Word List #19/16-9/27

adulation(n.) extreme admiration or praise

SYNONYMS: applause, commendation

ANTONYMS: abuse, criticism

The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans.

clairvoyance(n.) an ability to communicate with dead people, to

predict future events, or to know about things that you did not actually see happen or hear about

SYNONYMS: premonition, discernmentANTONYMS: ignorance, stupidity

I don’t believe in clairvoyance, but I can’t explain how he knew those things about my grandmother.

conformist(n.) a person who conforms, especially

unquestioningly, to the usual practices or standards of a group, society, etc.

SYNONYMS: emulator, followerANTONYMS: individualist, nonconformist

Most teenagers are conformists because they experience a great deal of peer pressure.

deleterious(adj.) damaging or harmful, often in a subtle

or unexpected way

SYNONYMS: destructive, hurtfulANTONYMS: helpful, assisting

The drug has no deleterious effects on patients.

demagogue(n.) a leader who makes use of popular prejudices

and false claims and promises in order to gain power

SYNONYMS: agitator, fanaticANTONYMS: peacemaker, reconciler

That politician is just a demagogue who preys upon people’s fears and prejudices.

ephemeral(adj.) lasting a very short time

SYNONYMS: fleeting, transitoryANTONYMS: enduring, permanent

Autumnal colors are always to be treasured, all the more so because they are so ephemeral.

fortuitous(adj.) happening by chance; fortunate, lucky

SYNONYMS: random, serendipitousANTONYMS: calculated, deliberate

You could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.

hackneyed(adj.) lacking in freshness or originality; used

too often

SYNONYMS: corny, staleANTONYMS: fresh, original

It’s hackneyed, but true—the more you save, the more you earn.

intrepid(adj.) feeling no fear; bold or brave

SYNONYMS: courageous, heroicANTONYMS: afraid, cowardly

He was an intrepid explorer who probed parts of the rain forest never previously attempted.

mundane(adj.) dull, ordinary, commonplace

SYNONYMS: normal, humdrumANTONYMS: exciting, unusual

They lead a pretty mundane life.

nonchalant(adj.) relaxed and calm in a way that shows that

you do not care or are not worried about anything

SYNONYMS: apathetic, dispassionateANTONYMS: caring, emotional

He was surprisingly nonchalant about winning the award.

ostentatious(adj.) displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way

that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy

SYNONYMS: flamboyant, gaudyANTONYMS: moderate, tasteful

Her boss wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger.

precocious(adj.) exhibiting mature qualities at an

unusually early age

SYNONYMS: cocky, brightANTONYMS: stupid, unintelligent

A precocious musician, he was giving concerts when he was seven.

querulous(adj.) complaining in an annoyed way;

habitually whining

SYNONYMS: bearish, irritableANTONYMS: cheerful, easy-going

Their car trips were frequently spoiled by a couple of querulous passengers in the back.

rancor(n.) an angry feeling or hatred or dislike for

someone who has treated you unfairly

SYNONYMS: animosity, grudgeANTONYMS: friendliness, kindness

She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor.

revere(v.) to offer honor or respect to someone

SYNONYMS: adore, admireANTONYMS: denounce, despise

Michael Jordan is highly revered for his many achievements.

scrutinize(v.) to examine closely and critically

SYNONYMS: analyze, dissectANTONYMS: ignore, overlook

I closely scrutinized my opponent’s every move.

spurious(adj.) not genuine, sincere, or authentic; based

on false ideas or bad reasoning

SYNONYMS: bogus, phonyANTONYMS: genuine, true

It was a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn’t have fooled an art expert for a second.

surreptitious(adj.) done, made, or acquired in a secret way

SYNONYMS: covert, hush-hushANTONYMS: honest, public

He bought the engagement ring in a surreptitious manner, so that his girlfriend would be surprised at his proposal.

tenacious(adj.) persistent in seeking something valued

or desired

SYNONYMS: relentless, stubbornANTONYMS: unreliable, weak

A tenacious coach, she adheres to her grueling practice schedule no matter what.