Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for ACT 16 (American College Testing) Words

abash (verb) /əˈbæʃ/
Definition: To embarrass, disconcert, or cause someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed.
Example Sentence: "He tried to abash his rival with a sarcastic remark."
Synonyms: chagrin; daunt; discomfit; discompose; disconcert; embarrass
Opposite Meaning: embolden

abdicate (verb) /ˈabdɪkeɪt/
Definition: To formally renounce or give up a position of power or responsibility, such as a throne or a office.
Example Sentence: "The aging monarch announced he would abdicate in favor of his son."
Synonyms: abjure; abnegate; forgo; quit; relinquish; resign
Opposite Meaning: assume

acquiesce (verb) /ˌakwɪˈɛs/
Definition: To accept or comply with something, usually without protest or resistance.
Example Sentence: "The parents agreed to acquiesce to their daughter's choice of college."
Synonyms: agree; allow; approve; bend; conform; consent
Opposite Meaning: resist

acrimony (noun) /ˈakrɪməni/
Definition: Anger and bitterness between people who disagree strongly and do not like each other.
Example Sentence: "The family dispute lasted for years and was full of resentment and acrimony."
Synonyms: animosity; antagonism; bitterness; clash; contention; discord
Opposite Meaning: amity

adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/
Definition: To adjust, modify, or change oneself, one's behavior, or one's approach in order to better fit or accommodate a new or different situation, environment, or circumstance.
Example Sentence: "He had to adapt quickly to the new job responsibilities and learn new skills."
Synonyms: accommodate; adjust; alter; change; conform; customize
Opposite Meaning: resist

adhere (verb) /ədˈhɪr/
Definition: To believe in and follow the practices or principles of a particular person, group, or ideology.
Example Sentence: "The students are expected to adhere to the school's code of conduct."
Synonyms: comply; fulfill; heed; keep; maintain; obey
Opposite Meaning: disregard

agitate (verb) /ˈædʒ ɪˌteɪt/
Definition: To stir, disturb, or cause unrest or dissatisfaction in someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The rumor about layoffs began to agitate the staff."
Synonyms: discompose; disquiet; disturb; foment; incite; inflame
Opposite Meaning: calm

agog (adjective) /əˈɡɒɡ/
Definition: Eager anticipation, excitement, or curiosity about something that is about to happen or has captured one's interest.
Example Sentence: "She was agog with curiosity when she received a mysterious package in the mail."
Synonyms: anticipatory; anxious; breathless; curious; eager; enthusiastic
Opposite Meaning: indifferent

allude (verb) /əˈl(j)uːd/
Definition: To make an indirect reference or suggestion to something without stating it directly.
Example Sentence: "The song's lyrics allude to a failed relationship."
Synonyms: hint; imply; indicate; infer; insinuate; intimate
Opposite Meaning: ignore

ambiguity (noun) /ambɪˈɡjuːɪti/
Definition: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation.
Example Sentence: "The writer's use of ambiguity in the short story added depth and intrigue to the plot."
Synonyms: doubt; equivocation; inconclusiveness; indefiniteness; mysteriousness; obscurity
Opposite Meaning: clarity

ancillary (adjective) /anˈsɪləri/
Definition: Auxiliary, supplementary, or additional, often in a supportive or secondary role.
Example Sentence: "The ancillary staff are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office."
Synonyms: accessory; added; auxiliary; backup; complementary; contributory
Opposite Meaning: primary

annul (verb) /əˈnʌl/
Definition: To declare something as null and void, effectively canceling or invalidating it as if it never existed or had any legal or binding effect.
Example Sentence: "The court ruled to annul the contract due to a breach of terms."
Synonyms: cancel; invalidate; negate; nullify; quash; repeal
Opposite Meaning: ratify

antagonist (noun) /ænˈtæg ə nɪst/
Definition: A character or force in a literary work, such as a novel, play, or film, who opposes or stands in conflict with the protagonist.
Example Sentence: "The antagonist's cunning schemes constantly thwarted the hero's plans."
Synonyms: adversary; challenger; contender; detractor; enemy; foe
Opposite Meaning: protagonist

