colored warp and white weft.
• champers
• chansonette
• chansonette: a little song; ditty.
• chanticleer
• chaparral
• chaptalize
• chaptalize: to increase the alcohol in a wine by adding sugar.
• chariness
• charlatan
• chary
• chary: wary; cautious.
• chatoyant
• chatoyant: changing in luster or color.
• chattel
• chattel: a movable article of personal property.
• cheechako: a tenderfoot; greenhorn; newcomer.
• cheeseparing
• chelonian
• chelonian: belonging or pertaining to the order Chelonia, comprising the turtles.
• chernozem
• cherry-pick
• cherry-pick: to select with great care.
• cherubic
• chevelure
• cheville
• chevron: a badge or insignia in the form of an inverted V.
• chiaroscuro
• chiaroscuro: the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
• chicanery
• chicanery: the use of trickery to deceive.
• chichi
• chichi: affectedly trendy.
• Chile
• chimera
• chimera: a mental fabrication.
• chimerical
• chimerical: merely imaginary; fanciful.
• chinwag
• chirk
• chirk: to cheer (usually followed by up).
• chirography
• chockablock
• chockablock: extremely full; crowded; jammed.
• chocolate-box
• choice
• choler
• choler: anger.
• choleric
• choleric: easily angered; also, indicating or expressing anger.
• chortle
• chortle: to utter, or express with, a snorting, exultant laugh or chuckle.
• chow
• chow: food, especially hearty dishes or a meal.
• chrestomathy
• chrestomathy: a collection of selected literary passages.
• Christmastide
• Christmastide: the festival season from Christmas to after New Year's Day.
• chronometer
• chthonian
• chthonian: of or pertaining to the deities, spirits, and other beings dwelling under the earth.
• chthonic
• chthonic: dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld.
• chuffed
• chuffed: annoyed; displeased; disgruntled.
• chuffle
• churlish
• churlish: boorish or rude.
• churrasco
• chutzpa
• chutzpa: unmitigated effrontery or impudence; gall.
• chyron
• ci-devant
• ci-devant: former.
• cicatrix
• cicatrix: new tissue that forms over a wound.
• cicerone
• cicerone: a person who conducts sightseers; guide.
• Ciceronian
• Cimmerian
• Cimmerian: very dark; gloomy; deep.
• Cinderella
• cinquefoil
• circadian
• circadian: noting or pertaining to rhythmic biological cycles recurring at approximately 24-hour intervals.
• circumambient
• circumambient: surrounding; encompassing.
• circumambulate
• circumbendibus
• circumferential
• circumlocution
• circumlocution: the use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few.
• circumspect
• circumspect: cautious; prudent.
• circumstellar
• circumvolve
• claddagh
• clairaudience
• clairaudience: the power to hear sounds said to exist beyond the reach of ordinary experience.
• clamant
• clamber
• clamber: to climb with difficulty, or on all fours.
• clandestine
• clandestine: kept or done in secret, often in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.
• clangor
• clangor: a loud, resonant sound.
• claptrap
• claptrap: pretentious but insincere or empty language.
• claque
• claque: a group of fawning admirers.
• clarion
• clarion: a kind of trumpet; also, loud and clear.
• clavier
• cleave
• cleave: to adhere closely; stick; cling.
• cleek
• clemency
• clemency: disposition to show mercy; also, an act of mercy.
• clement
• clement: mild or merciful in disposition or character.
• clepe
• clepe: to call; name.
• clerisy
• clerisy: the intelligentsia.
• climacteric
• climacteric: a critical period.
• cline
• cline: a scale of continuous gradation; continuum.
• clinquant
• clinquant: glittering; tinsel-like; also, tinsel.
• cloister
• cloister: to confine in retirement; seclude.
• cloudburst
• cloudland
• clowder
• clowder: a group or cluster of cats.
• clown car
• cloy
• cloy: to weary or become distasteful through excess.
• coalesce
• coalesce: to blend or come together.
• coaptation
• coaptation: a joining or adjustment of parts to one another.
• cockade
• Cockaigne
• Cockaigne: an imaginary land of ease and luxury.
• cockalorum
• cockalorum: a self-important little man.
• cockcrow
• code-switching
• codger
• codger: an eccentric man, especially one who is old.
• codicil
• codicil: any supplement; appendix.
• codo
• coetaneous
• coetaneous: of the same age or duration.
• coeval
• coeval: existing during the same period of time; also, a contemporary.
• coffers
• cogent
• cogent: appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing.
• cogitate
• cogitate: to think; to ponder.
• cogitation
• cogitation: concerted thought or reflection.
• cognizant
• cognizant: aware (usually followed by of).
• cognoscente
• cognoscente: a person with special knowledge.
• cohort
• cohort: a group; also, a companion or associate.
• colcannon
• coleopteron
• collegial
• collegial: characterized by or having authority vested equally among colleagues.
• collogue
• collogue: to confer secretly.
• collop
• collop: a small slice of meat.
• colloquial
• colloquial: characteristic of informal spoken language.
• collude
• collude: to act in concert; to conspire.
• collywobbles
• colorado
• colubrine
• columbarium
• columbine
• columbine: dovelike; dove-colored.
• comely
• comely: pleasing to the sight.
• comestible
• comestible: suitable to be eaten.
• comeuppance
• comeuppance: deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant.
• comity
• comity: a state of mutual harmony, friendship, and respect.
• commensal
• commensal: eating together at the same table.
• commensurate
• commensurate: equal in measure or extent; also, proportionate.
• comminate
• comminate: to threaten with divine punishment or vengeance.
• commination
• commination: a denunciation.
• commissure
• commissure: a joint; seam; suture.
• commix
• commix: to mix together; blend.
• commodious
• commodious: comfortably spacious; roomy.
• communiqué
• compathy
• compeer
• compeer: close friend; comrade.
• competencia
• complaisant
• complaisant: exhibiting a desire to please.
• complement
• complement: something that fills up or completes.
• comport
• comport: to bear or conduct (oneself); behave.
• comport: to behave (oneself) in a particular manner.
• comportment
• compotation
• compotation: an act or instance of drinking or tippling together.
• compunction
• compunction: anxiety or unease from guilt; also, a scruple.
• compŠre
• compère: a host, master of ceremonies.
• Comstockery
• con amore
• con amore: with love, tender enthusiasm, or zeal.
• concatenate
• concatenate: to link together; unite in a series or chain.
• concatenation
• concatenation: a chain; a succession.
• concertina
• concertina: to fold, crush together, or collapse in the manner of a concertina.
• conciliate
• conciliate: to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over.
• concinnate
• concinnity: elegance - used chiefly of literary style.
• concomitant
• concomitant: accompanying; attending.
• concupiscence
• concupiscence: lust.
• concupiscent
• concupiscible: worthy of being desired.
• condign
• condign: deserved; adequate.
• confabulate
• confabulation
• confabulation: familiar talk.
• confidence
• confiscable: liable to be taken by an authorized party.
• conflagration
• conflagration: a large and destructive fire.
• conflate
• conflate: to bring together; to meld.
• confluence: a flowing or coming together.
• confrere
• confrere: a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate.
• confusticate
• confute
• confute: to refute conclusively.
• congeries
• congeries: a collection; an aggregation.
• conglobate
• conglobate: to form into a ball.
• conk
• conk: to slow down or stop; lose energy.
• conlang
• conniption
• conniption: a fit of hysterical excitement or anger.
• connubial
• connubial: of or pertaining to marriage.
• conocer
• conocimiento
• consanguineous
• consanguineous: related by blood; descended from the same ancestor.
• consanguinity
• consanguinity: close relationship or connection.
• consent
• consequential
• consortium
• consortium: any association, partnership, or union.
• conspectus
• conspectus: a sketch, survey, or outline of a subject.
• consternation
• consternation: a sudden dread
• constitutional
• constitutional: a walk taken for one's health.
• consuetude
• contemn
• contemn: to scorn; to despise.
• contemporaneous
• contemporaneous: originating, existing, or occurring at the same time.
• contextomy
• contiguous
• contiguous: touching; in contact.
• contradistinction
• contradistinction: distinction by contrast.
• contrail
• contrail: a visible condensation of water droplets or ice crystals, occurring in the wake of an aircraft.
• contranym
• contravene
• contravene: to act or be counter to.
• contretemps
• contretemps: something inopportune or embarrassing.
• contrite
• contrite: feeling or expressing grief and regret for sins or offenses.
• controvert
• contumacious
• contumacious: obstinate; stubbornly disobedient.
• contumely
• contumely: rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt.
• conundrum
• conurbation
• conurbation: an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities.
• convivial
• convivial: relating to feasting, drinking, and good company; festive.
• copacetic
• copacetic: very satisfactory.
• copious
• copious: large in quantity; also, affording an abundant supply.
• copse
• copse: a thicket of small trees or bushes; a small wood.
• copse: a thicket of small trees.
• coquetry: flirtation.
• coquette
• cordate
• cordate: heart-shaped.
• cordial
• cordiform
• cordillera
• cormorant
• cormorant: a gluttonous or greedy person.
• cornice
• cornice: a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.
• cornucopia
• cornucopia: the horn of plenty; also, an abundance.
• coronach
• corpocracy
• corpulent
• corpulent: very fat; obese.
• corrigible
• corroborate
• corroborate: to strengthen or make more certain with other evidence.
• corsair
• corsair: a pirate, especially formerly of the Barbary Coast.
• cortege
• cortege: a procession, especially a ceremonial one.
• coruscant
• coruscate
• coruscate: to emit vivid flashes of light; sparkle; scintillate; gleam.
• corvine
• corybantic
• corybantic: frenzied; agitated; unrestrained.
• cosher
• cosher: to treat with special fondness.
• cosmogony
• cosmogony: a theory or story of the origin and development of the universe.
• cosmopolis
• cosmopolite
• cosmopolite: a cosmopolitan person.
• cosplay
• cosset
• cosset: to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper.
• coterie
• coterie: a group of people who associate closely.
• coterminous
• coterminous: of equal extent or duration.
• couchant: lying down; crouching; reclining.
• countenance
• countenance: appearance or expression of the face; also, to tolerate or encourage.
• counterblast
• counterblast: an unrestrained and vigorously powerful response to an attacking statement.
• counterfactual
• counterfactual: a conditional statement the first clause of which expresses something contrary to fact, as "If I had known."
• countermand
• countermand: to revoke (a former command) or recall by a contrary order.
• counterpoise
• counterpoise: to balance by an opposing weight; counteract by an opposing force.
• countervail
• countervail: to counteract; also, to offset.
• coup de foudre
• couthie
• couthie: agreeable; genial; kindly.
• couture: the high-fashion clothing created by designers.
• couvade: when the husband of a pregnant woman acts as though he were bearing the child.
• coxcomb
• coxcomb: a conceited, foolish dandy.
• coxcomb: a vain, showy fellow.
• coze
• cozen
• cozen: to deceive or obtain by deceit.
• crabwise
• crabwise: sideways; also, in a cautiously indirect manner.
• craic
• crambo
• crankle
• crapehanger
• crapehanger: a person who sees the gloomy side of things.
• crapulous
• crapulous: given to or characterized by excess in drinking or eating.
• crapulous: sick from, or marked by, excessive drinking.
• craquelure
• crasis
• crasis: composition; constitution; makeup.
• crawfish
• crawfish: to back out or retreat from a position or undertaking.
• credence
• credulous
• credulous: inclined to believe too readily.
• creed
• creolize: to combine local and foreign elements into a new, distinct whole.
• crepitate
• crepitate: to make a crackling sound; crackle.
• crepuscular
• crepuscular: pertaining to twilight.
• crepuscule
• crepuscule: twilight; dusk.
• cri de coeur
• crib
• crib: to pilfer or steal, especially to plagiarize.
• crinose
• crinose: hairy.
• criticaster
• crocodilian
• Croesus
• cromulent
• crotchet
• crotchet: an odd fancy or whimsical notion.
• crucible
• crucible: a severe, searching test or trial.
• cruciverbalist
• cruciverbalist: a designer or aficionado of crossword puzzles.
• crump
• crux
• crux: the essential point or feature.
• cryonaut
• cryosphere
• cryptesthesia: allegedly paranormal perception.
• cryptozoology
• cucullate
• cucurbit
• cudgel
• cudgel: a short heavy stick.
• cuittle
• cuittle: to wheedle, cajole, or coax.
• cull
• cull: to choose; select; pick.
• culturati
• cum
• cum: with; along with; combined with.
• cummerbund
• cummerbund: a wide sash worn at the waist, especially a horizontally pleated one worn with a tuxedo.
• cumshaw
• cumshaw: a present; gratuity; tip.
• cumulus
• cumulus: a heap; pile.
• cunctation
• cunctation: delay; tardiness.
• cupidity
• cupidity: eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth.
• curio: something unusual that is collected
• curlicue
• curlicue: an ornamental, fancy curl or twist, as in a signature.
• cursory
• cursory: hastily or superficially performed.
• cusp
• cusp: a point or pointed end.
• cyclopean
• cyclopean: gigantic; vast.
• cygnet
• cygnet: a young swan.
• cynosure
• cynosure: a center of attention.

