Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Suffix -ence Words

abhorrence (noun) /æbˈhɔr əns/
Definition: An intense feeling of disgust, revulsion, and strong disapproval towards something or someone.
Example Sentence: "Her abhorrence for injustice led her to become a human rights lawyer."
Synonyms: abomination; antipathy; aversion; detestation; disgust; execration
Opposite Meaning: liking

absence (noun) /ˈabs(ə)ns/
Definition: The state or condition of being away or not present in a particular place, situation, or context.
Example Sentence: "The absence of rain has caused a drought in the region."
Synonyms: dearth; deficiency; deprivation; insufficiency; lack; nonexistence
Opposite Meaning: presence

abstinence (noun) /ˈabstɪnəns/
Definition: The practice of refraining from certain activities or behaviors, particularly those that are considered to be harmful or addictive.
Example Sentence: "He decision to practice abstinence was based on personal and religious beliefs."
Synonyms: abstemiousness; abstention; asceticism; avoidance; continence; forbearance
Opposite Meaning: indulgence

acquiescence (noun) /ˌæk wiˈɛs əns/
Definition: The act of accepting or yielding to something without protest or resistance.
Example Sentence: "The company's acquiescence to the demands of the union workers prevented a strike."
Synonyms: acceptance; agreement; assent; compliance; concession; conformity
Opposite Meaning: resistance

adherence (noun) /ædˈhɪər əns/
Definition: The act of following or sticking to a set of rules, guidelines, principles, or beliefs.
Example Sentence: "The patient's rapid recovery was a testament to his strict adherence to the prescribed treatment plan."
Synonyms: allegiance; commitment; compliance; conformity; dedication; devotion
Opposite Meaning: defiance

affluence (noun) /ˈæf lu əns/
Definition: A state of abundance, wealth, or prosperity, typically characterized by a high standard of living and the possession of considerable material resources.
Example Sentence: "The neighborhood exuded an air of affluence, with its lavish mansions and luxury cars."
Synonyms: abundance; fortune; luxury; opulence; plenty; prosperity
Opposite Meaning: poverty

ambience (noun) /ˈambɪəns
Definition: The atmosphere or mood of a particular environment or setting.
Example Sentence: "The soft lighting and calming music created a relaxing ambience in the spa."
Synonyms: aura; character; climate; feeling; flavor; impression
Opposite Meaning: discordance

benevolence (noun) /bəˈnɛv ə ləns/
Definition: The quality or act of being kind, generous, and inclined to do good.
Example Sentence: "The teacher's patience and kindness demonstrated a true spirit of benevolence towards her students."
Synonyms: altruism; charity; compassion; empathy; generosity; goodwill
Opposite Meaning: malevolence

cadence (noun) /ˈkeɪd ns/
Definition: The rhythmic flow or pattern of sounds or movements.
Example Sentence: "The runner's steady cadence of footsteps echoed through the empty street."
Synonyms: beat; flow; harmony; inflection; intonation; meter
Opposite Meaning: discord

circumference (noun) /sərˈkʌm fər əns/
Definition: The distance around the outer boundary of a circular or curved object.
Example Sentence: "The circumference of the Earth is approximately 40,075 kilometers."
Synonyms: boundary; brink; circuit; circuitry; compass; edge
Opposite Meaning: center

coincidence (noun) /koʊˈɪn sɪ dəns/
Definition: The occurrence of two or more events or circumstances that seem to be related or significant, even though they happen by chance and without any apparent causal connection.
Example Sentence: "It was a strange coincidence that we both wore the same outfit to the party."
Synonyms: accident; anomaly; chance; concurrence; fluke; fortuity
Opposite Meaning: intention

condolence (noun) /kənˈdəʊləns/
Definition: An expression of sympathy or sorrow for someone who is experiencing grief or loss.
Example Sentence: "The church sent a message of condolence to the grieving community."
Synonyms: comfort; commiseration; compassion; consolation; empathy; gentleness
Opposite Meaning: indifference

confidence (noun) /kɒnfɪdəns/
Definition: A deep-seated belief in one's own abilities, worth, and potential for success.
Example Sentence: "The leader's confidence radiated through their actions, inspiring their team to push beyond their limits."
Synonyms: assurance; belief; certainty; conviction; courage; faith
Opposite Meaning: doubt

confluence (noun) /kɒnfluəns/
Definition: The meeting or merging of ideas, cultures, influences, or events.
Example Sentence: "The team's success was a result of the confluence of talent, hard work, and effective collaboration."
Synonyms: amalgamation; blending; combination; convergence; fusion; gathering
Opposite Meaning: divergence

