Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for ACT 15 (American College Testing) Words

accord (verb) /əˈkɔːd/
Definition: To reach or grant an agreement or settlement between two or more parties.
Example Sentence: "The two nations decided to accord on trade terms."
Synonyms: agree; align; bestow; compromise; confer; consent
Opposite Meaning: conflict

acquit (verb) /əˈkwɪt/
Definition: To formally declare a person not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing in a court of law.
Example Sentence: "The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges."
Synonyms: absolve; discharge; exculpate; excuse; exonerate; free
Opposite Meaning: convict

adjacent (adjective) /əˈdʒeɪs(ə)nt/
Definition: Positioned next to or close to, typically sharing a common border, boundary, or proximity without any significant space or gap in between.
Example Sentence: "They bought the adjacent property to expand their backyard."
Synonyms: abutting; alongside; attached; beside; contiguous; flanking
Opposite Meaning: distant

affection (noun) /əˈfɛk ʃən/
Definition: A warm and tender feeling of fondness, care, or love towards someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The boy's eyes sparkled with affection when he saw his parents."
Synonyms: attachment; care; devotion; emotion; feeling; fondness
Opposite Meaning: animosity

affirm (verb) /əˈfɜrm/
Definition: To assert, confirm, or declare something with confidence and conviction.
Example Sentence: "She will affirm her vows during the renewal of the marriage ceremony."
Synonyms: assert; avow; confirm; declare; endorse; maintain
Opposite Meaning: deny

afflict (verb) /əˈflɪkt/
Definition: To cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something.
Example Sentence: "Addiction can afflict people of all ages and backgrounds."
Synonyms: annoy; besiege; bother; burden; distress; harass
Opposite Meaning: comfort

agrestic (adjective) /əˈgrɛs tɪk/
Definition: Rural, rustic, or characteristic of the countryside or agricultural life.
Example Sentence: "The agrestic community was self-sufficient and close-knit."
Synonyms: Arcadian; bucolic; countrified; countryside; georgic; pastoral
Opposite Meaning: urban

amalgam (noun) /əˈmælɡəm/
Definition: A combination of two or more different things, often used to describe a mixture of metals.
Example Sentence: "The band's music was an amalgam of different genres."
Synonyms: alloy; amalgamation; blend; coalescence; compound; fusion
Opposite Meaning: pure

anathema (noun) /əˈnaθəmə/
Definition: Something or someone that is vehemently disliked or detested by an individual or group.
Example Sentence: "The thought of being stuck in a cubicle all day was anathema to her adventurous spirit."
Synonyms: abhorrent; abomination; aversion; hateful; odious; offensive
Opposite Meaning: blessing

anodyne (adjective) /ˈanədʌɪn/
Definition: Soothing, bland, or inoffensive, often in a way that avoids causing discomfort, controversy, or strong reactions.
Example Sentence: "The movie's anodyne plot was criticized for being too predictable."
Synonyms: benign; bland; boring; harmless; innocuous; inoffensive
Opposite Meaning: provocative

asphyxia (noun) /æsˈfɪk si ə/
Definition: A condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to suffocation or even death.
Example Sentence: "Drowning is a common cause of asphyxia."
Synonyms: anoxia; apnea; breathlessness; choking; gasping; hypoxia
Opposite Meaning: breathing

avail (verb) /uh-veyl/
Definition: To make use of or take advantage of an opportunity or resource in order to achieve a specific purpose or benefit.
Example Sentence: "We must avail ourselves of the resources at our disposal to solve this problem."
Synonyms: aid; apply; assist; benefit; capitalize; employ
Opposite Meaning: squander

avid (adjective) /ˈavɪd/
Definition: Describing a strong and enthusiastic eagerness or passion for something, often indicating a deep interest in a particular activity, hobby, or pursuit.
Example Sentence: "She was an avid reader and spent hours every day with her nose in a book."
Synonyms: ardent; devoted; eager; enthusiastic; fanatical; fervent
Opposite Meaning: indifferent