astound (verb) /əˈstaʊnd/
Definition: To shock or greatly surprise someone, often with something that is unexpected or remarkable.
Example Sentence: "The magician's tricks never failed to astound the audience."
Synonyms: amaze; astonish; bewilder; confound; dumbfound; flabbergast
Opposite Meaning: underwhelm

bigot (noun) /ˈbɪɡət/
Definition: A person who holds prejudiced views towards people who belong to a particular group, such as a different race, religion, or cultural background.
Example Sentence: "He was a bigot who had no tolerance for people of different religions."
Synonyms: chauvinist; dogmatist; extremist; fanatic; homophobe; intolerant
Opposite Meaning: tolerant

censor (verb) /ˈsɛnsər/
Definition: To examine and remove or suppress information, opinions, or artistic expression that are considered objectionable or harmful by those in authority.
Example Sentence: "The government is planning to censor the controversial film."
Synonyms: bowdlerize; cut; delete; edit; excise; expurgate
Opposite Meaning: expose

conceptual (adjective) /kənˈsɛp tʃu əl/
Definition: Relating to or based on abstract ideas, concepts, or mental frameworks rather than concrete or physical aspects.
Example Sentence: "The architect presented a conceptual design for the new building, showcasing innovative ideas."
Synonyms: abstract; cerebral; ideational; imaginative; intangible; intellectual
Opposite Meaning: concrete

condescend (verb) /ˌkɒn dəˈsɛnd/
Definition: To behave in a patronizing or superior manner towards others, often accompanied by a sense of superiority or arrogance.
Example Sentence: "It's important for experienced team members not to condescend to new recruits."
Synonyms: belittle; demean; deride; despise; mock; patronize
Opposite Meaning: respect

consign (verb) /kənˈsʌɪn/
Definition: To entrust something or someone to the care of another person or entity for safekeeping or disposal.
Example Sentence: "The company decided to consign the defective products to the scrapyard."
Synonyms: assign; commit; convey; deliver; deposit; dispatch
Opposite Meaning: reclaim

covetous (adjective) /ˈkʌvɪtəs/
Definition: Having or showing an excessive or obsessive desire to possess something that belongs to another person.
Example Sentence: "The covetous neighbor was envious of the family's new car."
Synonyms: acquisitive; avaricious; envious; grasping; greedy; jealous
Opposite Meaning: content

curt (adjective) /kəːt/
Definition: Brief, abrupt, and often lacking in elaborate details or unnecessary niceties.
Example Sentence: "His curt goodbye left me feeling like I had done something wrong."
Synonyms: blunt; brusque; concise; offhand; rude; sharp
Opposite Meaning: lengthy

debauch (verb) /dɪˈbɔtʃ/
Definition: To corrupt, seduce, or lead someone astray, particularly in relation to their moral values, principles, or behavior.
Example Sentence: "They fear that the influx of tourists will debauch the tranquil atmosphere of the village."
Synonyms: allure; corrupt; defile; deprave; dissolute; indulge
Opposite Meaning: purify

demur (verb) /dɪˈməː/
Definition: To express hesitation, objection, or reluctance to do something, typically in response to a request, proposal, or suggestion.
Example Sentence: "She may demur at the proposal if it involves too much travel."
Synonyms: cavil; complain; disagree; dispute; object; protest
Opposite Meaning: agree

deprave (verb) /dɪˈpreɪv/
Definition: To corrupt, pervert, or morally degrade someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The corrupt business practices deprave fair competition and harm the economy."
Synonyms: contaminate; corrupt; debauch; defile; degrade; pervert
Opposite Meaning: improve

deter (verb) /dɪˈtɜr/
Definition: To discourage or prevent someone from taking a particular action by creating fear or doubt in their mind.
Example Sentence: "The high fence was put up to deter burglars."
Synonyms: avert; block; curb; debar; dissuade; divert
Opposite Meaning: encourage

