Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Suffix -ish Words

abolish (verb) /əˈbɒlɪʃ/
Definition: To formally put an end to something, typically a law, system, or practice.
Example Sentence: "The activists were fighting to abolish the death penalty."
Synonyms: axe; cancel; ditch; drop; eliminate; eradicate
Opposite Meaning: establish

accomplish (verb) /əˈkɒm plɪʃ/
Definition: To successfully complete or achieve a task, goal, or objective.
Example Sentence: "He worked diligently to accomplish his long-term career goals."
Synonyms: achieve; attain; complete; conquer; effect; execute
Opposite Meaning: fail

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

anguish (noun) /ˈaŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition: Extreme mental or emotional distress, often characterized by intense suffering, torment, or deep sorrow.
Example Sentence: "The mother's anguish over her missing child was palpable."
Synonyms: agony; grief; heartache; heartbreak; misery; sadness
Opposite Meaning: joy

astonish (verb) /əˈstɒn ɪʃ/
Definition: To surprise or amaze someone greatly, often leaving them speechless or in a state of shock.
Example Sentence: "The magician's performance was designed to astonish the audience."
Synonyms: astound; bewilder; confound; flabbergast; impress; overwhelm
Opposite Meaning: bore

banish (verb) /ˈbanɪʃ/
Definition: To force someone or something to leave or go away from a particular place, often as a punishment or a means of getting rid of it.
Example Sentence: "The king decreed to banish all those who opposed his rule."
Synonyms: bar; deport; dismiss; eject; evict; exclude
Opposite Meaning: welcome

blemish (noun) /ˈblɛmɪʃ/
Definition: A flaw or imperfection in something or someone that detracts from its appearance or value.
Example Sentence: "The diamond had a tiny blemish that only a jeweler's loupe could detect."
Synonyms: defect; discoloration; disfigurement; fault; freckle; irregularity
Opposite Meaning: perfection

boorish (adjective) /ˈbʊərɪʃ/
Definition: Behaving in a rude, crude, or uncultured manner, lacking social graces and displaying a lack of consideration for others.
Example Sentence: "She was offended by his boorish comments, finding them to be insensitive and hurtful."
Synonyms: churlish; coarse; loutish; oafish; rude; uncivilized
Opposite Meaning: refined

brandish (verb) /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Definition: To wave or shake something in a threatening or dramatic manner, typically a weapon or an object that is intended to be used as a weapon.
Example Sentence: "The knight would brandish his sword, ready to defend the castle."
Synonyms: display; exhibit; expose; flaunt; flourish; gesture
Opposite Meaning: conceal

bullish (adjective) /ˈbʊlɪʃ/
Definition: Having a positive outlook or sentiment about the future prospects of a particular market, investment, or economy.
Example Sentence: "The stock market has been experiencing a bullish trend over the past few weeks."
Synonyms: buoyant; confident; decisive; encouraged; expectant; favorable
Opposite Meaning: bearish

cherish (verb) /ˈtʃɛr ɪʃ/
Definition: To hold something or someone dear and treating them with great affection, value, and care.
Example Sentence: "I cherish the memories of our family vacations."
Synonyms: adore; appreciate; esteem; honor; love; nurture
Opposite Meaning: neglect

coquettish (adjective) /koʊˈkɛt ɪʃ/
Definition: Behaving in a flirtatious, teasing, or playful manner to attract attention or admiration, often without serious romantic intentions.
Example Sentence: "She gave him a coquettish smile and played with her hair."
Synonyms: alluring; beguiling; captivating; charming; coy; flirtatious
Opposite Meaning: serious

demolish (verb) /dɪˈmɒl ɪʃ/
Definition: To completely destroy or tear down a structure, building, or object.
Example Sentence: "The wrecking ball was used to demolish the old building."
Synonyms: abolish; annihilate; destroy; dismantle; eradicate; flatten
Opposite Meaning: build

diminish (verb) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
Definition: To make something smaller, weaker, or less significant, often by reducing its size, quantity, importance, or influence.
Example Sentence: "The sun's light began to diminish as it set below the horizon."
Synonyms: abate; decline; decrease; dwindle; ebb; lessen
Opposite Meaning: increase

distinguish (verb) /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition: To recognize and identify the differences or unique qualities between two or more things.
Example Sentence: "The expert was able to distinguish the real antique from the replica."
Synonyms: ascertain; characterize; decide; determine; differentiate; discern
Opposite Meaning: confuse