belated (adjective) /bɪˈleɪ tɪd/
Definition: Occurring, happening, or received later than expected, customary, or appropriate.
Example Sentence: "A belated thank-you note arrived long after the wedding gifts were opened."
Synonyms: behindhand; deferred; delayed; delinquent; late; overdue
Opposite Meaning: punctual

bemuse (verb) /bɪˈmyuz/
Definition: To cause someone to feel confused, puzzled, or bewildered.
Example Sentence: "The complex math problem seemed to bemuse the entire class."
Synonyms: amaze; astound; bewilder; confound; confuse; dumbfound
Opposite Meaning: clarify

blasphemy (noun) /ˈblasfəmi/
Definition: An act or statement that shows contempt or disrespect for a religious deity, belief, or sacred object.
Example Sentence: "The writer was accused of blasphemy for his controversial views on religion."
Synonyms: desecration; disrespect; execration; godlessness; heresy; impiety
Opposite Meaning: reverence

candid (adjective) /ˈkandɪd/
Definition: Open, honest, and straightforward in their expression, behavior, or communication.
Example Sentence: "He gave a candid account of his experience in the war."
Synonyms: blunt; direct; forthright; frank; honest; open
Opposite Meaning: deceitful

carriage (noun) /ˈkær ɪdʒ/
Definition: A vehicle designed for transporting people or goods.
Example Sentence: "The horse-drawn carriage made its way gracefully through the cobblestone streets."
Synonyms: caboose; cart; chariot; coach; compartment; conveyance
Opposite Meaning: stagnation

chauvinist (noun) /ˈʃəʊvɪnɪst/
Definition: A person displaying excessive or prejudiced belief in the superiority or dominance of their own cause or group.
Example Sentence: "The chauvinist saw no merit in other cultures' traditions."
Synonyms: bigot; jingoist; nationalist; nativist; partisan; superpatriot
Opposite Meaning: egalitarian

confide (verb) /kənˈfʌɪd/
Definition: To share personal or private information or feelings with someone else in a trusting manner.
Example Sentence: "It's important to have someone you can confide in and talk to about your struggles."
Synonyms: admit; communicate; confess; disclose; divulge; entrust
Opposite Meaning: conceal

confident (adjective) /ˈkɒn fɪ dənt/
Definition: Feeling or showing self-assurance, poise, and belief in one's abilities.
Example Sentence: "She exuded a confident aura, effortlessly commanding attention and respect from those around her."
Synonyms: assertive; assured; bold; brave; certain; decisive
Opposite Meaning: doubtful

consort (noun) /ˈkɒn sɔrt/
Definition: A companion, partner, or spouse, particularly in the context of a reigning monarch.
Example Sentence: "The queen and her consort attended the state banquet together."
Synonyms: ally; associate; cohabitant; colleague; companion; counterpart
Opposite Meaning: rival

contempt (noun) /kənˈtɛm(p)t/
Definition: A feeling of strong disdain or disrespect for someone or something that is seen as being unworthy or inferior.
Example Sentence: "The protesters held placards expressing their contempt for the government's policies."
Synonyms: derision; disgust; disparagement; disregard; hostility; loathing
Opposite Meaning: admiration

convention (noun) /kənˈvɛn ʃən/
Definition: A formal gathering or assembly of individuals who come together to discuss, organize, or engage in a shared interest, purpose, or profession.
Example Sentence: "The annual science fiction convention attracts fans from around the world."
Synonyms: assembly; colloquium; conclave; conference; congress; forum
Opposite Meaning: disorganization

crony (noun) /ˈkroʊ ni/
Definition: A close friend or associate, often with whom one has a long-standing relationship.
Example Sentence: "The journalist uncovered evidence of the mayor's crony receiving kickbacks."
Synonyms: ally; buddy; chum; colleague; companion; mate
Opposite Meaning: enemy