disavow (verb) /dɪsəˈvaʊ/
Definition: To deny knowledge of or responsibility for something, often officially or publicly.
Example Sentence: "She chose to disavow any association with the extremist group."
Synonyms: abjure; contradict; deny; disallow; disclaim; disconfirm
Opposite Meaning: acknowledge

diverge (verb) /dʌɪˈvəːdʒ/
Definition: To separate or move in different directions from a common point or path.
Example Sentence: "As we continued the discussion, our perspectives began to diverge."
Synonyms: branch; conflict; deviate; differ; disagree; divaricate
Opposite Meaning: converge

dogma (noun) /ˈdɔg mə/
Definition: A set of principles, beliefs, or doctrines that are established as unquestionable truths within a particular system of thought, ideology, or religion.
Example Sentence: "The professor challenged the scientific dogma with groundbreaking research."
Synonyms: belief; canon; conviction; credo; doctrine; faith
Opposite Meaning: doubt

dole (noun) /doʊl/
Definition: A form of welfare or social assistance provided by the government to individuals who are unemployed or otherwise in need of financial support.
Example Sentence: "He relied on the dole to pay his bills while he searched for a job."
Synonyms: aid; alms; benefit; charity; grant; handout
Opposite Meaning: wealth

endow (verb) /ɪnˈdaʊ/
Definition: To provide something with a particular quality or attribute, usually a positive one.
Example Sentence: "Nature did endow him with a sense of humor to lighten up any situation."
Synonyms: bequeath; bless; enrich; equip; grant; imbue
Opposite Meaning: deprive

entrench (verb) /ɪnˈtrɛn(t)ʃ/
Definition: To establish or ingrain something deeply and firmly, often to the point where it becomes difficult to change or remove.
Example Sentence: "The new CEO wants to entrench a culture of innovation within the organization."
Synonyms: anchor; embed; engrain; ensconce; fortify; imbed
Opposite Meaning: dislodge

ergo (adverb) /ˈəːɡəʊ/
Definition: To indicate a logical inference or conclusion drawn from preceding statements or reasoning.
Example Sentence: "He was at the scene of the crime, ergo he is a suspect."
Synonyms: accordingly; consequently; hence; then; thereupon; thus
Opposite Meaning: nonetheless

existential (adjective) /ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃ(ə)l/
Definition: Concerned with the nature of human existence and experience.
Example Sentence: "He had an existential crisis after he concluded that life had no purpose."
Synonyms: empirical; experiential; experimental; human; individual; introspective
Opposite Meaning: irrelevant

faux (adjective) /fɔks /
Definition: Not genuine or authentic, but rather an imitation or reproduction of the real thing.
Example Sentence: "She expressed faux concern for the well-being of her colleagues."
Synonyms: bogus; counterfeit; fake; false; mock; replica
Opposite Meaning: genuine

flush (verb) /flʌʃ/
Definition: To cause a flow of liquid, usually water, through a space or area to cleanse, clean, or remove something.
Example Sentence: "You need to flush the old oil out of the system before adding the new one."
Synonyms: blush; cleanse; clear; empty; eradicate; evacuate
Opposite Meaning: clog

fore (adjective) /fɔr/
Definition: Situated or located at, near, or toward the front part of an object or space.
Example Sentence: "The fore section of the airplane is reserved for first-class passengers."
Synonyms: advance; ahead; anterior; foremost; forward; front
Opposite Meaning: back

genial (adjective) /ˈdʒin yəl/
Definition: Having a warm and friendly disposition or mannerism exhibited by a person.
Example Sentence: "The host greeted us with a genial smile, making us feel instantly at home."
Synonyms: affable; agreeable; amiable; congenial; cordial; friendly
Opposite Meaning: unfriendly