embellish (verb) /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/
Definition: To add details or information to something in order to make it more interesting or impressive.
Example Sentence: "He tended to embellish his achievements in order to impress others."
Synonyms: adorn; deck; decorate; dress; enhance; enrich
Opposite Meaning: simplify

establish (verb) /ɪˈstablɪʃ/
Definition: To create, found, or set up something with a particular purpose or goal in mind.
Example Sentence: "The entrepreneur worked hard to establish her own business."
Synonyms: begin; inaugurate; initiate; introduce; launch; organize
Opposite Meaning: demolish

extinguish (verb) /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition: To put out or quench something that is burning, such as a fire, a flame, or a spark.
Example Sentence: "The rain helped to extinguish the flames on the forest floor."
Synonyms: choke; douse; eliminate; end; eradicate; exterminate
Opposite Meaning: ignite

flourish (verb) /ˈflʌrɪʃ/
Definition: To thrive, prosper, or grow vigorously, often characterized by a state of health, success, or abundance.
Example Sentence: "The small town began to flourish after a new factory was built."
Synonyms: advance; bloom; blossom; boom; burgeon; develop
Opposite Meaning: fail

foolish (adjective) /ˈfu lɪʃ/
Definition: Lacking good judgment, wisdom, or prudence.
Example Sentence: "It was a foolish decision to quit your job without having another one lined up."
Synonyms: absurd; daft; foolhardy; impractical; imprudent; irrational
Opposite Meaning: sensible

furnish (verb) /ˈfɜr nɪʃ/
Definition: To provide or supply something, typically items or materials, to a person, place, or situation in order to make it complete, functional, or comfortable.
Example Sentence: "We need to furnish the guest bedroom before our friends arrive."
Synonyms: adorn; appoint; arrange; deck; decorate; embellish
Opposite Meaning: strip

garish (adjective) /ˈɡɛːrɪʃ/
Definition: Excessively bright, loud, or showy, and often in a way that is considered tasteless or vulgar.
Example Sentence: "He wore a garish shirt that stood out in the crowd."
Synonyms: blatant; brash; brilliant; flash; flashy; gaudy
Opposite Meaning: understated

garnish (verb) /ˈɡɑːnɪʃ/
Definition: To decorate or enhance the appearance of a dish or drink, usually by adding a small amount of food as a decoration or to complement the flavors.
Example Sentence: "The chef taught us how to garnish the plates for a professional touch."
Synonyms: adorn; beautify; deck; decorate; dress; embellish
Opposite Meaning: strip

gibberish (noun) /ˈdʒɪb(ə)rɪʃ/
Definition: A form of language or speech that is incomprehensible or nonsensical.
Example Sentence: "The song lyrics were gibberish and made no sense."
Synonyms: babble; blather; drivel; gabble; hogwash; jabber
Opposite Meaning: clarity

impish (adjective) /ˈɪm pɪʃ/
Definition: Possessing a mischievous, playful, or teasing nature.
Example Sentence: "Her impish nature made her the life of the party, always ready with a clever joke or prank."
Synonyms: cheeky; frolicsome; jocular; lively; mischievous; playful
Opposite Meaning: serious

impoverish (verb) /ɪmˈpɒv ər ɪʃ/
Definition: To make someone or something poor or lacking in resources, typically through the depletion or reduction of wealth, opportunities, or essential means of sustenance.
Example Sentence: "Corruption and mismanagement will impoverish this country if not dealt with."
Synonyms: bankrupt; decimate; deplete; devalue; diminish; drain
Opposite Meaning: enrich

languish (verb) /ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition: To become weak, listless, or dispirited, often as a result of prolonged suffering, neglect, or lack of stimulation.
Example Sentence: "He started to languish without her love and affection."
Synonyms: decay; decline; deteriorate; droop; fade; fail
Opposite Meaning: flourish

lavish (adjective) /ˈlavɪʃ/
Definition: Characterized by extravagance, opulence, or an abundance of luxury and indulgence.
Example Sentence: "He was indulging in a lavish meal at the five-star restaurant."
Synonyms: bountiful; extravagant; exuberant; generous; grand; magnificent
Opposite Meaning: frugal