crypt (noun) /krɪpt/
Definition: An underground chamber or vault, typically found beneath a religious building such as a church or cathedral.
Example Sentence: "The archaeologists discovered a hidden crypt beneath the ancient temple ruins."
Synonyms: burial; catacomb; cellar; mausoleum; ossuary; sepulcher
Opposite Meaning: surface

cryptograph (noun) /ˈkrɪptəʊˌɡræf/
Definition: A device or method used for encrypting or encoding messages to ensure confidentiality and security during communication.
Example Sentence: "The cryptograph algorithm utilized complex mathematical operations to encode the data."
Synonyms: cipher; ciphertext; code; codebreaker; concealment; cypher
Opposite Meaning: decoder

cynic (noun) /ˈsɪn ɪk/
Definition: An individual who habitually exhibits a skeptical or pessimistic attitude towards the motives, integrity, or sincerity of others.
Example Sentence: "The cynic found it hard to trust anyone's intentions, always suspecting hidden agendas."
Synonyms: critic; detractor; disbeliever; doubter; faultfinder; misanthrope
Opposite Meaning: optimist

deceit (noun) /dɪˈsit/
Definition: The act or quality of intentionally misleading or deceiving others through dishonesty, falsehoods, or trickery.
Example Sentence: "She saw through his deceit and broke off the relationship."
Synonyms: craftiness; deceitfulness; deception; dishonesty; duplicity; falsehood
Opposite Meaning: honesty

defer (verb) /dɪˈfɜr/
Definition: To delay or postpone something, often by choice or as a matter of respect or courtesy to another person's wishes, authority, or priority.
Example Sentence: "He decided to defer his enrollment at the university for a year."
Synonyms: adjourn; extend; hesitate; procrastinate; prolong; prorogue
Opposite Meaning: expedite

demean (verb) /dɪˈmin/
Definition: To behave in a way that shows a lack of respect for oneself or others, or to reduce the dignity or standing of someone or something.
Example Sentence: "He refused to demean himself by participating in such a humiliating activity."
Synonyms: belittle; debase; degrade; denigrate; devalue; diminish
Opposite Meaning: respect

discord (noun) /ˈdɪskɔːd/
Definition: Lack of agreement or harmony between people, things, or ideas.
Example Sentence: "The different religious beliefs caused discord within the community."
Synonyms: conflict; disagreement; dispute; disunity; feuding; friction
Opposite Meaning: harmony

dishevel (verb) /dɪˈʃɛvl/
Definition: To make someone or something appear untidy, disordered, or disarranged, particularly concerning their appearance or condition.
Example Sentence: "The director asked her to dishevel the set to make it look abandoned."
Synonyms: bedraggled; disarray; disorder; disorganize; disrupt; jumble
Opposite Meaning: groom

dishonor (noun) /dɪsˈɒn ər/
Definition: The loss or violation of one's honor, integrity, or reputation.
Example Sentence: "He felt a deep sense of dishonor after betraying his friend's trust."
Synonyms: blemish; blot; discredit; disgrace; disrepute; humiliation
Opposite Meaning: honor

dodder (verb) /ˈdɑdər/
Definition: To move or walk in a shaky or unsteady way, often due to old age, physical weakness, or illness.
Example Sentence: "The homeless man could barely dodder down the street due to his exhaustion."
Synonyms: dither; falter; quiver; shake; shiver; stumble
Opposite Meaning: stride

dwell (verb) /dwɛl/
Definition: To reside or live in a particular place for an extended period of time.
Example Sentence: "The memories of her childhood dwell in her heart."
Synonyms: brood; fixate; inhabit; live; mull; nestle
Opposite Meaning: vacate

empower (verb) /ɛmˈpaʊ ər/
Definition: To grant or bestow power, authority, or autonomy to individuals or groups.
Example Sentence: "The conference featured inspiring speakers who shared their experiences to empower the audience."
Synonyms: authorize; embolden; enable; encourage; entrust; equip
Opposite Meaning: weaken