D

• dabster
• dactylogram
• dactylogram: a fingerprint.
• dada
• daedal
• daedal: skillful; artistic; ingenious.
• daffadowndilly
• daffing
• daily-breader
• dais
• dais: a raised platform.
• dalles
• dalles: the rapids of a river running between the walls of a canyon or gorge.
• dalliance: a trifling away of time; dawdling; also, flirtation.
• dandle
• dandle: to move (a baby, child, etc.) lightly up and down, as on one's knee or in one's arms.
• dandy
• dandy: something or someone of exceptional or first-rate quality.
• dapple
• dapple: a small contrasting blotch; also, to mark with spots.
• darg
• darg: a day's work.
• darkle
• darkle: to grow dark, gloomy, etc.
• dastard: malicious coward
• daunt: cause to lose courage
• dauntless
• daven
• daven: to pray.
• day-tripper
• daymare
• de facto
• de profundis
• de profundis: out of the depths (of sorrow, despair, etc.).
• de rigueur
• de rigueur: strictly required, as by etiquette, usage, or fashion.
• deadpan
• deadpan: marked by or accomplished with a careful pretense of seriousness or calm detachment.
• deadwood
• dearth
• dearth: an inadequate supply; scarcity; lack.
• deasil
• debonair
• debonair: courteous, gracious, and having a sophisticated charm.
• debouch
• debouch: to emerge; to issue.
• decamp
• decamp: to depart quickly, secretly, or unceremoniously.
• decant
• decant: to pour a liquid from one container to another.
• decathect
• decathect: to withdraw one's feelings from something in anticipation of a future loss.
• deciduous
• deciduous: falling off or shed at a particular season, stage of growth, etc.
• decir
• declaim: speak against
• decollete
• decollete: (of a garment) low-necked.
• decoration
• decorous
• decussate
• defalcate: take fraudulently
• defenestrate
• defenestrate: to throw out of a window.
• definiendum
• definiens
• deflagrate
• deflagrate: to burn, especially suddenly and violently.
• degage: unconstrained; easy, as in manner or style.
• degust
• degust: to taste or savor carefully or appreciatively.
• deiform
• deiform: godlike or divine in form or nature.
• deign
• deign: to condescend.
• deipnosophist
• deipnosophist: a person who is an adept conversationalist at table.
• deipnosophist: one skilled in table talk.
• dejar
• deke
• deke: to deceive (an opponent) by a fake.
• dekko
• delate
• delate: to inform against; denounce or accuse.
• delectation
• delectation: great pleasure; delight.
• delegate
• deleterious
• deleterious: harmful.
• deliquesce
• deliquesce: to melt away or become liquid.
• delitescent
• delitescent: concealed; hidden; latent.
• Delphic
• demagogue
• demagogue: a leader who obtains power by means of appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
• demassify
• demesne
• demesne: possession of land as one's own.
• demimonde
• demimonde: a group characterized by lack of success or status.
• demiurge
• demiurge: the creator of a world.
• demonym
• demotic: of or pertaining to the common people; popular.
• demulcent
• demulcent: soothing or mollifying, as a medicinal substance.
• demur
• demur: to object; also, to delay.
• dendrochronology
• denigrate: belittle, attack maliciously
• denizen
• denizen: an inhabitant.
• denouement
• denouement: the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work.
• dentifrice
• deontology
• depone
• depone: to testify under oath; depose.
• deprecate
• deprecate: to disapprove of; also, to belittle.
• depredation
• depredation: an act of plundering or ravaging.
• deracinate
• deracinate: to uproot.
• deride
• deride: to laugh at with contempt.
• derogate
• derogate: to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to disparage.
• derring-do
• desarrollar
• descansado
• descant
• descant: a discourse; also, to discourse.
• descry
• descry: to catch sight of; to detect.
• desideratum
• desideratum: something desired.
• desiderium
• desiderium: an ardent longing, as for something lost.
• desinence
• desinence: a termination or ending, as the final line of a verse.
• desolate
• desuetude
• desuetude: disuse.
• desultory
• desultory: jumping from subject to subject; erratic; inconsistent.
• detente
• detente: a relaxing of tension, especially between nations.
• detritus
• detritus: debris.
• deucedly
• deucedly: devilishly; damnably.
• deus ex machina
• deus ex machina: an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently insoluble difficulty.
• devoir
• dharna: the practice of exacting justice by sitting at the doorstep of an offender until the demand is granted.
• diablerie
• diablerie: sorcery; also, mischievous conduct.
• diacritic
• diadem
• diadem: a crown.
• diapason
• diapason: a full, rich outpouring of melodious sound.
• diaphanous
• diaphanous: allowing light to pass through.
• diasporic
• diathesis
• diathesis: a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or affection.
• diatribe: a bitter verbal attack.
• diction
• diction: choice or style of words in speech or writing.
• dictum
• dictum: an authoritative statement.
• didactic
• didactic: conveying instruction; teaching some moral lesson.
• diddle
• diegetic
• diffidence
• diffident
• diffident: bashful or unassertive.
• diffluence
• diffluence: the act of flowing off or away.
• digerati
• digerati: persons knowledgeable about computers.
• diglossia
• diglossia: the widespread existence within a society of sharply divergent formal and informal varieties of a language.
• diktat
• diktat: an authoritative decree or order.
• dilatory
• dilatory: given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
• dilettante
• dilettante: an amateur; also, an admirer or lover of the fine arts.
• dilly
• dilly: something or someone regarded as remarkable, unusual, etc.
• dinkum
• diphthong
• dipsomania
• dipsomania: an irresistible, typically periodic craving for alcoholic drink.
• dirigible
• disambiguate
• disambiguate: to remove the ambiguity from.
• disbosom
• disbosom: to reveal; confess.
• discombobulate
• discomfit
• discomfit: to disconcert; also, to thwart.
• discomfiture
• discommode
• disconcert
• disconcert: to disturb the composure of.
• disconsolate
• disconsolate: hopelessly sad; also, saddening; cheerless.
• discrete
• discrete: constituting a separate thing; also, consisting of distinct or unconnected parts.
• discursive
• discursive: digressive; rambling; also, marked by analytical reasoning.
• disgustar
• dishabille
• dishabille: the state of being carelessly or partially dressed.
• disheveled
• disheveled: in loose disorder; disarranged.
• disinvent
• disjecta membra
• disjune
• Disneyfy
• disparate
• disparate: fundamentally different; also, composed of dissimilar elements.
• disponer
• disport
• disport: to frolic; to amuse (oneself).
• dispositive
• dispositive: involving or affecting disposition or settlement.
• dispuesto
• disquisition
• disquisition: a formal discourse on a subject.
• dissemble
• dissemble: to hide under a false appearance; also, to assume a false appearance.
• dissent
• dissever: to separate into parts
• dissilient
• dissilient: bursting apart; bursting open.
• dissimulate
• dissimulate: to hide under a false appearance; also, to feign or pretend.
• dissolute
• dissolute: loose in morals and conduct.
• distelfink
• distrain: to seize the property of (a person) in order to compel payment of debts.
• distrait
• distrait: divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety.
• dither
• dither: to act irresolutely; vacillate.
• dithyrambic: wildly enthusiastic.
• diurnal
• divagate
• divagate: to wander; stray.
• divertissement
• divulse
• divulse: to tear away or apart.
• doblar
• doble
• doddle
• doff
• doff: to take off; to remove; also, to rid oneself of.
• dog-ear
• dog-ear: to fold down the corner of a page in a book.
• doggerel
• doggerel: (of verse) comic or burlesque, and usually loose or irregular in measure.
• doggo
• dojo
• doldrums
• dolmen
• dolorous
• dolorous: marked by, causing, or expressing grief or sorrow.
• domicile
• don: to put on or dress in.
• donnish
• donnybrook
• donnybrook: a brawl or dispute.
• doodlesack
• doomscrolling
• doorbuster
• doover
• dopester
• doppelganger
• doppelganger: a ghostly double.
• dornick
• dorp
• dorsal
• dorsal: situated on the back.
• doss
• dotage
• dotage: feebleness of mind due to old age.
• doublethink
• douce
• douce: sedate; modest; quiet.
• douceur
• doughty
• doughty: valiant; brave.
• doula
• doula: a woman who assists in childbirth.
• dour
• dour: stern or unyielding or gloomy.
• dovetail
• dovetail: to join or fit together compactly or harmoniously.
• dowager
• dowager: an elderly woman of stately dignity, especially one of elevated social position.
• dowie
• dowie: dull; melancholy; dismal.
• dox
• doyen
• doyenne
• doyenne: a woman who is the senior member of a group, class, or profession.
• draconian
• draconian: excessively harsh; severe.
• draggle
• draggle: to soil by dragging over damp ground or in mud.
• dragoman
• drawl
• drawl: to say or speak in a slow manner, usually prolonging the vowels.
• dreamboat
• dreck
• dreck: worthless trash; junk.
• droke
• droke: a valley with steeply sloping sides.
• droll
• droll: amusing in an odd way; whimsically humorous; waggish.
• drupe
• druthers
• druthers: one's own way, choice, or preference.
• dubiety
• dubiety: the condition or quality of being doubtful; also, a matter of doubt.
• ducky
• ductile
• dudgeon
• dudgeon: a state or fit of intense indignation.
• duende
• dulcet
• dulcet: melodious.
• dulcify
• dulcify: to make more agreeable; mollify; also, to sweeten.
• dullsville
• dumbledore
• dundrearies
• duniewassal
• duple
• duple: having two parts; double; twofold.
• duplicitous
• duplicity: deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech.
• durance
• durance: imprisonment.
• dvandva
• dyad
• dyad: a group of two; couple; pair.
• dyslogistic
• dyslogistic: conveying disapproval or censure; not complimentary or eulogistic.
• dyspeptic
• dyspeptic: pertaining to or having indigestion; also, irritable or ill-humored.
• dysphemism
• d‚j… vu
• d‚tente
• dégringolade
• déjà vu
• démodé
• détente

E

• e pluribus unum
• earthshaking
• earthshine
• earworm
• Easter egg
• ebullient
• ebullient: high-spirited.
• ecclesiastical: churchly
• echelon
• echolalia
• echolalia: the imitation by a baby of the vocal sounds produced by others.
• echt
• echt: real; authentic; genuine.
• eclat: brilliance of success, reputation, etc.
• eclectic: varying in style
• ecliptic
• ecoanxiety
• ecru
• ecru: very light brown in color, as raw silk, unbleached linen, etc.
• ectopic
• ectopic: occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.
• ectype
• ectype: a reproduction; copy.
• edacious
• edacious: given to eating.
• edacity
• edacity: voraciousness; appetite.
• eddy
• eddy: a current running contrary to a main current or in a circular direction.
• edentate
• edify
• edify: to instruct and improve.
• educe
• educe: to draw forth or bring out, as something potential or latent.
• edutainment
• edutainment: television programs, movies, books, etc., that are both educational and entertaining.
• efface
• efface: to cause to disappear by rubbing out, striking out, etc.
• effervescent
• effervescent: high-spirited; vivacious; lively.
• effete
• effete: infertile; also, worn out; also, decadent, effeminate.
• efficacious
• efficacious: producing, or capable of producing, a desired effect.
• effloresce
• effloresce: to burst into bloom; blossom.
• effluvium: a slight or invisible exhalation or vapor, esp. one that is disagreeable.
• effrontery
• effrontery: shameless boldness; insolence.
• effulgence
• effulgence: the state of being bright and radiant.
• effulgent
• effusive
• effusive: excessively demonstrative.
• eftsoons
• egalitarian
• eggbeater
• eggcorn
• EGOT
• egregious
• egregious: outrageously bad.
• egress
• egress: the act of going out or leaving; exit.
• eidetic: pertaining to visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible.
• eidolon: a phantom; apparition.
• Eire: the Irish name of Ireland.
• eisegesis: an interpretation that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.
• eke: to gain or supplement with great effort or difficulty.
• élan
• eldritch: unearthly; weird; eerie.
• electorate
• eleemosynary
• eleemosynary: relating to charity; charitable.
• elefante
• elegiac: relating to the mourning or remembering of the dead.
• elevenses
• Elicit
• elide: to suppress; omit; ignore; pass over.
• ellipsis: omission of word(s)
• elocution: an expert manner of speaking
• elucidate
• elucidate: to make clear or manifest.
• Elysium
• Elysium: paradise.
• elytron
• emanate
• emanate: to flow out, issue, or proceed, as from a source or origin.
• embarazada
• emblazon
• emblazon: to display pompously; to decorate.
• emblem
• embonpoint
• embonpoint: plumpness of person.
• embosk
• embosom
• embroil
• embroil: to bring into discord or conflict.
• embutidos
• emend: to free from faults or errors; correct.
• eminence grise: powerful person
• eminent: above others in quality, position
• emollient: cream or something which softens
• emolument
• emolument: the wages or perquisites arising from office, employment, or labor.
• emporium
• empurple
• empurple: to color or become purple or purplish.
• empyrean
• emulous
• en bloc
• en bloc: as a whole.
• en masse
• en masse: all together; as a whole.
• en rŠgle
• en règle: in order; according to the rules; correct.
• enceinte: pregnant; with child.
• enchiridion
• enchiridion: a handbook; manual.
• encomium
• encomium: expression of praise.
• encumber
• encumbrance
• encumbrance: a burden, impediment, or hindrance.
• endemic
• endemic: belonging exclusively or confined to a particular place.
• enervate
• enervate: to weaken.
• enfant terrible
• enfriarse
• engarland
• engram: a hypothetical physical trace of memory in the brain.
• enjambment
• enjoin
• enjoin: to direct or impose with authority; also, to forbid.
• enkindle
• enmity
• enmity: hatred; ill will.
• ennoble
• ennoble: to elevate in degree, excellence, or respect; dignify; exalt.
• ennui
• ennui: a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest.
• ensconce
• ensconce: to settle securely or snugly.
• ensconced: fixed firmly
• ensorcell
• ensorcell: to enchant; to bewitch.
• enspirit: to infuse life into; enliven.
• entelechy
• entelechy: a realization or actuality as opposed to a potentiality.
• enthrall: to captivate or charm.
• enumerate
• enunciate
• enunciate: to utter articulately; also, to state or set forth precisely or systematically.
• environs
• environs: the surrounding parts or districts, as of a city.
• epexegesis
• epexegesis: the addition of a word or words to explain a preceding word or sentence.
• ephebe
• ephebe: a young man.
• ephemeral
• ephemeral: lasting a very short time.
• ephemeron
• ephemeron: something short-lived.
• epicene
• epicene: having the characteristics of both the male and the female.
• epicure: devotee to food, drink
• epicurean
• epigamic
• epigamic: attracting the opposite sex, as the colors of certain birds.
• epigone
• epigone: an inferior imitator.
• epigrammatic
• epilogue
• epiphonema
• epistemic
• epistolary
• epistolize
• epistolize: to write a letter.
• epithalamion
• epithalamion: a song or poem in honor of a bride and bridegroom.
• epitome
• epitome: a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class.
• epizeuxis
• epoch: the beginning of a distinctive period in history.
• eponym
• equable
• equable: equal and uniform; also, not easily disturbed.
• equanimity
• equanimity: calmness; composure.
• equanimity: mental or emotional stability or composure; calmness.
• equine: of horses and hoofed animals.
• equipo
• equipoise
• equipoise: equilibrium; also, counterbalance.
• equity
• equivocate
• equivocate: to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.
• equivoque
• eradicate
• eremite
• eremite: a hermit.
• ergate
• ergo
• ergo: therefore; consequently.
• ergophobia
• erinaceous
• erinaceous: of the hedgehog kind or family.
• eristic
• eristic: pertaining to argument for its own sake.
• erlking
• errant
• errant: wandering; deviating from an appointed course, or from a direct path; roving.
• erroneous
• erroneous: containing or characterized by error.
• ersatz: being a substitute or imitation.
• erstwhile
• erstwhile: former; formerly
• erubescent
• erubescent: becoming red or reddish; blushing.
• eructation
• eructation: the act of belching; a belch.
• erudite
• erudite: characterized by extensive reading or knowledge.
• erumpent
• escapism
• eschatological: regarding last, or final, matters, often of a theological nature.
• eschew
• eschew: to shun; to avoid.
• esconder
• escuchar
• esculent
• esculent: something edible, especially a vegetable.
• escutcheon: a shield or decorative covering
• esemplastic
• esoteric: intended or understood by chosen few.
• esoterica
• esperance
• espinacas
• espousal
• espousal: adoption or advocacy, as of a cause or principle.
• esprit de corps
• esprit de l'escalier
• espy
• espy: to see at a glance.
• esse
• esse: being; existence.
• estimable
• estival
• estivate
• estivate: to spend the summer at a specific place or in a certain activity.
• estivate: to spend the summer, as at a specific place or in a certain activity.
• esurient
• esurient: hungry; greedy.
• eternize
• ethereal: light, airy, or tenuous.
• ethos
• ethos: the fundamental character or spirit of a culture.
• etiolate
• etiolate: to blanch or bleach; to make sickly.
• etiology
• etiology: the study of the causes of diseases.
• etymology
• euchred
• eudemonia
• eudemonia: happiness; well-being.
• euphonious
• euphonious: pleasing or sweet in sound.
• eurhythmic
• eurhythmic: characterized by a pleasing rhythm; harmoniously ordered or proportioned.
• eutaxy
• euthenics
• euthenics: a science concerned with bettering the condition of human beings through the improvement of their environment.
• euxinia
• evanesce
• evanesce: to disappear gradually; vanish; fade away.
• evanescence: a gradual disappearance.
• evanescent
• evanescent: fleeting.
• evenfall
• everywhen
• evince
• evince: to show in a clear manner.
• ex cathedra
• ex libris
• ex-voto
• exacerbate
• exacerbate: to aggravate; to make worse.
• exalt
• exalt: to praise, glorify, or honor.
• exclave
• excogitate
• excogitate: to think out; devise; invent.
• excoriate
• excoriate: to express strong disapproval of; also, to flay.
• excrescence
• excrescence: something growing out from something else; also, a disfiguring or unwanted part.
• exculpate
• exculpate: to clear from alleged fault or guilt.
• exculpatory
• excursus
• excursus: a digression.
• execrable
• execrable: detestable; extremely bad.
• exegesis
• exegesis: critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text.
• exegete
• exegete: one who explains or interprets difficult parts of written works.
• exemplar
• exemplar: an ideal model or type.
• exhort
• exhort: to urge strongly.
• exigency
• exigency: state of requiring immediate action; also, that which is required in a particular situation.
• exigent
• exigent: requiring immediate aid or action; also, demanding.
• exigir
• exiguity
• exiguity: smallness; thinness; the quality of being meager.
• exiguous
• exiguous: extremely scanty.
• exiguous: scanty; meager; small; slender.
• exilic
• exilic: pertaining to exile.
• eximious
• existential
• exodus
• exonumia
• exordium
• exordium: the beginning of anything.
• exoteric
• exoteric: suitable for or communicated to the general public.
• expatiate
• expatiate: to speak or write at length.
• expeditious
• expeditious: characterized by speed and efficiency.
• expiate
• expiate: to make amends for; to atone for.
• explicate
• explicate: to explain.
• expostulate
• expostulate: to reason earnestly with someone against something that person intends to do or has done.
• expropriate
• expropriate: to deprive of possession; also, to transfer (property) to oneself.
• expunge
• expunge: to strike out or erase; to obliterate.
• expurgate: to remove offensive parts
• extant
• extant: still existing.
• extemporaneous
• extemporaneous: composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment.
• extempore
• extempore: without premeditation or preparation.
• extemporize
• extenuate
• extirpate
• extirpate: to eradicate; to destroy.
• extol
• extol: to praise.
• extramundane
• extraneous
• extraneous: coming from the outside; also, not essential; also, irrelevant.
• extricate
• extricate: to free or release from a difficulty or entanglement.
• exurb
• eye-minded
• eyesome
• eyetooth
• eyetooth: a canine tooth of the upper jaw: so named from its position under the eye.
• eyewinker

