Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for ACT 5 (American College Testing) Words

alternate (adjective) /ˈɔl tərˌneɪt/
Definition: To take turns or rotate between two or more options, activities, or positions in a sequential manner.
Example Sentence: "The students will alternate speaking roles during the debate."
Synonyms: exchange; fluctuate; interchange; oscillate; relay; rotate
Opposite Meaning: remain

altruism (noun) /ˈæltruɪzᵊm/
Definition: The selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others.
Example Sentence: "Acts of altruism can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion."
Synonyms: benevolence; charity; compassion; empathy; generosity; goodwill
Opposite Meaning: selfishness

ancestry (noun) /ænsestri/
Definition: One's familial or genetic heritage, tracing back to previous generations and encompassing the lineages from which an individual or a group of individuals is descended.
Example Sentence: "She took a DNA test to explore her ancestry and learn more about her genetic roots."
Synonyms: background; bloodline; descent; family; forebears; genealogy
Opposite Meaning: descendant

annoy (verb) /əˈnɔɪ/
Definition: To cause mild to moderate irritation, frustration, or disturbance to someone.
Example Sentence: "His persistent questions began to annoy the teacher during the class."
Synonyms: agitate; bother; bug; disturb; exasperate; harass
Opposite Meaning: please

apprehension (noun) /ˌæp rɪˈhɛn ʃən/
Definition: A feeling of anxiety, unease, or fear regarding something that is anticipated or expected.
Example Sentence: "The child clung to his mother with apprehension on his first day of school."
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; concern; consternation; disquiet; dread
Opposite Meaning: calmness

ashamed (adjective) /əˈʃeɪmd/
Definition: Deep regret, guilt, or embarrassment resulting from one's actions, words, or perceived shortcomings.
Example Sentence: "He felt ashamed when he realized he had lied to his parents."
Synonyms: abashed; chagrined; contrite; embarrassed; guilty; humiliated
Opposite Meaning: proud

bespoke (adjective) /bɪˈspəʊk/
Definition: Custom made or tailored to the specific needs or preferences of an individual.
Example Sentence: "The jeweler created a bespoke piece of jewelry for the customer."
Synonyms: artisanal; couture; custom; customized; exclusive; handcrafted
Opposite Meaning: mass-produced

bewilder (verb) /bɪˈwɪldə/
Definition: To cause someone to become confused, perplexed, or disoriented.
Example Sentence: "It's not uncommon for technology to bewilder the older generation."
Synonyms: baffle; befuddle; bemuse; confound; dumbfound; flummox
Opposite Meaning: clarify

carnivore (noun) /ˈkɑːnɪvɔː/
Definition: An organism, typically an animal, that primarily feeds on the flesh or meat of other animals.
Example Sentence: "A shark is a marine carnivore that feeds on other fish and animals."
Synonyms: beast; butcher; carnivorous; hunter; huntress; killer
Opposite Meaning: herbivore

carpenter (noun) /ˈkɑr pən tər/
Definition: A skilled craftsman or artisan who specializes in working with wood to construct, repair, or create various structures, furniture, or decorative elements.
Example Sentence: "The carpenter skillfully crafted a custom-made dining table from solid oak."
Synonyms: artisan; builder; cabinetmaker; carpentry; craftsman; joiner
Opposite Meaning: amateur

chamber (noun) /ˈtʃeɪm bər/n
Definition: A room, space, or enclosed area that is typically distinct from surrounding areas.
Example Sentence: "The bullet was fired from the chamber of the gun."
Synonyms: box; cavity; cell; compartment; cubicle; enclosure
Opposite Meaning: open space

chivalry (noun) /ˈʃɪv(ə)lri/
Definition: Very polite, courteous, and unselfish behavior, especially by men towards women.
Example Sentence: "She was touched by the chivalry of the man who offered to carry her bags."
Synonyms: civility; consideration; courtesy; courtliness; decorum; gallantry
Opposite Meaning: rudeness

