satirical - (adj) using irony or sarcasm in exposing or denouncing a person or institution

optimism - (n) hopefulness and confidence about the future

diffident - (adj) modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

deferential - (adj) respectful

reticent - (adj) not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

inquisitive - (adj) curious or inquiring

rational - (adj) based on or in accordance with reason or logic

discernment - (n) the ability to judge well

ominous - (adj) giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

controversial - (adj) giving rise to public disagreement

disdain - (v) to regard with scorn or contempt

personification - (n) the attribution of human characteristics to something nonhuman

practical - (adj) concerned with the actual use of something rather than with theory and ideas

reserved - (adj) slow to reveal emotion or opinions

munificent - (adj) more generous than is usual or necessary

hostile - (adj) unfriendly; antagonistic

disparage - (v) regard or represent as being of little worth

capricious - (adj) given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

altruism - (n) the belief in selfless concern for the well-being of others

provocative - (adj) tending to provoke a response, e.g., anger or disagreement

apprehensive - (adj) anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

resentment - (n) bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly

objective - (adj) not influenced by personal feelings in considering and representing facts

timorous - (adj) showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

didactic - (adj) intended to teach; having moral instruction

presumptuous - (adj) overstepping one's bounds; done without permission; overly confident

innocuous - (adj) not harmful or offensive

derisive - (adj) expressing contempt or ridicule

convoluted - (adj) extremely complex and difficult to follow

pretentious - (adj) pretending to be important, intelligent, or cultured

tenacious - (adj) determined, keeping a firm grip on

partisan - (n) a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person

sincere - (adj) free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings

circumspect - (adj) wary and unwilling to take risks

prudent - (adj) acting with or showing care and thought for the future

paradox - (n) a statement that seems to say two opposite things but that may be true

contempt - (n) the feeling that a person is beneath consideration or worthless

indulgent - (adj) a tendency to be overly generous to or lenient with someone

resilient - (adj) quick to recover, bounce back

profound - (adj) having or showing great knowledge or insight; very great or intense

magnanimous - (adj) very generous or forgiving of someone less powerful than oneself

assertion - (n) a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief

complacent - (adj) showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

somber - (adj) dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy

intricate - (adj) very complicated or detailed

puzzled - (adj) unable to understand; perplexed

spontaneous - (adj) occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse; without premeditation

conciliatory - (adj) intended or likely to placate or pacify; to make (someone) less angry

prosaic - (adj) dull, commonplace

disingenuous - (adj) not candid or sincere, pretending that one knows less about something

evoke - (v) bring to mind; recollect

enigma - (n) a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand

decorous - (adj) in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained

callous - (adj) showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

disregarded - (v) pay no attention to; ignore

equanimity - (n) mental calmness and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation

conjecture - (n) an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information

diplomatic - (adj) not causing bad feelings; having an ability to deal with people politely

unorthodox - (adj) contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted; not orthodox

pessimistic - (adj) tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will

conventional - (adj) based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed

benevolent - (adj) friendly, helpful, kind

debilitate - (v) make someone weak and infirm

revelation - (n) a surprising and previously unknown fact

uniformity - (n) overall sameness, homogeneity, or regularity

modest - (adj) unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements

diminished - (adj) made smaller or less

empathy - (n) the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

bewildered - (v) cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused

erudition - (n) the quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship

prescient - (adj) having or showing knowledge of events before they take place

bombastic - (adj) meant to sound important or impressive but is not sincere or meaningful

mollify - (v) appease the anger or anxiety of (someone)

novelty - (n) the quality of being new, original, or unusual

impartial - (adj) treating all equally; fair and just

benign - (adj) kindly, gracious, favorable, harmless

anachronistic - (adj) out-of-date, not attributed to the correct historical period

debilitate - (v) hinder, delay, or weaken

perpetuate - (v) make continue indefinitely

mitigate - (v) make less severe, serious, or painful

candid - (adj) truthful and straightforward; (of a photograph) taken informally, not posed

exonerate - (v) absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing

unprecedented - (adj) never done or known before

vindicate - (v) clear (someone) of blame or suspicion

idiosyncratic - (adj) an unusual way in which a particular person behaves or thinks