F

• fabricate: make up
• fabular
• fabulist
• fabulist: a liar.
• facepalm
• facetiae
• facetious
• facetious: playfully jocular; humorous.
• facile
• facile: easily done or performed.
• facsimile
• facsimile: an exact copy, as of a book, painting, or manuscript.
• faction
• faction: a usually contentious group or party; also, internal dissension.
• factious
• factious: addicted to form parties and raise dissensions.
• factitious
• factitious: artificial; not authentic or genuine.
• factotum
• factotum: a person employed to do all kinds of work.
• facultative
• fain
• fain: gladly; willingly.
• fainaigue
• fainaigue: to shirk; evade work or responsibility.
• faineant
• faineant: doing nothing; idle; also, a do-nothing.
• fain‚ant
• fainéant
• fait accompli
• fait accompli: an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.
• falcate
• falcate: curved like a scythe or sickle; hooked; falciform.
• falderal
• falderal: mere nonsense; foolish talk or ideas.
• fallacy
• fallacy: a deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc.
• fallal
• fallible
• fallible: liable to make a mistake.
• fallow
• fallow: not in use; inactive.
• Falstaffian
• famulus
• famulus: a servant or attendant, especially of a scholar or a magician.
• fanfaronade
• fanfaronade: empty boasting; bluster.
• fantabulous
• fantast
• fantast: a visionary or dreamer.
• fantasticate
• fantod: a state of extreme nervousness or restlessness.
• fantods
• farceur
• farceur: a joker; wag.
• fard
• fard: to apply cosmetics.
• fardel
• farouche
• farouche: sullenly unsociable or shy.
• farraginous
• farrago
• farrago: an assortment; a medley.
• farthing
• fartlek
• fascicle
• fascicle: a section of a book or set of books published in installments as separate pamphlets or volumes.
• fastidious: hard to please
• fastigiate
• fastigiate: rising to a pointed top.
• fathom: to penetrate to the truth of.
• fatidic
• fatidic: of, relating to, or characterized by prophecy.
• fatuous
• fatuous: inanely foolish; stupid; also, illusory.
• Faustian
• faux pas
• favonian
• favonian: pertaining to the west wind.
• favonian: pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.
• fe
• fealty
• fealty: fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness.
• featly
• febrile
• febrile: feverish.
• feckless
• feckless: ineffective; weak; worthless.
• fecund
• fecund: fruitful; prolific; also, marked by intellectual productivity.
• federalese
• feign
• feign: to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of.
• feijoada
• feinschmecker
• feint
• felicific
• felicitate
• felicitate: to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate.
• felicitous
• felicitous: apt or appropriate; also, delightful.
• felonious
• felonious: wicked; base; villainous.
• feminacy
• feminacy: feminine nature.
• fen
• fen: low land covered wholly or partially with water.
• fenestrated
• ferly
• ferly: something unusual, strange, or causing wonder or terror.
• fermata
• fermata: the sustaining of a note, chord, or rest for a duration longer than the indicated time value.
• ferret: to search out, discover, or bring to light.
• ferrule
• fervent
• fervent: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.
• fervid: marked by great passion or zeal.
• festal
• festinate
• festoon: to adorn with hanging chains or strands of any material.
• festschrift
• fetching
• fete
• fetial
• fetial: concerned with declarations of war and treaties of peace.
• fetid
• fetid: stinking.
• fetor
• fetor: a strong, offensive smell.
• fetter
• fetter: a restraint; also, to impose restraints on.
• fettle
• fettle: a state or condition of fitness, order, or mind.
• feuilleton
• feuilleton: a part of a European newspaper devoted to light literature, fiction, criticism, etc.
• fey
• fey: possessing or displaying a strange and otherworldly aspect or quality.
• fiat
• fiat: an arbitrary or authoritative command or order.
• fichu
• fictile
• fictioneer
• fiddle-footed
• fiddlestick
• fiddlestick: anything; a bit.
• fiddlesticks
• fiddlesticks: (used to express impatience, dismissal, etc.)
• fidelity
• fiducial
• fiducial: based on or having trust.
• fiduciary
• fiduciary: relating to the holding of something in trust for another.
• fiebre
• filch
• filch: to steal (especially something of small value); pilfer.
• filial
• filial: of, pertaining to, or befitting a son or daughter.
• filiopietistic
• filiopietistic: pertaining to reverence of forebears or tradition, especially if carried to excess.
• fillip
• fillip: a snap; also, a stimulus.
• fin de siecle
• fin de siecle: characteristic of the close of the century; sophisticated; world-weary.
• finagle
• finagle: to trick, swindle, or cheat (a person)( often followed by out of).
• final
• finical
• finical: finicky.
• finito
• fink
• fink: to inform the police; squeal.
• firth
• fisc
• fistic
• fizgig
• flackery
• flageolet
• flagitious
• flagitious: grossly wicked; scandalous.
• flak
• flak: criticism; hostile reaction; abuse.
• flakelet
• flaneur
• flaneur: one who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.
• flapdoodle
• flapdoodle: nonsense; bosh.
• flapdragon
• flapdragon: a game in which the players snatch raisins, plums, etc., out of burning brandy, and eat them.
• flavescent
• flaxen
• flaxen: of the pale yellowish color of dressed flax or linen.
• fleer
• fleer: to grin or laugh coarsely or mockingly.
• Fletcherize
• fletcherize: to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.
• flexitarian
• flexuous
• flexuous: full of bends or curves; sinuous.
• flibbertigibbet
• flibbertigibbet: a gossip.
• flibbertigibbet: a silly, flighty, or excessively talkative person.
• flimflam
• flinty
• flippant
• flippant: showing inappropriate levity; pert.
• flit
• flit: to move lightly and swiftly; flutter.
• floccinaucinihilipilification
• flocculent
• florid
• florid: flushed with red; also, excessively ornate.
• florido
• floriferous
• flounce
• flounce: to go with impatient, exaggerated movements.
• flounder
• flounder: to struggle clumsily or helplessly.
• flout
• flout: to treat with contempt and disregard.
• flubdub
• flumadiddle
• flummery
• flummery: mumbo jumbo; nonsense.
• flummox
• flummox: to confuse; to perplex.
• flummoxed
• flump
• flƒneur
• flâneur
• fob
• fob: a short chain, usually with a medallion or similar ornament, worn hanging from a pocket.
• foehn
• fogdog
• foible
• foible: a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect.
• foison
• foist
• foist: to force upon or impose fraudulently or unjustifiably.
• foliaceous
• foment
• foment: to nurse to life or activity; to incite.
• fomites
• foofaraw
• foofaraw: a great fuss or disturbance about something very insignificant.
• foofaraw: excessive or flashy ornamentation; also, a fuss over a trivial matter.
• fool
• footle
• footle: to act or talk in a foolish or silly way.
• footless: lacking substance
• footloose
• foozle
• fop
• fop: a man who is vain about his dress and appearance.
• foray
• foray: a quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder.
• forbearance
• forby
• force majeure
• forcible
• forcible: effected by force used against resistance; also, powerful.
• foremost
• foremost: first in place, order, rank, etc.
• forenamed
• forenamed: named before; mentioned before in the same writing or speech.
• forfend
• forfend: to avert; also, to protect or preserve.
• forgetive
• forgettery
• forgo
• forgo: to do without.
• forlorn
• forlorn: sad and lonely because deserted, abandoned, or lost.
• formication
• forsooth
• fortitudinous
• fortuitous
• fortuitous: happening by chance.
• fossick
• fossick: to search for any object by which to make gain.
• foudroyant: sudden and overwhelming in effect.
• foundling
• foundling: a deserted or abandoned child.
• fourscore
• frabjous
• frabjous: wonderful, elegant, superb, or delicious.
• fracas
• fracas: a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar.
• franchise
• franchise: the right to vote.
• frazil
• freebooter
• freegan
• frenemy
• frenetic
• frenetic: frantic; frenzied.
• fress
• friable
• friable: easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder.
• fribble
• fribble: to act in a foolish or frivolous manner; trifle.
• frigorific
• frigorific: causing or producing cold.
• frippery
• frippery: finery in dress, especially when showy or gaudy.
• frisson
• frisson: a brief moment of intense excitement.
• frisson: a sudden, passing sensation of excitement.
• fritter
• fritter: to squander or disperse piecemeal; waste little by little.
• frivol
• frivol: to behave frivolously; trifle.
• froideur
• frondescence
• frondescence: leafage; foliage.
• froward: willfully contrary
• frowzy
• frowzy: habitually unkempt
• fructify
• fructuous
• fructuous: fruitful; productive.
• frugivorous
• fruitlet
• frumious
• fr¡o
• fugacious
• fugacious: lasting but a short time.
• fugitive
• fugitive: fleeting, transitory, elusive.
• fulcrum
• fulcrum: the support, or point of rest, on which a lever turns.
• fulgurant
• fulgurant: flashing like lightning.
• fulgurate: to flash or dart like lightning.
• fulminate
• fulminate: to issue or utter verbal attacks or censures.
• fulsome
• fulsome: offensive from excess of praise.
• fumarole
• funambulist
• funemployed
• funereal: pertaining to or suiting a funeral; gloomy; mournful.
• fungible
• fungible: interchangeable.
• funster
• furbelow
• furbelow: something showy or superfluous.
• furcate
• furcate: to form a fork; branch.
• furl
• furl: to gather into a compact roll and bind securely.
• furphy
• furtherance
• furtive
• furtive: obtained or characterized by stealth; sly; secret; stealthy.
• fusillade
• fuss
• fussbudget
• fussbudget: a fussy or needlessly fault-finding person.
• fustian
• fustian: pompous or pretentious language.
• fustigate
• fusty
• fusty: old-fashioned or out-of-date.
• futilitarian
• futilitarian: believing that human hopes are vain and unjustified.
• futz
• futz: to pass time in idleness (usually followed by around).

G

• gabelle
• gadabout
• gadabout: one who roams about in search of amusement or social activity.
• gadzookery
• gaffe: tactless act
• gainsay
• gainsay: to contradict; to deny.
• galenical
• galimatias
• gallant
• gallant: brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous.
• Gallicism
• galligaskins
• galligaskins: leggings or gaiters, usually of leather.
• gallimaufry
• gallimaufry: a hodgepodge; jumble; confused medley.
• gallinaceous
• gallinipper
• gallinipper: any of various insects that sting or bite, especially a large American mosquito.
• gallivant: to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion; gad.
• galluses
• galoot
• galoot: an awkward, eccentric, or foolish person.
• galore: in abundance; in plentiful amounts.
• galumph
• galumph: to move in a clumsy manner or with a heavy tread.
• galvanic
• galvanic: pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the effect of an electric shock.
• galvanize
• gambit
• gambit: a remark made to open or redirect a conversation.
• gambol
• gambol: to dance and skip about in play.
• gambrinus: a mythical Flemish king, the reputed inventor of beer.
• gamine
• gamine: an urchin; also, a mischievous girl or young woman.
• gammon
• gammon: to deceive.
• gamut
• gamut: a complete extent or range.
• ganache
• ganar
• gander
• gander: a look.
• gangle
• gangle: to move awkwardly or ungracefully.
• gangrel
• gangrel: a lanky, loose-jointed person.
• gapeseed
• gapeseed: a person who gapes or stares in wonder.
• gaposis
• garboil
• garboil: confusion.
• garbology
• gargantuan: huge
• garrulous
• garrulous: talkative; also, wordy.
• garth
• gasconade
• gasconade: extravagant boasting; boastful talk.
• gaslight
• gaslight: to cause a person to doubt his or her sanity through the use of psychological manipulation.
• gasser
• gasser: something that is extraordinarily pleasing or successful, especially a very funny joke.
• gastronome
• gastronome: a lover of good food and drink.
• gastronomy
• gastronomy: the art or science of good eating.
• gauche
• gauche: lacking social polish; tactless.
• gaucherie
• gaumless
• gaumless: lacking in vitality or intelligence; stupid, dull, or clumsy.
• gawsy
• gazump
• gazump: to cheat (a house buyer) by raising the price, at the time a contract is to be signed, over the amount originally agreed upon.
• geep
• geep: the hybrid offspring of a goat and a sheep.
• gelid
• gelid: extremely cold; icy.
• gelt
• gelt: money.
• geminate
• gem�tlich
• gemütlich
• genethliac
• genethliac: of or pertaining to birthdays or to the position of the stars at one's birth.
• genial
• genial: sympathetically cheerful and cheering; kindly.
• genuflect
• genuflect: to bend the knee, as in worship; also, to grovel.
• geomancy
• geomancy: divination by geographic features or by figures or lines.
• gerent: a ruler or manager.
• germane
• germane: appropriate or fitting; relevant.
• germinal
• germinal: being in the earliest stage of development.
• gerontocracy
• gerrymander: the dividing of an area into election districts so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while reducing the strength of the othe
• gest: a notable deed or exploit.
• gesticulate
• gesticulate: to make gestures or motions.
• gewgaw
• gewgaw: a trinket; a bauble.
• ghibli
• ghost word
• ghoulish
• gibber
• gibble-gabble
• gibbosity
• gibbosity: a protuberance or swelling.
• gibbous
• gibbous: (of a heavenly body) convex at both edges, as the moon when more than half full.
• giblets
• giblets: the heart, liver, gizzard, and the like, of a fowl, often cooked separately.
• gimcrack
• gimcrack: a showy but useless or worthless object.
• gingham
• gingham: yarn-dyed, plain-weave cotton fabric, usually striped or checked.
• girandole
• gizmo: a mechanical device or part whose name is forgotten or unknown.
• glabrous
• glabrous: without hairs or projections; smooth.
• glace
• glace: ice placed in a drink to cool it.
• glanceable
• Glaucous
• glean
• glean: to learn, discover, or find out, usually little by little or slowly.
• gleed
• gleed: a glowing coal.
• gleek
• glib
• glib: readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so.
• glissade
• glissade: to perform a sliding or gliding step.
• glitterati
• glitz
• gloaming
• gloaming: twilight; dusk.
• globular
• glocal
• glower
• glower: to stare angrily or with a scowl.
• gloze
• gloze: to explain away.
• glut
• glut: an excessive supply or amount; surfeit.
• glutch
• glutch: to swallow.
• glutinous
• glutinous: gluey; sticky.
• gnathonic
• gnomic
• gnomic: uttering, containing, or characterized by maxims.
• gnomist
• gnomist: a writer of aphorisms.
• gnomon
• goad: to prod; incite.
• gobbet
• gobbet: a lump or mass.
• gobsmacked
• golden
• goldilocks
• golem
• gopher
• gopher: to mine unsystematically.
• gorgonize
• gorgonize: to hypnotize; petrify.
• gormandize: to eat greedily or ravenously.
• gormless
• gorp
• gossamer
• gossamer: a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, especially in autumn.
• gourmand
• gourmand: one who enjoys good food in great quantities.
• grabble
• grabble: to feel or search with the hands.
• gramarye
• grammatology
• grammatology: the scientific study of systems of writing.
• grandee
• grandee: a man of elevated rank or station; a nobleman.
• grandiloquent
• grandiloquent: expressed in a lofty style; pompous; bombastic.
• grandstand
• grangerize: to add to the visual content of a book by inserting images not included in the original volume, often by mutilating other books.
• gravid
• gravid: pregnant.
• gravitas
• gravitas: high seriousness.
• gree
• green-collar
• green-eyed
• greenth
• gregarious
• gregarious: seeking and enjoying the company of others.
• grimalkin
• grimalkin: an old female cat.
• grinch
• grisly
• grok
• grok: to understand.
• groupthink
• grouse
• grouse: to grumble; complain.
• Grub Street
• Grub Street: the world or category of impoverished literary hacks.
• grubstake
• grumphie
• gubernatorial
• gubernatorial: of or pertaining to a governor.
• guddle
• guerdon
• guerdon: reward or payment
• guff
• guff: empty or foolish talk; nonsense.
• guile
• guile: insidious cunning in attaining a goal.
• guileless
• guillemet
• guisard
• gull
• gull: to deceive, trick, or cheat.
• gullywasher
• gumption
• gumption: initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness.
• gung-ho: wholeheartedly enthusiastic and loyal.
• gussy
• gustatory
• gustatory: pertaining to the sense of taste.
• gusto
• gynarchy
• gynarchy: government by women.

H

• ha-ha
• ha-ha: sunk fence.
• haberdashery
• haberdashery: a retail shop dealing in men's furnishings, as shirts, ties, gloves, socks, and hats.
• habiliment
• habiliment: clothes or clothing.
• habitue
• habitue: one who habitually frequents a place.
• habitué
• habitué: one who frequents a particular place.
• hacek
• hacienda
• hacienda: a large estate, especially one used for farming or ranching.
• hackneyed: repeated too often
• hadal
• hadal: pertaining to the greatest ocean depths.
• hagiography
• hagiography: biography of saints; also, idealizing or idolizing biography.
• hagridden
• haimish
• haimish: homey; cozy and unpretentious.
• halcyon
• halcyon: peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
• hale
• hale: free from disease and weakening conditions; healthy.
• halidom
• hallow: to make holy; sanctify; consecrate.
• hallowed
• hallux
• hallux: big toe.
• hamartia
• hamartia: tragic flaw.
• hamlet
• hamlet: a small village.
• handsel
• handsel: first encounter with or use of something taken as a token of what will follow.
• hangdog
• hapax legomenon
• haphephobia
• hapless: deserving pity
• happenstance
• happenstance: a chance happening or event.
• haptic: relating to the sense of touch; tactile.
• harangue
• harangue: a speech addressed to a public assembly; also, a noisy or pompous speech.
• harbinger
• harbinger: a precursor; one that presages what is to come.
• hardihood
• hardihood: boldness or daring; courage.
• hardscrabble
• hardscrabble: barren, marginal; also, marked by poverty.
• harlequin
• harridan
• harridan: a scolding, vicious woman.
• harrowing
• harrowing: extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous.
• harrumph
• harum-scarum
• hasta
• hauteur
• hauteur: haughtiness; arrogance.
• haw
• haw: to utter a sound representing a hesitation or pause in speech.
• heart-whole
• hearth
• heartsease
• heartsome
• heartstrings
• hebdomadal
• hebdomadal: taking place, coming together, or published once every seven days.
• hebetude
• hebetude: mental dullness or sluggishness.
• hector
• hector: to bully or harass.
• hedonism
• heebie-jeebies
• hegira
• hegira: a journey to a more desirable or congenial place.
• Heiligenschein
• heliolatry: worship of the sun.
• heliotrope
• heliotrope: a light tint of purple; reddish lavender.
• heliotropic
• hellion
• hellion: a disorderly, troublesome, rowdy, or mischievous person.
• helpmate
• helpmate: a companion and helper.
• helter-skelter
• helter-skelter: in headlong and disorderly haste.
• hematic
• hematic: of or pertaining to blood.
• hemidemisemiquaver
• hemidemisemiquaver: a sixty-fourth note.
• hempy
• hempy: mischievous; often in trouble for mischief.
• hent
• hent: to seize.
• hermetic: airtight; protected
• hermitage
• hermitage: a secluded residence; a retreat.
• hero
• hesperidium
• heterodox
• heterodox: holding unorthodox opinions.
• heterogeneous
• heterogeneous: consisting of dissimilar elements.
• heterography
• heterotelic
• heterotelic: having the purpose of its existence or occurrence apart from itself.
• heuristic: serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.
• hew
• hew: to uphold, follow closely, or conform.
• hex
• hibernaculum
• hibernaculum: a protective case or covering, especially for winter.
• hibernal
• hidebound
• hidebound: stubbornly conservative
• hiemal
• hiemal: of or pertaining to winter; wintry.
• hieratic
• hieratic: highly restrained or severe in emotional import.
• hieroglyphic
• hierogram
• higgledy-piggledy
• higgledy-piggledy: in a jumbled, confused, or disorderly manner; helter-skelter.
• highfalutin
• highhanded: with haughty disregard
• hippophile
• hippophile: one who loves horses.
• hircine
• hircine: of, pertaining to, or resembling a goat.
• hireling
• hirsute
• hirsute: covered with hair or bristles.
• hirtellous
• hirtellous: minutely hirsute.
• historiated
• histrionic
• histrionic: theatrical.
• histrionics
• histrionics: behavior or speech for effect, as insincere or exaggerated expression of an emotion.
• hitherto
• hive mind
• hoary
• hoary: tedious from familiarity; stale.
• hoary: white or gray with age; hence, extremely old.
• hobbledehoy
• hobbledehoy: an awkward, gawky young fellow.
• hobbyhorse
• hobgoblin
• hobnob
• hobnob: to associate familiarly.
• hobson jobson
• hobson jobson: the alteration of a word borrowed from a foreign language to accord more closely with the linguistic patterns of the borrowing language.
• Hobson's choice
• Hobson's choice: a choice without an alternative.
• hocus-pocus
• hoggery
• Hogmanay
• Hogmanay: a gift given on New Year's Eve.
• hoi polloi
• hoi polloi: the common people; the masses.
• Hoick
• hoity-toity
• hokum
• hokum: out-and-out nonsense; bunkum.
• holograph
• holograph: wholly written by the person in whose name it appears.
• holophrase
• holus-bolus
• holus-bolus: all at once; altogether.
• homily
• homily: a sermon or lecture; also, an inspirational saying or a platitude.
• hominid
• homograph: a word of the same written form as another but of different meaning, whether pronounced the same way or not.
• homologate
• homologate: to approve; confirm or ratify.
• homologous: corresponding in characteristics
• homunculus
• homunculus: an artificially made, miniature person or creature.
• honcho
• honorific
• hoodwink
• hoodwink: to deceive or trick.
• hooly
• hoosgow
• hoosgow: a jail.
• hootenanny
• hopscotch: to journey quickly and directly from one usually far place to another.
• hornswoggle
• hornswoggle: to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.
• horologium
• horology
• horology: the art of making timepieces or of measuring time.
• horripilate: to produce a bristling of the hair on the skin from cold, fear, etc.; goose flesh.
• horripilation
• horripilation: a bristling of the hair on the skin from cold, fear, etc.
• horripilation: goose bumps
• horsefeathers
• hortatory
• hortatory: serving to encourage or incite.
• hotchpot
• hotchpot: the bringing together of shares or properties in order to divide them equally.
• hotsy-totsy
• howdah
• howdah: a seat or platform for one or more persons placed on the back of an elephant.
• hoyden
• hoyden: a boisterous, bold, and carefree girl.
• hsien
• hsien: one of a group of benevolent spirits promoting good in the world.
• hubris
• hubris: overbearing pride or presumption.
• hugger-mugger
• hugger-mugger: secret; also, muddled, disorderly.
• humblebrag
• humbuggery
• humdinger
• humdinger: a person, thing, action, or statement of remarkable excellence or effect.
• hunky dory: about as well as one could wish or expect.
• hurdy-gurdy
• hurdy-gurdy: a barrel organ or similar musical instrument played by turning a crank.
• hustings
• hustings: the political campaign trail.
• hyaline: glassy or transparent.
• hydra
• hyetal
• hygge
• hyperbole
• hyperbole: extravagant exaggeration.
• hyperbolic
• hyperbolic: using hyperbole; exaggerating.
• hyperhidrosis
• hyperhidrosis: abnormally excessive sweating.
• hypermnesia
• hypethral
• hypethral: wholly or partly open to the sky.
• hypnagogic
• hypnagogic: inducing sleep; of or pertaining to drowsiness.
• hypnopedia
• hypnopompic
• hypnopompic: pertaining to the semiconscious state prior to complete wakefulness.
• hypocorism
• hypocorism: a pet name.
• hypogeal
• hypogeum
• hypogeum: an underground burial chamber.
• hypostatize
• hypothecate
• hypothecate: to pledge to a creditor as security without delivering over; mortgage.
• hypozeuxis