composition (noun) /ˌkɒm pəˈzɪʃ ən/
Definition: The act or process of creating or forming something by combining various elements, components, or parts.
Example Sentence: "The musician's latest composition showcased a blend of classical and modern influences."
Synonyms: arrangement; artwork; creation; design; formation; manuscript
Opposite Meaning: destruction

confidential (adjective) /ˌkɒnfɪˈdɛnʃl/
Definition: Information or material that should not be shared or disclosed to others without proper authorization.
Example Sentence: "The report was labeled as confidential and should not be shared."
Synonyms: classified; intimate; nonpublic; private; privy; protected
Opposite Meaning: public

congruence (noun) /ˈkɒŋ gru əns/
Definition: A state of agreement, harmony, or correspondence between two or more elements or entities.
Example Sentence: "The congruence between his words and actions made him a trustworthy leader."
Synonyms: accord; agreement; alignment; coherence; compatibility; concordance
Opposite Meaning: discord

crevasse (noun) /krəˈvæs/
Definition: A deep crack or fissure that forms in a glacier or an ice field.
Example Sentence: "The expedition team encountered a deep crevasse while traversing the glacier."
Synonyms: abyss; chasm; cleft; crack; fissure; fracture
Opposite Meaning: closure

cryptic (adjective) /ˈkrɪptɪk/
Definition: Mysterious, puzzling, or intentionally difficult to understand or decipher.
Example Sentence: "The book is full of cryptic symbols and hidden meanings."
Synonyms: abstruse; arcane; coded; confusing; enigmatic; equivocal
Opposite Meaning: clear

cumulate (verb) /ˈkyu myəˌleɪt/
Definition: To gather, accumulate, or amass something gradually over time, resulting in a larger or more significant quantity or effect.
Example Sentence: "His reckless spending habits caused debts to cumulate, leading to financial trouble."
Synonyms: accrue; accumulate; aggregate; amass; collect; gather
Opposite Meaning: disperse

deface (verb) /dɪfeɪs/
Definition: To intentionally damage or disfigure the appearance or surface of something, typically by altering or vandalizing its original condition.
Example Sentence: "The students were caught attempting to deface the school property with permanent markers."
Synonyms: blemish; damage; desecrate; disfigure; impair; mar
Opposite Meaning: restore

defective (adjective) /dɪˈfɛktɪv/
Definition: Flawed, damaged, or not functioning correctly due to faults or imperfections.
Example Sentence: "The defective product was recalled by the manufacturer."
Synonyms: abnormal; amiss; blemished; broken; damaged; deficient
Opposite Meaning: flawless

despite (preposition) /dɪˈspaɪt/
Definition: Indicating a contrast or contradiction between two ideas or situations.
Example Sentence: "The company remained profitable despite the economic downturn."
Synonyms: although; but; however; nevertheless; nonetheless; notwithstanding
Opposite Meaning: because of

dexterity (noun) /dɛkˈstɛrɪti/
Definition: The skill and ability to use one's hands or body in a coordinated and precise way, especially when performing complex tasks.
Example Sentence: "The pianist's dexterity was evident in her fast and precise finger movements."
Synonyms: adroitness; aptitude; deftness; expertise; finesse; mastery
Opposite Meaning: clumsiness

diagnosis (noun) /ˌdaɪ əgˈnoʊ sɪs/
Definition: The identification or determination of a medical condition, illness, or disease based on the analysis of symptoms, medical tests, and patient history.
Example Sentence: "The accurate diagnosis allowed for prompt treatment of the patient's condition."
Synonyms: analysis; assessment; conclusion; determination; discernment; evaluation
Opposite Meaning: misdiagnosis

dilute (verb) /dɪˈlut/
Definition: To weaken or lessen the concentration, strength, or intensity of a substance by adding another substance, typically a liquid.
Example Sentence: "The team decided to dilute the seriousness of the presentation by adding a touch of humor."
Synonyms: adulterate; attenuate; decrease; deplete; diminish; lessen
Opposite Meaning: concentrate

dimension (noun) /daɪmenʃən/
Definition: A measurable aspect or parameter that helps define the size, extent, or scope of an object, space, or concept.
Example Sentence: "The new technology opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities."
Synonyms: amplitude; breadth; depth; extent; magnitude; measurement
Opposite Meaning: insignificance