encompass (verb) /ɪnˈkʌmpəs/
Definition: To surround, encircle, or include something completely within a particular scope, area, or range.
Example Sentence: "The festival will encompass a variety of music genres, appealing to a wide audience."
Synonyms: comprise; constitute; cover; embody; embrace; entail
Opposite Meaning: exclude

era (noun) /ˈɪər ə/
Definition: A distinct period of time characterized by specific events, developments, or cultural traits.
Example Sentence: "The Renaissance era is known for its remarkable advancements in art, science, and literature."
Synonyms: age; cycle; epoch; epochal; generation; period
Opposite Meaning: moment

exalt (verb) /ɪgˈzɔlt/
Definition: To elevate, praise, or honor someone or something highly.
Example Sentence: "They often exalt their leader as the one true visionary."
Synonyms: acclaim; applaud; celebrate; commend; extol; glorify
Opposite Meaning: denigrate

furor (noun) /ˈfyʊər ɔr/
Definition: A state of intense excitement, uproar, or public outcry generated by a particular event, issue, or controversy.
Example Sentence: "The film's explicit content caused a furor among conservative groups."
Synonyms: agitation; commotion; controversy; disturbance; frenzy; hullabaloo
Opposite Meaning: calm

gall (noun) /gɔl/
Definition: Bold or impudent behavior, displaying audacity or impertinence.
Example Sentence: "It takes a lot of gall to lie to someone's face without any remorse."
Synonyms: acrimony; audacity; bitterness; blister; cheek; choler
Opposite Meaning: timidity

indefinite (adjective) /ɪnˈdɛf ə nɪt/
Definition: Lacking a specific or precise limit, duration, or definition.
Example Sentence: "They embarked on an indefinite journey, uncertain of their destination."
Synonyms: ambiguous; imprecise; indeterminate; uncertain; undetermined; unfixed
Opposite Meaning: definite

indict (verb) /ɪnˈdʌɪt/
Definition: To formally accuse someone of committing a crime or wrongdoing through a legal process, typically initiated by a grand jury or a prosecutor.
Example Sentence: "The evidence was strong enough to indict the suspect for the crime."
Synonyms: accuse; arraign; charge; impeach; incriminate; inculpate
Opposite Meaning: acquit

inert (adjective) /ɪˈnəːt/
Definition: Lacking in energy or action, often associated with the absence of movement or change.
Example Sentence: "The organization was criticized for its inert approach to innovation."
Synonyms: impotent; inactive; listless; passive; quiescent; slack
Opposite Meaning: active

infidel (noun) /ˈɪnfɪˌdɛl/
Definition: A person who does not believe in a particular religion or set of religious beliefs.
Example Sentence: "The infidel refused to convert to the dominant religion."
Synonyms: agnostic; atheist; heretic; nonbeliever; nonconformist; renegade
Opposite Meaning: believer

insurrection (noun) /ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A rebellion or uprising against a government or an authority.
Example Sentence: "The insurrection was a violent uprising against the government."
Synonyms: anarchy; coup; defiance; insurgency; mutiny; putsch
Opposite Meaning: compliance

listless (adjective) /ˈlɪs(t)ləs/
Definition: Characterized by a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or interest in one's surroundings or activities.
Example Sentence: "He was listless and depressed after his girlfriend ended their relationship."
Synonyms: apathetic; enervated; inactive; lackadaisical; languid; lethargic
Opposite Meaning: energetic

neoliberal (noun) /ˌniːə(ʊ)ˈlɪb(ə)rəl/
Definition: An advocate or supporter of free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending.
Example Sentence: "The neoliberal approach has been credited with promoting economic growth."
Synonyms: capitalist; competitionist; deregulator; globalist; laissez-faire; libertarian
Opposite Meaning: socialist

overt (adjective) /ə(ʊ)ˈvəːt/
Definition: Easily observable, apparent, or openly displayed without concealment or hidden intentions.
Example Sentence: "The overt display of affection between the couple made others uncomfortable."
Synonyms: apparent; blatant; clear; definite; noticeable; obvious
Opposite Meaning: hidden