I

• iambic: having two syllables
• iatrogenic: (of a medical disorder) caused by the actions of a physician.
• iceblink
• ichnite
• iconoclast: critic of ideas
• iconoclastic
• idee fixe
• idee fixe: a fixed idea; an obsession.
• idem
• idem: the same as previously given or mentioned.
• ideogram
• Ides
• Ides: the fifteenth day of March, May, July, and October, and the thirteenth day of the other months.
• idioglossia: a private form of speech invented by one child or by children.
• idiolect
• idiolect: a person's individual speech pattern.
• idoneous
• idoneous: appropriate; fit; suitable; apt.
• idyll
• idyll: a poem or prose work depicting rural or pastoral life; also, a carefree episode or experience.
• iftar
• igneous
• ignoble
• ignoble: not noble.
• ignominy
• ignoramus
• ignoramus: an ignorant person; a dunce.
• ikat
• ikat: a method of printing woven fabric by tie-dyeing the yarns before weaving.
• ikebana
• ikigai
• illation
• imagineer
• imago: an idealized concept of a loved one, formed in childhood and retained unaltered in adult life.
• imbroglio
• imbroglio: a complicated and embarrassing state of things.
• imbue
• imbue: to dye; to instill profoundly.
• immemorial
• immiscible
• immiscible: incapable of being mixed.
• immix
• immix: to mix in; mingle.
• immolate
• immolate: to kill or destroy, often by fire.
• immure
• immure: to imprison.
• imp
• impassible
• impassible: incapable of suffering; also, unfeeling or not showing feeling.
• impassive
• impassive: devoid of emotion; also, showing no emotion.
• impawn
• impawn: to put in pawn; pledge.
• impecunious
• impecunious: habitually without money; poor.
• impedimenta
• impedimenta: baggage or other things that retard one's progress
• impervious
• impervious: impenetrable; also, not capable of being affected.
• impetrate: to obtain by entreaty.
• implacable: incapable of being pacified.
• impolitic
• impolitic: not politic, expedient, or judicious.
• imponderabilia
• imponderable
• imponderable: a thing that cannot be precisely determined or measured.
• importunate
• importunate: troublesomely urgent.
• imprecation
• imprecation: a curse.
• impregnable
• impregnable: able to resist attack.
• impresario
• imprest
• imprest: an advance of money; loan.
• imprimatur
• imprimatur: approval or sanction.
• improbity
• improvident
• improvident: lacking foresight; negligent; thoughtless.
• impugn
• impugn: to call in question; to make insinuations against.
• inamorata
• inamorata: a woman whom one is in love with.
• inanition
• inanition: exhaustion from lack of nourishment; also, emptiness.
• inaugurate
• incarnadine
• incarnadine: pink or red; also, to redden.
• inchoate
• inchoate: partly but not fully in existence or operation.
• inchoation
• inchoation: a beginning; origin.
• incipient
• incipient: beginning to exist or appear.
• incisive: penetrating, sharp, cutting.
• inclement
• inclement: harsh; severe -- especially said of the weather.
• incogitant
• incommodious
• incommodious: inconvenient, as not affording sufficient space or room.
• incommunicado
• incommunicado: without means or right to communicate.
• incondite
• incondite: ill-constructed; unpolished.
• incongruous
• incongruous: lacking in harmony.
• incontrovertible
• incontrovertible: indisputable; unquestionable.
• inculcate
• inculcate: to teach and impress by frequent repetition or instruction.
• inculpate
• incunabula
• incunabula: the earliest stages or first traces of anything.
• incunabulum: the earliest stages or first traces of anything.
• incursion: entering another's domain
• indagate
• indagate: to investigate; research.
• indefatigable
• indefatigable: untiring.
• indelible
• indelible: incapable of being removed or erased.
• indelible: that cannot be eliminated, forgotten, or the like.
• indemnify
• indemnify: to compensate for damage or loss sustained.
• indemnity
• indemnity: security against damage or loss.
• indigence
• indigence: extreme poverty.
• Indigenous
• indigent
• indigent: extremely poor.
• indite
• indite: to compose or write, as a poem.
• indolent
• indolent: lazy; inactive.
• indomitable
• indomitable: incapable of being subdued or overcome.
• indubitable
• indubitable: that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable.
• indurate
• indurate: to make hard; to harden.
• ineffable
• ineffable: incapable of being expressed.
• ineffectual
• ineffectual: without effect; weak; useless.
• ineluctable
• ineluctable: impossible to avoid or evade.
• inexorable
• inexorable: unyielding; relentless.
• inextricably
• infare
• infinitesimal
• infinitesimal: indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute.
• inflection point
• inflorescence
• infodemic
• infomania
• infra dig
• ingeminate
• ingeminate: to repeat; reiterate.
• ingenious
• ingenue
• ingenue: a naive girl or young woman, or an actress representing such a person.
• ingenuous
• ingenuous: demonstrating childlike simplicity; also, open; frank.
• inglenook
• inglenook: a corner or nook near a fireplace.
• ingratiate
• ingratiate: to establish (oneself) in the favor or good graces of others.
• ingress
• ingress: the act of going in or entering.
• inhere
• inhere: to be inherent.
• iniciar
• inicio
• inimical
• inimical: unfriendly; unfavorable.
• iniquitous
• iniquitous: characterized by injustice or wickedness; wicked; sinful.
• inkhorn
• inkhorn: affectedly or ostentatiously learned.
• innocuous
• innocuous: harmless; also, unlikely to offend or provoke.
• inscape
• inscrutable
• inscrutable: difficult to fathom or understand.
• insensate
• insensate: lacking sensation or awareness.
• insipience
• insistir
• insouciance
• insouciance: lack of care or concern; indifference.
• insouciant
• insouciant: marked by blithe unconcern; nonchalant.
• inspirit
• inspissate
• instantiate
• instauration
• instauration: renewal; restoration; renovation; repair.
• insufflate
• insuperable
• insuperable: incapable of being passed over, surmounted, or overcome.
• integrant
• integrant: making up or being a part of a whole; constituent.
• integument
• integument: a natural covering, as a skin, shell, or rind.
• intellection
• intemerate
• intemerate: inviolate; undefiled; unsullied; pure.
• intenerate
• intercalary
• intercalate
• interdigitate
• interlard
• interlard: to insert between; to mix.
• interlocutor: a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue.
• interloper
• interminable: seeming to have no end
• internecine
• internecine: destructive; especially, mutually destructive; also, relating to conflict within a group.
• internuncial
• internuncial: serving to announce or connect.
• interosculate
• interosculate: to form a connecting link.
• interpolate
• interpolate: to insert between; also, to alter or corrupt by insertion.
• interpolation
• interpolation: the act or process of introducing something additional or extraneous between other parts.
• interregnum
• interregnum: the interval between two reigns; also, any breach of continuity in an order.
• interrobang
• interrobang: a punctuation mark that combines the question mark and the exclamation point, indicating a mixture of query and interjection.
• intersectionality
• interstice
• interstice: a space between things or parts.
• intestable: not legally qualified to make a will, as an infant or a lunatic.
• intimation: indirect suggestion
• intractable
• intractable: not easily governed, managed, or directed.
• intransigent
• intransigent: uncompromising.
• intrapersonal
• intrapreneur
• intrapreneur: an employee of a company who is given freedom to create new products.
• intrepid
• intrepid: fearless; bold.
• intromit
• intromit: to introduce; to send, put, or let in.
• introspection
• introspection: the act or process of self-examination; reflection.
• inure
• inure: to make used to; also, to take or have effect.
• inutile
• invective
• invective: insulting or abusive language.
• inveigh
• inveigh: to rail (against some person or thing).
• inveigle
• inveigle: to persuade or obtain by ingenuity or flattery.
• inveterate
• inveterate: deep-rooted; of long standing.
• invidious
• invidious: tending to provoke envy or ill will.
• inviolable
• iota
• iota: a very small quantity or degree.
• ipso facto
• irascible
• irascible: easily provoked to anger.
• irenic
• irenic: promoting peace.
• iridescent
• irredentist
• irredentist: a member of a party in any country advocating the acquisition of some region included in another country.
• irrefragable
• irrefragable: impossible to refute.
• irrefrangible
• irrefrangible: not to be broken or violated; inviolable.
• irriguous
• irriguous: well-watered, as land.
• irrupt
• irrupt: to burst in forcibly or suddenly.
• isobar
• isolato
• isolato: a person who is spiritually isolated from or out of sympathy with his or her times or society.
• isopolity
• itinerant
• itinerant: traveling from place to place.
• iwis
• iwis: certainly.

J

• Jabberwocky
• jackanapes
• jackanapes: an impertinent, presumptuous person, especially a young man.
• Jacobin
• Jacobin: an extreme radical, especially in politics.
• jactation
• jactation: a restless tossing of the body.
• jaded: exhausted
• jamboree
• jamboree: a carousal; any noisy merrymaking.
• jammy
• jannock
• Janus-faced
• jape
• jape: a trick or practical joke.
• jaundiced
• jaundiced: affected with or exhibiting prejudice, as from envy or resentment.
• jawbone
• jawbreaker
• Jedi
• jejune
• jejune: lacking in nutritional value; also, immature; also, dull.
• jeremiad
• jeremiad: a doleful story; also, a dolorous or angry tirade..
• jettison: throw away or over
• jigger
• jigger: any of various mechanical devices, many of which have a jerky or jolting motion.
• jiggery-pokery
• jilt
• jilt: to reject or cast aside (a lover or sweetheart), especially abruptly or unfeelingly.
• jnana: absolute insight acquired through study.
• jo
• jobbery: the conduct of public or official business for the sake of improper private gain.
• jockey
• jocose
• jocose: given to or characterized by joking.
• jocular
• jocular: given to or characterized by joking.
• jocund
• jocund: light-hearted; mirthful.
• joggle
• joggle: to shake slightly; move to and fro, as by repeated jerks.
• John Hancock
• Johnsonese
• jointure
• jointure: property given to a woman upon marriage, to be owned by her after her husband's death.
• jollier
• jollification
• jollification: merrymaking; revelry.
• JOMO
• jornada
• jovial
• jovial: merry; joyous; jolly.
• joyance
• juberous
• jubilant
• jubilarian
• jubilarian: a person who celebrates or has celebrated a jubilee.
• jubilate
• jubilate: to show or feel great joy; rejoice; exult.
• jubilee
• jubilee: any season or occasion of rejoicing or festivity.
• judder
• juggernaut
• juggernaut: any large, overpowering, destructive force.
• jujitsu
• jujitsu: the ability to accomplish a task with no apparent effort or resistance.
• juju
• juju: an object superstitiously believed to embody magical powers.
• junket
• junket: a trip, usually by an official or legislative committee, paid out of public funds and ostensibly to obtain information.
• junta
• junta: a governmental council or committee, esp. one that rules after a revolution.
• jurisprudence
• jury-rig
• juvenescent
• juvenescent: being or becoming youthful; young.
• juvenilia
• juxtaposition
• juxtaposition: the act or an instance of placing in nearness.

K

• Kafkaesque
• kaleidoscopic
• kanone
• kaomoji
• kaput
• katzenjammer
• keek
• kef
• kef: a state of drowsy contentment
• keiretsu
• kelpie
• kelpie: a water spirit, usually having the form of a horse.
• ken
• ken: knowledge, understanding, or cognizance; mental perception.
• kenning
• kenspeckle: conspicuous; easily seen or recognized.
• kerf
• kerf: a cut or incision made by a saw or the like in a piece of wood.
• kerfuffle
• keysmash
• kibbutz: collective farm
• kibitz: to chat, to converse.
• kibitzer
• kibitzer: a giver of uninvited or unwanted advice.
• kickshaw
• kickshaw: a tidbit or delicacy, especially one served as an appetizer.
• kinchin
• kinchin: a child.
• kindred
• kinesthetic
• kinetic: moving
• kismet
• kismet: destiny; fate.
• kith
• kith: acquaintances, friends, neighbors, or the like.
• kitsch
• kitsch: art in pretentious bad taste.
• klatsch
• klatsch: a casual gathering of people.
• klaxon
• klaxon: a loud electric horn, formerly used on automobiles, trucks, etc.
• kloof
• kloof: (in South Africa) a deep glen; ravine.
• knackered
• knavery
• knavery: unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest dealing; trickery.
• knell
• knell: the stoke of a bell tolled at a funeral.
• koan: A nonsensical or paradoxical question to a student for which an answer is demanded, the stress of meditation on the question often being illuminating.
• kobold
• kobold: a kind of domestic spirit in German mythology.
• kosher
• kowtow
• kowtow: to act in a subservient manner.
• krewe
• krummholz
• kvell
• kvetch
• kvetch: to complain habitually.
• kyoodle