heir (noun) /eə/
Definition: A person who is entitled to inherit the property, assets, or title of a deceased individual.
Example Sentence: "The young prince was the sole heir to the throne."
Synonyms: beneficiary; devisee; heiress; inheritor; legatee; recipient
Opposite Meaning: dispossessor

hench (adjective) /hɛntʃ/
Definition: Exceptionally muscular, strong, or physically imposing.
Example Sentence: "The hench security guard patrolled the premises with an intimidating presence."
Synonyms: beefy; brawny; buff; hefty; muscular; powerful
Opposite Meaning: weak

impart (verb) /ɪmˈpɑːt/
Definition: To communicate or pass on information, knowledge, or a skill to someone else.
Example Sentence: "The mentor was able to impart valuable insights to the young entrepreneur."
Synonyms: bestow; confer; convey; disclose; divulge; grant
Opposite Meaning: withhold

incense (verb) /ˈɪn sɛns/
Definition: To cause strong feelings of anger, annoyance, or indignation in someone.
Example Sentence: "Her blatant disrespect was enough to incense the normally mild-mannered teacher."
Synonyms: anger; enrage; exasperate; gall; infuriate; irritate
Opposite Meaning: please

indiscriminate (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnət/
Definition: Something that is done at random or without careful judgement.
Example Sentence: "The indiscriminate bombing of the city caused widespread destruction."
Synonyms: aimless; chaotic; haphazard; miscellaneous; sweeping; unmethodical
Opposite Meaning: selective

induct (verb) /ɪnˈdʌkt/
Definition: To admit someone into a group, organization, or position, typically through a formal or ceremonial process.
Example Sentence: "The organization will induct new members during their annual ceremony."
Synonyms: admit; commission; enlist; enroll; include; incorporate
Opposite Meaning: expel

inebriate (verb) /ɪˈniːbrɪeɪt/
Definition: To make someone drunk or intoxicated with alcohol or other substances.
Example Sentence: "The powerful mead was likely to inebriate those unaccustomed to its strength."
Synonyms: befuddle; besot; drug; fuddle; intoxicate; muddle
Opposite Meaning: sober

infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪn(d)ʒ/
Definition: To violate or encroach upon a law, rule, right, or boundary, often resulting in a breach of established standards or limits.
Example Sentence: "This new legislation could potentially infringe on our civil liberties."
Synonyms: breach; contravene; defy; disobey; disregard; encroach
Opposite Meaning: respect

intern (noun) /ˈɪn tɜrn/
Definition: An individual who is in a temporary position within an organization, typically for the purpose of gaining practical experience or furthering their education in a specific field.
Example Sentence: "The intern shadowed the senior executive during important client meetings."
Synonyms: acolyte; apprentice; assistant; clerk; learner; novice
Opposite Meaning: expert

inundate (verb) /ˈɪnʌndeɪt/
Definition: To overwhelm someone with too many things or people to deal with, making it difficult for them to manage or cope.
Example Sentence: "Her mind began to inundate with thoughts of her unfinished tasks."
Synonyms: bury; deluge; drown; engulf; flood; immerse
Opposite Meaning: underwhelm

irk (verb) /ɜrk/
Definition: To be annoyed, irritated, or bothered by someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The noisy neighbors irk her so much that she's considering moving."
Synonyms: agitate; annoy; bother; exasperate; gall; grate
Opposite Meaning: please

peddle (verb) /ˈpɛdl/
Definition: To sell or promote goods, typically in a persistent or sometimes aggressive manner, often while moving from place to place.
Example Sentence: "The scam artist would peddle fake designer handbags to unsuspecting customers."
Synonyms: distribute; flog; hawk; market; merchandise; promote
Opposite Meaning: buy

peeve (verb) /piv/
Definition: To irritate, annoy, or vex someone or something.
Example Sentence: "Excessive noise can peeve even the most tolerant individuals in a quiet library."
Synonyms: agitate; annoy; bother; disturb; exasperate; frustrate
Opposite Meaning: please