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

conscience (noun) /ˈkɒnʃns/
Definition: An inner sense of what is right or wrong that helps to guide a person's actions and decisions.
Example Sentence: "He had a clear conscience, knowing that he had done the right thing."
Synonyms: character; ethics; gut; heart; mind; morals
Opposite Meaning: indifference

convenience (noun) /kənviːniəns/
Definition: A state or quality of being convenient, easy, or favorable in terms of practicality and accessibility.
Example Sentence: "The convenience of mobile banking allows me to manage my finances on the go."
Synonyms: accessibility; advantage; amenity; benefit; comfort; ease
Opposite Meaning: difficulty

credence (noun) /ˈkriːd(ə)ns/
Definition: The acceptance or belief in something as true or valid, often based on the credibility or trustworthiness of the source or evidence.
Example Sentence: "The inventor's ideas steadily gained credence among the scientific community."
Synonyms: acceptance; assurance; belief; certainty; confidence; conviction
Opposite Meaning: disbelief

decadence (noun) /ˈdɛkədəns/
Definition: A state of moral, cultural, or societal decline marked by excessive self-indulgence, luxury, or moral decay.
Example Sentence: "The empire's downfall was attributed to its leaders' excessive decadence and corruption."
Synonyms: corruption; debauchery; decay; decline; degeneration; depravity
Opposite Meaning: ascendance

deference (noun) /ˈdɛf(ə)rəns/
Definition: Polite submission and courteous respect given to another, typically in recognition of authority.
Example Sentence: "The apprentice bowed his head in deference to his master."
Synonyms: acquiescence; adulation; consideration; courtesy; deferment; esteem
Opposite Meaning: disrespect

diligence (noun) /ˈdɪl ɪ dʒəns/
Definition: Persistent effort, hard work, and careful attention to detail.
Example Sentence: "The writer's diligence in editing and revising their manuscript led to a well-crafted and compelling novel."
Synonyms: application; assiduity; attentiveness; care; commitment; conscientiousness
Opposite Meaning: negligence

eminence (noun) /ˈɛm ə nəns/
Definition: A state or quality of being highly distinguished, respected, and renowned.
Example Sentence: "The professor's eminence in the field of astrophysics is widely acknowledged by his peers."
Synonyms: celebrity; distinction; fame; greatness; notability; prestige
Opposite Meaning: obscurity

essence (noun) /ˈɛsns/
Definition: The fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of something, often considered its most essential or characteristic aspect.
Example Sentence: "The artist captured the essence of the mood in her painting."
Synonyms: core; heart; meaning; nature; principle; quintessence
Opposite Meaning: exterior

evidence (noun) /ˈɛv ɪ dəns/
Definition: Facts, information, or materials that support or demonstrate the truth or existence of something.
Example Sentence: "The detective found crucial evidence at the crime scene that led to the arrest of the suspect."
Synonyms: confirmation; corroboration; data; documentation; exhibit; indication
Opposite Meaning: disproof

flatulence (noun) /ˈflatjʊləns/
Definition: The release of gas from the digestive system through the rectum.
Example Sentence: "Certain foods can cause increased flatulence in some individuals."
Synonyms: aerophagy; belching; bloating; borborygmus; burping; colic
Opposite Meaning: solid

hence (adverb) /hɛns/
Definition: Used to indicate a consequence or a result that follows logically from a previous statement or situation.
Example Sentence: "The chef ran out of fresh ingredients; hence, he had to improvise with what was available."
Synonyms: accordingly; consequently; ergo; then; thence; therefore
Opposite Meaning: previously

impudence (noun) /ˈɪm pyə dəns/
Definition: A lack of respect, audacity, or insolence towards others.
Example Sentence: "His impudence knew no bounds as he brazenly interrupted the speaker mid-sentence."
Synonyms: audacity; brass; cheek; disrespect; effrontery; gall
Opposite Meaning: respect

incandescence (noun) /ˌɪn kənˈdɛs əns/
Definition: The state or quality of emitting light as a result of being heated to a high temperature.
Example Sentence: "The blacksmith worked metal in the incandescence of the forge."
Synonyms: blaze; brightness; brilliance; flare; gleam; glow
Opposite Meaning: darkness