penitent (adjective) /ˈpɛn ɪ tənt/
Definition: Deep regret or remorse for one's actions or wrongdoing.
Example Sentence: "The thief appeared penitent as he returned the stolen goods and offered an apology."
Synonyms: apologetic; ashamed; atoning; contrite; guilty; regretful
Opposite Meaning: unrepentant

peril (noun) /ˈpɛrəl/
Definition: A situation or condition that is characterized by danger, risk, or potential harm.
Example Sentence: "The ship was in peril when it encountered a violent storm at sea."
Synonyms: crisis; emergency; hazard; jeopardy; precariousness; threat
Opposite Meaning: safety

phonic (adjective) /ˈfɒn ɪk/
Definition: Relating to sound, particularly the production, transmission, or perception of sound.
Example Sentence: "The language teacher used phonic exercises to help students improve their pronunciation."
Synonyms: acoustic; audio; auditory; aural; linguaphonic; oral
Opposite Meaning: silent

predispose (verb) /ˌpriːdɪˈspəʊz/
Definition: To make someone more likely or inclined to have a particular feeling, condition, or tendency.
Example Sentence: "Genetic factors can predispose some individuals to certain diseases."
Synonyms: activate; affect; bias; impress; induce; influence
Opposite Meaning: dissuade

pseudo (adjective) /ˈsjuːdəʊ/
Definition: Not genuine or authentic, but rather a copy, imitation, or counterfeit.
Example Sentence: "He was exposed as a pseudo-scientist, his theories lacking any credible evidence."
Synonyms: bogus; counterfeit; ersatz; fake; false; feigned
Opposite Meaning: genuine

pyromania (noun) /ˌpaɪ rəˈmeɪ ni ə/
Definition: A psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable and persistent urge to set fires.
Example Sentence: "The police suspect pyromania as the cause of the recent string of suspicious fires."
Synonyms: arson; blaze; burning; combustion; conflagration; firebug
Opposite Meaning: self-control

relent (verb) /rɪˈlɛnt/
Definition: To yield, give in, or become less strict, severe, or determined in one's stance or attitude.
Example Sentence: "If the rain doesn't relent soon, the outdoor event will have to be cancelled."
Synonyms: acquiesce; capitulate; compromise; concede; ease; moderate
Opposite Meaning: persist

remnant (noun) /ˈrɛmnənt/
Definition: A small remaining part or fragment of something that was once whole or larger.
Example Sentence: "The archaeologist found a remnant of ancient pottery in the ruins."
Synonyms: dregs; fragment; leftover; piece; remainder; residue
Opposite Meaning: entirety

repent (verb) /rɪˈpɛnt/
Definition: To feel remorse or regret for past actions, words, or thoughts, and to make a conscious effort to change one's ways.
Example Sentence: "It's never too late to repent and seek forgiveness."
Synonyms: amend; apologize; atone; bemoan; bewail; confess
Opposite Meaning: persist

replica (noun) /ˈrɛp lɪ kə/
Definition: A close or exact copy or reproduction of an object, artwork, or structure.
Example Sentence: "She received a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower as a souvenir from her trip to Paris."
Synonyms: clone; copy; counterfeit; doppelganger; duplicate; facsimile
Opposite Meaning: original

revere (verb) /rɪˈvɪər/
Definition: To deeply admire, respect, and hold someone or something in high esteem.
Example Sentence: "The martial artists revere their master for his unmatched skills and teachings."
Synonyms: admire; adore; cherish; esteem; exalt; glorify
Opposite Meaning: despise

rhetoric (noun) /ˈrɛtərɪk/
Definition: The art and study of persuasive communication, including the use of language, gestures, and other techniques to influence an audience.
Example Sentence: "Her persuasive rhetoric swayed even the staunchest of critics."
Synonyms: address; articulacy; bombast; composition; discourse; eloquence
Opposite Meaning: silence