mawkish (adjective) /ˈmɔːkɪʃ/
Definition: Overly sentimental or emotional, often to the point of being cloying or sickly sweet.
Example Sentence: "The mawkish sentimentality of the movie made some viewers cringe."
Synonyms: corny; maudlin; mushy; nauseating; romantic; saccharine
Opposite Meaning: genuine

monkish (adjective) /ˈmʌŋ kɪʃ/
Definition: Reminiscent of or associated with the characteristics, lifestyle, or practices of monks.
Example Sentence: "He chose a monkish existence, renouncing material possessions and living a life of simplicity."
Synonyms: ascetic; austere; contemplative; devout; disciplined; hermitic
Opposite Meaning: indulgent

nourish (verb) /ˈnɜrɪʃ/
Definition: To provide sustenance and support in order to promote growth, development, or well-being.
Example Sentence: "Meditation is a practice that can nourish the mind and bring peace to one's life."
Synonyms: cultivate; develop; encourage; feed; foster; nurture
Opposite Meaning: starve

outlandish (adjective) /ˌaʊtˈlandɪʃ/
Definition: Unusual, strange, or extraordinary, often in a way that is hard to believe or accept.
Example Sentence: "The proposal was considered outlandish and was rejected by the board."
Synonyms: astonishing; bizarre; eccentric; exceptional; irregular; odd
Opposite Meaning: conventional

peckish (adjective) /ˈpɛk ɪʃ/
Definition: Mildly hungry or having a slight appetite.
Example Sentence: "After skipping breakfast, I was feeling peckish by mid-morning."
Synonyms: appetitive; craving; desirous; empty; famished; hankering
Opposite Meaning: sated

peevish (adjective) /ˈpiːvɪʃ/
Definition: Easily irritated or annoyed by minor things, and tending to complain or express dissatisfaction frequently.
Example Sentence: "She was in a peevish mood all morning, snapping at everyone around her."
Synonyms: childish; churlish; fractious; grumpy; irritable; petulant
Opposite Meaning: cheerful

perish (verb) /ˈpɛrɪʃ/
Definition: To die or to meet a tragic end, often due to a harmful or catastrophic event.
Example Sentence: "The flowers will perish quickly if they are not watered regularly."
Synonyms: collapse; decay; decline; decompose; demise; disintegrate
Opposite Meaning: survive

polish (verb) /ˈpɒl ɪʃ/
Definition: To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing or applying a substance.
Example Sentence: "The debate team members needed to polish their arguments for the final competition."
Synonyms: buff; burnish; cleanse; finish; glaze; gloss
Opposite Meaning: tarnish

priggish (adjective) /ˈprɪɡɪʃ/
Definition: Excessively concerned with following rules, etiquette, or social norms.
Example Sentence: "His priggish demeanor made him unpopular among his more laid-back colleagues."
Synonyms: inflexible; moralistic; pedantic; pompous; pretentious; prim
Opposite Meaning: easygoing

prudish (adjective) /ˈpru dɪʃ/
Definition: Displaying excessive or exaggerated modesty, propriety, or a strict adherence to conservative moral standards.
Example Sentence: "His prudish upbringing made him uncomfortable discussing topics related to sexuality."
Synonyms: conservative; moralistic; prim; prissy; proper; puritanical
Opposite Meaning: liberal

raffish (adjective) /ˈrafɪʃ/
Definition: Possessing a slightly unconventional, disreputable, or roguish charm.
Example Sentence: "He was a raffish character, always getting into mischief and pushing the boundaries."
Synonyms: careless; casual; coarse; common; crass; rough
Opposite Meaning: respectable

rakish (adjective) /ˈreɪkɪʃ/
Definition: Having a stylish, debonair, and somewhat unconventional appearance or demeanor.
Example Sentence: "The rakish angle of his hat added to his debonair appearance."
Synonyms: dapper; dashing; debonair; decadent; flashy; jaunty
Opposite Meaning: conservative

ravish (verb) /ˈreɪvɪʃ/
Definition: To delight or enchant someone or something to a great degree, as if to take them captive through pleasure.
Example Sentence: "The romantic poem had the power to ravish the hearts of its readers."
Synonyms: allure; captivate; charm; enrapture; enthrall; entrance
Opposite Meaning: repel