L

• labile
• labile: open to change; apt or likely to change.
• labyrinthine
• lacerate
• lacerate: to tear roughly; mangle.
• lachrymose
• lachrymose: given to causing tears.
• laciniate
• laciniate: cut into narrow, irregular lobes; slashed.
• lackadaisical
• lackadaisical: lacking spirit or liveliness.
• laconic
• laconic: using or marked by the use of a minimum of words.
• lacuna
• lacuna: a blank space; a missing part.
• lacustrine
• laden
• laden: burdened; loaded down.
• laeotropic
• lagan
• lagan: anything sunk in the sea, but attached to a buoy or the like so that it may be recovered.
• laggard: wasting time
• lagniappe
• lagniappe: a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, by way of compliment.
• lagniappe: a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, for good measure.
• lagom
• laicism
• laisser-aller
• laissez-faire: non-interference
• lallygag
• lallygag: to spend time idly; loaf.
• lam
• lam: to beat; thrash.
• lambaste
• lambaste: to scold sharply; also, to beat.
• lambent
• lambent: brilliantly playful.
• lambent: playing on the surface; flickering.
• lampoon: composition that imitates or misrepresents someone's style
• land of Nod
• land of Nod: sleep.
• langlauf
• languid
• languid: lacking vigor or force.
• languor
• languor: lack of energy or vitality.
• lapidary
• lapidary: of or pertaining to stone cutting; also, terse or refined in expression.
• lapidify
• lardy-dardy
• largess
• largess: generous giving; also, gifts of money or other valuables.
• largesse
• largesse: generous bestowal of gifts.
• largo
• larrikin
• larrikin: disorderly; rowdy.
• larrup
• larrup: to beat or thrash.
• lascivious
• lascivious: lewd; lustful.
• lassitude
• lassitude: lack of vitality or energy.
• laterigrade
• lateritious
• latitudinarian
• latitudinarian: having or expressing broad and tolerant views.
• laudable
• laudable: praiseworthy; commendable.
• laureate
• Lavation
• lave
• lave: to wash; bathe.
• layette
• layette: an outfit of clothing, bedding, etc., for a newborn baby.
• lazo
• lea
• lea: a tract of open ground, especially grassland; meadow.
• leeward
• legerdemain
• legerdemain: sleight of hand.
• legerity
• leitmotif
• leitmotif: a dominant and recurring theme.
• Lenient -
• lenity
• lenity: the state or quality of being lenient.
• leonine
• leporine
• lese majesty
• lese majesty: an attack on any custom, institution, belief, etc., held sacred or revered by numbers of people.
• leveret
• leveret: a young hare.
• leviathan
• leviathan: anything of immense size and power.
• levigate
• levigate: to rub, grind, or reduce to a fine powder.
• levity
• levity: frivolity.
• lexicography
• lexicography: the writing or compiling of dictionaries.
• lexicon
• lexicon: a dictionary; also, the vocabulary of a person, group, etc.
• libation
• libation: the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice; also, a beverage.
• liberation
• librate
• librer¡a
• lickerish: fond of and eager for choice food.
• lickety-split
• lickspittle
• lief
• liege
• liege: loyal; faithful.
• Lilliputian
• lilliputian: extremely small; tiny; diminutive.
• lilt
• lilt: rhythmic swing or cadence.
• lily-livered
• lily-livered: weak or lacking in courage; cowardly; pusillanimous.
• limacine
• limerence
• liminal: relating to the point beyond which a sensation becomes too faint to be experienced.
• limn
• limn: to draw or paint; also, to describe.
• limpid
• limpid: clear; also, serene.
• linchpin
• linchpin: something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together.
• Lincolnesque
• lineament
• lineament: a distinguishing or characteristic feature.
• lingua franca: any language that is widely used as a means of communication among speakers of other languages.
• linguaphile
• lionhearted
• lionize
• lionize: to treat or regard as an object great interest or importance.
• lipogram
• lipogram: a written work composed to avoid the use of specific alphabetic characters.
• lissom
• lissom: supple; nimble.
• listless
• listless: having no desire or inclination.
• literatim
• litigate
• litigious
• litigious: inclined to dispute or disagree; argumentative.
• litotes
• litotes: understatement, especially that in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary.
• littoral
• littoral: on a coastal or shore region.
• littoral: pertaining to the shore of a lake, sea, or ocean.
• llevarse
• loblolly
• loblolly: a mire; mudhole.
• locavore
• lodestar
• lodestar: something that serves as a guide or on which the attention is fixed.
• lodestone
• logogriph
• logomachy
• logomachy: a dispute about or concerning words.
• logophobia
• logorrhea
• logorrhea: excessive talkativeness.
• logrolling
• logy
• loll
• loll: to recline or lean in a relaxed, lazy, or indolent manner; lounge.
• lollapalooza
• lollapalooza: an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
• lollop: to move forward with a bounding or leaping motion.
• lonely-hearts
• longanimity
• longevous
• longueur
• longueur: a tedious passage in a work of literature or performance art.
• loquacious
• loquacious: very talkative.
• lorn
• lorn: lost, ruined, or undone.
• lotus-eater
• louche
• louche: of questionable taste or morality.
• loup-garou
• loup-garou: a werewolf; lycanthrope.
• lubricious
• lubricious: lewd; also, slippery or smooth.
• lucent
• lucent: shining.
• lucida
• luciferous
• lucifugous: avoiding light.
• lucre
• lucre: money; profit.
• lucubrate
• lucubrate: to work, write, or study laboriously, especially at night.
• lucubration
• lucubration: laborious work, study, thought, etc., esp. at night.
• luculent
• luculent: clear; easily understood.
• Lucullan: profusely extravagant
• Luddite
• ludic
• ludic: playful.
• lugubrious
• lugubrious: mournful; gloomy; dismal.
• lulu
• luminary
• luminary: any body that gives light; also, a person of eminence or brilliant achievement.
• lummox
• lummox: a clumsy, stupid person.
• lumpen
• lumpen: those individuals cut off from their normal socioeconomic class.
• lunation
• lunisolar
• lunker
• lunker: something unusually large for its kind.
• lunula
• lupine: savage; ravenous; predatory.
• lustrum
• luxate
• luxate: to put out of joint; dislocate.
• lyard
• lyard: streaked or spotted with gray or white.
• lyceum
• lyceum: an institution for popular education providing discussions, lectures, concerts, etc.

M

• macabre
• macabre: gruesome and horrifying.
• macaronic
• macaronic: composed of a mixture of languages.
• Machiavellian
• machinate
• machinate: to contrive or plot, especially artfully or with evil purpose.
• machination
• machination: a crafty scheme intended to accomplish some usually evil end.
• mackle
• mackle: to blur.
• macramé
• macrobiotic: promoting longevity
• macushla
• madcap
• madcap: wildly or heedlessly impulsive; reckless; rash.
• madeleine
• madrugar
• maelstrom
• maelstrom: a large, powerful whirlpool; also, a violent, disordered, or turbulent state of affairs.
• maffick
• magisterial
• magnanimous
• magnanimous: generous and noble
• magniloquent
• magniloquent: lofty or grandiose in speech or expression.
• mainour
• mainour: a stolen article found on the person of or near the thief.
• majuscule: of letters written either as capitals or uncials.
• makai
• makebate
• makebate: a person who causes contention or discord.
• Mal de mer
• mal du pays
• maladroit
• maladroit: awkward; unskillful; inept.
• malaise
• malaise: a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
• malapert: unbecomingly bold or saucy.
• malarkey
• malcontent
• malcontent: one who is discontented or dissatisfied.
• malediction
• malediction: a curse.
• malfeasance
• malfeasance: wrongdoing, misconduct, or misbehavior.
• malign
• malign: to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame.
• malinger
• malinger: to feign illness or inability.
• malinger: to pretend illness, especially in order to shirk one's duty, avoid work, etc.
• malleable
• malleable: capable of being shaped; also, adaptable.
• malodorous
• malodorous: having a bad odor.
• malversation: misconduct in public office.
• mammock
• mammonism
• mammonism: the greedy pursuit of riches.
• mana: a generalized, supernatural force, which may be concentrated in objects or persons.
• manavelins
• Manichean: pertaining to a strongly dualistic worldview.
• manifold
• manifold: of many kinds; numerous and varied.
• manna
• mano a mano
• manqu‚
• manqué
• manse
• manse: a large and imposing residence.
• mansuetude
• mansuetude: mildness; gentleness.
• mantic
• mantic: of or pertaining to divination.
• manticore
• manumit
• manumit: to free from slavery or servitude.
• mardy
• mare
• marginalia
• marginalia: notes in the margin of a book, manuscript, or letter.
• maringouin
• marmoreal
• marmoreal: of or like marble.
• marplot
• martial: pertaining to war
• martinet
• martinet: a strict disciplinarian.
• marvy
• mascara
• maslin
• maslin: a mixture; medley.
• masscult
• masticate
• masticate: to chew.
• matador
• matador: the principal bullfighter in a bullfight; a torero.
• matcha
• materfamilias
• materfamilias: the mother of a family.
• matriculate
• matriculate: to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.
• matrifocal
• matrifocal: focused or centered on the mother.
• matrilineal
• matrilineal: inheriting or determining descent through the female line.
• matte
• matte: having a dull or lusterless surface.
• matutinal
• matutinal: relating to or occurring in the morning.
• matzo
• maudlin
• maudlin: excessively sentimental.
• maugre
• maugre: in spite of; notwithstanding.
• maunder
• maunder: to talk or wander aimlessly.
• mavourneen
• maw
• maw: the symbolic or theoretical center of a voracious hunger or appetite of any kind.
• mawkish
• mawkish: sickly or excessively sentimental.
• mazuma
• mazuma: money.
• mazy
• mazy: resembling a maze; intricate or confusing.
• mbira
• me-tooism
• mea culpa
• mealy-mouthed
• meander
• meander: to proceed by or take a winding or indirect course.
• megafauna
• megalomania
• megalomania: a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur.
• megillah
• megrim
• megrim: a migraine; also, a fancy or whim; in the plural, low spirits.
• melancholic
• melee
• melee: a confused conflict.
• melic
• meliorism
• meliorism: the doctrine that the world may be made better by human effort.
• melismatic
• melismatic: characterized by the singing of several notes to one syllable of text, for emotional impact, as in blues and other musical styles.
• melliferous
• melliferous: yielding or producing honey.
• mellifluous
• mellifluous: flowing sweetly or smoothly.
• membranophone
• memorist
• memoriter
• menagerie
• menagerie: a collection of wild or unusual animals; also, a diverse group.
• mendacious
• mendacious: untruthful; also, untrue.
• mendacity
• mendacity: a tendency to lie; untruthfulness.
• mendicant
• mendicant: a beggar.
• mensch
• mensch: a decent, upright, mature, and responsible person.
• mephitic
• mephitic: offensive to the smell; also, noxious.
• mercurial
• mercurial: changeable; temperamental; volatile.
• meretricious
• meretricious: tawdry.
• meritocracy
• meritorious
• merrymaking
• mesmerism
• mesmerize
• mesmerize: to spellbind; fascinate.
• messan
• meta
• meta: consciously referencing its own subject or features.
• metaphrastic
• metaphrastic: having the quality of a literary work that has been translated or changed from one form to another, as prose into verse.
• metathesis
• metempirical
• metempirical: beyond or outside the field of experience.
• Methuselah
• Methuselah: an extremely old man.
• meticulous
• meticulous: extremely careful about details.
• metier
• metronymic
• metrophobia
• mettle
• mettle: courage and fortitude.
• meunière
• mewl
• mewl: to cry, as a baby, young child, or the like; whimper.
• miasma
• miasma: a thick vaporous atmosphere, often noxious.
• mickle
• mickle: great; large; much.
• microcosm
• microcosm: a smaller, representative system having analogies to a larger system.
• middlescence
• middling
• mien
• mien: demeanor; also, aspect; appearance.
• mignon
• mignon: small and pretty; delicately pretty.
• milieu
• milieu: environment; setting.
• militate
• militate: to have force or influence.
• milksop
• milksop: an unmanly man.
• milliner
• milquetoast
• milquetoast: a very timid, unassertive, spineless person.
• mimesis
• mimetic
• mimetic: imitative.
• minatory
• minatory: threatening; menacing.
• mind-pop
• Minerva
• minim: the least quantity of anything.
• minimoon
• minnie
• minutiae
• mirabilia
• mirada
• mirar
• mirepoix
• mirth
• mirth: gaiety or jollity, especially when accompanied by laughter.
• misbegotten
• miscreant
• miscreant: a scoundrel, a villain; also, a heretic.
• mise en scène
• mishpocha
• mishpocha: a family network comprising relatives by blood and marriage and sometimes including close friends.
• misnomer
• misnomer: a misnaming.
• misology
• misology: distrust or hatred of reason or reasoning.
• misoneism
• misoneism: hatred or dislike of what is new or represents change.
• misprize
• misprize: to despise; also, to undervalue.
• missive
• missive: a written message; a letter.
• mistral
• mistral: a cold, dry, northerly wind.
• mithridate: a confection believed to contain an antidote to every poison.
• mitigate
• mitigate: to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate.
• mitzvah
• mizzle
• mizzle: to rain in fine drops; drizzle; mist.
• modicum
• modicum: a small or token amount.
• modish
• moggy
• moiety
• moiety: a half; a small part.
• moil
• moil: to labor; to toil; to drudge.
• moira
• mojado
• mojar
• mojo
• mojo: personal magnetism; charm.
• mollify
• mollify: to reduce in intensity; to soothe; to soften.
• momento
• momism
• monad
• monad: a single unit or entity.
• mondegreen
• mondegreen: a word or phrase resulting from a misinterpretation, as in misheard lyrics.
• moniker
• moniker: a person's name, especially a nickname or alias.
• monomania
• monomania: obsession with a single subject.
• monsoon
• monta¤a
• monticule
• mont¢n
• moonbow
• moonshot
• moonstruck
• moor
• moor: to fix firmly; secure.
• moosemilk
• moosemilk: homemade or bootleg whiskey.
• moot
• moot: open to discussion or debate; doubtful.
• moppet
• moratorium
• moratory
• moratory: authorizing delay of payment.
• morceau
• morceau: piece; morsel.
• mordacious
• mordacious: sharp or caustic in style, tone, etc.
• mordant
• mordant: biting; caustic; sarcastic.
• mores
• mores: customs; habits; ways.
• morganatic: pertaining to a form of marriage where a person of high rank weds someone of lower station without claim to the property of the high-ranking partner.
• moribund
• moribund: dying.
• moschate
• moschate: having a musky smell.
• mosquito
• mostrar
• mot
• mot juste
• mot juste: appropriate expression
• mot juste: the exact, appropriate word.
• mot: a pithy or witty remark.
• mote
• mote: a small particle or speck, especially of dust.
• mother wit
• motte
• motza
• motza: a large amount of money, especially a sum won in gambling.
• moue
• moue: a pouting grimace.
• mountebank
• mountebank: a quack; also, a charlatan.
• moxie
• moxie: vigor; verve; pep.
• muckrake
• mucro
• mucro: a short point projecting abruptly, as at the end of a leaf.
• mufti
• mufti: civilian clothes, in contrast with military or other uniforms, or as worn by a person who usually wears a uniform.
• mugwump: a person who is unable to make up his or her mind on an issue, esp. in politics.
• mulct
• mulct: to defraud.
• muliebrity
• muliebrity: womanly nature or qualities.
• mulligrubs
• mulligrubs: ill temper; colic; grumpiness.
• multifarious
• multifarious: having great diversity or variety.
• multitudinous
• multiverse
• mumbo jumbo
• mumbo jumbo: senseless or pretentious language, usually designed to obscure an issue, or the like.
• mump
• mumpsimus
• mumpsimus: using an erroneous use of language, out of habit or obstinacy.
• mundify
• mundify: to purge or purify.
• munificent
• munificent: very generous.
• murine
• murmuration
• musette
• mushyheaded
• mussitate: to silently move the lips in simulation of audible speech.
• mussitation
• muster
• muster: to gather, summon, rouse.
• mutable
• muzz
• mXtier
• myopia: nearsightedness
• myopic
• myriad
• myrmidon
• myrmidon: a loyal follower.
• mysophobia
• mysophobia: a dread of dirt or filth.
• mystique
• mythoclast
• mythomane
• mythomane: a person with a strong or irresistible propensity for fantasizing, lying, or exaggerating.
• mythopoeic
• métier: an occupation, especially in which one excels.

N

• nabob
• nabob: wealthy person
• nacreous
• nacreous: lustrous; pearly.
• nadie
• nadir
• nadir: the lowest point.
• naif
• naif: a naive or inexperienced person.
• naissance
• namaste: a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting.
• narcissism: self-love
• narcolepsy: sleep disorder
• narcotize
• nary
• nary: not any; no; never a.
• nascent
• nascent: beginning to exist.
• natant
• natch
• natch: of course; naturally.
• natheless
• natheless: nevertheless.
• natty
• natty: neatly or trimly smart in dress or appearance; spruce.
• ne plus ultra
• ne plus ultra: the acme; also, the most profound degree.
• neatnik
• nebbish
• nebbish: a weak-willed, timid, or ineffectual person.
• nebulated
• nebulize
• nebulize: to become vague, or indistinct.
• necropolis
• nefarious
• nefarious: wicked in the extreme.
• neologism
• neologism: a new word or expression; the use or creation of new words or expressions.
• neologize
• neologize: to make or use new words or create new meanings for existing words.
• neophyte
• neophyte: a novice.
• neoteric
• neoteric: recent in origin; new.
• neoterism
• neoterism: an innovation in language, as a new word, term, or expression.
• nepenthe
• nepenthe: a drug or drink having the power to bring forgetfulness of sorrow or trouble.
• nepotism
• nepotism: favoritism shown to members of one's family.
• nervios
• nervure
• nervure: a vein, as of a leaf or the wing of an insect.
• nescience
• nescience: lack of knowledge or awareness.
• netiquette
• nettle
• nettle: to irritate, annoy, or provoke.
• nettlesome
• nettlesome: causing irritation, vexation, or distress.
• neurodiversity
• newfangled
• newspeak
• nice-nellyism
• nictitate
• nictitate: to wink.
• nidificate
• nidificate: to build a nest.
• nimbus
• nimbus: a dark gray rain cloud; also, a halo, an aura.
• nimiety
• nimiety: excess.
• nisus
• nitid: bright; lustrous.
• nival
• niveous
• niveous: resembling snow.
• ni¤o
• noblesse oblige
• nocent
• noctambulous
• noctilucent
• noctilucent: visible during the short night of the summer.
• noctivagant: pertaining to wandering at night.
• nocturno
• nocuous: harmful
• nodus
• Noel
• noetic
• noetic: of or pertaining to the mind.
• noisome
• noisome: offensive or disgusting; also, harmful; unwholesome.
• nolens volens
• nolens volens: whether unwilling or willing.
• nomothetic
• nomothetic: giving or establishing laws; legislative.
• non sequitur
• nonage
• nonage: a period of youth or immaturity.
• nonagenarian
• nonagenarian: someone whose age is in the nineties.
• nonbook
• nonesuch
• nonesuch: a person or thing without equal; paragon.
• nonevent
• nonpareil
• nonpareil: having no equal.
• nonplus
• nonplus: to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely.
• nonviolence
• noodle
• noosphere
• noosphere: the biosphere including and modified by human activities.
• normcore
• nosegay
• nosegay: a bouquet.
• nosh
• nosh: to snack or eat between meals.
• nosophobia
• nosophobia: an abnormal fear of disease.
• nostomania
• nostomania: an irresistible compulsion to return home.
• nostrum
• nostrum: a questionable remedy.
• notabilia
• noticia
• notionate
• novation
• novation: the introduction of something new; innovation.
• novitiate
• novitiate: the state or period of being a beginner in anything.
• Nth: being the last in a series of infinitely decreasing or increasing values, amounts, etc.
• nubilous
• nubilous: cloudy or foggy.
• nudnik
• nugacity
• nugatory
• nugatory: insignificant; also, ineffectual.
• numen
• numen: divine power, especially one who inhabits a particular object.
• numinous
• numinous: spiritual.
• numismatics
• numismatics: the collection and study of coins.
• nummary
• nunca
• nuptial
• nuptial: of or pertaining to marriage.
• nuque
• nuque: the back of the neck.
• nurturance
• nyctophobia
• nyctophobia: an abnormal fear of night or darkness.
• nympholepsy: a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.