incongruence (noun) /ɪnˈkɒŋ gru əns/
Definition: A state or quality of being inconsistent, incompatible, or out of harmony with one's surroundings or expectations.
Example Sentence: "The incongruence of her beliefs with the company’s values led to her resignation."
Synonyms: conflict; contradiction; discordance; discrepancy; disparity; dissimilarity
Opposite Meaning: harmony

independence (noun) /ˌɪn dɪˈpɛn dəns/
Definition: The state or condition of being free from external control, influence, or reliance.
Example Sentence: "The student's independence grew as he learned to manage his time and responsibilities."
Synonyms: autarky; autonomy; emancipation; freedom; individualism; liberty
Opposite Meaning: dependence

indifference (noun) /ɪnˈdɪf ər əns/
Definition: The lack of interest, concern, or emotion towards something or someone.
Example Sentence: "He shrugged with indifference when asked about his future plans."
Synonyms: aloofness; apatheticness; apathy; coolness; detachment; disinterest
Opposite Meaning: interest

indigence (noun) /ˈɪndɪdʒ(ə)ns/
Definition: A state of extreme poverty or financial hardship, in which a person is unable to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing.
Example Sentence: "The homeless shelter provides a temporary refuge for those facing indigence."
Synonyms: beggary; deprivation; destitution; impoverishment; need; pauperism
Opposite Meaning: wealth

indolence (noun) /ˈɪn dl əns/
Definition: A state or quality of being lazy, sluggish, or inclined towards avoiding exertion or work.
Example Sentence: "His indolence prevented him from completing his assignments on time."
Synonyms: apathy; idleness; inaction; inactivity; inertia; laziness
Opposite Meaning: industriousness

indulgence (noun) /ɪnˈdʌl dʒəns/
Definition: The act or habit of satisfying one's desires or cravings, often in excess or without restraint.
Example Sentence: "Chocolate cake is her guilty indulgence after a long day at work."
Synonyms: enjoyment; excess; gratification; indulging; luxury; pleasure
Opposite Meaning: restraint

inference (noun) /ˈɪnfərəns/
Definition: The act or process of deriving logical conclusions or making educated guesses based on available evidence, information, or reasoning.
Example Sentence: "She made an inference based on the subtle hints in his words."
Synonyms: assumption; conclusion; conjecture; deduction; estimation; interpretation
Opposite Meaning: assumption

influence (noun) /ˈɪn flu əns/
Definition: The power, effect, or impact that one person, thing, or idea has on another.
Example Sentence: "His father's influence played a significant role in shaping his career choices."
Synonyms: authority; clout; command; control; dominance; effect
Opposite Meaning: powerlessness

insistence (noun) /ɪnˈsɪs təns/
Definition: The act of persistently and firmly asserting or demanding something.
Example Sentence: "The teacher's insistence on punctuality set a high standard for the students."
Synonyms: adamancy; assertiveness; demand; determination; doggedness; imploration
Opposite Meaning: acquiescence

insolence (noun) /ˈɪnsələns/
Definition: The quality or state of being rude, disrespectful, or contemptuous in behavior or speech.
Example Sentence: "The crowd jeered at the politician's insolence during the debate."
Synonyms: audacity; brazenness; cheek; cheekiness; cockiness; contempt
Opposite Meaning: politeness

insurgence (noun) /ɪnˈsɜr dʒəns/
Definition: An organized and often violent uprising or rebellion against an established authority or government.
Example Sentence: "The insurgence spread like wildfire, gaining support from disillusioned citizens."
Synonyms: coup; insurrection; mutiny; rebellion; resistance; revolt
Opposite Meaning: compliance

lenience (noun) /ˈliːnɪəns/
Definition: The quality of showing mercy or tolerance towards someone who has committed a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example Sentence: "The lenience of the judge resulted in a lighter sentence for the first-time offender."
Synonyms: benevolence; charity; clemency; compassion; forbearance; grace
Opposite Meaning: strictness

malevolence (noun) /məˈlɛvələns/
Definition: A feeling or expression of ill will, malice, or hostility towards others.
Example Sentence: "The villain's malevolence was evident in his twisted smile."
Synonyms: bitterness; cruelty; hatred; maliciousness; malignity; nastiness
Opposite Meaning: benevolence