esoteric - (adj) intended for only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge

ambiguous - (adj) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning

erroneous - (adj) wrong; incorrect

eradicate - (v) destroy completely; put an end to

mundane - (adj) ordinary, commonplace

harmony - (n) agreement; the combination of musical notes to produce a pleasing sound

revived - (v) restore to life or consciousness

meticulous - (adj) showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

perceptive - (adj) having or showing sensitive insight

revolutionary - (adj) constituting or bringing about a major or fundamental change

circumvent - (v) find a way around (an obstacle); overcome (a problem or difficulty)

economical - (adj) using no more of something than is necessary

protected - (v) kept safe from harm or injury

argumentative - (adj) given to expressing divergent or opposite views

resolute - (adj) admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering

enervated - (v) cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken

trivial - (adj) of little value or importance

histrionic - (adj) overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style

beguile - (v) charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way.

onerous - (adj) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome

solicitous - (adj) characterized by or showing interest or concern

effusive - (adj) expressing feelings of gratitude in an unrestrained manner

wistful - (adj) having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

dilettante - (n) a person who cultivates an area of interest without real commitment

despondency - (n) state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage

augment - (v) make (something) greater by adding to it; increase

corroborate - (v) confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding

diminutive - (adj) extremely or unusually small

banality - (n) something that is boring or ordinary; unoriginality

compassion - (n) sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

commendable - (adj) deserving praise

politicized - (v) cause (an activity or event) to become political in character

marginal - (adj) - not very important; slight or small; not included in the main part

detachment - (n) lack of emotion or of personal interest

egotistical - (adj) excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered

philanthropic - (adj) seeking to promote the welfare of others

reconcile - (v) restore friendly relations between; make (one account) consistent with another

figurative - (adj) departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical

inconsequential - (adj) not important or significant

reciprocity - (n) the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit

extravagant - (adj) lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

fabricated - (v) invent or concoct (something), typically with deceitful intent

diversity - (n) a range of different things

atypical - (adj) not representative of a type, group, or class

discriminating - (adj) having or showing refined taste or good judgment

sentimental - (adj) of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

expose - (v) make (something) visible, typically by uncovering it

frugality - (n) the quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness

reluctant - (adj) unwilling and hesitant; disinclined

autonomy - (n) freedom from external control or influence; independence

conditional - (adj) subject to one or more conditions or requirements being met

foreshadowing - (v) be a warning or indication of (a future event)

wry - (adj) using or expressing dry, esp. mocking, humor

symbolic - (adj) serving as a visible symbol for something abstract

obsequious - (adj) obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree

contentious - (adj) causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

inscrutable - (adj) impossible to understand or interpret

loquacious - (adj) tending to talk a great deal; talkative

whimsical - (adj) unusual in a playful or amusing way; not serious

eulogize - (v) praise highly in speech or writing

adroit - (adj) clever or skillful in using the hands or mind

provincial - (adj) outside the capital city; unsophisticated or narrow-minded

maverick - (n) an unorthodox or independent-minded person

dilatory - (adj) slow to act

exploit - (v) use in an unfair or selfish way; make full use of and derive benefit from

steadfast - (adj) resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering

bitter - (adj) resentful because of one's bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment

belied - (v) disguise or contradict; fail to fulfill or justify

irate - (adj) feeling or characterized by great anger

cryptic - (adj) having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

obscure - (adj) not discovered or known about; uncertain

remorse - (n) deep and painful regret for wrongdoing

ornate - (adj) made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns

cliche - (n) a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought

charismatic - (adj) exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others

gratify - (v) give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction

subversive - (adj) seeking to undermine the power and authority of a system or institution

frank - (adj) open, honest, and direct in speech or writing

superficial - (adj) existing or occurring at or on the surface

articulate - (v) express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently

volatile - (adj) liable to change rapidly and unpredictably

exacerbate - (v) make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse

averse - (adj) having a strong dislike of or opposition to something

dubious - (adj) hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect

flattery - (n) excessive and insincere praise, especially that given to further one's own interests