O

• obdurate
• obdurate: hardened in feelings or in wrongdoing; unyielding.
• obeisance
• obeisance: an expression of deference.
• obfuscate
• obfuscate: to make obscure or unclear; also, to darken.
• objurgate
• objurgate: to scold or rebuke sharply.
• oblation
• oblation: an offering.
• oblique: diagonally arranged
• obliquity
• obliquity: divergence from moral conduct, rectitude, etc.
• oblivescence
• oblivious
• oblivious: forgetful; also, unmindful.
• obloquy
• obloquy: ill repute.
• obnubilate
• obnubilate: to cloud over; becloud; obscure.
• obra
• obscurantism
• obscurantism: opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.
• obscure: less visible or clear
• obsequies: funeral rites
• obsequious
• obsequious: servilely attentive; fawning.
• obsequy
• obsequy: a funeral rite or ceremony.
• obsolescence
• obstreperous
• obstreperous: noisily and stubbornly defiant; also, boisterous.
• obtener
• obtest: to supplicate earnestly; beseech.
• obtrude
• obtrude: to thrust out; also, to impose on others.
• obtuse
• obtuse: not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect.
• obumbrate
• obverse
• obverse: the side of a coin, medal, flag, etc., that bears the principal design.
• obviate
• obviate: to anticipate and dispose of or make unnecessary.
• Occidental: Western.
• occlude: to shut in, out, or off.
• oceanicity
• ocellated
• ochlophobia
• ochlophobia: an abnormal fear of crowds.
• ocultar
• oculto
• od
• od: a hypothetical force formerly held to pervade all nature and to manifest itself in magnetism, mesmerism, chemical action, etc.
• Odious
• odium
• odium: intense hatred or dislike.
• odontoid
• odontoid: of or resembling a tooth; toothlike.
• odoriferous
• odoriferous: yielding or diffusing an odor.
• oeillade
• oeillade: an amorous glance; ogle.
• oenology
• Oenophile -
• oeuvre
• oeuvre: the works of a writer, painter, or the like, taken as a whole.
• offal: the edible internal parts of an animal, such as the heart, liver, and tongue.
• officious
• officious: meddlesome.
• ogham
• ogle
• ogle: to look at amorously, flirtatiously, or impertinently.
• oillionaire
• ojal
• ojo
• oleaginous
• oleaginous: having the nature or qualities of oil.
• olericulture
• olfactory: pertaining to smell
• olfato
• oligopoly
• olimpiadas
• olio
• olio: a mixture of heterogeneous elements; hodgepodge.
• olla podrida
• olla podrida: a kind of seasoned stew; also, a mixture, a hodgepodge.
• ology
• olvidar
• ombudsman
• omnibus
• omnibus: a volume of reprinted works of a single author or of works related in interest or theme.
• omnifarious
• omnific: having unlimited powers of creation.
• omnipresent
• omnipresent: present in all places at the same time.
• omnishambles
• omnium-gatherum
• omnium-gatherum: a miscellaneous collection.
• omphalos
• omphalos: the central point.
• omphaloskepsis
• omphaloskepsis: contemplation of one's navel as part of a mystical exercise.
• oneiric
• oneiric: pertaining to or suggestive of dreams.
• onomastic
• onomasticon
• onomasticon: a list or collection of proper names.
• onus
• onus: burden; also, blame; stigma.
• oology
• opacus
• openhanded: giving freely
• operose
• operose: done with or involving much labor.
• ophidian
• oppidan
• opportune
• opportune: suitable for a given purpose or occasion.
• opprobrious
• opprobrium
• opprobrium: reproach mingled with contempt.
• oppugn
• oppugn: to assail by criticism, argument, or action.
• optics
• opuscule
• opuscule: a small or minor work.
• oracular
• oracular: obscure.
• orbicular
• ordinario
• orectic
• orectic: of or pertaining to desire; appetitive.
• organon
• orgulous
• oriflamme
• orison
• orison: a prayer.
• orogeny
• orotund
• orotund: full in sound; also, bombastic.
• orrery
• orrery: an apparatus for representing the planets, satellites, etc., in the solar system.
• ort
• ort: a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
• orthoepy: the study of correct pronunciation.
• oscitant
• oscitant: yawning, as with drowsiness.
• osculate
• osculate: to kiss.
• osculation
• osculation: the act of kissing; a kiss.
• osmatic
• osmose
• osmose: to gradually or unconsciously assimilate some principle or object.
• ossature
• ossify
• ossify: to harden or to become bone.
• ostensible
• ostensible: appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
• ostentation
• ostentation: excessive or pretentious display.
• osteopath: therapist who manipulates body structure
• ostracize
• ostracize: to banish or expel.
• otiose
• otiose: ineffective; also, being at leisure; also, of no use.
• outrance
• outrance: the utmost extremity.
• outre
• outr‚
• outré
• outré: unconventional; eccentric; bizarre.
• overmorrow
• overslaugh
• overslaugh: to pass over or disregard (a person) by giving a promotion, position, etc., to another instead.
• overweening
• overweening: overbearing; also, excessive.
• overwinter
• ovine
• oxter

P

• pablum
• pablum: something (as writing or speech) that is trite, insipid, or simplistic.
• pabulum
• pabulum: material for intellectual nourishment.
• pachyderm
• pachyderm: a person who is not sensitive to criticism, ridicule, etc.
• pacific
• paczki
• padecer
• paean
• paean: a song or other expression of praise or joy.
• pagoda
• paisaje
• palabra
• palabra: a word.
• paladin
• paladin: a champion of a cause.
• palaver
• palimpsest
• palimpsest: an object or place whose older layers or aspects are apparent.
• palingenesis
• palingenesis: rebirth; regeneration.
• palladian: pertaining to wisdom, knowledge, or study.
• palladium
• palladium: anything believed to provide protection or safety; safeguard.
• palliate
• palliate: to make an offense seem less serious; also, to relieve or lessen without curing.
• pallid: pale; faint or deficient in color; wan.
• pallor
• pallor: unusual or extreme paleness.
• palmary
• palmy
• palpable
• palpable: plain; distinct; obvious.
• palpebral
• palpitate: to pulsate with unusual rapidity from exertion, emotion, disease, etc.; flutter.
• palsy-walsy
• palter
• palter: to talk or act insincerely or deceitfully.
• paltry: contemptibly small
• paludal
• pampero
• pan
• panacea
• panacea: a cure-all.
• panache
• panache: dash or flamboyance in manner or style.
• panchreston
• pandemic
• pandemic: affecting a whole people or a number of countries.
• pandiculation
• pandiculation: yawning and stretching
• pandurate
• pandurate: shaped like a fiddle, as a leaf.
• panegyric
• panegyric: a lofty oration or writing in praise of a person or thing.
• panegyric: an expression of formal or elaborate praise.
• panegyrize
• panegyrize: to eulogize; to deliver or write a panegyric about.
• Panglossian
• Panglossian: excessively or naively optimistic.
• pangram
• pangram: a sentence, verse, etc., that includes all the letters of the alphabet.
• panivorous
• panivorous: subsisting on bread; bread-eating.
• panjandrum
• panjandrum: an important or self-important official.
• panoply
• panoply: a splendid or impressive array.
• panoptic
• panoptic: permitting the viewing of all parts or elements.
• pansophy
• pansophy: universal wisdom or knowledge.
• pantal¢n
• pantheon
• pantheon: the collective gods of a people; also, a group of highly esteemed persons.
• pantofle
• papel
• paphian: of or pertaining to love, esp. illicit physical love.
• paradisiacal
• parageusia
• parageusia: an abnormal or hallucinatory sense of taste.
• paragon
• paragon: a model of excellence or perfection.
• paralipsis
• paralipsis: the suggestion, by deliberately brief treatment of a topic, that much of significance is being omitted, as in "not to mention other faults."
• parallax
• paralogize
• paramnesia
• paraph
• paraph: a flourish made after a signature, as in a document, originally as a precaution against forgery.
• paraselene
• parecido
• paregmenon
• paregmenon: the juxtaposition of words that have a common derivation, as in "sense and sensibility."
• parergon
• parergon: work undertaken in addition to one's principal work.
• pari passu
• pari passu: at an equal pace or rate.
• pari passu: without partiality; equably; fairly.
• pariah
• parley
• parley: a conference or discussion; also, to confer.
• parlous
• parlous: fraught with danger; hazardous.
• Parnassian
• Parnassian: pertaining to poetry.
• paronomasia
• paronymous
• paronymous: containing the same root or stem, as the words wise and wisdom.
• paroxysm
• paroxysm: an outburst; a fit.
• parry: deflect a blow
• parse
• parse: to analyze.
• parsimonious
• parsimonious: frugal to excess.
• parsimony
• parsimony: excessive sparingness in the expenditure of money.
• parturient
• parturient: bearing or about to bear young; travailing.
• parvenu
• parvenu: an upstart; one newly risen in class or economic status.
• pasar
• paschal
• paseo
• paso doble
• pasquinade
• pasquinade: a satire or lampoon, especially one posted in a public place.
• passe-partout
• passe-partout: something that passes everywhere or provides a universal means of passage.
• passé-partout
• pastiche
• pastiche: a hodgepodge; a potpourri.
• paterfamilias
• paterfamilias: the male head of a household; the father of a family.
• pathos
• patina
• patina: a superficial layer.
• patois
• patois: a regional version of a language differing from its standard, literary form.
• patrician
• patrician: a nobleman; also, a person of refined upbringing, manners, and taste.
• patronymic
• patzer
• paucity
• paucity: fewness; insufficiency.
• Pavlovian
• Pavlovian: of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Pavlov or his work, especially of experiments with animals.
• pavonine
• pavonine: of or like a peacock.
• pawky
• peacherino
• peacock
• peacock: to make a vainglorious display.
• peccable
• peccadillo
• peccadillo: a slight offense; a petty fault.
• peccant
• peccant: sinning.
• pecho
• pechuga
• peckish
• peckish: somewhat hungry.
• pecksniffian
• pecksniffian: hypocritically and fervently affecting kindness or high moral principles.
• peculate
• peculate: appropriate fraudulently
• pecuniary
• pecuniary: relating to money.
• pedagogy
• pedant: person holding books in esteem
• pedestrian: walker; also, unimaginative.
• pedir
• peduncle
• pelagic
• pelagic: of or pertaining to the open seas or oceans.
• pelearse
• pelf
• pelf: money; riches.
• pell-mell
• pell-mell: in a confused or jumbled mass, crowd, manner, etc.
• pellucid
• pellucid: transparent, shining through; also, easily understandable.
• penchant
• penchant: a strong liking.
• penetralia
• pennyworth
• pensée: a reflection or thought.
• pentimento
• penultimate
• penultimate: next to the last.
• penumbra
• penumbra: an area in which something exists to an uncertain degree.
• penumbral
• penury
• penury: extreme poverty; also, insufficiency.
• pepino
• pepita
• peplum
• peplum: a short full flounce below the waist, covering the hips.
• pepper-upper
• peradventure
• peradventure: chance, uncertainty, or doubt.
• perambulate
• perambulate: to stroll; to walk through or over.
• perambulator
• percipient
• percipient: having perception; discerning; discriminating.
• perder
• perdition
• perdition: a state of final spiritual ruin; loss of the soul; damnation.
• perdurable
• perdurable: very durable; long lasting.
• perdure
• peregrinate
• peregrinate: to travel or journey, especially to walk on foot.
• peregrination
• peregrination: a traveling from place to place.
• peregrine
• peregrine: foreign; alien; coming from abroad.
• peremptory
• peremptory: precluding or putting an end to all debate or action.
• perfervid
• perfervid: ardent; impassioned.
• perfidious
• perfidy
• perfidy: faithlessness; treachery.
• perforce
• perforce: by necessity.
• perfunctory
• perfunctory: done routinely.
• pericope
• pericope: a selection or extract from a book.
• perigee
• perilune
• peripatetic
• peripatetic: walking about or traveling from place to place.
• peripeteia
• periphrasis
• periphrasis: the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression.
• perlocutionary
• permeate
• permeate: to spread or diffuse through.
• pernicious
• pernicious: deadly; destructive; exceedingly harmful.
• perorate
• perorate: to conclude or sum up a long discourse; also, to speak at length.
• peroration
• peroration: a long speech characterized by lofty and often pompous language.
• perpend: to ponder; deliberate.
• perquisite
• perquisite: a benefit in addition to a salary.
• Perseid
• perseverate: to repeat something insistently or redundantly.
• persiflage
• persiflage: frivolous or bantering talk.
• persnickety
• persnickety: overparticular; fussy.
• personalia
• personalia: personal details such as biographical data, reminiscences, or the like.
• perspicacious
• perspicacious: having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning.
• perspicacity
• perspicacity: clearness of understanding.
• perspicuous
• perspicuous: clearly expressed or presented; lucid.
• pertenecer
• pertinacious
• pertinacious: holding obstinately to a belief, purpose or design; also, stubbornly persistent.
• pervicacious
• pervicacious: stubborn; obstinate.
• pervious
• pestiferous
• petrichor
• petrous
• pettifog
• pettifog: to bicker or quibble over trifles or unimportant matters.
• pettifogging
• pettifogging: insignificant; petty.
• phalanx
• phantasmagoria
• phantasmagoria: a shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined.
• phantasmagoric
• phantasmagoric
• phantasmagoric: having a fantastic or deceptive appearance.
• pharaonic
• pharaonic: impressively or overwhelmingly large, luxurious, etc.
• pharisaic
• pharisaic: advocating strict observance of religion without regard to the spirit.
• phatic
• phatic: denoting speech used to create an atmosphere of goodwill.
• phenology
• phenom
• phenom: a phenomenon, especially a young prodigy.
• philippic
• phillumenist
• philogyny: love of or liking for women (opposite of misogyny.)
• philology
• philology: the love of learning and literature.
• philomath
• philomath: a lover of learning; a scholar.
• philosophaster
• philosophaster: a person who has only a superficial knowledge of philosophy.
• philter
• philter: a potion, charm, or drug supposed to cause the person taking it to fall in love.
• philtrum
• Phlegethon
• phlegmatic: not easily excited to action or display of emotion.
• phosphoresce
• phosphoresce: to be luminous without sensible heat, as phosphorus.
• phraseology
• phrenology
• phrenology: a psychological theory based on the belief that mental faculties and character traits are indicated by the configurations of the skull.
• phronesis
• phthisis
• phthisis: a wasting away.
• phub
• physiognomy
• physiognomy: the face or appearance.
• piacular
• piacular: expiatory; atoning; reparatory.
• pica
• pica: an abnormal appetite for substances that are not fit to eat.
• picaresque
• picaro
• picaro: a rogue or vagabond.
• picayune
• picayune: of little value or account; small; trifling.
• piceous
• piceous: inflammable; combustible.
• Pickwickian
• piebald
• piebald: mottled; also, mixed.
• pied
• pied-a-terre
• pied-a-terre: a temporary or second place of lodging.
• pied: having patches of two or more colors, as various birds and other animals.
• piffle
• pigeonhole
• pigeonhole: to assign to a definite place in some orderly system.
• pigsney
• pigsney: a darling.
• pilar
• pilar: of, pertaining to, or covered with hair.
• pilcrow
• pilcrow: a paragraph mark.
• pilikia
• pilikia: trouble.
• pillory
• pillory: to expose to public derision, ridicule, or abuse.
• pilose
• pilose: covered with hair, especially soft hair; furry.
• pin money
• pin money: money for incidental expenses; also, a trivial sum.
• pinchbeck: something that is counterfeit
• pindan
• pinguid
• pinion
• pinion: a gear with a small number of teeth.
• pinnacle
• pinyin
• pip
• pip: to peep or chirp.
• piquant: agreeably stimulating, interesting, or attractive.
• pithy: concise and forceful in description.
• pittance
• pittance: a small amount or share.
• pièce de résistance
• placate
• placate: to appease; to pacify.
• plage
• plaint
• plaint: an expression of sorrow; also, a complaint.
• plaintive
• plaintive: expressive of sorrow or melancholy.
• plangent
• plangent: beating with a loud or deep sound; also, expressing sadness.
• plantigrade
• plantlet
• plantlet: a little plant.
• plash
• plash: a gentle splash.
• plashy
• plasticity
• platitude
• platitude: a banal, trite, or stale thought or remark.
• plaudit
• plaudit: enthusiastic approval.
• pleach
• pleach: to interweave branches or vines for a hedge or arbor.
• plebeian
• plebeian: common; vulgar.
• plebiscite
• plebiscite: a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.
• plenary
• plenary: full; complete.
• plenipotent
• plenipotentiary
• plenipotentiary: invested with full power.
• plenum
• plenum: a full assembly, as a joint legislative assembly.
• pleonasm
• pleonasm: the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea.
• plethora
• plethora: excess.
• plethoric
• plethoric: overfull; turgid; inflated.
• plexus
• pliant
• pliant: easily bent or flexed; also, easily influenced; compliant.
• plication
• plication: the act or procedure of folding.
• plisky
• ploce
• ploce: repetition of a word or phrase to gain special emphasis or indicate an extension of meaning.
• plonk
• plotz
• plotz: to collapse or faint, as from surprise, excitement, or exhaustion.
• plucky: having or showing courage.
• plumbeous
• plutocracy
• pluvial
• pluvial: of or pertaining to rain; rainy.
• pneumatic
• pochismo
• pochismo: an English word or expression borrowed into Spanish.
• pococurante
• pococurante: caring little; indifferent; nonchalant.
• poetaster
• poetaster: an inferior poet; a writer of indifferent verse.
• pogonip: an ice fog that forms in the mountain valleys of the western U.S.
• pokelogan
• pokelogan: marshy or stagnant water that has branched off from a stream or lake.
• pol
• pol: a politician, especially one experienced in making political deals, exchanging political favors, etc.
• Polaris
• Polaris: the North Star.
• polemic
• polemic: a controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine, etc.
• polemology
• politic
• politic: political; also, shrewdly tactful.
• polliniferous
• polliwog
• polliwog: a tadpole.
• Pollyanna
• poltergeist
• poltergeist: a ghost or spirit supposed to manifest its presence by noises, knockings, etc.
• poltroon
• poltroon: a wretched coward; craven.
• polychromatic
• polyglot
• polyglot: speaking or containing many languages.
• polyhistor
• polymath
• polymath: a person of great or varied learning.
• polymathy
• polymorphous
• polymorphous: having, assuming, or passing through many or various forms, stages, or the like.
• polysemous: having a diversity of meanings.
• polysemy
• poner
• poniard
• poniard: a small, slender dagger.
• pontificate
• pontificate: to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner.
• popinjay
• popinjay: a vain and talkative person.
• popple
• porphyry
• porpoise
• porpoise: to move forward with a rising and falling motion.
• portend
• portend: to foreshadow; to bode.
• portent
• portent: a sign or omen.
• portmanteau
• posit
• posit: to postulate; also, to suggest.
• posterity
• postern
• postiche
• postprandial
• postprandial: happening or done after a meal.
• postre
• posy
• posy: a flower, nosegay, or bouquet.
• potable
• potable: drinkable; also, a beverage, especially an alcoholic one.
• potboiler
• potboiler: a usually inferior literary or artistic work, produced quickly for the purpose of making money.
• Potemkin village
• Potemkin village: a false front or facade.
• pother
• pother: a commotion; a disturbance; also, a cloud of smoke or dust that chokes or smothers.
• pother: a heated discussion, debate, or argument; fuss; to-do.
• potlatch: a ceremony at which gifts are bestowed on the guests in a show of wealth that the guests later attempt to surpass.
• potvaliancy
• potvaliancy: brave only as a result of being drunk.
• poultice
• poultice: a soft, moist mass of cloth, herbs, etc., applied as a medicament to the body.
• powwow: to confer.
• practicable
• practicable: feasible; also, usable.
• prate
• prate: to talk excessively and pointlessly.
• pratfall
• pratfall: a fall in which one lands on the buttocks, often regarded as comical or humiliating.
• praxis
• praxis: practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills.
• Preamble
• prebuttal
• precipice
• precipice: a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place.
• precipitancy
• precipitancy: headlong or rash haste.
• precipitate
• preconcert
• preconcert: to arrange in advance or beforehand, as by a previous agreement.
• predilection
• predilection: an established preference.
• prefatory
• prehensible
• prehensible: able to be seized or grasped.
• prelapsarian
• prelapsarian: pertaining to the time or state before the Fall.
• prelusive
• prelusive: introductory.
• premio
• premonish
• premonish: to warn beforehand.
• premorse: pertaining to the end of something irregularly shortened, as if bitten or broken off.
• preponderate
• preponderate: to exceed in weight, influence, importance, amount, etc.
• prepotency
• prepotency: predominance.
• preprandial
• prerogative
• presage
• presage: an omen; also, to predict.
• prescience
• prescience: knowledge of events before they take place.
• prescient
• prescient: knowing or anticipating the outcome of events before they happen.
• presentime
• presentiment
• presentiment: a premonition.
• prestidigitation
• prestidigitation: performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands; sleight of hand.
• preta
• preterition
• preterition: the act of passing by or over; omission; disregard.
• preternatural
• preternatural: beyond of different from what is natural; inexplicable; extraordinary; abnormal.
• prevaricate
• prevaricate: to depart from or evade the truth.
• prevaricator
• prevaricator: a person who speaks falsely; liar.
• previse
• previse: to foresee.
• prima facie
• primaveral
• primaveral: pertaining to the early springtime.
• primogeniture
• primogeniture: the state of being the firstborn; also, an exclusive right of inheritance that belongs to the eldest son.
• primrose: pale yellow.
• prink
• prink: to primp.
• prismatic
• prithee
• prithee: (I) pray thee.
• privation
• privation: the state of being deprived of something.
• privity
• privity: participation in the knowledge of something private or secret.
• probable
• probity
• probity: complete and confirmed integrity.
• proceleusmatic
• procellous
• procellous: stormy, as the sea.
• proclamation
• proclitic
• proclitic: (of a word) closely connected in pronunciation with the following word and not having an independent accent.
• proclivity
• proclivity: a natural inclination.
• procrastination
• procrastination: To put off doing something.
• procrustean
• procrustean: tending to produce conformity by violent or arbitrary means.
• prodigal
• profesor
• profligacy
• profligacy: reckless extravagance.
• profligate
• profligate: shamelessly immoral; also, recklessly wasteful.
• profluent
• profluent: flowing smoothly or abundantly forth.
• profuse
• profuse: plentiful; copious.
• prognosticate
• prognosticate: to forecast or predict.
• prolepsis
• prolepsis: the anticipation of possible objections in order to answer them in advance.
• proliferate: to increase or spread at a rapid rate.
• prolix
• prolix: wordy.
• prolixity
• Promethean
• Promethean: of or pertaining to Prometheus; also, boldly original.
• promulgate
• promulgate: to make known by open declaration; publish.
• pronunciamento
• pronunciamento: a proclamation; a pronouncement.
• propine
• propinquity
• propinquity: nearness.
• propitiate
• propitiate: to appease; to conciliate.
• propitious
• propitious: presenting favorable circumstances.
• proponent
• proponent: an advocate.
• propound
• propound: to put forward for consideration.
• proprioception
• prorogue
• prorogue: to defer; postpone.
• proscribe
• proscribe: to forbid; to prohibit.
• proselyte
• proselytize
• proselytize: to convert (someone) to another religion, belief, etc.
• prosopography: a description of a person's appearance, career, personality, etc.
• prosopopoeia
• protean
• protean: readily assuming different shapes or forms.
• prothalamion
• protoplast
• protoplast: a person or thing that is formed first; original; prototype.
• provenance
• provenance: origin; source.
• provender
• provender: food or provisions.
• providential
• providential: resulting from divine providence; also, peculiarly fortunate or appropriate.
• proxemics
• prudence
• prudence: caution with regard to practical matters; discretion.
• pruinose
• pr‚venance
• prévenance
• psaltery
• psaltery: an ancient musical instrument consisting of a flat box with strings which are plucked.
• psephology
• pseud
• pseudepigraphy
• pseudepigraphy: the false ascription of a piece of writing to an author.
• pseudoclassic
• pseudoclassic: falsely or spuriously classic.
• pseudology
• pseudology: lying considered as an art.
• pseudomorph
• pseudomorph: an irregular or unclassifiable form.
• pseudonymous
• pseudonymous: bearing a false or fictitious name.
• psittacine
• psychomancy
• psychotronic
• public-spirited
• publicidad
• puckish
• puckish: whimsical; mischievous; impish.
• puerile
• puerile: juvenile; childish.
• puffery
• pugilist
• pugilist: a boxer.
• pugnacious
• pugnacious: combative; quarrelsome.
• puissant
• puissant: powerful.
• pukka
• pukka: genuine, authentic, or good; proper.
• pulchritude
• pulchritude: beauty.
• pulchritudinous
• pulchritudinous: physically beautiful; comely.
• pule
• pule: to whimper; to whine.
• pullulate
• pullulate: to exist abundantly; swarm; teem.
• pulm¢n
• pulverulent
• punctilio
• punctilio: a fine point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
• punctilious
• punctilious: precise; exact in the smallest particulars.
• punditocracy
• punnet
• punnet: a small container or basket for strawberries or other fruit.
• punto
• purblind
• purblind: having greatly reduced vision.
• purdah
• purdah: social seclusion.
• purlieu
• purlieu: a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds.
• purloin
• purloin: to take dishonestly; steal.
• purse-proud
• pusillanimous
• pusillanimous: cowardly.
• pusillanimous: cowardly; faint-hearted; timid.
• putative
• putative: commonly thought or deemed; supposed.
• putsch
• pyknic
• pyknic: having a rounded build or body structure.
• pyrophoric
• pyrophoric: capable of igniting spontaneously in air.