negligence (noun) /ˈnɛg lɪ dʒəns/
Definition: The act or state of neglecting one's duty or failing to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm, damage, or injury to others.
Example Sentence: "The doctor was sued for medical negligence after a mishap during surgery."
Synonyms: apathy; carelessness; dereliction; disregard; heedlessness; inattention
Opposite Meaning: diligence

nescience (noun) /ˈnɛʃ əns/
Definition: A lack of knowledge or ignorance about a particular subject or concept.
Example Sentence: "The professor was surprised by the nescience of her students regarding basic concepts."
Synonyms: callowness; cluelessness; denseness; dumbness; ignorance; illiteracy
Opposite Meaning: knowledge

nonexistence (noun) /ˌnɒn ɪgˈzɪs təns/
Definition: The state or condition of not existing or being absent from reality.
Example Sentence: "The philosopher contemplated the mysteries of nonexistence and the nature of reality."
Synonyms: absence; emptiness; inexistence; negation; nihility; nonbeing
Opposite Meaning: existence

obedience (noun) /oʊˈbi di əns/
Definition: The act of willingly complying with the commands, instructions, or authority of another person, institution, or set of rules.
Example Sentence: "In military boot camp, recruits learn the importance of obedience to their superiors."
Synonyms: acquiescence; adherence; compliance; conformity; deference; discipline
Opposite Meaning: defiance

occurrence (noun) /əˈkɜr əns/
Definition: An event, incident, or happening that takes place or takes shape in a particular time and space.
Example Sentence: "It was a rare occurrence to see such a magnificent sunset painting the sky."
Synonyms: affair; circumstance; episode; event; happening; incident
Opposite Meaning: non-event

omnipotence (noun) /ɒmˈnɪpətəns/
Definition: The state or quality of being all-powerful or having unlimited power.
Example Sentence: "In many religions, the belief in an omnipotent deity is a central tenet."
Synonyms: absolute; almightiness; boundless; godlike; infinite; invincibility
Opposite Meaning: impotence

omnipresence (noun) /ˌɒmnɪˈprɛzəns/
Definition: The quality or state of being present everywhere simultaneously.
Example Sentence: "The omnipresence of technology in our daily lives is undeniable."
Synonyms: boundlessness; everywhere; immensity; infinity; omniparity; pervasiveness
Opposite Meaning: absent

penitence (noun) /ˈpɛnɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: The state of feeling remorseful, regretful, or sorry for one's actions or behavior.
Example Sentence: "The penitence he showed was a sign that he had truly learned from his past mistakes."
Synonyms: apology; atonement; compunction; contriteness; contrition; guilt
Opposite Meaning: defiance

presence (noun) /ˈprɛz əns/
Definition: The state or quality of being present, existing, or being in a particular place or situation.
Example Sentence: "The actor commanded the stage with his powerful presence."
Synonyms: air; appearance; attendance; aura; being; charisma
Opposite Meaning: absence

prevalence (noun) /ˈprɛv ə ləns/
Definition: The frequency, extent, or predominance of a particular condition, phenomenon, or characteristic within a specific population, area, or context.
Example Sentence: "The prevalence of smartphones in society has revolutionized communication."
Synonyms: commonness; currency; dominance; frequency; incidence; occurrence
Opposite Meaning: rarity

providence (noun) /ˈprɒvɪd(ə)ns/
Definition: The belief in a higher power, typically God, that is responsible for the guidance and care of all things.
Example Sentence: "In times of hardship, she relied on the providence of her faith to get her through."
Synonyms: blessing; care; destiny; divinity; fate; foreordination
Opposite Meaning: chance

prudence (noun) /ˈprud ns/
Definition: The quality or state of being wise, cautious, and careful in decision-making and action.
Example Sentence: "The wise leader's prudence guided the organization through challenging times."
Synonyms: caution; circumspection; discernment; discretion; foresight; frugality
Opposite Meaning: recklessness

pseudoscience (noun) /ˌsu doʊˈsaɪ əns/
Definition: A system of beliefs, theories, or practices that claim to be scientific but lack the rigorous methodology, empirical evidence, and scientific consensus necessary to be considered legitimate within the scientific community.
Example Sentence: "The self-proclaimed psychic relied on pseudoscience to convince people of her abilities."
Synonyms: charlatanism; deception; delusion; fabrication; fraudulence; hokum
Opposite Meaning: science