rudiment (noun) /ˈru də mənt/
Definition: The basic or fundamental elements or principles of a subject or skill.
Example Sentence: "As a pianist, practicing the rudiments of scales and arpeggios is essential for building dexterity and finger strength."
Synonyms: ABCs; basics; basis; core; elements; essentials
Opposite Meaning: complexity

scintilla (noun) /sɪnˈtɪlə/
Definition: A tiny trace or spark of something, often used in reference to a small amount of a quality or characteristic.
Example Sentence: "There's not a scintilla of evidence to support his claim."
Synonyms: glimmer; hint; iota; pinch; shred; sliver
Opposite Meaning: abundance

skimp (verb) /skɪmp/
Definition: To provide or use an insufficient amount of something, usually in an attempt to save time, money, or effort.
Example Sentence: "He would never skimp on quality when it came to buying tools for his workshop."
Synonyms: conserve; economize; husband; manage; pinch; preserve
Opposite Meaning: lavish

spat (noun) /spæt/
Definition: A brief, often minor, quarrel or argument between two or more individuals.
Example Sentence: "The couple's spat over household chores was resolved with a calm discussion and compromise."
Synonyms: altercation; argument; bicker; clash; conflict; disagreement
Opposite Meaning: harmony

thrifty (adjective) /ˈθrɪfti/
Definition: Having a prudent and economical approach to managing resources, expenses, and finances.
Example Sentence: "He prided himself on his thrifty lifestyle, living simply and avoiding excess."
Synonyms: budgeting; careful; economical; efficient; frugal; parsimonious
Opposite Meaning: extravagant

tot (noun) /tɒt/
Definition: A small child, typically a toddler or young child.
Example Sentence: "The parents watched their energetic tot run around the playground."
Synonyms: babe; baby; child; infant; kid; moppet
Opposite Meaning: adult

totalitarian (adjective) /ˌtəʊtalɪˈtɛːrɪən/
Definition: Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.
Example Sentence: "The totalitarian regime controlled all aspects of citizens' lives."
Synonyms: absolute; authoritarian; autocratic; despotic; dictatorial; domineering
Opposite Meaning: democratic

uncanny (adjective) /ʌnˈkani/
Definition: Strange, mysterious, or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain.
Example Sentence: "The uncanny timing of his arrival made her suspicious."
Synonyms: creepy; eerie; extraordinary; inexplainable; mysterious; obscure
Opposite Meaning: normal

vent (verb) /vɛnt/
Definition: To express or release one's emotions, thoughts, or frustrations, usually in a forceful or impassioned manner.
Example Sentence: "She needed to vent her frustrations by screaming into a pillow."
Synonyms: air; discharge; exhale; express; pour; release
Opposite Meaning: suppress

vestibule (noun) /ˈvɛstɪbjuːl/
Definition: A small entrance area or a passage leading to the main part of a building.
Example Sentence: "The theater's vestibule had a box office and a concession stand."
Synonyms: anteroom; atrium; entryway; foyer; hall; lobby
Opposite Meaning: exterior

vigil (noun) /ˈvɪdʒ(ɪ)l/
Definition: A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, most often to keep watch, pray, or to make a protest.
Example Sentence: "The candlelight vigil was a peaceful and emotional event."
Synonyms: alert; alertness; attentiveness; awareness; guard; inspection
Opposite Meaning: disregard

vitriol (noun) /ˈvɪtrɪəl/
Definition: A harsh or bitter criticism or hostility, often expressed in a very cruel or abusive way.
Example Sentence: "The audience hurled Vitriol at the speaker as he took the stage."
Synonyms: acrimony; anger; animosity; bile; bitterness; hostility
Opposite Meaning: kindness

zealot (noun) /ˈzɛlət/
Definition: A person who is extremely enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular cause or idea.
Example Sentence: "He was a religious zealot who devoted his life to God."
Synonyms: crusader; disciple; enthusiast; fan; fanatic; ideologue
Opposite Meaning: moderate