Q

• qua
• qua: in the capacity or character of; as.
• quacksalver
• quacksalver: a charlatan.
• quadrennial
• quadrennial: occurring every four years.
• quadrille
• quadrille: a square dance for four couples.
• quaff
• quaff: to drink heartily.
• quaggy: marshy; boggy.
• quagmire
• quagmire: a predicament.
• quail
• quail: to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger.
• qualia
• qualia: a quality, as bitterness, regarded as an independent object.
• qualify: prove capable or fit
• qualitative: based on qualities
• qualm
• qualm: an uneasy feeling or pang of conscience as to conduct; compunction.
• quandary
• quandary: a state of difficulty or perplexity.
• quaquaversal
• quasar
• quash
• quash: to annul; also, to crush; to subdue.
• quean
• quean: an overly forward, impudent woman; shrew; hussy.
• quell
• quell: to suppress; put an end to; extinguish.
• quench
• quench: to slake, satisfy, or allay as in thirst, desires, or passion.
• querulous
• querulous: habitually complaining; also, expressing complaint.
• quibble
• quibble: to equivocate.
• quickhatch
• quickhatch: a wolverine.
• quid
• quid: a piece of something to be chewed but not swallowed.
• quiddity
• quiddity: the essence or nature of a thing.
• quidnunc
• quidnunc: a gossip; a busybody.
• quiescent
• quiescent: at rest; still; inactive.
• quietus
• quietus: final acquittance, as from debt; also, rest; death.
• quillet
• quillet: a subtlety or quibble.
• quincunx
• quincunx: an arrangement of five objects in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
• quinquennium
• quintessential: being the most typical.
• quisling
• quisling: a collaborator; a traitor.
• quittance
• quittance: recompense or requital.
• quixotic
• quixotic: foolishly impractical; also, capricious, impulsive.
• quodlibet
• quoin
• quoin: one of the stones forming an external wall; cornerstone.
• quondam
• quondam: former; sometime.
• quorum
• quorum: such a number of the officers or members of any body as is legally competent to transact business.
• quoth
• quotha
• quotha: indeed!
• quotidian
• quotidian: occurring daily; also, ordinary.

R

• raconteur
• raconteur: one who excels in telling stories and anecdotes.
• raffish
• raffish: gaudily vulgar or cheap; also, characterized by a carefree or fun-loving unconventionality.
• railbird
• railbird: any kibitzer or self-styled critic or expert.
• raillery
• raillery: good-humored banter or teasing repartee.
• raiment
• raiment: clothing in general; garments.
• raison d'ˆtre
• raison d'être
• rakish: smart; jaunty; dashing.
• rallentando
• rallentando: slackening; becoming slower.
• ramose
• ramose: having many branches.
• rampart: fortification.
• rampike
• rancor: deep anger and ill will
• rankle
• rankle: to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment in.
• ransack
• rapacious
• rapacious: grasping; greedy.
• rapine
• rapine: the act of plundering.
• rapport
• rapport: relation characterized by sympathetic understanding.
• rapprochement
• rapprochement: the establishment or state of cordial relations.
• rapt
• rapt: deeply engrossed or absorbed.
• rara avis
• rara avis: a rare or unique person or thing.
• rarefied
• rarefied: extremely high or elevated; lofty; exalted.
• Rasputin
• rataplan: to produce the sound as of the beating of a drum.
• rathskeller
• ratiocinate
• ratiocination
• ratiocination: the process of logical reasoning.
• ratiocination: the process of reasoning.
• ravelment
• ravelment: entanglement; confusion.
• ravenous
• rax
• raya
• raza
• raze
• raze: to tear down; demolish.
• razz
• razz: to deride; make fun of; tease.
• razzle-dazzle
• reacio
• realia
• realizar
• realpolitik
• realpolitik: political realism or practical politics.
• rebaja
• rebajar
• rebarbative
• rebarbative: repellent; irritating.
• rebec
• rebeca
• rebus
• recalcitrant
• recalcitrant: stubbornly resistant to and defiant of authority or restraint.
• recant
• recant: to withdraw or disavow a statement, opinion, etc., especially formally.
• receta
• rechazar
• recherche
• recherche: exotic; rare; also, affected, pretentious.
• recherch‚
• recherché
• recidivism
• recidivism: a tendency to lapse into a previous condition or pattern of behavior; esp., into prior criminal habits.
• reci‚n
• recondite
• recondite: difficult to understand.
• reconnoiter
• reconnoiter: to make an inspection or observation.
• recreant
• recreant: cowardly; also, unfaithful or disloyal.
• recrimination
• recrimination: a counter accusation.
• recrudescent
• recrudescent: breaking out again.
• rectitude
• recumbent
• recumbent: reclining; lying down.
• recusant
• recusant: a person who refuses to submit, comply, etc.
• redact
• redact: to edit.
• redivivus
• redivivus: living again; revived; restored.
• redolent
• redolent: having or exuding fragrance; also, evocative, reminiscent.
• redoubt
• redoubt: a stronghold.
• redoubtable
• redoubtable: formidable; also, illustrious; eminent.
• redound
• redound: to have a consequence or effect.
• redress
• redress: to set right.
• refractory
• refugium
• refulgent
• refulgent: brilliant; resplendent.
• regale
• regale: to entertain with something that delights.
• regina
• regnant: prevalent; widespread.
• rejectamenta
• rejectamenta: things or matter rejected as useless or worthless.
• rejoinder
• rejoinder: an answer to a reply.
• relaci¢n
• relegate
• relegate: to assign or remove, usually to an inferior position.
• remembrancer
• remit
• remit: to slacken or relax.
• remonstrate
• remonstrate: to present and urge reasons in opposition.
• remora
• remora: an obstacle, hindrance, or obstruction.
• remunerate
• remunerate: to pay an equivalent to for any service, loss, or expense.
• remunerative
• remunerative: profitable.
• renascent
• renascent: rising again into being; showing renewed vigor.
• rendezvous
• rendezvous: to assemble at an agreed time and place.
• renege
• renege: to go back on a promise or commitment.
• repasar
• repast
• repast: a meal.
• repentance
• repine
• repine: to feel or express discontent.
• repletion
• repletion: the condition of being completely or excessively full.
• replevy: to recover goods or chattels wrongfully taken or detained.
• reponer
• reprobate: someone without scruples
• repudiate
• requiescat
• requisite
• requisite: required; indispensable.
• requisition
• requisition: a demand made.
• residuum
• residuum: the residue, remainder, or rest of something.
• respite
• respite: an interval of rest or relief.
• resplendent: having brilliant color, beauty
• restive
• restive: resisting control; stubborn.
• reticent
• reticent: inclined to keep silent.
• reticulation
• retrograde: having a backward motion or direction; retiring or retreating.
• retrospection
• reverie
• revitalize
• rewild
• rhapsodic
• rhapsodize: to talk with extravagant enthusiasm.
• rhathymia
• rhubarb
• rialto
• rialto: an exchange or mart.
• riant
• ribald
• ribald: characterized by, or given to, vulgar humor.
• rictus
• rictus: a gaping grin or grimace.
• Riddle -
• rident
• rident: laughing; smiling; cheerful.
• rifacimento
• rifacimento: a recast or adaptation, as of a literary or musical work.
• rigmarole
• rigmarole: an elaborate or complicated procedure.
• rile
• rile: to irritate or vex.
• rime
• rime: a coating of tiny, white, granular ice particles, caused by the rapid freezing of water droplets.
• rimple
• rimple: to wrinkle.
• rinc¢n
• riparian
• riparian: of or pertaining to the bank of a river.
• riposte
• riposte: a quick and effective reply by word or act.
• ripsnorter
• risibility
• risible
• risible: exciting or provoking laughter.
• rivulet
• rivulet: a small stream or brook.
• roborant
• roborant: restoring strength or vigor; also, a restorative.
• robustious
• robustious: boisterous; vigorous.
• rococo
• rococo: ornate or florid in speech, writing, or style.
• rodilla
• rodomontade
• rodomontade: pretentious, bragging speech.
• roger
• roger: all right; O.K.
• roister
• roister: to revel; to carouse.
• rollick
• rollick: to move or act in a carefree, frolicsome manner.
• roman
• rosarian
• Roscian
• rosolio
• rotund
• rotund: round; rounded in figure.
• roue
• roue: a man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure.
• rout
• rubberneck
• rubicund
• rubicund: inclining to redness; ruddy.
• rubric: a title, heading, or the like, written or printed in red or otherwise distinguished from the rest of the text.
• rubricate
• rubricate: to mark or color with red.
• ruck
• ruck: a large number or quantity; mass.
• ruction: a disturbance, quarrel, or row.
• rue: to wish that (something) had never been done, taken place, etc.
• rueful
• rufescent
• rufescent: somewhat reddish.
• ruminate
• ruminate: to chew the cud; also, to ponder; to reflect.
• runic
• runic: having some secret or mysterious meaning.
• runnel
• rusticate
• rusticate: to go or send to the country.
• rusticate: to go to the country.
• ruth
• ruth: pity or compassion.
• rutilant
• rutilant: glowing or glittering with ruddy or golden light.
• réchauffé