pubescence (noun) /pjuˈbɛsəns/
Definition: The stage of development in human beings, commonly known as adolescence or puberty, during which significant physical, emotional, and sexual changes occur.
Example Sentence: "Pubescence marks the beginning of fertility in both males and females."
Synonyms: adolescence; bloom; development; down; flowering; fluff
Opposite Meaning: infancy

quiescence (noun) /kwiˈɛs əns/
Definition: A state of inactivity or rest.
Example Sentence: "The quiescence of the lake was disturbed by the ripples of a passing boat."
Synonyms: calmness; dormancy; hush; lull; peace; quietness
Opposite Meaning: activity

quintessence (noun) /kwɪnˈtɛsns/
Definition: The most essential or perfect embodiment of something.
Example Sentence: "The symphony is often considered the quintessence of classical music."
Synonyms: archetype; core; crux; embodiment; epitome; essence
Opposite Meaning: anomaly

reference (noun) /ˈrɛf ər əns/
Definition: A source of information, a point of connection, or a frame of context that is used to provide guidance, support, or validation.
Example Sentence: "I made a reference to a famous quote during my presentation."
Synonyms: allusion; authority; citation; connection; framework; guide
Opposite Meaning: silence

reminiscence (noun) /ˌrɛm əˈnɪs əns/
Definition: The act or process of recalling or remembering past events, experiences, or moments.
Example Sentence: "The elderly couple sat together, lost in quiet reminiscence of their long and fulfilling lives."
Synonyms: anecdote; flashback; memento; memoir; memory; nostalgia
Opposite Meaning: forgetfulness

residence (noun) /ˈrɛz ɪ dəns/
Definition: A place where an individual or a group of people live or dwell.
Example Sentence: "The ambassador's residence hosted a diplomatic reception for foreign dignitaries."
Synonyms: abode; domicile; dwelling; habitat; home; house
Opposite Meaning: workplace

resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/
Definition: The ability to recover quickly from difficult situations or adversity.
Example Sentence: "He was known for his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks."
Synonyms: adaptability; doggedness; fortitude; grit; hardiness; perseverance
Opposite Meaning: fragility

resurgence (noun) /rɪˈsɜr dʒəns/
Definition: A sudden or renewed increase or growth in activity, popularity, or interest in something.
Example Sentence: "The sport of roller skating is enjoying a resurgence in popularity."
Synonyms: comeback; rebirth; recovery; reemergence; renaissance; renewal
Opposite Meaning: decline

reverence (noun) /ˈrɛv(ə)rəns/
Definition: A deep and profound feeling of respect, honor, and admiration towards someone or something, often with a sense of awe and admiration.
Example Sentence: "He approached the throne with reverence for the king."
Synonyms: admiration; deference; devotion; esteem; homage; love
Opposite Meaning: contempt

senescence (noun) /səˈnɛsəns/
Definition: The biological process of aging, characterized by a gradual decline in physical and cognitive functions over time.
Example Sentence: "Senescence is an inevitable part of the natural life cycle of all organisms."
Synonyms: aging; debilitation; decay; decline; decrepitude; degeneration
Opposite Meaning: youth

subservience (noun) /səbˈsɜr vi əns/
Definition: The state or quality of being submissive, obedient, or excessively compliant to someone else's authority or control.
Example Sentence: "Her subservience to her boss was evident in her willingness to work overtime without complaint."
Synonyms: acquiescence; compliance; deference; docility; meekness; obedience
Opposite Meaning: defiance

subsidence (noun) /səbˈsaɪdəns/
Definition: The gradual or sudden sinking or settling of the Earth's surface, usually caused by the collapse or compaction of the underlying soil or rock layers.
Example Sentence: "The old building showed signs of subsidence, with cracks appearing on the walls."
Synonyms: caving; collapse; decline; depression; descent; drop
Opposite Meaning: rising

subsistence (noun) /səbˈsɪstəns/
Definition: The basic necessities of life required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Example Sentence: "The villagers relied on fishing and farming for their subsistence."
Synonyms: existence; food; livelihood; living; provisions; rations
Opposite Meaning: luxury

turbulence (noun) /ˈtɜr byə ləns/
Definition: A state or condition of irregular, unpredictable, and chaotic motion or flow.
Example Sentence: "The airplane experienced severe turbulence during the storm, causing passengers to grip their seats tightly."
Synonyms: agitation; chaos; commotion; disarray; disorder; disruption
Opposite Meaning: stability