perplexed - (adj) completely baffled; very puzzled

amiable - (adj) having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner

comprehensive - (adj) complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

insolent - (adj) showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect

denounce - (v) publicly declare to be wrong or evil

credible - (adj) able to be believed; convincing

rhetorical - (adj) asked merely for effect with no answer expected

realism - (n) representing a person, thing, or situation accurately or in a way that is true to life

cosmopolitan - (adj) familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures

disputation - (n) debate or argument

disrupt - (v) interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem

prohibitive - (adj) (of a price or charge) excessively high; difficult or impossible to pay

coherent - (adj) (of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent

mimic - (v) imitate, typically in order to entertain or ridicule

ubiquitous - (adj) present, appearing, or found everywhere

experimental - (adj) based on untested ideas and not yet established or finalized

redundant - (adj) not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous

superfluous - (adj) unnecessary, especially through being more than enough

advocate - (v) publicly recommend or support

chaotic - (adj) in a state of complete confusion and disorder

exotic - (adj) of foreign origin or character; strikingly unusual in effect or appearance

restrained - (adj) characterized by moderation; unemotional or dispassionate

subtle - (adj) delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe

rebellious - (adj) showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention

negligible - (adj) so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant

admonish - (v) warn or reprimand someone firmly

assuage - (v) make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

dispassionate - (adj) not influenced by strong emotion, impartial

jocular - (adj) fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful

remonstrate - (v) to disagree and argue or complain about something

perfunctory - (adj) carried out with a minimum of effort or refection

impetuous - (adj) acting or done quickly and without thought or care

prognosticate - (v) foretell or prophesy (an event in the future)

reminiscence - (n) a story told about a past event remembered by the narrator

fortuitous - (adj) happening by accident or chance rather than design; fortunate

paucity - (n) the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts

calculated - (adj) done with full awareness of the likely consequences

invoke - (v) cite or appeal to something as an authority in support of an argument

punctilious - (adj) showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

elitist - (n) a person who believes that society should be ruled or dominated by an elite

austere - (adj) strict in manner; having no comforts or luxuries; unadorned

vehemence - (n) display of strong feeling; passion; intensity

extemporaneous - (adj) spoken or done without preparation

astute - (adj) having an ability to accurately assess situations and turn this to one's advantage

venerable - (adj) accorded respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character

lamentable - (adj) deplorably bad or unsatisfactory

insipid - (adj) lacking favor; uninteresting

euphemism - (n) an indirect expression referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

exasperation - (n) a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance

flippant - (adj) not showing a serious or respectful attitude

imperious - (adj) assuming power without justification; arrogant and domineering

forestall - (v) prevent or obstruct by taking action ahead of time

misguided - (adj) having or showing faulty judgment or reasoning

soporific - (adj) tending to induce drowsiness or sleep

condemn - (v) express complete disapproval of, typically in public; censure

abstruse - (adj) difficult to understand; obscure

aesthetic - (n) a set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or movement

ingratiating - (adj) intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic

reproach - (v) address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment

pompous - (adj) affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important

intellectual - (adj) appealing to or engaging in thinking or reasoning of a high order

baffling - (adj) impossible to understand; perplexing

derivative - (adj) imitative of the work of another person

detail - (n) extended treatment of or attention to particular items

logical - (adj) characterized by or capable of clear, sound reasoning

plausible - (adj) seeming reasonable or probable

inclusive - (adj) covering or including everything; open to everyone

exuberance - (n) the quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness; ebullience

tedious - (adj) too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous

discreet - (adj) careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions

sustain - (v) strengthen or support physically or mentally

condescending - (adj) having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority

disseminate - (v) spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely

eclectic - (adj) deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

inadequate - (adj) not adequate or sufficient; inept or unsuitable

pensive - (adj) engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought

ebullient - (adj) cheerful and full of energy

incompetent - (adj) not having or showing the necessary skills to do something successfully

archaic - (adj) very old or old-fashioned

fastidious - (adj) very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

interpretation - (n) an explanation of the meaning of another's artistic or creative work

disillusioned - (adj) disappointed in something that is less good than one had believed