persona (noun) /pəˈsəʊnə/
Definition: The social role or identity that a person presents to others in a particular context or situation.
Example Sentence: "The politician's persona was carefully crafted to appeal to a wide range of voters."
Synonyms: appearance; character; façade; face; image; mask
Opposite Meaning: reality

plea (noun) /pli/
Definition: An earnest and emotional request or appeal made by an individual to another person, authority, or entity.
Example Sentence: "The defendant made a heartfelt plea for leniency during the sentencing hearing."
Synonyms: appeal; application; cry; entreaty; imploration; invocation
Opposite Meaning: command

politic (adjective) /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/
Definition: Marked by shrewdness, prudence, and strategic thinking within the realm of politics or other sensitive situations.
Example Sentence: "The leader's comments were highly politic and carefully crafted to avoid controversy."
Synonyms: advisable; astute; diplomatic; judicious; Machiavellian; sagacious
Opposite Meaning: imprudent

portent (noun) /ˈpɔr tɛnt/
Definition: A sign, omen, or indication that is believed to foreshadow or signify something significant or momentous, often with an air of foreboding or significance.
Example Sentence: "The black cat crossing their path was seen as a portent of bad luck."
Synonyms: augury; foreboding; foreshadowing; forewarning; harbinger; indication
Opposite Meaning: non-indicator

principle (noun) /ˈprɪn sə pə/
Definition: A fundamental truth, law, or belief that serves as a foundation or guiding concept.
Example Sentence: "Honesty and integrity are guiding principles in his life."
Synonyms: axiom; belief; concept; doctrine; ethic; guideline
Opposite Meaning: falsehood

profuse (adjective) /prəˈfjus/
Definition: Characterized by an extravagant, abundant, or excessive quantity or degree.
Example Sentence: "His profuse apologies were not enough to make up for the mistake."
Synonyms: ample; bounteous; bountiful; copious; exuberant; generous
Opposite Meaning: sparse

rasp (verb) /ræsp/
Definition: To produce a harsh, grating sound or sensation.
Example Sentence: "The hinges on the rusty gate produced a loud rasp when opened."
Synonyms: abrade; chafe; file; grate; grind; irritate
Opposite Meaning: soothe

refuge (noun) /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/
Definition: A place or condition that offers shelter, protection, or safety, especially to individuals who are seeking sanctuary or relief from danger, hardship, or adversity.
Example Sentence: "The cave was a refuge for the animals during the storm."
Synonyms: asylum; harbor; haven; hideout; oasis; retreat
Opposite Meaning: danger

remiss (adjective) /rɪˈmɪs/
Definition: Negligent, careless, or lax in fulfilling one's responsibilities, duties, or obligations.
Example Sentence: "The doctor was remiss in not ordering the necessary tests."
Synonyms: culpable; derelict; dilatory; heedless; inattentive; lackadaisical
Opposite Meaning: diligent

remit (noun) /rɪˈmɪt/
Definition: A specific task, responsibility, or area of authority that has been assigned or delegated to someone.
Example Sentence: "The manager's remit was to oversee the daily operations of the department."
Synonyms: area; authority; charge; domain; jurisdiction; mandate
Opposite Meaning: disregard

rollick (verb) /ˈrɒl ɪk/
Definition: To play or behave in a carefree and lively manner, often with unrestrained enthusiasm or exuberance.
Example Sentence: "As a young girl, she would rollick in the fields all day."
Synonyms: caper; cavort; fling; frisk; frolic; galumph
Opposite Meaning: mope

saturate (verb) /ˈsatʃəreɪt/
Definition: To completely fill or soak something to the point of complete absorption or capacity.
Example Sentence: "She used a brush to carefully saturate the paper with watercolors."
Synonyms: drench; flood; imbue; immerse; inundate; penetrate
Opposite Meaning: dry

sentiment (noun) /ˈsɛntɪm(ə)nt/
Definition: The prevailing emotional tone or attitude towards a particular person, idea, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The sentiment among the team members was one of unity and determination."
Synonyms: belief; feelings; impression; mood; opinion; outlook
Opposite Meaning: indifference