dismayed (adjective) /dɪsˈmeɪd/
Definition: Deep disappointment, distress, or concern.
Example Sentence: "She was dismayed to discover that her flight had been canceled."
Synonyms: crestfallen; dejected; demoralized; devastated; discouraged; disheartened
Opposite Meaning: untroubled

dispersed (adjective) /(dɪspɜːʳst/
Definition: Having been scattered or spread out over a wide area or in different directions.
Example Sentence: "The scattered leaves were dispersed across the lawn by the strong gusts of wind."
Synonyms: decentralized; diffused; disorganized; disseminated; distributed; divided
Opposite Meaning: gathered

domestic (adjective) /dəˈmɛs tɪk/
Definition: Related to or associated with the home, household, or family affairs.
Example Sentence: "I prefer to spend my weekends engaged in domestic activities like cooking and organizing my home."
Synonyms: familial; home; homely; housebound; household; inland
Opposite Meaning: foreign

dominant (adjective) /ˈdɒm ə nənt/
Definition: Having control, influence, or authority over others.
Example Sentence: "The dominant gene determined the color of the offspring's eyes."
Synonyms: commanding; controlling; influential; leading; masterful; paramount
Opposite Meaning: submissive

drastic (adjective) /ˈdrastɪk/
Definition: Extreme, severe, and characterized by a significant and often rapid impact or transformation.
Example Sentence: "The drought has had a drastic effect on the local crops."
Synonyms: desperate; dire; harsh; intense; profound; radical
Opposite Meaning: mild

dubiously (adverb) /ˈdjuːbiəsli/
Definition: With uncertainty, skepticism, or doubt.
Example Sentence: "He raised an eyebrow dubiously as he listened to the outlandish story."
Synonyms: ambiguously; cynically; doubtfully; hesitantly; incredulously; irresolutely
Opposite Meaning: certainly

eligible (adjective) /ˈɛlɪdʒɪbl/
Definition: Meeting the necessary requirements to be considered for a particular position, opportunity, or status.
Example Sentence: "He was declared eligible for the match after passing the fitness test."
Synonyms: allowed; appropriate; authorized; capable; entitled; fitting
Opposite Meaning: ineligible

exclude (verb) /ɪkˈsklud/
Definition: To deliberately leave someone or something out or not including them in a particular group, activity, or situation.
Example Sentence: "They decided to exclude him from the meeting because of his disruptive behavior."
Synonyms: ban; bar; blacklist; debar; disallow; eliminate
Opposite Meaning: include

exclusive (adjective) /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/
Definition: Limited or restricted to a particular group, person or category.
Example Sentence: "The hotel offered exclusive access to its rooftop pool for guests."
Synonyms: exclusory; independent; preferential; private; privileged; restrictive
Opposite Meaning: inclusive

exemplify (verb) /ɪɡˈzɛmplɪfʌɪ/
Definition: To serve as a typical or representative example of something.
Example Sentence: "The professor used a famous quote to exemplify his point about the power of language."
Synonyms: demonstrate; depict; display; embody; epitomize; evidence
Opposite Meaning: contradict

exemption (noun) /ɪɡˈzɛm(p)ʃn/
Definition: A status or privilege that excuses someone or something from fulfilling a particular requirement or obligation.
Example Sentence: "The medical exemption excused the athlete from the fitness test."
Synonyms: dispensation; exception; exclusion; immunity; impunity; indemnity
Opposite Meaning: obligation

export (verb) /ɪkˈspɔrt/
Definition: To send or transport goods, products, or services from one country to another for the purpose of trade or sale.
Example Sentence: "The company plans to export its new line of products to European markets."
Synonyms: consign; deliver; dispatch; distribute; forward; market
Opposite Meaning: import

extent (noun) /ɪkˈstɛnt/
Definition: The degree, scope, or magnitude of something.
Example Sentence: "She wasn't aware of the full extent of his talents until she saw him perform."
Synonyms: amplitude; breadth; degree; dimension; level; magnitude
Opposite Meaning: insignificance