S

• sabbatical
• sabbatical: any extended period of leave from one's customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills, etc.
• saber
• Sabot -
• sabulous
• saccade
• saccade: the movement of the eye when it makes a sudden change, as in reading.
• saccharine
• saccharine: exaggeratedly sweet or sentimental.
• sacerdotal
• sachet: a small bag containing perfuming powder, to impart a pleasant scent.
• sacrilege: blasphemous behavior
• sacrosanct
• sacrosanct: sacred; inviolable.
• sagacious
• sagacious: having or showing keen discernment.
• sagittate
• salaam
• Salchow
• Salchow: an ice-skating jump in which the skater leaps from the back inside edge of one skate, making one full rotation of the body in the air.
• salida
• salient
• salient: noticeable; also, projecting; also, leaping.
• sallow: unhealthy looking
• sally
• sally: an excursion or trip, usually off the main course.
• salmagundi
• salmagundi: a mixture or assortment; also, a kind of mixed dish or salad.
• saltigrade
• salubrious
• salubrious: healthful.
• salutary
• salutary: beneficial; also, healthful.
• salute
• salvific
• salvo
• salvo: something to save a person's reputation or soothe a person's feelings.
• Samaritan
• samovar
• samovar: a metal urn, used for heating water for making tea.
• sanctum
• sanctum: a place where one is free from intrusion.
• sang-froid
• sang-froid: coolness in trying circumstances.
• sangre
• sangr¡a
• sanguine
• sanguine: optimistic, cheerful
• sanguivorous
• sapid
• sapid: having flavor, especially a strong pleasant flavor.
• sapient
• sapient: wise; sage; discerning.
• sapiosexual
• saponaceous
• Sardanapalian
• Sardanapalian: excessively luxurious.
• sardonic
• sardonic: scornful, mocking.
• sartorial
• sartorial: of or relating to a tailor, tailoring, or clothing.
• sashay
• sastruga
• satiety
• satiety: fullness to or beyond the point of satisfaction.
• satisfice
• satori
• satori: sudden enlightenment.
• satrap
• satrap: a subordinate ruler, often a despotic one.
• Saturnian
• saturnine
• saturnine: sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn.
• saudade
• saurian
• savoir-faire
• sawbones
• sawyer: a person who saws wood, esp. as an occupation.
• saxicoline
• sayonara
• scabrous
• scabrous: full of difficulties.
• scapegrace
• scapegrace: one who is wild and reckless.
• scaramouch
• scaramouch: a rascal or scamp.
• scattergood
• scaturient
• schadenfreude
• schadenfreude: a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.
• schatzi
• schatzi: sweetheart, darling.
• scherzando
• scherzando: playful; sportive.
• scherzo
• scherzo: a movement or passage of light or playful character.
• schism
• schlemiel
• schlep
• schlep: to move slowly, awkwardly, or tediously.
• schlockmeister
• schmaltz
• schmaltz: fat or grease, especially of a chicken.
• schuss
• schuss: to execute a straight downhill run at high speed, as in skiing.
• schwa
• sciamachy
• sciamachy: an act or instance of fighting a shadow or an imaginary enemy.
• scienter
• scilicet
• scintilla
• scintilla: a tiny amount; a spark.
• scintillate
• scintillate: to twinkle, as the stars.
• scintillating
• sciolism
• sciolism: superficial knowledge.
• scion
• scion: a descendant; an heir.
• scofflaw
• scofflaw: a person who flouts the law, especially one who fails to pay fines owed.
• scop
• scordatura
• scrabble
• scrabble: to scrape or scratch with the hands or feet.
• screed
• screed: a long discourse or essay, especially a diatribe.
• scrimp
• scrimshank
• scrooch
• scroop
• scrum
• scrum: a place or situation of confusion and racket; hubbub.
• scrummy
• scrutator
• scry
• scunner
• scupper
• scupper: to prevent from happening or succeeding; ruin; wreck.
• scurf: the small shreds of epidermis that are continually exfoliated from the skin.
• scurrilous
• scuttle: to run with quick, hasty steps; scurry.
• scuttlebutt
• scuttlebutt: gossip; rumor.
• sectile
• sectile: capable of being cut smoothly with a knife.
• sedentary
• sedition
• sedition: incitement of rebellion against lawful authority.
• sedulous
• sedulous: diligent in application or pursuit.
• segue
• segue: to proceed without interruption.
• selcouth
• selcouth: strange; uncommon.
• self-possessed
• semaphore
• semestre
• sempiternal
• sempiternal: everlasting; eternal.
• senectitude
• senescence
• senescent: growing old.
• sennachie
• sennight
• sensorium
• sententious
• sententious: abounding in pithy aphorisms or maxims.
• sentient
• sentient: capable of perceiving by the senses.
• sentinel: a person who watches out
• septenary
• septentrion
• sepulcher
• sepulcher: a grave chamber
• sepulchral
• sepulchral: proper to or suggestive of a tomb; funereal or dismal.
• sequacious
• sequacious: having a sequence; following
• sere
• sere: dry; withered.
• serein
• serein: fine rain falling after sunset from a sky in which no clouds are visible.
• serendipity
• serendipity: the faculty or phenomenon of making fortunate accidental discoveries.
• seriatim
• seriatim: in a series; one after another.
• seriocomic
• serotinal
• serotinal: pertaining to or occurring in late summer.
• serpentine
• serpentine: having a winding course, as a road; sinuous.
• serry
• serry: to crowd closely together.
• sesquipedalian
• sesquipedalian:
• sesquipedalian: (of words) long; having many syllables.
• sesquipedalianism: given to using long words.
• sessile
• sessile: permanently attached; not freely moving.
• Seven
• shambolic
• Shangri-la
• shavie
• shenanigan: mischief; prankishness.
• shenanigans
• shibboleth
• shilly-shally
• shilly-shally: to show indecision or hesitation; be irresolute; vacillate.
• shindy
• shindy: a row; rumpus.
• ship
• shirty
• shiv
• shiv: a knife, especially a switchblade.
• shivaree
• shivaree: a mock serenade with kettles and other noisemakers for a newly married couple.
• shivoo
• shoal
• shoal: a place where a sea, river, or other body of water is shallow.
• shoat
• shoat: a young pig.
• shofar
• shog
• shrievalty
• shrive
• shtick
• shtick: one's special interest, talent, etc.
• shunpike
• sibilant
• sibilant: hissing.
• sibilate
• sibylline
• sibylline: prophetic; oracular.
• sic
• sidereal
• sidereal: pertaining to stars, constellations
• sidesplitter
• sidle
• sidle: to move sideways or obliquely.
• siempre
• siesta
• siesta: a midday or afternoon rest or nap.
• silver-tongued
• silvics
• simoleon
• simonize
• simony
• simpatico
• simpatico: congenial or like-minded.
• simper
• simper: to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.
• simulacrum
• simulacrum: a representation; an insubstantial or vague semblance.
• sine die
• sine qua non
• sine qua non: an indispensable thing.
• sinecure
• sinecure: an office or position that involves little work or responsibility.
• single-hearted
• singularity
• singultus
• singultus: a hiccup.
• sinistral
• sinistral: left-handed.
• sinistrality
• sinker
• sinsyne
• sinuous: having many curves, bends, or turns; winding; also, indirect; devious.
• sippet
• sirenic
• sirocco
• sirocco: any hot, oppressive wind, especially one in the warm sector of a cyclone.
• Sisyphean
• Sisyphean: endless and unavailing, as labor or a task.
• sith
• skedaddle
• skedaddle: to run away hurriedly; flee.
• skeigh
• skeigh: proudly.
• skerrick
• skeuomorph
• skeuomorph: a design on an object copied from a form of the object when made from another material or by other techniques.
• skimble-scamble
• skirr
• skirr: to go rapidly; fly; scurry.
• skookum
• skookum: excellent; first-rate.
• skosh
• skosh: a bit; a jot.
• skulduggery
• skulduggery: devious, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior or activity.
• skulk
• skulk: to hide in a sneaking manner.
• skylark
• skylark: to frolic; sport.
• slacktivism
• slake
• slake: to allay (thirst, desire, wrath, etc.) by satisfying.
• slake: to satisfy or quench; also, to cause to lessen.
• slaver
• slaver: to slobber; to drool.
• slimsy
• slimsy: flimsy; frail.
• slipshod
• slipshod: careless, untidy, or slovenly.
• slubber
• slubber: to perform hastily or carelessly.
• slugabed
• slugabed: one who stays in bed until a late hour.
• slumberland
• slumberous
• slumgullion
• slumgullion: a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
• smackeroo
• small beer
• small beer: weak beer; also, matters of little importance.
• smaragdine
• smattering
• smirch
• smirch: to discolor or soil.
• smithereens: small pieces; bits.
• smorgasbord
• snafu
• snafu: a badly confused or ridiculously muddled situation.
• snarf
• snarky
• snarky: testy or irritable; short.
• snollygoster
• snollygoster: a clever, unscrupulous person.
• snood
• snood: a netlike hat or part of a hat or fabric that holds or covers the back of a woman's hair.
• snoot
• snowbird
• snuff: to extinguish or suppress.
• snuggery
• sobersided
• sobersided: solemn or grave in disposition, attitude, character, etc.; serious-minded.
• sobersides
• sobriquet
• sobriquet: a nickname.
• sociolect
• sockdolager: a decisive blow or remark.
• sockeroo
• sodality
• sodality: fellowship; comradeship.
• soi-disant
• soi-disant: self-styled; so-called.
• soign‚
• soigné: carefully or elegantly done, operated, or designed.
• soiree: nighttime party
• sojourn
• sojourn: to dwell for a time; also, a temporary stay.
• solace
• solace: comfort in grief.
• solander
• solander: a case made to resemble a book and having the front cover and fore edge hinged.
• solatium
• solatium: something given in compensation for inconvenience, loss or injury.
• solecism
• solecism: a breach of good manners or etiquette.
• solecism: a nonstandard usage or grammatical construction.
• solicitous
• solicitous: manifesting, expressing, or full of care or concern.
• solipsism
• solipsism: the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist.
• solipsistic
• solipsistic: of or characterized by the theory that only the self exists.
• solitudinarian
• solmization
• solstice
• somatic
• somatic: of the body; bodily; physical.
• sombrero
• somersault
• sommelier: a waiter, as in a club or restaurant, who is in charge of wines.
• somnambulism
• somnambulism: sleepwalking.
• somniferous
• somniferous: causing or inducing sleep.
• somnolent
• somnolent: drowsy; also, tending to cause sleepiness.
• soniferous
• sonorous
• sonorous: yielding sound; impressive in sound.
• sooth
• sooth: truth, reality, or fact.
• soothsay
• soothsay: to foretell events; predict.
• sophistry
• soporific
• soporific: causing sleep; also, something that causes sleep.
• sororal
• sororal: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sister or sisters.
• SOS
• sotto voce
• sotto voce: spoken low or in an undertone.
• sough
• sough: to make a soft, low sighing or rustling sound.
• Soul mate -
• soupbone
• soupcon: a slight trace, as of a particular taste or flavor.
• soup‡on
• soupçon
• sozzled
• sozzled: drunk; inebriated.
• spagyric
• SPAM tsuris
• SPAM vis-…-vis
• spang
• spang: directly, exactly.
• spangle
• sparge
• sparge: to scatter or sprinkle.
• spatchcock: to insert or interweave, esp. in a forced or incongruous manner.
• specious
• specious: apparently right but not so in reality.
• specter
• specter: some object or source of fear or dread.
• spelunk
• spelunk: to explore caves, especially as a hobby.
• spendthrift
• spigot
• spigot: a small peg or plug for stopping the vent of a cask.
• spindrift
• spinebash
• spirituel
• spirituel: showing or having a refined and graceful mind or wit.
• spitzenburg
• spleenful
• spleenful: ill-humored; irritable or peevish; spiteful.
• splendiferous
• splendiferous: magnificent; fine.
• splenetic
• splenetic: irritable; peevish; spiteful.
• splore
• spondulicks
• spoor: a track or trail, esp. that of a wild animal pursued as game.
• sporadic
• sporadic: occurring singly, or occasionally, or in scattered instances.
• Sprachgefühl
• sprat
• sprat: a small or inconsequential person or thing.
• sprechgesang
• sprechgesang: a vocal style intermediate between speech and singing but without exact pitch intonation.
• spruce
• spruce: to make neat or dapper (often followed by up).
• spruik
• spruik: to make or give a speech, especially extensively; spiel.
• spry
• spry: nimble.
• spumescent
• spumescent: foamy; foamlike; frothy.
• spurious
• spurious: not genuine; false; illegitimate.
• squamous
• squee
• squelch: to put down, or suppress, as with a crushing retort or argument.
• squib
• squib: a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
• staid
• staid: steady or sedate in character.
• stalwart
• stanch
• stanch: to stop the flowing of; to check.
• stanchless
• star-crossed
• star-crossed: thwarted or opposed by the stars; ill-fated.
• stardust
• stargazer
• stark
• stark: extremely simple or severe.
• starveling
• starveling: one who is starving or being starved; also, poor in quality.
• stasis
• stasis: a state of balance, equilibrium, or stagnation.
• statecraft
• staycation
• stellate
• stemwinder
• stentorian
• stentorian: extremely loud.
• sternutation
• sternutation: the act of sneezing.
• stertor
• stertor: a heavy snoring sound.
• stertorous
• stertorous: characterized by a heavy snoring or gasping sound.
• stevedore
• stewardship
• stickybeak
• stinkaroo
• stir-crazy
• stiver
• stodge
• stoic
• stoic: indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain; also, one who is stoic.
• stolid
• stolid: unexcitable; unemotional.
• stonewall
• stonewall: to block, stall, or resist intentionally.
• stormy petrel: a type of seabird; also, one fond of bringing strife.
• stour
• stour: tumult; confusion.
• stownlins
• stravage
• strawhat
• strepitous
• strepitous: boisterous; noisy.
• strident
• strident: making or having a harsh sound.
• stridulate
• stridulous
• stridulous: making or having a harsh or grating sound.
• stripling
• stripling: an adolescent youth.
• stultify
• stultify: to make, or cause to appear, foolish or ridiculous; also, to allege to be of unsound mind.
• stygian
• stygian: dark and gloomy; also, infernal.
• stymie
• stymie: to hinder, block, or thwart.
• suasion
• suasion: the act of persuading.
• sub rosa
• subaltern
• subaltern: subordinate.
• subaudition: an act or instance of understanding or mentally supplying something not expressed.
• subfusc
• subfusc: dark or dull in color.
• subfuscous
• subfuscous: slightly dark, dusky, or somber.
• subgum
• subir
• subitize
• subitize: to perceive at a glance the number of items presented.
• subjoin
• subjoin: to add at the end, as of something said or written; append.
• sublimate
• sublimate: to direct the energy of a primitive impulse into activities that are considered to be socially more acceptable.
• sublunary
• sublunary: situated beneath the moon; terrestrial.
• suborn
• subrogate
• subrogate: to put into the place of another.
• substrate
• substrate: something that is spread or laid under something else.
• subterfuge
• subterfuge: a deceptive device or stratagem.
• subtilize: to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning.
• succedaneum
• succinct
• succinct: brief; concise.
• succor
• succor: aid; help; also, to help or relieve.
• succorance
• succorance: the act of seeking out affectionate care and social support.
• suceso
• sudoriferous
• sudorific
• sudorific: causing sweat.
• sudser
• suffrage
• suffrage: the right to vote, especially in a political election.
• suffuse
• suffuse: spread through or over; to flush.
• sugarplum
• sui generis
• sui generis: unique.
• summer
• summerize
• sumpsimus
• sumpsimus: using a strictly correct term, as a rejection of another form.
• sumptuous
• sunder
• sunder: to break apart.
• sundog
• sundry
• sundry: various or diverse.
• superannuated
• superannuated: old; discharged or disqualified on account of old age.
• supercilious
• supercilious: disdainfully arrogant.
• supererogatory
• supererogatory: going beyond what is required or expected; also, superfluous, unnecessary.
• superfluous
• superfluous: more than is wanted or is sufficient.
• superlative
• superluminal
• supernal
• supernal: being on high; celestial.
• supernormal
• supernormal: in excess of the normal or average.
• supernumerary
• supernumerary: exceeding a necessary or usual number.
• supervene
• supervene: to take place or occur as something additional, extraneous, or unexpected.
• supine
• supine: lying on the back; also, indolent; listless.
• supplant
• supplant: to take the place of.
• suppletory
• suppletory: supplying a deficiency.
• supplicate
• supplicate: to make a humble and earnest petition.
• supposititious
• supposititious: fraudulently substituted; also, hypothetical.
• surcease
• surcease: cessation; stop; end.
• surfeit
• surfeit: an excessive amount; also, to supply to excess.
• surfeit: excess; an excessive amount.
• surly
• surly: ill-humored; sullen and gruff.
• surreptitious
• surreptitious: done, made, or gotten by stealth; also, marked by stealth.
• suspiration
• suspire: to utter with long, sighing breaths.
• sustainability
• susurrant
• susurrant: softly murmuring; whispering.
• susurration
• susurration: a whispering; a soft murmur.
• susurrus
• susurrus: a whispering or rustling sound.
• svelte
• svelte: slender, especially gracefully slender in figure.
• Svengali
• swaddle
• swaddle: to bind an infant with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement.
• swain: a male admirer or lover.
• swan song
• swan song: a final or farewell appearance, action, or pronouncement.
• sward
• sward: the grassy surface of land; turf.
• swashbuckler
• sweeting
• sweven
• sweven: a vision; dream.
• switcheroo
• swivet
• swivet: a state of nervous excitement, haste, or anxiety; flutter.
• sybarite
• sybarite: a person devoted to luxury and pleasure.
• sycophant
• sycophant: one who attempts to win favor by flattering influential people.
• sylph
• sylph: a slender, graceful woman or girl.
• sylvan
• sylvan: pertaining to woods or forests.
• symposiarch
• synastry
• syncopate
• syncope
• syncretic
• syncretic: uniting and blending together different belief systems.
• syncretism
• syndic
• syndic: a person chosen to represent and transact business for a corporation.
• synecdoche
• synecdoche: figure of speech
• synergy
• synergy: the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements.
• synesthesia
• synonymous
• syzygy
• sídh