Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Intrigue and Advocacy Words

admonish (verb) /ədˈmɒnɪʃ/
Definition: To scold or reprimand someone gently but firmly, often in an attempt to correct a mistake or behavior.
Example Sentence: "The coach had to admonish the team for not putting in enough effort during practice."
Synonyms: advise; berate; caution; censure; chide; counsel
Opposite Meaning: praise

advocacy (noun) /ˈæd və kə si/
Definition: The act or process of supporting, defending, or promoting a particular cause, idea, or group.
Example Sentence: "The politician's advocacy for education reform resonated with many voters."
Synonyms: activism; backing; championing; crusade; defense; encouragement
Opposite Meaning: opposition

advocate (noun) /ˈadvəkət/
Definition: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause, idea or policy.
Example Sentence: "He was an advocate for criminal justice reform."
Synonyms: apologist; apostle; backer; campaigner; champion; defender
Opposite Meaning: opponent

auspice (noun) /ˈɔːspɪs/
Definition: The protection or support provided by a powerful or influential person or organization.
Example Sentence: "The charitable event was organized under the auspice of a local church."
Synonyms: advocacy; aegis; authority; backing; countenance; guidance
Opposite Meaning: opposition

benefactor (noun) /ˈbɛnɪfaktə/
Definition: A person or organization that provides financial or other assistance to another person or organization.
Example Sentence: "The benefactor of the library donated a large collection of books."
Synonyms: backer; contributor; donor; patron; philanthropist; promoter
Opposite Meaning: opponent

bestow (verb) /bɪˈstəʊ/
Definition: To give or grant something, often with a sense of honor, generosity, or kindness.
Example Sentence: "The king was known to bestow lavish gifts upon his loyal subjects."
Synonyms: award; bequeath; donate; endow; entrust; furnish
Opposite Meaning: withhold

bolster (verb) /ˈbəʊlstə/
Definition: To support or strengthen, often with the addition of extra resources or encouragement.
Example Sentence: "The town hired more police officers to bolster their law enforcement presence."
Synonyms: aid; boost; buttress; help; reinforce; strengthen
Opposite Meaning: weaken

captivate (verb) /ˈkaptɪveɪt/
Definition: To attract and hold the attention and interest of someone typically by being fascinating, charming, or engaging.
Example Sentence: "The stunning visuals of the movie captivate viewers of all ages."
Synonyms: absorb; allure; enamor; enchant; enrapture; enthrall
Opposite Meaning: bore

dabble (verb) /ˈdabl/
Definition: To engage in an activity or pursuit in a casual or superficial way, without committing oneself fully or becoming deeply involved.
Example Sentence: "The young entrepreneur decided to dabble in the stock market."
Synonyms: amuse; dally; dawdle; fiddle; flirt; frolic
Opposite Meaning: specialize

engross (verb) /ɪnˈɡrəʊs/
Definition: To occupy someone's complete attention or to absorb them fully in a particular activity, idea, or task.
Example Sentence: "The movie promises to engross viewers with its stunning special effects."
Synonyms: captivate; engage; engulf; enrapture; enthrall; immerse
Opposite Meaning: bore

enthral (verb) /ɪnˈθrɔːl/
Definition: To captivate, mesmerize, or hold someone's attention in a spellbinding or compelling manner.
Example Sentence: "The music began to enthral everyone within earshot."
Synonyms: absorb; charm; enchant; engross; enrapture; entrance
Opposite Meaning: repel

exhort (verb) /ɪɡˈzɔːt/
Definition: To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, typically by giving them advice or making a persuasive argument.
Example Sentence: "The teacher would often exhort her students to read beyond the syllabus."
Synonyms: advise; bid; caution; counsel; goad; incite
Opposite Meaning: discourage

facilitate (verb) /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/
Definition: To make a process or task easier, smoother, or more efficient by providing assistance, resources, or support.
Example Sentence: "The new software is designed to facilitate communication between team members."
Synonyms: accelerate; aid; assist; ease; expedite; forward
Opposite Meaning: hinder