extremity (noun) /ɛkˈstrɛməti/
Definition: The outermost or farthest point of something, such as a limb or a geographical location.
Example Sentence: "The hurricane hit the southern extremity of the country with full force."
Synonyms: boundary; brim; brink; edge; end; frontier
Opposite Meaning: center

feminism (noun) /ˈfɛmɪnɪzᵊm/
Definition: A social and political movement advocating for the equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment of women.
Example Sentence: "Feminism fights for gender equality and empowerment of women."
Synonyms: activism; advocacy; egalitarianism; empowerment; equality; liberation
Opposite Meaning: inequality

flashback (noun) /ˈflæʃˌbæk/
Definition: A narrative device used in literature, film, or other storytelling mediums to present events or scenes from the past.
Example Sentence: "The novel cleverly employed flashbacks to reveal the secrets of the protagonist's past."
Synonyms: hindsight; memory; recall; recollection; reflection; remembrance
Opposite Meaning: present

flimsy (adjective) /ˈflɪm zi/
Definition: Lacking in strength, stability, or substance, often characterized by being easily damaged, broken, or torn.
Example Sentence: "The flimsy umbrella was no match for the strong gusts of wind, flipping inside out instantly."
Synonyms: delicate; feeble; flabby; fragile; insubstantial; rickety
Opposite Meaning: sturdy

idle (adjective) /ˈaɪd l/
Definition: Inactivity, laziness, or lack of engagement.
Example Sentence: "The machine stood idle, collecting dust in the corner of the workshop."
Synonyms: dormant; inactive; languid; lazy; motionless; sluggish
Opposite Meaning: busy

incidental (adjective) /ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntl/
Definition: Secondary, minor, or occurring as a result of another primary event or circumstance.
Example Sentence: "The injury was incidental and did not affect the athlete's performance."
Synonyms: ancillary; inadvertent; minor; nonessential; secondary; subordinate
Opposite Meaning: major

insufficient (adjective) /ˌɪn səˈfɪʃ ən/
Definition: Lacking in quantity, quality, or adequacy to meet a particular purpose or requirement.
Example Sentence: "The company's budget was deemed insufficient to cover all the necessary expenses."
Synonyms: deficient; inadequate; incomplete; lacking; limited; meager
Opposite Meaning: ample

interval (noun) /ˈɪn tər vəl/
Definition: A defined period of time or space between two events, actions, or points.
Example Sentence: "The train arrives at regular intervals throughout the day."
Synonyms: break; distance; duration; gap; intermission; lapse
Opposite Meaning: continuity

invincible (adjective) /ɪnˈvɪn sə bəl/
Definition: Incapable of being defeated, destroyed, or overcome.
Example Sentence: "With his unwavering determination, he felt invincible in the face of any challenge."
Synonyms: bulletproof; impregnable; indefatigable; indomitable; indubitable; infallible
Opposite Meaning: vulnerable

invoice (noun) /ˈɪn vɔɪs/
Definition: A detailed itemized statement of goods or services provided, along with their corresponding costs, which is typically sent by a seller to a buyer.
Example Sentence: "The company issued an invoice for the goods delivered last week."
Synonyms: ccount; balance; bill; check; chit; ledger
Opposite Meaning: gift

juncture (noun) /ˈdʒʌŋ(k)tʃə/
Definition: A point in time or a critical moment when important decisions must be made.
Example Sentence: "At this juncture, it is unclear what the future holds for our company."
Synonyms: circumstance; crossroad; exigency; intersection; occasion; position
Opposite Meaning: continuity

lecture (verb) /ˈlɛk tʃər/
Definition: To deliver a formal speech or presentation to an audience, typically with the intention of providing instruction, imparting knowledge, or conveying information on a specific topic.
Example Sentence: "The renowned author was invited to lecture at the literary festival."
Synonyms: address; discourse; educate; expound; guide; inform
Opposite Meaning: listen