judicious - (adj) having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense

exhaust - (v) use up (resources or reserves) completely

lavish - (adj) sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious

adversary - (n) one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute

dispense - (v) to give or provide; manage without; get rid of

conviction - (n) a firmly held belief or opinion

eccentric - (adj) unconventional and slightly strange

fervent - (adj) having or displaying a passionate intensity

productive - (adj) achieving or producing a significant amount or result

humility - (n) a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness

perseverance - (n) steadfastness in doing something despite the difficulty in achieving success

renounce - (v) formally declare one's abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession)

simile - (n) a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced by like or as

futile - (adj) incapable of producing any useful result; pointless

verify - (v) make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified

perfectionist - (n) a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection

curtail - (v) reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on

antagonistic - (adj) showing active opposition or hostility toward someone or something

envious - (adj) feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another

prophetic - (adj) accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future

conspicuous - (adj) standing out so as to be clearly visible

aloof - (adj) not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

gregarious - (adj) fond of company; sociable

succinct - (adj) briefly and clearly expressed

irresolute - (adj) showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain

scrupulous - (adj) diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details

nefarious - (adj) wicked or criminal

daunting - (adj) seeming difficult to deal with; intimidating

placated - (v) make (someone) less angry or hostile

repudiate - (v) deny the truth or validity of

emphatic - (adj) showing or giving emphasis; expressing something forcibly and clearly

ephemeral - (adj) lasting for a very short time

exhilarating - (adj) making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling

extol - (v) praise enthusiastically

charlatan - (n) a person falsely claiming to have special knowledge or skill; a fraud

luxurious - (adj) extremely elegant, especially in a way that involves great expense

lucid - (adj) expressed clearly; easy to understand

convivial - (adj) friendly, lively, and enjoyable

evasiveness - (adj) get around or avoid by means of trickery or cleverness

ludicrous - (adj) so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous

platitude - (n) statement that expresses an idea that is not new

pallid - (adj) pale, typically because of poor health; feeble or insipid

zealot - (n) a person who is fanatical in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals

sanguine - (adj) optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation

disperse - (v) distribute or spread over a wide area

homogenous - (adj) of the same kind; alike

jubilant - (adj) feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph

felicitous - (adj) well-chosen or suited to the circumstances; pleasing and fortunate

harbinger - (n) anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign

penchant - (n) a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something

concession - (n) a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded

anomalous - (adj) deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected

edifying - (adj) providing moral or intellectual instruction

mercurial - (adj) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind

affable - (adj) friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

noncommittal - (adj) not expressing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action

deceitful - (adj) deceiving or misleading others

bolster - (v) support or strengthen; prop up

dogmatic - (adj) inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true

facetious - (adj) treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant

foreboding - (n) fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen

ostentatious - (adj) characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress

polemical - (adj) strongly critical or controversial writing or speech

precocious - (adj) having developed certain abilities at an earlier age than usual

rancorous - (adj) characterized by bitterness or resentment

voracious - (adj) having a very eager approach to an activity; consuming large quantities

egalitarian - (adj) believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve an equal right

evidence - (n) available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief is true

classification - (n) a category into which something is put

affluence - (n) the state of having a great deal of money; wealth

ingenuous - (adj) innocent and unsuspecting; candid; sincere

mock - (v) tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner

strident - (adj) loud and harsh; grating

taciturn - (adj) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little

tractable - (adj) easy to control or influence

personal - (adj) of or concerning one's private life

cohesive - (adj) well-integrated; unified

salutary - (adj) producing good effects; beneficial

inhibit - (v) hinder, restrain, or prevent

misanthrope - (n) a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society

sycophant - (n) a person who praises powerful people in order to get their approval

paragon - (n) a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

bureaucratic - (adj) overly concerned with the procedure at the expense of efficiency

disguise - (v) give a different appearance in order to conceal one's identity

precipitous - (adj) done suddenly and without careful consideration; dangerously steep

unaffected - (adj) feeling or showing no effects or changes; without artificiality or insincerity

delineate - (v) describe or portray (something) precisely

enthralled - (v) capture the fascinated attention of