inquisitive (adjective) /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/
Definition: Characterized by a strong desire to learn, explore, and seek knowledge or information.
Example Sentence: "The inquisitive reporter dug deep to uncover the truth behind the story."
Synonyms: analytical; curious; inquiring; interested; probing; prying
Opposite Meaning: indifferent

intrigue (verb) /ɪnˈtriːɡ/
Definition: To arouse curiosity, fascination, or interest in a secretive or captivating manner.
Example Sentence: "The dark side of the moon continues to intrigue astronomers."
Synonyms: arousal; attraction; bemuse; charm; enthrall; fascinate
Opposite Meaning: bore

mollycoddle (verb) /ˈmɒlɪˌkɒdl/
Definition: To treat someone with excessive care and attention, often to the point of overindulgence or pampering.
Example Sentence: "Parents often mollycoddle their children, fearing they might get hurt."
Synonyms: baby; cater; coddle; cosset; dote; fuss
Opposite Meaning: neglect

patron (noun) /ˈpeɪtr(ə)n/
Definition: A person who supports or sponsors a particular individual, organization, or cause.
Example Sentence: "The theater had a special section for its patron members."
Synonyms: advocate; backer; benefactor; champion; contributor; customer
Opposite Meaning: opponent

penchant (noun) /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/
Definition: A strong and habitual liking or preference for a particular activity, object, or behavior.
Example Sentence: "He had a penchant for adventure, and was always looking for new and exciting experiences."
Synonyms: affinity; bias; disposition; leaning; partiality; proclivity
Opposite Meaning: aversion

pique (verb) /piːk/
Definition: To arouse or stimulate a feeling of interest, curiosity, or irritation in someone.
Example Sentence: "The unique design of the building will definitely pique architectural curiosity."
Synonyms: excite; galvanize; incite; inspire; kindle; motivate
Opposite Meaning: bore

proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/
Definition: A person or organization that supports or advocates for a particular idea, proposal, or policy.
Example Sentence: "As a proponent of healthy living, he advocated for exercise and proper nutrition."
Synonyms: adherent; advocate; backer; booster; champion; defender
Opposite Meaning: opponent

protagonist (noun) /prəˈtaɡ(ə)nɪst/
Definition: An advocate or champion of a particular cause, idea, or movement.
Example Sentence: "He was a vehement protagonist for animal rights."
Synonyms: adherent; advocate; champion; defender; enthusiast; exponent
Opposite Meaning: antagonist

pursuit (noun) /pərˈsut/
Definition: Actively seeking or chasing after something, often with a sense of purpose or determination.
Example Sentence: "His pursuit of happiness led him to quit his job and travel the world."
Synonyms: aim; ambition; aspiration; endeavor; goal; mission
Opposite Meaning: avoidance

rabid (adjective) /ˈræbɪd/
Definition: An extreme and uncontrollable level of enthusiasm, fervor, or passion for something.
Example Sentence: "The rabid fans of the band camped out for days to get concert tickets."
Synonyms: crazed; delirious; enthusiastic; fervent; frenzied; intemperate
Opposite Meaning: indifferent

riveting (adjective) /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/
Definition: Exceptionally captivating, engrossing, or enthralling, capturing one's attention and interest to a remarkable degree.
Example Sentence: "The book was a riveting account of a soldier's experiences in the war."
Synonyms: absorbing; arresting; captivating; compelling; engaging; engrossing
Opposite Meaning: boring

scaffold (verb) /ˈskafəʊld/
Definition: To provide support or guidance to someone in order to help them achieve a goal or complete a task.
Example Sentence: "The coach used drills and exercises to scaffold the athlete's training regime."
Synonyms: aid; assist; coach; educate; guide; help
Opposite Meaning: hinder

succor (noun) /ˈsʌkər/
Definition: Assistance, aid, or support that is given in times of difficulty or distress.
Example Sentence: "The Red Cross offered succor to the victims of the flood."
Synonyms: backing; care; encouragement; guidance; help; kindness
Opposite Meaning: hinder

usher (verb) /ˈʌʃə/
Definition: To guide, lead, or escort someone, often with a sense of formality or courtesy.
Example Sentence: "The flight attendant will usher passengers to their assigned seats on the plane."
Synonyms: accompany; conduct; direct; escort; herald; lead
Opposite Meaning: follow