moderator (noun) /ˈmɒd əˌreɪ tər/
Definition: A person or entity responsible for facilitating discussions, debates, or interactions among a group of individuals.
Example Sentence: "The TV show had a charismatic moderator who engaged the audience and managed the contestants."
Synonyms: arbiter; chairperson; conductor; controller; coordinator; facilitator
Opposite Meaning: participant

multiculturalism (noun) /ˌmʌl tiˈkʌl tʃər əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A social and political ideology that recognizes and values the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society.
Example Sentence: "The city embraces multiculturalism, with residents from various backgrounds."
Synonyms: cosmopolitanism; diversity; globalism; heterogeneity; inclusion; integration
Opposite Meaning: uniformity

narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Definition: A psychological trait or personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a constant craving for admiration and validation.
Example Sentence: "Narcissism often leads to a lack of empathy towards others."
Synonyms: arrogance; bigheadedness; boastfulness; braggadocio; cockiness; conceit
Opposite Meaning: altruism

nauseating (adjective) /ˈnɔ ziˌeɪ tɪŋ/
Definition: Inducing a feeling of extreme disgust, queasiness, or revulsion.
Example Sentence: "The rotting garbage emitted a nauseating stench that filled the entire room."
Synonyms: abhorrent; disgusting; loathsome; noxious; queasy; repulsive
Opposite Meaning: appetizing

neighboring (adjective) /ˈneɪ bər ɪŋ/
Definition: Located or situated in close proximity to another person, place, or thing.
Example Sentence: "The neighboring schools often compete in sports events and academic competitions."
Synonyms: abutting; adjacent; adjoining; bordering; close; conterminous
Opposite Meaning: distant

opposed (adjective) /əˈpoʊzd/
Definition: In disagreement, contradiction, or resistance to something or someone.
Example Sentence: "She was opposed to the idea of cutting down the ancient trees in the park."
Synonyms: adversarial; against; antithetical; conflicting; contradictory; contrary
Opposite Meaning: in favor

pedigree (noun) /ˈpɛdɪɡriː/
Definition: The documented or recorded ancestry of a person, animal, or thing, particularly in the context of breeding, genealogy, or heritage.
Example Sentence: "The royal family's pedigree can be traced back for centuries."
Synonyms: ancestry; bloodline; breeding; descent; extraction; genealogy
Opposite Meaning: unknown origin

perimeter (noun) /pəˈrɪm ɪ tər/
Definition: The boundary or outer edge of a closed or geometric shape.
Example Sentence: "The police set up a perimeter around the crime scene to restrict access."
Synonyms: border; boundary; brink; circumference; confines; edge
Opposite Meaning: center

practitioner (noun) /prækˈtɪʃ ə nər/
Definition: An individual who engages in a specific profession, occupation, or field of expertise, applying their skills, knowledge, and experience to provide services or perform activities within that domain.
Example Sentence: "The healthcare practitioner diligently assessed the patient's symptoms and provided a precise diagnosis."
Synonyms: adviser; caregiver; clinician; consultant; expert; healer
Opposite Meaning: amateur

preacher (noun) /ˈpri tʃər/
Definition: An individual who delivers sermons or religious teachings as part of their role within a religious community or organization.
Example Sentence: "People flocked to hear the renowned preacher speak at the religious conference."
Synonyms: clergyman; cleric; evangelist; minister; parson; pastor
Opposite Meaning: layperson

precision (noun) /prɪˈsɪʒ ən/
Definition: The quality or state of being exact, accurate, or meticulous in the execution, measurement, or representation of something.
Example Sentence: "The surgeon's precision during the delicate operation saved the patient's life."
Synonyms: accuracy; acuteness; clarity; consistency; correctness; exactness
Opposite Meaning: inaccuracy

prophesy (verb) /ˈprɒfɪsʌɪ/
Definition: To predict or foretell future events, often through divine inspiration or supernatural means.
Example Sentence: "The ancient text was believed to prophesy the coming of a great leader."
Synonyms: adumbrate; anticipate; augur; forecast; foresee; forewarn
Opposite Meaning: disregard