spur (verb) /spɜr/
Definition: To stimulate, encourage, or incite someone or something to take action or to move forward.
Example Sentence: "A single success can spur a lifetime of creativity."
Synonyms: encourage; galvanize; ignite; incite; inspire; instigate
Opposite Meaning: deter

teem (verb) /tiːm/
Definition: To be full or overflowing with something, usually in reference to living things or natural phenomena.
Example Sentence: "The city will teem with revelers during the grand parade."
Synonyms: abound; brim; bristle; bulge; burst; bustle
Opposite Meaning: lack

troposphere (noun) /ˈtrɒpəsfɪə/
Definition: The lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to an altitude of around 7 to 20 kilometers (4 to 12 miles).
Example Sentence: "The troposphere is where weather occurs and where most clouds are found."
Synonyms: air; atmosphere; climate; domain; environment; expanse
Opposite Meaning: stratosphere

tumult (noun) /ˈtu məlt/
Definition: A state of uproar, chaos, or commotion characterized by loud and confused noise.
Example Sentence: "The tumult in the market sent prices plummeting and investors into a frenzy."
Synonyms: chaos; clamor; commotion; disorder; disturbance; fracas
Opposite Meaning: calm

umbra (noun) /ˈʌmbrə/
Definition: The darkest part of a shadow, where light is completely blocked by an object.
Example Sentence: "The tree cast a long umbra across the lawn as the sun began to set."
Synonyms: blackness; darkness; dimness; eclipse; gloom; murk
Opposite Meaning: light

valid (adjective) /ˈvæl ɪd/
Definition: Logical, well-founded, or based on sound reasoning.
Example Sentence: "The scientist presented a valid theory backed by extensive research."
Synonyms: acceptable; applicable; authentic; justifiable; legitimate; proper
Opposite Meaning: invalid

vociferous (adjective) /və(ʊ)ˈsɪf(ə)rəs/
Definition: Loud and outspoken in expressing opinions or feelings.
Example Sentence: "The crowd was vociferous in their support for the home team."
Synonyms: boisterous; clamorous; loud; noisy; obstreperous; ranting
Opposite Meaning: quiet

wassail (verb) /ˈwɒseɪl/
Definition: To celebrate by drinking alcohol and singing loudly with friends, especially during Christmas time.
Example Sentence: "The villagers gathered to wassail and sing carols around the Christmas tree."
Synonyms: carouse; celebrate; cheer; commemorate; drink; honor
Opposite Meaning: abstain

wayfarer (noun) /ˈweɪˌfɛːrə/
Definition: A person who travels on foot or by other means, often for long distances or extended periods of time.
Example Sentence: "The old wayfarer paused to rest his weary bones on a nearby boulder."
Synonyms: drifter; itinerant; nomad; rambler; roamer; rover
Opposite Meaning: resident

wayward (adjective) /ˈweɪwəd/
Definition: Difficult to control or predict, often because of a lack of discipline or direction.
Example Sentence: "The wayward behavior of the teenager caused concern for her parents."
Synonyms: capricious; contrary; defiant; disobedient; erratic; headstrong
Opposite Meaning: compliant

yarn (noun) /yɑrn/
Definition: A continuous strand of fibers, such as wool or cotton, used in knitting, crocheting, or weaving to create textiles and fabrics.
Example Sentence: "The children listened intently as the storyteller spun a whimsical yarn about talking animals."
Synonyms: cord; fiber; filament; line; ply; rope
Opposite Meaning: truth

zeitgeist (noun) /ˈzʌɪtɡʌɪst/
Definition: The general cultural, intellectual, and moral climate of a particular era or time period.
Example Sentence: "The film is a reflection of the Zeitgeist of the era in which it was made."
Synonyms: atmosphere; aura; character; climate; ethos; flavor
Opposite Meaning: stagnation