relinquish (verb) /rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/
Definition: To voluntarily give up, abandon, or surrender something, often a right, claim, possession, or responsibility.
Example Sentence: "The shareholders forced him to relinquish control of the company."
Synonyms: abandon; cede; forfeit; forgo; renounce; resign
Opposite Meaning: retain

replenish (verb) /rɪˈplɛnɪʃ/
Definition: To fill or restore something that has been depleted, exhausted, or used up, typically with the intention of bringing it back to its original or desired level.
Example Sentence: "The athlete had to replenish his electrolytes after a strenuous workout."
Synonyms: furnish; refill; refresh; reload; renew; repack
Opposite Meaning: deplete

roguish (adjective) /ˈroʊ gɪʃ/
Definition: Possessing a charming, mischievous, and often slightly deceitful or rebellious nature.
Example Sentence: "She raised an eyebrow with a roguish smile, hinting that she was up to something mischievous."
Synonyms: adventurous; charming; cunning; deceitful; mischievous; playful
Opposite Meaning: honest

sheepish (adjective) /ˈʃiːpɪʃ/
Definition: Embarrassment or awkwardness, often due to feeling foolish or ashamed.
Example Sentence: "He had a sheepish expression on his face after realizing his mistake."
Synonyms: abashed; awkward; bashful; chagrined; contrite; crestfallen
Opposite Meaning: confident

skirmish (noun) /ˈskəːmɪʃ/
Definition: A minor or brief battle or fight that is usually part of a larger conflict.
Example Sentence: "The soldiers were involved in a skirmish with the enemy troops at the border."
Synonyms: altercation; battle; brush; clash; combat; conflict
Opposite Meaning: truce

skittish (adjective) /ˈskɪtɪʃ/
Definition: Easily startled, nervous, or prone to sudden and unpredictable movements or reactions.
Example Sentence: "The skittish investor was ready to sell his stock at the first sign of trouble."
Synonyms: excitable; fearful; fidgety; flighty; jittery; restive
Opposite Meaning: calm

sluggish (adjective) /ˈslʌg ɪʃ/
Definition: Lacking in energy, slow in movement, or exhibiting a delayed or reduced response.
Example Sentence: "The computer's performance was sluggish, with programs taking longer to load."
Synonyms: apathetic; dormant; drowsy; dull; inactive; inert
Opposite Meaning: energetic

snobbish (adjective) /ˈsnɒb ɪʃ/
Definition: Displaying the characteristics or attitudes associated with snobbery.
Example Sentence: "She wore a snobbish expression as she glanced disapprovingly at the other guests' attire."
Synonyms: affected; arrogant; condescending; disdainful; elitist; haughty
Opposite Meaning: egalitarian

squeamish (adjective) /ˈskwiːmɪʃ/
Definition: Easily nauseated or disgusted by certain sights, sounds, or smells.
Example Sentence: "He became squeamish at the thought of dissecting a frog in biology class."
Synonyms: disgusted; dizzy; ill; nauseous; queasy; queer
Opposite Meaning: unflinching

stylish (adjective) /ˈstaɪ lɪʃ/
Definition: Exhibiting a fashionable and elegant appearance, often characterized by a sense of taste, refinement, and attention to aesthetics.
Example Sentence: "The stylish couple turned heads as they entered the gala, dressed in designer attire."
Synonyms: chic; dashing; debonair; elegant; fashionable; hip
Opposite Meaning: unfashionable

tarnish (verb) /ˈtɑːnɪʃ/
Definition: To degrade or diminish the reputation, prestige, or worth of a person, object, or concept.
Example Sentence: "The scandal will tarnish his reputation for years to come."
Synonyms: blemish; damage; degrade; distort; impair; muddy
Opposite Meaning: honor

vanquish (verb) /ˈvaŋkwɪʃ/
Definition: To defeat or overcome an enemy, rival, or opponent in battle or in competition.
Example Sentence: "The sorcerer was able to vanquish the demon with a powerful spell."
Synonyms: annihilate; beat; conquer; crush; overpower; overwhelm
Opposite Meaning: lose

waspish (adjective) /ˈwɒspɪʃ/
Definition: Irritable, short-tempered, or prone to making cutting or biting remarks.
Example Sentence: "She unleashed a waspish retort in response to the criticism."
Synonyms: cantankerous; crabby; fiery; grumpy; irascible; peevish
Opposite Meaning: genial