prosperous (adjective) /ˈprɒs pər əs/
Definition: Characterized by success, wealth, and overall financial well-being.
Example Sentence: "The city's prosperous economy attracted investors from around the world."
Synonyms: affluent; booming; flourishing; opulent; rich; successful
Opposite Meaning: impoverished

pussyfoot (verb) /ˈpʊs iˌfʊt/
Definition: To move cautiously, hesitantly, or stealthily, often characterized by a lack of confidence or assertiveness.
Example Sentence: "Despite having strong opinions, he felt he had to pussyfoot around controversial topics."
Synonyms: dillydally; dodge; equivocate; falter; hesitate; meander
Opposite Meaning: confront

raging (adjective) /ˈreɪʤɪŋ/
Definition: Characterized by intense, violent, or uncontrollable activity or emotion.
Example Sentence: "The raging storm outside made it impossible for them to leave the house."
Synonyms: ferocious; furious; impassioned; incensed; intense; seething
Opposite Meaning: calm

ream (noun) /rim/
Definition: A unit of measurement for paper quantity.
Example Sentence: "I bought a ream of printer paper for my home office."
Synonyms: batch; bundle; collection; heap; load; mass
Opposite Meaning: sheet

redeem (verb) /rɪˈdiːm/
Definition: To make something that was once flawed or negative, into something positive or valuable.
Example Sentence: "He hoped to redeem himself by volunteering for a good cause."
Synonyms: atone; compensate; convert; reclaim; recover; refurbish
Opposite Meaning: worsen

rotate (verb) /ˈroʊ teɪt/
Definition: To turn or pivot an object around an axis or fixed point.
Example Sentence: "The planets rotate around the sun in elliptical orbits."
Synonyms: circulate; gyrate; oscillate; pivot; revolve; spin
Opposite Meaning: stay

satellite (noun) /ˈsæt lˌaɪt/
Definition: An object that orbits around a larger celestial body, typically a planet or a star.
Example Sentence: "The satellite captured stunning images of the Earth from space."
Synonyms: capsule; craft; module; moon; observatory; orbiter
Opposite Meaning: primary

severe (adjective) /sɪvɪəʳ/
Definition: Intense, harsh, or extreme in nature.
Example Sentence: "The hurricane caused severe damage to the coastal town."
Synonyms: austere; critical; drastic; extreme; grave; harsh
Opposite Meaning: mild

stationary (adjective) /ˈsteɪʃən(ə)ri/
Definition: Not moving, fixed in one place or position, not changing, or not in motion.
Example Sentence: "The stationary car caused a traffic jam on the highway."
Synonyms: anchored; inert; moored; motionless; parked; stagnant
Opposite Meaning: moving

sterilize (verb) /ˈstɛr əˌlaɪz/
Definition: To eliminate or destroy all forms of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from a surface, object, substance, or environment.
Example Sentence: "The restaurant kitchen must sterilize cutting boards and utensils to prevent cross-contamination."
Synonyms: clean; cleanse; decontaminate; degerm; deodorize; disinfect
Opposite Meaning: contaminate

susceptible (adjective) /səˈsɛptɪbl/
Definition: Likely or prone to be affected or influenced by a particular thing, such as a disease, an emotion, or a condition.
Example Sentence: "He was susceptible to sunburn and always wore sunscreen."
Synonyms: accessible; amenable; disposed; exposed; gullible; impressionable
Opposite Meaning: immune

sympathy (noun) /ˈsɪm pə θi/
Definition: A feeling of understanding, compassion, or shared emotions towards someone who is experiencing pain, sorrow, or hardship.
Example Sentence: "She expressed her sympathy to her friend who had lost a loved one."
Synonyms: care; compassion; concern; condolence; empathy; kindness
Opposite Meaning: indifference

tenant (noun) /ˈtɛn ənt/
Definition: An individual or entity who occupies or rents a property or space from a landlord or property owner.
Example Sentence: "The landlord asked the tenant to sign a lease agreement."
Synonyms: boarder; dweller; householder; inhabitant; lessee; lodger
Opposite Meaning: landlord